1 . Each year, the world loses about 10 million hectares of forest—at area about the size of Iceland — because of cutting down trees. At that rate, some scientists predict the world’s forests could disappear in 100 to 200 years. To handle it, now researchers at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have pioneered a technique to generate wood-like plant materials sin a lab. This makes it possible to “grow” a wooden product without cutting down trees.
In the lab, the researchers first take cells from the leaves of a young plant. These cells are cultured in liquid medium for two days, then moved to another medium which contains nutrients and two different hormones (激素). By adjusting the bormone levels, the researchers can tune the physical and mechanical qualities of the cells: New the researchers use a 3D printer to shape the cell-based material, and let the shaped material grow in the dark for three months. Finally, the researchers dehydrate (使脱水) the material, and then evaluate its qualities.
They found that lower bormone levels lead to plant materials with more rounded, open cells of lower density (密度), while higher hormone levels contribute to the growth of plant materials with smaller but denser cell structures. Lower or higher density of cell structures makes the plant materials softer or more rigid, helping the materials grow with different wood-like characteristics. What’s more, it’s to be noted that the research process is about 100 times faster than the time it takes for a tree to grow to maturity!
Research of this kind is ground-breaking. “This work demonstrates the great power of a technology,” says lead researcher, Jeffrey Berenstab. “The real opportunity here is to be at its best with what you use and how you use it. This technology can be tuned to meet the requirements you give about shapes, sizes, rigidity, and forms. It enables us to grow’ any wooden product in a way that traditional agricultural methods can’t achieve.”
1. Why do researchers at MIT perform the research?A.To grow more trees. | B.To reduce tree losses. |
C.To protect plant diversity. | D.To predict forest disappearance. |
A.Its scientific origins. | B.Its theoretical basis |
C.Its usual difficulties. | D.Its main processes |
A.They are better than naturally grown plants. |
B.Their growth speed determines their characteristics. |
C.The hormone levels affect their rigidity. |
D.Their cells’ shapes mainly rely on their density. |
A.It uses new biological materials in lab experiments. |
B.It has a significant impact on worldwide plant growth. |
C.It revolutionizes the way to make wooden products. |
D.It challenges traditional scientific theories in forestry. |
2 . “Why does grandpa have ear hair?” Just a few years ago my child was so curious to know “why” and “how” that we had to cut off her questions five minutes before bedtime. Now a soon-to-be fourth grader, she says that she dislikes school because “it’s not fiun to learm.” I am shocked. As a scientist and parent, I have done everything I can to promote a love of learning in my children. Where did I go wrong?
My child’s experience is not unique. Developmental psychologist Susan Engel notes that curiosity defined as “spontaneous (自发的)” investigation and eagerness for new information-drops dramatically in children by the fourth grade.
In Wonder: Childhood and the Lifelong Love of Science, Yale psychologist Frank C. Keil details the development of wonder — a spontaneous passion to explore, discover, and understand. He takes us on a journey from its early development, when wonder drives common sense and scientific reasoning, through the drop-off in wonder that often occurs, to the trap of life in a society that devalues wonder.
As Keil notes, children are particularly rich in wonder while they are rapidly developing causal mechanisms (因果机制) in the preschool and early elementary school years. They are sensitive to the others’ knowledge and goals, and they expertly use their desire for questioning. Children’s questions, particularly those about “why” and “how” support the development of causal mechanisms which can be used to help their day-to-day reasoning.
Unfortunately, as Keil notes, “adults greatly underestimate young children’s causal mechanisms.” In the book, Wonder, Keil shows that we can support children’s ongoing wonder by playing games with them as partners, encouraging question-asking, and focusing on their abilities to reason and conclude.
A decline in wonder is not unavoidable. Keil reminds us that we can accept wonder as a desirable positive quality that exists in everyone. I value wonder deeply, and Wonder has given me hope by proposing a future for my children that will remain wonder-full.
1. What is a common problem among fourth graders?A.They upset their parents too often. | B.They ask too many strange questions. |
C.Their love for fun disappears quickly. | D.Their desire to learn declines sharply. |
A.They control children’s sensitivity. | B.They slightly change in early childhood. |
C.They hardly support children’s reasoning. | D.They develop through children’s questioning. |
A.By monitoring their games. | B.By welcoming inquiring minds. |
C.By estimating their abilities. | D.By providing reasonable conclusions. |
A.A book review. | B.A news report. | C.A research paper. | D.A children’s story. |
3 . I used to believe that only words could catch the essence of the human soul. The literary works contained such distinct stories that they shaped the way we saw the world. Words were what composed the questions we sought to uncover and the answers to those questions themselves. Words were everything.
That belief changed.
In an ordinary math class, my teacher posed a simple question: What’s 0.99 rounded to the nearest whole number? Easy. When rounded to the nearest whole number, 0.99=1. Somehow, I thought even though 0.99 is only 0.01 away from 1, there’s still a 0.01 difference. That means even if two things are only a little different, they are still different, so doesn’t that make them completely different?
My teacher answered my question by presenting another equation (等式): 1= 0.9, which could also be expressed as 1=0.99999.... repeating itself without ever ending.
There was something mysterious but fascinating about the equation. The left side was unchangeable, objective: it contained a number that ended. On the right was something endless, number repeating itself limitless times. Yet, somehow, these two opposed things were connected by an equal sign.
Lying in bed, I thought about how much the equation paralleled our existence. The left side of the equation represents that sometimes life itself is so unchangeable and so clear. The concrete, whole number of the day when you were born and the day when you would die. But then there is that gap in between life and death. The right side means a time and space full of limitless possibilities, and endless opportunities into the open future.
So that’s what life is. Objective but imaginative. Unchangeable but limitless. Life is an equation with two sides that balances itsef out. Still, we can’t ever truly seem to put the perfect words to it. So possibly numbers can express ideas as eually well as words can. For now, let’s leave it at that: 1= 0.99999... and live a life like it.
1. What does the author emphasize about words in paragraph 1?A.Their wide variety. | B.Their literary origins. |
C.Their distinct sounds. | D.Their expressive power. |
A.The repetition of a number. | B.The way two different numbers are equal. |
C.The question the teacher raised. | D.The difference between the two numbers. |
A.Measured. | B.Composed. | C.Mirrored. | D.Influenced. |
A.The Perfect Equation | B.Numbers Build Equations |
C.An Attractive Question | D.Words Outperform Numbers |
4 . Whistler Travel Guide
Snow-capped peaks and powdered steeps; sparkling lakes and rushing waterfalls; challenging hiking routes and inviting restaurants — Whistler’s offerings suit every season.
Things to doThe entire town displays the ski-chic atmosphere, hosting dozens of ski and snow board competitions and festivals annually. In the warmer months, more outdoor enthusiasts come out to play. Visitors can try hiking or cycling up the mountains. While Whistler is an ideal vacation spot for the active types, other travelers can enjoy the local museums and art galleries filled within formative exhibits. Plus, there are family-friendly activities and attractions like summer concerts, along with plenty of shopping options.
When to visitThe best times to visit Whistler are from June through August and between December and March.
How to get aroundThe best ways to get around Whistler are on foot or by bike. Or, you can take the shuttlebuses from Whistler Village, which transport visitors to Lost Lake Park and the Marketplace. Meanwhile, having a car will allow you the freedom to explore top attractions like Whistler Train Wreck and Alexander Falls without having to spend a lot of cash on a cab.
What you need to know●Whistler receives feet of snow each year. If you’re driving in winter, slow down and make sure to rent or come with a reliable SUV.
●Snowslides are likely to occur on Backcountry routes, so only advanced skiers should take to this off-the-map area.
●Whistler’s wilderness is home to many black and grizzly bears. Keep your distance and do not feed them.
1. What are active travelers recommended to do in Whistler?A.Bike up the mountains. | B.Host ski competitions. |
C.Go shopping at the malls. | D.Visit museum exhibitions. |
A.Whistler Village. | B.Lost Lake Park. | C.The Marketplace. | D.Whistler Train Wreck. |
A.Driving a rented SUV. | B.Feeding grizzly bears. |
C.Exploring the wilderness. | D.Skiing on Backcountry routes. |
5 . Never climbed before? It doesn’t matter! Boulders Indoor Climbing Centre is a fantastic outing for the whole family that’s guaranteed to pack your day with fun and adventure! No experience is necessary.
Under the guidance of qualified instructors, you will step outside of your comfort zone in a safe and controlled environment. All equipment is provided — just bring your spirit of adventure and your willingness to challenge yourself! Boulders specializes in introducing people of all abilities into this vertical (垂直的) world in a fun, safe and inclusive way!
With climbing walls that reach between 4 to 12 metres in height, Boulders, whose task is to teach you all the skills required to climb safely, is designed to train the bravest explorer. You will learn how to move around the climbing wall in a safe manner, and how to differentiate (区分) between grades and varieties of techniques.
There’s even a café on site with free Wi-Fi, so send the children to climb and check in with the office while you’re enjoying a skinny latte! Boulders offers a wide range of climbing activities, including:
Climbing classes for children, families, students and adults
Birthday parties for all ages
Children’s holiday activities
Soft play for children 7 years old and under
Climbing-Introduction courses
Opening hours: Mon.-Thur. 10:00-22:00
Fri. 10:00-21:00
Sat.-Sun. 10:00-18:00
Price: Adults £15 Children £10
The price includes entry to the wall after the session, your one-off registration fee and shoe hire.
Family pass: £38
Up to 4 persons. Rental shoes & chalk included.
1. Which is the requirement for the climbers in Boulders Indoor Climbing Centre?A.Awareness of safety. | B.Being brave and adventurous. |
C.Previous experience of rock climbing. | D.Abilities to communicate with others. |
A.To instruct the climbers to gain skills of climbing safely. |
B.To help instructors to enjoy the spirit of adventure. |
C.To guarantee the climbers out of their comfort zones. |
D.To equip learners with abilities to design climbing walls. |
A.Having soft play at 10 am on Wednesday. |
B.Attending a birthday party at 8 pm on Saturday. |
C.Taking climbing classes at noon on Sunday. |
D.Attending climbing classes at 9 am every Friday. |
6 . Is it true that our brain alone is responsible for human cognition(认知)? What about our body? Is it possible for thought and behaviour to originate from somewhere other than our brain? Psychologists who study Embodied Cognition(EC)ask similar questions. The EC theory suggests our body is also responsible for thinking or problem-solving. More precisely, the mind shapes the body and the body shapes the mind in equal measure.
If you think about it for a moment, it makes total sense. When you smell something good or hear amusing sounds, certain emotions are awakened. Think about how newborns use their senses to understand the world around them. They don’t have emotions so much as needs – they don’t feel sad, they’re just hungry and need food. Even unborn babies can feel their mothers’ heartbeats, and this has a calming effect. In the real world, they cry when they’re cold and then get hugged. That way, they start to associate being warm with being loved.
Further studies have backed up the mind-body interaction. In one experiment, test subjects were asked to judge people after being handed a hot or a cold drink. They all made warm evaluations when their fingertips perceived warmth rather than coolness. And it works the other way too. In another study, subjects’ fingertip temperatures were measured after being “included” in or “rejected” from a group task. Those who were included felt physically warmer.
For further proof, we can look at the metaphors(比喻)that we use without even thinking. A kind and sympathetic person is frequently referred to as one with a soft heart and someone who is very strong and calm in difficult situations is often described as solid as a rock. And this kind of metaphorical use is common across languages.
Now that you have the knowledge of mind-body interaction, why not use it? If you’re having a bad day, a warm cup of tea will give you a flash of pleasure. If you know you’re physically cold, warm up before making any interpersonal decisions.
1. According to the author, what is the significance of EC?A.It brings us closer to the truth in human cognition. |
B.It offers a clearer picture of the shape of human brain. |
C.It reveals the major role of the mind in human cognition. |
D.It facilitates our understanding of the origin of psychology. |
A.Their personal looks. | B.Their mental needs. |
C.Their inner emotions. | D.Their physical feelings. |
A.Human speech is alive with metaphors. |
B.Human senses have effects on thinking. |
C.Human language is shaped by visual images. |
D.Human emotions are often compared to natural materials. |
A.To deepen the readers’ understanding of EC. |
B.To encourage the reader to put EC into practice. |
C.To guide the reader onto the path to career success. |
D.To share with the reader ways to release their emotions. |
7 . Since we are vulnerable when we sleep, sleep must play a critical role, or evolution wouldn’t have selected for it. Early humans had to hunt, gather food and protect themselves. Those activities consumed much time, so unless sleep served very important purposes, those who slept less would have an advantage. Yet sleeping for long hours of the night was kept for years, but scientists had only general ideas about what happened during sleep. Recently, Dr. Chiara Chiarelli, a neuroscientist, shared what sleep neuroscience research has discovered.
Neural (神经的) networks in the brain are connected through synapses (神经突触) which allow signals to flow throughout the brain and onto cells. During waking hours, new learning can strengthen the connections. You can think of knowledge acquired over a long time as a group of well-connected neural paths. When you learn something new, new paths are connected to the old. During the waking hours, your brain processes massive amounts of new insignificant information, say remembering where you parked your car. But that memory has to be preserved at least until you reach the car. It establishes a new connection to your memory of what your car looks like, a well-established “old” memory. The brain creates so many connections daily that particular circuits can be heavily burdened.
Dr. Cirelli explained that during sleep, a great many synaptic connections are weakened so that connections are more available for new learning the next day. Continuing with the parked car example, the exact location of the parked car is not needed again, so the connections are weakened. In fact, if it were not, you might memorize hundreds of places where you have parked, leading to considerable confusion!
You don’t have to be a scientist to understand that not sleeping well affects next day functioning — this is common cultural wisdom. Dr. Cirelli’s research is an example of science showing the “why” and “how” mechanisms that underlie that wisdom.
1. What does the example of early humans show?A.Sleep wasn’t as important as it is today. |
B.Our ancestors had a hard time surviving. |
C.Sleep is significant in the history of humans. |
D.Whoever sleeps less enjoys more advantages. |
A.Our memory can be kept over a long period of time. |
B.Our brain can be overloaded with synaptic connections. |
C.Our brain’s neural network is connected through synapses. |
D.Our new learning is based on well-established old memories. |
A.Sleep broadens neural paths. | B.Sleep carries cultural wisdom. |
C.Sleep relieves synaptic burden. | D.Sleep stimulates brain development. |
A.Approving. | B.Unclear. | C.Indifferent. | D.Doubtful. |
8 . World Consumer Rights Day (WCRD) is a chance to raise global awareness about consumer rights and call for change. The United Nations Guidelines for Consumer Protection (UNGCP), which underpin the work of the global consumer movement, define consumer rights relating to sustainability (可持续性), inclusion, e-commerce, safety and information.
Consumers need protection now more than ever. Climate change, digitalization (数字化), the cost-of-living crisis and an unstable energy market, combined with the lasting effects of COVID-19, all create challenges and risks for consumers in their everyday lives.
This year, World Consumer Rights Day focuses on clean energy transitions — how to deliver the rapid change our planet needs while guaranteeing sustainability, security and affordability for consumers. Sustainability is a top preference, so I was pleased to attend the launch of the London Declaration in 2021, to fight against climate change. Now, I look forward to attending the 44th conference in May 2023, where we will focus on enabling sustainable consumption and explore how to help responsible businesses deliver more sustainable choices for consumers.
Anyone can be unprotected at any time. Over the last decade, we have developed a broader understanding of the wide range of factors that can contribute to risks. We recognize that personal situations and life events such as job loss, debt, family break-ups as well as physical and mental health, can have a serious effect on a person’s ability to understand, communicate and make decisions. More recently, the pandemic and cost-of-living crisis have worsened challenges worldwide, and the impacts will be long-lasting. The FCA (the UK’s financial controller) estimates that the first year of COVID-19 created an additional 3.7 million weak consumers, with 53% of UK adults being affected in some way. In the UK, we have seen good signs in essential services, but there’s an urgent need for the standard to be carried out more widely so that everyone can get the support they need through difficult times.
1. What does the underlined word “underpin” in paragraph I probably mean?A.Tolerate. | B.Predict. | C.Support. | D.Develop. |
A.Sustainable consumption. | B.The cost-of-living crisis. |
C.Safety and information. | D.Changes in clean energy. |
A.Hopeful. | B.Impatient. | C.Worried. | D.Proud. |
A.To present where the author works. | B.To give an example of the impacts. |
C.To show that the UK suffers most. | D.To get urgent support for the UK. |
9 . My sixth-grade daughter was being kicked out of school. The teacher explained, “She may not be
If I had known earlier that something beyond my
I once asked a friend why he always got an A, “How long did you study for this?” He replied, “I didn’t. I just
No, I don’t. I learn to
Despite these weaknesses, I view dyslexia as a(n)
I can write quickly, and can get up to 15 pages a day. Writing is my
The real
A.content with | B.used to | C.equal to | D.familiar with |
A.hardly | B.actually | C.partly | D.merely |
A.independence | B.confidence | C.preference | D.intelligence |
A.failing | B.progressing | C.changing | D.crying |
A.informed | B.questioned | C.tested | D.surveyed |
A.loyal | B.successful | C.traditional | D.typical |
A.ability | B.appreciation | C.recognition | D.control |
A.composer | B.achiever | C.performer | D.observer |
A.inspire | B.call | C.praise | D.neglect |
A.actively | B.badly | C.slowly | D.well |
A.glanced at | B.stared at | C.got rid of | D.put up with |
A.confusion | B.effort | C.dream | D.sacrifice |
A.overlooked | B.confirmed | C.overcome | D.cured |
A.keep up with | B.make up for | C.hold on to | D.make use of |
A.repeat | B.enjoy | C.risk | D.avoid |
A.adventure | B.pleasure | C.gift | D.punishment |
A.purpose | B.challenge | C.contribution | D.strength |
A.fear | B.joy | C.favor | D.respect |
A.struggle | B.study | C.achieve | D.accomplish |
A.surprises | B.competitions | C.imaginations | D.victories |
10 . Having grown up in northern Arizona with the immortal Grand Canyon and the iron red plateaus of Sedona in my backyard, I believed that the southwestern state is home to the most beautiful landscapes on the planet. Towering mountain titans, a cozy valley and an infinite blue sky promised fantastic potential for exploration. For me, no newly discovered sights or foreign landscapes can compare with its beauty.
That is, until I was invited to explore Guizhou province by the China Storyteller Partnerships Tour. Had someone vividly described how beautiful Guizhou can be in poetic detail, they would not have done it exactly. There is no substitute for seeing with one’s own eyes. I will attempt to do so.
During my trip around the city of Xingyi, in Guizhou, I saw the artwork of the Bouyei ethnic group. They use dyes produced from local plants to make clothing of striking blues and greens. Local elders still practice weaving with artful wooden machines and pass that tradition on to their grandchildren.
My father used to drag my brothers and me on yearly fishing trips around Arizona. We would compete to catch the largest fish, and in the mornings, Dad would cook us a basic breakfast of bacon, eggs, and toast. I sat in a small boat in the middle of the lake, with fishing pole moving slowly in my impatient hands, and held my bored tongue while my father attempted to share with me the whispers of the wind, a fish dancing on the surface of the lake or the majesty of a hawk hunting for prey overhead. On my trip to Guizhou I had the opportunity to paddle on Wanfeng lake. At one point I rested, floating at the center of the lake, listening to the spaces between silence and taking in the surrounding karst (喀斯特) mountains. I thought about my childhood, and wished I had listened more closely to my father while fishing.
I’ve lived away from Arizona for 10 long years, carving my own destiny in China. I’ve managed to build myself a family, a career, a livelihood, and various projects. I feel as though I have everything that I need. For a moment, in Guizhou, I felt home.
1. What do we know about the author’s hometown?A.Situated in the north of US, it is home to Grand Canyon. |
B.It has varied landscapes, ranging from plateau to valley. |
C.Apparently, there’s no comparison in terms of beauty. |
D.The author spent his childhood and adulthood in his hometown. |
A.Experience. | B.Replacement. |
C.Objection. | D.Agreement. |
A.To express his regret not listening to his father attentively. |
B.To recall the most unforgettable experience with his family. |
C.To compare the trip on Wangfeng lake with his former fishing trips. |
D.To suggest that his trip in Guizhou takes him back to his childhood. |
A.Inevitable. | B.Favorable. |
C.Demanding. | D.Astonishing. |