1 . I stood beside the hospital bed where Russ, my husband lay pale and scared. He was diagnosed with leukemia (白血病) and was
A month! We couldn’t afford being in the hospital that long. We were tight
“Go home and rest. Come back tomorrow,” Russ said, giving me a list of items to
The next morning, I
When I
“What is this?” I asked. The
As the adult in the room, I felt
| A．requested | B．lectured | C．challenged | D．rewarded |
| A．confidently | B．mentally | C．physically | D．financially |
| A．show off | B．bring back | C．do up | D．hand over |
| A．rented | B．handled | C．packed | D．parked |
| A．headed | B．cycled | C．paced | D．dived |
| A．swept | B．entered | C．decorated | D．left |
| A．Acting | B．Shouting | C．Stepping | D．Applauding |
| A．essay | B．drawer | C．sheet | D．envelope |
| A．patients | B．customers | C．kids | D．players |
| A．emotion | B．anger | C．help | D．joy |
| A．sad | B．blank | C．upset | D．eager |
| A．doubt | B．pride | C．security | D．scare |
| A．guilty | B．friendly | C．logical | D．exceptional |
| A．envy | B．kindness | C．pain | D．impatience |
| A．survival | B．routine | C．lifetime | D．preference |
2 . A human-like robot has gotten a job working alongside humans at a factory for the first time.
Apollo, the autobot, has two aims, two legs and two eyes and is an average human height of 5 feet and 8 inches or 172 cm. The robot’s job is to fit boxes and containers and move them around the factory, but its designer, Apptronik, says future versions could be used to do housework around the home. While robotic machines are already used to sort grains, help doctors and police officers in training and clean the floor, Apollo is the first human-like robot to be put to work in a human job.
Apptronik said the robot was given human features such as arms and legs to help people feel more comfortable working with it. The robot only does basic tasks at the moment, but it will offer more and more features as the technology is developed.
At the moment, Apollo’s battery only lasts four hours, which means it has to do half day shifts compared to its human co-workers, who tend to work eight hours a day. Cardenas said that his company has built two Apollo robots so far and are now building four more. Apptronik plans to produce less than 100 test versions that companies can try out before it starts producing the final version in 2024.
Economists believe once robots like Apollo are mass-produced and introduced into the market, they could be used to fill jobs in aged care, manufacturing (制造业) and security.
Other companies m the race to build human-like robots include Tesla, Boston Dynamics, Samsung Electronics and Hanson Robotics. Last year, Tesla said it was planning to have thousands of human-like robots within its factories. Last year Tesla introduced its robot, Optimus, which is said to be learning to navigate (导航) on its own, sense the world around it, and pick things up on its own. Boston Dynamics introduced Atlas, considered the world’s most advanced human-like robot which has proved capable of walking, dancing, doing backflips (后空翻), and jumping.
1. What is special about Apollo?| A．It can help doctors. | B．It can sort grams. |
| C．It can do housework in people’s homes. | D．It can be put to work in a human job. |
| A．It cuts down on labor costs. | B．It has had complete changes. |
| C．It will last eight hours in the future. | D．It is the robot s main weakness. |
| A．Tesla. | B．Boston Dynamics. | C．Samsung Electronics. | D． Hanson Robotics. |
| A．Education. | B．Culture. | C．Technology. | D．Entertainment. |
3 . Combining a vertical (竖的，直立的) farm and office space into a single 51-storey idea out of Chinese tales, an Italian architect is completing the Shenzhen skyline with a shocking farmscraper (农场摩天楼).
Jian Mu Tower was designed for a leading Chinese supermarket to be a place where renter can grow, sell, buy, or consume produce in the same place they work.
Lying in the south Chinese city of Shenzhen, the Turin-based Carlo Ratti Associati Company has showed plans to build a 650-foot tower in which 100,000 square feet of the glass outside (外墙) is used to produce food — 590,000 pounds of it per year, which would also contain around a million square feet for office space, a supermarket, gardens, and food court (美食街).
Hydroponic (水栽法的) gardening involves using nutrient-rich water rather than soil, and allows plants to be grown in tubes piled up vertically. Working with ZERO, an Italian-based company that specializes in new approaches to agriculture, Jian Mu’s farm is made full use of to produce everything from salad greens to fruits, while remaining efficient and sustainable. An AI scientist would watch most of the hydroponic systems, water and nutrients, planning planting and harvest cycles, and other matters.
“Small-scale urban farming is happening in cities all over the world — from Paris to New York to Singapore. Jian Mu Tower, however, takes it to the next level,” writes Ratti, who is also a professor at MIT. “Such approach has the potential to play a major role in the design of future cities, as it engages in one of today’s most urgent architectural challenges: How to integrate the natural world into building design.”
1. What is Jian Mu Tower intended for?| A．A supermarket. | B．A farm. | C．A factory. | D．A workplace. |
| A．Grow food. | B．Exhibit clothing. |
| C．Take up gardening. | D．Learn to manage a supermarket. |
| A．Its fruits are well received at home. | B．It has rich experience in agriculture. |
| C．It mainly focuses on agriculture in Italy. | D．It completely applies AI technology. |
| A．Unclear. | B．Doubtful. | C．Critical. | D．Approving. |
4 . Over the past 45 years, farmer Fu Benfa has planted countless trees on barren (不毛的) mountains near Qilita village in Suizhou, Hubei province. The task would have been a challenge for an able-bodied person, let alone a person with paralysis (瘫痪).
Fu, 65, was paralyzed in an accident in January 1978. News about green development through measures such as expanding forests in the province caught his attention. He got the idea that he might be able to contribute. Fu’s parents strongly disagreed because of his poor physical condition. But he insisted. His father finally acquiesced and made him a special shovel (铁锹) and straw mat (草席).
In the winter of 1978, Fu came to a barren mountain and began the task that would occupy him for decades. He sat on the straw mat and tried to dig a hole to plant a tree in, but he failed to finish it after working all day. He didn’t give up, however, and tried various kinds of movements until he became more efficient. Every day he spent more than 12 hours on the mountain. After a month, he had successfully planted 18 trees, 13 of which survived.
Three months later, he had planted more than 300 trees, most of which survived. Over the next 30 years, Fu brought green color to five mountains around his village. With the help of local governments, a forest protection volunteer service team was set up to carefully protect and guard the green mountains.
After years of study and exploration, Fu has gained rich experience and taken advantage of technology. He has taught more than 200 nearby farmers, free of charge, to increase their incomes by planting trees. Recent health problems have slowed Fu down. He has been recovering at home since February.
“Now it is difficult for me to continue planting trees in the mountains, but I will always guard this forest,” he said. “I will never change my dream.”
1. What does the underlined word “acquiesced” in Paragraph 2 mean?| A．Quit. | B．Agreed. | C．Argued. | D．Opposed. |
| A．Fu Benfa was far-sighted. | B．Fu Benfa suffered little. |
| C．Fu Benfa was physically poor. | D．Fu Benfa was strong-willed. |
| A．To better their life. | B．To draw their interest. |
| C．To find more helpers. | D．To make more progress. |
| A．Planting Trees Changed the World |
| B．Fu Benfa Helped Farmers in the Village |
| C．An Able-bodied Man Amazed the Country |
| D．For 45 Years, a Paralyzed Man Planted Many Trees |
5 . Day 1 Kuitun-Huocheng
Drive to Huocheng for about 6 hours, where 29 minority groups live. After checking in at the hotel, drive to the Sayram Lake, which is also praised as “the last drop of the Atlantic tears”. The best time to visit it is from June to August, when the water is extremely clear and blue and many unknown flowers are in the full blossom (盛开).
Day 2 Huocheng-Yining
In the morning, visit the Khorgos Port between China and Kazakhstan. Have a brief visit to the border cooperation area. Then visit the lavender flora (薰衣草植物群) park. It is the third largest lavender park in the word, only after Provence and Furano. At last, drive to Yining and check in at the hotel.
Day 3 Yining-Nalati Grassland
The Nalati Grassland is a famous pasture (牧场) since ancient times. This is also a famous tourism and holiday resort in Xinjiang which is well-known for beautiful grassland scenery. You could join in the horse riding on the boundless grassland and get close to the local KaZak culture. It is much colder here than in the city especially in the morning and evening, so please take some warm clothes with you.
Day 4 Nalati-Bayanbulak
Today’s private tour will cover the Bayanbulak Grassland and the Swan Lake Natural Reserve. The Bayanbulak Grassland is the second largest grassland in China being known for rich grass, numerous flocks of sheep and varied plants. The Swan Lake is located in this grassland. Actually, it is made of a group of small lakes. You could go up to the Bird Watch Platform built there to appreciate the splendid scenery of the swans, lakes, mountains, clouds, and blue sky.
1. When is the best time to visit the Sayram Lake?| A．In spring. | B．In summer. | C．In autumn. | D．In winter. |
| A．The Swan Lake, | B．The Khorgos Port. |
| C．The Nalati Grassland. | D．The Bayanbulak Grassland. |
| A．Day 1. | B．Day 2. | C．Day 3. | D．Day 4. |
6 . For people suffering from depression, there’s an all-natural treatment they should use — getting more exercise. It could help fight depression, even if people have a genetic risk, new research shows.
For the study, researchers collected information from nearly 8,000 people and found those with related genes were more likely to have depression over the next two years after examining them. But that was less likely for people who were more active at the study’s start, even if they had a family history of depression. Higher levels of physical activity helped protect even those with the highest genetic risk of depression.
Both high-intensity (高强度) exercise and low-intensity activities were associated with a reduced risk of depression. Adding four hours of exercise a week could lower the risk of a new episode (一段经历) of depression by 17%, according to the study. “Our findings strongly suggest that, when it comes to depression, being physically active has the potential to remove the added risk of future episodes in individuals who are genetically risky,” said lead author Karmel Choi. “On average, about 35 additional minutes of physical activity each day may help people to reduce their risk and protect against future depression episodes.”
Depression is a common mental illness globally, with more than 264 million people affected. “Depression is so ubiquitous, and that underlines the need for effective approaches that can impact as many people as possible,” Choi said. And mental health and primary care providers can use the findings to advise patients that there’s something meaningful they can do to lower their risk of depression.
1. How did the researchers reach their conclusion?| A．By analyzing a mass of data. |
| B．By conducting genetic research. |
| C．By comparing various levels of activity. |
| D．By tracking the subjects for many years. |
| A．Physical activity betters medical treatment. |
| B．Exercise is able to decrease and prevent it. |
| C．Different levels of exercise intensity matter the same. |
| D．Exercising 35 minutes daily is the most effective treatment. |
| A．Harmful. | B．Complex. |
| C．Unusual. | D．Common. |
| A．To discuss a disease. |
| B．To introduce a method. |
| C．To analyze a genetic risk. |
| D．To explain a phenomenon. |
7 . “Only if you have experienced it can you believe it.” I didn’t believe such thing until it
We decided to write a film script (剧本) first. But we had never written a script before and needed professional
It was a month or so before it
Eight months later, our film script was
That’s what happens when you have the courage to
| A．randomly | B．actually | C．suddenly | D．willingly |
| A．film | B．visit | C．exhibition | D．business |
| A．opinion | B．message | C．story | D．goal |
| A．degree | B．fame | C．effort | D．guidance |
| A．benefit | B．response | C．threat | D．experience |
| A．ignored | B．missed | C．assembled | D．conducted |
| A．potential | B．shortcoming | C．basis | D．search |
| A．showed | B．stimulated | C．mentioned | D．maintained |
| A．common | B．special | C．multiple | D．quick |
| A．took in | B．set about | C．gave up | D．ended up |
| A．earned | B．rated | C．sold | D．guaranteed |
| A．determined | B．frightened | C．entertained | D．inspired |
| A．refuse | B．advance | C．attempt | D．deny |
| A．way | B．kind | C．pack | D．lack |
| A．In detail | B．In contrast | C．After all | D．Above all |
8 . Reptiles, like snakes, lizards, and crocodiles are egg-laying animals. The species are cold-blooded, which means their bodies have the same temperature as the area around them. A recent report says that more than one-fifth of the world’s reptiles are at risk of going extinct.
The study, written by 52 scientists, is the first worldwide measurement of how threatened different species of reptiles are. For 15 years, between 2004 and 2019, researchers collected information on over 10,000 different kinds of reptiles. They gathered details from over 900 reptile experts around the world.
The report has revealed some unhappy news — 21% of all reptile species are in danger of extinction. That’s over 1,800 species in all. The study reported that at least 31 species of reptiles have already gone extinct. The main reason these reptiles are faced with extinction is that humans are taking over more and more of their natural habitats. More land continues to be cleared to make room for cities and towns. Large areas of land are also being cleared so that they can be used as farmland. Logging is another big threat to reptile habitats.
But even if reptiles aren’t considered lovely, they play a very important part in nature’s food chains. One service performed by reptiles humans should appreciate is that they are natural enemies to certain pests, like insects and rats, and therefore helping control their numbers.
Scientists say the good news is that we know what must be done to protect reptiles. Bruce Young, one of the leaders of the research, says, “We have all the tools we need. Protecting natural areas, especially rainforests, is at the top of the list. Studies show that saving natural areas doesn’t just protect mammals or birds, but all kinds of animals, including reptiles.”
1. What can we know about reptiles from the report?| A．There are over 10,000 different kinds of reptiles worldwide. |
| B．Reptiles are cold-blooded egg-laying animals. |
| C．Over 20% of reptile species are at risk of dying out. |
| D．Temperature rising poses the greatest threat to reptiles. |
| A．Loss of habitats. | B．Human hunting. |
| C．More natural enemies. | D．Environmental pollution. |
| A．Attractive. | B．Intelligent. |
| C．Beneficial. | D．Dangerous. |
| A．Improving breeding methods. | B．Developing new rainforests. |
| C．Strengthening cooperation. | D．Saving their natural habitats. |
9 . From Santa Barbara to Scotland, strangers are becoming friends by going on bike rides together. They get paired up by Cycling Without Age, an organization that helps seniors go for bike rides, even if they can’t pedal themselves.
Hugh Lyon and David Lawrence, who are roughly 20 years apart in age, have been riding together for years. The 56-year-old Lawrence serves as a “pilot”, driving the trishaw-a bike with a passenger seat in the front that Cycling Without Age uses for their rides. They go for rides about once a week, often discussing the history of their town.
“Despite my deceased parents, it gives me a connection with people from an older generation,” said Lawrence, “and I enjoy spending time with them and hearing their Stories.” The pair have formed a friendship outside of cycling. Lawrence said he calls Lyon often and goes to the gym with him to help him with exercises he can’t do on his own.
Ole Kassow, who founded Cycling Without Age, said that’s the power of the program. “The truly powerful thing about these bike rides is that they tie people and stories together to create new relationships,” he told CBS News. “In my experience, friendships-and the ability to form new relationships at any age-are what define a good life, and often also a long and happy life.”
John Boettner started the Santa Barbara chapter. He has one rule for passengers. “They say, ‘What does it cost if I’m going to go for a ride?’ I say, ‘Here’s what it costs: You have to wave. If you don’t wave, I’m going to kick you out,’” he joked. He said he likes when they hit red lights, because it gives them a chance to connect with people on the road. “Driving the trishaw is the best advertisement for Cycling Without Age”, Boettner said, “When you take a 101-year-old woman for a bike ride and she holds your hand tight and says thank you and gives you a kiss on the cheek, it doesn’t get any better than that.”
1. What benefit did Lawrence get from Cycling Without Age?| A．Picking up forgotten stories. | B．Improving his health condition. |
| C．Understanding his parents’ love. | D．Creating a relationship with seniors. |
| A．To share the pleasure of cycling. | B．To state the nature of happiness. |
| C．To show the value of the program. | D．To introduce the definition of a good life. |
| A．The program needs to be advertised. | B．Passengers have to pay for their rides. |
| C．Red lights connect people with the pilots. | D．Bike riders feel content by offering rides. |
| A．A true friend is one soul in two bodies. | B．Be a rainbow in somebody else’s cloud. |
| C．Don’t go through life, grow through life. | D．Happiness is a journey, not a destination. |
10 . When it comes to US middle school science and engineering, girls rule. Girls took the top five prizes at the 2019 Broadcom MASTERS, a competition for middle school students across the country.
The winners were announced (宣布)last month. They were honored for their STEM successes as well as for showing skills in critical thinking, communication, creativity and team-work. In first place was 14-year-old Alaina Gassler. She designed a system to make driving safer by reducing blind spots-the areas that drivers cannot see outside their vehicle (车辆)Gassler developed the technology while in eighth grade.
“She, along with the entire Class of 2019, is already leaders in their fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM),” said Paula Golden, president of the Broadcom Foundation. “These young inventors give every one of us hope for the future.”
The Broadcom MASTERS competition is a project of the Society for Science & the Public. It was set up to encourage young people to attend college and take up jobs in STEM fields. It was open to students in grades 6, 7 and 8 across the country.
This year, all the major awards in the competition went to girls. The top prize winner, Alaina Gassler, says she got the idea for her project after seeing her mother struggle with blind spots in her family’s car. Blind spots lead to many accidents—about 840, 000 accidents a year nationwide.
Gassler’s system helps drivers see “through” the A-frame pillar (A柱)—the part of the vehicle, in the front, that joins the top and front window. The A-frame pillar is important for safety, and cannot be removed. Gassler used a camera to help drivers look “through” the structure (结构)to see what is blocked. The camera sends video to a device (设备)that shows images on the other side of the pillar. The driver then can “see” what’s in the blind spot.
The young inventor won a $ 25, 000 prize for her invention. She told Popular Mechanics she can make improvements on her device with that money. Gassler said she wants to improve the picture—making it easy to see in any weather, or any time of the day. She also told the magazine she hopes to sell her idea.
1. Why was Gassler honored?| A．For her interest in science. |
| B．For her great concern. |
| C．For her vehicle knowledge. |
| D．For her STEM success. |
| A．The reasons why the mother struggled. |
| B．The great need of STEM education. |
| C．The great value of Gassler’s invention. |
| D．The poor quality of family vehicles. |
| A．How Gassler’s system works. |
| B．Why the A-frame pillar is important. |
| C．When Gassler’s system helps. |
| D．What are included in her inventions. |
| A．Young students’ great inventions |
| B．US students compete in science |
| C．Middle School STEM education |
| D．US girls take top science prizes |
