1 . “Renewable energy development is a critically important component of the transition away from fossil fuels, making our air cleaner. However, bird death has become an unintended consequence of renewable energy development,” said Hannah Vander Zanden, an assistant professor of biology at the University of Florida. Birds can be killed when they hit wind turbines (涡轮机), fly into solar panels they mistake for bodies of water or get burned by the intense heat from concentrating solar power plants. While the death rate of birds due to these energy facilities is far less than deaths due to domestic cats and crashes with buildings, efforts to deal with this new problem are important, scientists say.
Vander Zanden and her colleagues performed geospatial (地理空间的) analyses of stable hydrogen isotope (氢同位素) data obtained from feathers of 871 individual birds found dead at these renewable energy facilities in California, which represented 24 species. Results from the study show that the birds killed at the facilities were from a broad area across the continent. Their geographical origins varied among species and included a mix of local and nonlocal birds. Researchers found most birds killed at solar facilities were nonlocal and peaked during the migratory periods of April and September through October. The percentage of migratory birds found at wind facilities nearly matched that of local birds, at 51%.
“The data can help inform us about the best strategies to use to minimize the deaths,” Vander Zanden said. “For example, facilities management could work with conservationists to improve the local habitat to help protect local birds or improve other parts of the species’ range where the migratory birds originate.” The results also illustrate the power of stable isotope data to assess future population growth or decline patterns for birds due to a variety of reasons.
“Studying the remains of animals like what we did is a noninvasive approach to get information that is otherwise hard to track and apply to conservation,” Vander Zanden said. “It’s a great way to understand the mysteries about animals.”
1. What is the new threat to birds according to Vander Zanden?| A．The high-rise buildings. | B．The loss of natural habitats. |
| C．The devastating climate change. | D．The rise of renewable energy facilities. |
| A．Solar facilities were primarily responsible for bird death. |
| B．Non-migratory birds faced a greater death risk at wind facilities. |
| C．Migratory birds were more affected by solar facilities than local ones. |
| D．The bird death rate was closely associated with migration patterns. |
| A．Animals hold many mysteries to humans. |
| B．The research possesses scientific significance. |
| C．Keeping track of and analyzing birds is challenging. |
| D．The remains of dead birds should be well conserved. |
| A．Renewable energy is a two-edged sword. |
| B．Solar energy is a major cause of birds’ death. |
| C．Studying birds promotes energy development. |
| D．Birds are threatened by renewable energy facilities. |
2 . Feeling down about money? Do you know you could have thousands of pounds worth of junk hiding in your drawers? Well, here’s some fantastic news to brighten your day: your unwanted tech could be a goldmine, with potential earrings ranging from £1,300 to £6,330.That’s right — that neglected hairdryer, forgotten electric toothbrush, or unused smartphone sitting in your cupboard could be your ticket to some extra holiday cash, a dream summer vacation, or a special weekend treat!
Recent research from Recycle Your Electricals reveals a shocking 880 million unused working electrical items gathering dust in UK households, averaging 31 items per household. The potential earnings? A suriprising £36.7 billion for older, lower, and unbranded items and an astonishing £178.5 billion for newer, higher branded items. It’s an incredible new opportunity!
It’s not just about making money; selling your old electricals is also great for the planet. Waste electricals are the fastest growing e-waste stream, with few people realising that they contain some of the most precious materials on the planet, like gold, aluminium and lithium. So whether you choose to sell or donate your working items, or you recycle the broken ones, it’s going to be good for the environment.
It’s time to unlock that money. Start by taking stock of all your electricals and research their market value by considering factors like brand, age, and condition. Wipe down surfaces, remove dust, and ensure everything is in working order. Remember, a picture is worth a thousand words— a detailed description with high-quality photos speaks louder. Select the platform that suits your item and target audience. Above all, security first. Ensure all personal data are securely wiped. If meeting in person, choose a safe, public location. Alternatively, use secure shipping methods with tracking for added peace of mind.
1. What can be inferred from paragraph 1?| A．The wealth from junk is often overlooked. |
| B．People often put plenty of cash in the drawers. |
| C．The potential earnings from wastes are worth a goldmine. |
| D．Electricals are likely to break down if not used frequently. |
| A．Repair work. | B．Metal extraction. | C．Data security. | D．Scientific research. |
| A．Methods of saving money. | B．Ways to promote online sales. |
| C．Procedures of online shopping. | D．Steps to profit from used electricals. |
| A．To offer tips for making a fortune. |
| B．To warn against e-waste pollution. |
| C．To increase the purchase of new electricals. |
| D．To advocate recycling economically and environmentally. |
3 . Amazing apps helping seniors stay sharp
Undoubtedly, your grandparents gain experience and wisdom as they get older. However, they are likely to be anxious about health problems many seniors face, especially the frightening disorder of mental functioning — thinking, remembering, and reasoning. But don’t worry! The apps are here to help your grandma and grandpa.
It presents level-based crossword puzzles and word search games, featuring oversized buttons and controls for seniors. Its games use point systems to judge the performance of players and it can dynamically adjust the difficulty of games to suit each individual — which keeps seniors enjoying their sense of achievement.
It includes everything seniors need to stay sharp-minded. All they have to do is spend ten minutes per day playing a wide range of the app’s 45 available games. Peak even includes a built-in personal trainer that helps track players’ progress and arrange the seeps that they’ll need to improve their mental sharpness.
It takes a scientific approach to brain training with a variety of games to improve seniors’ mental keenness. Players begin by seeing how well they challenge specific types of mental abilities. Then with fun themes and enjoyable elements added, they can keep players engaged while improving their performance at the given tasks.
It is a multipurpose app that helps seniors keep fit with brain training, physical activities, and tips on healthy eating. The approach starts with brain. stimulating games that improve memory, attention and speed. And to top it off, it also comes with senior-friendly workout videos.
| A．Gain experience and wisdom. | B．Keep life in order. |
| C．Relieve mental aging anxiety. | D．Extend social circle. |
| A．By designing large buttons. | B．By tracing their progress. |
| C．By using built-in trainers. | D．By providing dynamic games, |
| A．Witty Words. | B．Peak. | C．Lumosity. | D．MindMate. |
4 . In an increasingly fast-paced world that rewards immediacy, urgency culture makes it hard to tell what is truly important and what is not. At work, this could involve handling frequent last- minute requests, unrealistic deadlines, and the expectation to be reachable even after hours. In personal life, behaviour patterns of urgency culture include overextending in relationships, frequently checking social media updates out of fear of missing out, and responding immediately to calls and texts, even when it’s inconvenient.
The constant rush to be “always on” professionally and personally can create stress. Being part of the “always on” culture often involves multitasking. However, research shows every time we multitask, it actually slows the brain down and may reduce productivity by up to 40 percent. Meanwhile, constant overstimulation - a significant contributor to urgency culture- will debilitate your dopamine (多巴胺) system. In short, the more overstimulated you are, the less joy you can feel. Over time, urgency culture can also be harmful to physical health. A false sense of urgency tricks the body into reacting as if it’ s in a threatening situation, activating the “fight-or- flight” response. Your breathing becomes faster, your blood pressure and heart rate go up, and you lose the ability to regulate emotions, and an overactive fight-or-fight response contributes to high blood pressure, poor quality of sleep and eating disorders.
To avoid the urgency trap, experts recommend pausing for a few moments before leaping into action every time something comes up. It allows you to step back and assess whether this demand for your attention is in line with your priorities. Setting clear expectations in personal and professional relationships can also help plan, prioritize and problem-solve without causing false urgency. The best thing you can do to deal with urgency culture is to regularly engage in activities that remind you there is no rush.
1. Which of the following can be described as “urgency culture” according to paragraph 1?| A．Focusing on important matters. | B．Finishing work before deadline. |
| C．Giving everything high priority. | D．Maintaining useful relationships. |
| A．It contributes to their work efficiency. |
| B．They may feel under constant pressure. |
| C．It helps to slow down their working pace. |
| D．Their sense of achievement will decrease. |
| A．Weaken. | B．Balance. | C．Activate. | D．Divide. |
| A．The Power of Rush: The Secret to Modern Success |
| B．Stay Well-connected: The New Path to Personal Productivity |
| C．No Pressure, No Growth: Boosting Yourself in Urgency Culture |
| D．More Haste, Less Speed: Breaking Free From the “Always-on” Trap |
5 . Walking into the on-campus barbershop, the student customers will be greeted by Alexander Garcia with clippers in hand, a harber chair, a full professional clipping set, and customers chatting about Ozzy’s latest DJ set in the background
Garcia started cutting hair during his junior year of high school. He spent his time learning from barber videos by 360Jeery on YouTube about different hair styles. That learning took trial and error, and he spent his time practicing on his younger cousin, but he never intended it to be a business.
He came into college as an Electrical and Computer Engineering major and spent his time in the students’ associations, working as a part-time DJ. His journey of cutting hair on campus began in the second year, with mainly roommates and close friends coming in for a cut and a chat, but his hobby fully developed into CutzbyOzzy earlier this year. Barbers in the city are expensive, he noticed, especially for college students, which pushed him to expand his hobby to a private business.
Garcia is busy, with appointments made usually a week in advance. Customers can pay $18 for a full haircut and $5 for a line-up. His business grows mostly through the word-of-mouth of his customers, who are mainly first-years. “Seeing that most of the customers are freshmen, I like to give them advice, try to expiain my own experience and promote student organizations because I feel that enhances my experience,” he said. “I lead them through things I encounter on the way—internships (实习), scholarships, job opportunities, and questions.”
To Garcia, it’s about creating the feel of walking into an actual barbershop; it’s about offering instructions and friendship to his customers. He’s found over time that these students start breaking out of their shells and coming to him with their problems.
“I can just never stay put,” he said. “ I always like to try different things in different fields. Apart from being an engineer, the barbershop is truly my life.”
1. What inspired Garcia to start his barbershop business?| A．His hobby as a part-time DJ. | B．The real demand from his friends. |
| C．The high cost of haircut in the city. | D．His barbering experience in high school. |
| A．Discounts for the freshmen. | B．Recommendation by customers. |
| C．Advertisements via social media. | D．Partnership with local barbershops. |
| A．He keeps his burbershop better-equipped |
| B．He provides a wider selection of hairstyles. |
| C．He shares more practical guidance for students. |
| D．He introduces more job opportunities to graduates. |
| A．Ambitious and adventurous. | B．Multitalented and supportive. |
| C．Knowledgeable and intelligent. | D．Business-minded and fame-seeking. |
6 . “Many rules of bee society—from collective and individual interactions to raising healthy young bees—are adjusted by temperature, so we take advantage of that for this study,” explains Rafael Barmak, first author of a paper published recently.
“Previous studies on the thermal (heat-related) behavior of honeybees in winter have relied on observing the bees or controlling the outside temperature,” adds Martin Stefanec of the University of Graz. Now, scientists have developed a robotic system that can be built into a honeybee hive (蜂箱), which enables scientists to change the temperature from within the colony (蜂群), copy the thermal behavior of bees there, and study how the winter colony actively adjusts its temperature.
It’s challenging to study bees in winter since they are sensitive to cold, and opening their hives risks harming them. But thanks to the robotic system, scientists were able to study three experimental hives located at the Artificial Life Lab in Austria, while controlling them from a public research university in Switzerland. Inside the device, a central processor organized the sensors, which created a quick picture of the bees’ collective behavior, sent commands to the actuators (制动器) and passed on data to the scientists. That demonstrated the system could be used to study bees without entering the hives or without even cameras.
By gathering data on the bees’ position and creating warmer areas in the hive, scientists could encourage bees to move around in ways they would never normally do in nature during winter when bees tend to gather together to conserve energy. For example, scientists could direct bees colony toward a food source or discourage it from dividing into too small groups, which could threaten its survival.
The scientists were able to prolong the existence of a colony following the death of its queen by distributing heat energy via the actuators. Bees are one of the most important pollinators (传粉者), and their survivability has become a growing environmental and food security concern as pollinators’ global populations have declined.
1. What is the underlying logic behind the robotic system?| A．Bees’ sensitive response to heat. |
| B．Bees’ preference to live in groups. |
| C．Temperature adjustment of bee society. |
| D．Different work assignments of the bee colony. |
| A．It can provide inner heating remotely. |
| B．It can open the hives automatically. |
| C．It can absorb outside heat constantly. |
| D．It can send real-time data through its camera. |
| A．To design better hives. | B．To increase bee biodiversity. |
| C．To enhance bee survivability. | D．To learn how to distribute energy. |
| A．A Robotic Group—a Bee Individual Colony |
| B．A Robotic System—a Hidden Window to Bees |
| C．The Thermal Sensor—a Barrier to Cold Climate |
| D．The Bee Society—the World’s Most Important Insects |
7 . On Christmas Eve, two little ducks were found frozen on a pond in Smithville, Ohio. They flapped their wings, fruitlessly struggling to free themselves on the ice until two locals spotted them and helped set the animals free. The two ducks were later named Olaf and Elsa, characters from Disney’s Frozen, and sent to an animal rescue organization.
“Every year in springtime, particularly at Easter, many people buy ducklings on impulse as gifts, often for their kids. People associate baby animals like ducklings, chicks, and bunnies with springtime,” says John Di Leonardo, an anthrozoologist. “But months later, animal rescuers routinely see a rise in abandoned ducks in local parks and ponds.”
Elsa and Olaf’s tough situation highlights the reason why domestic ducks always show up in local parks and ponds. Assuming they can live, their case is pretty similar to going to Yellowstone National Park and seeing a wolf and such like. “Oh, if this wolf can live well, my dog can do too,” says Adison Smith, president of Wasatch Wanderers Animal Rescue. “Those ducks lack hunting instincts, and many quickly starve to death or fall sick. A majority cannot fly because of small wings. They don’t migrate, so they can’t survive winter. They’re literally sitting ducks for predators (捕食者),” John Di Leonardo adds.
Since the issue is largely due to a lack of awareness, Adison Smith has started a campaign and hung more than 50 signs in a dozen cities to remind parkgoers that getting rid of pet ducks tends to be disastrous to them and can be illegal by the state law, “Our goal is to get the problem at its source,” Adison says. Most people tend to buy ducklings at stores for less than a dollar each, or kids take them home from school hatching projects.
“Though most abandoned ducks live short, miserable lives, Olaf and Elsa are an exception — they’ll spend their remaining days at Lasa Sanctuary in Wooster, Ohio, in a shelter with other ducks, clean hay, and protection against predators,” John Di Leonardo says.
1. Why did Olaf and Elsa appear on a frozen pond on Christmas Eve?| A．They starred in the film Frozen. | B．They practised their hunting skills. |
| C．They escaped from an animal shelter. | D．They were abandoned by their master. |
| A．Animals share a lot in living habits. | B．Pet ducks are less adaptable in the wild. |
| C．Yellowstone is a great place for wildlife. | D．Animals can get along well with each other. |
| A．Increasing the selling prices of ducks. |
| B．Reminding people to save our resources. |
| C．Educating people about the animal protection. |
| D．Appealing for the establishment of new animal laws. |
| A．Dangerous. | B．Easeful. | C．Restricted. | D．Exhausted. |
8 . Over a decade ago, the science fiction series Black Mirror showed a story about using artificial intelligence to bring back loved ones. Thanks to technological advancement, the latest AI technology brings hope of recreating loved ones through virtual form.
Recently, it was revealed that renowned musician Tino Bao had created a digital version of his daughter, who in 2021 passed away due to a rare disease at the age of 22. With the help of Xiaoice, Microsoft Asia’s AI branch based in China, Bao was able to recreate his daughter Bao Rong as an AI-powered virtual figure. Tino Bao, his family and the team went to great lengths to piece together pictures, audio-visual recordings, and narrated memories of Rong. After thousands of trials and errors, they presented the life-like digital human who speaks in both Mandarin and English. Bao has finally launched a company to bring the technological miracle to other families experiencing such loss.
However, this technological achievement has also been accompanied by many controversies. The idea of bringing back a loved one through AI may seem comforting. Still, researchers caution that constantly interacting with an AI version of a deceased loved one could potentially affect the natural grieving process, leaving individuals stuck in a state of denial. This could lead to prolonged grief and other mental health issues. Furthermore, there’s a risk that people may become overly dependent on the technology, prioritizing their interactions with the AI version over forming new, real-life relationships.
With the case of Bao Rong out in the open, AI resurrection (复活) has become a business. From simple “talking pictures” that sound nothing like the loved ones to deep fake videos of actors speaking with the faces of those who passed away, the lower end of the market is more “artificial” than “intelligent”. Therefore, it is crucial to establish proper regulations and ethical standards to ensure that the use of AI-resurrection technology is safe and responsible.
1. Why does the author mention Black Mirror?| A．To advertise Microsoft’s virtual products. |
| B．To lead to the discussion about AI resurrection. |
| C．To prove the predictive power of science fiction. |
| D．To highlight the advancement of artificial intelligence. |
| A．The popularity of AI-resurrection technology. |
| B．Reasons for making a digital version of Bao Rong. |
| C．Challenges of developing a life-like digital human. |
| D．The process of creating an AI-powered virtual figure. |
| A．It still has some technical limitations. |
| B．It helps people build new real-life relationships. |
| C．It can be a person’s obstacle to recovering from sadness. |
| D．It enables individuals to preserve good memories of loved ones. |
| A．Strengthen the management of the technology. |
| B．Apply the technology to making pictures and videos. |
| C．Put the technology into the market as soon as possible. |
| D．Educate the public about the potential risks of technology. |
9 . Lonely Planet’s Top Places to Go in 2024
Are you looking for inspiration for your next travel destination? Lonely Planet has published its yearly list of top places to go. Whether you’re looking for adventure, culture, or value, there’s something for every type of traveler. Let’s explore the top picks for travel destinations in 2024.
Top City: NairobiNairobi, the Kenyan capital, was chosen for its unique music and dance culture, and impressive local restaurants. Nairobi National Park, just a short drive out of the city’s central business district, is a must-see, where visitors can see over 400 species wandering the open grass plains while skyscrapers twinkle on the horizon.
Top Country: MongoliaMongolia is loved for its wide-open spaces, adventure activities, and unique food. The Mongolian government has announced 2023 through 2025 as the “Years to Visit Mongolia,” easing entry conditions for international travelers and improving public facilities, including a new $650 million airport.
Top Sustainable Travel Destination: SpainThe publisher also recommended Spain for the country’s efforts to expand renewable energy, to develop off-season travel, and to bring tourism to new destinations, such as the port city of Valencia, easing pressures on hot spots such as Barcelona.
Top Best-Value Location: The American MidwestThe American Midwest, including the cities of Chicago and Detroit, is also on the list, as it offers a high-quality travel experience at a reasonable cost. Visitors can enjoy excellent services and facilities, such as old warehouses transformed into art studios, new eco-design hotels, and Michelin-starred restaurants, without having to spend too much money.
1. What can people do in Nairobi National Park?| A．See various wild animals. | B．Enjoy adventure activities. |
| C．Taste local delicious dishes. | D．Appreciate musical performances. |
| A．It is celebrating a special anniversary with various cultural events. |
| B．It offers a unique blend of modern urban experiences and wilderness areas. |
| C．It has implemented measures to protect natural habitats. |
| D．It has simplified entry procedures and upgraded public services and infrastructure. |
| A．Valencia, Spain. | B．The American Midwest. |
| C．Donegal, Ireland. | D．Nairobi, Kenya. |
10 . We often hear honesty is the best policy, and no one likes to be called a liar. But is dishonesty always wrong?
Not necessarily.
According to psychologists, there are two types of lies: lies that help your relationships and the people around you are called pro-social lies; and lies that hurt them are called antisocial lies.
How often have you clicked “Like” on Wechat Moment, not because you actually like what your friends posted, but because you want to show your support? This white lie is an example of a pro-social lie. But when people tell lies on social networks to make their own lives seem more exciting, or to make others jealous, this is antisocial lying.
Workplace lies range from harmless lies to destructive untruthful statements. An example of a pro-social workplace lie is complimenting someone on their presentation —even though it was only average —because you know they were nervous beforehand. In this case your intention is simply to protect your colleague’s feelings. However, people sometimes tell bigger lies at work for the purpose of avoiding blame or to stay on the boss’s good side. These are antisocial lies. They are antisocial because your boss is likely to discover the truth and as a result, will probably stop trusting you.
Lying is also a significant part of the natural world. So it’s little wonder we resort(求助)to it almost by instinct. Human babies sometimes pretend to cry, check to see if anyone is listening, and then start crying again. By the age of five, children learn to say things that are completely untrue, and most nine-year-olds have mastered keeping secrets to protect themselves.
Lying can be incredibly harmful to our relationships and to the people around us. But that’s only true for antisocial lies. Pro-social lies have the opposite effect—they can actually help us.
1. What may help us tell a pro-social lie from an antisocial lie?| A．The purpose it serves. | B．The way it is told. |
| C．The occasion where it is told. | D．The people it is told to. |
| A．Criticizing. | B．Praising. | C．Remarking. | D．Claiming. |
| A．They help with hiding the truth. |
| B．They show the intention of protecting others. |
| C．They prove that workplace lies can be destructive. |
| D．They tend to avoid blame or to stay on the boss’s good side. |
| A．To warn that lies could harm us. |
| B．To remind that honesty is the best policy. |
| C．To make it clear that lying is a second nature. |
| D．To persuade that there are some lies that we need to tell. |
