1 . Protect the night sky
As a nature photographer, stars have always been one of my favourite elements in the photos. They offer an connection to a universe that is mysterious and grand, connecting our earthly lives to the heavens. Since the earliest recorded history, the night sky has sparked our imaginations and become deeply rooted in our cultures, traditions, artwork, and in later years, has inspired the development of technology with the hope of reaching beyond our blue planet.
With the development of the industrial (工业的) world, though, we have begun to lose the clarity (清晰) that thousands of generations of people and wildlife before us have enjoyed. Because of excesssive (过度) use of lighting, stars have become fainter (模糊的). For photographers hoping to capture the magic of the night sky, they must seek new places. Dark places are far from the reach of a city, and those place are becoming harder and harder to find.
Thanks to conservation groups, led by the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA), we have an opportunity to improve our night skies and recapture ancient magic. By holding the International Dark-Sky week, a yearly celebration of the night sky, the IDA is helping cities, communities and families do their part in helping make skies darker. Dark skies benefit more than just nature photographers; they are important to many wildlife species that also depend on them.
Here are some simple steps we all can do that are easy and inexpensive:
* Change your light bulbs to a dark-sky-friendly color, the closer the light is similar to “firelight” and the further it is away from a blue or white color, the better it is for the environment.
* Use a light fixture that channels the light down and instead of wide and open.
* Turn your lights off before bed!
1. Why does the author prefer photographing stars so much?A.They inspire the author to learn cultures and art. |
B.They are often paid little attention to by most people. |
C.They are hardly seen due to the industrial development. |
D.They build a close relation between universe and humans. |
A.By looking for places without light. |
B.By turning to government for help |
C.By avoiding using any light bulbs. |
D.By promoting industrial development |
A.Blue and white are the dark-sky-friendly colors. |
B.Many species of wildlife depend on dark skies. |
C.Little efforts are needed to protect the night sky. |
D.Joint efforts are needed to regain the darker sky. |
A.To highlight the value of protecting the night sky. |
B.To inform people of the current situation of night sky. |
C.To call on people to take action to protect the night sky |
D.To show author's great concern for the use of lighting |
2 . The world's first restaurant operated by robots has attracted plenty of diners after it officially started service in Zhujiang New Town in this Guangdong provincial capital on Monday. The restaurant, which only serves Guangdong Shunde cuisine, allows robots to cook, deliver food, place orders for diners and handle most of the work in the restaurant.
“The robot chefs can actually compete with famous chefs from Shunde, which is known for its delicious dishes at home and abroad,” said a diner surnamed Chen. Chen and his friends praised the delicious food cooked by the robots after they tasted fried vegetables, steamed fish and braised pigeon in the restaurant on Monday. A local Shunde cuisine chef surnamed Ma Huiliang said he gave the fried vegetables cooked by the robot 90 out of 100 points. But Ma said he never worries that robots would replace chefs in the future. “On the contrary, it is a liberating opportunity for chefs when robots can cook,” he said. “Chefs can focus their work on innovation and research for new food to better inherit and develop Chinese cuisine when robots can cook.” Ma added.
Qiu Mi, assistant president of Country Garden Group, which runs the restaurant, said the restaurant now has 46 different kinds of robots that can do almost all the work of the restaurant, including welcoming clients, frying dishes, mixing wines, making dessert, cooking rice, operating a cloud rail system and delivering food.
And all the diners can see how their food is being cooked by robots in the kitchen, which is separated by transparent glass walls from the dining hall, Qiu said. The restaurant combines new and high technology with traditional Chinese cuisine, Qiu added.
1. What's the main idea of Paragraph 2?A.Robots probably take chefs’ place in the future. |
B.Dishes cooked by robots and chefs are equally tasty |
C.The high efficiency and quality of the dishes by robots. |
D.People's various views about robots’ influence on chefs. |
A.Disapproving. | B.Doubtful. | C.Supportive. | D.Worried. |
A.Mixed wines made by robots. |
B.Cuisines from different regions. |
C.Appreciating the cooking process. |
D.Robots’ food delivery and welcome. |
A.Robots are on the way to take the place of chefs. |
B.Chinese diners have a close encouter with robots. |
C.A newly-combined cusine draws diners’ attention. |
D.World's first robot-operated resturant opens in China. |
3 . Zong Qinghou, the founder and chairman of Hangzhou Wahaha Group, China passed away on Sunday at the age of 79. As one of the most respected representatives of China’s first generation of entrepreneurs (企业家) since the country embarked on reform and opening-up in 1978, Zong’s down-to-earth style and innovative spirit greatly impressed the public.
Born in 1945 in Suqian, Jiangsu province, Zong took over a small grocery store at a school in Hangzhou in 1987. In 1989, he founded Hangzhou Wahaha Nutritional Food Factory. In 1996, Zong launched Wahaha AD calcium milk, which became a great hit with Chinese consumers. The company’s products now cover more than 200 categories, including purified water, milk and yogurt drinks, carbonated drinks, fruit and vegetable juice, tea and coffee drinks, with its sales revenue reaching 51.2 billion yuan in 2022. It has nearly 30,000 employees and 8l production bases nationwide. Zong was ranked as the country’s richest person in 2010, 2012 and 2013 by business magazine Forbes.
However, Zong led a simple life, and it was common to see him dressed in a white shirt and black cloth shoes. He once said, “I am an ordinary person, but luckily I was born in such an era (时代).” He said that Wahaha would not exist without reform and opening-up. He said that Chinese entrepreneurs should fulfill their social responsibilities, and create wealth for the people, adding that they should create more employment opportunities and participate in public welfare activities, contributing to the country’s economic and social development.
Moreover, Zong attached great importance to technological innovation to ensure the quality and diversity (多样性) of Wahaha’s products in a highly competitive market, and provide strong impetus to the company’s sustainable growth. It is widely acknowledged that Zong’s management philosophy has set an example for the development of China’s private economy.
1. What does the underlined word “categories” mean?A.Sorts. | B.Sources. | C.Lines. | D.Fields. |
A.Wahaha AD calcium milk gained great popularity worldwide. |
B.Zong firmly believes he is an extraordinary and fortunate man. |
C.Zong extremely values the quality and diverity of Wahaha’s products |
D.Wahah’s success only resulted from Zong’s devotion and intelligence. |
A.simple and responsible. | B.devoted and creative. |
C.competitive and ordinary. | D.modest and independent |
A.A guideline. | B.A menu. | C.A brochure. | D.A website. |
4 . Hong Kong is one of the most expensive cities in the world, with its delicious food and big luxury (奢侈的) shopping malls. But that doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy the city without stretching your wallet. With good planning, you can enjoy many things in Hong Kong for free.
1. Go gallery hopping and marvel at beautiful artworks.Hong Kong is home to plenty of independent art galleries that exhibit works from various artists around the world. While galleries are spread across the city, we argue that the best place to go gallery hopping is around Central and Sheung Wan.
2. Get up-close with nature at one of the scenic hiking routes.Hong Kong is filled with thick greenery, mountains, and amazing natural landscapes. So, go hiking at any of the scenic routes the city has. For hiking beginners, the Peak trail is among the easiest and in the end, you’ll be treated to epic views of Victoria Harbour.
3. Step back in time at the traditional villagesHong Kong’s traditional villages have been serving as a time machine to showcase Hong Kong’s past. Among the best-reserved villages is Tsang Tai Uk. The original brick, timber, and granite materials are still well-maintained within the walls.
1. Who may find the Peak trail most appealing?A.Science fans. | B.Outdoor lovers. |
C.Water sports followers. | D.Gallery goers. |
A.Central and Sheung Wan | B.The Peak trail |
C.Tsang Tai UK | D.Dragon’s Back |
A.Travelers lacking experience. |
B.Travelers on a tight budget. |
C.Travelers into remote areas. |
D.Travelers seeking local cuisine. |
5 . What to taste in Kuala Lumpur 2024
Great restaurants in Kuala Lumpur offer a genuine global dining experience. Whether you are looking to enjoy hearty comfort food or some local delicacies (佳肴), the city’s dining scene satisfies all comers.
Cantaloupe
Situated about 20 minutes from downtown Malacca, it is a home-based eatery (餐馆) with about 10 tables manned by four operators. Unlike most restaurants, food is self-service here, with dishes placed on catering pans for customers to choose from. It serves traditional Malaysian dishes with distinct Chinese influences. You will find rice dumplings and chicken rendang among the offerings. It has two branches in the city. Their dishes sell out fast, so it’d be best to head there before lunch time.
Mum’s Place
Nothing brings more comfort than mom’s cooking. With recipes inspired by the owners’ mother, this restaurant brings you Nyonya dishes that are genuinely Malaysian. Lying in the district of Damansara Perdana, Mum’s Place is a neighbourhood restaurant with its main customers from residents nearby. Some of the best dishes include cencaru fish; devil curry chicken and beef rendang.
YumYum Restaurant
Situated in the beautiful Shangri-La Hotel, Yum Yum Restaurant is among the locals’ many favourite spots to dine at. It offers an interesting Nyonya and Thai food with Chinese influences that make them stand out. The classic dishes include sambal petai prawns, assam fish head and Yum Yum egg. It can get crowded here, so it’d be best to head there early or call ahead for reservations.
Troika Sky Dining
Offering fine dining, the amazing Troika Sky Dining undoubtedly stands out from the pack. Set on the 23rd floor of Tower B of The Troika, it goes without saying that the cloud-skimming views here are something else entirely. The food is what helps it stand out. It serves award-winning French, Italian, Greek, and Spanish food and adventurous menu of high-end pizzas and pasta.
1. What’s unique about Cantaloupe?A.It is a cafeteria. | B.It is a hotel-based eatery. |
C.It has a branch in the city. | D.It requires reservations in advance. |
A.Cantaloupe and Mum’s Palace. |
B.Cantaloupe and YumYum Restaurant. |
C.Mum’s Place and Troika Sky Dining. |
D.YumYum Restaurant and Troika Sky Dining. |
A.Help serve food. | B.Win an award. |
C.Play adventurous games. | D.Enjoy breathtaking views. |
6 . In 1999, David Dunning and Justin Kruger did a series of studies evaluating people’s competence in certain areas, including grammar, humor and logic. The people in the studies were asked to evaluate their own abilities in each area. Dunning and Kruger found that people who scored low on the tests have the tendency to overestimate their abilities, indicating that people who lack skills tend to lack the ability to realize their shortcomings.
This principle has become known as the Dunning-Kruger effect. It occurs because only when people have skills in a given area are they equipped to evaluate their own skills. Admittedly, most people are overconfident in their abilities. They want to believe that they are more capable, knowledgeable and even superior to others, and when someone really wants something to be true, it can be hard for them to admit that it isn’t. By the way, the opposite of the Dunning-Kruger effect also happens: capable people have a more accurate view of their own abilities, and sometimes they even underestimate themselves.
It’s tempting (吸引人的) to think of the Dunning-Kruger effect as a problem. People may even laugh at those who think themselves more competent than they truly are, but everyone has areas where they lack competence, and the Dunning-Kruger effect means they may be relatively bad at self-evaluation in those areas. Even if someone is very intelligent in general, there are still things they don’t know much about. Expertise in one area cannot always be transferred to other areas.
That’s why it’s important to keep digging for information even when you think you’ve found answers. It can also be helpful to check your ideas with other people. Receiving negative feedback can hurt, but if you’re willing to listen, it can help you grow. Even just keeping in mind that the Dunning-Kruger effect exists can help you stay modest, accept criticism and, thus, keep learning throughout your life.
1. What did Dunning and Kruger find in their research?A.Unskilled people tend to think too much of themselves. |
B.Skilled people are usually more humorous and logical. |
C.Self-evaluation makes people more logical in some areas. |
D.Knowledgeable people sometimes think they are superior to others. |
A.Complicated. | B.Problematic. | C.Universal. | D.Dismissive. |
A.Evaluate yourself on a regular basis. | B.Remain humble and eager for knowledge. |
C.Be yourself and ignore negative feedback. | D.Make friends with intelligent individuals. |
A.A biology textbook. | B.A book review. |
C.A feature report. | D.A. psychology journal. |
7 . What is a barrier? It usually refers to an obstacle or a difficulty that prevents you from achieving something. Whether it was in your past, or you’ re presently facing one, you have to resolve it. While many people avoid barriers, deny their existence or let barriers control themselves, what stand you take on barriers will define the outcome of whether you rise from the challenge, or remain stuck in it. Here are some more great things to love about barriers.
First of all, barriers give you motivations. Sometimes barriers can reset your goals. You might be faced with setbacks or difficulties, you’ re forced to re-think, and re-examine your path. You may end up focusing on something new and exciting. Or, you may concentrate on something that you otherwise wouldn’t have if not for the particular setback. By having to overcome an obstacle, you’ll be fulfilling a purpose, rather than just going through the motions.
Also, barriers prepare you for the unexpected. They serve as guides for where to go next. Even though barriers can bring out many negative emotions in us, such as frustration, anger, or sadness, it’s important to realize that they don’t stop you from reaching your intended goals. Instead, they, in a way, give you time to stop and think if perhaps there is a new and better path to take and what you can prepare for what will happen along the way. Barriers shift your perspective.
Barriers, more often than not, are unavoidable. Life will never stop throwing you new barriers. So, the best thing to do is know how to better see and approach these obstacles, and transform them into opportunities for self-improvement. The more you’re able to see barriers as being an advantage to your life, the better you’ll be at managing them.
It will be rewarding to accept barriers, which will make you constantly change and adapt to new situations, thus allowing you to grow into a better version of yourself.
1. What is the determining factor of the outcome when facing barriers?A.Your specific goals. | B.Your own attitude. |
C.Your diverse preparations. | D.Your strong will power. |
A.They bring you positive emotions. |
B.They prevent you from realizing your goals. |
C.They are avoidable if you prepare for them well. |
D.They enable you to view things in a different way. |
A.To cope with. | B.To go over. |
C.To come near to sb. | D.To speak to sb about sth. |
A.Life is always throwing us barriers. | B.Barriers are double-edged swords. |
C.Embracing barriers benefits a lot. | D.Meeting barriers is actually avoidable. |
8 . As AI technology is improving by leaps and bounds, a low-cost computer training program can help older persons drive less dangerously, according to a recent research.
“It is Drive Smart, a training program, that is developed by us, which could be used by anyone who has a computer,” says Jing Feng, co-author of the study and a professor of psychology at Stanford University. “Drive Smart is a cognitive (认知的) training program that can help older persons notice traffic risks more effectively. Our goal of recent study was to see to what degree Drive Smart changes trainees’ driving behaviors when they get behind the wheel.”
The researchers sought out 24 persons aged 65 and up to test Drive Smart. In a driving simulator (模拟器), all of the study participants experienced a basic driving exam. The “active training” group was made up of eight of the study participants. Every two weeks, the active training group had two Drive Smart trainings. A group of eight additional study participants was asked to take “passive training” where this group watched videos of others receiving the Drive Smart instruction. This happened twice, with each lasting about a week. The control group, which was made up of the remaining eight study participants, received no training. After that, all 24 study participants performed a second driving exam in the simulator.
Compared with the other two groups, the study participants in the active training group experienced 23% fewer “unsafe incidents” following the training, according to the researchers. There was no obvious change in the number of dangerous incidents among study participants in the passive training and control groups.
“This testing was conducted with a fairly limited number of study participants,” Feng says in the interview. “If we can succeed in getting sufficient fund, we’d like to further our testing with more people to clearly prove how effective this training is at reducing accidents among older drivers.”
1. Where might the text most probably be taken from?A.A website. | B.A newspaper. |
C.A science fiction. | D.A test report. |
A.The specific pattern of the test. |
B.The underlying meaning of the test. |
C.The driving behavior of three training groups. |
D.The theoretical basis for the training program. |
A.they had reduced dangerous incidents apparently |
B.they had experienced insecure incidents previously |
C.they had been shown instructive videos about two weeks |
D.they had received Drive Smart trainings every other week |
A.Disapproving. | B.Frustrated. | C.Critical. | D.Optimistic. |
9 . Hidden Gems: Underrated National Parks Worth Exploring
Many travelers flock to popular national parks like Yellowstone for their family vacations or adventurous getaways. However, there are some lesser-known gems that often go unnoticed despite their remarkable beauty and attractions.
Isle Royale National Park
Nestled in the heart of Lake Superior, Isle Royale requires a bit of effort to reach, but the journey is rewarded with breathtaking scenery. Accessible only by daily ferries, this park sees far fewer visitors compared to larger destinations like Yellowstone. Hikers are treated to sightings of wildlife such as wolves along the park’s picturesque trails.
Dry Tortugas National Park
Situated 68 miles southwest of the Florida Keys, the Dry Tortugas is a secluded (偏僻的) island park accessible only by boat or plane. Despite its small size, it boasts rich history, abundant marine life, and stunning coral reefs. At its center stands Fort Jefferson, the largest masonry structure in the Western Hemisphere.
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park
Covering over 13.2 million acres, Wrangell-St Elias National Park is the largest in the entire U.S. park system. Remote and largely undeveloped, this park challenges visitors with limited access—only two roads lead into it. However, those who venture here are rewarded with a profound connection to nature unparalleled elsewhere.
Big Bend National Park
For travelers seeking a truly rugged (崎岖的) experience, Big Bend National Park is a must-visit destination. Renowned for its whitewater rafting, camping, and hiking opportunities, this park can be excessively hot during the summer months, deterring many tourists.
These hidden gems offer unique experiences and breathtaking landscapes, making them worthy contenders for any adventurer's bucket list.
1. Why does Isle Royale National Park receive fewer visitors?A.It is located in a remote area and is difficult to reach. |
B.It lacks wildlife and natural landscapes. |
C.It has no historical or cultural significance. |
D.Its climate is extremely hot. |
A.Its white sand beaches. | B.Its ancient ruins. |
C.Its abundant marine life and coral reefs. | D.Its mountainous landscapes. |
A.Isle Royale National Park | B.Dry Tortugas National Park |
C.Big Bend National Park | D.Wrangell-St. Elias National Park |
10 . What is a GPA?
A GPA, or Grade Point Average, typically ranging from one to four, is a number reflecting your course performance on average. It’s used by universities to determine whether students meet academic standards and by students to enhance job prospects or secure admission into post-graduate programs.
How to calculate a GPA?
● Determine the letter grade and the number of credit hours for each course you take in a term;
● Translate the letter grade to grade points using your school’s grading system;
● Multiply the grade points by the credit hours for that course;
● Add up all the credit hours for the courses;
● Divide the total number of grade points by the total credit hours and you get the GPA.
Example: Academic Transcript of Jane Smith Winter 2023 | |||||
Courses | Letter Grade | Grade points | Credit hours | Total points | GPA |
Creative Writing | A+ | 4.0 | 3 | 12 | - |
Psychology | A- | 3.7 | 3 | 11.1 | - |
History | B+ | 3.3 | 3 | 9.9 | - |
Computer Science | F | 0.0 | 2 | 0 | - |
Total | - | - | 11 | 33 |
What are the consequences of failing college courses?
● Every failing grade (F) significantly impacts your GPA for that academic year, limiting clubs, organizations and program choices, as competitive programs require top GPAs.
● Most financial aid programs require a specific GPA. A sharp drop in GPA due to several course failures may lead to withdrawal from financial aid programs, unless you retake the courses and pass.
● For college athletes on sports scholarships, failing courses repeatedly can lead to losing scholarships and team spots.
● Failing multiple courses can result in school removal and affect future applications.
1. What is Jane Smith’s GPA this term?A.3.3. | B.3.0. | C.2.8. | D.1.0. |
A.School removal. | B.Loss of financial aid. |
C.Choice limitation. | D.Disqualification in sports. |
A.An academic course guide. | B.A campus job fair poster. |
C.A graduate application form . | D.An athletic team schedule. |