1 . The power of human language comes not only from the precision of its signals and the complexity of its grammar but also from its links to cognition (认知). Babies as young as 3 months have begun to link language and core cognitive capacities.
Previous work in the lab had found that for babies aged 3 to 4 months, listening to both human vocalizations (发声) (their native language) and non-human primate vocalizations (calls of monkeys) boosted cognition. It remained unknown whether all human languages would have this advantageous effect.
In a new study, the researchers considered English-acquiring 3-to 4-month-old babies’ responses to two non-native languages (German or Cantonese) — in the context of the classic object categorization task. In this cognitive task, babies first viewed a series of “familiarization” images from one object category (e.g., dinosaurs). Then they viewed two new “test” images at the same time: a new example from the familiarized category (e.g., another dinosaur; “a familiar object”) and a new model from a novel category (e.g., a fish; “a novel object”). Babies’ ability to distinguish between the familiar and novel test images, measured by their looking times, indicates whether they have formed the object category.
Crucially, babies’ success in the task depends upon the sound information that accompanies the visual images presented during familiarization. “We found that German, which is phonologically (音系地) ‘near’ to English, facilitated object categorization. But Cantonese, which is phonologically ‘distant’, did not,” said Danielle Perszyk, lead author of the study.
“Babies’ responses to the two non-native languages tested, considered in combination with their responses to English and to the sounds of monkeys，are consistent with the possibility that babies’ earliest links to cognition originate from two distinct mechanisms. Only one of them is used specifically for human speech,” she added.
When babies are 3 to 4 months old, vocalizations of non-human primates may boost their cognition by engaging another system, one not specialized for speech. However, the cognitive advantage is short-lived: only lasts for 2 to 3months. The study also provides the first evidence that babies’ increasingly precise cognitive tuning to the sounds of their native language sets restrictions on the range of human languages they will link to cognition.
1. What can we know about babies aged 3 to 4 months according to previous work?| A．They get a cognitive bonus after exposure to animal sounds. |
| B．They can tell human languages from those of animals. |
| C．They have a gift for mastering diverse languages. |
| D．They show no interest in non-native languages. |
| A．An evaluation of babies’ learning ability. |
| B．A story regarding babies’ ability to distinguish images. |
| C．An experiment on babies’ ways of native language learning. |
| D．An object categorization experiment on babies’ cognitive link. |
| A．People may prefer certain languages at a young age. |
| B．Babies may adopt different systems to build cognitive links. |
| C．Babies’ cognitive links are dependent on their learning habits. |
| D．People can develop early cognitive links through familiar languages. |
| A．Improving their speech processing system. |
| B．Enhancing their desire to pick up new languages. |
| C．Limiting their cognitive associations with other languages. |
| D．Affecting their ability to distinguish between different languages. |
2 . Whales are known for their majestic (雄伟的) songs that travel through the ocean depths, but the reasons behind this behavior have long puzzled scientists. Recent research reveals this mystery, suggesting that whales possess a unique voice box that enables their powerful voice, a feature not found in other animals.
In a study published in the journal Nature, Coen Elemans and his team from the University of Southern Denmark examined the voice boxes. By conducting experiments, the researchers identified the tissues responsible for producing sound.
Whales, whose ancestors were land-dwellers around 50 million years ago, have developed their voice boxes over millions of years to adapt to underwater communication. Unlike humans and many other mammals (哺乳动物) , whales lack vocal cords and instead have a unique U-shaped tissue in their voice boxes. This specialized structure allows them to intake large volumes of air and generate sounds by pushing this tissue against a cushion of fat and muscle, a mechanism essential for their deep-sea sound.
The significance of this research is highlighted by Jeremy Goldbogen, an associate professor at Stanford University, who describes it as the most comprehensive study to date on how whales vocalize. He emphasizes the need for further exploration to these marine giants. For instance, humpback whales are known for their sound that can travel vast distances across oceans, serving as a form of communication within whales.
Joy Reidenberg, a whale expert, says, “More experiments are needed to confirm the study’s conclusions and understand how these creatures use their voice boxes to communicate in the ocean.”
1. What does the research find?| A．Whales may make sound underwater. |
| B．Whales communicate in a special way. |
| C．What brings about whales’ strange behavior. |
| D．What makes whales’ loud sound possible in the ocean. |
| A．Paragraph 3. | B．Paragraph 4. | C．Paragraph 5. | D．Paragraph 2. |
| A．Mysterious. | B．Ineffective. | C．Inadequate. | D．Creative. |
| A．Evolution Of Whale Communication Skills | B．Research On How Whales Make Sounds |
| C．How Whales Communicate Underwater | D．How Scientists Research Whales’ Sound |
3 . Early one morning, servers at an Egyptian restaurant began their usual preparations for the day. They laid out rows of desserts. But the offerings weren’t for customers. Instead, within an hour, staff from an organization called Tekeya had arrived to take away 135 portions of perfectly eatable dishes. The desserts — made a day earlier — weren’t considered fresh enough to eat.
Throughout Egypt, which boasts a rich culinary (烹饪的) history, such views aren’t uncommon. Now, though, with a global reflection on the food chain and its role in the climate crisis, attitudes in Egypt are slowly changing.
The restaurant is one of around a dozen across the Egyptian capital that Tekey’s staff visits each day in a quest to stop fit-for-consumption food from being dumped. Restaurants pay a small annual fee that allows them to alert Tekeya’s staff whenever they have unsold food. Personal users of Tekeya’s app can then buy that food at half price, or either the restaurants or the users can request Tekeya to deliver the food to a food bank or charity of their choosing. In total, up to 40 plates are saved from going to the trash each day.
“I’ve seen several platforms helping fight food waste across Europe. It’s uplifting to find one that does the same here in Egypt, ” says the manager, who has been using the app for three years.
In 2019, Menna Shahin had an idea particularly inspired by a festival, which brings about both celebration and waste. “I would put so much thought into how to deal with food responsibly without harming the environment, and how to minimize my excess (过度的) usage,” Ms. Shahin says. “I thought to myself, why not assist everyone to deal with their excess food wisely?”
Ms. Shahin ended up co-founding Tekeya along with her husband, Max Hartzen. By Tekeya’s second year, some 10, 000 discounted meals were ordered during one month, with users choosing to donate roughly a quarter of those to charities.
1. Why were the desserts in paragraph 1 not for customers?| A．They were sold out. | B．They were not eatable. |
| C．They had gone sour. | D．They were not fresh enough. |
| A．Thrown away. | B．Kept up. | C．Squeezed out. | D．Tracked down. |
| A．How a festival is celebrated. | B．How waste comes about. |
| C．How Tekeya is originated. | D．How food is dealt with. |
| A．It takes ages to see its effect. | B．It has produced good results. |
| C．It needs to be widely applied. | D．It has received sharp criticism. |
4 . You may have read that to stay fit and healthy, you need about 30 minutes of exercise each day, at least five days a week. New research suggests that the time we need to spend on daily workouts could be less than that.
Edvard Sagelv, a researcher at UiT The Arctic University of Norway, was part of a team that found being sedentary (久坐的) more than 12 hours a day was associated with a 38 percent higher death risk. This was only the case for individuals who managed less than 22 minutes of medium to high intensive physical activity a day, however, and it is relatively easy to achieve that minimum by taking a brisk (轻快的) walk.
“In research on physical activity, fast walking is estimated to be four kilometres an hour,” he said. Although it may not seem like a lot, it depends on a person’s fitness level. “It is interesting that 4 km/h — a pace achievable for the vast majority of the population — is what it takes to really invest in your physical health,” he added.
For a walk to positively affect your heart, which will then impact your brain and your circulation, you need to “feel it”. To feel the work your body is doing, you need to walk at 4 to 6 kilometres an hour. If you wear a fitness tracker, aim for more than 100 steps a minute.
A recent study published by researchers at the Cambridge University found that just 11 minutes a day of moderate-intensity physical activities — a brisk walk — was enough to lower the risk of diseases such as heart disease, stroke and a number of cancers.
Lead author Soren Brage was not surprised by the findings. “Doing some physical activities is better than doing none. This is also a good starting position — if you find that 75 minutes a week is manageable, then you could try stepping it up gradually to the full recommended amount,” he said. The point is that a relatively short period of high-intensity exercise isn’t just better than nothing; it has a measurable and positive impact on health.
1. What is the recommended pace for fast walking?| A．7 kilometres per hour. | B．8 kilometres per hour |
| C．9 kilometres per hour. | D．4 kilometres per hour. |
| A．By putting into more effort. | B．By wearing less clothing |
| C．By walking at a quick pace. | D．By joining a group. |
| A．People should exercise 75 minutes a week. |
| B．It pays to increase the intensity of workouts. |
| C．People should stop being sedentary immediately. |
| D．It's important to measure the impact of exercise. |
| A．Reflect the influence of a new study. | B．Share the findings of a new research. |
| C．Assess a research process. | D．Clarify a research method. |
5 . Yuck! Chicken blood splashes onto the floor and insects fly everywhere in the market. The old Indian woman waves the butcher knife. You’re speechless. Your friend who moved to India a few months before you notices your horror. “It’s just something they do,” he clarifies.
You’ve heard living abroad is good for you. Experiences like this one make you say “Seriously?”
Yes. Seriously.
Researchers William Maddux and Hajo Adam have discovered not only that cultural experiences are good for you, but they’ve also discovered why they’re good for you. Cultural experiences can make you more creative.
Maddux and his team discovered that learning about new cultures you encounter deeply is key to obtaining cognitive rewards. The team did a series of experiments with people who had lived abroad for a long time. They asked the sojourners (旅居者) to recall experiences where they: learned something about the culture they lived in abroad; learned something about their own culture; did something unrelated (like visiting a supermarket). Those who recalled learning something about a new culture did much better on a creative problem-solving task immediately afterward.
Maddux and his team wondered, though. Does learning new cultures always help? Is it enough to just notice that another culture is different? In another experiment they had a group of people recall an experience where they learned something new about a foreign culture but hadn’t been able to learn about the reasons for it.
The people who later were made aware of the hidden reasons for the novel, different, or unexpected behaviors they had come across were much more creative afterward than those who weren’t.
This means that even though discovering cultural differences exist is great, it’s not enough to influence how you think in other situations. You have to learn why a cultural difference exists. That’s what helps you spot new connections later, in other aspects of your life.
1. Why is the scene mentioned in the first paragraph?| A．To show us an appropriate example. |
| B．To prove the advantages of living abroad. |
| C．To provide evidence for the writer’s viewpoint. |
| D．To draw readers’ attention to the following exploration. |
| A．What is necessary to be creative. |
| B．What influence creativity has on people. |
| C．What benefits cultural experiences bring. |
| D．What they can learn from their own cultures. |
| A．learning new cultures is always of great help |
| B．it’s not enough just to notice similarities between cultures |
| C．knowing the reasons for the difference is the key to creativity |
| D．culture difference has an impact on your way of thinking |
| A．A research report. | B．A geography textbook. |
| C．A travel brochure. | D．A science magazine. |
6 . Four Universities in Northern Part of China
Beijing Institute of Technology (BIT) is a renowned institution located in the heart of China’s capital, Beijing. Established in 1940, BIT has grown into a comprehensive university offering a wide range of disciplines, including engineering, science, management, humanities, and law. With a strong emphasis on practical application and innovation, BIT has become a leader in research and development, contributing significantly to China’s technological advancements.
China University of Political Science and Law (CUPL) is a prestigious institution dedicated to legal education and research. Founded in 1952, CUPL has played a crucial role in shaping China’s legal system and fostering legal professionals. With a focus on interdisciplinary studies and practical training, CUPL prepares students for careers in law, public administration, and international relations.
Dalian University of Technology (DUT) is located in the coastal city of Dalian, known for its strong engineering programs and research initiatives. Established in 1949, DUT has become a key player in China’s industrial and technological landscape. With state-of-the-art facilities and a commitment to innovation, DUT collaborates closely with industry partners to address real-world challenges and drive economic development.
Northeast Normal University (NENU) is situated in the city of Changchun and is recognized for its excellence in teacher education and liberal arts. Founded in 1946, NENU has a long-standing tradition of producing outstanding educators and scholars. With a focus on fostering critical thinking and cultural exchange, NENU offers a diverse range of programs in education, humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences, making it a vibrant hub for intellectual exploration and academic excellence in Northeast China.
Each of these universities represents a unique facet of China’s educational landscape, contributing to the nation’s development and global competitiveness in different ways. From technological innovation to legal expertise, from engineering excellence to liberal arts education, these institutions play a vital role in shaping the future of China and the world.
1. What do DUT and BIT have in common?| A．Their research focus on social sciences. |
| B．They are located in provincial capital. |
| C．They both emphasize the innovation. |
| D．They are both comprehensive universities. |
| A．Excellence in engineering programs and research. |
| B．Strong emphasis on practical application and innovation. |
| C．Outstanding achievements in teacher education and liberal arts. |
| D．Commitment to addressing world challenge and driving economic development. |
| A．Beijing Institute of Technology |
| B．China University of Political Science and Law |
| C．Dalian University of Technology |
| D．Northeast Normal University |
7 . There are three kinds of people in this world. Those who love Butter Chicken, those who think Butter Chicken is overrated and those who have never tasted Butter Chicken. Of all of these, I feel deep sorrow for the third kind. It is a loss of gigantic proportions, in my opinion.
Delhi, arguably the culinary (烹饪的) capital of India, owes a large part of its flavour heritage to the Mughals (印度贵族). Butter Chicken, however, has far more humble origins, and was born far closer to home. It only dates back a couple of decades to pre-partition India, and its story takes us to a sweet-shop, owned by an elderly gentleman called Mokha. It was here that young Gujral worked, where he helped invent the Tandoori Chicken that we all love today. Yes, you heard that right, this story also includes the invention of the famous Tandoori Chicken.
There came a time when Mokha’s health dropped and he eventually sold the shop to Gujral who renamed it as Moti Mahal. As a sharp businessman, Gujral realized that the Tandoori Chicken hanging above the tandoor (印度烤炉) all day would tend to dry out if unsold. He then came up with the genius idea of creating a basic sauces with tomatoes, butter, cream and some spices to immerse the Tandoori Chicken pieces in, helping them regain moisture and become tasty again. And thus, was born the Butter chicken.
When India was partitioned, Gujral moved to Delhi and so did Moti Mahal, with Butter Chicken and Tandoori Chicken in tow. The small outlet grew fast and now, almost 70 years later, it has a successful chain of restaurants with outlets far and wide, managed by his grandson, Monish. A few years back, when I was reviewing Masala Library in Mumbai, I was surprised to find Butter Chicken on the tasting menu. What started then, is now a full-fledged movement to take the humble dish and reinvent or present it in innovation. Today, you will find Butter Chicken tacos, pizzas, rolls, burgers, biryani and just about everything you can think of. I bet when Gujral invented Butter Chicken, little did he know that he was creating history, in a way.
1. What does the underlined word in paragraph 1 mean?| A．subtle | B．economic | C．dietary | D．enormous |
| A．He invented the Tandoori Chicken as well as Butter Chicken single-handedly. |
| B．His grandson, Monish, managed to move Moti Mahal and Butter Chicken to Delhi. |
| C．His inspiration of Butter chicken came from the unsold Tandoori Chicken. |
| D．He took over the shop from Mokha when India was partitioned. |
| A．explain his passion for Butter Chicken |
| B．show the popularity of Butter Chicken |
| C．indicate his satisfaction with the library |
| D．recommend a place to eat Butter chicken |
| A．The history of an Indian loved cuisine — Butter Chicken |
| B．The legend of a history-made hero — Gujral |
| C．The innovation of a humble Indian dish — Butter Chicken |
| D．The visit to the culinary capital — Delhi |
8 . Standing on a school stage, the master swings his arms and moves his body as he conducts an orchestra. The 70 young musicians keep a sharp focus on the master’s white baton (指挥棒) as it shoots upward, downward, and sideways.
Michael Morgan was six years old when his father moved a neighbor’s unwanted piano into their living room. He started piano lessons, but it was when he saw a conductor leading an orchestra on television that he realized what he really wanted to do. At age eight, he began reading The Joy of Music by conductor and composer Leonard Bernstein and figured out how to direct with a baton. After graduating from Oberlin College Conservatory of Music, Michael worked under Bernstein. “Conducting is a thing you learn by apprenticing (当学徒). You do more watching than anything else,” Morgan says. Even after Morgan had graduated from Oberlin, Bernstein’s masterful teaching continued to influence him.
Morgan is committed to offering kids a chance to explore classical music. In his hometown, he started to volunteer in local schools, conducting student orchestras and talking with kids about music. Morgan is also the music director and conductor of the Oakland Symphony. He works with teachers in after-school programs to reach students who can’t afford lessons.
Morgan is focused and works very hard. “He’s mastermind behind all of these programs,” says Elizabeth, Oakland Symphony Education Coordinator. “He is in an amazing harmony with students. He is really serious in getting down to his business.”
Morgan says his work is mostly about providing young people with an entrance into music. “Instruments give kids a way of emotional expression, a source of pride, and an interest they can carry with them through life. Young musicians come from many different cultures and communities. But with instruments in hand, their hearts sing as one,” he says.
1. What inspired Morgan to begin his career as a conductor?| A．A gift from his neighbor. | B．The piano lessons he took. |
| C．The guidance of his teacher. | D．A TV program in his childhood. |
| A．Passionate and honest. | B．Generous and demanding. |
| C．Ambitious and humorous. | D．Warmhearted and devoted. |
| A．To show recognition on Morgan. | B．To share her cooperation with Morgan. |
| C．To encourage kids to learn from Morgan. | D．To express people’s expectations for Morgan. |
| A．Playing music is the best way to relieve people’s tension. |
| B．Morgan opens a door to music teaching for young musicians. |
| C．Music has the power to bridge cultural gap and unite people. |
| D．Young musicians tend to play the same song whole-heartedly. |
9 . Xiaomi, best known for its popular smartphones and domestic appliances, launched its SU7 model on March 28 in China. The tech company began accepting orders in China via an app. Xiaomi said that it received 50,000 orders for the SU7 in the first 27 minutes after sales opened.
“Entering the car-making business will be the last big start-up project of my life. This is to perform our agreement made three years ago,” Chief Executive Lei Jun wrote. He added that he was confident about entering the EV (electric vehicle) market.
Xiaomi introduced the SU7 at its technology conference in December 2023, saying it was capable of accelerating speeds faster than Tesla cars and Porsche EVs, with one version capable of hitting 100 kilometers per hour in 2.78 seconds. One version has a driving range of up to 800 kilometers, it added.
The SU7’s release comes when EV makers battle for sales in the world’s largest auto market. Xiaomi will enter the competition as leading brands like BYD and Tesla are cutting prices sharply to attract consumers to buy their EVs in an oversupplied market.
Analysts said the SU7’s release will likely cut into Xiaomi’s bottom line as marketing and other expenses rise. Xiaomi posted a net profit of 4.87 billion yuan ($677.9 million) in the third quarter, up 52% from the preceding quarter on the back of improved margins. The key thing to watch for the launch will be the price, specifically if it’s below or above ¥ 200,000, Huatai Securities equity analyst Leping Huang said. The level serves as a classification benchmark for EVs in the same class as the SU7.
Xiaomi may have some advantages over competitors since it is “already a very well-known brand and may be able to take advantage of existing distribution channels,” Morningstar equity analyst Dan Baker said, “but recent profit forecasts could well be negative.”
1. What can we learn from the first two paragraphs?| A．The SU7 is well received by consumers in China. |
| B．Lei Jun raised his concern about the future of EV market. |
| C．Xiaomi regards developing SU7 models as its last project. |
| D．Orders of the SU7 can be placed in the shops worldwide now. |
| A．Higher costs of production than other EVs. |
| B．Lack of advantages in acceleration speeds. |
| C．Fierce competition in oversupplied market. |
| D．Technical issues with an ideal driving range. |
| A．Symbol. | B．Background. | C．Standard. | D．Management. |
| A．Xiaomi released its first EV | B．Xiaomi hits the big time overnight |
| C．Xiaomi has changed the EV market | D．Xiaomi will take the lead in the world |
10 . Millions of people have conditions that make walking difficult. Millions more regularly perform tough movement as part of their jobs. Wearable robotic devices called exoskeletons that help the legs move could benefit both of these groups. In laboratory settings, such devices have helped people walk faster while using less energy. But various obstacles have kept these devices from being practical for everyday use.
A research team at Stanford University led by Dr. Steven Collins has developed an exoskeleton that can rapidly adapt to the user during normal walking. The team tested how well an exoskeleton based on their model could adapt to a user. They then compared it to one based on lab measurements. Both methods wound up applying similar forces at different speeds and reduced effort similarly across a range of conditions. But the model-based adaptation took only one-quarter as long as the measurement-based adaptation.
Next, the researchers created a portable, ankle-worn exoskeleton that could be used in the real world. The exoskeleton was powered by a battery pack worn at the waist.
The team conducted tests of the device outdoors on public sidewalks. Compared with walking in normal shoes, the exoskeleton increased walking speed by 9% while expending 17% less energy on average. This is equal to the energy savings of removing a 20-pound backpack. When walking on a treadmill (跑步机) at a constant speed, users expended up to 23% less energy, equal to removing a 30-pound backpack.
“This exoskeleton personalize s assistance as people walk normally through the real world,” Collins says. “This opens the door to a much broader use of exoskeletons to assist individuals with physical impairments (损伤) and people who need to carry heavy loads,” adds co-author Dr. Scott Delp.
1. Who are exoskeletons designed for?| A．Sportsmen in a race. | B．Firefighters on a mission. |
| C．Patients with mental disabilities. | D．Doctors doing an operation. |
| A．Barriers. | B．Applications. | C．Models. | D．Backpacks. |
| A．To illustrate the advantage of exoskeletons. | B．To compare exoskeletons with normal shoes. |
| C．To give examples of different kinds of shoes. | D．To list the reasons for designing exoskeletons. |
| A．Conservative. | B．Negative. | C．Favourable. | D．Indifferent. |
