1 . My father once told me some advice. “The advice,” he said, “was that if after the first 50 pages of a book you don’t get
A reader, he suggested, needs a little
I like to think my father’s readerly advice can be
A.tired | B.attracted | C.convinced | D.informed |
A.try | B.copy | C.send | D.remember |
A.patience | B.imagination | C.strength | D.courage |
A.perfect | B.regular | C.obvious | D.particular |
A.continue | B.enjoy | C.stop | D.practice |
A.permit | B.beg | C.force | D.cheat |
A.especially | B.objectively | C.fortunately | D.partly |
A.characteristic | B.expression | C.prejudice | D.recognition |
A.various | B.unreal | C.priceless | D.unchanging |
A.used | B.told | C.assessed | D.hidden |
A.idea | B.chance | C.stage | D.competition |
A.meetings | B.operations | C.improvements | D.delays |
A.attitude | B.urge | C.smile | D.struggle |
A.appreciate | B.record | C.rescue | D.care |
A.in brief | B.on earth | C.at least | D.in addition |
2 . “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 |
3 . 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. |
4 . 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. |
5 . 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. |
6 . Satellites are an important part of our ordinary lives. For example, the information for weather forecasts is sent by satellite. Some satellites have cameras which take photographs of Earth to show how clouds are moving. Satellites are also used to connect our phone calls.
Computer connections of the World Wide Web and the Internet also use satellites. Many of our TV programs come to us by satellite. Airplane pilots sometimes also use a satellite to help them find their exact location.
We use satellites to send television pictures from one part of the world to another. They are usually 35,880 kilometers above the equator (赤道). Sometimes we can see a satellite in the sky and it seems to stay in the same place. This is because it is moving around the world at 11,000 kilometers an hour — exactly the same speed that the Earth rotates (转动). A satellite must move around the Earth with its antennae (天线) facing the Earth. Sometimes, it moves away from its orbit (轨道), so there are some rockets on it which are used to put the satellite back in the right position. This usually happens about every five or six days.
Space is not empty! Every week, more and more satellites are sent into space to orbit Earth. A satellite usually works for about 10-12 years. Satellites which are broken are sometimes repaired by astronauts or sometimes brought back to Earth to be repaired. Often, very old or broken satellites are left in space to orbit Earth for a very long time. This is very serious because some satellites use nuclear power and they can crash into each other.
1. Which of the following is NOT done by satellite according to the passage?A.Sending information for weather forecasts. |
B.Taking photographs of the Earth. |
C.Sending TV pictures to the Earth. |
D.Providing food for airplane pilots. |
A.35,880 kilometers per hour. |
B.335,880 kilometers per hour. |
C.11,000 kilometers per hour. |
D.110,000 kilometers per hour. |
A.A satellite moves around the Earth forever. |
B.A rocket always keeps a satellite’s company. |
C.A satellite seems to stay in the same place in the sky. |
D.The satellite puts the rockets in the right position. |
A.A satellite usually works for about 10-12 years. |
B.Every time a satellite gets broken, it is thrown away. |
C.A broken satellite is never left in space. |
D.Broken satellites always crash into each other. |
7 . My interest in body language began with a professor of mine at university. He mentioned “Pinocchio” to me one cold morning after saying that I always rubbed my nose when giving excuses for being late to his courses. Actually, when someone tells a lie, the person’s blood rushes to the nose and the extra blood makes it itchy (发痒的). This little example of non-verbal communication inspired me to become a body language expert. Now, I earn my living by training people in non-verbal communication. Knowing when someone is lying and knowing how to persuade people are two of the most important skills you’ll ever learn.
I have spent a lot of time studying the ways the human body gives and they provide more reliable information than the words we speak. The words say one thing but the body may say something completely different. We know that crossed arms can be seen as either defensive or aggressive (攻击性的), but what about facial expressions, postures and gestures? All of these say a lot and can only be understood if you know how to make sense of the signs.
Business companies always need my services and I try to improve their confidence by teaching them about body language. I give advice about handshakes, which should always be firm and steady, and I teach the importance of personal space. They may seem like small matters, but these codes of behaviour can be the key to making or breaking a business deal.
My working life gives me a great deal of satisfaction. I feel that I’m providing a public service, but it is a service that has had its downside. Whenever I meet someone new and I tell them what I do for a living, they immediately put their guard up and they’re no longer relaxed. They quite literally freeze in the attempt to hide all the signals that they think I’m reading. It makes life difficult at times, but I consider it a small price to pay for a job I enjoy so much.
1. What is the author’s purpose of mentioning his professor?A.To describe his professor’s success. |
B.To explain why he chose his career. |
C.To show his professor’s study of the “Pinocchio” effect. |
D.To introduce what impressed him most during his career. |
A.The body language can tell you the real story behind words. |
B.It takes a plenty of time to study the body language. |
C.Crossed arms can be regarded as an impolite way. |
D.Facial expressions play an important part in the body language. |
A.They dislike his services. |
B.They think he is too proud. |
C.They consider him unreliable. |
D.They believe he is studying them. |
A.He thinks little of minor gestures. |
B.He travels the world giving advice. |
C.He is happy with his work. |
D.He is good at pretending. |
8 . I was addicted to YouTube. My
As the months rolled by, checking in every day with people who were talking to me personally became an addiction. I
Regardless of my growing anxiety, I continued to
In a moment of clarity, I realized that I had a full and happy life myself, which
A.motivation | B.addiction | C.communication | D.attention |
A.involvement | B.arrangement | C.experience | D.adventure |
A.discovered | B.revealed | C.ensured | D.promised |
A.watching | B.imagining | C.feeling | D.leaving |
A.reference | B.expression | C.explanation | D.advice |
A.heard about | B.subscribed to | C.searched for | D.called at |
A.aimlessly | B.patiently | C.anxiously | D.carelessly |
A.grateful | B.amusing | C.peaceful | D.boring |
A.Sooner or later | B.At some point | C.In the past | D.For the moment |
A.click | B.write | C.put | D.look |
A.connected | B.compared | C.occupied | D.provided |
A.follow | B.declare | C.hate | D.break |
A.suited | B.assisted | C.transformed | D.directed |
A.ashamed | B.content | C.afraid | D.confident |
A.composed | B.persuaded | C.adopted | D.replaced |
9 . During a 7-hour flight from New York to London, Jack noticed 88-year-old Violet heading to her seat in Virgin Atlantic’s economy class section. Violet’s particularly vulnerable (脆弱的) condition caught his eye. Jack approached Violet and engaged in a conversation with her learning she was a former nurse and was on her way back to London alone after visiting her daughter. She had only recently been able to visit her daughter because she spent so long recovering from a knee replacement.
Inspired by Violet’s story, the young man proposed an offer that left the elderly passenger speechless. Jack told Violet that he was traveling in first class, but he wanted to trade seats with her. If she agreed, she would receive all of the luxuries that come along with an upper-class ticket, including a leather recliner and bed, gourmet cuisine. and all the free drinks she desires.
At first, Violet couldn’t believe her ears. After the gentleman sitting next to Violet nudged her with his elbow, Violet reluctantly agreed. Jack helped collect her bags and luggage, then she followed him to the first-class cabin. Jack then sat on the row of seats directly next to the economy toilets and never made a peep or asked for anything the rest of the flight.
The good deed was exposed by flight attendant Leah, who had the pleasure of serving Violet during the flight. Violet told Leah her daughter won’t believe her. Her dream had always been to sit at the front, and Jack made that come true. The wonderment and gratitude in the elderly woman’s every expression were so heartwarming that Leah couldn’t stop sharing it on social media. Unsurprisingly, the post went viral (T), and Jack and Violet’s story brought a widespread attention.
Jack wasn’t trying to gain praise or attention with his act of charity. He simply wished to generously bless a complete stranger. It’s this sort of kindness that the world greatly needs.
1. Jack offered his first class seat to Violet when .A.the plane was landing | B.he heard about her experience |
C.they began their conversation | D.she was on her way to visit her daughter |
A.Pushed gently. | B.Begged eagerly. | C.Promised happily. | D.Explained clearly. |
A.Flying first class. | B.Putting love forward. |
C.Going viral overnight. | D.Living with her daughter. |
A.Outgoing and curious. | B.Generous and humble. |
C.Creative and energetic. | D.Sociable and optimistic. |
10 . 4-Day Tour of Zurich
If you only have 4 days to spend in Zurich, we’ve narrowed down the top places you should check out to get the best experience of your time here. Welcome to our group tour of Zurich!
Day 1 The guide will first lead us to the splendid Mountain World of the Bemese Oberland. Then we plan to board the Cogwheel train at Lauterbrunnen to Jungfraujoch, the highest railway station in Europe. The most exciting part of this train trip is the beautiful Ice Palace on the way and we’ll have a chance to overlook (俯视) the Aletsch Glacier. |
Day 2 After breakfast, we will drive along the beautiful Lake Thun to the capital Berne. The city sits against the impressive Alps at the bend of the Aare River. After visiting the old district of the city, we will head to scenic Gruyeres. where we will visit the cheese factory and taste the famous Gruyere cheese. Later we are heading to Vaud Riviera, arriving at today’s destination Geneva. |
Day 3 First of all, we will visit the beautiful lakeside park and the famous Palace of Nations in Geneva. Then we’ ll leave Geneva and drive to Montreux. On the way. we’ ll see Chillon Castle. the 13th-century building which is famous for Lord Byron’s poem. After arriving at Tasch in the afternoon. we will take the train to Zermatt and stay for one night there. |
Day 4 For the last day in Zurich, you might be tired from the previous days. Zurich is known for their shopping, so this day could be shopping or window shopping! Each quarter of the city offers a unique shopping experience. You can explore Zurich’s Old Town which has smaller. traditional stores &. boutiques. Or maybe you are interested in expensive items in which you can stroll through Bahnhofstrasse. Walking through different streets you will stumble upon cafes and restaurants so you can easily find a spot for lunch and dinner. |
A.Visiting the Cogwheel train. | B.Hiking the Bernese Oberland. |
C.Appreciating the beautiful Ice Palace. | D.Going boating on Lake Thun. |
A.Tasting delicious cheese. | B.Visiting Lord Byron’s residence. |
C.Having a short stay in Geneva. | D.Enjoying the natural scenery of Berne. |
A.Buying souvenirs in Chillon Castle. | B.Enjoying a dinner in Gruyere . |
C.Visiting cheese factory in Zurich’s Old Town. | D.Hanging out through Bahnhofstrasse. |