1 . Do you remember all those years when scientists argued that smoking would kill us but the doubters insisted that we didn’t know for sure? That the evidence was inconclusive, the science uncertain? That the anti-smoking lobby(游说) was out to destroy our way of life and the government should stay out of the way? Lots of Americans bought that nonsense, and over three decades, some 10 million smokers went to early graves.
There are upsetting parallels today, as scientists in one wave after another try to awaken us to the growing threat of global warming. The latest was a panel from the National Academy of Sciences, enlisted by the White House, to tell us that the Earth’s atmosphere is definitely warming and that the problem is largely man-made. The clear message is that we should get moving to protect ourselves. The president of the National Academy, Bruce Alberts, added this key point in the preface to the panel’s report: “Science never has all the answers. But science does provide us with the best available guide to the future, and it is critical that our nation and the world base important policies on the best judgments that science can provide concerning the future consequences of present actions.”
Just as on smoking, voices now come from many quarters insisting that the science about global warming is incomplete, that it’s OK to keep pouring fumes into the air until we know for sure. This is a dangerous game: by the time 100 percent of the evidence is in, it may be too late. With the risks obvious and growing, a prudent person would take out an insurance policy now.
Fortunately, the White House is starting to pay attention. But it’s obvious that a majority of the president’s advisers still don’t take global warming seriously. Instead of a plan of action, they continue to press for more research — a classic case of “paralysis by analysis”.
To serve as responsible stewards of the planet, we must press forward on deeper atmospheric and oceanic research. But research alone is inadequate. If the Administration won’t take the legislative initiative, Congress should help to begin fashioning conservation measures. A bill by Democratic Senator Robert Byrd of West Virginia, which would offer financial supports for private industry, is a promising start. Many see that the country is getting ready to build lots of new power plants to meet our energy needs. If we are ever going to protect the atmosphere, it is crucial that those new plants be environmentally sound.
1. What was an argument made by supporters of smoking?| A．Anti-smoking people were usually talking nonsense. |
| B．People had the freedom to choose their own way of life. |
| C．The number of early deaths of smokers in the past decades was insignificant. |
| D．There was no scientific evidence of the correlation between smoking and death. |
| A．A protector. | B．A judge. | C．A critic. | D．A guide. |
| A．Cautious. | B．Confident. | C．Responsible. | D．Experienced. |
| A．Both of them have turned from bad to worse. |
| B．The outcome of the latter worsens the former. |
| C．A lesson from the latter is applicable to the former. |
| D．They both suffered from the government’s neglect. |
2 . Social media provides materialists with ideal opportunities to compare themselves with others, which makes them subject to passive and addictive user behavior. This stresses them out and, ultimately, leads to low life satisfaction, according to a new study.
The researchers headed by Dr. Phillip Ozimek from Germany employed 1, 230 people for their online survey. In order to participate, respondents had to visit at least one social media channel at least once a week. On average, the participants stated they spent just over two hours a day on social media.
The team used six different questionnaires to determine the extent to which the participants had a materialistic attitude and tended to compare themselves with others, whether they used social media more actively or passively, whether they were addicted to social media, how stressed and how satisfied they were with their lives.
“The data showed a stronger materialistic approach goes hand in hand with a tendency to compare oneself with others,” points out Ozimek. This comparison is easy to make on social media, primarily through passive use—by looking at the content posted by other users. Materialism and passive use were also linked to addictive use of social media.
“Users are constantly thinking about the respective channels and fear they’re missing out on something if they aren’t online,” explains Ozimek. “This in turn leads to poorer mental health like stress. The final link in the chain is reduced life satisfaction.”
“Overall, the study provides further evidence that the use of social media is associated with risks, especially for people with a highly materialistic mindset,” says the psychologist. “This is particularly worrying, because social media can stimulate and increase materialistic values through influence r marketing. Meanwhile, the platforms attract materialists anyway, as they’re a perfect way to satisfy materialistic needs.”
“It’s definitely a good idea to be aware of the amount of time you spend on social media and to reduce it,” recommends Ozimek, who advises against giving up social media completely. “If you did, you’re likely to over-correct.” He also suggests recording materialism and social media use in patients undergoing treatment for mental health disorders. “While these factors are often irrelevant, they can be a starting point for additional interventions patients can try out at home.”
1. Which of the following is a suitable title for the text?| A．The Virtual World, the Real Danger |
| B．Showing Superiority Causes Heavy Media Use |
| C．More Social Media Materialism, Less Happiness |
| D．Materialistic Values: A Stepping Stone to Discontent |
| A．be a big spender | B．specialize in data analysis |
| C．be a regular social media user | D．upload web surfing history |
| A．Pessimism. | B．Sympathy. | C．Shock. | D．Concern. |
| A．Restricting the duration. | B．Logging onto well-rated websites. |
| C．Abandoning it for good. | D．Prohibiting patients from using it. |
3 . Today’s robots do everything from building car s to exploring Mars. They go to places humans are unable to and handle dangerous or messy jobs that we’d rather avoid doing. Who knows what could be possible with robots in the near future? Check out these amazing robots both past and present…maybe one will inspire the roboticist in you!
UNIMATEA robot arm might not sound that exciting, but one forever changed how cars are made. The Unimate started to work in a car factory in New Jersey in 1961. Soon, it had spread around the United States, Europe, and Japan, putting cars together faster than people could. The first Unimates helped build 110 cars per hour—more than double the rate achieved before! Robotic arms are still used in factories today.
SOJOURNERSojourner, the first of NASA’s robotic explorers, called rovers, landed on Mars in 1997. About the size of a microwave oven, Sojourner measured wind and weather and sent back more than 550 photos of Mars. The rover was designed for a week-long task but kept going for 83 Martian days (85 Earth days).
COLOSSUSColossus is a fire-fighting robot. It sprays more than 660 gallons (2,500 liters) of water per minute and can carry more than 1,000 pounds (450 kg) of gear (装备). In 2019, Colossus helped put out the fire in Paris’s famed Notre Dame Cathedral. When areas grew too dangerous for human firefighters, the robot rolled inside to save the day.
SPOTSpot’s four legs let it climb stairs and handle rough ground, and its five pairs of cameras can be used to examine places too dangerous for humans. In 2022, archaeologists in Pompeii, Italy, sent Spot through the ruins to check on areas that might need repairs.
1. What type of robot does Unimate belong to?| A．Fun robot | B．Exploration robot |
| C．Industrial robot | D．Fire-fighting robot |
| A．They are practically cute. | B．They are highly entertaining. |
| C．They are typically humanlike. | D．They are unbelievably helpful. |
| A．A school website. | B．A science magazine. | C．A job advertisement. | D．A health issue. |
4 . I have been a healthcare assistant with Marie Curie for four years. What led me to join this remarkable organization was a deeply personal experience.
Seven years ago, my father was in the hospital, and I was informed that he was in the end-of-life stage. He had wanted to be at home during his final moments, so I arranged for him to return home. He spent only one more night there, but he wasn’t alone. A Marie Curie nurse was by our side. Facing the emotions that come with knowing a loved one is at the end of their life can be heartbreaking. Having a nurse with us made it easier to deal with these feelings. That’s when I made the decision to join Marie Curie.
Working for the charity, I find myself on duty during most Christmases. We operate every single day, including holidays. You might assume that being with families during their last Christmas, knowing it’s a difficult time for the person they’re caring for, would be a sad experience. But what may surprise you is that it’s not. The families, in my experience, are not sad. They make the most of the time they have left and they remain positive for everyone knows what’s coming. They understand that their loved one is dying, but it’s not a time for sorrow, it’s a time of togetherness and warmth. I remember one particular family — three sisters — and the fourth was in the end-of-life stage. When I arrived, she was in a critical condition, and I knew she might not make it through the night. But sitting with the sisters, talking about their childhood, recalling what happened in the past was a special time. They mentioned that their sister had asked for peaches and cream earlier that day, and they made sure she got what she wanted. She went to sleep, and we lost her that night.
We can’t change what happens to us, but we can make a difference. We provide support through the stages of sadness and struggles. And, surprisingly, people may not suffer that much.
1. What can we learn about Marie Curie from the passage?| A．It is a remarkable healthcare organization for benefit. |
| B．It is one of the most volunteer organizations in the world. |
| C．It won’t offer the service during some important festivals. |
| D．It can be a big comfort to those facing their beloved ones’ death. |
| A．Because of the special relationship between them. |
| B．Because of their unusual and abnormal behaviour. |
| C．Because of the countless hardship the family has suffered. |
| D．Because of the family’s courage and calmness facing misfortune. |
| A．Actions speak louder than words. | B．Misfortune might be an actual blessing. |
| C．Where there is action, there is difference. | D．All things are difficult before they are easy. |
| A．Devoted and caring. | B．Gifted and generous. |
| C．Hardworking and honest. | D．Sensitive and determined. |
5 . Is there any such thing as a salt tooth? We are familiar with a sweet tooth, along with the negative effects of sugar. We are broadly aware of the disadvantages of too much salt, including high blood pressure, which puts pressure on the blood vessels (血管), the heart and the kidneys. It can also lead to water retention (水肿). But we don’t tend to police how much salt we eat — at least, not as rigorously as with sugar — or question whether we are just paying attention to our bodies, which require some salt for muscles to work properly, or we are being controlled by a strong urge.
A salt tooth is quite unlike a sweet tooth. It doesn’t create an appetite for itself at the hormone level. But salt does make our taste buds (味蕾) get used to it, so that the more you eat, the more you need to get the same salty hit. This is why chefs can get heavy-handed with it.
As Sam Bloom, a nutritional therapist, explains, “What is generally more concerning is the fat that is used together with salt, like salty crisps, fries and fast food. Ready meals are often the worst for hidden salts. Anything that adds flavor that isn’t a spice or herb will probably have salt added to it and can make you want to eat more because it tastes good. The salt and fat combination in these foods is what causes problems with cholesterol (胆固醇). The salt that people add to a meal is much less concerning.”
Nutritionists’ suggestion is convincing: When the desire for salt hits, avoid going straight for salty snack foods such as crisps and instead ensure you are well hydrated. Seek out whole foods, such as olives and leafy greens. These foods will help you alleviate the desire for salt, which may often be due to a desire for nutrient-rich food.
1. What does the underlined word “rigorously” in paragraph 1 mean?| A．Generally. | B．Strictly. | C．Largely. | D．Pleasantly. |
| A．Salt attracts chefs. |
| B．Salt gets people adapted. |
| C．Salt can change hormone level. |
| D．Salt generates a special appetite. |
| A．Objective. | B．Approving. | C．Negative. | D．Ambiguous. |
| A．Ways of seeking out whole food. |
| B．Reasons for getting the desire for salt. |
| C．Attitudes towards seeking for nutrient food. |
| D．Approaches to relieving the eagerness for salt. |
6 . With her exit to care for a family member, Sluhan, a preschool art teacher, will help her students show their artworks in her last art show with the school. The preschoolers hold a display each year, allowing the parents an insight into what they have been doing in the classroom.
On Thursday, the school will be closed for Sluhan to change it into an art gallery featuring hundreds of the students’ pieces. “Before, we would just put paintings up in classrooms, taped to the walls,” said director Seely. “Now, the school will be completely changed. You won’t even know it’s a preschool.”
Sluhan thinks that it is important for the children to explore several different methods of art. She has broken with the traditional way of teaching. The preschoolers experiment with different materials and colors to learn what they like and also appreciate art. Seely says there has been an increase in the students’ interest in art since Sluhan joined the preschool six years ago. Many of the young students have listed “artist” when asked what they want to be when they grow up.
The kids receive one hour of art each week from Sluhan, and she tries to fill each hour with enriching material to create a foundation for their education. She believes that the lessons help the children become appreciative of art. They are better able to recognize that art is not one particular thing.
In practice, the art show is a visual way for parents to understand some of what the students have learned. It’s also a way for the kids to show off.
For the past six years, Sluhan has put in a lot of work to create the art program and the art show as they are now. With her leaving, a new art teacher will continue with the art shows and the curriculum Sluhan has established.
1. Why will the art show be Sluhan’s last one?| A．She is about to quit her post. | B．The art class will be called off. |
| C．The school is about to be closed. | D．She will go to teach in another school. |
| A．Unproductive. | B．Unpractical. | C．Fruitful. | D．Conventional. |
| A．To help them enjoy art. | B．To inspire them to be artists. |
| C．To offer them a chance to show off. | D．To cater to their parents’ preferences. |
| A．Art Lessons: Understanding Kids | B．An Art Teacher: Keeping Teaching |
| C．An Art Show: Parting with Students | D．Artworks: Featuring Preschoolers’ Personalities |
7 . Behind an “unruly” child at school, there may often be a social, creative and active child. For this reason, we must never judge by
Joe Whale, a 9-year-old boy, was repeatedly
His drawing teacher also noticed the boy’s
Many parents, when their child has received negative assessments at school, tend to blame them even further. The fact is that every child has a
| A．appearances | B．wealth | C．abilities | D．knowledge |
| A．interrupted | B．promoted | C．informed | D．criticized |
| A．in spite of | B．instead of | C．other than | D．regardless of |
| A．chosen | B．abandoned | C．labeled | D．introduced |
| A．speaking | B．sociable | C．predicting | D．artistic |
| A．specialty | B．plan | C．belief | D．challenge |
| A．deserted | B．ignored | C．refused | D．invented |
| A．similar | B．impressive | C．reliable | D．essential |
| A．fix | B．build | C．decorate | D．draw |
| A．purposefully | B．separately | C．completely | D．barely |
| A．follow | B．wake | C．interpret | D．share |
| A．appropriate | B．demanding | C．flexible | D．regular |
| A．mood | B．words | C．thanks | D．imagination |
| A．talent | B．responsibility | C．position | D．faith |
| A．advertise | B．possess | C．identify | D．describe |
8 . It’s January and time to go back to school. For some, that might be a gloomy prospect after the joys of the post Christmas festive period. For me, though, it’s as exciting as a trip to Antarctica, also as scary as starting a job for which I’m not sure whether I’m qualified.
To be embarking on a master’s degree in Psychotherapy and Counselling at Regent’s University at 71 is perhaps an unlikely route for someone who dropped out of school at 17. But now I’ve come full circle to the conclusion that nothing, for me, feels more stimulating at this point in my life than learning new things. That studying, far from being the bore and the chore it used to be, is a treat.
Turning 70 came as something of a shock. I started to feel I was drifting (飘). Without a big project, and without any major family responsibilities, I was starting to feel I was lying on a bed of thorns. Friends of similar age were lapping up their lives, socializing and travelling. However, I longed for something more. Or perhaps not more, but different.
As the gloom grew, I thought perhaps I needed to see a therapist. A friend, a psychotherapist, suggested that while therapy might be useful, doing a course on the basics of psychotherapy and counselling might be more up my street. Without too much thinking, I decided to give it a shot.
So that’s how every weekday I beep (发出哔哔声) myself through the gate with my student pass, which makes me smile every time. I felt privileged to be exposed to a group of my fellow students who were willing to be open to me.
While ageing is an inevitable process, we can get rid of a lot of the rules about what’s age-appropriate. Studying for a master’s degree in old age is a challenge, but it has provided me with a new perspective on life. Hence, ageing should never limit your ambitions.
1. How did the author feel when going back to school?| A．Unrealistic. | B．Resistant. |
| C．Awkward. | D．Expectant. |
| A．She achieved nothing before. | B．She lived without a purpose. |
| C．She had to support her family. | D．She was separated by her fellows. |
| A．Keeping your passions alive. | B．Seeking support if needed. |
| C．Behaving age-appropriately. | D．Socializing with young students. |
| A．Returning To School — My Dream Since Childhood |
| B．My Efforts To Learn At An unlikely Age Paying Off |
| C．Learning — My Way To Overcome The Ageing Crisis |
| D．My Tough Journey To Pursuing A Master’s Degree |
9 . Dragons, a famous imaginary beast born from fantasy, are often present in stories in the west and east. In both cultures, dragons are generally recognized as massive creatures capable of flight. They have great power and are often associated with magical abilities. However, due to their different cultural roots and images, there exist significant differences in the way dragons are regarded in the west and east, particularly in China.
Chinese dragons most resemble snakes, and have four claws and no wings. They often have features of other animals, including carp, tigers, and eagles. In the contrast, Western dragons look like huge lizards with big claws and large bat-like wings, and are often shown with spines or rough scales.
In traditional Chinese culture, a dragon is a symbol of luck, power and high status. They can cause weather changes and bring rainfall to the fields to ensure rich harvests. They are considered divine (神圣的) creatures, which hold an important position as the head of the four spirits. Therefore, to symbolize their power, ancient Chinese emperors decorated their clothes with dragon patterns. These clothes are known as dragon robes. Many Chinese view the dragon as a national symbol, proudly referring to themselves as “descendants of the dragon”. In the west, however, a dragon symbolizes an evil creature that spreads violence and terror throughout the land. They are believed to be transformed by the devil, with the ability to breathe fire or spit poison. Many western tales show dragons being defeated and killed to protect people from danger.
Today, dragons continue to evolve, exceeding traditional boundaries and finding new significance in global culture. They are no longer associated with evil or good, but rather as complex characters with their own unique personalities and motivations. For example, Toothless from How to Train Your Dragon begins as a dangerous dragon but evolves into a misunderstood being with love and compassion. This challenges the idea of dragons as naturally evil, presenting them as complex beings with emotions and motivations.
1. What do western dragons and eastern dragons have in common?| A．They have rough skin. | B．They are huge and powerful. |
| C．They are in the shape of snakes. | D．They have big claws and wings. |
| A．Western dragons are a symbol of authority. |
| B．Dragons in China can protect people from danger. |
| C．Chinese dragons can control rainfall and breathe fire. |
| D．Dragons are believed to cause chaos in western culture. |
| A．They are regarded as adventurous creatures. |
| B．They are closely associated with evil or good. |
| C．They have more diverse emotions and personalities. |
| D．They tend to represent human spirits facing challenges. |
| A．The Dragon Elements in Global Culture |
| B．The Origin of Dragons in Chinese History |
| C．The Magical Animals in Different Countries |
| D．The Images of Dragons in Western Traditions |
10 . I woke up with a painful back this moming.This was not
From the split in one shoe,I knew that it wouldn’t be too long
Later,after walking the dogs,watching the sunrise and eating breakfast,I was feeling a lot
At some point in your life you need to
| A．unusual | B．unknown | C．appealing | D．appropriate |
| A．shoes | B．coat | C．clothes | D．trousers |
| A．symbols | B．signals | C．signs | D．marks |
| A．since | B．until | C．before | D．after |
| A．tense | B．painful | C．better | D．worse |
| A．strange | B．dark | C．moving | D．delightful |
| A．normal | B．useful | C．different | D．great |
| A．in respect of | B．in spite of | C．in addition to | D．in terms of |
| A．if | B．while | C．as | D．because |
| A．soul | B．comforted | C．assigned | D．wish |
| A．describe | B．decide | C．display | D．deny |
| A．seems | B．looks | C．grows | D．keeps |
| A．young | B．mature | C．strong | D．weak |
| A．start | B．step | C．make | D．put |
| A．under | B．from | C．behind | D．without |
