1 . The Australian government has given the World Heritage Committee the most recent information on the measures it has taken to protect the Great Barrier Reef from human-made climate change.
Last June, the World Heritage Committee chose not to list the Reef as “in danger”, but asked Australia to give an update on its preservation measures by February 1. In the report, the government has shown how its policies and scientific research are helping to protect the heritage-listed reef. Improving water quality, tough new fishing restrictions and unusual experiments in “cloud brightening” are all listed in the report.
The government had invested $1.2 billion in the Reef, while the Queensland government had invested more than $1 billion since 2015. “The Great Barrier Reef is the best managed reef in the world and the report shows the significant action we are taking to protect this important natural wonder,” said Senator Nita Green.
Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek has unveiled a new strategy to protect and restore the wetland areas of the Reef, which she said had decreased by over 50 per cent since European settlement.
Water quality improvements were a focus in the government’s report, after the Committee said they were concerned that it was taking too long to meet targets. 140,000 tons of sediment (沉积物) had been prevented from entering the Reef over the past decade. Gillnet (刺网) fishing was being gradually stopped using, with half the previously allowed number of licenses issued this month. Conservationists welcomed the ban on gillnets, but others warned the move could ruin the fishing industry.
These projects have been exploring whether it is possible to provide shade for coral reefs by artificially increasing the reflectiveness of clouds, or creating fogs to stop sunlight reaching below the sea surface.
1. What is the main focus of the report to the World Heritage Committee?| A．Funding details. | B．Preservation measures. |
| C．Environmental challenges. | D．Economic impact on fishing. |
| A．The creative experiment. | B．The decrease in wetland areas. |
| C．The sediment run-off mapping. | D．The amount of funding it has received. |
| A．Covered. | B．Announced. |
| C．Hidden. | D．Removed. |
| A．Supportive. | B．Doubtful. |
| C．Indifferent. | D．Unclear. |
2 . My 15-year-old daughter landed her first job this summer as a dishwasher at the local cafe, making$16 an hour. And I was filled with pride and unrequested advice.
After her first shift, my daughter issued her grievances. She was on her feet for hours on end! The water was extremely hot! She was too busy to eat dinner! And every time she turned around, the sink was piled high with pots and pans covered in cheese and sauce!
I panicked. Over the next few days, I tried talking to my daughter about what she could do differently. I tried coaching her on how to ask her manager for a 15-minute snack break. And I offered her a pair of rubber gloves. My daughter would have none of it.
As the weeks wore on, she got to know the work well. Oh, she still complained. But she told me that she was gamifying (游戏化) the washing system, that the line cooks had an amusing middle school sense of humor, and that the head chef was developing a dessert that she got to taste-test before it hit the menu. Plus, there was the money.
The other day she said that during her first week at work, she didn’t understand how to clock in and out on the time clock (考勤钟). “So, I told my boss the clock wasn’t working for me and I texted him my hours,” she said. “But later on, I watched a few other people clock in and figured it out.”
“You know, sometimes it’s OK to ask for help,” I advised.
As soon as I saw her wounded look, I regretted my words. Why was I correcting her when she’d eventually found the solution on her own? That was her chance to grow, learn, and gain independence and responsibility.
Last night she told me excitedly the boss asked her to do some salad preparation. When I heard the news, I smiled happily. A promotion already! For a teenager, having a summer job is a beautiful growing experience, and for a parent, watching your child experience it is an exercise in learning to let go.
1. What does the underlined word “grievances” mean in Paragraph 2?| A．Complaints. | B．Securities. | C．Warnings. | D．Standards. |
| A．She complained of them. | B．She adopted some of them. |
| C．She thought highly of them. | D．She paid no attention to them. |
| A．She earned a higher salary. | B．She tried to impress the chef. |
| C．She liked playing games at work. | D．She adapted herself to the job. |
| A．She was corrected by her mother. | B．She didn’t know how to ask for help. |
| C．She was wounded while washing dishes. | D．She didn’t get enough support from the boss. |
3 . When you think of curiosity, you might picture people exploring new books or new places. But how does it fit and, more importantly, why does it matter in the
The best workers are those who have a(n)
Think of Steve Jobs, probably the most celebrated entrepreneur (企业家) of our day. What
Curiosity makes us better co-workers, too. It helps us understand others, establish effective
| A．negotiation | B．workplace | C．research | D．classroom |
| A．generosity | B．comparison | C．consideration | D．recognition |
| A．organized | B．sensitive | C．practical | D．innovative |
| A．challenging | B．presenting | C．recommending | D．examining |
| A．emerge | B．cease | C．survive | D．struggle |
| A．preventable | B．possible | C．convenient | D．beneficial |
| A．imaginative | B．curious | C．ambitious | D．optimistic |
| A．reminded | B．troubled | C．appointed | D．stimulated |
| A．previously | B．specifically | C．occasionally | D．eventually |
| A．give in | B．end up | C．stand out | D．fall behind |
| A．hidden | B．mistaken | C．copied | D．guessed |
| A．sufficient | B．typical | C．unique | D．predictable |
| A．makes for | B．gives away | C．checks on | D．makes out |
| A．restrictions | B．interactions | C．competition | D．debate |
| A．preference | B．similarity | C．conflict | D．domination |
4 . Rote memorization is when we repeat a piece of information until we remember it. One great example of it is how we memorize the alphabet (字母表) when we are little. “Rote memorization can be a useful learning tool in some situations, but its effectiveness depends on the type of information being learned and how it is applied,” says Dr. Aldrich Chan, neuropsychologist and professor of Pepperdine University of the US.
Rote memorization can be useful for test preparation, learning basic facts and information such as vocabulary words or math formulas, and when we are in the early stages of learning something new. Rote memorization has a place in our day to day lives, especially when we need to learn something new or in a quick fashion. It enables us to remember information in situations where doing so is the main thing asked of us, even if it doesn’t lead us to have a deep understanding of that information.
However, rote memorization isn’t always the solution to every problem. Information memorized through rote learning is often preserved in the short term but may be forgotten relatively quickly if not actively used. Besides, it often does not promote a deep understanding of the material. Learners may memorize facts or information without truly comprehending their meaning or how they fit into a broader context. And rote memorization tends to focus on memorizing facts and procedures, which may discourage critical thinking or problem-solving skills.
Both rote memorization and meaningful learning have their place. The most important thing to remember is that rote memorization cannot stand in as a replacement for actual learning. Meaningful learning promotes long-term memory and the ability to apply knowledge flexibly.
1. What is Dr. Aldrich Chan’s attitude towards rote memorization?| A．Against. | B．Doubtful. | C．Objective. | D．Approving. |
| A．Improving study effectiveness in all situations. |
| B．Applying knowledge flexibly in our daily lives. |
| C．Obtaining a thorough comprehension of information. |
| D．Memorizing information at the beginning stages of learning. |
| A．To compare different types of memorization. |
| B．To present the limitations of rote memorization. |
| C．To prove the effectiveness of rote memorization. |
| D．To discuss the advantages of meaningful learning. |
| A．Rote Memorization: A Useful Learning Tool |
| B．Rote Memorizing: No Equal to Understanding |
| C．Rote Memorization: Way of Meaningful Learning |
| D．Rote Memorization: Alternative to Deep Learning |
5 . Forgetting names, faces, or events is a universal human experience; even those who see their minds sharp struggle with memory loss from time to time. Most consider these mental mistakes to be annoying, and they’re seen as a potentially worrisome sign of cognitive (认知) decline. But neurologist Scott Small, who studies and treats Alzheimer’s disease at Columbia University, thinks this view of forgetting is all wrong. In fact, some amount of forgetfulness is critical for our minds and relationships to function at their best.
Living in a noisy, ever-changing world, forgetting details is actually a perfect adaptation. It allows our brains to generalize. Creativity isn’t making something out of nothing. It’s making connections between already-known elements-ideas, words, visuals, or expressions—to create something new. But to make new connections, the existing connections in your mind have to be loose. If the connections between those elements are too tightly bound in our memory, there’s no room for creativity.
We’re developing drugs to protect against memory loss. But many psychologists have joked that what they want is a forgetfulness drug. Too much memory poses a challenge in any long-term relationship. Anger, hatred—they come from not being able to let go of emotional memories. People who repeatedly think of anger or fear suffer, often in loneliness.
What can we do to help our brains forget what we need to forget? One of the best ways to make sure that you don’t have a brain that’s burning too hot with bad memories is to stay socially engaged. Another thing to do is to sleep, and sleep well. Many experts have concluded that we sleep in order to forget, so it makes sense that sleep has been shown to improve creativity. If you’re short of sleep, your brain is on fire with too many memories. The brain is like a lawn of grass—you need to keep it trimmed (修剪) to make way for new memories, new connections, and new growth.
1. How do most people think of forgetfulness?| A．It is critical in life. | B．It is mental disorder. |
| C．It is a frequent occurrence. | D．It is their annoyance. |
| A．Too much memory blocks our creativity. | B．Our brain can’t adapt to ever-changing world. |
| C．Sleeping well contributes to improved attention. | D．Bad memory has terrible impact on our social life. |
| A．Because various pressure makes us sleepless. |
| B．Because some patients forget important things. |
| C．Because too much memory disturbs and bothers us. |
| D．Because many seniors suffer from Alzheimer’s disease. |
| A．How to forget past memories | B．Why you need to forget stuff |
| C．How to battle with memory loss | D．Why forgetfulness enhances creativity |
With the development of technology, there is a wide use of Al in many aspects of our lives. The Library for the Performing Arts invites you to an afternoon discussion next Thursday. In the discussion, the hope is neither to promote nor to denigrate(贬低)AI—instead, lectures will allow listeners to have an open discussion about the potential impacts of AI on theatre at a crucial stage in its technological advancement.
Seating Policy
Programs are free and open to all, but registration is requested a week earlier. Registered guests are given priority and allowed to check in 15 to 30 minutes before the start time and holding seats for anyone is prohibited. If you arrive after the program starts, your seat will be arranged at a special place by our staff. Food or drink is not allowed inside.
Standby Line
If registration has ended, do not worry! We welcome you to the library regardless of registration status and you can wait in our standby line. Five minutes before the program starts, all remaining seats are released to attendees in the standby line. While this is not guaranteed, we will do our best to get you into any of our programs.
Assistive Listening and Interpretation
Interpretation in English and the real-time caption (说明文字) are available on request. Please submit your request at least two weeks in advance by emailing us ataccessibility@nypl.org.
Audio and Video Recording
Programs may be photographed and recorded by the Library for the Performing Arts. If you would prefer your image not to be photographed, please let us know and we can seat you accordingly. Please note that all recordings, including professional video recordings, are not allowed during the discussion.
1. What’s the purpose of the discussion?| A．To promote the application of AI. | B．To show the disadvantages of AI. |
| C．To explore the influence of AI on theater. | D．To appreciate the development of technology. |
| A．Pay a registration fee. | B．Sign up for it ahead of time. |
| C．Wait in the standby line earlier. | D．Contact the library staff a day ahead. |
| A．Hold a seat for a friend. | B．Ask for the real-time caption. |
| C．Broadcast the discussion live. | D．Take photos during the discussion. |
7 . The first time my daughter, Maia, realized I was leaving on a trip without her, she was alarmed. “Why did you even have me if you were just going to leave me behind? ” she sobbed. I tried to tell her that someday she’d understand the appeal of travel. But as my husband, Evan, pulled her off my leg so I could leave, I wondered if my solo trips would be worth the effort of going without her.
Returning home after a few days away, I felt energized and inspired. Maia was happy to hear about my trip. But this was the age of learning about compromises. As in: “You have to wear a coat, but we’ll compromise and you can choose which one.” She told me I could keep going on trips for work — but we’d compromise: she’d come with me.
When she was six, we flew to the Riviera Maya in Mexico. I was impressed by how cheerfully fearless she was when we swam in cenotes (天然井) or dived along a reef. In Fiji, nine-year-old Maia was attracted by the compassionate (有同情心的) women chiefs we met and decided she wanted to become a leader. During a trip to Sri Lanka when she was 13, she learned how the coin flip of your birth country can affect your opportunities in life.
When we finished up our travels and returned home to Vancouver for her high school education, it shouldn’t have come as a surprise to learn that our daughter had other ideas. Maia was thrilled when, after months of interviews, she was awarded a place to finish high school at Waterford Kamhlaba United World College of Southern Africa.
But it was during that first airport goodbye that I realized it was my turn to be left behind. Compared to the goofy 17-year-old I’d bid goodbye to, the 21-year-old woman who came home from high school in Africa and, later, from university in France, seemed mature and unfamiliar.
1. How did Maia feel the first time she realized her mom was leaving on a trip without her?| A．Sad. | B．Amazed. | C．Confused. | D．Excited. |
| A．Maia’s joy of travel. | B．Maia’s travel experiences. |
| C．Maia’s impression on travel. | D．Maia’s bravery during her travels. |
| A．Maia finished high school in Vancouver. | B．Maia got an award in high school. |
| C．Maia applied for a school in Africa. | D．Maia went on travelling in Southern Africa. |
| A．Travel shapes a person. | B．Life is like a journey. |
| C．All roads lead to Rome. | D．Parents are the best teachers. |
8 . We know that what we eat and drink has a significant impact on our health, and a new study has found another connection between drinking coffee and being less likely to develop Parkinson’s disease.
Looking at data collected on 184,024 individuals across an average of 13 years, the international team of researchers behind the study found that coffee consumers had a lower risk of getting Parkinson than those that didn’t drink coffee at all.
This isn’t the first study to find a link between coffee and Parkinson, but it goes further than previous research in the way it looks at biomarkers of caffeine intake years ahead of Parkinson’s disease being diagnosed.
The top 25 percent of coffee drinkers were found to be 40 percent less likely to develop Parkinson, compared to those who didn’t drink coffee at all. Across all coffee consumers in the study, the risk reduction measured varied between approximately 5 to 63 percent, depending on the country.
While the association still held when factors such as smoking and drinking were accounted for, it’s still not enough to prove direct cause and effect. However, there does seem to be something about caffeine and its elements that is protecting people’s brains.
Based on previous research, it’s thought that the way caffeine keeps dopamine (多巴胺) flowing in the brain might be the reason for these effects. Parkinson in the brain is characterized by a reduction in dopamine, due to a loss of nerve cells.
Considering the way that caffeine hits our neurons, it’s perhaps not surprising that there appears to be a relationship with neurodegenerative diseases. However, as we’re still not sure how exactly Parkinson’s gets started in the brain, it’s difficult to be sure.
“Unraveling (解开) the biological action of caffeine on Parkinson’s disease not only carries important public health implications but also enhances our understanding of Parkinson’s disease etiology and fosters potential prevention strategies,” the researchers said.
1. How did the researchers carry out their study?| A．By analyzing collected data. | B．By comparing experiments. |
| C．By using previous research data. | D．By comparing people in different fields. |
| A．It helps reduce the levels of dopamine in the brain. |
| B．It helps increase the flow of dopamine in the brain. |
| C．It helps reduce the production of nerve cells in the brain. |
| D．It helps increase the production of nerve cells in the brain. |
| A．It is the first time to find a link between caffeine and Parkinson. |
| B．It has confirmed when Parkinson gets started. |
| C．It has proved the direct cause and effect of Parkinson. |
| D．It has a significant effect on public health. |
| A．A news report. | B．A detective story. |
| C．A science journal. | D．A diet magazine. |
9 . Once upon a time the colors of the world started to quarrel. All claimed that they were the best.
Green said: “
Yellow chuckled: “You are all so
Orange started to
Red could
Purple rose up to his full
Finally Indigo spoke, “Think of me. I am the color of silence. You hardly notice me, but without me, you all become
The colors went on boasting, each
Rain began to speak: “You
| A．Doubtfully | B．Vaguely | C．Obviously | D．Approximately |
| A．Blue | B．Black | C．Red | D．White |
| A．freedom | B．pace | C．silence | D．peace |
| A．serious | B．skeptical | C．selfless | D．severe |
| A．loneliness | B．merriment | C．sadness | D．amazement |
| A．blow her away | B．blow her nose | C．blow her trumpet | D．blow her mind |
| A．hang on | B．hang in | C．hang up | D．hang around |
| A．stand | B．understand | C．suspend | D．underestimate |
| A．weight | B．height | C．sight | D．delight |
| A．strength | B．bravery | C．wealth | D．power |
| A．dull | B．shallow | C．blurred | D．superior |
| A．reminded | B．informed | C．convinced | D．suspected |
| A．humble | B．decent | C．foolish | D．enthusiastic |
| A．in | B．across | C．under | D．at |
| A．dominate | B．exploit | C．help | D．appreciate |
10 . E-waste can be abandoned cell phones, laptops or really any other type of tech device that gets thrown away.
And according to recent data reports, the amount of electronic waste is reaching staggering heights, so much so that the capacity for recycling simply isn’t enough. There’s growing concern over the potential environmental issues that might be caused if we don’t find a sufficient way to fight these growing piles of e-waste.
Many electronics thrown away have been sent to developing countries in Africa where they are being dismantled (拆开) and parts of them are reused. But this is just one electronic wasteland. An alarming new U.N. report says that since 2010, the amount of global e-waste has grown five times faster than it can be collected and recycled. According to the study, a record 62 million metric tons of e-waste was produced in 2022. That’s an increase of 82% from 2010. The world is on track to generate a whopping (巨大的) 82 million tons of e-waste in 2030.
A high-level official with the International Telecommunication Union says the amount of e-waste is up to the manufacturers to make a difference by giving devices a longer life cycle. While some countries have carried out environmental regulations to tackle the problem, some are working on a more grassroots level. Places like the Fixing Factory in London are teaching consumers to make more sustainable choices.
1. What does the underlined word “staggering” mean?| A．Shocking. | B．Disappointing. | C．Confusing. | D．Frustrating. |
| A．How challenging it is to deal with e-waste. |
| B．How much the amount of global e-waste is. |
| C．How severe the situation of global e-waste is. |
| D．How abandoned electronics have been dealt with. |
| A．Objective. | B．Approving. | C．Dismissive. | D．Indifferent. |
| A．The serious consequence e-waste causes. |
| B．The method of how to deal with e-waste. |
| C．The reason for the generation of e-waste. |
| D．An introduction to e-waste. |
