1 . Tommy Rhomberg was a twelve-year-old young boy in Iowa. Last summer, his home state was
The idea for the bats originally (起初) began as Tommy prepared a birthday
The first bat took Tommy 10 hours to carve and sand (用砂纸打磨) out of a tree branch that had
Tommy has made more than 100 bats, raising more than $2,500 to help out his community, and
| A．created | B．destroyed | C．removed | D．reduced |
| A．signed up for | B．adapted to | C．held on to | D．came up with |
| A．community | B．pet | C．farm | D．store |
| A．party | B．wallet | C．cake | D．gift |
| A．properly | B．seriously | C．secretly | D．willingly |
| A．encouraged | B．respected | C．watched | D．needed |
| A．comment | B．difference | C．choice | D．decision |
| A．given | B．paid | C．fallen | D．recovered |
| A．clicked | B．started | C．imagined | D．realized |
| A．damage | B．joy | C．care | D．courage |
| A．borrow | B．spend | C．deliver | D．raise |
| A．review | B．record | C．rebuild | D．repeat |
| A．orders | B．collections | C．proposals | D．preparations |
| A．additional | B．natural | C．cultural | D．physical |
| A．missing | B．difficult | C．possible | D．wrong |
2 . “All work and no play make Jack a dull boy.” But now scientists have given us another warning: too much play with smartphones or computers makes you dull too.
“Many focus on the benefits of digital devices (设备) in education but ignore the costs,” said Patricia Greenfield from the University of California, “losing the ability to understand the emotions of other people is one of the costs.” Greenfield and her research team did an experiment. They worked with 105 children who spend about 4.5 hours in front of screens on a school day. The students were asked to describe the emotions towards the pictures of people who were happy, sad, angry or scared. Then, half of them attended a five-day nature and science camp. There they had no smartphones, TV, or computers. The other half stayed in school and spent the five days as usual. Five days later, all the children took the test again.
Students who had been to the camp got about 5 per cent more answers correct than they had done before the camp. But the other group of students didn’t show much improvement. The study is not perfect in some ways, said the researchers. But scientists say that the study is still a warning for us.
“Emotional skills develop in practice and the brain develops through real interaction,” said Professor Taylor, a professor at the University of San Francisco.
Researchers talked to 2,000 parents of children aged 2-16 in the UK about what activities their children could do confidently. The results were surprising: their children could use a tablet (平板电脑) (59%) and work a mobile phone (57%) more confidently than they could tie their shoe laces (鞋带) (53%)! So, spend more time away from mobile phones and computers if you want to be an understanding friend, and not a member of what the Daily Mail called “Generation Helpless”.
1. What students may do in the experiment?| A．105 children all spent 4.5 hours playing digital devices throughout the experiment. |
| B．Half of the children were not willing to play digital devices during the experiment. |
| C．All children had two chances to describe the emotions of people in the pictures. |
| D．Half of the children would stay at home to do housework. |
| A．It is considered as a great progress. |
| B．It needs improvement for perfection. |
| C．It shows the potential of many children. |
| D．It is based on very precise data. |
| A．Emotions can be promoted through real activities. |
| B．All the parents ignore the costs of digital-devices. |
| C．People’s brain can grow quickly by doing work. |
| D．Children lose confidence with electronic devices. |
| A．How to make up for the lost time. |
| B．How to participate more in social practice. |
| C．How to improve testing accuracy. |
| D．How to stay away from electronic devices. |
3 . It seems that beautiful people rule the world. But Kodi Lee is a reminder that all are
Born in 1996, Kodi Lee
Although his ability to communicate is
As we look at our own
| A．humorous | B．friendly | C．important | D．patient |
| A．treated | B．prevented | C．investigated | D．developed |
| A．got | B．made | C．fixed | D．watched |
| A．changing | B．constructing | C．entering | D．arranging |
| A．concern | B．peace | C．disappointment | D．fright |
| A．balance | B．promise | C．place | D．advantage |
| A．Interestingly | B．Generally | C．Strangely | D．Fortunately |
| A．Feet | B．Fingers | C．Arms | D．Eyes |
| A．forgot | B．absorbed | C．recorded | D．delivered |
| A．carried on | B．started up | C．broke off | D．faded out |
| A．average | B．limited | C．impressive | D．hidden |
| A．happy | B．curious | C．upset | D．confused |
| A．reactions | B．hobbies | C．images | D．decisions |
| A．obvious | B．powerful | C．normal | D．horrible |
| A．teaches | B．awards | C．saves | D．brings |
4 . Engineers at the University of Arizona and a scientist at the American space agency NASA have developed a lightweight sailplane that can fly above Mars for several days at a time. The plane is equipped with flight, temperature and gas sensors, as well as cameras. It is designed to gather data about the Red Planet’s atmosphere.
There are currently eight active spacecraft orbiting Mars and three rover vehicles also exploring the surface. But these research vehicles are limited in their ability to collect data on the area just above the Mars surface, because they depend on energy from the sun and need batteries to operate.
The researchers say the sailplane they developed is lightweight and low-cost. It will be able to use a method called dynamic soaring. This method permits a plane to gain energy by repeatedly crossing boundaries between air masses of different strength levels. This kind of wind activity is known to be common on Mars.
NASA has experimented with a small helicopter on Mars, the Ingenuity. So far, tests of Ingenuity have been successful. But the experimental helicopter is only able to fly for a few minutes at a time and can only reach heights of about 12 meters. “Its technology has been very limited by energy,” says the study’s lead author, Adrien Bouskela. Sailplanes, on the other hand, can fly over the Martian skies for days, allowing them to reach far beyond Ingenuity and visit new places.
The team has carried out tests of the sailplane by attaching it to a balloon floating in the sky. More tests are planned for this summer when researchers are expected to send the plane up to about 4500 meters above sea level, where Earth’s atmosphere is thinner and flight conditions are similar to those of Mars. “We can use Earth as a laboratory to study fight to Mars,” said Sergei Shakrayev, a professor at the University of Arizona.
1. Why do people create the lightweight sailplane?| A．To detect the resources on Mars. | B．To explore the atmosphere on Mars. |
| C．To collect the data of the outer space. | D．To record changes in the solar system. |
| A．It is easier to operate. | B．It can be powered by wind. |
| C．It provides more accurate data. | D．It weighs less and moves faster. |
| A．The development of the sailplane cost less. |
| B．Sailplanes can work longer than other research vehicles. |
| C．The Ingenuity can reach heights of more than 12 meters. |
| D．To collect data, some research vehicles are being used to explore the Mars. |
| A．Researchers will do more tests in the laboratory. |
| B．Researchers will apply the sailplane to other fields. |
| C．Earth’s atmosphere is thinner than that on the Mars. |
| D．Researchers will test the sailplane at high altitudes. |
5 . For any astronaut hoping to survive on the surface of the moon, growing crops will be essential. Now, scientists have taken “one small step” towards growing plants on the lunar surface, after showing it’s possible to grow thale cress, a small flowering plant, in lunar soil.
The findings raise hopes that plants could be grown on the moon during future space missions, and even enable mankind to set up a lunar settlement. “For future longer space missions, we may use the moon as a launching platform,” explained Professor Rob Ferl. “It makes sense that we would want to use the soil that’s already there to grow plants.” Until now, scientists have not grown plants in the soil. “So, what happens when you grow plants in lunar soil? What would plants do in a lunar greenhouse? Could we have lunar farmers?” Professor Ferl questioned.
To answer these questions, researchers from Florida set out to plant thale cress seeds in lunar soil, add water, nutrients, and light, and see what happened. The researchers chose to use thale cress because its genetic code has already been fully mapped.
For comparison, the researchers also planted seeds in a range of soils, including those that simulate Martian soils. To their delight, the researchers found that nearly all of the seeds grew.
However, they did observe differences between the plants grown in the lunar soil and those grown in the control soils. Some of the plants grown in the lunar soils were smaller, while others grew more slowly or were more varied in size.
Growing plants in lunar soils may also change the moon itself, according to Dr. Stephen Elardo. “The moon is a very, very dry place,” he said. How will minerals in the lunar soil respond to having a plant grown in them, with the added water and nutrients? The researchers hope to answer these questions in follow-up studies.
1. What’s the second paragraph mainly about?| A．The significance of the findings. | B．The plants grown in the lunar soil. |
| C．The hope for setting up a lunar settlement. | D．The challenges about future space exploration. |
| A．They absorbed few nutrients. | B．They didn’t grow well enough. |
| C．They grew slowly in the dark. | D．They needed more water to grow bigger. |
| A．What the researchers can do in the follow-up study. |
| B．Why the lunar soil is so dry and lacking in nutrients. |
| C．Whether plants have a potential impact on lunar soil. |
| D．How the plants react to the added water and nutrients. |
| A．Scientists Grow Plants in Lunar Soil | B．Scientists Conduct a Study on Lunar Soil |
| C．Scientists Prepare for Farming on the Moon | D．Scientists Hope to Collect More Lunar Soil |
6 . Attend the Next Forum!
For the last thirty-two years, CPSB has had the pleasure of hosting a learning event we call a Forum. We started offering programs in Sarasota in February in 1991 and our first forum was held in 1992 as a small group meeting. Being from the Northern USA, this was a particularly good time to go south for the warmth of our friendships with Dr. Treffinger and Dr. Noller and to keep away from the cold winter.
The Forum is the only chance to learn about various topics of the creativity and innovation (革新) and from those who have rich experience and interest in the field. The theme of the 2025 Forum includes searching for a few new methods, sharing lessons from experience, and learning and exchanging ideas on cutting-edge research. Space is limited, so early registration is welcome.
| VIEW Qualification Course February 4 and 5, 2025 Lido Holiday Inn Sarasota, Florida $650(registration includes lunch and course materials) Interested in becoming qualified to use the VIEW assessment (评估) of Problem Solving Style? The two days before The Forum provide you just that chance. For more information on VIEW, see pages 24-25. |
| The Forum February 6 and 7, 2025 Lido Holiday Inn Sarasota, Florida $750(registration includes some meals and materials) Special Offer; If you would like to attend the VIEW qualification course and the Forum, you can register for both events for $1050. |
| A．limiting space registration | B．sharing lessons from experience |
| C．searching for a few new methods | D．exchanging ideas on cutting-edge research |
| A．$350 | B．$650 | C．$750 | D．$1050 |
| A．show the success of the Forum in the past |
| B．promise everyone can save money to attend the Forum |
| C．call on people in the south of the USA to go north for holidays |
| D．call on more people to participate in the Forum as early as possible |
7 . Chinese netizens recently expressed amazement at a map filled with thickly dotted signs clearly marking the country’s historic sites and cultural relics. The map was made by Wu Yunjie, who was born in the 1990s.
Wu has a deep interest in cultural relics and history. When he was in college, he would often make use of his spare time to travel around the country, exploring and documenting ancient sites. In 2020, he started collecting information on cultural relic protection units and uploaded the data to the mapping software.
As some of the information is not fully disclosed and many historical sites in far areas cannot be located specifically, Wu spent a lot of time on research and carrying out on-site visits.
Now, the map includes nearly 10,000 historical landmarks with different colors standing for different kinds: Red signs show the cultural relic sites under state protection or the national-level museums, while green signs stand for the provincially protected historical sites. A lot of ancient temples, bridges and other architecture in the far areas are also marked on the map. A netizen posted, “I actually found the ancient tower around my house on the map!”
However, in Wu’s eyes, the map is not perfect, as it recorded less than two percent of the over 760,000 immovable cultural relics registered in the country’s third national survey of cultural relics.
But Wu has been working on improving it. “If possible, I’d also like to document the cultural relics that have been lost overseas. Those treasures may not be able to return to their homeland for the time being, but the stories that they carry are what we need to see.”
1. What can we learn about Wu Yunjie?| A．He worked as a software engineer. | B．He developed a mapping software. |
| C．He had a deep interest in travelling. | D．He was a young responsible netizen. |
| A．Applied | B．Spread. | C．Discovered. | D．Understood. |
| A．To show the convenience of the map. |
| B．To introduce how to use the map properly. |
| C．To prove the map is believable and informative. |
| D．To explain the meaning of different colors on the map. |
| A．Include cultural relics lost overseas in his map. |
| B．Bring cultural treasures back to China from abroad. |
| C．Make the map perfect by adding dots of other colors. |
| D．Solve technical problems and make money with the map. |
8 . Miller’s black shirt is his favorite. He’s had it for eight years, but he never thought it would one day come in handy when saving a life.
One Saturday, Miller was on his way home on his motorcycle when the traffic
The bird was too badly hurt to
Once Miller had moved the eagle out of the
After a few days’
As for Miller’s favorite shirt, it has some blood on it, but Miller knows it was used for a good cause—and he will surely be
| A．signaled | B．passed | C．slowed | D．reduced |
| A．scared | B．shocked | C．upset | D．excited |
| A．hit | B．glance | C．smile | D．push |
| A．toes | B．tails | C．wings | D．neck |
| A．fly | B．eat | C．fight | D．scream |
| A．cute | B．injured | C．shy | D．endangered |
| A．credit | B．annoyance | C．surprise | D．relief |
| A．saved | B．wrapped | C．buried | D．hid |
| A．road | B．motorcycle | C．car | D．shirt |
| A．young | B．wild | C．rare | D．strong |
| A．cheering up | B．calling up | C．seeing to | D．waiting for |
| A．holding | B．facing | C．checking | D．catching |
| A．clever | B．fierce | C．weak | D．secure |
| A．judgement | B．suffering | C．treatment | D．protection |
| A．wearing | B．throwing | C．polluting | D．washing |
9 . Bethany Renfree and her three young daughters lived in a low-income apartment in Jackson, California. Like most of the renters, she was a single mother.
One morning, as Renfree walked into the
“I couldn’t bring myself to do those dishes. And I couldn’t look at them any longer. It reminded me of how
When Renfree got back that evening, she
To this day, Renfree still doesn’t know which neighbour
“If I saw her today, I would
| A．village | B．office | C．bedroom | D．kitchen |
| A．clothes | B．dishes | C．toys | D．desks |
| A．difference | B．mistake | C．mess | D．trade |
| A．humor | B．achievement | C．responsibility | D．hopelessness |
| A．terrible | B．amazing | C．creative | D．cheerful |
| A．defended | B．dropped | C．bought | D．found |
| A．held up | B．brought up | C．packed up | D．gave up |
| A．kicked | B．removed | C．opened | D．broke |
| A．large | B．old | C．clean | D．round |
| A．admire | B．promise | C．miss | D．hate |
| A．unearthed | B．produced | C．washed | D．protected |
| A．warns | B．remembers | C．hopes | D．assumes |
| A．refuse | B．thank | C．agree | D．stop |
| A．wait | B．appreciation | C．acceptance | D．understanding |
| A．lesson | B．skill | C．culture | D．tradition |
10 . Top 4 Houseboats in the Bahamas
The magical country of the Bahamas has over 700 islands dotting the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, making it a dreamy destination for those looking to connect with nature and relax while enjoying the slow life. Choose a houseboat from the following list and enjoy a great holiday.
Luxurious yacht (游艇) with three outdoor areas; Freeport (from $985)
This grand yacht is perfect for water activities and deep relaxation. You will also enjoy free access to world-class facilities nearby, including a swimming pool, fitness room, and a private beach. Further, if you fancy a walk nearby, the houseboat is located close to several shops and restaurants.
Sunset Point Houseboat; Andros Island (from $400)
This houseboat floats in a beautiful and peaceful location, far from the rush of the city. It’s perfect for observing marine life, fishing, swimming, and diving in the ocean. Guests can also rent a car to drive around the island. Besides, the accommodation possesses an equipped kitchen for cooking meals.
The Mac; Nassau(from $1, 800)
This fully furnished yacht is ideal for exploring locations close to the country’s capital. While living here, you will have access to a fully equipped kitchen with a refrigerator and microwave. Best of all, this accommodation welcomes long-term guests who choose to stay here for 28 days or more.
Attractive boat with free meals; Berry Islands (from $260)
Experience the untouched parts of the Bahamas by staying at this beautiful sailboat. You can spend all your time enjoying the ocean as the rental price includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner. What’s more, you can use the onboard projector to screen films on the deck (甲板) as you sail on the ocean. For indoor fun, the boat has wireless Internet and television.
1. What activity is recommended while in the luxurious yacht?| A．Watching a film in the open air. |
| B．Working out in a fitness room. |
| C．Going on unlimited sea adventures. |
| D．Dropping in on some nearby theaters. |
| A．Tourists have access to a kitchen. |
| B．A rental car is provided for traveling around. |
| C．They are equipped with wireless Internet and TV. |
| D．Three meals are included in the accommodation fees. |
| A．The Mac. |
| B．Sunset Point Houseboat. |
| C．Attractive boat with free meals. |
| D．Luxurious yacht with three outdoor areas. |
