1 . Esports (electronic sports) are organized competitions where players — often referred to as “athletes” — face off against each other in video games. They are not just games in a sense. Actually, they are a sport that can improve the players’ thinking ability, hand-eye coordination, willpower and team spirit.
The esports industry has experienced significant growth in recent years around the world, though it’s still in the nascent stage, which means it has huge growth potential going forward.
While the assumption is that esports are only a recent phenomenon, in reality the first esports-like event was held back in 1972, when some Stanford University students competed against one another in the game Spacewar. The prize? A year-long subscription to Rolling Stone magazine.
The ’80s saw the first true videogame tournament, with over 10,000 players gathering for the Space Invaders Championship. However, most of the period saw that players focused on beating each other’s highest scores rather than competing in organized tournaments.
As gaming became more popular, the ’90s became the first decade when esports (a term which wasn’t yet coined) began to really take off, with companies such as Nintendo and Sega holding professional gaming tournaments. This is also when we began to see money becoming a factor in professional gaming. But it is the 1997 Red Annihilation Quake tournament that is considered the world’s first real esports event. Only a few weeks later, the Cyberathlete Professional League was formed — an organization which is considered a pioneer of esports.
Due to the normalization of gaming and the Internet (along with technological advances), the real surge ( 激增 ) of esports came in the recent decade. It was then that we began seeing what we now know to be modern-day esports. As streaming platforms such as YouTube took off, people began to show interest in not only playing videogames but watching them too. Popular tournaments now sell out stadiums and professional players can earn millions from prize money, advertising and salaries.
1. What does the underlined word “nascent” in Paragraph 2 probably mean?| A．Beginning. | B．Peak. |
| C．Mature. | D．Final. |
| A．By providing examples. | B．By making comparisons. |
| C．By following the order of time. | D．By following the order of importance. |
| A．They spread worldwide overnight. |
| B．Prize money appeared in the 1990s. |
| C．The first real esports event was held in 1972. |
| D．The athletes in esports are programmers. |
| A．They are getting popular. |
| B．They become too commercialized. |
| C．They boost the normalization of the Internet. |
| D．Their development relies on advertising. |
2 . Some scientists have detected a chemical on Venus (金星) that isn’t expected to be there, which leads them to wonder what is producing the chemical.
Venus may look beautiful in the night sky, but it’s a harsh planet. Its clouds are made of acid. And its atmosphere is so thick that if you could stand on the planet’s surface, you would feel like you were 3,000 feet under the sea. It is the hottest planet in the solar system, with an average temperature of 464℃. Though people have often wondered if Venus used to have life, most people don’t believe life exists there. Now, as a result of work by a group of scientists led by Dr. Jane Greaves from Cardiff University, there may be reason to question that.
The scientists found a molecule called phosphine (磷化氢) in Venus’ atmosphere. On Earth, some bacteria produce small amounts of phosphine in oxygen-free environments. Phosphine molecules aren’t very stable, so they tend to break apart or burn up easily.
Many scientists believe phosphine might be a sign of life on other planets. So the scientists were puzzled when they found signs of phosphine high in the atmosphere of Venus. They double-checked their result and it was the same — high in the clouds there appeared to be too much phosphine.
That led the scientists to think about what could make the phosphine. They studied many ideas, from sunlight, lightning strikes to volcanoes. But none of these could produce the amount of phosphine they detected. One possible explanation for the phosphine is simple — life. For example, some sort of bacteria can somehow survive in the acid clouds of Venus.
The discovery of phosphine on Venus has caused a lot of excitement. The scientists behind the study are eager to do more research. Now, many other people are also looking to focus on the planet and perhaps even create missions to explore Venus’ atmosphere.
1. According to Paragraph 2, what’s generally believed about Venus?| A．Life exists there for long. |
| B．It is an unlivable planet. |
| C．It is one of the hottest planets. |
| D．The clouds on Venus are thin and acidic. |
| A．It is a kind of gas low in the clouds. | B．It is a possible marker of life. |
| C．It contributes to the birth of life. | D．It is stable in oxygen-free environments. |
| A．The presence of phosphine. | B．The amount of acid. |
| C．The instability of phosphine. | D．The high temperature. |
| A．Is There Life on Venus? | B．Oxygen Spotted on Venus |
| C．A New Way to Explore Venus | D．Will Astronauts Land on Venus? |
3 . Ida Nelson was luxuriating in her sauna(桑拿)when she heard the thunder of a small airplane circling the nearby airport. It was 11:30 at night in the Alaskan village of Igiugig, population 70, and, as she told the New York Times, “Any time a plane flies over that late, you know something is wrong.” Nelson leaped out of the sauna, ran to the window, and saw the problem: The airport’s runway lights were out.
Nelson threw on some clothes, jumped into her ATV, and floored it to the airport, where she found a local pilot trying to turn on the lights manually. “Normally, if you push the button 10 or 15 times, the lights will just light up,” Nelson said. Not this time. Meanwhile, she and the pilot learned of the plane’s urgent mission: It was a medevac( 医疗后送直升飞机 ), there to transport a seriously ill local girl to the nearest hospital, 280 miles away in Anchorage.
Nelson had a plan. Driving her ATV to the end of the runway, she switched her headlights on for the plane to follow. Great idea, but it wasn’t enough. More light was needed, so a neighbor called nearly every home in the village—32 of them. Within 20 minutes, 20 vehicles arrived at the airport, many of the drivers still in pajamas( 睡衣 ). Following directions from the medevac pilot, the cars lined up on one side of the runway.
The medevac made its final approach and, guided by the headlights, landed safely. The young patient was loaded onto the aircraft, and the plane immediately took off again. Her illness was never publicly revealed, but she has since been released from the hospital.
In a world filled with uncertainty, the little community’s positive activism is a big deal. Not so much for Nelson. As she told CNN, in Igiugig, coming together is “kind of a normal deal”.
1. Why did Nelson hurry to the airport?| A．She was late for the flight. |
| B．The plane was going to crash. |
| C．She was to aid the 70 people. |
| D．The runway lights might have gone wrong. |
| A．To take over the urgent mission. | B．To fix the lights along the runway. |
| C．To drive the patient to Anchorage. | D．To shine headlights on the runway. |
| A．They disapproved of it. | B．They hesitated to react. |
| C．They took immediate action. | D．They put forward a better plan. |
| A．Because she doesn’t care about it. |
| B．Because she is uncertain about its value. |
| C．Because she is not so positive about life. |
| D．Because she thinks it is what villagers should do. |
4 . Where do you normally study? If the answer is “lying in bed with my laptop propped on my knees while eating deep-fried Cheetos”, then you might want to consider an individual study place. Here is information about these places in UL (The University of London ).
Book an individual study place online
Visit https://www.gold.ac.uk/library/using/book-a-study-space/
You will be able to book a study space for the following day from 10 a.m.
Study Spaces and facilities for UL
Students and staff can book an individual study space, a computer or the Assistive Technology Computer.
● Library desk for four hours
● Individual study room on campus for two hours
● Library computer (non-UL students must pay Wi-Fi)
● Assistive Technology Centre(ATC) study room for four hours
Use the Library in a Covid-secure way
● Students and staff need to have a Covid-19 test every week before coming to the Library.
● Wear a face covering if you are able to do so. Please continue to wear a face covering while seated.
● Do not move any mobile furniture. It has been placed specifically to maintain social distancing.
● The Library’s water fountains have been switched off and the Library Café is currently closed. Please ensure you bring enough water with you.
● Use of the toilets is restricted to one person at a time.
● You may drink and eat in library spaces, but cold food and drink only, please!
● Please leave your booked study space on time in order to allow for cleaning.
● Keep a noise to a minimum!
1. After booking online, one can use _______ in UL.| A．printing facilities | B．a quiet outdoor place |
| C．a staff room | D．a computer |
| A．A library desk | B．A meeting room |
| C．Free Wi-Fi | D．A library room |
| A．Clean the study space on time. |
| B．Wear a face covering all the time. |
| C．Prepare water for themselves to drink. |
| D．Arrange the furniture to maintain social distancing. |
5 . The joy of giving is real, according to a study. Research presented in the Journal of the Association for Psychological Science shows that those who give gifts are happier — and happier for longer — than those who receive gifts.
Researchers conducted two studies last year. In one，participants were given $5 every day for five days and were required to spend the money on the same thing each day. Some participants were required to spend the money on themselves, while others were required to give to make a donation to charity. In a second experiment that was done online, participants played 10 rounds of a word puzzle game and each won 5 cents per round, which they could keep or donate.
In both experiments, participants reported their overall happiness. Those who donated their money showed that their happiness declined at a much slower rate than those who kept the money or spent it on themselves.
The researchers note that when people focus on an outcome, they can easily compare outcomes, which may diminish their sensitivity to each experience. When people focus on an action, they may focus less on comparison and instead experience each act of giving as a unique happiness-inducing event. Further analyses ruled out some potential alternative explanations, such as the possibility that participants who gave to others had to think longer and harder about what to give, which could promote higher happiness.
The results are especially interesting because according to one of the researchers, Ed O’Brien of the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, they conflict with past research. “If you want to sustain happiness over time, past research tells us that we need to take a break from what were currently consuming and experience something new. Our research reveals that the kind of thing may matter more than assumed: Repeated giving, even in identical ways to identical other，may continue to feel relatively fresh and relatively pleasurable the more we do it,” O’Brien said.
So for all the holiday gifts you give this season, expect to feel happy and know that feeling is going to stick around for a while.
1. What’s the function of the first paragraph?| A．To lead to the topic. |
| B．To highlight the importance of the study. |
| C．To recommend a journal. |
| D．To persuade people to give gifts regularly. |
| A．To challenge the past research. |
| B．To rule out different experimental data. |
| C．To show the benefits of donation. |
| D．To make the conclusion more convincing. |
| A．Develop. | B．Show. | C．Reduce. | D．Lack. |
| A．Gift giving will result in longer happiness than receiving. |
| B．Thinking longer and harder on giving will promote higher happiness. |
| C．The feeling of happiness will disappear soon if people just give holiday gifts. |
| D．Taking a break from what were currently consuming will sustain happiness. |
6 . A roadside system that detects if a mobile phone is in use in a passing vehicle is being tested in the UK first. Despite being unable to tell whether the driver is using the phone, it is hoped that it will act as a warning to people who make calls behind the wheel. The technology picks up the phone signal in the vehicle and activates(激活) a roadside warning sign of a mobile phone with a red line through it.
The system can’t tell the difference between a driver and a passenger on a bus, but to some degree it can warn drivers that they can be detected using their phones. Using a directional antenna(天线)，the detector picks up radio waves produced by a phone handset , and measures the signal strength and length of them. When a signal is detected of duration(持续时间) long enough and signal strength strong enough to set off the system， the detector activates the warning sign. The detector is able to distinguish Bluetooth connections or hands- free devices which, when picked up，will prevent the activation.
While this new system is no replacement for a police officer catching someone in the act， it could be enough to make some drivers think twice- and that has to be a positive step forward. However, just as technology has enabled the problem of drivers using mobile phones illegally, it can also be a big part of the solution in getting people to stop. Statistics from the devices will be shared with Norfolk Police， the county council said. The council said that enabling the system to record specific number plates could be a“future development”.
Using a mobile phone at the wheel is one of the four road crimes which can have horrible consequences if it causes a deadly or serious car crash. Law enforcement(执行) technology has been falling behind for a decade and not made any easier by motor producers that encourage users to plug in their phones even before driving.
1. What is the function of the roadside system according to Paragraph 1?| A．To collect information for future use. |
| B．To send out cellphone signals to drivers. |
| C．To detect passengers' wrong use of phones. |
| D．To warn people against using pones while driving. |
| A．It measures the length of the phone. |
| B．It warns drivers with a phone in hand. |
| C．It picks up radio waves from handsets. |
| D．It activates the vehicle's Bluetooth system. |
| A．Swift to Bluetooth while driving. |
| B．Have a close watch of road signs. |
| C．Avoid being picked up by detectors. |
| D．Stop using a hands- free mobile phone. |
| A．Share the devices with the police. |
| B．Make the system more advanced. |
| C．Replace the police with the new system. |
| D．Take steps to settle road safety problems. |
7 . With a history of 2000 to 3000 years, traditional Chinese medicine has formed a unique system to diagnose and cure illness. Traditional Chinese medicine is a complete healthcare system that is capable of providing both specialized and primary healthcare. It also gives us guidelines on how to prevent illnesses. Acupuncture is a branch of traditional Chinese medicine.
The word “acupuncture” literally means “pricking with a needle”. It involves the insertion and manipulation of needles into acupuncture points on the body for restoring health and wellbeing. This framework of medical practice begins with the belief that our body is a balance of two opposite yet inseparable forces—the yin and yang. Another cornerstone of traditional Chinese medicine is the concept of chi. Chi is the life force of the universe. In the body, it is chi that creates and animates life. We are all born with a certain amount of chi and continually acquire it throughout our lives through food, air, water and sunlight. Chi is believed to move through our body in channels called meridians. The quantity and quality of chi in our body depends on the state of our mental and physical balance. In fact, imbalances of the yin and yang in the body block the channels through which chi travels in our body. The practice of acupuncture unblocks these chi pathways, thus ensuring the constant and free flow of energy through our body for mental and physical wellbeing.
The method may seem alien to many of us but it has been practiced in China for thousands of years. Acupuncture originated in China more than 2000 years ago—making it one of the oldest and most commonly practiced medical procedures in China. Research into acupuncture is still ongoing and practices and theories are being constantly updated. In essence, acupuncture is aimed at promoting well-being and relieving pain.
In more recent times, acupuncture has spread internationally and won growing global acceptance, and this wisdom of the Chinese tradition will continue to thrive, to bring health and happiness to friends here and afar.
1. What is the function of Paragraph 1?| A．To introduce the topic. | B．To summarize the whole text. |
| C．To present new ways in medicine. | D．To provide detailed information. |
| A．All our chi is inborn. |
| B．Chi decides the balance of the yin and yang. |
| C．Meridians force chi to travel through our body. |
| D．Smooth and constant flow of chi contributes to good health. |
| A．It is fully accepted home and abroad. | B．It has a history of one thousand years. |
| C．Research into acupuncture never stops. | D．It is the oldest medical practice in the world. |
| A．Acupuncture Reaches Peak | B．Stepping into Acupuncture |
| C．Effects of Chi on Well-being | D．Traditional Chinese Medicine Returns |
8 . It was in my first year of work as a doctor. My mouth was dry, my palms sweaty and my voice trembling. The only thing that kept me focused was the thought that things were so much worse for the family I was talking to.
A woman in her early twenties had been brought in after a road traffic accident. She had suffered multiple injuries and had been rushed up to theatre. The surgeons had been unable to save her life and she died on the table. Ashen-faced, the consultant (会诊医生) told the woman's family the news. “Tom, I think it would be nice if it came from you,” my consultant said.
I stared blankly. “What?” I asked.
“About organ donation,” he replied. I swallowed hard. Surely this would be the last thing they'd want to talk about. It felt acutely awkward and ill-timed to be considering this kind of conversation while they were being engulfed in grief. But the problem with organ donation is that every minute counts. The clock is ticking because the sooner organs can be transplanted, the better the chance they will survive in the recipient's (接受者) body.
I began to feel sick. I opened the door and sat opposite them, convinced that I was only going to make things worse for them.
“It's what she'd have wanted,” the mother said before I'd even finished. The father nodded. “She was always so generous,” her father added.
As my consultant and I left them, it occurred to me that I'd been wrong in thinking it would be an awkward conversation. Nothing could take away the pain of having lost their daughter. Yet this last, final act had comforted them and helped them feel that the spirit of their daughter lived on m this act of generosity. Strangely, it is one of the most heart-wanning conversations I have ever had.
1. The first two paragraphs suggest________.| A．the woman died on the scene |
| B．it was hard for the author to face death |
| C．the author witnessed the traffic accident |
| D．the woman's death was told by the consultant |
| A．He was caught in a dilemma. | B．He was seriously ill at that time. |
| C．He failed to transplant the organ. | D．The woman's chance of survival was slim. |
| A．To do the author a favor. | B．To show respect for the doctor. |
| C．To follow then daughter’s will. | D．To end the awkward conversation. |
| A．The consultant’s assistance. | B．The author’s consideration. |
| C．The donor’s kindness. | D．The recipient’s appreciation. |
9 . China starts to give heavy fines to those who disobey the nation's restrictions on disposable plastic products, including single-use plastic bags and straws. Many restaurant brands have tried to replace plastic straws with eco-friendly ones. Luckily for us, there is no shortage of options. While they may not be as fun and convenient as disposable plastic straws, it's time for everyone to play their part in no longer hurting our planetary ecosystem by choosing convenience over responsibility.
Glass straws
Dirt can be spotted through glass. And glass straws are quite comfortable to drink from, but can be easily broken if you're not too careful when handling them. You may also feel it inconvenient to carry a glass straw around with you wherever you go.
Stainless steel straws
The stainless steel straw is very strong thanks to its base material, and thus can be reused and cleaned thoroughly without damaging its surface. While being strong gives stainless steel straws one point over glass straws, their opaque (不透明的)look makes it impossible for us to see whether the inside is dirty or not.
Bamboo straws
Bamboo is a very durable, strong type of wood, and can be easily recycled. Bamboo straws are usually made without any plasticizer. However, the drawback of using this type of straw is its tendency to accumulate mold(霉菌)in the wet environment.
Silicone(硅酮)straws
Silicone straws are soft, flexible and most never break. They're very easy to clean, fun-looking, and especially popular among children. However, silicone is said to be something of a hybrid between a synthetic(合成的)rubber and a synthetic plastic polymer, which menus it's still a plastic.
1. What is an advantage of a glass straw?| A．It is fun-looking. | B．Dirt can be seen easily. |
| C．It is effortless to clean it. | D．It is convenient to carry it around. |
| A．Strong and recyclable. | B．Kids-friendly and reusable. |
| C．Strong and flexible. | D．Soh and durable. |
| A．glass straws | B．stainless steel straws |
| C．bamboo straws | D．silicone straws |
10 . The news appeared on the poster in the streets in Shijingshan District, Beijing, on the night of Oct.27, 2020. It said on the poster that “China on Sunday will start its seventh national census (人口普查) on November 1st,2020, with about 7 million census takers going door to door to document demographic changes (登记信息). It will last till December10th, 2020. The census collects data including the name, ID number, gender, marital status, education, and profession of Chinese citizens.”
National census is kind of investigation and registration made within defined period (统一规定时间), by using the same method, categories and survey forms at set time. The targets for census (普查对象) are the natural persons living within the territory (领地) of the People’s Republic of China on the standard time point of census and the Chinese citizens who are outside the territory of the People’s Republic of China but have not become permanent residents of the other country. While foreigners who are making a short-term stay within the territory of the People’s Republic of China shall be excluded.
“When census takers knock on your door, you can answer the questions by registering the information directly on the smart devices (智能设备). Or, the census taker will offer you an account number and a QR code (二维码) so that you can register your information within a certain time.”
“All information collected is filled in through the internet and is directly uploaded to the national database in real-time, eliminating (消除) possible human interference. Both the mobile end and the server end have adopted highly strict technology of data encryption (数据加密) and desensitization so that personal information cannot be disclosed during the process of data transmission.”
1. According to the poster, how long “will the takers spend taking this national census”?| A．Less than one month. | B．No more than one month. |
| C．More than one month. | D．As long as one month. |
| A．Paragraph 1. | B．Paragraph 2. | C．Paragraph 3. | D．Paragraph 4. |
| A．One. | B．Two. | C．Three. | D．Four. |
| A．The basic knowledge of census. |
| B．The special ways of registering the information. |
| C．The announcement of starting the national census. |
| D．The technologies of protecting one’s personal information being disclosed. |
