1 . Researchers continue to show the power behind our sense of smell. Recent studies have found, among other things, that the smell of foods like pizza can cause uncontrollable anger in drivers on roads.
The review explains that smell is unique in its effects on the brain. According to Conrad King, the researcher who carried out the review, "more than any other senses, the sense of smell goes through the logical part of the brain and acts on the systems concerned with feelings. This is why the smell of baking bread can destroy the best intentions of a dieter."
Smell, which dictates the unbelievable complexity of food tastes, has always been the least understood of our senses. Our noses are able to detect up to 10,000 distinct smells. Our ability to smell and taste this extremely large range of smells is controlled by something like 1,000 genes (基因), which make up an amazing 3% of the human genome. Researchers Richard Axel and Linda Buck were together awarded a Nobel Prize in 2004 for their ground-breaking research on the nature of this extraordinary sense. These two scientists were the first to describe the family of 1,000 olfactory (嗅觉) genes and to explain how our olfactory system works.
According to one study in the research review, smelling fresh pizza or even the packaging of fast foods can be enough to make drivers feel impatient with other road users. They are then more likely to speed and experience uncontrollable anger on roads. The most reasonable explanation is that these can all make drivers feel hungry, and therefore desperate to satisfy their appetites.
In contrast, the smells of peppermint and cinnamon were shown to improve concentration levels as well as reduce drivers’ impatience. Similarly, the smells of lemon and coffee appeared to promote clear thinking and mental focus.
However, the way genes regulate smell differs from person to person. A study by researchers in Israel has identified at least 50 olfactory genes which are switched on in some people and not in others. They believe this may explain why some of us love some smells and tastes while others hate them. The Israel researchers say their study shows that nearly every human being shows a different pattern of active and inactive smell-detecting receptors.
1. What did Richard Axel and Linda Buck find out?| A．The category of food smells. |
| B．The logical part of human brain. |
| C．The nature of human olfactory system. |
| D．The relationship between food and feelings. |
| A．Bread. | B．Fruits. |
| C．Coffee. | D．Fast food. |
| A．Some people can recognize up to 50 smells. |
| B．Every person has a different pattern of genes. |
| C．Different people are sensitive to different smells. |
| D．There are still some olfactory genes to be found out. |
| A．Logic and behaviour. |
| B．Smell and its influence. |
| C．Sense ability and food tastes. |
| D．Olfactory genes and its system. |
2 . Kar-go is the invention of the United Kingdom-based Academy of Robotics, which describes it as”Europe's first road-worthy autonomous delivery vehicle".Using AI, this autonomous delivery vehicle offers customers an app---similar to one used when ordering a taxi- allowing them to choose when and where their packages are delivered. Cormpanies like Tesla and Amazon have invested heavily in autonomous vehicles, which have the potential to create a sea of changes in business and society.
Resembling something like a green egg on wheels, Kar-go's aim is to reduce the cost of what's known as the "last mile delivery challenge" . This is the final stage of your online package's journey ,from a local warehouse to your front door. Labor costs, paying drivers, the cost of fuel and the vehicle costs for maintaining small vehicles all contribute to making this the most expensive part of the delivery process. The first part of the package's journey is far cheaper, with high volumes of packages being transported to and from the same location. However, at the other end, drivers deliver smaller shipments to several different locations where the recipient may not even be available to collect.
With the latest AI technology, Kar-go will deliver goods safely ,sustainably and in style. The AI vehicle uses special technology to become an expert on its own individual route, learning from past experiences in order to help itself deal with new future obstacles(障碍物)on the road. Kar-go also has its very own internal sorting system, allowing the vehicle transport packages in the correct order for delivery.
By 2030，the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders predicts the autonomous market could add $ 62 billion in economic growth in the UK, creating more than 420,000 new jobs. Eletric, self-driving, economic and capable of working 24/7，Kar-go promises to reduce the last mile delivery cost by up to 90%，providing an efficient solution to the rapidly-expanding online retail(零售) market.
1. From the first paragraph we know Kar-go__________.| A．is an app used to order a taxi |
| B．is Europe's first autonomous vehicle |
| C．has created great changes in business and society |
| D．transports goods at customers' convenience |
| A．How Kar-go delivers the goods. |
| B．What challenges Kar-go may face. |
| C．How the drivers reduce delivery cost. |
| D．Why the last mile delivery is expensive. |
| A．It has an advanced internal sorting system. |
| B．It enables vehicles to work more efficiently. |
| C．It makes a driver become an expert in traffic. |
| D．It helps people clean new obstacle on the road. |
| A．It will create over 420 0000 jobs for drivers. |
| B．It will reduce the delivery cost by up to 90%” |
| C．It may contribute to the growth of online business. |
| D．It may make the UK lead in the autonomous market. |
3 . Mama and I spend mornings cleaning up the dirt that blows into our house. Mama says all the dust is due to the drought. The dirt sifts into everything. It covers our clothes. We have to wash the dishes before each meal. We rarely drive the truck because Papa fears the dust from the road will ruin the motor.
When my sister, Faye, and I walk to school, we wear kerchiefs over our mouths so we don’t breathe in the dirt. On days when the air is so bad that they close the school, we stay home and help Mama put wet sheets over the windows. But the dirt always finds a way in.
Last Sunday, there was no dirt in the air, only bright spring sunshine and a clear blue sky. After lunch, Papa headed out to the field to check on the cattle while I played with Faye in the yard. The temperature suddenly dropped. I looked to the west and saw a huge black cloud of dust.
All the birds flew away. “I must warn Papa,” I thought to myself. To avoid her panicking, I gently told Faye to go back inside where she would be safe, and then headed off to the field.
The storm hit so fast, and in an instant the day turned into night. By the time I entered the cow field the fine sand was whipping across my face. I screamed for Papa, hoping my voice would lead him back.
The dirt and sand stung my skin like a thousand bees. Although I was terrified, I refused to turn back. My dad was stranded and needed my help. Covering my face with one hand, I groped my way toward the truck and opened the door. First I tried turning the truck’s lights on and off, hoping that Papa would see them flashing, but the sandstorm let no light escape. Then I pushed the horn again and again, so Papa would hear it. I pushed until I had no more strength in my arms.
Suddenly, Papa’s face appeared at the window. My heart leaped with surprise and relief. He opened the door and climbed onto the seat next to me. He then pulled me into his arms and said, “Oh, Iris, you saved me!”
Finally, the wind subsided and the dust began to settle. Dirt was piled up to the window on one side of the truck and halfway up the door on the other. Papa kicked against the door, opening it far enough to let us out.
Sand and soil drifts were everywhere, but we were safe.
1. What is the main function of the first two paragraphs?| A．It describes a problem the characters must solve. |
| B．It establishes the setting where the story takes place. |
| C．It introduces the characters that will follow in the story. |
| D．It explains the motivations for the characters’ later actions. |
| A．He was trying to get to his truck. |
| B．He needed to prepare the field for harvest. |
| C．He wanted to make sure the animals were fine. |
| D．He planned to bring in the cattle before the storm. |
| A．By warning him to run away. | B．By turning on the truck’s lights. |
| C．By guiding him towards the shelter. | D．By screaming his name at the top of her voice. |
| A．Brave and calm. | B．Experienced and confident. |
| C．Adventurous and careful. | D．Fearless and sympathetic |
4 . Tiny water plants called phytoplankton (浮游植物) serve as food for many sea creatures, including whales, shrimp, jellyfish and snails.
Phytoplankton do well in cold water. But if water temperatures rise by only two degrees Celsius, the phytoplankton struggle. That is what happened in the last three or four years in the northern part of the Pacific Ocean. Researchers say an unusual area of warm water spread throughout the Northern Pacific. Scientists called the warm water ''the blob'', as if it were a character in an old science fiction movie. At its largest, the blob stretched 1,600 square kilometers and reached depths of 91 meters. This large mass of warm water had a damaging effect on the ocean food chain. Many fish that depend on phytoplankton swam away from the area. As a result, sea birds and sea lions that eat those fish starved.
Scientists from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the University of Washington have found that the warm ocean ''blob'' caused a harmful algae bloom. That fast growth in algae hurt fishing grounds along the U.S. West Coast and Canada's British Columbia. The researchers recently published their study in the journal Geophysical Research Letters. They looked at the algae, called P. australis. They found that the algae can grow much faster than normal if it is exposed to warm water. The higher levels of algae also produced more of a poisonous chemical that can cause problems for everything from shellfish to dolphins to sea lions. It also causes problems for humans if too much of the chemical builds up in their blood.
Researchers say algae blooms like this one will continue as ocean waters warm. The algae will hurt sea animals, birds, and fish. It may damage food resources for humans all over the world, the scientists say.
1. The root cause of the starvation of sea birds or sea lions is_____.| A．the depths of the vase sea |
| B．the large mass of warm water |
| C．the large amount of polluted sea water |
| D．the increasingly reduced phytoplankton in the sea |
| A．phytoplankton | B．fish |
| C．algae | D．bird |
| A．Generally, the algae grow much faster than normal if exposed to cool water. |
| B．The phytoplankton is very sensitive to the rise of water temperature. |
| C．More algae can bring about a poisonous chemical which endangers sea creatures. |
| D．Algae blooms will affect not only the existence of sea creatures but also that of humans the world over. |
| A．a research paper | B．a geography textbook |
| C．a class presentation | D．a newspaper report |
5 . There are many universities that have been in existence for a long time and are still very popular for their quality education. The following are three of them.
University of Oxford, England
Founded in: 1096
The foundation year of this university is around 1096. There is evidence of teaching being undertaken then. It gained a lot of popularity in the early 1167, as Henry II put a ban on English students from entering the University of Paris. It is regarded as one of the best places to get a higher education today, and it consists of 38 different colleges specializing in various fields of study.
University of Salamanca, Spain
Founded in: 1218
This is the oldest university in Spain, and is located in the town of Salamanca, west of Madrid. It is the third oldest university in Europe that has been in continuous operation since it was founded. Today, it is the most important institution in the world for studying humanities and languages, Christopher Columbus is said to have consulted with its scholars when he was seeking a route to India.
University of Padua, Italy
Founded in: 1222
This is the chief university of Italy. It was started as a law school. It is said to be founded in
1222 by a group of students and professors. Theology (神学) and law were the first subjects taught here. The fields of botany, history, and theater are the most well-known and pursued courses here, and it has established its greatness in the educated world. In 2015, it was ranked as the best university among all Italian educational institutions for higher education.
1. How did the University of Oxford become quite popular？| A．It received a lot of financial support from Henry II |
| B．It decided to run more courses to educate more students. |
| C．Henry II allowed the university to accept foreign students. |
| D．Henry II forbade English students to attend the University of Paris. |
| A．Scholars in the University of Salamanca are knowledgeable |
| B．Columbus graduated from the University of Salamanca |
| C．Columbus was grateful for the help provided by the university |
| D．Some of his friends in the university held a farewell party for him |
| A．It is located in the west of Madrid |
| B．It is the third oldest university in Europe |
| C．Theology and law were the first subjects taught there |
| D．It is the premier institution in the world for studying humanities |
6 . Poet William Stafford once said that we are defined more by the detours (绕行路) in life than by the narrow road toward goals. I like this image. But it was quite by accident that I discovered the deep meaning of his words.
For years we made the long drive from our home in Seattle to my parents' home in Boise in nine hours. We traveled the way most people do: the fastest, shortest easiest road, especially when I was alone with four noisy, restless kids who hates confinement (限制) and have strong opinions about everything.
Road trips felt risky, so I would drive fast, stopping only when I had to. We would stick to the freeways and arrive tired.
But then Banner, our lamb was born. He was rejected by his mama days before our planned trip to Boise. I had two choices: leave Banner with my husband, or take him with me. My husband made the decision for me.
That is how I found myself on the road with four kids, a baby lamb and nothing but my everlasting optimism to see me through. We took the country roads out of necessity. We had to stop every hour, let Banner shake out his legs and feed him. The kids chased him and one another. They'd get back in the car breathless and energized, smelling fresh from the cold air.
We explored side roads, catching grasshoppers in waist-high grass. Even if we simply looked out of the car windows at baby pigs following their mother, or fish leaping out of the water, it was better than the best ride down the freeway. Here was life. And new horizons.
We eventually arrived at my parents' doorstep astonishingly fresh and full of stories.
I grew brave with the trip back home and creative with my disciplining technique. On an empty section of road, everyone started quarreling. I stopped the car, ordered all kids out and told them to meet me up ahead. I parked my car half a mile away and read my book in sweet silence.
Some road trips are by necessity fast and straight. But that trip with Banner opened our eyes to a world available to anyone adventurous enough to wander around and made me realize that a detour may uncover the best part of a journey-and the best part of yourself.
1. Why did the author use to take freeways to her parents' home?| A．It was less tiring. |
| B．It would be faster and safer. |
| C．Her kids would feel less confined. |
| D．She felt better with other drivers nearby. |
| A．Freeways are where beauty hides. |
| B．Getting close to nature adds to the joy of life |
| C．Enjoying the beauty of nature benefits one's health |
| D．One should follow side roads to watch wild animals |
| A．To give herself some time to read. |
| B．To order some food for them. |
| C．To play a game with them. |
| D．To let them cool down. |
| A．Charm of the Detour |
| B．The Road to Bravery |
| C．Creativity out of Necessity |
| D．Road trip and Country Life |
7 . How cool can libraries be in an era of iPods and Kindles? More than you think. Only if you know where to go.
Central Library: Seattle, Washington, United States
The Central Library in Seattle is modern and fashionable and has tourists from around the world paying visits and taking tours. It was designed by Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas and American designer Joshua Ramus. Tours began in 2006, two years after its opening. The library holds various art exhibitions, book signings and other events, while visitors can stop by the Chocolate cart for a coffee and scan through the gift shop anytime.
Trinity College Library: Dublin, Ireland
The Trinity College Library in Dublin is in Ireland, founded at the end of the 16th century by Queen Elizabeth I. It is the largest single library in the world, also known as the Long Room, which contains more than 200,000 of the library's oldest books. The Long Room houses one of the oldest harps（竖琴）in Ireland. Dating to the 15th century, the old harp is the model for the symbol foreland.
Geisel Library, University of California: San Diego, United States
At first glance, it looks like a spaceship. Architect William Pereira, who helped design actual space launch facilities at Cape Canaveral in Houston, Texas, designed the library in 1970. It has been featured in sci-fi films, short stories and novels. The library hosts “Dinner in the Library,” which invites readers for cocktails, and also special speeches from distinguished authors．
TU Delft Library: The Netherlands
The library at the Delft University of Technology was constructed in 1997 and has more than 862,000 books, 16,000 magazine subscriptions and its own museum. The building itself exists beneath the ground, so you can't really see the actual Library. What makes it interesting is the roof, which is a grassy hill. The roof covers 5,500 square meters. And it has become one of the most striking and greenest structures in the area.
1. Which of the four libraries has the longest history?| A．Central Library | B．Trinity College Library |
| C．Geisel Library | D．TU Delft Library |
| A．a spaceship designer founded the library |
| B．it has a roof of grassy hill |
| C．famous writers often deliver speeches there |
| D．it is the largest single library in the world |
| A．drink cocktails | B．buy souvenirs |
| C．create paintings | D．book events |
8 . When it comes to work, workers, and jobs, much of the concern of the modern age boils down to the fear that we're witnessing the final stage of the game, and that there will be nowhere for humans to withdraw as machines take over the last few tasks. The most recent example comes from the use of artificial intelligence (AI). Is there no area of human experience that can't be replaced by AI? And if not, what is left for humans to do except the tasks involved in taking care of the machines?
At the heart of this concern is our desire for good jobs — jobs that make the most of workers' natural abilities and where the work provides the worker with motivation and work-life balance. More importantly, good jobs support workers in learning by doing—and, in so doing, deliver benefits on three levels: to the worker, who gains in personal development and job satisfaction; to the organization, which reforms as staff find new problems to solve and opportunities to pursue; and to the community as a whole, which harvests the economic benefits of hosting positive organizations and workers. This is what makes good jobs productive for the organization, as well as engaging and fulfilling for the worker.
Does the ongoing advance of AI threaten to get rid of all the learning, creativity, and meaning that make a job a good job? Certainly, some have blamed technology for just such an outcome. Headlines today often express concern over technological innovation(革新) resulting in bad jobs for humans, or even the complete disappearance of certain professions. Some fear that further technology advancement in the workplace will result in jobs where employees are being asked to work in split times or for longer periods over more days.
The problem here isn't the technology; rather, it's the way the technology is used — and, more than that, the way people think about using it.
1. What is the passage mainly about?| A．The human fears in the age of AI. |
| B．Human experiences were replaced by AI. |
| C．How to take care of the AI machines. |
| D．The relations among work, workers, and jobs. |
| A．The ones that provide basic benefits. |
| B．The ones that require no economic return. |
| C．Those that don't bring new problems to workers. |
| D．Those that offer chances to progress professionally. |
| A．Supportive. | B．Optimistic. | C．Negative. | D．Ambiguous. |
| A．The proper attitude towards AI. | B．The future jobs humans will do. |
| C．The possible application of AI in the future. | D．The approaches to handling the issues of AI. |
9 . Dressed in a flowing long robe with beaded floral embroidery(珠串刺绣) from the past era, stylist Xiao Hang looks like coming from a time machine, attracting a lot of curious glances and questions.
China has made Western fashion and technology fall together with its high-speed development in recent years. At the same time, the government has also increased the publicity and learning of traditional Chinese culture from the aspects of education, culture, entertainment and so on, which seems to make period dramas and traditional "hanfu" or "Han clothing" become hot overnight. The Story of Minglan, a TV series set in the Song Dynasty,got more than 400 million viewers in three days when it was released(发行). A growing number of young people like Xiao are looking to the past for their clothing choices and wearing hanfu. These historic costumes of the Han ethnic majority are enjoying a renaissance(复兴)
There is no clear uniform standard of hanfu because each Han-dominated dynasty had its own style, but the outfits are characterized by loose, flowing robes with sleeves that hang down to the knees. In modem China, the hanfu community spread to the different walks of life, from elderly history lovers to young professionals, and even to students.
Jiang Xue, who is from Beijing-based hanfu club Mowutianxia, said, " If we as a people and as country do not even understand our traditional clothing or don't wear them, how can we talk about other basic parts of our culture? "
Yang Jiaming, a high school student in Beijing, wears his outfit under his school uniform. "Two-thirds of my wardrobe is hanfu, " he said, dressed in a Tang-style gown and black boots, adding that his classmates and teachers have been backing up him. They are in agreement with his idea that clothes are the foundation of culture.
There is some way before hanfu can be accepted by most of the people in China. Some say sometimes they will lose heart by the strange looks when wearing hanfu in public.
1. Why did the author describe Xiao Hang's long robe at the beginning?| A．To attract the readers' attention to the ancient clothes |
| B．To introduce the special design of hanfu |
| C．To show the dressing style of Xiao Hang. |
| D．To give the features of a time machine |
| A．Western fashion and technology |
| B．People's interest in period dramas |
| C．Old people's preference for fine clothes |
| D．The government s encouragement of traditional culture |
| A．Hanfu clubs aim at taking hanfu-style photos. |
| B．Many people know the clear standard of hanfu. |
| C．People from hanfu community wear hanfu every day. |
| D．Hanfu can help understand traditional Chinese culture. |
| A．Ignoring | B．Supporting |
| C．Discouraging. | D．Bearing. |
10 . Michele Gentile, an Italian bookseller, is offering free books to children in exchange for plastic bottles to recycle.
Michele owns Ex Libris Cafe in Polla，a small town in southern Italy. He said he thought of the recycling program, because he wanted to inspire children in the small town to read and pay attention to the environment.
''My goal is to spread the passion and love for books among those people in Italy who do not usually read while at the time helping the environment," Gentile explained.
The idea for the initiative (倡议) came after Gentile collaborated with a nearby middle school on an aluminum recycling project. Working together, the schoolchildren and Gentile collected enough cans to purchase books for an entire classroom. His new program too off from there and has already spread into northern Italy: Gentile's hopes his work will continue to make headlines and become a worldwide initiative.
The free books come from customers in Gentile's shop who have donated money to purchase a ''suspended" book. The idea comes from a World War II practice in which customers would buy two Coffees: one for themselves and another for the next person in line. Gentile has been using the extra books as part of his recycling initiative,
While Gentile's program is a great way to recycle and get kids to read, it also brings awareness to the growing problem of plastic waste. Single-use plastics make up around 26 percent of all the plastics in the world, only 14 percent of which are recycled. Plastics that end up in landfills take around 500 years to decompose (分解),is a major concern for environmentalists.
Cutting down on plastic waste is important if we want to better the environment for future generations, and recycling programs like Gentile's book giveaway are a great way to meet that goal.
1. What is the purpose of Gentile's book giveaway?| A．To sell more coffee and books. | B．To attract more customers. |
| C．To collect money for a new project. | D．To inspire reading and recycling. |
| A．Working with a school to recycle cans. | B．Seeing school kids don't like reading. |
| C．Donating books for a local school. | D．Buying a “suspended” book for a child. |
| A．The local government. | B．Gentile himself. |
| C．Some publishers. | D．His customers. |
| A．An Italian's Reading Initiative | B．Recycling Can Get Kids Free Books |
| C．Michele's Way of Doing Business | D．A New Way to Deal with Plastic Waste |
