1 . Imagine that one day when you frown a little bit more often than usual while working in front of your computer, it would sense your bad mood and a roll of cheering words would be seen in time right on the screen. An "emotionally aware" computer being developed by British and American scientists will be able to read an individual's thoughts by analyzing a combination of facial movements that represent feelings.

“The system we have developed allows a wide range of mental states to be identified just by pointing a video camera at someone." said Professor Peter Robinson of the University of Cambridge. He believes the mind-reading computer's applications could range from improving people's driving skills to helping companies tailor advertising to people's moods." For those proprietors, this must be a fantastic invention to help them pick target customers' right emotional moment to sell them something, a future where mobile phones, cars and web sites could read our mind and react to our moods," he added.

The researchers, who are developing the technology at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in the United States, also hope to get it to accept other inputs such as posture and gesture.

“Our research could enable websites to tailor advertising or products to your mood." said Robinson. For example, a Webcam linked with our software could process your image, encode the correct emotional state and send information to a website." It could also be useful in online teaching to show whether someone understands what is being explained and in improving road safety by determining if a driver is confused, bored or tired. “We are working with a car company, and they believe this will be employed in cars within five years," Robinson said, adding that a camera could be built into the dashboard(仪表板).

1. What does the computer system do?

A．Storing your thoughts in its memory for further analysis.

B．Identifying your mood through a video camera in your computer.

C．Thinking and responding to problems in exactly the same way as you do.

D．Improving your driving skills through the in-built camera in your dashboard.

2. What does the underlined word "proprietors" in paragraph 2 refers to?

A．Sellers.

B．Tailors.

C．Customers.

D．Psychologists.

3. What does the writer mainly focus on while introducing the "Emotionally Aware" system?

A．Its history.

B．Its designer groups.

C．Its applications.

D．Its working process.

4. Which of the following is the best title for the text?

A．Mind Your Privacy in the Future

B．Don't Rely Too Much on Your Computer

C．A Bright Future for Online Shopping

D．A Future with Mind-reading Computers

2 . Rats and other animals need to be highly tuned to social signals from others so that they can identify friends to cooperate with and enemies to avoid. To find out if this extends to non-living beings, Loleh Quinn at the University of California, San Diego, and her colleagues tested whether rats can detect social signals from robotic rats.

They housed eight adult rats with two types of robotic rat — one social and one asocial — for 5 days. The robots rats were quite minimalist, resembling a chunkier version of a computer mouse with wheels — to move around and colorful markings.

During the experiment, the social robot rat followed the living rats around, played with the same toys, and opened caged doors to let trapped rats escape. Meanwhile, the asocial robot simply moved forwards and backwards and side to side.

Next, the researchers trapped the robots in cages and gave the rats the opportunity to release them by pressing a lever.

Across 18 trials each, the living rats were 52 percent more likely on average to set the social robot free than the asocial one. This suggests that the rats perceived the social robot as a genuine social being. They may have bonded more with the social robot because it displayed behaviours like communal exploring and playing. This could lead to the rats better remembering having freed it earlier, and wanting the robot to return the favour when they get trapped, says Quinn.

The readiness of the rats to befriend the social robot was surprising given its minimal design. The robot was the same size as a regular rat but resembled a simple plastic box on wheels. "We'd assumed we'd have to give it a moving head and tail, facial features, and put a scene on it to make it smell like a real rat, but that wasn't necessary," says Janet Wiles at the University of Queensland in Australia, who helped with the research.

The finding shows how sensitive rats are to social cues, even when they come from basic robots. Similarly, children tend to treat robots as if they are fellow beings, even when they display only simple social signals. "We humans seem to be fascinated by robots, and it turns out other animals are too," says Wiles.

1. Quinn and her colleagues conducted a test to see if rats can ________.

A．send out warning messages to their fellow	B．distinguish a friendly rat from a hostile one
C．attain sociable traits through special training	D．pick up social signals from non-living rats

2. What did the asocial robot do during the experiment?

A．It followed the social robot.	B．It played with some toys.
C．It moved around alone.	D．It set the trapped rats free.

3. According to Quinn, the rats released the social robot because they ________.

A．tried to practice a means of escape	B．expected it to do the same in return
C．wanted to display their intelligence	D．considered that an interesting game

4. It can be learned from the text that ________.

A．rats are more sensitive to social cues than expected

B．rats are more socially active than other animals

C．rats behave differently from children in socializing

D．rats appear to be adaptable to new surroundings

3 . iPhone 12

Outlook

Featuring the same 6.1-inch display size as the iPhone 11 and iPhone XR before it, iPhone 12 is making the transition from an LCD screen to OLED. With flat aluminum sides for an overall look, it more closely matches the iPad Pro and iPad Air. Aside from the flat sides, iPhone 12 still largely resembles the iPhone 11. Around back, it has two cameras housed in a glass circle, which makes for a nice contrast with the rest of the smooth back panel. To avoid being broken or cracked when dropped, iPhone 12 is covered with what Apple describes as a “ceramic shield”.

Camera

The iPhone 12 has a 12-megapixel f/1.6 main camera-the fastest aperture(光圈) in any iPhone yet. The low-light performance has improved, and its advancements in computational photography to maximize detail and dynamic range has also been achieved. The front camera on the iPhone 12 is gaining Night Mode, as well.

Processor

iPhone 12 is powered by the company’s new A14 Bionic processor, which is the first smartphone chip built on a 5nm process, leading to improved performance and efficiency. It’s claimed that the processor is up to 50 percent faster than the leading chips in Android smartphones.

Wireless charging

To improve wireless charging on the iPhone 12, it contains a “MagSafe” system with built-in magnets to guarantee that the iPhone 12 properly lines up with the MagSafe accessories.

1. What is the size of iPhone 12?

A．About 6.1-inch as that of iPhone Max.	B．The same size as iPad Pro.
C．Bigger than that of iPhone 11.	D．As big as iPhone XR.

2. What’s the function of the “MagSafe” system?

A．To carry out the wired charging of iPhone 12.

B．To perfectly match the iPad Pro and iPad Air.

C．To make sure the iPhone 12 is right for the MagSafe accessories.

D．To process the information in a more rapid way.

3. Which of the followings is TRUE about iPhone 12?

A．There are only two cameras placed separately in front and back.

B．It is powered by A14 Bionic processor used in Android smartphones.

C．All cameras of iPhone 12 have the Night Mode.

D．A ceramic shield helps protect against breaking and cracking.

4 . Mother Nature is a cruel mistress. Why? Read on to find the answer.

Venice

This iconic city is sinking rapidly. The canals that make up the streets of Venice rise 2mm every year, making relics of history go under the surface of water and destroying architecture. Experts warn that without intervention (干预) , this city will disappear back into the water at an even faster rate, consumed by rising sea level from melting polar ice caps.

Machu Picchu

These iconic ruins have drawn adventurous tourists into the mountains of South America. The forces of natural erosion (侵蚀) have been accelerated by tourism and this landmark faces severe influence from increasing foot traffic. The Peruviar government recently suggested a cable car that would cut out the intense hike up to the ruins, making the site instantly accessible to millions, but the future of Machu Picchu remains uncertain.

Glacier National Park

Perhaps you’ve heard that the ice caps are melting. But nowhere is more apparent in the United States than in Glacier National Park. Estimates indicate that the glaciers that are part of the beauty of this national landmark will disappear entirely in the next two decades.

The Great Barrier Reef

Hidden from view beneath the waves, the Great Barrier Reef has been rapidly dying off. Nearly fifty percent of coral which once occupied a large area is gone, destroyed by pollution and disease.

1. What can we learn about Machu Picchu?

A．It’s famous for cable cars.	B．It will soon turn away all visitors.
C．It bears a heavy burden of tourism.	D．It’s well preserved by the locals.

2. Which place probably needs visitors to dive into the water to enjoy its beauty?

A．The Great Barrier Reef.	B．Machu Picchu.
C．Glacier National Park.	D．Venice.

3. What do the above attractions have in common?

A．They all have a long history.	B．They’re all threatened by climate.
C．They’re all in danger of disappearing.	D．They’re all well-known for natural scenery.

5 . All Ric O Barry wanted was to stop the dolphin-killing, so he headed to this seaside Japanese town, Taiji. The American activist, who is the star of a new award-winning documentary that portrays the dolphin-killing here, got an unwelcome reception when he showed up here this week for the start of the annual hunt.

His movie, The Cove (海豚湾), directed by National Geographic photographer Louie Psihoyos, was released in the United States a month ago but has not yet to come out in Japan.

Scenes in the film, some of which were shot secretly, show fishermen banging on metal poles stuck in the water to create a wall of sound that scares the dolphins, which have supersensitive sonar (声呐系统) , and sends them fleeing into a cove.

There, the fishermen sometimes pick a few to be sold for aquarium shows, for as much as $150, 000. They kill the others, spearing the animals repeatedly until the water turns red. The meat from one dolphin is worth about 50, 000 yen, and is sold at supermarkets across Japan.

Greenpeace and other groups have tried to stop the hunt for years. Activists hope The Cove will bring the issue to more people internationally, and eventually in Japan.

Already, the Australian town of Broome dropped its 28-year sister-city relationship with Taiji last month, partly because of the movie.

“Some regions have a tradition of eating dolphin meat,” said fisheries official Toshinori Uoya. “Dolphin-killing may be negative for our international image, but it is not something orders can stop.”

The town government in Taiji, which has made whales and dolphins its trademark, refused to comment about The Cove, or the growing international criticism against dolphin-killing.

Many in Taiji take the dolphin hunt for granted as part of everyday life. They are defensive about The Cove, seeing themselves as powerless victims of overseas pressure to end a simple and honest way of making a living.

1. Viewers can learn from The Cove ________.

A．the beautiful Japanese seaside town Taiji

B．the advanced techniques to catch dolphins

C．the sale of dolphin meat around the world

D．the cruel and bloody dolphin-killing

2. What is the response to The Cove on the Japanese side?

A．Japanese officials decided to ban dolphin-killing.

B．The town government in Taiji kept silent on criticism.

C．Taiji broke up with its western sister-city Broome.

D．Most Japanese people were against eating dolphin meat.

3. What does the underlined word “defensive” in the last paragraph probably mean?

A．Protecting themselves against criticism.

B．Making the determination to change.

C．Attacking those against dolphin-killing.

D．Feeling guilty for killing dolphins.

4. What can we infer from the passage?

A．The Cove has not influenced Japan’s international image.

B．The Cove has brought international attention to dolphin-killing.

C．Taiji’s dolphin-killing industry has been seriously damaged.

D．Many people in Japan have seen The Cove in the cinema.

6 . Rainforests are home to a rich variety of medicinal plants, food, birds and animals. Can you believe that a single bush（灌木丛）in the Amazon may have more species of ants than the whole of Britain! About 480 varieties of trees may be found in just one hectare of rainforest.

Rainforests are the lungs of the planet-storing vast quantities of carbon dioxide and producing a significant amount of the world's oxygen. Rainforests have their own perfect system for ensuring their own survival; the tall trees make a canopy（树冠层）of branches and leaves which protect themselves, smaller plants, and the forest animals from heavy rain, intense dry heat from the sun and strong winds.

Amazingly, the trees grow in such a way that their leaves and branches, although close together, never actually touch those of another tree. Scientists think this is the plants' way to prevent the spread of any tree diseases and make life more difficult for leaf-eating insects like caterpillars. To survive in the forest, animals must climb, jump or fly across the gaps. The ground floor of the forest is not all tangled leaves and bushes, like in films, but is actually fairly clear. It is where dead leaves turn into food for the trees and other forest life.

They are not called rainforests for nothing! Rainforests can generate 75%of their own rain. At least 80 inches of rain a year is normal-and in some areas there may be as much as 430 inches of rain annually. This is real rain-your umbrella may protect you in a shower, but it won't keep you dry if there is a full rainstorm. In just two hours, streams can rise ten to twenty feet. The humidity（湿气）of large rainforests contributes to the formation of rainclouds that may travel to other countries in need of rain.

1. What can we learn about rainforests from the first paragraph?

A．They produce oxygen.	B．They cover a vast area.
C．They are well managed.	D．They are rich in wildlife.

2. Which of the following contributes most to the survival of rainforests?

A．Heavy rains	B．Big trees.
C．Small plants.	D．Forest animals.

3. Why do the leaves and branches of different trees avoid touching each other?

A．For more sunlight.	B．For more growing space.
C．For self-protection.	D．For the detection of insects.

4. What can be a suitable title for the text?

A．Life-Giving Rainforests	B．The Law of the Jungle
C．Animals in the Amazon	D．Weather in Rainforests

7 . The Lake District Attractions Guide

Dalemain Mansion & Historic Gardens

History, Culture & Landscape(景观). Discover and enjoy 4 centuries of history, 5 acres of celebrated and award-winning gardens with parkland walk. Owned by the Hasell family since 1679, home to the International Marmalade Festival. Gifts and antiques, plant sales, museums & Mediaeval Hall Tearoom.

Open:29 Mar-29 Oct，Sun to Thurs.

Tearoom，Gardens & Gift Shop:10:30-17:00(16:00 in Oct).

House:11:15-16:00(15:00 in Oct)

Town: Pooley Bridge & Penrith
Abbot Hall art Gallery & Museum

Those viewing the quality of Abbot Hall’s temporary exhibitions may be forgiven for thinking they are in a city gallery. The impressive permanent collection includes Turners and Romneys and the temporary exhibition programme has Canaletto and the artists from St Ives.

Open: Mon to Sat and Summer Sundays. 10:30 -17:00 Summer.10:30 -16:00 Winter.
Town: Kendal
Tullie House Museum & Art Gallery

Discover, explore and enjoy award-winning Tullie House, where historic collections, contemporary art and family fun are brought together in one impressive museum and art gallery. There are four fantastic galleries to visit from fine art to interactive fun, so there’s something for everyone!

Open: High Season 1 Apr – 31 Oct: Mon to Sat 10:00 – 17:00, Sun 11:00 – 17:00.

Low Season 1 Nov – 31 Mar: Mon to Sat 10:00 – 16:30, Sun 12:00 – 16:30.

Town: Carlisle
Dove Cottage & The wordsworth Museum

Discover William Wordsworth’s inspirational home. Take a tour of his Lakeland cottage, walk through his hillside garden and explore the riches of the collection in the Museum. Visit the shop and relax in the café. Exhibitions, events and family activities throughout the year.

Open: Daily, 09:30 – 17:30 (last admission 17:00).

Town: Grasmere

1. When is the House at Dalemain Mansion & Historic Gardens open on Sundays in July?

A．09:30-17:30.

B．10:30-16:00.

C．11:15-16:00.

D．12:00-16:30

2. What can visitors do at Abbot Hall Art Gallery & Museum?

A．Enjoy Romney’s works.

B．Have some interactive fun.

C．Attend a famous festival.

D．Learn the history of a family

3. Where should visitors go if they want to explore Wordsworth’s life?

A．Penrith.

B．Kendal.

C．Carlisle.

D．Grasmere.

8 . Foods of the Future

We asked young scientists to write an advertisement that answers this question: How will food options, food availability, and individuals’ food choices change in the future? A selection of their suggested marketing campaigns is below. Read previous NextGen Voices survey results at http://science.sciencemag.org/collection/nextgen-voices. — Jennifer Sills

Personalized Meal Plans

Send us your DNA, and we will predict your food preferences! Receive your personalized food basket, with a day-by-day diet program. We will send you full meals and personalized smoothies (水果奶昔) based on your genetic taste tendency.

Ada Gabriela Blidner

Twitter:@adagbb

Fresh Fruit

If you miss sweet temperate fruits, welcome to our Moon Farm. Our fruit trees are planted in hybrid-soil and artificial air that reproduce Earth’s environment from 5000 years ago. Pick fruits with your family or ship to your doorstep with MoonEx. Freshness guaranteed.

Yongsheng Ji

Email: jiyongshengkey@hotmail.com

Meat

Our steaks are sourced from natural grasslands, where cattle now fill the ecological roles. With FoodFootprint feeding system, we enhance natural grazing (放牧) to improve animal growth effectively while minimizing methane production and water consumption. At only $219.00/kg (including carbon taxes and ecological taxes), our steaks are affordable for the whole family.

Falko Buschke

Email: falko. buschke@gmail. com

1. Which of the following needs you to provide the information of your genes?

A．Meat.	B．Fresh Fruit.
C．NextGen Voices.	D．Personalized Meal Plans.

2. Who should you contact if you want to have fun with your family?

A．Jennifer Sills.	B．Yongsheng Ji.
C．Falko Buschke.	D．Ada Gabriela Blidner.

3. Which of the following best describes the steaks in Meat?

A．Fresh.	B．Green.
C．Expensive.	D．Personalized.

9 . The Empire State Building is one of the most popular attractions in New York City, both for the tour and history of the building. Our Empire State Building facts include NYC Insider tips and the best ways to tour this world-famous icon, whether you are short on time or budget.

Empire State Building Hours

The main entrance to the Empire State Building is on Fifth Avenue between 33rd & 34th Streets. All Visitors must use this entrance and there is often a wait just to get in the building. The Empire State Building Observatory is open from 8:00 a. m. to 2:00 a. m. 7 days a week. Last elevators go up at 1:15 a.m.

Empire State Building Tour Facts

The ESB offers two observatories, the 86th floor and the 102nd floor.

86th Floor Observatory (indoor and outdoor)

1,050 feet (320 meters), reached by high speed, automatic elevators, it has a glass-enclosed area, which is heated in winter and cooled in summer. High powered binoculars (双筒望远镜) are available for the convenience of visitors at a minimal cost.

102nd Floor Observatory (indoor only)

Tickets are only sold upon arrival at the Empire State Building at a cost of $15.00 in addition to regular admission tickets.

Empire State Building Tickets

Regular — $38 adult, $32 ages 6-12, under 5 free.

Express Pass — $65 all visitors ages 6+

Buying your tickets before you go to New York saves you time. When buying tickets, you can opt for regular tickets or express tickets. You can also buy a discount pass for free entrance. If you want to visit the 102nd floor, you can get tickets which include dinner at STATE Grill and Bare.

1. What can we learn from the second paragraph?

A．You can enter the building through three entrances.

B．A large number of visitors are attracted by the building.

C．Visitors are not allowed to take elevators after 1:00 a.m.

D．The Empire State Building is closed on weekends.

2. What can we say about the 86th Floor Observatory?

A．It is located at a height of 1,050 meters.

B．It is a bit colder outside than inside.

C．The binoculars can be used free of charge.

D．Visitors can enjoy the view of NYC outdoors.

3. How much should a couple pay if they want to visit the building with shorter waiting?

A．$76.	B．$64.
C．$130.	D．$103.

10 . Climbers at Qomolangma are being asked to clean up after themselves.

Qomolangma has earned the nickname (绰号) the World’s Highest Garbage Dump (垃圾场).

Climbing Qomolangma, the world's highest mountain, just becomes more challenging. The government of Nepal is telling climbers they cannot leave trash on the trails. Each climber will have to come down the mountain with at the least 18 pounds of garbage. That’s the average amount of trash a climber leaves behind on Qomolangma.

Officials say climbers are responsible for their own trash. “We are not asking climbers to pick up trash left by someone else,” said the Nepal Tourism Ministry. “We just want them to bring back what they took up.”

More than 4,000 people have reached the 29,035-foot summit (顶峰) in more than 60 years. Leaving trash along the way helps climbers keep their bags light so they have energy to reach the summit. “The trash problem in Qomolangma is not new.” Burlakoti says. “When the people started to climb the mountain, they started to leave their garbage there.” They have left behind bottles, food boxes and equipment.

The new rule came into effect in April, 2014. To make sure it is followed, climbers will have to deposit money (交保证金) before they climb. Once they climb back down the mountain, officials will check climbers at a return camp to make sure they have the required 18 pounds of trash. If they do, their money will be returned to them. If they do not, climbers will not receive their deposit and they will not be given a permit the next time they want to climb Qomolangma.

The goal is to make sure no more litter will be left on Qomolangma. “As we offer Qomolangma to all the people of the world they should take responsibility to clean it.” Burlakoti says, “After seeing the results from this, we will also apply this rule to other mountains.”

1. Why does Qomolangma get the nickname the World’s Highest Garbage Dump?

A．The white snow on it looks like white trash.

B．The government of Nepal transported trash onto it.

C．There is too much trash left on it by climbers.

D．The government of Nepal has used up the resources on it.

2. Climbers left trash along the way in order to______.

A．provide guidance for other climbers

B．help climbers themselves find their way

C．get timely medical rescue when in danger

D．reach the summit without too much load

3. If climbers want to climb Qomolangma again, they must______.

A．get the climbing license

B．have a large bag

C．get the permission from the local people

D．bring back the required trash in the last climbing

4. What is the best title for the text?

A．Protect our beautiful mountains

B．Bring back your litter when climbing

C．A new rule of protecting the earth

D．Qomolangma belonging to the world people