1 . If history doesn't quite repeat itself, it certainly rhymes. With demand for bicycles rocketing, and nations preparing to spend billions of dollars to redesign their cities with a new focus on cycling and walking, it's worth remembering how the invention of the bicycle in the late 19th century transformed societies the world over. It was a hugely revolutionary technology, easily equal to the smartphone today. For a few heady years in the 1890s, the bicycle was the best must-have—swift, affordable, stylish transportation that could take you anywhere you cared to go, anytime you liked, for free.
Almost anyone could learn to ride, and almost everyone did. The sultan of Zanzibar（a former Muslim country）took up cycling. So did the king of Russia. But it was the middle and working classes around the globe that truly made the bicycle their own. For the first time in history, the masses were mobile, able to come and go as they pleased. No more need for expensive horses and carriages.
Society was transformed. Women were especially enthusiastic, abandoning their burden some Victorian skirts, adopting reasonable clothes, and taking to the road in groups. “I think bicycling has done more to liberate women than anything else in the world,” Susan B. Anthony, the American champion of women's suffrage（选举权）said in an interview with The New York Sunday World in 1896. “I stand and feel thrilled every time I see a woman ride by on a wheel...the picture of unrestricted womanhood.”
By 1898 cycling had become such a popular activity in the United States that The New York Journal of Commerce claimed it was costing restaurants and theaters more than $ 100 million a year in lost business. Bicycle manufacturing became one of America's biggest and most advanced industries. A third of all patent applications were bicycle-related—so many that the US patent office had to build a separate building to deal with them all.
The arrival of the bicycle touched virtually every aspect of life—art, music, literature, fashion, and even the human gene pool. English songwriter Henry Dacre scored a huge hit on both sides of the Atlantic in 1892 with Daisy Bell and its famous refrain（副歌）A Bicycle Built for Two.
1. Why did the author consider the bicycle as a revolutionary technology?| A．It cost its owner too much money. | B．It harmed the cyclists' health at first. |
| C．It had a huge influence on the society. | D．It made people redesign their city buildings. |
| A．It changed public morals. | B．It made women more united. |
| C．It offered women more freedom. | D．It made Victorian skirts more popular. |
| A．Bicycle-related patent applications. | B．Interviews with cyclists. |
| C．Bicycle management charges. | D．Broken restaurants and theaters. |
| A．Business and economy. | B．Environment and energy. |
| C．Entertainment and sports. | D．History and culture. |
2 . Animal rights activists respect animals because they understand animals have a place in the world. Zoos, especially the ones that are doing everything right, become a headache for the animal rights activists.
Zoo supporters argue that they save endangered species and educate the public, but many animal rights activists believe the costs are more than the benefits, and the violation(违反) of the rights of the individual animals is unreasonable. Roadside zoos, petting zoos, and smaller animal exhibitors tend to offer narrow space for the animals, keeping them in pens or cages. Sometimes, a tiger or bear will live with cold concrete（混凝土）and metal bars for their entire lives. Larger, trusted zoos try to avoid these operations by offering excellent treatment to the animals. However, to animal rights activists, the problem is not how well the animals are treated, but whether we have a right to limit (限制）them for our delight or “education”.
To zoo supporters, by bringing people and animals together, zoos educate the public and promote an appreciation of the animals, encouraging people to protect the animals. Zoos save endangered species by bringing them into a safe environment, where they are protected from poachers(偷猎者), habitat loss, hunger, and predators(捕食者). Many zoos also have various programs for endangered species. In the wild, these individuals might have trouble finding mates and multiplying(繁殖). A good zoo provides an enriched habitat in which the animals are never bored, are well cared for, and have plenty of space. Besides, zoos are a tradition, and a visit to a zoo is a healthy, family activity.
In the case of zoos, both sides—animal rights activists and zoo supporters will argue that their side saves animals. Whether or not zoos benefit the animal community, they certainly do make money. As long as there is need for zoos, they will continue to exist. We can start by making sure that conditions are the best possible for the animals who are limited to zoos.
1. Which of the following statements do the zoo supporters agree with?| A．Zoos can offer all the animals foods when they are in trouble. |
| B．Zoos give people more chances to educate animals. |
| C．Zoos enable animals to live longer without any sickness. |
| D．Zoos can protect animals and provide room for educating. |
| A．Zoos will be improved. |
| B．Zoos will have no place in the world. |
| C．Zoos will hold fewer animals. |
| D．Zoos will not make profits. |
| A．Endangered species in zoos. | B．Arguments for and against zoos. |
| C．Zoos’ advantages and disadvantages. | D．People and animals in zoos. |
| A．A science book. | B．A news report. |
| C．A travel brochure. | D．A book review. |
3 . 
TRAVEL ADVISORY
Here are a few things you should know before you take off on your next trip.
Frontier Airlines Face Covering Requirement
As required by federal law, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Order and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Security Directive, all passengers and employees must wear a face covering over nose and mouth throughout the Frontier travel experience including at ticket counters, gate areas, baggage claim and onboard all flights. Face coverings are not required for children under the age of 2. Face coverings must fit snugly(紧密地) over your nose and mouth and be secured under the chin. Not wearing an approved face covering is a violation of federal law and you may lose future travel privileges on Frontier.
* Persons with a disability who cannot wear a mask, or cannot safely wear a mask, because of that disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act can apply for a face mask exemption(豁免). To learn about pre-travel exemption requirements, click here.
Temperature Screening Requirement
Anyone with a temperature of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher will not be able to board the plane. If time allows, we will give customers the opportunity to rest before receiving a second check. If the second temperature screening is 100.4 degrees or higher, our team will help the customer to rebook travel on a later date when they are feeling better.
Know Your Travel Policy
CDC issued an Order on January 12, 2021(effective since January, 26, 2021) requiring proof of a negative COVID-19 test or documentation of having recovered from COVID-19 for all air passengers arriving from a foreign country to the US.
1. Who can legally board a Frontier Airlines flight without wearing a face covering?| A．A senior manager of Frontier Airlines. | B．A blind man in a wheelchair. |
| C．A one-year-old baby. | D．A high school student. |
| A．Passengers without proper face coverings may be banned from flying with Frontier Airlines in the future. |
| B．Passengers can take off their face coverings when they pick up their checked baggage. |
| C．Passengers with a high fever will have their flights rescheduled. |
| D．Passengers without proof of a negative COVID-19 test can’t enter the US on January 20, 2021. |
| A．A website. | B．A brochure. |
| C．A guidebook. | D．A newspaper. |
4 . Zhong Zhong and Hua Hua have made medical history as the first cloned primates (灵长目动物),with the efforts of a team of Chinese scientists.
According to the journal Cell , it is a milestone for biomedical research. It could potentially lead to the development of new treatments for human disease. But it also makes ethicists (伦理学者) about where this all might lead. Do Zhong Zhong and Hua Hua suggest the coming of human cloning?
Born in 1996, Dolly the sheep was the first cloned mammal, and was followed by many more, including dogs, rabbits and pigs. But researchers were unable to clone primates because the genes involved didn’t react well to the procedure. Over the years, a handful of research institutions have tried and failed to birth a live monkey clone.
The successful team, at Shanghai’s Chinese Academy of Sciences, used the same basic method that created Dolly but had failed in subsequent(随后的) primate cloning attempts. It’s called somatic（躯体）cell nuclear transfer and involves transferring DNA from adult cells into eggs that have had their own DNA removed. Without the addition of sperm(精子), the eggs are stimulated （刺激）chemically to develop into an embryo that’s a clone of the DNA donor(提供者). The embryo is then placed into a substitue(替代) for gestation（妊娠）.
The researchers modified the approach in two important ways, however. Rather than use adult cells in the DNA transfer, they used fetal (胎儿)cells, which react better to chemical stimuli（刺激）for embryo development, says Mu-ming Poo, director of the academy’s Institute of Neuroscience and a co-autho of the paper. They also fine-tuned the cell transfer process to minimize damage to the eggs
As for creating human clones, Poo says the research shows it can be done, but he and his team have no interest. “Besides many technical dificulties that remain to be overcome, we see no justifiable reason to do human cloning,” says Poo, “nor would the societies around the world permit such an attempt.”
While human cells may be cloned experimentally, for example to research tissue regeneration, the cloning of an entire human is illegal in more than 70 countries, according to the Center for Genetics and Society. U.S. law does not ban it, but over a dozen states do. (Discover 2019J&F,P60.)
1. About somatic cell nuclear transfer, which of the following statements is true?| A．It needs the combination of sperm and eggs. |
| B．The eggs keep their own DNA in the process. |
| C．The embryo has the DNA of the adult donor. |
| D．The embryo gestates in the eggs donor’s body. |
| A．acceptable. | B．incredible. | C．valuable. | D．reliable. |
| A．The right donor cells. | B．The fine-tuned transfer process. |
| C．The united team. | D．The reduced damage to the eggs. |
| A．Nature Exploration | B．Science Magazine |
| C．Medicine World | D．World Wonders |
5 . Many college students turn to ADHD（注意缺陷障碍）medicine during the exam week, which is regarded as “smart drugs” that will help their academic（学术的）performance. The thinking is that if the drugs help students with ADHD improve their focus, they should provide the same benefit for people who don’t have the disorder.
But a new study shows that drugs can actually damage brain function of healthy students who take the drug hoping to boost their intelligence. “It’s not a smart drug which will suddenly improve their ability to understand information they read,” said Lisa Weyandt, a professor at the University of Rhode Island.
To test whether this effect is real or not, researchers organized 13 students to take part in two five-hour study sessions（一段时间）in the lab. The students took the standard 30mg ADHD drugs before one session, and a sugar pill before the other. Students on ADHD drugs did experience an increase in their blood pressure and heart rates. “The medicine was having an effect on their brain,” Weyandt said. The students also showed an improvement in their ability to focus, the researchers found.
However, students on ADHD drugs experienced no improvement in reading comprehension, reading fluency or knowledge reviews, compared to when they’d taken a sugar pill. “We read aloud stories to them and asked them to recall information from the stories, ”she said. “That didn’t improve.”
Worse, the ADHD drug actually harms students’ memory. It’s often misused because people pull all-nighters and they’re tired, and they think it’s going to keep them awake. Maybe it does, but it’s certainly not going to help their academic work. The brain is still developing until the mid to late 20s. It’s important to keep it healthy. There’s also a chance that ADHD drugs could endanger a student’s heart health.
1. Why do some college students take ADHD drugs?| A．To improve their sleeping. | B．To get higher marks. |
| C．To make them feel relaxed. | D．To treat brain disorder. |
| A．Analyze. | B．Affect. |
| C．Improve. | D．Understand. |
| A．They became more focused. |
| B．Their blood pressure was reduced. |
| C．Their reading fluency was greatly raised. |
| D．They could remember better and more quickly. |
| A．In a drug instruction. | B．In a biology textbook. |
| C．In a travel magazine. | D．In a news report. |
6 . From this issue, we explore why the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI) Institute hasn't turned up anything since its founding in the 1980s. (See page 30 for more.) We asked our Facebook followers: Do you think that astronomers will find evidence of alien life in your lifetime?
Loran McCormick: 1 think they already have it. Judging by the sudden industrialization, I figure they found something that's probably been here since before humans walked the Earth.
Jens Avery: We may find life, but it may not want anything to do with us. We are not very advanced and can't even get along with each other.
Steven Buhrow: I think the more important question is — will any government ever publicly admit it in our lifetime? I fully believe that we could discover alien life today and the government would simply say the public is not ready for this information.
Jenna Walsh: I think we already see it, but just don't realize what it is. Intelligent alien life probably doesn't want anything to do with the disaster that is Earth at this point, so no doubt they're playing it safe and observing from a safe distance.
Christopher Harvey: By alien life, do you mean intelligent alien life? Then no. It would be extremely hard to find, short of them coming down to Earth. But if you mean unintelligent alien life, like bacteria or single cell, we might.
1. Why did we ask the Facebook followers the question?| A．To question the efficiency of SETI. |
| B．To confirm the appearance of aliens on earth. |
| C．To ensure the existence of aliens. |
| D．To complain about the failure to find aliens. |
| A．Loran McCormick. | B．Steven Buhrow. |
| C．Jenna Walsh. | D．Christopher Harvey. |
| A．An album. | B．A science fiction. |
| C．A magazine. | D．A travel guide. |
7 . The computer is a powerful tool. With it, teachers can improve the classroom experience in a variety of ways. But misuse of the computer will probably result in disadvantages.
To investigate the way technology is being used in our school district, I recently spoke with Jeanine Lowell, who teaches social studies at Lake Town Middle School. Mrs. Lowell informed me that computers have helped to increase students’ motivation and prepare them for life in a technological society. “These kids are probably going to be using some kind of computer system when they graduate from high school,” Lowell noted. “It’s important that we provide a proper introduction to them in the classroom.” Lowell also observed that the computers have made it easier to promote different areas of learning, so that students can work on a project or topic that relates to more than one subject.
With all of these benefits, however, come a few shortcomings. Although Mrs. Lowell has nearly wallpapered her room with warnings that state: “The computer is NOT A TOY”, not everyone in the class agrees with this idea. Some students get easily distracted (分心) by the internet and are quite good at making it look as if they are doing work when they are really checking their email or watching videos. “You’ve got to be three steps ahead,” she told me, “if you want to stay on top of what they’re actually doing on the computer.”
Some schools use some type of blocking software to ensure that students cannot access improper sites at school. More complex programs use a server-based, network-wide program instead of software that runs on personal computers. Research has shown that in a way these server-based blocking programs provide better security, because some students can disable the software on a personal computer.
However, there is no replacement for the watchful eye of a good teacher like Jeanine Lowell. There are also no electronic cure-alls for any of education’s many challenges. Technology is a useful tool, but that is all it is: a tool.
1. Where is this passage most likely from?| A．A newspaper. | B．An advertisement. |
| C．A novel. | D．A diary. |
| A．Improved motivation in the classroom. |
| B．Opportunities for learning across different subjects. |
| C．Increased preparation for the future use in the workplace. |
| D．Convenience of sharing ideas with people living across the globe. |
| A．post warning signs throughout the classroom |
| B．use blocking software on personal computers |
| C．monitor what students do on the computers carefully |
| D．use server-based software programs on personal computers |
| A．It does more harm than good. |
| B．It is only supported by experts. |
| C．It contributes to teaching in some way. |
| D．It is more beneficial to teachers than students. |
8 . Next time you watch videos in high resolution, pause for thought. Your decision may be having an unnecessary impact on the environment.
Watching videos on a smartphone in high resolution produces eight times as much carbon as viewing in standard definition, according to a report from the Royal Society. It adds that the difference in resolution is unlikely to be noticed on small screens anyway and suggests that the users should make a sensible choice in some circumstances.
“Avoiding streaming in unnecessarily high resolution will help reduce emissions,” the report says. “Platforms and regulators should consider limiting streaming resolution.” It recommends that, as part of a move “responsible streaming”, video should be turned off for many YouTube users who are only listening to the content. A previous study found that such a move could save between 1 per cent and 5 per cent of YouTube’s total emissions.
The authors do not calculate how much a person’s carbon footprint would be reduced by watching videos in lower resolution. However, they admitted that digital technology also plays a significant role in reducing emissions, such as by enabling people to communicate virtually rather than travel to meet face to face. “Digital technology lets us do things differently and it has huge potential to help reducing emissions—if used responsibly,” said Adrian Friday, professor from the University of Lancaster, who is a member of the working group for the report.
Using laptops, tablets, smart TVs and other devices for longer before upgrading will also reduce emissions, the report says. “Protecting and repairing phones is good practice to help keep them longer. Getting a phone or other device second-hand, or passing it on, and sharing equipment are other good ways.”
1. What’s the disadvantage of the high-resolution device according to this passage?| A．It can’t be upgraded in time. | B．It requires a larger screen. |
| C．It may not benefit the environment. | D．It functions rather slowly. |
| A．Replacing old laptops frequently. | B．Travelling to meet face to face. |
| C．Sharing equipment with others. | D．Streaming in high resolution. |
| A．communicating virtually is totally impractical. |
| B．YouTube is a popular platform around the word. |
| C．digital technology has more disadvantages than advantages. |
| D．digital technology should be used reasonably. |
| A．Art & Culture | B．Science & Tech | C．Entertainment | D．Economy |
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1. Why is it not difficult for people to learn to use ATEM Mini?| A．Because its buttons are put on the front panel. |
| B．Because its USB output looks like a webcam. |
| C．Because four video inputs connect computers. |
| D．Because it allows access to advanced features. |
| A．Create Training and Educational Videos |
| B．Use Professional Video Effects |
| C．Live Stream Training and Conferences |
| D．Keen watch on all Video Inputs |
| A．public service ad | B．short story |
| C．commercial ad | D．news report |
10 . (Oct. 13th, 2020, Reuters) The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences has decided to award the Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2020 to Emmanuelle Charpentier and Jennifer A. Doudna “for the development of a method for gene editing”.
Charpentier and Doudna have discovered one of gene technology’s sharpest tools: the CRISPR/Cas9 genetic scissors. Using these, researchers can easily change the DNA of animals and plants. This technology has had a great impact on the life sciences. It is contributing to new cancer treatment and may make the dream of curing inherited diseases(遗传病)come true.
Researchers need to modify genes in cells if they want to find out about life’s inner workings. This used to be difficult and sometimes impossible. Using the CRISPR/Cas9 genetic scissors, it is now possible to change the code of life in a few weeks.
The discovery of these genetic scissors was unexpected. During Charpentier’s studies of Streptococcus pyogenes (酿脓链球菌),which cause the most harm to humans,she discovered a previously unknown molecule (分子), tracrRNA. It kills viruses by breaking their DNA.
She started working with Doudna,an experienced biochemist in 2011. They then reprogrammed the genetic scissors. In their natural form, the scissors recognize DNA from viruses, but Charpentier and Doudna prove that they could be controlled so that they can cut any DNA molecule at a given site. Then it is easy to rewrite the code of life.
Since Charpentier and Doudna discovered the CRISPR/Cas9 genetic scissors in 2012, their use has exploded. This tool has contributed to many important discoveries in basic research, and plant researchers have been able to develop crops that can fight pests and drought.Clinical trials(临床试验)of new cancer treatments are under way, and the dream of being able to cure inherited diseases is about to come true. These genetic scissors have taken the life sciences into a new page and, in many ways,are bringing the greatest benefit to humans.
1. In which field is CRISPR/Cas9 mostly used?| A．Life science. |
| B．Tool design. |
| C．Disaster prevention. |
| D．Chemistry industry. |
| A．Dealing with cancer. |
| B．Modifying genes in cells. |
| C．Curing inherited diseases. |
| D．Discovering life’s inner workings. |
| A．It kills harmful viruses. |
| B．It damages human organs. |
| C．It makes DNA copying easier. |
| D．It cuts DNA molecule at a chosen spot. |
| A．science fiction |
| B．personal story |
| C．news report |
| D．book review |
