3 . In a study published in Nature Machine Intelligence, researchers at Ohio State University show how artificial intelligence（AI）can follow clinical trials to identify drugs for repurposing, a solution that can help advance innovative treatments.

Repurposing drugs is legal and not unusual. When doctors prescribe(开处方)drugs that have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration(FDA)for purposes different from what is printed on the labels, the drugs are being used “off-label” Just because a drug is FDA-approved for a specific type of disease does not prevent it from having possible benefits for other purposes.

For example, Metformin, a drug that is FDA-approved for treating type 2 diabetes, is also used to treat PCOS(a disease of women), and other diseases. Trazodone, an anti-depressant with FDA-approval to treat depression, is also prescribed by doctors to help treat patients with sleep issues.

The Ohio State University research team created an AI deep learning model for predicting treatment probability with patient data including the treatment, outcomes, and potential confounders(干扰因素).

Confounders are related to the exposure and outcome. For example, a connection is identified between music festivals and increases in skin rashes(红疹). Music festivals do not directly cause skin rashes. In this case, one possible confounding factor between the two may be outdoor heat, as music festivals tend to run outdoors when the temperature is high, and heat is a known cause for rashes. When working with real-world data, confounders could number in the thousands. AI deep learning is well-suited to find patterns in the complexity of potentially thousands of confounders.

The researcher team used confounders including population data and co-prescribed drugs. With this proof-of-concept, now clinicians have a powerful AI tool to rapidly discover new treatments by repurposing existing medications.

1. What do we know about a drug used off-label?

A．It is sold without a label.

B．It is available at a low price.

C．Its uses extend beyond the original ones.

D．Its clinical trials are rejected by doctors.

2. Metformin and Trazodone are similar as both of them________.

A．are used off-label

B．treat rare diseases

C．result in sleep issues

D．are medical breakthroughs

3. What can be inferred about “confounders”?

A．They are possible treatments.

B．They are environmental factors.

C．They can be easily recognized in real-world data.

D．They should be taken into serious consideration.

4. What is the main idea of the text?

A．AI examines benefits of existing drugs.

B．AI identifies off-label uses for drugs.

C．AI finds new drugs for common diseases.

D．AI proves the power of drug research.

4 . Chinese scientists have created the world’s first light-based quantum（量子）computer named Jiuzhang. It is a milestone in which a quantum machine can solve a problem no classical supercomputer can tackle within a reasonable amount of time.

Experts recognized the Chinese machine as a “state-of-the-art experiment” Fabio Sciarrino, a quantum physicist at Sapienza University of Rome, told Science News that his first impression of the Chinese quantum computer was, simply, “wow”. Anton Zeilinger, noted quantum physicist and president of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, said that, following this experiment, he predicts there is a very good chance that quantum computers may be used very broadly someday.

Quantum computers stand out at running simulations that are impossible for conventional computers. Quantum machines can take computational shortcuts when simulating extremely complex situations, while conventional computers have to force their way to a solution, taking significantly more time in the process. Moreover, it can perform an extreme calculation, called Gaussian boson sampling（高斯玻色取样）, in 200 seconds. The same task would take the world’s fastest classical supercomputer, Fugaku, around 600 million years.

Pan Jianwei, who is recognized as China’s top quantum scientist and one of the key researchers behind Jiuzhang, said the calculations they carried out can not only showcase the machine’s computing power but also demonstrate potential practical applications in machine learning and quantum chemistry.

“Quantum computing has already become a fierce competition area among the United States, Europe and other developed regions,” Pan said, adding that China’s quantum computational advantage took about 7 to 10 years to achieve, since the team first decided to tackle the problem around 2013.

However, Pan stressed that the quantum computer is a highly specialized machine, and is currently only programmed to do boson sampling. “It is not a general-purpose quantum computer,” he said. In the near future, scientists may increase Jiuzhang’s possible output states—a key indicator of computing power—from 10 to the 30th power to 10 to the 40th power.

1. What is the Anton Zeilinger’s attitude towards quantum computer?

A．Negative.	B．Optimistic.
C．Doubtful.	D．Satisfied.

2. How does the author support his opinion in Paragraph 3 ?

A．By making contrasts.	B．By presenting reasons.
C．By analyzing figures.	D．By conducting experiments.

3. What may be the next main focus in developing Jiuzhang?

A．Capacity.	B．Programme.
C．Storage.	D．Specialization.

4. What does the text mainly talk about?

A．High recognition of Chinese experts in the world.

B．Fierce competition in Boson sampling all over the world.

C．Appearance of the world’s first light-based quantum computer.

D．Distinctions between quantum computer and conventional computer.

5 . Scientists have not found any signs of life on Mars yet,but they say a robotic vehicle called “Curiosity” is helping them learn a lot about the planet’s history and climate.

Curiosity landed on Mars in August 2012 after travelling through space for more than eight months.It was sent to Mars by scientists from NASA in the United States.

Curiosity is about the size of a car and has six wheels.It also has a robotic arm,cameras,and instruments that allow it to examine things it finds on the surface.Then it sends the information back to the earth.

Curiosity’s main task is to find out if anything could live on Mars,either now or in the past.On Nov.2,NASA scientists held a press conference (新闻发布会) to discuss what Curiosity had found in its first two months on Mars.

Curiosity has found soil that is similar to the sand formed by volcanoes (火山) on the earth.Scientists say that studying the minerals in Martian soil will help them understand what conditions were like on the planet in the past.Curiosity also found smooth stones like the ones found on river beds and seashores on the earth,where their rough edges have been worn down by water.Mars is very cold and dry now,but scientists say the smooth stones tell them that a river used to run through the place where they were found.

Curiosity has been testing the atmosphere around Mars for a type of gas called methane (甲烷),but so far it has not found any.On the earth,most methane is produced by plants or animals.Methane on Mars might indicate that some type of tiny plants or animals lived there.

Curiosity is the fourth robotic vehicle to be sent to Mars.It will continue to explore the planet for about two years.

1. Which of the following descriptions about Curiosity is TRUE?

A．It landed on Mars in January 2012.

B．It is small in size and has four arms.

C．It took over eight months to arrive in Mars.

D．It was sent to Mars by scientists from Russia.

2. According to the information sent back by Curiosity,scientists believe that 　　　.

A．there’s no air on Mars	B．Mars is warm and wet now
C．the soil on Mars is rich	D．there used to be water on Mars

3. The underlined word “they” in Paragraph 5 refers to “　　　”.

A．smooth stones	B．rivers
C．robotic vehicles	D．volcanoes

4. We know from the sixth paragraph that 　　　.

A．some tiny animals once lived on Mars

B．there are no plants or animals on Mars now

C．the atmosphere around Mars is full of methane

D．Curiosity is designed to test the atmosphere around the earth

5. What is the main idea of the passage?

A．Humans benefit a lot by going to Mars.

B．Scientists will stop the research on Mars soon.

C．It is possible to build an earth-like environment on Mars.

D．A robotic vehicle helps scientists get useful information from Mars.

6 . What is the nature of the scientific attitude, the attitude of the man or woman who studies and applies physics, biology, chemistry, geology, engineering, medicine or any other science?

We all know that science plays an important role in our societies. However, many people believe that our progress depends on two different aspects of science. The first aspect is the application of the machines, products and systems of knowledge that scientists and technologists develop. The second is the application of the special methods of thought and action that scientists use in their work.

What are these special methods of thinking and acting? First of all, it seems that a successful scientist is curious - he wants to find out how and why the universe works. He usually pays attention to problems which he notices have no satisfying explanation, and looks for relationships even if the data available seem to be unconnected. Moreover, he thinks he can improve the existing conditions and enjoys trying to solve the problems which this involves.

He is a good observer, accurate, patient and objective and uses the facts he observes to the fullest. For example, trained observers obtain a very large amount of information about a star mainly from the accurate analysis of the simple lines that appear in a spectrum(光谱).

He does not accept statements which are not based on the most complete evidence available. He rejects authority as the only basis for truth. Scientists always check statements and make experiments carefully and objectively.

Furthermore, he does not readily accept his own idea, since he knows that man is the least reliable of scientific instruments and that a number of factors tend to disturb objective investigation.

Lastly, he is full of imagination since he often has to look for relationships in data which are not only complex but also frequently incomplete. Furthermore, he needs imagination if he wants to guess how processes work and how events take place.

These seem to be some of the ways in which a successful scientist or technologist thinks and acts.

1. Which of the following statements about a curious scientist is TRUE?

A．He doesn't find confidence and pleasure in work.

B．He makes efforts to investigate potential connections.

C．He is interested in problems that are explained.

D．He looks for new ways of acting.

2. According to the passage, a successful scientist would _______________.

A．easily appreciate others' research work

B．easily believe in unchecked statements

C．always accept authority as the only basis for truth

D．always use evidence from observation to the fullest

3. Which word can be used to describe the author's attitude that a good scientist holds towards the scientific research?

A．Objective and careful.	B．Curious and casual.
C．Cautious and arrogant.	D．Subjective and down-to-death .

4. What does the passage mainly discuss?

A．Key to a successful scientist.	B．Scientists’ ways of thinking and acting
C．Progress in modern society.	D．Application of modern technology.

7 . It is not uncommon for close synonyms to be understood to share the same meaning. The difference between words like “hard”and “difficult”, for example, goes tragically unnoticed.

Take for example the following sentences: 1) The test was hard. 2) The test was difficult. Is there a noticeable difference between the at all? If not, what would be the point to having multiple words with the exact same meaning? While many close synonyms share similar, if not the same, dictionary definitions, the feeling or mood they convey is utterly singular, if there is indeed a difference between words like “hard” and “difficult”, what is it?

To begin, “hard” is pragmatic and realistic, firmly grounded in reality. On the other hand, “difficult” is civilized, willing to make the effort necessary to appear polite. Furthermore, “hard” is more likely to be used in casual, in formal circumstances. It is used without pretense, and does not maintain a feeling of being overly concerned. In terms of daily usage, “hard” may be employed by an exhausted brick mason (石匠) when posed with the question, “How was your day” Conversely, “difficult” may be used by a military general upon explaining to his or her superior the progression of a particularly taxing campaign.

Now, let’s look at the synonyms, “happy” and “glad”. Take for example the following sentences: 1) Tommy is happy because he got a new bike. 2) Tommy is glad because he got a new bike. Again, upon consulting a dictionary, one will find highly similar, if not the same, definitions. But these definitions lack the feeling, the unique emotional charge that these words convey. The word “happy” conveys a sense of a carefree attitude. The thought of someone who is “happy” conveys the image of a bright-eyed, ruddy, smiling face. One is “ happy” on the morning of his birthday, discovering a new puppy bounding into his bedroom. On the other hand, the word “glad” conveys a sense of relief or contentment. The thought of someone who is “glad” conveys the image of a man standing crossed-armed, nodding gently.

Granted, the notion that close synonyms can be used interchangeably is prevalent among English speakers. However, using the examples and insights described above, one may come to recognize these subtle, yet crucial,differences.

1. Which of the following statements best describes the main idea of this passage?

A．Close synonyms are difficult to comprehend, and are commonly used interchangeably.

B．Contrary to popular belief, important differences exist between come close synonyms.

C．The difference between the words “hard”and “difficult” is vague to most.

D．Most English speakers believe close synonyms can be used interchangeably.

2. Which is closest in meaning with “utterly singular” in the second paragraph?

A．just the same

B．quite the opposite

C．very similar

D．totally different

3. The writer would agree that ____________.

A．In English, we have multiple words with the exact same meaning

B．Close synonyms should not be used interchangeably

C．By saying “It was hard”, one tries to sound polite and formal

D．The difference between close synonyms are too subtle and thus unimportant

4. It can be inferred that____________.

A．dictionaries are of little help when it comes to clarifying the differences between close synonyms

B．close synonyms like “happy” and “glad” are largely misused among English speakers

C．a military general would never use a word like “hard”or “happy”

D．It is impossible to recognize the real differences between close synonyms

8 . A walk through the galleries of Quebec's Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (MMFA) places individuals face-to-face with some 43,000 artworks ranging from Chinese ceramics (陶瓷制品) to Inuit sculpture.

While the visiting is an incredible cultural experience, a group of local physicians will soon be able to prescribe(开处方) museum visits as treatment for some illnesses.

Hélène Boyer, vice president of a Montreal-based medical association, explains that museum visits have been shown to increase levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter (神经传导物质) known as the "happy chemical" which helps to lift mood.

According to Boyer, the small increase in hormones(荷尔蒙)associated with enjoying an afternoon of art is similar to that offered by exercise, making museum prescriptions ideal for the elderly experiencing pain that prevents them from regularly joining in physical activity.

The museum visits are designed to improve traditional methods. As Bondil notes, spending time in a peaceful environment can provide a welcome distraction. "What is most important is this experience can help them escape from their own pain," she says. "When you enter the museum, you escape from the speed of our daily life."

"I am convinced that in the 21st century, culture will be what physical activity was for health in the 20th century," said Bondil. " Some people would do well to recall that just in the 19^th century, sports were believed to do harm to the body. Just as doctors now prescribe exercise, they will be able to prescribe a visit to the MMFA."

1. What does Hélène Boyer think of museum visits?

A．They can cheer people up.	B．They can reduce physical activity.
C．They can slow down our life pace.	D．They can increase levels of art appreciation.

2. How do museum visits affect people?

A．Stop them concentrating on pain.

B．Stop them focusing on traditional methods.

C．Encourage them not to be absent-minded.

D．Encourage them to slow their steps while walking.

3. What does the last paragraph suggest?

A．Physical activities were popular in the 19th century.

B．Sports are considered to be harmful to the body.

C．Ideas of treating illnesses are changing over time.

D．Doctors prescribe museum visits regularly now.

4. What is the main idea of the text?

A．Museum visits are ideal for the elderly.	B．Happy chemical helps to lift mood.
C．Peaceful environment helps escape pain.	D．Cultural activities will promote health

9 . Buildings can become greener. They can use more recycled steel and can be built in off-site factories，greatly reducing lorry journeys. But no other building material has environmental credentials（认证）as exciting and overlooked as wood.

The energy required to produce a laminated（复合的）wooden beam is one-sixth of that required for a steel one of comparable strength. As trees take carbon out of the atmosphere when growing，wooden buildings contribute to negative emissions by storing the stuff. When a mature tree is cut down，a new one can be planted to replace it，capturing more carbon. After buildings are pulled down，old beams and panels are easy to recycle into new structures. And for improving older buildings to be more energy efficient，wood is a good insulator（绝缘体），A softwood window frame provides nearly 400 times as much insulation as a plain steel one of the same thickness and over a thousand times as much as an aluminium one.

A race is on to build the world's tallest fully wooden skyscraper. But such buildings are still uncommon. Industry disunity，cut-throat competition for contracts and low profit margins（差额）mean that most building firms have little money for greener construction methods beyond what regulation requires

Governments can help urge the industry to use more wood，particularly in the public section. That would help wood-building specialists achieve greater scale and lower costs. Zero-carbon building regulations should be changed to take account of the emissions that exist in materials. This would favour wood as well as novel ways of producing other materials.

Construction codes could be adjusted to make building with wood easier. Here the direction of travel is wrong. Britain，for instance，is banning the use of wood on the outside of tall buildings after 72 people died in a tower fire in London in 2017.That is a nonsense. Grenfell Tower was covered in aluminium and plastic，not wood. Modern cross-laminated wood panels perform better in fire tests than steel ones do.

Carpentry alone will not bring the environmental cost of the world's buildings into line.

1. What's the text mainly about?

A．Wood is the first choice for green buildings.

B．The public section makes good use of wood.

C．Building companies cannot afford greener construction.

D．Steel can reduce the environmental costs of buildings.

2. What does Paragraph 2 focus on?

A．Origins of wood structures.

B．Advantages of wood for building.

C．Reasons for green window frames.

D．Differences between steel and wood

3. Which of the following will discourage greener construction?

A．The races of wooden skyscrapers.	B．Strict regulations on materials.
C．The push of the government.	D．Fierce industry competition.

4. What can be inferred from the text?

A．Wood is to blame for a big building fire.

B．Britain will lift the ban of using wood on the outside wall.

C．Building with wood is facing an unfavorable situation.

D．The environmental costs of buildings rely on carpentry.

10 . In an ideal world, people would not test medicines on animals. Such experiments are stressful and sometimes painful for animals, and expensive and time-consuming for people. Yet animal experimentation is still needed to help bridge vast gaps in medical knowledge. That is why there are some 50 to 100 million animals used in research around the world each year.

Europe, on the whole, has the world’s most restrictive laws on animal experiments. Even so, its scientists use some 12 million animals a year, most of them mice and rats, for medical research. Official statistics show that just 1.1 million animals are used in research in America each year. But that is misleading. The American authorities do not think mice and rats are worth counting and, as these are the most common laboratory animals, the true figure is much higher. Japan and China have even less comprehensive data than America.

Now Europe is reforming the rules governing animal experiments by restricting the number of animals used in labs. Alternatives to animal testing, such as using human tissue or computer models,are now strongly recommended. In addition, sharing all research results freely should help to reduce the number of animals for scientific use. At present, scientists often share only the results of successful experiments. If their findings do not fit the hypothesis being tested, the work never sees the light of day. This practice means wasting time, money, and animals’ lives in endlessly repeating the failed experiments.

Animal experimentation has taught humanity a great deal and saved countless lives. It needs to continue, even if that means animals sometimes suffer. Europe’s new measures should eventually both reduce the number of animals used in experiments and improve the way in which scientific research is conducted.

1. What is the main idea of this passage?

A．The success of animal experiments should be ensured.

B．A ban on the use of animals in the lab should be enforced.

C．Greater efforts need to be taken to reduce the number of lab animals.

D．Scientists should be required to share their research results with each other.

2. Which of the following statements is TRUE about animals used in the lab?

A．America uses only about 1.1 million lab animals per year.

B．Europe does not use mice and rats as lab animals at all.

C．Britain does not use as many lab animals as China does.

D．Japan has limited data on the number of lab animals used each year.

3. Which of the following is mentioned as an alternative to replace animal experiments?

A．Statistical studies.

B．Computer models.

C．DNA planted in animals.

D．Tissue from dead animals.

4. What usually happens to unsuccessful animal experiments?

A．They are not revealed to the public.

B．They are made into teaching materials.

C．They are collected for future publication.

D．They are not removed from the research topic list.