1 . Each year, the world loses about 10 million hectares of forest—at area about the size of Iceland — because of cutting down trees. At that rate, some scientists predict the world’s forests could disappear in 100 to 200 years. To handle it, now researchers at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have pioneered a technique to generate wood-like plant materials sin a lab. This makes it possible to “grow” a wooden product without cutting down trees.
In the lab, the researchers first take cells from the leaves of a young plant. These cells are cultured in liquid medium for two days, then moved to another medium which contains nutrients and two different hormones (激素). By adjusting the bormone levels, the researchers can tune the physical and mechanical qualities of the cells: New the researchers use a 3D printer to shape the cell-based material, and let the shaped material grow in the dark for three months. Finally, the researchers dehydrate (使脱水) the material, and then evaluate its qualities.
They found that lower bormone levels lead to plant materials with more rounded, open cells of lower density (密度), while higher hormone levels contribute to the growth of plant materials with smaller but denser cell structures. Lower or higher density of cell structures makes the plant materials softer or more rigid, helping the materials grow with different wood-like characteristics. What’s more, it’s to be noted that the research process is about 100 times faster than the time it takes for a tree to grow to maturity!
Research of this kind is ground-breaking. “This work demonstrates the great power of a technology,” says lead researcher, Jeffrey Berenstab. “The real opportunity here is to be at its best with what you use and how you use it. This technology can be tuned to meet the requirements you give about shapes, sizes, rigidity, and forms. It enables us to grow’ any wooden product in a way that traditional agricultural methods can’t achieve.”
1. Why do researchers at MIT perform the research?A.To grow more trees. | B.To reduce tree losses. |
C.To protect plant diversity. | D.To predict forest disappearance. |
A.Its scientific origins. | B.Its theoretical basis |
C.Its usual difficulties. | D.Its main processes |
A.They are better than naturally grown plants. |
B.Their growth speed determines their characteristics. |
C.The hormone levels affect their rigidity. |
D.Their cells’ shapes mainly rely on their density. |
A.It uses new biological materials in lab experiments. |
B.It has a significant impact on worldwide plant growth. |
C.It revolutionizes the way to make wooden products. |
D.It challenges traditional scientific theories in forestry. |
2 . On the day he almost died, Kimbal Musk had food on the brain. The Internet startup talent and restaurateur had just arrived in Jackson Hole from a conference where chef Jamie Oliver had spoken about the benefits of healthy eating. This was something Musk thought about a lot-how he might make a difference to the food industry-but beyond expanding his farm-to-table movement along with his restaurant, Musk hadn’t yet broken the code. Then he went sailing down a snowy slope (坡) and fell over, breaking his neck. The left side of his body was paralyzed.
Musk eventually made a full recovery, but it involved spending two months on his back, which gave him plenty of time to come up with a plan. Since then, he has launched an initiative to put “learning gardens” in public schools across America; attracted Generation Z to the farming profession by changing shipping containers into high-tech, data-driven, year-round farms; and this year, is kicking off a new campaign to create one million at-home gardens.
Aimed at reaching low-income families, the Million Gardens Movement was inspired by the pandemic, as both a desire to feel more connected to nature and food insecurity have been at the forefront of so many people’s lives. “We were getting a lot of inquiries about gardening from people that had never gardened before, “ says Musk. “People were looking to garden for a bunch of reasons: to supplement their budget, to improve the nutritional quality of their diets, or just to cure the boredom that came with the lockdown.”
The program offers free garden kits that can be grown indoors or outdoors, and will be distributed through schools that Musk’s non-profit, Big Green, has already partnered with. It also offers free courses on how to get the garden growing and fresh seeds and materials for the changing growing seasons. “I grew up in the projects when I was young, in what we now call food deserts, “ says EVE, one of the many celebrities who have teamed up with the organization to encourage people to pick up a free garden. “What I love about this is that it’s not difficult. We are all able to grow something.”
1. What does the underlined expression “broken the code” in paragraph 1 probably mean?A.broken the rule | B.found a way out |
C.spared no effort | D.made up his mind |
A.It has just accomplished its target. |
B.It has mainly attracted young generations. |
C.It increases economic burdens for the poor. |
D.It may be stimulated by a lack of food security. |
A.Serious. | B.Flexible. |
C.Charitable. | D.Straightforward. |
A.To share his experience in a food desert. |
B.To motivate people to start a free garden. |
C.To clarify the reason why he loves a garden. |
D.To demonstrate the program to be non-profit. |
注意:词数100字左右。
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4 . My son turned 14 and didn’t have a smartphone. He was the only kid in his class without one. When he asked for a phone, I
“You can choose to do things
The more I research, the more confident I feel in my
But other parents
If teenagers are truly spending about 5 hours on average per day on their devices, as a recent research states, then what are they not doing? Kids
I want my son to have a
Some think my son is missing out or falling behind, but he is not. He does well in school,
If that is his
A.agreed | B.protested | C.refused | D.apologized |
A.gently | B.differently | C.desperately | D.slightly |
A.decision | B.conversation | C.preference | D.memory |
A.prove | B.link | C.limit | D.solve |
A.interaction | B.payment | C.business | D.guidance |
A.present | B.change | C.favor | D.challenge |
A.addiction | B.membership | C.ownership | D.preference |
A.require | B.forbid | C.refuse | D.support |
A.skilled | B.absorbed | C.hidden | D.specialized |
A.causal | B.stable | C.dramatic | D.memorable |
A.breakthroughs | B.balances | C.goals | D.awards |
A.hangs out | B.catches up | C.shows off | D.settles down |
A.silly | B.fine | C.incredible | D.meaningful |
A.missed | B.appreciated | C.imagined | D.polluted |
A.target | B.aim | C.version | D.promise |
5 . Earlier this year Rodney Smith Jr. made headlines (头条) when he drove eight hours from his home in Huntsville, Alabama, to cut the lawn for an elderly soldier in North Carolina who couldn’t find anyone to help him with his yard work.
That wasn’t the first time the twenty-nine-year-old Bermuda native had gained such attention. To do his good deeds (好事), Rodney often finds leads for those in need through social media.
Back to one August afternoon in 2015, Rodney Smith Jr. was driving home. That’s when Rodney saw an elderly man struggling to mow (修剪) his lawn (草坪). He would take a couple of shaky steps, using the handle to secure himself, stop, then slowly push the mower (割草机)again. Rodney decided to help. Mr. Brown thanked him greatly, and Rodney went home feeling satisfied.
Sitting at his computer to do his homework, Rodney couldn’t get Mr. Brown out of his mind. There must be many Mr. Browns out there. He went online and posted that he would mow lawns for free for senior citizens. Messages flooded in.
One day a cancer-battling woman said she wasn’t having a good day. Rodney decided to do more than mowing lawns. After he finished mowing, he knocked on her door. “You’re going to win this fight, Madam”, he said. Then he asked folks to pray for her on social media.
Word of Rodney’s mission spread. A grandmother in Ohio said he’d encouraged her 12-year-old grandson to mow lawns. He got a letter from a seven-year-old boy in Kansas. “Mr. Rodney, I would like to be a part of your program, and I’ll make you proud,” he wrote.
That gave Rodney an idea. In 2017, he decided to establish a programme Raising Men Lawn Care Service to make a national movement for young people. The kids learn the joy of giving back.
Yard work seems like a small, simple thing, but taking care of the lawn means a lot to the people they do it for. “When we mow their yards for free, they can use the money for healthcare and food etc. It means more than you would think,” Rodney said.
1. Rodney drew attention for his ______.A.mowing skills | B.dream | C.driving distance | D.generosity |
A.To comfort her. | B.To pray for her. |
C.To share gardening tips. | D.To ask about her health. |
A.Social media. | B.Personal success. |
C.Daily inspiration. | D.People’s courage. |
A.Giving Free, Gaining Fortune |
B.Mowing a Lawn, Making a Life |
C.Serving the Senior, Satisfying the Self |
D.Changing a little, Challenging the Limits |
A man has risked his life to save a sheep that got stuck on a rock at a cliff edge (悬崖边缘) as the ocean’s tide began to rise. While
7 . A group of middle-aged dads formed a dance team to perform at their kids’ school but unexpectedly gained popularity on social media, having over 300,000 followers—one of them is famous actor Hugh Jackman. The “Outta” Puff Daddys first came together in 2012 in Brighton for a surprise performance at their children’s annual dance show.
Having never danced professionally before and ranging in age from 42 to 60, the dads were taught by their kids’ street dance teacher for the surprise performance. They received a good reception, so they decided to carry on permanently.
Paul Jukes, 48, said dancing together has enabled the members to get through unemployment and anxiety. “Even though I’m the leader and artistic director of the team, I’m not normally the most confident guy.” said Jukes, whose team name is Jukebox. “If we’re in a party situation, we’re off at the side, but when we’re together those inhibitions (拘束感) are lost, and we just accept life to the fullest.”
The dance team members remember the moment when they surprised their kids at the dance show. “We performed at the Brighton Dome which seats 2,000 people, so for our first live dance performance, it was quite something. We took the roof off,” Jukes said. “The noise was crazy and of course, the kids in the audience were blown away. They were shouting, ”Hang on a second; that’s your dad.“ Most people might think our kids would be embarrassed by us but none of them had that feeling. All our families and kids were really supportive and really loved it. And it has been considered cool by them to have such a large following on Instagram.”
The team has to adapt to its members’ changing bodies as they get older, but that has not stopped them from continuing to dream big. “We take care of and support each other to make sure what we do is achievable,” said Jukes. “One of our members is 60 years old now and he’s just excellent.”
1. What is special about the dance team?A.Its members are inexperienced. | B.It helps with school dance instruction. |
C.It regularly posts videos on social media. | D.Its members are guided by famous dancers. |
A.It has inspired him to take up new hobbies. |
B.It has improved his health and leadership skills. |
C.It has strengthened his relationship with his family. |
D.It has helped him build confidence in a difficult time. |
A.They were amazed and proud of their dads. |
B.They were embarrassed but showed understanding. |
C.They considered following Jukebox on social media. |
D.They joined their dads to complete the performance together. |
A.Dancing is beneficial to people of all ages | B.Talented dads celebrate their kids’ interest |
C.Middle-aged dads prove age is just a number | D.A dance team is winning popularity among adults |
8 . It was a common summer day, and I was hiking in the woods. As I walked along the path, a sudden noise drew my attention. I froze,
For a few moments, the deer stood still, seemingly
One day, I
Years have passed since that unforgettable
A.unsure | B.horrible | C.tired | D.aware |
A.complaining | B.responding | C.considering | D.explaining |
A.escape | B.reject | C.harm | D.scare |
A.sleepy | B.relaxed | C.tense | D.concerned |
A.disappointment | B.regret | C.despair | D.amazement |
A.joy | B.stress | C.inspiration | D.faith |
A.negative | B.moral | C.special | D.frank |
A.look for | B.take advantage of | C.put aside | D.settle down |
A.humor | B.responsibility | C.belonging | D.timing |
A.caught sight of | B.tripped over | C.brought about | D.referred to |
A.continue | B.gather | C.return | D.survive |
A.delivered | B.tended | C.recognized | D.headed |
A.mission | B.growth | C.recovery | D.patience |
A.finally | B.obviously | C.definitely | D.absolutely |
A.challenge | B.communication | C.achievement | D.meeting |
9 . My son turned 14 and didn’t have a smartphone. He was the only kid in his class without one. When he asked for a phone, I
“You can choose to do things
The more I research, the more confident I feel in my
But other parents
If teenagers are truly spending about 5 hours on average per day on their devices, as a recent research states, then what are they not doing? Kids
I want my son to have a
Some think my son is missing out or falling behind, but he is not. He does well in school,
If that is his
A.agreed | B.exclaimed | C.refused | D.apologized |
A.gently | B.differently | C.desperately | D.slightly |
A.decision | B.conversation | C.preference | D.memory |
A.treat | B.link | C.limit | D.solve |
A.interaction | B.payment | C.business | D.guidance |
A.present | B.change | C.favor | D.challenge |
A.delight | B.happiness | C.sadness | D.craziness |
A.require | B.forbid | C.refuse | D.support |
A.skilled | B.absorbed | C.hidden | D.specialized |
A.causal | B.stable | C.dramatic | D.memorable |
A.breakthroughs | B.balances | C.goals | D.milestones |
A.hangs out | B.catches up | C.shows off | D.settles down |
A.silly | B.fine | C.incredible | D.meaningful |
A.missed | B.appreciated | C.imagined | D.polluted |
A.commitment | B.aim | C.version | D.promise |
10 . Demographic changes, such as aging populations and declining birth rates, pose challenges as well as offer opportunities for industries and countries. To overcome the challenges and seize the opportunities, especially to achieve long-term economic sustainability, economies need to enhance policies promoting innovations.
Now many countries in East Asia are facing the aging population and declining working-age population problem. Compared with other advanced countries, Japan encountered the population aging problem at a slightly earlier stage, starting in the mid-1990s. As Japan’s percentage of elderly population to the total population increased, it impacted the country’s economy, leading to a contraction in domestic demand and decline in both production and consumption, and restricting the growth of economy.
Some innovative companies have actively increased outward FDI (Foreign Direct Investment), providing cost advantages from inexpensive overseas labor to maintain their cost competitiveness. However, the global economy is facing the challenge of declining trade owing to the protectionism practiced by certain countries. Consequently, the chances of boosting growth through outward FDI may be limited.
Developing artificial intelligence is another solution to the negative impacts of the demographic changes. AI and robotics will play a crucial role in stimulating productivity and innovation by making payment for the decline in the working-age population, and the following increase in productivity will in turn raise the demand for labor by creating new employment opportunities.
AI, robotics and other advanced technologies give rise to new tasks within their fields and across other sectors. Therefore, it is necessary to employ cooperation policies to support corporations that promote innovations by increasing investment in research and development, facilitating the growth of new companies, and building a perfect system to protect intellectual properties. Since AI and robotics may replace certain jobs, it is essential to address the potential challenges they may create in the labor market and work out strategies to ensure a balanced and comprehensive transition.
1. What do we know about demographic changes from the first two paragraphs?A.There is no need to worry since the changes offer opportunities. |
B.The changes won’t affect the long-term economic sustainability. |
C.Japan is the only advanced country facing the changes at present. |
D.Things should be done to overcome the challenges posed by the changes. |
A.Push. | B.Decrease. | C.Pause. | D.Change. |
A.Favorable. | B.Intolerant. | C.Objective. | D.Indifferent. |
A.Withdrawing investment in research and development. |
B.Adopting policies that encourage innovation of corporations. |
C.Establishing new companies to protect intellectual properties. |
D.Creating potential labor market for more possible employments. |