1 . Jennifer DeStefano answered a call from an unknown number only to hear a man threatening her 15-year-old daughter’s life and demanding money, as well as the sound of her daughter crying for help. But while she kept him on the phone, her friends managed to reach her daughter, discovering that she was, in fact, free and well on a skiing trip in Arizona. The voice used on the phone was cloned.
A brief sample (样本) of a voice can be used to train an AI model, which can then speak any given text sounding like that person. Now the dangers are starting to be talked aloud.
ElevenLabs, an AI start-up, offers users the chance to create their own clones in minutes and the results are disturbingly accurate. When generating a playback, the system allows users to choose between variability and stability (稳定性). Select “variability”, and the voice will have a lifelike intonation (语调), including pauses like “er...”. Choose “stability”, and it will come across more like a calm and unemotional newsreader. Taylor Jones, a linguist and consultant, took a careful look at the quality of ElevenLabs’s clone of his voice in a video. A low-tech test, a “conversation” with his own mother, fooled the woman who raised him.
For several years, customers have been able to identify themselves over the phone to their bank and other companies using their voice. This was a security upgrade, not a danger. Not even a gifted voice actor could fool the detection system. But now the banks are forced to change in order to prevent crime.
Creative industries could face trouble. Voice actors’ skills, trained over a lifetime, can be copied in seconds. But some actors may, in fact, find cloning congenial. One actor, who has lost much of his voice to throat cancer, was delighted to have his voice restored for his new movie. Others may be spared the trouble of heading for the studio for retakes. Another industry that will have to deal with the rise of clones is journalism. Secret recordings have long been the contributor to the big news. Now who will trust a story based on an audio clip (音频片段)?
1. How does the author lead in the topic?| A．By telling a story. | B．By explaining a concept. |
| C．By making a guess. | D．By making a comparison. |
| A．To analyze the use of voice cloning. | B．To draw readers’ attention to AI. |
| C．To prove ElevenLabs’s achievements. | D．To show the danger of voice cloning. |
| A．Annoying. | B．Shocking. | C．Suitable. | D．Inventive. |
| A．AI Technology: Good or Bad? | B．AI-based Voice: A Potential Risk |
| C．Cloned Voice: Who to Blame? | D．Voice Cloning: A New Phenomenon |
2 . When someone tells me that they’re going to spend just 3 days in Paris, I feel like they’re most likely not going to love it. I mean, it’s possible to have a great time if you do it right and put what you want to see at the first place. During such a short visit most tourists head to see the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, Louvre and some other tourist attractions, and therefore experience crowds, long lines and not the real local Paris.
Take your pick and spend some time actually enjoying these things instead of rushing through everything. I’m not telling you not to see these famous landmarks, but in order to fully feel the Paris atmosphere, you need to stay in the city longer. A stay in Paris just for a weekend seems far from seeing all the great things.
Almost everyone is dreaming of getting to the top of the Eiffel Tower. But the moment you start approaching the tower you might realize that it’s not very romantic, as it’s surrounded by a ton of visitors and annoying vendors (小贩). The place is crowded, and lines take forever no matter when you visit it.
It’s hard to find a romantic spot unless you book a dinner on top of the Eiffel Tower. It’s something you will only do once, as it’s not the best fine dining you’ve ever had — you’re doing it just for the experience. However, if you climb the stairs behind the Croatian Embassy you may be able to find a quiet spot overlooking the tower. The view is wonderful and definitely worth it, especially at night when the tower starts blinking!
I recommend you to see the city from up high from the top of the Tour Montparnasse, Arc de Triomphe, or even a carousel (旋转木马) in Tuileries, and actually have the Eiffel Tower in your view.
1. What can be inferred from the first paragraph?| A．You can only see crowds at tourist attractions. |
| B．He who has a short visit doesn’t love Paris. |
| C．Visitor can have a good time traveling in Paris in three days. |
| D．It takes more time to experience the real Paris. |
| A．Fully feeling the atmosphere of the city. |
| B．Only visiting the famous landmarks of the city. |
| C．Seeing the whole city at the weekend. |
| D．Rushing through all attractions in the city. |
| A．Delighted. | B．Sad. | C．Exhausted. | D．Romantic. |
| A．The atmosphere of Paris. |
| B．The tips of visiting Paris better. |
| C．The view of the Eiffel Tower. |
| D．The tourist attractions in Paris. |
3 . Language clubs are friendly and supportive places where like-minded students can learn and practice a different language.
Chinese Club
The Chinese Club offers chances for you to appreciate the most widely spoken language in the world. In the club, we not only have conversation hours to practice speaking Chinese, but also watch films and listen to music.
French Club
Russian Club
It is a club for both knowledge exchange and personal growth to students who want to learn about Russia. We offer a chance to discover Russian culture and history while making new friends.
Italian Club
It is a club for those who share a strong interest in Italian culture and language. Join our extra-curricular activities to meet native Italian speakers, make pizzas, and host opera workshops! We meet every Monday from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Overseas Student Center.
Make new friends and join us today! For more information about the latest activities, please feel free to contact languageclubs2023@gmail.com.
| A．If you are interested in museum visits |
| B．Here are some clubs that you need to know |
| C．Moreover, we also celebrate traditional festivals |
| D．It is a club for those who long to learn cooking skills |
| E．Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced speaker |
| F．Besides cultural events, we also run many weekly lessons |
| G．It is a club offering group events about language and history |
4 . Many teenagers care about helping other people. Few turn their concern into a career (事业). But that’s just what Tom Wilson did. At 12, he started volunteering. Now as the Youth Program Officer at the Connor Foundation, he leads national charity programs and helps the organization decide which projects to support.
“I learned about service by watching my parents.” Tom grew up in a town where people enjoyed helping others. His parents set an example for him with everyday acts of kindness. In 2002, Tom moved to another small town and decided to carry on volunteering. However, he found that there aren’t many choices for teenagers. So he started a nonprofit (非盈利) group, helping them lead their own service projects.
“I turned my love for service into my career.” Tom worked on his nonprofit in middle school and high school, and then one of his teachers advised him to make a career out of helping others. This led him to start a company that provided low-cost camps and educational programs for children. He learned it was possible to make a career out of helping others.
When Tom began his work, he found that some adults didn’t believe teenagers could make a change. Luckily, he was encouraged by his parents and other supportive adults. It was their support that gave Tom courage. Now he works to show teenagers that they can make positive changes. “We want teenagers to know it’s possible for them, their friends, and their generation to make a difference,” he says, and he has always believed in the power of youth to accomplish amazing and meaningful things. Tom advises that teenagers be creative as they look for new solutions to problems. He believes in the power of imagination. “Teenagers are so imaginative,” he says. “They don’t see the same difficulties as adults do.”
1. How did Tom know the value of service at an early age?| A．He joined a national charity program. |
| B．He discovered it through service projects. |
| C．He was chosen to be a Youth Program Officer. |
| D．He observed his parents’ daily acts of kindness. |
| A．He needed to enrich his volunteer experiences. |
| B．He wanted to join in the educational programs. |
| C．He hoped to offer chances for teenagers to volunteer. |
| D．He wanted to make new friends with other teenagers. |
| A．Pressure from his parents. | B．His teacher’s suggestion. |
| C．A need for low-cost camps. | D．His desire for a new career. |
| A．Teenagers should start their own careers. |
| B．Teenagers have the power to make a difference. |
| C．Adults are always supportive of youth projects. |
| D．Adults should help teenagers deal with problems. |
5 . Fifteen years ago, an earthquake in Turkey hit the school where William Jefferson studied and he was buried in the ruins
He was
In his spare time, William
“I hope that one day when we walk down the street with prosthetic legs, we are not treated
| A．investigated | B．saved | C．taken | D．trapped |
| A．cut off | B．watched over | C．looked into | D．checked out |
| A．traditional | B．curious | C．hopeless | D．unique |
| A．recovery | B．concern | C．sadness | D．adventure |
| A．In spite of | B．Except for | C．Thanks to | D．Instead of |
| A．limited | B．meaningful | C．alarming | D．excellent |
| A．delivered | B．created | C．registered | D．obtained |
| A．posted | B．admired | C．revised | D．exchanged |
| A．secrets | B．comments | C．suggestions | D．demands |
| A．in need | B．on guard | C．in shock | D．on duty |
| A．immediately | B．freely | C．effectively | D．patiently |
| A．reminds | B．amazes | C．pains | D．challenges |
| A．stops | B．disturbs | C．drives | D．honors |
| A．normally | B．equally | C．formally | D．differently |
| A．experiences | B．strengths | C．efforts | D．disabilities |
6 . Four ideas for the best Easter holidays
When the kids breakup from school it can be difficult to choose what to do. With the Easter holidays just around the comer, here are four different ideas to inspire you to make the most of the break, whatever your age.
York
Bursting with museums, attractions, and events for everyone, York is the perfect Easter holiday destination. Going with grandparents? They’ll love walking the cobbled streets for sweet treats or stopping for an afternoon tea at one of the many historic hotels. Or learn about the diverse history of this amazing city at one of the museums. There really is something for everyone in this attractive city.
Botany Bay
Botany Bay is a great spot to spend a day relaxing and playing on the sands. Located in Kent and with lifeguards on duty, it’s a great spot for surfing, exploring the rockpools, and hunting for fossils. For a longer stay, why not hire a car for the Easter holiday and take a road trip along the Kentish coast British seaside break?
Bristol
Travel to the southwest to explore bustling (熙熙攘攘的) Bristol. Bristol is full of amazing restaurants housed in warehouses that remind you of the city’s maritime history. There are also wonderful museums, amazing parks for picnics and games, and even a surf centre nearby. Shop. eat, play — whatever you fancy doing, Bristol has it all.
Snowdonla
Head to North Wales if you’re after some wild adventures. There are plenty of hills, lakes, rivers, and benches to explore, but if your kids have a lot of energy to burn, then Mount Snowdon should be your choice. Standing 1,085 metres tall, it’s sure to provide an exciting adventure for the whole family. Local guides are available to lead you to the top, if you wish.
1. Where will a family with grandparents choose to go?| A．York | B．Botany Bay. | C．Bristol. | D．Snowdonia. |
| A．Parks. | B．Restaurants . | C．Fossil museums. | D．Surf spots. |
| A．Have a picnic. | B．Play games. | C．Look for fossils. | D．Climb mountains. |
7 . A 23-year-old woman has achieved an unbelievable feat that many of us dream of- visiting every country on Earth.
Lexie Alford was born into a family of travel agents, which gave her the opportunity to
“I also loved visiting Northern Pakistan, for the natural beauty of the mountains and
“My
| A．report | B．settle | C．tour | D．love |
| A．fund | B．conceive | C．switch | D．set |
| A．powerful | B．remote | C．developed | D．remaining |
| A．ranked | B．overlooked | C．followed | D．criticized |
| A．inspire | B．please | C．understand | D．accompany |
| A．occasionally | B．simply | C．completely | D．temporarily |
| A．platform | B．agency | C．process | D．country |
| A．dull | B．official | C．natural | D．challenging |
| A．adults | B．youth | C．bosses | D．agents |
| A．kindness | B．situation | C．ignorance | D．status |
| A．memory | B．surprise | C．lesson | D．effect |
| A．started with | B．met with | C．ended up | D．turned back |
| A．advice | B．compromise | C．belief | D．comment |
| A．plans | B．decision | C．devotion | D．sacrifices |
| A．incredible | B．impossible | C．important | D．impressive |
Festivals
Of all the traditional festivals, the harvest festival can be found in almost every culture. This important
Customs play a significant and relatively stable role in festivals,
Festivals are an important part of society. They are occasions
One incident will always come to my mind when I think of China. One day, I was off work early in my hometown in Western Nepal. I was about to leave
Over the past 70 or so years, China
China has lifted 850 million out of absolute poverty in forty years,
These are the reasons I love China and I want it to prosper forever.
10 . We all know that water is tasteless. But it happens from time to time: you pick up the bottle of water you didn’t finish yesterday, and it tastes strange. Most often, you tend to drop the bottle in the trash bin, believing that the water has gone bad. But is it true?
According to Time, of course not, taste has little to do with quality of water.
According to Time, when water is exposed to the air for 12 hours, CO2 interacts with the H2O in the water, and the pH value lowers slightly. As a result, the water has a different taste.
“But it’s most likely safe to drink,” Norwegian expert Truls Krogh told Science Nordic. “If the water is covered and of good quality to start with, in principle it can last a thousand years. That’s because when water is fresh, it contains little organic matter. As long as water is held in clean glasses or bottles, no pollutants will enter it to harm our health.”
People in countries like the US, the UK and Australia usually drink tap water. According to Time, if tap water is drunk within six months, the chlorine(氯气)in the water will be enough to kill any bacteria and keep it safe to drink.
However, there are also some exceptions. If you accidentally put your fingers into water or store water in unclean containers day after day, microorganism (微生物) will enter the water.
With the help v of surrounding temperature, and sunlight streaming through windows, these microorganisms multiply quickly. Sooner or later, the water will be in the charge of the unfriendly bacteria. And if you drink the water too often, then you’re more likely to be ill.
And what about water in plastic bottles? Heat and plastic are a bad combination, US researcher Kellogg Schwab stresses. When plastic bottles are used at high temperatures, they produce a chemical called BPA.BPA is something that affects hormones (荷尔蒙) and research has tentatively linked it to “several health damage, including heart disease and cancer”, Time reported.
Schwab suggests replacing disposable (一次性的) plastic bottles with the refillable containers made of metal or glass to deal with BPA.
1. The purpose of the first paragraph is to ________.| A．show an example | B．draw a conclusion |
| C．set a background | D．introduce a topic |
| A．BPA does little harm to our health. |
| B．Tap water is always safe to drink. |
| C．Microorganisms are easy to produce in the heat. |
| D．Disposable plastic bottles have been forbidden already. |
| A．Why Is Water Tasteless? | B．How to Get Clean Water |
| C．Does Water Really Go Bad? | D．Learn to Protect Water |
