1 . A man took a little too long to complete his PhD. While a majority of PhD programmes are _________ to be finished in five or six years, a 76-year-old student who studied for a PhD in 1970 completed it after 50 years.

Dr. Nick Axten received a scholarship for a PhD in mathematical sociology in 1970 at the University of Pittsburgh. _________, he returned to the UK after 5 years with an unfinished PhD.

Dr. Axten _________ his studies again in 2016 when he was aged 69, studying an MA in Philosophy at the University of Bristol. He then studied for a PhD in Philosophy at the same university and _________ in 2022, aged 75. This year, he _________ his doctorate in front of his wife and 11-year-old granddaughter.

“What I was trying to do in the early 70s was extremely _________,” said Dr. Axten. “Some problems are so _________ that it takes the best part of a lifetime to get your head around them. This one has taken me 50 years, which is simply _________.”

Dr. Axten’s research is a new theory for understanding human _________ based on the values each person holds. Dr. Axten says it can __________ our view of behavioural psychology.

“I have loved being a __________ again at the University of Bristol. All of the other philosophy graduate students were around 23 but they __________ me as one of their own,” said Dr. Axten. The 76-year-old considered his classmates as __________ and expressed that he loved spending time talking to them.

“Nick was a(n) __________ energetic and hardworking student,” said his professor. “It’s great to see him graduate half a __________ after he started his original PhD.”

1.

A．applied

B．designed

C．hosted

D．created

2.

A．Otherwise

B．Therefore

C．Besides

D．However

3.

A．took up

B．made up

C．put up

D．broke up

4.

A．returned

B．dropped

C．finished

D．died

5.

A．wanted

B．mentioned

C．discovered

D．obtained

6.

A．wrong

B．tough

C．funny

D．strange

7.

A．great

B．minor

C．clear

D．urgent

8.

A．available

B．satisfactory

C．unimaginable

D．embarrassing

9.

A．mind

B．personality

C．speech

D．behaviour

10.

A．change

B．appreciate

C．control

D．follow

11.

A．teacher

B．student

C．doctor

D．leader

12.

A．held

B．pushed

C．chose

D．accepted

13.

A．small

B．foolish

C．clever

D．rude

14.

A．incredibly

B．traditionally

C．hardly

D．gradually

15.

A．fortnight

B．century

C．billion

D．decade

2 . When you teach a child how to solve puzzles, you can either let them figure it out through trial and error, or you can guide them with some basic rules and tips. Similarly, incorporating (合并) rules and tips into AI training — such as the laws of physics — could make them more efficient and more reflective of the real world. However, helping the AI assess the value of different rules can be a tricky task.

Researchers report that they have developed a framework for assessing the relative value of rules and data in “informed machine learning models” that incorporate both. They showed that by doing so, they could help the AI incorporate basic laws of the real world and better navigate scientific problems like solving complex mathematical problems and optimizing experimental conditions in chemistry experiments.

“Embedding human knowledge into AI models has the potential to improve their efficiency and ability to make inferences, but the question is how to balance the influence of data and knowledge,” says first author. Hao Xu of Peking University. “Our framework can be employed to evaluate different knowledge and rules to enhance the predictive capability of deep learning models.”

Generative AI models like ChatGPT and Sora are purely data-driven — the models are given training data, and they teach themselves via trial and error. However, with only data to work from, these systems have no way to learn physical laws, such as gravity or fluid dynamics, and they also struggle to perform in situations that differ from their training data. An alternative approach is informed machine learning, in which researchers provide the model with some underlying rules to help guide its training process.

“We are trying to teach AI models the laws of physics so that they can be more reflective of the real world, which would make them more useful in science and engineering. We want to make it a closed loop (闭环) by making the model into a real AI scientist,” says senior author Yuntian Chen of the Eastern Institute of Technology, Ningbo.

1. How did the author introduce the topic of the text?

A．By assessing basic rules.	B．By comparison of similarity.
C．By explaining laws of physics.	D．By analysis of human learning.

2. What does the underlined word “embedding” in Paragraph 3 mean?

A．Planting.

B．Stressing.

C．Employing.

D．Revealing.

3. What makes generative AI models underperform?

A．They’re dependent too much on data.

B．They’re inflexible to carry out new tasks.

C．They struggle to learn new things.

D．It’s tough for them to deal with familiar situations.

4. What is the text mainly about?

A．Informed machine learning may be an alternative to generative AI.

B．Helping the AI assess the value of different rules can be a tricky task.

C．Generative AI models can be more reflective of the real world in the future.

D．Balancing training data and human knowledge makes AI more like a scientist.

3 . We can learn to be happy, but only get lasting benefits if we keep practising, a first-of-its-kind study has revealed.

The team behind the University of Bristol’s “Science of Happiness” course had already discovered that teaching students the latest scientific studies on happiness created a marked improvement in their well-being. But their latest study found that these well-being boosts are short-lived unless the evidence-informed habits learnt on the course — such as gratitude, exercise, meditation (冥想) or journaling—are kept up over the long-term.

Senior author Prof Bruce Hood said, “It’s like going to the gym — we can’t expect to do one class and be fit forever. Just as with physical health, we have to continuously work on our mental health, otherwise the improvements are temporary.”

Launched in 2018, the University of Bristol’s Science of Happiness course was the first of its kind in the UK. It involves no exams or coursework, and teaches students what the latest peer-reviewed studies in psychology and neuroscience (神经科学) say really makes us happy.

Students who took the course reported a 10 to 15% improvement in well-being. But only those who continued implementing the course learnings maintained that improved well-being when they were surveyed again two years on.

Published in the journal Higher Education, is the first to track well-being of students on a happiness course long after they have left the course.

Prof Hood said, “This study shows that just doing a course — be that at the gym, a meditation retreat or on an evidence-based happiness course like ours — is just the start: you must commit to using what you learn on a regular basis.

“Much of what we teach revolves around (以……为中心) positive psychology interventions that shift your attention away from yourself, by helping others, being with friends, gratitude or meditating.

1. What did the latest study find?

A．Humans need to be grateful.

B．Regular exercise alone brings long-term happiness.

C．It calls for consistent commitment to keep happiness lasting.

D．The latest scientific studies on happiness help create improved well-being.

2. Why did Prof Hood mention the gym in Paragraph 3?

A．To compare happiness with exercise.

B．To stress the importance of physical activities.

C．To explain why the finding is reasonable.

D．To prove the effectiveness of their study.

3. What may Prof Hood agree with?

A．It’s necessary to track the well-being of students.

B．Happiness can be learnt, but you have to work at it.

C．Learning happiness is as important as doing exercise.

D．As long as you take a happiness course, you will be happy.

4. What does the research team centre on in their course?

A．Making students focus on positive things.

B．Evaluating positive psychology interventions.

C．Drawing students’ attention to themselves.

D．Letting students commit to using what they learn.

4 . An old friend asked Nicola Swann, a British potter who lives in Heckington, near Sleaford, to do something extraordinary. This friend’s husband had problems using regular mugs (马克杯) because of a condition that affected his arms and hands. So she sought out Swann for help.

This is where Swann discovered a widespread issue—disabled individuals feeling uncomfortable using cups that looked like “sippy cups (吸管杯) for kids”. Due to sympathy and a desire to help, Swann came up with an answer. She made the first version of her disability-friendly mugs for her friend’s husband.

It was a double-handled mug that provided stability and had a design that didn’t sacrifice style. That was the start of what is now called “Digni-TEA” mugs from her Made with Mud business. Without fail, Swann was determined to make mugs that looked like everyday drinkware. She recognized that accessibility should not come at the cost of style. So she made a few different styles for everyone to use. Others had two oversized handles for easy use, a hold pinch for stability, and an uneven design for people who couldn’t tilt (倾斜) their heads back.

Swann’s decision to call her products “Digni-TEA” or “Dignity” mugs is more than just a choice of name. Her goal is to give people back their dignity so they can drink from a regular mug without worrying about medical help.

Swann’s decision to share her creations on social media made them more widely known. Swann wisely collaborated (合作) with a company in the East Midlands to meet the soaring demand for mass production. This step ensured a steady supply and allowed her to focus on what mattered most—the creative process.

The “Dignity Mugs” story is not just about a product; it’s a testament to the great influence one person can have in fostering (促进) a more compassionate and accessible society.

1. What motivated Swann to make disability-friendly mugs?

A．Demand from her husband.

B．Her friend’s call for help.

C．The needs of people with disability.

D．Her research into the market.

2. What did Swann’s first version of smug feature?

A．Stable but costly.	B．Ugly and outdated.
C．Weighty and strong.	D．Handy and stylish.

3. What is the company in the East Midlands responsible for?

A．Producing mugs massively.

B．Focusing on the creative process.

C．Delivering mugs to the disabled people.

D．Making mugs known to more people.

4. What does the author want to convey through this story?

A．“Dignity” is more of sympathy than a choice of name.

B．It’s necessary to take users’ dignity into consideration in life.

C．Small acts of kindness and innovation can make a difference.

D．The world needs more people to show respect for the disabled.

5 . International Day of Education

24 January

Education is a human right, a public good and a public responsibility. The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed (宣布) 24 January as International Day of Education, in celebration of the role of education for peace and development. Today, 250 million children and youth are out of school, and 763 million adults are illiterate (文盲的). Their right to education is being violated (侵犯) and it is unacceptable. It’s time to transform education.

International Day of Clean Energy

26 January

The International Day of Clean Energy on 26 January was declared by the General Assembly as a call to raise awareness and mobilize action for a just and inclusive transition (过渡) to clean energy for the benefit of people and the planet. 26 January is also the founding date of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), a global intergovernmental agency established in 2009 to support countries in their energy transitions.

World Health Day

7 April

It is celebrated annually and each year draws attention to a specific health topic of concern to people all over the world. The date of 7 April marks the anniversary of the founding of WHO in 1948.

The theme for World Health Day 2024 is “My health, my right”, which was chosen to champion the right of everyone, everywhere to have access to quality health services, education and information, as well as safe drinking water, clean air, good nutrition, quality housing, decent working and environmental conditions.

World Environment Day

5 June

World Environment Day, held annually on 5 June, brings together millions of people from across the globe, engaging them in the effort to protect and restore the Earth. People from more than 150 countries participate in this United Nations international day, which celebrates environmental action and the power of governments, businesses and individuals to create a more sustainable world. The event has been led by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) since its start in 1973.

1. On what day is the event about world energy marked?

A．24 January.

B．26 January.

C．7 April.

D．5 June.

2. Which of the following event began in 1973?

A．International Day of Education.

B．International Day of Clean Energy.

C．World Health Day.

D．World Environment Day.

3. What do the four events have in common?

A．They have a common goal.	B．They have a long history.
C．They’re international events.	D．They benefit world environment.

7 . Genetic researchers at the University of Cambridge in Britain say ancient DNA shows why northern Europeans have a higher risk of getting a nerve disease than other Europeans. The disease is called multiple sclerosis (多发性硬化) or MS.

A study released in 2023 saidit identified the earliest evidence of horse riding in people called the Yamnaya. The scientists say they lived 4, 500 to 5, 000 years ago during the Bronze Age period of human history.

The Yamnaya moved from the grasslands of what is now Ukraine and Russia into northwestern Europe. However, the researchers say those people carried gene versions that today are known to increase a person’s risk of MS. The researchers added that they believe the same genes protected those herders (牧民) from infections from their cattle and sheep.

The finding was made possible by a gene bank with thousands of examples of early humans in Europe and western Asia. While MS can strike any population, it is most common among white descendants (后代) of northern Europeans. Scientists have been unable to explain why.

The cause of the disease is not known. However, one theory is that infections could cause it in people who have certain genetic qualities. Scientists say they have found 230 genetic variants that might increase the risk of MS.

The researchers studied DNA from about 1, 600 ancient Eurasians. They used the information to develop a map of population movements in northern Europe. They said farmers from the Middle East began pushing out hunter-gatherers about 5, 000 years ago. Then the Yamnaya moved in. They travelled with horses and wagons and herded cattle and sheep.

The research team compared the ancient DNA to the genetic information of 400, 000modern-day people stored in UK Biobank in Britain. They wanted to see if MS-linked genetic variations persisted (持续存在) in the north. That is the part of Europe where the Yamnaya moved, rather than southern Europe.

In what is now Denmark, the Yamnaya replaced ancient farmers, making them the closest ancestors of modern Danes. Rates of MS are especially high in the northern part of Europe known as Scandinavia. The findings raise additional questions and suggest a need for more research.

1. Which of the following is currently clear in the research?

A．Northern Europeans are easy targets of MS.

B．The MS genes can’t be passed down between generations.

C．The MS genes protected the Yamnaya from infections with MS.

D．There are 230 genetic variants that definitely increase the risk of MS.

2. What method was mainly used in the published research?

A．Performing DNA data comparison.

B．Referring to various historical materials.

C．Drawing a distribution map of MS patients.

D．Tracking patients throughout the entire process.

3. Where could the ancestors of modern Danes possibly come from?

A．The Middle East.	B．The current regions of Ukraine and Russia.
C．The northern Europe.	D．The southern Europe.

4. What can be the best title for the text?

A．The Mystery of the Scandinavian

B．A Map of Ancient Population Movements in Europe

C．Researchers Find Link to Nerve Disease in Ancient DNA

D．The Genetic Inheritance of the Ancestors of Modern Danes

8 . Taniguchi’s family is one of 22 families who make “paakai”, the Hawaiian word for salt, following a cultural and spiritual tradition. Hanapepe is one of the last remaining salt patches (盐池) in Hawaii. Its holy salt can be traded or given away but must never be sold. Hawaiians use it in cooking, healing and as protection.

Over the past 10 years there have been several threats l threats to this field. They include development, pollution from a neighbouring airfield, damage to the sand from vehicle traffic and waste left by visitors to the nearby beach. In addition, rising sea levels and weather might stop the practice. People believe science and native knowledge can combine to fight against the effects of climate change and save the salt patch. The steps they take include building up the wells’ edges, so water won’t cover the salt beds.

The process of turning seawater into salt can be slow. The season begins once the rain stops, and water starts to disappear from the salt beds. Ocean water travels underground and enters the wells. Each family has their own well. As water enters the well, so do tiny, red brine shrimp (虾). These small ocean animals give Hanapepe salt its unusual, sweet taste.

The families first clean the salt beds and line them with black clay. Then they move water from the wells into the beds. There, crystals form. The top level, or layer, is the whitest. It is used for table salt. The middle layer is pinkish and is used in cooking, while the bottom layer, which is a deep red colour, is used in blessings and rituals (宗教仪式).

Interest in Hawaiian culture and language has recently grown on the islands. People now think about how to teach their knowledge to younger generations.

1. What is NOT included in the use of “paakai” in Taniguchi’s?

A．A unique gift.	B．A kind of medicine.
C．A product for sale.	D．One of the essential dining items.

2. What does Paragraph 2 mainly tell us?

A．The influence of climate on salt production.

B．The current environmental pollution in Hawaii.

C．The outdated traditional salt production method.

D．The difficulties traditional salt production faces and solutions.

3. What does the underlined word “crystals” in Paragraph 4 refer to?

A．Salt beds.	B．Salt wells.
C．Salt grains of different colours.	D．Brine shrimps

4. What conclusion can we draw about Hawaii from the last paragraph?

A．Its traditional culture is making a comeback.

B．Its traditional language is popular among younger people

C．The new generation have mastered the art of salt production.

D．Tourism benefits from the popularity of its traditional culture.

10 . The Travel Doctor—Your Guide to Staying Healthy While You Travel

Review by Barb &.Ron Kroll

Contents
★Part One—Before You Go ·Getting Ready ·The Common Sense Guide ·First Aid ·Medical Care Abroad ·Region-by-Region Guide ★Part Three—The World Around Us ·The Joys of Flight ·Motion Sickness ·Culture Shock ·Your Personal Safety ·The Sun Did It ·Into Thin Air-Altitude Sickness ·Snakes， Scorpions and Other Scary Creatures	★Part Two—Infectious Concerns ·Pre travel Inoculation（提前接种） ·Traveller’s Diarrhea ·Malaria ·Other Insect-borne Diseases ·Sexually Transmitted Diseases ·A Few Other Concerns ★Part Four—Specific Concerns ·The Business Traveller ·Women and International Travel ·Let’s Take the Kids—The Young Travel le ·The Traveller with Medical Conditions ·Travelling to Adopt ★Part Five—Now That You’re Home ·Hey Doc, I’m Home
★Sources of Information ★Index

Dr. Mark Wise’s book is a commonsense, comprehensive guide to health, whether travel is for business or pleasure.

Informal yet highly informative, readers will find plenty of basic medical information, as well as many checklists, guides and summaries.

Dr. Wise provides numerous tips: How to prevent altitude sickness. How to prevent sunburn. What to do if you’ve been bitten by a snake. How to treat a jellyfish sting. How you can avoid insect-borne diseases I like malaria.

A table Summary of Pre travel Inoculations covers diseases from hepatitis A (甲肝) to cholera (霍乱).It lists vaccines with course and duration for immunization (免疫).Cartoon sketches illustrate the travel health book.

Author

Mark Wise M.D. is a family doctor specializing in travel and tropical medicine. He has travelled to South America, Haiti, India, Nepal, Kenya, Tanzania, Senegal, Ghana, Uganda and Rwanda. Dr. Wise is also a medical advisor to several non-governmental organizations and frequently lectures on travel health.

More information

Click Travel Doctor—Travel Medicine Advice Book

1. Where are the tips on avoiding different diseases mainly presented in the book?

A．In Part One.

B．In Part Two.

C．In Part Three.

D．In Part Four.

2. Why is the detailed information on Mark Wise M.D. probably provided?

A． To increase his popularity.

B．To provide more tourism services.

C．To enhance the authority of this book

D．To attract the attention of publishers.

3. What is the text?

A．A book review.	B．A medical paper.
C．A travel brochure.	D．An introduction to a doctor.