1 . A new study led by researchers at the Yale School of Public Health finds air pollution may negatively impact standardized test scores. Using data from the North Carolina Education Research Data Center, the researchers tracked 2.8 million public school students in North Carolina from 2001 to 2018 and measured their exposure to PM2.5 found in polluted air. While previous research has shown negative effects on academic performance, it has relied on relatively small or less representative samples. “The biggest strength of this study is that we tracked every student in North Carolina in those years, for the whole time period that they were in the public schools,” said Emma Zang, coauthor of the study.

The study also finds that test scores of ethnic minorities and girls are disproportionately (不成比例地) impacted by PM2.5 levels. “Females and ethnic minorities face sexism and racism,” said Zang. “There are a lot of policies that are not friendly towards them. So, when they’re exposed to the same level of air pollution, they don’t have the resources to lessen the negative influences.” More privileged populations, however, might have more resources that allow them to live in a better environment, such as in houses with air purifiers.

“The level of PM2.5 pollution in the US is relatively low, but students living in areas below the current air quality standard of annual PM2.5 concentration are still negatively impacted by air pollution when it comes to their test scores,” said Zang. “We should aim to strengthen the annual PM2.5 standard to better protect our children.”

Air pollution is known to contribute to disease and death, and it also negatively affects students’ academic performance even at low levels of pollution. The subsequent studies, the researchers said, would involve looking at whether the findings hold true in different areas, and also the reasons behind the ethnic and sexual differences.

1. What’s the greatest advantage of the study?

A．Tracking each student for 18 years.	B．Collecting more comprehensive data.
C．Measuring students’ PM2.5 exposure precisely.	D．Building links between air pollution and test scores.

2. According to Zang, ethnic minorities and girls ________.

A．benefit from current policies on PM2.5 pollution

B．have the lowest test scores due to their identities

C．lack resources to reduce the impact of air pollution

D．suffer from educational inequalities owing to their background

3. What’s Zang doing in paragraph 3?

A．Offering a suggestion.	B．Raising a doubt.
C．Making a comparison.	D．Giving a prediction.

4. What might be the focus of the follow-up studies?

A．Applicability of the findings to other regions.	B．Ways to address racial and sexual differences.
C．Long-term impacts of air pollution on children.	D．Establishment of PM2.5 standard fit for children.

2 . Whether you’re hiking through Yellowstone or camping in the Ozarks, choosing the best backpacking stove (炉子) to take with you can make a big difference. Read on for some of our top picks.

Soto Windmaster 4Flex

Backpackers love its convenient built-in igniter (点火器), powerful heat output, and four-pronged (四管的) pot stabilizer, which provides a more stable platform for cooking than three-pronged stoves.

Buy it now at REI
Solo Stove Titan

The Solo Titan burns twigs, pine cones, leaves, and any other biofuels you may find out in nature, offering a safe and natural alternative to burning gas. The Titan is considered mid-size, ideal for cooking for several people.

Buy it now at SoloStove
Fire Maple Star X2 Cooking System

Based on hundreds of reviews, hikers say they’re impressed by this gas-powered stove’s easy setup. The Star X2 also features Heat Exchange Technology, which the company says provides superior wind-resistance in different weather environments, helping to reduce overall boil time.

Buy it now on Amazon
Soto Amicus

Weighing just 2.9 ounces, the Soto Amicus is well known for its light weight and attractive appearance. Multiple Amazon reviewers praise this backpacking stove’s easy setup and four integrated pot stabilizers, which create a stable base for cooking in the wilderness.

Buy it now on Amazon or REI
1. Which stove suits you best if you want a quick meal?

A．Soto Amicus.	B．Solo Stove Titan.
C．Soto Windmaster 4Flex.	D．Fire Maple Star X2 Cooking System.

2. What feature do Soto Windmaster 4Flex and Soto Amicus have in common?

A．Easy setup.	B．Wind resistance.
C．Relative stability.	D．Attractive appearance.

3. What is the text?

A．An adventure travel report.	B．An outdoor travel guide.
C．An advertisement for facilities.	D．A cookbook for easy meals.

3 . Wildfires are common nowadays. Lightning, campfires, power lines or other sources may lead to big wildfires.     1     But when they break out on populated places, wildfires can endanger human lives and property.

Still, wildfires have always been a part of some forest ecosystems.     2     For one thing, wildfires can get rid of trespassers(入侵者). The native animals often know how to escape a wildfire. But harmful species may not, so they could get wiped out.

Fires can prevent trees from overcrowding each other, which allows smaller plants and animals that need sunlight to grow below. Plus, wildfires burn up a lot of leaf litter, pine needles and other dead matter on the ground. This clears out junk that may stop new plants from growing and releases nutrition back into the soil.     3    

There are also species that have evolved (进化) to depend on regular wildfires. Banksia trees in Australia, for instance, only release their seeds in the heat of a wildfire.     4     And birds such as the black-backed woodpecker prefer to live in recently burned areas, because newly burnt trees may offer easy access to a feast of insects.

    5     They set these fires only in areas and under weather conditions where they're sure they can control the flames. Specific burns are meant to provide the benefits of natural, low-intensity fires. So, one important way to protect against fires is professionals setting them.

A．The leaf litter can fuel more dangerous wildfires.

B．These trees need fires if they are to produce more trees.

C．They might cause more fires that could threaten wildlife.

D．As a result, fire experts start fires in certain places regularly.

E．They mainly destroy natural areas, such as forests and grasslands.

F．And regular burns can be vital for keeping those ecosystems healthy.

G．Importantly, it also prevents the buildup of dead matter that catches fire easily.

4 . “When we think of curiosity, we often think of the need for immediate answers,” said Abby Hsiung, Ph. D. , a postdoctoral researcher at the Duke Institute for Brain Sciences and lead author of a new research paper. “But we found that when people were more curious, they were actually more pleased to wait.”

“When we watch TV shows or football games, we’re watching that information develop over time, uncertain about how it’s all going to end,” said Hsiung. “I wanted to know if higher curiosity would push people to seek, or to avoid getting an immediate ‘spoiler’ (剧透).”

Hsiung drew inspiration from short cooking videos that are popular on social media. “These videos caught my attention because even though they’re so short, they manage to develop a description and suspense (悬念), so that you’re attracted and curious about how the pizza will all come together.” So Hsiung got out her digital paintbrush and made a lot of 30-second animated line drawing videos that, like the cooking videos, eventually ended up as something highly recognizable, like a hamburger or a dog.

More than 2,000 adults from across the U. S. then watched 25 of these short line drawing videos online. Participants in Hsiung’s study were asked along the way how curious they were, how they felt, and to guess what the drawing would become. Viewers also had a spoiler button to skip ahead to see the final drawing. Hsiung and her team were surprised to find that when people were curious, they refused to hit the spoiler button and kept watching the drawings unfold. It was when people were less curious that they tended to go for an instant answer.

The study also found that curiosity increased at different stages of watching these videos. “We saw higher curiosity during moments when it seemed like the drawing could turn into anything and also when participants were starting to really home in on a single answer,” said co-author Jia-Hou Poh, Ph. D. , a postdoctoral researcher at the Duke Institute for Brain Sciences.

1. What is the popular belief concerning curiosity?

A．It fuels the urge for answers.	B．It leads to endless patience.
C．It stresses the need to wait.	D．It brings the pleasure of waiting.

2. What inspired Hsiung to use her research approach?

A．The evolution the TV shows displayed.	B．The fantasy the short cooking videos shared.
C．The way the short cooking videos developed.	D．The popularity the short cooking videos achieved.

3. What were participants required to do?

A．Make drawings to take a shortcut.	B．Answer some questions while watching.
C．Press the spoiler button to finish the task.	D．Hunt for an answer as quickly as possible.

4. Which can be a suitable title for the text?

A．The influence of patience on curiosity	B．Curiosity delays eagerness for the answer
C．Curiosity arises from the patience of waiting	D．The way to hold back the urge for an answer

5 . The Canadian town of Churchill is well-known for its arctic (北极的) wilderness. This town of extremes is home to about 900 year-round residents. However, 500, 000 tourists, more or less, flood here throughout the year.

In this setting, there’s a special find in a simple shipping container just outside the town. It’s a new project called Rocket Greens, led by the Churchill Northern Studies Centre(CNSC). Rocket Greens has successfully demonstrated the possibility of planting fresh, leafy produce regardless of seasons or weather conditions.

Erin Greene, a Churchill resident since 2015, became one of the first subscribers to Rocket Greens’s CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) program. “When I first moved here, it was very hard to get good-quality fruits and vegetables. We would never get fresh herbs and never see things like Swiss chard or kale,” recalls Greene, who says she now maintains a healthier diet and has become more self-sufficient as a result of the program.

In addition to Rocket Greens, CNSC has set up a seeding project for community garden support. This involves planting seedlings during the late fall and early spring that have been distributed to local community members free of charge in summer. Due to the short growing season and the challenging agricultural conditions, this seeding project offers a head start. “Community members can receive plants at no charge. It’s an educational tool to learn how to seed a field properly and how to grow your own food in your own home,” explains Dylan McCart, director of CNSC. This year’s seeding program will include a variety of crops such as peas, corn and peppers to make up for the traditional vegetables that are typically planted during Churchill summers.

“Considering the challenges of operating in a remote location like Churchill, we were one of the first ones to be able to do it, so it’s great that we were able to have that vision at that time. And it’s still successful today,” McCart says.

1. Why are so many people attracted to Churchill?

A．They want to live in the wilds.	B．They like to enjoy the unique scenery.
C．They can taste fresh produce from the locals.	D．They wish to become members of Rocket Greens.

2. What is the author’s purpose in mentioning Erin Greene?

A．To advertise the lifestyles of locals.	B．To show the diversity of local food.
C．To prove the difficulty of living there.	D．To illustrate the effects of the program.

3. Which can best describe the seeding project?

A．It adds fuel to the fire.	B．It teaches a man to fish.
C．It pulls a rabbit out of the hat.	D．It kills the goose that lays the golden egg.

4. How does McCart feel about the seeding project?

A．Curious.

B．Relieved.

C．Astonished.

D．Proud.

6 . Imagine a world where anyone can learn how to do anything in multiple languages in ordinary and extraordinary ways. That’s the world we want to create. We’re looking for a few talented, cooperative, delightful employees to join our cause. Are you in?

Fast Facts

●wikiHow is the only company in the Comscore top 150 that has under 30 employees.

●wikiHow helps 100 million people every month, in 19 languages. We have ambitions to push our mission much further.

●wikiHow is completely remote-friendly. We have people working from far and near, but we love having a comfortable office to work in when we can.

●wikiHow is considered to be one of the Internet’s most influential websites.

Open Position.

●Staff Writer

If you’re applying for the Staff Writer position, please send a brief introductory email with the subject line “Staff Writer — City you live in — Topic area (Lifestyle/Tech/Both)” to writing@wikihow. com. The email should include your resume (简历), a short cover letter, one writing sample(if you have an example of published work intended for a broad audience, please share that), and a brief (4-5 sentences) sample introduction to one topic you are expert in. Please use this as an opportunity to show us your unique voice and style.

One Thing to Keep in Mind

We’re already profitable, financially stable, and we all love working here, so we aren’t in a rush to sell out. For 15 years, we’ve committed to our step-by-step teaching model, and we continue to refine our content to create the best how-to experience. We’ve helped millions of people solve problems, learn new skills, strengthen relationships, pick up healthy habits or try out a new hobby.

1. What quality is required for applicants?

A．Being willing to team up.	B．Speaking several languages.
C．Having work experience.	D．Achieving financial independence.

2. Which should be included in the application email?

A．A finished article.	B．A published book.
C．An introduction video.	D．A recommendation letter.

3. What is wikiHow?

A．A sales company.	B．A social app.
C．A language school.	D．An education website.

7 . Traditional feedback (反馈), which often involves criticizing past actions and performance, can sometimes be discouraging. However, there’s a powerful alternative that has been gaining popularity — feedforward. Feedforward is about sharing constructive and forward-looking comments to help individuals and groups move forward together, building a positive path to collective progress.

Constructive feedback has long been a cornerstone of personal development. It helps individuals identify their weaknesses and areas for improvement, but it can sometimes feel like a constant spotlight on one’s shortcomings. Feedforward, on the other hand, shifts the focus from past missteps to future possibilities. It is a tool that fosters (培养) a culture of growth, emphasizing what can be done to enhance one’s performance and contribute to the overall betterment of a group or organization.

Instead of focusing on past mistakes or weaknesses, feedforward encourages people to recognize their strengths and potential, highlighting the possibilities of what they can achieve. This approach not only boosts confidence but also motivates individuals to struggle for excellence. In a world where negativity can often overshadow positivity, the power of feedforward lies in its ability to uplift and inspire people.

When applied in group settings, feedforward becomes a powerful tool for building unity and cooperation. Teams and organizations that welcome feedforward form an environment where team members feel valued and supported. By focusing on future improvement, teams can collectively work towards their goals, fostering innovation, and achieving better results.

Feedforward can also be valuable in building personal relationships. It can be used in families, friendships, and romantic partnerships to encourage personal growth and strengthen bonds. Feedforward instead of being judgemental increases confidence. By offering constructive and forward-looking comments, you can support your loved ones in their pursuit of happiness and self-improvement.

To successfully implement feedforward, it is essential to foster open and honest communication. It’s about providing advice that is specific, practical, and, most importantly, constructive. The emphasis should always be on helping individuals identify their potential and offering suggestions for growth.

1. How does the author introduce the topic?

A．By analyzing a scene.	B．By stating a phenomenon.
C．By providing an example.	D．By making a comparison.

2. What is the core of feedforward?

A．Developing optimism.	B．Enhancing interaction.
C．Focusing on potential.	D．Learning from experience.

3. What does the underlined word “implement” in the last paragraph mean?

A．Ask for.

B．Pick up.

C．Carry out.

D．Reflect on.

4. Which is the best title of the passage?

A．Giving Effective Feedback	B．The Power of Feedforward
C．Feedback and Feedforward	D．Looking Forward, Not Backward

8 . Tours & Admission ｜Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens

Explore the former estate (庄园) of F. A. Seiberling, co-founder of The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company.

Guided Manor House Tour

Experience the Manor House through the eyes of a trained tour guide and learn more about what life was like at the estate when the Seiberling family lived here. This tour lasts about 75 minutes.

Non-member Adult 18 +: $21                  Non-member Youth（ages 3-17）: $10
Children 2 & under: Free                         Stan Hywet Members: 50% off the non-member price
Nooks & Crannies Tour

Take this tour to learn more about the domestic staff who worked and lived at the estate. This tour lasts about 90 minutes. It includes several flights of stairs and narrow passageways and is not recommended for guests who are unable to stand or walk for long distances.

Non-member Adult 18+: $ 30                  Non-member Youth（ages 3-17）: $ 15
Children 2 & under: Free                       Stan Hywet Members: 50% off the non-member price
Gardens, Gate Lodge & Corbin Conservatory

Enjoy Stan Hywet's historic gardens and grounds at your own pace on this self-guided grounds tour. Purchase the ticket upon arrival.

Non-member Adult 18+: $ 15                 Non-member Youth（ages 3-17）: $7
Children 2 & under: Free                       Stan Hywet Members: Free
Guided Garden Tour

The Guided Garden Tour takes guests around the estate and focuses on how the Seiberlings worked closely with their landscape architect on the overall design of the property. This tour is offered at 11:30 am & 2:30 pm, May through September.

Non-member Adult 18+: $ 21                  Non-member Youth（ages 3-17）: $ 10
Children 2 & under: Free                         Stan Hywet Members: 50% off the non-member price
1. How much should a non-member married couple pay to explore the Manor House?

A．$ 10.

B．$ 20.

C．$ 21.

D．$ 42.

2. What is special about Nooks & Crannies Tour?

A．It runs seasonally.	B．It is physically demanding.
C．It offers a trained tour guide.	D．It is only targeted at members.

3. Which one allows you to tour at leisure?

A．Guided Garden Tour.	B．Nooks & Crannies Tour.
C．Guided Manor House Tour.	D．Gardens, Gate Lodge & Corbin Conservatory.

9 . Music is arguably the most life-enriching academic subject.     1    . It can bring lots of important benefits to your child’s education, many of which you may not have considered before.

Increase language capabilities

Music and language have a far-reaching relationship. Musical training stimulates the same part of the brain that deals with understanding language. Children who have some exposure to music al education will, therefore, have a greater understanding of tones and how different phrases are arranged.     2    .

Improve hand-eye coordination (协调)

    3    . It takes considerable hand-eye coordination to learn almost any instrument. Those who master their craft are blessed with a unique skill; it’s something that can be applied to other areas of general life. It can also help elsewhere in education, as writing skills and art require the hands and eyes to work together.

    4    

Music is a great way for your child to meet new people and create lasting friendships. If they decide to take up music as an extracurricular (课外的) activity, they’ll be bonding with like-minded children who share their passion. In a time when children are increasingly interested in communicating online and focusing on digital skills, music is a refreshing return to face-to-face contact.

Bring about a sense of achievement

When your child does achieve a musical goal, they get the incredible satisfaction that comes from working hard to obtain something.     5    . Self-trust is one of the most valuable skills a child can have and music is one of the best ways to allow it to develop in your child.

A．Develop social skills

B．Encourage teamwork

C．In that sense, music is a great confidence builder

D．Hand-eye coordination is important in many sports

E．Learning an instrument to a high level is no easy task

F．It activates emotional responses and creativity like no other

G．It can be incredibly useful if your child is learning a second language

10 . Flexible, wearable electronics are making their way into everyday use, and their full potential is still to be realized. Soon, this technology could be used for precision medical sensors attached to the skin, designed to perform health monitoring and disease detection. It would be like having a high-tech medical center at your service. Worn routinely, future wearable electronics could potentially detect possible emerging health problems — such as heart disease, cancer-even before obvious signs appear. The device could also do a personalized analysis of the tracked health data while minimizing the need for its wireless transmission (传输).

Such a skin-like device is being developed in a project. Leading the project is Sihong Wang, assistant professor at the University of Chicago. This device would need to collect and process a vast amount of data, well above what even the best smartwatches can do today, and it would have to deal with this data speedily with very low power consumption in a very tiny space. To address that need, the team called upon neuromorphic computing (神经形态计算). This AI technology copies operation of the brain by training on past data sets and learning from experience. Its advantages also include compatibility (兼容性) with stretchable material, lower energy consumption and faster speed than other types of AI.

The other major challenge the team faced was integrating the electronics into a skin-like stretchable material. The key material in any electronic device is a semiconductor. In current rigid electronics used in cell phones and computers, this is normally a solid silicon chip.

Stretchable electronics require that the semiconductor be a highly flexible material that is still able to conduct electricity. The team’s skin-like neuromorphic chip consists of a thin film of a plastic semiconductor combined with stretchable gold nanowire electrodes. Even when stretched to twice its normal size, their device functioned as planned without formation of any breaks.

“While still requiring further development on several fronts, our device could one day be a game changer in which everyone can get their health status in a much more effective and frequent way,” said Wang.

1. What can be inferred about skin-like electronics from paragraph 1?

A．More functional uses of the devices are on the way.

B．They offer medical advice through an online platform.

C．Accurate disease detection makes the devices popular.

D．They can transmit a great deal of patient data wirelessly.

2. What are the characteristics of the neuromorphic computing technology?

A．Quicker processing and better adaptability.

B．Better learning ability and greater stability.

C．Wider use in life and larger storage capacity.

D．Lower power consumption and easier operation.

3. What is paragraph 4 mainly about?

A．The excellent flexibility of the stretchable material.

B．The unique structure of the skin-like neuromorphic chip.

C．The application of electronics in cell phones and computers.

D．The process of replacing silicon chips with neuromorphic ones.

4. What did Wang say about the outlook of the device?

A．Uncertain.	B．Challenging.
C．Promising.	D．Profitable.