1 . Music is not just a set of sounds and rhythms. Its influence on brain is much deeper than any other human experience. Keep on reading to know all these amazing power of music.
A recent study suggests that preterm (早产的) babies appear to experience less pain and feed more when listening to music. Experts led by Dr. Manoj Kumar of the University of Alberta,Canada,found that music had a beneficial effect on reducing pain for preterm babies experiencing painful medical tests. It also appeared to benefit full-term babies during operations.
Many people experiencing brain damage have speech and movement-related problems. Music can help recover from brain injuries. As a different and effective treatment, doctors often advise such patients to listen to good music to improve the parts of the brain responsible for these two functions. When people with neurological (神经的) disorders hear a musical beat, it helps them to regain a balanced walk.
Though music cannot make deafness disappear, it really can stave off the loss of hearing. There was an experiment involving 163 people where 74 were musicians. Participants were asked to pass some listening tests. Musicians heard the sounds better than non-musicians, and this difference gets clearer with age. This means that a 70-year-old musician hears better than a 50-year-old non-musician, even in a noisy environment.
Besides, music mends a broken heart. It is not about a thrown-away love, but about a heart attack. The matter is that music can help people recover from a heart attack or heart operation by reducing blood pressure, slowing down the heartbeat rate, and reducing anxiety. Listening to the quality music produces positive emotions, improves the movement of blood, and expands blood vessels, thus, promoting quick recovery of the whole cardiovascular (心血管的) system.
1. How does music affect preterm babies?| A．It helps develop their potential in music. |
| B．It helps reduce their pain. |
| C．It helps improve their hearing systems. |
| D．It helps repair their neurological systems. |
| A．Cause. | B．Increase. |
| C．Prevent. | D．Expand. |
| A．It has a positive effect on human body systems’ work. |
| B．It can encourage people to do sports. |
| C．It helps make a person outgoing. |
| D．It helps patients recover more quickly than medicine does. |
| A．People Who Can Benefit From music. |
| B．The Best Time to Listen to Music. |
| C．The Way to choose Quality Music. |
| D．How Music Affects Our Mind and Body. |
2 . In the world of digital health, Silicon Valley-based Mindstrong stands out. It has a remarkable team and tens of millions of funding. It also has a fascinating idea-its app, based on mental functioning research, can help detect troubling mental health patterns by collecting data on person’s smartphone usage-how quickly they type, for instance.
The company’s app collects information about how people are typing and runs it through a machine learning algorithm (计算程序) to determine which data can predict their emotional state. The idea is to use that data to establish a “normal” pattern-so it can be compared with someone’s typing habits on any given day. If the habits change, slower or more anxious than normal, the app can warn a health care provider.
The promise of this technology has made Mindstrong incredibly popular since it was launched last year; already more than a dozen counties in California have agreed to apply the company’s app to patients. Does the app live up to its promise? There’s no way to tell. Almost no one outside the company has any idea whether it works, leading some experts to wonder if the technology is ready for the real world. “I wouldn’t waste all that time and money in the wild until they get sure that some of those things are as specific as they hope they are,” said Rosalind Picard, a researcher at MIT Media Lab, who is familiar with Mindstrongs work.
“It has passed the gold-standard clinical tests for depression and anxiety,” said Dr. Paul Dagum, the company’s founder. “We’re confident, and we’re already seeing some really exciting results.” Mindstrong officials said that among their most encouraging results is that its app can even predict how a person will feel next week, kind of like a weather app for your mood. “For a clinician(临床医生) or someone looking after a patient, they know that it could be very, very powerful,” Dagum said.
1. What can Mindstrong’s app do?| A．Improve its users’ mental health. | B．Get its users to type more quickly. |
| C．Discover its users’ mental state. | D．Work out the causes of its users’ trouble. |
| A．The ways of collecting data. | B．The app’s working principle. |
| C．The analysis of typing habits. | D．The development of the app. |
| A．Doubtful. | B．Positive. | C．Uncaring. | D．Defensive. |
| A．The app has a powerful effect on anxiety. |
| B．The app can also predict weather conditions. |
| C．Care providers could be supporters of the app. |
| D．Doctors benefit more from the app than their patients. |
3 . Bike Rental & Guided Tours
Welcome to Amsterdam, welcome to MacBike. You see much more from the seat of a bike! Cycling is the most economical, sustainable and fun way to explore the city, with its beautiful canals, parks, squares and countless lights. You can also bike along lovely landscapes outside of Amsterdam.
Why MacBike
MacBike has been around for almost 30 years and is the biggest bicycle rental company in Amsterdam. With over 2,500 bikes stored in our five rental shops at strategic locations, we make sure there is always a bike available for you. We offer the newest bicycles in a wide variety, including basic bikes with foot brake (刹车), bikes with hand brake and gears (排挡), bikes with child seats, and children’s bikes.
Prices
Hand Brake, Three Gears | Foot Brake, No Gears | |
1 hour | €7.50 | €5.00 |
3 hours | €11.00 | €7.50 |
1 day (24 hours) | €14.75 | €9.75 |
Each additional day | €8.00 | €6.00 |
Guided City Tours
The 2.5-hour tour covers the Gooyer Windmill, the Skinny Bridge, the Rijksmuseum, Heineken Brewery and much more. The tour departs from Dam Square every hour on the hour, starting at 1:00 pm every day. You can buy your ticket in a MacBike shop or book online.
1. What is an advantage of MacBike?| A．It gives children a discount. | B．It offers many types of bikes. |
| C．It organizes free cycle tours. | D．It has over 2,500 rental shops. |
| A．€15.75. | B．€19.50. | C．€22.75. | D．€29.50. |
| A．The Gooyer, Windmill. | B．The Skinny Bridge. |
| C．Heineken Brewery. | D．Dam Square. |
4 . On a tram smoothly pulling into the heart of Luxembourg City, Marck gives a smile and takes a look at the fabric of the seat next to him. For him, the city’s trams are more than just transport. More even than the focus of his job. They are about transforming his country and, perhaps, changing the world.
Marck is the director general of Luxtram, Luxembourg’s modern trams. It first started running services two years ago. Next year, Luxembourg will become the world’s only country to get rid of fares on all its forms of public transport. Luxembourg’s traffic problems come from its army of workers. The population of the capital city almost doubles during the working day, when more than 110,000 people travel in and out.
After three decades when its roads have become so crowded, Luxembourg is going to do something remarkable. Free fares, and a plan to persuade people to switch from cars to trams or trains. Marck, along with many others, is excited to see what happens next. “The fact that this is free means that everyone can use it — young or old, rich or poor,” he said. “Everyone can say to themselves it’s better to leave the car at home. We must continue to improve and extend the network. It must always be comfortable, well-connected, efficient.”
Lydie Polfer, the city’s mayor, says she hopes to reach the point where more than a third of people come into the city using public transport — at the moment, it’s less than one in five. She said, “It’s not practical to ban cars because some people, like the elderly, need them. But everyone has to be aware that he or she can do something to improve the situation. There is an expression in German — you are not in the traffic jam — you are the traffic jam, and that is true. I think that making it free will be the biggest arguments for people to use public transport. ”
1. Why does Marck think the city’s trams are more than just transport?| A．The trams are his goal that he strives for. |
| B．There are more means of transportation than trams. |
| C．City’s trams bring more changes beyond transport. |
| D．The trams are the heart of Luxembourg City transport system. |
| A．The cause of the traffic problems. | B．The means of public transport. |
| C．The development of running services. | D．The increase of working population. |
| A．The convenience. | B．The fare. | C．The comfort. | D．The efficiency. |
| A．The elderly needn’t use public transport. |
| B．It’s possible to persuade most people to use the trams. |
| C．Everyone can do his part to improve transport situation. |
| D．Those who don’t take public transport cause traffic jams. |
5 . Fun-Filled & Educative Science Themed Birthday Party
Get your kids engaged with science experiments, games, craft ideas, activities and much more. There will be something for everyone. It is easy, fun and very entertaining and the kids will surely learn a lot of things without feeling like it’s a chore. Super Science for Kids organizes the most fun-filled science themed birthday party. We have a number of science experiments lined-up for you.
Classic Chemical Magic Demonstrations
See the Erupting Volcano, Experiment with Exploding Gases, See the Big-Bang Carbide
Cannon, Make Lightning, Watch closely as a giant mushroom rises from the depths of a cup. See water turn to grape juice, and More! Cost $ 125 for kids aged 3-5. Time needed: 1 hours.
Hands-on Make & Take Chemistry Projects Too!
Choices include: Flubber, Hi-Bounce Balls, Crystals, Orbs, Lava Tubes, & More! All participants take home three experiments plus one to do at home!! Cost $ 225 for up to 20 kids! (Additional travel fees may apply). Time needed: 1 hour. Ages 4-11.
Robot Battle Birthday
In this party, you and your friends will build motorized battle-bot robots and have fun battling each other as you try to design a robot that will hit your opponent by pushing it off the table, flipping it over, or pulling its pieces off! Ages 7-12. Fee $ 225. Time needed: 1.5 hours.
NEW-Ozobot Robot Party
Have fun playing with and programming the incredible Ozobot Bit and Ozobot Evo. In this party, we will bring in an Ozobot Bit robot for each child at the party. Participants will learn to program their robot with markers and this robot’s incredible optical sensing capability. Have fun coding with your friends! Birthday child will keep an Ozobot Bit as our gift! Ages 5-10. Fee $ 235.Time needed:1 hour.
Are you looking for science birthday party? Give us a call now (908) 684-2383 for creating an amazing experience for your kids.
1. What science party can the youngest kids attend?| A．Classic Chemical Magic Demonstrations. |
| B．NEW-Ozobot Robot Party. |
| C．Robot Battle Birthday. |
| D．Hands-on Make & Take Chemistry Projects Too! |
| A．They have the same fee. | B．They offer robot programs. |
| C．They are fit for kids of all ages. | D．They are the most popular parties. |
| A．An advertisement. | B．A News report. |
| C．A travel journal. | D．A science fiction. |
6 . From Santa Barbara to Scotland, strangers are becoming friends by going on bike rides together. They get paired up by Cycling Without Age, an organization that helps seniors go for bike rides, even if they can’t pedal themselves.
Hugh Lyon and David Lawrence, who are roughly 20 years apart in age, have been riding together for years. The 56-year-old Lawrence serves as a “pilot”, driving the trishaw-a bike with a passenger seat in the front that Cycling Without Age uses for their rides. They go for rides about once a week, often discussing the history of their town.
“Despite my deceased parents, it gives me a connection with people from an older generation,” said Lawrence, “and I enjoy spending time with them and hearing their Stories.” The pair have formed a friendship outside of cycling. Lawrence said he calls Lyon often and goes to the gym with him to help him with exercises he can’t do on his own.
Ole Kassow, who founded Cycling Without Age, said that’s the power of the program. “The truly powerful thing about these bike rides is that they tie people and stories together to create new relationships,” he told CBS News. “In my experience, friendships-and the ability to form new relationships at any age-are what define a good life, and often also a long and happy life.”
John Boettner started the Santa Barbara chapter. He has one rule for passengers. “They say, ‘What does it cost if I’m going to go for a ride?’ I say, ‘Here’s what it costs: You have to wave. If you don’t wave, I’m going to kick you out,’” he joked. He said he likes when they hit red lights, because it gives them a chance to connect with people on the road. “Driving the trishaw is the best advertisement for Cycling Without Age”, Boettner said, “When you take a 101-year-old woman for a bike ride and she holds your hand tight and says thank you and gives you a kiss on the cheek, it doesn’t get any better than that.”
1. What benefit did Lawrence get from Cycling Without Age?| A．Picking up forgotten stories. | B．Improving his health condition. |
| C．Understanding his parents’ love. | D．Creating a relationship with seniors. |
| A．To share the pleasure of cycling. | B．To state the nature of happiness. |
| C．To show the value of the program. | D．To introduce the definition of a good life. |
| A．The program needs to be advertised. | B．Passengers have to pay for their rides. |
| C．Red lights connect people with the pilots. | D．Bike riders feel content by offering rides. |
| A．A true friend is one soul in two bodies. | B．Be a rainbow in somebody else’s cloud. |
| C．Don’t go through life, grow through life. | D．Happiness is a journey, not a destination. |
7 . Why Experiencing a New Culture Is Good for You
Often the best way to really explore a new place and culture is by spending abundant time there. A quick vacation may give you a glimpse (瞥) into your destination.
Dealing with culture shock
Culture shock is a response to your new surroundings when abroad that can leave you confused, anxious and feeling lonely. It generally includes frustration at how even the simplest things can be different in the new culture. The thing is though, culture shock can be seen as a problem but also as an opportunity.
Perhaps the most obvious lesson learned with travel is the importance of language. Even just learning the basics of the local language can make getting about and making new friends easier. Trying to overcome the language barrier also teaches you about non-verbal communication. Since you can’t rely on what is being said, you learn to adapt, to people’s tone and body language. This makes you a better communicator.
Finding inspiration
Meeting new people
Meeting people and making friends while overseas is both a necessity and one of the most enjoyable aspects of the experience.
| A．Learning language skills |
| B．Developing body language |
| C．So you’re less likely to further experience a new culture |
| D．Travelling to new cultures is a great way to expand your social circle |
| E．Experiencing the local culture can expose you to local art, cuisine, architecture, etc. |
| F．Only by adjusting to and accepting new surroundings can you understand and appreciate it |
| G．But experiences like student or work exchange programs allow you to immerse(沉浸) in a new culture |
8 . An artificial intelligence can decode (解码) words and sentences from brain activity with surprising—though still limited—accuracy. Using only a few seconds of brain activity data, the AI guesses what a person has heard. It lists the correct answer in its top 10 possibilities up to 73 percent of the time, researchers found in a study.
Developed at the parent company of Facebook, Meta, the AI could eventually be used to help thousands of people around the world unable to communicate through speech, typing or gestures, researchers report on August 25 at arXiv.org.
Most existing technologies to help such patients communicate require risky brain surgeries to implant electrodes. This new approach “could provide a practical path to help patients without the use of invasive methods,” says neuroscientist Jean-Rémi King, a Meta AI researcher in Paris.
King and his colleagues trained a computational tool to detect words and sentences on 56,000 hours of speech recordings from 53 languages. The tool, also known as a language model, learned how to recognize specific features of language. With the help of a computational method, the team tried to decode what participants had heard using just three seconds of brain activity data from each person. The team instructed the AI to match the speech sounds from the story recordings to patterns of brain activity that the AI computed as corresponding to what people were hearing. It then made predictions about what the person might have been hearing during that short time, given more than 1,000 possibilities. The correct answer was in the AI’s top 10 guesses up to 73 percent of the time, the researchers found.
The new study is “decoding of speech perception, not production,” King notes. Though speech production is the ultimate goal, for now, “we’re quite a long way away.”
1. What is the main idea of paragraph 1?| A．The principle of human brain activity. |
| B．The limitation of human brain activity. |
| C．The definition of the artificial intelligence. |
| D．The new function of the artificial intelligence. |
| A．People unable to hear. | B．People who can’t move around. |
| C．People who are unconscious. | D．People unable to communicate normally. |
| A．To analyze the features of the study. | B．To state the significance of the study. |
| C．To introduce the process of the study. | D．To present the achievement of the study. |
| A．It performs well in the speech production. |
| B．Its accuracy is far from the researchs’ satisfaction. |
| C．It will help patients avoid dangerous brain surgeries. |
| D．Its language learning ability is beyond expectation. |
9 . Young Writers Awards
About the Contest
Bennington College has a unique literary tradition. We’ve had twelve Pulitzer Prize winners, three US poet laureates, four MacArthur Geniuses, and two of Time magazine’s 100 most influential people. In celebration of this, Bennington launched the Young Writers Awards to promote excellence in writing at the high school level. Students are invited to enter with the following work:
•Poetry: A group of three poems
•Fiction: A short story (1,500 words or fewer) or one-act play
•Nonfiction: A personal or academic essay (1,500 words or fewer)
A first-, second-, and third-place winner is selected in each category. We welcome participation of both US and international students.
Awards & Rules
First-place winners in each category are awarded a prize of $1,000; second-place winners receive $500; third-place winners receive $250.
•No charge for entrance. Fees for accidents caused by participants are required.
•All entries must be original work reviewed, approved and guided by a teacher. We will use your teacher as a contact for the competition should we have any questions. For homeschooled students, please contact one to assist in your writing even if you have experience in such competitions.
Young Writers Awards finalists and winners are also qualified for undergraduate scholarships at Bennington. Young Writers Awards finalists who apply and gain admission to Bennington will receive a $10,000 scholarship every year for four years, for a total of $40,000. Young Writers Awards winners reaching the standard will receive $15,000 every year, for a total of $60,000.
1. What can be learned about the Young Writers Awards?| A．It rewards three winners at last. |
| B．It’s a tradition of Bennington College. |
| C．It accepts participants worldwide. |
| D．It offers scholarships to undergraduates. |
| A．Hand in a personal essay. | B．Have related writing experience. |
| C．Pay an entry fee on time. | D．Find a teacher to help with the entry. |
| A．$10,500. | B．$15,500. |
| C．$40,500. | D．$60,500. |
10 . The way you use your cellphones around your family can have an effect on your relationships. Cellphones can make you feel more connected, but they can also distract (使分心) you and your family from connecting with each other in person. While some people need to check their phones for work or emergency (紧急情况) purposes, it’s important to make meaningful connections through face to face communication.
Some people have trouble putting away their cellphones. They might feel they can’t control how often they pick up their phones or how long they use them. They might feel the need to often check phones without a real reason or feel upset if they don’t have an opportunity to use their phones. Using cellphones for work purposes during family time can increase worries and unhappiness among family members. While using their cellphones, parents talk to their kids less, reply more slowly, and overreact to being interrupted. And ignoring their partner while on the phone is linked to lower relationship satisfaction among couples.
Once you’ve given some thought to your own cellphone use, think about the rules you want your family to follow when you’re together. To get your family on the same page, call a family meeting. Review each person’s current cellphone use and areas where you think some changes might help. It’s not just about simply cutting cellphone use down. Instead, consider what you’re using your phone for and what activities you want to carry out.
For example, are you or your children using phones to stay connected, learn something new, do school work, or do something else? If you have kids, ask their opinions on your own phone use. You might be surprised by what they have to share. Use good communication skills by practicing active listening and showing curiosity about what each family member has to say.
Less phone use also usually means less screen time, which enables kids to spend more time outdoors and be more physically active. When teens spend more time actively with their parents, they tend to set higher educational goals.
1. What’s the first paragraph mainly about?| A．Family members’ connections. | B．Cellphones’ new challenges at home. |
| C．One disadvantage of the cellphones. | D．People’s staying away from cellphones. |
| A．Uneasy. | B．Uncertain. | C．Curious. | D．Homesick. |
| A．To carry out activities. | B．To reach an agreement. |
| C．To share the latest news. | D．To set an example to others. |
| A．Are Cellphones Influencing Family Time? |
| B．Are Mobile Phones Changing People’s Life? |
| C．How Can People Get Along with Their Parents? |
| D．How Do Children Set Right Educational Goals? |
