1 . Tim Berners-Lee was just noodling around, trying to find a way to organize his research files. So he began to develop a tool just for his own personal use. The “tool” was a software program that, as Berners-Lee puts it, was really useful for keeping track of all the random associations one comes across in real life, and which brains are supposed to be so good at remembering—but sometimes mine wouldn’t.” He called it Enquire, and it worked so well, creating effective linkages between huge amounts of information, that it eventually became the basis for the revolution we now casually refer to as the Web. “It would be like a carpenter building a little cabinet (储藏柜) for himself,” he says, “and suddenly discovering he could store the entire world inside the thing. There was quite a bit of luck in it.”
The element of chance has helped produce many of the most important innovations in modern life. Many are created by it; others become successful because of it, and some fail for the same reason, As Mark Twain, an inventor himself, once wrote in his notebook: “Name the greatest of all the inventors. Accident.” If you don’t believe it, go into your kitchen and look around. There might be a Teflon pan on the stove, a microwave oven above it, Post-its sticking out of cookbooks, matches in a drawer; Coke, Popsicles and ketchup stored in a refrigerator. Accident played a role in their invention.
Any of us might happen to see a cat pull feathers through a birdcage; but when Eli Whitney saw that, he got the idea of how to comb cotton mechanically. Hence the cotton gin (轧棉机). “Some people are just more likely to pay attention when they see something.” says Rini Paiva of the National Inventors Hall of Fame in Akron, Ohio. “If you have a certain type of brain, you might see something strange and say, ‘Hey, what can I do with this?’”
1. What was Berners-Lee doing when he thought up the World Wide Web?| A．Building himself a cupboard. | B．Brainstorming with friends. |
| C．Attempting to get organized. | D．Trying to make profitable goods. |
| A．To make his readers believe that he is speaking the truth. |
| B．To suggest that some devices could be improved in no time. |
| C．To point out that many new devices are related to cooking. |
| D．To provide readers with motivation to think of their own ideas. |
| A．Religion. | B．Medicine. | C．An animal. | D．The weather. |
| A．How New Ideas Become Quickly Patented |
| B．How the Mind Creates through Observation |
| C．How Untried Methods Often Meet Resistance |
| D．How History Was Influenced by Everyday Tools |
2 . The original Chick-fil-A location holds a special place in the company’s history. symbolizing innovation and the birth of a brand that would eventually expand to serve customers across 47 states and Washington, D.C.
Chick-fil-A, a company that has grown from a small outlet in Arlanta’s Greenbriar Mall to a fast-food giant, yet now faces the closure (关闭) of its original store. The reason behind the closure of Chick-fil-A’s original location is symbolic of the changes sweeping through retail (零售) and consumer habits. Reports indicate that the decline in foot traffic at Greenbriar Mall, attributed to the loss of customers, has made it challenging to sustain the restaurant.
This trend is reflective of a broader shift in consumer behavior, with traditional shopping malls facing declining footfalls as online shopping gains popularity.
The closure of Chick-il-A’s first location is not just about the end of a physical space. It represents the development of a brand and the bittersweet reality of growth and change.
Each business, in its journey towards success, often outgrows its origins. This transition, while a sign of progress, can also be a moment of reflection on the roots and values that laid the foundation for future achievements.
Interestingly, Chick-fil-A is not alone in this journey. Other big brands like Starbucks, Dunkin (formerly Dunkin Donuts), McDonald’s, and KFC have also followed similar paths. While some of their original locations have become museums or maintained as historic sites, others have adapted or closed in response to changing times and consumer needs.
The original Starbucks in Seattle, Dunkin’s first store in Massachusetts, and one of the earliest McDonald’s in California are examples of how these brands have preserved their heritage (遗产). In contrast, Chick-fil-A’s decision highlights the reality that not all beginnings can be physically preserved.
This narrative around Chick-fil-A’s original store closure serves as a good lesson for companies and business leaders. It’s a reminder of the importance of remembering and honoring one’s origins while supporting growth and change.
1. What does the closure of Chick-fil-A’s first location mean?| A．The end of the food industry. | B．The change of the food industry. |
| C．The beginning of a new brand. | D．The innovation of store management. |
| A．To prove a common occurrence. | B．To reduce people’s anxiety. |
| C．To arouse the readers’ sympathy. | D．To raise a new problem. |
| A．Heart-broken. | B．Overjoyed. | C．Indifferent. | D．Bittersweet. |
| A．Try to keep it physically forever. | B．Redecorate it for further use. |
| C．Never forget its historical significance. | D．Never care about its future. |
3 . Scholarship Competition
(140 Scholarships available)
Contribute to improving the world with IED！
If you’re passionate about Design, Fashion, Visual Arts, or Communication, seize the opportunity to be part of our contest. You could win one of 140 scholarships offered by Fondazione Francesco Morelli, IED. These scholarships cover 100% or 50% of the tuition fees for Bachelor’s Degree programs, Five-Year Diplomas, Four-Year Diplomas, and Foundation Courses available at our campuses in Milan.
Humanity, the environment, and sustainability are key in design. We deeply include this philosophy, evident in every course and project we undertake. While there are many angles to approach this theme, what matters is our collective goal.
Find inspiration in the world around you, release your creativity, and push your boundaries.
To enter the scholarship competition, submit your concept by June 22nd. Your concept should solve a major planetary issue, identify its causes, and propose design-driven solutions.
Your concept is required to be developed in 2 steps: a mood board and a text.
·The digital mood board is your chance to express yourself using any technique or style you like. It’s a collection of images, objects, colors, and words, whether in physical or digital form. By mixing images and objects, the mood board helps you see different angles of your project and boosts your creative process.
·In the text (which should be between 150 and 300 words), explain your idea, why you chose the design of your mood board, and what inspired you to use that language and technique.
Combine both your text and mood board into one file, keeping it under 8 MB and saving it in any commonly used format. If you decide to make a video, share the link to it on Vimeo.com or Youtube.com.
Make sure to read the regulations carefully and enter the competition. The deadline is June 22, 2024.
1. Who is the competition mainly intended for?| A．Any fashion design lover. | B．Any environmentalist. |
| C．University teachers in Milan. | D．Students for further education. |
| A．A description with as many words as you like to use. |
| B．A video well linked on Vimeo.com or Youtube.com. |
| C．A combination of a mood board and a text into one file. |
| D．A design to show your great gratitude for scholarship. |
| A．Creativity for human beings. | B．Creativity for the earth. |
| C．Creativity for scholarship. | D．Creativity for the degree. |
4 . Experience the ultimate wellness retreat for your mind, body, and soul amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Iceland. Across the country are world-class spa s that tap into Iceland’s abundant, sustainable and mineral-rich waters from geothermal (地热的) sources. Iceland is a true destination, attracting tired travelers from across the globe.
Secret LagoonSecret Lagoon natural hot springs are located in the small village called Fludir. In the whole area there are several geothermal spots and a little Geysir which erupts every 5 minutes, showing off for the guests relaxing in the hot spring. During winter, the northern lights are often giving a great lightshow above Secret Lagoon.
The Blue LagoonThe Blue Lagoon is a health and geothermal spa on the Reykjanes Peninsula. For ten consecutive years Blue Lagoon has been awarded the Blue Flag environmental recognition granted to natural beaches and hot springs. The lagoon holds nine million liters of geothermal seawater.
Laugarvatn FontanaLaugarvatn Fontana is the place for relaxation and an authentic Icelandic experience. Soak in the warm geothermal pools and get energized in the natural steam rooms, with the hot spring bubbling right below you. Be sure not to miss a visit to taste the delicious rye bread that grandmothers of the area have been baking in the hot spring s of Laugarvatn for decades.
Mývatn Nature BathsLocated in the heart of north-east Iceland about 105 kilometres (65 miles) south of the Arctic Circle, Lake Mývatn and its surroundings are one of Europe’s greatest natural treasures. Containing a unique blend of minerals, silicates and micro-organisms, the warm soothing water of Myvatn Nature Bath benefits both skin and spirit alike.
1. What do Secret Lagoon and The Blue Lagoon have in common?| A．They own natural hot springs. | B．They hold geothermal seawater. |
| C．They features quite long histories. | D．They have lightshows for visitors. |
| A．Secret Lagoon. | B．The Blue Lagoon. |
| C．Laugarvatn Fontana. | D．Mývatn Nature Baths. |
| A．It offers travelers geothermal spa services. |
| B．It sees a Geysir that erupts every 5 minutes. |
| C．It contains Europe’s greatest natural and cultural resources. |
| D．It enjoys a mixture of minerals, silicates and micro-organisms. |
5 . Chile, the longest and narrowest country in the world, is sided by the Cordillera de los Andes Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, waiting to be discovered.
1. Santiago de Chile
A 17-hour flight takes you from Beijing to Santiago de Chile, Chile’s capital. Santiago is the country’s political, economic and cultural center. There are many things and places to explore in this city. Being in a central location makes it an ideal starting point for exploring the rest of the country.
2. Rapa Nui (Easter Island)
Rapa Nui, known among natives, is made world famous by the mysterious 1000 giant stone figures that date back many centuries. The ancient stone statues measure as tall as 21m. Archeologists (考古学家) from around the world have gathered here since the 1940s to solve the mystery, but some bits of the puzzle still remain unknown today.
3. Valparaiso
Bohemian and colorful, Valparaiso’s hills has long inspired visitors to discover something new at every turn. Don’t forget to explore the port, where you’ll get a real feel for Chile’ seaside. Remember to buy some seafood after reaching your destination.
4. San Pedro de Atacama
Travelers from all over the world come here and cycle through the desert or enjoy the Valley of the Moon. Visit the old square to learn about its inhabitants’ customs. Once night falls, there is no better place to admire the stars twinkling over the driest desert in the world!
Form more about tours around Chile, contact us at https://www.chile.travel/en/.
1. Which of the four places would you recommend for people who enjoy history?| A．Santiago de Chile | B．Rapa Nui (Easter Island) |
| C．Valparaiso | D．San Pedro de Atacama |
| A．There is no place to admire stars. | B．It’s the country’s political center. |
| C．The seafood there is attractive. | D．Atacama is famous for desert. |
| A．A Science Report. | B．A Travel Website. |
| C．A Travel Diary. | D．A News Report. |
6 . It’s been 50 years since the beginning of bar codes. Scanning an item at checkout is something we take for granted in this age of convenience.
On March 31, 1971, a historic meeting took place in New York City. The meeting agreed to create a system to uniquely identify every single product, calling it the Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) the core of bar codes, according to El Mudo, a Spanish newspaper.
In the past five decades, bar codes have provided many conveniences for commerce. “The next generation of bar codes, such as QR codes can hold vastly more information. Their use, for example, can tell consumers if a product contains allergens (过敏原) or if it is organic.
| A．Time has proved it a great decision. |
| B．It gives consumers a greater level of trust. |
| C．What information does a bar code contain? |
| D．When do we scan a bar code on the product? |
| E．We can thank the game-changing technology for that. |
| F．The numbers can indicate where that product is identified, |
| G．It allows the first digitization in the control of the goods for sale. |
7 . The 19th Asian Games begin in Hangzhou, People’s Republic of China, on 23 September 2023, with Asia’s top athletes back in action representing their nations. Olympics.com picks 10 stars to keep an eye on. Malaysia’s diving queen Pandelela is one of them.
Pandelela has had a difficult year with injury and health issues. She will be looking to Hangzhou to turn her 2023 season — during which she has only competed twice — around. Pandelela made her season debut (首秀)in May at the 2023 Diving World Cup stop in Montreal, finishing ninth in both the individual 10m platform and mixed team events.
However, at a training camp in China in June ahead of July’s World Championships in Japan, she picked up both illness and injury again, which hampered her in Fukuoka. There, she unfortunately finished 24th in the individual platform event — missing out on the semi-finals for the first time in her career.
“Despite the setback, I will keep showing up and never give up. Because the lesson in the pool here may just be the perfect potion (解药) for what’s going to happen in the future,” she wrote on Facebook following that disappointment. Her first chance to right that wrong will come in China.
The Asian Games 2022 were postponed by a year due to pandemic, but now Asian best athletes are ready to represent their nations, five years after they last did so at the 2018. We are looking forward to witnessing more athletes like Pandelela to do their best in this Games.
1. What does the underlined word “hampered” refer to?| A．inspired | B．encouraged | C．stopped | D．destroyed |
| A．Pandelela has already overcome these difficulties. |
| B．Hangzhou Asian Games will be a good chance for her. |
| C．Pandelela’s skills are impressive but dangerous. |
| D．Pandelela cannot represent her nation in diving. |
| A．Determined. | B．Kind-hearted. | C．Negative. | D．Curious. |
| A．Popular Athletes Around the World | B．The Hangzhou Asian Games |
| C．Diving World Cup in Montreal | D．Malaysia’s Diving Queen Pandelela |
8 . The topic of China’s “slash youth” has fueled heated debate on social media recently, drawing attention to the diverse pursuits of the younger generation.
The slash youth, which could also be called slashers or slash-generation means those who refuse to be defined or bound by just one personal identity. They are keen to present themselves as multiple and sometimes distinct identities, such as a nurse and model, a teacher and stand-up comedian, and an engineer and band player. Rather than material comforts, they pursue meaningful achievements.
A study on “slash youth” published in the China Youth Research magazine analyzes the background of this phenomenon: with part of modern society’s structured organization and stability norms are broken, flexible labor markets and structural unemployment has emerged, eliminating the sense of job security of the young people in employment. Young people also face the dilemma of self-actualization, including the sense of powerlessness, lost sense of value and lack of self-identity in the profession, which forces them to re-find the meaning of work.
“The ‘slash life’ shows that our society is becoming more and more diversified and inclusive and it welcomes everyone’s self fulfillment,” said Shi Yanrong, an associate researcher from Tianjin Academy of Social Sciences. The researcher added that against the background that people have multiple interests and are willing to pay for these interests nowadays, the “slash life” of the youth would drive the growth of a new economy, just as animation culture affected the market.
1. Which is true about the slash youth?| A．Tending to pursue meaningful achievements. |
| B．Enjoying posting themselves on social media. |
| C．Adjusting themselves to challenges in life. |
| D．Refusing to undertake multiple careers. |
| A．The significance of flexible labor markets. |
| B．Reasons for the appearance of slash youth. |
| C．Young people’s interest in their profession. |
| D．Causes of losing power among the youth. |
| A．It can gain people’s independence. |
| B．It inspires young people’s creativity. |
| C．It can pick up an economic growth. |
| D．It enables young people to earn high. |
| A．To provide latest career guidance. |
| B．To introduce a social phenomenon. |
| C．To analyze a new cultural difference. |
| D．To highlight a unique life experience. |
9 . A study published in the journal Nature Geoscience last week revealed soil samples collected by China’s Chang’e-5 lunar probe contained impact glass beads(珠子) that held water in the form of hydroxyl(氢), a molecule consisting of one oxygen atom and one hydrogen atom. Hydroxyl ion is one of the most common ions found in water.
These glass beads are created when meteoroids(流星体) hit the moon’s surface, throwing up hot molten droplets which then cool and turn solid. They function like a sponge, soaking up hydrogen atoms carried by the solar wind to form hydroxyl, thus playing a key role in the water cycle of the lunar surface.
While each bead only holds a tiny amount of water, these glass balls are so ubiquitous on the moon and researchers estimated lunar soils could store as much as 270 billion metric tons of water. For decades, scientists thought the moon was bone dry until discoveries in recent years revealed its soil could hold water.
“The moon potentially holding 270 billion metric tons of water is quite substantial, though it pales in comparison to the amount of water in the Earth’s oceans,”said Hu Sen, a researcher from the Institute of Geology and Geophysics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.
These findings not only provide insight on the origins, storage, and transportation of water on celestial(天空的) bodies without atmospheres, but they also may prove helpful for planning and building a sustainable human habitat on these planets, he added.
1. What do glass beads on the moon’s surface function?| A．As a sponge taking in hydrogen atoms. |
| B．As meteoroids hitting the moon’s surface. |
| C．As hydrogen beneath the lunar surface. |
| D．As a source of energy for water cycle. |
| A．Rare. | B．Common. | C．Obvious. | D．Energetic. |
| A．Water from Earth. | B．Water from the sun. |
| C．Water from the stars. | D．Water from meteoroids. |
| A．The Key Role of Hydrogen in Lunar |
| B．New Discoveries based on Moon’s |
| C．Glass Beads Found on Moon’s Surface |
| D．Scientists Discover Water Reservoir |
10 .
| School Day Party Date: September 14th Time: 2: 00 pm —6: 00 pm Fee: ¥10 (buy two get one free) Place: The Music Hall, Huaxin Middle School Programs: the singing competition, the dancing performance and the talk show The most interesting parts: * enter the lucky draw (抽签) to win a Huawei phone * learn to make different kinds of cakes Join us on the School Day! All are welcome! Notes: For those who would like to be a volunteer, please email to schoolday888@126.com three days before the activity. |
| A．¥ 10 | B．¥ 20 | C．¥ 30 | D．¥ 40 |
①the singing competition ②the talent show
③the dancing performance ④the speech competition
| A．①② | B．②③ | C．①③ | D．②④ |
| A．October 14th | B．September 14th | C．September 11th | D．September 17th |
