1 . Hundreds or even thousands of jackdaws (寒鸦) are known to launch into the winter sky at once from the treetops at sunrise, and then split into smaller groups to feed throughout the day. Now, ecologists know that this synchronized (同步的) departure is timed with a complicated behavior called “consensus decision-making”, where the majority agree to take action.
To figure it out, researchers in the United Kingdom recorded hundreds of hours of their bird calls in Cornwall over several months. They measured when the first jackdaws began their calls, how loud the birds were, and how quickly the swell (增强) of calls rose, and then compared these sounds to footage (镜头) of those birds’ departures. The team found that the jackdaw group left together once the chorus of calls reached a critical mass--the more rapidly the chorus swelled, the earlier the birds left.
“They all leave together in a few seconds. The sky just fills with black birds forthwith. It is just like a black snowstorm,” Alex Thornton, an ecologist at the University of Exeter, UK, told New Scientist. Every call is a jackdaw casting its vote to leave. “At first you just get a few calls, then more and more birds join in and it builds and builds. And the steeper the increase, the earlier they leave,” Thornton added. On rare occasions, when the intensity of the chorus doesn’t build enough and the jackdaws don’t agree, the birds instead launch off in small numbers.
The team also found that once jackdaws reached a consensus they departed almost immediately, with hundreds of individuals flying in less than five seconds. When scientists played past recordings of calls back to the jackdaws, getting in the way of the group’s natural crescendo (渐强的声音), they were able to push forward the birds’ launching by more than six minutes. The birds did not, however, change their launch times in response to other noises.
“The gregarious (群居的) birds prefer to leave as a group, although each jackdaw will have a slightly different preference as to when they want to leave, based on factors like their size and hunger,” Alex Dibnah, a University of Exeter graduate student and lead author of the study, said in a statement. “Leaving the roost (栖息处) together has various benefits, including safety from predators and access to information such as where to find food.”
This research shows the critical role vocalizations (发声) play in group decision-making for this species. One next step for this research, according to the authors, is to figure out how human-created noises might affect this process and the spread of information throughout these communities.
“Imagine a big roost near a town or busy road,” Thornton said. “If the birds can’t hear each other and can’t form a consensus to leave together, it could have big impacts on their population.”
1. What is the purpose of the research in Cornwall?A.To understand how jackdaws reach an agreement. |
B.To study what makes jackdaws’ departure time unique. |
C.To make a comparison of jackdaws’ calls with other birds’. |
D.To assess the importance of jackdaws’ complicated behaviors. |
A.Frequently. | B.Gradually. | C.Traditionally. | D.Immediately. |
A.It can reach an agreement within seconds. |
B.Its launch times vary little from season to season. |
C.It can distinguish its natural calls from other noises. |
D.It makes no response to the past recordings of calls. |
A.The impacts of human hunting on jackdaws’ population. |
B.The effects of noises on jackdaws’ group decision-making. |
C.The way jackdaws spread information in their communities. |
D.The role of jackdaws’ vocalizations in group decision-making. |
2 . I love asking “stupid” questions, especially the ones with no right answers. I remember once asking kids what time it was, at home, in Singapore, and finally on the Moon. A shy girl suggested it was “every time” followed by an energetic Einstein who shouted it was “no time”. Both kids shared that week’s Noble Prize, because no humans live in that distant world and time is a human construct.
In fact, we are all good at asking questions by nature, but sadly as we age, we get accustomed to the world around us and take things for granted. We became more results-oriented (注重结果的) and concentrate our efforts on success. If something is working, don’t fix it; just relax and go with the flow. Conventional wisdom may work well, but that does not mean it is always right. Throughout history, it has been those who have questioned conventional wisdom and challenged our common-sense notions of the world that have stimulated the major advancements of human civilization.
In 500 BC, the ancient Greeks wondered whether the Earth was round because sailors on the sea had noticed that the farther south they went, the more different stars they saw in the sky. Why was the sky changing? Nearly 2,000 years later, the Italian astronomer Galileo Galilei became interested in this question and ended up demonstrating the “crazy” concept of heliocentrism (日心说), in which the Sun lies at the center of the universe while the Earth revolves (旋转) around it at 30 kilometers per second. But if the Earth is spinning around so quickly, why aren’t we being thrown off of the surface of the planet? The answer to this question would not end up being revealed to us for another century.
People like routine, but past performance is no guarantee of future results. While those who challenge conventional wisdom tend to be subjected to abuse, the progress of humankind would have otherwise been impossible without these persistent people and their “stupid” questions.
1. What commonly happens to us when we grow older according to the author?A.We lay too much emphasis on process. |
B.We still refuse to relax and go with the flow. |
C.We start to challenge common-sense notions of the world. |
D.We gradually lose the ability to question conventional wisdom. |
A.An ancient Greek scientist living in 500 BC. | B.Galileo Galilei living between 1564 and 1642. |
C.Isaac Newton living between 1643 and 1727. | D.Albert Einstein living between 1879 and 1955. |
A.By comparison and contrast. | B.By using supporting examples. |
C.By using time and space order. | D.By generalization and definition. |
A.Asking Stupid Questions: the Smartest Thing You Can Do |
B.Exploring the Universe: the Ultimate Goal for Humankind |
C.Conventional Wisdom: What It Means and When to Use It |
D.Human Civilization: the Relationship Between Man and Nature |
3 . Over the past few decades, technology has advanced at an unprecedented rate, revolutionizing industries and shaping new ways of life.
According to the International Telecommunication Union, a key advocate of technological advancement, the rapid growth of technology has significantly improved the quality of life in numerous communities. It cites studies that show the integration of technology into daily lives has led to increased efficiency, more access to information, and even progress in healthcare in numerous regions.
Those who embrace technological progress argue that it creates new opportunities for individuals and businesses alike. For instance, farmers in remote areas can now access real-time market information and weather updates through smartphones, enabling them to make more informed decisions about their crops. Additionally, small businesses can expand their reach globally through online platforms.
Furthermore, critics fear that the unchecked growth of technology may have negative impacts on society and the environment. For example, the rise of social media and the internet has led to an increase in cyberbullying, privacy concerns, and the spread of misinformation. Moreover, the overuse of technology may contribute to do-nothing lifestyles and other health issues.
One thing is certain about technological progress — it is an inevitable trend. The rapid pace of innovation and the widespread availability of technology make it impossible to turn back.
A.But how can we take control of technology to our advantage? |
B.The question arises: Is technological progress beneficial for all? |
C.This digital divide can lead to increased social and economic gaps. |
D.However, critics of technological advancement hold a different view. |
E.These advancements have been particularly evident in rural and underserved areas. |
F.It ensures that the benefits of technological progress are shared equally across society. |
G.The challenge now is finding ways to command the power of technology to benefit all. |
4 . For some of us, going to the dentist for routine check-ups is a thing of the ordinary. But for many people around the world, especially those in impoverished (贫困的) areas, having dental improvement and their teeth checked simply isn’t possible. A Brazilian dentist Felipe Rossi has devoted himself to helping changing that situation.
Growing up in USA, Felipe Rossi had just obtained the Bachelor of Medicine Degree and was about to start a master’s degree in Pediatric Dentistry (儿童口腔学) when a journey to his father’s home — Balsabo in Brazil — converted his initial plan. “All locals didn’t have access to dental care, and consequently, many of them suffered deformed teeth or even loss of teeth, leading to many people not daring to laugh with mouth open.” Felipe Rossi recalled. “A desire was planted in my heart. That is, to use my skills to bring healthy smiles to people suffering from dental problems.”
With the support of his parents, Felipe formed an NGO (non-government organization) called Porsorriso to give free oral treatments to individuals with low incomes who require cleaning. fillings, crowns, restoration work and more. His team is composed of approximately 30 registered volunteers who go with him to poor towns and villages in Brazil.
Sponsorship is generally provided by two private companies. Individuals may also make donations through the ‘Smile Solidarity’ program, where they can choose monthly amounts to contribute. Porsorriso also holds regular fundraisers to afford the cost of providing free dental services around the country.
As noble as its objective is, Felipe admits that Porsorriso is “struggling to survive” because of the huge cost of providing dental work and the constant fundraising events they have to hold to keep the NGO in normal functioning. “Challenging as it is, it did bring healthy teeth as well as renewed confidence to the locals. We will continue this transformative act whatever difficulties we will face”. Felipe said with a strong will.
1. How does the author introduce the topic of the text?A.By posing a contrast. |
B.By reporting an event. |
C.By assuming a situation. |
D.By making an appeal. |
A.The support from his parents. |
B.The passion for dental health. |
C.The encounter with local s lacking dental care. |
D.The professional skills and knowledge from college. |
A.Hopeful and diligent. |
B.Faithful and ambitious. |
C.Intelligent and creative. |
D.Charitable and dedicated. |
A.It gives free oral treatments to anyone in need. |
B.It is cooperated by Felipe Rossi and the local authority. |
C.It is financially supported by corporations and individuals. |
D.It holds regular fundraisers to educate people about dental care. |
5 . The best way to really see a city is to explore it slowly by walking around. It’s easy, healthy, and also benefits the environment. When on foot, you can do as the locals do. Here’s what you can find under your own steam.
Best for families: Planetenweg, Zurich
The 2,854 ft-tall, forest-covered peak that towers from Zurich’s doorstep is the envy of every European city. To get there, try the four-mile, two-hour-long route on Planetenweg. This family-friendly wander cuts in and out of spruce forests and gives you a proper flavour of being up in the mountains without ever actually leaving the city.
Best for arty vistas: Ekebergparken, Oslo
Come at sunrise or sunset, when the sky blazes above shining fjords (峡湾) and transforms the dark, rocky islands into shadows, and you can see why Oslo’s Ekebergparken inspired Munch to paint The Scream. Starting at the Ekebergparken Museum, the two-mile sculpture trail (小道) winds through pine, fir and ash forest, where plenty of phenomenal works of art await — Dalí’s surrealist Venus de Milo with Drawers and Damien Hirst’s Anatomy of an Angel among them.
Best for getting off the beaten track: Vienna Ugly, Vienna
The guided walks led by locals across Vienna dive into neighbourhoods that are off the usual tourist trail. Among them is Vienna Ugly, a 2.5-hour wander through Leopoldstadt and Innere Stadt. At the end of the tour, you’ll vote on which of the city’s buildings are the ugliest. Tours from £9.
Best for architecture: Ørestad, Copenhagen
Copenhagen rode high as World Capital of Architecture 2023. A guided walk with the Danish Architecture Center throw you in at the architectural deep end for 2.5 hours, taking you to Copenhagen’s Ørestad neighbourhood on the island of Amager. From £18.
1. What attracts travelers to Planetenweg?A.Mountains. | B.Local flavour. | C.Art works. | D.Architecture. |
A.Planetenweg, Zurich, | B.Ekebergparken, Oslo. |
C.Vienna Ugly, Vienna. | D.Ørestad, Copenhagen. |
A.They are free of charge. | B.They feature a voting activity. |
C.They are guided tours. | D.They go deep into the forests. |
6 . The concept of learned helplessness was first coined by psychologists Martin Seligman and Steven Maier in the late 1960s during a series of experiments with dogs.
The researchers placed dogs in a situation where they were subjected to unavoidable electric shocks. After these initial experiences, the dogs were later placed in a different situation where they could easily escape the shocks by moving to another part of the chamber. Surprisingly, many of the dogs did not attempt to escape, even when the means to do so were readily available. They had learned to feel helpless.
As adults, we often encounter a version of learned helplessness in our daily lives. We face challenges not in the form of electric shocks but in situations where we might feel overwhelmed or powerless, such as long-standing stress at work or repeated personal failures. These experiences can make us believe that we cannot change our circumstances, leading to a passive acceptance of our difficulties.
A similar process operates in our approach to problem-solving and goal-setting. In our formative experiences, we may have encountered situations where our efforts to succeed were consistently met with failure, leading to a sense of powerlessness. But the modern world, with its constant demands and high expectations, has greatly changed our environment. We are now constantly faced with new challenges and opportunities.
Our modern lifestyle — with its various sources of stress and anxiety — can do to our mental state what unavoidable shocks did to the dogs in Seligman’s experiments. We are tending to submit to hopelessness because our past experiences may have conditioned us to expect failure. But, as we have reshaped the world around us, increasing opportunities for success and personal growth, we still have the same psychological responses we developed in earlier, more challenging environments.
Therefore, just as we need to be more thoughtful about our mindset towards effort and success, we also need to be more conscious of our beliefs about personal competence, resisting the temptation to yield to learned helplessness. By fostering resilience and adopting a growth mindset, we can effectively manage our responses to life’s challenges and seize opportunities for improvement and success.
1. What do we know about learned helplessness according to the text?A.It is a natural response to unavoidable shocks. |
B.It is primarily caused by modern lifestyle. |
C.It is a psychological state that can be overcome. |
D.It is unavoidable in today’s fast-paced world. |
A.Advanced technology. |
B.High physical demands. |
C.Lasting stress at work. |
D.Unbalanced career life. |
A.Indifferent and neutral. |
B.Dismissive and critical. |
C.Sympathetic and reserved. |
D.Understanding and encouraging. |
A.Cause and effect. |
B.Problem and solution. |
C.Comparison and contrast. |
D.Classification and summary. |
7 . Celebrating Beethoven: The Genius of Symphony Exhibition
To commemorate the 254th anniversary of Beethoven’s birth, the Vienna Philharmonic, renowned for its exceptional collection of classical music instruments, is presenting a special exhibition titled Beethoven: The Genius of Symphony, running from February 1 to June 30.
More than two centuries ago, on December 16, 1820, in the heart of Vienna, Ludwig van Beethoven, a musical legend, composed his Symphony No. 9 in D minor, a masterpiece that marked a milestone in the history of classical music.
The exhibition will transport visitors back to the era of Beethoven’s genius. Through a series of interactive displays and multimedia presentations, visitors will have a chance to explore Beethoven’s creative process and dive into the inspiration behind his most famous works. The highlight of the exhibition will be a copy of Beethoven’s piano, on which he composed many of his masterpieces.
“This exhibition offers a unique and immersive experience, allowing visitors to step into Beethoven’s world and appreciate the depth and breadth of his musical genius,” said Dr. Schmidt, head of the Vienna Philharmonic. “We aim to recreate the magic of Beethoven’s music and inspire a new generation of music lovers.”
Please note the following guidelines for the exhibition:
* Children under 6 years old are not recommended due to the complexity of the content.
* We advise caution for visitors with hearing impairments as some sections of the exhibition involve audio components.
* For safety reasons, large bags and photographic equipment are not permitted inside the exhibition hall. Hand-held cameras are allowed for personal use.
1. What is the central theme of the exhibition?A.Exhibiting the changes of western musical instruments. |
B.Exploring the life and works of Ludwig van Beethoven. |
C.Showcasing the history of classical music in Vienna. |
D.Highlighting the influence of Beethoven on music. |
A.Magic shows of Beethoven’s music. |
B.A reproduced piano of Beethoven. |
C.Hands-on experience of composition. |
D.Digital presentation of musical works. |
A.A journalist carrying mobile phones. |
B.A senior citizen with poor eyesight. |
C.A historian with a passion for music. |
D.A preschooler fascinated by pianos. |
8 . Scientists have figured out how to obtain abundant amounts of oil from duckweed (浮萍), one of nature’s fastest-growing water plants. Changing such plant oil into biofuels for transportation and heating could be a big part of a more sustainable future. For a new study, led by Shanklin, a biochemist, in the Plant Biotechnology Journal, researchers genetically engineered duckweed plants to produce seven times more oil: per acre than soybeans — currently the most commonly used biofuel-producing plant.
Unlike fossil fuels, biofuels can be regained faster than they are used. Fuels made from new and used vegetable oils, animal fat can have a lower carbon footprint than fossil fuels do, depending on how they are sourced, but there has been a recent opposition against them. This is partly because so many crops now go into energy production rather than food. Besides, biofuels take up more than 100 million acres of the world’s agricultural land.
Duckweed, common on every continent but Antarctica, is among the world’s most productive plants per acre, and the researchers suggest it could be a game-changing renewable energy source mainly because of the fact that it grows readily in water, so it wouldn’t compete with food crops for agricultural land. Moreover, Shanklin and his team found a way to sidestep a major biotechnological hurdle.
According to Rebecca Roston, a biochemist at the University of Nebraska, who was not involved in the study, engineered green plants typically expend a lot of energy on oil production and thus stop growing. For the new study, Shanklin says, the researchers added an oil-producing gene that would be inactive at first, and then “turn it on like a light switch” by introducing a particular molecule (分子) only when the plant had finished growing.
This process “went fabulously well,” Roston says. “If it works in other species, this can solve one of our biggest issues, which is how we can make more oil in more plants without negatively affecting growth.”
1. What can be learned about Duckweed plants from the text?A.They have vital nutrients for humans. |
B.They pose threat to agricultural lands. |
C.They are engineered to make biofuels. |
D.They absorb less carbon than soybeans. |
A.Extend. | B.Overcome. | C.Enhance. | D.Worsen. |
A.The gene activation method is promising. |
B.Roston participated in Shanklin’s research. |
C.Biofuel production will cease plant growth. |
D.Biofuel production competes with food crops. |
A.An energy revolution is unavoidable |
B.Duckweed: An ideal green energy source |
C.A perfect replacement for biofuels is found |
D.Biofuel: A practical solution for energy crisis |
9 . A new drug-delivery system could replace needles with puffs (股) of air. Gassensmith studies bioengineering at the University of Texas. His team’s new tech goes beyond patient comfort, though. The device quickly delivers drugs without touching the bloodstream. And that could reduce the risk of spreading disease. He tested it out on his own arm. “I could feel it, but it wasn’t painful,” he reports.
The technology works by blowing in a puff of air through the skin. That gas carries a powder made of tiny bits of vaccine (疫苗) wrapped in metallic crystals (晶体). The crystal coating is really strong, Gassensmith says. As a result, the vaccine powder does not have to be refrigerated while stored. The air contains carbon dioxide, or CO2. Once in the body, the CO2 that carries the powder will mix with water. It creates a weak acid that breaks down the crystal cover. Released, the vaccine bits are then able to enter the bloodstream.
This gas-based drug-delivery system is an upgrade over previous ones. For instance, adjusting the gas that carries the vaccine powder can customize how fast the tiny crystal capsules release the drug. Testing showed that the drug released fastest when delivered with carbon dioxide. Plain air led to a slower, gentler release. Vaccines work best when released slowly. That allows them longer contact with the immune(免疫) system. But the team hopes the device could work for other medicines too. And some medicines must be released quickly. One such example is insulin, a crucial drug for many people with diabetes.
Fear of needles keeps many people from getting vaccinations. Gassensmith is optimistic that this new system might get around that. Future research must ensure that gas-delivered vaccines build immunity to disease as expected, said Weniger, a doctor, who studied vaccine technology for 30 years for the U. S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
1. What can we learn about the new drug-delivery system from paragraph 1?A.It causes the loss of feeling. | B.It improves the use of needle. |
C.It cares about patient comfort. | D.It blocks the spread of disease. |
A.To create a weak acid. | B.To absorb carbon dioxide. |
C.To clean the bloodstream. | D.To contain the vaccine. |
A.Flexibility. | B.Durability. | C.High speed. | D.Gentle release. |
A.The effectiveness of gas-based vaccines. | B.The acceptance of getting vaccinations. |
C.The influence of vaccine on disease control. | D.The operation of the new drug-delivery system. |
10 . The Surprising Strength of “Weak” Social Ties
It’s long been known that a community of supportive relationships improves our quality of life and can even help us recover from illness.
Claire gets cheered up by going to the library and chatting with her favorite librarian every week. Sherry gets great joy from her Sunday breakfasts at a local diner because the manager and her favorite waitress are nice to her.
When we feel blue or lonely, we tend to turn down social engagements, either to avoid the imagined embarrassment of being the only sad person in a group or because socializing with people we don’t know well can be awkward at first.
A.All of those connections matter — and so do you |
B.Harvard researcher Hanne Collins discovered something new |
C.Even those we meet only once can leave a lasting impression |
D.Our shared kindness and familiarity offer me a sense of community |
E.Interacting with the weak ties encourages us to behave more professionally |
F.But saying yes, despite the hesitation, offers an opportunity to feel less lonely |
G.So notice, pay attention to, and be grateful for your big, wide world of loose social ties |