Most of us are familiar with the “Silk Road”, a network of land trading routes which connected northwestern China to Europe since the Han dynasty. With its recent
The “Ancient Tea Horse Road” got its name as Chinese tea and horses were the main products
The “Ancient Tea Horse Road” serves
The Palace Museum has announced that all entrance tickets are now being sold online, a move
October 2nd was the first day the museum, also known as the Forbidden City, sold all
A trial of the online ticketing service began on September 25th, 2011. Last year, around 77 percent of the tickets
Since 2012, the museum
3 . Engineers at Zhejiang University have created China's first brain-like computer, named Darwin Mouse, which can copy the way a human brain works and solve complex calculations while using a small amount of the energy used by traditional supercomputers.
Though the technology is still in its early stages, experts say it could be used to run large, real-time simulations(模拟) and make new discoveries in chemistry, medicine and neuroscience. It could also be used to revolutionise computer design, leading to more powerful and efficient artificial intelligence.
Pan Gang, a professor at the university's College of Computer Science and Technology, said neuromorphic(神经形态的) computing has been a focus of the international scientific and engineering communities for some time and is considered one of the key methods to overcome the major computing challenges for artificial intelligence. Darwin Mouse represented a "major milestone achievement" in China's brain-like computing technology.
In late 2018, the University of Manchester in the United Kingdom upgraded its neuromorphic supercomputer SpiNNaker to use a million processors, enabling it to perform 2 trillion actions a second. This allowed the machine to run extremely large-scale real-time simulations, such as modelling parts of the brain. Darwin Mouse uses significantly fewer processors thanks to the latest developments in brain-like chips made in China, allowing it to perform far better.
Another advantage is low energy costs. When information is transmitted, only neurons that receive and process the signals are activated, while other neurons stay asleep, similar to how a brain works. As a result, the energy consumption can be reduced to a small part of that of conventional supercomputers.
"We hope to keep evolving the Darwin series neuromorphic computer towards reaching human levels of intelligence, thus achieving more powerful artificial intelligence with significantly less energy use. It is hopeful that brain-like computers will make their way into our daily lives as the hardware and the software for the technology mature," Pan said.
1. Which can be inferred about Darwin Mouse?| A．Brain-like and easy to operate. | B．Powerful and energy-saving. |
| C．Traditional but efficient. | D．Advanced but impractical. |
| A．To show it can run more complex simulations. |
| B．To prove no computers can compare with human brains. |
| C．To stress the importance of brain-like chips. |
| D．To highlight the advantage of Darwin Mouse. |
| A．Positive. | B．Sceptical. | C．Tolerant. | D．Objective. |
| A．Outstanding Engineers of China |
| B．The Brain-Like Computer Makes Its First Appearance in China |
| C．Darwin Mouse, a Famous Mouse |
| D．Artificial Intelligence Has a Bright Future |
Lisa was preparing lunch in the kitchen while her three-year-old son, Barney, was playing by himself in the back garden.
Suddenly, she
Lisa took up
Lisa beat the snake continuously,
After the snake was
It was
5 . America has long been opposing adequate poverty policies because of its strong worry of thinking that the poor are responsible for their own situations, but a child poverty is too harmful and punishing to ignore. I, and a growing number of scholars, believe there is a solution: the government should give monthly cash allowances(津贴), without conditions, to every family with kids. (Higher-income families would have much of the money taxed away.)
A mountain of evidence now shows that poverty can lead to cognitive(认知的) and emotional damage in children. Despite policies that have expanded access to insurance, poor kids are still less healthy than the rest of the young population. They also drop out of school at higher rates, earn less money over time and are incarcerated(监禁) far more often than their better-off peers. That should be enough for us to recognize the moral tragedy that is child poverty, but we should note the broad effect too: reliable analyses show that the nation’s GDP is up to $1 trillion lower because of child poverty.
Poor children have many needs, but research shows that money may matter most. For example, a 2013 review of dozens of studies by London School of Economics researchers found that “Poorer children have worse cognitive, social-behavioral and health outcomes in part because they are poorer, and not just because poverty is related to other household and parental characteristics”.
It can also help reduce family stress and help parents provide a psychologically raising environment in which learning and social development can breed.
The historian Michael Katz correctly notes, “One of the odd aspects of the history of writing about poverty is the avoidance of the simple view that people are poor because they lack money,” yet both the left and the right defamed(诽谤) direct cash aid as a waste and a cause of laziness and abuse. It is good that Democratic presidential candidate Andrew Yang has stressed the benefits of a universal basic income, quoting studies that show such cash allowances do not cause the avoidance of work, but his plan could cost $2.8 trillion a year and the poor would have to return welfare assistance like food stamps to receive the money. For far less money—about $100 billion—the number of children living in official poverty could be cut in half. Such a policy would be a humane(人道的), practical, efficient victory for a nation too willing to neglect its poor.
1. According to the author, what is the best approach to declare war on poverty?| A．Big tax reduction. | B．Unconditional cash aid. |
| C．Reemployment project. | D．Shifting attitude among people. |
| A．There is a causal impact of childhood poverty on a country’s GDP performance. |
| B．It forces a burden on the family and prevents a positive family environment. |
| C．Children brought up in poverty are likely to suffer from disorders in brain. |
| D．Most poor children achieve less and exhibit more problem behaviors later. |
| A．Andrew Yang is highly thought of for the $2.8 billion plan for the poor. |
| B．Much importance has been placed on child poverty across the America. |
| C．Politicians are afraid that government relief will decrease labor motivation. |
| D．The traditional wisdom holds people have themselves to blame for poverty. |
| A．The historical suffering of the poor. |
| B．Push for the poor to save themselves. |
| C．An appeal for child poverty approach. |
| D．A positive new deal to help poor children. |
6 . Professor Heinz Wolff, who has died aged 89, was a bioengineering pioneer. He established the discipline, named it and, in a 60-year career, made significant contributions to medical research. But to the British public, he was best known as the “dotty scientist” who fronted The Great Egg Race, a BBC show in which colour-coded teams were set engineering challenges (the first was to transport an egg in a vehicle powered by rubber bands). With his trademark bow tie, half-moon glasses and Mittel-European accent, he looked really like Professor Branestawn, as described by W. Heath Robinson. Yet while he cheerfully exploited his reputation as an “odd egghead”, he was very serious about his work and inspired thousands of young people to consider scientific careers.
Born in Berlin in 1928, Heinz Wolff was the son of Jewish parents. His mother died in 1938, and the next year the family fled. They arrived in Britain on the day war was declared. “We really cut it rather fine,” he said on Desert Island Discs in 1998.After leaving school, he worked as a technician at the Radcliffe Infirmary in Oxford, where he invented a machine to count red blood cells, and then at the National Institute for Medical Research’s pneumoconiosis (尘肺) research unit in Cardiff, where he designed a means of measuring dust levels in coal miners. He went on to study at University College London and graduated with a first in physics and physiology. Then, in 1983, he founded the Institute for Bioengineering at Brunel University. His particular interest was in technologies to improve the lives of older people, but he was also heavily involved in space research and worked as an adviser to the European Space Agency.
Wolff had made his first appearance on TV on Panorama in 1966, encouraging Richard Dimbleby to swallow a “radio pill”. On The Great Egg Race, which ran from 1979, his task was to get opponent teams representing organizations such as the chemical company ICI. Challenges included building a hovercraft(气垫船) from a lawnmower(割草机), and inventing a bicycle that could ride on water. Marks were awarded for entertainment value and technical accomplishment. The show ended in the mid-l980s, but Wolff continued to judge scientific competitions, on TV and elsewhere. A natural entertainer with an inexhaustible curiosity about the world, he said he’d be happy to dress up as a clown if it got children interested in science.
1. What does the underlined sentence “We really cut it rather fine” in paragraph 2 mean?| A．We fled from Germany in time. | B．We settled down at the cost of punishment. |
| C．We led a comfortable life in Britain. | D．We didn’t have much time for the declaration. |
| A．He used to major in physics and physiology. |
| B．His family left Berlin after World War II began. |
| C．He invented a machine while in University College London. |
| D．His interest lay in helping those living in war-stricken areas. |
| A．he could keep being curious about the world |
| B．he could combine entertainment and technology |
| C．he could help arouse children’s interest in science |
| D．he could appear on TV to judge scientific competitions |
| A．Aggressive. | B．Passionate. | C．Optimistic. | D．Pioneering. |
7 . Teenage diver Quan Hongchan set the women’s 10-meter platform final alight on Thursday when she scored perfect 10s in three of her five dives to win the gold medal.
Snacks, game machines and medical services have
As the youngest athlete among China’s delegation, Quan
The baby-faced Quan, the latest prodigy of China’s diving training system,
Quan
Quan said she wanted to “
Quan’s efforts have
A hospital in her hometown Zhanjiang, Guangdong province announced that it would provide a full range of
A hospital official said they were
Several amusement parks, zoos and resorts said they would offer lifetime free
A local businessman even offered 200,000 yuan in cash to Quan’s father, but was declined.
Over past three days after Quan’s winning, her family has received floods of guests coming around to offer congratulations, many sending boxes of the snacks and game machines that Quan likes.
“She
Former men’s Olympic champion gymnast Li Xiaopeng
The passion for the young champion’s family, however, has appeared to become overly heated after some fans and internet
Reports claimed some live-streamers even intended to climb up the trees planted at her house and take a jackfruit as souvenir.
A
| A．watered | B．poured | C．dropped | D．flied |
| A．smart | B．talented | C．friendly | D．foolish |
| A．treatment | B．cure | C．diagnose | D．test |
| A．amused | B．frightened | C．feared | D．amazed |
| A．common | B．plain | C．incredible | D．usual |
| A．barely | B．suddenly | C．immensely | D．fairly |
| A．occupy | B．guide | C．dominate | D．attract |
| A．excitedly | B．fortunately | C．suddenly | D．immediately |
| A．came into being | B．came to light | C．came to life | D．came to power |
| A．spend | B．change | C．borrow | D．make |
| A．paid up | B．paid for | C．paid off | D．paid back |
| A．medical | B．sports | C．psychological | D．mental |
| A．shocked | B．confident | C．interested | D．proud |
| A．give out | B．speak out | C．help out | D．put out |
| A．time | B．pass | C．seats | D．lines |
| A．receives | B．shares | C．accepts | D．deserves |
| A．created | B．copied | C．posted | D．read |
| A．littering | B．dropping | C．throwing | D．casting |
| A．celebrities | B．friends | C．neighbors | D．students |
| A．resident | B．doctor | C．conductor | D．grocer |
I have been in Taiyuan, the provincial capital of Shanxi, for two years since I
Over the two years, I found
My favorite sport is cycling and I find China is very cyclist-friendly because it is convenient
Taiyuan
9 . IKEA has assembling furniture down to an art. Just go to the store, pick up a bookcase and open the box. Inside you will find everything you need and easy to follow directions. It’s a perfect fit for people who like to DIY.
Now Ryan Schlotthauer, a recent graduate, has come up with a DIY electric car according to Fast Company. Inspired by IKEA and the French automaker Renault, he designed the Höga for his thesis(论文) project.
The Höga was packed for assembly(组装) just like the bookcase from IKEA. Schlotthauer’s approach was to treat the vehicle just like one big piece of furniture with 374 parts to be assembled. The bottom of the Höga is a flat chassis(底盘) that resembles a skateboard and contains the batteries, engine, wheels, and brakes; a model that is already being used for electric cars. The top can be customized depending on need. The Höga has a bright yellow outside and a blue interior. All of the parts are color coded for easy assembly. Yellow ones are for controls and red ones for technical parts.
The mini vehicle which is only 1.8 meters high and 2.3 meters long can seat two adults. The shape of this unique electric car was inspired by the Bauhaus concept of clean design. But small does not mean that the car cannot carry a load. The cabin can be configured to accommodate a bicycle, stroller, and even enough luggage for a vacation. The rear of the vehicle can also be opened to carry an oversize load, like an IKEA closet or couch. In fact, the vehicle doesn’t have doors like a conventional car, both the front and back open.
While the Höga is just a conceptual design that was modeled in software and there are no plans to manufacture it, it is still a great idea because it would be a very affordable car for low-speed driving. Who knows, maybe a marriage between IKEA and Renault is possible and someday you will be able to build your own car.
1. Who designed the Höga?| A．Ryan Schlotthauer. | B．IKEA. | C．Renault. | D．IKEA and Renault. |
| A．Yellow. | B．Blue. | C．Red. | D．Green. |
| A．Painted. | B．Transformed. | C．Measured. | D．Arranged. |
| A．DIY Becomes Popular Again | B．IKEA Inspires People to Create |
| C．Electric Car Is a Trend in Future | D．A Student Designs a DIY Electric Car |
10 . The events and exhibitions will let you have a good time without spending a coin.
The Bar Comedy Night
The Bar Comedy is a show of Melbourne’s funniest and finest comedians. This show supports and encourages diversity in all its forms. Come along on the third Thursday of each month to witness and laugh your head off at a great and unique night in Melbourne comedy.
Worlds Immersive at Melbourne Museum
Worlds Immersive is a 5-minute cinematic(电影的) journey from the origin of the universe, through the building blocks of nature, to explore the patterns and connections that bind us and the natural world together. Artist Josef Gatti is an emerging filmmaker, specialising in storytelling through new motion picture technology and innovative techniques.
Melbourne Zoo
Over 300 species of animals from around the world can be found in Melbourne Zoo, just minutes from the central city. There are also interactive exhibits where visitors have the chance to learn all about the zoo's animals, the fight to save wildlife from extinction, and what visitors can do to help.
All members and visitors must pre-book a ticket online. You will not be able to book tickets at the gate. Evening sessions, from 4 pm to 8 pm, on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
Children under 16 years old receive free entry every weekend, during school holidays and on Victorian public holidays.
1. How many times can people enjoy comedy in The Bar Comedy Night within a month?| A．Once. | B．Twice. |
| C．Three times. | D．Four times. |
| A．He is a designer. | B．He is a director. |
| C．He is a producer. | D．He is a writer. |
| A．It’s very convenient for people in the city. |
| B．Visitors have zero distance contact with animals. |
| C．Children under the age of 16 are free of charge. |
| D．Tickets can be gotten at the gate or on the Internet. |
