1 . The only science fiction that ever really caught my attention when I was growing up, besides Star Trek and Robert Heinlein’s Stranger in a Strange Land, was the novel Contact by Carl Sagan. When I was 15, I saw the 1997 film version of this. Later, as a 17-year-old adapting to my first semester (学期) at university, I read the book. Contact eventually became the gateway for me to try more popular science books.
One thing that interested me was the bitter fights the researchers got into with one another about their different ways of measuring the expansion rate of spacetime. On second thoughts, maybe this was a lesson I was supposed to draw from Contact, but, at the time, I didn’t regard such politics as a scientist problem. Instead, what caught my attention was the portrayal of Eleanor “Ellie” Arroway, a scientist who searched for alien intelligence. In the film version, Ellie is seen listening to space using a pair of headphones connected to the Very Large Array (VLA)—a real facility in New Mexico.
Astronomers don’t really do this for the purposes of actual research because there is rarely any point. This is the kind of detail that is unimportant for the film of Contact, but how it portrays radio astronomy is one of the inaccuracies I occasionally hear scientists complain about. I was lucky enough to observe the behaviour of some water molecules (分子) in the Orion nebula (猎户座星云) using the VLA for my thirdyear lab course. We didn’t listen to the data. Instead, we processed it so that we could look at it.
That was probably the only time I ever excelled in the lab, and I was so excited to be a reallife Ellie Arroway. Later, I was forced to think more about the human aspects of my working experience. I witnessed unnecessarily heated arguments between scientists, complete with shouting and chalkboard punching (用拳猛击). But, thankfully, Contact had not only introduced me to the idea of radio astronomy as a possible career path, it had also given me a road map for remaining calm in the confused conflict of astronomical wonder and human politics.
1. What can be learned about the author in his teenage years?| A．He watched Contact’s film version in his freshman year. |
| B．His interest in science was inspired by Contact. |
| C．He read a wide range of science fiction books. |
| D．His favourite science fiction author was Robert Heinlein. |
| A．Detecting the sound of space. | B．Searching for alien intelligence. |
| C．Communicating with nonexperts. | D．Visiting the VLA in New Mexico. |
| A．To demonstrate his strong interest in lab projects. |
| B．To explain why scientists sometimes make complaints. |
| C．To show his observations had achieved positive results. |
| D．To prove the film of Contact presented radio astronomy incorrectly. |
| A．How to grasp career opportunities. |
| B．How to get an excellent score on a lab course. |
| C．How to deal with conflicts between scientists. |
| D．How to explain the science of radio astronomy. |
2 . As a child, I didn’t enjoy cartoons like other girls my age, but I did love listening to discussions about politics (政治). I was very talkative and asked too many questions, which wore out the patience of my friends and sometimes even the adults around me. My Grade 4 report summarized my social relations with “needs improvement”.
It wasn’t until I turned 46 that I learned my uniqueness has a name — autism (自闭症). My diagnosis (诊断) was like discovering a missing piece of my brain, picking it up, putting it in place and feeling whole for the first time. From then on, I started to fully enjoy life. What I’ve found out since is that there are a number of others like me — people who weren’t diagnosed as having autism until midlife.
In my 20s, I talked with a doctor about my growing anxiety. But autism never entered the conversation. In early 2017, I began a new job in which I was being praised and recognised as never before, so I didn’t know how to deal with it. As I neared the end of my one-year work, all the symptoms (症状) of my undiagnosed condition appeared in my working environment: becoming so stressed out because of overwork. Then, two months later, I received my diagnosis. Finally everything started to make sense.
Today, I have my own company called Liberty Co., which suggests that facing the facts brings us freedom. Our goal is to increase the population of people like me in the workplace. It gives me a chance to be a supporter for women with autism.
1. What do we know about the author as a child?| A．She was patient. | B．She was different. |
| C．She got good grades in school. | D．She tried to stand out from her classmates. |
| A．Thankful. | B．Concerned. |
| C．Doubtful. | D．Dissatisfied. |
| A．No recognition from her co-workers. | B．Not seeing doctors very often. |
| C．The anxiety about her social relations. | D．The stress of her new job. |
| A．To support women’s equal rights. |
| B．To help people in the workplace connect more. |
| C．To include more autistic people at work. |
| D．To teach women with autism survival skills. |
3 . As in other countries, road safety is always a concern in America. Studies show that in 2022, 7,485 pedestrians (行人) were killed by vehicles in the U.S. That’s an increase of more than 65% since 2012. Even during COVID-19, when fewer people were driving, more pedestrians were hit and more died.
Researchers found that drivers took advantage of empty streets and pay little attention to traffic rules. Another factor is the increasing popularity of SUVs, pickups (皮卡) and vans. These kinds of vehicles are up to three times more dangerous than smaller cars when hit pedestrians. The more fault drivers believe they could bear for the hitting, the more likely they are to leave without giving any help. Younger male drivers are more likely to run away. So are those who get drunken or lack a driving license. Other factors include the age of the victim, as children and elderly people are less likely to be left alone. Also, with more witnesses around, the drivers are less likely to hit and run.
In the U.S. drivers run away from serious crashes with pedestrians about 20% of the time, and the rate is very different among different states.
In 2020, 6,519 pedestrians were killed in the U.S. Speeding driving were a major cause. While Florida “wins” the least number of deaths caused by speeding. These following states were reported to have the most dangerous road accidents.
Ten most dangerous states for pedestrians
| A．Road security worries Americans. |
| B．Pedestrian are on the rise over time. |
| C．COVID-19 caused more road accidents. |
| D．Vehicles have doubled since 2012. |
| A．Cars. | B．SUVs. | C．Pickups. | D．Vans. |
| A．Young drivers are more likely to be honest. |
| B．Drunken driving is now allowed in America. |
| C．Children and the old are well protected in the U.S. |
| D．Drivers are more honest if witnessed by more people. |
| A．New Mexico. | B．New York. |
| C．Florida. | D．South Carolina. |
4 . Sammie Vance knows it feels bad to be left out. So she has been helping kids who feel lonely make friends.
Sammie is 14. When she was in the third grade, she started the Buddy Bench program. That was at her school, in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Anyone who felt lonely could sit on the “buddy bench.” It showed others that someone needed a friend.
The bench brought kids together. “There was one little boy at school, younger than me,” Sammie told TIME for Kids. “He would see me in the hallway and give me a thumbs-up. That told me that what I was doing helped him.”
It costs money to build benches. Sammie decided to make them out of recycled materials. This lowered the cost. And the benches were eco-friendly.
Sammie gathered friends in her community. They collected 1,200 pounds of bottle caps. A company called Green Tree Plastics made three benches with the bottle caps.
Sammie has helped communities all over the country set up buddy benches. And she is spreading kindness around the world. “We recently got a bench in Ghana, Africa,” she says. “That was cool.”
Sammie reminds us that kids can help their community. Even small acts of kindness can be powerful. “You don’t have to be an adult to make a difference,” she says.
Sammie wrote a book. It is called Inspire the World: A Kid’s Journey to Making a Difference. It tells the story of her buddy benches. Sammie hopes her example will inspire others. “I used to be really, really shy,” she says. Building buddy benches gave her confidence. “I’m definitely more outgoing now.”
1. When did Sammie start the Buddy Bench program?| A．In the third grade. | B．In the fourth grade. |
| C．In the fifth grade. | D．In the sixth grade. |
| A．She helps them find a new hobby. |
| B．She introduces them to her friends. |
| C．She starts a program to help them make friends. |
| D．She gives them a thumbs-up to make them happy. |
| A．She raised money herself. | B．She cycled to find materials. |
| C．She turned to her parents. | D．She used recycled materials. |
| A．To inspire children to make differences. |
| B．To raise more money for her journey. |
| C．To build more benches for children. |
| D．To remind children to act like adults. |
5 . Every time Oksana Chusovitina competes in a gymnastics event, she catches the audience’s attention. The Hangzhou Asian Games proved no exception. When the 48-year-old Uzbek gymnast took part in the event on Monday, thousands of audiences cheered for “Qiu Ma”, which translates to “Mother Chusovitina”.
“I’m touched by Chusovitina’s story. She tried to save her son and just never gave up. She is beautiful both as an athlete and as a mother,” said Zhang Anqi, a Hangzhou local who attended the event.
After completing her competition, Chusovitina blew a kiss to the audience and formed a “heart” shape with her hands. “It is the love and support of the people that keep me going and give me the strength to achieve more,” Chusovitina said. “I am not very satisfied with my performance tonight. Actually, I was a little over-excited. I will increase the difficulty in the final,” she added.
Chusovitina has a storied history at the Asian Games, having won eight medals, including two golds in 2002. Her Olympic journey began in 1992, representing the former Soviet Union. She later stood for Uzbekistan. When Chusovitina’s son got a serious illness in 2002, she chose to take German citizenship (国籍) to compete at global events for a higher income and better medical treatment. She took her Uzbek citizenship in 2013 again.
Her heartfelt feeling, “I dare not grow old until you are well,” has moved many. After her son’s recovery, Chusovitina continued her gymnastics journey simply out of love for the sport. Though she announced her retirement after the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, she decided to return shortly after. “The biggest power is my desire. I want to perform. I love gymnastics, and it brings me great joy. I’m just doing what I love, so why should I stop?” Chusovitina said.
1. What made Chusovitina a beautiful mother?| A．Her attractive personality. |
| B．Her determination to save her son. |
| C．Her being a good example to her son. |
| D．Her ability to balance work and family. |
| A．Her love for gymnastics. |
| B．Her strong desire to win. |
| C．Her joy of her son’s recovery. |
| D．Her eagerness for higher income. |
| A．Deep Love for Gymnastics |
| B．A Great Athlete and Mother |
| C．Chusovitina’s Return to Gymnastics |
| D．A Touching Story of Mother and Son |
In the age of the smart phone, there seems no reason to ask questions about: the weather forecast, a business’s phone number or directions, which can all be
This isn’t the first time that great changes
Try to be respectful no matter
7 . On May 4, Fan Jinshi donated 10 million yuan to set up the Fan Jinshi Education Fund. Fan is
All people present were
Fan used
Today, Fan is still trying to promote talks and
Fan said, “Though now I work, I am a student of Peking University, and I was able to
The fund
Fan Jinshi’s speech
| A．organized | B．considered | C．frightened | D．encouraged |
| A．wish | B．respect | C．opinion | D．donation |
| A．moved | B．thanked | C．connected | D．explained |
| A．known | B．informed | C．allowed | D．sent |
| A．admired | B．expected | C．explained | D．graduated |
| A．set up | B．break out | C．set off | D．break down |
| A．applied | B．replied | C．supplied | D．relied |
| A．delicious | B．unique | C．false | D．dizzy |
| A．affects | B．welcomes | C．offers | D．shares |
| A．description | B．definition | C．responsibility | D．exchanges |
| A．lead | B．owe | C．contribute | D．stick |
| A．improve | B．rise | C．dream | D．devote |
| A．shows up | B．consists of | C．takes off | D．stands out |
| A．final | B．lucky | C．wise | D．simple |
| A．included | B．reminded | C．cared | D．inspired |
8 . Around the World
Here is big news from Around the World.
Science Fiction Museum opens
Chengdu, China
The Chengdu Science Fiction Museum has opened its doors to the public. China’s newest museum—a star-shaped building on a lake was built in 12 months. Technology sped up the design and construction of the 635,070-square-foot museum, which has galleries, educational spaces, and cafés.
Day of the Dead is celebrated
Mexico
Thousands of people lined the streets of Mexico City to watch its annual Day of the Dead parade. The holiday was observed from October 31 to November 2 to remember and celebrate loved ones who have died. During this time, the dead are believed to return to the world. Families welcome them back with offerings, such as their favorite food.
Modern art at ancient pyramids
Pyramids of Giza, Egypt
A modern art exhibit at the Pyramids of Giza, titled Forever Is Now, has returned for a third year. This year’s show is the biggest yet and features works by 14 artists. The free event aims to celebrate ancient Egyptian culture with modern skills. Artists were careful not to harm the 4,500-year-old World Heritage Site.
Schools close due to heavy air pollution
Delhi, India
Elementary schools in Delhi are closed for at least one week because of the city’s poor air quality. The amount of harmful materials in the air has reached nearly 100 times the acceptable limit. Delhi is often very polluted in November because that is when many farmers burn their remaining crops. To reduce the smog, officials in the city have banned polluting vehicles, construction work, and the use of fireworks.
1. Where can you visit a museum on the lake?| A．In Chengdu, China. | B．In Mexico City. |
| C．At the Pyramids of Giza. | D．In Delhi, India. |
| A．To build the newest museum. | B．To hold a modern art exhibit. |
| C．To celebrate the Day of the Dead. | D．To avoid the harm caused by air pollution. |
9 . Peter is a high school student and he lives in Suzhou. His family often take a trip to cities, such as Nanjing and Hangzhou. But Peter always hoped to visit Shanghai. This year, his dream finally came true.
On June 22nd, Peter’s family took the train to get to Shanghai. Their first destination was Zhujiajiao Ancient Town. After arriving there, they tasted many delicious foods first. Then they watched Kunqu Opera performances and hanfu shows.
On the second day, Peter’s family went to Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park. They not only watched many animals, but also joined in some traditional activities about the Dragon Boat Festival. For example, they made zongzi and joined in a boat race. Peter also played an ancient game — touhu. This was the first time he had tried the game. It was so interesting. They also went to At Life Hub@ Anting Square.
On the last day, Peter’s family enjoyed the old Shanghai songs and guofeng music at the concerts. They also went to Jiabei Country Park. They had fun at a music festival and took many photos at a Chinese art show.
“The three-day vacation was a great experience for me,” Peter said, “I learned a lot about Chinese traditional art and history.”
1. Which city did Peter always hope to visit?| A．Suzhou. | B．Nanjing. | C．Shanghai. | D．Hangzhou. |
| A．They visited some parks. | B．They took many photos. |
| C．They watched hanfu shows. | D．They tasted many delicious foods. |
| A．Watching animals. | B．Making zongzi. |
| C．Enjoying a boat race. | D．Playing touhu. |
| A．Jiabei Country Park. | B．At Life Hub@ Anting Square. |
| C．Zhujiajiao Ancient Town. | D．Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park. |
| A．Tiring. | B．Great. | C．Boring. | D．Safe. |
10 . Women’s Poetry Competition 2024
Welcome to Mslexia, the only magazine where every reader is a potential contributor too. Almost every part of the magazine is open to submission by any woman writer. Our competition is open to unpublished poems of any length. Your £10 entry fee allows you to submit up to three poems. The judge this year is the outstanding and award-winning writer Pascale Petit.
Prizes
1st: £2,000; 2nd: £500; 3rd: £250 (Each prize goes for one person.)
Unpublished Poetry Prize for the best poem by a previously unknown poet: £250.
The four winners, plus sixteen additional finalists will have their poems published in the May issue of Mslexia.
Results
The deadline for all entries is 23:59 GMT, 6 March, 2024
The winners and finalists will be announced on 1 April, 2024
How to enter
Add the entry fee to your basket and go to the checkout. Once the order is completed, you’ll be taken to a submit page where the entry form is located. Click the “Enter Now” button. You can submit at a later date by typing into your Mslexia online account and going to the “competitions” bill.
Visit our Entry Instructions for a more comprehensive guide on how to enter, and be sure to read our Rules before submitting your entries.
Frequently-asked questions
Have a question about formatting, eligibility(资格), or anything else?
Ready to enter? Please see our Entry Instructions. For any further information, call us at 0191 204 8860 or email competitions@mslexia.co.uk.
1. How many winners will get prize money?| A．Three. | B．Four. | C．Sixteen. | D．Twenty. |
| A．Submitting two poems. | B．Visiting Entry Instructions. |
| C．Writing a poem of 120 words. | D．Mailing your entry on April 1. |
| A．In a textbook. | B．In an art magazine. | C．On a website. | D．In a local newspaper. |
