bend abandon have an impact on boil down to leave out significant boost for instance be known as on the contrary |
2. Susan’s success in business
3. They’re building new hotels in order to
4. I still remember one time I had to
5. It’s no trouble for me at all!
6. John explained the case to his boss, being careful not to
7. The discovery of the new drug is of great
8. Near the top of the hill, the path
9. We made many improvements to our house.
10. In the third mass extinction, which
2 . I was in my home office on a cold Sunday when I heard a quick knock on the door. I
“Open it.” he said.
I opened it to find a yellow begonia (秋海棠). It occurred to me that it was Mother’s Day.
“But···but I’m not a mother.” I said,
My dad smiled, “Well, some special people aren’t mothers. but I think they
Later, I called to thank him and we got to talking a lot. That’s when he let me in on his little
“She laughed
When asked why, he added, “I already know about the importance of being
I realized my dad was making a difference in people’s lives.
A.fell | B.waited | C.raced | D.looked |
A.shaking | B.pulling | C.holding | D.collecting |
A.annoyed | B.confused | C.worried | D.disappointed |
A.deserve | B.decide | C.promise | D.pretend |
A.celebration | B.joke | C.secret | D.excuse |
A.faith | B.courage | C.appreciation | D.kindness |
A.coldly | B.excitedly | C.proudly | D.nervously |
A.kept | B.spent | C.predicted | D.brightened |
A.present | B.healthy | C.patient | D.humorous |
A.Depressed | B.Inspired | C.Terrified | D.Astonished |
Group-Chat Culture Is Out of Control
For better or worse, we might be in the Age of the Group Chat. In a recent survey, most people said they felt stressed out by group messages, which can feel like a part-time job.
Connection is wonderful. Grexts, short for group texts, have the feature of imitating the casual back-and-forth of a dialogue, and the result can be more dynamic and fun than a two-person thread. Having a chat going also means you have a space to share your updates throughout the day, a reminder that you’re part of something.
Some researchers call this “ambient(周围的) virtual presence”: Even when you’re alone, you’re not alone. One researcher compares this phenomenon to echolocation(回声定位), the process that some animals, such as bats and dolphins, use to locate objects: They produce a continuous sound and use the resulting echo to sense their surroundings. Humans might use technologies such as group chats in a similar way—as a call-and-response, taking in information about their social networks and locating themselves within those webs.
But taking in too many signals can be overwhelming. Professor Bayer argued that group chats can create a “waterfall type of effect”, where messages keep flooding in and adding up. Eventually, you’re underwater. Another researcher suggested that different chat members all bring their own personalities, communication styles, and expectations for group norms. Without a standard etiquette (礼仪), people have varied opinions about what degree of responsiveness is required—which can cause real tension.
Grext anxiety is hard to resolve because it isn’t just about the group-chat or even mobile technology in general; it’s about the tension between being our own person and being responsible to others. Ultimately, most of us do want connection, even if it involves some duties.
1. What is the feature of Grexts?2. How might humans use group chats like echolocation?
3. Please decide which part is false in the following statement, then underline it and explain why.
▶Without a standard etiquette, people have different ideas about what messages should be answered.
4. Please describe how another mobile technology affects your relationship with others. (In about 40 words)
4 . If the great dinosaurs hadn’t gone extinct, would they have dominated Earth today? There has been a debate about this possibility for decades. Recently two analyses have put the surprising cognitive (认知) abilities of dinosaurs — and their potential limitations — in a new light.
In one study, Suzana Herculano-Houzel at Vanderbilt University calculated the likely number of neurons (神经细胞) in dinosaurs’ pallium, a brain structure that is responsible for advanced cognitive functions. Research suggests that it is the number of neurons in these areas, rather than the brain size, that indicates an animal’s cognitive potential. For example, despite having a very small head, birds have more densely packed brain cells than many mammals (哺乳动物) and so can possess roughly as many neurons as monkeys. The result is that some birds show great cognitive abilities, comparable to the smartest non-human mammals. And it is precisely birds, being the only surviving lineage (宗系) of dinosaurs, that are Herculano-Houzel’s foundation. By comparing the relationship between brain size, number of neurons and body size in numerous existing birds and available fossils of dinosaurs, Herculano-Houzel concludes that a large dinosaur such as T. rex could have housed two billion to three billion neurons in its pallium. If so, dinosaurs could have had the capacity for tool use and planning for the future.
But neurons’ number may not be enough. For intelligence, brain architecture also matters. And this could be the weakness of dinosaurs, argues Anton Reiner from the University of Tennessee. Over 350 million years of separate evolution, mammals and dinosaurs found two rather different ways to organize cognitive functions. The mammalian neurons are organized in a relatively thin layer formed by compact columns. In each column, different parts can communicate with one another over short distances. In contrast, in the dinosaurs that survive today, namely birds, the organization is less compact. According to Reiner, expanding brain capabilities beyond a certain point could make the structure far more complex and less efficient than it is in humans. If this were the case, an increase in brain size would correspond to a greater distance between different parts of the brain, slowing down their communication.
The issue remains open to debate. Herculano-Houzel and Reiner each published a paper with rejections to the other’s argument. Meanwhile, other scientists have entered the fight. For example, neurobiologist Giorgio Vallortigara assumes that speed in transmitting information between networks of neurons is probably one of dinosaurs’ strengths.
Whatever the truth is, understanding how and if brain architecture imposes limits on the development of cognition could reveal much about the evolution of abilities and behaviors of various animals. Also, this debate may tell us more about our own species than about dinosaurs.
1. Why do Herculano-Houzel and Reiner study birds?A.Because birds are more intelligent than dinosaurs. |
B.Because birds’ brain structures are the same as dinosaurs’. |
C.Because birds are the only survivors of the dinosaur family. |
D.Because birds have the same cognitive abilities as dinosaurs. |
A.Tight. | B.Light. | C.Large. | D.Wide. |
A.Dinosaurs’ ability for tool use owes to bigger brains. |
B.The number of neurons has little to do with brain architecture. |
C.Greater inter-brain distance causes higher cognitive efficiency. |
D.The factors behind dinosaur intelligence remain to be identified. |
A.Are Dinosaurs Comparable to Humans in Intelligence? |
B.Are Dinosaurs with Bigger Brains the Ultimate Geniuses? |
C.How Smart Were Dinosaurs? New Studies Fuel the Debate |
D.Can Dinosaurs Outsmart Birds? Researches Cast a New Light |
5 . My Day of No Plastic
Since its invention, plastic has affected every aspect of our lives. It has made possible thousands of conveniences, but it has come with downsides, especially for the environment. In a 24-hour experiment, I tried to live without it to see what plastic stuff we can’t do without and what we may be able to give up.
At the start of my no-plastic day, I made my way toward the bathroom, only to stop myself before I went in. “Could you open the door for me?” I asked my wife. “The handle is plastic.” She opened it for me, letting out a “this is going to be a long day” sigh (叹气).
My morning routine was a headache. I couldn’t use my toothpaste, toothbrush, shampoo or soap, all of which were made of plastic or put in plastic containers. Getting dressed was also a challenge, given that so many clothing items include plastic.
When I went out, I brought along two glass containers and cloth bags of various sizes. I walked to a sandwich shop. “Can you make the salad in this glass container?” I asked. The manager said OK but then rejected my request to use my steel spoon.
After lunch, I took the subway to Central Park, which scored me more violations (违规), since I need a MetroCard and the trains themselves have plastic parts. But at least I didn’t sit in one of those plastic seats.
Back home, I recorded some of my impressions. By my count, on my day of no plastic, I had made 164 violations. I felt defeated. And also uncertain. The next day I called Gabby Salazar, a scientist who studies what motivates people to support environmental causes, and asked her for advice.
“You can drive yourself crazy,” she said, “but it’s not about perfection. It’s about progress.” Believe it or not, individual behavior matters. It adds up. “Remember,” she continued, “it’s not about plastic being the enemy. It’s about single-use as the enemy.”
I promised to try, even after my not successful attempt. I’ll start with small things, building up habits. I can take cloth bags to the grocery. I might start packing my glass water bottle and steel spoon. And from there, who knows?
1. The author conducted the 24-hour experiment because ________.A.he was tired of using plastic stuff in his daily life |
B.he tried to call upon people to ban plastic products |
C.he wondered how much plastic he consumed each day |
D.he wanted to figure out how to use plastic stuff wisely |
A.Because she didn’t know his intention. |
B.Because she worried about her husband. |
C.Because she thought it hard to avoid using plastic. |
D.Because she didn’t realize the downsides of plastic. |
A.Astonished. | B.Discouraged. | C.Relieved. | D.Guilty. |
A.Continue the plastic-free experiment. | B.Give up the attempt at using less plastic. |
C.Reduce plastic use through small actions. | D.Encourage people to be environmentalists. |
6 . Whether your dream is to write a best-selling novel, design an award-winning advertisement, or simply describe stories from your own life, the course “Creative Storytelling and Creative Writing” in European Winter School will be idea l for you. It takes place on campus in Prague, capital of the Czech Republic, from January 29 to February 9,2024.
Who can apply?
The course is available for both students and young professionals worldwide.
Requirements:
·A minimum age of 18(average age is 23).
·Medium level of English (Basic 1/Basic 2) required
·A personal laptop/table t is needed for the majority of lessons.
What skills can you get?
While this course focuses on the importance of a story, we will mainly pay attention to the writer (his/her imagination, vocabulary, narrative styles, critical thinking, and experience)—YOU.
·You will master the art of storytelling (“Show Don’t Tell” techniques).
·You will think imaginatively and creatively with an outside-the-box attitude.
·You will write for the audience with an ability to make them see your point of view.
·You will sell your idea, concept or product through a variety of narrative tools and methods, such as presentation, advertisement, blog, CV, essay and public speech.
·You will improve your English vocabulary, composition and writing style.
What is the price?
We work on a first-come, first-served basis. The cost of the two-week course is €950, with an Early Bird fee of €850. You can only use the Early Bird discount until January 22, 2024. The fee includes:
·Course and study materials
·Application fee
·Weekly activities (except for entrance fees and weekend trips)
Please note: From January 26,2024 there will be a €50 charged as a late application fee for all applications received after this deadline. Other expenses, such as meals, accommodation, and insurance are not included in the price.
Click here https://europeanwinterschool.com for more information.
1. According to the passage, applicants should ________.A.know some basic English | B.be good at computers |
C.come from European countries | D.be aged between 18 and 23 |
A.design narrative tools | B.improve writing skills |
C.develop computer skills | D.apply “Tell Don’t Show” methods |
A.€850. | B.€900. | C.€950. | D.€1,000. |
7 . “Find your passion!” is an appeal well-intended and meant to inspire. But is it good advice?
“Finding” a passion implies that it already exists and is simply waiting to be discovered. Unfortunately, this idea doesn’t square with what science tells us. Instead, passions are developed. They often begin with a spark (火花) of curiosity caused by something in one’s environment, such as a fascinating physics lecture. Through a process involving repeated engagement and-positive experiences, people can come to personally value that content or activity and internalize it. What was at first interesting becomes an interest. If these qualities continue to intensify, a passion can emerge.
Actually, assuming passion as inborn tend to cause people to be less open, less courageous in the face of challenges and less creative in pursuit of new interests. Thus, encouraging people to “find” their passion may cause them to eventually believe that interests and passions are unchangeable. People who think this have a fixed mindset of interest. By contrast, some people, whom we refer to as having a growth mindset of interest, view their interests and passions as developed.
People with a fixed mindset of interest, for example, may fall into the trap of thinking, “If I have already found my passion, why keep exploring?” In recent studies, after engaging in a new science task, arts students with a fixed mindset expressed less interest in a scientific topic than arts students with a growth mindset. Meanwhile, science students with a fixed mindset responded similarly to an art-related task. For those with a growth mindset, having a strong pre-existing interest in the arts or sciences did not get in the way of them viewing a new area as interesting.
Worse still, people with a fixed mindset of interest tend to expect their passions to provide limitless motivation, such that their favorite topics should never feel too difficult or demanding. Such a mindset can also limit creativity and innovation. If people believe they are restricted to only a few inborn interests and, in consequence, do not explore other areas, they may miss seeing important connections across different fields. That loss is especially unfortunate considering how leaders at innovative companies have long prized problem-solving that draw ideas from diverse disciplines.
Of course, not every activity will become a burning passion. But a growth mindset of interest will help you remain open and curious. The old saying “find something you love to do, and you’ll never have to work a day in your life” needs to be updated.
1. The author uses the sentence underlined in Paragraph 1 to ________.A.set a target for criticism | B.point out the fact |
C.confirm people’s finding | D.voice his opinion |
A.Any interesting activity can spark a passion. |
B.Companies prefer those who specialize in one field. |
C.People with a fixed mindset of interest are hard to be motivated. |
D.A growth mindset of interest promotes creativity and innovation. |
A.One should count on luck to excite a burning passion. |
B.Reinforced positive experiences contribute to passion. |
C.Those already interested in a field find new areas boring. |
D.We’d better cherish the existing passion and look for more. |
8 . For many American high school seniors and their families, May 1 is “National College Decision Day,” when students make a decision about their academic future.
It is understandable why many students and families suspect that college is no longer “worth it.” College tuition has been rising for years, and many students fear being burdened with loans after graduation. But in fact, the net price of a four-year college, which is what students pay after financial aid, has been falling since 2018 and is now lower than it was in 2006.
To make smart decisions about where to go and what to study, students and parents can make use of resources available today to make informed choices.
A.To acquire these advanced skills, college remains the surest path. |
B.However, recent years have seen a sharp drop in college registration. |
C.These attitudes are also reflected in the actions of the youngest generation. |
D.Higher education must make college pricing clear to would-be college-goers. |
E.Huge data shows a college degree actually gives graduates economic advantages. |
F.Furthermore, students in debt were more likely to finish their degrees and earn more later. |
G.For example, tools like College Scorecard offer graduation rates and future earnings across schools. |
9 . Public speaking can be stressful, but sufficient preparation can reduce the stress of speaking in front of people. Here are a few steps to help you make an effective presentation.
Prepare
Select and research your topic carefully. Wide reading will help you gather enough material and focus your research at the preparation stage.
Develop a rough outline of what you might include-this can come from any key points your lecture has told you to include.
Organize your research into your outline. Keep the time limit in mind, and make any cuts of unnecessary or irrelevant information.
Write a draft of your speech. It is especially useful if you are using vocabulary that you might be finding difficult to remember.
Summarise your written speech into brief notes. These will eventually become your numbered note cards.
Prepare any visual that you are going to use to support your presentation. Remember visual aids should be simple and effective in supporting whatever you are saying.
Practise
Know your stuff-confidence comes with knowledge of content, If you know what you are talking about, then you won’t feel nervous about what you are going to say.
Practice presenting your speech in front of a mirror, and if you have enough courage, ask your trusted friends to watch you. The more you practice, the more confident you will be.
Ask for constructive advice. Ask your friends for advice about your gestures, speed of delivery, and even the clarity of your message.
Present
Get to the presentation early and meet your audience as they walk in. This might be a good way to calm your nerves, as you know who are in the room.
Practice standing at the front to get your feel for the room and space before you begin. Also, make sure any technology that you are using in the presentation is working.
Relax-if you are fully prepared, you will make it!
1. What can be included in the outline of your speech?A.The reason you choose the topic. |
B.The key points required to talk about. |
C.The words you find hard to remember. |
D.The list of material you read on the topic. |
A.Know your speech content well. |
B.Arrive at the presentation on time. |
C.Take all the advice from your friends |
D.Use no technology in case it goes wrong. |
A.write down every detail on the numbered note cards |
B.present as much information as possible to convey your ideas |
C.read extensively to collect sufficient material related to your topic |
D.use vivid and complex visual aids to draw the attention of audience |
10 . Children love playing outdoors, They usually get muddy, with no regard for the colour of their clothing. “Don’t get dirty!” was once a constant family warning, as parents watched their children ruin their best clothes. They were happy running through farmer’s fields or climbing trees.
According to the experts, parents don’t have to concern too much about it. Recent research shows that the dirt outside can develop resistance to a range of illnesses. Certain natural materials, such as mud, contain surprisingly powerful microorganisms(微生物群) whose positive impact on children’s health we are only beginning to fully understand
Many of the psychological benefits of outdoor play are established as well. Our brains evolved in beautiful landscapes, and the way we perceive the world is particularly suited to wild outdoor spaces
Today, with the attraction of video games and social media, contact with nature is rarer than in the past. More and more parents begin to recognize the importance of outdoor play.
A.For many, there is simply no opportunity to get muddy. |
B.Outdoor play cab also offer valuable learning experiences. |
C.This means that natural scenes provide the perfect level of stimulation. |
D.They may secretly wish their children had the chance to pick up a bit of dirt. |
E.They recommend using nature as an accessible way of interacting with others. |
F.It was obvious that children’s whites would turn brown before the day was over. |
G.Outdoor play does better to children’s physical growth, compared with getting muddy. |