1. Why did the man give up his dream to be a gym teacher?
| A．He didn’t have the equipment. |
| B．He couldn’t afford the expense. |
| C．He found the training was hard. |
| A．It’s disappointing. | B．It’s boring. | C．It’s satisfying. |
2 . Deforestatio — by clear-cutting or wildfires — has massive consequences both on climate and health. But leaving reforestation to Mother Nature can take decades, particularly as disastrous wildfires are increasing in frequency and intensity. And the time, cost and labor involved makes traditional methods of tree planting not as practical as they once were.
Bryce Jones knows how hard it is to replant forests. For four months in 2013, he worked as a tree planter throughout Canada. “There’s no technology there,” he says. “The only way you can accomplish reforestation is through the air.” But it wasn’t until 2019 that he hit on the one that he thought had potential: use drones (无人机) to fire specially designed seed pods (荚) into the ground-at 10 times the normal temperature and costing 20percent less than traditional methods. He proposed the idea to his brother and Flash Forcer was born. His first goal was to plant a billion trees by 2025.
The team took out a loan, bought a drone and used 3D printers at Jones’s school to make casts of the pods. Now, only two and a half years later, the company has a group of drones with each able to carry several thousand pods per flight. Three operators work in a field, controlling five drones, whose flight take 15 to 20 minutes. Flash Forcer’s big draw is its seed pod, which contains everything seedlings (幼苗) need to survive survival. And its technology allows them to reach post-burn sites or remote areas that are difficult for traditional tree planting.
There are challenges every day, Jones says, as they work to improve the engineering, hardware, software and seed-pod recipes. Then there are the challenges presented by the climate — this year, record temperatures, record wildfires and drought. “That was something that was totally out of our control,” he says.
Unlike some traditional forms of reforestation, Flash Forcer is focused on biodiversity. For Jones, the target of planting a billion trees by 2025 is just the beginning. “I have a dream that the company will plant on six continents — everywhere where our technology is needed,” he says.
1. What does the author intend to tell us in paragraph 1?| A．The benefits of reforestation. |
| B．The power of AI machines. |
| C．The way of putting out wildfires. |
| D．The necessity of using new planting methods. |
| A．Its drone operators. | B．The frequent flights. |
| C．Its seed pod. | D．The low cost of seedlings. |
| A．Extreme weather. | B．Drone technology. |
| C．3D equipment. | D．Computer software. |
| A．It changed its focus in the past. |
| B．It will achieve its final target in 2025. |
| C．It might be available worldwide one day. |
| D．It has replaced traditional forms of reforestation. |
3 . I observed one child hugging her beloved toy dog while reading a book to her friend — both she and her dog were actively turning the pages — and with every page turned, she looked down at her dog, lovingly. As a longtime educator of toddlers and a current PhD student studying transitional phenomena and object relations, I have had the pleasure to witness the presence of transitional objects in the kindergarten.
The term transitional object, coined in 195l by D.W. Winnicott, refers to any material to which a child attaches a special value and by means of which the child is able to make the necessary shift from the earliest oral relationship with mother to genuine object-relationships. It is typically something soft, such as a blanket or a soft toy, that is similar to the mother’s warm arms.
It may also be the subject of the child’s fantasies, for example where a teddy bear is spoken to, hugged, punished, etc. It thus becomes a tool for practicing interaction with the external world. Moreover, the transitional object supports the development of the self, as it is used to represent ‘not me’. By looking at the object, the child knows that it is not the object and hence something individual and separate. in this way, it helps the child develop its sense of ‘other’ things.
If the object is denied in any way, attachment difficulties may arise later in life. The object allows for and invites emotional well-being, and without such an object, true feelings may be hidden or dismissed as the child has no other means to cope with and comprehend the world. Worse still, the object is intimately bound up with the identity of the child. Taking away the object is also taking away something of the child itself.
Winnicott noted that transitional objects continue through the course of our lives, as “sacred monuments” which pull us back to “a place and time of great comfort and memory”. The attachment to certain objects like self photographs defines both memorials, and more importantly a state of connection and presence in the world.
1. How does the writer introduce the topic?| A．By sharing feelings. | B．By illustrating a term. |
| C．By relating an experience. | D．By providing background information. |
| A．Tools used by educators to aid teaching. |
| B．Items to which a child becomes deeply attached. |
| C．Toys designed to amuse kids in the kindergarten. |
| D．Expensive personal possessions gifted by parents. |
| A．Ho might lose his imagination. |
| B．He may become more independent. |
| C．He is less likely to share personal feelings. |
| D．He probably distances himself from his mother. |
| A．To introduce how to develop a sense of ‘other’ things. |
| B．To do research on the psychological development of kids. |
| C．To show how to enhance the bond between mother and child. |
| D．To stress the importance of transitional objects to children. |
4 . Metaura Pro claims to be the world’s first wearable air-conditioning device capable of constantly blowing cold air to keep the wearer cool.
Conventional wearable cooling systems only circulate the surrounding air, and thus don’t do a very good job of cooling people down. The stronger the wind blows, the hotter you get. This is definitely not what you want during those hot summer days. Metaura Pro, on the other hand, relies on a cooling solution to produce genuinely cold air that is 7 degrees Fahrenheit (华氏的) cooler than that of the surrounding area, in fan mode, and up to 18 degrees Fahrenheit cooler than the surrounding air, in cooling mode. The device has a smart app and relies on artificial intelligence to regulate air temperature.
Metaura Pro is driven by a powerful motor and its cooling modules are made up of 26 lightweight flat objects that wrap around the wearer’s neck and help to reduce heat. The motor is linked to a high-speed fan at the back of the device which also drives away some of that warm air around the neck. The device also has a VC plate, which has a liquid-cooled, heat-equalizing mechanism, efficiently creating a temperature differential between hot and cold temperatures.
“What sets Metaura Pro apart from the competition is that it produces genuinely cold air lower than the surrounding temperature, refreshing you during those dog days of summer,” the Metaura Pro Kickstarter crowdfunding page reads.
Metaura Pro not only supplies a cooling function, but also has the capacity for heating as well in winter, it can be used to warm your body to a comfortable temperature, when the surrounding air feels cold.
The device intelligently monitors itself, so when you take it off, it recognizes that it is no longer in use and will automatically shut off and switch to standby mode to save power consumption. Metaura Pro wearable collar is powered by a chargeable battery that can provide only 3 hours of cooling on a single charge. The device weighs 435 grams, which is not heavy, but definitely noticeable.
1. How does Metaura Pro manage to keep people cool?| A．By dropping the body temperature. |
| B．By circulating the surrounding air. |
| C．By producing lower-temperature air. |
| D．By blowing the strong wind around. |
| A．Its internal structure. | B．Its operating costs. |
| C．Its amazing function. | D．Its working principle. |
| A．It puts limitation on cooling function. |
| B．It switches to different modes by hand. |
| C．It possesses a relatively short battery life. |
| D．It depends much on outdoor temperatures. |
| A．A double-mode smart phone app |
| B．A cooling air-conditioning system |
| C．A rechargeable battery for e-products |
| D．A wearable temperature-adjusting device |
5 . When looking for some vacation ideas to spread out and get some time and space to yourself, check out these great resorts (度假胜地) options.
Hyatt Ziva Cap CanaLocated in Punta Cana, this family-friendly vacation at an all-inclusive resort offers something for everyone in your party. Parents can enjoy relaxing by one of the resort’s swim-up bars in an infinity pool or head out for some deep-sea fishing. Kids, meanwhile, can head over to the kids’ club for a number of activities. Plus, all of the drinks and food across the 14 restaurants and bars is included.
Beaches Turks & CaicosThis resort has become the Caribbean’s popular go-to when it comes to all-inclusive family vacations that provide great value since there’s so much to do for guests of all ages. There’s a 45,000-square-foot water park, 24 restaurants, unlimited PADI-certified scuba diving and water sports, a 12-mile beach, a spa, 10 pools—whew!
The Alisal Guest RanchIf you live in the city and want to get back to nature, this luxury farm over nearly 11,000 acres in California’s Santa Ynez Valley is a perfect fit for a family. All that wide-open space means activities like horseback riding, scenic cycling, hiking, fishing, kayaking and, for the body-and-spirit-minded traveler in your group, yoga.
Montage Palmetto BluffThe 20,000-acre community includes a nature preserve with walking trails, but the real stars of the show here are the over 300 species of birds. The resort’s resident naturalist takes families on walks to Bird Island, sharing a history of the area. Plus, kids will love the kayak tours that get up close to the dolphins that live there year-round.
1. Which attracts those interested in horseback-riding?| A．Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana. | B．Beaches Turks & Caicos. |
| C．Montage Palmetto Bluff. | D．The Alisal Guest Ranch. |
| A．They promise good food services. | B．They include various kids’ clubs. |
| C．They provide parent-child activities. | D．They have large historic buildings. |
| A．To organize some family parties. | B．To highlight some tourist resorts. |
| C．To introduce some nature reserves. | D．To stimulate some domestic needs. |
6 . “White people food” is trending on Chinese social media platforms as large numbers of users are confused by the typical Western packed lunch. The trend started on the social media platforms Weibo and Xiaohongshu with too many users shocked by quick and easy meals such as cold sandwiches and raw vegetables. Many posts are from international students surprised by the simple meals their peers eat. Similarly, overseas workers and expatriates (侨民) have posted their shock at their co-workers’ repetitive lunches.
Photos of the bland (淡而无味的) lunches have quickly spread through global social media platforms including TikTok and Twitter. Many social media users have promoted the health benefits of the simple “white people lunch“. In response to this, a commenter on Xiaohongshu suggested, “If such a meal is to extend life, what is the meaning of life?”
“White people food” made it beyond the Chinese social media platforms and found itself trending on Twitter. Hundreds of users shared their own experiences of low-maintenance lunches in the US, Australia and across Europe. “When I first came to Australia, I saw a woman who bought raw sliced mushrooms in the supermarket and sat down to eat them,” Marcelo Wang explained in a TikTok video. “Fascination with these meals has spread as many Chinese people are used to cooking with lots of different ingredients.”
A Western user said, “As a white person, I didn’t know we were all packing lunches like this. I thought it was just me being lazy.”Another commented, “It’s literally because we don’t get lunch breaks.” Others warned international TikTokers against making“white people lunches”. They said,“Don’t do it to yourself willingly! We do it because we don’t know any better. Don’t do this to yourself.“
1. What surprised overseas workers and expatriates?| A．The simplicity of typical Western packed lunches. |
| B．The diverse dietary structures of international students. |
| C．The rapid development of Chinese social media platforms. |
| D．The influence of Chinese cuisine on Western eating habits. |
| A．Doubtful. | B．Worried. | C．Dismissive. | D．Negative |
| A．They learn how to cook from TikTok videos. |
| B．They have a tolerant attitude towards diverse diets. |
| C．They are more than happy to share their packed lunches. |
| D．They discourage people from adopting their dietary habits. |
| A．A lunchtime surprise encountered by visitors in China |
| B．Unpacking“white people food”: a wealth of cultural insights |
| C．Surprising cooking trends on Western social media platforms |
| D．Improving“white people food”: a growing emphasis on health |
7 . Exciting Exhibitions at the Children's Museum of Manhattan in 2024
Adventures with Dora and Diego (Ages: 3-6 years)
Take up thrilling animal rescue missions alongside Diego and his friends. From exploring caves to rescuing animals in the rainforest, children will learn fascinating facts about different species and their habitats. Through interactive experiences like building a Bear’s nest and following animal footprints, kids will develop problem-solving skills while gaining a deeper understanding and appreciation of Latin American culture.
Inside Art (Ages: 4-10 years)
Get into the world of art with our Inside Art exhibition, where families can explore diverse artworks and engage with working artists. Celebrate art as a means of fostering healthy communities while contemplating themes of home and identity.
PlayWorks (Ages: birth years)
Prepare your little ones for school with PlayWorksTM, a hands-on learning experience designed to nurture their development. Through a blend of games and educational activities, children will build essential skills while adults can observe and support their unique learning styles. Meet Alphie, the talking dragon who helps children learn letters, and discover resources to enhance your child's language development.
Superpowered Metropolis: Early Learning City (Ages: 2-6 years)
Step into the Early Learning City and unleash your inner hero! Join Zip, Zap, and Zoom on exciting adventures throughout the city, where families can strengthen executive functions such as self-control and working memory. From exploring subways to enjoying music in the park, children will practice their "learning superpowers" while having fun with their grown-ups.
1. Which age group is the Adventures with Dora and Diego exhibition primarily designed for?| A．2-6 years | B．3-6 years | C．4-10 years | D．Birth years |
| A．Exploring animal habitats | B．Building problem-solving skills |
| C．Learning about Latin American culture | D．Engaging with working artists |
| A．To provide access to beautiful art |
| B．To prepare children for school |
| C．To celebrate cultural diversity |
| D．To promote physical activity |
1. What’s the man’s problem?
| A．His dormitory is too noisy. | B．He is hard to get along with. | C．His roommate often ignores him. |
| A．Talk to David. | B．Change his room. | C．Teach David a lesson. |
| A．David’s friend. | B．The man’s friend. | C．The man’s teacher. |
1. When does the noise disappear?
| A．After the woman gets up. | B．When the car is turned off. | C．Before the woman’s kids fall asleep. |
| A．His car radio wakes her children up. |
| B．He shuts the door with loud noise. |
| C．He sings loudly at night. |
| A．Visit the neighbors with a present. |
| B．Call on the neighbors and complain. |
| C．Introduce her children to the neighbors. |
1. What does the woman think of herself?
| A．A skilled coach. | B．A reliable teammate. | C．A talented sportswoman. |
| A．To climb the wall. | B．To protect himself. | C．To share with the woman. |
| A．Careful. | B．Generous | C．Brave. |
