1 . Researchers at the University of Rochester have recently discovered elusive cells in the eye that could provide insights into how humans perceive color. Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow.
Researchers using adaptive optics have identified rare retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) that could help explain the mechanism behind human color perception. These cells, previously unknown, may hold the key to understanding how the eye’s cone photoreceptors work together to interpret the world in a rainbow of hues.
The retina, the light-sensitive tissue lining the back of the eye, contains three types of cones that are sensitive to different wavelengths of light: short, medium, and long. These cones detect color and transmit their signals to the brain through retinal ganglion cells. While the basic function of these cones has been understood for decades, the precise way they interact to create our perception of color has remained a mystery.
In the past, scientists had mapped the “cardinal directions” of color detection, but they suspected that there might be more to the story. They hypothesized that while most RGCs follow these cardinal directions, a small number of noncardinal RGCs might work in tandem to create more complex color perceptions.
The new research suggests that these elusive noncardinal RGCs, found in the fovea — the central, most sensitive part of the retina — could be the missing link in our understanding of color vision. However, much remains unknown about these cells and how they function.
“We don’t really know anything for certain yet about these cells other than that they exist,” says Sara Patterson, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Rochester Center for Visual Science who led the study. “There’s so much more that we have to learn about how their response properties operate, but they’re a compelling option as a missing link in how our retina processes color.”
1. What is the main finding of the research mentioned in the passage?A.The retina contains three types of cones sensitive to different wavelengths of light. |
B.Adaptive optics has been developed to reduce image blur in telescopes. |
C.Noncardinal RGCs in the fovea could explain how humans perceive color. |
D.Most RGCs follow the cardinal directions of color detection. |
A.They detect color directly. |
B.They transmit color signals to the brain. |
C.They control the sensitivity of cone photoreceptors. |
D.They create complex color perceptions. |
A.They are a new type of cone photoreceptor. |
B.They provide a complete explanation of color perception. |
C.They could be a missing link in understanding color vision. |
D.They are only found in the fovea of the retina. |
A.Their exact function is already well understood. |
B.They are the only cells involved in color perception. |
C.Their existence is the only thing known about them. |
D.Their response properties have been fully mapped. |
2 . The greatest place I’ve ever visted
1. Faro de Punta Cumplida, La Palma, SpainA lighthouse, built in 1867, extravagantly restored as a three-suite boutique gem: Faro de Punta Cumplida
The bedroom that I slumped into was both comfortable and chic, but it was not until morning that the glory of the picture was revealed; a lighthouse, built in 1867, extravagantly restored (in 2019) as a three-suite boutique gem. On one side, banana plantations stretching up the hillside; on the other, thrillingly close, the furious Atlantic — the view even more incredible once I’d climbed all 158 steps up to the lantern.
From £239 per night (0049 30 3302 2999; floatel.de/en/hideaways/faro-punta-cumplida).2. Château de la Barre, near Le Mans, France
Live like the French aristocracy at Château de la Barre
Woods and sheep-studded pastures, 100-acre grounds and a castle dignified by centuries and promising elegance, good conversation and fine manners.
Count Guy and Anglo-American Countess Marnie de Vanssay are the latest in a family who has lived here for 20 generations and opulent is the word for it all. Expect canopy beds, drapes and period furniture, scattered about the place as though 17th-century valuables were the normal fixtures of life.
B&B doubles from £275 (0033 243 350017; chateaudelabarre.com).3. Ishara, Kenya
Sleep out under the stars at Ishara
Ishara is the definition of hospitality perfection: exceptional food, much of it homegrown in hydroponic towers, exclusive safaris and — as all hotels in the wilderness should have — an open-air bedroom atop a 12-foot platform for sleeping out beneath the stars and waking to the sound of roaring lions.
From £965pp per night full board, including transfers to/from airstrip and exclusive-use safari vehicle and guide (00 254 011 535 2071, ishara.ke).4. Mashpi Lodge, Mashpi, Ecuador
A giant viewing station at the heart of Ecuador’s cloud forest: Mashpi Lodge
With its rooms like transparent cubes, Mashpi Lodge is a giant viewing station at the heart of Ecuador’s cloud forest, one of the Earth’s most biodiverse regions. Nothing can compare to the sheer magic of watching a toucan flit overhead while lounging in a Philippe Starck-designed tub or spotting mantled howler monkeys while lazing in bed.
Doubles from £817 (00 1 84473 85895; mashpilodge.com).1. The Faro de Punta Cumplida is described as a three-suite boutique gem because of its _______.
A.comfortable bedrooms | B.extravagant restoration |
C.unique location | D.historical significance |
A.beautiful gardens and pastures | B.modern furniture and fixtures |
C.long history and aristocratic atmosphere | D.family tradition of hosting tourists |
A.Exceptional homegrown food. |
B.Safari experiences with other tourists. |
C.An open-air bedroom for stargazing. |
D.The sound of lions waking guests in the morning. |
3 . Life is filled with numerous victories and downfalls.
Life is going to throw a lot of problems your way, so you need to be mentally prepared for each and every situation.
It is an effective approach to find people that have gone through the same trials as you have.
Picture your goals in your mind and take sensible steps towards them with each passing day.
A.What truly matters is how you react to them. |
B.You can learn from their experiences and successes. |
C.Live in reality and make wise choices for yourself. |
D.Find those who have successfully overcome similar challenges. |
E.In such situations, drawing a mental line can be helpful. |
F.Nothing should prevent you from achieving your dreams and goals. |
G.It is essential to stay positive and focused on what brings you joy. |
Title: A Day of Unexpected Adventures
One sunny afternoon, Lily, a curious and adventurous girl, decided to explore the mysterious old forest near her house. She packed a small backpack with some snacks and a map, and set out on her adventure.
As she walked through the dense trees, she heard rustling leaves and the chirping of birds. The air was filled with the scent of fresh earth and wildflowers. Suddenly, a bright flash of color caught her eye. It was a rare butterfly, its wings shimmering with iridescent blues and greens. Lily slowly followed the butterfly, her heart filled with excitement.
As she followed the butterfly deeper into the forest, Lily realized that she had lost sight of it. She looked around, trying to orient herself with the map, but the dense foliage made it difficult to navigate. Suddenly, she heard a strange sound coming from a nearby bush. Curious, she cautiously approached and peeked inside. To her surprise, a small fox was looking back at her with big, round eyes.
The fox seemed friendly, and Lily slowly reached out to pet it. The fox nuzzled her hand and then led her through the forest, as if guiding her to somewhere. Lily followed eagerly, her curiosity piqued. They passed through a clearing filled with wildflowers and came to a small stream. The water was clear and sparkled in the sunlight. Lily knelt down to take a sip, and the fox seemed to smile at her, its tail wagging happily.
注意:1. 所续写短文的词数应为150左右;
2. 部分分为两段, 每段的开头语已为你写好。
Para 1. After refreshing herself with the stream water,
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Para 2. As the sun began to set, Lily realized that it was time to return home.
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5 . Gardening for Biodiversity: Big or Small, Every Garden Counts
Gardening is not just about planting flowers and vegetables. It’s also a powerful tool for enhancing biodiversity. A recent report emphasizes that even the smallest of gardens, such as a window box, can make a significant difference in halting the decline of wildlife.
In the UK, overall wildlife numbers have declined by 13% since the 1970s, with some species showing a decline of up to 41%. Fifteen percent of species are currently considered threatened. However, the report from Garden Organic suggests that ordinary gardeners, through their daily activities, could have a profound impact on reversing this trend.
One of the key recommendations is to plant a diversity of flowers. Flowering plants, such as sedum, thrive on roofs and balconies, attracting insects and birds. Herbs like thyme and rosemary not only provide food for humans but also serve as nectar sources for pollinators. Nasturtiums, while attracting bees, also bring color to the garden.
Moreover, gardeners can create habitats for wildlife. For instance, old tin cans filled with hollow stems can be turned into insect or bee hotels, providing shelter for these small creatures. Compact vegetables, such as spinach and tomatoes, can be grown even on balconies, not only contributing to one’s daily intake of nutrients but also adding greenery to urban spaces.
Climbing plants like honeysuckle can act as natural screens, providing shade and reducing wind speed on balconies. They also add to the aesthetic appeal of the garden.
In summary, every gardener, regardless of the size of their garden, has the power to contribute to biodiversity conservation. Simple actions like planting a variety of flowers, growing vegetables, and creating habitats for wildlife can make a significant difference. As report author Dr Bruce Pearce, Garden Organic’s director of horticultural science, says, bringing biodiversity in the garden is easier the bigger the plot you have; but you can do your bit to tackle the “bleak” biodiversity situation even if all you have is a window box.
1. What is the main message of the report mentioned in the first paragraph?A.Gardening is only about planting flowers and vegetables. |
B.Even small gardens can make a significant impact on biodiversity. |
C.Wildlife numbers in the UK have declined significantly. |
D.Gardeners should only focus on planting nectar sources for pollinators. |
A.Attracting insects and birds. |
B.Providing food for humans. |
C.Reducing carbon emissions. |
D.Creating habitats for wildlife. |
A.By planting a diversity of flowers. |
B.By using old tin cans filled with hollow stems. |
C.By growing only compact vegetables on balconies. |
D.By attracting pretty ladybirds to the garden. |
A.It is a climbing plant that can act as a natural screen. |
B.It is a perennial herb that thrives on roofs. |
C.It is a vegetable that can be grown on balconies. |
D.It is a flower that only attracts bees to the garden |
By the year 2050, the world’s agricultural landscape could look very different
Around 10 billion people will need to be fed,
“Take your computer and type in climate change followed by your favorite food, and you will, half the time, get a climate change story affecting your favorite food,” says Michael Hoffman,
Climate change,
7 . Once upon a time, the colors of the world started to quarrel. All of them
Green said, “Clearly I am the most essential. I am the
Blue interrupted, “You only think about the earth, but consider the sky and the sea.
Yellow chuckled and said, “You are all so serious. I bring
Orange began, “I am the color of health and strength. I may be
Red couldn’t stand it any longer and shouted, “I am the ruler of all of you. I am blood—life’s blood! I am the color of danger and bravery.
Purple rose up and spoke with great pomp, “I am the color of royalty and power. Kings, chiefs, and bishops have always chosen me for I am the sign of
Finally, Indigo spoke quietly but firmly, “Think of me. I am the color of silence. You hardly notice me, but
The colors went on boasting, each
In the midst of the clamor, rain began to speak, “You foolish colors, fighting amongst yourselves, each trying to
A.assumed | B.agreed | C.decided | D.believed |
A.useful | B.favorite | C.powerful | D.important |
A.sign | B.meaning | C.symbol | D.image |
A.For | B.Without | C.Except | D.Besides |
A.Water | B.Air | C.Soil | D.Sun |
A.sadness | B.laughter | C.anger | D.surprise |
A.Whenever | B.However | C.Wherever | D.Whoever |
A.common | B.rare | C.expensive | D.special |
A.slightly | B.extremely | C.hardly | D.nearly |
A.Like | B.Without | C.Beyond | D.With |
A.authority | B.bravery | C.happiness | D.courage |
A.with | B.without | C.beside | D.beyond |
A.proud | B.certain | C.aware | D.ashamed |
A.patiently | B.gently | C.relentlessly | D.calmly |
A.control | B.defeat | C.impress | D.dominate |
1.简述当前环境问题的严重性,如空气污染、水污染和土壤污染等。
2.讨论环保在日常生活中的重要性,以及个人可以采取的环保措施。
3.提出你对未来的展望和建议。
注意:
1 . 词数80左右;
2. 可适当增加细节,以使行文连贯。
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9 . The Boxing Academy in Hackney, east London, is not just a regular school. Here, every student spends 40 minutes a day in the boxing ring, alongside traditional subjects like maths and science. The school’s unique approach aims to teach young people life skills through the discipline and focus of boxing.
Many of the students at The Boxing Academy have had difficult experiences in their lives and have been excluded from mainstream schools due to violence. However, the school’s headteacher, Anna Cain, insists that boxing is not about aggression but about teaching students how to manage their emotions and anger. She believes that the sport can help young people develop self-reliance and learn to control their temper.
The walls of the school are adorned with posters of famous boxers like Tyson Fury, and the unofficial school motto is a quote from Mike Tyson: “Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the face.” This quote serves as a reminder to the students that life is unpredictable and they need to be prepared for whatever comes their way.
Ex-pupils of The Boxing Academy attest to the positive impact the school has had on their lives. They say that the boxing training has helped them become calmer and more focused, and has taught them valuable life lessons about managing anger and emotions.
1. What is the main purpose of The Boxing Academy in Hackney, east London?A.To train professional boxers. |
B.To provide alternative education for excluded students. |
C.To promote the sport of boxing among young people. |
D.To raise awareness about mental health issues. |
A.Because they are not academically strong. |
B.Because they have behavioural problems. |
C.Because they come from disadvantaged backgrounds. |
D.Because they are not interested in traditional subjects. |
A.It is a way to release anger and aggression. |
B.It helps students develop physical strength. |
C.It teaches students how to control their emotions. |
D.It prepares students for professional boxing matches. |
A.They should always be prepared for failure. |
B.They should never give up on their dreams. |
C.Life is unpredictable and they need to be resilient. |
D.They should avoid getting into fights and conflicts. |
10 . How writing has helped my life
Writing has and is changing my life and these are some of the ways it has greatly helped me over the years.
My writing got better.
Writing did make me become a better writer.
I feel much more confident with words.
Writing helped me build a good relationship with the English language. Before, I had to check and recheck every word I wanted to use in an article to be sure I was using it correctly.
My imagination and speed grew.
The more I wrote, the more my imagination grew so that everything around me started becoming an inspiration for an article.
Just the act of putting down some words and creating a work of pure imagination gives me inner joy and peace. Whenever I feel down, I write.
Finally ...
Writing is a skill that anyone could acquire if they put hard work into it. So next time you’re lonely or just bubbling with anxiety, try writing.
A.My mental health has improved. |
B.Writing helps me recover memories. |
C.Now, that weight is off my shoulders. |
D.We all know the saying “Practice makes perfect.” |
E.I’ll never stop developing this beloved craft. |
F.Don’t worry about being perfect because no one is. |
G.I can look at a pencil and come up with a 500-word essay about it |