1 . Baidu, a Chinese search engine and artificial intelligence firm, announced its latest electric autonomous driving vehicle, Apollo RT6, on Thursday. The new vehicle is a fully electric vehicle with a steering wheel (方向盘) that can be removed when not required. It will cost ¥250,000 per unit.
“The steering-wheel-free design allows more space for extra seating or other additions and the massive cost reduction will enable us to put tens of thousands of autonomous vehicles into operation across China,” Robin Li, co-founder and CEO of Baidu, said at the firm's Baidu World Conference Thursday. “We are moving towards a future where taking a robotaxi will be half the cost of taking a taxi today.”
Baidu already runs Apollo Go and Apollo Moon, taxi services using self-driving robotaxis with safety staff seated in the driver or passenger seat. They have been in operation in big cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen and Guangzhou, although the service is limited to specific areas. The new vehicle will soon join those robotaxis.
The RT6 has reached the industry's Level 4 out of five possible levels of technology. That means its systems can operate without a driver but must be pre-loaded with a detailed map, thus limiting the areas where the vehicles can operate. Lower levels of self-driving technology have been available for decades. For example, many Level-3 vehicles allow hands-free highway driving. Other kinds of self-driving robot vehicles are already widely used in factories warehouses and other tightly controlled settings.
Compared to previous generations where the technology was mainly used on conventional vehicles, the Apollo RT6 was designed specifically with fully autonomous driving in mind.
Baidu is best known for its search engine and online advertising services, but in recent years it has invested heavily in autonomous driving and artificial intelligence technology, including automated personal assistants and AI chips.
1. What can we know about Apollo RT6?A.It is free to run in any area. | B.It has to operate with a driver. |
C.It will be cheaper to operate. | D.It can work without a detailed map. |
A.Level 2 | B.Level 3 | C.Level 4 | D.Level 5 |
A.A personal assistant. | B.A company. |
C.A search engine. | D.A fully autonomous car. |
A.An Introduction to Baidu's Latest Vehicle: Apollo RT6 |
B.Baidu's Future Plan for Its Electric Vehicle: Apollo RT6 |
C.Limitations of the Level-4 Self-driving Electric Vehicles |
D.The Great Market Potential for Fully Autonomous Vehicles |
2 . Sara Dykman is on a 10, 000-mile bike trip, following the monarch butterfly from Mexico through the UnitedStates and Canada and back again. The purpose of her journey is not just to mark the butterfly’s migrating (迁徙) road, but to warn about the threat it faces — and what we can do to help it.
When I reached Dykman by phone, she was biking through Iowa cornfields. She said she feels more upset than usual, because of what she is seeing — or not seeing — on her travels: Fewer butterflies and milkweed. “In the last two decades, the butterfly population has declined by about 90 percent as a result of the loss of milkweed, a native plant that the butterflies need as part of their life cycle,” she said.
Butterflies go through a four-stage life cycle. In February and March, the adult monarch butterflies come out of winter sleep to look for a mate. Then they migrate north and east to lay their eggs on milkweed plants. It takes about four days for the eggs to hatch. Then the baby caterpillars (毛毛虫) spend much of their time eating milkweed in order to grow. About two weeks later, the fully grown caterpillars will attach themselves to plant branches or leaves to change into butterflies.
But Dykman is not in total despair. A solution, she says, exists within the reach of everyone who owns a home; simply planting some milkweed in the yards to help the butterflies on their journey.
Dykman lives a life as simple and rootless as the butterflies she loves. She doesn’t own a house or car or eat out at restaurants. She carries only what she needs; a sleeping bag and clothing. People help along the way by providing a place to stay and a meal.
“I have failed at everything normal, but I’m pretty good at doing the less normal things,” she admits in her new book Cycling With Butterflies.
“But this trip is about solutions, and it’s about helping people see the consequences of their actions,” she said on the phone.
1. What is the main purpose of Sara Dykman’s bike trip?A.To live-stream the migrating butterflies. | B.To ask people to grow more native plants. |
C.To warn about the environmental problems. | D.To encourage people to protect the butterflies. |
A.Baby caterpillars are very harmful to various crops. |
B.Milkweed plays a vital role in a butterfly’s life cycle. |
C.Non-native plants are growing too fast in Iowa cornfields. |
D.Adult butterflies come out of winter sleep later than they did. |
A.She is a determined conservationist. | B.She is a good bread-earner. |
C.She is a competent employee. | D.She is a comfort seeker. |
A.A diary entry. | B.A book review. | C.An interview. | D.A news report. |
3 . From Milan to Riyadh, these culture-packed cities offer creative experiences, whether through interesting street arts, innovative exhibitions or award-winning architectures.
Milan
Milan’s fashion heritage dates back to its days as an important trading center, when rich businessmen would bring luxurious clothes to the city and improve their bartering (以物易物) skills in its streets. The area’s fashion-forward reputation was later strengthened by design masters such as Giorgio Armani, Dolce & Gabbana and Versace, all of whom grew their brands here.
Shanghai
Shanghai has a long history in the fields of art and architecture, and has long attracted creative professionals both domestically and internationally. But today, the integration of traditional temples into the surrounding modern metropolis (大都市) continues to attract tourists. Begin with a wander through the streets of the original Old City, taking in the 600-year-old City God Temple and the nine-bend Jiu Qu Qiao. Then, make for the Shanghai Museum, where more than a million artifacts — including ancient sculptures, china and calligraphy — are on display.
Copenhagen
Copenhagen’s architecture has been awarded many honors over the years, including UNESCO World Capital of Architecture 2023. Today, many of the city’s most popular tour routes centre on these eye-catching aspects. The harbour-front Copenhagen Opera House presents a neo-futuristic style while the Black Diamond Royal Library and the Bicycle Bridge dot the skyline with their distinctive designs.
Riyadh
Saudi Arabia’s largest city Riyadh has actively positioned itself as a global destination for creative travellers and to this end, it has established the Riyadh Art initiative. The first public art project of its kind in the country, Riyadh Art aims to transform the city into a “gallery without walls” through public art installations, festivals and workshops.
1. What is Milan famous for?A.Its festivals. | B.Its fashion products. | C.Its architecture. | D.Its modern art. |
A.Copenhagen. | B.Shanghai. | C.Milan. | D.Riyadh. |
A.It is Saudi Arabia’s second largest city. | B.It has a lot of galleries without walls. |
C.It aims to attract creative visitors. | D.It plans to set up the Riyadh Art initiative. |
4 . The holidays can be a difficult time to stay on track with your fitness goals.
Planning is the best way to make sure you don’t lose track of your goals. Plan your workouts for the week and mark them in your schedule to assure they are a part of your day.
Exercise early.
Keep moving.
Research shows that getting up for just five minutes every 30 to 60 minutes and performing light activities reduces the risk of heart disease risk factors. Small efforts to get moving can help your overall health during the holidays. In addition to staying active, try to avoid sitting for long periods of time, such as when watching football games or eating.
Think out of the box.
The holidays are busy, but do your best to avoid the “all or nothing” mentality when it comes to physical activity.
A.Plan ahead |
B.Plan out your route before you go |
C.Exercising in the morning is one of the biggest tips |
D.Remember: too much sitting is harmful to your health |
E.Your schedule will be filled with family gatherings and celebrations |
F.Get creative with exercise and make physical activity a family affair |
G.Rather than skipping the gym altogether, make time for a quick workout |
5 . Here are the major ways for your teens to gain international experience during a summer abroad:
1. Summer Teen Volunteer ProgramsVolunteering abroad offers a unique insight into another culture. Programs can teach much, while strengthening a commitment to the life of volunteering. Amigos International offers immersive programs that include leadership training, along with volunteering. Visions Service International shows ways for your teens to be a teen without borders through service work and cross-cultural living.
2. Summer Study Abroad ProgramsStudy abroad is my passion — there’s something unique about studying in another country that makes the subject matter come alive, from archaeology to literature. Studying abroad in high school, whether for a summer or on exchange, can get your teens excited about learning again. For those who can’t afford it, there are many ways of financing study abroad, including government programs to fund language learning overseas.
3. Summer Adventures and Cultural Travel AbroadMaybe your teen is more drawn to adventure. There are many opportunities for adventures abroad — the best programs combine adventures with language learning, cultural activities, and community service, so that adventurous teens get the best of both worlds. Broadreach offers more than 70 summer adventures in more than 40 countries, including marine biology, sailing, language immersion, culture, arts, community service, leadership, and outdoor skills.
4. Summer Language Immersion (沉浸)Some language learning programs also provide volunteer opportunities. This can be an ideal way to study by helping others. Intercultural Costa Rica also includes cultural activities and tours. The Alpine French School provides both language learning and cultural and outdoor activities. French Summer Classes is a unique opportunity for your teen to have a homestay and the language program in one place. Whatever language program your teen chooses, the chance to learn language through immersion is, as research has shown, the best way to not only learn a language, but gain academic, cultural, and employment benefits.
Start Looking Now and Change Your Teen’s Life!
What are you waiting for? Start researching options with your teens and help them have a summer that will change their lives.
For more information, please visit Why Your Teen High School Student Should Go Abroad: The Parents’ Guide.
1. Whom is the passage written for?A.The teens. | B.The volunteers. |
C.The language learners. | D.The parents. |
A.French Summer Classes | B.Visions Service International |
C.Broadreach | D.Intercultural Costa Rica |
A.To introduce the ways to experience the foreign culture. |
B.To introduce how to spend a summer holiday correctly. |
C.To recommend the parents some proper ways to help their teens gain foreign experience. |
D.To encourage the teens to learn foreign languages through summer exchange programs. |
6 . As Teachers’ Day approached, I received an interview assignment to talk with a very special figure about teaching. President Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam talked with me about life’s toughest lessons and his mission of being a teacher to the Indian youth. He was now a leader and a wise old man. There was still a child in him though, and he was still curious about learning new things. To this day, he still remembered his first lesson in life and how it had changed his life.
“I was studying in fifth grade and must have been 10 years old. My teacher, Sri Sivasubramanialyer was telling us how birds flew. He drew a diagram of a bird on the blackboard, drawing the wings, the tail, the body and the head and then explained how birds flew into the sky. At the end of the class, I said I didn’t understand. Then he asked the other students if they had understood, but nobody had understood how birds flew.” he recalled.
“That evening, the entire class was taken to Rameshwaram shore by our teacher,” the President continued. “My teacher showed us sea birds. We saw wonderful formations of them flying and how their wings waved. Then my teacher asked us, ‘Where is the bird’s engine and how is it powered?’ I knew then that birds are powered by their own life and motivation. I understood all about birds’ dynamics. At last, he said to us with relief that we were very good.”
“That day from not understanding to the final understanding, as well as the gratitude to the teacher, has always impressed me. A proper education would help develop a sense of dignity (尊严) and self-respect among our youth,” said President Kalam.
1. What does the author probably do?A.A reporter. | B.A president. | C.A teacher. | D.A painter. |
A.It was a drawing class. | B.The teacher’s diagram was not complete. |
C.What the teacher taught was quite difficult. | D.The students were too stupid to understand it. |
A.By asking other teachers for help. | B.By taking them to see the real birds. |
C.By bringing a bird to explain again. | D.By drawing another diagram for them. |
A.Disappointed. | B.Stressed. | C.Angry. | D.Grateful. |
7 . Retired Army Col. Farrell Patrick taught computer science at West Point during the 1970s and then at two private universities through the 1990s, so he isn’t surprised by the progress technology has made over the decades. But when the 91-year-old got his first virtual reality (VR) experience recently, he was amazed.
Sitting in a conference room at John Knox Village, Patrick sat up straight as his eyes and ears experienced what it would be like to be in a Navy fighter jet flying off the Florida coast. John Knox Village was one of 17 senior communities around the country that participated in a recently published Stanford University study.
During the study, the seniors were picked from seven-minute virtual experiences such as riding in a tank, watching stage performances, playing with dogs and cats or visiting places like Paris or Egypt. The participants wore headsets that gave them 360-degree views and sounds, making it seem like they had been all but dropped into the actual experience.
The study, working with the company Mynd Immersive, found that almost 80% of the seniors reported having a more positive attitude after their VR session and almost 60% said they felt less isolated socially. The enjoyment lessened somewhat for older respondents whose sight and hearing had deteriorated (恶化). Those who found VR less enjoyable were also more likely to dislike technology in general.
The company has worked on the biggest complaints the seniors in the study had about VR—the headsets were too heavy and the heat they generated made the seniors’ foreheads sweat. The new headsets weigh about six ounces (189 grams) instead of a pound (454 grams). Besides, they have a built-in fan for cooling, and the videos aren’t as jumpy.
Patrick says he hopes to live to 100 because he believes the next five years will see momentous changes in VR. Still a technology enthusiast, he believes the cost of systems will drop dramatically and become part of everyday living, even for seniors.
1. What is the function of the first paragraph?A.To lead in the topic. | B.To reach a conclusion. |
C.To present an argument. | D.To make a definition. |
A.To illustrate the two cities’ support for VR. |
B.To explain why seniors are crazy about traveling. |
C.To compare the differences between the two cities. |
D.To show the VR experiences the seniors can choose from. |
A.Most seniors enjoyed VR. | B.Old people preferred socializing. |
C.Seniors’ sight and hearing became worse. | D.Most retired people disliked high-tech products. |
A.Its products hardly appeal to seniors. | B.Its goal is to produce high-quality videos. |
C.It has made improvements on the headsets. | D.It has got a lot of complaints from teenagers. |
8 . Here are the Disney movies recommended by Brandon Dammit for this weekend.
Fantasia 2000
Budget: $80 million
Score: 75%
I remember disliking Fantasia 2000 in theaters as a young child, but I have developed a much deeper appreciation for the fantastic music as an adult. Disney has employed advanced sound tools to produce a movie that was under-appreciated at its first appearance.
Pete’s Dragon
Budget: $65 million
Score: 60%
I love Disney as much as the younger generation. But it’s disappointing to see flavorless remakes like The Lion King and Beauty and the Beast harvest billions at the box office while more soulful remakes like Pete’s Dragon is largely ignored.
The Rescuers Down Under
Budget: $38 million
Score: 70%
I won’t lie to you, kind reader. The Rescuers Down Under is the only movie that I’ve never seen here and my honor won’t allow me to pretend otherwise. According to Disney, it’s about the world’s bravest mice, Bernard and Bianca, who race to Australia to save a boy and a rare golden eagle from a cruel hunter. So, you know, normal Disney stuff.
The Great Mouse Detective
Budget: $14 million
Score: 72%
Picture this: a young mouse named Olivia is committed to discovering the truth of her father’s disappearance in 1897 London, and she got the help from his friends, Dr. Dawson and Toby. It’s basically Disney’s Sherlock Holmes.
1. What does Brandon Dammit like about Fantasia 2000?A.The plot. | B.The dialogue. | C.The music. | D.The actors. |
A.The Lion King. | B.Pete’s Dragon. |
C.Beauty and the Beast. | D.The Rescuers Down Under. |
A.$14 million. | B.$ 38 million. | C.$ 65 million. | D.$80 million. |
9 . Study Abroad Scholarships to Apply for in 2024
Found the perfect study abroad program, but don’t know how to pay for it? Fortunately, here are some study abroad scholarship opportunities for students looking to take their studies overseas!
Trenchard Cox ScholarshipAll you have to do is write two 400-word reasoned descriptions: one on a work of art you love and one that you hate. The scholarship, established in memory of Sir Trenchard Cox, awards the winner an Art History Abroad 2-week summer course in Venice.
Requirement: At least 16 and no older than 18 years of age
Deadline: March 1, 2024
Arcadia Abroad Scholarships & Financial AidDid you know that Arcadia Abroad provides financial aid to around 70% of students who apply for it? It values equity, diversity, and inclusivity when awarding scholarships. Students who apply for scholarships will need to write a 300-word essay.
Requirement: Must be included in an Arcadia Abroad program
Award: $ 500-$ 2,500
Deadline: February 1, 2024
AIFS Study Abroad Scholarships, Grants & Financial SupportWe believe a study abroad experience is an important part of well-rounded university education and we are committed to providing financial help to as many students as possible. AIFS also offers internship (实习期) and study abroad + internship mixed programs to support the development of personal and professional skills.
Award: $ 500- $ 5,000
Deadline: June 1, 2024
American Association of University Women(AAUW) Fellowships & GrantsThe AAUW supports women searching for a variety of graduate academic opportunities. There are no barriers (障碍) to full participation in this organization. Preference is given to those who show great interest in the advancement of girls and women.
Requirement: Women only
Award:$ 2,000- $ 50,000
Deadline: November 15, 2024
1. What is required to apply for Trenchard Cox Scholarship?A.Being over 18 years of age. | B.Fluency in English and Italian. |
C.Two 400-word essays on artworks. | D.A member of the Art History Abroad summer course. |
A.Trenchard Cox Scholarship. |
B.Arcadia Abroad Scholarships & Financial Aid. |
C.AIFS Study Abroad Scholarships, Grants & Financial Support. |
D.American Association of University Women(AAUW)Fellowships & Grants. |
A.A freshman suffering economically. | B.A graduate needing internship abroad. |
C.An art student from a developing country. | D.A female student devoted to women education. |
10 . How Using A Mood Tracker App Could Help Your Mental Health
You track your nutrition and your workouts, but why wouldn’t you track your mood?
Many of them allow you to record factors that may be affecting your mental health, such as sleep, nutrition, and exercise. You can also see how changes are affecting your mental health. Mood trackers can also keep you honest about your self-reporting bias.
How Does a Mood Tracker App Work?
Firstly, research shows that mood tracker apps can help people better identify their moods and in turn, understand them. Awareness of one’s mood has been linked to better mental health outcome.
Who Should Use Them?
Generally speaking, a mood tracker app can be helpful to most people.
Mood tracker apps are one of the most popular categories or smartphones app stores, so you have no lack of choices with a simple search for mood tracker.
A.Why Use a Mood Tracker App? |
B.Mood tracker apps are gaining in popularity. |
C.And those who are dealing with mood disorders will benefit most from it. |
D.Research on apps using predictive technology is incredibly encouraging. |
E.Mood tracker apps are often more than just a place to record your emotions. |
F.Additionally, apps can help people better communicate with mental health professionals. |
G.If you don’t have as art phone or don’t want to download an app, there are web-based trackers to consult. |