1 . Thanks to artificial intelligence, education is more accessible and efficient than ever. To give you an overview of the industry, we round up some AI technology applied in education.

Duolingo

Duolingo provides listening, reading and speaking exercises in dozens of global languages, all the while providing aspects of gamification to keep users coming back. By applying AI, Duolingo’s lessons are paced and leveled specifically for each student according to their performance. It also uses data and machine learning to make course improvements, taking into consideration the differences of various languages.

Amira Learning

Amira Learning is a virtual learning application created to accelerate young students’ reading comprehension. Using AI technology, Amira has students read stories aloud and can assess oral reading fluency as well as identify areas for improvement. For teachers and parents, Amira also provides services such as student progress reports and dyslexia (阅读障碍) risk screening.

Blippar

Blippar’s products combine computer vision intelligence technology and augmented reality to enhance the way students learn in the classroom. The interactive materials bring subjects like geography, biology and physics to a visual space. For example, instead of reading about a volcanic eruption, the system shows students a virtual 3D model of the eruption process.

Nuance

Nuance makes speech-to-text software used by students and faculty to transcribe (转成) up to 160 words per minute. The technology is especially helpful for students who struggle with writing or have limited mobility. It also enhances spelling ability and word identification. Instructors use the software to dictate lectures for later use or quicken repetitive tasks like document and email creation.

1. Which platform uses gamification to engage users in language learning?

A．Amira Learning.	B．Blippar.
C．Nuance.	D．Duolingo.

2. What is the primary focus of Amira Learning?

A．Speech-to-text software.

B．Reading comprehension.

C．Computer vision intelligence technology.

D．Personalized language learning with gamification.

3. What do Blippar and Nuance have in common?

A．They focus on language learning.

B．They specialize in science subjects.

C．They use technology to aid learning.

D．They offer computer programming courses.

2 . The glass armonica (玻璃琴), also known as a glass harmonica or simply armonica, is a musical instrument that produces sound by rubbing glass with wet fingers. It was invented by Benjamin Franklin in 1761.

The instrument consists of a series of glass bowls of varying sizes, fixed straight on a spindle (轴). The glass bowls are arranged in order of size, with the largest bowl on one end and the smallest on the other.

Franklin came up with the idea after attending a concert in Cambridge. The performer was rubbing wine glasses to produce musical notes. Franklin thought that was not efficient. He decided to invent a set of musical instruments made of glass.

So, he hired a London glassmaker to construct 36 bowls to specific thicknesses and sizes. He fixed the bowls horizontally on a spindle with the largest bowl on one end and the smallest on the other. In this way the musician can play the glass bowls like a keyboard.

The glass armonica became prevalent during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Mozart and Beethoven both composed chamber pieces for it.

But by the 1820s, it was nearly a forgotten instrument in fears that it had the power to drive the listener mad. Some armonica players became ill and had to stop playing the instrument. They complained of muscle spasms (痉挛), nervousness, cramps, and dizziness. A few listeners were also affected. The instrument was actually banned in a few towns. “The armonica too inspires the nerves, drives the player into a troublesome depression and later into a dark and sad mood that is a method for slow self-destroying.”

However, no explanation or proof was ever really given to any of these claims. Franklin himself ignored all of the argument and continued to play the instrument until the end of his life.

1. How are the glass bowls arranged to form this instrument?

A．By their thickness.

B．By their shapes.

C．By their weight.

D．By their sizes.

2. What inspired Franklin’s invention of the instrument?

A．A failed performance.	B．An unsuccessful concert.
C．An unusual performer.	D．A couple glasses of wine.

3. What does the underlined word “prevalent” mean in paragraph 5?

A．Fearful.

B．Popular.

C．Strange.

D．Tiresome.

4. What is paragraph 6 mainly about?

A．Bad remarks about the instrument.	B．Terrible sounds made by the instrument.
C．Bans on this instrument everywhere.	D．This instrument’s great appeal to people.

3 . Lamar Giles is the author of several praised novels and short stories for young adults. His most recent novel is called The Getaway (Scholastic Press, 2022).

I recently spoke with Giles via video. Born and raised in Virginia, he has had a passion for writing, he told me, since he was a child. “It was just amusing to me,” he said.

Growing up in Hopewell, Giles experienced poverty and racism. He recalled a frightening moment when he and his friends were stopped by police officers. “They were pulling out really big, scary weapons,” Giles recalled, “threatening us for no reason, other than the fact that we were young, Black children.”

When Giles was in his early 20s, he met professional authors who showed him that he could make a living doing what he loved. At age 21, he saw one of his stories published in a little-known magazine. It took another decade for Giles to write and publish his first novel.

The challenges Giles met with when growing up proved to be a catalyst (催化剂) for his writing. “When something scares me, I’ll write about it,” he said. “If I write a story around it, it makes me feel better about the fear and anxiety.”

The author’s thriller (惊险小说) for young adults, Fake ID (Amistad Books for Young Readers, 2015), tells the story of Nick Pearson. The character, who is Black, faces racial profiling in his hometown, as Giles did. Nick is suspected of committing a crime because of his race and his “shady” neighborhood. In one scene, he is held at the county jail after being falsely accused by a governor of a state.

Giles is also a co-founder of We Need Diverse Books. The nonprofit organization promotes diversity initiatives in the publishing industry, supporting authors whose stories are often ignored. The goal, Giles said, is to enable all kids to see themselves in the books they read.

1. What does the underlined word “It” in paragraph 2 refer to?

A．Video.

B．Novel.

C．Passion.

D．Writing.

2. Which statement best describes Giles’ childhood?

A．He tried his best to write books.	B．He lived in poverty and horror.
C．He lived under police protection.	D．He got along well with his friends.

3. How did the challenges Giles met with affect him?

A．They inspired him to write.	B．They changed his attitude to life.
C．They prevented him turning a writer.	D．They made him become strong-willed.

4. What do we know about the character of Fake ID?

A．He was Giles’ best friend.	B．He devoted himself to writing.
C．He was wrongly imprisoned.	D．He founded a nonprofit organization.

4 . The Canadian town of Churchill is well-known for its arctic (北极的) wilderness. This town of extremes is home to about 900 year-round residents. However, 500, 000 tourists, more or less, flood here throughout the year.

In this setting, there’s a special find in a simple shipping container just outside the town. It’s a new project called Rocket Greens, led by the Churchill Northern Studies Centre(CNSC). Rocket Greens has successfully demonstrated the possibility of planting fresh, leafy produce regardless of seasons or weather conditions.

Erin Greene, a Churchill resident since 2015, became one of the first subscribers to Rocket Greens’s CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) program. “When I first moved here, it was very hard to get good-quality fruits and vegetables. We would never get fresh herbs and never see things like Swiss chard or kale,” recalls Greene, who says she now maintains a healthier diet and has become more self-sufficient as a result of the program.

In addition to Rocket Greens, CNSC has set up a seeding project for community garden support. This involves planting seedlings during the late fall and early spring that have been distributed to local community members free of charge in summer. Due to the short growing season and the challenging agricultural conditions, this seeding project offers a head start. “Community members can receive plants at no charge. It’s an educational tool to learn how to seed a field properly and how to grow your own food in your own home,” explains Dylan McCart, director of CNSC. This year’s seeding program will include a variety of crops such as peas, corn and peppers to make up for the traditional vegetables that are typically planted during Churchill summers.

“Considering the challenges of operating in a remote location like Churchill, we were one of the first ones to be able to do it, so it’s great that we were able to have that vision at that time. And it’s still successful today,” McCart says.

1. Why are so many people attracted to Churchill?

A．They want to live in the wilds.	B．They like to enjoy the unique scenery.
C．They can taste fresh produce from the locals.	D．They wish to become members of Rocket Greens.

2. What is the author’s purpose in mentioning Erin Greene?

A．To advertise the lifestyles of locals.	B．To show the diversity of local food.
C．To prove the difficulty of living there.	D．To illustrate the effects of the program.

3. Which can best describe the seeding project?

A．It adds fuel to the fire.	B．It teaches a man to fish.
C．It pulls a rabbit out of the hat.	D．It kills the goose that lays the golden egg.

4. How does McCart feel about the seeding project?

A．Curious.

B．Relieved.

C．Astonished.

D．Proud.

5 . Imagine getting ready for bed, brushing your teeth, setting your alarm and then putting a device on your head that allows you to control your dreams. It might sound like something unfeasible, but it’s the real-life promise of a new futuristic-looking headband called Halo, at present in development by US tech company Prophetic.

Expected to be released in 2025, Halo aims to allow you to have more lucid dreams (清醒梦). In some cases, you might also exercise a degree of control over what happens in these dreams, perhaps in ways that benefit your waking life, such as solving work problems, practicing guitar and more.

Earlier research has shown lucid dreams could be used for real-life benefits. For example, one study carried out by researchers at the University of Bern, Switzerland showed that participants who practised casting coins into a cup in their lucid dreams showed superior performance the next day.

The team behind Halo are using technologies like EEG (脑电图) to collect vast amounts of brain data from volunteers experiencing lucid dreams. The idea is to build a detailed map of what’s happening in the brain during different types of lucid dreams. This information will be key for the second main area of investigation, which involves using TUS (delivered via the headband) to control brain activity. TUS, a non-invasive brain stimulation technique, can change brain function by using high-frequency sound.

“It’s seemingly true that the sound stimulation could contribute to the high-frequency brain activity that’s associated with lucidity,” says Professor Mark Blagrove, a sleep scientist based at Swansea University. “Sound stimulation has been used to cause low-frequency slow waves in slow wave sleep, so the method suggested is believable.”

However, TUS is a relatively new approach to brain stimulation and it’s not entirely clear what the long-term results of stimulating your brain with high-frequency sounds might be. Moreover, some sleep scientists believe dreams have basic functions, including processing emotional experiences. By using a device to change the nature of your dreams, maybe you risk interrupting the usual purpose of your dreams.

1. What does the underlined word “unfeasible” in paragraph 1 probably mean?

A．Impossible.

B．Significant.

C．Logical.

D．Meaningless.

2. Why is the study by the University of Bern mentioned?

A．To suggest a way to dream a dream.	B．To provide a theory for developing Halo.
C．To prove the benefits of lucid dreams.	D．To indicate the meaning of being awake.

3. What is the fourth paragraph mainly about?

A．The way in which EEG works.	B．The reason for designing Halo.
C．The changes brought by Halo.	D．The methods used by the team.

4. What can we know from the last paragraph?

A．Hal o has got widespread recognition.	B．There may be some side effects about Halo.
C．Dreaming doesn’t have any functions.	D．Lucid dreams cause emotional experiences.

6 . At 102 years old, Jack Hemmings, a former Royal Air Forces pilot, is believed to be the oldest pilot to fly a Spitfire, a World War II plane. His 20-minute flight, from an airfield in southern England, was to raise money for a charity he co-founded nearly 80 years ago.

The flight on Monday was the first time he flew a Spitfire. Speaking at the Biggin Hill airfield before his flight, Mr Hemmings said when offered a flight he seized it with both hands and could hardly wait to try it.

Following the flight, Jack Hemmings remarked that it was absolutely delightful being back behind the controls, though the ride was very shaky. “To be honest, I felt a bit out of practice. Not surprising I am not as sharp as before.” he said.

Hemmings was raising funds for Mission Aviation Fellowship, a humanitarian air service he helped launch after WWII alongside D-Day veteran (老兵) Stuart King. The organization has since grown into a Christian organization that uses planes to deliver relief, medicine and emergency supplies to countries in need. The flight marked 80 years since the D-Day landings and honored King, who died in 2020.

Hemmings previously performed aerobatic (特技飞行) on his 100th birthday and raised more than $50,000 for the charity.

Barry Hughes, a pilot who accompanied Hemmings in the aircraft, said the veteran had a natural touch. “He didn’t need any instruction really. He just took control, flew us around, and made some turnings and basic actions,” Hughes said. “I think he really enjoyed every single moment of the flight.”

1. What did Jack Hemmings accomplish at the age of 102?

A．He set a new record for the longest flight in a Spitfire.

B．He became the oldest person to pilot a World War II aircraft.

C．He completed a successful solo flight across southern England.

D．He raised a large amount of money for charity through his flight.

2. What does Mission Aviation Fellowship mainly do?

A．Delivering humanitarian aid to countries in need.

B．Offering military service and support in war zones.

C．Providing aviation assistance for scientific investigations.

D．Facilitating international travel for humanitarian workers.

3. What impressed Barry Hughes in relation to Hemming’s flight?

A．His lack of skills behind the controls.

B．His clumsy operations during the flight.

C．His mastery of the aircraft during the flight.

D．His cautious approach to flying the Spitfire.

4. Which of the following words best describe Jack Hemmings?

A．Committed and cautious.	B．Passionate and modest.
C．Determined and innovative.	D．Selfless and adventurous.

7 . Why Be Kind?

We all know that being kind is something that’s good to do for others, right?     1    . It turns out that being kind is good for everyone!

Boosting Our Well-Being

Scientists have learned that when a person does something nice for others, it can make the helper feel happier. It can also boost their well-being, which includes their sense of purpose and how satisfied they feel in their life. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a small act of kindness, such as sharing a snack, or a larger one, such as helping with a project.     2    . Even seeing someone else perform a kind act or remembering a kind act can give someone a boost of joy.

    3    . This can include lowering our blood pressure and boosting our immune system, which helps keep us from getting sick.

The Magic of Connection

While all acts of kindness are good, we feel the benefits most deeply when we help others in person and connect with them, human to human. We feel joy and satisfaction when we work hard and use our talents to help others, especially when we can sense their appreciation. And when we work with others to do kind things, we feel a sense of belonging and take pride in the work we did together.     4    .

Kids Led by Example

We have many ways to be kind.     5    . When children see us engaging in these thoughtful and caring activities, they learn the importance of helping others in their community. This not only impacts those we help directly but also inspires our young ones to carry forward the legacy of kindness.

A．In both cases, the giver gains benefits.

B．It also helps when we ourselves make the choice to act kindly.

C．For example, volunteering at a care center is an excellent way.

D．In short, we can feel that our life becomes richer when we help others.

E．Therefore, it is crucial to involve young people in community service early on.

F．And scientists have found that being kind can even improve our physical health.

G．But do you know that being kind brings many benefits to the giver and to the receiver?

8 . This past summer in the Arctic was the warmest since 1900, contributing to disasters across the wider region, recorded in National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s annual Arctic Report Card. The Arctic is warming nearly four times faster than the global average as a result of human-caused climate change, driven primarily by burning fossil fuels. Researchers say changes in the Arctic can directly influence worldwide changes across ecosystems, from sea-level rise and new weather patterns, to altered wildlife migrations.

Another surprise in this year’s report card is salmon, the key to many of the region’s ecosystems, economies, and cultures. In western Alaska, chinook and chum salmon hit record low levels this year, but sockeye (红鲑鱼) salmon in Bristol Bay hit record highs. The abundance of sockeye had an unexpected downside for commercial fishermen —a price crash. “There’re so many salmon, and they can barely make a profit,” Thoman said. It’s unclear exactly why the salmon species are responding differently to climate change, but researchers say it’s likely linked to changing conditions in both the ocean and freshwater ecosystems central to the salmon life-cycle.

In order to address the issue, researchers started constantly monitoring these ecological changes across the Arctic, and the response of wildlife, founding a program aiming to draw upon the expertise of the region’s local residents: the Alaska Arctic Observatory and Knowledge Hub (AAOKH). The group works with a network of coastal local observers to document long-term environmental change and impacts in northern Alaska. Roberta Tuurraq Glenn-Borade, a community contact for AAOKH, said local observers often provide context beyond simple data collection that can better scientists’ understanding of the environmental factors driving animal behavior—like how shifting winds and sea-ice drew a surprising number of ringed seals and polar bears to Utqiaġvik in January.

Roberta expressed optimism that AAOKH can help communities adapt to the altered environment.

1. What can we learn about climate changes in Arctic?

A．They will be limited in Arctic.

B．They are caused by human activities.

C．They can hardly impact global ecosystems.

D．The Arctic is warming as fast as the global average.

2. What can we infer from paragraph 2?

A．The water pollution impacted salmon’s population.

B．The impact of climate change on salmon species varies.

C．Fishermen can gain profit because of abundant sockeye.

D．Salmon is important in almost every aspect of many regions.

3. How do region’s local residents help AAOKH?

A．By collecting and analyzing data from the locals.

B．By tracking climate changes and wildlife’s response.

C．By improving scientists’ grasp of the natural element.

D．By studying environmental changes and consequences.

4. What’s the best title of the passage?

A．Global Heatwaves: the Warmest Summer in a Century.

B．Local Wisdom: Arctic Residents’ Assistance in Arctic.

C．Arctic Report Card: Dramatic Impacts of Climate Change.

D．Salmon Surprises: Economic Impacts and Climate Change.

9 . 阅读下面材料，根据其内容和所给段落开头语续写两段，使之构成一篇完整的短文。

The instant my family boarded the plane, I felt like every head turned to us, looking at us with a fake politeness. I knew what they were thinking: “Oh! No. Please, don’t sit in the aisle next to me.” In my head I could even hear the flight attendant saying, “You can feel free to store your... child in the overhead compartment (隔层).”

We found our seats. My son sat by the window, my wife in the center, and I took the seat on the aisle. I saw a “cool guy” get onto the plane, a man about my age. He was wearing a concert T-shirt, ripped jeans, and I could hear that he’s listening to rock music on his iPhone. This guy represented who I was as a traveler before I had a child. He took the aisle seat directly across from me. We took off.

Planes are not designed with children in mind. There is no ball hole, no playground. To keep my child occupied, my wife and I took turns walking him from the pilot’s cabin to the tail. Suddenly, we hit turbulence (强气流) and needed to take our seats. The plane was shaking. My son’s ears began hurting from the drop in cabin pressure, and he had a meltdown. This is a child who has difficulty with crowded social situations and excessive stimulation. My wife and I could do nothing but held him to live through this moment.

I looked over at Cool Guy, and he was staring at me, trying to pour Coke. I wanted to say, “Look, Cool Guy, I am sorry if we are ruining your time on United Airlines, but we have a crisis here, and if anyone on this plane needs to drink, it’s me!”

Finally, my son fell asleep from exhaustion. And that wave of exhaustion flowed over my family. I just sat there, listening to the slight sound of the engine and hoping we would start our landing in Chicago soon.

注意：
1. 续写词数应为150左右；
2. 请按如下格式在答题卡的相应位置作答。
Paragraph 1:

Then, I felt that somebody patted my shoulder.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Paragraph 2:

My son’s eyes lit up, and he eagerly grabbed the toy, delighted.

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10 . 阅读下面短文，在空白处填入1个适当的单词或括号内单词的正确形式。

Among the various types of Chinese green teas, Enshi Yulu (恩施玉露) stands out as     1     unique and cherished selection.

This exquisite (精美的) tea     2     (distinguish) by its leaves with a thin, needle-like shape and its rich, dark green color. What sets Enshi Yulu apart from other Chinese green teas is its unique making process, steaming,     3     effectively maintains the tea’s visual appeal and ensures that its delicate flavor is preserved.

The versatility (多功能性) of Enshi Yulu are evident in its ability     4     (make) with both hot and cold water. Each method leads to a distinct taste experience, with hot water     5     (draw) out the tea’s refreshing flavor, and cold brewing resulting in a more subtle taste.

Originating from Enshi in Hubei province, the history of Enshi Yulu     6     (date) back to the Tang Dynasty.     7    (it) long-standing cultural significance was recognized in 2014 when it was included on the National Intangible Cultural Heritage List.

In 2022, the     8     (tradition) tea processing techniques of China, including those used for Enshi Yulu, gained global     9     (recognize) when they were written on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This honor     10     (vivid) highlights the importance of preserving these ancient practices for future generations.