1 . Is it OK to kill time? Machines used to find this question difficult to answer. But a new study shows’ that artificial intelligence (AI) can be programmed to judge right from wrong.

“We show that machines can learn about our moral values,”says Dr. Patrick Schramowski, author of this study, based at the Darmstadt University of Technology, Germany.

“There is general agreement that AI research is progressing rapidly and that AI’s influence on society is likely to increase,” Schramowski reports. “From self-driving cars to health care, AI systems deal with increasingly complex (复杂的) human tasks in increasingly autonomous ways. It is important to carry out research in this area so that we can trust the decisions they make.”

Schramowski’s AI system is named the Moral Choice Machine (MCM). He and his team trained it with sets of newspapers, articles, and other texts that appeared between the years 1510 and 2009.

Once the scientists had trained the MCM, it accepted the moral values of the given text. When asked whether one may steal money, harm animals or kill a living being, it will answer “No.” But if you ask “Should I kill time?” it will tell you it’s okay. Because it has understood that the behavior means no harm. You will generally get a reasonable answer from the machine.

“The MCM did this not by repeating the text it found,” reports Schramowski. “It could tell the difference between contextual information provided in a question.”

Furthermore, the study shows that the machine takes up moral values indicative of the time and kind of society the written sources come from, showing the changing social norms (准则) over ages.

For example, when they limited its training data to news articles from 2008 to 2009, the AI system favored work and school over family life. But when it could only explore news from the late eighties and nineties, it favored marriage and parenting.

1. What does Schramowski mainly talk about in paragraph 3?

A．Their research methods.	B．AI systems’ bright future.
C．The great value of their study.	D．The difficulties of AI research.

2. How did the researchers train the MCM?

A．They let it repeat moral stories.

B．They showed it many kind acts.

C．They offered it a lot of written material.

D．They talked with it about decision-making.

3. What can the MCM do after training?

A．Improve social rules.

B．Tell right from wrong.

C．Help humans make decisions.

D．Create texts about moral values.

4. What can we learn from the example in the last paragraph?

A．Social values change over time.

B．Technology should be used wisely.

C．AI systems have their own limitations.

D．It’s hard for machines to make moral choices.

2 . Finding just the right book to read together can open a door to helping a child understand difficult subjects like illness, loss, and big change. Here’s a list of some of the best.

Black Dog

Author: Levi Pinfold

A black dog appears outside the Hope family’s home. As each member of the family sees it and hides, the dog grows bigger and bigger. Only the youngest Hope has the courage to face the black dog. When it chases (追逐) her she shows no fear, so it grows smaller and smaller. Finally, back to the size of a normal dog.

I Remember

Author: Jeanne Willis

A sweet little boy visits an old lady one day. He seems familiar to her. He’s even got the same name as her grandson, George! Of course, he is her grandson George. He gently reminds her of what they’ve done together before. A beautiful book that might help children learn about dementia (痴呆).

I Talk Like a River

Author: Jordan Scott

In class, a boy hides at the back in the hope that he won’t be asked to speak. But the teacher directs a question his way. All his classmates watch him stumbling over (结结巴巴地说) his words. His father collects him from school, and takes him for a walk by the river.

Susan Laughs

Author: Jeanne Willis

Susan can do so many things - she can laugh, sing, fly, dance, swim and much more. The final page of this book reveals that Susan is in a wheelchair, showing that "disabled" doesn’t mean “disadvantaged”.

1. Which book is about overcoming our fears?

A．Black Dog.

B．I Remember.

C．Susan Laughs.

D．I Talk Like a River.

2. What is wrong with George’s grandma in the second book?,

A．She has lost her memory.	B．She has problems with speaking.
C．She has a poor relationship with George.	D．She completely relies on a wheelchair for mobility.

3. What do the four books have in common?

A．They focus on various diseases.	B．They remind readers of their family.
C．They were written by the same author.	D．They help children learn about tough topics.

3 .

Join the Great Wall Marathon Autumn 2024Beijing, China 27 Oct 2024 (Sun) Marathon, Half marathon, 10 km, 5 km Welcome to the Great Wall of China Marathon! Autumn is the most beautiful season of a year in Beijing. For the runners who do not like to run the Great Wall of China Marathon in May at the temperature of around 25°C, autumn is a perfect choice with the temperature of around 10°C．
Ticket: $150Included in the fee: the light breakfast and light lunch the T-shirt the number cloth the transportation the mobile toilets and drinks service along the way	Age Limit Over age of 13 and under age of 70. Parking We have buses for all runners to the Great Wall, and runners should not worry about parking.
Registration (报名) closes on 15 October. You can, within 24 hours after your registration, get all your money back if you change your mind.

1. When is the Great Wall Marathon Autumn 2024?

A．In May.

B．In October.

C．In April.

D．In November.

2. If you take part in the race, ________.

A．you should spend 70 dollars

B．you can register at any time before the competition.

C．you can have something to drink while running

D．you have to drive to the Great Wall on your own.

3. On which of the following websites can we most probably read the text?

A．http://healthyfood.com	B．https://worldmarathons.com
C．https://freemovieswatch.net	D．http://travelzoo.com/cn

4 . The campaign to reduce food waste is in its third week, and we’re already seeing some great results. We’d like every student and teacher to join in the campaign, so if you haven’t started yet, read our blog and join in!

Stop wasting food at school.

“The children are making a big effort to think in a sensible way about the food they put on their plates. We now have about 15% less waste and we think this percentage grows as more children join in the campaign,” school lunch director Marge Kaplan said. The school canteen now offers two portion (份) sizes for all main meals: small and large. This week they’ll replace single bread rolls with slices of bread. You can take as many slices as you want, but one at a time.

Latest news!

From next week you’ll be able to put any waste from fresh fruit and vegetables into the special green bin at the back of the canteen. Miss Norris, the school gardener, will empty the bin each day into a giant compost (堆肥) container in the school’s vegetable garden. That can be used to improve the quality of soils.

Stop wasting food at home.

Every year, we waste about a third of our food. In the UK, more than 97% of food waste ends up in a landfill (废物填埋) site. That’s a lot! Come to a special meeting with supermarket owner Carlos Rodriguez to learn how we can save food and money at home!

Campaign meeting!

When: Friday 12 May, 5-6 p. m.

Where: School hall

What: Top tips on how to store food, measure sensible portion sizes and cook tasty meals from leftovers

Students and families are welcome!

1. What change was made in the school canteen to reduce food waste?

A．Offering only healthy meals.	B．Serving meals in reusable containers.
C．Releasing some new punishment rules.	D．Introducing two sizes for main meals.

2. What will the school do with waste from fresh fruit and vegetables?

A．Donate it to food banks.	B．Improve the quality of soils.
C．Send it to recycling.	D．Feed school pets.

3. What is the purpose of the meeting with Carlos Rodriguez?

A．To plan a landfill visit.	B．To discuss the environmental impact.
C．To teach saving food and money.	D．To introduce new recycling ways.

4. Where is probably the passage taken from?

A．The Internet.

B．A textbook.

C．A research report.

D．A storybook.

5 . 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。

Between 1405 and 1433, on behalf of the Ming Dynasty, Zheng He made a total of seven voyages.     1     (load) with china, silk, tea and other treasures as gifts for foreign rulers, the fleet led by Zheng He paid friendly visits to more than 30 countries and regions. Zheng He’s seven voyages had a far-reaching impact     2     China and its neighbours. Zhen He’s efforts helped develop and strengthen harmonious relations with these countries and regions,     3     (expose) foreign people to Chinese culture, and allowing the Chinese to better understand overseas lands. Zheng He’s accomplishments are now widely acknowledged, and he is remembered as one of China’s most     4     (influence) explorers.

6 . 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。

Today, the USS Arizona lies     1     it sank: in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Its location is marked with a memorial shaped like a bridge, which crosses the ship’s sunken remains. Each year, more than two million people visit the memorial. They come to see the shadow of the ship at the bottom of Pearl Harbor, to learn about the attack, to show respect for those who had lost their lives in the attack     2     to pray for world peace. Although about eight decades has passed, the attack on Pearl Harbor, one of the darkest episodes in American history, will never     3     (forget).

7 . Family Vacations in Hawaii

Whether your interests are history, native cultures, hiking, water sports, or simply relaxing in the sun, Hawaii has abundant choices to keep you and your family entertained.

Waikiki Beach

This famous two-mile stretch of sand is home to scores of family-friendly beach hotels and all kinds of action-packed excitement. Waikiki Beach is the perfect place to go if you’re looking for warm ocean water and golden beaches. Kids will enjoy walking along the beach, stopping for shaved ice or an ice cream and taking a dip in a safe area of the ocean.

Oahu’s North Shore

Some of the tallest ocean waves in the world are found at Oahu, Hawaii’s North Shore coastline during the winter months. These crashing walls of water are born for surfing and offer one of the best free shows on the islands. The North Shore is home to world-class surf contests, attracting the world’s top surfers.

Polynesian Cultural Center

Nothing appeals to the whole family like Hawaiian past coming alive. Besides, the colorful costumes, lively songs, and traditional dances in the Pacific region are presented here. You’ll see customs of Fiji, New Zealand, Marquesas, Samoa, Tahiti, Tonga, and Hawaii all represented in Polynesian Cultural Center’s re-created island villages, which is decorated with palm trees and tropical gardens.

Waimea Canyon (峡谷) State Park

More than 3,500 feet deep, this landmark on Hawaii’s island of Kauai is the largest canyon in the Pacific. Unlike Grand Canyon, plentiful rain keeps Waimea Canyon and its surrounding area thick with vegetation (植被), and visitors are frequently treated to the sight of vivid rainbows. It offers a great canyon view and a covered picnic area.

1. What makes Oahu’s North Shore known to the world?

A．Its best free cultural shows.	B．Its family-friendly beach hotels.
C．Having the tallest coastline.	D．Being a perfect place for surfing.

2. Which place is most likely to attract those who are interested in history?

A．Waikiki Beach.	B．Oahu’s North Shore.
C．Polynesian Cultural Center.	D．Waimea Canyon State Park.

3. What is special about Waimea Canyon compared to Grand Canyon?

A．It has a covered picnic area.	B．It has a depth of over 3,500 feet.
C．It’s rich in plants and rainfall.	D．It owns a unique kind of vegetation.

8 . Street markets around the world

Do you want to buy a new pair of sunglasses? The latest CD? Or something for dinner this evening? Nowadays, you can shop by telephone or through your home computer; but for many people, the most exciting way to shop is also the most traditional — at a street market. You can find markets anywhere in the world — here are five of them:

Every weekend, thousands of young people from all over London travel to Camden Market in an attractive area in the north of the city — it’s the place to go for street fashion, CDs, and tapes. But many people just go for the lively atmosphere!

There are many “floating markets” in Asia; perhaps the most famous is in Thailand, at a place called “Damnoen Saduak”, 100 km from the capital city, Bangkok. From six in the morning to the midday, every day, people sell fresh fruit and vegetables from their boats.

The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul , Turkey, is more than 500 years old and it has more than four thousand shops under one roof! The most popular items for tourists are the beautiful carpets. It’s open all day every day.

Many Belgians say that La Grand Place — in the center of the capital city, Brussels — is the most beautiful square in the world. It is the home of a colorful flower market — open every day except Monday. On Monday, instead of flowers, there’s a wonderful bird market!

One of the world’s most unusual markets is in Mexico City: at the Sonora Market. As well as toys, you can buy herbs and natural medicines which (they say) can help with anything — from problems at work to problems with your marriages! It’s open every day from early in the morning till late at night.

1. What is the main attraction of Camden Market in London for visitors?

A．Fresh fruits and vegetables	B．Beautiful carpets.
C．Street fashion, CDs and tapes	D．Natural medicines and herbs.

2. At what time of the day does the floating market in Damnoen Saduak, Thailand operate?

A．From every morning to late at night.	B．All day every day.
C．From six in the morning to midday.	D．Only on weekends.

3. What special market takes place at La Grand Place in Brussels on Mondays?

A．A flower market.	B．A bird market.
C．A toy market.	D．A carpet market.

9 . Brit Oliphant works as a teacher at Kula Elememtary School. Every year, Brit is given a nine- month window to connect with a group of new students. And with each batch (批) of new students, she hopes to have a positive impact on their lives. But Seth Snyder, was a tough nut to crack.

One day ,Brit showed her students a video of skateboarders going all out at a ramp (斜坡). Brit watched Seth’s face light up; she found their connection. Brit invited him to join her at the skate park after one day. Instead of excitement, Seth declined his teacher’s offer. In spite of that, Brit asked again a few weeks later before spring break. “What are you going to do?” she asked. “Are you going to skate?” “No,” Seth said, almost embarrassed. “I don’t have a skateboard.” Brit’s heart sank into her stomach.

Despite her best efforts, Brit beat herself up as she traveled to Encinitas, California. While in Encinitas, she shared Seth’s story with Zach Miller, one of her best friends. Zach offered to send a present to Seth: a used skateboard.

What began as two people coming together to do a good deed for one boy quickly blossomed into a grassroots effort. Zach would collect used equipment and ship it to Hawaii for Brit to hand out to the kids. And just like that, Boards 4 Bddies was born. It was almost too easy, Zach explained, because his friends, many of whom are professional skaters and surfers, are always looking to give away used skateboards but don’t know where to find a kid in need.

As for Brit, she sees skateboarding as another one of life’s classrooms. She wishes she could take her whole class to the skate park so they could see how others overcome their fears to achieve their goals. “I think that’s like the best social emotional learning you could ever give a kid,” Brit said. “Fall down, get up and try again is something that’s really hard to teach through a picture book.”

1. Why did Seth refuse his teacher’s invitation?

A．He had little interest in skating.

B．He didn’t have essential equipment.

C．He felt anxious around his teacher.

D．He planned a trip to Encinitas.

2. What does Board 4 Buddies do to help kids?

A．It builds ramps for kids.

B．It invites professional skaters to coach kids.

C．It designs skateboards for kids.

D．It collects used skateboards for kids.

3. What does Brit think of skateboarding?

A．It can reduce stress.

B．It helps with students’ balance.

C．It shows students how to overcome challenges.

D．It has a bad influence on students’ academic performance.

4. Which of following best describes Brit?

A．Committed.

B．Strict.

C．Humorous.

D．Adventurous.

10 . As the youngest kid in the family, I used to be told, “No, do it this way.”I knew my family members were all trying to _______ me. But I didn’t like feeling _______ all the time.

One weekend, I went to help Grandpa with _______. Grandpa had flattened out one side of the green bush with a pair of shears(大剪刀) and told me to _______ the other side. He _______ to watch, but I didn’t do anything. I was _______ of doing it the wrong way. “I can do it by myself, ”I said. Grandpa said he would come back to _______ me. When he was gone, I _______ the big shears to cut the branches, but _______. I wanted to cry.

Then I took a pair of regular scissors and cut the bush. Little branches fell to the ground. I took a step back to ________ my work. The bush looked flat and neat on my side. Grandpa came back. He looked at the side he had cut, then back at mine. “Your side looks ________ than mine, he said.

I was ________. ”You mean my way isn’t wrong?“

”No. Your way works just fine,“ Grandpa said.

I was so happy my ________ was right this time. As I grew up I realized learning from other people didn’t necessarily mean having to always ________ them. It is okay to do things a little ________. Being different is fine.

1.

A．blame

B．trust

C．teach

D．ask

2.

A．confused

B．threatened

C．strange

D．wrong

3.

A．planning

B．gardening

C．cooking

D．cleaning

4.

A．cover

B．replace

C．watch

D．cut

5.

A．waited

B．forgot

C．happened

D．promised

6.

A．proud

B．aware

C．afraid

D．sure

7.

A．look after

B．depend on

C．go after

D．check on

8.

A．shared

B．lifted

C．exchanged

D．improved

9.

A．failed

B．ended

C．refused

D．mattered

10.

A．remember

B．support

C．examine

D．continue

11.

A．better

B．taller

C．greener

D．more

12.

A．nervous

B．determined

C．upset

D．surprised

13.

A．model

B．way

C．track

D．word

14.

A．praise

B．copy

C．greet

D．persuade

15.

A．formally

B．safely

C．slowly

D．differently