As the tea
2 . A shadowy figure sits alone in a room, his face dimly lit by a computer screen. With a grin, he types in a series of computer commands, and in the blink of an eye, someone’s bank account is drained to zero.
In today’s digital age, cyberattacks like this happen thousands of times per day. Hackers can steal money, information, or completely take control of a machine from anywhere in the world. However, not all hackers are villains.
Some hackers, called white hat or ethical hackers, are individuals who make the most of their hacking skills to identify security vulnerabilities (漏洞) in hardware, software and networks. Their job is crucial in preventing cyberattacks and safeguarding sensitive information. The term “white hat” originated from old cowboy movies, where heroes wore white hats and villains wore black ones. Like the heroes in cowboy movies, white hats seek to stop the bad guys and save the day.
White hat hackers only seek vulnerabilities legally, often working on open-source software or with authorized access to systems. Once these weak spots are identified, companies or individuals can take steps to prevent serious breaches and losses. White hat hackers use a variety of different techniques to keep the internet safe. Penetration testing, for example, allows them to mimic cyberattacks and uncover system weaknesses. Security scanning tools allow white hats to identify holes in a network’s security systems. Simulating denial-of-service attacks (DoS attacks) helps companies prepare for attacks against their websites.
Many of the world’s top white hat hackers began their journeys on the wrong side of the law. A prime example is Kevin Mitnick. This notorious hacker once held the title of “most wanted hacker” in the U. S. due to his cybercriminal activities in 1995. However, after being arrested and spending five years in jail, his life took a remarkable turn. Mitnick decided to use his hacking skills for ethical purposes, eventually establishing his own cybersecurity consulting company.
If you aspire to be a white hat hacker, start by building a strong foundation in computer and network fundamentals. Good luck, computer cowboy!
1. What does the underlined word “villains” in Paragraph 2 mean?| A．evil-doers. | B．heroes. | C．attackers. | D．victims. |
| A．They wear white hats in cowboy movies. |
| B．They do everything to safeguard people’s information. |
| C．They legally use their professional skills to help people. |
| D．They find vulnerabilities for personal gain without doing harm. |
| A．they obey the law |
| B．they identify security weak points |
| C．they take measures to stop serious losses |
| D．they build their own cybersecurity consulting companies |
| A．To teach us how to stay secure online. |
| B．To tell us how to be top white hackers. |
| C．To warn us of the dangers of cyberattacks. |
| D．To introduce defenders of the digital world. |
3 . Chusovitina retired from her legendary career after competing at a record eighth Olympic Games. After failing to
Born in Uzbek capital Tashkent in 1976, Chusovitina
When Chusovitina’s 3 - year - old son was
In a sport renowned for its
| A．show | B．secure | C．mark | D．choose |
| A．crowd | B．judges | C．athletes | D．listeners |
| A．put up | B．made up | C．took up | D．set up |
| A．expression | B．impression | C．contribution | D．appearance |
| A．left | B．represented | C．recognized | D．confirmed |
| A．reunited | B．held | C．took | D．switched |
| A．checked | B．diagnosed | C．connected | D． treated |
| A．packages | B．purchases | C．necessities | D．possessions |
| A．research | B．conditions | C．treatment | D．record |
| A．citizenship | B．membership | C．leadership | D．relationship |
| A．personal | B．medical | C．physical | D．mental |
| A．gymnastics | B．medicine | C．medals | D．family |
| A．benefit | B．doubt | C．secret | D．way |
| A．forced | B．encouraged | C．appointed | D．allowed |
| A．prize | B．kindness | C．pleasure | D．sympathy |
| A．competitive | B．strong | C．global | D．youthful |
| A．athlete | B．favorite | C．mother | D．teacher |
| A．named | B．given | C．shown | D．offered |
| A．arranged | B．counted | C．sold | D．collected |
| A．thoughts | B．events | C．skills | D．habits |
4 . European wildcats could be reintroduced to England more than 200 years after they became extinct in the country. The project has been announced by UK wildlife charity Wildwood Trust.
European wildcats are one of the UK’s rarest mammals. The only wild population, numbering fewer than 300 individuals, lives in the Scottish Highlands but they are on the verge of extinction, partly because they have bred with local feral cats (wild-living domestic cats).
Supporters hope to save the species in the UK by reintroducing them to England and Wales, where they died out around 200 years ago because of hunting and loss of habitat. To bring back the species, Wildwood Trust is planning to build 10 new breeding facilities on two sites in Kent and Devon. Kittens bred in captivity but away from humans will then be released into the wild. The University of Exeter is researching places where the animals could be reintroduced.
European wildcats are around the same size as a large domestic cat, but at up to eight kilograms they are slightly adult heavier. They have a tabby-like pattern with thick black stripes on their bodies and a bushy tail and like to live in forests but near open grassland. They’re also famously shy and keep their distance from humans. Laura Gardner, director of conservation at Wildwood Trust, told The Times newspaper that people should not be worried by the thought of wildcats returning to the wild. “We’re not talking about wolves,” she said.
Wildwood Trust says that its project can benefit both the wildcats and the habitats where they live. They are one of the few native predators left in the UK, so a healthy population of wildcats could help to control the numbers of animals they prey on, such as rabbits and rodents. By competing for the same food as foxes, they will also help to reduce fox numbers and restore a balance to nature.
1. What is the aim of the project?| A．To save wildcats from dying out. | B．To ensure wildcats’good habitats. |
| C．To raise money to protect wildcats. | D．To build some new breeding facilities. |
| A．Wildcats are very shy animals. | B．Wildcats are not as fierce as wolves. |
| C．European wildcats are unique animals. | D．Wildcats cannot pose a threat for humans. |
| A．Wildcats will threaten the number of other animals. |
| B．Wildcats and its habitats will be well protected. |
| C．Wildcats can contribute to ecological balance. |
| D．Wildcats are one of the few predators left in the UK. |
| A．Wildwood Trust Announcing a Plan. |
| B．Rare Wildcats Making a Comeback. |
| C．Reintroducing Wildcats Benefiting Us. |
| D．Wildcats Disappearing From the World. |
5 . A big fire took the life of the mother in this family. When I
The daughter asked, “If I give away my best to Mario, will he give it back to me? ” I couldn’t help but
Together, we
Her mother ran after her. The little girl, with tearful eyes, looked up at her mother and timidly said, “Mom, no, Mario’s mom, I don’t want to take you back, but I still want to give you a
| A．visited | B．passed | C．agreed | D．chatted |
| A．occasionally | B．permanently | C．excitedly | D．temporarily |
| A．teenagers | B．neighbours | C．judges | D．hosts |
| A．imagination | B．voice | C．attention | D．breath |
| A．honey | B．son | C．sisters | D．children |
| A．stole | B．purchased | C．designed | D．protected |
| A．lend | B．produce | C．deliver | D．donate |
| A．violent | B．impressive | C．precious | D．fortunate |
| A．read | B．interrupt | C．debate | D．ask |
| A．expect | B．decline | C．learn | D．forget |
| A．left | B．repaired | C．cleaned | D．entered |
| A．created | B．presented | C．removed | D．polished |
| A．deliberately | B．skeptically | C．sincerely | D．gratefully |
| A．hand | B．hairs | C．clothes | D．arm |
| A．cheek | B．chin | C．tongue | D．lip |
| A．difference | B．mistake | C．decision | D．hit |
| A．broke down | B．ran away | C．took off | D．fell apart |
| A．peaceful | B．valuable | C．regular | D．secret |
| A．hugged | B．admitted | C．touched | D．glanced |
| A．mercy | B．belief | C．pride | D．curiosity |
6 . English businessman Richard Branson made history on July 11, 2021 as he and three other crewmates became the world’s first space tourists. The flight was made by a spacecraft named VSS Unity that was built by Branson’s company, Virgin Galactic. The flight lasted slightly more than an hour, and took Branson and crew to an altitude (海拔) of 53.5miles above the Earth, just a little above the boundary (边界) of space which lies 50 miles above the Earth.
At that height, the atmosphere turns into the black of outer space and the Earth becomes a bent ball of blue. Travelers also exhibit weightlessness as there is no gravity, the force that keeps our bodies walking on the Earth’s surface. Therefore, Branson and his fellows were able to float around in VSS Unity while enjoying the views. They were able to do that for three minutes before the spacecraft began its downward journey. It landed back at Virgin Galactic’s space port in New Mexico, United States, which is the same place from where it had taken off 90 minutes before.
On landing back, Branson said, “I have dreamt of this moment since I was a kid but honestly, nothing could prepare you for the view of the Earth from space. It was just magical. I’m just taking it all in, and it’s unreal.”
July 11’s flight is the start of space tourism for one and all. In early 2022, customers who can afford a ticket for a quarter of a million dollars can line up for a seat on a trip to space. And guess what — they will have a choice of spacecraft. Jeff Bezos, who owns a famous company, is all set to launch himself into space on July 20 on board a spacecraft built by his new branch company Blue Origin. Blue Origin will also carry tourists to space.
1. What is Richard Branson famous for?| A．His success in tourism. |
| B．His company of Virgin Galactic. |
| C．His spaceship named VSS Unity. |
| D．His first commercial space travel in history. |
| A．Unbelievable. | B．Adventurous. | C．Regrettable. | D．Worthless. |
| A．Take a spacecraft of Virgin Galactic. |
| B．Pay $250,000 for the rocket tour. |
| C．Pass the fitness test for astronauts. |
| D．Line up for a position in Blue Origin. |
| A．Humans will move to other livable planets. |
| B．Ordinary people will soon land on the moon. |
| C．Private rocket space travel is growing gradually. |
| D．Some companies abandon their proper business. |
7 . A Chicago resident didn’t know riding the local train would unexpectedly turn him into a hero.
It was a typical day for Anthony Perry, 20, who got off the train at Chicago’s 69th Street station. Since Perry was interested in purchasing a car, he was on his way to meet his grandfather, who had agreed to accompany him to view one he had been eyeing.
Suddenly, a physical fight erupted between two men at the station, which led to the two falling onto the train tracks. Although one of the men landed on his back, they continued to fight. This caused the other guy to fell on the third rail, which passes electric current to the train. The man was lying on the tracks and appearing to convulse (抽搐) as a result of hundreds of volts of electric current shooting through his body. It looked like the unnamed man lost his life. However, Perry refused to let him lie on the tracks. He jumped down from the platform and quickly crossed the tracks in front of a train that had managed to stop a few feet away.
Perry said “I was hoping I could just grab him and not feel nothing, but I felt a little shock. I felt it all through my body actually. I didn’t let that stop me.” Perry administered CPR to the man after he’d pulled him from the tracks. Then the man was taken to hospital and survived finally.
As planned, Perry went to look at the car he wanted to buy, but it had been sold. Just days after the incident, Early Walker, founder of an anti-violence organization, rewarded him with the car. “We need more Anthonys in the world,” Walker said.
Also, there to thank Perry was the Chicago police department. District Commander Roderick Watson said “So many times people think these young men are out here doing the wrong thing, but this is just a typical example of how a young man took it upon himself to jump in and do the right thing, and it should be recognized.”
1. What caused the unnamed man to fall on the third rail?| A．Carelessness of the man. | B．The emergency stop of the train. |
| C．An unintentional push from Perry. | D．The fight between him and another man. |
| A．Gentle and considerate. | B．Courageous and kind-hearted. |
| C．Energetic and ambitious. | D．Strong-willed and conservative. |
| A．He received it as a reward. | B．He purchased it at a discount. |
| C．The man rescued by Perry donated it. | D．His grandfather gave it to him as a gift. |
| A．Every man has its faults. |
| B．Parents have a high expectation for their children. |
| C．The young need to be evaluated objectively. |
| D．Most teenagers need to be inspired by model education. |
8 . Plenty of past research has found that late-night eating is linked to weight gain, but most studies are observational, and few explain why eating later might have anything to do with why people put on pounds. A recent study, published in Cell Metabolism, sought to address the question by controlling the calories participants ate, how much they slept, and how much physical activity they got so researchers could learn how and why eating later might affect weight.
One of the most significant findings from this report is that “a calorie is a calorie, but the response of your body to that calorie is different in the morning versus in the evening,” said Frank A. J. L. Scheer, the senior author and a scientist at Harvard Medical School.
That finding matches past research showing that the glycemic index (升糖指数) of a food—how it affects the body's blood sugar following a meal—varies depending on the time of day that food is consumed, said Nina Vujovic, who led this study. In the study, Vujovic found that eating within four hours of bedtime affects two hormones (激素) related to hunger.
On days participants ate closer to sleep, they also burned fewer calories and showed molecular changes in fat tissue suggesting their body converted calories into fat storage more easily.
What surprised Scheer most was that eating closer to bedtime affected all the factors they measured rather than just one or two of them. “In the nutrition field, I think the longest resistance against the idea that timing of food matters is based on this simplistic view of‘a calorie is a calorie,’ meaning that it shouldn't matter when someone eats it,” Scheer said, “yet it does.”
But the authors also acknowledged that their study was not designed to determine whether eating dinner closer to bedtime long-term would lead to weight gain over time or whether the body might instead adapt to such a schedule.
1. What did the researchers do in the study?| A．They asked the participants to sleep more. |
| B．They recorded the participants' daily routines. |
| C．They gave the participants calorie-controlled diet. |
| D．They encouraged the participants to work out regularly. |
| A．Late supper is connected to weight gain. |
| B．Nutritious food contains more calories. |
| C．Different foods have different glycemic indexes. |
| D．Late-night eating affects hormones about hunger. |
| A．Transformed. | B．Buried. | C．Absorbed. | D．Broke. |
| A．The study aims to warn people. |
| B．The time people eat food matters. |
| C．Eating late is the key factor to overweight. |
| D．Our body is designed to adapt to various foods. |
9 . If you’ve ever seen a sparrow steal your dog food or a crow open a garbage bag, you get a sense of that some birds have learned to take advantage of new feeding opportunities—a clear sign of their intelligence. Scientists have long wondered why certain species of birds are more innovative than others, and whether these capacities stem from larger brains or from a greater number of neurons (神经元) in specific areas of the brain.
It turns out that it’s a bit of both, according to a recent study by an international team that included members from McGill University published in Nature Ecology and Evolution.
The researchers used a new technique to estimate the number of neurons in a specific part of the brain called the pallium in 111 bird species. The pallium in birds is equal to the human cerebral cortex (大脑皮层), which is involved in memory, learning, reasoning, and problem-solving, among other things. When these estimates about neuron numbers in the pallium were combined with information about over 4,000 feeding innovations, the team found that the species with the higher numbers of neurons in the pallium were also likely to be the most innovative.
“The amount of time chicks spend in the nest as their brains develop might also play a crucial role in the evolution of intelligence,” says McGill University Emeritus Professor Louis Lefebvre who spent more than 20 years gathering examples of feeding innovations. “Larger species of crows and parrots, which are known for their intelligence, spend longer in the nest, which allows more time for the brain to grow and accumulate pallial neurons.”
The results of the study help to deal with previously opposed views of the evolution and significance of brain size and show how a life-history perspective helps to understand the evolution of cognition.
1. What may a sparrow be thought of when it steals dog food?| A．It is lovely. | B．It is immoral. | C．It is heartbroken. | D．It is intelligent. |
| A．Assessed the neurons in their pallium. |
| B．Tested a new technology on their brain. |
| C．Trained them to learn to feed individually. |
| D．Compared their pallium with the human cerebral cortex. |
| A．Their large shape. |
| B．More time in their nest. |
| C．Their learning ability. |
| D．More feeding innovations. |
| A．Health. | B．Society. | C．Science. | D．Culture. |
10 . More than 400 athletes across a variety of sports, ages and levels of experience were questioned for the study by sports psychology experts from Staffordshire University and Manchester Metropolitan University. The findings reveal that athletes’ belief systems — specifically irrational (非理性) beliefs — are related to poorer self-confidence, and in turn, greater competitive anxiety and depressive symptoms.
“Phrases that reflect self-depreciating (贬低) beliefs such as ‘If I lose, I’m a failure’ or ‘If I face setbacks, it shows how stupid I am’ are warning signs,” said the authors. Paul Mansell, Lecturer in Sport and Exercise Psychology at Staffordshire University, said, “Despite the psychological benefits of physical activity, studies frequently report poor mental health in athletes, which may be exacerbated by adversities, such as injury, de-selection, and performance pressure. We investigated athletes’ beliefs, how they view stress, their levels of self-confidence and put all this data together to work out what might predict psychological well-being. We found irrational beliefs to be a core reason for symptoms of poor mental health in athletes.”
This is the first known study that has examined irrational beliefs, self-confidence, and the psychological well-being of athletes all together. Irrational beliefs are extreme, rigid, and illogical ideas that people hold. For example, a person might believe that they “must” get what they want, or that just because they have failed, they are a “complete failure”.
“We can all work to help athletes develop mindsets that help them deal with the challenges of sport and life. By encouraging rational and logical beliefs about performance, we can help athletes to stay healthy amidst the high demands of competitive sport,” said Paul Mansell.
The author s propose Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) as an effective tool for protecting self-confidence. REBT helps athletes to challenge these self-depreciating beliefs and develop beliefs that are more helpful and healthy. For example, rather than believe “I am a failure if I fail”, this might be countered with “Failing is not ideal, but it does not mean that I am a failure”.
1. What did the study centre on?| A．Physical health of athletes. |
| B．The competition state of athletes. |
| C．Psychological health of athletes. |
| D．Competition habits of athletes. |
| A．Worsened. | B．Examined. | C．Promoted. | D．Recognized. |
| A．Setbacks won’t stop me. |
| B．If I fail, I will lose everything. |
| C．It is a world full of competition. |
| D．What doesn’t kill me makes me stronger. |
| A．Psychological benefits of physical activity |
| B．Effective tools for protecting self-confidence |
| C．Rational and logical beliefs about performance |
| D．Warning signs of poor mental health in athletes |
