1 . Researchers from North Carolina State University argue that the addition of a fourth (white-colored) traffic signal would bring different traffic effects.
“Our work introduced the idea of a fourth traffic signal called a ‘white phase’, which taps into the computing power of autonomous vehicles (AVs) in order to expedite traffic at crossroads,” says Prof. Ali Hajbabaie, corresponding author of the paper. “Our research found that the more AVs there are on the road, the more efficiently the traffic moves. You’ll see less congestion (堵塞). To be clear, this improves travel time, fuel efficiency and safety for all of the cars.”
The white phase concept takes advantage of AVs’ ability to communicate wirelessly with each other and the computers in control of traffic signals. When enough AVs approach a crossroad, this would activate the new traffic light — the white light. While red lights mean stop, and green lights mean go, white lights will tell human drivers to simply follow the car in front of them. In other words, the white light serves as a signal. During the time, AVs are coordinating (协调) their movement to facilitate efficient traffic flow through the crossroad. When too many vehicles approaching the crossroad are driven by human drivers instead of AVs, the signal will return to the traditional green yellow red mode.
“If at some point in the future we see almost universal adoption of AVs, our models suggest that delays at crossroads would decrease by more than 25%,” Hajbabaie says.
Study authors acknowledge governments probably won’t adopt the new concept anytime soon. “Still, we’re now taking steps to ensure that future pilot projects will be both safe and effective. We’re currently setting up a physical testbed that will allow us to experiment with this concept in the physical world — not just in a computer model,” Hajbabaie concludes. “However, the vehicles we’re using in the testbed are small enough to hold in our hands. This will help us identify challenges without the expense — and safety risk — involved with using real vehicles.”
1. What does the underlined word “expedite” in paragraph 2mean?| A．Work out. | B．Speed up. | C．Put off. | D．Hold back. |
| A．How the white phrase works. | B．When the traditional signals return. |
| C．What the white phrase brings vehicles. | D．Why traffic efficiency is improved. |
| A．It’ll become more mature. | B．It’ll reach consumers very soon. |
| C．It’ll reduce experimental costs. | D．It’ll be tested in a computer model. |
| A．Using White Phrase Indicates Advanced Traffic |
| B．Fourth Traffic Signal Is Invented to Guide AVs |
| C．Traffic Congestion Makes White Phase Happen |
| D．Adding 4th Traffic Signal Can Ease Congestion |
2 . A surprising new research from Auckland University of Technology (AUT), New Zealand contradicts the commonly held view that surfers are folks only focused on their own fun. Instead, they often play an important role in saving lives. The research reveals that these thrill seekers selflessly save people they see struggling in the ocean as swimmers or after boating incidents, and so actually reduce deaths from drowning (溺水), playing a key role in making beaches safer.
According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 236,000 people drown worldwide each year, with drowning the third leading cause of unintentional death.
However, according to a survey, at the heart of the research, life-saving acts of heroism by surfers who save others in difficulty in the ocean waters around them, are surprisingly common. In fact, based on the sample of 418 surfers, respondents reportedly rescue an average of three people drowning or struggling in the water over the course of their lives, and some even report taking part in 10 to 20 rescues. This makes surfers the under-recognized guardians of the beach rather than the self-centered images shown in movies like Fast Times at Ridgemont High, or Point Break.
In addition, the survey found that in almost 90 percent of rescues, people aided by the responding surfers required no further treatment after the incident, making their help unlikely to be reported and so recorded, As one of the survey’s co-authors Jamie Mead says, “We need to get surfers the recognition they deserve and do more research to accurately quantify (用数量表述) how many rescues they’re actually doing.”
Since this research was published, there has been a growing interest in the training of surfers in life-saving skills. Sonia Keeper, an experienced surfer and instructor, explains that the insights provided by the survey have motivated surfing organizations to expand their reach and connect with an even broader community of surfers. “If life-saving skills are rolled out (正式推出) to the broader coastal surfer communities around the world, this preparation can help ensure that a good day at the beach doesn’t turn into a sad one,” she adds.
1. What is the typical impression of surfers according to the text?| A．They have an interest in saving lives. | B．They are self-centered pleasure seekers. |
| C．They are the spotlights of most beaches. | D．They seldom witness drowning incidents. |
| A．Surfers have saved many people from drowning. |
| B．Surfers are experienced in treating the drowned. |
| C．People at the beaches speak highly of surfers. |
| D．People are in need of more recognized guardians. |
| A．To tell the necessity of surfing organizations. |
| B．To emphasize the popularity of a new type of sport. |
| C．To prove the benefits of taking surfing training. |
| D．To show the research’s societal significance. |
| A．To criticize people’s wrong view on surfers. |
| B．To promote much wider acceptance of surfing. |
| C．To recognize surfers’ crucial role in beach safety. |
| D．To appeal for helping each other at beaches |
3 . Rapid advancements in generative artificial intelligence (AI) have sparked concerns regarding the future of work and human creativity. As AI technologies exhibit remarkable capabilities in tasks requiring originality, there is a growing apprehension about potential job displacement and the redefinition of creativity.
In a recent study published in Scientific Reports, AI programs outperformed the average human in tasks demanding imagination. Participants were tasked with generating imaginative uses for commonplace objects, with AI responses often judged as more creative than those from humans. Although human ideas scored higher in terms of originality, the average scores of AI responses surpassed those of humans, leading to headlines discussing AI’s creativity surpassing human capabilities.
This research has increased anxieties among professionals, particularly those in creative industries. For individuals like Kat Lyons, a background artist in animation, the ascent of AI-generated content poses a risk to their livelihood and prompts concerns about the future of artistry. The adoption of AI tools by entertainment giants such as Marvel and Disney increases these fears, fostering uncertainties regarding the authenticity and sustainability of artistic professions.
The widespread apprehension surrounding AI’s progress extends beyond job displacement to include broader social influences. Mary Alvord, a psychologist, observes that concerns about data privacy, job security, and human out of style contribute to a widespread sense of unease. However, managing AI anxiety necessitates a balanced approach, acknowledging both the potential benefits of AI and addressing its potential dangers.
Experts stress the importance of contextualizing AI advancements within historical and technological frameworks. Sanae Okamoto, a psychologist, points to past instances of technological anxiety, suggesting that understanding AI’s benefits and limitations can lessen fears. By becoming familiar with AI tools and advocating regulatory measures, individuals can transform apprehension into authorization.
1. What does the underlined word “apprehension” in Paragraph 1 probably mean?| A．Excitement. | B．Depression. | C．Amusement. | D．Anxiety. |
| A．Human creativity surpasses AI in all tasks. |
| B．AI scores higher as it creates more original ideas. |
| C．AI performs better in tasks calling for creativity. |
| D．The average score of AI is lower than that of humans. |
| A．The lack of innovation in creative industries. | B．The unstable employment in creative industries. |
| C．The vague prospects for artistic professionals. | D．The threat to the livelihood of artistic professionals. |
| A．Knowing the history of AI. | B．Ignoring the existence of AI. |
| C．Understanding AI’s limitations. | D．Understanding AI in a comprehensive way. |
4 . Lce Hui Ling was exposed to environmental and social issues at a young age. Born into a family of artists, she was impressed by the environmental subjects of her mother’s art works and thus developed a pasion for the environment. “As a child, would worry about the ozone layer (臭氧层) expanding, rubbish pollution, and animals going extinct. Very serious topics for a little girl!”
After graduating from the Sarah Lawrence College in New York and moving back to Malaysia, Hui Ling’s conceras for the environment grew. She set up a Greenpeace Malaysia online community on various social media platforms. This was instrumental in the eventual setting up of the Malaysian office in 2017.
Hui Ling helped to organise and lead at meet-ups, as well as run workshops and training. An artist and educator, Hui Ling organised participatory art projects in line with Greenpeace Malaysia campaigns on deforestation, plastic pollution and consumerism. One of them was the Wings of Paradise project, where she led a team of 30 youth volunteers in creating a 64-meter long mural (壁画), showing the essence of the brightly coloured feathers, crazy dances and fantastic behaviours of birds of paradise (天堂鸟). The project aimed to remind the public of the constant threat to this Indonesian wildlife, and inspire people to act to protect it.
“Environmental activism has taught me that doing good is not a sprint, but a marathon, and we need to make ourselves tougher and stronger to keep going through the difficult times,” Hui Ling said. “There is a ray of hope in the youth activism of the last few years. The youths of today are well organised and passionate in expressing their desire for positive change and a green and sustainable future for all.” said Hui Ling.
1. What do we know about Lee Hui Ling?| A．She grew up in a family of educators. |
| B．She joined Greenpeace out of curiosity. |
| C．She studied environmental science in college. |
| D．She was environmentally aware since childhood. |
| A．Beautifying local city streets. |
| B．Furthering researches on the local wildlife. |
| C．Preserving the beauty of birds of paradise. |
| D．Training young artists of bird paintings. |
| A．It is a long-term commitment. |
| B．It lacks involvement from the youth. |
| C．It is a reflection of social well-being. |
| D．It allows free expressions about future. |
| A．Journey to the Wild |
| B．Art for Change |
| C．The Founding of Greenpeace Malaysia |
| D．A Green and Sustainable Future |
5 . We often hear very bad statistics about the destruction of the Amazon.
Logging is the second biggest cause of the destruction of the rainforest. A lot of the trees are taken for firewood, charcoal, or for making furniture. Not only are these trees destroyed, but the trees around them are also destroyed to make way for the roads and tracks needed to take the wood away. Large areas of forest have also been cut down to free land for cattle farming.
Most of the rainforest lies within Brazil. Fortunately, it is beginning to bring more laws to protect its rainforest.
| A．Again the land cannot support them for long. |
| B．So they have to move on, and cut down more trees. |
| C．The problem involves organizations and governments. |
| D．The trees are often considered important to big farmers. |
| E．Poverty forces people to leave the cities and look for land. |
| F．An area of rainforest, the size of Belgium, is cut down annually. |
| G．The true key factors causing damage to the rainforest is not as you imagine. |
6 . Overtourism Is For Real: How Can You Help?
Travel promotes understanding, expands our minds, makes us better people, and boosts local economies and communities, but the rapid growth of travel has led to overtourism in certain regions and destinations.
●Choose mindfully. Overvisited destinations are that way for a reason: they’re special. With so many online posts featuring the same places, it’s easy to feel like you’re missing out. Go somewhere only when the landscape, culture or food deeply draws you.
●Get creative. The best way to ease pressure on over-touristed destinations is to go somewhere else. Though overtourism is described as a problem affecting the entire world, it’s actually concentrated to a small number of extremely popular spots. That means you have tons of less-visited options to choose from.
●
Visiting a place that others call home is a privilege (荣幸). Do your part to preserve what makes a destination special in the first place.
| A．Visit during off-peak times. |
| B．So, should we stop traveling? |
| C．Travel for you and no one else. |
| D．Can overtourism be avoided then? |
| E．You can still find relatively undiscovered places. |
| F．You’ll find yourself virtually alone, or close to it. |
| G．Consider giving back to the communities you’re visiting. |
7 . Do you ever get to the train station and realize you forgot to bring something to read? Yes, we all have our phones, but many of us still like to go old school and read something printed.
Well, there’s a kiosk (小亭) for that. In the San Francisco Bay Area, at least.
“You enter the fare gates (检票口) and you’ll see a kiosk that is lit up and it tells you can get a one-minute, a three-minute, or a five-minute story,” says Alicia Trost, the chief communications officer for the San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit — known as BART. “You choose which length you want and it gives you a receipt-like short story.”
It’s that simple. Riders have printed nearly 20,000 short stories and poems since the program was launched last March. Some are classic short stories, and some are new original works.
Trost also wants to introduce local writers to local riders. “We wanted to do something where we do a call to artists in the Bay Area to submit stories for a contest,” Trost says. “And as of right now, we’ve received about 120 submissions. The winning stories would go into our kiosk and then you would be a published artist.”
Ridership on transit (交通) systems across the country has been down the past half century, so could short stories save transit?
Trost thinks so.
“At the end of the day all transit agencies right now are doing everything they can to improve the rider experience. So I absolutely think we will get more riders just because of short stories,” she says.
And you’ll never be without something to read.
1. Why did BART start the kiosk program?| A．To promote the local culture. | B．To discourage phone use. |
| C．To meet passengers’ needs. | D．To reduce its running costs. |
| A．By popularity. | B．By length. |
| C．By theme. | D．By language. |
| A．Organizing a story contest. | B．Doing a survey of customers. |
| C．Choosing a print publisher. | D．Conducting interviews with artists. |
| A．It will close down. | B．Its profits will decline. |
| C．It will expand nationwide. | D．Its ridership will increase. |
8 . Writing a successful English speech can be a challenging task, but with the following tips, you can create a powerful and engaging speech.
The first step in crafting a convincing speech is to know who will be listening. Consider the interests and knowledge level of them. Tailor your language, examples and tone to resonate with them and make a connection.
Organize your speechesTo make your speeches persuasive, use powerful and convincing language. Choose words that evoke (唤起) emotion, imagery or action. Use rhetorical devices (修辞手法) like repetition, parallelism and metaphors to enhance your message and make it memorable.
The key to delivering a successful speech is practice. Rehearse your speeches multiple times to improve your delivery, timing and confidence.
With these tips, you can deliver a wonderful speech.
| A．Understand your audience |
| B．Collect relevant information |
| C．Persuade your audience to listen carefully |
| D．It will leave a lasting impression on your audience |
| E．A well-structured speech has a clear beginning, middle and end |
| F．Consider recording yourself in front of a mirror to observe your gestures |
| G．Support your arguments with examples to add credibility to your speeches |
9 . Standing on the South Pole at the start of the year with the wind blowing across the Antarctic, travel blogger Johnny Ward felt a wave of relief.
Just a week before, in early January 2024, he’d struggled through snow and ice to climb to the top of the Vinson Massif, Antarctica’s highest peak. Years before, in 2017, he’d become the first Irish person to visit every country in the world.
Now, after decades of traveling and mountaineering, Ward could claim another world first — the Ultimate Explorer’s Grand Slam (大满贯), which involves reaching the highest peak on every continent, and visiting both the North and South Poles in addition to visiting every country.
“I feel relieved,” Ward recalled as he slowly made his way back to his home in Thailand after climbing to the top of the Vinson Massif and then setting foot on the South Pole. “But also I’m aware I’m a normal guy, not a world-class athlete, so I guess it was more about resilience and determination more than any ability. Although I met with lots of barriers, I overcame them one by one.”
Ward had previously devoted a decade of his life, between 2007 and 2017, to visiting every country in the world. The incredible journey saw him hitchhike (搭便车) a ride on a container ship from Oman to Socotra in Yemen, travel overland from Cairo to Cape Town and travel from South Korea to Australia by bus and boat.
“It had been a huge life goal, over a decade of my life, and then when I finished that I was aimless and had no idea what to do next,” he said. “I started eating badly, drinking too much, putting on weight and I ignored my business.”
Ward decided that the best way to overcome this was to challenge himself again. He began running ultramarathons (超级马拉松) and climbing mountains, and soon found that with extreme purpose and direction, he was back to loving life again.
So where will Ward go next? Space? The bottom of the Mariana Trench, the deepest point of the ocean? “All good things come after suffering, and I want to share that with people. So that’s the next plan,” he said.
1. What did Johnny Ward achieve in early January 2024?| A．He climbed to the highest peak in Antarctica. |
| B．He set a new record for traveling in Antarctica. |
| C．He became the first person to visit the South Pole. |
| D．He became the first Irish person to visit every country. |
| A．The ability to bounce back from difficulties. | B．The quality of being strong and honest. |
| C．The skill of achieving goals quickly. | D．The power to control one’ s emotions. |
| A．Relaxed. | B．Satisfied. | C．Lost. | D．Excited. |
| A．Helpful and motivated. | B．Athletic and generous. |
| C．Proud and self-centered. | D．Determined and strong-willed. |
10 . On the day after Thanksgiving, Allison Scott and her boyfriend, Alfred Valdivia, Jr., made the decision to head up to Big Bear Lake in California for a last-minute camping trip. The couple packed up their
Allison and Alfred
“He had a stick with a water bottle on it trying to signal. He couldn’t
Allison and Alfred climbed down to Eric and learned that he’d
Eric told the couple it was a “Thanksgiving miracle” they’d
Once Eric had been
| A．clothing | B．food | C．equipment | D．entertainment |
| A．fight | B．rescue | C．interest | D．adventure |
| A．picked | B．noticed | C．fetched | D．observed |
| A．paid | B．kept | C．gave | D．caught |
| A．Curious | B．Delighted | C．Frightened | D．Embarrassed |
| A．called | B．trapped | C．helped | D．absorbed |
| A．drink | B．eat | C．talk | D．walk |
| A．infected | B．influenced | C．impressed | D．improved |
| A．gave out | B．put out | C．set out | D．let out |
| A．breathe | B．acknowledge | C．compete | D．survive |
| A．saved | B．discovered | C．assisted | D．comforted |
| A．starving | B．healthy | C．uneasy | D．confused |
| A．fortunately | B．happily | C．safely | D．comfortably |
| A．stuck | B．tracked | C．panicked | D．treated |
| A．showed | B．pronounced | C．warned | D．promised |
