1. What problem does Roger have with exams?
| A．He doesn’t work hard. | B．He isn’t clever. | C．He isn’t confident. |
| A．By helping him to stay calm. |
| B．By finding an expert for him. |
| C．By giving him some advice about his future. |
| A．She is busy with exams. |
| B．She wants to be an expert. |
| C．She feels relaxed after exercise. |
2 . Researchers have designed a hand-held device that can obtain and change water molecules (分子) from the air into drinkable water using only surrounding sunlight as its energy source.
This atmospheric water harvester (大气层水分收集器) used an ultra-porous (超多孔的) material, known as a metal-organic framework (MOF). It can obtain water repeatedly in the hottest and driest place in North America, Death Valley National Park. The tests showed the device could provide clean water anywhere, addressing an urgent problem, as climate change speeds up drought conditions.
“Almost one-third of the world’s population lives in water-stressed areas. The UN predicts that almost 5 billion people on our planet will experience some kind of water stress for a significant part of the year 2050,”said Omar Yaghi. He is the Berkeley chemistry professor who invented MOFs and is leading this study. “It is very important to take advantage of a new source for water.”
Other kinds of materials, such as salts or hydrogels (水凝胶), cannot operate in extreme weather conditions in an energy-efficient manner. The new MOF-powered harvesters can be a powerful tool to address water shortage issues related to anything from drinking water to agriculture. This technology can also be used to obtain pure water in areas where water is plentiful but not clean.
It’s also extremely efficient at harvesting water, releasing 85 to 90 percent of the water it obtains. It harvested up to 285 grams of water per kilogram of the metal-organic framework in a day, the amount of a cup of water. It’s also smaller than the earlier type but it is even more energy-efficient. It produced 200 grams of clean water per square meter of water vapor, more than three times the water productivity rate of the earlier type.
There will likely be further developments in efficiency and size for this device. Yaghi said, “He can see one day the widespread adoption of household-based MOF-powered water harvesters and community-scale (社区规模的) water harvesters with the help of data science and machine learning. Those can be in kitchens or even next to air conditioners to supply homes with clean water for cooking and cleaning. And some companies are already working on this.”
1. What can we say about the new hand-held device?| A．It helps clean the air. | B．It can handle water pollution. |
| C．It is only suitable in dry areas. | D．It can run without additional power sources. |
| A．To stress the fact of water shortage. |
| B．To show the necessity of the harvester. |
| C．To show the increasing population in water-stressed areas. |
| D．To warn against the harm caused by climate change. |
| A．About 570 grams. | B．About 513 grams. |
| C．About 400 grams. | D．About 360 grams. |
| A．It will be easier to use in the future. | B．It will function best in the kitchen. |
| C．It will have huge market potential. | D．It will help promote technologies in AI. |
3 . Money habits are the small daily decisions we make that influence how we spend and save our money. It might be challenging to change these habits, but with the following tips, we can make improvements to achieve our financial objectives.
Taking a careful look at your existing spending habits is the first step.
Setting and sticking to a budget (预算) is also crucial. A budget ensures that your spending is focused on your urgencies and that you set aside enough cash to achieve your objectives.
Impulsive purchasing (冲动消费) is a bad habit to break. Kick the habit of impulse shopping because it can significantly reduce your bank account. Make a list of the items you require before going shopping and stick to it.
Finally, pay attention to your financial habits and adjust them as needed.
| A．For many of us, spending comes naturally. |
| B．Next, set up clear financial objectives for yourself. |
| C．If you are on a budget, you do not have much money to spend. |
| D．Track your spending and goals, and be prepared to adjust as required. |
| E．This involves recording all your spending for a month and then analyzing the data. |
| F．Make sure to include a category for savings in your budget and use it consistently. |
| G．Additionally, wait a day or two before buying something so that you can decide if you still want it. |
4 . Beginning your journey abroad, you’ll witness excitement fill the air. Each step brings new experiences and adventures from busy streets to beautiful landscapes. Pack your bags and welcome the thrill of discovery that awaits. Here are a few things for you to get started with before you set foot.
Do thorough research on your destination.Conduct complete research about the country or region you plan to visit before your trip.
When packing for your trip abroad, prioritize essentials and pack light to avoid unnecessary weight.
Be alarmed and aware of your surroundings at all times. Avoid risky areas, especially at night, and keep your belongings secure. Familiarize yourself with local emergency contact numbers, the location of your country’s embassy (大使馆), and any specific safety precautions recommended for travelers in your destination.
Welcome new experiences that come your way.As your journey abroad comes to a close, memories of adventure and discovery will remain in your heart. Cherish (珍惜) the moments shared, the sights seen, and the lessons learned.
| A．Pay attention to safety at all times. |
| B．Respect local customs and traditions. |
| C．Learn about its history, culture, customs, and local laws. |
| D．Stay updated on travel guidelines issued by your government. |
| E．Traveling abroad offers access to new cultures and experiences. |
| F．Though your travels may end, the spirit of exploration will live on. |
| G．Consider the climate and your activities, and pack proper clothing and equipment. |
5 . Forget about “military-style travel” during which people tend to visit as many places as possible in the least amount of time. A more relaxed and leisurely alternative, such as “Citywalk”, is becoming the norm among urban youngsters.
Unlike military-style travel, Citywalk is about wandering around a city on foot, feeling the atmosphere and finding unusual things that even a resident of the city might not have noticed before. It can be a special event where people start a journey led by tour guides or simply explore the streets.
Such walks generally avoid famous scenic spots and shopping centers, and take you to places where you can have real interactions with the local people, eat at small but authentic restaurants, and gain a deeper understanding of the history and culture of the city.
Citywalkers have shared their carefully planned routes on social media platforms. Their posts usually include how long the walk is going to take, and interesting places and restaurants along the way. Some posts are more like a food tour.
Nan Xi, who recently moved from Beijing to Shanghai, said “I think Shanghai is a city perfect for Citywalk. There are big trees along the streets and shops selling different products, which is ideal for couples and friends to walk together and take photos.” After several Citywalk experiences, she signed up for a two-and-a-half-hour Citywalk priced at 88 yuan per person. A tour guide narrated the history of the buildings and streets along the way. “If it were me walking alone, I would simply find the streets artistic, but the tour that day helped me gain a better understanding of how Western culture blends in with the local culture in Shanghai,” she said. Another surprising benefit of the walk was that she has made friends with two of her fellow walkers.
Lin Yi, a manager for an online platform for self-guided tours, said Citywalk can help travelers learn about local culture and live as local people do, feeling the vibes of a city. People who participate in Citywalks usually have similar tastes, and can have in-depth discussions with each other, he said.
1. What is the main difference between military-style travel and Citywalk?| A．The transport. | B．The cost. |
| C．The purpose. | D．The destination. |
| A．It is a perfect place to run shops. |
| B．There are great things to do at weekends. |
| C．Ideal couples and friends often gather there. |
| D．It provides great experiences in many ways. |
| A．She thought it well worth a try. |
| B．She went on the tour without company. |
| C．She wouldn’t have found the artistic streets by herself. |
| D．She knew how Western culture differed from the local culture in Shanghai. |
| A．Citywalk is a new trend in urban tourism. |
| B．Citywalk can help travelers make new friends. |
| C．Military-style travel is becoming more popular. |
| D．Travelers choose Citywalk over military style to follow suit. |
6 . Music plays an important role in our lives.
Unlike food, music isn’t necessary for our survival.
Studies have shown that certain pieces of classical music will have the same effect on everyone.
Neuroscientists conducted research using PET scans to detect the release of dopamine in the brain when subjects listened to their favorite songs. They later used MRI to view the pleasure center of the brain where dopamine is released and then mapped out its connection with other areas of the brain.
The pleasure center of the brain predicts what kind of music we will enjoy based on the connection it makes to other parts of our brain.
New music fits into patterns already mapped out in the brain by our past musical tastes. It is pleasurable not only because it is familiar, but it is different just enough to feel new and exciting.
| A．Enjoying music is unique to humans. |
| B．They cause the same changes in the brain. |
| C．However, it is extremely rewarding and pleasurable. |
| D．It was these connections that were the most interesting revelation. |
| E．Music, therefore, can be used as a mood enhancer or as a motivator. |
| F．We can recall vivid memories and emotions when listening to music. |
| G．There is a lot of research about music and its relationship to intelligence. |
| A．you need to pay me | B．I have a gift for you |
| C．the loss is too great | D．it costs much money |
