1 . On March 7, 1907, the English statistician Francis Galton published a paper which illustrated what has come to be known as the “wisdom of crowds” effect. The experiment of estimation he conducted showed that in some cases, the average of a large number of independent estimates could be quite accurate.

This effect capitalizes on the fact that when people make errors, those errors aren’t always the same. Some people will tend to overestimate, and some to underestimate. When enough of these errors are averaged together, they cancel each other out, resulting in a more accurate estimate. If people are similar and tend to make the same errors, then their errors won’t cancel each other out. In more technical terms, the wisdom of crowds requires that people’s estimates be independent. If for whatever reasons, people’s errors become correlated or dependent, the accuracy of the estimate will go down.

But a new study led by Joaquin Navajas offered an interesting twist (转折) on this classic phenomenon. The key finding of the study was that when crowds were further divided into smaller groups that were allowed to have a discussion, the averages from these groups were more accurate than those from an equal number of independent individuals. For instance, the average obtained from the estimates of four discussion groups of five was significantly more accurate than the average obtained from 20 independent individuals.

In a follow-up study with 100 university students, the researchers tried to get a better sense of what the group members actually did in their discussion. Did they tend to go with those most confident about their estimates? Did they follow those least willing to change their minds? This happened some of the time, but it wasn’t the dominant response. Most frequently, the groups reported that they “shared arguments and reasoned together”. Somehow, these arguments and reasoning resulted in a global reduction in error. Although the studies led by Navajas have limitations and many questions remain, the potential implications for group discussion and decision-making are enormous.

1. What is paragraph 2 of the text mainly about?

A．The methods of estimation.	B．The underlying logic of the effect.
C．The causes of people’s errors.	D．The design of Galton’s experiment.

2. Navajas’ study found that the average accuracy could increase even if ________.

A．the crowds were relatively small	B．there were occasional underestimates
C．individuals did not communicate	D．estimates were not fully independent

3. What did the follow-up study focus on?

A．The size of the groups.	B．The dominant members.
C．The discussion process.	D．The individual estimates.

4. What is the author’s attitude toward Navajas’ studies?

A．Unclear.

B．Dismissive.

C．Doubtful.

D．Approving.

2 . Thanks to in-depth reporting by the Wall Street Journal, we now know that Facebook has long been aware its product Instagram has harmful effects on the mental health of many adolescent users. Young girls, in particular, struggle with their body image thanks to a constant stream of photos and videos showing beautiful bodies that users don’t think they can attain.

While the information the Journal covered is essential and instructive, it does not tell the whole story. Deep down, this is not an Instagram problem; it’s a people problem. Understanding that distinction can make the difference between a failed attempt to contain a teen’s interest in an addictive app and successfully addressing the underlying problem leading to mental distress induced (诱发) by Instagram.

Critics were quick to shame Facebook for sitting on the data and not releasing it to researchers or academics who asked for it. Others criticize the social media giant for not using the research to create a safer experience for its teen users. The anger, while understandable, is misplaced.

While I’m reluctant to defend Facebook, I’m not sure it’s reasonable to blame the company for withholding data that would hurt its business. Have you ever binge-watched (狂看) a Netflix series? I assure you it wasn’t a healthy endeavor. You were in active, likely did nothing productive, mindlessly snacked and didn’t go outside for fresh air. It is an objectively harmful use of time to stare at a TV or laptop for a full weekend. Should we respond by shaming Netflix for not alerting us to how damaging an addictive product can be?

While it’s reasonable to say Instagram makes esteem issues worse, it strains credulity (夸张到难以置信) to believe it causes them in the first place. You create your own experiences on social media. For the most part, you choose which accounts to follow and engage. If you’re already vulnerable to insecurities and self-sabotage (自损) — as many teens are — you will find accounts to obsess over. And this isn’t a new phenomenon.

Before social media, there were similar issues fueling self-esteem issues. Whether the target be magazines, movies or television shows depicting difficult-to-attain bodies, there has been a relatively steady chorus (异口同声) of experts nothing the damage new media could cause young viewers.

Self-esteem issues have an underlying cause — one that’s independent of social media use. Instagram merely enhances those feelings because it provides infinitely more access to triggers than older forms of media. It’s more worthwhile to address those underlying factors rather than to attack Facebook.

1. The author thinks the criticisms against Instagram __________.

A．are successful attempts to change teens’ interest in addictive apps

B．address the Instagram - induced mental pain

C．are only based on the data released by Facebook

D．are not directed at the fundamental problem

2. Netflix is mentioned to __________.

A．compare the criticisms against it and Facebook

B．defend why Facebook is to blame

C．suggest the critics’ remarks are not to point

D．show Netflix does more harm to teens

3. The Instagram problem is essentially a “people problem” in that __________.

A．it is human nature to get addicted to social media

B．users decide on their experiences on social media

C．people have a tendency to feel insecure online

D．people are keen on fabricating their self - profile

4. What is the passage mainly about?

A．the unprecedented criticism facing Facebook

B．the alarming online habits of teenagers worldwide

C．the root cause of Instagram - induced mental strains

D．the harmful impact of Instagram on teenagers

3 . 假定你是李华，校英语学习俱乐部负责人。你们邀请到了Smith教授在线作主题为“How to Write and Enjoy Poems”专题讲座。请你在讲座前作简要发言，内容包括：
1.表示感谢；
2.相关介绍；
3.对听众的要求。
注意：
1.词数80左右；
2.请在答题卡的相应位置作答。
Dear fellow students,
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That’s all, thank you.

4 . 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。

“China would always provide important opportunities for global development, and the nation would remain committed to     1    (drive)economic globalization in a more open, balanced and win-win direction,” an official said on the sixth China International Import Expo(CIIE)on Sunday. In his speech on the CIIE, which opened in Shanghai, he mentioned that various nations should     2    (joint)seek development in the sluggish(迟缓的)global economic recovery.

“The CIIE, first     3    (hold)in 2018, serves as a platform for international procurement(采购), investment promotion and people-to-people exchanges,     4     has contributed to encouraging a new development pattern and global economic growth,” the official noted. He also expressed the     5    (expect)that the annual expo could function as a gateway to the new development pattern and presented new opportunities to the world with China’s fresh development. Additionally, he said the expo should fully play     6    (it)role as a platform for facilitating high-level opening-up and make the Chinese market     7     major one shared by the world, so that the whole world could benefit     8     win-win cooperation.

The official also     9    ( stress)Beijing’s efforts to advance opening-up with greater market opportunities,     10    (far)creating immense economic growth for the world.

7 . 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。

“Will you do me a favor, Achenyo?” Mama called as she looked up from her weaving. Beside her was a pile of wild-grass stalks (秆). Mama took a stalk, laid it along the length of the half-finished bag, and began to weave (编织). In the corner were pots of dyes (染料) she’d use to paint the finished bags. “Will you get me some water for the dyes?” “Of course, Mama!” Achenyo picked up a pot as she ran outside. She didn’t like weaving, although it was a tradition for a mother to pass on the trade to her daughter. Outside, Achenyo called to her neighbor Ajuma. Both girls, with pots balanced on their heads, made their way to the river.

Achenyo and Ajuma soon arrived at the water’s edge, and they found a huge surprise. The river was gone! In its place was a blanket of dark green leaves and lavender-colored (淡紫色的) flowers. “Oh no!” Achenyo cried. “Mama won’t have water to mix the dyes for her bags.” When the adults arrived at the riverbank, they shook their heads, saying “They’ve struck again!”

Last year, the rainy season had brought an invasion (入侵) of water hyacinths. The plants had covered the river and left no room to dip a pot to get water. And now they were back. The adults walked into the water. They began pulling up water hyacinths and throwing them onto the riverbank. When they’d cleared enough plants, the girls filled their pots with water. A pile of water hyacinths lay on the riverbank. What a shame to waste such pretty flowers, Achenyo thought. She picked some for Mama, and then the girls headed home. Each day, they found the river covered by water hyacinths as if no one had cleared the waterfront (水边地) the day before. To fill their pots, they again had to pull up and throw water hyacinths onto the riverbank. The pile on the sand grew taller.

One day, as Achenyo moved an armful of dried water hyacinths out of her way, she had an idea. Carrying the plants under her arm, she ran home.

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。
3. 参考词汇：weave vt. & vi. (wove, woven) 编织

“Mama, will you teach me to weave?” asked Achenyo eagerly.

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One afternoon, Achenyo held up her finished work made from water hyacinths.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

9 . Directions: After reading the passage below, fill in the blanks to make the passages coherent and grammatically correct. For the blanks with a given word, fill in each blank with the proper form of the given word; for the other blanks, use one word that best fits each blank. How to Start a New Business

An entrepreneur is a person who creates , launches, and begins a new business, typically in response to a market demand that has not been met. Entrepreneurs are often imaginative, self-motivated individuals who develop full-time, successful, and sustainable businesses. Successful entrepreneurs frequently have relevant insights, expertise, and advice they may offer aspiring on their respective paths. Interviewing entrepreneurs to aid     1     might provide insight into the steps they took     2     (achieve) success. Here is the interview of entrepreneur-related questions , and you will find more preparations for it.

Question: How would you describe an entrepreneur?

Answer: An individual who establishes and expands their own company through innovative strategies     3     (know) as an entrepreneur. During the expansion of their companies, entrepreneurs are responsible for several important tasks in addition to cash generation. An entrepreneur perceives a commercial need in their society,     4     (develop) an idea for a business, and then takes the initiative to start their firm. Suppose a business idea does not center on producing a product that fills a gap in the     5     (exist) market. In that case, it most often centers on applying technical advancements to simplify the process of obtaining a product or service.

Question: How do entrepreneurs identify business prospects?

Answer: Entrepreneurs routinely seek chances to expand or increase their company’s revenues. They determine which product to include and which market to enter. An entrepreneur should listen to prospective customers and look for chances to build items that meet their demands. An entrepreneur can determine     6     other businesses in the area are doing and how they succeed by conducting a competitive analysis. This technique may involve conducting a physical survey or reading industry-specific materials. Conversations with consumers also facilitate the identification of their frustrations and negative experiences,     7     they may use to enhance a firm..

Question: What makes an entrepreneur successful?

Answer:     8     an entrepreneur, you are both your manager and the manager of others. To achieve success, you must possess a wide range of abilities. An entrepreneur must be able to manage people, a budget, operations, and in certain cases , investors. It necessitates a work style     9     (characterize) by multitasking and planning for the firm’s short- and long-term goals.     10     successful entrepreneur must be able to spend his time wisely, regularly analyzing and prioritizing projects based on their relevance and significance. It includes engaging in short- and long-term planning, economic forecasts, and market research.