2 . For nearly as long as the modern computer has existed, it has been used to forecast the weather. First used during World War II to simulate (模拟) nuclear weapons, computers were soon adopted to simulate the future state of the atmosphere, creating the modern discipline of weather prediction. Although that discipline has grown ever more complicated and now produces reliable forecasts several weeks in advance, its approach remains the same: using large amounts of calculating power to solve equations (方程).

Over the past year, artificial intelligence (AI) has begun to change that. Tech companies including Google and Nvidia have trained AI models to predict the weather up to 10 days in advance, with an accuracy equaling or even topping traditional models—and with far less calculation overhead. Rather than solving equations, these AI models predict the near future based on patterns learned through training on 40 years of past weather, which is recorded by the traditional model of the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF), the world’s top weather agency. Once trained, the AI models can work out a forecast on a computer in 1 minute rather than taking 2 hours to run on a supercomputer.

ECMWF has already begun to produce its own AI forecast, and other weather agencies are eager to catch up. The new models aren’t perfect. They struggle to predict certain essential features—hurricane intensity, for example. But AI forecasters will only improve as they begin to learn from direct weather observations collected by sensors, not just data already passed through existing models. Besides, their speed could allow agencies to run them over and over, as they capture in the atmosphere the full spread of uncertainty, be it necessary or unnecessary for weather prediction.

No one expects traditional weather prediction to disappear. Another branch, climate models, an extension of weather forecasting, for example, rely on equation solving just as traditional weather models do. But in the long term, the output of climate models may itself become training data for a climate forecasting AI, which might ultimately do a better job than the traditional models.

1. How do AI models predict weather?

A．By running on a supercomputer.	B．By recording traditional models.
C．By working on the existing data.	D．By making massive calculations.

2. What is a limitation of AI weather forecasters?

A．They may be overly operated.	B．They may be slow to respond.
C．They may confuse natural disasters.	D．They may bring unfair competitions.

3. What do we know about climate models?

A．They lack accurate data.	B．They need intensive training.
C．They work in a traditional way.	D．They determine weather forecasting.

4. What is the best title of the text?

A．How Can AI Aid Atmosphere Study?

B．Should We Trust AI to Predict Hurricanes?

C．Weather Forecast Is Having an AI Moment

D．Tech Giants Are Competing in Data Collection

3 . The miniskirt is a fashion product that has become closely connected with youthful liberation (解放). Its fascinating history reflects changing social standards and shifts in the world of fashion.

The miniskirt, as we know it today, owes much of its popularity to the British fashion designer Mary Quant. In the early 1960s, Quant challenged the traditional fashion of the time. She introduced the world to the miniskirt, a daringly short skirt that stopped several inches above the knee. The miniskirt, named after Quant’s favourite car, the Mini, allowed women to move, jump and run for the bus if need be.

The miniskirt also reflected the changing social landscape of the 1960s. The youth culture was booming, and young people were eager to express their newfound freedom and independence. It became a symbol of this liberation, and quickly gained popularity around the world.

On the other hand, it also faced some criticism. Some feminist critics argued that it objectified (物化) women, strengthening traditional gender roles. However, ultimately many feminists saw the miniskirt as a form of self-expression. Women were choosing to wear it because they liked it, not because they were pressured to satisfy social expectations.

As the 1970s rolled around, hemlines (下摆) dropped, and more conservative styles came into style. However, the miniskirt didn’t disappear entirely. It made occasional comebacks, and its influence could still be seen in various forms of fashion, from disco dresses to punk rock outfits.

The miniskirt remains popular even today, since it remains a multifunctional and enduring fashion statement, continually adjusting itself to fitting the trends of the moment. Designers have experimented with materials, patterns, and lengths, offering a wide range of options to suit various tastes.

Whether as a symbol of liberation, equality, or self-expression, the miniskirt continues to inspire and influence fashion today. As it has for decades, the miniskirt will likely continue to develop and surprise us with its ever-changing forms.

1. What is the text mainly about?

A．The development of miniskirt.

B．An introduction to Mary Quant.

C．The significance of miniskirt for women.

D．The influence of fashion on the young generation.

2. What can we infer about Mary Quant from Paragraph 2?

A．She was influenced by social expectations.

B．She dared to challenge the traditional style.

C．She invented the miniskirt to win more popularity.

D．She suggested the miniskirt reflect social standards.

3. Why is miniskirt still popular today?

A．Because it is a form of self-expression.

B．Because it is favored by the young generation.

C．Because it is a big part of British youth culture.

D．Because it fits the current trends through self-adjustment.

4. What is the author’s attitude toward the miniskirt?

A．Doubtful.

B．Uncertain.

C．Positive.

D．Critical.

4 . After a lifetime watching football with my father, a cancer diagnosis means I will have to go alone. And this is my dad’s last match.

Out of the lift, we made directly for the seats. The atmosphere was pleasant, without any final-day tension.

The only goal came just after half an hour. That, I think, was the last goal Dad ever saw, but I can’t be certain he did see it. Several times I’d glanced at Dad; on each occasion his eyes had been gazing out of the stadium.

Half-time came and went. I spent it following him in and out of the toilets, making sure he remembered his way back and meanwhile showing the way to some elders. The second half passed without goals. Dad sat in his seat, waiting for the whistle to end the match.

As soon as the last of the players had passed us, the goodbyes began all around us, the air quickly filling with the usual “see you in August” and “have a great summer”. Dad had tried to hide his tears. But by the time Frank and Dave and all the other matchday friends he’d made over the years had started to say their goodbyes, he could no longer disguise them. The tears streamed from him like I’d never seen before. But it was the noise that accompanied them which was the worst part: a long loud high cry; the cry of a child, yet coming from a man in his seventies. Awkwardly, I put an arm around his shoulders to comfort him. He cupped his hands over his face and continued to sob.

He was trembling when he stood up and reached for my hand as we headed towards the top of the steps.

This was it: the end. 25 years after he’d led me into Old Trafford stadium by the hand for my first game, here I was, leading him by his as he left for a final time. At the top of the steps, he grasped the handrail and began to descend, giving no final glance back at the field as he went.

1. Why is it the author’s father’s last match?

A．Because he suffers from cancer.

B．Because football is no longer his favorite.

C．Because Old Trafford stadium will get closed.

D．Because he is too old to watch the matches alone.

2. What does the underlined word “disguise” in Paragraph 5 mean?

A．Feel.

B．Enjoy.

C．Hide.

D．Ignore.

3. Which is the worst part of the game-watching experience for the author?

A．The loud cry of a child.

B．The unusual crying of his father.

C．The farewell made to all the friends.

D．The embarrassment of comforting his father.

4. Which of the following is the best description of the author?

A．Funny.

B．Creative.

C．Generous.

D．Caring.

5 . There are many islands to explore in the Great Barrier Reef. Whether you want to day trip or relax, we’ve found the best island secrets on the Great Barrier Reef.

Haggerstone Island

A private island in the north of the Great Barrier Reef is a perfect eco-destination. The surrounding waters contain the remains of ships from accidents and the incredible sea life for which the reef is famous. Haggerstone Island keeps its guest numbers low, often below 10.

How to experience it: book a two-hour private flight from Cairns or Weipa.

Camp Island

If you’ve ever dreamt of holidaying on your own private island, here is your opportunity. Camp Island is located in Whitsundays and only three kilometers from Abbot Bay. The island accommodates up to eight guests and is yours to do as you please, be it water sports, fishing, a game of tennis or, better yet, call on the private chef to cook up a feast of local produce.

How to experience it: take a 20-minute boat from Elliott River in Guthalungra.

Long Island

Long Island is home to Elysian Retreat. At Elysian Retreat, you’ll arrive via helicopter before checking into your wooden house, sitting just footsteps away from the reef. First up on the menu is a dip in the special pool, where you can take a bath to fuel your relaxation.

How to experience it: take a 20-minute helicopter flight from Hamilton Island or Cairns.

Orpheus Island

Orpheus Island accommodates just 28 people. Guests arrive to a warm welcome and some of the most amazing diving. Thousands of fish species make their home just steps from where you sleep. You can explore the area by taking one of the island’s small boats, and a packed lunch, to one of the many quiet bays. Accommodation includes beachfront wooden houses decorated in natural tones.

How to experience it: take a 30-minute private helicopter flight from Townsville.

1. Where could the flight to Haggerstone Island come from?

A．Townsville.

B．Guthalungra.

C．Hamilton Island.

D．Cairns.

2. What can visitors do at Camp Island?

A．Play water sports.	B．Camp near the bay.
C．Join a cooking club.	D．Learn about ship remains.

3. What do Long Island and Orpheus Island have in common?

A．They feature special pools.	B．They are rich in fish species.
C．They are diving destinations.	D．They have wooden houses available.

6 . 听下面一段独白，回答以下小题。
1. What kind of place does Party Time Events provide?

A．Restaurants.

B．Boats.

C．Offices.

2. What are listeners advised to discuss with Mr. Johnson?

A．How much to pay for the rent.

B．How to arrange atmosphere for a party.

C．How many courses to prepare for a meal.

3. What do people need to pay extra for?

A．Country music.

B．Dance music.

C．Live entertainment.

4. Where is the office of Party Time Events?

A．Next to a bar.

B．At the back of a bar.

C．In front of the Lochmead Leisure Center.

7 . 听下面一段较长对话，回答以下小题。
1. What does the woman intend to do?

A．Get a part in a play.

B．Know more about a role.

C．Remember the line of a play.

2. What does the man offer to do for the woman?

A．Give her a lead role.

B．Get her a copy of the play.

C．Help her prepare for the tryouts.

3. What is the man?

A．An actor.

B．A director.

C．A teacher.

4. Where does the conversation take place?

A．In a theater.

B．In a college.

C．In a company.

8 . 听下面一段较长对话，回答以下小题。
1. Why does the man like Russian novels?

A．Because they are well translated.

B．Because they help him to fall asleep.

C．Because they concentrate on people’s ordinary lives.

2. For what does the woman do much reading?

A．Pleasure.

B．Novel writing.

C．Her work.

3. What can we know about the woman from the conversation?

A．She likes Joyce’s novels.

B．She has been busy recently.

C．She reads much to be rewarded.