When I was seventy-one, my granddaughter Crystal’s husband Peter lost his job. Despite his efforts, he struggled to find a new job. He seemed to lose confidence in himself.
When I visited Australia, I aimed to support them through this challenging time, but Crystal wanted me to have some fun. She suggested snorkeling (用通气管潜泳)along the coral reef, convincing me that I would love the experience.
I had swum only in pools where my feet could touch the bottom. Previously in Hawaii, I had tried snorkeling and panicked in the deep water, but this time, I wanted to try again. My dream of exploring the coral reef and the desire to boost Peter’s spirits motivated me.
Crystal patiently taught me snorkeling in a pool. With great efforts, I finally mastered the skills, which excited me and amazed Peter. “We can overcome our challenges,” I smiled. Seeming to know I was encouraging him, Peter smiled back and said, “I guess so, Grandma.”
The big day came when I had to snorkel in the sea. Crystal and Peter both decided to come for security reasons. “You’ll be fine,” Crystal told me. “I’ll stay right by you. Even if you’re in trouble, I can help you out of it.”
On a sunny afternoon, we set off from the shore. When Peter stopped the boat, Crystal and I put on our equipment.
注意：1. 续写词数应为150个左右；
2. 请按如下格式作答。
My heart raced as I stared at the deep sea water.
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____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________1.比赛目的；2.比赛情况；3.比赛反响。
注意：1.写作词数应为80左右；2.请按如下格式在相应位置作答。
A Hard Pen Calligraphy Competition
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________The Sixth Silk Road (Dunhuang) International Cultural Expo
With “Connecting the World: Cultural Exchanges and Mutual Learning among Civilizations” as
At the Expo, cultural performances “Meet Dunhuang” presented fine Silk Road literature and art together,
The Belt and Road Initiative was put forward.
4 . My father once told me some advice. “The advice,” he said, “was that if after the first 50 pages of a book you don’t get
A reader, he suggested, needs a little
I like to think my father’s readerly advice can be
| A．tired | B．attracted | C．convinced | D．informed |
| A．try | B．copy | C．send | D．remember |
| A．patience | B．imagination | C．strength | D．courage |
| A．perfect | B．regular | C．obvious | D．particular |
| A．continue | B．enjoy | C．stop | D．practice |
| A．permit | B．beg | C．force | D．cheat |
| A．especially | B．objectively | C．fortunately | D．partly |
| A．characteristic | B．expression | C．prejudice | D．recognition |
| A．various | B．unreal | C．priceless | D．unchanging |
| A．used | B．told | C．assessed | D．hidden |
| A．idea | B．chance | C．stage | D．competition |
| A．meetings | B．operations | C．improvements | D．delays |
| A．attitude | B．urge | C．smile | D．struggle |
| A．appreciate | B．record | C．rescue | D．care |
| A．in brief | B．on earth | C．at least | D．in addition |
5 . Everyone gets tired, when this happens, a good night’s sleep will often leave us feeling well-rested again.
Being very tired frequently could be the result of lifestyle choices.
Finally, if you do find yourself feeling overtired constantly for days or weeks, you may be suffering from exhaustion (精疲力竭).
| A．Once you’re feeling overtired, it’s understandable that you might not want to exercise. |
| B．However, sometimes we feel more than just general tiredness. |
| C．Another thing that can leave us feeling tired and exhausted is stress. |
| D．Moreover, staying physically active through regular exercise can also boost your energy. |
| E．In today’s fast-paced world, finding ways to manage stress is crucial for overall well-being. |
| F．If so, it could be a good idea to visit the doctor in case it’s a symptom of a health problem. |
| G．For some people, changes to their habits and routines could help them to beat periods of extreme tiredness. |
6 . “Many rules of bee society—from collective and individual interactions to raising healthy young bees—are adjusted by temperature, so we take advantage of that for this study,” explains Rafael Barmak, first author of a paper published recently.
“Previous studies on the thermal (heat-related) behavior of honeybees in winter have relied on observing the bees or controlling the outside temperature,” adds Martin Stefanec of the University of Graz. Now, scientists have developed a robotic system that can be built into a honeybee hive (蜂箱), which enables scientists to change the temperature from within the colony (蜂群), copy the thermal behavior of bees there, and study how the winter colony actively adjusts its temperature.
It’s challenging to study bees in winter since they are sensitive to cold, and opening their hives risks harming them. But thanks to the robotic system, scientists were able to study three experimental hives located at the Artificial Life Lab in Austria, while controlling them from a public research university in Switzerland. Inside the device, a central processor organized the sensors, which created a quick picture of the bees’ collective behavior, sent commands to the actuators (制动器) and passed on data to the scientists. That demonstrated the system could be used to study bees without entering the hives or without even cameras.
By gathering data on the bees’ position and creating warmer areas in the hive, scientists could encourage bees to move around in ways they would never normally do in nature during winter when bees tend to gather together to conserve energy. For example, scientists could direct bees colony toward a food source or discourage it from dividing into too small groups, which could threaten its survival.
The scientists were able to prolong the existence of a colony following the death of its queen by distributing heat energy via the actuators. Bees are one of the most important pollinators (传粉者), and their survivability has become a growing environmental and food security concern as pollinators’ global populations have declined.
1. What is the underlying logic behind the robotic system?| A．Bees’ sensitive response to heat. |
| B．Bees’ preference to live in groups. |
| C．Temperature adjustment of bee society. |
| D．Different work assignments of the bee colony. |
| A．It can provide inner heating remotely. |
| B．It can open the hives automatically. |
| C．It can absorb outside heat constantly. |
| D．It can send real-time data through its camera. |
| A．To design better hives. | B．To increase bee biodiversity. |
| C．To enhance bee survivability. | D．To learn how to distribute energy. |
| A．A Robotic Group—a Bee Individual Colony |
| B．A Robotic System—a Hidden Window to Bees |
| C．The Thermal Sensor—a Barrier to Cold Climate |
| D．The Bee Society—the World’s Most Important Insects |
7 . On Christmas Eve, two little ducks were found frozen on a pond in Smithville, Ohio. They flapped their wings, fruitlessly struggling to free themselves on the ice until two locals spotted them and helped set the animals free. The two ducks were later named Olaf and Elsa, characters from Disney’s Frozen, and sent to an animal rescue organization.
“Every year in springtime, particularly at Easter, many people buy ducklings on impulse as gifts, often for their kids. People associate baby animals like ducklings, chicks, and bunnies with springtime,” says John Di Leonardo, an anthrozoologist. “But months later, animal rescuers routinely see a rise in abandoned ducks in local parks and ponds.”
Elsa and Olaf’s tough situation highlights the reason why domestic ducks always show up in local parks and ponds. Assuming they can live, their case is pretty similar to going to Yellowstone National Park and seeing a wolf and such like. “Oh, if this wolf can live well, my dog can do too,” says Adison Smith, president of Wasatch Wanderers Animal Rescue. “Those ducks lack hunting instincts, and many quickly starve to death or fall sick. A majority cannot fly because of small wings. They don’t migrate, so they can’t survive winter. They’re literally sitting ducks for predators (捕食者),” John Di Leonardo adds.
Since the issue is largely due to a lack of awareness, Adison Smith has started a campaign and hung more than 50 signs in a dozen cities to remind parkgoers that getting rid of pet ducks tends to be disastrous to them and can be illegal by the state law, “Our goal is to get the problem at its source,” Adison says. Most people tend to buy ducklings at stores for less than a dollar each, or kids take them home from school hatching projects.
“Though most abandoned ducks live short, miserable lives, Olaf and Elsa are an exception — they’ll spend their remaining days at Lasa Sanctuary in Wooster, Ohio, in a shelter with other ducks, clean hay, and protection against predators,” John Di Leonardo says.
1. Why did Olaf and Elsa appear on a frozen pond on Christmas Eve?| A．They starred in the film Frozen. | B．They practised their hunting skills. |
| C．They escaped from an animal shelter. | D．They were abandoned by their master. |
| A．Animals share a lot in living habits. | B．Pet ducks are less adaptable in the wild. |
| C．Yellowstone is a great place for wildlife. | D．Animals can get along well with each other. |
| A．Increasing the selling prices of ducks. |
| B．Reminding people to save our resources. |
| C．Educating people about the animal protection. |
| D．Appealing for the establishment of new animal laws. |
| A．Dangerous. | B．Easeful. | C．Restricted. | D．Exhausted. |
8 . Over a decade ago, the science fiction series Black Mirror showed a story about using artificial intelligence to bring back loved ones. Thanks to technological advancement, the latest AI technology brings hope of recreating loved ones through virtual form.
Recently, it was revealed that renowned musician Tino Bao had created a digital version of his daughter, who in 2021 passed away due to a rare disease at the age of 22. With the help of Xiaoice, Microsoft Asia’s AI branch based in China, Bao was able to recreate his daughter Bao Rong as an AI-powered virtual figure. Tino Bao, his family and the team went to great lengths to piece together pictures, audio-visual recordings, and narrated memories of Rong. After thousands of trials and errors, they presented the life-like digital human who speaks in both Mandarin and English. Bao has finally launched a company to bring the technological miracle to other families experiencing such loss.
However, this technological achievement has also been accompanied by many controversies. The idea of bringing back a loved one through AI may seem comforting. Still, researchers caution that constantly interacting with an AI version of a deceased loved one could potentially affect the natural grieving process, leaving individuals stuck in a state of denial. This could lead to prolonged grief and other mental health issues. Furthermore, there’s a risk that people may become overly dependent on the technology, prioritizing their interactions with the AI version over forming new, real-life relationships.
With the case of Bao Rong out in the open, AI resurrection (复活) has become a business. From simple “talking pictures” that sound nothing like the loved ones to deep fake videos of actors speaking with the faces of those who passed away, the lower end of the market is more “artificial” than “intelligent”. Therefore, it is crucial to establish proper regulations and ethical standards to ensure that the use of AI-resurrection technology is safe and responsible.
1. Why does the author mention Black Mirror?| A．To advertise Microsoft’s virtual products. |
| B．To lead to the discussion about AI resurrection. |
| C．To prove the predictive power of science fiction. |
| D．To highlight the advancement of artificial intelligence. |
| A．The popularity of AI-resurrection technology. |
| B．Reasons for making a digital version of Bao Rong. |
| C．Challenges of developing a life-like digital human. |
| D．The process of creating an AI-powered virtual figure. |
| A．It still has some technical limitations. |
| B．It helps people build new real-life relationships. |
| C．It can be a person’s obstacle to recovering from sadness. |
| D．It enables individuals to preserve good memories of loved ones. |
| A．Strengthen the management of the technology. |
| B．Apply the technology to making pictures and videos. |
| C．Put the technology into the market as soon as possible. |
| D．Educate the public about the potential risks of technology. |
9 . Lonely Planet’s Top Places to Go in 2024
Are you looking for inspiration for your next travel destination? Lonely Planet has published its yearly list of top places to go. Whether you’re looking for adventure, culture, or value, there’s something for every type of traveler. Let’s explore the top picks for travel destinations in 2024.
Top City: NairobiNairobi, the Kenyan capital, was chosen for its unique music and dance culture, and impressive local restaurants. Nairobi National Park, just a short drive out of the city’s central business district, is a must-see, where visitors can see over 400 species wandering the open grass plains while skyscrapers twinkle on the horizon.
Top Country: MongoliaMongolia is loved for its wide-open spaces, adventure activities, and unique food. The Mongolian government has announced 2023 through 2025 as the “Years to Visit Mongolia,” easing entry conditions for international travelers and improving public facilities, including a new $650 million airport.
Top Sustainable Travel Destination: SpainThe publisher also recommended Spain for the country’s efforts to expand renewable energy, to develop off-season travel, and to bring tourism to new destinations, such as the port city of Valencia, easing pressures on hot spots such as Barcelona.
Top Best-Value Location: The American MidwestThe American Midwest, including the cities of Chicago and Detroit, is also on the list, as it offers a high-quality travel experience at a reasonable cost. Visitors can enjoy excellent services and facilities, such as old warehouses transformed into art studios, new eco-design hotels, and Michelin-starred restaurants, without having to spend too much money.
1. What can people do in Nairobi National Park?| A．See various wild animals. | B．Enjoy adventure activities. |
| C．Taste local delicious dishes. | D．Appreciate musical performances. |
| A．It is celebrating a special anniversary with various cultural events. |
| B．It offers a unique blend of modern urban experiences and wilderness areas. |
| C．It has implemented measures to protect natural habitats. |
| D．It has simplified entry procedures and upgraded public services and infrastructure. |
| A．Valencia, Spain. | B．The American Midwest. |
| C．Donegal, Ireland. | D．Nairobi, Kenya. |
The man was kind of small, but to a five-year-old, he was a giant. Cherry-scented smoke from Grandpa’s pipe kept the hungry mosquitoes at bay. Now and again, he blew a smoke ring and laughed as I tried to target the hole with my finger.
We sat side by side on the old wooden stairs that hot summer evening, watching the traffic, counting cars and trying to guess the color of the next one to turn the corner. We watched the sun go down behind the old Texaco service station across the busy street, which I was never allowed to cross unless accompanied by an adult.
My grandfather was baby-sitting while my mother, father and grandmother went out. While my two baby brothers slept inside the house, my three older siblings (兄弟姐妹) played with friends around the corner, where I was not allowed to go. I stayed with Grandpa, and that was okay with me. “Thirsty?” Grandpa asked, never removing the pipe from his mouth. “Yes,” was my reply. “How would you like to run over to the gas station there and get yourself a bottle of Coke?” I couldn’t believe my ears. On my family’s modest income, Coke was not a part of our budget or diet. “Okay,” I replied shyly, already wondering how I would get across the street.
He stretched his long leg out straight and reached his huge hand deep into the pocket. Opening his fist, he exposed several silver coins. He instructed me to pick out one. After he deposited the rest of the change back into his pocket, he stood up. “Okay,” he said, helping me down the stairs and to the curb (马路沿儿).
“I’m going to stay here and keep an ear out for the babies. I’ll tell you when it’s safe to cross. You go over to the Coke machine, get your Coke out and come back. Wait for me to tell you when it’s safe to cross back.” My heart pounded. Excitement took my breath away.
注意：1．续写词数应为150个左右;
2．请按如下格式在答题卡的相应位置作答。
Grandpa held my hand tightly.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________My heart pounded wildly as I approached the Coke machine.
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