2 . The issue of how to feed a growing population is a crucial issue for the 21st century. The issue was high on the agenda (当务之急) at the recent United Nations Climate Change Conference in Egypt. According to the UN, by 2050, we will need to produce 60% more food to feed a world population of 9.3 billion.
Cambridge Judge Business School supports a number of businesses which aim to promote sustainable agriculture practices. One of the most important fields is precision (精准) agriculture, the science of improving crop yields and assisting management decisions using the latest technology. Outfield Technologies is targeted at high value fruit farming. Farmers buy their own drones (无人机), and then the Outfield software creates flight plans over the farm and processes the images taken by the drones.
By counting the fruit on branches and measuring trees, farmers can see where to apply fertiliser with greater precision, reducing usage and improving soil sustainability. Outfield’s software can also recommend where to start harvesting to reduce waste and labour costs. The rising cost of labour globally has become a huge issue within the agricultural industry, for reasons including the shortage of backpackers (some of whom become seasonal workers) in New Zealand, and the rise of minimum pay in South Africa.
The data gathered by drones can also predict yields. “Priming” the supply chain ensures a smoother journey from the farm to fruit bowl in your home. When an apple is picked, it is stored in a refrigerated environment for up to six months before being transported to a pack house to be washed, sorted, packaged, before being moved to a delivery centre and finally appearing on supermarket shelves. The chain depends heavily on transportation, but by predicting yields, Outfield aims to reduce waste as traders can predict fruit levels and reduce greenhouse gases caused by refrigerated storage.
Outfield co-founder Oil Hilbourne said, “The agricultural industry needs more investment to change. More money for 5G, education and investment in start-ups.”
1. What does Outfield Technologies do for farmers?A.It offers them free flights. |
B.It oversees farms for them. |
C.It teaches them about high value fruits. |
D.It uses drone-taken images to advertise farms. |
A.Pay in South Africa is very low. |
B.South Africa can’t agree on minimum pay. |
C.Backpackers in New Zealand fail to get paid fairly. |
D.New Zealand isn’t drawing enough seasonal workers. |
A.boost the yield of fruit | B.make sure the fruit can keep fresh |
C.ensure the fruits are transported timely | D.provide more convenient services to customers |
A.The future of farming | B.The trend of fruit picking |
C.The promising market of high value fruits | D.The positive effects of farming on environment |
In the southern part of France, away from the charm of Paris and the scenic Riviera, lies Toulouse, often referred to as “La Ville Rose” or “The Pink City.” Its nickname comes from the unique terra-cotta bricks used in many of its, buildings, giving the city a distinctive style.
Historically, Toulouse traces its roots back to the ancient times. It was originally established by the Celts in the 4th century BC and later became a significant Roman settlement. The city’s strategic position near the Germane River made it a well-known trading center in ancient Europe. By the Middle Ages, Toulouse had become a major center of trade due to its dye industry. This trade brought immense wealth to the region, and the city’s grand houses and public buildings from this era reflect is opulence (繁华).
However, Toulouse was not just a center for trade. Its history is marked with intellectual pursuits. By the 13th century, Université de Toulouse was established, making it one of the oldest universities in the world. The institution attracted scholars from various parts of Europe.
In modern times, Toulouse is famous for its aerospace industry. Home to Airbus, one of the world’s largest commercial aircraft manufacturers, the city is a center point in global aviation. This modern achievement connects with Toulouse’s rich history, showcasing a combination of the old and the new.
One of the most significant landmarks in Toulouse is the Basilica of Saint-Sernin, an architectural marvel from the Romanesque period. The church stands as a testament to the city’s religious significance during the medieval (中世纪的) times. Another notable part is the Capitole de Toulouse, which houses the city hall and a grand opera building. Its facade, made with the characteristic pink bricks, showcases the essence (本质) of Toulouse.
Despite its historical significance and achievements, Toulouse often remains overshadowed by other French cities. Yet, those who went to this southern gem find themselves fond of its rich history, vibrant culture, and the warmth of its inhabitants.
Visiting Toulouse offers an opportunity to step back in time while remaining firmly grounded in the present. It’s a city that embraces is past, cherishes its traditions, yet looks forward with optimism. In the European cities, Toulouse shines as a wonderful, yet irreplaceable one.
1. Why is Toulouse called “La Ville Rose” or “The Pink City?”2. What are the reasons for Toulouse to become a center of trade in the history?
3. Please decide which part is false in the following statement, then underline it and explain why.
Basilica of Saint-Sernin stands as a testament to the city’s intellectual significance during medieval time.
4. In your opinion, which city in China is like Toulouse, which cherishes its traditions, yet looks forward with optimism? Why?
参考词汇:rehearse (v.)—rehearsal (n.)彩排
注意:
1. 词数100左右;
2. 可适当增加细节,使信息合理。
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
5 . High school life, especially in the senior year, is a rollercoaster of emotions filled with challenges and pressures. The constant demand for academic excellence, combined with the expections of college applications, and managing extracurricular (课外的) activities can lead even the best students to feel the weight of stress. However, it’s not only possible but essential to find moments of joy and strategies to reduce the pressure efficiently.
Understanding the nature of stress is the primary step. Stress isn’t just a state of mental unrest; it’s a physiological response.
Interestingly, not all stress is harmful. We often overlook the distinction of different stress. Acute (急性的) stress, in contrast to the chronic (长期的), can act as a force.
However, long exposure to stress leads to chronic stress. This kind of stress, if left unchecked, can cause various health issues ranging from mental health problems like anxiety and depression to physical ailments like high blood pressure and even heart diseases.
To reduce the effects of stress, mindfulness and meditation have proven effective. Even on a busy day, sparing just a few moments to focus on one’s breathing or practicing guided meditation can significantly reduce stress levels.
Pursuing hobbies or activities that one is passionate about can also be a good way. Whether it’s painting, reading, playing a musical instrument, or engaging in sports, these activities not only divert the mind but also release endorphins, the body’s natural mood lifters.
Another aspect is communication.
So, with the weight of expectations, deadlines, and too many responsibilities, remember to prioritize mental well-being.
A.When channeled correctly, stress can be our friend. |
B.This response is a swift, automatic sequence designed for survival. |
C.Prioritizing self-care isn’t a luxury (奢侈品); it’s a necessity. |
D.Every challenge, it approached with a positive mindset, can be an opportunity for growth. |
E.Seeding external help or just talking to a friend can be incredibly therapeutic. |
F.They attach us to the present, clearing the mental disorder and lifting the spirit. |
G.These parts often provide processes adjusted to individual needs. |
6 . In the modern age, social media platforms have emerged as powerful tools for communication, networking, and self-expression. With billions of active users worldwide, these platforms have profoundly influenced the human interaction. Recent psychological studies have delved into understanding the influence of prolonged (长期的) social media usage on individual self-esteem (自尊) and identity formation.
Context and Prevalence (流行)
Social media platforms, including Weibo, WeChat Moments, Douyin, and Little Red Book, offer ways for individuals to project curated versions of their lives. While this can serve as a medium of affirmation, it also compares one’s daily life against the specially edited highlights of others, which could potentially lead to feelings of failure and unsatisfactory.
Research Findings on Self-Esteem
A study conducted among adolescents aged 13-19 showed that extreme social media use correlates with lower self-esteem scores. Participants who spent over five hours daily on these platforms demonstrated significant tendencies towards self-devaluation (自我贬低) and negative self-perception (自体感受). The study believed that the constant exposure of idealized images and lives leads to an involuntary (不自主的) comparison, often placing the individual on the lesser end of the spectrum.
Implications for Identity Formation
For adolescents, a critical time of identity formation happens during the teenage years. Social media can often blur the lines (模糊界限) between personal identity and digital persona (面貌,形象). A study tracked teenagers for five years and found that heavy social media users often experienced identity confusion. Their digital avatars, formed under societal pressures, sometimes overshadowed their real personalities, leading to internal conflicts and a confusion to real selfhood.
Possible Solutions and Future Research
While the negative influence of social media on mental well-being are evident, it’s also essential to highlight its potential benefits. Platforms can help to add a sense of belonging, provide informational support, and serve as outlets for creative expression. Future research could explore potential interventions (介入,干涉) to reduce the negative effects.
In conclusion, while social media offers a huge number of opportunities and ways for expression, it’s important that teenagers approach it with awareness. The psychological landscape it shapes is hard to understand, and understanding its depths requires continued research, empathy (共鸣), and active measures.
1. What do we know about the study involving adolescents aged 13-19?A.It took five hours for participants to take part in the study |
B.It suggested that we should not compare our lives with others |
C.It caused self-devaluation and negative self-perception to participants. |
D.It showed that too much social media use resulted in low self-esteem. |
A.Social media algorithms (算法). | B.Digital marketing tools. |
C.Online versions of individuals. | D.Digital assistants. |
A.They cause identity crises (危机) to them. | B.They lead to feelings of unsatisfactory. |
C.They project version of their lives. | D.They overshadow their personalities. |
A.Entirely negative. | B.Quite positive. | C.Mixed with caution. | D.Indifferent and neutral. |
7 . Guide to “Clean & Green” Home Recycling
Welcome to the “Clean & Green” home recycling initiative (倡议)! Our goal is to assist households in reducing their environmental footprint by providing step-by-step instructions on effective recycling practices.
Understanding Recycling Types
Every city has its own recycling standards, but the followings are generally universal:
Plastics: These include bottles, containers, and other packaging materials. Always clean plastics before recycling to avoid pollution.
Paper: Newspapers, magazines, and cardboard are recyclable. However, soiled or wet paper should be discarded as regular waste.
Glass: Bottles and jars of all colors can be recycled. Ensure they are free of food waste.
Metals: Common recyclables are aluminum cans and tin foil (锡纸). Remove any food waste before disposal (处理).
Steps for Effective Home Recycling
Collection: Use separate bins for each type. Mark containers to avoid confusion (迷惑).
Preparation: As mentioned above, clean the items. This prevents waste and increases the recyclability of the materials.
Storage: Avoid overfilling recycling bins. Overpacked bins might lead to improper sorting at recycling facilities.
Drop-Off: If your city doesn’t offer roadside pickup, locate your nearest recycling drop-off point.
Stay Informed: Recycling guidelines can change. Regularly check city websites for “Clean & Green” updates.
Recycling DOs and DON’Ts
DO encourage neighbors and friends to adopt recycling habits.
DON’T mix different types in one bin.
DO invest in composting if possible; it’s another great way to reduce waste.
DON’T recycle dangerous or electronic waste with regular recyclables. Ask your city for proper disposal methods.
Benefits of Recycling:
Reduces landfill (垃圾填埋) waste.
Conserves natural resources and energy.
Prevents pollution by reducing the need for raw materials (原材料).
Supports public health by minimizing exposure to harmful things.
Join the “Clean & Green” initiative today and play your part in creating a bright future for the next generations!
1. Which of the following materials needs to be cleaned before recycling?A.Paper | B.Plastics | C.Metals | D.Glass |
A.To sell recycling bins. | B.To encourage composting (堆肥). |
C.To reduce households’ environmental footprints. | D.To update recycling guidelines frequently. |
A.Electronic waste can be recycled with regular recyclables. |
B.You should mix different types in one bin to save space |
C.It’s important to stay updated on recycling guidelines. |
D.Wet paper is preferred for recycling as it’s easier to process |
In the ever-evolving (不断进化的) landscape of modern education, the value of critical thinking skills cannot be overstated (过分强调). Generally
Buster Keaton, often overshadowed (使黯然失色) by the fame of Charlie Chaplin, was a comedic talent in his own right. Born in 1895, he entered show business at a young age and quickly became known for his unique brand of physical comedy. Films
What made my childhood truly special was our next-door neighbor, Mrs. Greene, who was a retired schoolteacher then. Every weekend, I would