1 . Writing out the same word again and again may bring back bad memories for some, but handwriting can boost connectivity across brain regions, some of which are involved in learning and memory, a new study shows.

In the study, psychologists Audrey and Ruud, both at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, stuck electrodes (电极) on the participants’ heads. They asked the participants to type out or hand write with a digital pen words that appeared on a computer screen. Sensors in a cap recorded electrical brain activity. Then the psychologists looked for when two brain areas are active with the same frequency of electrical waves at the same time. This result can reveal the connectivity among different regions across the brain.

With handwriting, the researchers saw increased activity, specifically in low frequency bands, not only in the expected motor areas but also in others associated with learning. These low frequency bands have previously been shown to support memory processes. When the team compared the two tasks, they realized that handwriting —but not typing —increased the connectivity across parietal (顶叶) brain regions, which are involved in sensory and motor processing, and central regions, many of which are involved in memory.

“Even when the movements are very similar, the activation seems much, much higher in handwriting,” Audrey says. “It shows that there’s more involvement of these brain regions when you’re handwriting, which might give you some specific advantages.”

These findings suggest that there are distinct processes of brain activation happening while a person types or writes. This boost of stimulation of handwriting facilitates learning because these particular waves between these areas are involved in memory formation and encoding (编码) .

And although handwriting may help with learning processes, typing is often easier, faster and more practical. “Students and teachers alike should therefore consider the task at hand to decide to hand write or type,” Audrey says. Despite the need for more studies to determine the best learning strategy, experts say that handwriting shouldn’t be left behind in the digital age. “Schools need to bring in more writing into curriculum design,” Ruud says.

1. What did Audrey and Ruud mainly do in their research?

A．They tested the function of electrodes.	B．They analyzed the brain structure.
C．They monitored the brain activities.	D．They recorded the writing speed.

2. Why can handwriting improve learning more than typing?

A．It involves more specific brain activation.	B．It promotes better muscle memory.
C．It allows for more innovative thinking.	D．It encourages better concentration.

3. What’s the author’s attitude toward typing?

A．Favorable.

B．Objective.

C．Doubtful.

D．Unclear.

4. What might be the best title for the text?

A．Taking Notes by Hand is Becoming Uncommon in Class

B．Using Keyboard is Recommended Due to Its Convenience

C．Widespread Brain Connectivity is Crucial to Human Learning

D．Handwriting Boosts Brain Connections More Than Typing Does

2 . Concrete has served as the foundation stone of the construction industry for hundreds of years. However, the process of producing concrete is one of the most environmentally unfriendly processes in the world. In the process, not only is carbon dioxide (二氧化碳) released into the air by the energy used to heat the limestone, but the limestone itself also gives out a huge amount of the element.

Luckily, a number of start-ups throughout the world are using creative thinking to make the construction industry a whole lot more friendly for the planet.

A Canadian company called CarbonCure, has found a way to inject (注入) concrete with carbon dioxide itself. Not only does this trap the carbon dioxide into the concrete, keeping it from running away into the atmosphere, but it also creates a super strong material called calcium carbonate, which reduces the total amount of concrete that needs to be used.

California-based Brimstone, is creating carbon-negative concrete by doing away with limestone entirely and instead using silicate rock, a material that does not release carbon dioxide when heated. Instead, the process produces magnesium (镁) , which absorbs carbon dioxide, as the basis for their concrete.

Additionally, researchers at Australia’s RMIT University have recently released a study showing that adding coffee grounds instead of sand to concrete could make it much stronger, reducing both the amount of sand used, as well as the amount of concrete that would need to be used in the final product.

The biggest barrier at this point is convincing members of the industry that the new types of concrete are safe to be used, according to Stacy Smedley, director at a nonprofit focused on decarbonizing construction.

Hopefully these new solutions to the environmental problems of concrete will soon be widely adopted. Given the significant part the construction industry has in releasing carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, great improvements can be made when more environmentally-friendly materials are used.

1. What is the environmental issue associated with traditional concrete production?

A．The high demand for energy.	B．The processing of waste materials.
C．The mass release of carbon dioxide.	D．The use of non-renewable resources.

2. How does CarbonCure deal with the environmental impact of concrete production?

A．By using silicate rock as the basis.	B．By putting carbon dioxide into concrete.
C．By replacing sand with coffee grounds.	D．By absorbing carbon dioxide with magnesium.

3. According to Smedley, what is the major challenge facing these solutions?

A．Difficulty in making profits.	B．Convincing the public of the convenience.
C．Lack of funding for research.	D．Removing the industry members’ safety concerns.

4. What is the author’s purpose in writing the text?

A．To promote an alternative to concrete.	B．To advocate environmental protection.
C．To introduce new ways to produce concrete.	D．To emphasize the significance of creativity.

3 . 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。

Wushu, the Chinese martial art form known as kungfu in the West, is a     1     (value) cultural heritage of Chinese people and contribution to human civilization.

Wushu, often     2     (use) in the form of combat (搏斗), consists of several different kinds of movements. The Chinese people’s determination to win and strong characteristics     3     (reflect) in the intense body combat.

Wushu reflects the character of Chinese people and they apply their unique understanding of theory and principle to combat. It differs from European and American boxing. Wushu is a particular balance between external and inbuilt values,     4     not only shows the beauty of one’s figure, but also the meaning of profound     5     (elegant). Apart from simple combat techniques, martial arts are rooted     6     Chinese philosophy, containing ancient Chinese philosophers’ understanding of life and the universe.

Wushu, which aims to improve health and self-defense,     7     (begin) by promoting one’s moral character. The martial art movements are     8     (physical) demonstrated while internal thoughts are static (静态的). Like still waters, peace and quiet is considered     9     highest level of martial arts.

Having survived the difficult situations of life while     10     (maintain) all of its strength and vitality, Wushu is even believed to be the model of Chinese traditional culture and national spirit.

4 . 听下面一段较长对话，回答以下小题。
1. What is the man’s work history like?

A．He has a lot of research experience.

B．He hasn’t had a job in five years.

C．He changes jobs too often.

2. How did the man probably prepare for his interview?

A．By writing notes on his hand.

B．By writing down a lot of questions to ask.

C．By staying up late looking up the company information.

3. What does the man think about getting a job?

A．He needs one badly.

B．He is optimistic about it.

C．He thinks it’s a waste of time.

4. What does the woman do to help the man?

A．She gives him the position.

B．She refers him to her colleague.

C．She lends him some money to pay for the education.

5 . 听下面一段独白，回答以下小题。
1. What happened yesterday near Santa Barbara?

A．There was another storm.

B．There was a traffic jam.

C．There was a fire.

2. When is the storm expected to hit northern California?

A．On Tuesday.

B．On Wednesday.

C．On Thursday.

3. How will the storm stand out from others in the past?

A．It will be more powerful.

B．It will move more quickly.

C．It will bring more rain and snow.

6 . 听下面一段较长对话，回答以下小题。
1. Who is the man?

A．A passenger.

B．A policeman.

C．A repairman.

2. Why was the woman going over the speed limit?

A．She is a new driver.

B．She didn’t see the signs.

C．She drove a car with a fault.

3. How does the man behave?

A．Strictly.

B．Kindly.

C．Badly.

7 . 听下面一段独白，回答以下小题。
1. What does the speaker mainly talk about?

A．His school life.

B．His writing career.

C．His work experience.

2. What did the speaker end up studying at university?

A．Science.

B．Literature.

C．Journalism and communication.

3. When will the science fiction be published?

A．In 6 months.

B．In 8 months.

C．In 14 months.

4. How can the speaker be described?

A．Aimless.

B．Determined.

C．Overconfident.

8 . 听下面一段较长对话，回答以下小题。
1. Why is the record called The Hard Way?

A．The music was hard to play.

B．Peter named it without any meaning.

C．It reflects Peter’s performing career.

2. Where did Peter perform at first in London?

A．In the halls.

B．On the streets.

C．In the bars.

3. Which style of music does the record feature?

A．Jazz.

B．Pop.

C．Blues.

4. In which country will the tour end?

A．France.

B．The UK.

C．The US.

9 . 听下面一段较长对话，回答以下小题。
1. Who might the speakers be?

A．Shop staff and customer.

B．Teacher and student.

C．Father and daughter.

2. What is wrong with the computer?

A．It is getting no power.

B．The screen is broken.

C．It won’t start up.

3. What will the man do next?

A．Leave for school.

B．Go to a café.

C．Wait in the repair store.

10 . 听下面一段对话，回答以下小题。
1. What did the woman learn during her time off?

A．How to work with kids.

B．How to teach science classes.

C．How to work with disabled adults.

2. How long was the woman away from school?

A．One semester.

B．One year.

C．Four years.

3. Why was the woman having a difficult time in school before?

A．Her classes were very challenging.

B．She didn’t know what she wanted to study.

C．Her parents wouldn’t allow her to study education.

4. Who would the woman advise to take a break from school?

A．All students.

B．Students who dislike studying.

C．Students who want to find some motivation.