1 . Earthquake prediction has long been a challenge for scientists around the globe since the geological phenomenon can occur at any time and any location with little or no warning. The chance of a powerful earthquake can only be determined through long-term forecasts in a general area or region on Earth.

Throughout history, no individual or group has yet successfully predicted a major earthquake: including its date and time, location and magnitude. These are the three elements essential to make an earthquake, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). While small earthquakes occur all the time, high-intensity earthquakes are rare but is something to watch out.

Now, a new study led by researchers from Pennsylvania State University found a potential solution to the dilemma of earthquake forecast: ancient underthrust rocks. Rocks buried deep in ancient subduction (俯冲) zones — where tectonic( 地壳的) plates bump with each other — could help scientists make better predictions of how these zones behave during the years between major earthquakes.

According to the USGS, we are still uncertain how we can make such a feat and are not expecting to perfectly predict major earthquakes any time in the foreseeable future.

Although some people in the past said they could predict earthquakes, the U.S. Government agency asserts these are all failed predictions. Their predictions are neither grounded on scientific fact nor passed through the scientific method.

Since authorities in the field of geology and other related areas acknowledged that earthquake prediction is still far from being completed, scientists continue to further understand this mystery. Unlike weather forecasts of hurricanes and other storms, earthquakes have no concrete parameters (参数) that would indicate that they would occur in the coming hours, days, weeks or months.

Regardless, the Penn State researchers have made progress in the dilemma by understanding the underthrust rocks in ancient subduction zones. Determining this area could help scientists better predict the behavior of these zones during periods between major earthquakes. Evidence of their findings was based on clues from rock formations in Alaska and Japan.

3 . When I was five, my parents began to place me in a variety of different sports. The first ________ was gymnastics, which was a complete ________. The second was track and field. Track was fun at first, I actually liked to run and I was pretty fast. When I joined the team, the ________ was going to begin soon, only giving me three weeks to ________ for my first track meet.

I ________ for a while and then the day of the track meet arrived. Arriving at the stadium I was ________ to see how huge it looked. Before my race I did my warm ups while watching the other kids run their races with a few hundred audience. The ________ of the stadium was something I never felt before.

While ________ the starting line to run the 400m dash, I started to feel ________! At the starting line, we sat there silently waiting for the gun to ________. In that silence I continued to ________ myself and I felt like I was going to win. The gun finally shot and racers began a(n)________ dash to the finish line. The first 100 meters I was doing great. Then came the 200m mark, and my legs were dying. I was slowing down still trying to run. Alone ________ I was on the track, I still walked to finish line. When seeing my mother, I burst into tears. That race was probably the most ________ one in my life. Even though I gave up running track and field, I am grateful for what I experienced when I was 5 because it ________ me who I am today.

4 . Physical exercise can play an important role in mental well-being and can even relieve symptoms of mental health conditions like depression and anxiety. While the physical health benefits of exercise are frequently discussed, the link between exercise and mental health is often overlooked.     1    

Physical activity distracts you from negative thoughts and emotions.     2     Exercise can also be used to enhance well-being in people who already feel mentally healthy. Increased physical activity has also been found to promote quality sleep.

    3     Exercise can help you lose weight and maintain a healthy state. You may feel a significant boost in your mood as your clothes look more beautiful on you and you seem to look more elegant.

Exercise can be a good source of social support. The benefits of social support are well-documented.     4     So whether you join an exercise class or you play softball in a league, exercising with others can give you a double dose of stress relief.

Have you ever noticed how your body feels when you are under stress? Your muscles may be tense, especially in your face, neck and shoulders, leaving you with back or neck pain, or painful headaches.     5     Exercising is an effective way to break this cycle.

If you are just starting out with an exercise program, it’s important to consult with your doctor to determine the best form of exercise for your physical condition.

In the ancient times, the drum was believed to be linked to high authorities,     1     was not as a musical instrument until the Zhou Dynasty. At that time, the drum enjoyed a leading position in performances and was played prior     2     other musical instruments, such as the qin and se. During the course of history, the firm sound of the drum has accompanied the human race from early life to modern civilization. The drum, a musical instrument     3    (prefer) by many people, mainly evolved from ceramic (陶瓷的) jars and basins used by ancient cultures. Archaeological evidence has proved that the making of the ceramic drum     4    (date) back to the Neolithic Age 7,000 years ago.

In ancient China, the drum was not only used in     5    (sacrifice) ceremonies and dancing, but also used for fighting enemy tribes and hunting wild animals, and was even used to communicate messages,     6    (remind) people of danger. With social development, the drum     7    (apply) in ethnic bands, Chinese folk art forms, singing and dancing, boat race and lion dancing and festive     8    (gather). It can be seen that the drum is not only     9     essential musical instrument, but also a life tool     10    (close) related to people’s lives.

8 . New research from the American non-profit organization Consumer Reports finds that plastics have a “widespread” presence in food. The group called on the United States government to examine the safety of food that comes into contact with plastics during production.

In a report released Thursday, Consumer Reports said that 84 out of 85 food products it recently tested contained “plasticizers” called phthalates. Phthalates are chemicals used to make plastics last longer. The researchers also said 79 percent of the examined foods contained bisphenol A (BPA), another chemical found in plastics.

In these tests, the researchers checked a wider variety of foods to see how much of the chemicals Americans actually consume. The answer is quite a lot. The tests found that bisphenols and phthalates remain widespread in food, almost in every food we tested. The levels did not depend on packaging type, and no one particular type of food — say, dairy products or prepared meals — was more likely than another to have them. Consumer Reports said all the levels were within limits set by U.S. and European regulators. All the foods tested remained within the limits. However, does that mean it is safe to eat?

Beyond highlighting these concerns, Consumer Reports is actively working on issues related to consumer safety. This includes advocating for the banning of harmful chemicals in food. The widespread presence of plastics in food is a pressing issue that requires immediate attention from both regulators and consumers. While we wait for policy changes, there are steps individuals can take to reduce exposure to these chemicals. Some of these measures include avoiding plastic food storage containers, limiting consumption of fast food. Replacing plastic kitchen tools with those made of wood and stainless steel can also help. Using glass or steel water bottles can further reduce exposure. It’s also important to air your home regularly to reduce exposure to phthalates in household dust.

10 . Some cities across the world are well-known tourist destinations and manage to attract most of the global tourists. Whatever the reason is, there is no doubt that they are the world’s most popular tourist destinations.

Kuala Lumpur

The capital of Malaysia serves as the base for tourists visiting Malaysia. The city has a modern skyline that is dominated by the world’s tallest twin buildings, the Petronas Twin Towers. Tourist love the city as it has numerous great sights and attractions. Besides, there are simply too many choices when it comes to dining options.

Istanbul

As Turkey’s capital and most populous city, the city’s location has attracted a large number of empires and conquerors in the past. Today, the city serves as one of the top tourist destinations in the world and is regarded as the cultural and historical center of Turkey.

London

The biggest and capital city of the United Kingdom, located on the banks of the Thames River, has a rich history and culture that makes it one of the most visited cities in the world. The city’s museums have rich collections of historic and prehistoric artifacts and buildings that display a great diversity of architectural styles from the past to the present.

Bangkok

Thailand’s largest and capital city is located in the Chao Phraya River delta in the country, serving as the main gateway for international tourists entering Thailand. The attractions, urban life and rich culture make it a favorite among tourists seeking entertainment at a reasonable price. The nightlife of Bangkok attracts young tourists from across the world.