1 . I had to say something after reading The Anxious Generation. It is going to sell well , because Jonathan Haidt is telling a scary story about children’s development many parents are led to believe. However, the book’s repeated suggestion that digital technologies are rewiring our children’s brains and causing the epidemic (流行病) of mental illness is unsupported by science. Worse , the rude proposal that social media is to blame might distract (分心) us from effectively responding to the real causes of the current mental-health crisis in young people.
Researchers have searched for the effects suggested by Haidt. Our efforts have produced a mix of no, small and mixed associations. Most data are correlative. When associations over time are found, they suggest not that social-media use predicts or causes depression, but that young people who already have mental-health problems use such platforms more often or in different ways from their healthy peers.
We are not alone here. Several analyses and systematic reviews centralize on the same message. An analysis done in 72 countries shows no consistent or measurable associations between well-being and social media globally. Moreover, studies from some authorities finds no evidence of intense changes associated with digital-technology use.
As a psychologist studying children’s and adolescents’ mental health, I appreciate parents’ frustration (沮丧) and desire for simple answers. As a parent of adolescents, I would also like to identify a simple source for the pain this generation is reporting. There are, however, no simple answers. The beginning and development of mental disorders are driven by a complex set of genetic and environmental factors.
More young people are talking openly about their mental-health struggles than ever before. But insufficient services are available to address their needs. In the United States, there is, on average, one school psychologist for every 1,119 students. We have a generation in crisis and in desperate need of the best of what science and evidence-based solutions can offer. Unfortunately, our time is being spent telling stories that are unsupported by research and that do little to support young people who need, and deserve, more.
1. What is presented in The Anxious Generation?| A．Scary stories affect children’s brains. |
| B．Parents are responsible for children’s health. |
| C．Teen’s mental illness results from screen time. |
| D．The epidemic of mental illness is unavoidable. |
| A．Many countries do research in mental health. |
| B．Well-being and social media are closely related. |
| C．The young are trapped in the mental-health crisis, |
| D．Social media don’t necessarily cause mental illness. |
| A．Effective actions need to be taken. | B．Positive stories should be shared. |
| C．Financial support needs to be provided. | D．Broader research should be done. |
| A．To suggest ways to help those in need. |
| B．To encourage parents to brave the crisis. |
| C．To recommend a newly-published book. |
| D．To give a voice to children’s mental issues. |
2 . At just seven years old, Angelina Tsuboi discovered her passion for innovation. It all began with a simple game she programmed in her Los Angeles public school’s Grade 2class. Today , at18, the Grade 12 student’s initial curiosity has evolved into a deep-seated desire to use technology to decode (解码) real-world problems.
In 2021, she co-developed Megaphone, one of her first apps, to tackle unanswered post-class questions and poor communication about events and announcements. Her problem-solving ability kept building from there.
When she took online CPR classes at the start of the pandemic, she figured it couldn’t be just her who was struggling with the steps. So she created an app called CPR Buddy ― a winner in the 2022 Apple Swift Challenge ― which guides users through CPR using vibrations (震动) to regulate breath. After winning the award, Angelina presented her work to Apple CEO Tim Cook, a highlight in her young career, but one she didn’t lose her cool over. “There’s no point putting people on a pedestal (神坛),” she says.
The next year, Angelina built an app called Lilac, designed to assist nonEnglish-speaking single parents with resources for housing, job opportunities and translation support. She was inspired by her own experiences as a child of a single mother who immigrated to the US.
When Angelina decided to pursue pilot training at the age of 16, she was struck by how difficult it was to find financial support, which encouraged her to create yet another app, Pilot Fast Track, which helps those longing to be pilots find scholarships for flight training.
Looking to the future, besides applying to colleges with great labs, Angelina is exploring the field of aerospace cybersecurity and mechatronics ― combining computer science, electrical engineering and mechanical engineering.
“There’s not enough optimism in the world,“ she says. “I have also been in situations in my life where I’ve lost a lot of hope. But in the end, it is a mindset, and there are ways in any situation you’re in to make it somewhat better.”
1. What is Angelina’s pursuit?| A．To design games for kids. |
| B．To stimulate teen’s curiosity. |
| C．To address problems through technology. |
| D．To find innovative approaches to digital challenges. |
| A．She couldn’t breathe regularly. | B．She was inspired by celebrities. |
| C．She replaced CPR with an app. | D．She was humble about her success. |
| A．To direct pilots’ career paths. |
| B．To help to-be pilots find funds. |
| C．To pair future pilots with airlines. |
| D．To evaluate pilot training schools. |
| A．Breaking the code | B．Bearing growing pains |
| C．Facing life as it is | D．Following role models |
3 . Ready for a creative journey like never before? Welcome back to Axis Bank Splash! We are excited to invite you to dive into a world of imagination, where colors, words, and creativity come to life. But this year promises to be more exciting as entries showing your talents in drawing, craft, and literature are highly anticipated.
Themes
Choose the themes suiting yourself.
Group | Theme |
Kids 7 — 10 | Helping One Another |
Kids 11 — 14 | Making The World A Kinder Place |
Prizes
The excitement doesn’t end with just showing your creativity. Winners in each age group have the chance to win fantastic prizes.
Cash Rewards: A generous reward awaits those whose creativity stands out.
Customized Campus Tours: Absorb yourself in the creative environment with a customized tour of noted art and design campuses.
Virtual Workshops from NID: Learn from the best! Winners will have the opportunity to attend virtual workshops conducted by the National Institute of Design (NID), a celebrated institution in design education.
Registration
Click on “Register”, add your phone number, and fill in the OTP (One-time Password). Fill in the “Submission Category” and attach your creative file. Need guidance? If yes, check out the sample submission here.
Don’t miss the chance to make a hit with your creativity. We are waiting for your masterpieces!
1. What is Axis Bank Splash?| A．An organization. | B．An art museum. |
| C．A tour. | D．A contest. |
| A．A check reward. | B．Admission to NID. |
| C．A visit to art colleges. | D．Access to design studios. |
| A．Marking the entry category. | B．Changing the password first. |
| C．Submitting the work by email. | D．Referring to the given sample. |
Summer vacation was finally coming, and Rose couldn’t wait to have a trip with her parents. She recalled the joyful experiences they shared last summer, which filled her with excitement for the upcoming holiday.
“Girls!” Rose heard her father calling. She raced to her big sister’s room, telling her that Dad was calling them, and they rushed downstairs log either. Dad put his arm around Mom and told them that they were going on a trip to the Virunga Mountains of Africa. There were three national parks that they would visit.
Rose and Gina looked at each other. “What?” they said with one voice. Mom told them it would be really exciting to go there on a trip. At 12 years old, Rose would prefer going to an amusement park or a beach. She thought it important to let her parents know she didn’t want to go there but to the beach for a week or two.
“Well,” said Dad, “I have to go for an assignment for the paper. We’re covering the mountain gorillas (大猩猩) because they’re critically endangered these years. So, I thought it’d also be a great place to take a vacation. I’m sure it’ll be very educational for you girls.”
Gina let out a sigh, unable to contain her disappointment. She wanted to say something but Mom interrupted and announced that the trip was set on the next Monday.
“Sit down, both of you.” Dad had on his severe look. “Girls, it’s important for you to know about the world around you. This is a wonderful chance for you to experience and learn an amazing place. Do you know anything about the mountain gorillas?”
The sisters shook their heads.
“Well, get your laptop computer, Gina. I want you to look them up right now,” said Dad, “Rose, there is a book on the bookshelf about the cute mountain gorillas. Find it and read it.”
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。
The girls dragged their feet upstairs.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________The next Monday came and the family set out excitedly.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________5 . When Bella Lin was 12 years old, she noticed that her guinea pigs (豚鼠) seemed unhappy in their small cage with “prison-like bars”, Lin told the CNBC Make It website. Focusing on finding an alternative to traditional cages for her pets, the now 17-year-old from Mountain View, US, began her designs.
Lin experimented with multiple designs and used around $2,000 from her savings to start her side business, Guinea Loft, on Amazon in November 2022. It made a big difference and sold nearly 11,000 cages and brought in more than $410,000 in 2023, according to CNBC Make It.
Initially, Lin informed her father of her desire to develop an improved cage. Her father had relations with a family-owned factory in China through a previous client, and he reached out to them.
Traditional guinea pig cages typically consist of bars, roofs, and either tarp (防水布) or plastic bottoms, making them hard to clean and often smell bad. Lin’s initial glass, open-floor cages offered more visibility and mobility, with a two-layered bottom. This design allows for the easy removal of soiled bedding by pushing it into a removable plastic tray (托盘). However, due to high shipping costs, the glass material was impractical, and the open floor caused problems for her smaller guinea pigs, as their feet would get stuck.
Lin and her six-person team in China devoted late nights to researching and testing products. Her team handled the sourcing, manufacturing, packaging and photography of the products. In the end, they chose acrylic, instead of glass, and crafted replaceable bottoms, as Lin described it. The bottoms are easy to throw out, which is good for business: Once customers run out of the bottoms, they have to visit Lin’s Amazon store again to restock.
“Witnessing the practical effects of Guinea Loft cages through customer reviews and emails is empowering,” Lin said. “As someone who once placed great emphasis on academic recognition, the success of my side business has boosted my confidence in exploring life beyond high school.”
1. What inspired Lin to design a new cage for guinea pigs?| A．The huge profits in her business. | B．Their bad living conditions. |
| C．Her unpleasant experience at school. | D．Her desire to replace old cages. |
| A．It is waterproof. | B．It lasts long. | C．It is easy to clean. | D．It smells nice. |
| A．Humorous. | B．Concerned. | C．Encouraged. | D．Curious. |
| A．Inventing for Our Pets | B．Running a Side Business |
| C．Bella Lin’s Academic Achievements | D．The Application of Guinea Pig Cages |
6 . Some people today might be early risers because of DNA they take after Neanderthals tens of thousands of years ago, suggests new research.
When early humans migrated from Africa to Eurasia roughly 70,000 years ago, some of them mated with Neanderthals, who had already adapted to the colder, darker climates of the north. The ripple (涟漪) effects of that intermating still exist today: Modern humans of non-African ancestry (血统) have between 1 and 4 percent Neanderthal DNA. Some of that DNA relates to sleep more specifically, the internal body clock known as the circadian rhythm.
For the new study, researchers compared DNA from today’s humans and DNA from Neanderthal fossils (化石). In both groups, they found some of the same genetic variants involved with the circadian rhythm. And they found that modern humans who carry these variants also reported being early risers.
For Neanderthals, being “morning people” might not have been the real benefit of carrying these genes. Instead, scientists suggest, Neanderthals’ DNA gave them faster, more flexible internal body clocks, which allowed them to adjust more easily to annual changes in daylight. This connection makes sense in the context of human history. When early humans moved north out of Africa, they would have experienced variable daylight hours — shorter days in the winter and longer days in the summer-for the first time. The Neanderthals’ circadian rhythm genes likely helped early humans’ offspring (后代) adapt to this new environment.
Notably, the findings do not prove that Neanderthal genes are responsible for the sleep habits of all early risers. Lots of different factors beyond genetics can contribute, including social and environmental influences. The study also only included DNA from a database called the U.K. Biobank—so the findings may not necessarily apply to all modern humans. Next, the research team hopes to study other genetic databases to see if the same link holds true for people of other ancestries. If the findings do apply more broadly, they may one day be useful for improving sleep in the modern world, where circadian rhythms are disturbed by night shifts and glowing smartphones.
1. What does the new research focus on?| A．DNA’s dramatic changes. | B．Genes’ influence on early risers. |
| C．Neanderthals’ sleeping patterns. | D．Ancestors’ environmental adaptability. |
| A．Historical context. | B．Additional proof. |
| C．Sample analysis. | D．Studying process. |
| A．Getting up earlier. | B．Having healthier daily routines. |
| C．Being more flexible in their work. | D．Possessing a better circadian rhythm. |
| A．They get proof from other studies. | B．They are confirmed by early risers. |
| C．They suggest potential applications. | D．They reveal factors in sleeping disorders. |
7 . Pet Hotels
Where to Board Your Pet During the Holiday? Here are a few comfortable pet hotels for you. Search for Pet Hotels in our app to find these listings on a map that have spaces available for the upcoming holidays. Remember to show your vaccination records in case pets are rejected.
B&M Pet HotelPrice per day: A cat, 15 dollars. Dog boarding rooms, from 28 to 68 dollars.
Booking: Contact Golden Chen via call or WeChat (GoldenChen68)
Animals allowed: Also welcomes rabbits, turtles, guinea pigs and more.
Services: Dog training, and four daily walks for dogs.
Someone’s PetPrice per day: A dog, from 23 to 60 dollars according to size. It is 18 dollars per cat, with an additional charge of 10 dollars for each additional cat.
Booking: Call 15000386785/18917471594.
Animals allowed: Both cats and dogs are welcome.
Services: washing, grooming and pet beauty.
Pet Bamboo MansionPrice per day: A cat, 20 dollars. For dogs, 56 dollars.
Booking: Call 13524761908 or contact Buddy Dog via WeChat.
Animals-allowed: Accommodate both cats and dogs.
Services: For dogs, there are three walks per day, and swimming facilities.
Offer a 20-40% discount for reserving them, in advance.
Cozy pet TownPrice per day: A cat, 14 dollars. A dog, ranging from 20 to 34 dollars depending on size.
Booking: Add the owner on WeChat (CozyPetTown)
Animals allowed: Only cats and dogs
Services: Swimming, training, grooming.
1. Which hotel offers the lowest price for three cats per day?| A．B&M Pet Hotel. | B．Someone’s Pet. |
| C．Pet Bamboo Mansion. | D．Cozy Pet Town. |
| A．It requires contact via call and WeChat. |
| B．It has various rooms for dogs based on size. |
| C．It offers dog walking and swimming facilities. |
| D．It provides a preferential price for early booking. |
| A．Call the owner directly. | B．Visit the hotel in person. |
| C．Contact the owner via WeChat. | D．Book through the Pet Hotels app. |
8 . Houses covered in ivy are an attractive sight to see. But many gardeners fear that ivy causes major structural damage to buildings and long to remove it whenever they can, right? Not so, says James Wong, a botanist and science writer.
“I am always surprised by how often gardening can be so driven by fear.” he says. “The thinking behind this is that climbers harm brickwork and can cause structural damage to buildings.” But few fears are based on any scientific evidence. And frequently, the exact opposite is true.
In a 2020 study from the Royal Horticultural Society, climbing plants like ivy were found to have a protective effect on model brick buildings constructed for the experiment. The shade by the plants’ leaves cooled the surface of the buildings in summer by as much as 5.7°C. What’s more, ivy didn’t significantly raise humidity levels (湿度) －rather, it helped stabilize them, minimizing the damage to the buildings’ surfaces. The living coating also lowered summer temperatures inside the buildings by up to 7.2°C and reduced heating bills by as much as 20 percent in winter.
What about real-world, well-used buildings, whose outside may have experienced centuries of environmental damage? Another study from 2011 found that in five historic buildings across England, bare walls experienced average maximum temperatures 36 percent higher and minimum temperatures 15 percent lower compared with those coated in ivy. The researchers concluded that the living insulation (隔热) provided by ivy would “reduce the likelihood of frost and salt damage to the building materials, thus contributing to their conservation”. They also found in another study that the leaves’ ability to trap pollution could reduce the damage to historical walls.
Imagine if there was a new material that could cool cities and cut energy bills. The truth is that we have had this miracle material all along, but rather than appreciating it, we have spent huge amounts of time worrying about how to get rid of it.
1. Why do gardeners want to remove the ivy?| A．To get rid of their fear of ivy. |
| B．To make the houses more attractive. |
| C．To confirm previous scientific evidence. |
| D．To protect the brickwork and structure of the building. |
| A．Climbing plants increase heating bills in winter. |
| B．Climbing plants can severely damage brickwork. |
| C．Climbing plants raise humidity levels against brickwork. |
| D．Climbing plants reduce the temperature of buildings in summer. |
| A．It improves the visual appeal of old buildings. |
| B．It removes pollutants from the surroundings. |
| C．It protects building materials from frost and salt damage. |
| D．It promotes the energy efficiency of historical structures. |
| A．Ivy: a troublemaker of preserving the old building |
| B．Ivy: an unexpected helper in buildings conservation |
| C．The environmental impact of ivy on modern architecture |
| D．The need for a new material to cool cities and cut energy bills |
9 . My life is full and active taking care of my grandson. But weeks ago, he headed for an overseas holiday, I was left feeling
Then one day, I entered the Coffee Club near my home and
I looked at her in
I was shocked. I never really
Two weeks later, I paid for a girl in the Coffee Club. The only thing is, this time, the Coffee Club did it
| A．embarrassed | B．flat | C．patient | D．content |
| A．sights | B．fortunes | C．spirits | D．voices |
| A．mixed | B．ordered | C．prepared | D．served |
| A．awkwardly | B．confidently | C．restlessly | D．leisurely |
| A．bill | B．receipt | C．drink | D．license |
| A．desperation | B．relief | C．surprise | D．shame |
| A．test | B．gesture | C．feeling | D．power |
| A．believed | B．enjoyed | C．refused | D．inquired |
| A．pursued | B．avoided | C．confirmed | D．experienced |
| A．hang around | B．break in | C．show up | D．move on |
| A．pain | B．load | C．drag | D．spring |
| A．repaying | B．evaluating | C．shaping | D．delaying |
| A．secretly | B．regularly | C．differently | D．casually |
| A．puzzled | B．rejected | C．comforted | D．thanked |
| A．courage | B．kindness | C．respect | D．honor |
10 . Oxford’s world-class museums house rare treasures from the natural world as well as amazing art and handicrafts. The museums are also a valuable study resource for students and academics.
Ashmolean Museum
Where: Beaumont Street, OX12PH
When: 10:00-17:00
The Ashmolean Museum is home to the university’s collection of art and archaeology. Founded in 1683, it was the first public museum in the UK and is one of the oldest in the world. Particularly relevant to: Ancient and Modern History.
www.ashmolean.org
History of Science Museum
Where: Broad Street,OX13AZ
When: 12:00-17:00
This museum houses an unequaled collection of historic scientific instruments, including Einstein’s blackboard and the first cultures of the lifesaving antibiotic Penicillin.
Particularly relevant to all science and history courses.
www.hsm.ox.ac.uk
Oxford University Museum of Natural History
Where: Parks Road, OX13PW
When: 10:00-17:00
The museum houses an impressive range of scientific collections of zoological and geologicalsamples in a spectacular Victorian building.
Particularly relevant to: Biology; Earth Sciences.
www.oum.ox.ac.uk
Pitt Rivers Museum
Where: Parks Road, OX13PW
When: 10:00-14:00
The Pitt Rivers Museum is home to a remarkable collection of man-made objects from all partsof the world, famous for its celebrated displays and its leading role in contemporary research.
Particularly relevant to: Archaeology and Anthropology; History of Art.
www.prm.ox.ac.uk
1. If you want to know more about Penicillin, which website should you surf?| A．www.hsm.ox.ac.uk. | B．www.oum.ox.ac.uk. |
| C．www.ashmolean.org. | D．www.prm.ox.ac.uk |
| A．Art and archaeology | B．Undergraduates studying. |
| C．Historic scientific instruments. | D．Collections of man-made objects. |
| A．study history | B．preserve heritage |
| C．visit museums | D．appreciate handicrafts |
