1 . When would you say “old age” begins? It’s possible that the closer you think you are to that threshold (起始点), the later you’ll put it, but people’s general perceptions of old age have been changing over time. New research finds that nowadays, we think of old age starting later than we used to — but that trend may not continue forever.
Scientists from Germany, the USA, and Luxembourg analyzed data from over 14,000 individuals participating in a decades-long study called the German Ageing Survey. These participants, born between 1911 and 1974, covering several generations, provided up to eight responses over a 25-year span, when they were aged between 40 and 100.
One of the main questions, and the subject of the new paper, was “At what age would you describe someone as old?”
When they were asked this question at the age of 65, people born in 1911 said that old age begins, on average, at the age of 71. When the question was repeated to people born in 1956 once they also hit 65 years old, they instead put the threshold three years later, at 74.
In a statement, first author Markus Wettstein gave some suggestions as to why this might be: “Life expectancy has increased, which might contribute to a later perceived onset (开始) of old age. Also, some aspects of health have improved over time, so that people of a certain age who were regarded as old in the past may no longer be considered old nowadays.”
The same trend was observed at the individual level too. On average, as each participant aged by four or five years themselves, their estimate for the onset of old age increased by a year.
Women put the threshold for old age about two years later than men on average. There were some other factors that were found to impact someone’s individual estimate too — for example, people in poorer health, who were lonelier, or who “felt” older generally believed old age begins earlier.
“It is unclear to what extent the trend towards postponing old age reflects a trend towards more views on older people and aging, or rather the opposite — perhaps the onset of old age is postponed because people consider being old to be an undesirable state,” Wettstein said.
What’s evident is that this postponement trend won’t last forever. In fact, it’s already slowing down.
The study has some limitations, in that participants were all from one country. The researchers say future studies should seek to address this, as well as examining whether the trend towards postponing the perception of the onset of old age is continuing to decelerate.
1. What is the main finding of the new research mentioned in the article?| A．People’s perceptions of old age have remained constant over time. |
| B．Improvements in certain health aspects help increase life expectancy. |
| C．The threshold for considering someone as “old” has been shifting earlier. |
| D．Nowadays people tend to think of old age as starting later than in the past. |
| A．The 14,000 participants were from Germany, the US, and Luxembourg. |
| B．The participants provided at most eight responses during the 25-year period. |
| C．Future studies will explore factors affecting the estimated onset of old age. |
| D．Some participants cover several generations but are from the same family. |
| A．Women set the starting point of old age around two years later than men. |
| B．One’s closeness to this threshold could delay their perception of old age. |
| C．People’s perception of a later onset of old age justifies delaying retirement. |
| D．Individuals once labeled as old at a certain age may not be considered so now. |
| A．Poorer people generally see old age starting earlier than the wealthier. |
| B．Postponing the onset of old age reflects a growing respect for the elderly. |
| C．People may delay the onset of old age because of their negative views of it. |
| D．Whether the postponement trend is slowing down needs further observation. |
|
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3 . Fear of Missing Out
It’s a common experience: You’re scrolling through a social media page, and you see pictures of friends travelling or going to parties. Suddenly you start to wonder why you’re not doing those things.
Wanting to be in on the fun when exciting things are happening is completely normal. But for some people, it can lead to the constant thought of checking their phones to find out what other people are doing. Even while doing things that are fun or necessary, people can feel like there’s something better going on elsewhere.
It’s also important to be humble and acknowledge your limitations. You cannot be everywhere and do everything that might be interesting or productive, and that’s OK.
It might even be necessary to turn off your phone or log out of social media for a while. Get rid of the constant reminders of everything that’s happening in the world. You can even set particular times in your day to check email and social media.
Finally, focus on the things in front of you. Enjoy them, do them well and let everything else go. When you fully engage with life, you’ll worry less about what you’re not doing.
Don’t let the fear of missing out cause you to miss out on the good things you have in life. Relax, enjoy what you do and let other people enjoy their lives without envying them.
| A．This urge to connect can ironically lead them to disconnect from the people they are actually with. |
| B．By stepping away for a time, you can help keep other people’s lives in perspective. |
| C．Your mood will be easily influenced by others and your life starts to be controlled by the outside world. |
| D．Are you missing out on something fun and exciting because you’re locked into everyday life? |
| E．It’s important to remember that what people choose to post on social media does not necessarily reflect their life overall. |
| F．Rather than focusing on what you lack, try noticing what you have. |
4 . The clothes we choose to wear serve as an access to our cultural heritage, societal standing, and personal inclinations. Let us embark on a captivating journey through the myriad (迷宫) of clothing across various cultures.
In Western realms, a leisure attitude towards attire dominates daily life. Informal ensembles (全套服装) featuring jeans, T-shirts, and sneakers reign supreme, embodying a principal of comfort and ease. The blend of casual and laid-back styles in Western fashion reflects a society that values practicality and self-expression. This approach to clothing allows individuals to effortlessly stay in comfort with personal style, creating a harmonious balance between ease and individuality in their everyday wardrobes.
Conversely, traditional attire in Asian emphasizes formality and conservatism. For instance, in Japan, where the ceremonial kimonos dominate special events or festivities, featuring intricate designs and vibrant hues, a rich cultural legacy woven into the fabric. India’s sarees mirror a vibrant mosaic influenced by regional traditions and ceremonial customs. The timeless elegance of sarees draping women in a swath of fabric represents a tapestry of colors and patterns that narrate stories of female individuality hidden under the nationwide cover.
In some Middle Eastern countries like Saudi Arabia, women gracefully envelop themselves in abayas, long black robes that enshroud their forms entirely. This strict dress code, steeped in the rules of religious faith and cultural morals, conveys values of female modesty and respect for males. Traditional attire for Middle Eastern men includes garments such as thobes or dishdashas, which are long, loose-fitting robes typically worn with a head covering. These garments are not only practical for the region’s climate but also reflect the wearer’s background, social status, and personal preferences.
Across diverse African residences, clothing emerges as a canvas for expressing cultural underpinnings and heritage. The vibrant hues and intricate patterns decorating traditional garments like dashiki s or kaftans resonate with the boundless creativity and diversity inherent in African cultures. In native communities, attire transcends its utilitarian purpose, emerging as a channel to nature and spirituality.
At its essence, clothing transcends me re fabric and stitches; it embodies our cultural ethos, traditions, and identities. Delving into the diverse sartorial landscapes across cultures enables us to embrace and celebrate the tapestry of our shared global community in all its richness and diversity.
1. What account for Westerners’ leisure attitude towards dressing?| A．respect for authority and formality | B．justification of staying different |
| C．pressure from busy daily routines | D．emphasis of practicality and personality |
| A．They reflect traditionalism and hidden individuality |
| B．They reveal the challenge to expression of personality |
| C．They show the denial female charm on a social scale |
| D．They represent the refusal of sticking to formality |
| A．Women wear long clothes for warmth while men do this to protect against sunshine |
| B．Women wear loose clothes for the sake of comfortableness while men seldom do this |
| C．Women cover themselves to show humility while men do this to show status |
| D．Women envelop themselves to stay elegant while men do this to be handsome |
A． | B． | C． | D． |
5 . Time, What is it?
If I were to stop you on the street and say,“ Excuse me, what time is it?” what would you do? You’d probably look at your watch and say, “ It’s a quarter to three,” or some such thing.
For centuries, philosophers and wise men have tried to explain time. Saint Augustine once tried to answer this question. He said: “For what is time? Who is able easily and briefly to explain it? …Surely we understand well enough when we speak of it. What then is time? If nobody asks me, I know; but if I were desirous to explain it to someone — plainly I know not.”
Sir Isaac Newton said that time was absolute, that it occurred whether the universe was here or not. Leibnitz came along and turned Newton’s definition upside down. He said, “ Time is merely the order of events, not an entity itself.” Albert Einstein followed Leibnitz, and made the statement that “ Time has no independent existence apart from the order of events by which we measure it.”
Ben Franklin said, “ Dost thou love life? Then do not squander (挥霍) time, for that’s the stuff life is made of.” If this is true, then controlling your life means controlling your time, and controlling your time means controlling the events in your life.
| A．The astute Augustine obviously wasn’t much help on this matter. |
| B．The definition from the dictionary says: “Time is the occurrence of events in sequence, one after the other.” |
| C．He then developed an idea called “simultaneous events.” |
| D．Time is what is happening now and will happen in the future replace what happened in the past |
| E．In America we don’t usually stop people on the street and ask them philosophical questions. |
| F．If we waste time, how can we say we love our lives? |
6 . In the quest for radiant and youthful skin, many people turn to cosmetic products and treatments. However, nature provides us with a bounty of ingredients that can work wonders for our skin without the need for harsh chemicals or invasive procedures. Incorporating food-based ingredients into your skincare routine can be a delicious and effective way to nourish and pamper your skin.
| Milk is not just a staple in our diets; it also has skincare benefits. Rich in proteins and lipids (油脂), milk helps the skin retain water, keeping it moist and supple, if drunk regularly. However, you can’s add milk into homemade face masks for a hydrating boost, because it might cause skin allergy (过敏) due to the rich nutrition which can’t be absorbed by skin. |
| Olive oil, a Mediterranean staple, is not only great for cooking but also for moisturizing the skin, making the it silky and smooth. While olive oil is an excellent moisturizer, it’s best to use products containing olive oil on the arms and legs rather than the face to avoid clogging pores. |
| Grapes are not only a delicious snack but also a mild source of antioxidants, providing anti-aging protection by combating free radicals (自由基) which can cause damage to the skin. Adding grapes to your diet or skincare routine can help promote a more youthful complexion. |
| Papaya, thanks to its enzyme papain, can help to dissolve pore-blocking debris and slough off dead skin cells, revealing a smoother and brighter complexion. However, individuals with sensitive skin or a papaya allergy should proceed with caution. |
| Strawberries are not just sweet and juicy; they can also help calm redness. The antioxidants in strawberries work to even out skin tone and improve the overall texture of the skin, making it appear more uniform and clear. However, individuals with berry allergies should steer clear of strawberry-based products. |
| Honey helps to lock in moisture and alleviate dry patches, leaving the skin soft and hydrated. However, those with acne-prone skin should use honey-based products sparingly, as they may be too rich and potentially pore-clogging. Therefore, use honey in moderation and choose products with lighter formulas. |
| Tangerines are packed with fruit acids that help exfoliate (去屑) the skin, promoting a smoother and more radiant complexion. Skincare products containing citrus ingredients can help slough off dead skin cells and reveal a fresh layer of skin underneath. |
Incorporating these food-based ingredients into your skincare routine can provide numerous benefits for your skin, from hydration and exfoliation to antioxidant protection and anti-aging benefits. By harnessing the power of nature’s bounty, you can achieve healthy, glowing skin without the need for harsh chemicals or invasive treatments. So next time you’re in the kitchen, consider reaching for these natural ingredients to nourish and pamper your skin from the inside out. Your skin will thank you for it!
1. To keep skin moist, we can resort to some natural products except __________.| A．milk | B．olive oil | C．honey | D．tangerine |
| A．milk | B．papaya | C．grapes | D．strawberries |
| A．owners of fruit shops who wants to promote sales |
| B．customers in supermarket who are searching for fruits |
| C．women who wants to become beautiful and healthy |
| D．chefs who are particular about food ingredients |
7 . Beauty that can’t be seen
In the serene town of Willowbrook resided the young maiden Lily. Her skin bore the intricate tapestry of a rare condition, a mosaic of scars and blemishes that danced across her face like a testament to the trials she had endured. Yet, within this canvas of imperfections, Lily’s heart radiated a warmth that enveloped all who crossed her path in a tender embrace.
One fateful afternoon, as the sun descended in a cascade of golden hues, Lily’s path intertwined with that of Lucas, a young man whose world was veiled in eternal darkness. Drawn by the angelic voice of Lily and the kindness that exuded from her very being, Lucas found comfort in her presence. Their friendship blossomed like a delicate flower, each moment spent together a symphony of shared laughter and unspoken understanding.
As the days bring more shared experiences, Lucas found himself fascinated by the world as perceived through Lily’s eyes. In her, he discovered a kaleidoscope (万花筒) of beauty that transcended the confines of sight, a beauty woven from threads of kindness, compassion, and unwavering attitude. Though his eyes could not behold the physical scars that adorned Lily’s form, his heart beheld the true essence of her being — a luminous spirit that lightened the darkest corners of his world. With each passing day, their bond deepened, evolving into a romance that defied the conventions of superficiality and embraced the profound connection that existed between their souls.
Lily and Lucas found a beauty that transcended the limitations of physical form, a beauty that dwelled in the uncharted depths of their souls. Their love became a testament to the enduring power of the human spirit, a reminder that true beauty is not merely skin-deep but a radiant light that originates from the very core of our being, touching the hearts of all who dare to see beyond the surface.
1. How did Lucas, who was blind, come to appreciate beauty in Lily’s unique perspective?| A．by restoring his eyesight through a series of surgeries |
| B．by listening to her angelic voices describing her own beauty |
| C．by spending time with her and seeing the world through her eyes |
| D．by imagine the fascinating world in the eyes of Lily |
| A．Her commitment to comforting others with her beautiful voice |
| B．Her kindness, compassion, and unwavering strength in difficult life |
| C．Her sympathy and hopefulness for physically-challenged people like Lucas |
| D．Her bravery in developing real friendship to romance despite social dispute |
| A．went beyond | B．depended on | C．broke through | D．passed over |
| A．Beauty is a subjective preference for what might be unfavorable in others’ opinion |
| B．Beauty is not skin-deep but a radiant light that grows from within and enlightens others |
| C．Beauty is what provides pleasure to the senses, either in visual or audio way |
| D．Beauty is something in good proportion that creates aesthetic harmony and appeal |
8 . Just the Ticket
Shetara Sims had weathered some tough years. In 2012, her eldest daughter was murdered during an argument in Kansas City, Missouri. Last year, the single mother lost her job in the recession (经济衰退). She had only $7 in her pocket as she headed into the grocery store one day last July with her 12-year-old daughter, Rakiya Edmondson.
And then Lady Luck finally cut Sims some slack. She and her daughter found a dollar bill in the parking lot. Maybe this was their day, they told each other. So they bought a lottery ticket (彩票) --and won $100.
But before they could spend their unexpected gain, Rakiya had an idea. The news in Kansas City that week had been filled with stories about a police officer, Tyler Moss, who had been shot in the head in the line of duty. He was in critical condition. Rakiya and her mother had never forgotten how kind the police had been after their own family member was killed. “The detectives were really there for us,” Sims says. “They came to see my kids. They were fathers, therapists. They were everything.” Rakiya wanted to give their lottery winning to Officer Moss’s family. Her mom readily agreed.
On July 10, Sims called the police and made an anonymous (匿名的) donation. Moved by her generous expression of thanks, the officers did what they do best --they tracked Sims down. When she explained the family’s motivation, the officers could hardly believe it. “With her current financial hardship, we encouraged her to keep the money,” the department later explained. “She refused, saying the officer’s family needed it and police needed to know they were supported.”
By then, that feeling of support was mutual. The police set up a GoFundMe page for Sims, whom they called “The Woman with the Heart of Gold.” Their goal was $10,000. As of January 11, they had raised $165,405. Even better: Officer Moss, who had a 1 percent chance of survival, is out of the hospital and recovering.
1. Which of the following is NOT one of the hardships Shetara Sims went through?| A．Having to bring up children all by herself. | B．Losing a lot of money buying lottery tickets. |
| C．Losing her job during the economic decline. | D．Her eldest daughter being killed in an argument. |
| A．gave Sims a break | B．criticized Sims sharply |
| C．ignored Sims completely | D．conducted a test on Sims |
| A．She supported Moss’s family with the money raised on GoFundMe. |
| B．She wrote an anonymous letter to express her gratitude to Officer Moss. |
| C．She donated all the lottery winning despite her own financial hardships. |
| D．She forgave the murderer and encouraged Rakiya to embrace a new life. |
| A．The police tracked Sims down secretly and returned the money to her. |
| B．The police launched a fundraising campaign for Sims among policeman. |
| C．Officer Moss got injured when arresting the man who killed Sims' daughter. |
| D．Officer Moss’s survival was truly a miracle, given his slim chances. |
9 . Buying organic (有机的) food may not always be better for the planet or for human health than cheaper options grown with artificial pesticides, according to researchers.
There tend to be more birds and bees on organic farms but the benefits may be cancelled out because they produce an average of 19 to 25 perent less food per acre than conventional farms. This means that more land is needed to produce the same amount of food, and land being changed for agriculture is one of the greatest threats to wildlife, researchers at the University of British Columbia said.
Organic farms tend to use less energy and produce lower emissions, but “when lower organic yields are taken into account, greenhouse gas emissions might actually be higher under organic management.”
The authors of the study, published in Science Advances, said: “We don’t know whether organic agriculture provides any benefits for biodiversity if lower organic yields are taken into account.”
Organic farms tend to cause less nitrogen and phosphorus pollution of water systems, but the lower yields could mean that nitrogen loss per unit of food produced is higher than on conventional farms.
The authors argued that in countries such as Canada, where pesticide regulations are strict and diets are rich in micronutrients, the health benefits of choosing organic might be marginal. They said organically grown food probably contained slightly more micronutrients but it was not clear whether this provided “any actual health benefits to consumers”.
The team analyzed organic crop farming across 17 criteria including yield, impact on climate change, farmer livelihood and consumer health. “Organic is often proposed as a good solution to current environmental and food scarcity problems, but we found that the costs and benefits will vary heavily depending on the context,” Verena Seufert, one of the authors, said.
They concluded that organic farming is not the only solution to providing a sustainable source of food for an ever-growing global population, but does have an important role to play. “We need to stop the perception of organic and conventional agriculture as two ends of the spectrum. Instead, consumers should demand better practices for both so that we can achieve the world’s food needs in a sustainable way,” Ms. Seufert said.
The study, which involved a review of the scientific literature on the environmental and economic performance of organic farms, also found that they were highly dependent on animal manure (排泄物) from conventional farms and added: “It is not clear whether we would have enough organic fertilizers to feed everyone in the world with organic food”
Organic food is more expensive and “therefore less accessible to consumers with low income, they said.
1. What does the study find about organic farms?| A．They are less than efficient. | B．They rely on wildlife species. |
| C．They used to produce added emission. | D．They use high-quality pesticides. |
| A．irregular | B．unlimited | C．unimportant | D．irrelevant |
| A．Its benefits are yet to be confirmed by review of scientific literature. |
| B．It is perceived as reaching the end of its development like conventional agriculture. |
| C．It is regarded as the opposite of conventional agriculture. |
| D．Its drawbacks outweigh the benefits it yields in most cases. |
| A．Organic Farming: Balancing Costs and Benefits |
| B．Organic Farming: Winner in Sustainable Agriculture |
| C．Organic Farming: A Cost-Effective Path to a Healthier Planet |
| D．Organic Farming: The Answer to Global Food Scarcity |
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