1 . For the arts “to mean more, to more people,” as Arts Council England (ACE) argues that they should, would be excellent. Music, drama, dance, visual arts, poetry and literature are among the most precious human achievements. To live in a country in which these are more widely shared and enjoyed would be proof that we are making progress. The point is not to entertain or educate people, or bring communities together. Nor is it all about boosting jobs and investment. Imagination has intrinsic (内在的) value, and research carried out by ACE in the course of preparing its 10-year strategy showed that people from all walks of life value and get pleasure from cultural activities.
Positioning itself as a development agency, ACE will now hope to win government backing for a change of direction that orients it away from the biggest and most prestigious national institutions and towards the towns, villages and grassroots organizations that should be similarly deserving of attention. There, it envisions a role for itself “building the identity and prosperity of places,” bringing professional artists together with voluntary groups, particular in areas that have previously not been well represented on the cultural map.
ACE’s chair, Sir Nicholas Serota, quotes the first world war centenary (百年纪念) project devised by the artist, Jeremy Deller, and theatre director, Rufus Norris, as the model of what he wants his organization to be about. By dressing up volunteers as soldiers, and orchestrating their encounters with members of the public in settings across England, the artists succeeded in “dissolving the barriers between artists and audiences.”
The emphasis on participation- on culture as something that more people should actually do- is newer. This is the difference between being in a play or a band and buying tickets to watch them, and for ACE to play a more active role in promoting the former would be beneficial. This begins in childhood, and ACE clearly hopes that the government will think again about policies that have seen music, drama and other arts subjects systematically downgraded in favour of science, technology and maths.
To what extent the vision is realized will depend in part on whether ACE’s ambitions catch the government’s interest sufficiently to influence the upcoming spending review, and provide a counterweight to the scorn (轻视) that is regularly poured on the humanities. Around £400m has been cut from local government arts budgets since 2010, and ACE cannot plug this gap. The closure of youth clubs and live music venues, and growing financial pressures linked to the property market, are among other reasons for this worrisome narrowing of opportunities. So far Boris Johnson has offered few signs that he has in mind a starring role for the arts in post-Brexit Britain, although 2022’s Festival of Brexit is one such event. ACE’s plan should boost the profile of all those, in government and outside, who are arguing for more.
1. The purpose of making arts available to more people is to __________.A.enlighten people from all walks of life |
B.consolidate various communities |
C.create job opportunities for artists |
D.maximize the natural value of art |
A.national institutions |
B.commercial centers |
C.local governments |
D.towns and villages |
A.Audiences with little education can also gain pleasure from cultural activities. |
B.Artists and audiences can create and enjoy the arts together without barriers. |
C.The soldiers and volunteers should vividly show scenes about the First World War. |
D.Science, technology and maths are more important than humanities and arts nowadays. |
A.For the arts to get revitalized more extensive efforts are needed. |
B.The current British government has done enough to promote arts. |
C.ACE should narrow the financial gap left by the local government. |
D.Many performing venues have closed due to the rising property market. |
Get outdoors with us this summer and experience the excitement and peace within our unique programs. Research suggests that being physically active within green spaces helps reduce stress, anxiety and anger, and improves moods and overall health and wellbeing. Our Department combines experiential activities for your enjoyment.
All fitness levels are welcome; we can accommodate most accessible needs. Please contact Laurie Wright at wright@utsc.utoronto.ca with any questions. Trips are offered to registered U of T students first and then if there is space to staff, non-registered students and guests of the participants. Register at recreg.utoronto.ca or in person at the TPASC Registration Desk.
Please check our website for all updated trip dates, prices, registration details and more!Refunds are only available up to 5 business days prior to the trip.
Upcoming Adventures
TBD: Treetop Trekking and Mountain Biking
Participants will travel by bus up to the Horseshoe Valley Resort. You may choose between a 3-hour Treetop Trekking adventure or 2 hours of x-country mountain biking through the region’s forest trails. Treetop Trekking involves zip-lining (moving quickly with the rider suspended from a cable) and climbing through obstacle courses in a peaceful forest setting. Both adventures will be instructor-led and all equipment will be provided. No experience necessary. Beginner to advanced courses will be available.
Tuesday, June 13th : Outdoor Rock Climbing or Hiking TrailsA bus will transport students to Milton to either hike the area or rock climb. The rock climbing will take place at Rattlesnake Point and there is an opportunity for students to challenge themselves by climbing up to 80ft on some of the best rocks in Southern Ontario. All instructors are fully certified and all equipment will be provided. A custom course will be set up to meet the needs of climbers. The hike will take place through some of the Bruce Peninsula trails and Halton Parks. Participants will have over 20kms of trails to choose from. You may hike with a group or follow the map trails with some friends.
Friday, June 30th (indefinite date): Warsaw CavesThe Warsaw Caves Conservation Area and Campground takes its name from a series of seven caves found in the park. Join us as we explore the multiple courses through the caves have a picnic lunch. Come enjoy this natural underground jungle gym.
1. John, a U of T teaching staff member, would like to take part in some of these programs, what problem may he encounter?A.He can’t get his fees for a Tuesday trip back if he cancels it the previous Monday. |
B.These outdoor adventures will exhaust him and leave him in low spirits. |
C.There may be no space for him because registered students enjoy priority. |
D.The program that explores the Warsaw Caves underground is sure to change its date. |
A.bird watching | B.zip-lining | C.hiking | D.cave exploring |
A.Money can be refunded within five business days after the trip starts. |
B.Adventurers should have some basic trekking and biking skills. |
C.Students must bring some climbing equipment required by the programs. |
D.The name Warsaw Caves originated from the seven caves found in the park. |
3 . The last few months had brought to my attention an important incompatibility between us — one that I’d never noticed before. Despite being a pair of lifelong travelers, Felipe and I seldom travel in a similar way. The reality about Felipe is that he’s both the best traveler I’ve ever met and by far the worst. He hates strange bathrooms and dirty restaurants and uncomfortable trains and foreign beds. Given a choice, he will always select a lifestyle of routine, familiarity, and reassuringly boring everyday practices. All of which might make you assume that the man is not fit to be a traveler at all. But you would be wrong to assume that, for here is Felipe’s traveling gift, his superpower, the secret weapon that makes him peerless. He can create a familiar habitat of boring everyday practices for himself anyplace, if you just let him stay in one spot. He can assimilate absolutely anywhere on the planet in about three days, and then he’s capable of staying put in that place for the next decade or so without complaint. This is why Felipe has been able to live all over the world. Not merely travel, but live. Over the year he has folded himself into societies from South America to Europe, from the Middle East to the South Pacific. He arrives somewhere totally new, decides he likes the place, moves right in, learns the language, and instantly becomes a local.
While Felipe can find a corner anywhere in the world and settle down for good, I can’t. I am infinitely curious and almost infinitely patient with minor disasters, which makes me a far better day-to-day traveler than he will ever be. So I can go anywhere on the planet—that’s not a problem. The problem is I just can’t live anywhere on the planet. I’d realized this only a few weeks earlier, back in northern Laos, when Felipe had woken up one lovely morning in Luang Prabang and said, “Darling, let’s stay here.”
“Sure,” I’d said. “We can stay here for a few more days if you want.”
“No, I mean let’s move here. Let’s forget about me immigrating to America. It’s too much trouble. This is a wonderful town. I like the feeling of it. It reminds me of Brazil thirty years ago. It wouldn’t take much money or effort for us to run a little hotel or shop here, rent an apartment, settle in ….” He was serious. He would just do that. But I can’t.
1. The word “incompatibility” (paragraph 1) is closest in meaning to “_____”.A.harmony | B.negotiation | C.difference | D.tension |
A.He can speak dozens of languages. |
B.He can make himself at home anywhere. |
C.He can decide at first sight if he likes the place. |
D.He can find interesting activities in boring places. |
A.She is much more restless than he is. |
B.She can travel for a longer time than he can. |
C.She is more curious about local life than he is. |
D.She can live better in poor places than he can. |
A.remember the trip to Brazil | B.move to Luang Prabang |
C.immigrate to America as planned | D.run a little hotel or shop well |
4 . The life of a journalist can be exciting. To be in constant pursuit of the latest news demands a curiosity that can only be rewarded by getting to “where it is happening” as soon as possible. The goal, of course, is to relate what is happening to the public as clearly as possible.
However, every journalist must be careful to report not only a vivid picture of what is happening, but a true picture. Each journalist reports his or her own version of what has taken place. Still, this version must be an actual account if the reporter is to maintain a reliable reputation.
In order to get to the truth in some new stories, a reporter must rely on the statements of someone who is on the inside of the situation. Often this insider will only talk to a reporter if the reporter promises never to reveal the insider’s name. The insider usually threatens never to admit meeting with the reporter if his or her name is revealed.
Because stories of this nature often involve criminal activity, reporting them becomes a dangerous job. This kind of work involved in obtaining news in this summer serves as an inviting situation for the underworld as well as the legal world. Members of the underworld want to find out who the insider is so that they can keep him or her quiet. Members of the legal world claim that the reporter will disturb justice if he or she fails to disclose the insider’s name.
Rather than be unaccountable to a trusted informant, most reporters will go to jail if need be. Freedom of the press is provided by the First Amendment of the Constitution of the United States. Impure interpretations of this portion of the constitution cause a small number of reporters to be jailed every year. However, as yet, no amount of legal maneuvering (操纵) has been able to put out this light of freedom set up by our forefathers. All of the reporters refusing to reveal the names of their informants have eventually been released.
Devotion of this kind has given journalism its reputation for reliability — a reliability that each journalist is expected to uphold in his or her search for truth. Supplying a truthful account of each day’s occurrence is the serious contract made between reporter and the public.
1. According to the passage, those who give inside information ________.A.are usually under police protection |
B.do not want their names made public |
C.are on rare occasions on good terms with reliable reporter |
D.often have difficulty in protecting their lives |
A.scheming | B.unknowing | C.stirring | D.tempting |
A.the courts sometimes misinterpret the First Amendment of the Constitution |
B.they get inside stories by dishonest means |
C.they are against the First Amendment of the Constitution |
D.there is no law in the United States to protect freedom of the press |
A.seldom follows the First Amendment of the Constitution of the United States |
B.should be diligent, clever and inventive |
C.must provide the public with a truthful account as clearly as possible |
D.must try every means to satisfy the public’s curiosity |
5 . The coast of the State of Maine is one of the most irregular in the world. A straight line running from the southernmost coastal city to the northernmost coastal city would measure about 225 miles. If you followed the coastline between these points, you would travel more than ten times as far. This irregularity is the result of what is called a drowned coastline. The term comes from the glacial (冰川的) activity of the Ice Age. At that time, the whole area that is now Maine was part of a mountain range that towered above the sea. As the glacier declined, however, it applied enormous force on those mountains, and they sank into the sea.
As the mountains sank, ocean water charged over the lowest parts of the remaining land. And the highest parts of the former mountain range, nearest the shore, remained as islands. Marine fossils found here are 225 feet above sea level indicating the level of the shoreline prior to the glacier.
The 2,500-mile-long rocky and jagged (锯齿状的) coastline of Maine keeps watching over nearly 2,000 islands. Many of these islands are tiny and uninhabited, but many are home to blooming communities. Mt. Desert Island is one of the largest, most beautiful of the Maine coast islands left behind by the glacier. Measuring 16 miles by 12 miles, Mt. Desert was very nearly formed as two distinct islands. It is split almost in half by Somes Sound, a very deep and very narrow stretch of water seven miles long.
For years, Mt. Desert Island, particularly its major settlement, Bar Harbor, has afforded summer homes for the wealthy. Recently, though, Bar Harbor has become a new arts community as well. But the best part of the island is the unspoiled forest land known as Acadia National Park. Since the island sits on the border between two different geographical zones, the park supports the plants and animals of both zones. It also lies in a major bird migration lane and is a resting spot for many birds.
1. The large number of small islands along the coast of Maine is the result of ______.A.the drowning of the Maine coastline | B.glacier’s forcing mountains into the sea |
C.the irregularity of the Maine coastline | D.ocean water’s flooding the mountain range |
A.To ask an amount of money. |
B.To accuse someone publicly of doing something wrong. |
C.To rush in a particular direction. |
D.To pass electricity through something. |
A.The wealthy residents of Mt. Desert Island selfishly kept it to themselves. |
B.Acadia National Park is one of the best national parks. |
C.On Mt. Desert Island, there is great tension between the residents and tourists. |
D.Mt. Desert Island supports an incredibly diverse animal and plant life. |
A.the coastline of Maine is ten times longer after the Ice Age |
B.there are more than 2,500 islands along the Maine coastline |
C.Mt. Desert Island has been broken apart by a 7-mile-long water stretch |
D.an arts community gave way to the summer homes on Mt. Desert Island |
To the Editors: I am surprised to read that Dr. Strojnik (“Direct Detection of Exoplanets,” September-October2023) states that we have not yet and cannot directly image exoplanets (外部行星). This is incorrect. NASA/IPAC has a list at exoplanetarchive.ipac.caltech.edu/docs/imaging.html. One example is an image of 51 Eridani b. The planet is 2.6 times as massive as Jupiter and has the same radius (半径). Gerard Kriss Space Telescope Science Institute |
Dr. Gerard: I am pleased that my article brought a response. The phrase “planet detection” arouses in people’s imaginations beautiful images of planets that are creative artistic representations of novel worlds. But a blur of brightness is not an image. Exoplanet researchers routinely call videos such as the one below of 51 Eridani b “direct images” because the planet’s light has been separated from that of its star. “Directly imaged” is the standard language of exoplanet astronomy. But to an optical (光学的) scientist such as myself, there is a strong distinction between direct detection (the planet’s light separated from the light of its star) and direct imaging (a proven picture of the exoplanet). From an optical researcher’s perspective, a single bright spot simply is not an image. Indeed, even the word “direct” in direct detection is debatable from an optical researcher’s point of view. The detection of the light of the exoplanet requires significant processing, adding multiple images and removing starlight based on theoretical models of the source signal. But the interpretation of a bright spot as a planet is only possible upon visual inspection and optimistic thinking. As an optical scientist, I cannot look at a single spot and call it an image of exoplanets. A trajectory (轨迹), or a series of bright points, is not an image of a planet, although it very likely represents something that nowadays is described as an exoplanet. Marija Strojnik |
1. ________ is the main disagreement between Marija Strojnik and Gerard Kriss.
A.The definition of a planet | B.The importance of detecting exoplanets |
C.The artistic representation of exoplanets | D.The use of the term “direct imaging” |
A.She supports it, as it is a common practice in exoplanet astronomy. |
B.She approves of it, although it does not provide a clear picture of the exoplanet. |
C.She believes it is only possible through visual observation and positive assumption. |
D.She considers the interpretation to be debatable, as it requires significant processing. |
A.In the textbook. | B.In a local newspaper. |
C.In a published essay. | D.In a science journal. |
7 . Success Requires “Ample Doses of Pain”
Jensen Huang, CEO of Nvidia, has a simple message for young people who want to achieve greatness: No pain, no gain. That was essentially his message for students at his alma mater, Stanford University, where he made a speech at the Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research.
“Greatness is not intelligence.
“One of my great advantages is that I have very low expectations,” Huang said, noting that most Stanford graduates have very high expectations as a result of having an elite education. Often people with very high expectations have very low resilience because they are not accustomed to, or prepared for, failure. “
“To this day I use the phrase ‘pain and suffering’ inside our company with great joy,” Huang told the Stanford students. “
A.Greatness comes from character. |
B.Unfortunately, resilience matters in success. |
C.Building character is a key factor in determining success. |
D.When it comes to achieving success, Huang knows more than most. |
E.That’s why I still worry Nvidia could ultimately fail, despite its massive success. |
F.I mean that in a happy way, because you want to refine the character of your company. |
8 . Trees are magicians with carbon, pulling it out of the air at remarkable rates to store it in their bodies. They are so good at removing this greenhouse gas that “planting trees” is often synonymous with doing environmental good.
And lots of people are planting trees. The number of tree-planting organizations has grown by almost 300 percent in the past 30 years, according to a 2021 paper in the journal Biological Conservation. But while tree planting can capture a great amount of carbon, it is hardly a silver bullet for the climate crisis — express estimate that even if we maximized our available lands for trees, this alone would not be enough to counteract carbon emissions caused by humans. Plus, many plantations grow the same few species in monocultures, which can hurt local biodiversity.
The minority of tree plantations are set up with carbon capture solely, or even primarily in mind, says Jacob Bukoski, a forestry scientist at Oregon State University. Most trees are planted with the goal of harvesting timber or wood pulp (木浆) for paper. Tree-planting organizations are more likely to create plantations for commercial reasons, the authors of the 2021 paper also note, rather than for biodiversity or carbon capture.
In forestry, there’s a saying that you have to plant “the right tree in the right place, for the right reason.” But when many tree plantations are established for commercial purposes, the tree that is planted is often not the “right” tree, says Jesús Aguirre-Gutiérrez, an ecologist at the Environmental Change Institute at the University of Oxford.
In a paper published recently in the journal Trends in Ecology & Evolution, Aguirre-Gutiérrez and colleagues argue that focusing on the goal of carbon removal by natural process causes organizations to ignore the importance of restoring balanced ecosystems. The result is a collection of trees that do not support local organisms or promote biodiversity in the way native plant species would have. These problems deserve particular notice in tropical areas where land is vast, and conditions such as stable temperatures and high humidity promote tree growth, as ignoring them while planting trees is damaging. When plantations increased the woody cover of the Brazilian savannah by 40 percent, this “resulted in an about 30 percent reduction in the diversity of plants and ants,” Aguirre-Gutiérrez and his co-authors write in the new paper.
Aguirre-Gutiérrez doesn’t want to discourage people from growing more trees, he says. Rather, we need a better way to protect the natural ecosystems and species there, like encouraging the restoration of native forest tree species. Local plants will be “better adapted to the conditions” in these environments, he says, which means they, and nearby species, are more likely to thrive. “If we go in that direction, that will bring us the added value of capturing carbon, but also this sustainability.”
1. Experts are concerned about tree plantation to reduce greenhouse partly because ______.A.the number of tree-planting organizations is growing too fast. |
B.the speed of tree planting falls far behind that of carbon emission. |
C.the selection of species in tree planting can harm local biodiversity. |
D.the land available to plant trees is not fully explored and developed. |
A.mass plantation of carbon-absorbing trees |
B.biodiversity preservation with local species |
C.harvest of timber or wood pulp for paper |
D.tree plantation for commercial purposes |
A.To show the benefits of planting trees in tropical areas |
B.To illustrate the vastness and eco-diversity of tropical areas |
C.To highlight the negative impact of planting trees in tropical areas |
D.To discourage people from randomly planting trees in tropical areas |
A.People and organizations should plant as many trees as they can to capture carbon. |
B.Plants in tropical areas can thrive better due to its vast land and agreeable climate. |
C.Preserving biodiversity plays a more sustainable role than capturing carbon only. |
D.Tree plantation organizations are irresponsible and focus only on making profits. |
9 . We’ve all been there: You get a small appliance that seems like a good and useful product at the time, but it ends up sitting in a cupboard and never gets used after the initial excitement wears off. But now there’s a new gadget for the kitchen that promises to be much more than a one-task wonder. Meet the Thermomix TM6.
Simply put, Thermomix is a kitchen appliance that looks like a giant food processor or blender. While Thermomix may look similar to other appliances, it’s nothing like them: the Thermomix TM6 has the ability to connect to thousands of online recipes using Wi-Fi and the Cookidoo app or website, and it will guide you through cooking them, measuring ingredients, and performing all the chopping, prep, and even the cooking in this one device. In all, the Thermomix TM6 is able to handle 20 different kitchen appliance functions.
What’s the difference?Anyone who’s familiar with Thermomix may wonder what’s new on the TM6 version, over the previousTM5. The upgraded TM6 has Wi-Fi connectivity (the previous version needed recipe “chips” installed), and a larger color screen, plus it now boasts a higher heat option and longer runtime.
How to cook with Thermomix?Despite the somewhat overwhelming array of functions, the Thermomix is easy to use. Just choose a recipe, and the bot walks you through what to do; it handles the order of tasks, timing, all the measuring, stirring, speed, heat levels, and fine-tuning. You just add ingredients and follow its instructions.
Our TakeThe new Thermomix TM6 is a capable, helpful kitchen device. Despite its larger footprint, it can actually replace a lot of small appliances and automate many kitchen and cooking chores. Plus, you can use it to cook a dish or a full meal, and not have to worry about overcooking something because it’s programmed to make everything with the touch of a chef.
On the downside, it’s quite expensive (ringing in at $1,499), but when you realize it can replace literally half a dozen other appliances (or prevent you from needing to buy them in the first place), it seems like it can more than pay for itself quickly. Thermomix TM6 is available from Thermomix’s website.
1. Thermomix TM6 is different from other kinds of kitchen appliances in that ______.A.it boasts a variety of recipes and cooking apps |
B.it has a larger color screen with Wi-Fi connection |
C.it can run for a longer time and under a higher heat |
D.it combines different kinds of appliance functions |
A.control the order of the procedure | B.search for a recipe on the website |
C.add ingredients to the machine | D.adjust heat levels when necessary |
A.www.goodshopping.com/kitchen_appliances | B.www.everydaycooking.com/product_review |
C.www.thermomix.com/users_manual | D.www.allrecipes.com/prepare_ingredients |
10 . Sia Godika was 13 when she noticed the barefoot children of construction workers at a building site near her house in the upscale Koramangala district of Bangalore, India.
“Their feet were bare. Cracked. Hard. Dirty. Bleeding,” reflects Sia, now 17. “They were just walking around that building site like it was an everyday practice for them.” And it was at that moment that Sia realised the troubling contrast to her own privilege. Later that year, with the help of her parents and community volunteers, Sia founded Sole Warriors, a charity dedicated to providing footwear to those in need, epitomized (体现) by its motto: “Donate a sole, save a soul.”
The idea, which started as a dinner conversation with her parents, quickly grew. After she spread the word with posters and WhatsApp groups, enquiries from people who wanted to help came flooding in. For months, Sia was juggling schoolwork and her new passion project. “I was up till 2 a.m. creating Excel sheets to see which apartment buildings we could tackle for donations and contacting people.”
In its first distribution drive, Sole Warriors collected and gave out 700 pairs of shoes. Today that number stands at around 28,000 across four countries, including the United States, China and Liberia, thanks to the hard work of a core team of about 80 volunteers.
But the organization’s growth wasn’t without its challenges. When it came to looking for collaborators, such as a company that would do the repairs and clean up the footwear to look like new free of charge, Sia faced one obstacle after another before finding a partner in India’s Pressto Cobbler.
“Being a 13-year-old, I did face a lot of bias because at my age, people were less willing to hear me out,” says Sia.
In recognition of her impact, in 2021 Sia was given the Diana Award, given to people aged nine to 25 in memory of the late Princess of Wales. Awarded by a UK-based charity of the same name, it’s one of the most prestigious honours a young person can receive for social action or humanitarian work. But her work isn’t done. “Our goal has always been to touch a million feet,” she says.
1. The underlined word “upscale” most probably means ______.A.shabby | B.deserted | C.dynamic | D.prosperous |
A.local people lacked trust in and patience with teenagers like Sia. |
B.just about 80 volunteers came to help Sia in the organization’s infancy. |
C.few companies are willing to do the repairs without financial incentives. |
D.Sia is not good at operating the organization due to her lack of experience. |
A.All for one, one for all. | B.Walking in someone else’s shoes. |
C.Where there is a will, there is a way. | D.Nothing ventured, nothing gained. |
A.patient, self-disciplined and modest | B.curious, generous and knowledgeable |
C.energetic, ambitious and sympathetic | D.sensitive, independent and passionate |