1 . Europe draws unnecessarily too much on the earth’s food resources, which is why researchers are calling for political actions to reduce food loss and waste on the continent.

According to researchers, “food loss” occurs from the primary agricultural sector to the food processing industry and the wholesale sector, while from the retail (零售) sector towards the service industry and households, we refer to it as “food waste”.

“Halving Europe’s food loss and waste could largely help solve the challenges of food shortages in the world,” says Marianne Thomson, research leader and professor of sustainable food systems at UCPH. The researchers’ calculations show halving food loss and waste in Europe equals saving 8% of the greenhouse gas, along with a saving of about 12% of agricultural areas. In addition, there is a saving of 7% of water consumption, and 14% of energy in the food production for the citizens of Europe.

The calculations apply a consumption-based approach. This includes the greenhouse gas from locally produced and imported food in European countries, while leaving out foods produced inside but exported to other countries.

This is why countries should take actions to reduce food loss and waste at all stages of the food supply chain. Marianne Thomson introduces monitoring and reporting of food loss and waste by all actors along the food supply chain as an important action.

Such an action, combined with other types of similar actions, may be a strong encouragement for companies and the rest of society to put in time and money for new technology and combined efforts to prevent food loss and waste along the food supply chain. Producing companies can cooperate on upcycling (升级改造) products. The service industry can apply upcycled materials produced from food not needed in the wholesale sector, and at the same time encourage costumers to take smaller portions by reducing the plate size.

“Cutting food loss and waste by 50% in Europe requires political actions, and also the actions need to adapt to national circumstances and specific regional and local challenges,” says Marianne Thomson.

1. What is the researchers’ ultimate aim?

A．To decrease food loss and waste.

B．To criticize Europe for overusing food.

C．To look for new products for Europeans.

D．To arouse people’s awareness of food shortage.

2. What is presented in paragraph 3?

A．Possible causes.	B．Solving strategies.
C．Research findings.	D．Calculating methods.

3. What do we know about the action put forward by Marianne Thomson?

A．It requires producing less food for citizens of Europe.

B．It gives no consideration to the food produced out of Europe.

C．It needs joint efforts of everyone along the food supply chain.

D．It costs too much time and money of food producing companies.

4. What can we learn from the passage?

A．Food loss and waste appear at every stage of the supply chain.

B．Smaller sizes of plates lead to people’s eating more than they need.

C．Political actions to reduce food loss and waste meet with no difficulty.

D．Cutting food loss and waste in Europe by 50% means saving 14% agricultural lands.

2 . After seeing the difficult living conditions for children in a migrant (移民) camp in Tijuana, Mexico, Estefanía Rebellón took matters into her own hands.

She could not believe what she saw: families lacking even the most basic supplies. The children, sometimes shoeless and often dirty, clearly had no place to go.

Back at home, Rebellón could think of nothing else. “We have to do something,” she told her partner, Kyle Thomas Schmidt. A school — a safe place for the children to gather and learn — seemed much-needed. So, Rebellón and Schmidt hired volunteer teachers via social media, and using a thousand dollars from their savings, set up a temporary school at the Tijuana border. Classes were held in two large tents.

In five years, that pilot program has grown into the non-profit Yes We Can World Foundation, which operates three classrooms in transformed school buses and two schools in Tijuana, plus another in Ciudad Juarez, a Mexican city directly across the border from El Paso, Texas.

Funded by donations, the foundation’s now well-trained teachers have provided a bilingual education to more than 3,000 kids from ages 3 to 15. The schools follow an official curriculum (课程) from Mexico’s education ministry. As well, Yes We Can offers special courses, including one that helps kids understand more about human migration.

“The program’s success is easy to see,” says Josh Phelps, former director of operations for World Central Kitchen, which has provided meals to some Yes We Can schools. “The kids really enjoy it. There are huge smiles on their faces.”

More than 6.6 million people live in refugee camps around the world, according to the UN Refugee Agency. Rebellón says she’d like to expand the foundation’s reach and support migrant children globally.

“She is a powerhouse,” says Phelps, “and, I think, one of the most important people doing work at the border right now.”

1. What does the underlined part “took matters into her own hands” in paragraph 1 mean?

A．Relied on others.	B．Got rid of it.
C．Took it into account.	D．Dealt with it herself.

2. Why did Rebellón launch the program?

A．To find houses for migrants.

B．To establish a school for migrant children.

C．To raise money for migrants.

D．To provide migrants with daily necessities.

3. Which of the following best describes Rebellón?

A．Easy-going and ambitious.	B．Quick-thinking and generous.
C．Open-minded and imaginative.	D．Warm-hearted and responsible.

4. What can be a suitable title for the text?

A．How We Can Provide Education for Migrants?

B．One Woman Founded Schools for Migrant Children

C．One of the Greatest Women in the World — Rebellón

D．Yes We Can World Foundation — a Nonprofit Organization

3 . Holiday Stress

The whole point of a holiday surely is to get away from everything, to give yourself some “time off” and to fight the mental tiredness.     1    

Despite a holiday being designed to help you fight stress, it can actually create many stressful issues that you might not have considered beforehand.     2     Meanwhile, you’ll be concerned about things going wrong and costing you a lot of money and then when you’re out there you might miss all the usual ease. Consequently, when your comforts and routines are taken away, you can end up feeling rather stressful.

Travelling on the plane and even just getting to the airport can be much more stressful when you have to drag around lots of huge cases.     3     And pack light, even if it means you have to buy a towel when you get out there.

Usually, you are stressed about some aspects of your holiday.     4     For example, if your hotel failed to have your reservation, you could easily stay somewhere else and then get your money back later.

The great thing about holiday is that you get a period of time to deal with any stress you might be facing. When you arrive at your destination and find you are full of holiday stress, why not take a day out to just lie around on the beach and to listen to the waves.     5    

Overall, with all those in mind, you can ensure your trip is more of a positive experience than a negative one.

A．We will look at what causes holiday stress.

B．Nonetheless, it can possible be a stressful thing.

C．However, you know the great thing about being on holiday.

D．It works to think of how you would manage in that situation.

E．This contributes to fighting any stress you might be experiencing.

F．It’s a good idea to minimize the amount of luggage you’re carrying.

G．You might spend the week packing luggage and worrying about almost everything.

4 . There’s so much fun to have during the April School Holidays — check out what’s on offer around the motu.

Into the Lab at MOTAT   

Location: MOTAT, 805 Great North Road   

When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., 13 — 28 April, 2024

What: Get hands-on experience with exhibitions and interactive displays showcasing the body, energy, and scientific discovery. Catch a live show each hour and learn about the power of physical and chemical changes.

Dragon Warrior Trainees

Location: Sky City, Corner Victoria, Auckland

When: 13 — 28 April, daily

What: Upon entry, every child receives a Dragon Warrior activity booklet to kick-start their adventure. Let your little ones enjoy all the Kung Fu Panda activities, and head down to the bamboo forest for Dragon Warrior martial arts training. Keep an eye out for a wandering panda with gifts for children.

Family Test Night

Location: 9 venues (场所) in Auckland or Hamilton

When: Mon 15 — Sun 28 April (Thu — Sun 9 a.m. — 5 p.m., Mon — Wed 11 a.m. — 5 p.m.)

What: Get ready for some kid-friendly tests that the whole family can enjoy. It’s a win-win with you getting to visit your favourite local dinner spot and the kids getting in some general knowledge fun.

Dolphin Encounter Family Special (Get 15%off and a free gift)

Location: 96 Esplanade, Kaikōura

When: 13 — 28 April, 2024

What: Kaikōura is one of the best places in the world to encounter dolphins in their natural environment. It’s just you, the open ocean… and Kaikōura’s wild Dusky Dolphins. You can get a 15% discount during the April School Holidays.

1. What can you do at MOTAT, 805 Great North Road?

A．Participate in martial arts training.	B．Take some exams.
C．Watch a show happening on the spot.	D．Contact with nature.

2. When can you go to the Family Test Night?

A．2 p.m., 13 April.	B．9 a.m., 16 April.
C．8 a.m., 21 April.	D．9 a.m., 25 April.

3. What do Dragon Warrior Trainees and Dolphin Encounter Family Special have in common?

A．They give children gifts.	B．They attract families.
C．They provide access to wildlife.	D．They offer discounts.

5 . The psychological term, valence weighting bias, describes people’s tendency to adapt in new circumstances by drawing more strongly from either their positive or negative attitudes, or rather, whether negative or positive internal “signals” carry the most weight in guiding people’s final behavior.

Studies led by Russell Fazio and Javier Granados from Ohio State University found links between a negative-leaning attitude and procrastination (拖延) and that it’s possible to shift the weighting bias and reverse the tendency to delay a task.

In the study, 147 college students participated in a program allowing them to accumulate course credits for engaging in a research. Those who thought it was an awful thing to do procrastinated starting. The study also explored whether students’ measures of self-control influenced task-related behaviors: How students characterized their level of motivation about the research program, and if that affected whether students got an early start. Results showed the combination of negative weighting bias and self-reported low motivation for self-control was linked to students putting off research program participation by getting started later in the semester.

Then the students in the program who were self-reported procrastinators and who scored high for negative weighting bias were asked to join in another study. Researchers then inspired one group in a way that led participants to weigh positive and negative signals in a more balanced way. This shift caused the students to accumulate credit hours more quickly than the group whose negative weighting bias and low self-control reliably predicted their delay. “If somebody is more motivated and able to think more about it, that might bring other considerations that weaken the influence of the valence weighting bias,” researchers said.

Negative weighting bias can have a positive effect on behavior, though. These researchers have also found evidence that a negative weighting bias may help people be more realistic when they’re asking themselves, “Have I studied enough for this test?” “It’s better to be more objectively balanced than to be at either extreme,” Fazio said. “But the situation where a particular valence weighting bias is likely to be problematic is going to vary.”

1. What can we know about valence weighting bias?

A．It is used in modern technology.	B．It influences people’s mental health.
C．It directs what people do variously.	D．It leads to delays in carrying out tasks.

2. Students in the first study would start participating earlier if they ________.

A．suffered from valence weighting bias	B．drew more strongly from positivity
C．thought poorly of their self-discipline	D．considered themselves lack of motivation

3. What does the experiment in paragraph 4 indicate?

A．High scores lead to more consideration.

B．Negative weighting bias can be reversed.

C．Participants need professional knowledge.

D．Measuring properly is of vital importance.

4. What message is conveyed in the last paragraph?

A．Negative weighting bias can be beneficial.

B．People need to strive to be positive at any time.

C．Positive people tend to make random decisions.

D．Valence weighting bias applies to different situations.

6 . In a video submitted to a nationwide science competition, Heman Bekele from Virginia spelled out his mission briefly — cure cancer, one bar of soap at a time. He created a cheap soap that could potentially help fight skin cancer. His invention won him the title of “America’s Top Young Scientist” at the 3M Young Scientist Challenge, an annual competition that invites students in grades five through eight to “change their world for the better with a single innovative idea”, on October 10, 2023.

At age 4, Heman moved to America from Ethiopia, where he always saw people constantly working under the hot sun. While he considered ideas for the competition, it struck him that so many people in his hometown were unaware of the risk of sun exposure. The recollections fueled his decision to focus his research on skin cancer.

“I hoped to make my idea something that not only was great in terms of science but also could be affordable for as many people as possible,” Heman said. As he initially thought about his approach, Heman wanted his product to be something as much of a “constant” in people’s life as possible, an item that was most convenient in contrast to other medicinal products.

In June 2023, he was selected as a top-ten finalist and paired with 3M product engineering specialist Deborah Isabelle to develop and test a physical prototype (原型) of his idea. It took the pair four months of trial and error to create “Skin Cancer Treating Soap” (SCTS). The bar contains chemicals that restore the body’s dendritic cells killed by cancer cells. Once reconstructed, dendritic cells, the body’s first line of defense against cancer and infections, are capable of fighting against cancer cells. SCTS, which costs just 50 cents a bar, still has to undergo clinical trials. The process could take over five years.

Heman’s plan for the soap stretches far beyond the winning. He has a five-year plan, which includes seeking approval from the Food and Drug Administration. He also hopes to start a nonprofit to distribute the soap in the future. “There is still a lot left to do,” the 14-year-old teenager said.

1. What inspired Heman’s idea for the invention?

A．Folk tales.	B．Childhood memories.
C．Working experiences.	D．Medical observations.

2. In which aspect did Heman want his product to differ from other treatments?

A．Accessibility.

B．Function.

C．Security.

D．Effectiveness.

3. How does SCTS work?

A．It minimizes solar radiation.	B．It kills cancer cells directly.
C．It reactivates destroyed cells.	D．It removes viruses from the skin.

4. Which of the following best describes Heman according to the last paragraph?

A．Industrious and sociable.	B．Ambitious and caring.
C．Intelligent and competitive.	D．Sensitive and conservative.

7 . Culture shock is the experience that often accompanies moving to an unfamiliar place. It could be marked by feeling lost, anxious or hesitant.     1     You’ll become accustomed to the same things that initially “shocked” you! Read on for tips for overcoming culture shock in a short time.

When deciding to visit an entirely new place, don’t expect the traditions and cultures followed by your current home to be followed by the new land.     2     So keep your expectations low.

Even though it is an unfamiliar environment hosting different cultures and traditions from the one you’re used to, it’s vital to broaden your mind and be willing to try new things. Don’t be quick to form discriminatory judgments just because it is “odd”. Have a go at something different, like a food or clothing — different isn’t necessarily bad.     3    

Social psychologists claim that lack of information is the biggest contributor to prejudices. Talk to the local population and ask them about how their culture works instead of assuming the worst.     4     Plus, you’ll make some friends who can ease your transformation.

Keep yourself open-minded, await new experiences and familiarize yourself with the conduct of the people.     5     Go out there and have fun!

A．Integrity breaks down barriers.

B．You can gain insight into your surroundings.

C．Culture shock will eventually disappear, though.

D．Every city or country has its own values and beliefs.

E．Never do you know where you might find an interest.

F．Consequently, such memories are what you should treasure.

G．As long as you stick to that, you’ll soon adjust to the new culture.

8 . Do you have a favorite sport? Are you passionate about sewing or reading? Typically, you engage in these activities simply because you enjoy them. Would you be taken aback to know the overjustification effect that when you are rewarded for your beloved activities, your desire to participate in them diminishes?

Edward Deci, a psychology professor, conducted a series of experiments, in one of which Deci divided the participants into two groups: one was paid to complete a puzzle, and the other was not paid to. After money was removed, the group that was previously paid to play showed less motivation to complete the task than the group that was never paid and only did the puzzle for enjoyment. The outcome demonstrated the overjustification effect, which occurs when an external stimulation decreases a person’s internal motivation to perform a behavior or engage in an activity.

According to the self-determination theory, three conditions are essential for people to feel internally motivated and perform at their best: autonomy, freedom from external restrictions; competence, the need to feel capable, and relatedness, the need to feel connected with others. In Deci’s experiment, money acted as a tie, which reduced participants’ autonomy, a crucial component of internal motivation, discouraging them from experiencing the freedom of external restrictions. The pressure to perform for the money lessened the pleasure and freedom felt by those who were doing the puzzle merely for fun.

But if external stimulation is tied to performance, the overjustification effect is less influential. For example, being rewarded for studying is unlikely to decrease internal motivation because the grade depends upon actually doing well rather than just going through the motions.

While the overjustification effect can reduce motivation, some strategies can lower its impact. One is to focus on providing feedback and recognition rather than concrete rewards. For instance, praising an individual’s effort or acknowledging their accomplishments can maintain their internal motivation. Additionally, allowing individuals to have autonomy and control over their tasks also works. By giving them the freedom to choose how they complete tasks, individuals are more likely to be internally motivated and experience a greater sense of satisfaction and engagement.

1. What does the underlined word “diminishes” in paragraph 1 mean?

A．Remains.

B．Weakens.

C．Ceases.

D．Solidifies.

2. How did Deci prove the overjustification effect in the experiment?

A．By interpreting a concept.

B．By presenting an argument.

C．By making a comparison.

D．By describing a phenomenon.

3. What is mainly illustrated in paragraph 3?

A．The skills needed for a puzzle.

B．The core elements of inner drives.

C．The impact of autonomy on competence.

D．The theoretical basis for the overjustification effect.

4. Which serves as an example of preventing the overjustification effect?

A．Speaking highly of a pupil’s hard work.

B．Rewarding a kid with candy for playing the violin.

C．Offering a clerk financial bonuses for daily routines.

D．Promising an employee a decent position for doing his duty.

9 . Andrea Lankford quit her job after spending 12 years as a National Park Service forester specializing in search and rescue missions in scenic and remote American landscapes. However, decades later, three young hikers went missing on the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). She found herself unable to turn away from the three separate cases despite challenges in the inquiry into them.

Trail of the Lost was her answer.

It’s an absorbing nonfiction narrative (叙事) about the three hikers, including their lives and those of the people looking for them. It also explores the history of the PCT and the rich subculture, practices and even literature that surround it and those who undertake the 2,650-mile journey.

The book is a rich multilayered narrative that works on three different levels. The first is the story of each of the three hikers. Lankford offers a biography (传记) of each of the missing men and shows them through the eyes of those who knew them well and those who joined the search.

Right underneath the narratives about the three hikers are the stories of everyone looking for them. Lankford played a role in each search but she allowed friends, family and even strangers to occupy center stage throughout most of the narrative. The story looks at the role of missing person Facebook groups in the searches and how crucial word of mouth can be. Many warm-hearted individuals came forth and became instrumental in the searches or provided valuable information. But Lankford also writes of the many who lied for no apparent reason and confused the investigations.

The narrative also shines a light on diverse aspects of the PCT. Lankford, who has hiked the entire Appalachian Trail and was the first person to mountain bike the 800-mile Arizona Trail, knows just how the PCT is physically and mentally demanding. Besides, the book explores threats from mountain lions to people with bad intentions who don’t observe the PCT’s unspoken moral rules, serving as a revelation of the well-known, hidden or ignored dangers of the PCT.

Written with a clear, fast-paced, straightforward style, Trail of the Lost is as full of hope and humanity as it is packed with pain, sorrow, danger and tension. Read it and you’ll find more than you seek.

1. What led Lankford to write Trail of the Lost?

A．Her love for her prior career.

B．Her strong attachment to the PCT.

C．The stress from the missing families.

D．Her investigation into hikers’ disappearance.

2. What is presented on the second level of the book?

A．Efforts by different people in searches.

B．A string of wilderness survival tips.

C．Approaches to information classification.

D．Respective stories of the three hikers.

3. What’s the purpose of mentioning Lankford’s previous adventures?

A．To promote her book.

B．To make her a celebrity.

C．To motivate hikers to challenge themselves.

D．To stress the difficulty of hiking the PCT.

4. What can we say about the book?

A．It targets single youth.

B．It’s a romantic novel.

C．It’s based on actual events.

D．It’s a detailed account of a journey.

10 . Literary festivals all over the USA offer opportunities for readers to meet their favorite authors and learn about their new projects. You can start planning your next literary vacation!

Summer Words
Dates: June 19-22
Price: Free

It’s one of America’s most respected literary festivals and writing conferences. Authors are able to attend advanced workshops in order to improve the craft of writing. Besides, they can meet editors and literary agents and attend public panel discussions to gain inspiration and insight.

Book Bonanza
Dates: June 23-24
Price: $250

It is a celebration of books covering multiple styles and always nets a huge list of incredible author attendees. What makes it stand out, however, is not just its impressive list of attendees: it’s the charitable focus. All proceeds are donated to charitable causes, including those that benefit women and children.

Los Angeles Times Festival of Books
Dates: April 22-23
Price: Free, although indoor panels will require tickets

It is a massive celebration of books and the bookish community, with book signings, panel discussions with distinguished professors and experts, art performances and book giveaways. The two-day event has grown to become an essential element of the L.A. cultural scene.

Imaginarium Book Festival
Dates: May 20-21
Price: Free, but VIP tickets for early entry to signing rooms ($45), tickets for the brunch ($50)

It celebrates all things about fantasy and science fiction. In addition to panels where authors will answer your questions, you’ll get to meet and acquire signed books from your favorite authors and have the option of brunching with them at the cosmic (宇宙的) brunch buffet.

1. In which literary festival can you catch a show?

A．Summer Words.

B．Book Bonanza.

C．Los Angeles Times Festival of Books.

D．Imaginarium Book Festival.

2. What is special about Book Bonanza?

A．Its profits go to charity.

B．It’s meant for women and children.

C．It doesn’t charge admission fee.

D．It features workshops for notable writers.

3. What can you do in Imaginarium Book Festival?

A．Get an author-signed photograph.

B．Dine with your admiring writers.

C．Interact with science fiction supermen.

D．Obtain one-on-one reading training.