1 . How the economics profession should fix its gender problem
At the heart of economics is a belief in the virtues (好处) of open competition as a way of using the resources you have in the most efficient way you can. Thanks to the power of that insight, economists routinely tell politicians how to run public policy and business people how to run their firms. Yet when it comes to its own house, academic economics could have done more to observe the standards it applies to the rest of the world.
In particular, it recruits (招聘) too few women. Also, many of those who do work in the profession say they are treated unfairly and that their talents are not fully realised. As a result, economics has fewer good ideas than it should and suffers from a skewed (歪曲的) viewpoint. It is time for the dismal science to improve its dismal record on gender.
For decades relatively few women have participated in STEM subjects: science, technology, engineering and maths. Economics belongs in this list. And a survey by the American Economics Association (AEA) this week shows that many women who do become academic economists are treated badly.
To deal with its gender shortfall (缺口), economics needs two tools that it often uses to analyse and solve problems elsewhere: its ability to crunch data and its capacity to experiment. Take data first. The AEA study is commendable, but only a fifth of its 45,000 present and past members replied to its poll. Better data are needed to capture how work by female economists is discriminated against. The more comprehensive (全面的) the picture that emerges, the sooner and more easily action can be taken to change recruitment and to reform professional life.
The other priority is for economists to experiment with new ideas, as the AEA is recommending. For a discipline that values dynamism, academic economics is often conservative, sticking with teaching methods, hiring procedures and social conventions that have been around for decades. The AEA survey reveals (显示) that 46% of women have not asked a question or presented an idea at conferences for fear of being treated unfairly, compared with 18% of men. Seminars could be organised to ensure that all speakers get a fair chance. The way that authors’ names are presented on papers could ensure that it is clear who has done the intellectual heavy lifting.
Instead of moving cautiously, the economics profession should do what it is best at: recognise there is a problem, measure it objectively and find solutions. If the result is more women in economics who are treated better, there will be more competition for ideas and a more efficient use of a scarce (稀缺的) resource. What economist could possibly object to that?
1. Why does economics have fewer excellent ideas than it should?| A．Economical environment isn’t good enough. |
| B．Professionals in this field are treated unjustly and their gifts are not fully recognized. |
| C．Too many women are employed. |
| D．Women do worse in economics than men. |
| A．Data to capture how work by female economists is discriminated against. |
| B．Its ability to process data quickly and its capacity to experiment. |
| C．Action to change recruitment and professional life of female economists. |
| D．Seminars organised to ensure that all speakers get a fair chance. |
| A．The result of the AEA survey is that there is better treatment to women. |
| B．More women in economics will bring more competition of scarce resource. |
| C．A balanced sex ratio will do good to the development of economics. |
| D．Men in economics can’t make this discipline better. |
| A．Opposed. | B．Positive. | C．Objective. | D．Indifferent. |
2 . The World-Famous Nine
By Ben Guterson, illustrated by Kristina Kister
Zander’s grandmother owns the most incredible department store in the world. When a string of mysterious accidents start happening at the store, Zander’s grandmother tells him that a monster called Darkbloom may have returned. The monster, which can control people, wants a magical object that disappeared from the store decades ago. Zander notices that walls on many floors contain mysterious symbols and takes them down in his notebook. Will the 11-year-old boy be able to solve the puzzle and secure the object before Darkbloom does? Packed with suspense, fascination, and a family drama, this mystery may remind you of a cross between Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
Ask the Author
The Week: What inspired this book?
Ben Guterson: When I was growing up, Seattle had two big department stores. Something about these big buildings held many possibilities for mystery and discovery to me.
The Week: Why is Zander close to his grandmother?
Ben Guterson: I didn’t want Zander to be alone, so he’s got his loving grandmother there to give him some guidance and keep him safe.
The Week: Do you enjoy mysteries?
Ben Guterson: Yes, I like stories with a mysterious feel to them. I don’t think I have ever been drawn to straightforward realism.
1. What can we learn about Zander?| A．He grows up in Seattle. | B．He lives alone at a store. |
| C．He wishes to be a magician. | D．He wants to defeat Darkbloom. |
| A．A kid loving true-life stories. | B．A kid enjoying fictional works. |
| C．A kid interested in grandma’s dishes. | D．A kid drawn to online store shopping. |
| A．A writer’s profile. | B．An interview outline. |
| C．A children’s story. | D．A book recommendation. |
3 . For eight years, Sophie created realistic-looking limbs (肢) for those who wanted to fit in. But she longed to work on more odd designs that would stand out. Then she met Pollyanna Hope, a young amputee (被截肢者).
“She wanted something a little different on her leg: pictures of a cartoon she loved, Peppa Pig,” said Sophie, who is now based in London. So she designed a unique leg covered in tattoo-like images of Peppa and other pigs riding a bicycle and eating ice cream. Working with Hope made Sophie realize there was a potential market for limbs.
Since then, Sophie founded the Alternative Limb Project (ALP) to make artistic limbs. Her work includes an arm wrapped in sculpted snakes and a leg that looks like porcelain (瓷器) covered in a painted flowery vine. She makes about six limbs per year, always including clients’ ideas so that they receive a personal piece they can celebrate rather than hide.
Of course, a fancy-looking limb won't suit everyone. For Sophie, the basis is that each limb must satisfy a combination of comfort, beauty and functionality, and pushing too hard in one direction can weaken other areas. But for amputees who appreciate novelty, Sophie has some amazing ideas.
“I’d really like to make a candy-dispenser leg with colorful candies inside it” she says. “Or a cuckoo-clock leg with a wooden bird that pops out every hour.” Her goal is to fashion a striking limb.
“It’ll transform the limbs from an elephant in the room into a conversation piece.”
1. Why did Pollyanna Hope come to Sophie?| A．She hoped to have a tailored limb. |
| B．She intended to design a cartoon figure. |
| C．She longed to expand the market for limbs. |
| D．She expected to sell Sophie some odd ideas. |
| A．boost users’ confidence | B．sharpen users’ creativity |
| C．improve Sophie’s sculpture skills | D．extend Sophie’s art business |
| A．The novelty of the pattern tops the list. | B．The balance of multi-needs comes first. |
| C．Fashion is the best policy. | D．Functionality is the key. |
| A．Sophie resolves to lead the fashion of limbs. |
| B．Sophie plans to further transform artistic limbs. |
| C．Amputees will feel at ease to talk about limbs. |
| D．Amputees will have easy access to artistic limbs. |
4 . Twelve-year-old Catherine has a lot of friends—632, actually, if you count up her online friends. And she spends a lot of time with them.
But is it possible that Catherine’s online friendships could be making her lonely? That’s what some experts believe. Connecting online is a great way to stay in touch, they say. However, some experts worry that many kids are so busy connecting online that they might be missing out on true friendships.
Could this be true? During your parents’ childhoods, connecting with friends usually meant spending time with them in the flesh. Kids played Scrabble around a table, not words with friends on their phones. When friends missed each other, they picked up the telephone. Friends might even write letters to each other.
Today, most communication takes place online. A typical teen sends 2,000 texts a month and spends more than 44 hours per week in front of a screen. Much of this time is spent on social media platform.
In fact, in many ways, online communication can make friendships stronger. “There’s definitely a positive influence. Kids can stay in constant contact, which means they can share more of their feelings with each other,” says Katie Davis, co-author of The App Generation.
Other experts, however, warn that too much online communication can get in the way of forming deep friendships. “If we are constantly checking in with our virtual world, we will have little time for our real-world friendships,” says Larry Rosen, a professor at California State University. Rosen also worries that today’s kids might mistake the “friends” on the social media for true friends in life. However, in tough times, you don’t need anyone to like your picture or share your blogs. You need someone who will keep your secrets and hold your hand. You would like to talk face to face.
1. What is the purpose of the first paragraph?| A．To tell about true friends. | B．To start a discussion. |
| C．To encourage online friendships. | D．To summarize(总结) the text. |
| A．In any case. | B．In public. | C．In person. | D．In advance. |
| A．Unconcerned. | B．Positive. | C．Worried. | D．Confused. |
| A．Teenagers need to focus on real-world friendships. | B．It’s easier to develop friendships in real life. |
| C．It’s wise to turn to friends online. | D．Social media help people stay closely connected. |
5 . When 19-year-old Emily Bhatnagar from Maryland, USA, found out her father had stage four thyroid cancer, her response was a little different than you might expect. To honour her father, who she also describes as her best friend, she decided to start a book drive called For Love and Buttercup, collecting books for kids with cancer.
“It was very much an overnight idea,” she explains. “I posted a message on an app called Nextdoor asking my neighbours for used book donations. I was only expecting a few here and there, but the response was truly incredible and it was just the push I needed to co-exist with my grief rather than letting it consume me.”
“It was absolutely heartbreaking to watch my dad go through cancer and see him lose a little bit of himself each day, but the book drive allowed me to develop a newfound sense of purpose connected with sympathy to help others in any shape or form. I wanted to help kids. They’ve always held a soft spot in my heart.”
Using tips she earns from working at her parents’ bread shop, Emily has bought many books out of her own pocket. In addition, she receives donations through her Amazon wish list, which can be found in the bio of the book drive’s Instagram account, @forloveandbuttercup.
The project has seen a huge success, with For Love and Buttercup donating over l5,000 books and being recognized by The Washington Post, Forbes, The President’s Volunteer Service Award and Lady Gaga’s Born This Way Foundation.
1. What was Emily’s reaction when she found out her father’s illness?| A．She lost herself in sadness. |
| B．She drove her father around the world. |
| C．She sought support from her best friend. |
| D．She showed her sympathy to kids with cancer. |
| A．It broke her heart. | B．It was her father’s dream. |
| C．It became a big challenge. | D．It gave her a sense of purpose. |
| A．Anyone who donated books received a special gift. |
| B．Emily wanted to arouse people’s awareness of cancer. |
| C．People donated money to her father through the book drive. |
| D．Emily’s cause has received positive response from the public. |
| A．An Inspiring Cause | B．A Lifesaving Decision |
| C．A Heartbreaking Story | D．An Award-winning App |
6 . Keeping your weight within the ideal range for your height is one of the most important steps you can take to maintain healthy bones, muscles and joints. It is healthy to keep your weight below a certain level.
Calculate your BMI
A good way to work out whether you need to lose or gain weight is to calculate your body mass index (BMI).
Your weight is a reflection of the balance between your energy intake and energy consumption. If your intake exceeds expenditure, the excess energy is stored on your body as fat. To lose weight you simply need to tip the balance in the other direction, by increasing your consumption, decreasing your intake, or a combination of both.
Develop a good eating habit
Exercise regularly
Losing weight is not difficult — it is keeping it off that is the real challenge.
| A．Keep a balance |
| B．Don’t skip breakfast. |
| C．More than half the UK population is overweight. |
| D．But it is also important not to go too far the other way. |
| E．The most effective way to lose weight is plenty of exercise. |
| F．The safest way to lose weight is to do it slowly and steadily. |
| G．A BMI between 18.5 and 25 is associated with the lowest health risks. |
7 . Are you an “I person” or an “E person”? These two personality labels in particular are widely discussed online. They are part of a popular personality test called the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, or MBTI. All of the results have four letters, and there are 16 results in total, “I” and “E” refer to “introverted” and “extroverted”, respectively.
Even if someone is typically quiet, many online discussions suggest that an “I person” can still act outgoing at times. For example, when an introverted person is with a group of introverted friends, they might become more social like an “E person”. According to psychologists, this idea of temporarily switching personalities is called “masking”. That is hiding your true personality in specific situations.
“Human beings want to feel they belong, and they might become people-pleasers to do so,” wrote the MasterClass website.
Thinking on this, I may actually be the kind of person that these people are discussing. Most times, I just wish to make the atmosphere more interesting and exciting and show people that I’m easy to get along with. But deep down, I mostly enjoy being alone and quiet.
Using the MBTI result to identify and describe someone’s personality seems fun. However, I went too far at one time. My sister was excitedly making a day-to-day travel plan when I remembered from an article that “P people” don’t like to make or stick to plans, so I said to her, “You don’t seem like a ‘P person’?” “Why?” she asked back, “Since when do I need to follow what my personality test tells me to do?” It was then that I realized I’d taken the result too seriously.
The MBTI personality test may show something you don’t know about yourself and can even be a fun ice-breaker question when meeting new friends. And that’s all it is-for fun. Knowing someone’s MBTI result doesn’t mean you really know this person. And those four letters of yours don’t define who you are.
1. What do we know about an “I person”?| A．An “I person” may feel lonely. | B．An “I person” can be outgoing. |
| C．An “I person” is always selfish. | D．An “I person” is popular online. |
| A．Covering. | B．Avoiding. | C．Showing. | D．Criticizing |
| A．She didn’t like the “P person” | B．She didn’t like making plans. |
| C．She didn’t take MBTI seriously. | D．She didn’t take the personality test. |
| A．It’s just for fun. | B．It defines who you are. |
| C．It helps match good friends. | D．It can shape your personality |
8 . McCormick Place in Chicago, the largest convention center (会议中心) in North America, is covered in glass that is enjoyable for humans but deadly for birds. On Oct. 5, over 1,000 migrating birds died from colliding with (相撞) its glass walls in a single day.
One key reason for the accident is the glass. During the day, birds fly toward glass as it reflects a perfect image of the sky and nearby trees. As night falls, the bright light from glass buildings attracts birds who fly according to the location of the moon and stars. The collision happened on the night of Oct. 5, when the lights in the building were on for an event.
After colliding with a building, many birds will die on the spot from a broken skull. Others may continue to fly for some distance, but they rarely survive for more than a few hours, as Brendon Samuels, who researches bird window collisions at the University of Western Ontario, Canada, told The Guardian.
Every year, nearly one billion birds collide with glass in the US, according to the US Fish and Wildlife Service. In China, bird collisions are not uncommon, either. In the autumn of 2022 and spring of 2023, the National Anti-bird Collisions Action Alliance reported a total of 190 cases of bird collisions, which included several types of birds listed as second-class protected wildlife.
These tragedies could have been avoided if appropriate measures had been taken. Many places around the world have already put forward bird-related guidelines on building design. These include reducing the use of glass in building walls and applying bird-friendly materials and visual markers to the buildings’ walls. Turning off lights at night during migration seasons can also significantly help reduce bird collisions. Alongside guidelines on bird-friendly building design, people can also do their bit to help birds by putting stickers on glass windows in their homes and closing the curtains at night.
1. Why did so many birds crash into the building on Oct. 5?| A．It was newly built. | B．It was noisy at night. |
| C．It was lit up that night. | D．It was invisible at night. |
| A．They may die soon after. | B．They may survive after all. |
| C．They may change their direction. | D．They may be saved by researchers. |
| A．Bird collisions happen a lot. | B．Birds can be damaging to buildings. |
| C．Bird collisions never happened before 2022 | D．Protected birds can avoid crashing into building. |
| A．Draw the curtains during the day. | B．Use visual markers on buildings’ walls. |
| C．Change the color of the light in buildings. | D．Use environmental-friendly building material. |
9 . If you’re looking for an active winter vacation, there are two strategies: Head toward the snow and cold to ski, sled, and skate; or get as far away from the white stuff as possible. At these North American hotels, there’s a unique winter experience for everyone.
HÔtel de Glace, Québec, Canada
The HÔtel de Glace is North America’s only ice hotel. Each winter, sculptors use 2,000 blocks of ice and tons of snow to build a grand entrance hall, bar, and 30 guestrooms to open in early January. After spending the night on a frozen bed, guests can take a hot shower at the HÔtel Valcartier next door and go snow tubing or ice skating at the neighboring winter playground.
Flamingo Lodge, Everglades National Park, Florida
Shipping containers were used to construct the new Flamingo Lodge near the southernmost visitor center of Florida’s Everglades National Park, The only hotel in the park replaces earlier structures destroyed by hurricanes. In addition to bright, simple rooms, guests find an indoor-outdoor restaurant and views of Florida Bay. The birdwatching out of Flamingo is incredible and the best place to see a crocodile in Florida is at the bay.
Métis Crossing, Alberta, Canada
Stargaze and learn about the culture of Canada’s Métis from the sky watching cabins at Métis Crossing. The 512-acre cultural center has near-zero light pollution. This makes night sky viewing around the campfire particularly appealing. The heated cabins, which gather around the main hotel, have glass roofs over the beds for star views.
1. What do we know about HÔtel de Glace?| A．There are over 30 rooms in this hotel. |
| B．It’s the only ice hotel in North America. |
| C．Tourists can take hot showers in the hotel. |
| D．Sculptures are built in the entrance hall each winter. |
| A．It’s built on ships. | B．It keeps birds indoors. |
| C．It’s built after hurricanes. | D．There’s a zoo near the hotel. |
| A．There’s almost no light pollution. | B．Tourists can view stars on the roof. |
| C．It’s a cultural center of Canada’s Métis. | D．People can view the sky around the campfire. |
10 . Health officials on Tuesday authorized the first electronic cigarettes in the U.S., saying the R.J. Reynolds vaping (电子烟) products can benefit adult smokers.
The Food and Drug Administration said data submitted by the company showed its Vuse e-cigarettes helped smokers either quit or significantly reduce their use of cigarettes, the leading preventable cause of death in the U.S.
Tuesday’s first-of-a-kind decision is part of a sweeping effort by the FDA to bring scientific scrutiny (审查) to the multibillion-dollar vaping industry after years of delays.
In September, the agency said it had rejected applications for more than a million e-cigarettes and related products, mainly due to their potential appeal to young children. But supervisors delayed making decisions on most of the major vaping companies. The FDA said it rejected 10 other requests from the company for other flavored products. The agency is still inspecting the company’s request to sell a menthol-flavored (薄荷味) nicotine formula (配方). “Today’s authorizations are an important step toward ensuring all new tobacco products healthy and legal after the FDA’s premarket evaluation,” said Mitch Zeller, director of the FDA’s tobacco center, in a statement, “The manufacturer’s data demonstrates its tobacco-flavored products could benefit addicted adult smokers who switch to these products — either completely or with a significant reduction in cigarette consumption.”
E-cigarettes first appeared in the U.S. more than a decade ago with the promise of providing smokers with a less harmful alternative to smoking traditional tobacco cigarettes. But there has been little tight study of whether the e-cigarettes truly help smokers quit. And efforts by the FDA to begin checking vaping products and their claims were repeatedly slowed by competing political interests.
In recent years, the vaping market grew to include hundreds of companies selling a good supply of devices and nicotine solutions in various flavors and strengths. But the vast majority of the market is controlled by a few companies including Juul Labs, which is partially owned by Altria, and Vuse. To stay on the market, companies must show that their products benefit public health. In practice, that means proving that adult smokers who use the products are likely to quit or reduce their smoking, while teens are unlikely to get hooked on them.
1. Why did U.S. health officials authorize R.J. Reynolds’ e-cigarette products?| A．E-cigarette products are not harmful to humans, especially adult smokers. |
| B．E-cigarette products could help control the death rates in the United States. |
| C．E-cigarette products are effective in reducing cigarette use in America. |
| D．E-cigarette products can ensure that adult smokers keep away from smoking. |
| A．Process of e-cigarette product assessment. | B．Significance of e-cigarette products’ data. |
| C．Advantages of using e-cigarettes among smokers. | D．Reasons for declining e-cigarettes applications. |
| A．Interests of the consumers. | B．Quality the products. |
| C．Evaluation of the public. | D．Marketing strategy. |
| A．Be addicted to. | B．Be reliable on. |
| C．Be satisfied with. | D．Be anxious about. |
