1 . Last Friday, a special event took place at the National Theater of Korea. A robot called EveR 6 led an orchestra in a performance of Korean music. Robots have led orchestras in other countries, but this was the first time in Korea.
EveR 6 is a robot built by the Korea Institute of Industrial Technology (KITECH). EveR 6 has joints in its neck, shoulders, elbows, and wrists. As a result, it can move its arms quickly and smoothly in many different directions. But EveR 6 doesn’t think on its own like some Artificial Intelligence (AI) programs. Instead, it has a limited group of movements that it has been trained to perform. EveR 6’s movements are based on movements “captured” from real human conductors.
In Friday’s performance, the National Orchestra of Korea presented a concert titled “Absence”. The concert included five different pieces of music. Two were conducted by EveR 6, and two were conducted by Soo-Yeoul Choi, who led the Busan Philharmonic Orchestra. Both conductors worked together on the final piece.
Mr. Choi was impressed with the way EveR 6 moved. But the robot’s greatest weakness is that it can’t hear. “Some people think that conducting is just a combination of hand waving and keeping the beat,” says Mr. Choi. But a good conductor needs to listen to the orchestra so that he or she can correct and encourage the orchestra as it plays.
Mr. Choi said that once EveR 6 started, the musicians had “no choice but to follow its beats.” He said this created a situation where “the performers have to communicate with each other to follow the right beats.” Mr. Choi doesn’t think robots are likely to replace human conductors. However, he believes robots could be helpful in situations like practice sessions where the same thing needs to be repeated many times.
1. What can we learn about EveR 6?| A．It is trained by human conductors. | B．It can wave its arms smoothly. |
| C．It has performed in Korea many times. | D．It is more advanced than other AI programs. |
| A．EveR 6. | B．Mr. Choi. | C．EveR 6 and Mr. Choi. | D．Nobody |
| A．It cannot hear and respond to the orchestra. |
| B．It has difficulty capturing humans’ movements. |
| C．It cannot beat time with its fingers. |
| D．It doesn’t have human-like facial expressions. |
| A．Unworkable. | B．Hard-to-use | C．Time-saving. | D．Useful. |
| A．EveR 6 brings conducting a bright future. | B．Korean robot conducts orchestra. |
| C．The war between robots and musicians is on. | D．AI robots create music and perform it on stage. |
2 . Here is a selection of books offering poems that range from being funny to being educational.
Tiger, Tiger, Burning Bright!By Fiona Waters. Illustrated by Britta Teckentrup.
Containing a different poem for each day of the year, this beautiful book brings together a various selection of poetry inspired by the animal kingdom. There are old and new poems from all over the world, by poets including Lewis Carroll and Grace Nichols—as well as lots of attractive artwork.
Dear Ugly SistersBy Laura Mucha. Illustrated by Tania Rex.
The first collection from exciting new poet Laura Mucha explores all sorts of topics, such as science, space and classic fairy tales. Other poems are inspired by events that affect us today, such as Dear Key Workers, which praises those who have helped us all during the coronavirus pandemic.
The Book of Not Entirely Useful AdviceBy A. F. Harrold. Illustrated by Mini Grey.
There are all kinds of unexpected advice in this funny poetry book, whether you want to know about lively castles, breakfast or parrots. Bringing together lots of impressive poems by A. F. Harrold, it's also filled with fun illustrations by Mini Grey.
On the MoveBy Michael Rosen. Illustrated by Quentin Blake.
Two former Children's Laureates have joined forces to create this book. Michael Rosen has taken inspiration from his childhood and family history, as well as stories of migration from all over the world, to create poems that will leave you with lots to think about.
1. If you are passionate about animals, which book can you read?| A．Tiger, Tiger, Burning Bright! | B．Dear Ugly Sisters |
| C．The Book of Not Entirely Useful Advice | D．On the Move |
| A．Kindness during tough times. | B．Unexpected advice. |
| C．Difficulties of migration. | D．Science and technology. |
| A．Fiona Waters. | B．Laura Mucha. | C．A. F. Harrold. | D．Michael Rosen. |
| A．The animal kingdom. | B．Stories of migration. |
| C．Classic fairy tales. | D．Lively castles. |
| A．They are all poetry books. | B．They all include various topics. |
| C．They are all designed for children only. | D．They are all inspired by the animal kingdom. |
3 . Ireland: The Emerald Isle
Travelling in the Republic of Ireland is like stepping into a vivid painting where lush green landscapes meet charming villages.
Dublin
Start exploring in Dublin, Ireland’s capital, which blends the old and new. The city is steeped in history, and you can enjoy its past at landmarks like Trinity College, founded in 1592. It’s home to the Book of Kells, a medieval (中世纪的) masterpiece. After that, take a walk around Dublin Castle, a symbol of Ireland’s historical power. Then head to The Temple Bar, with its cobblestone streets and lively pubs, to experience Dublin’s contemporary culture.
Ring of Kerry
The Ring of Kerry, 1,179-kilometer circular route, showcases Ireland’s beauty. You’ll encounter green meadows, peaceful lakes and dramatic coastal cliffs. Each turn in the road reveals breathtaking views that will leave you in awe.
Cliffs of Moher
You can’t say you’ve been to Ireland if you haven’t checked out the Cliffs of Moher. These towering cliffs on the west coast rise from the Atlantic Ocean, reaching heights of over 200 meters. The sheer size of the cliffs and the roaring waves below create a fascinating and humbling experience.
Inishmore
Take a ferry to Inishmore, one of the rugged Aran Islands. Upon your arrival, you will immediately notice the hard life of the local people. At first there was no soil on the island, so over the centuries, they made their own — from seaweed and sand. Now about 2,400 kilometers of rock walls spread around the land. Take a tour or ride a bike around the island. Then enjoy an Irish coffee before heading back to the mainland.
1. What can you probably see in the Ring of Kerry?| A．Some historical landmarks and old castles of Ireland. |
| B．A circular route with views of lakes, meadows and cliffs. |
| C．The special soil made from seaweed and sand by local people. |
| D．The towering cliffs on the west coast from the Atlantic Ocean. |
| A．By plane. | B．By ferry. | C．By subway. | D．By bike. |
| A．A travel journal. | B．A research paper. |
| C．A travel brochure. | D．An autobiography. |
Between exploring the lake in boats, hiking to the waterfalls, and camping in remote natural environments, you ll have a hard time picking a favorite!
2023 Camp Dates:Term 1: June 11 — 16 Term 2: June 18 — 23
Term 3: June 25 — 30 Term 4: July 9 — 14
Term 5 (L. I. T. Week): July 16—21
2023 Pricing Options:Full Price: $485 / week
Early Bird Discount (Until April 17th): $455 / week
L. I. T. Week: $0
Leaders In Training (L. I. T. Program) (Ages 14—15)Our L. I. T. program is a part of our Teen Adventure Camp program and is a transitional (过渡的) program for campers to become staff members. It is a program that is highly selective and competitive. This program allows campers ages 14 and 15 to see what being a part of the Pleasant Hill Outdoor Camp family is like.
How does my camper become involved?★ The camper must attend a previous week of Teen Adventure Camp within the same summer.
★ Have to be 14 or 15 years old during their week of camp to qualify.
★ The camper should express interest in the L. I. T. program during their Teen Adventure Week and receive a recommendation for the program from their counselor (辅导员)!
★ Good performance during Teen Adventure Week.
How to confirm availability (有空) & acceptance?
At the end of the camper’s Teen Adventure Camp session, the campers who are accepted into the program will receive an official invitation based on their counselor’s opinion. From there, the parent of the camper must confirm the camper’s availability as soon as possible. There are limited spots which are on a first-come-first-served basis only. Parents can confirm in person at Check Out, by phone (419-938-3715), or by email (info@phoc.org). We will make sure to add L. I. T. week to the camper’s online registration.
1. When will L. I. T. week take place?| A．During June 11 — 16. | B．During June 25 — 30. |
| C．During July 9 — 14. | D．During July 16 — 21. |
| A．Paying for their camp before April 17th. |
| B．Joining in more than two weeks of camp. |
| C．Being 13 years old during their week of camp. |
| D．Getting a recommendation from their camp counselor. |
| A．Confirming their children’s availability soon. |
| B．Printing official invitations to their children in person. |
| C．Keeping in close touch with their children’s counselors. |
| D．Adding L. I. T. week to their children’s online registration. |
5 . Tickets have gone on sale today for the UK's first festival exploring the impact of forests, bringing together writers, artists, poets, scientists and philosophers for a three-day event in some of England's finest woodlands.
Running from 6-8 July 2024, the festival, called Timber, will be held at Feanedock, a woodland site in the National Forest. The 200-square-mile National Forest, stretching across Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Staffordshire, was the first forest to be created in England for over 1,000 years. It was planted over the course of the 1990s to regenerate a landscape that had been left scarred (伤痕) and abandoned by the closure of the Midlands coalfields.
The festival will feature talks and discussions about the relationship between humans and nature. There will also be a music programme, ranging from campfire performances to three live music stages and DJ sets: the full line-up will be announced early next year.
Timber follows a string of new festivals focused around the debate of specific subjects. In 2023, the first Bluedot festival was held at Jodrell Bank observatory, combining music with a celebration of science, art and technology. Others include Camp Wildfire, a two-day festival of bushcraft and outdoor adventure activities, and Brainchild festival, which celebrates DIY culture and the creative work of young people.
1. What was the condition of the National Forest before the 1990s?| A．A wildfire destroyed parts of the forest. |
| B．It was a popular location for hosting festivals. |
| C．The forest suffered from the impact of the coal industry. |
| D．Extensive tree planting projects were undertaken in the forest. |
| A．It is a four-day festival. |
| B．Tickets are not on sale yet. |
| C．Live music performances are available. |
| D．The full schedule of activities has been released. |
| A．Timber festival. | B．Camp Wildfire. | C．Bluedot festival. | D．Brainchild festival. |
6 . East of England tour
Tour itinerary (行程)
Sunday 9 October: Check into our three-star hotel for the trip, Barnsdale Lodge, near Rutland Water. Enjoy a welcome dinner and talk by BBC Gardeners’ World magazine Associate Editor, David Hurrion.
Monday 10 October: First to Cottesbrooke Hall & Gardens in Northamptonshire for a gardener-led tour, plus lunch. Then to the private garden of The Old Vicarage, Burley, where owner Sandra Blaza will share her gardening passion. Later, enjoy a welcome drink, dinner and a talk by Nick Hamilton, owner of Barnsdale Gardens.
Tuesday 11 October: Barnsdale Gardens consisting of 37 gardens in many styles offer inspiration for all. Nick Hamilton will be on hand to show you round. In the afternoon we’ll visit wonderful Elton Hall in Cambridgeshire for a tour of the private gardens with the head gardener and have free time to explore the formal gardens. We’ll have dinner at the hotel.
Wednesday 12 October: Boughton House, Northamptonshire, will open exclusively (专门地) for us, starting with a two-course lunch, and a talk and Q&A with our special guest Adam Frost. After lunch, we’ll take a tour of the gardens with the head gardener.
PLEASE NOTE: This is a busy itinerary involving a great amount of walking, with little or no access to assistance. Please bear this in mind when booking this tour.
1. What do tour itineraries of Monday and Tuesday have in common?| A．They both provide dinner at the hotel. |
| B．They both include a tour of the private garden. |
| C．They both include a guided tour by Nick Hamilton. |
| D．They both offer free time to explore the formal gardens. |
| A．On October 9. | B．On October 10. | C．On October 11. | D．On October 12. |
| A．They should book the tour in person. |
| B．They are able to walk long distances. |
| C．They must bring their own travel tools. |
| D．They should have a good knowledge of gardening. |
7 . Once the stuff of sci-fi fantasy, robots and robotic technology are now used in many aspects of daily life, ranging from manufacturing to medicine and everything in between. While humanity is still far from having robot servants at home, robots are commonly used on production lines in factories, and even for specific movements during operation.
Recently, one Estonian company decided to repurpose (改变……的用途) its technology for a reason that’s beneficial for the environment. Robot manufacturer Milrem, which previously produced autonomous tanks, partnered with the University of Tartu to develop robot foresters that can plant and care for trees.
The decision to create autonomous foresters came after Milrem realized that its technology, which had been developed for military use , could be useful in other areas. “We started looking into what else we could do with these unmanned robots”, Mart Noorma, director at Milrem, told Research Estonia. “Together with our partners at universities and public offices, we realized that we could be helpful in automating many industries.”
The robots, which resemble mini tanks , operate in pairs. One robot works as a planter , putting down as many as 380 young trees in as little as six hours. During the planting stage, the robot records the exact location of each young tree. The other robot follows its path, cutting vegetation and cutting brush, so that the newly planted trees can thrive.
To navigate their surroundings, the robots use LiDAR and GPS systems. LiDAR uses laser technology to create a three-dimensional geometric map of the environment. Interesting Engineering reported that the robots also use high resolution camera systems to fill in the gaps around obstacles (障碍) and ensure the map’s accuracy.
The efficiency and speed of these tree-planting robots give them the high potential to help reverse (逆转) deforestation, a critical issue affecting the planet.
1. Why did Milrem decide to repurpose its technology?| A．To make more money. | B．To help in medicine. |
| C．To create a big brand. | D．To protect the environment. |
| A．About 50. | B．About 63. |
| C．About 190. | D．About 380. |
| A．LiDAR makes it easier to identify the trees. |
| B．The robots will improve the environment around the plants. |
| C．The map’s accuracy results from high resolution camera systems. |
| D．The tree planting robots are bound to be widely used soon. |
| A．Supportive. | B．Doubtful. |
| C．Unclear. | D．Disapproving. |
8 . Deanna Jump made headlines when it was announced she’d brought in a million dollars selling her lesson plans online. Despite the windfall, Jump, has no plans to quit the work she considers her calling. She spoke with us about her secrets for creating units that kids and fellow teachers can’t resist.
How did you get the idea of selling your work online?
Deanna Jump: I’ve always created my own activities and units, and I’ve always shared them with my fellow teachers. A few years ago, one of my team members said, “Your stuff is so good. You’ve got to put it on Teachers Pay Teachers.” I got started. The first year, my sales were really slow with about $300. But I thought that was great.
How has the income changed your life?
DJ: Teachers in America don’t make a lot of money, so I really consider it a blessing. I have a brother who’s a quadriplegic (四肢瘫痪的人). For about 13 years, he was stuck at home unless he had a doctor’s appointment. With my first big check, we bought a van so our mother could take him around. I also give some to my community. But I still drive a Kia. I still live in the same house.
What advice would you give fellow teachers who might want to sell their lessons?
DJ: Stay true to yourself. My teaching style is reflected in my units. I don’t try to say, “Okay, how would this teacher over here do it?” and try to create something for her. Also, be a teacher first, and a seller second. Be careful to make sure that you don’t say, “Oh, my goodness, I haven’t put anything out for two months. I need to get something out.” I never think like that. I create things with my students in mind.
1. Deanna Jump’s lesson plans ______.| A．brought her great fame | B．were put online by her colleague |
| C．sold well as soon as they were put online | D．were created with the help of her colleagues |
| A．other teachers are in need of it | B．it’s successful in her classroom |
| C．it’s expected to be a good seller | D．she adopts a new teaching style |
| A．To tell how to create lesson plans. | B．To discuss Deanna Jump’s teaching style. |
| C．To show the secret for being a great teacher. | D．To offer more information about a million-dollar teacher. |
9 . Camden Market
Whatever your cup of tea is, you’re bound to find something that you’re fond of at the Camden markets. The Camden markets consist of six markets in and around Camden Town, located near Camden Lock. The markets attract 100,000 tourists every weekend.
But believe it or not, the Camden markets are a relatively new addition to London, as the area surrounding Camden Lock was used primarily for agricultural purposes before the 1800s.
Camden Market Highlights
●Out of the six markets, Camden Lock Village is perhaps the most famous. This covered market is fully packed with all sorts of beautiful, handmade items.
●At Camden Lock Market you can find food stalls (货摊) offering food from all over the world, as well as handmade jewelry (珠宝), second-hand clothing, books, and other household items you won’t find anywhere else in the city.
●Check out Inverness Street Market. It may not be as big as the other Camden markets but don’t let that stop you, as here you will find a variety of specialty shops, and countless bars and restaurants.
●Camden High Street is a highly popular shopping area and is packed with independent shops, pubs, and restaurants, many of which feature some interesting designs that are worth taking a photo of. No Camden Town photo collection would be complete without a shot of the large black and orange dragon at Camden High Street.
Visiting Information
●Open: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
●Time Needed: 2.5 hours
●Price: Free
1. What do we know about the Camden markets?| A．They are new but popular. |
| B．They are open all day long. |
| C．They are far from Camden Lock. |
| D．They are for agricultural uses. |
| A．It sells second-hand jewelry. | B．It features countless local bars. |
| C．It offers unique household items. | D．It mainly sells local produce. |
| A．Camden High Street. |
| B．Camden Lock Village. |
| C．Camden Lock Market. |
| D．Inverness Street Market. |
10 . Every afternoon for the past 11 years, 83-year-old AI Merritt has been a reliable and cheery presence in his southeast Carlsbad neighbourhood, California.
His wife, Penny Merritt said her husband’s doctor suggested he get more exercise after he had some heart trouble about 12 years ago. When their son, Kevin brought a bike to his parents’ house, AI started to pedal around the local road and hills. At first, his rides were about five miles long, then 10 to 12 miles, and gradually the length of his outings grew due to all the social stops — from an hour to two hours.
Since 2010, Merritt has been on a personal pursuit to cycle the circumference (周长) of the earth — 24,901 miles without even leaving his own neighbourhood. As a result, over the years, he got to know many of his neighbours and send them message of love and kindness. Judy Keene, one of his neighbours, has been waving to Merritt on his daily rides for the past five years.
“He is so reliable, like clockwork. Every day I see him flying by on his bike. He is totally cheerful and takes time with everybody,” Keene said. “He inspires so many people and shows everyone how you can be in your 80s and still have a good time.”
It was not until October 24 that the old man finally realized his daily bicycle trips were as important to them as they were to him. At 3 p.m. that Sunday afternoon, nearly 200 people gathered near his home to surprise and congratulate him on the completion of his “round-the-world” adventure. As he pedaled down the hill towards his house, a roar erupted from the crowd waving international flags, hand-painted signs and Earth-shaped balloons. The outpouring of love stunned and overwhelmed Merritt.
“It’s just unbelievable. I couldn’t have imagined anything like this ever happening,” he said. Although Merritt has now accomplished his cycling goal, he has no plans to change the routine that has become the highlight of his daily life.
1. Why did old AI Merritt start to cycle?| A．He has always been an athletic person. |
| B．His son Kevin brought him a new bike. |
| C．He wanted to send love and kindness to others. |
| D．He was advised to work out for the sake of his health. |
| A．Merritt stopped to help those in need. |
| B．Merritt tried to help build stops for social use. |
| C．Merritt had interactions with his neighbours. |
| D．Merritt was stopped for some social reasons. |
| A．His trips mattered more to his neighbours than to him. |
| B．He was warmly congratulated on his completion of the plan. |
| C．He will keep on cycling on a different route as he has planned. |
| D．He accomplished his goal of cycling 24,901 miles around the earth. |
| A．Diligent and determined. | B．Optimistic and selfless. |
| C．Ambitious and romantic. | D．Kind and inspirational. |
