2 . 阅读下面短文，根据题目要求用英文回答问题。

Growing up, I idealised independence. I always wanted my own efforts to be enough. When I decided to pursue a postgraduate degree, I wanted to develop a novel research programme and quickly establish myself as an independent scientist. But I was unrealistically optimistic about what I could achieve.

As I began designing experiments, my committee members warned me about the challenges I would face. But my need for independence drove me to push forward with my research plan. As a result, the first four years of my postgraduate career were defined by a series of failures.

During my second year, I failed my comprehensive exam because my proposal was unclear. During my third year, I discovered that after treating thousands of seeds, I obtained just one plant I could use for experiments. By my fourth year, my desperation to succeed overshadowed my desire for independence.

My adviser and I devised (想出) a somewhat unusual solution: I would spend three months in a collaborating (合作的) lab to obtain specialised training. I worked extensively with other students, constantly asked questions, and helped with ongoing projects to learn everything I could. Finally, I conducted an elegant experiment that would not have been possible without the help of the members in the lab.

My adviser saw this experience as a groundbreaking success, emphasising the collaborating skills I acquired. A few months later, when I repeated the experiment in my home lab, I produced more publishable data. By learning when to ask for help, I eventually found myself on the way to becoming an independent scientist.

1. In the beginning, what drove the author to push forward with the research plan?
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
2. What was the solution by the adviser and the author after those repeated failures?
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
3. Please decide which part is false in the following statement, then underline it and explain why.
> The adviser considered the author’s experience in the lab a groundbreaking success because publishable data had been produced.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
4. From this story, what can you learn about “independence”? (In about 40 words)
_______________________________________________________________________________________________

3 . If you want to develop maximum credibility (可信性), is it better to be a hedgehog (刺猬) or a fox? According to Isaiah Berlin, the hedgehog knows one thing very well, and the fox knows a lot of things.

Is there a clear advantage of one style over the other? Hedgehog thinkers tend to answer yes.     1     And they are usually very credible in doing so. According to Jim Hart, the “hedgehog concept” is one of the factors that lead companies to greatness. They focus on one thing and do it really well. They figure out what they are good at.     2     The hedgehog concept makes perfect sense for companies.

    3     Philip Tate has studied the track records of those folks on the Sunday talk shows who make predictions about what will happen. He has found that hedgehogs are not only wrong more often than foxes, but that they are less likely to recognise or admit that they are wrong when events do not match their predictions.

The advantage that foxes have is that they are more likely to seek out new information from a broader range of sources, and are comfortable with uncertainty and new information.     4     They try to include it in their viewpoint rather than to exclude it from their thinking. They also have a clearer estimation of what they know and don’t know.

So, which is better? The question can be answered in a foxy hedgehog style.     5     The choice between being a hedgehog or a fox is a false trade-off. The most effective way to go through life is to try to be that rare mixture known as foxy hedgehog.

A．In other words, there are clear advantages for each.

B．They are more likely to remember people’s mistakes.

C．Hence, they have the advantage of clarity and confidence.

D．But there can be a downside to concentration on one big thing.

E．However, hedgehogs remain open to others’ reactions and inputs.

F．When something is contradictory to their view, they don’t treat it as exceptional.

G．They come down squarely on one side or the other and fully support their position.

4 . Franz Boas’s description of Inuit (因纽特人) life in the 19th century illustrates the probable moral code of early humans. Here, norms (规范) were unwritten and rarely expressed clearly, but were well understood and taken to heart. Dishonest and violent behaviours were disapproved of; leadership, marriage and interactions with other groups were loosely governed by traditions. Conflict was often resolved in musical battles. Because arguing angrily leads to chaos, it was strongly discouraged. With life in the unforgiving Northern Canada being so demanding, the Inuit’s practical approach to morality made good sense.

The similarity of moral virtues across cultures is striking, even though the relative ranking of the virtues may vary with a social group’s history and environment. Typically, cruelty and cheating are discouraged, while cooperation, humbleness and courage are praised. These universal norms far pre-date the concept of any moralising religion or written law. Instead, they are rooted in the similarity of basic human needs and our shared mechanisms for learning and problem solving. Our social instincts (本能) include the intense desire to belong. The approval of others is rewarding, while their disapproval is strongly disliked. These social emotions prepare our brains to shape our behaviour according to the norms and values of our family and our community. More generally, social instincts motivate us to learn how to behave in a socially complex world.

The mechanism involves a repurposed reward system originally used to develop habits important for self-care. Our brains use the system to acquire behavioural patterns regarding safe routes home, efficient food gathering and dangers to avoid. Good habits save time, energy and sometimes your life. Good social habits do something similar in a social context. We learn to tell the truth, even when lying is self-serving; we help a grandparent even when it is inconvenient. We acquire what we call a sense of right and wrong.

Social benefits are accompanied by social demands: we must get along, but not put up with too much. Hence self-discipline is advantageous. In humans, a greatly enlarged brain boosts self-control, just as it boosts problem-solving skills in the social as well as the physical world. These abilities are strengthened by our capacity for language, which allows social practices to develop in extremely unobvious ways.

1. What can be inferred about the forming of the Inuit’s moral code?

A．Living conditions were the drive.	B．Unwritten rules were the target.
C．Social tradition was the basis.	D．Honesty was the key.

2. What can we learn from this passage?

A．Inconveniences are the cause of telling lies.	B．Basic human needs lead to universal norms.
C．Language capacity is limited by self-control.	D．Written laws have great influence on virtues.

3. Which would be the best title for this passage?

A．Virtues: Bridges Across Cultures	B．The Values of Self-discipline
C．Brains: Walls Against Chaos	D．The Roots of Morality

5 . The notion that we live in someone else’s video game is irresistible to many. Searching the term “simulation hypothesis” (模拟假说) returns numerous results that debate whether the universe is a computer simulation — a concept that some scientists actually take seriously. Unfortunately, this is not a scientific question. We will probably never know whether it’s true. We can, instead, use this idea to advance scientific knowledge.

The 18th-century philosopher Kant argued that the universe ultimately consists of things-in-themselves that are unknowable. While he held the notion that objective reality exists, he said our mind plays a necessary role in structuring and shaping our perceptions. Modern sciences have revealed that our perceptual experience of the world is the result of many stages of processing by sensory systems and cognitive (认知的) functions in the brain. No one knows exactly what happens within this black box. If empirical (实证的) experience fails to reveal reality, reasoning won’t reveal reality either since it relies on concepts and words that are contingent on our social, cultural and psychological histories. Again, a black box.

So, if we accept that the universe is unknowable, we also accept we will never know if we live in a computer simulation. And then, we can shift our inquiry from “Is the universe a computer simulation? ” to “Can we model the universe as a computer simulation? ” Modelling reality is what we do. To facilitate our comprehension of the world, we build models based on conceptual metaphors (隐喻) that are familiar to us. In Newton’s era, we imagined the universe as a clock. In Einstein’s, we uncovered the standard model of particle (粒子) physics.

Now that we are in the information age, we have new concepts such as the computer, information processing, virtual reality, and simulation. Unsurprisingly, these new concepts inspire us to build new models of the universe. Models are not the reality, however. There is no point in arguing if the universe is a clock, a set of particles or an output of computation. All these models are tools to deal with the unknown and to make discoveries. And the more tools we have, the more effective and insightful we can become.

It can be imagined that comparable to the process of building previous scientific models, developing the “computer simulation” metaphor-based model will also be a hugely rewarding exercise.

1. What does the author intend to do by challenging a hypothesis?

A．Make an assumption.	B．Illustrate an argument.
C．Give a suggestion.	D．Justify a comparison.

2. What does the phrase “contingent on” underlined in Paragraph 2 probably mean?

A．Accepted by.

B．Determined by.

C．Awakened by.

D．Discovered by.

3. As for Kant’s argument, the author is _________.

A．appreciative

B．doubtful

C．unconcerned

D．disapproving

4. It is implied in this passage that we should _________.

A．compare the current models with the previous ones

B．continue exploring the classical models in history

C．stop arguing whether the universe is a simulation

D．turn simulations of the universe into realities up.

6 . When I was a little girl, I liked drawing, freely and joyously making marks on the walls at home. In primary school, I learned to write using chalks. Writing seemed to be another form of drawing. I shaped individual letters into repeating lines, which were abstract forms, delightful but meaningless patterns.

In secondary school, art was my favourite subject. Since I loved it so much I thought I was good at it. For the art O-level exam I had to present an oil painting. I found it difficult, but still hoped to pass. I failed, with a low grade. I’d been over-confident. Now I’d been declared talentless.

But other channels of creativity stayed open: I went on writing poems and stories. Still, I went to exhibitions often. I continued my habitual drawing, which I now characterised as childish doodling (乱画). In my 30s, I made painter friends and learned new ways of looking at art. However, I couldn’t let myself have a go at actually doing it. Though these new friends were abstract painters using oil paints, or were printmakers or sculptors, I took oil painting as the taboo (禁忌) high form I wasn’t allowed to practice.

        One night, in my early 40s, I dreamed that a big woman in red approached me, handed me a bag of paints, and told me to start painting. The dream felt so authoritative that it shook me. It was a form of energy, giving me back something I’d lost. Accordingly, I started by experimenting with water colours. Finally, I bought some oil paints.

Although I have enjoyed breaking my decades-long taboo about working with oil paints, I have discovered I now prefer chalks and ink. I let my line drawings turn into cartoons I send to friends. It all feels free and easy. Un-anxious. This time around, I can accept my limitations but keep going.

Becoming a successful painter calls for being resolute. I realised I was always afraid of wanting too much. That dream reminded me that those fears and desires could encourage me to take risks and make experiments.

1. How did the author feel about the result of the art exam?

A．Scared.

B．Worried.

C．Discouraged.

D．Wronged.

2. In her 30s, the author _________.

A．avoided oil painting practice	B．sought for a painting career
C．fancied abstract painting	D．exhibited child paintings

3. Which word would best describe the author’s dream?

A．Confusing.	B．Empowering.
C．Disturbing.	D．Entertaining.

4. What can we learn from this passage?

A．Actions speak louder than words.	B．Hard work is the mother of success.
C．Dreams are the reflections of realities.	D．Creative activities involve being confident.

7 . What is moderation (适度)? Basically, it means eating only as much food as your body needs. You should feel satisfied at the end of a meal, but not too full.     1     But it doesn't mean saying goodbye to the foods you love.

Take your time. It's important to slow down and think about food as something nutritious rather than just something to eat in between meetings.     2     It actually takes a few minutes for your brain to tell your body that it has had enough food, so eat slowly and stop eating before you feel full.

Eat with others whenever possible. Eating alone, especially in front of the TV or computer, often leads to mindless overeating. And be careful about the foods you keep at hand. It's more challenging to eat in moderation if you have unhealthy snacks at the ready, like cookies.     3    

Control emotional (情绪的) eating.     4     Many of us also turn to food to deal with unpleasant emotions such as sadness, loneliness, or boredom. But by learning healthier ways to manage emotions, you can regain control over the food you eat and your feelings.

    5     A healthy breakfast can start your metabolism (新陈代谢), while eating small, healthy meals keeps your energy up all day. Avoid eating late at night. Try to eat dinner earlier and fast for 14-16 hours until breakfast the next morning. Studies suggest that eating only when you're most active and giving your digestive system a long break each day may help to regulate weight.

A．Eat properly throughout the day.

B．We don't always eat just to satisfy hunger.

C．Don't swallow a meal on the way to work.

D．Most of us need to double the amount we eat.

E．Instead, surround yourself with healthy choices.

F．For many of us, moderation means eating less than we do now.

G．That won't lead to cheating or giving up on your new eating plan.

8 . “I didn’t like the ending,” I said to my favorite college professor. It was my junior year of undergraduate, and I was doing an independent study on Victorian literature. I had just finished reading The Mill on the Floss by George Eliot, and I was heartbroken with the ending. Prof. Gracie, with all his patience, asked me to think about it beyond whether I liked it or not. He suggested I think about the difference between endings that I wanted for the characters and endings that were right for the characters, endings that satisfied the story even if they didn’t have a traditionally positive outcome. Of course, I would have preferred a different ending for Tom and Maggie Tulliver, but the ending they got did make the most sense for them.

This was an aha moment for me, and I never thought about endings the same way again. From then on, if I wanted to read an ending guaranteed to be happy, I’d pick up a love romance. If I wanted an ending I couldn’t guess, I’d pick up a mystery (悬疑小说). One where I kind of knew what was going to happen, historical fiction. Choosing what to read became easier.

But writing the end — that’s hard. It’s hard for writers because endings carry so much weight with readers. You have to balance creating an ending that's unpredictable, but doesn’t seem to come from nowhere, one that fits what’s right for the characters.

That’s why this issue (期) of Writer’s Digest aims to help you figure out how to write the best ending for whatever kind of writing you’re doing. If it’s short stories, Peter Mountford breaks down six techniques you can try to see which one helps you stick the landing. Elizabeth Sims analyzes the final chapters of five great novels to see what key points they include and how you can adapt them for your work.

This issue won’t tell you what your ending should be — that’s up to you and the story you’re telling — but it might provide what you need to get there.

1. Why did the author go to Prof. Gracie?

A．To discuss a novel.	B．To submit a book report.
C．To argue for a writer.	D．To ask for a reading list.

2. What did the author realize after seeing Gracie?

A．Writing is a matter of personal preferences.

B．Readers are often carried away by character.

C．Each type of literature has its unique end.

D．A story which begins well will end well.

3. What is expected of a good ending?

A．It satisfies readers’ taste.	B．It fits with the story development.
C．It is usually positive.	D．It is open for imagination.

4. Why does the author mention Peter Mountford and Elizabeth Sims?

A．To give examples of great novelists.	B．To stress the theme of this issue.
C．To encourage writing for the magazine.	D．To recommend their new books.

9 . The Saint Lukas train doesn’t accept passengers — it accepts only the sick. The Saint Lukas is one of five government-sponsored medical trains that travel to remote towns in central and eastern Russia. Each stop lasts an average of two days, and during that time the doctors and nurses on board provide rural (乡村) populations with basic medical care, X-ray scans and prescriptions.

“People started queuing to make an appointment early in the morning,” says Emile Ducke, a German photographer who traveled with the staff of the Saint Lukas for a two-week trip in November through the vast regions (区域) of Krasnoyarsk and Khakassia.

Russia’s public health care service has been in serious need of modernization. The government has struggled to come up with measures to address the problem, particularly in the poorer, rural areas east of the Volga River, including arranging doctor’s appointments by video chat and expanding financial aid programs to motivate doctors to practice medicine in remote parts of the country like Krasnoyarsk.

The annual arrival of the Saint Lukas is another attempt to improve the situation. For 10 months every year, the train stops at about eight stations over two weeks, before returning to the regional capital to refuel and restock (补给). Then it starts all over again the next month. Most stations wait about a year between visits.

Doctors see up to 150 patients every day. The train’s equipment allows for basic checkups. “I was very impressed by the doctors and their assistants working and living in such little space but still staying focused and very concerned,” says Ducke. “They were the best chance for many rural people to get the treatment they want. ”

1. How is the Saint Lukas different from other trains?

A．It runs across countries.	B．It reserves seats for the seniors.
C．It functions as a hospital.	D．It travels along a river.

2. What can we infer from paragraph 3 about Krasnoyarsk?

A．It is heavily populated.	B．It offers training for doctors.
C．It is a modern city.	D．It needs medical aid.

3. How long can the Saint Lukas work with one supply?

A．About a year.	B．About ten months.
C．About two months.	D．About two weeks.

4. What is Ducke’s attitude toward the Saint Lukas’ services?

A．Appreciative.

B．Doubtful

C．Ambiguous.

D．Cautious.

10 . Animals can express their needs using a lot of ways. For instance, almost all animals have distinct vocals (声音) that they rely on to either ask for help,   scare away any dangerous animals or look for shelter. But cats are special creatures who possess amazing vocalization skills. They are able to have entire conversations with humans using meows and you're able to interpret it. If a pet cat is hungry, it will keep meowing to attract attention and find food. However, when a cat is looking for affection, they tend to produce stretched and soft meows. Meowing starts as soon as a baby cat is brought to life and uses it to get the mother's attention and be fed.

Cats have many heightened senses, but their sense of smell is quite impressive. They use their noses to assess their environment and look out for any signs of danger. They will sniff out specific areas before they choose a place to relax. However, another way the cats are able to distinguish between situations is by looking for familiar smells. Your cat will likely smell your face and store the smell in its memory and use it to recognize you in the future. That's why most pet cats are able to tell immediately if their owners were around any other cats, which they don't usually like.

Dogs are known for their impressive fetching habit, but cats take this behavior up a notch. Many cats will find random objects outside and bring them to their owners. This is a very old habit that's been present in all kinds of predators (食肉动物). Cats bring gifts for their owners to show they love you. These adorable little hunters are just doing something that it's been in their nature since the beginning of time. So just go along with it!

1. What can be learned about cats' meowing from the first paragraph?

A．It's a survival skill.	B．It's taught by mother cats.
C．It's hard to interpret.	D．It's getting louder with age.

2. How does a pet cat assess different situations?

A．By listening for sounds.	B．By touching familiar objects.
C．By checking on smells.	D．By communicating with other cats.

3. Which best explains the phrase "take. . . up notch" in paragraph 3?

A．Perform appropriately.

B．Move faster.

C．Act strangely.

D．Do better.

4. What is a suitable title for the text?

A．Tips on Finding a Smart Cat	B．Understanding Your Cat's Behavior
C．Have Fun with Your Cat	D．How to Keep Your Cat Healthy