1 . Overtourism Is For Real: How Can You Help?

Travel promotes understanding, expands our minds, makes us better people, and boosts local economies and communities, but the rapid growth of travel has led to overtourism in certain regions and destinations.     1     Certainly not. The loss of what travel offers would be unacceptable in today’s world. Here are some tips on making wise decisions to minimize pressure on the places we visit and improve our experience.

●Choose mindfully. Overvisited destinations are that way for a reason: they’re special. With so many online posts featuring the same places, it’s easy to feel like you’re missing out. Go somewhere only when the landscape, culture or food deeply draws you.     2    

●Get creative. The best way to ease pressure on over-touristed destinations is to go somewhere else. Though overtourism is described as a problem affecting the entire world, it’s actually concentrated to a small number of extremely popular spots. That means you have tons of less-visited options to choose from.     3     Why not try a regional alternative or check out a popular destination’s lesser-known sights?

●    4     Minimize impact and maximize experience by skipping major holidays or rush hour. You’ll compete with fewer tourists, save money, experience a different side of a popular place, and boost the economy when tourism is traditionally slower.

Visiting a place that others call home is a privilege (荣幸). Do your part to preserve what makes a destination special in the first place.     5     You may be amazed how much closer you’ll feel to the people there.

A．Visit during off-peak times.

B．So, should we stop traveling?

C．Travel for you and no one else.

D．Can overtourism be avoided then?

E．You can still find relatively undiscovered places.

F．You’ll find yourself virtually alone, or close to it.

G．Consider giving back to the communities you’re visiting.

2 . Given the astonishing potential of AI to transform our lives, we all need to take action to deal with our AI-powered future, and this is where AI by Design: A Plan for Living with Artificial Intelligence comes in. This absorbing new book by Catriona Campbell is a practical roadmap addressing the challenges posed by the forthcoming AI revolution (变革).

In the wrong hands, such a book could prove as complicated to process as the computer code (代码) that powers AI but, thankfully, Campbell has more than two decades’ professional experience translating the heady into the understandable. She writes from the practical angle of a business person rather than as an academic, making for a guide which is highly accessible and informative and which, by the close, will make you feel almost as smart as AI.

As we soon come to learn from AI by Design, AI is already super-smart and will become more capable, moving from the current generation of “narrow-AI” to Artificial General Intelligence. From there, Campbell says, will come Artificial Dominant Intelligence. This is why Campbell has set out to raise awareness of AI and its future now — several decades before these developments are expected to take place. She says it is essential that we keep control of artificial intelligence, or risk being sidelined and perhaps even worse.

Campbell’s point is to wake up those responsible for AI-the technology companies and world leaders—so they are on the same page as all the experts currently developing it. She explains we are at a “tipping point” in history and must act now to prevent an extinction-level event for humanity. We need to consider how we want our future with AI to pan out. Such structured thinking, followed by global regulation, will enable us to achieve greatness rather than our downfall.

AI will affect us all, and if you only read one book on the subject, this is it.

1. What does the phrase “In the wrong hands” in paragraph 2 probably mean?

A．If read by someone poorly educated.	B．If reviewed by someone ill-intentioned.
C．If written by someone less competent.	D．If translated by someone unacademic.

2. What is a feature of AI by Design according to the text?

A．It is packed with complex codes.	B．It adopts a down-to-earth writing style.
C．It provides step-by-step instructions.	D．It is intended for AI professionals.

3. What does Campbell urge people to do regarding AI development?

A．Observe existing regulations on it.

B．Reconsider expert opinions about it.

C．Make joint efforts to keep it under control.

D．Learn from prior experience to slow it down.

4. What is the author’s purpose in writing the text?

A．To recommend a book on AI.	B．To give a brief account of AI history.
C．To clarify the definition of AI.	D．To honor an outstanding AI expert.

3 . We all know fresh is best when it comes to food. However, most produce at the store went through weeks of travel and covered hundreds of miles before reaching the table. While farmer’s markets are a solid choice to reduce the journey, Babylon Micro-Farm (BMF) shortens it even more.

BMF is an indoor garden system. It can be set up for a family. Additionally, it could serve a larger audience such as a hospital, restaurant or school. The innovative design requires little effort to achieve a reliable weekly supply of fresh greens.

Specifically, it’s a farm that relies on new technology. By connecting through the Cloud, BMF is remotely monitored. Also, there is a convenient app that provides growing data in real time. Because the system is automated, it significantly reduces the amount of water needed to grow plants. Rather than watering rows of soil, the system provides just the right amount to each plant. After harvest, users simply replace the plants with a new pre-seeded pod (容器) to get the next growth cycle started.

Moreover, having a system in the same building where it’s eaten means zero emissions (排放) from transporting plants from soil to salad. In addition, there’s no need for pesticides and other chemicals that pollute traditional farms and the surrounding environment.

BMF employees live out sustainability in their everyday lives. About half of them walk or bike to work. Inside the office, they encourage recycling and waste reduction by limiting garbage cans and avoiding single-use plastic. “We are passionate about reducing waste, carbon and chemicals in our environment,” said a BMF employee.

1. What can be learned about BMF from paragraph 1?

A．It guarantees the variety of food.	B．It requires day-to-day care.
C．It cuts the farm-to-table distance.	D．It relies on farmer’s markets.

2. What information does the convenient app offer?

A．Real-time weather changes.	B．Current condition of the plants.
C．Chemical pollutants in the soil.	D．Availability of pre-seeded pods.

3. What can be concluded about BMF employees?

A．They have a great passion for sports.

B．They are devoted to community service.

C．They are fond of sharing daily experiences.

D．They have a strong environmental awareness.

4. What does the text mainly talk about?

A．BMF’s major strengths.	B．BMF’s general management.
C．BMF’s global influence.	D．BMF’s technical standards.

4 . Choice of Walks for Beginner and Experienced Walkers

The Carlow Autumn Walking Festival is a great opportunity for the beginner, experienced or advanced walker to enjoy the challenges of Carlow’s mountain hikes or the peace of its woodland walks.

Walk 1 — The Natural World

With environmentalist Éanna Lamhna as the guide, this walk promises to be an informative tour. Walkers are sure to learn lots about the habitats and natural world of the Blackstairs.

Date and Time: Saturday, 1st October, at 09:00

Start Point: Scratoes Bridge

Walk Duration: 6 hours

Walk 2 — Introduction to Hillwalking

Emmanuel Chappard, an experienced guide, has a passion for making the great outdoors accessible to all. This mountain walk provides an insight into the skills required for hillwalking to ensure you get the most from future walking trips.

Date and Time: Sunday, 2nd October, at 09:00

Start Point: Deerpark Car Park

Walk Duration: 5 hours

Walk 3 — Moonlight Under the Stars

Walking at night-time is a great way to step out of your comfort zone. Breathtaking views of the lowlands of Carlow can be enjoyed in the presence of welcoming guides from local walking clubs. A torch (手电筒) along with suitable clothing is essential for walking in the dark. Those who are dressed inappropriately will be refused permission to participate.

Date and Time: Saturday, 1st October, at 18:30

Start Point: The Town Hall

Walk Duration: 3 hours

Walk 4 — Photographic Walk in Kilbrannish Forest

This informative walk led by Richard Smyth introduces you to the basic principles of photography in the wild. Bring along your camera and enjoy the wonderful views along this well-surfaced forest path.

Date and Time: Sunday, 2nd October, at 11:45

Start Point: Kilbrannish Forest Recreation Area

Walk Duration: 1.5 hours

1. Which walk takes the shortest time?

A．The Natural World.	B．Introduction to Hillwalking.
C．Moonlight Under the Stars.	D．Photographic Walk in Kilbrannish Forest.

2. What are participants in Walk 3 required to do?

A．Wear proper clothes.	B．Join a walking club.
C．Get special permits.	D．Bring a survival guide.

3. What do the four walks have in common?

A．They involve difficult climbing.	B．They are for experienced walkers.
C．They share the same start point.	D．They are scheduled for the weekend.

5 . Do you ever get to the train station and realize you forgot to bring something to read? Yes, we all have our phones, but many of us still like to go old school and read something printed.

Well, there’s a kiosk (小亭) for that. In the San Francisco Bay Area, at least.

“You enter the fare gates (检票口) and you’ll see a kiosk that is lit up and it tells you can get a one-minute, a three-minute, or a five-minute story,” says Alicia Trost, the chief communications officer for the San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit — known as BART. “You choose which length you want and it gives you a receipt-like short story.”

It’s that simple. Riders have printed nearly 20,000 short stories and poems since the program was launched last March. Some are classic short stories, and some are new original works.

Trost also wants to introduce local writers to local riders. “We wanted to do something where we do a call to artists in the Bay Area to submit stories for a contest,” Trost says. “And as of right now, we’ve received about 120 submissions. The winning stories would go into our kiosk and then you would be a published artist.”

Ridership on transit (交通) systems across the country has been down the past half century, so could short stories save transit?

Trost thinks so.

“At the end of the day all transit agencies right now are doing everything they can to improve the rider experience. So I absolutely think we will get more riders just because of short stories,” she says.

And you’ll never be without something to read.

1. Why did BART start the kiosk program?

A．To promote the local culture.	B．To discourage phone use.
C．To meet passengers’ needs.	D．To reduce its running costs.

2. How are the stories categorized in the kiosk?

A．By popularity.	B．By length.
C．By theme.	D．By language.

3. What has Trost been doing recently?

A．Organizing a story contest.	B．Doing a survey of customers.
C．Choosing a print publisher.	D．Conducting interviews with artists.

4. What is Trost’s opinion about BART’s future?

A．It will close down.	B．Its profits will decline.
C．It will expand nationwide.	D．Its ridership will increase.

6 . In the past few years, online learning has become a significant part of the university and college experience.     1     But are all online courses created equal? How can you be sure that digital learning is right for you?     2    

We interviewed students and professors to get their advice about online courses, The most obvious advantage of online learning is that you can study anywhere and anytime.     3     “I think a point that many people lose sight of is how easy it can be to fall behind schedule,” says graduate student Amanda Bindman. Before choosing to study online, consider whether you’re a self-motivated learner and if the material seems interesting enough to keep you going.

The tip that comes up most often is simple: build online courses into your weekly schedule, just like what you would do with in person courses.     4     He noted that his online students usually end up with lower grades. It is so easy to let an online course slide, but your grades will suffer as a result. Be sure to schedule set times to watch your lectures, read materials and contribute to online discussion boards.

    5     A social connection is often a big part of learning. There are things you can do to ease this problem. Jessica Pink, an undergraduate student, suggests taking online courses with a friend, so you can motivate each other to stay on track. You can also find students on the class discussion board to organize a study group, or schedule in-person meeting s with your professor to discuss course concepts.

A．But that doesn’t mean there aren’t deadlines.

B．Your motivation should be your main concern.

C．Do you know that online courses are also part of your education?

D．Professor Alex Davidson teaches the same course in person and online.

E．The chief complain t about online courses is that they lack human interaction.

F．If you take an online course, what can you do to ensure the best possible grade?

G．A survey found that 29 percent of college students registered for online courses.

7 . When was the last time you used a telephone box? I mean to make an actual phone call — not to shelter from the rain. Ages ago, right? The last time I used a phone box for its intended purpose was…2006. I was conducting auditions (试演) for my play in my tiny old shared house in London. Hoping to impress some talented actors to come and work for me for nothing, I spread some throws over the sofas and lit candles to make it seem a bit more ”young professional”.

As I rushed outdoors to empty the wastepaper baskets, the door swung shut behind me. Suddenly I was locked outside. My mobile phone was inside, but luckily there was a telephone box across the street. So, I called Directory Assistance, got put through to our landlady’s managing agent, and had a spare key sent to me with just enough time to get back in before the actors arrived.

As it has been many years since I last used one, I should hardly be surprised that then are no longer any public telephones near my house. The last one standing has just been turn into a “mini community library”: any passer-by can “borrow” a book from its shelves return it later, or replace it with another title from their own collection.

For a few months after the “library” opened, I didn’t bother taking a look, as I had assumed that it would be stuffed full of cheese love stories. Then I noticed fork conducting spring cleans dropping boxes of voluminous books on various subjects there. And these books were free. This unbeatable price-point encouraged me to experiment with dozens of titles that I would never normally consider buying. And I’ve discovered some great books!

If I ever get trapped outside my house again, my local telephone box will, sadly no longer be able to connect me with my keys. But it can certainly keep me entertained while I wait for my wife to rescue me.

1. What does the underlined word “it” in the first paragraph refer to?

A．The play.	B．The shared house.
C．The sofa.	D．The telephone box.

2. Why did the author use the telephone box in 2006?

A．To place an urgent call.	B．To put up a notice.
C．To shelter from the rain.	D．To hold an audition.

3. What do we know about the “mini community library”?

A．It provides phone service for free.	B．Anyone can contribute to its collection.
C．It is popular among young readers.	D．Books must be returned within a month.

4. Why did the author start to use the “library”?

A．He wanted to borrow some love stories.

B．He was encouraged by a close neighbour.

C．He found there were excellent free books.

D．He thought it was an ideal place for reading.

8 . Tom Sawyer Play Is an Adventure

A 35-minute hand-clapping, foot-stomping musical version of a Mark Twain favorite returns with this Tall Stacks festival.

“Tom Sawyer: A River Adventure” has all the good stuff, including the fence painting, the graveyard, the island and the cave. It is adapted by Joe McDonough, with music by David Kisor. That’s the local stage writing team that creates many of the Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati’s original musicals, along with the holiday family musicals at Ensemble Theatre.

This year Nathan Turner of Burlington is Tom Sawyer, and Robbie McMath of Fort Mitchell is Huck Finn.

Tumer, a 10th-grader at School for Creative and Performing Arts, is a familiar presence on Cincinnati’s stages. He is a star act or of Children’s Theatre, having played leading roles in “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” and “The Wizard of Oz,” and is fresh from Jersey Production “Ragtime”.

McMath is a junior at Beechwood High School. He was in the cast of “Tom Sawyer” when it was first performed and is a Children’s Theatre regular, with five shows to his credit. This summer he attended Kentucky’s Governor’s School for the Arts in Musical Theatre.

Note to teachers: Children’s Theatre has a study guide demonstrating how math and science can be taught through “Tom Sawyer.” For downloadable lessons, visit the official website of Children’s Theatre.

1. Who wrote the music for “Tom Sawyer: A River Adventure”?

A．David Kisor.	B．Joe McDonough.
C．Nathan Turner.	D．Robbie McMath.

2. What can we learn about the two actors?

A．They study in the same school.	B．They worked together in ”Ragtime“.
C．They are experienced on stage.	D．They became friends ten years ago.

3. What does Children’s Theatre provide for teachers?

A．Research funding.	B．Training opportunities.
C．Technical support.	D．Educational resources.

9 . 阅读表达

Herman Cruse, a school bus driver from New Jersey, has been with Middle Township Public Schools for the past nine years. He believes bus drivers are the eyes and ears of students when they're away from home and they have a gift to discern what kids are feeling.

During one morning ride, Cruse noticed a kindergartner seemed a little sad. When Cruse asked him what was wrong, the boy explained that he wasn't able to complete his reading assignment because his parents were busy with his four siblings (兄弟姐妹). An idea suddenly crossed Cruse's mind. “Listen, if you don't mind, I'd like to come to the school and read with you. ”he said.

After receiving permission from the boy's teacher, Alex Bakley, Cruse showed up at her classroom the following week. When he walked in, the boy shouted proudly, “Hey, that's my bus driver!”They went into a quiet corner and began reading together. Later, a second student wanted to read with him, then a third. All the kids went to the teacher asking, “Can I read with Mr. Herman?”

Cruse now volunteers to help kindergarten students with reading two days a week, and on a third day, he instructs the school's first-and second-graders. After dropping the kids off at school, of course. Every child looks up to Cruse, both on and off the school bus. “Herman is super positive and he's a bright light at our school who makes every child feel loved and heard. ”said Bakley.

For Cruse, what started out as a way to kill time has now developed into a way to make a difference in the heart of a child. He used to go to the gym or library after delivering students to schools. It wasn't until he offered to help the boy on the bus that he realized there was something more rewarding he could be doing. It's a joy for him to see the kids get excited when they learn to sound out words. He loves how reading opens up a new world for them.

1. What does the underlined word mean in Paragraph 1? (1 word)
____________________________________________________________
2. Why did the boy on the bus look a little upset? (no more than 11 words)
____________________________________________________________
3. What help does Cruse offer after delivering students to schools? (no more than 12 words)
____________________________________________________________
4. Why does Cruse think his voluntary work is rewarding according to the last paragraph? (no more than 16 words)
____________________________________________________________
5. Who's “a bright light” in your life? Please explain in your own words. (no more than 20 words)
____________________________________________________________

10 . Storytelling is an ancient art form that has been used to hand down legends, tales and factual stories. Perhaps the first thing that springs to mind when you think of storytelling is the fantasy land that took shape in your mind while Mom or Dad told you stories about princes, castles and monsters, with a unique voice for each character.

Storytelling does not just take place at bedtime or round a campfire, however. It can take some other forms, either via the books we read or the films we watch. But they usually have some elements in common: rather than a list of dry facts, stories have plots and they introduce characters. We respond to stories, particularly when there is emotional detail.

And unlike what we suppose, storytelling is not just a form of entertainment, but a form of learning as well. Long before reading and writing became widely spread and available, oral storytelling had already been a form that the wisdom and knowledge of the people were passed down from elders to children. A good story engages our curiosity, emotions and imagination.

Storytelling helps with learning also because stories are easy to remember. Research has found that learning obtained from a well-told story is remembered more accurately, and for far longer, than from facts and figures.

And above all, stories have a transformative power to allow us to see the world in a different way than we do if we just encounter it on our own. Stories are an entry point to understanding a different experience of the world.

This aspect of storytelling-presenting a different perspective of the world—is important when it comes to connecting with each other. It gives us an opportunity to learn from another person’s experience and it can shape, strengthen or challenge our opinions and values. So, when someone tells us their own personal story, we catch a glimpse (瞥见) of a view of the world that may be slightly or significantly different from our own. When we see the world as they see it, or walk in their shoes, the experience can inspire empathy (共情；同理心) with them.

1. What occurs to us the moment we think of “storytelling”?

A．A child's imaginary world.

B．Voices of Mom or Dad.

C．An ancient art form.

D．Factual stories.

2. What are the common elements in all forms of storytelling according to the author?

A．Form and style.

B．Facts and figures.

C．Emotional and physical details.

D．A series of events and characters.

3. Why does storytelling work better than mere statement of facts in promoting learning?

A．It carries more wisdom and knowledge.

B．It is more widely available to young learners.

C．It satisfies our imagination and releases our emotions.

D．It makes what is learned more precise and longer lasting.

4. How can other people’s personal stories probably benefit us?

A．By offering us more opportunities to know people.

B．By helping us stay connected with the contemporary world.

C．By allowing us to understand the world the way they see it.

D．By enabling us to tell reality from imagination.

5. What makes the best title for the passage?

A．The History of Storytelling

B．The Power of Storytelling

C．The Forms of Storytelling

D．The Art of Storytelling