1 . The waves were clean and curling one day about ten years ago when surfer Will Rose stepped into the water at Ocean Beach in San Diego, California. Rose was an experienced surfer then in his mid-20s. Midway through his session, he spotted a young surfer, perhaps 10 years old, who’d lost his board and was struggling in a powerful rip current (离岸流). Rose paddled over as the boy was carried underneath a long pier (码头) and s wept rapidly out to sea.
“It was one of the craziest rip currents I’ve ever seen,” Rose recalls.
He traded places with the boy, handing over his board and pushing the younger surfer towards the shore in a breaking wave. Rose held onto a pier pile tightly in the fast-flowing water as a lifeguard hurried over on his own board before helping him back to the beach.
Rose’s act of heroism, new research suggests, is a surprisingly common one for surfers. In a recent survey conducted in New Zealand, scientists found that throughout their lives, surfers reportedly rescue an average of three people who are drowning (溺死) or otherwise struggling in the water. The findings cast new light on the role of surfers: as largely overlooked guardians of the beach.
The study was conducted by Jamie Mead, then a graduate student at Auckland University of Technology in New Zealand. It began with an online survey of 418 surfers from across New Zealand. Processing the responses, Mead found that these surfers were claiming to have participated in a total of 1,274 rescues, including 296 times when they felt they’d saved a person’s life. Of these rescues, 73 percent took place on beaches without lifeguards present. It showed the crucial role surfers have played in protecting beach goers.
The survey responses also show that in nearly nine out of ten rescues, the people the surfers helped required no further treatment after the incident, and probably left no official record or report of the event.
“We need to get surfers the praise they deserve.” Mead says. The research, Mead writes in his paper, suggests that organizations involved in drowning prevention, “Should work closely with surfing communities on ways to reduce deaths at coastal beaches?”
1. What did Will Rose do when he saw the struggling young boy?| A．He ignored the boy. | B．He called for help from a nearby lifeguard. |
| C．He helped the boy escape the danger. | D．He helped the boy find his lost surfboard. |
| A．To highlight the dangers of rip currents. |
| B．To show the bravery and skills of experienced surfers. |
| C．To stress the potential dangers faced by young surfers. |
| D．To exhibit a typical rescue example by experienced surfers. |
| A．The findings of Jamie Mead’s study. | B．The purpose of Jamie Mead’s study. |
| C．Jamie Mead’s comments on surfers. | D．Jamie Mead’s advice on drowning prevention. |
| A．Surfers deserve public praise. |
| B．Increased lifeguard coverage is needed. |
| C．Beaches are safe with both surfers and lifeguards present. |
| D．Drowning prevention efforts need to involve surfing communities. |
2 . Social media scam is a form of phishing in which cybercriminals connect with their victims through social media platforms.
No social media platform will ask its users to click an outside link to update their personal information. Check with the official customer support if you are unsure. Internet users should apply the principle better safe than sorry.
Do not use the same password across all your online accounts. If one account gets hacked, all of them will. It is always better to have distinct login details for each platform as well.
Make sure not to reveal personal information.Do not publish your address, phone number, or place of work on your social media account for your safety.
When you get a strange message, or an offer to buy or sell something on social media, first check if the account is verified.
Social media scams can be financially damaging and emotionally distressing. We hope that these tips will come in handy for you. Remember, safety first in the online world just as it is in the real world.
| A．Do not send money to anyone before that. |
| B．It usually starts by sending a friend request. |
| C．Always use a strong password to improve security. |
| D．Create a unique login and password for each platform. |
| E．Also, do not give away this information to strangers in conversations. |
| F．Be careful of friend requests from unknown individuals, as they may have ill intent. |
| G．Before making friends with someone that you do not know, carefully examine the account. |
3 . Three scientists jointly won this year’s Nobel Prize in physics for proving that tiny particles (粒子) could keep a connection with each other even when separated, a phenomenon once doubted but now being explored for potential real-world applications such as encoding information. Frenchman Alain Aspect, American John F. Clauser and Austrian Anton Zeilinger were quoted by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences for experiments proving the “totally crazy” field of quantum entanglements (量子纠缠) to be all too real. They demonstrated that unseen particles, such as photons (光子) , can be linked, or “entangled”, with each other even when they are separated by large distances.
In quantum entanglement, establishing common information between two photons not near each other “allows us to do things like secret communication, in ways which weren’t possible to do before”, said David Haviland, chair of the Nobel Committee for Physics. Quantum information “has broad and potential effects in areas such as secure information transmission, quantum computing and sensing technology”. The kind of secure communication used by China’s Micius satellite, as well as by some banks, is a “success story of quantum entanglement”, said Harun Siljak of Trinity College Dublin.
The Nobel Committee said Clauser developed quantum theories first put forward in the 1960s into a practical experiment. Aspect was able to correct an error in those theories, while Zeilinger demonstrated a phenomenon called quantum teleportation that effectively allows information to be sent over distances. “Using entanglement you can send all the information which is carried by an object over to some other place where the object is.” Zeilinger said. He added that this only works for tiny particles. “It is not like in the Star Trek films transporting something, certainly not the person, over some distance,” he said.
1. Which of the following statements about quantum entanglements is NOT true?| A．Scientists were doubtful whether it exists in the real world. |
| B．The Nobel Prize winner has put it into practical experiment. |
| C．Two particles can actually be connected regardless of distances. |
| D．The more distant 2 photons get, the less entangled they’ll become. |
| A．Affecting. | B．Transforming. |
| C．Communicating. | D．Spreading. |
| A．The achievements these 3 scientists have got individually. |
| B．The explanation for information transmission over large distances. |
| C．The clarification that science fiction is no equal to scientific theory. |
| D．The reason why these 3 scientists share this year’s Nobel Prize in physics. |
| A．Classical physics can be applied to tiny particles. |
| B．Quantum physics is the focus of modern physical research. |
| C．Particles, photons, and quanta are all the basic composition of matter. |
| D．Quantum entanglements can contribute to more cutting-edge technologies. |
4 . Artificial intelligence(AI)models have long surpassed (超过) just creating text responses and images. Now, with only one sentence, OpenAI’s latest text-to-video model, Sora, can turn your words into video with good visual quality while faithfully following your content instructions.
Sora is said to perform better than many other existing models with similar functions. The Al model can create video at suitable aspect ratios (屏幕高宽比) for different devices, such as both widescreen videos and vertical videos that we usually see on social media. It also lets users quickly test out content in lower quality before making the high-quality version, which helps speed up output.
Aside from this, its ability to present videos in a realistic and smooth manner is amazing. Sora can create detailed scenes with several characters, scientific types of motion, and accurate subject and background details while generating multiple shots with a single video. Beyond the user’s requests, it also understands how these elements exist in the real world. For example, reflections in the water changes as a woman walks by.
Sora’s performance wouldn’t be possible without its helpful assistant, ChatGPT, which transforms simple sentences into detailed descriptions. improving the accuracy of output according to the user’s prompts (提示语).
However, the current model isn’t perfect. It may have trouble accurately showing how things move in a complicated scene and might not get how one action leads to another. For example, if someone eats part of a cookie in a Sora-made video, the cookie might not look like it’s been bitten into. The model might mix up directions like left and right, and find it hard to describe events in the right order.
As of February, Sora is still in the testing stage of development. OpenAI is now inviting cybersecurity professionals to make random attacks on Sora’s system, aiming to test the model’s possible weaknesses and risks. Sora has also been open to some visual artists, designers and filmmakers. Their feedback (反馈) will assist OpenAI in enhancing the model to better serve creative professionals.
1. What is the main focus of paragraphs 2-3?| A．Sora’s strengths. | B．Sora’s variety. |
| C．Sora’s development. | D．Sora’s techniques. |
| A．By specifying user input. | B．By providing verbal feedback. |
| C．By examining sample videos. | D．By improving video quality. |
| A．To stress Sora’s potential safety risks. |
| B．To illustrate Sora’s existing limitations. |
| C．To show Sora’s perfect performance. |
| D．To explain the concept of a space time patch. |
| A．It has been made available to various industries. |
| B．Its commercial release has been called off. |
| C．It has exposed alarming security issues. |
| D．It is undergoing testing and improvement. |
5 . In a recent heartwarming story, Mr. Sun has touched the hearts of many by using AI face-swapping technology to create a video message from his late father.
The touching video captures Sun’s emotions as he replicates his father’s appearance and voice to convey a message of well-being to his grandmother. The entire process of face-swapping and video creation took a lot of effort and lasted nearly half a month, during which Sun couldn’t help but shed tears as he missed his deceased father.
In 2022, Sun’s father was diagnosed with a rare condition known as appendiceal mucinous adenocarcinoma (阑尾黏液腺癌). Despite Sun’s efforts to seek medical treatment for his father, the disease progressed rapidly, and his father passed away in 2023.
Concerned about his grandmother’s fragile health, the family decided to keep Sun’s father’s passing a secret. They fabricated (编造) a story, telling the elderly woman that her son was still receiving treatment in a Beijing hospital. The prolonged separation depressed the grandmother a lot, who continuously expressed her longing to speak with her son.
In a creative attempt to comfort his grandmother, Sun, inspired by science fiction films, decided to use AI face-swapping technology to create a video message from his father. Prior to recording the video, he even shaved off his bear d to look more like his late father. By using AI software, he successfully transformed his appearance into that of his father, delivering a heartfelt message to his grandmother: “Mom, it’s Jihai. I’m doing well in Beijing.” Despite the relatively low pixel (像素) quality, the grandmother believed the well-intentioned fabrication.
Sun admitted that his emotions almost broke down within the half-month, as every mention of his father’s name or a glance of his photograph brought great sorrow. He also expressed uncertainty about how long he can keep up the fabrication and whether he will make use of face-swapping again. Nevertheless, he is determined to follow in his father’s footstep to be a strong support for his family.
1. What does the underlined word in paragraph 2 mean?| A．Copies. | B．Paints. | C．Recalls. | D．Preserves. |
| A．By seeking medical treatment for his father. |
| B．By making up to look like his father. |
| C．By showing his father’s previous photographs and voice to her. |
| D．By telling a white lie and giving his father an online rebirth. |
| A．It was a laborious process. | B．Sun will employ face-swapping again. |
| C．Sun got inspiration from science-fiction films. | D．The images this technology made were unclear. |
| A．Creative and honest. | B．Optimistic and generous. |
| C．Considerate and responsible. | D．Talented and courageous. |
6 . One good part about school is field trips. Students can get out of the classroom and into the real world, even if just for a few hours.
Students do better in school. Students who go on field trips generally have better grades.
Students learn to be more independent. A field trip includes many things. Although adults are in charge, it’s also up to students to figure out what exhibits they want to learn about, how they can finish certain tasks, etc. During field trips, students can have many such situations to learn to be independent. In the process, they sometimes may feel unpleasant and stressed.
Students develop a stronger connection to a neighborhood. By getting out of the classroom and, into the streets, students can become more familiar with a neighborhood.
| A．Students master more social skills. |
| B．So students can develop lifelong friendships. |
| C．And they have higher graduation rates from school. |
| D．These trips, wherever they are, can influence students. |
| E．But they’ll see their ability to deal with problems alone improve. |
| F．They will learn more about its culture, environment, population, etc. |
| G．Teachers’ detailed guidance will help students behave well in school. |
7 . Beginning your journey abroad, you’ll witness excitement fill the air. Each step brings new experiences and adventures from busy streets to beautiful landscapes. Pack your bags and welcome the thrill of discovery that awaits. Here are a few things for you to get started with before you set foot.
Do thorough research on your destination.Conduct complete research about the country or region you plan to visit before your trip.
When packing for your trip abroad, prioritize essentials and pack light to avoid unnecessary weight.
Be alarmed and aware of your surroundings at all times. Avoid risky areas, especially at night, and keep your belongings secure. Familiarize yourself with local emergency contact numbers, the location of your country’s embassy (大使馆), and any specific safety precautions recommended for travelers in your destination.
Welcome new experiences that come your way.As your journey abroad comes to a close, memories of adventure and discovery will remain in your heart. Cherish (珍惜) the moments shared, the sights seen, and the lessons learned.
| A．Pay attention to safety at all times. |
| B．Respect local customs and traditions. |
| C．Learn about its history, culture, customs, and local laws. |
| D．Stay updated on travel guidelines issued by your government. |
| E．Traveling abroad offers access to new cultures and experiences. |
| F．Though your travels may end, the spirit of exploration will live on. |
| G．Consider the climate and your activities, and pack proper clothing and equipment. |
8 . “On the very first day of 2024, I saw the snow of Kilimanjaro, not from the novel written by Ernest Hemingway, but from the peak of Mount Kilimanjaro!” Xu Zhuoyuan, a 17-year-old mountaineer who’d stood on top of Mount Qomolangma last May, climbed onto the tallest peak in Africa, making herself the youngest Chinese girl that conquered it.
Xu’s passion for mountaineering was motivated by her father, who himself reached many peaks, including Mount Qomolangma. And her mountaineering journey began on a family trip to Xizang and Sichuan four years ago. For many years, Xu devoted herself to rigorous training. She went to the mountains in Yunnan and Sichuan every month, climbing peaks over 5,000 meters and doing daily physical exercises like running, swimming and rope skipping. All that hard work got her ready for the challenges she would face on Kilimanjaro.
Above 4000 meters on Mount Kilimanjaro, the climate is similar to a desert, with big temperature differences. The whole climb took 7 days, during which Xu faced unpredictable weather such as rain and strong winds. Staying warm and avoiding heat loss was the main challenge. Xu had to be very sensitive to any temperature changes and adjust her clothing accordingly. This climb was also a learning experience for Xu. She was climbing with Xia Boyu (aged 74), the first Chinese climber to summit Mount Qomolangma with an artificial leg, who’d inspired Xu a lot.
Mountaineering, Xu discovered, is not just about being strong physically; it is also a journey of self-discovery. “In climbing and life, it’s important to know when to let go of things that are weighing us down and how to re start when we feel ready,” she reflected.
1. What inspired Xu Zhuoyuan’s interest in climbing mountains?| A．A novel written by Ernest Hemingway. |
| B．A former trip to Mount Qomolangma. |
| C．Her father’s success in mountaineering. |
| D．Her family trip to Xizang and Sichuan. |
| A．Flexible. | B．Strict. | C．Casual. | D．Dangerous. |
| A．She was accompanied by a disabled climber. |
| B．There was a desert 4000 meters on Mount Kilimanjaro. |
| C．Weather condition was unstable above Mount Kilimanjaro. |
| D．Clothes adjustment was needed due to temperature changes. |
| A．Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro—A Chinese Girl’s Bravery. |
| B．Conquering New Heights —A Story of Passion. |
| C．Mountaineering—A Journey of Self-discovery. |
| D．Mount Kilimanjaro —A Destination of Inspiration. |
9 . Four places to explore in northern Canada
Welcome to Canada, the land of openness. Discover True North itineraries and undeniably Canadian experiences with a coast-to-coast collection of travel packages. All you need to bring is an open mind. And maybe a light jacket. If you want to get more detailed information, please click www.travelcanada.com
Nights Under LightsFrom USD $4,995 per person
6 days/5 nights
Our Nights Under Lights multi-day tours will give you some of the best chances in the world to see and photograph the beautiful northern lights. Spend days adventuring with dog sledding tours, snow-walking, visiting local historic sites and museums and spend the evenings at our award-winning location for cultural presentations, aurora viewing and photography.
Subarctic Wonders: Exploring Churchill’s Northern LightsFrom USD $3,795 per person
5 days /4 nights
Immerse yourself in the enchanting beauty of the aurora and embark on an authentic northern lights adventure. Each evening, we journey to tranquil hideaways, far from the city lights, where the sky unfolds its awe-inspiring display. Experience the wonder of the Northern Lights in Churchill, expertly guided by our team, as you dig into the vibrant northern culture and witness nature’s breathtaking light show.
Belugas, Bears & Summer Wildlife of ChurchillFrom USD $7,895 per person
7 days /6 nights
Few of nature’s marvels match the intense aliveness of an Arctic summer. More than 3.000 of these adorable white whales gather at the mouth of the Churchill River, and our motorized rafts and kayaks put us at eye level with these often-curious aquatic lives. On the surrounding land, we frequently spot polar bears wandering or napping on the banks, their creamy coats contrasting with the rocky shoreline and dark forest.
Canada’s Premier Polar Bear AdventureFrom USD $7,495 per person
8 days/7 nights
When you’re standing on the outdoor platform of our Polar Rover, the chill Arctic air feels refreshing. But not as much as the sight of the huge polar bear strolling towards us. Sometimes they are shadows on the horizon, slowly moving on the vast expanse of icy land, in search of seals for meals. Join us for one of nature’s most wondrous wildlife encounters—no one does it better than Natural Habitat!
1. In which tour will you spend the most money each day?| A．Nights Under Lights. |
| B．Subarctic Wonders: Exploring Churchill’s Northern Lights. |
| C．Belugas, Bears & Summer Wildlife of Churchill. |
| D．Canada’s Premier Polar Bear Adventure. |
| A．Sled with dogs. | B．Enjoy the Northern Lights. |
| C．Hike on the ice. | D．Visit museums. |
| A．A geographic magazine. | B．A newspaper. |
| C．A travel brochure. | D．A website. |
10 . Turn on a light outside at night, and it won’t be long before lots of insects start gathering around it. This behavior has led to a popular comparison for attraction, “like a moth to a flame.” However, according to a new study published in the journal Nature Communications, it turns out that insects aren’t “attracted” to artificial lights, but rather confused by it.
The new finding is based on a theory about insect orientation (定位). Due to their small and lightweight bodies, insects experience less air resistance, allowing them to achieve higher accelerations (加速度), which in turn makes it challenging for them to sense up and down during flight. So, they typically rely on stable light sources like the moon and stars to orient themselves at night, keeping the sky at their backs to stay upright. However, the introduction of artificial lights confuses their natural sense of direction. The insects you see circling street lights, in other words, are probably lost.
To reach these conclusions, scientists used high-resolution cameras to film insects flying around artificial lights in Costa Rica. They also attached tiny sensors to insects and filmed motion-capture videos of them in flight. In this way, researchers can slow down the insects pace and study their movements in greater detail. The videos showed insects turning their backs toward sources of artificial light — even at the price of flipping over or crashing.
This can be dangerous for insects, as circling around artificial lights can put them at risk from enemies, exhaustion, and starvation, causing many to die before morning. Night artificial light is a major cause of insect population loss, which could severely impact crop pollination and food supplies for larger animals, including humans. “Insects have been flying around for 370 million years, and it’s just in the last 150 years that it’s really gone wrong for them,” says entomologist Samuel Fabian of Imperial College London. “If we don’t want to influence large amounts of insect populations, we should not have lights shining up into the sky.”
1. What have scientists found out about insects?| A．Artificial lights can disturb their sense of direction. |
| B．Their populations are in decline. |
| C．They often fly quickly during the night. |
| D．Their eyesight is well adapted to light changes. |
| A．By detecting the living environment of insects. |
| B．By monitoring the insects’ brain activity during flight. |
| C．By making videos to study insects’ movements. |
| D．By building models to analyze insects’ motion patterns. |
| A．To stress the importance of insects to food supplies. |
| B．To appeal to people to reduce light pollution. |
| C．To show the reasons for insects flying around lights. |
| D．To explain the effects of insects’ death on human life. |
| A．How Artificial Lights Impact the Ecosystem |
| B．What Leads to the Loss of Insect Populations |
| C．How Insects Orient Themselves in the Flight |
| D．Why Insects are Attracted to Lights at Night |
