1 . In the digital age, we are becoming accustomed to technological innovations, and the fact that they can have a deep impact on our lives.
The number of the smartphone adult users has reached 85 percent in the UK population. Meanwhile streaming and 5G tech are changing the way we watch movies, TV shows and sports events. But Artificial Intelligence(AI) is probably the biggest game-changer of them all. The biggest impacts have nothing to do with robots or even digital assistants like Google Home. Here are two real-world applications of AI that are already changing our world for the better
One is better medical diagnose. If you had some illness, would you want to be diagnosed by a doctor or a machine? You’d probably say the former, but in reality, the question is not that simple. Today, human expertise and AI work side by side to make faster, better diagnoses. Think of it this way—a doctor can spend an hour reading six or seven cases while AI can do six or seven thousand in seconds and then present the doctor with a range of possible medical conditions along with their related probabilities.
The other is reducing fraud( 欺 诈 ) . Fraud against big businesses seems nothing to do with us. In fact, it often ends up affecting us all, especially when insurance companies, for example, are forced to increase the premium( 保 费 ) to cover losses. AI is being used more and more in insurtech, both to speed up the claim( 索 赔 ) process and to mark possibly fraudulent claims more reliably. It does this by analysing big data trends. Faster processing and reduced fraud are good news for everyone, and that can save money for us.
1. What has affected the way of our lives most?| A．Reading books. | B．Digital assistants. |
| C．Smart robots. | D．Artificial Intelligence. |
| A．Professional knowledge | B．Interesting hobbies |
| C．Medical conditions | D．Scientific research |
| A．AI can benefit us a lot. |
| B．AI can help us earn money. |
| C．AI makes the claim process slow. |
| D．AI makes us increase the premium. |
| A．How AI Is Reducing Fraud in Our Live. |
| B．How AI Is Touching All Our Lives for the Better. |
| C．What Advantages AI Is Bringing to Medical Diagnose. |
| D．In What Aspects AI Is Changing the Way of Entertainment. |
2 . Money Smart Youth Ambassadors
About
Youth from across Michigan can become financial leaders by applying to be a 4-H Money Smart Youth Ambassador. This program sponsored by Michigan State University Extension 4-H Youth Development started in 2020 and provides an opportunity for young people to spread financial knowledge with their peers by means of media.
Money Smart Youth Ambassadors gain leadership and public speaking experience by serving as guest speakers during presentations and podcasts (播客), developing games, creating social media campaigns, writing articles and providing valuable input into future financial education programs. Check out their amazing work below!
How to Join
This program is open to all Michigan youth aging 12-19.
Applications are accepted until August 1 annually for the upcoming year. Interviews take place in August or September.
Ambassador Expectations
•Serve as a Michigan 4-H Money Smart Youth Ambassador member from September to June.
•Create and promote money education and programs locally.
•Be present at all virtual meetings as scheduled with at least 75% attendance at monthly meetings.
•Contact the group advisors if unable to participate in conference calls, meetings, events or trainings as they are scheduled.
Resources Created by Money Smart Youth Ambassadors
•Articles
Read about interesting money topics to help you become smart consumers and get a head start on growing your wealth. These articles were written by youth for youth.
•Minimalism and Money Saving by Alexis V.
•Multiplying your Money Early by Leah L.
•Games
Have fun learning what it takes to grow your money with these games created by our Money Smart Youth Ambassadors.
•Kahoot Game on Credit by Brooke R.
•Money Word Search by Harper Jane A.
For more information, contact a group advisor:
Kathy Jamieson, jamies13@ msu. edu
1. What is a must to apply for the program?| A．Having Michigan identity. |
| B．Reaching the age of 19. |
| C．Owning 4-H membership. |
| D．Having financial background. |
| A．Making generous donations. |
| B．Publishing financial articles. |
| C．Attending virtual meetings. |
| D．Promoting programs worldwide. |
| A．To add fun to courses. |
| B．To provide financial knowledge. |
| C．To introduce financial background. |
| D．To collect fund for the program. |
3 . To create is human. For the past 300,000 years, we’ve been unique in our ability to make art, cuisine, and societies to imagine and create something new where there was nothing before. Now we have company. While you’re reading this sentence, generative artificial intelligence programs are responding to emails, preparing tax returns, and providing health advice.
Artificial intelligence has already had a wide impact on our lives. AIs have been used to price medicine and houses, assemble (组装) cars, determine what ads we see on social media. But generative AI, which can create wholly novel content, is much newer.
Supporters believe this is just the beginning, that generative AI will change the way we work and engage with the world, unlock creativity and scientific discoveries, and allow human beings to achieve previously unimaginable goals.
This shift marks the most important technological breakthrough since social media. Generative AI tools have been adopted greedily in recent months by the public, thanks to programs like ChatGPT, which responds to virtually any question, and Dall-E, which allows you to produce any image you dream up. In January, ChatGPT reached 100 million monthly users.
This craze caught off guard many tech companies and has stimulated an intense race in Silicon Valley. In weeks, Microsoft and Google have shifted their entire corporate strategies to seize control of what they believe profitable. Microsoft is investing $10 billion in Open AI, creator of ChatGPT and Dall-E, and announced plans to integrate generative AI into its Office software and search engine. Google declared a “code red” corporate emergency in response to the success of ChatGPT and rushed its own search-oriented chatbot to market.
But this gold rush could also prove disastrous. In a winner-takes-all battle for power, these companies risk repeating past mistakes, such as prioritizing growth over safety. While there are many potentially good aspects of these new technologies, even tools designed for good can have unforeseen I and ruinous consequences. This is the story of how the gold rush began—and what history tells us about what could happen next.
1. Which of the following is the particular function of generative AI?| A．Price goods. | B．Build vehicles. |
| C．Decide ads on social media. | D．Offer health suggestions. |
| A．The functions of generative AI. | B．The programs of generative AI. |
| C．People’s interest in generative AI. | D．Companies’ investment in generative AI. |
| A．Shift its focus to Office software. |
| B．Invest in another generative AI start-up. |
| C．Integrate its search engine into Office software. |
| D．Combine generative AI with its existing products. |
| A．To emphasise the importance of history. |
| B．To advocate the use of new technologies. |
| C．To put off the development of generative AI. |
| D．To warn of the potential danger of generative AI. |
4 . Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools have become extremely powerful, surprising even their creators. Most people have probably read a book or seen a movie about an AI or robot that has become so smart that it can take over the world. The AI in stories like these is known as AGI or Artificial General Intelligence. True AGI would be intelligent in many different areas and would be able to learn on its own. Currently, there is no real AGI. Most experts believe it will be many years before an AGI could possibly be created.
Scientists have been working to improve AI models, mainly by training the models on larger and larger collections of information. Those efforts are paying off. The AI tool that has gotten the most attention recently is ChatGPT, created by the company Open AI. ChatGPT appears to be extremely intelligent, which answers quickly in perfect sentences, makes up stories and games, writes essays and much more. Another powerful model called GPT-4 is also developed by the same company. GPT-4 can create and explain jokes, and pass tests.
The rapid progress of recent A I models worries some people. Last week, many computer experts released a letter calling for a six-month pause in any work on AI tools stronger than GPT-4.
The letter claimed AI companies were in a race to create “powerful digital minds” that no one could “understand, predictor control”. The group behind the letter wants government s to develop laws to make sure A I tools are safe. Not all AI experts agree with the letter. Some say the letter makes today’s AI tools sound more intelligent than they really are. Others say it’s more important to worry about real problems in current AI tools rather than imaginary ones in the future.
ChatGPT has caused so much excitement that many companies are likely to keep developing powerful AI tools. But the letter has sent a strong warming that many people—including leaders—will be thinking about carefully.
1. Why are the book and movie mentioned in Paragraph 1?| A．To show the surprising power of AI. |
| B．To clarify AI will take over the world. |
| C．To state the threat of A I to its creators. |
| D．To indicate an AI or robot is smart enough. |
| A．It offers practical instructions on essay-writing skills. |
| B．It trains AI models on how to present information. |
| C．It has difficulty in understanding jokes. |
| D．It produces perfect language response. |
| A．In different. | B．Favorable. | C．Concerned. | D．Disappointed. |
| A．Why AI tools are beneficial to us. |
| B．Why AI tools are accessible to the public. |
| C．Whether AI tools are having a bright future. |
| D．Whether AI tools are becoming too powerful. |
5 . Memories are such an important part of us. Some people are more forgetful by nature. Others may start having difficulties remembering things as they get older, especially when there are memory-related diseases like Alzheimer’s(阿尔茨海默症) in their family. That’s why classes like Breaking Grounds in Drumming, a program by Tony Bennett and Chris Lavidas that uses instruments and music techniques to help senior students drum up memories are so important.
The process of creating a memory, preserving it and being able to recover it as needed is a complex one. Our brains need to get the information, translate it into a usable piece of data and then store it in a way that allows us to access it when necessary. Sound frequency, explains Making Music Mag, published by a community that connects music makers, is the internal communication system of the brain. Different frequencies activate particular parts of the brain. By tapping areas of the brain linked to memory and emotions with the correct technique, in this case through music-and drumming, a person can then gain access to past events that would otherwise be lost.
Bennett and Lavidas created their program specifically for seniors in assisted living residences and memory care communities. Through this program, some of the seniors with Alzheimer’s can start to recover and preserve some of their lost memories. No experience is necessary to join these classes, and the benefits include intellectual and cognitive stimulation as well as enhanced hand-eye coordination. Besides, it is also an enjoyable hobby and allows the seniors to get some much needed social interaction too. The drumming sessions are engaging and require constant participation, from the students, which helps to stimulate their minds in many ways.
The organization estimates it has educated thousands of seniors over the past ten years. And although Alzheimer’s and dementia are conditions whose causes are still currently unknown, they have been able to find a helpful and enjoyable way for patients to make the most of living with their conditions.
1. What is the purpose of the program?| A．To inspire the elders’ love for music. |
| B．To spread knowledge about Alzheimer’s. |
| C．To assist seniors in recovering their memories. |
| D．To design instruments to help with students’ studies. |
| A．Music can help prevent memory loss for most people. |
| B．Music has a close link with the memory parts of our brains. |
| C．Highly emotional stimulation may lead to memory disorders. |
| D．Sound frequency decides how long a memory can be preserved. |
| A．change | B．wake | C．control | D．weaken |
| A．The popularity of the music program. | B．The difficulties of seniors living alone. |
| C．Benefits of the program for participants. | D．Ways to improve memories for the elderly. |
6 . Being responsible outside of class
Manage your time wisely
Managing your time will greatly help you become a better and more-productive student. Time-management skills are highly valued by teachers.
Study for tests and exams ahead of time
Get help if your grades fall behind
Whether you miss an important class, have trouble with certain concepts, or are dealing with a stressful family emergency, there’s a chance that your grades might fall at some point.
If you fail to finish your homework, turn in a paper on time, or show up to your task on time, it’s no one’s fault but your own.
| A．Try to stay balanced |
| B．You shouldn’t excuse for your fault |
| C．Take responsibility for your words and actions |
| D．Every teacher designs tests and exams differently |
| E．If this happens, it’s important to get help at once |
| F．You don’t have to write out every word your teacher says |
| G．They can help ensure that you prepare well for tests and exams |
7 . We offer a programme of lectures by members of the MCLL community and other lifelong learning organisations, as well as university faculty members who have been invited to share their research with us on a variety of topics. View Instructions on How to Register Online.
Lecture 1: Social Media and MisinformationTime: Friday, June 9, 10:00 a.m.
Presenter: Richard Harris
Attendance: Online
A retired American IT professional, Richard Harris, will take us deep into a social media’s business model, its differences from traditional media, recent examples of its use for misinformation and possible solutions that respect freedom of expression. A lively round-table discussion not to be missed!
Lecture 2: Global Mental HealthTime: Friday, June 16, 1:00 p.m.
Presenter: Marc Laporta
Attendance: Online
Mental health was known to the public quite late. Many countries are finding ways to reduce its impact, but many factors get in the way. However, progress is visible, and hope is justified. Mare Laporta will discuss different aspects of mental health and exchange ideas about ways to improve the situation.
Lecture 3: The Silk RoadTime: Friday, June 23, 10:00 a.m.
Presenter: George Lapa
Attendance: Online
The Silk Road refers to a network of routes, covering over 6,400 km, used by traders from the Han Dynasty of China who opened trade in 130 BCE until 1453 CE. The exchange of information gave rise to new technologies and innovations that changed the Western world. Topics such as gunpowder, the compass (指南针), paper-making and printing will be presented.
Lecture 4: South to Textile FactoriesTime: Friday, June 30, 10:00 a.m.
Presenter: Muriel Herrington
Attendance: In person
Between 1840 and 1930 a million French-Canadians left Canada to work in the United States. Many were employed in textile (纺织品) factories in the New England states. In these areas they set up communities where they maintained the French language and culture. In this lecture Muriel Herrington will describe their working and living conditions and show their impact.
1. What will the audience attending Lecture 1 do?| A．Build a social media’s business model. |
| B．Exchange ideas with each other. |
| C．Enjoy more respect and freedom. |
| D．Contact the presenter in advance. |
| A．Marc Laporta. | B．Richard Harris. | C．George Lapa. | D．Muriel Herrington. |
| A．The Silk Road. |
| B．South to Textile Factories. |
| C．Global Mental Health. |
| D．Social Media and Misinformation. |
8 . Camping Tips for Survival
You learn a lot about yourself when you camp. Your patience will be tested when setting up a tent or building a fire. You’ll see food from a whole new aspect.
Make a stove from a beer can.
With a knife, some alcohol and a little bit of courage, you can transform a beer can into a great camp stove that will boil water in 5-6 minutes.
Protect your tent against water with sealant (密封材料).
We did it, and it’s remarkably simple.
Lyme disease (莱姆病) is on the rise. I’ve been caught by worms firsthand and know how annoying it can be. Mix up about 40 drops of tea tree oil with around 12-16 grams of water and spray it on. Even if you don’t meet any worms, you’ll smell uncharacteristically good.
Use a rope and a tarp (油布) to create just about anything you’d ever need.
Most people will employ the rope as a line to hang wet clothes and a tarp as ground cover.
If you follow the above tips, you will have a wonderful camping experience.
| A．Create coffee packets. |
| B．Pick up a can and spray everything. |
| C．Attack worms with water and tea tree oil. |
| D．Throw it under your tent to keep the floor dry overnight. |
| E．It can be your raincoat, your tent or your tent bag. |
| F．However, in a survival situation, they can be used together to create a warm, dry shelter. |
| G．You’ll also learn that some tasks are harder than others, but they don’t always have to be. |
9 . On New Year’s Day 2023, I had a panic attack at work. Unfortunately for me, that meant in front of millions of people, as I was delivering the news, live, on ABC’s Good Morning America. In the wake of my nationally televised panic, I learned that I had undiagnosed depression. For months, I’d been having trouble getting out of bed in the morning and felt as if I had an everlasting low-grade fever.
Two things changed my mind. The first was the science. In recent years, there has been an explosion of research into meditation (冥想), which has been shown to reduce blood pressure, improve recovery after your body releases the stress hormone cortisol (荷尔蒙皮质醇), strengthen the immune system, and relieve the symptoms of depression and anxiety. Studies also show meditation can reduce violence in prisons, increase productivity in the workplace, and improve both the behavior and the grades of schoolchildren.
The second thing that changed my mind about meditation is that it does not necessarily take a lot of the magic stuff I feared it might. Contrary to popular belief, meditation does not have to involve folding yourself into a roll, joining a group, or wearing special dress. The word meditation is a little bit like the world sports; there are hundreds of varieties. The type of meditation discussed here is called mindfulness meditation, which is acquired from Buddhism but does not require adopting a belief system ór declaring oneself to be a Buddhist.
I began my practice slowly, with just five to ten minutes a day, which is what I recommend everyone aim for at the start. I have learned that the less delighted you are by the voice in your head, the more you can make room for entirely new thoughts and feelings to appear. In sum, meditation enables you to tap into what lies beneath or beyond the ego (自我). Call it creativity. Call it your original wisdom. Some people call it your heart.
1. What can the author’s profession possibly be?| A．Reporter. |
| B．Editor. |
| C．TV broadcaster. |
| D．Radio host. |
| A．It can lower blood pressure. |
| B．It can reduce depression and anxiety. |
| C．It can improve students’ behavior and performance. |
| D．It is scientific and without much fantastic frightening things. |
| A．Mediation is free from various chains and forms. |
| B．Meditation doesn’t need to fold someone into a roll. |
| C．Meditation is more like the world sports than popular belief. |
| D．Meditation requires someone to join a group or wear special dress. |
| A．Keep your mind clean. |
| B．Keep a quiet environment. |
| C．Practice mediation slowly. |
| D．Tap something beneath or beyond the ego. |
10 . In terms of teaching, firstly, ChatGPT is like an up-graded version of an intelligent search engine, which greatly improves my efficiency in preparing assessments. For example, I’m currently teaching a Year 4 module Digital Marketing and it’s a very practical module. In the past, I had to spend a lot of time looking for cases and examples related to the course to help students understand it. Now I just need to ask ChatGPT to generate relevant and accurate examples. Secondly, ChatGPT can help improve my teaching. Previously, I often tried to find ways to increase student participation in class, by researching questions, activities, technical tools, as well as methods. However, today I often look to ChatGPT for in-depth advice on this.
In terms of scientific research, given the academic severeness, I actually think ChatGPT can do relatively little at present. The scenes I’ve used ChatGPT for have so far been limited to just a few aspects. Firstly, proof-reading an article. Secondly, summarizing and improving an article. For example, you can import a piece of content and have ChatGPT generate the article’s overall ideas and keywords.
It seems that different universities hold different attitudes toward ChatGPT. The University of Cambridge, for example, allows students to use ChatGPT for purposes other than exams, assignments and papers. Of course, there are plenty of objections.
I think, used in the right way, ChatGPT can be of great help to students in their academic and personal growth. For example, I mentioned using ChatGPT as a smarter search engine and learning tool. ChatGPT can help students review conceptual problems after class and supplement their knowledge. Secondly, students can also use ChatGPT to do more targeted personal pursuits. For example, when applying for a master’s degree, or looking for a job, students can use ChatGPT to conduct mock(模拟)interviews and CV improvements. Note that good questions lead to good answers. Be clear about what you want from this advanced language model and ask questions with a purpose.
By Professor Martin Locket, UCL
1. What is ChatGPT?| A．A social media. | B．A language model. | C．An online celebrity. | D．A new Internet. |
| A．ChatGPT broadens the author’s vision. |
| B．ChatGPT does much good to teaching research. |
| C．ChatGPT benefits much to the author’s teaching. |
| D．ChatGPT improves the efficiency of lesson preparation. |
| A．Doing homework. | B．Taking examinations. |
| C．Learning new languages. | D．Writing academic articles. |
| A．Doubtful. | B．Indifferent. | C．Critical. | D．Favorable. |
