1 . Boomerang kids refer to adult children who return to their parents’ homes after moving out. In July 2020, 52% of young adults in the US lived with one or both of their parents — the highest percentage the US has seen since 1940. In the UK, the number of single, 20-to-34-year-olds living with their parents went up by 55% from 2008 to 2017.
There are many reasons for young people to move back home, says Hipplewith, a family expert. The primary reason is the high cost of living. Everything is so expensive. Staying home means financial support from family as they prepare for starting a career. Usually being a boomeranger is just a transitional period. But it still may last many months or even years to enable boomerangers to establish themselves in a career without worrying about things like rents.
For many, a return to home after living away can feel like a regression (倒退) and loss of recently won independence. “For example, you learn to become an adult in university,” says Hipplewith. “You have friends. You can do what you want to do. But now you’re coming back under someone else’s rule.” This can come with anxiety. Still, there are benefits to the boomerangers, say experts. Many of these adults are finding the increased ability to do work they find meaningful, rather than take a job that simply pays the bills. Socially, boomerang kids also have a good opportunity to strengthen relationships with their parents.
In many cultures, moving away from home has traditionally been considered a crucial step in becoming an adult. Now it’s time to change the idea. Adulthood is really just being old enough to take responsibilities; that doesn’t go away if you move in with parents again. Hipplewith hopes that as being a boomeranger becomes more common, young adults will feel less pressure to follow traditional expectations of moving out. He encourages young people to view a return to home as “sane decision-making”.
1. How does the author lead in the topic of the text?| A．By analyzing reasons. | B．By raising a viewpoint. |
| C．By telling the difference. | D．By presenting a phenomenon. |
| A．To buy something expensive. | B．To look after family members. |
| C．To hunt for the right career easily. | D．To reduce economic pressure. |
| A．Because of the limit of keeping in with friends. | B．Because of the loss of independence. |
| C．Because of many years of staying at home. | D．Because of the anxiety about the future life. |
| A．Stupid. | B．Rapid. | C．Reasonable. | D．Independent. |
2 . Caring 17-year-old Lauren Schroeder was inspired to help bring healthy food to needy families in her community. Volunteering at a food shelter when she was 14 , and tasked with helping fill boxes for households in need with canned and packaged food, this Iowa teen felt that something was missing from the donated groceries: fresh vegetables. So she shared with her parents her desire to start a garden on their own farm to supply local families in need with fresh produce.
Coming from a farming family, Lauren had some familiarity with agriculture, and had helped raise rabbits and lambs, but had never tried vegetable cultivation at scale, though the Schroeders plant soybeans and corn each year on their 150-acre farm.
The work involved in realizing Lauren’s plan was no walk in the park. Initially, while proud of her daughter’s vision, her mother, Katie Schroeder, admitted to some foreboding about the work involved: “I was wondering, ‘Oh my gosh, how much work is this going to be?’ I wasn’t sure whether this would work.” This was one young change-maker, however! Lauren researched plants online, checking which species needed more shade, how much water was required, and when to harvest each crop. During Iowa’s hot summers, she had to water her crops by hand for around 2 — 3 hours daily. She also checked daily for weeds, and bent down to pick her green bean crop. Thanks to her diligence, Lauren planted half an acre of land, with 15 varieties of vegetables in 2022, harvesting her first crops.
In an interview with a local media channel, Lauren says, “I wanted to have something that’d impact people. I want to impact community members. Many people help you out, but it makes more difference when you help others out. That’s what makes me most happy.”
1. What inspired Lauren to start a garden on her family’s farm?| A．Her parents’ encouragement. |
| B．Her interest in farming and agriculture. |
| C．Her desire to become a professional gardener. |
| D．Her experience volunteering at a food shelter. |
| A．Satisfaction. | B．Concern. | C．Anger. | D．Pride. |
| A．She consulted professional gardeners. |
| B．She studied books and manuals on gardening. |
| C．She conducted online research on plant species. |
| D．She attended agricultural courses and workshops. |
| A．The Schroeders’ family farming traditions. |
| B．The importance of volunteering at a food shelter. |
| C．The challenges of starting a vegetable garden on a large scale. |
| D．Lauren Schroeder’s project to provide fresh vegetables to needy families. |
3 . Many actors have famously remarked that they have, time and again, lost themselves in their performances. Now, researchers at University College London (UCL) have found some truth to this statement. A new study suggests actors may suppress (抑制) their sense of self when they take on a new character, hinting at the massive impact theater training may have on fundamental mechanisms of the human brain.
“Our findings indicate that cooperating with the theater industry could be helpful in producing theories about social interaction that could also be investigated in the real world,” said Dwaynica Gteaves, lead author of the study. In particular, the researchers are hoping that future work in this space can focus on how participation in theatrical activities might help people with autism (自闭症).
The actors in the study were fitted with brain imaging technology while they rehearsed scenes from Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night s Dream. When they heard their names while performing, their response was suppressed in the brain region associated with self-awareness. While they were not performing, the actors responded normally when called by name. The study also looked at interpersonal coordination between pairs of actors. The researchers noticed that two actors rehearsing together had similar brain activity in the regions of the brain associated with social interaction and action planning, revealing “specific brain systems that are coordinated during complex social interactions”.
In fact, drama therapy has been considered a beneficial practical strategy for improving social communication in children with developmental or learning disabilities. A preliminary (初步的) study found students with autism who underwent theater experiences showed significant positive changes in the development of social and language skills.
In the future, researchers at UCL aim to include both trained and untrained actors as subjects. The recent study, admittedly, lacked a control group of people without theater training and had a small sample size of only 6 actors. But the researchers remain hopeful of the possible future applications of their findings in aiding social communication, including in individuals with autism.
1. What effect may taking on a new character have on actors, as suggested by the study?| A．They may forget their identities. | B．Their self-awareness may weaken. |
| C．They may lose themselves completely. | D．Their brain mechanisms may be damaged. |
| A．By interacting with the actors. | B．By observing the actors’ behavior. |
| C．By surveying the actors’ responses. | D．By monitoring the actors’ brain activity. |
| A．Improved physical health. | B．Enhanced cognitive abilities. |
| C．Strengthened interpersonal skills. | D．Increased academic performance. |
| A．The researchers lacked expertise. | B．It can be used to train child actors. |
| C．It is a major breakthrough in medicine. | D．It is promising despite its limitations. |
4 . The US economy seems strong with high employment, falling inflation (通货膨胀), and growth. However, the reality is far less optimistic for ordinary American workers.
A March 6 survey by the Savings website showed that 47% of US parents financially support their adult children to cope with rising living costs. Gen Zers (18-27) are the most likely to receive such aid, averaging $1,515 per month. Still, even older parents assist their Millennial and Generation X adult children, accounting for 21% of support. Common expenses include groceries, tuition, and health insurance.
Why are so many US adults struggling? Soaring food prices are a major factor. The US Department of Agriculture predicts a 2.5% increase in food prices in 2024. Meanwhile, stable housing remains an elusive dream for many, with the average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (抵押贷款) reaching at almost 8% in October 2023, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association. This high cost prices many Americans out of homeownership.
The final piece of the puzzle is falling salaries. Previous generations were able to count on graduating from college as the key to landing a job that paid well. But now, young US graduates have found that they earn less than their parents. According to a CNBC analysis, college graduate salaries have decreased more than 10 percent in four decades after adjusting for inflation. In other words, steadily declining salaries make it even harder for young Americans to cope with steadily rising costs.
With Gen Zers in the US struggling under financial pressures, so do the older generations supporting them, as their generosity puts their prospects for retirement at risk. The Savings website discovered that working parents were found to contribute 2.4 times more to support adult children than they contribute to their retirement accounts each month.
Essentially, while the US economy remains floating, we might witness multiple generations of Americans sinking in their own lifeboats in the years ahead.
1. What did the March 6 survey find out about adult children in the US?| A．Nearly half of them are financially dependent. |
| B．Over half of Gen Zers are financially struggling. |
| C．21 percent of Generation X receive parental help. |
| D．A majority of them rely on their parents for education. |
| A．Readily accessible. | B．Difficult to achieve. |
| C．Often misunderstood. | D．Commonly sought after. |
| A．Graduates’ financial struggles are temporary. |
| B．Government policies favor older generations. |
| C．Financial pressures affect both the young and the old. |
| D．Salaries for graduates tend to keep pace with inflation. |
| A．Negative. | B．Positive. | C．Reserved. | D．Ambiguous. |
5 . Grant Village and West Thumb
Yellowstone National Park offers a range of engaging activities for families, nature lovers, and wildlife enthusiasts alike. From exploring the Grant Village and West Thumb regions to participating in interactive programs, visitors can immerse themselves in the park’s natural wonders and learn about its diverse wildlife and geological features.
Experiencing Wildlife in Yellowstone (May 26 to September 2).
Whether you’re hiking a backcountry trail, camping, or just enjoying the park’s amazing wildlife from the road, this quick workshop is for you and your family. Learn where to look for animals and how to safely enjoy your wildlife watching experience. Meet on the back porch of the Grant Visitor Center.
West Thumb Geyser Basin Walk (June 9 to September 2)
Take a guided walk along the beautiful shores of Yellowstone Lake while exploring the origins of glittering geysers, belching mud pots, and emerald hot spring s in West Thumb’s dynamic geyser basin. Meet at the West Thumb Visitor Information Station. Round-trip distance is 1/2 mile. Easy.
Junior Ranger Discovery Program (June 16 to September 2)
Investigate and discover the many curiosities of Yellowstone during this interactive program geared towards kids 4-13 years and up. Meet at the Grant Village Pavilion, located behind the visitor center along the edge of the lake.
Grant Village Evening Program (June 23 to September 2).
Learn more about Yellowstone’s natural and cultural history in this presentation highlighting one of Yellowstone’s wonders. Inquire locally and on bulletin boards for program descriptions. Meet at the Grant Visitor Center Amphitheater. Dress warmly and bring a flashlight.
1. Which program is suitable for a family to learn about safely watching wildlife in Yellowstone?| A．Experiencing Wildlife in Yellowstone. | B．Grant Village Evening Program. |
| C．West Thumb Geyser Basin Walk. | D．Junior Ranger Discovery Program. |
| A．Experiencing Wildlife in Yellowstone. | B．Grant Village Evening Program. |
| C．West Thumb Geyser Basin Walk. | D．Junior Ranger Discovery Program. |
| A．attend the Grant Village Evening Program. |
| B．join the Junior Ranger Discovery Program. |
| C．take a guided walk along Yellowstone Lake. |
| D．meet at the Grant Visitor Center Amphitheater. |
6 . How to make a vision board
We all have hopes and dreams, and each person tries to achieve them in their own way. Some may start journaling, while others have different methods. This could include creating a vision board. Here is what you need to know about vision boards and how to make your own.
A vision board is a collection of images and quotes that symbolize someone’s dreams, aspirations and ideals. This could include a landscape of the city you want to live in or the model of a new car you really want to buy.
Vision boards can be made in many ways. There is no right or wrong choice to start visualizing your goals.
The same advice goes if you’re making a physical vision board. For this, you want to get a poster, picture frame or any kind of base. Similar to the other, you want to set a goal and gather materials. In this case, you’ll need to print out images and quotes first. You may also choose to write words of affirmation or include your own photos.
No matter what format you use, be sure to put your vision board somewhere you can see it, such as on your desk or as your phone background.
| A．The best place to start, however, is to set your ambitions. |
| B．Then make your picture by gluing or taping the materials on the base. |
| C．Vision boards are only for achieving short-term goals, not long-term ambitions. |
| D．Once you narrow down what you want to achieve, it’s time to pick your format. |
| E．Creating a vision board requires expensive materials and professional assistance. |
| F．These photos and words are meant to inspire and motivate you to achieve these goals. |
| G．The more you see your visualized goals, the more likely you may be to work toward them. |
7 . Rapid advancements in generative artificial intelligence (AI) have sparked concerns regarding the future of work and human creativity. As AI technologies exhibit remarkable capabilities in tasks requiring originality, there is a growing apprehension about potential job displacement and the redefinition of creativity.
In a recent study published in Scientific Reports, AI programs outperformed the average human in tasks demanding imagination. Participants were tasked with generating imaginative uses for commonplace objects, with AI responses often judged as more creative than those from humans. Although human ideas scored higher in terms of originality, the average scores of AI responses surpassed those of humans, leading to headlines discussing AI’s creativity surpassing human capabilities.
This research has increased anxieties among professionals, particularly those in creative industries. For individuals like Kat Lyons, a background artist in animation, the ascent of AI-generated content poses a risk to their livelihood and prompts concerns about the future of artistry. The adoption of AI tools by entertainment giants such as Marvel and Disney increases these fears, fostering uncertainties regarding the authenticity and sustainability of artistic professions.
The widespread apprehension surrounding AI’s progress extends beyond job displacement to include broader social influences. Mary Alvord, a psychologist, observes that concerns about data privacy, job security, and human out of style contribute to a widespread sense of unease. However, managing AI anxiety necessitates a balanced approach, acknowledging both the potential benefits of AI and addressing its potential dangers.
Experts stress the importance of contextualizing AI advancements within historical and technological frameworks. Sanae Okamoto, a psychologist, points to past instances of technological anxiety, suggesting that understanding AI’s benefits and limitations can lessen fears. By becoming familiar with AI tools and advocating regulatory measures, individuals can transform apprehension into authorization.
1. What does the underlined word “apprehension” in Paragraph 1 probably mean?| A．Excitement. | B．Depression. | C．Amusement. | D．Anxiety. |
| A．Human creativity surpasses AI in all tasks. |
| B．AI scores higher as it creates more original ideas. |
| C．AI performs better in tasks calling for creativity. |
| D．The average score of AI is lower than that of humans. |
| A．The lack of innovation in creative industries. | B．The unstable employment in creative industries. |
| C．The vague prospects for artistic professionals. | D．The threat to the livelihood of artistic professionals. |
| A．Knowing the history of AI. | B．Ignoring the existence of AI. |
| C．Understanding AI’s limitations. | D．Understanding AI in a comprehensive way. |
8 . Tears, often associated with human emotions, have sparked curiosity regarding their presence in nonhuman animals. While humans have long been recognized as the only species to produce tears in response to emotions, recent studies delve into the possibility of similar occurrences in other creatures.
Tears serve various purposes across species. The primary function of tears can maintain eye health, while reflex tears combat external irritants. Emotional tears, however, remain a subject of debate. Historically, societies deemed emotional crying as uniquely human, association it with expressions of sadness or vulnerability.
Although scientific consensus still favors emotional tears as a human trait, recent investigations suggest otherwise. A study published in 2022 observed tear secretion in dogs during positive emotional encounters, such as reuniting with their owners. This phenomenon, triggered by the hormone oxytocin, potentially strengthens the bond between humans and dogs.
Moreover, observations of domestic pigs and rats have revealed tear-like secretions when in a state of tension, indicating a possible emotional response. These findings challenge the notion of emotional tears being exclusive to humans.
Despite anecdotal evidence of animals displaying signs of sadness, such as elephants, gorillas, and wolves, scientific backing remains rare. Professionals working with animals have reported no instances of emotional crying. Anecdotes often lead to anthropomorphism, attributing human behaviors to animals without solid evidence. The viral video of a “crying” bison gained widespread attention, yet experts suggest a more reasonable explanation, such as irritation from dust or wind. While ancient depictions, like the bi son painting in the Chauvet cave, hint at tear-like imagery, concrete evidence is lacking.
In conclusion, while emotional tears remain primarily associated with humans, emerging research suggests the possibility of similar phenomena in certain animal species. Further studies are needed to uncover the complexities of emotional responses across the animal kingdom.
1. What is the first paragraph mainly about?| A．A topic of tears and human emotions. | B．A topic on tears in nonhuman animals. |
| C．Human tears and those of other creatures. | D．The emotional significance of human tears. |
| A．Dogs. | B．Bison. |
| C．Domestic pigs and rats. | D．Elephants and gorillas. |
| A．To suggest that animals are capable of emotional crying. |
| B．To emphasize the importance of viral videos in scientific research. |
| C．To highlight the need for further investigation into the behavior of bison. |
| D．To illustrate how anecdotes can lead to misconceptions about animal behavior. |
| A．Why Do Animals Possess Emotional Tears? |
| B．Whether Do Animals Possess Emotional Tears? |
| C．Why Do Animals Possess Emotional Responses? |
| D．Whether Do Animals Possess Emotional Responses? |
9 . Magnolia’s Deli &Cafe in Rochester holds a unique distinction as the only restaurant President Barack Obama has ever visited. A plaque remaining people of his 2013 lunch, complete with a dedicated menu item, greets sponsors upon entry. However, securing a table can be a test of patience, as the establishment does not take phone numbers for waiting lists.
Once seated, our group sampled various offerings, starting with the spinach dip (菠菜汤), which received mixed reviews due to its slightly water y consistency. Sandwiches dominate the menu, served on sourdough slices and priced around $15, accompanied by kettle potato chips and a pickle slice. Highlights included the Wisconsin grilled cheese, featuring a mixture of cheeses, apple cubes, and bacon, though the Marion Street sandwich was criticized for its heavy-handed use of artichokes (洋蓟).
Beverages also earned praise, particularly the iced chai latte and dark roast iced coffee. Some diners were so impressed that they expressed a desire to return solely for the drinks. Dessert options, including carrot cake and triple chocolate cake, tempted our group, with the latter earning high marks for its thick layers of mousse (奶油冻).
Overall, Magnolia’s cozy atmosphere and diverse menu make it a popular spot on Park Ave. Despite occasional critical reviews regarding certain dishes, the establishment’s appeal extends beyond presidential sponsorship, offering a satisfying dining experience for locals and visitors alike.
1. What’s the role of Paragraph 1?| A．To tell readers Obama’s story. | B．To attract readers to a unique place. |
| C．To remind readers Obama’s 2013 lunch. | D．To explain the importance of securing a table. |
| A．Overuse of artichokes. | B．Sufficient use of articles. |
| C．Insufficient use of artichokes. | D．Lack of variety in artichokes. |
| A．The triple chocolate cake earns high marks for its thick layers of mousse. |
| B．Beverages were so popular that all diners would return for them. |
| C．The iced chai latte is a kind of dessert liked by diners. |
| D．The carrot cake is better than dark roast iced coffee. |
| A．Critical. | B．Neutral. | C．Positive. | D．Indifferent. |
10 . Home to 40 museums, Basel has the highest concentration of museums in the country. It also has a beautiful Old Town, modern architecture, and the Rhine — an inviting spot to rest a while.
Description
Basel is Switzerland’s oldest university city. Historic landmarks of the city include the large market square with its richly decorated red sandstone town hall and the late Romanesque-Gothic cathedral. During a walk through the old town, a visit to the “Läckerli Huus” to try the traditional Basel honey cake is well worth your while. Basel is tradition-conscious and open-minded at the same time, a fact born out by several modern buildings designed by renowned architects such as Herzog & de Meuron, Mario Botta, and Richard Meyer.
Almost 40 museums make Basel the city with the highest density of museums in the country. Internationally known museums, such as the Basel Art Museum, the museum devoted to the iron sculptor Jean Tinguely, the Fondation Beyeler and the Museum of Cultures attract a great many visitors, as do several galleries and playhouses. Basel is among other things home to the symphony orchestra and the chamber orchestra.
Basel is a green city. The Botanical Gardens, the Merian Gärten and the banks of the Rhine are perfect places to relax and stay for a while. You can easily explore Basel on foot or by bike. There are four Rhine ferries that connect Grossbasel with Kleinbasel.
Winter
Basel is widely regarded as Switzerland’s cultural capital, and with good reason: in this city you will encounter art at every turn, whether you stroll through the beautiful Old Town or visit one of almost 40 museums. What’s more, Basel also features top-class modern architecture just waiting to be discovered on a city tour.
Basel’s Christmas market on Barfüsserplatz and Münsterplatz is considered one of the most beautiful and largest in Switzerland. During the pre-Christmas period, many events and spectacular special exhibitions in the museums also enrich the city’s cultural offerings.
Summer
Basel’s secret landmark is the Rhine. People relax in the charming buvettes — the lovingly designed, small open-air gastronomic establishments — or let themselves be carried along by the gentle flow in the river. On a hot summer day, there is hardly anything more beautiful than cooling off by swimming in the Rhine while watching the backdrop of the city pass by.
1. What can be inferred about Basel’s cultural scene from the passage?| A．It is limited to museums and galleries. |
| B．It primarily focuses on traditional forms of art. |
| C．It is not well-developed compared to other Swiss cities. |
| D．It is diverse, including both traditional and modern forms of art. |
| A．Because it is very likely to come across art around in Basel. |
| B．Because it has the most modern architecture in Switzerland. |
| C．Because it hosts the largest Christmas market in Switzerland. |
| D．Because it is home to the largest botanical garden in the country. |
| A．The Rhine. | B．The Old Town. |
| C．The Botanical Gardens. | D．The Basel Art Museum. |
