1 . The next generation of robots will be able to see objects, will have a sense of touch, and will make critical decisions.
Engineering skilled and computer technology are developing artificial vision for robots. With the ability to “see”, robots can identify and inspect one specific class of objects out of a pile of different kinds of materials. One robot vision system uses of electronic digital cameras containing many rows of lights sensitive materials measure the intensity of light and convert the light rays into a range of numbers. The numbers are part of a gray-scale system in which brightness is measured in a range of values. One scale ranges from 0 to 15, and another from 0 to 255. The 0 is represented by black. The highest number is white. The numbers in between represent different shades of gray. The computer then makes the calculations and converts the numbers into a picture that shows an image of the object in question. It is not yet known whether robots will one day have vision as good as human vision. Technicians believe they will, but only after years of development.
Engineers working on other advances are designing and experimenting with new types of articulated (有关节的) metal hands and fingers, giving robots a sense of touch. Other engineers are writing new programs allowing robots to make decisions such as whether to abandon defective parts in finished products. To do this, the robot will also have to be capable of identifying those perfect and defective parts.
These future robots, assembled (装配,组合) with a sense of touch and the ability to see and make decisions, will have plenty of work to do. They can be used to prospect for minerals on the ocean floor or in deep areas of mines too dangerous for humans to enter.
They will work as gas station attendants, firefighters, house-keepers, and security personnel. The robot business will continue to grow also. Financial analysts believe this business will soar from a $ 100 million-industry at the start of the 1980s to a $5-billion industry by the early 2010s. Anyone wanting to understand the industry of the future will have to know about robots.
1. Why is it so important for robots to be able to “see”?A.Because they can criticize human factory personnel. |
B.Because they can make critical decisions. |
C.Because they can work as human beings. |
D.Because they have a strong desire. |
A.Because robot-business will grow rapidly. |
B.Because robots will be very useful. |
C.Because robots will become very popular in industry. |
D.For they can make a lot of money. |
A.Having a noticeable or desire effect. |
B.Unquestionable and undoubted. |
C.Imperfect, having serious errors. |
D.Not enough in quantity. |
A.Future Robots Will Have Plenty of Work to Do. |
B.Future Robots Will See, Touch, and Think. |
C.Engineers Care Designing New Types of Robots. |
D.Future Robots Will Have Visions as Good Human Vision. |
How is everything going? I have been in Leeds for more than 3 months. I miss you all so much during this time, especially at this turning of the year. I still remember the Christmas and New Year party we had together last year. It is a pity that I cannot celebrate this great festival with you this year, but I hope I can share my happiness with you through this letter.
After I entered in the British University, I realized that the foundation course I have taken is extremely important and helpful. Actually, most of the content of my present module has already been covered by IFY. Therefore, it is not difficult to follow the lectures and tutorials. Compared to the other Chinese students who took the foundation course in Britain, we are in a better stage in terms of both academic English and the knowledge of re levant subjects. More importantly, the IFY course has fully prepared us for the new style of study here. I would like to thank Juliet, Paul, Net, Scott and Chris with all my heart, because without your help, I wouldn’t be able to cope with the study in Britain.
I would also like to thank Cynthia, Sophia, Cathy and all the other staff in Qingdao ACE Programme. Thanks for your help in the last year, and thanks for your advice on my choice of university. It is you who make studying abroad possible for me.
The last one year’s study in IFY course was one of my most pleasant memories. While coping with the challenges of life in Britain, I always think back to the time when I was with you. I cannot forget every lectures and tutorials, and I cannot forget the times that we played together. You are not only my teachers, but also my good friends . I will miss you all. Hope I can see you when I go back to Chin a in summer.
Wish you every success in your life and keep good mood every day!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Love,
Phoebe
1. This letter was written by ________.A.a Chinese student now in China |
B.a Chinese student now in Britain |
C.a Britain student now in China |
D.a Britain student in Britain |
A.a course opened in British universities |
B.a course opened only in summer |
C.a foundation course taken before going to British universities |
D.a foundation course taken while in British universities |
A.start with | B.deal with | C.go on with | D.go with |
A.happy | B.thankful | C.sorry | D.respectful |
3 . For the first 19 months of her life, Helen Keller was like other pretty happy babies in every way. Then in 1882, a sudden illness destroyed her sight and hearing. Because she could not hear what other people were saying, the child could not learn to speak. For the following 5 years, she lived in a world of darkness, without sounds or words and her parents could do nothing but let her be.
The person who changed Helen’s world was her teacher, Anne Sullivan, who entered her life. Miss Sullivan had accepted a job, which seemed impossible. She had agreed to teach a blind child who had never learned to act like a human being, because no one had ever been able to guide her in any way. No one could control Helen. She acted like a young animal, rushing wildly around, throwing things, and hitting anyone whom she could reach. Who could believe that such a child could be taught?
But Anne Sullivan was a very special kind of teacher. She had been blind during part of her own childhood and had learned to read Braille, a system of writing that uses raised dots which can be felt by the finger of a blind person. She had learned to see again after several operations, but she had never forgotten the experience of being blind.
Miss Sullivan understood Helen. She loved her and believed she could teach her.
Anne Sullivan could not teach Helen Keller to speak until some other important things had been learned. The little girl had to learn to control her actions and feelings. She had to learn that she could not always do what she wished to do. She had always been able to get what she wished by using force. The teacher had to change such habits without breaking the child’s spirit.
Miss Sullivan’s battle began. Sometimes, there was real fighting between the wild child and the strong young teacher. At last, however, the battle was won by Miss Sullivan, who had succeeded in showing Helen that she loved her and wanted to help her. The child and her teacher became friends. They continued to be friends until the teacher’s death, 50 years later.
The day on which Helen finally accepted Miss Sullivan as her friend and teacher was a great day in Helen’s life. After that the teacher could begin to teach the child language.
1. Helen became blind and deaf after ________.A.an unexpected accident | B.a football match |
C.a sudden disease | D.fighting with her teacher |
A.1917 | B.1932 | C.1937 | D.1939 |
A.to pronounce a few words | B.to control herself properly |
C.to copy some letters | D.to make different sounds |
A.Sullivan learned the Braille when she was blind as a child. |
B.Blind as Sullivan was, he accepted the challenge to teach Helen. |
C.At first Sullivan and Helen often fought each other. |
D.Sullivan died when she was fifty years old. |
4 . In comparison to many closely-related species, the human child takes a long time to grow up and requires a high degree of parental investment(亲情投资). Human children need more time to reach maturity(成熟)than other closely-related species.
A new study finds that one reason is the large amount of energy that the brain requires as it grows.
Christopher Kuzawa, first author of the study, explained: “Our findings suggest that our bodies can’t afford to grow faster during the toddler(幼童)and childhood years because a huge quantity of resources is required to fuel developing the human brain. As humans we have so much to learn, and that learning requires a complex and energy-hungry brain.”
Data from the study shows that at the moment when children’s bodies are growing the least-on average, at four years old-their brains are using the highest percentage of glucose(葡萄糖). That means that 40% of the child’s total energy expenditure is being used by its brain.
The findings support the theory that children take so long to mature because of the energy-intensive task of growing a massively over-sized brain in comparison to the brain-to-body weight ratio of other species.
Kuzawa continued: “After a certain age it becomes difficult to guess a toddler or young child’s age by their size. Instead you have to listen to their speech and watch their behavior. Our study suggests that this is no accident.”
Body growth nearly stops at the ages when brain development is happening at a lightning pace, because the brain is using up the available resources.”
“The mid-childhood peak in brain costs has to do with the fact that there are a huge number of synapses(神经元突触), connections in the brain, at this age, when we learn so many of the things we need to know to be successful humans.”
1. Why does it take people so long to grow up?A.They need to store energy to grow later. |
B.They need time to adapt to their environment. |
C.Most of the energy is used for brain development. |
D.They need a high degree of parental investment. |
A.At about four years old. | B.At about two years old. |
C.At about one year old. | D.At about five years old. |
A.Why toddlers and children need plenty of resources. |
B.The reason why it takes human infants a long time to grow up. |
C.The reason why human infants are similar to other animals. |
D.Why the brains of people need a large amount of energy. |
A.age | B.their size |
C.listen to their speech | D.guess their age by listening and watching |
5 . Dog walkers should show consideration, not just for the dog in their home or car, but also for their environment. Doing so will help keep the local area clean and pleasant, especially for people out walking their dog or taking children to the park.
A considerate dog walker will take steps to prevent their pets from producing waste wherever they want to. Dog waste is particularly unpleasant and should be avoided at all costs. Not only is it nasty to walk in a dirty area, but it is also a serious health risk. Dog fouling ( 污垢) is a criminal offence in the UK and carries a maximum fined £1,000 if the case goes to court (法庭). Dog walkers should always be prepared to pick up after their dog by carrying dog waste bags or even plastic carrier bags that can be used. Do not run the risk of allowing your dog to make a public area dirty by always having a steady supply of bags with you during dog walks. Carrying a single bag during a walk is not always enough, as some dogs will need to go twice or perhaps even three times during walks.
Some dog owners are not willing to admit that their pets is a challenge or troublesome. Rather than dislike the suggestions that dogs should be kept under control, you should see it as your duty to protect other dogs, children and anyone else from harm. Do know troublesome behaviors such as aggression (攻击) towards other dogs or children and make every effort to keep your dog under control. Avoid areas where you know other dogs or children will be. They can do this by showing respect for other people’s property, picking up after their dog and by keeping challenging dogs under control.
1. The writer advises dog walkers to show consideration mainly for having_____.A.a clean car | B.a comfortable home |
C.a good environment | D.a very pleasant park |
A.Highly unpleasant or annoying. | B.Very boring and tiring. |
C.Specially disappointing | D.Surprising or astonishing. |
A.fined more than £1,000 | B.ordered to pick it up at once |
C.ordered to give one one waste bag | D.considered to break the law. |
A.To keep their dogs under control. | B.To try to make their dogs keep clean. |
C.To stop their dogs from being harmed. | D.To respect other people’s property. |
6 . Very far away from the city lived a poor farmer and his wife. In front of their house was a small dirt road. Very few cars drove on this road because it was so far from the city. On the dirt road, there was a big hole filled with water. The hole was very deep, but drivers on the road didn’t know just how deep. Drivers always drove into the hole, but they never drove out.
One day, a man in a new car was driving down the road. He saw the hole with the water, but he didn’t think it was very deep. He drove into the hole, but he couldn’t drive out. The man saw the farmer on his tractor working in the field, and he signaled to the farmer. The farmer drove over to the man in the new car.
“Is there a problem?” asked the farmer.
“Yes,” said the man. “My car is stuck in this hole. Can you help me?”
“Maybe,” said the farmer. “But I’m very busy.”
“If you help me, I’ll pay you,” said the man.
“OK,” said the farmer. The farmer pulled the car out of the hole with his tractor, and the man paid him a lot of money. The man looked at the farmer and said, “You must make a lot of money pulling cars out of this hole day and night.”
“Actually, no,” said the farmer.
“Why not?” asked the man.
“The hole is very deep, and a lot of people get stuck and ask for help. But I don’t make money day and night because I don’t pull cars out at night.”
“At night I’m busy filling the hole with water,” answered the farmer.
1. Why did very few cars drive on the small dirt road?A.Because the road was dirty. | B.Because it was so far from the city. |
C.Because very few people knew the way. | D.Because the drivers knew there was a hole. |
A.he just learnt to drive a car | B.it was the first time that he passed there |
C.he knew how deep the hole was | D.he knew the farmer in the field |
A.Drivers didn’t see there was a hole on the road. |
B.The man drove into the hole and never drove out. |
C.The farmer was busy filling the hole with water at night. |
D.The driver made a lot of money pulling cars out of the hole day and night. |
A.The road | B.The city | C.The car | D.The man |
注意:每空格1个单词。请将答案写在答题纸上!
Once kids hit the teenage years, parenting becomes more difficult than ever. Establishing(建立) effective house rules is one of the best ways to educate teenagers. House rules must respect teenagers’ desire to be independent and make sure they behave responsibly.
How can effective house rules be established?
First of all, get your teenager to take part in making the rules, which can help keep them motivated to follow them. Ask their opinion about what sorts of things they think are important when creating the rules and try to include some of their ideas.
When creating the list of rules, don’t list every single rule imaginable. Instead, try to limit it to the ten most important rules. I’ve seen some parents come up with several pages of rules which turn out to be more like a rule book rather than a list. Remember, it is important to make the list easy to remember and to be a basic guide.
Then, it is important that you write out the list of rules and hang them in a prominent (显眼的) location. Keeping the rules on the refrigerator or displayed somewhere where everyone can see them is a good reminder. Revise the rules whenever there’s a need, not very frequently though.
Explain clearly in advance what negative consequences(后果) will be in store when a rule gets broken. But ensure(保证) that none of your consequences are equal to abusive parenting. For example, take off the rule that says — “if you don’t get home by 11 at night, make arrangements to stay elsewhere until morning”. Let helping with small household chores like cleaning up their own rooms serve as consequences for disobeying rules.
Following these tips on establishing effective house rules accompanied by constant positive reinforcement (执行) will help improve your teenager’s behavior. Hope you can direct your teenager to become a responsible and independent person with the help of house rules!
Title | Establishing house rules for | |
Requirements for house rules | They must respect teenagers’ desire to be independent and | |
Trying to make the rules together | 第一节Ask their opinions 第二节Include their ideas | |
Keeping the house rules simple | 第三节Avoid 第四节Limit the list to the most important rules. | |
Writing out the list of rules and hanging them somewhere visible | 第一节 第二节Make the rules revised | |
Giving a clear | 第二节Don’t abuse children if they | |
Conclusion | Your teenager’s behavior will be |
8 . Christmas is long gone and Valentine’s Day is a distant memory. That means it’s a slow time for jewelers, and a good time for you to make a purchase. Whether you’re out shopping for gold, or silver, here are a few things you need to know:
What determines price?
The purity of the metal is one of the elements that determines the price. Gold purity is indicated with a stamp of 10K, 14K, 18K, or 24K. And different countries have their own standards. For example, for a piece to be considered gold in the US, it must be at least 10K. In Britain and Canada: 9K. In Italy and France: l8K. Anything over l8K is really too soft for everyday wear. That’s why jewelry stores in the US sell mostly 14K.
How much can you expect to pay?
That depends on the weight of the metal and the gemstone(宝石). So keep that in mind, especially when buying online. To keep yourself from getting ripped off, ask yourself the following:
●How long has the company been around?
●What is its return policy?
● Is the jewelry featured on the website visible from all directions?
● Is the company transparent with the gram weights and the size of the gemstones?
Yellow gold? White? Rose?
Yes, it’s confusing, and while this is largely a personal decision, there are a few things to keep in mind. For starters. white or rose gold costs about l 0% more than yellow gold. If you want the “look for less”, consider gold plated jewelry. “Gold plated” and “gold overlay” mean the same thing and guarantee a thicker layer of finish than “vermeil” which is a flash finish that is thinner and less consistent, but more affordable. Buy vermeil finished pieces you want for a season or two just to follow the fashion. For pieces you want to wear for a lifetime, solid gold is best.
What about sterling silver(标准纯银)?
Sterling silver has been an alternative for white gold during the difficult economy, and while it used to be more popular with just the younger these days it has much more mass appeal. So much so that retailers are now offering fine gemstones with silver-something you used to see only with gold.
Keep in mind that in the US. the sterling silver standard is 92.5% real silver. Don’t buy it if there isn’t a “925” stamp on it. And keep in mind that the lower price you’re paying for silver means more maintenance. To keep silver jewelry from becoming less shiny, consider keeping a piece of chalk in your jewelry box.
1. According to the passage, the underlined phrase “getting ripped off” in Paragraph 3 probably means “_______”.A.being charged | B.being affected |
C.being cheated | D.being attracted |
A.A 14K necklace. | B.A gold-plated ring. |
C.A gemstone necklace. | D.A vermeil earring. |
A.in a cold place | B.in a dry place | C.in a wet place | D.in a hot place |
A.encourage young people to buy fashionable jewelry |
B.tell people the best time to purchase gold and silver |
C.introduce the real value and popularity of gold and silver |
D.inform people of the factors to consider in buying jewelry |
9 . IT was a 12-minute walk into the unknown, and it changed the history of space exploration forever. The first-ever spacewalk by former Soviet cosmonaut Alexei Leonov, 50 years ago on March 18, was also the first big test of space suit technology.
The old Soviet-style space suit was not quite ready yet, however. It was affected by the lack of atmospheric pressure in space. When Leonov had completed his space walk, he realized that his space suit “had inflated like a balloon, preventing him from getting back inside the spacecraft”, according to the BBC. The cosmonaut let half of the air out of his spacesuit and survived despite losing oxygen.
Nowadays, of course, this type of incident does not happen. But the problem of what to wear in space is still important, as space travel may soon be available to more people than ever.
In 2017, Space X and Boeing may become the first private companies to put people in space. What should the new, rich space travelers wear?
Well, their outfits won’t be like the white, boxy suits in the film Gravity. Those types of extra-vehicular activity (EVA) suits will be for professionals working outside a spacecraft. The average space traveler will instead need something to wear inside in case of an emergency when getting up and down again in a rocket or during docking.
These are called IVA (intra-vehicular activity) pressure suits, which should be effective, comfortable, and perhaps even fashionable. The best-known example is the orange “pumpkin suit” made famous by NASA, but more fashionable options may later be available.
In fact, fashion and space have been together for years. The first space suits for the Apollo moon program were built by Playtex, an underwear maker, and the company still works with NASA.
Nowadays in Brooklyn, New York there is a company called Final Frontier Design that makes the latest in space suit technology. All of their staff have backgrounds in show business, making Broadway musical and circus costumes. They are currently looking to introduce their space tech, like vibrating belts that can give directions by feel, to people on Earth.
The walk into unknown space fashion is just beginning. How would you show off in space?
1. According to the article, today’s space travelers have different experiences to that of Alexei Leonov because ______.A.they have to perform space walks for long periods |
B.today’s space suits are much safer and more convenient |
C.they are provided with extra oxygen to survive in space |
D.they can wear their own outfits on space missions |
A.fail their space walk missions |
B.put on the wrong space suit |
C.have trouble with their space suits |
D.forget the correct operating procedures |
A.They will be intended for tough working conditions outside a spacecraft. |
B.They will have to be orange. |
C.They will be very heavy and expensive despite their fashionable look. |
D.They will be created with the help of artists and designers. |
A.Fashion comes to space. |
B.Space travel exploration becomes more popular. |
C.What happened to Alexei Leonov 50 years ago? |
D.How space suits work? |
10 . Common Mistakes New Runners Make
Running is a great way to get in shape and just about everyone can do it. However, many make a number of common mistakes, which can interfere (妨碍) with training or lead to injury.
·Doing too much too soon
One of the biggest mistakes new runners make is doing too much too soon. Slowly easing into a training program will help reduce the risk of injury, so you can continue on with your new running routine
·
Beginners might think they need to run every day (or nearly every day) to meet their fitness or weight-loss goals, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Running is a high-impact activity which can be really hard on your body. So it’s important to give your body a rest between workouts.
·Not wearing the right equipment
•Running through pain
A.Not taking rest days |
B.If you’re just starting out |
C.Comparing yourself to others |
D.Running can be uncomfortable at times |
E.It’s important not to use the same muscles |
F.While it may be true that you don’t need expensive equipment to take up running |
G.Experts suggest increasing your running distance by no more than 10% each week |