1 . Women are still underrepresented in top academic positions. One of the possible explanations for this is the increasing importance of obtaining research funding. Women are often less successful in this than men. Psychology researchers Dr. Romy van der Lee and professor Naomi Ellemers investigated whether this difference also occurs at the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO) and examined potential explanations.

The researchers were assigned by NWO to carry out this study as part of the broader evaluation of NWO’s procedures and its gender diversity policy. The aim was to gain more insight into the causes of the differences in awarding rates for male and female applicants for research funding. The analysis addressed an important “talent programme” of NWO, the Veni grant. “Whoever receives this grant has a greater chance of obtaining an important appointment at a university, ” says Naomi Ellemers.

Van der Lee and Ellemers investigated all the applications submitted by male and female researchers over a period of three years: a total of 2823 applications. Under the direction of NWO these applications were assessed by scientific committees consisting of men and women. The results demonstrate that the awarding rates for female applicants (14.9%) are systematically lower than those for male applicants (17.7%). “If we compare the proportion of women among the applicants with the proportion of women among those awarded funding, we see a loss of 4%,” said Ellemers.

The study reveals that women are less positively evaluated for their qualities as researcher than men are, “Interestingly the research proposals of women and men are evaluated equally positively. In other words, the reviewers see no difference in the quality of the proposals that men and women submit,” says Romy van der Lee.

In search for a possible cause for the differences in awarding rates and evaluations, the researchers also investigated the language use in the instructions and forms used to assess the quality of applications. This clearly revealed the occurrence of gendered language. The words that are used to indicate quality are frequently words that were established in previous research as referring mainly to the male gender stereotype (such as challenging and excellent). Romy van der Lee explains: “As a result, it appears that men more easily satisfy the assessment criteria, because these better fit the characteristics stereoty-pically associated with men.”

In response to the results of this research, NWO will devote more attention to the gender awareness of reviewers in its methods and procedures. It will also be investigated which changes to the assessment procedures and criteria can most strongly contribute to more equal chances for men and women to obtain research funding. This will include an examination of the language used by NWO. NWO chair Jos Engelens said, “The research has yielded valuable results and insights. Based on the recommendations made by the researchers we will therefore focus in the coming period on the development of evidence-based measures to reduce the difference in awarding rates.”

1. Van der Lee and Ellemers carried out the research to find out whether _________.

A．women are less successful than men in top academic positions

B．female applicants are at a disadvantage in getting research funding

C．NOW’s procedures and gender diversity policy enhance fair play

D．there are equal chances for men and women to be admitted to a university

2. Van der Lee and Ellemers’ study shows that _________.

A．grant receivers were more likely to get appointments at universities

B．men applicants for research funding outnumbered women applicants

C．the research proposals of women are equally treated with those of men

D．the reviewers have narrow, prejudiced conceptions of women candidates

3. What might be the main cause for the differences in awarding rates and evaluations?

A．The words used in the instructions and forms.

B．The reviewers’ preference to applications.

C．The methods and procedures for evaluation.

D．The vague and unclear assessment criteria.

4. What will NWO probably do next in response to the results of this research?

A．Eliminate possibilities for difference in awarding rates.

B．Design a language examination for all the reviewers.

C．Emphasize the importance of gender awareness.

D．Improve the assessment procedures and criteria.

2 . With college starting for freshmen across the country, now is the time to be thinking about money. Why? Because for many freshmen, this will really be their first time handling money on their own.     1     Here are three of the most important choices, and some amazing tips to go with them.

1. Credit is important, so use it responsibly

    2     During your first few weeks on campus, you will likely be surrounded with credit card booths and seemingly friendly salespeople. Don’t be tempted to open a credit card just because they tell you it’s cool to do it.     3     Ask the salespeople to explain the fine print (附加条款) to you and look for a card with no annual fee, good rewards, and of course — a reasonable interest rate. If they tell you that the offer is only good for that day, just do yourself a favor and walk away.

2.    4    

My best money tip is to start now saving small and gradually increase. The easiest way to start is to save all your coins and deposit every week into a savings account with no ATM card. This seemingly insignificant amount adds up over time and starts the habit of saving.

3. Get a job, but a flexible one.

Getting a job in college is important.     5     There are many on-campus jobs out there that allow you to sit down and have limited interactions/responsibilities. Some of these include checking student IDs at a gym or cafeteria, managing a resource center.

A．You can earn “spending money” and even save some to put toward books, supplies, and your student loans.

B．Building credit is important, and so is opening your first credit card.

C．Remember why you’re in college — networking for your future career.

D．My best financial advice for college students is to be smart with your first credit card.

E．Learn to start saving a little each month.

F．These types of work arrangements allow you to make money while also being productive.

G．They will have to pay bills, handle budgets and be faced with financial choices.

3 . Human activity emits far less methane(甲烷) than carbon dioxide, but methane has a bigger impact on the earth. Over the course of 20 years, a ton of the gas will warm the atmosphere about 86 times more than a ton of CO₂. As a result, methane has been responsible for 23% of the rise in temperatures since pre-industrial times. Carbon dioxide gets most of the attention, but unless methane emissions are limited, there is little hope of stabilizing the climate.

Unfortunately, methane emissions have been anything but stable. After briefly pausing in the early 2000s, atmospheric concentrations of the gas started rising again in 2007. A global inventory (清单) concluded last year, found that humans were largely to blame. Chief among the reasons for the rise are the gassy output of livestock farming, rice cultivation and the fossil-fuel industry. Agriculture and energy each make up roughly one-third of annual methane emissions.

By how much do methane emissions need to fall? Carbon dioxide lingers in the atmosphere for centuries, making it hard to reduce its atmospheric concentrations. By contrast, methane has a half-life of roughly ten years, which means that it degrades quickly. If new emissions can be cut to below the rate at which old emissions reduce, the concentration of methane lingering in the atmosphere will soon fall, slowing global warming. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change estimates that, to keep temperatures between 1.5°C and 2°C above pre-industrial levels, human methane emissions must drop to 35% below where they stood in 2010 by mid-century.

Politicians and the public tend to worry about carbon-dioxide emissions but neglect the effects of cutting methane. But dealing with the gas would have a large effect rapidly and at relatively low cost. Governments are supposed to firm up their commitments to cut emissions under the Paris agreement. It should go further and include a specific target for methane.

1. What does the text mainly argue for?

A．Methane emissions should be taken seriously.

B．Atmospheric concentrations of methane will soon fall.

C．Methane is mainly responsible for the rise in temperature.

D．Human activities were largely to blamed for the global warming.

2. Which statement is TRUE according to the text?

A．We’ve produced 86 times more carbon dioxide than methane.

B．Carbon dioxide takes up 23% of the responsibility for global warming.

C．Methane emissions have been rising dramatically since the early 2000s.

D．Carbon dioxide stays in the atmosphere for a long time while methane degrades quickly.

3. What is the main reason for the rise of methane emissions?

A．The rising temperature.

B．Agriculture and energy.

C．Rapidly developing industry.

D．Atmospheric concentrations of methane dropping slowly.

4. What can we infer from the last paragraph?

A．Dealing with methane emissions will cost a lot.

B．Carbon dioxide emissions is no longer a serious problem.

C．Cutting methane emission is against the Paris agreement.

D．Governments should do more to reduce methane emissions.

4 . BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF AMERICA

These Character and Leadership Programs help youth become responsible, caring citizens and acquire skills to participate the democratic process. Program participants also develop leadership skills and gain opportunities for planning, decision-making, contributing to clubs and community.

Keystone Clubs

Keystoning is the Boys & Girls Club Movement’s ultimate teen program for youth aged 14 to 18. This unique program provides leadership development opportunities for youth to participate in activities, both in and out of the clubs, in three focus areas: academic success, career preparation and community service. With the guidance of an adult advisor, Keystone Clubs aim to positively impact teens, their clubs and local communities.

Torch Clubs

Torch Clubs are small-group leadership and service clubs for boys and girls aged 11 to 13. A Torch Club is a powerful vehicle that helps club staff meet the special character development needs of younger adolescents at a critical stage in their life.

Youth of the Year

Youth of the Year is Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s premier recognition program. It is our signature effort to foster a new generation of leaders, fully prepared to live and lead in a diverse, global and integrated world economy.

Million Members, Million Hours Of Service

Studies show that young people who engage in service do better in school, maintain positive relationships with adults and avoid risky behaviors. The Million Members, Million Hours of Service initiative aims to engage 1 million Boys & Girls Club youth in service projects each year, with each donating at least one hour of service.

To best serve you, please take a look at our FAQ page. If you need more assistance, please fill out the Contact Us Forms.

1. Which program might be suitable for those who need the guidance of advisors?

A．Keystone Clubs.	B．Torch Clubs.
C．Youth of the Year.	D．Million Members, Million Hours of Service.

2. What is the original purpose of the Million Members, Million Hours of Service program?

A．To prevent dangerous behaviors.

B．To have better perfromances in school.

C．To keep positive relationships with adults.

D．To involve youth in service projects each year.

3. Where is this text most likely from?

A．A report.

B．A website.

C．A magazine.

D．A textbook.

5 . Outdoor teaching gives students a great sense of wonder and awe as they learn.

On a misty September afternoon,a boy with a bright red backpack spotted something slimy on the ground.“Hello, all the mushrooms,” he said，tapping the fungus（真菌）.

A teacher asked why they might be growing in that spot. The boy thought for a moment:“Because it’s shady and wet!”

That was just one lesson for a group of kids from the Chicago Botanic Garden Nature Preschool,a program that’s part of the growing field of nature-based early childhood education.

Nature preschools in the US have more than doubled in the last three years,according to the Natural Start Alliance,a project of the North American Association for Environmental Education.Ann Halley, director of the Botanic Garden School,said that curiosity comes with the outdoors.

“Taking the children down to the cove（小海湾）area and just sitting and looking at thegeese as they're landing,just that sense of wonder and awe-those are things that can only be supplied when you’re outside,”Halley said,“ These are the things that inspire lifelong learners.”

Additionally, nature develops resilience（适应力）, sets kids up for greateracademic success and provides a ready-made classroom with lessons in science, math and even empathy. Studies also show benefits ranging from sunlight’s positive effect on eyesight to stress reduction from green spaces.

In fact, teachers and parents are searching for ways to make outdoor programs more accessible.Andrea Bockewitz,whose children attended a nature preschool,said she hopes that the solutions won’t be temporary. “I’m hoping that this is going to stick,that we are going to get kids outside more,”Bockewitz said.

1. Why is the lesson about mushrooms mentioned in the beginning?

A．To criticize the traditional classroom teaching.

B．To explain the growing conditions of fungus.

C．To lead up to the topic of outdoor schooling.

D．To think highly of the boy for his cleverness.

2. What can be inferred from the passage?

A．Nature preschools do not catch on in the US.

B．Outdoor teaching helps develop the children's curiosity.

C．All the students taking outdoor classes must become lifelong learners.

D．Kids show no interest in nature

3. What is Andrea Bockewitz’s attitude to outdoor schooling?

A．Indifferent.

B．Doubtful.

C．Negative.

D．Supportive.

4. What can be the best title of the passage?

A．Learning with Nature

B．Say NO to Traditional Teaching

C．Nature Preschools in the US

D．Get Close to Kids

6 . For the decade between the end of the financial crisis and the coronavirus pandemic, the ride-hailing app Uber boomed. The company’s business model relied on the flexibility of the rapidly-growing gig economy(零工经济), and its sky-high valuation directly represented its dominant market position.     1    .

Now its sufferings illustrate how those trends are shifting again. After almost a decade of being able to rely on cheap and swift Ubers to get around, city residents must get used to a new experience. A shortfall of British drivers got so bad that the chief executive Dara Khosrowshahi met with unions to recruit new workers on a visit to London.

There are some factors accounting for this shortage. During lock-downs few were taking trips, but with the reopening, and the urge to mingle(社交往来)again, came a sudden bounce-back(反弹). Uber said that demand in London had risen by about a fifth in 2021 and even more in smaller UK cities.     2    .

The flexibility and casual working arrangements that once so benefited the company now work in reverse in times of labour shortage.     3    . Uber has been forced to raise charges in London and offers a bonus if drivers can recruit others.

In the past two years, the price of an Uber has increased by 92 percent, according to Rakuten Intelligence. Higher prices are likely to be here to stay.     4    . Perhaps, then, Uber will demonstrate just how abnormal the decade between the end of the financial crisis and the arrival of the pandemic really was. The era of cheap Ubers may be at an end.

A．Workers have little, or no, loyalty to the company and can switch between different apps depending on which offers the better, or closer, ride

B．The government is now racking its brain to figure out ways to help support Uber to get through this difficult time.

C．The prospect of this huge industry cannot be underestimated.

D．In the meantime, thousands of drivers had found other jobs; even while economies were locked down drivers were still needed for takeaway and online shopping deliveries.

E．The question is what happens when more normal circumstances return.

F．It even sparked the word “Uberisation” to describe how its example helped transform industries, jobs and society.

7 . How can the train operators possibly justify yet another increase to rail passenger fares? It has become a grimly reliable annual ritual: every January the cost of travelling by train rises, imposing a significant extra burden on those who have no option but to use the rail network to get to work or otherwise. This year’s rise, an average of 2.7 percent, may be a little bit lower than last year’s, but it is still well above the official Consumer Price Index (CPI) measure of inflation(通货膨胀).

Successive governments have permitted such increases on the grounds that the cost of investing in and running the rail network should be borne by those who use it, rather than the general taxpayer. Why, the argument goes, should a car-driving pensioner from Lincolnshire have to subsidise(补贴)the daily commute(通勤)of a rail traveller from Surrey? Equally, there is a sense that the sufferings of commuters in the South East, have received too much attention compared to those who must endure the relatively poor infrastructure of the Midlands and the North.

However, over the past 12 months, those commuters have also experienced some of the worst rail strikes in years. It is all very well train operators boasting about the improvements they are making to the network, but passengers should be able to expect a basic level of service for the substantial sums they are now paying to travel. The responsibility for the latest wave of strikes rests on the unions. However, there is a strong case that those who have been worst affected by industrial action should receive compensation for the disruption they have suffered.

The Government has promised to change the law to introduce a minimum service requirement so that, even when strikes occur, services can continue to operate. This should form part of a wider package of measures to address the long-running problems on Britain’s railways. Yes, more investment is needed, but passengers will not be willing to pay more indefinitely if they must also endure cramped, unreliable services, along with regular chaos when timetables are changed, or planned maintenance is managed incompetently. The threat of nationalisation may have been seen off for now, but it will return with a revenge if the justified anger of passengers is not addressed in short order.

1. The author holds that this year’s increase in rail passengers fares ________.

A．creates extra burden on taxpayers.

B．has kept pace with inflation.

C．is beyond the expectation of commuters

D．remains an unreasonable practice.

2. According to the passage, which of the following is right?

A．Compensations are to be given to the commuters affected by the strikes.

B．A minimum service requirement will be likely to settle the railway problems.

C．In terms of service, there is a conflict between train operator’s claim and the reality.

D．Train operators have suffered huge losses owing to the strikes.

3. If unable to calm down passengers, the railways may have to face ________.

A．the loss of investment.	B．the collapse of operations.
C．a reduction of revenue(收入)	D．a change of ownership.

4. Which of the following would be the best title for the text?

A．Who Are to Blame for the Ever-rising Fares?

B．Rail Strikes Need to Be Stopped

C．Enhance Railway Service, Ease Passenger Anger

D．Ever-rising Fares Are Unreasonable

8 . With 25% off, it’s even easier to stay connected!

Easier is better with the Lively^TM Flip

FROM THE MAKERS OF JITTERBUG

The Lively^TM Flip, from the makers of the Jitterbug the original easy-to-use cell phone, has big buttons and an exclusive Urgent Response button on the keypad.

EASY TO USE Today, cell phones are hard to hear, difficult to dial and overloaded with features you may never use. That’s not the case with the Lively Flip. A large screen and big buttons make it easy to call family and friends, and the powerful speaker ensures every conversation is loud and clear.

EASY TO ENJOY Wherever you go, a built-in camera makes it easy and fun for you to capture and share your favorite memories. Plus, the flashlight and built-in magnifier help you see in dimly lit areas.

EASY TO BE PREPARED Life has a way of being unpredictable, but you can be prepared in an uncertain or unsafe situation with Urgent Response Service. Simply press the Urgent Response button to speak with a highly trained Agent who can confirm your location, evaluate your situation and get you the help you need, 24/7.

The Lively Flip is one of the most affordable cell phones on the market and comes with reliable nationwide coverage. You can even keep your current landline or cell phone number.

Powered by nation’s most reliable wireless network.

NO LONG-TERM CONTRACTS No cancellation fees

FATHER’S DAY 25% OFF To order or learn more, call 1.800.357.9278

No long-term contracts	Keep your current phone number	100% U. S. -based customer service	Mp hidden monthly fees	Affordable, flexible plans
Lively	Available in-store or online at:	BEST BUY RITE AID	Walgseena	lively.com/flip

** Monthly fees do not include government taxes or fees and are subject to change. Plans and services may require purchase of Lively device and one-time setup fee of $35. Urgent Response or 911 calls can be made only when cellular service is available. Urgent Response tracks an approx.location of device when device is turned on and connected to the network. Lively does not guarantee an exact location. Urgent Response is only available with the purchase of a Lively Health & Safely Package.

1. Which of the following is not the feature of the Lively Flip?

A．It abandons the unnecessary functions.

B．It ensures every call is in high quality.

C．It doesn’t require a phone number-change.

D．It enables the user to call the doctor for help at any moment.

2. For whom is the Lively Flip the most suitable?

A．Businessmen traveling regularly

B．Teenagers attending school

C．The aged unfamiliar with digital technologies

D．Tech enthusiasts enjoying collecting the latest cellphone models

3. Which of the following can be learned from the leaflet?

A．The high-quality camera ensures great photos in any lighting conditions.

B．The urgent response button design is unique to the Lively Flip.

C．Fixed monthly fees are involved in the use of the Lively Flip.

D．The urgent response service is activated when the device is connected to the network.

9 . Thanks to Top Gear, a British television show for motoring enthusiasts that is now a global brand, a former WWⅡ airfield called Dunsfold has become one of the best-known testing tracks in the world. On October 15, however, instead of booming to the roar of supercars driven by the show’s racing driver, it witnessed the sight of what appeared to be the cableless trailer of an articulated lorry (铰接式卡车) running almost silently around the course at over 80kph.

The Pod, as this vehicle is known, was made by Einride, Swedish firm founded in 2016 by Robert Falck, an engineer who used to work for Volvo. Mr. Falck thinks that the technology of vehicle autonomy, long experimental, has now evolved sufficiently for driverless goods vehicles to begin earning their livings properly. Some Pods are already in trials for real jobs: running between warehouses, dragging logs from forests and delivering goods for Lidl, a supermarket group.

Pods use the same technology of cameras, radar, lidar (the optical equivalent of radar) and satellite-positioning as other competitors in the field, but they differ from those others in the way their maker tries to deal with the regulatory concerns which prevent fully autonomous vehicles from being let loose on public roads. Einride’s approach, at least at the moment, is to avoid these by avoiding the roads in question. Instead, the Pod’s first version operates on designated routes within the limits of enclosed, private areas such as ports and industrial parks. Here, Pods act like bigger and smarter versions of the delivery robots which already run around some factories—though by having the ability to carry 16 tons and with room on board for 15 industrial pallets’ worth of goods, they are indeed quite a lot bigger.

The second difference from most other attempts at vehicle autonomy is Einride’s approach to the word “autonomy.” Some makers take the idea literally, and aim to keep humans out of the decision-making process entirely. Others, often prompted by traffic regulations, arrange things so that a normally passive human occupant can take the controls if necessary. Pods represent a third way. They always have a human to keep an eye on what is happening and to take over the driving for a difficult operation or if something goes wrong. But this human operates remotely.

Having the driver sitting back at headquarters rather than in the vehicle itself is departure from convention, but not a huge one. Aerial drones are usually controlled in this way. The dramatic step is that Mr. Falck believes you do not need a remote driver for each Pod. Einride already uses one person to control two Pods, but plans eventually for a single driver to look after ten.

1. What purpose does the first paragraph mainly serve?

A．To inform readers about a popular racing show.

B．To explain the significance of the Dunsfold track.

C．To introduce a much-sought-after global brand.

D．To offer a glimpse of the main subject of the passage.

2. Pods differ from other autonomous vehicles mainly in that ______.

A．they can be used in many different real job settings

B．they use advanced satellite-positioning technology

C．their maker is not seeking to put them on public roads

D．they are actually meant to be smart and big delivery robots

3. What can be inferred from the passage?

A．The carrying capacity of Pods has yet to be fully exploited.

B．Aerial drones are usually operated remotely from headquarters.

C．Low-performance self-driving vehicles have a human standby.

D．No remote driver will be needed in the future for each Pod.

4. What does the passage mainly talk about?

A．A British TV show advertises a newly-developed self-driving vehicle.

B．A new lorry being tested approaches autonomous driving differently.

C．A remote handler plays a crucial role in future autonomous driving.

D．A driverless lorry is being tested on a famous track.

10 . HOW TO GET A PAY RAISE

Advice from organizational psychologist Liane Davey, author of You First: Inspire Your Team to Grow Up, Get Along, and Get Stuff Done.

CHOOSE YOUR MOMENT “Tie the timing of your request for a raise to positive results. If you have a notable success in the middle of the year, start the discussion soon afterwards. Even if the pay cycle means the raise cannot happen for some time you will have seeded the conversation at a moment when your manager is feeling positively inclined towards you.”
KNOW YOUR WORTH “Before making your request, write down a list of your accomplishments, and ask a trusted confidant what you bring to the team—particularly what is unique about your contribution—to ensure you get a comprehensive list. Be prepared to talk about the impact you have, rather than effort alone, as this is what makes your case for a raise compelling.”
PLAY IT COOL “In difficult conversations, your tone and body language are especially important. Go in calmly and projecting that you believe you are adding value. Don’t under-do it by dropping eye contact or making yourself smaller. But don’t over-do it by raising your chin too high or making statements you don’t intend to follow through—that will destroy your credibility.”
ASK FOR CLARITY “If you are unsuccessful, first find out why your request was denied. Do not let your manager get away with a superficial answer such as “we don’t have the budget”-there is always budget, so ask what else took priority. Next, ask what specific actions you can take that will make you more likely to be given a pay raise in the future.”
BE FLEXIBLE “Remember that pay is only one way your company can demonstrate your value. Some companies have little room for pay raises, but more room to negotiate on annual leave, flexible hours or working from home. If your efforts to get a rise are unsuccessful, do not give up without first searching for alternative sources of value.”

1. Which of the following actions may hurt your credibility?

A．Proposing your pay raise request at a wrong time.

B．Making a list of your efforts rather than impacts.

C．Making statements that you won’t follow through.

D．Asking what specific actions will ensure a pay raise.

2. According to the passage, all of the following are alternative sources of value except ______.

A．more annual leave	B．free medical checkups
C．flexible working hours	D．the possibility of home-officing

3. ______ will help you clearly understand the company’s priority that will secure a pay raise.

A．Knowing your worth	B．Playing it cool
C．Asking for clarity	D．Being flexible