1 . The human brain is a powerful natural computer that has evolved over tens of thousands of years. But what would you get if you combined this biological computer with a real one?

Researchers at Indiana University Bloomington in the US have linked human brain-like tissues to an electronic chip, which can perform simple computer tasks. Their creation, named Brainoware, is part of a growing field called biological computing that might one day do better than current computers, according to Nature.

The brain-like tissues the researchers used, also known as brain organoids (类器官), weren’t part of a living person’s brain. They were “grown” from human stem cells, which are capable of producing different types of cells and forming body tissues. It took two months for the stem cells to mature into an organoid.

The researchers then placed one organoid onto an electronic chip with thousands of electrodes (电极). Although organoids are much simpler and smaller than an actual brain, they act similarly to human brains, such as responding to electrical signals, which is what our brain does all the time. These responses lead to changes in the brain, which fuel our ability to learn.

To test Brainoware, the researchers used it for voice recognition by training it with 240 Japanese recordings spoken by eight speakers. They found that the organoid reacted differently toward each voice. With an accuracy of 78 percent, it successfully identifed the speakers by showing different neural (神经的) activities.

What’s special about Brainoware is that researchers can take advantage of the organoid’s complexity without understanding its cell networks, according to Daily Mail. In other words, scientists don’t need to know exactly how the organoid works in order to use it.

According to the researchers’ work published in December, combining organoids and electronic chips could increase the speed and efficiency of AI in the future. Also, such models can be used to study human brains, according to Nature. Using Brainoware to model and study neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease, is one example. It could also be used to test the effects of different treatments for such diseases. “That’s where the promise is: using these to one day hopefully replace animal models of the brain,” Arti Ahluwalia, a researcher in Italy, told Nature.

1. What do we know about the tissues used by the researchers?

A．They were artificially constructed.	B．They were harvested from dead human bodies.
C．They formed a complete human brain.	D．They were cultured from specific human cells.

2. What success did Brainoware achieve in the voice recognition test?

A．Distinguishing the voices between speakers.

B．Understanding the content of the recordings.

C．Showing preferences for some of the voices.

D．Correctly matching all the speakers with their voices.

3. What makes Brainoware distinctive, according to Daily Mail?

A．No in-depth knowledge of organoids is needed to use it.

B．Its complexity is easy to learn and understand.

C．It opens up new possibilities for studying human brains.

D．Its cell networks are the same as those of human brains.

4. What does the last paragraph focus on regarding Brainoware?

A．Its influence on AI technology.	B．Its contribution to animal welfare.
C．Its potential applications.	D．Its underlying problems.

2 . 阅读下面短文, 在空白处填入1个适当的单词或括号内单词的正确形式。

Governments in different regions organize tourism festivals in order to make local scenic locations     1     (well) known to people and publicize the country’s culture in general. Below are some of top famous and important tourist celebrations in China, each of     2     has its own distinctive characteristics.

All the activities that are     3     (close) related to ice can be seen at the Harbin Ice Snow Festival. Children enjoy themselves in the maze made of ice, go ice sliding board     4     do much more.     5     (visit) have the chance to appreciate various ice lanterns and delicate snow sculpture works. During the festival, all kinds of competitions are also held including swimming, ice hockey, speed, alpine (高山的) and cross-country skiing and a motorbike match     6     (hold) on the ice. In addition, all kinds of exhibitions are held,     7     (display) painting, calligraphy and photographs.

Wedding ceremonies that are held on ice during the festival make it     8       unique occasion. During the evening, the sky     9     (decorate) with fireworks, adding colour and mythology     10     this spectacular ice and snow world on the Earth.

3 . Twenty years ago, I drove a cab for a living. One night, I was on the way to _______ a passenger at 2:30 AM. When I arrived to collect, a small woman in her 80’s stood before me. By her side was a small _______ .

I took her suitcase to the-cab, then returned to _______ the woman. She took my arm and we walked _______ toward the cab. When we got in the cab, she gave me a(n) _______ , and then asked, “Could you drive through downtown?” “It’s not the _______ way,” I answered quickly. “Oh, I don’t mind,” she said “I’m in no hurry. I’m on my way to a hospice (临终关怀医院). I don’t have any _______ left,” she continued. “The doctor says I don’t have much time left.”

For the next two hours, we drove through the city. We drove through the _______ where she and her family had lived before they passed away. She had me _______ in front of a furniture warehouse that had once been a ballroom where she had gone dancing as a girl.

As the sun rose, she said, “I’m tired. Let’s go now.” We drove in silence to the address she had given me. When we arrived, two nurses came out to the cab. They were concerned and ____________ , watching her every move. They must have been ____________ her.

“How much do I owe you?” she asked. “Nothing,” I said. Almost without thinking, I gave her a hug. Our hug ended with her ____________ , “You gave an old woman a little moment of ____________ .” I squeezed her hand, and then walked into the dim morning light. Behind me, a door shut. It was the sound of the ____________ of a life.

I didn’t pick up any more passengers that shift. I drove ____________ lost in thought. I thought I would never do anything more important than this in my life.

1.

A．pick out

B．pick up

C．come across

D．come up

2.

A．suitcase

B．phone

C．man

D．figure

3.

A．show

B．reach

C．call

D．assist

4.

A．sadly

B．quickly

C．happily

D．slowly

5.

A．note

B．message

C．address

D．map

6.

A．shortest

B．best

C．cheapest

D．highest

7.

A．money

B．family

C．food.

D．belongings

8.

A．society

B．house

C．neighborhood

D．building

9.

A．walk along

B．walk up

C．pull away

D．pull up

10.

A．caring.

B．delighted

C．upset

D．moved

11.

A．missing

B．expecting

C．hating

D．knowing

12.

A．talk

B．speech

C．remark

D．opinion

13.

A．respect

B．shock

C．protection

D．joy

14.

A．closing

B．opening

C．restarting

D．making

15.

A．fearlessly

B．hopelessly

C．aimlessly

D．carelessly

4 . The environment is a concern for many, and individual actions like reducing plastic use and recycling contribute positively. However, some issues, like acid rain, require global policies and industry regulations to address more effectively.

Acid rain has been observed for over 150 years, with Scottish scientist Robert Angus Smith identifying elevated (偏高) acid levels in rain during the 1850s, correlating it with industrial growth. While natural events like volcano eruptions contribute to acid rain, man-made sources like factories, power stations burning coal, and car emissions are the primary causes. These emissions, containing nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxides, combine with water in clouds to form sulfuric and nitric acids.

Technically known as acid deposition (沉积), acid rain occurs when acids move from the atmosphere to Earth's surface through rain, snow, or fog, as well as dry particles and gases carried by wind. The impacts of acid rain are significant, evidenced by lakes turning clear due to loss of life, deformed fish, dying trees, disrupted food chains, and adverse effects on human health.

Efforts to combat acid rain began in the 1980s, resulting in reduced emissions globally and improvements in rain acidity levels. However, challenges remain, particularly in farming and preserving natural ecosystems. While the recovery process is ongoing, the effects of acid rain on structures, sculptures, and monuments serve as a reminder of its long-term impact.

In conclusion, addressing acid rain requires collective action and ongoing monitoring to safeguard the environment and human health, highlighting the importance of global cooperation in addressing environmental challenges.

1. According to the passage, what are the major sources of acid rain?

A．Recycling and reducing plastic use.

B．Natural events like volcano eruptions.

C．Factories, power stations and car emissions.

D．Individual actions to address environmental concerns.

2. Which of the following is closest in meaning to the underlined word “combat” in paragraph 4?

A．prevent

B．ignore

C．worsen

D．promote

3. Which of the following statements would the author agree with?

A．Natural events are the main cause of acid rain.

B．Acid rain has no significant impact on human health.

C．Global policies alone are sufficient to address the issue.

D．Effective measures require both global policies and individual actions.

4. What is the passage mainly about?

A．The history of acid rain research.

B．Efforts to address acid rain pollution.

C．The impact of acid rain on the environment.

D．Individual actions to address environmental concerns.

5 . He's considered the father of the digital revolution and technological innovation, and apart from that, he was also known as a design perfectionist. In 2010 alone, he had a net worth of $8 billion. There is no single creator in the technology industry who is more creative and inspirational than him. Steve Jobs, the founder of Apple Inc., is known as one of the most daring CEOs of all time.

On February 24, 1955, in San Francisco, California, United States, a baby boy named Steve Jobs entered the world. Who could have predicted that this person would cause such a great shift in the information technology and media industries? The way Steve Jobs showed the world the new products he was working on was truly out of this world, and that's why millions of people all over the world loved his creations.

Steve Jobs launched his company with his friend Wozniak. When they were in their early 20s, they came up with the idea for the Apple Computer. Steve Jobs' Volkswagen car and Wozniak's beloved scientific calculator (计算器) were sold to finance their pair startup. Jobs and Wozniak made great efforts to design computers which were more user-friendly, convenient, and affordable. In the 1970s, they accomplished what would become the company's highest achievement.

Whether it was the Apple Lisa in the 1980s or his time spent away from Apple, Steve Jobs' company and ideas did not always meet with success. He did, however, realize that difficulties can serve as obvious occasions for reflection and improvement in the future. So what can we learn from him? When an innovation your company has invested (投资) in doesn't succeed, it can be frustrating. However, after the difficult time in the beginning, it's important to take the lessons learned and make success again, just like Steve Jobs did.

1. What can we know about Steve from the first two paragraphs?

A．His technological designs are creative and perfect.

B．Only a few people all over the world like his creation.

C．His achievements in technology are known to the industries.

D．He became the founder of Apple Inc. because of the new products.

2. What did Jobs and Wozniak do to support their idea of the Apple Computer?

A．They sold their beloved things to fund their company.

B．They made the highest achievement in their company.

C．They continued to produce the new products people loved.

D．They created more user-friendly and convenient computers.

3. What does the author suggest through the last paragraph?

A．It is never too late to learn.

B．Two heads are better than one.

C．Failure is the mother of success.

D．A thousand-mile journey begins with the first step.

4. Which of the following words best describe Steve Jobs?

A．Creative and kind-hearted.	B．Innovative and honest.
C．Emotional and imaginative.	D．Positive and ambitious.

6 . Best Ireland Tours

Whatever attracts you to Ireland — the fresh and green landscape, the ancient castles and cathedrals or some of its famous goods—these tours will help you make the most of your time here.

Killarney Jaunting Cars Tours

Price: Fees start at $33 for riders 13 and older, and $14 for those younger than 13.

On this hour-long horse-and-carriage ride, you’ll travel to both Killarney National Park and Ross Castle, passing sights like St. Mary’s Cathedral along the way. Why a carriage ride? This way of transportation allows visitors to see parts of the park where motor vehicles are not allowed. Travelers say the ride is the highlight of their trip.

Lally Tours

Price: Tickets for the tour start at $50 for adults, $39 for those younger than 18.

Explore the west coast of Ireland on this daylong bus trip. In addition to learning about the various sights, you may learn a few local words from the guide. Among the stops are a scenic mountainside village and the beautiful Kylemore Abbey (修道院) which features a Victorian walled garden and a neo-Gothic church.

Killarney Lake Tours

Price: Fees start at $13 for adults, $11 for seniors and $6 for children younger than 12.

See the sights of Killarney from Lough Leane, the area’s largest lake, on this hour-long boat ride. Water buses start from and return to Ross Castle and pass attractions as well as the nearby mountain. Tour-takers say this activity is reasonably priced and enjoyable.

Deros Tours

Price: Tickets cost $35 for anyone 13 or older, except students with ID, who pay $25; fees for those younger than 12 start at $20.

Observe the unique landscape of the Iverag h Peninsula, including Ireland’s highest mountain, on this half-day bus tour. Stops include the villages of Glenbeigh and Sneem. From March to October, coaches also stop to show how dogs are trained to guard sheep. A high point is a visit to Moll’s Gap, which stands more than 3,400 feet high.

1. What is the purpose of the carriage ride?

A．To help visitors relax themselves along the way.

B．To let visitors experience the sights on motor vehicles.

C．To show visitors around the parts where cars are not allowed.

D．To guide visitors to understand the local cultures and customs.

2. Which tour will be the best choice for water activities?

A．Lally Tours.	B．Killarney Lake Tours.
C．Deros Tours.	D．Killarney Jaunting Cars Tours.

3. How much should a couple with their 7-year-old son pay on the Deros Tours?

A．$ 60.

B．$ 95.

C．$ 105.

D．$ 90.

7 . Why Smiling Is Good for Your Health

Research suggests you really should smile more! It could enhance both your mental and physical health.     1    

Smiling improves immunity and may lower blood pressure. A smile releases certain hormones in the brain, which is connected with an improvement in immune function. Moreover, the fact that smiling reduces your heart rate when you’re stressed is also likely to have an effect on blood pressure. Other research has shown blood pressure doesn't rise when people are exposed to humour.

    2     A University of Kansas study found that participants who were asked to smile during stressful tasks had lower heart rates during stress recovery. So it seems even forcing yourself to look happy helps manage difficult situations.

Looking happy encourages positivity. It seems smiling really can inspire your spirits, rather than simply being a response to feeling happy. A 2022 study of 3,878 participants in 19 countries was conducted.     3    

Smile and live longer. Now, there is good news that being optimistic has a beneficial effect on longevity (长寿).    4     For example, a 2010 study from Washington State University found that pre-1950s major league baseball players who had the brightest smile in their photos lived longer.

Of course, smiling also makes you popular with others and helps you connect with them. The good news is if you practise enough, it’ll become your habit.     5     For instance, see someone laughing, make a cup of tea or just put a note on your phone. Think of something pleasurable, such as a favourite person or memory, when you smile.

A．The research backs it up.

B．Smiling is a stress reliever.

C．Smiling can reduce your pain.

D．Being amused is a good way to help you relax yourself.

E．Give yourself signs to remind you to put a smile on your face.

F．Here are the reasons why smiling is beneficial to our well-being.

G．It found people’s self-rating of positivity was higher when they smiled.

8 . The necklace is ______ to me because it is a gift from my grandmother.

A．precious

B．typical

C．flexible

D．objective

9 . She was invited by the president, who had just come to power, to ____________ (担任、任职) as an ambassador. (用短语) (根据汉语提示完成句子)

10 . 阅读短文，从每题所给的A、B、C、D四个选项中选出与划线词意义最匹配的选项。

For those who can _________ stomach it, exercising before breakfast may be better for health than eating first, according to a study of meal timing and physical activity. The study found that exercising on an empty stomach can lead to _________ profound health benefits, such as improved digestion and weight loss. Better digestion turns food in your stomach into things that are good for your body. However, there is a _________ downside to this approach. Skipping breakfast can leave one feeling tired and not wanting to do anything and may even cause overall performance later in the day. Therefore, it is not a _________ hard-and-fast rule to always exercise before breakfast; one should listen to their body and adapt their routine_________ accordingly.

1.

A．digest the meal easily

B．manage without breakfast

C．decide wisely what to eat

D．eat whatever is offered

2.

A．significant

B．harmful

C．external

D．odd

3.

A．warning

B．mistake

C．disadvantage

D．response

4.

A．flexible

B．fixed

C．scientific

D．vital

5.

A．suitably

B．apparently

C．absolutely

D．unwillingly