1 . I was shocked when my socially awkward sister, who had suffered from Asperger Syndrome (阿斯伯格综合症), decided to sing in front of our school. I knew she would
As I waited in the hall, sweat (汗水)
In that moment, guilt and shame flooded my heart.
A.embarrass | B.impress | C.surprise | D.support |
A.hide | B.stop | C.escape | D.perform |
A.washing | B.losing | C.decorating | D.winning |
A.picked up | B.climbed upon | C.took off | D.went up |
A.impressive | B.exciting | C.fine | D.challenging |
A.windows | B.lectures | C.curtains | D.doors |
A.confident | B.nervous | C.prepared | D.relaxed |
A.Cries | B.Shouts | C.Whispers | D.Screams |
A.moved | B.disappointed | C.relieved | D.shocked |
A.power | B.weakness | C.silence | D.darkness |
A.softly | B.loudly | C.quietly | D.beautifully |
A.abilities | B.failures | C.honours | D.weaknesses |
A.Without | B.Despite | C.Beyond | D.Within |
A.extremely | B.bravely | C.unconditionally | D.finally |
A.eyes | B.head | C.arms | D.legs |
2 . Artificial intelligence (AI) is showing promise in earthquake prediction, challenging the long-held belief that it is impossible. Researchers at the University of Texas, Austin, have developed an AI algorithm (算法) that correctly predicted 70% of earthquakes a week in advance during a trial in China and provided accurate strength calculations for the predicted earthquakes.
The research team adopted a relatively simple machine learning approach. The AI was provided with a set of statistical features based on the team’s knowledge of earthquake physics, and then instructed to train itself using a five-year database of earthquake recordings. Once trained, the AI provided its prediction by listening for signs of incoming earthquakes within the background rumblings (隆隆声) in the Earth.
This work is clearly a milestone in research for AI-driven earthquake prediction. “You don’t see earthquakes coming,” explains Alexandros Savvaidis, a senior research scientist who leads the Texas Seismological Network Program (TexNet). “It’s a matter of milliseconds, and the only thing you can control is how prepared you are. Even with the 70% accuracy, that’s a huge result and could help minimize economic and human losses and has the potential to remarkably improve earthquake preparation worldwide.”
While it is unknown whether the same approach will work at other locations, the researchers are confident that their AI algorithm could produce more accurate predictions if used in areas with reliable earthquake tracking networks. The next step is to test artificial intelligence in Texas, since UT’s Bureau TexNet has 300 earthquake stations and over six years worth of continuous records, making it an ideal location for these purposes.
Eventually, the authors hope to combine the system with physics-based models. This strategy could prove especially important where data is poor or lacking. “That may be a long way off, but many advances such as this one, taken together, are what moves science forward,” concludes Scott Tinker, the bureau’s director.
1. How does the AI predict earthquakes?A.By identifying data from the satellites. |
B.By analyzing background sounds in the Earth. |
C.By modeling data based on earthquake recordings. |
D.By monitoring changes in the Earth’s magnetic field. |
A.The ways to reduce losses in earthquakes. |
B.The importance of preparing for earthquakes. |
C.The significance of developing the AI prediction. |
D.The limitation of AI algorithms in earthquake prediction. |
A.Conducting tests in different locations. |
B.Applying the AI approach to other fields. |
C.Building more earthquake stations in Texas. |
D.Enlarging the database to train the calculation accuracy. |
A.Stable but outdated. | B.Effective but costly. |
C.Potential and economical. | D.Advanced and promising. |
3 . At the end of 2019,I learned that Here After AI, whose goal is to let the living communicate with the dead, was looking for applicants of its new AI project. Interested in what it was promising, I applied to experiment the software on my very-much-alive parents.
At first, I thought it would be just a fun project to see what was technologically possible. Then their health condition added some urgency to the experiment. I was frightened that my parents might die since my father had been diagnosed with cancer and my mother was recently developing symptoms of early Alzheimer’s disease, and that with the distance between us, I might never have the chance to say goodbye.
The first step was an interview. My parents were asked questions by a techician for hours-about everything from their earliest memories to what they believe will happen after they die. Whether through illness-generated concerns or a willingness to humor their daughter, my parents put up zero resistance. The company then took their responses and started to create the voice assistants. A few months later, my virtual parents arrived via email attachment.
When I communicated with them through the app on my phone, my hands were shaking. I hadn’t seen my actual, real parents for six months. They told me personal stories I’d never heard. They gave me life advice and told me things about their childhoods, as well as my own. It was mesmerizing.
Personally, I have mixed feelings about my experiment. I’m glad to have my virtual parents. They’ve enabled me to learn new things about my parents, and it’s comforting to think that those softwares will be there even when my parents aren’t. On the other hand, I can’t help but find it sad that it took a stranger interviewing my parents for me to properly appreciate the complex people they are. But I feel lucky to have had the chance to grasp that-and to still have the precious opportunity to spend more time with them and learn more about them, face to face, no technology involved.
1. Why did the author initially join the AI project?A.To test out the new technology. |
B.To preserve her parents’ voice. |
C.To learn more about her parents’ life. |
D.To remove the worry about her parents’ health. |
A.They liked talking a lot. |
B.They died from the illnesses. |
C.They opposed joining the project at first. |
D.They provided data for the project. |
A.Alarming. | B.Fascinating. | C.Inspiring. | D.Disgusting. |
A.AI means never saying goodbye to our parents. |
B.The advances in AI technology have pros and cons. |
C.The real connection with our parents matters most. |
D.AI allows us to learn more about our virtual parents. |
4 . San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum’s Imagination area encourages creativity, language development, emotional skills, and artistic expression. Get into the rhythm with percussion instruments or become a storyteller in the Puppet Theater.
Money SenseExplore San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum’s new Money Sense exhibit supported by PNC Foundation! Step into the world of financing and banking to introduce your little one to mathematics and finances!
Puppet TheaterThe Puppet Theater is the ideal place for children to develop speaking and listening skills. Communicating with puppets gives children the confidence to express their ideas and feelings through the roles they take on. Parents let their kids take the lead and showcase their creation.
Thank you to Imagination area supporters: The Stanford Family, Price Philanthropies Foundation, The Linden Root Dickenson Foundation, KPBS, and the Jordan Ressler Charitable Fund.
Visit Us320 North Broadway, Escondido, CA 92025
Museum HoursMonday: CLOSED
Tuesday — Saturday: 9:30 am — 4:30 pm
Sunday: 12:30 pm — 4:30 pm
AdmissionMembers (and children under the age of one): Free
Children & Adults: $11.50 per person
Group Rate (10 or more people): $10.00 per person. Must book ahead.
1. What is the purpose of the Money Sense exhibit?A.To teach history. | B.To introduce finances. |
C.To improve kids’ physical health. | D.To help kids learn about animals. |
A.Learning about nature. | B.Enhancing sports skills. |
C.Understanding technology. | D.Developing speaking skills. |
A.$100. | B.$115. | C.$120. | D.$138. |
5 . Hit Chinese Variety Shows in 2023
The year 2023 saw a wide variety of TV and Internet shows in China, offering to audience not only amazing entertainment but also new insight.
The Big Band 3Each week, bands competed in different groups, and via votes cast by the audience and six celebrity judges, five bands earned the title of the “Hot 5” by the end of the season.
Become a FarmerThe farming-themed reality show Become a Farmer took Chinese social media by storm in the first half of the year, shining a spotlight on agriculture — a crucial part of Chinese culture. The word “farming”, however, may be unfamiliar to many young urban Chinese citizens. In an effort to connect these individuals with the agricultural industry, the 50-episode variety show tackles the topic by inviting 10 young men from various fields to experience life on the farmland. It offers insights into farming practices and modern agricultural production.
Infinity and Beyond 2023With a shocking viewership, the music cultural program Infinity and Beyond 2023 emerged as a resounding success both on TV and on the Internet in the first half of this year. Featuring a star-studded cast, the show improved cross-strait connection and covered classic and popular songs dating back to the 1970s.
Divas Hit the Road — Silk RoadThis season saw some Chinese actresses and actors embark on a journey to Saudi Arabia, Croatia and Iceland. They explored the beautiful landscapes and diverse cultures of these countries and learned about the collaborative projects related to the Belt and Road Initiative. They have dipped into the local customs and traditions of the places they visited.
1. What is special about Become a Farmer?A.It has cruel competition rules. | B.It focuses on agricultural industry. |
C.It invited ordinary people as the judges. | D.It captured widespread attention online. |
A.The Big Band 3. | B.Become a Farmer. |
C.Infinity and Beyond 2023. | D.Divas Hit the Road — Silk Road. |
A.Become a Farmer got the highest mark. |
B.The Big Band 3 performed pop music mostly. |
C.Infinity and Beyond 2023 made a contribution to cross-strait connection. |
D.Divas Hit the Road — Silk Road offered collaborative projects related to WHO. |
The Richfield Museum of Fine Art is presenting a new exhibition, aiming
The highlight of the exhibition
Also, there are many fine
This is just a small taste of
9 . In 2001, I participated in an expedition to explore the Titanic. Our team used two small deep-sea robots, one blue and one green. My
Unfortunately, the green robot
In the middle of the vast ocean, though, there are no stores to buy
Accompanied by two fellow crew members, I prepared to go down in a three-man submarine (潜水艇). A machine lifted us and placed us in the
At about 9,000 feet, a crewmate
Finally, upon reaching the site, we were
A.interest | B.job | C.attitude | D.achievement |
A.understood | B.avoided | C.encountered | D.addressed |
A.misled | B.upgraded | C.lost | D.stuck |
A.dangerous | B.confusing | C.embarrassing | D.unreliable |
A.instructions | B.phones | C.weapons | D.supplies |
A.plan | B.question | C.message | D.note |
A.ship | B.robot | C.air | D.water |
A.swim | B.work | C.sink | D.float |
A.intentionally | B.accidentally | C.carefully | D.frequently |
A.loneliness | B.tiredness | C.darkness | D.annoyance |
A.gave up | B.carried on | C.paid for | D.put off |
A.challenged | B.beaten | C.greeted | D.motivated |
A.silent | B.temporary | C.friendly | D.comforting |
A.destroy | B.free | C.observe | D.repair |
A.journey | B.life | C.career | D.team |
A.sang high praises for | B.got a load of |
C.kept records of | D.reached out to |