1 . For most of history, people lived in small groups of up to 150 people. Then villages and small towns developed, offering safety and support through the sharing of resources. As time passed, urban living brought additional advantages such as better jobs, schools and healthcare. Larger towns also gave people more chances to meet and interact. This is important.     1    

Today, over half of the world’s population currently lives in towns and cities. But this has resulted in a strange paradox (悖论). Although social opportunities are one reason people choose to live in large cities, research suggests that city life can be lonely.     2     People from all over the world can join online communities and make virtual friends without leaving their home.

The development of virtual communities can be traced back to the 1860s. Back then, telegraph operators exchanged messages and gradually formed friendships over long distances.     3    

Later, in the 1960s, radios started to provide a means of short-distance communication and developed communities with their own unique language and usernames.

    4     Computers were not very powerful yet, so people could post messages and share news and stories but not music or photos. Still, people loved being able to make friends online and then hang out with them. As technology became more powerful, online communities for fun, education and business emerged, where people could explore a virtual 3D world, have online lessons, and even buy things with virtual money.

These days, there are thousands of virtual communities and that number keeps growing. Many people believe they will become more important.     5     Particularly, they’re concerned that posting personal information online might lead to a loss of privacy. So perhaps the future will be more like the past. People will spend most of their time in real communities.

A．This trend, however, is not likely to continue.

B．As Aristotle said, the nature of humans is to be social.

C．That may explain why virtual communities are so popular.

D．The first popular online communities developed in the 1980s.

E．Before cell phones existed, radio was an easy way to communicate.

F．Nevertheless, others worry about problems with these communities.

G．This is among the earliest examples of virtual community interactions.

2 . “Sating from now on, to be healthy, I will NOT eat any snacks besides granola bars (燕麦棒),” is what I told myself yesterday, and yet here I am today chewing a Chocopie. I’m aware that I’m breaking my own promise to myself. Instead of eating this, I should be working out or something. But the thing is, chocolate is too good at this moment for me to refuse it!

As I type this, I’m experiencing what’s called instant gratification — the desire to experience pleasure or fulfillment without delaying it for a future benefit. Essentially, when you want it, you get it.

Instant gratification is also the exact opposite of what we’re taught to do-delayed gratification: deciding to put off satisfying our current want to gain something better in the future. We’ve all encountered instant gratification before. Should I sleep in or wake up early to work out? When I get home, should I rest and watch TV first or get started on my homework?

All humans have the tendency to seek pleasure and avoid pain, which is a basic but fundamental concept known as the pleasure principle. Originally coined by Sigmund Freud, it clearly states that all humans are driven, to some extent, by pleasure.

Constantly seeking quick pleasure may bring subsequent troubles. However pleasant not doing your homework may seem pleasant right now, it only results in pleasure plagued by guilt and last-minute panicking late at night. An inability to resist instant gratification may result in underachieving in the long term and failure to meet certain goals.

Instant gratification, however, is not necessarily a bad thing. You don’t always have to say no to things you want at that moment, and it’s good to treat yourself when you need it. In other words, times where you “treat yourself” are only valuable in combination with delayed gratification. While my Chocopie may taste good now, it’ll taste even better if I only eat it after I’ve worked out or done something healthy.

1. How does the author introduce the topic?

A．By making a contrast.	B．By giving a definition.
C．By citing a personal case.	D．By listing detailed problems.

2. Which of the following is an example of instant gratification?

A．Purchasing items regardless of budgets.	B．Exercising regularly for long-term health.
C．Limiting time on social media platforms.	D．Finishing homework before watching TV.

3. What does the underlined word “plagued” in paragraph 5 probably mean?

A．Reminded.

B．Highlighted.

C．Introduced.

D．Bothered.

4. What may the author agree with?

A．Delayed gratification is pointless.

B．Instant gratification should be prioritized.

C．Enjoying the moment brings in endless pleasure.

D．Instant treats paired with delayed gratification are sweeter.

3 . Ask most people which day of the week they fear the most and the answer is likely to be Monday. The first day of the working week can make us experience a sense of tiredness or fatigue.     1              

    2     It’s the time of year when we’re supposedly feeling at our lowest and most “blue”. We’re thought to be more likely to feel down because the weather’s cold and we’re back at work. We’ve got to make up all the money we spent at Christmas and we’re feeling guilty for already breaking our New Year’s resolutions.

Some consider the term, pseudo-science, saying that there is no such thing as a 24-hour depression.     3     The decreasing motivation to work, the lack of interest in everything and the regret for what is not finished can be clearly felt on the first day of the week.     4     Someone who misses the deadline and cannot meet the standard at work affects the overall efficiency and teamwork within a project.

Fortunately, we don’t have to suffer that on Monday, not if we remember: we all have our good days and our bad days, and those aren’t for the calendar (日历) to decide.     5     Rather than automatically thinking we feel blue on Blue Monday, reflect on the well being of our mind, practice self-care and seek support when needed. In this way, we can weather the Monday blues and any other challenges that come our way.

A．The most depressing day of the year is the third Monday in January.

B．Actually it’s common to feel a bit depressed for several times in a year.

C．But most people know that the Monday blues can be very real.

D．That’s why the feeling is described as the Monday blues.

E．The term is not even scientifically true, with basically no evidence.

F．These can have a negative impact on our performance, productivity and the people around.

G．In fact, it’s actually a good opportunity to check in on our mental health.

5 . It’s commonly acknowledged that our lives are ruled by algorithms (算法), but have we really collectively understood how they have transformed our culture and personality?

In Filterworld: How algorithms flattened culture, Kyle Chayka argues convincingly that the rise of algorithm-driven feeds, used everywhere online from Instagram to Spotify, has led to a more uniform culture. Our tastes and desires increasingly don’t belong to us, but to algorithms that are designed to keep people engaged at all costs. If the collection of our tastes truly shapes our entire personality, then this loss is more psychologically damaging than it first appears. Aimlessly scrolling (滚屏) through Netflix or TikTok may seem harmless, but over days, months or years, we lose touch with what we like and enjoy.

Taste-making algorithms are inescapable. Chayka shows this by working through all corners of life: what we wear(TikTok), where we eat(Google Maps), music we listen to(Spotify), even who we date or marry(Tinder). This universe of algorithm-driven decisions has society-wide implications: “It extends to influence our physical spaces, our cities, and the routes we move through…flattening them in turn.” No one gets out of the Filterworld untouched.

If you’re lucky enough not to need any sort of algorithm-based system for your work, then you have the option to step back from algorithms for a while. But if your friend suggests a film recommended on X/Twitter or you feel the need to buy those shoes suddenly everyone has started wearing after social media advertisements, what are you to do? It all feels fruitless.

This Filterworld may be inescapable, but there is hope. You can start by engaging more with the media you do choose to consume. This could mean reading up about a film you watched or paying artists you like directly. Even the thoughtful act of recommending an album (专辑) to a friend is more rewarding than a random TikTok feed. As Chayka says, resistance to algorithms “requires an act of willpower, a choice to move through the world in a different way.”

1. What is Kyle Chayka’s opinion on algorithms?

A．They improve our tastes.	B．They make our culture more alike.
C．They help to identify our personality.	D．They contribute to psychological problems.

2. What does the underlined part in paragraph 3 refer to?

A．The society with advanced technology.	B．The world without social media platforms.
C．The network of algorithm-driven decisions.	D．The community free from algorithmic influence.

3. Which of the following is a way to resist the impact of algorithms?

A．Limiting the use of social media platforms.	B．Making choices based on friends’ suggestions.
C．Getting more involved with the selected media.	D．Disconnecting from social media advertisements.

4. What is the best title for the text?

A．Algorithms: Cultural Takeover	B．The Secret of Algorithms
C．Social Media: Cultural Messenger	D．The Rise of Digital Platforms

7 . It’s no secret that reading good news feels a lot better than reading bad news. Like, would you rather bite into a lemon, or sip on a fresh glass of lemonade?

    1    The world is full of problems and conflicts and we need to stay informed and alert (警觉的) to what’s going on around us. While reading traditional, more negative news is important, consuming good news is also part of staying informed.     2    And it also brings meaningful benefits, like reduced stress and anxiety, higher rates of engagement, community building skills, and inspiration for creating a better world. Plus, knowing what to look for in the good news landscape is a key part of improving our media literacy skills and being thoughtful news consumers.

In fact, good news, known as solutions journalism, is becoming more popular, as publishers and news stations discover the benefits of sharing positive stories. Good Good Good is one of them.     3     A team of reporters and editors there work daily to deliver stories that make readers feel hopeful and equipped to do more good with possible solutions.

“If it bleeds, it leads.” has long been a saying used in the media to describe how news stories about violence, death and destruction draw readers’ attention.       4     The thing is, however, there’s also good stuff out there—the delightful and kind parts of humanity. “Beautiful stories are happening worldwide.    5    When you do find them, the world can suddenly feel like a very different place. Good news is a vital part of how we learn about the world and solving the world’s problems.” Hervey, one of Good Good Good’s editors said.

A．Share good news with people around you.

B．It’s just that we don’t hear as much about them.

C．But the “bad news” has its place in the world.

D．It provides a more balanced view of the world.

E．And so, negative news stories are everywhere on news media.

F．Heartwarming stories make you cry and feel good.

G．The news media company is devoted to providing good news intentionally.

8 . Do you ever find yourself saving the good things in life for some distant moment in the future? Maybe you have a collection of fancy plates that only see the light of day on special occasions, or perhaps you’re waiting for the perfect time to wear that beautiful dress put away in your closet.     1    

In a recent conversation with leading psychologist Dr. Alison McClymont, we explored the idea of giving ourselves permission to enjoy the good things now, rather than waiting for an uncertain future.     2     So saving pleasure for the future may be pointless.

But why do we feel the need to save things for best?     3     It’s typically British to save our crockery or clothes for “special” occasions. This mindset may have originated from times when resources were not enough and has been passed down through generations. However, when we feel abundant, we are more willing to use and appreciate our favorite things regularly.

Welcoming the joy of everyday life can be seen as an act of self-love. We are supposed to surround ourselves with things that bring us happiness, even in ordinary moments.     4     It’s also about finding ways to renew our worth, fighting the negative thoughts that we don’t deserve to enjoy the good things in life.

    5     Take out those fancy plates for a simple weeknight dinner. Wear that beautiful dress to run errands or pick up your kids from school. Celebrate the small moments and make them extraordinary. Because in the end, life is too short to deny ourselves joy. Let’s break free from the mindset of waiting for the perfect moment. Embrace the joy of everyday life and make every day a celebration.

A．So, why not start now?

B．Well, it’s time to reconsider.

C．By doing so, we can boost our overall well-being.

D．After all, there will be more happiness in store for us.

E．Actually, cultural and generational factors play a crucial role.

F．The reason may be that our well-being is closely related to abundance.

G．If we deny ourselves small moments of joy, we may never get them again.

9 . Olympian weight-lifter Thodoris Iakovidis shocked the public that he cannot continue with the multiple financial difficulties he faces.     1     In the meantime, he exposed the Greek state when he burst into tears on a live interview.

“    2    ” He said after competing in Tokyo Olympic Games. “I’m sorry if anyone thinks I’m running away.” He revealed that he receives 200 euros per month by the Greek Federation for his competing preparation. Iakovidis’parents told media that Thodoris sometimes has to stop his training in order to work and earn money to finance it.

Iakovidis’ statement shocked ordinary Greeks first of all. They launched a campaign on Twitter and Instagram to increase his followers and also attract sponsors.     3     Some sponsors reportedly got in contact with him saying they want to meet him when he returns from Tokyo.

Speaking to Open TV on Sunday, Iakovidis said thanking his new supporters: “The problem is not to fix my thing.     4     Numerous athletes need support. ”

Stressing that he will continue if the conditions change, he added, “But I do not think it’s moral to continue with sponsors for another three years. Many others have to go through the same difficulties as now. I want the state mechanism to help all the athletes.”     5    

A．I’m sorry for my failure.

B．Real actions are a necessity.

C．There are so many other Thodoris.

D．He announced that he would end his career.

E．Dozens of companies are sponsoring the event.

F．Overnight his followers rose from 3, 000 to 120, 000.

G．I’m not crying because I did not have a good performance.

10 . Twenty-two years ago, I won a Nobel Prize, together with Tim and Leland Hartwell, for our work on how cells control their division.

The prize changed our lives. Suddenly you become a public figure being asked to do all sorts of things: to give lectures, quite often on topics you know little about; to sit on committees and reviews you are not always well qualified to be on; to visit countries you have barely heard of. It is like having a whole new extra job, with upwards of 500 requests a year.

A recent study suggests that in general the extra commitments that Nobel winners take on result in fewer papers after their awards. There may be some truth to this given the extra demands on one’s time, but of course prestigious awards also allow new projects and research to be undertaken.

What effects did the Nobel Prize have on my subsequent career and work? It has certainly helped me to get scientific leadership positions. Within a year of getting the prize I was offered and accepted the presidency of Rockefeller University in New York. Having the prize also helps to get things done. For example, I have been involved in the merging of two separate cancer research charities to form Cancer Research UK. And it has helped me support causes I care deeply about. I became an ambassador for Ukraine education and science to help raise money for schools in that shattered country. Moreover, having a Nobel does help attract high-quality research colleagues. I have just started three excellent new PhD   students. It is a privilege for me to be able to pursue curiosity-driven research at this late stage of my career.

However, one thing I am glad to say that the Nobel Prize did not influence was peer review from my fellow scientists, assessing the suitability of my own research for publication, and my grant applications for funding. My rejection rates have remained essentially the same before and after the prize. And that, of course, is exactly how it should be.

1. What is the author’s purpose in writing paragraph 2?

A．To share his pride in winning a Nobel.

B．To express his regret at the changing of life.

C．To show his self confidence in handling the extra jobs.

D．To display his overburdened tasks after winning a Nobel.

2. What does the underlined word “merging”   in paragraph 4 mean?

A．Competition.

B．Comparison.

C．Combination.

D．Construction.

3. What is paragraph 4 mainly about?

A．The special privileges the Nobel winner has.

B．The positive impacts the Nobel Prize generates.

C．The great contributions the Nobel winner makes.

D．The scientific leadership the Nobel Prize provides.

4. What message does the author mainly want to convey in the last paragraph?

A．The spirit of science lies in seeking facts and truth.

B．Winning a Nobel Prize has an impact on peer review.

C．Extra commitments make Nobel winners less productive.

D．The approval a Nobel winner receives is equal to rejection.