• 1、Hollywood may have warned about the risks of striking up relationships with artificial intelligence in Spike Jonze's latest feature ‘Her'. Set in the not-too-distant future, it tells the story of Twombly who finds himself falling in love with an artificially intelligent virtual assistant personified through a female voice. But one computer scientist says we may be missing a trick if we do not accept the positives that human-machine relationships have to offer.

    Tony Prescott, professor of cognitive robotics at the University of Sheffield argues that AI has an important role to play in preventing human loneliness. Just as we develop meaningful bonds with pets, so should we be open to the value of AI to adults, he says.

    The degree of the loneliness problem has become clear in recent years. In the UK, more than 79%, or nearly four million people, are known to experience chronic loneliness, meaning they feel lonely often or always. According to a Harvard study from 2021, more than a third of Americans feel serious loneliness, and some of the worst- affected are young adults and mothers with small children.

    The knock-on effects on wellbeing are also better understood. Loneliness is linked to more heart disease, dementia, stroke, depression, anxiety and premature death, with an impact on mortality (死亡率) equal to smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day. Failure to address the problem, would see the world continuing to splinter until we can no longer stand as a community.

    Whether AI can, or should, be part of the solution is not a new debate. Murali Doraiswamy, professor of psychiatry and medicine at Duke University in North Carolina, said: "Right now, all the evidence points to having a close human friend as the best solution for loneliness. But until society prioritizes social connectedness, robots are a solution for the millions of people who have no friends." "We need to be careful to build in rules to ensure they are moral and trustworthy, and that privacy is protected."

    (1)、What does Spike Jonze's Her focus on?
    A、Pets well-beings. B、Effects of Loneliness. C、AI's personalized service. D、Human-machine relationships.
    (2)、Why does the author cite the numbers in paragraph 3?
    A、To direct people's attention to loneliness. B、To stress the gravity or loneliness in the world. C、To compare loneliness cases in the UK and USA. D、To clarify people's misconception about loneliness.
    (3)、What does the underlined word "splinter" in paragraph 4 mean?
    A、Unite. B、Expand. C、Divide. D、Advance.
    (4)、What does Doraiswamy think of turning to Al for company?
    A、It is highly debatable. B、It is not theoretically based. C、It takes longer time to see its effect. D、It is workable but needs more guidance.
  • 2、When Craig Miller moved to the Catskill mountains in New York after retirement, the journalist wanted to get away from traffic jam s and wildfires and enjoy a quieter pace of life. Yet, one year into his stay, he became his town's newest volunteer firefighter.

    Driving around town and noticing recruitment (招聘) signs, he decided to dig further. "Speaking to fire chiefs, I realized they are in crisis since more than 60% of all firefighters in the US are volunteers, and rural areas can't get young people to join," he says. "The chief was trying to recruit me, saying that it didn't matter about my age." Miller realized that volunteering would be a good way to become a part of the community, so he signed up to train as a firefighter.

    "The training owned my life for three months, with night classes and Saturday sessions covering everything from operating a pump panel to throwing ladders (梯子)," he says. "We started every session with a ‘donning drill', racing to put 18k of equipment on in under a minute. We sometimes had to do it four or five times and I was staggering (摇晃) by the end. It immediately improved my fitness."

    Averaging 60 callouts a year, Miller has experienced his hair- raising moments. "I've been on car fires and wildfires, which are stubborn and difficult. Cars can also give off some gnarly fumes when they are melting," he says. "The worst feeling is when you get paged, show up and you're the only one at the station. That happened once when I was early into my training and it was terrifying thinking I would have to lead the callout."

    The greatest impact has come from helping people during some of the worst moments of their lives. "It's massively rewarding to put yourself out there for strangers and they are so grateful for us, too," he says. Despite initially thinking he would stop volunteering at 70, Miller is now committed to carrying on. "One of the essential things in life is to feel that your efforts have meaning and that you are making a difference. I'll keep going as long as I'm able. It gets in your blood." he says.

    (1)、Why did Miller volunteer as a firefighter?
    A、He desired a sense of belonging. B、He found his retirement life dull. C、He was an adventurous journalist. D、He needed materials for his reports.
    (2)、What is paragraph 3 mainly about?
    A、A fire rescue operation. B、The firefighting training. C、A recipe for building muscle. D、The challenges facing firefighters.
    (3)、What made Miller feel worst?
    A、He got his car burnt in a fire. B、He had more callouts to cope with. C、He was unprepared for the emergency. D、He had to carry out the operation alone.
    (4)、What motivates Miller to continue volunteering?
    A、He is full of energy. B、He can encounter strangers. C、He finds a purpose in his life. D、He desires gratitude from others.
  • 3、If you're looking to enhance your fitness journey, here are some must-reads.

    The One-Minute Workout by Martin Gibala

    For many of us, the problem is not to improve a workout, but to find time to exercise at all. Gibala's eight fundamental interval workouts and four micro-workouts can be used as an alternative to quickly increase strength and endurance in hardly any time! It's considered to be one of the best fitness books for beginners!

    The Champion's Mind by Jim Afremow

    In his book, sports psychologist Jim Afremow. PhD, talks about how to stick to goals and keep yourself challenged over time. Though written with athletes in mind. this book would inspire anyone to approach their long-term goals.

    How Bad Do You Want It by Matt Fitzgerald

    This book is a great look into the attitude it takes to truly push yourself to those ultimate limits. I've had many runners who recommend this book themselves when I ask for favorites. I think it's just a book that helps you figure out how to dig deep and what's happening when you feel like stopping.

    Becoming a Supple Leopard by Glen Cordoza

    The book features hundreds of step-by-step photos for popular exercises like squats and kettlebell swings pointing out common mistakes. It's a top resource for staying healthy and injury-free!

    (1)、Who would most probably choose the book written by Gibala?
    A、Businessmen with tight schedules. B、Athletes aiming for peak performance. C、Employees with flexible working time. D、Fitness trainers seeking new challenges.
    (2)、Which of the four books is highly popular with runners?
    A、The One-Minute Workout. B、The Champion's Mind. C、How Bad Do You Want It. D、Becoming a Supple Leopard.
    (3)、What concerns Cordoza most?
    A、Attitude. B、Teamwork. C、Duration. D、Safety.
  • 4、阅读下面材料, 根据其内容和所给段落开头语续写两段,使之构成一篇完整的短文。.

    It was a cool fall morning, and the sun was just starting to rise, casting a warm light to the quit neighborhood. For Alex, the high school junior with a deep passion for science, was filled with both excitement and nervousness. Today marked the final presentation of his science project, which he had been working on for months. The topic was renewable energy, and Alex had built a model of a solar-powered car. He hoped it would help him win the regional science fair.

    Alex checked his bag one last time: notes, sides, and the model car. Just as he was about to leave, his younger brother Ax came into the room with big, sorry-looking eyes. In his hand, he held a broken piece of the car's solar panel. "I'm really sorry, Alex!" Ax said in a very quiet voice, his head down because he felt guilty. "I was just so curious. I wanted to see how it worked, and I didn't mean to break it."

    Alex's eyes opened wide in shock, and his heart felt like it dropped to the bottom of his stomach. The presentation was in a few hours, and there wasn't time to fix it. He thought about explaining what happened, but he was worried it would sound like an excuse and make him less likely to win. He could put a battery in the car and act like nothing was wrong. But when he thought about it, he felt uncomfortable. He was proud of being honest, and the idea of cheating, even a little bit, made him feel sick.

    As he walked to school, his steps were slow and heavy. He thought about all the late-night hours he spent working at his work bench, how frustrated he was when the circuits didn't work, and how happy he was when the car finally moved using solar power. His dreams of winning the competition and being recognized for his hard work seemed to be going away. But then he remembered the talks at the dinner table a long time ago, when his parents told him how important it was to be honest, responsible, and keep trying. Their words kept playing in his mind. By the time he got to the school gates, a determined look was on his face. He knew exactly what he had to do.

    注意:

    1. 续写词数应为 150 左右;

    2. 请按如下格式在答题卡的相应位置作答。

    Alex stood in front of the class and judges, feeling nervous.

    ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

    Later that day, Alex received an email from the science fair organization.

    ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

  • 5、假如你是李华,你校英语社将举行主题为 "AI and Job Replacement" 英文演讲比赛,请你写一篇演讲稿参赛,内容包括:

    1. AI 可能取代的工作及原因;

    2. 青少年应如何面对。

    注意:

    1. 写作词数应为 80 左右;

    2. 请按如下格式在答题卡的相应位置作答。

    Dear fellow students,

    I'm Li hub, and I'm quite honored to talk about "AI and Job Replacement".

    ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

    Thank you!

  • 6、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.

    Meng Jintao, now 29, developed an advanced iron-based energy storage system inspired by childhood power out ages in his hometown. The system is efficient, safe, and long-lasting, (offer) a significant improvement in energy storage. Ming founded his company in Hubei to bring his innovation to life.

    During his studies on new energy materials at Hefei University, Meng realized the instability of wind energy and the call better storage solutions. He created the iron-based flow energy storage system. Unlike lithium (锂) batteries, Meng's system uses inexpensive iron, making it (cheap) and fire-resistant.

    In 2020, Meng successfully tested the first iron-based battery while studying at Huazhong University of Science and Technology in Wuhan. After graduation, he furthered his studies in America., he ultimately decided to return to China in 2021 to contribute to the country's carbon goals. By 2021, his team (complete) their first small energy storage system, and in 2022 they sold their first large system, was well-received.

    Meng's success as innovator is rooted in his technical skills, his commitment to research, and government support. His technology is now recognized as a major project in China, with its (adopt) in Wuhan reducing electricity costs by over 20 % annually. Looking ahead, Meng (aim) to improve his technology and integrate it with carbon reduction goals to make energy storage safe and more affordable (global).

  • 7、​​​​​​​My brother Bon was five-year older than me. He passed away1 at the age of seventy-one. My earliest memory of him was when he2 my injured finger with tapes, a gesture that3 his lifelong care for me.

    Following his sudden passing, I had a scheduled massage (按摩) for self-care, which I knew I needed more than ever. I described my4 to the massage therapist (治疗专家) as feeling like a piece of a puzzle had been5 from my life. Her gentle touch and reassurances were a source of comfort.

    The next day she6 me into her office and said that she had a story to tell. After the massage, she felt my7 and wondered where she could find a tiny puzzle piece to8 me that my brother's love would never fade. On a cold, windy evening, she9 a friend's house for warmth and discovered her friend had completed a large,10 puzzle. Among the numerous pieces was a small,11 one.

    Her friend had no use for the unfitted piece, but my therapist knew it was12 for me. She believed it to be a final13 from Bon, a symbol of his lasting14 in my life. Now, that puzzle piece resides in the pocket of my coat, serving as a constant reminder of my brother's love, providing me with the warmth and15 that his love is always with me.

    (1)
    A 、unexpectedly B 、quietly C 、recently D 、contentedly
    (2)
    A 、pointed B 、found C 、showed D 、circled
    (3)
    A 、highlighted B 、dismissed C 、symbolized D 、included
    (4)
    A 、vision B 、loss C 、concern D 、research
    (5)
    A 、picked B 、removed C 、exchanged D 、transformed
    (6)
    A 、invited B 、guided C 、pulled D 、followed
    (7)
    A 、finger B 、world C 、strength D 、sadness
    (8)
    A 、prove B 、persuade C 、remind D 、inform
    (9)
    A 、stopped by B 、stood outside C 、landed on D 、hung around
    (10)
    A 、classic B 、popular C 、enjoyable D 、complicated
    (11)
    A 、misplaced B 、unimportant C 、uncertain D 、disliked
    (12)
    A 、meant B 、finished C 、required D 、left
    (13)
    A 、fantasy B 、gift C 、round D 、decision
    (14)
    A 、peace B 、impression C 、presence D 、performance
    (15)
    A 、security B 、passion C 、opportunity D 、guidance
  • 8、Do you ever feel as though your parents fail to truly listen to you? When you talk to them, they may give the impression that they're taking in what you say. This is one challenge you encounter.

    As you grow up, you're becoming more independent and have more questions and opinions. You might start questioning whether your parents truly understand what they're discussing, which can lead to conflicts. It's crucial to respect your parents and grasp why they might hold different opinions. However, they also need to understand your perspective and allow you to make your own decisions. After all, in only a few years you'll probably leave home and have to look after yourself!

    Although this situation is common, it remains difficult. Your home should be a place where you can talk openly. Remember, parents are human and can be hurt by your words. Try to remember that in every family there are good times and bad times, but your parents are there for you throughout. Show your appreciation for this, and they'll see you're not trying to cause trouble.

    Be sensitive! If you need to talk, don't do it before your parents go to work or bed. Consider your words carefully, keep calm and be open and honest. Don't compare them to your friends' parents. Understanding that many other tens face the same issue helps best in handling your feelings.

    Remember, there's no reason why people should automatically understand all your views. The more you engage in conversations with your parents, the better you'll feel. If you find it difficult to speak with them, seek out another family member, teacher, or the one who can offer support. Stay optimistic, and remember that soon you'll be making your own choice.

    A. It won't help and could make things worse.

    B. In fact they're often not actually doing so at all.

    C. Obviously, it's important to respect your parents.

    D. keep talking and don't take yourself too seriously.

    E. But that doesn't mean they're right on this occasion.

    F. Then you'll beam their trust, and they might become more tolerant.

    G. Their priority is to provide you with a secure and structured environment.

  • 9、Scientists have long been amazed at the large size of the human brain, which is seven times larger than expected for animals of our size. A significant part of our extra neutrons (神经元) is located in the frontal cortex (额叶皮层), the region responsible for complex thought. To understand this, researchers have studied primates (灵长类), which also have large brains. Primates with larger frontal cortices tend to live in larger groups, suggesting that social complexity may drive brain evolution.

    The social brain hypothesis (假说) proposes that the frontal cortex expanded in our ancestors due to the benefits of social intelligence. Brain imaging studies show that thinking about others activate the frontal cortex, supporting this idea. However, most research has focused on primates, with many scientists believing their social complexity is unique.

    Dr. kays Holekamp, a professor at Michigan State University, challenge this view. Studying spotted hyenas (鬣狗), she found they live in societies as complex as macaque monkeys, with groups of 60-80 individuals who recognize each other. Hyenas exhibit strict social ran kings, with dominant female controlling access to food.

    From a CT-scan of a hyena skull, it is possible to reconstruct the 3D structure of the brain it held. Dr. Holekamp and her colleague have been working to survey dozens of skulls from all four species in the hyena family. They suggested that species of hyenas with more complex social systems have larger frontal cortices. This finding supports the social complexity hypothesis and broadens our understanding of the evolution of social intelligence.

    "It's just what the social complexity hypothesis would predict," Dr. Holekamp said. "The hyenas with the simplest social systems have the tiniest frontal cortices. The spotted hyena, which lives in the most complex societies, has far and away the largest frontal cortex."

    Joan Silk, a private expert, noticed Dr. Holekamp's work, saying, "Her studies bridge primates and hyenas, revealing shared rules in social complexity and brain evolution."

    (1)、Which theories about the evolution of the human brain is presented?
    A、Frontal cortex growth is limited by skull structure. B、Human brain evolved due to increased physical activity. C、Human frontal cortex increased in size for social intelligence. D、Frontal cortex expansion is driven by social ran kings.
    (2)、What did Dr. Holekamp's team find after analyzing hyena skulls?
    A、Hyenas follow the same brain-size evolution pattern. B、Hyenas' frontal cortex size is reconstructed by CT-scan. C、Hyenas with larger bodies tend to have larger frontal cortex. D、Hyena brain structure changed from simple to complex.
    (3)、What is the significance of Dr. Holekamp' work according to loan Silk?
    A、It proved that hyenas are more intelligent than primates. B、It showed the interconnectedness of species' social systems. C、It demonstrated the limitations of current research methods. D、It completely overturned previous research on brain evolution.
    (4)、What is the purpose of the passage?
    A、To contrast hyena and human brain structure. B、To highlight hyena family species' evolutionary histories. C、To argue that hyena studies reveal more of brain function. D、To discuss what hyena studies show about social intelligence.
  • 10、Growing up, my older brother, a science enthusiast, shared fascinating facts with me, like how our cells are completely new every seven years. This idea highlighted the concept of constant change in our selves, meaning I'm a physically different person from the one I was years ago.

    Today, I often wonder: Am I a story that's constantly being written? people have debated this for a long time, with ancient Greeks arguing whether a thing's true essence lies in its unchanging nature or its ongoing development.

    Plato believed that natural science focuses on the changing physical world, while philosophy, using intelligence and reason, explored the change less eternal (永恒). For instance, veterinary science studies growing dogs, but philosophers question the idea of "Dog" itself.

    Aristotle agreed that science explains what we see but argued that the material universe is in constant change. He believed change is part of the true nature of things and your virtue is about who you're turning into, not a fixed identity. As such, becoming was his focus, rather than some perfect invisible being.

    So, which is your view, and how does that guide the way you live? None of this is to say the choice between Platonism and Aristotelianism is absolute. We all have some unchanging characteristics, and we also change in many ways. The philosophical perspective you adopt will depend on how you principally define yourself and what you choose to pay attention to as you move through the world.

    Are you more like a Platonist or an Aristotelian? It depends on whether you see yourself as having a fixed identity or a changing story. Today's culture often pushes you to be a Platonist, defining yourself as a certain type of person. This can make you a repeat customer and give you a sense of belonging. But it might also keep you in situations you don't like. Being more like an Aristotelian can set you free.

    (1)、What did the author tell us about our cells in Paragraph 1?
    A、The unchanging nature of our souls. B、The ongoing transformation of our bodies. C、The belief that our science and nature do not change. D、The idea that we are the same person through our lives.
    (2)、According to Aristotle, what is the focus of understanding a dog?
    A、Its unchanging nature. B、Its determined essence. C、Its stable identity. D、Its continuous development.
    (3)、How does modem culture tend to influence personal identity, according to the text?
    A、By pushing people to de fin c themselves into fix cd identities. B、By suggesting that personal identity will be a mystery forever. C、By encouraging individuals to accept constant change and growth. D、By promoting that individual identity is deter min cd by belongings.
    (4)、Which of the following could be the most suitable title for the passage?
    A、Plate v. s. Aristotle: the Battle of Ideas. B、The Philosophical Outlook: A Defined Personality. C、Becoming v. s. Being: Viewpoint on Personal Identity. D、The Unchanging Universe: A Philosophical Dilemma.
  • 11、Even when lug was busy, he always welcomed me and let me explore his back room. Lug owned a small, respected piano shop in the city and loved pianos. When it was quieter, he enjoyed my company and told me about the newly arrived pianos. He believed every piano was unique, even if they were from the same maker. Sometimes he knew all about the pianos and their owners.

    Other times, he only knew what he could see or hear. Most pianos came from charity sales, with unknown histories. But like an expert, he could tell if a piano was played a lot, kept in the right environment, or had children around it. He could even guess if it was recently shipped. He acted like a detective. His attitude toward pianos mirrored his philosophy of life. While regretting the damage caused by children on keyboard and strings, he found it tolerable because the piano was used and "at the heart of the family." He thought pianos were more than just furniture and that accidental drinking drops were a small price to pay for introducing young people to a joy that comes from comfort, not awe.

    I started playing the violin at six, and now I'm seventy-six. It's been a big part of my life. It can't talk, but the instrument can respond with an astonishing range of substance and emotion. This is a special kind of relationship. There are other moments, however, when the violin stubbornly refuses to do as I want— when it only unwillingly plays in tune, or makes the sound I want, or delivers the music's essence for which I pursue. Then I have to persuade, negotiate, or adjust to its every desire.

    Luc's ideas connected with me. Luc's ideas connected with me deeply, reminding me that the relationship between musician and instrument is not just about control, but about respect and understanding. In the end, it's the passion and love we pour into our instruments that truly bring music to life.

    (1)、How does lug view pianos in his shop?
    A、As priceless antique to be preserved. B、As instruments that need love and use. C、As objects that should never be touched. D、As commercial products with valuable history.
    (2)、Which of the following would best describe Luc's philosophy of life?
    A、Cherish and protect life all the time. B、Always live with devotions and practice. C、Don't take life's opportunities for granted. D、Live with imperfections instead of doing nothing.
    (3)、What is the author's attitude towards his violin?
    A、Encouraging and patient. B、Controlling but cherishing. C、Affectionate but demanding. D、respectful and connected.
    (4)、What is the main idea of the passage?
    A、It highlights the ben c fits of playing instruments. B、It discusses the role instruments play in daily life. C、It compared the valued of instruments to life understandings. D、It explored the relationship between humans and instruments.
  • 12、The Wildlife Rescue Center (WRC) relies on devoted volunteers to support its mission of wildlife conservation and habitat restoration. We offer a variety of volunteer role tailored to your skills and our specific needs.

    Quality Care and Sustain ability (QCS)

    Assist with diet preparation for our wildlife patients, processing donations, recycling materials, and performing essential care-taking duties. These tasks ensure that our animals receive the best care and that the center operates efficiently.

    Requirements:

    At least 14 years old

    Ones-hour shift per week for a minimum of 16 weeks

    $28 Volunteer Membership fee (covers training materials, a volunteer shirt, and supplies)

    Training: Overview of dietary needs for common wildlife patients

    Outreach and Fund raising (O & F)

    Help with various administrative and outreach activities, such as entering wildlife patient data into our systems. These roles are crucial for raising awareness and funds to support our mission.

    Requirements:

    At least 18 years old

    Ones-hour shift per week for a minimum of 16 weeks (available on weekdays from 9: 00 am to 5: 00 pm)

    $28 Volunteer Membership fee

    Training: Tips for effective communication and fund raising

    Animal Care and Education (ACE)

    Support our team in the care for injured and baby animals without parents. Responsibilities may include assisting with feeding, cleaning cages, and monitoring the health and behavior of the animals in care.

    Requirements:

    At least 16 years old

    Ones-hour shift per week for a minimum of 18 weeks

    $28 Volunteer Membership fee

    Training: Basic signs of health and illness in wildlife

    Habitat Restoration (HR)

    Contribute to protecting and restoring biodiversity on our Center ' s property. Tasks include caring for native plants, maintaining compose bins (堆肥箱), removing foreign attacking species, and other activities aimed at enhancing wildlife habitat.

    Requirements:

    At least 14 years old

    Assist with at least two habitat restoration tasks per month for a minimum of 16 weeks

    $28 volunteer Membership fee

    Training: Identification and care of native plant species

    (1)、What is the main focus of the passage?
    A、The programs available for volunteering. B、The benefits of volunteering at arc. C、The volunteering events to be held. D、The requirements of a volunteer team.
    (2)、Which volunteer role is about the local plants protection?
    A、Quality Care and Sustain ability. B、Outreach and Fund raising. C、Animal Care and Rehabilitation. D、Habitat Restoration.
    (3)、What do QCS and ACE have in common?
    A、They both focus on the running of the center. B、They both require volunteers to be at least 16. C、They both contribute to the well-being of the animals. D、They both deal with the public awareness and animal health.
  • 13、Stars are born in special areas of space called stellar nurseries (恒星孕育区) , where large amounts of gas and dust come together to form new stars. These enormous regions, also known as molecular (分子的) clouds, stretch across hundreds of light-years and create thousands of stars. While scientists have learned a lot about how stars live and die, some details about their birth remain unclear. For example, did stars always form in the same way throughout the universe's history?

    A recent study from Kyushu University and Osaka Metropolitan University suggests that stars in the early universe might have formed in soft molecular clouds, which make them float like cotton. This discovery was made by observing the Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC), a small galaxy near the Milky Way. The SMC has fewer heavy elements compared to our galaxy, making it similar to the conditions of the early universe about 10 billion years ago.

    In our galaxy, molecular clouds that help form stars usually have a long thin shape. Scientists think the solar system was created in a similar way, where a large molecular cloud broke apart to form a core that eventually became a star. Over time, gravity pulled more gas and matter into these cores, leading to star formation.

    Kazuki Tokuda, a researcher at Kyushu University, explains that understanding how stars formed in the early universe is challenging because the universe was mostly made of hydrogen and helium (氦) back then. To study this, the team used the ALMA radio telescope in Chile to observe the SMC. They found that 60% of the molecular clouds had the usual long thin shape, while 40% were soft. The temperature inside the thin clouds was higher than that in the soft ones, which might be due to how old the clouds are.

    If a molecule cloud keeps its long shape, it's more likely to break apart and form many stars like the sun. However, if it becomes soft, it may be harder for stars to form. This study shows that having enough heavy elements is important for maintaining the long shape of molecular clouds, which can be crucial for forming planetary systems.

    (1)、How does the author introduce the text?
    A、By listing scientific data. B、By describing a natural process. C、By raising multiple questions. D、By comparing molecules.
    (2)、What is the study mainly about?
    A、The SMC's composition. B、The substances of the universe. C、The properties of soft molecular clouds. D、The star formation in the early universe.
    (3)、What could possibly be related to the temperature difference in molecular clouds?
    A、Their size. B、Their height. C、Their shape. D、Their age.
    (4)、What does the last paragraph mainly tell us?
    A、The conditions for stars to form. B、The use of elements in soft clouds. C、The structures of molecular clouds. D、The complexity of planetary systems.
  • 14、阅读下面材料,根据其内容和所给段落开头语续写两段,使之构成一篇完整的短文。

    As I was driving home from work one night last week, the light on my dashboard was flashing on the "dreaded" tire pressure maintenance system. My heart sank. It usually means one of two things: low tire pressure or tire sensor failure. The temperature outside dropped below freezing, and the icy wind blew through my coat as I pulled into the driveway. I hoped it was just a tire pressure problem that could be easily solved with a quick pump. But deep down, I knew it could be more complicated.

    The next morning, I drove to the tire shop as soon as it opened. The mechanic on duty greeted me with a friendly smile but informed me that they were fully booked with appointments. My car was pushed to the bottom of the list. I glanced at the clock. It was going to be a long wait. I decided to make the best of the situation and get some exercise. I walked home, the cold winter air filling my lungs as I enjoyed the quiet streets.

    Hours later, I returned to the tire shop. The mechanic confirmed my fears: It was indeed a faulty tire sensor. The repair took longer than expected, but the staff worked diligently, their professionalism evident in every move. When the job was finally done, I felt a wave of gratitude. These mechanics had been incredibly accommodating; even without an appointment. I decided to show my appreciation.

    On my way back, I stopped at a nearby store. I purchased two large bags of chocolates, my go-to thank-you gift. One bag was for the tire shop staff. They deserved it. The other bag was for the library staff, my next destination. I'm a regular at the library, always knowing exactly which books I want to read. I rarely look through the shelves; instead, I reserve my books online and wait for the notification. When I pick them up, I always thank the staff, but sometimes, a simple "thank you" isn't enough. A chocolate treat, on the other hand, always brings a smile to their faces.

    注意:

    1.续写词数应为150个左右;2.请按如下格式在答题卡的相应位置作答。

    As I entered the library, the familiar smell of old books and fresh coffee greeted me.

    ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

    The day had started with a problem, but it had ended in a pleasant way.

    ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

  • 15、假定你是李华,你的交换生同学Chris很想去看中国动画(animation)巨作《哪吒2》(Ne Zha 2)。他担心因为文化差异看不懂,所以想邀请你和他一起去看电影。请你给他回一封电子邮件,内容包括:

    1.感谢邀请;2.答应邀约;3.观影建议。

    注意:

    1.写作词数应为80个左右;2.请按如下格式在答题卡的相应位置作答。

    Dear Chris,

    _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

    Yours,

    Li Hua

  • 16、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。

    More than 80 archaeological sites and artifact distribution points containing artifacts that date back from the Neolithic Period (新石器时代) modern times have recently been discovered in South China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.

    This cluster (集群) of considerable size was discovered along the coast of Beibu Gulf in Guangxi. The area has long been known as a cradle for underwater discoveries as well as findings shed light on cross-cultural and cross-ethnic exchanges.

    Pottery pieces with comb-patterned designs (find) among some of the cluster's ruins such as the Shanmiaoling site and the Dishuiping site. Other excavated sites such as Wayaodong, Masiling and Duimianling are characterized by Warring States Period and Qin Dynasty archaeological features. The artifacts (collect) on the spot are mainly pottery wares decorated with patterns similar to the Chinese character "米", or featuring grid motifs and waffle pattern designs. These findings provide significant (refer) for studying the Qin and Han's handicrafts developments.

    The cluster's sites not only belong to a (various) of different time periods, but they are also quite diverse, including city ruins, settlement sites, tombs, and (remain) that are identified as iron-smelting locations.

    The (new) discovered archaeological cluster resulted from a survey (focus) on Beibu Gulf archaeology, conducted by the Guangxi Institute of Cultural Relics Protection and Archaeology in 2024. The survey lasted nearly 70 days and covered area of 20,000 square kilometers.

  • 17、​​​​​​​One cold winter day, Don, in search of cans and bottles to exchange for some money, wandered into Watson's café. Watson, a kind-hearted person,1 a conversation with him. As they2, she learned about his past as a hard-working trucker, his deep love for dogs and plants, and the3 hardships he had endured. Chronic (慢性的) health problems had made it difficult for him to hold a4, and he had been living on the streets for far too long.

    Moved by Don's situation, Watson5 wanted to help. She first thought of6 him at the café, but his poor health made that7 impractical. So she chose to pay for a short stay at a nearby motel to give Don a warm place to8. Then, she took to social media, sharing Don's9 and calling on the community for support.

    The10 was nothing short of amazing. People from all over the town stepped forward. Someone11 a warm hunting winter coat, along with hats, gloves, scarves, and masks. A kind-hearted local offered Don an apartment at a mere $50 a month, and another individual12 to pay the rent for the rest of the year.

    Don was incredibly13. All he ever asked for were simple things like instant coffee. This heart-warming story shows that a single act of14 can have a far-reaching impact. Watson's small gesture set off a chain reaction, and the whole community came together, proving that when people unite with compassion, they can truly15 a life.

    (1)
    A 、struck up B 、broke off C 、jumped at D 、picked out
    (2)
    A 、shouted B 、whispered C 、talked D 、argued
    (3)
    A 、temporary B 、numerous C 、strange D 、powerful
    (4)
    A 、home B 、hobby C 、talent D 、job
    (5)
    A 、immediately B 、relatively C 、cautiously D 、merely
    (6)
    A 、serving B 、watching C 、hiring D 、ignoring
    (7)
    A 、dream B 、option C 、ability D 、chance
    (8)
    A 、study B 、play C 、work D 、rest
    (9)
    A 、story B 、secret C 、hope D 、joke
    (10)
    A 、silence B 、delay C 、response D 、confusion
    (11)
    A 、borrowed B 、donated C 、expected D 、sold
    (12)
    A 、pretended B 、hesitated C 、refused D 、volunteered
    (13)
    A 、grateful B 、embarrassed C 、energetic D 、frightened
    (14)
    A 、plan B 、design C 、kindness D 、purpose
    (15)
    A 、make B 、destroy C 、miss D 、change
  • 18、Bad thoughts can be a persistent, invisible weight that you carry from day to day. Fortunately, there are strategies you can use to block out or at least minimize negative thinking so that it doesn't bother you.

    Remember that you're not a bad person for having bad thoughts. Everyone has negative thoughts. As you experience life and emotions, various thoughts — good and bad — will pass through your mind. These random intrusions (侵入) are just thoughts, not real-life actions or reflections of your moral integrity.

    Release negative thoughts and images with mindfulness. Instead of focusing on your negative thoughts or images, try viewing them as a passive observer. Then envision yourself letting them go like physical objects and watching them float away and out of your mind.

    The media we consume has a significant impact on our mental health, especially the younger we are. If you read news or books, watch movies or TV shows, or play a lot of video games that contain elements of violence, horror, or other topics that leave you feeling down, limit your consumption of these materials.

    Speak to yourself in the way you'd speak to a friend. When an especially harsh, negative thought about your self-worth or appearance worms into your mind, take a step back and examine the thought critically. So you shouldn't speak to yourself that way, either.

    Practice gratitude each day. Using your phone or a physical notebook, record a few things you're thankful for. These can be as simple as sunny weather or a kind driver letting you turn onto a busy road. When you cultivate gratitude, you give negativity less room to thrive in your headspace.

    A. That's just how the human brain functions.

    B. Think about the activities that make you happiest.

    C. You wouldn't speak in that critical tone to a friend.

    D. Limit or avoid media that disturbs, frightens, or depresses you.

    E. They may make fun of you, but remember that you know your mind best.

    F. Try to practice gratitude around the same time each day so it becomes a habit.

    G. Focus on the present, allowing your thoughts to wander in and out of your mind.

  • 19、A new study from the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) has found that tiny plastic pollutants floating in the air are settling in the lungs of birds. Researchers around the world are increasingly concerned that these harmful particles (微粒) are ubiquitous in the air we breathe and the food we eat.

    Shane DuBay, an assistant professor of biology at UTA and co-author of the study, said birds were chosen for the study because they are found in almost every corner of the world and often share environments with humans.

    "Birds serve as important indicators of environmental conditions," said DuBay, who collaborated with researchers from Sichuan University and Chengdu Tianfu International Airport, both in Chengdu, China. "They help us understand the state of the environment and make informed decisions about conservation and pollution control."

    DuBay's team studied 56 different wild birds from 51 distinct species, all sampled from the Chengdu Tianfu International Airport in western China. They collected lung samples from each bird and performed two types of chemical analyses.

    They used laser direct infrared technology to detect and count microplastics in the birds' lungs. The study found high concentrations of microplastics in bird lungs, with an average of 221 particles per species and 416 particles per gram of lung tissue. The most common types identified were chlorinated polyethylene, used for insulating pipes and wires, and butadiene rubber, a synthetic material in tires.

    While no official "safe" level of plastic particles in lung tissue exists, high levels of microplastics have been linked to serious health conditions, including heart disease, cancer, breathing problems and fertility issues.

    "Our research highlights an urgent need to address plastic pollution in our environments, as these pollutants can have far-reaching impacts on ecosystem health, as well as human health," DuBay said. "Our findings call for further research, funding and action to reduce the harmful effects of plastic pollution and ensure a healthier environment."

    (1)、What does the underlined word "ubiquitous" in paragraph 1 mean?
    A、Widespread. B、Invisible. C、Dangerous. D、Obvious.
    (2)、Why were birds chosen for the research?
    A、They help identify microplastics. B、They reflect environmental health. C、They indicate urban pollution levels. D、They show direct human health impacts.
    (3)、What is the top priority now according to the researchers?
    A、To address climate change. B、To promote bird conservation. C、To deal with plastic pollution. D、To study the effects of microplastics.
    (4)、What can be a suitable title for the text?
    A、Birds are in danger — and researchers are alarmed B、Birds breathe in dangerous plastics — and so do we C、Birds indicate environmental health — and research is ongoing D、Birds share environments with humans — and pollution is everywhere
  • 20、Novel technology intends to redefine the virtual reality (VR) experience by expanding to incorporate a new sensory connection: taste. The interface, named "e-Taste", uses a combination of sensors and wireless chemical dispensers (分配器) to facilitate the remote perception (感知) of taste — what scientists call gustation.

    These sensors can identify molecules (分子) like glucose and glutamate — chemicals that represent the five basic tastes of sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and umami. Once captured via an electrical signal, that data is wirelessly passed to a remote device for copying.

    Field testing done by researchers at the Ohio State University confirmed the device's ability to digitally simulate (模拟) a range of taste intensities, while still offering variety and safety for the user.

    Taste is a subjective sense that can change from one moment to another. Yet this complex feeling is the product of two of the body's chemical sensing systems working at the same to ensure what you eat is safe and nutritious, the taste and the smell senses. "Taste and smell are greatly related to human emotion and memory," said Jinghua Li, co-author of the study and an assistant professor of Materials Science and Engineering at the Ohio State University. "So our sensor has to learn to capture, control and store all that information."

    Despite the difficulty involved in exactly simulating similar taste sensations for a majority of people, researchers found that in human trials, participants could distinguish between different sour intensities in the liquids generated by the system with an accuracy rate of about 70%.

    Further tests assessing e-Taste's ability to immerse players in a virtual food experience also analyzed its long-range capabilities, showing that remote tasting could be initiated in Ohio from as far away as California.

    While these results open up opportunities to pioneer new VR experiences, this team's findings are especially significant because they could potentially provide scientists with a deeper understanding of how the brain processes sensory signals from the mouth.

    (1)、What is the function of the chemical dispensers?
    A、To identify the five basic tastes. B、To control and store taste information. C、To allow remote taste perception. D、To enhance traditional sensor accuracy.
    (2)、How do the sensors in e-Taste identify tastes?
    A、By analyzing colors. B、By detecting specific molecules. C、By matching flavors. D、By measuring temperatures.
    (3)、What challenge does the e-Taste face when simulating taste sensations?
    A、It is not safe for users at present. B、It can't simulate salty taste accurately. C、It requires continuous manual adjustment. D、It can't copy similar taste experiences for everyone.
    (4)、What scientific value does the last paragraph highlight for the research?
    A、Advancing VR gaming experiences. B、Simplifying taste sensor production. C、Improving long-distance chemical delivery. D、Figuring out how the brain processes taste signals.
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