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"Anything in a bag along the highway usually isn't1," said Kane. The bag's contents2 him but in a good way. Inside were tennis shoes and toys, spilling out of3 gift wrapping. Kane brought the bag to headquarters, but nobody had4 the gifts missing. Kane made a Facebook post, hoping it would5 in front of the right eyes — and soon. Christmas morning was only one6 away.

Ten hours later, Kane was wrapping up for the day, and still nothing. He told the night crew about the7 and that someone might be in touch. Any claims could be8 via the names of the kids on the gift tags, which he purposely had left out of the post.

Around 9 p.m., WSDOT's Madi Voie got a(n)9. More crewmen, invested in getting these gifts home by Christmas morning, had been working hard to track down their10 and they finally got11. A woman had posted on Facebook that her brother David Carli had lost a trash bag full of kids' Christmas gifts. Had anyone12 them?

Voie's co-workers saw Kane's post and13 the dots. They gave Voie's phone number to Carli, and the two met up just after midnight on Christmas morning. Carli had spent most of Christmas Eve14 trying to replace the missing presents.

"Working holidays and nights is15," says Voie. "But being able to make someone else's Christmas better, I was pretty excited."

●The need for quick action

Procrastination often happens when tasks feel big and complex. It's common to switch your attention to something small, like an email, for quick satisfaction. It's a good idea to break down the big task into smaller pieces. What you really need is the motivation to start. Once you're started, motivation is like a wheel already rolling down the hill. Take action that gets you going.

●The need to find the best way

Knowing where to start is a matter of narrowing it down to the best choice. The analysis often causes paralysis (停滞), which is a form of procrastination. Try narrowing down the options for starting to three things that are interesting to you. Choose one to start with to move toward accomplishment more quickly.

●The need to create order out of chaos

Some people also struggle to find the "right" way — a need to make sure everything is perfect and done in the exact correct order. You can become stuck because the path forward can feel chaotic. Then, put the list in the most logical order. It can also be helpful to think of what might go wrong to ensure everything gets noticed.

These unmet needs that cause procrastination are often related to our personality type. By determining what's stopping you, you can understand exactly what you need to get out of first gear and into drive.
 

A. Narrowing is really about focus.

B. Big projects can have plenty of options.

C. This shift increases motivation and influence.

D. Push through by listing what needs to be done.

E. And they boil down to needs for action, perfection and structure.

F. The key to dealing with procrastination is figuring out what's behind it.

G. Even if it seems productive, it's holding you back from more meaningful work.

As part of the preparations, Mr. Poddi's team has installed 20 fire-detection sensors in the Santu Lussurgiu forest.

These sensors, which hang from branches three to four metres off the ground, collect comprehensive information, including gases, temperature, humidity, and air pressure. These data are then analyzed by AI models. If anything unusual is spotted, emergency services are alerted.

Until now, fire detection on Sardinia has relied on human sight. But usually, the fire is noticed only once it has started to spread. The sensors work more like a sense of smell, identifying the chemicals in the air caused by hidden fires before flames and smoke are visible. This allows firefighters to step in before the blaze is too large to control and to have a clearer sense of where to tackle it.

The sensors are designed to be installed every few hundred meters in high-risk fire zones. This deployment can make sensors much cheaper than alternative wildfire suppression methods. Once installed, the sensors can last for up to 15 years and can be updated remotely.

Given the differences in environments, AI models must be tailored to regional characteristics. A system for Italy may not work in Canada. Mr. Poddi says the ultimate test for Sardinia will be if the sensor networks can be deployed (部署) with equal effectiveness along the pine forests near the island's beaches. These environments are very different from those in Santu Lussurgiu.

To truly enhance early fire detection, sensor networks will need to be installed on a large scale. Even so, their real impact will depend on how well they are integrated with other existing firefighting measures, from mapping and data-analysis tools to the ability to promptly deploy firefighters. Moreover, the risk of time-wasting false alarms from such sensitive systems is very real. Overcoming such challenges will bring significant rewards. All the various technologies can and should work together to build a strong solution.

But recently, there's been a move toward simplicity, similar to minimalist (极简主义) art in the 1960s, which rejected complexity and favored abstraction by removing all unnecessary elements. A recent research explored whether shoppers actually prefer this packaging — and, if so, why.

First, researchers analyzed over 1,000 consumer goods, such as shampoo, and cereal, from the largest supermarket chain in the U.S. They found that products in simple packaging generally had higher retail prices than similar products that didn't, indicating that shoppers are willing to pay more for products in this packaging.

In a follow-up study, university students were asked to look at different packages and reported how much they were willing to pay, how many ingredients they thought the products might have and how pure they perceived (理解) the products to be. The results showed that the preference for simple packaging was due to the fact that pared-down designs sent a subtle yet powerful signal: purity. Participants were more likely to assume that the products contained fewer ingredients, along with fewer preservatives, added colors or artificial flavors, and were willing to fork over more cash for them — regardless of whether they actually contain fewer ingredients.

However, simple packaging design is not always effective. For generic brands (卖场自家品牌), typically sold at a lower price, the simplicity of the packaging may signal low quality rather than purity.

Shoppers' desires can also influence their preference. When people seek healthier options, they'll pay more for products with simple packaging. However, when consumers want to treat themselves to junk food, they'll be more likely to purchase products with complex packaging, which signals many ingredients and lower purity — qualities associated with more flavor.

When I went to college, however, my mindset towards food sharply changed. No longer a student athlete, I began to learn about wellness. In a lecture, our professor took a cup of Sprite and showed its sugar content by comparing it to a cup of pure sugar. I was stunned. For the first time, I realized my eating habits needed to change.

Immediately, I cut out nearly all sugar from my diet. I refused cake at parties and skipped late-night pizza with friends.

Though these habits were good for my physical health, slowly, they began to weigh on my mental health. What started as restricting sweets turned into weighing myself multiple times a day and obsessively (过度地) tracking calories. Despite being at a healthy weight, I was consumed by thoughts of food: What did I eat that day? How much do I need to work out to burn it off? On the outside, I was physically fit, but on the inside, I was anxious about maintaining this state of perfection with food.

It wasn't until I graduated that I began to critically reflect on my obsession with food. I realized the sense of control my strict habits brought me was actually doing the opposite: In placing so much emphasis on food, I felt out of control. How could I shift to a balance of healthy eating with the occasional indulgence?

Slowly, I learned that the world would not end if I eat some ice cream or drink a glass of Sprite. At my core, I believe letting myself enjoy small pleasures is what makes me feel more human and alive. For me, this balance is crucial to living a fulfilling, satisfying life.

The first time I saw Lily, my new classmate, a wave of disappointment washed over me. Her chaotic hair stuck out in all directions as if going g against gravity, the thick-rimmed glasses made her eyes look extremely big, and her clothes — loose blouses and long skirts — seemed like they were scratched straight out of a recycling store.

She was so different from the trendy girls in our class. I leaned towards my best friend, whispering, "She looks like a total bookworm. Probably she has no social skills." Of course, it was exactly what her appearance indicated.

For weeks, I secretly made fun of Lily. During lunch breaks, while the rest of us gathered around tables, chatting and sharing gossip (闲话), she would sit alone in the corner, her nose buried in a thick novel. Every time I caught a glimpse of her, I'd roll my eyes and exchange dismissive looks with my friends. But there were moments when I couldn't help but notice how effortlessly she answered teachers' questions in class. Her responses were so fluent and confident that it sent a small flow of unease through me. Still, I pushed those thoughts aside, determined to hold onto my previous thoughts.

One day, our teacher announced the group project on environmental protection and when I found out I was paired with Lily, a sense of fear settled in my stomach. I imagined long, painful meetings filled with her awkward silences. But as we sat down to discuss our plan, I was immediately taken aback.

Lily pulled out a stack of neatly organized research papers, her eyes sparkling with excitement as she outlined her ideas. "We could organize a community clean-up day," she said, her voice brimming with enthusiasm. "And create interactive educational posters to make recycling fun!" I listened, shocked, as she spoke with such passion and clarity. For the first time, I felt a bit of doubt about my initial judgment.

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 we worked together, that doubt grew into an overall realization.

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The day of the presentation arrived, and I watched in awe as Lily took the stage.

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1.卫生现状；

2.改进意见。

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 fellow students,

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The English Club

American Internet celebrity IShowSpeed is causing a lot of excitement across global media for his marathon live streams of his tour. over 37 million followers, IShowSpeed, better known as "Hyperthyroidism Brother" in China, (visit) several cities in the last few months.

In Henan, his funny attempts at Shaolin Kungfu, important part of Chinese culture, including getting "defeated" by a master's staff, highlighted China's martial arts heritage at the same time sparked global interest.

In Chengdu, his exaggerated reactions to intangible cultural heritage became popular, showcasing the local people's daily life (vivid). Beijing's douzhi led to a funny cultural exchange, bridging gaps with humor. He was amazed by the live stream signal in high-speed rail tunnel and was excited (recognize) on the streets.

His journey comprised everything from traditional intangible cultural heritage to cutting-edge technology, from the bustling street-level charm to the warm humanity that covers Chinese society. His unscripted videos broke stereotypes, (allow) Western audiences to realize, "China is safer and more welcoming than the media claims." Through laughter, he proved cultural exchange thrives in everyday moments.

His trip not only introduced China's diverse facts to the world but set an example of cultural understanding can be achieved through simple, real-life interactions. IShowSpeed's friendly (explore) encourages global fans to see China beyond outdated media stories. As he shared, "Come to experience China (you) — it's full of surprises!"

Then, Mikey began to cry. "Play car-car, Mikey," Hill whispered, hoping that might make him3. The front seat was a long bench, and without a seat belt, Mikey had the4to slide over to the driver's seat. Mikey5 the steering wheel (方向盘) suddenly and6, his foot knocked the gear shift (换挡杆). The car, parked on a slope (斜坡), began to roll backward.

Hill's eyes widened as she glanced through the window7: cars zoomed back and forth on the busy8below. Just then, a swift figure9 — a young man dashed toward the car, got the door open, and put the brake on, the car10 from traffic.

The stranger was11 but composed. His eyes met each of theirs and he12 the children to make sure that they were unhurt before leaving.

His13 saved their lives — an act of courage that became a family legend for decades. "It seemed like slow motion, yet it actually all happened in seconds," Hill14. "His bravery impressed me. Every time I drive by that street or see a donut shop, I15 that fateful day and the kind stranger."

For me, it's the unhealthy foods like chocolate that put a smile on my face—well, I do have a sweet tooth! It might seem obvious that's bad for our waistline, usually makes us happy.. But dietitians tell us that eating bad food for a long time not only leads to many health problems, but it can also affect our mental state and cause depression.

The link between our mind and food has been looked at by scientists. They've recently found that it's the bacteria (细菌) in our body that affect our mood. Researchers in Canada have found that certain "good" bacteria help reduce anxiety in mice..

Many food products are claiming to be high in such "good" bacteria and some of the best types are homemade food like yogurt.. Maybe I should change my diet to brighten me up! Doctor Michael Mosley would agree. He's been looking into this for the BBC and says the best food to cheer us up is in a "Mediterranean diet"; olive oil, whole grains, lots of fruits and vegetables. Sugar: terrible for you!

So maybe it's time to lay off the fatty and sugary things., even if the science behind it is complex. It's not rocket science but this is further evidence for the saying "we are what we eat". There are other factors that can change our mood but it seems we have some ability to improve how we feel by controlling what we put on our plate.
 

A. I don't want to give it a try.

B. Eating healthily may seem simple.

C. We are indeed determined by the we eat.

D. This really makes me think twice about what I eat.

E. Food also gives us energy and minerals our body needs.

F. Most of us get this feeling when we use food as a quick pick-me-up.

G. For us humans, this means food with "good" bacteria can improve how we feel.

We already knew that omega-3s — "good" fats found in seeds, nuts and some fish — can boost our immunity (免疫力), heart health and brain function. They have also been linked to changes in epigenetic (表观遗传的) markers — chemical tags on DNA that control the activity of genes and, in turn, how cells behave. This implies that omega-3s reduce the pace of biological aging, often defined as a measure of how quickly someone's body is worsening compared with other people.

Dr. Heike Bischoff-Ferrari and her team at the University of Zurich wanted to explore omega-3's effect on aging further, as well as find out how it may work alongside vitamin D supplements and exercise. The team divided 777 people in Switzerland, aged 70 to 91, into eight groups. On top of their existing lifestyle habits, each group was told to take varying combinations of a daily 1-gram dose of omega-3, placebo (安慰剂) pills and 2,000 international units of vitamin D. In addition, some groups were instructed to do 30 minutes of strength training three times a week.

At the start of the es study, the researchers tracked biological aging using epigenetic clocks which analyze age-related DNA markers in blood samples. These markers typically decline with age, damaging cell function.

After three years, the scientists found that the participants who took omega-3 only had aged by around 3 months less, on average, than those who were only given placebo pills. They took into account factors that could affect the results, such as the participants' actual age and sex. What's more, those who took omega-3 along with vitamin D and did strength training aged even less, compared with people who didn't introduce any of these habits. "The effect was somewhat more pronounced, almost four months of rejuvenation (恢复青春)," says Bischoff-Ferrari.

"These effects may seem small, but could be important for some," says Richard Siow at King's College London. "For an older person, in about three months, there could be a lot of age-related decline going on, so this becomes more significant," he says.

Every AI system we create functions as a mirror, reflecting our values, priorities, and assumptions. When facial recognition technology struggles to identify darker skin tones, this is not a breakdown; it is a reflection of the assumptions and perspectives inserted in the data it was trained on.

In 2018, Amazon abandoned an AI-powered hiring tool after discovering it held prejudice against female candidates. The AI wasn't programmed to discriminate, but it was trained on historical hiring data that favored men, and it learned to copy those patterns. Similarly, research from UC Berkeley found that mortgage (抵押贷款) approval methods often less favorable terms to Black and Hispanic applicants, reinforcing longstanding inequalities in lending.

The use of AI systems in law enforcement, healthcare, and education reveals similar patterns. Predictive policing tools tend to focus on certain communities because they are trained on historical crime data. Algorithms (算法) in healthcare may be more likely to give wrong information to patients belonging to certain groups. Automated grading systems in schools have sometimes been shown to favor students from wealthier economic backgrounds over others when the quality of the work is the same. In all these cases, AI isn't creating new biases (偏见), but it is reflecting existing ones.

This mirroring effect manifests a significant opportunity for self-examination. As AI continues to develop, we must ask ourselves how we as individuals want to shape its role in society. This isn't just about improving algorithms, but ensuring that AI is deployed responsibly. Some organizations are already taking steps in this direction.

As we continue to integrate AI into our lives, we must recognize that these systems don't just predict our behavior; they reflect our character. That reflection allows us to make better, more principled choices, but only if we're willing to look closely and take responsibility for what we see.

Hsiao's fencing journey began at a summer camp before her eighth grade year. Despite spending long hours sweating in fencing gear and competing against more experienced opponents, which left her tired and frustrated, her time at camp awakened her interest in the sport, which she later pursued.

In high school, Hsiao found a welcoming community of fencers and coaches, some of whom also went to participate in February's Junior Olympics. She developed and refined her skills with the foil, the smallest and lightest fencing weapon targeting the body.

In her senior year, Hsiao suffered a devastating ACL tear (前交叉韧带撕裂), which put her fencing career in danger. "I thought I would never get back into fencing," she said. After surgery and nine months of punishing physical therapy two to three times a week, Hsiao began fencing again. Regarding the changes to her fencing after the injury, Hsiao noted, "I've always been a more defensive fencer so my fencing hasn't changed too much after my injury. I do have to think more about getting my back leg under me while I fence."

Beyond the physical alterations to her style, Hsiao spoke on the mental adjustments for high-level competitions. She emphasized the importance of positive thinking and mental preparation, saying, "If you think you're going to do badly, it does have an impact on how you fence." Moreover, from recent meets, including the Junior Olympics, she learned to "trust instincts (直觉) and avoid overthinking during matches."

Hsiao also revealed the life lessons fencing has taught her, saying, "Not giving up is key and losing is one of the best ways to learn." Her next goal in fencing is to continue competing at a national level and earn a rating from the United States Fencing Association through tournament victories.

Sri Lanka, an island nation in the Indian Ocean, is a hidden beautiful place waiting to be discovered and has something for everyone.

Natural Wonders

·Yala National Park: This national park is one of the most popular wildlife destinations in Sri Lanka. It is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including leopards, elephants, sloth bears, monkeys, and many species of birds. Take a animal-watching tour through the park and see these amazing creatures in their natural habitat.

·Sigiriya Rock Fortress: Also known as the "Lion Rock", Sigiriya is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most iconic landmarks in Sri Lanka. Climb to the top of the rock and enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. It is also home to ancient ruins, including a palace, gardens, and frescoes (壁画).

Beaches

·Mirissa Beach: A beautiful beach on the south coast of Sri Lanka, Mirissa is known for its calm waters and attractive sunsets. It is also a popular spot for whale watching, with many tour operators offering trips to see the whales and dolphins that live in the nearby waters.

·Arugam Bay Beach: This beach is located on the east coast of Sri Lanka and is a popular destination for surfers. It has a long stretch of golden sand, clear blue waters, and a variety of water sports activities, including surfing, diving, and snorkeling. The beach is also home to a number of restaurants, cafes, and shops.

Cost

·Accommodations: A budget guesthouse can cost as little as $10 per night, while a luxury resort can cost upwards of $100 per night.

·Activities: A visit to the national park costs as little as $10 while a whale-watching tour can double it.

My closest neighbor, Mrs. Harrington, was mysterious. From the moment I moved into the neighborhood, she had been distant, almost to the point of being rude. She avoided eye contact and brushed off any attempts at conversation.

Every day, she would head to the old shack (棚屋) 20 feet away from her house at 9 a. m. and again at 9 p. m. She always had two shopping bags in hand, and she would go into the shack for about 20 minutes before returning to her house.

One afternoon, while I was out for a walk, I accidentally approached the shack. The moment Mrs. Harrington saw me approaching, she dashed out of the door, her eyes wide with anger. "Stay away! I'll call the police!" she screamed, her voice high-pitched and desperate.

Astonished, I began to apologize and wanted to clarify that I hadn't meant to intrude (闯入), but Mrs. Harrington cut me off with another sharp outburst, demanding that I leave immediately. The unfriendliness in her tone made it clear that arguing would be useless. I turned and walked back home. The way Mrs. Harrington screamed at me and the panic in her eyes didn't feel right. I decided to investigate.

One night, I slipped out of my front door when she was back inside her house and all the lights were off. Reaching the shack, I noticed there was a large padlock on the door. I took a closer look and spotted a small gap in the wooden door, just big enough to peek through. I hesitated for a moment but finally pressed my nose against the door and peeked inside through the gap.

The inside was dark, but as my eyes adjusted, I nearly fainted at what I saw. Inside the shack were dozens of dogs and they were nothing more than skin and bones! What was going on here? Were they being mistreated by her? I started pulling at the lock, trying to force it open. Suddenly, a light flicked on inside Mrs. Harrington's house. I froze, realizing that I'd woken her up.

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。

Before I could react, the front door burst open, and she rushed toward me.

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Hearing what Mrs. Harrington said, I breathed a sigh of relief.

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1. 对活动的理解；

2. 提出至少两个具体活动形式并说明理由；

注意：1.写作词数应为80左右；

2.可适当增加细节，使行文连贯；

Dear Peter,

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Best regards,

Li Hua

Many of our beliefs about the universe are based on inductive(reason), also known as the scientific model. This means of arrivingthe truth requires the observation of concrete events (follow) by the development of a theory to explain what has been observed. In other words, it's a way to proceed from the particular to the general. However, it is in the nature of scientists (inquire) into every possibility and this means they often discover things that no one (see) or noticed before. Our generalized theories therefore never cease to change.

In fact, most of our new knowledge is gained by the observation of things we have never seen before. Before the first black swan was seen, the (assume) was that all swans are white. This is known as the "Black Swan theory". How could we have known otherwise? There will always be "unknown unknowns" such as black swans, but some people criticize those dare to suggest their existence. We should always be objective and question what we think we know.

The world in the future is bound to be different from now. much we understand, there will always be remote possibility of discovering "a black swan". Accordingly, our comprehension of the world will change (constant). Therefore, we should keep pace with new developments in all domains of knowledge — "black swans" can change history.

One afternoon, we sat side by side in her garden. I was6 the roses, my thoughts wandering as impatience grew with how much there was to do. I wanted to finish quickly, yet my grandmother's eyes remained fixed on the flowers, filled with quiet understanding. "I used to rush through all this," she said softly. "Planting, weeding, always hurrying. Now, I find7 in just watching them grow, letting time8 as it will." Her voice wasn't filled with any9 ; instead, it conveyed a peaceful acceptance, as if she had10 a new way of loving life.

In the days that followed, we shared simple moments — small tasks, quiet conversations, and the gentle flow of our daily routine. I had always flown through tasks before, constantly focused on finishing what was next. But watching her, I began to see a different way of being. She no longer moved quickly; each11 was purposeful, and in her stillness, there was a warmth I had never truly12 before.

As I was about to leave, she smiled gently and said, "You know, love isn't always about13 actions. It's in the little things, the quiet moments we share. Like how these green plants14 , or how we sit here together, simply being." In that moment, I understood: true love, like true life, lies in the patience and15 we give one another.

In daily life, we constantly process visual and auditory (听觉的) information to explore the world. For example, when watching a movie, the brain integrates images and sounds to create a unified experience. However, during movement — such as walking down a busy street — the brain may prioritize visual input over sound to avoid obstacles.

Until now, the neural mechanisms (神经机制) behind this sensory prioritization remained unclear. Understanding this process is particularly important for individuals with sensory processing disorders. such as autism or schizophrenia, where the brain may grapple with integrating sensory information effectively. By uncovering how the brain naturally shifts between sensory inputs, researchers hope to pave the way for better treatment for these conditions.

To investigate this phenomenon, the research team conducted behavioral experiments on mice, monitoring real-time brain activity using miniature microscopes and optogenetics, a technique that uses light to control neurons. The mice were trained to respond to both visual and auditory cues while either stationary or running on a treadmill.

The results revealed a striking shift in sensory reliance: When stationary, the ice relied more on auditory cues to make decisions. When moving, their brains prioritized visual input. This suggests that the brain dynamically adjusts sensory weighting based on behavioral context. Sound may be more useful for detecting nearby events when still, whereas vision becomes critical during movement for spatial navigation and stability.

This discovery could have important implications for understanding and treating sensory processing disorders, where the brain may struggle to properly prioritize sensory inputs. Dr. Lee explained, "Our findings demonstrate how the brain flexibly shifts between vision and hearing depending on behavior. Understanding this natural adaptability could lead to improved treatments for those with sensory integration difficulties."