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Firstly, humor simplifies tough scientific knowledge. For example, explaining AI in self-driving cars with a funny analogy about "machines learning like clumsy toddlers" makes abstract ideas easy for non-professional groups to understand. Scientists sharing clever and humorous stories about laboratory experiments on social media often attract more interactions than dry academic posts. Additionally, humor humanizes scientists, as seen in popular science lectures where light-hearted jokes help audiences feel closer to researchers.

The hidden risks deserve our attention. If the content itself is untrue, humor can even replace facts, leading the audience to form wrong opinions about scientific knowledge just based on the amusing posts they see. Overusing sarcasm or negative humor also has the opposite effect, as it will quickly make scientists lose the public's trust and damage their credibility.

Proper humor use requires a balance between vivid expression and professional precision. It should neither overshadow the core scientific information nor be so shallow that it loses seriousness. Scientists who master this balance can effectively narrow the divide with the public, making science more welcoming and popular.

A. Overuse harms professionalism.

B. It also boosts audience engagement effectively.

C. It helps break the impression of scientists being cold and distant.

D. A little humor can greatly enhance scientists' communication effect.

E. Humor in scientific communication is a double-edged sword, though.

F. It's a helper in making complex concepts understandable to ordinary people.

G. It is believed humor needs to be used with great care in such communication.

Detecting molecules in the air has long fallen behind liquid detection, mainly because target particles (微粒) are extremely dilute — there may be only one in a trillion. To solve this problem, the team turned air into liquid. The device draws in air, adds water vapor with a humidifier, and cools it to turn air into small drops. These drops trap particles and slide into a small container, making detection easy with common tools used for liquid analysis.

Early tests proved its effectiveness. It caught easily evaporated (挥发的) coffee vapor, detected glucose in breath, identified E. coli in the air, and found signs of inflammation (炎症) in mice with unhealthy gut bacteria. Obviously, it solved the problem of capturing molecules that evaporate easily — a major worry during the device's development.

The device was first inspired by the need for non-invasive tests for premature babies in ICUs. These fragile babies are likely to have health problems, and repeated blood tests may put them in danger. Doctors hope the device can track health signs without taking blood, protecting these high-risk patients. It also shows promise for diagnosing inflammatory bowel disease, though the related breath signs first need to be recorded. The team plans to improve and make it smaller to create a wearable device for daily use.

Besides medical uses, this achievement may open the door to new physics research on air impurities and state changes of matter. As a new tool for detecting air chemistry, ABLE fills the space between air and liquid molecule analysis, creating possibilities for various new developments in healthcare and science.

Led by PhD Student Lachlan Schomburgk, the research team analysed 71 published and unpublished studies from 17 countries, including data from more than 11,000 unique participants. They've found that cashless payments lead people to spend more on status-signalling goods like jewellery, while this effect is notably absent in acts of donation or tipping.

"Through this meta-analysis, we identified key factors that make the cashless effect stronger or weaker, which individual studies could not find. By doing this, we uncovered new key understandings that had often been overlooked by other researchers in individual studies." Schomburgk explains.

The findings indicate that consumers should be mindful of how they pay for goods or services, as this helps them spend less, especially critical in the current cost-of-living crisis. To avoid overspending, they're advised to carry cash instead of cards whenever possible as a self-control method. When using cash, they count and hand over notes and coins, making spending more noticeable. If nothing is physically handed over, it's easy to lose track of how much is spent.

The study also provides useful insights for businesses and policymakers. "Businesses should know failing to accept the cashless revolution might unintentionally be jeopardising profit potential," Schomburgk says. "And policymakers should communicate to individuals unfamiliar with cashless payments, such as people who don't have bank accounts, about the possibility of cashless methods to lead to overspending."

Schomburgk stresses a need for urgent in-depth studies of new payment methods, as research on their specific impacts remains limited due to their novelty. Studying these methods is vital to keep pace with the evolving payment ecosystem and deepen understanding of modern consumers' spending habits.

Rinsma is trained by Hexagon's executive chef Rafael Covarrubias, who won the 2019 Canadian title and represented Canada in Milan in 2021. He offers much more than just technical support; he also coaches her on mental resilience, arming her with all-round preparation for the contest. That sense of continuity of one generation of chefs lifting the next helps make Canadian cuisine globally renowned for diversity, regionality and innovation.

Now she will test her signature dish under the supervision of international judges in Milan for the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Award 2024-25, a platform highlighting technical ability, creativity, sustainability and storytelling through food. For Rinsma, it's a chance to bring Canadian ingredients and identity to a global audience.

In Milan, she will share the stage with fellow chefs from every corner of the world: chefs from Hong Kong, Panama, Slovenia, South Africa, the United States and the United Kingdom. Each will present a unique dish shaped by their own culture and training. Together, they represent the future of global food culture.

Rinsma's plan for the future draws equally from memory and ambition. By weaving her grandmother's beloved East Coast flavours into a dish refined for one of the world's most demanding culinary competitions, she bridges past and present, home and away.

Copperwood Trail

Connecting humans and horses, Copperwood Trail offers a diverse range of experiences in Whitchurch-Stouffville. From country coffee in the company of horses and Equine Assisted Learning sessions, to introductory courses on horse behaviour and body language, it has something for everyone. This peaceful family farm is committed to providing a safe, quiet rural escape for all visitors eager for close contact with animals and nature.

Four Seasons Hotel

To mark the arrival of summer, Four Seasons Hotel has opened its seasonal patio. With a new menu and annual mural installation, it shows respect for the French Riviera and Mediterranean coastline. The mural is created by Victoria Sequeira, who says, "I want to spark a visual journey for guests — one full of warmth, peace and a touch of Mediterranean magic."

River Cottage

Since its debut (首次亮相) on British television's Channel 4 in 1999, River Cottage has had a positive influence on the country's eating habits and the welfare of its animals and fish. It's currently home to a cookery school, dining experiences and a calendar of events. The attractive property also offers accommodation in its farmhouse as well as fantastic views of the surrounding Axe Valley.

Green Hill Gardens

Tucked away in the quiet countryside, the family-run Green Hill Gardens has a decades-long history. It offers gentle nature experiences like guided walks, flower tours, herb craft workshops and glasshouse afternoon tea. As a calm natural retreat, the garden follows eco-friendly practices to protect local wildlife, inviting visitors to slow down and enjoy nature's simple beauty.

Every New Year's Eve, as a family tradition, everyone — uncles, aunts, cousins — gathers at one house to celebrate the coming of the new year, having a big dinner and doing the countdown. This year, the gathering would be held in Alex's home and he was so looking forward to it.

Preparing a big dinner is never easy. Mom started the rush early. She was in the kitchen, as busy as a bee. "I hope Dad will be back soon," Mom said to Alex. Dad was a mechanic, responsible for a district's power lines. "He promised he'd get off work at four." Alex replied and volunteered to be the "decoration helper".

At 6:00, the bell rang. It was Aunt Jenny and Uncle Mark, but no Dad. By 6:30, the house was well-decorated and Alex had hung a red lantern high above the doorway, a symbol of happiness and reunion. Mom managed to finish the cooking when the bell rang again. It was Grandma and Grandpa, together with Uncle Jack's family. Still no Dad. Mom was worried, "The cold wind is getting stronger tonight."

While waiting for Dad, Alex turned on the music and kept busy chatting with all the guests about holidays and his school life. Mom texted and called Dad, but, no answer.

At 7:15, stomachs made noise louder than the music. Alex found Mom in the bedroom and he heard Dad say "Sorry" over the phone. Mom handed the phone to Alex, disappointment written on her face. "What happened, Dad?" Dad shouted over the wind, "The main power line is broken! All the workers are here. We have to fix it, or many people will have a cold and dark night. I am so sorry, but you know... this is my duty."

Looking at Mom, Alex felt it was now his job to keep the evening alive. "Well, " Alex replied, "Dad, take your time and take care of yourself. I will help Mom make sure everything goes well. "

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。

"Mom, shall we start the dinner?" asked Alex.

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At 11:50, the door opened and in came Dad, looking tired.

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1. 介绍你的年度词汇；

2. 说明理由和表达感悟。

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。

The Very Word That Best Describes My Senior Three

In a classroom (temporary) decorated into a tea space, Ye Hanzhong, a national-level representative inheritor of gongfu cha, patiently taught students the steps of brewing tea (沏茶) . With each step, from teapot handling to serving, the techniques and the hidden values (display). From water temperature and timing to the proper way of serving, Ye spoke with the same rhythm as tea itself— careful, (attention), unhurried.

He introduced the students to a (simplify) system refined from the tradition's 21 classic movements. The demonstration of brewing and sharing offered a practical entry point into a centuries-old practice without losing the essence of gongfu cha. Yet, the lesson went far tea. In Ye's telling, gongfu cha is a quiet philosophy of life: the discipline of striving for precision and the (wise) of harmony. And the ceremony's most heartfelt moment came students served the tea to their teachers, which is silent yet deep expression of respect and gratitude.

Rooted in everyday life, gongfu cha has always belonged to the people, (enrich) daily moments with warmth and connection. Today, it is finding new pathways into classrooms and younger generations, as it moves beyond its origin to touch a (wide) world.

As a literary2, I'd planned to visit a bookstore recommended by my favorite author. On our first day, we searched through the winding lanes for hours3 and a sudden downpour forced us to end the4.

5 to leave empty-handed, we made a final attempt on the last day. However, contradictory directions from passers-by only deepened our6. As dusk fell, shopkeepers were packing up, streets quieting, and hope fading. Wet from another shower and with a torn map, we felt even more7.

Then, a blind turn led us to a narrow street where a store drew our attention. My sister stopped to8 the map, and I glanced at the signs — "That's it" I9.

The owner looked up, smiled, and10 us in. Inside, floor-to-ceiling bookshelves lined the walls. As I ran my fingers along the bookshelves, a hardcover caught my eye. Just as I11 for it, another hand brushed against the cover. "You like it too?" a woman smiled. As the bookstore's regular, she instantly12 with me and I told her our13 search. The owner, overhearing our story, stepped over and14 us with two copies of the book, each signed by the author. "For those truly appreciating it," he said. My sister captured the moment as we exchanged email, promising to share reflections on the book later.

Detours didn't ruin our trip; instead, they led us to the priceless15 — the places and the people we are meant to meet.

Being specific matters. Instead of using vague (含糊的) phrases like "You can do this!", take time to understand the underlying concerns. For instance, if your younger brother is nervous about giving a speech at his high school graduation, acknowledge his fears directly. Then, offer to go over it with him one more time before the big day.

Pep talks shouldn't be reserved for major events alone. We often cheer people on for major challenges, like running a marathon, but overlook everyday struggles. That's why lending support in ordinary times matters. If a friend mentions feeling overwhelmed by daily chores, send a simple message: "I believe in you." Small gestures can make a big difference, showing care every bit as meaningful as grand support.

Sometimes, it's simply about listening, acknowledging someone's feelings and putting yourself in their shoes. If a friend is upset after losing a pet, assess if they want solutions. If not, offer comfort and acknowledge their pain. Remind them you understand how hard it is, but assure them you're there. This presence and support can be deeply comforting without needing new insights.

Keep it simple. Whether you're cheering others or lifting your spirits, a pep talk needn't be complex. Leaving a brief note saying "Don't give up!" on a colleague's desk, or sending a message to a friend who failed an exam, expressing belief in their ability to improve, can significantly boost spirits. There's no need for perfection; sometimes, simple, touching words are enough to make a difference.

A. Advice isn't always necessary in a pep talk.

B. This shows empathy and provides tailored help.

C. Yet it's these small moments that shape our days.

D. A pep talk doesn't always require a full understanding of others.

E. Even for yourself, straightforward encouragement yields great results.

F. And sometimes, it's you yourself that need a boost of encouragement.

G. Though time-consuming, the encouragement you give proves to be effective.

A study in Nature Ecology & Evolution reported that over 20 bird species across four continents make nearly identical high-pitched (高音调的) "whining" calls to warn others of birds like cuckoos nearby. Cuckoos are brood parasites — they lay eggs in other birds' nests, often pushing out the hosts' own eggs, to trick host birds into raising their chicks. According to co-lead author James Kennerley, this call works as the word for "cuckoo" and appears to be understood across species, offering clues about how language may have originated.

Birds producing this alarm call often live in regions with high numbers of brood parasites that target multiple host species. Hearing the call, potential hosts react aggressively to drive the invaders away.

To investigate further, Will Feeney's team played recordings of such alarm calls — originally from birds on other continents — to potential host birds in Australia and China. They found that the hosts responded just as quickly to foreign alarm calls as to their own. "This indicates that sound helps communication between species, not only within one species," explains Feeney. He suggests that while many bird species may respond to certain alarm sounds, those in parasite-rich areas have adapted the call to carry clear threat information.

Back in 1871, Charles Darwin suggested that spoken language might have evolved from the imitation and modification of instinctive (本能的) sounds — for example, a scream in response to pain. Feeney notes, "Birds changing their built-in calls for a new use could be an early stage toward language, something once thought uniquely human. "

This scene is not science fiction. Engineers at an American tech company built a device using low-frequency sound waves to fight fires. "It's basically vibrating (震动) the oxygen faster than the fuel can use it, blocking the chemical reaction," explains Geoff Bruder, an aerospace engineer who once studied heat engines for NASA.

Fire needs heat, fuel and oxygen; taking one of these away will stop the fire. Sound waves push oxygen away from the fuel, preventing the fire getting the air it needs to continue its burning. The company has demonstrated a fire control from as far as 25 feet away.

Using sound against fire isn't new. A U. S. defense research agency studied it over a decade ago. However, a major challenge is to scale up the technology without creating loud or even damaging sound effects.

The company overcame this by using infrasound — sound waves at 20 hertz (赫兹) or lower, which humans cannot hear. These waves also travel farther than higher-frequency sounds. The device looks like a metal box attached to the roof. When heat sensors detect a flame, an electric motor drives a piston (活塞) to create infrasound, which travels through metal tubes on the roof, creating a "force field" to put out the fire and prevent the building catching another fire.

Experts note that while sound waves can effectively influence fire, they currently work best on smaller flames. Nevertheless, homeowners and large energy companies are game to give it a try: The company is working with two California power suppliers and plans to install fifty pilot units early in 2026.

Most of her classmates were kind. Still, Anne often felt set apart. In quiet moments, a sense of loneliness would wash over her — she was tired of feeling different from everyone else.

That year, the Easter Bunny brought her a basket with a special doll. The doll, Chelsea, is Barbie's sister, and she, too, wore a back brace for scoliosis. "She's just like me!" Anne cried to her mother, Nicole, who smiled as the little girl examined every detail, right down to the doll's curved spine. Anne played with Chelsea every day, bringing the doll everywhere. She felt a sisterhood with another girl like her.

Weeks later, Anne voiced a heartfelt wish: "Mom, I wish all girls with scoliosis could have this doll so they don't ever feel alone either." Nicole saw renewed determination in her daughter's eyes and helped turn the idea into a family mission. Anne's twin brother and her dad all jumped in to help. They launched their efforts by starting a lemonade stand during a neighborhood sale, and then created a GoFundMe page on the Internet.

After a local news station featured their story, the doll's maker stepped in to support the cause, supplying all the dolls they needed. What began as a goal to donate 50 dolls quickly grew beyond expectation. Now 11 years old, Anne and her family have donated more than 870 Chelsea dolls to hospitals nationwide, bringing smiles to countless children.

"Even if you feel alone, you're not," she shared. "Everybody has something. It's what you do with it that matters — so choose to help others to be strong in their journey."

Your Volunteer Role

This project is well suited to those who want to learn more about these amazing animals and help in the efforts of preserving their numbers.

As a volunteer, your key responsibilities may include:

· Daily Turtle Care: Feeding, health monitoring, and releasing hatched baby turtles into the sea.

· Habitat Maintenance: Cleaning beach areas.

· Visitor Engagement: Interacting with the public and helping design educational boards.

Please note, a high level of physical fitness is essential for this project. Meanwhile, the field work is physically demanding, as volunteers have to walk one hour to and from the project site each day.

Your Schedule at a Glance (Minimum 2-week commitment) :

The program runs from Monday to Friday, usually from 9 a. m. to 10 p. m. On beach cleaning days, sessions may be shorter due to heat as you have to work without shade.

Weekends and days off, you can choose how to spend the time, either on site and relax or take the following optional travel packages.

· 2-day Ubud Art & Rice Terraces —$125 (private car and guide included)

· 3-day Volcano Trek & Jungle Adventure —$190 (private jeep, guide and equipment included)

· 4- day Island Hopping (Nusa Lembongan) —$380 (boat transfers, guide and equipment included)

· Weekend Surfer's Coast (Canggu & Uluwatu) —$150 (private taxi and surf lesson included)

It was a sunny summer afternoon. Lila and her father were camping in the Pine Ridge Forest. They had set up their tent near a small river, and her father had taught her how to tell different kinds of trees and track small animals. Lila was having the time of her life, running through the woods, collecting pine cones and listening to the birds singing.

In the late afternoon, the sky suddenly turned dark. The wind picked up, and the leaves on the trees started to shake loudly. "A storm is coming," her father said, his voice serious. "We need to get back to the tent right now, before the rain comes." They started to walk quickly along the path back to their camp.

Just as they turned a corner, Lila heard a soft, weak sound. She stopped, her ears pricked up. "Dad, did you hear that?" she said. Her father stopped and listened. "It's just the wind, Lila. We have to hurry." But Lila heard it again-a low, sad whimper (呜咽声), coming from the bushes beside the path.

She walked over to the bushes and pulled the branches apart. There, under a bush, was a little fox, no bigger than a cat. Its left front leg was caught in a metal trap (捕猎夹), and it was shaking with fear and pain. Its big, round eyes looked up at Lila, filled with terror.

"Oh no, Dad!" Lila cried. "We have to help it!" Her father knelt down beside her, his face worried. "Lila, the storm is almost here. If we don't get back to the tent soon, we'll be stuck in the heavy rain, and it's very dangerous in the woods. The trap is strong, and it will take time to open it." Lila looked at the little fox, its leg bleeding a little, and her heart ached. She couldn't leave it here alone, to die in the storm.

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。

Paragraph 1:

"Dad, we can't leave it here," Lila said firmly, her eyes filled with tears.

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Paragraph 2:

Just as they managed to free the little fox, the first heavy raindrops began to fall.

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1．活动的时间、地点；

2．活动的主要内容；

3．邀请他参加的原因。

注意：

1．写作词数应为80左右；

2．可以适当增加细节，以使行文连贯。

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Tea is the national drink of China, with a history of over 5000 years. In recent years, tea-tourism integration (茶旅融合) (become) a new trend in rural China, combining tea culture with rural tourism to boost rural revitalization.

Anxi County in Fujian Province, the hometown of Tieguanyin tea, is a good example. For hundreds of years, local people (grow) tea here. In the past, most farmers only sold fresh tea leaves or processed tea, brought them limited income. Now, with the development of tea-tourism, the county has turned tea gardens into tourist attractions.

Tourists can come here to pick tea leaves, learn to process tea, taste different kinds of tea, and listen to stories about tea culture. Local farmers have opened family hotels and tea-themed restaurants, (provide) more jobs for villagers. "In the past, I only earned about 30,000 yuan a year from selling tea. Now, with my family hotel, my income (increase) to over 100,000 yuan a year," said a local farmer.

Tea-tourism integration not only improves the income of local people, also helps pass on traditional tea culture. Many tea-producing areas have set up tea museums and tea culture experience centers,, young people can learn about the history and skills of tea making. Some schools even work with tea gardens to set up research bases, (teach) students about tea culture.

"Tea is not just a drink. It carries (we) traditional Chinese culture and spirit," said an expert. "Tea-tourism integration gives a new life to the old tea culture, and helps build a better life for people in rural areas."

When I arrived at the center, a woman told me that my task was to2 old people in the nursing home nearby. I walked into the nursing home with a bad mood. The first person I met was Mr. Li, an 82-year-old man with white hair. He was sitting in a chair alone, looking out of the window. I said hello to him, and he3 at me with a warm smile.

At first, I didn't know what to say. I just sat there quietly. Then Mr. Li started to talk about his4. He was a teacher before he retired, and he had taught Chinese in a middle school for over 30 years. He told me stories about his students, his travels around China, and his love for classical Chinese literature. I was5 at his rich experience, and I forgot about my bad mood.

After that, I went to the nursing home every weekend. I read books to Mr. Li, listened to his stories, and sometimes played chess with him. I also helped other old people with small things, like writing letters, carrying water, or just talking with them. To my6, I started to look forward to these visits.

One day, Mr. Li gave me a7 of his favorite poem, To the Oak Tree, written by Shu Ting. He wrote it down with his own hand, and his handwriting was beautiful. "You are a young girl with a bright future," he said. "This poem tells you to be8, independent and brave. I hope you can remember it."

Two months later, I finished my 40 hours of community service. On my last day at the nursing home, Mr. Li held my hand and said, "Thank you for9 your time with me. You have brought so much happiness to my life." I felt my eyes filled with tears. I realized that I didn't just10 40 hours of service. I had gained something much more11.

That winter, I learned that community service is not just a task to12. It's about connecting with people, listening to their stories, and giving a little warmth to those who need it. Mr. Li and the other old people didn't just get my company.13, they taught me the meaning of life, the value of patience, and the beauty of human connection.

Now I am a college student, and I still go back to the nursing home to visit Mr. Li when I have time. That 40-hour community service14 my life. It taught me that the most meaningful things in life are not about what we get, but what we15.

A gap year between high school and college is a great chance to grow, learn new things and get ready for your college life. However, many students don't know how to make the most of this special time. Here are some useful tips to help you plan a meaningful gap year.

Before you start your gap year, think about what you want to get from this time. Do you want to learn a new skill, get some work experience, help others, or just see more of the world? Setting clear goals will help you make a good plan and avoid wasting your time.

Get out of your comfort zone. A gap year is the perfect time to try things you have never done before. If you are a shy person, you can try to be a volunteer guide in a museum. If you have never left your hometown, you can travel to a different province or even a foreign country. Trying new things will help you become more confident and independent.

College is not just about study, but also about developing skills that will help you in your future life and work. You can use your gap year to learn a new language, master a digital skill like photo editing or programming, or learn to cook, drive or manage money. These skills will be very useful when you start your college life.

Do volunteer work. Volunteering is a great way to give back to the society, meet new people and gain valuable experience.. You can volunteer to teach left-behind children in rural areas, help take care of old people in a nursing home, or join an environmental protection organization. Volunteering will not only make your gap year more meaningful, but also add a bright point to your college application.

Take time to reflect.. During your gap year, take some time to think about your interests, your strengths and weaknesses, and your future plans. This will help you have a clearer idea of what you want to study in college and what kind of person you want to be.

A. Learn useful life skills.

B. Set clear goals at the beginning.

C. You can choose volunteer work that matches your interests.

D. It's important to have fun during your gap year.

E. Many students come back from gap year with a clearer mind.

F. You don't need to travel far to try new things.

G. A gap year is not just about doing things, but also about thinking about yourself.

A 2025 study by the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences found that over 68% of young people aged 18-35 read less than one complete book a year, and most of their daily reading time is spent on fragmented content on social media. "Deep reading is not just about finishing a book. It's about engaging with the text, questioning the writer's ideas, connecting what you read with your own experience, and forming your own opinions," said Professor Zhang Wei, a literature expert from Peking University. "When we read in fragments, we only get the surface information, but we can't develop the ability to think deeply about complex problems."

Many people may think that deep reading is a waste of time in this fast-paced society, but it actually brings many long-term benefits. Studies have shown that deep reading can improve our concentration, reduce stress, and develop our emotional intelligence. When we read a novel, for example, we put ourselves in the characters' shoes, experience their feelings, and learn to understand different points of view. This helps us develop empathy and communicate better with others in real life.

So how can we get back the habit of deep reading? Professor Zhang gives some simple tips. First, start with a book you are really interested in, not a book that others say you "should" read. Second, set a small daily goal, like reading 20 pages a day, and stick to it. Third, turn off your phone and other electronic devices when you read, so you can focus without distraction. "Deep reading is like a muscle. The more you practice it, the stronger it gets," said Professor Zhang. "In a world full of noise and distraction, the ability to focus and think deeply is the most valuable skill we can have."