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1、How to Choose a Good Book
Looking to find that perfect book? Whether you're an enthusiastic reader or just hopping onto the reading train, choosing a good book to read can be a challenging task, especially with so many books to choose from.! We've got the best tips and tricks for picking out what you'll read next.
Read books by your favorite author (s)
Reach for a book you know you'll like because of the author. If you're an enthusiastic reader, you probably have an author or two you absolutely adore. Check the works of your favorite author (s) to see what you haven't read.!
Reach for classics or award-winning books
. Narrow down your search by taking a look at classics or award-winning books. These books are considered notable for a reason, so pick one up to see if it's your cup of tea.
Sometimes the best way to pick a book is by phoning a friend. Reach out to a book-loving friend or family member to see if they've read anything good lately. Head over to a local bookstore or library and ask workers what they'd advise you to read.
Participate in a book club
Join or start a book club to discover new books. In a book club, you read, discuss, and analyze books of all genres (类型), topics, and preferences.. It also helps you make new friends, and gives you the chance to expand your personal library.
A. Ask for book recommendations
B. Seek suggestions from book lovers
C. Luckily, you've come to the right place
D. Being a member can motivate you to read
E. These unread titles may just be 5-star reads
F. You may find real drive to read in a book club
G. It's easy to feel confused when there are countless books to choose from
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2、Every time AI drafts an e-mail or an image, the planet pays for it. Making two images can consume as much energy as charging a smartphone. By 2027, the global AI industry could annually consume as much electricity as the Netherlands. And a new study identifies another concern: generative AI applications alone could add 1.2 million to five million tons of this harmful trash to the planet by 2030.
Such a contribution would add to the tens of millions of tons of electronic products the globe abandons annually. Cell phones, computers and other digital products often contain mercury (汞), lead or other poisons. When improperly disposed of, they can pollute air, water and soil. In 2022, about 78% of the world's e-waste end up in landfills or at unofficial recycling sites, where laborers risk their health to clean up rare metals.
The AI boom (热潮) rapidly consumes data storage devices and high-performance components, which are usually replaced when new versions are available. To calculate the e-waste contribution, researchers examined hardware use, lifespan, and the industry's growth rate. Their prediction is an estimate that could change based on various factors.
This study's biggest value comes from its attention to AI's broad environmental impacts, says Shaolei Ren, a researcher at the University of California, Riverside. "We might want AI companies to slow down a bit," he says.
Few countries mandate (强制) the proper disposal of e-waste, and those that do often fail to carry out their existing laws on it. Twenty-five U. S. states have e-waste management policies, but there is no federal law that requires electronics recycling.
Thankfully, some companies claim to be taking independent action. Microsoft and Google have committed to reaching net zero waste and net zero emissions respectively by 2030. They have many options to limit e-waste. It's possible to squeeze more life out of servers, for instance, through regular maintenance and updates or by shifting worn-out devices to less-intensive applications. These strategies are vital to reduce e-waste and benefit society, the study authors estimate.
(1)、What can be inferred from Paragraph 1?A、The Netherlands consumes too much electricity. B、The disadvantages of AI outweigh the advantages. C、The environmental footprint of AI is alarmingly extensive. D、AI's energy-related issues largely result from image-making.(2)、What is Shaolei Ren's attitude toward the growth of AI companies?A、Dismissive. B、Positive. C、Cautious. D、Ambiguous.(3)、What is the key to reducing e-waste?A、Adjusting AI application frequency. B、Prioritizing smartphone recycling. C、Banning the overuse of AI completely. D、Adopting device-lifespan-extending measures.(4)、What is the best title for the text?A、AI May Worsen the E-waste Crisis B、E-waste Calls for Proper Use of AI C、E-waste Problems Mostly Blame on AI D、AI and E-waste Always Go Hand in Hand -
3、In 2002, poet Michael Palma published a translation of Inferno by Dante(但丁), the first part of The Divine Comedy. This December, he released a translation of the full poem, even making adjustments to his original Inferno. "The rhythm or pattern of the poem seemed looser," Palma said, so he revised it.
For this new translation, Palma aimed to stick to Dante's terza rima rhyme pattern. In the original, the first and third lines rhyme, and the second line sets up the rhyme for the next group. Here's how Palma's version of Canto 1 of Purgatorio starts: "Right now, my small boat of wisdom raises its sails, ready to sail through the dangerous waters and leave this rough sea behind."
Approaching the translation this way is challenging as one can't focus on just three lines at a time. Many English translations use free poetry or a looser rhyme, which Palma admits can be good. But he believes not reproducing the rhymes means losing much of the poem's sound and music. He also thinks it fails to show readers what Dante did.
Palma isn't the first to attempt this. So, what's the value in another translation of The Divine Comedy? Joseph Luzzi, a literature professor, said translation is a form of autobiography, which has no fixed rules.
Luzzi recently published his translation of Dante's Vita Nuova, a less-known work. It portrays a young Dante's experience. In these works, themes like love, the exploration of human nature, and the pursuit of self-improvement arc noticeable. Translating his work keeps it alive, and its relevance is clear.
We can learn from these translations and discussions that literature has the power to connect different times and cultures. It encourages us to think deeply, explore different ways of expression, and continuously improve our understanding and appreciation of the world.
(1)、Which of the following words best describes Palma's translation of Dante's Inferno?A、Imaginative. B、Innovative. C、Faithful. D、Complex.(2)、What was the main difficulty Palma faced in his new translation?A、It was word-limited. B、It was culture-bound. C、It was time-consuming. D、It was pattern-challenging.(3)、Which of the following statements is Luzzi most likely to agree with?A、Translation is a self-reflective act. B、Translation demands strict pattern. C、Translation changes outdated themes. D、Translation is not applicable to less-known works.(4)、In which part of a newspaper might you find the article?A、Stories. B、Books. C、Pop culture. D、Celebrity Corner. -
4、Jingmai Mountain, located in southwestern Yunnan Province, is a remarkable site with a long-standing tea-growing history. For more than one thousand years, the Blang and Dai people have carefully, maintained the ancient tea forest. This particular tea variety gives rise to the highly-regarded Pu'er tea. Considered "drinkable gold" by tea experts, Pu'er tea undergoes fermentation (发酵) for at least 10 years, which creates a deeper flavor. It softens and becomes more complex with age, thus increasing its worth.
The local tea-related culture is deeply rooted. The Blang people believe that everything has a soul and should leave nature undisturbed, preserving sustainable tea-farming practices. They have been avoiding the use of weed killers. Jingmai's closely managed lands may seem wild compared to other tea plantations worldwide. A vibrant vegetation (植被) carpets the forest floor, creating a rich habitat for animals and helping the soil keep essential moisture. The areas are separated to prevent the spread of diseases and pests.
In the early 2000s, the Chinese government's investment in rural infrastructure, like new roads and electricity, brought new opportunities to Jingmai Mountain. However, as the area developed, some problems emerged, such as deforestation by some villagers. In response, local leaders took action quickly. They called for the protection of the forests and traditional tea-growing methods.
Around 2010, the local community and the government united to apply for World Heritage status. Eventually, UNESCO formally recognized Jingmai Mountain as a World Heritage site, an honor reserved for places that provideidiosyncratic cultural value. It is the only site related to tea cultivation. To protect this precious area, the government built a stone-paved road to prevent destruction of the tea' s aroma (香气).
Today, tea is the backbone of the region's economy, contributing 90% of the local income. The younger generation promotes Jingmai tea through modern means like livestreaming. The conservation and development of Jingmai Mountain's tea heritage not only safeguard its unique natural and cultural features but also ensure its long-term prosperity.
(1)、Why does Pu'er tea undergo fermentation?A、To deepen its color. B、To enrich its taste. C、To meet market demand. D、To sell it at a better price.(2)、Which of the following statements best matches Jingmai's tea-growing culture?A、Respect is the best policy. B、All's well that ends well. C、Every cloud has a silver lining. D、Rome was not. built in a day.(3)、What does the underlined word "idiosyncratic" in Paragraph 4 probably mean?A、Unique. B、Educational. C、Social. D、Historical.(4)、What is the writing purpose of the text?A、To highlight the role of sustainable farming. B、To prove the popularity of Chinese tea culture. C、To make Jingmai tea culture known to the world. D、To report the news of world tea heritage recognition. -
5、Seeking Student-Friendly Jobs?
The university and local enterprises have worked together to introduce a variety of programs to assist students in finding suitable jobs.
Not sure where to begin? Visit the university's career center website. There, you can access a wealth of programs and resources to help students build skills, find jobs, or explore career paths.
Research Assistant
Work alongside professors on cutting-edge research projects in your field of study. This position offers hands-on experience, the opportunity to enhance your academic knowledge, and build valuable connections with professors.
Who qualifies: Second-year or higher undergraduates (本科生) in relevant majors. Research method and data collection skills preferred.
Campus Event Organizer
Help plan and perform various campus events, from academic workshops to cultural festivals. This role allows you to exhibit your creativity, leadership, and organizational skills.
Who qualifies: 18-year-old or older students from all majors. Event planning or student organization experience is a plus.
Tutoring Assistant
Provide academic support to fellow students in subjects you are good at. This is a great way to reinforce (巩固) your own knowledge while helping others.
Who qualifies: Undergraduates with a 3.0+ GPA in the tutoring subject. Strong communication and teaching skills required.
Social Media Management Intern (实习生)
Work with the university's marketing department or local startups to manage their social media platforms. Gain practical experience in digital marketing, content creation, and audience engagement.
Who qualifies: Marketing, communication or related majors. Familiarity with major social media platforms and basic graphic design skills beneficial.
(1)、What type of students are suitable for Research Assistant?A、Newcomers with organizational skills. B、Graduates with data collection skills. C、Third-year undergraduates in relevant majors. D、High school students with an interest in research.(2)、What should one do as a tutoring assistant?A、Plan campus cultural events. B、Help partners with their lessons. C、Conduct research with professors. D、Manage social media platforms.(3)、Which job involves web-based publicity?A、Research Assistant. B、Campus Event Organizer. C、Tutoring Assistant. D、Social Media Management Intern. -
6、听下面一段独白,回答以下小题。(1)、Who is the speaker talking to?A、Leaders and employees. B、Parents and children. C、Coaches and players.(2)、When will the junior teams attend training sessions?A、On Saturday afternoons. B、On Saturday mornings. C、On Wednesday afternoons.(3)、What does the speech focus on?A、Changes for the coming season. B、Rules for soccer competitions. C、Schedules for the club meeting.
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7、听下面一段较长对话,回答以下小题。(1)、What are the speakers talking about?A、Language learning. B、Fear of flying. C、Vacation plan.(2)、Why doesn't the woman want to go to Mexico?A、She's afraid of flying. B、She hates the food there. C、She went there last summer.(3)、What does the man say about Spanish?A、It's hard to learn. B、He can only say a few words. C、He's been learning it for a year.(4)、What probably makes the woman change her mind?A、The beauty of the beaches in Mexico. B、The popularity of English in Mexico. C、The possibility of learning some Spanish.
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8、听下面一段较长对话,回答以下小题。(1)、What job does the woman probably take up?A、An editor. B、A teacher. C、An architect.(2)、What inspired Sam to pursue his career?A、His desire to develop attractive spaces. B、His aim of promoting greener lifestyles. C、His family tradition in the field of architecture.(3)、What is mentioned as a highlight of Sam's career?A、Starting his own business. B、Working on a landmark building. C、Completing a project ahead of schedule.(4)、What does Sam value most about working in construction?A、Keeping creative. B、Promoting teamwork. C、Staying updated on technology.
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9、听下面一段较长对话,回答以下小题。(1)、What is the relationship between the speakers?A、Teacher and student. B、Schoolmates. C、Cousins.(2)、What subject is Jane weak in?A、English. B、History. C、Math.
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10、听下面一段较长对话,回答以下小题。(1)、What is the man satisfied with about his new phone?A、Its size. B、Its camera. C、Its apps.(2)、What does the man usually do with his new phone?A、Taking photos. B、Watching videos. C、Talking with friends.
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11、How did the man feel in the water before 10 years old?A、Embarrassed. B、Calm. C、Nervous.
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12、How will the speakers go to the cinema?A、By bus. B、By taxi. C、By underground.
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13、Where does the conversation probably take place?A、At a hospital. B、At a bank. C、At an airport.
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14、What is the woman's duty in the event?A、Making food. B、Playing in the band. C、Giving directions.
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15、What time is it now?A、About 4:20 pm. B、About 4:40 pm. C、About 5:00 pm.
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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。
Herbal medicine is an important part of Chinese culture and the practice of traditional Chinese medicine. The emperor Shen Nong is said to have tasted 100 herbs, allowed him to teach the Chinese people how to use them in their diet and (treat) for illness. These herbs help the body to stay in balance and goji berries are one of them.
Since 200 B.C., goji berries (use) in traditional Chinese medicine. In China, goji berries are known "wolfberry fruit" and they were once mentioned in the oldest book of Chinese herbs in existence, Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing. They are also known to act (positive) on the organs because of the detoxifying (解毒) properties, thus (contribute) to our qi and energy.
Goji berries are excellent source of antioxidants (抗氧化剂), amino acids and 20 other trace (mineral). The list of goji berry benefits is long, including (it) ability to promote healthy skin, protect eye health, adjust blood sugar levels and fight cancer.
In China, goji berries are commonly cooked and added to recipes like porridge, soups and dishes (make) with chicken, pork or vegetables. They are also used to make various teas, juices and wines.
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17、As an only child, Nicole Renae often felt lonely in her youth. But that all1 when her grandmother surprised her with a (n)2 puppy "Chloe" for her 10th birthday.
The two were inseparable, because they were best friends. Chole always3 her face. But when Renae was 14, her father got a new job: He'd be working from home without4 . With no option, the family surrendered (被迫交出) noisy Chloe to a humane society although Renae didn't want to5 her dog.
In time, Renae had a child of her own. Remembering the6 that having a dog had brought her as a kid, Renae wanted her daughter to7 the same. Then one day, she saw a 8 on Facebook about a senior dog named Chloe that needed a new home.9 she decided to adopt this dog.
When Renae met Chloe, she was struck with a10 feeling. The dog ran up to her and started licking her face. Chloe11 Renae so much of her old dog that the12 overwhelmed her. She knew it was her Chole.13, ten years had passed since they last met, and her whole family thought she was crazy.
Luckily, there was a way to14 the theory: Her Chloe had a microchip with the ID number. Sure enough, the dog also had a microchip and the numbers were a15 . Renae was overjoyed to have her back.
(1)A 、mattered B 、changed C 、worked D 、occurred(2)A 、adorable B 、annoying C 、disgusting D 、admirable(3)A 、cleaned B 、bit C 、scratched D 、licked(4)A 、pressure B 、distraction C 、burden D 、arrangement(5)A 、get along with B 、get rid of C 、take possession of D 、catch up with(6)A 、satisfaction B 、despair C 、hope D 、joy(7)A 、emphasize B 、experience C 、explore D 、expect(8)A 、letter B 、comment C 、post D 、like(9)A 、Initially B 、Previously C 、Instantly D 、Regularly(10)A 、familiar B 、strange C 、fantastic D 、terrible(11)A 、informed B 、convinced C 、warned D 、reminded(12)A 、excitement B 、relief C 、pride D 、amusement(13)A 、Therefore B 、Then C 、However D 、Meanwhile(14)A 、test B 、accept C 、examine D 、record(15)A 、miracle B 、challenge C 、magic D 、match -
18、Hop on the Silent Walking Trend
Silent walking involves walking outdoors without distractions like music or conversations, focusing on the mind-body-nature connection. That's a slower, lower-impact way to relax and is great for fitness. Here's everything you need to know about the trend.
Select a natural setting and fully engage your senses. For reaping the mental health benefits, it is recommended to find a quiet and peaceful natural location. Meanwhile, consciously observing the sights, sounds, smells, and physical sensations during the walk can significantly impact cognitive and emotional well-being.
To stimulate the mind, consider exploring different routes than usual. Without your favourite podcast or playlist, you might slip into boredom on your walk. And it might even be good for your brain. Scientists applaud the virtue s of boredom for brain health, believing that it boosts creativity and improves social connections. And if you do get bored, rest assured that it shows you've disconnected from external distractions. Go with it, and make sure you take a different route each time — it'll keep you motivated.
Start off with five-minute silent walks and eventually build up to thirty minutes. If you're usually a headphone wearer, it will feel super weird to walk without your go-to tunes, but give yourself a second to adjust. Chances are, once you're a few minutes into your silent walk, you'll feel the magic kick in.
Regular reflection and ongoing documentation are essential. After completing a silent walk, take time to reflect upon any emerging thoughts, feelings, or insights. Journaling about the experience can also solidify connections between thoughts and ideas, providing a valuable tool for self-reflection and growth.
A. But being bored won't hurt you.
B. Taking different paths can lead to exciting discoveries.
C. However, you'll start noticing the urban landscape around you.
D. Adjusting the routine gradually can help ease into the experience.
E. They can deepen understanding and serve as a record of personal growth.
F. Unlike exercise-oriented walking, it isn't about reaching certain speed or steps.
G. In such an environment, you can immerse yourself in the natural soundscape (音景).
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19、One key element of human language is the connection of words with meanings. Scientists had long thought that unlike our words, animal vocalizations(发出的声音) were involuntary, showing the feelings of the animal without communicating any other information. However, over the last forty years, many studies have shown that different animals have different calls with specific meanings. Interestingly, the most impressive are birds.
Many bird species use different alarm calls for different predators(捕食性动物). Japanese tits, which nest in tree holes, have one call that causes their young to lower down to avoid being pulled out of the nest by crows, and another call for tree snakes that sends the young jumping out of the nest completely. And black-capped chickadees change the number of "dees" in their calls to indicate the size and threat of predators.
Besides alarm calls, many bird species use recruitment calls that gather other members of their species. Japanese tits add alarm calls to recruitment calls to create a sort of call to arm, gathering their partner members to attack and drive off a predator. When the birds hear this call, they approach the caller while scanning for danger.
Scientists led by Professor Toshitaka Suzuki of Kyoto University discovered that the order of the combined calls matters to the Japanese tits. When Suzuki's team played a recorded "alarm + recruitment" call to tits, it gets a much stronger response than a "recruitment + alarm" call. However, this could simply be explained by the birds responding to the combined calls without knowing the parts of the combination, but the scientists tried to clarify this question from different angles.
(1)、What do we know about animal vocalizations?A、They are produced unconsciously. B、They lack meaningful information. C、They are difficult for scientists to understand. D、They are connected with particular meanings.(2)、How does the writer develop paragraph 2?A、By the order of time. B、By the order of space. C、By providing examples. D、By making comparisons.(3)、What's the reaction of Japanese tits to a predator?A、They jump out of their nests immediately. B、They change the number of "dees" in their calls. C、They combine alarm calls with recruitment calls. D、They approach the predator while looking for danger.(4)、What will the text talk about next?A、Other reasons for the birds' different responses. B、Various habits and characteristics of Japanese tits. C、Diverse combinations of animals' vocalizations. D、The importance of the "recruitment + alarm" call. -
20、In the vast digital landscape, Google stands as a towering giant of innovation and creativity. Among its many offerings, one stands out for its ability to charm, educate, and celebrate the diversity of human culture—the Google Doodle (涂鸦). This artistic project, which has evolved from simple still images to animated pictures, interactive games, and short videos, has turned the usual act of searching the internet into an enjoyable journey through history, culture, and, importantly, the English language.
The idea of Google Doodle began in the late 1990s, when the company's founders, Larry Page and Sergey Brin, wanted to add a touch of fun and personality to their search engine. The first Google Doodle, created in 1998 to mark the Burning Man Festival, was the start of a tradition that has since become known for its creativity, diversity and user engagement.
Each Google Doodle is a masterpiece, designed and published by any doodler online to bring out the certain theme every year. From paying respect to literary greats like Mark Twain and Dickens to marking key moments in worldwide history, such as the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Google Doodles show the global influence of English and colorful cultural roots.
One of the most amazing things about Google Doodle is its ability to mix the English language with artistic expression. Many Doodles include clever wordplay, literary quotes, and historical references, encouraging users to explore the events and celebrities more deeply. For example, a Doodle celebrating the life and works of William Shakespeare might show famous quotes from his plays, inviting users to dive into the rich world of Elizabethan literature.
In conclusion, Google Doodle is more than just a visual delight. Through its charming designs, and interactive features, it invites us to explore, appreciate, and celebrate the diverse traditions that have shaped our shared human heritage. It serves as a bridge connecting the digital world with human emotions and memories, making every search a potential discovery of beauty and meaning.
(1)、What can you do on Google Doodle?A、Learn how to doodle. B、Celebrate all festivals. C、Enjoy short videos. D、Study the English language.(2)、Why did Larry Page and Sergey Brin create Google Doodle?A、To make Google funny and personalized. B、To mark the Burning Man Festival in 1988. C、To celebrate a certain theme every year. D、To show the global influence of Google.(3)、What does paragraph 4 mainly talk about?A、One key technique of Google Doodle. B、One common subject of Google Doodle. C、One amazing capability of Google Doodle. D、One artistic representative of Google Doodle.(4)、In which column of a magazine can you probably find this text?A、Creativity & Art. B、Language & Culture. C、Festivals & Celebrations. D、Emotions & Memories.