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One day, in class, I started writing a4 on my notebook. Outside, Mount Tindastóll's snowy heights were lit in pink from the late sunrise. I became so5 pressing its beauty into paper that I did not6 my teacher, Geirlaugur, until he cleared his throat and asked, "Poetry?" "Sorry," I said.

Geirlaugur called me to his desk the next day. I was expecting7, but instead he handed me a collection of Icelandic nature poems. "Keep going, and your work will be8 one day. Onwards." he told me.

From that day on, my relationship with Iceland9. I threw myself into reading Icelandic novels, found friendship and10, and realized that Icelanders11 writers. One friend told me12 that Iceland is a nation of writers: one in 10 would publish a book.

I would not have become a13 were it not for Iceland. She14 my confidence in the worthiness of writing. Her mountains remain my15. And if I feel the old doubt, I remember Geirlaugur's voice. "Onwards."

A large place, a beautiful place, and an inexhaustible place. And so I decided on the Metropolitan Museum of Art, a treasure house within walking distance of my apartment — seven minutes, I timed it.

But here's the thing: I've lived within walking distance of the Met for years. The museum had always been there, waiting, but I'd mostly ignored it.

For me, the Met was an untapped possibility that I was eager to explore, and I wondered if other people felt the same way. I asked on social media. I'd assumed that my desire to visit the same place every day was fairly unusual, so I was surprised by how enthusiastically people embraced this idea. I heard from many people who already made daily visits, or who liked the idea of making daily visits, to places such as: the beach, public library, hiking trails, and even a castle!

When I started this experiment of making a daily visit, I had no idea what to expect. Spoiler alert (剧透): I love this visit. I may visit the Met every day for the rest of my life. I'm reminded of one of my favorite quotations by Alberto Giacometti:

Everything gains in grandeur (宏伟) every day, becomes more and more unknown, more and more beautiful.

A. It's a highlight of my daily schedule.

B. I was astonished by the flood of answers I received.

C. Visiting the same place every day was not easy for me.

D. The closer I come, the grander it is, the more remote it is.

E. The fact that I could visit was no guarantee that I would visit.

F. People who try new things and go to new places tend to be happier.

G. For this challenge, I needed a place I could easily visit, day after day.

The study was led by Maria Loconsole, a comparative psychologist at the University of Padua. She and her colleagues placed chicks in front of two panels: one featured a flowerlike shape with gently rounded curves; the other had a spiky shape like a cartoon explosion. They then played recordings of humans saying either "bouba" or "kiki" and observed the birds' behavior. When the chicks heard "bouba," 80 percent of them approached the round shape first and spent an average of more than three minutes exploring it compared with an average of just under one minute spent exploring the spiky shape. When the chicks heard "kiki," the opposite occurred.

One long-standing theory that these associations are inspired by the shape your mouth makes when you say each word can now be ruled out, since the chicks showed the effect despite being unable to speak. Instead the "bouba-kiki" effect may originate from the physical properties of objects themselves. When round objects hit the ground or roll, they typically produce more continuous, low-frequency sounds than spiky ones. A built-in grasp of those dynamics, linking sight and sound, could help newborn animals quickly make sense of their environment, possibly to locate food or avoid predators (食肉动物).

The "bouba-kiki" effect may have played a role in the emergence of language. But for chickens, this same tendency seems to serve a more evolutionary purpose. "Even if language is unique to humans," Loconsole says, "that doesn't mean that it comes from an ability that is unique to humans."

Cities across the U.S. are struggling with two problems: too much empty office space and not enough housing. Nationally, office vacancy rates reached roughly 20% in 2024, after years of employees working from home. At the same time, the national housing shortage is in the millions. Cities like D.C., are now betting that by turning empty offices into homes, one crisis can help solve the other.

A project in D.C., which broke ground last month, is the largest such conversion (转化) in the city to date. The overall structure of the buildings will remain the same, but with major additions: a lighter-colored exterior will replace the gray concrete from the 1960s, and old inefficient windows will be replaced by larger ones that let in more light per unit. Plans include luxuries such as a pool and a dog park, with projected rent around $4,000 per month. Yet 60 units will be set aside as affordable housing. "We would love to do more," says Matt Pestronk, the president of a development company, "but unfortunately, almost all capital seeks a return. This was as much as we could afford to do."

"The scale of the shortage far outpaces what conversions can provide." says Tracy Loh, a fellow at the Brookings Institution who studies adaptive reuse of old buildings. But she argues that these projects still matter, "It does kill two birds with one stone, in terms of providing some housing supply." And it tends to create housing in central, transit-accessible areas that are in high demand.

The decline of manufacturing (制造业) in the late 20th century offers a glimpse of what comes next. When shifts happen in the economy and society, the built environment must change to match contemporary demand. Just as empty factory floors became trendy apartments, today's empty office spaces are turning into stylish kitchens and bedrooms.

Certainly, you have to put in a bit of effort. Ever since I became an energy exporter, I have been patrolling (巡逻) the house, trying to maximize our production. Of course, I get some complaints from my wife, Jocasta, along the lines of "I was using that light to read a book" or "Why didn't you save my work before turning off my computer," but I think she is grateful for my assistance.

The only problem? Just last night, I turned off everything, but we were still consuming 0.05 of a kilowatt. I checked the fridge. It was not humming (哼鸣). All the overhead lights were out. Nothing was on standby. Yet there it was. I hardly slept, my mind trying to work through every corner of the house.

Back at office, I find it hard to tear my eyes away from the app. Right now, it's midday. Jocasta is at home. I glance at the app. Oh no! Clouds overhead! Disaster! We're now producing nothing. Nothing at all. And consumption is suddenly through the roof. We're using up grid power. What's Jocasta up to? Running a factory?

The next day, at work, around midday, I check the app just to calculate how much I've earned. What? Disaster! Clouds overhead again and yet power still being used. Jocasta is out of the house. Why, oh why, has Jocasta left the TV remote in reach of the dog? I must have a word with him. You see, sometimes it's hard to be ahead of your time.

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At twenty-four, I moved to America, a massive 11,000 kilometers away from my homeland. The initial excitement of a new start soon faded, replaced by the harsh reality of fitting into an unfamiliar environment. Since I worked from home, my world was reduced to the four walls of my small apartment and a glowing laptop screen. I spent my days in video meetings where people spoke a language that was still a bit too fast for me to fully grasp. When the screens went dark, the silence of the rooms seemed to echo my own growing sense of displacement. I was physically in a new country, but mentally, I was still searching for a place to land.

Desperate to break this suffocating (令人窒息的) isolation, I signed up as a volunteer at a local animal shelter. My supervisor, a kind woman named Sarah, introduced me to the residents. In the farthest corner of the cat section, she stopped before a small cage. "This is Luna," she whispered. "She was found abandoned in a rainy alley. She's terrified of everything."

Luna was a small, grey-and-white cat with large, lonely green eyes. Whenever I approached, she would cower (畏缩) in the corner, her tiny body shaking at the slightest sound. Sarah told me that my only task was to help Luna feel safe again. For the first two weeks, I sat outside her cage for hours every day. I brought my laptop and worked there, or I would speak to her softly about the home I missed, describing the busy streets and the scent of my mother's cooking. I wanted to comfort her, but the invisible wall between us remained.

One stormy afternoon, a sudden crash of thunder shook the shelter's roof. The lights flickered, and the animals began to cry out in fear. I looked at Luna, who trembled more than ever, her breath coming in quick, tiny gasps (喘气) as she tried to hide behind a small wooden box in her cage.

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。

I opened the cage door and sat quietly beside her.

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Luna's progress soon began to change me as well.

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A Latin translation of The Tao Te Ching, (forget) in the British Library for more than 300 years, has recently been rediscovered and published through the efforts of Misha Tadd, a scholar at Nankai University.

Tadd says, "Compared with The Analects of Confucius, which (root) in the traditions and rules of the Spring and Autumn Period (770-476 BC), The Tao Te Ching does not involve specific names, places, social systems." This quality allows it to go beyond cultural boundaries and speak directly to universal human concerns.

Tadd's connection with The Tao Te Ching began at the age of 14, when he came an English edition in a small-town library in the United States. That chance encounter sparked one-of-a-kind interest in Chinese culture.

Years later, while (study) a Latin translation of The Republic by Plato, Tadd wondered if The Tao Te Ching could also be translated into Latin. His search eventually led him to the British Library, he discovered a Latin manuscript of the text, translated by early missionaries. He discovered parts of the manuscript were faded and (complete), and it was not until 2022 that he obtained a full digital scan of the work. He spent a long time transcribing, comparing, and annotating the text word by word. "It requires enduring (patient)," Tadd says.

The thought system of The Tao Te Ching is grounded in China, but its interpretation and influence are now (true) global.

At checkout, his card4. He wasn't even surprised; he just quietly asked the cashier to remove items until the total5 worked. The woman behind us in line, who didn't look6 at all, suddenly7 and said, "Ring it all up on mine."

My dad refused. But the woman8. He refused harder, his face turning slightly red. She looked him9 in the eye and said, "Sir, someone did this for my family when I was 7 years old. I remember how10 it made my dad feel to be unable to provide. But I also remember how we ate that week. Let me pay it forward. You can pay me back by doing the same for someone else when you are11"

She paid $83 for his groceries and12 to give her name. She just remarked that his turn would come and left. My dad cried in the car. Faced with numerous hardships, he never13 in his life, yet that stranger's silent understanding finally broke through his defenses.

I'm going to remember this. Next time I see someone14 change at checkout, I'm going to be that15 for them. Kindness, I realized, is a chain that should never stop moving.

Cultivate a growth mindset

A growth mindset is the belief that your abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work. Instead of seeing challenges as unbeatable barriers, you should view them as chances to improve.. By focusing on learning and perseverance, individuals can significantly enhance their Adversity Quotient. This shift in thinking allows people to see themselves as active participants in their growth rather than passive victims.

Having a strong support network is crucial in times of adversity. Surrounding yourself with positive individuals can provide encouragement and guidance. Sharing experiences and looking for support from others who have faced similar challenges can help in building resilience and enhancing your adaptability. Knowing you are not alone often provides the extra strength needed to keep moving forward.

Learn from every setback

Every failure presents an opportunity for learning and growth.  Reflecting on past experiences and identifying areas for improvement can contribute to the development of your resilience. This habit prevents individuals from being frozen by the fear of making mistakes again.

 With the right mindset, strong external support, and a habit of reflecting on setbacks, anyone can navigate life's storms and emerge stronger than before. Resilience, after all, is not about never falling, but about how quickly you get back up.

A. Lean on a reliable community

B. Expand your social connection

C. Focusing on the negative side of a crisis is a natural tendency.

D. This internal perspective acts as a guide through hardship.
E. High AQ individuals actively draw lessons from their failures.

F. It serves as a practical tool to evaluate one's future potential.

G. Embracing these shifts in attitude will lead to lasting growth.

The study conducted by a research team found that people around the world could identify lullabies (摇篮曲), dance songs, and comforting songs — regardless of the songs' cultural origin — after hearing just a 14-second clip (片段). The finding suggests that not only is music deeply rooted in human nature, but that some types of songs break cultural boundaries.

The findings are based on a wide-reaching experiment in which 750 online participants in 60 countries listened to brief clips of songs collected from nearly 90 small societies around the world, including hunter-gatherers and some special farmers. Participants then answered six questions, rating each clip according to whether they believed the song was used for dancing, calming a baby, treating illness, or expressing love. Two additional uses — mourning (哀悼) the dead and telling a story — were included as controls.

The data showed that despite participants' unfamiliarity with the cultures, the random sampling of each song, and the short duration of the samples, people were able to reliably infer the songs' functions, and that their ratings were consistent across the world.

The findings ran counter to expert expectations. The team had also asked professionals, including performers, composers, psychologists, and scientists about whether they believed people would be able to identify the song types. Their answer was no. And not only that, but they predicted that people's responses will be inconsistent with one another. "That's not what we found," the researchers said.

The researchers also wanted to know whether listeners were recognizing certain non-musical characteristics of the songs. To test that, the team conducted a second study. This time, they asked listeners about a number of contextual and musical features, ranging from the gender of the singers to the rhythm of the song.

When data from the two studies were combined, the results showed that songs of the same function shared similar characteristics — lullabies, for example, tended to be slower and simpler than dance music — suggesting that something about musical characteristics crosses cultural boundaries.

Previous research has already shown that higher levels of education are connected to higher earnings, but the exact relationship between high school grades and income wasn't well understood. French notes that while good grades are important for getting into college, this study is the first to show their impact on how much money people make later in life.

The study used information from the National Longitudinal Survey of Adolescent Health, looking at the records, demographics (人口特征) , and backgrounds of over 10, 000 people. Their educational background and income were checked when the participants were between 24 and 34 years old, which was about ten years after they finished high school.

The study looked at data for men and women separately and found that women generally have higher high school GPAs, but men earn more money each year. However, no matter the gender, a higher GPA makes it twice as likely for someone to finish college.

It's also interesting to note that without considering GPA and other performance measures, students from disadvantaged backgrounds seem to have lower levels of education compared to their peers (同龄人) . However, when these factors are included, these groups of students achieve higher levels of education if they have similar high school GPAs to their peers. This could be because students with good grades, regardless of their initial socioeconomic status, are more motivated to go to college.

By understanding the importance of high school performance, teachers and counselors (辅导员) can help students see how it affects both their short-term goals like getting into college and their long-term goals like how much they'll earn as adults. The findings of the research are important for policymakers and educators who want to help students succeed.

It's me, Faisal Abdullah Malik, your son from Pakistan, who crossed the border for a heart transplant. You saved my life a decade ago by making a decision that only a mother as extraordinary as you could make.

On 26 December 2014, both our lives changed forever. Karthick, your beloved son, was brought to Tirupur Government Hospital, near Coimbatore, in southern India, after a tragic road accident. He was later transferred to G. Kuppusamy Naidu Memorial (GKNM) Hospital. When the doctors declared him brain dead, you had to face the unthinkable, holding his hand, saying your silent goodbyes.

In the depths of that unimaginable grief, Mom, you made a choice that speaks of boundless courage and selflessness. You not only gave me Karthick's heart but also donated five other organs, giving the gift of life to six strangers. You made this difficult decision without ever questioning the race, religion, or nationality. Your decision was solely about saving lives.

Today, as a father of two growing children, I can truly understand the magnitude of your sacrifice. I can only imagine the storm of emotions you must have battled. Did you question if it was the right decision? Did you fear it was too much to bear? And yet, in the darkest hour of your life, you chose life for others. You chose hope. I know Karthick must be so proud of you, as am I, Mom. I am alive today because of your strength.

Tearing apart the political divide, I have longed to meet you, Mom. I have travelled to Chennai several times since receiving Karthick's heart, always hoping to somehow find a way to Coimbatore. But my medical visa restricts me from travelling outside Chennai. You might be wondering why I don't even call you? Names of donors and recipients are kept confidential, and I feel helpless.

Allah tells us in The Qur'an, "Whoever saves a life, it is as if they saved all of humanity." Mom, you embody it. I love you, Mom, forever and always.

Yours always,

Faisal

For years, my next-door neighbor, Mark, and I had a routine. Every summer, while he visited his grandchildren in another state, I would care for his beloved garden. It was a masterpiece of colorful flowers and plump, juicy tomatoes, all carefully planned and cared for. In return for my efforts, Mark always brought me back a box of salted caramel candies from his favorite shop up north. It was a simple, perfect exchange of trust and friendship.

This year, however, was different. A major work deadline left me stressed. When Mark knocked with his usual request, I almost said no. Seeing his hopeful face, I agreed. For the first week, I was diligent, watering every evening. But as my deadline got closer, my visits became rushed. I'd quickly spray the hose (软管) over everything, not paying attention to the details.

One evening, I noticed the soil around the plants was bone dry, but my mind was on the report I had to finish. I gave everything a quick shower, my eyes fixed on my laptop screen through the window. I failed to notice I'd left the hose running against the fence, creating a steady stream flowing toward Mark's flower beds.

The next morning, I stepped outside and froze in horror. The vibrant flower bed was a muddy mess — many flowers bent and beaten-down by the water. Guilt washed over me as I tried propping up broken stems, but it was useless.

The day Mark returned, I saw him pull into his driveway. He got out, waved cheerfully at me, and then walked towards his garden. I watched from my window as his steps slowed. He stopped and just stood there, staring at the damage. He didn't turn to look at my house. He just quietly walked into his home, his shoulders slumped. The silence from his house was louder than any angry words. I wanted to go over, to explain, to apologize, but my pride and shame held me back. Days turned into a week, and we avoided each other, the comfortable wave between us replaced by a painful distance.

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 my conscience was tearing me apart, I knew I couldn't let this continue.

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As I turned to leave, he called out, "Hey, wait."

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1.说明情况；

2.询问活动后续安排。

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 Mr. David,

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Yours,

Li Hua

Chinese literature took center stage at the London Book Fair (LBF) on March 11, (demonstrate) active literary and publishing exchanges between China and the United Kingdom.

"Literature, as key form of cultural expression, continues to serve as a bridge for mutual understanding between civilizations," Li Liyan, minister counselor for cultural affairs at the Chinese embassy in the UK, said the opening of a series of signings and launch ceremonies. In recent years, a growing number of Chinese works (translate) and published abroad, allowing international readers to gain a vivid, multidimensional, and authentic view of contemporary China.

During the event, the "Young Chinese Writers International Promotion Program" was officially launched, marked a major step toward introducing contemporary Chinese voices to global audiences. "Over the next two years, it aims (spotlight) at least 50 emerging Chinese authors through various forms, including new media campaigns, international promotional events, author interviews, reading sessions, video productions translated works," Ni Cheng, deputy general manager of China Publishing & Media Journal, said.

Held from March 10 to 12, the London Book Fair is one of the world's most (influence) platforms for copyright trading and publishing industry exchanges. The annual event attracts more than 1,000 exhibitors and over 30,000 publishing (professional) from the UK and around the world. For many, it's a crucial opportunity to introduce (they) to the global market and establish valuable connections.

On March 4, someone1 Koko wandering around a shopping mall in Clark, New Jersey, and called the Clark Township Police Department.

Officer Nick Kurus2 to the call and brought Koko back to police headquarters. From there, staff members began working to3 her family. They eventually obtained contact information for the last recorded owner. When Kurus made the call, the reaction on the other end of the line was pure4.

Koko's owners had been searching for answers ever since she5 in Texas two years earlier. Over time, they had come to believe they might never see their beloved dog again. That changed instantly with one6 phone call.

The family7 made plans to fly to New Jersey, and a8 was scheduled. In the meantime, Koko became an honorary9 of the police department. Instead of sending her to a10, officers cared for her themselves while waiting for her family.

When the11 reunion finally happened, it was everything everyone had hoped for. Police said Koko ran straight to her mom the moment she arrived. The grateful owners thanked the department for the kindness and12 they showed their dog. For the officers who had grown attached to their temporary station mascot, the goodbye was a little13.

"We will miss you, Koko," the department wrote on Facebook.

One14 still remains: no one knows how the adventurous pup15 to travel all the way from Texas to New Jersey during the two years she was missing.

In our fast-paced digital world, most people struggle with stress and feelings of being overwhelmed. More and more people are looking for effective ways to relax and improve their mental health. Among them, walking outdoors in nature has been proven to bring amazing and lasting benefits to our mind.

Studies show that walking in green spaces lowers levels of cortisol, the body's main stress hormone. Research from Stanford University found that a 90-minute walk in a natural setting significantly decreases activity in the part of the brain linked to rumination — repetitive negative thinking that fuels stress and depression.

Another key benefit is increased creativity. When you walk in nature, your brain enters a state of "soft fascination". Unlike urban environments that demand constant, directed attention, nature provides gentle, low-effort stimuli that let your brain rest and recharge.

Try to walk without your phone. Disconnecting from screens lets you fully engage with your surroundings — listening to birdsong, feeling the breeze, or watching sunlight filter through leaves. It also helps you disconnect from work or digital stress.

Research suggests that spending a total of 120 minutes in nature each week is linked to long-term improvements in mental well-being. Whether it's a lunchtime stroll, a weekend hike, or simply sitting under a tree, nature is free, accessible medicine for your mind.

A. Even small daily doses add up.

B. The mindful presence enables you to calm down.

C. However, simple and natural methods are often ignored.

D. It allows your mind to wander and make new connections.

E. Being free from digital devices affects work efficiency greatly.

F. The longer you stay in nature, the better mental health you will gain.

G. This reduction in stress leads to improved mood and reduced anxiety.

Small wonder, then, that so many people worry they will soon be redundant to requirements. Earlier this year global Google searches for "AI unemployment" hit an all-time high. In cities such as London and San Francisco, "How long do you reckon you have left in your job?" is a common topic of conversation. But is ChatGPT actually putting anyone out of work?

Lots of experts claim that it is. Many point to a recent paper by Carl Benedikt Frey and Pedro Llanos-Paredes, both of the University of Oxford, which suggests a link between automation and declining demand for translators. At the same time, however, official American data suggest that the number of people employed in interpretation, translation and the like is 7% higher than a year ago. Fintech firm Klarna also reversed its AI-driven customer service automation, reaffirming human support options. Some link young college graduates' higher relative unemployment to AI replacing their entry-level knowledge-intensive tasks, but this trend began in 2009, long before generative AI emerged, and their actual 6% unemployment rate is low.

Analysis of US occupational employment data shows AI-vulnerable white-collar jobs (back-office, finance, sales, etc.) have not seen AI-related losses; their employment share even rose slightly. US unemployment is low at 4.2% with strong wage growth, contradicting claims of declining labor demand. Other wealthy economies show a similar trend: the OECD's 2024 employment rate reached a record high, with solid earnings growth in the UK, euro area and Japan.

There are two competing explanations for these trends. First, few firms actually use AI for serious work, with less than 10% of American companies employing it for production. Second, companies adopting AI tend to retain workers, as the technology mostly boosts efficiency rather than replacing jobs. Whatever the explanation, for now there is no need to panic.

James Irungu Mwangi, a Kenyan environmentalist, calls the area the "Great Carbon Valley". He believes the rift has two key advantages for "direct air capture" (DAC) stations: renewable energy and suitable geology to store carbon.

In fact, DAC plants need plenty of energy. Electricity drives fans to pass air over chemicals that absorb carbon dioxide, while more heat is required to make the chemicals release the gas. The Rift Valley is particularly suited to meet this energy demand due to its unique geological features. With thin Earth's outer layer and great geothermal (地热的) potential, Kenya can generate huge geothermal power, and waste steam from geothermal stations can heat DAC equipment. As most of Kenya's power is renewable, DAC will not increase global warming.

Capturing CO₂ is only part of the process; it must be safely stored. The Rift Valley's extensive porous basalt, a volcanic rock, is ideal for this: CO₂ dissolved in water is injected into the rock, reacts with basalt to form carbon-rich minerals, and will not leak back into the atmosphere.

This model is not merely theoretical. A similar combination of geothermal energy and volcanic rock has already attracted companies elsewhere. Climeworks, a Swiss firm, opened the world's biggest DAC plant in Iceland in 2021. It can remove some 4,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide a year from the atmosphere at a cost of $600 — 800 a tonne.

Kenyan startup Octavia Carbon is building the world's second-largest DAC plant in the Rift Valley. Its founder hopes to sequester carbon dioxide much more cheaply, thanks to low-cost renewable energy, geothermal steam and lower labor costs for skilled workers. Its pilot plant will be completed next year at a cost below $500 per tonne, with a goal to drop it under $100 in five years, far cheaper than industry forecasts.