相关试卷

  • 1、The cliche (陈词滥调) of a knitter is a white-haired lady. But in the 1940s, young male Royal Air Force pilots used needles as they waited for their next mission. Wartime pilots crashed a lot and"lap crafts" like knitting, helped rebuild flexibility in wounded limbs while also helping to settle wounded minds. They were the foundation of early occupational therapy (治疗).

    Today, millions of people around the world employ these same techniques. "They are closely associated with our mental health," says Janine Smith, the owner of a store that sells supplies for knitting and crocheting (用钩针编制). "I know that if I haven't knitted for a few days, I really miss it. It's like meditation."

    Physiotherapist Betsan Corkhill and occupational therapist Jill Riley were part of a team from Cardiff University that, ten years ago, surveyed more than 3,500 knitters and found that the more frequently people knitted, the calmer and happier they felt.

    In reality, it is a "Flow", which is a concept first named by psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi as he wrote in his book, "The best moments in our lives are not the passive, receptive, relaxing times. The best moments usually occur if a person's body or mind is stretched to its limits in a voluntary effort to accomplish something difficult and worthwhile."

    Shauna Richardson knows just how true this is. The artist spent 18 months in a state of flow when she crocheted three seven-metre-long lions for the 2012 Cultural Olympiad. To complete the task, which required nearly 38 miles of wool, she says she had to "zone everything out and sustain a state of mind driven by rhythm and process."

    But smaller projects will also get you there. Even a simple knitting or crochet pattern requires attentiveness to ensure that each stitch is made correctly. And if there's not enough challenge in the straightforward, you can make additions, from colour changes to textured stitches to highly complicated patterns.

    The Cardiff research team found that even though most of the people surveyed were employed, three-quarters of those who knitted three or more times a week felt significantly more able to organise their thoughts and forget their problems.

    (1)、What's the purpose of the first paragraph?
    A、To explore early occupational therapy. B、To introduce the early uses of knitting. C、To distinguish between two types of pilots. D、To stress knitting is not only for old women.
    (2)、On which occasion will a person experience "Flow"?
    A、Playing computer games to one's heart's content. B、Figuring out a good solution all of a sudden. C、Working on a technical problem devotedly. D、Hanging out with a long-lost good friend.
    (3)、What can you infer from the last two paragraphs?
    A、One stitch missed may lead to the loss of one's attentiveness. B、Colors and patterns make a difference to the beauty of the project. C、Smaller projects will not contribute much to experiencing "Flow". D、Frequent knitters are better at handling their thoughts and challenges.
    (4)、What is the best title of the text?
    A、Active Hands, Calm Minds. B、Unique Therapy, Effective Healing. C、Special Techniques, Organized Thoughts. D、Simple Knitting, Strong Body.
  • 2、It is a strange coincidence that as humans attempt to greatly reduce their carbon emissions, they are also rushing to develop a technology that could, in theory, consume an unlimited amount of energy.

    Doing things against facts is a dangerous game, but you can picture a world in which, having chosen to start dealing with climate change properly in the 1990s, we would be just wrapping up the gentle path to net-zero emissions in time for a rapid AI increase fuelled by green power. Instead, we find ourselves at risk of running a 21st-century technology on a 20th-century energy supply.

    If you live in the US, every time you use an AI model, around 20 per cent of the electricity required will be produced by burning coal. The explosive growth of AI makes this an even more pressing concern. According to one analysis, if Google chose to shift to an entirely AI-powered search business, its electricity consumption could match that of some countries.

    Such estimates may be magnified, but evidence of rising power consumption from AI is all around. Microsoft is placing bets on nuclear plants to power its data centers, while the English government has promised to boost its national computing capacity by 50 per cent by 2025, which would help it keep pace with rapid AI developments in the world.

    Thankfully, we may soon reach a turning point. As is reported, this year the global power department came close to reaching peak greenhouse gas emissions, as the switch from fossil (化石) fuels to clean and renewable sources is well underway. The question now is whether we can quicken the pace of decarbonisation(脱碳) to match the coming growth in energy consumption as AI becomes increasingly embedded in our society. Silicon Valley's intelligent machines may grab the headlines and the imagination, but the people really inventing the future are working on the energy sector.

    (1)、What does paragraph 2 mainly talk about?
    A、Carbon emissions have been reduced a lot. B、The reality is far from what we expected. C、The rapid AI increase brings many benefits. D、Climate change has to be dealt with properly.
    (2)、Why is electricity consumption a major concern?
    A、Extensive use of AI will consume more energy. B、Many countries haven't switched to clean energy. C、There is no limit on tech-giants' electricity consumption. D、20% of the power is produced by burning coal in the US.
    (3)、What does the underlined word "magnified" in paragraph 4 mean?
    A、Undervalued. B、Overstated. C、Common. D、Reasonable.
    (4)、What would be our primary task before we reach a turning point?
    A、Shifting to a fully AI-powered search business. B、Achieving net-zero emissions as soon as possible. C、Balancing energy-hungry AI with decarbonisation. D、Creating an unlimited energy-consuming technology.
  • 3、When Marguerite Richards posted a TikTok video about her father's decade-old thriller novel, she was hoping to inspire a little interest. A few dozen new readers, maybe. As the first few positive comments started rolling in, she was pleased to have done something nice for a dad who definitely deserved it.

    She had no idea that, within days, millions of people would see her video, and her father's book would rise to the top of Amazon's Best Seller list.

    Lloyd Richards first published Stone Maidens in 2012. It's a thriller about an FBI agent following a killer in Indiana and, by his daughter's account, it's quite attractive. However, his original release (出版) failed to drum up excitement.

    It's a different world now, with social media making somebody and something rise to fame overnight. Richards, the daughter, decided to try her luck. "I saw how much time and effort and passion my dad put into his book. I know what a lovely storyteller he is," she told CNN. "He never stopped writing, and he always stayed positive."

    Whether it was the interesting thriller, or the efforts of a proud daughter, the story of Lloyd Richards and Stone Maidens struck a chord.

    Marguerite Richards posted the first TikTok about Stone Maidens about two weeks ago. It has since received 48 million views and numerous positive responses. After that, Richards posted more videos of her father, delighting in his unexpected success.

    "My dad wasn't really sure what TikTok is, but he has been so pleased and grateful," Richards says. The experience has breathed new life into a labor of love. Now, Lloyd Richards has more than 360,000 TikTok followers and a brand-new story to tell. He has plans for the future, too.

    (1)、What initially motivated Marguerite Richards to post about her father's book on TikTok?
    A、To help her father become an online influencer. B、To attract a modest number of new readers for the book. C、To introduce her father's daily life on social media. D、To prove that older books could outsell new releases.
    (2)、What do we know about Stone Maidens when it was first published?
    A、It immediately became a bestseller on Amazon. B、It was widely promoted on social media platforms. C、It failed to gain significant attention at the time. D、It received negative reviews from thriller readers.
    (3)、Why did Lloyd Richards' book suddenly become successful years later?
    A、His daughter's TikTok video went viral unexpectedly. B、He rewrote the book to fit modern readers' preferences. C、A famous celebrity recommended it on social media. D、The original publisher relaunched a marketing campaign.
    (4)、How did Lloyd Richards feel about what his daughter had done for him?
    A、Puzzled but pleased B、Surprised and regretful C、Unexpected and shocked D、Delighted and thankful
  • 4、For the students, researchers or simple lovers of knowledge and art, it is a privilege to have a free virtual library at hand, being able to download important texts without spending a single dollar.

    Internet Archive

    It is a non-profit digital library created in 1996 by Brewster Kahle. In addition to millions of books available to the general public, it also hosts a large number of video (movies), audio (music) and software files, etc. It is not necessary to register to access the information, so any user can easily view and download it, although those who decide to register obtain other benefits such as access to more than 1.3 million copyrighted e-books.

    InfoBooks

    Read, Learn, Grow… is the slogan of the digital library. It is divided into three sections to facilitate the search for content, and the first called "Best books to read" focuses on a special collection of various topics classified by famous authors. The second is "Free books and texts", where you will find public domain literature that you can download, and the third section contains resources to improve your reading.

    Project Gutenberg

    Project Gutenberg is a site that has available sixty thousand "free" books that are free of copyright so to speak, since the rights according to certain laws have expired in this case. That is why they can be downloaded with total peace of mind. The Project Gutenberg also has an Open Audio book Collection, almost 5,000 titles from 2023, via a Project Gutenberg collaboration with Microsoft and MIT. These use neural text-to-speech technology for more natural-sounding computer-generated audio books. These audio books are also available on major music/podcast platforms.

    (1)、What most attracts users to Internet Achive?
    A、Private software files. B、Easy access to plenty of e-books. C、Classic music of limited edition. D、Various movies of authorized edition.
    (2)、How can we find the works of Mark Twain most precisely?
    A、Search InfoBooks, Section 1 online. B、E-mail Brewster Kahle to obtain directly. C、Download Software files from Internet Achive. D、Wait for distributions from Project Gutenberg.
    (3)、What does Project Gutenberg have in common with Internet Archive?
    A、Audio resources are provided online. B、Materials can be adjusted to different users. C、Copyrights of some books are out of date. D、They provide reading strategies training.
  • 5、阅读下面材料,根据其内容和所给段落开头语续写两段,使之构成一篇完整的短文。

    In a world where time was the most valuable currency, a man named Henry lived a life of monotonous (单调乏味的) routine. Every day was a mirror image of the last, filled with the tick-tock of the clock that dictated his every move. Henry was a skilled watchmaker, and his creations were admired for their precision and beauty. However, the irony (讽刺) of his profession was not lost on him; despite his ability to control the measure of time, he felt as if time was controlling him.

    To make matters worse, there harbored a deep regret in his heart — his son Richard, who worked in another city, seldom contacted him. They were literally strangers living far apart.

    One day, an elderly woman visited Henry's shop, seeking a watch with a peculiar request. She wanted a timepiece that did not tell the exact time but rather reminded the wearer of the fleeting and temporary nature of life. "This watch is also for my son, who once did something associated with the concept of time, but he…" she suddenly paused, and obviously there was a slump in her throat. But she quickly composed herself and told Henry she would come for the watch one month later.

    Intrigued (感觉着迷的), Henry accepted the challenge, pouring his soul into the creation of a unique watch. He designed it with no numbers, only two hands — one moving rapidly and the other so slowly it was almost still.

    As he completed the watch, he found himself fascinated by its unconventional design. The hands seemed to dance around the face, a visual metaphor for the passage of time. The more he observed it, the more it made him reflect on his own life. He realized that in his pursuit of perfection and order, he had forgotten to live and appreciate the present moment.

    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。

    One month later, the elderly woman returned to collect her watch.

    ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

    As the woman left, Henry felt a profound sense of change.

    ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

  • 6、阅读下面短文,在空白处填入1个适当的单词或括号内单词的正确形式。

    In the digital age, (take) advantage of new technologies to create new cultural and tourism is a trend. In Langfang, Hebei Province, digital technologies have been combined with traditional Chinese culture. theme park has been built based on the Qing Dynasty novel Dream of Red Mansion, reflects aspects of ancient China, such as its social life and customs.

    During the trip, a digital travel platform, Xiaowa, acts a travel planner and provides real-time insights and personalized recommendations. Once the schedule (confirm), visitors can compare it with the current conditions, including information about lines for various performances, which is (continuous) updated. The application enables visitors (experience) traditional Chinese culture at the park and (help) to draw in many tourists since it is launched.

    Tang Jinnan, Peking University's School of Journalism and Communication's Party secretary, claim that AI's full (capability) are yet to be fully unlocked. Whether it's drawing by hand in the past, using a computer nowintegrating artificial intelligence, the essence of inheriting cultural heritage remains unchanged.

  • 7、Years ago, as a young business reporter, I interviewed an advertising executive. I was there to ask about the latest1. But when I sat down, he wanted to talk about writing fiction. He spent hours meeting with clients and crafting slogans, but he dreamed of being a(n)2 instead.

    A decade or so later, however, I was3 to see the advertiser on TV, holding up his new4. James Patterson had5 into a best-selling author. "Maybe I was delusional (痴心妄想), but I6 thought of myself as an advertising person," he told me when asked how he'd done it. "I always7 to be a writer. It was always in my head."

    Mr. Patterson's ability to see himself as a writer8 a concept known as "possible selves". It describes how people9 their futures: what they may become, or want to become, or even fear becoming.

    The term,10 in 1986 by the social psychologists Hazel Markus and Paula Nurius, grew out of some11 on self-concept and self-perception. A possible self can take you12 daydreams, which are often fleeting and not necessarily grounded in13. It can come to fruition (实现) "if you build a14 from your ‘now' self to the possible self," Dr. Markus said.

    If you want a change, imagine your possible self and15.

    (1)
    A 、campaign B 、budget C 、hobby D 、travel
    (2)
    A 、entrepreneur B 、novelist C 、consultant D 、specialist
    (3)
    A 、relieved B 、delighted C 、terrified D 、surprised
    (4)
    A 、envelope B 、magazine C 、book D 、journal
    (5)
    A 、expanded B 、changed C 、ranged D 、migrated
    (6)
    A 、never B 、merely C 、nearly D 、ever
    (7)
    A 、hesitated B 、deserved C 、planned D 、learned
    (8)
    A 、creates B 、contradicts C 、introduces D 、illustrates
    (9)
    A 、build B 、embrace C 、envision D 、secure
    (10)
    A 、bought B 、coined C 、imagined D 、promoted
    (11)
    A 、researches B 、advertisements C 、suggestions D 、regulations
    (12)
    A 、through B 、along C 、within D 、beyond
    (13)
    A 、responsibility B 、earth C 、reality D 、truth
    (14)
    A 、shelter B 、bridge C 、barrier D 、platform
    (15)
    A 、take action B 、make it C 、settle down D 、stay awake
  • 8、This year Art-Collecting.com will continue to provide community art guides as we have been doing it for the past 24 years.

    Halvorsen Fine Art Gallery

    Established in Houston Historic Art District, at Sawyer Yards, Halvorsen Fine Art Gallery with 2,000 square feet features amazing paintings of landscapes and seascapes by impressionistic artists. In addition to hosting artist exhibitions, it provides art consultation services for collectors, designers and art enthusiasts.

    Art of the World Gallery

    The gallery provides a contemporary, complex and rich cultural experience for art enthusiasts and collectors from all around the world. Directly representing some of the most important living artists from Asia, Europe, and Latin America, Art of the World Gallery is one of the most famous galleries in the state, located in Houston's finest hotspot for locals and tourists.

    Zatista Contemporary and Fine Art

    With over 4,000 works from the most talented emerging and established artists, Zatista provides access to the types of works previously only available to seasoned collectors. Buying online with Zatista is easy with their free art consultation, certificates of authenticity (真实性), and a buyer guarantee that allows you to try art in your home with free returns.

    John Palmer Fine Art

    It's located in the avenue in the Historic Heights. The combination of a saved 1930's bungalow (平房) with museum-quality new construction is the perfect atmosphere to showcase the great works of artist John Ross Palmer. John Palmer Fine Art is open by appointment only. You can set an appointment by calling 713-861-6726. We look forward to showing you the beautiful world of John Palmer Fine Art!

    (1)、What is the purpose of Art-Collecting.com?
    A、Collecting artworks. B、Offering art information. C、Helping seasoned artists. D、Founding art organizations.
    (2)、What can visitors do in Halvorsen Fine Art Gallery?
    A、Hold personal exhibitions. B、Obtain authentic certificates. C、Get a taste of different cultures. D、Appreciate impressionist paintings.
    (3)、What can we learn about John Palmer Fine Art?
    A、It is in Houston's best spot. B、It offers art consultation services. C、It exhibits the works of only one artist. D、It can be visited without an appointment.
  • 9、阅读下面材料,根据其内容和所给段落开头语续写两段,使之构成一篇完整的短文。

    The old bookstore on Maple Street had been Mr. Hale's life work. For forty years, he'd stacked its shelves with weathered novels, dog-eared poetry collections, and rare first editions, each with a story he could recite by heart. But last month, the bank had sent a notice — rising rents and falling sales meant the store would close by the end of the week.

    Lila, a regular since she was a kid, couldn't bear the thought. She'd grown up here, hiding in the back corner with a book while her mom worked next door. Now a college student home for summer, she'd started a "Save the Bookstore" campaign: a petition, a GoFundMe page, even hand-painted signs taped to lampposts. But donations trickled in, and the petition barely had a hundred signatures.

    "This isn't just a store," Lila said to Mr. Hale one afternoon, gesturing to the creaky wooden floors and the smell of old paper. He smiled sadly, polishing a leather-bound Dickens. "It's where Mrs. Carter met her late husband — they bonded over a shared love for Hemingway. Where Tommy, the shy kid from down the street, found the courage to join the debate team after reading To Kill a Mockingbird."

    Lila's throat tightened. She knew those stories too. She'd left her own mark here: a faded drawing of a cat tucked inside The Secret Garden, a note scrawled in the margin of Pride and Prejudice ("Mr. Darcy is overrated!") when she was twelve.

    On the penultimate day, Lila arrived to find Mr. Hale packing boxes. "I'm sorry, kiddo," he said, his voice rough. "We tried." She noticed a dusty box labeled "Memorabilia" in the corner — newspaper clippings from the store' s opening, a photo of Mr. Hale as a young man, and a stack of handwritten letters.

    Curious, she pulled one out. It was dated 1998, from a girl named Clara: "Your store kept me going when my dad left. I'll never forget the day you let me take Anne of Green Gables home even though I couldn't pay — said ‘stories should be free to heal.'" Lila froze. Clara was her mom's name.

    Before she could ask, the bell above the door jingled. A woman in a business suit stepped in, scanning the shelves. "I'm from the real estate company," she said, holding out a clipboard. "We need the keys by Friday."

    Mr. Hale's shoulders slumped. Lila grabbed the letter, her heart racing. "Wait — this store matters. To all of us." The woman raised an eyebrow. "Prove it."

    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: Lila sprinted out the door, the letter clutched in her hand.

    ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

    Paragraph 2: By sunset, the bookstore's front lawn was crowded.

    ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

  • 10、你校发起"Silk Road: Heritage in Innovation"国际青年项目,聚焦丝绸之路文化与现代科技的融合创新。作为项目负责人李华,给海外友好学校的学生写一封邮件:

    (1)阐释项目核心;

    (2)介绍项目活动;

    (3)强调参与价值。

    注意:

    1.写作词数应为80左右;

    2.请按如下格式在答题纸的相应位置作答。

    Dear students,

    ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

    Yours,

    Li Hua

  • 11、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。

    A traditional Chinese cultural exhibition at the City Art Gallery is showcasing works inspired by Chinese shadow puppetry (皮影戏) , has a history of over 2,000 years in China.

    Chinese shadow puppetry is one of most ancient forms of storytelling through visual art. The vivid images of characters and the stories they tell reflect the wisdom and values of Chinese folk culture, according to Lin Hua, the curator (馆长) of the exhibition.

    "The exhibition combines shadow puppetry culture, modern technology and contemporary art," says Lin. "We hope (show) the charm of this traditional art in a new way, and start conversations with modern art forms like installation art, multimedia art and pop art."

    "In a shadow puppetry performance, each movement of the puppets is carefully designed. The performers use their skills to guide the puppets, leading the audience into a world (fill) with myths and legends," explains Chen Lei, a shadow puppetry performer participating in the exhibition.

    "The performers' emotions (convey) through the puppets' actions, and their understanding of the stories is presented to the audience," she adds. "A skilled performer always (try) to make the performance touching, not just by the skills, also by the deep connection with the story."

    Lin says that the unique shapes of the shadow puppets, the beauty in the (careful) arranged storylines, and the cultural meanings behind each character inspired artists to create paintings, sculptures, digital artworks for the exhibition. These works aim to let more people appreciate the charm of Chinese shadow puppetry in the context of modern art, (bridge) the gap between tradition and modernity.

  • 12、​​​​​​​One spring morning, my family and I decided to downsize our home. We'd lived in this cozy house for over two decades, and now it was time to1 our beloved space. As we began2 the rooms, memories flooded back — every corner held a story.

    We sorted items into three piles: keep, donate, and3. The "sell" pile included a vintage clock, a hand-knitted blanket, and an old camera. I took photos of these items and posted them online, hoping to4 them to people who'd appreciate them.

    Days passed, and responses poured in. A woman messaged about the clock, asking for more5 — its age, condition, and whether it still worked. Another caller wanted to know if the blanket could be6 as a gift. As our moving day7, I felt a mix of sadness and relief.

    Then came a8 that touched my heart: "I lost my grandma's clock last year. Your clock reminds me of her. Can I have it?" I agreed immediately. When she came to pick it up, her eyes9 up as she held the clock. "Thank you," she whispered, "this means so much."

    10 by this experience, I started giving away more items for free. An elderly man took the old camera, sharing how he'd loved photography in his youth. Each exchange brought a sense of11 — these things weren't just objects; they were pieces of someone's past, now part of a new story.

    Now, in our new apartment, the space feels12 but meaningful. I take13 in knowing that somewhere, the clock is keeping time for a new family, the blanket is warming someone's lap, and the camera is capturing new memories.

    The process of letting go taught me that14 isn't about losing the past, but about15 it forward — allowing stories to continue in new hands.

    (1)
    A 、leave B 、design C 、build D 、decorate
    (2)
    A 、cleaning B 、emptying C 、painting D 、entering
    (3)
    A 、throw B 、sell C 、fix D 、replace
    (4)
    A 、return B 、introduce C 、sell D 、pass
    (5)
    A 、details B 、prices C 、colors D 、shapes
    (6)
    A 、used B 、borrowed C 、stored D 、bought
    (7)
    A 、changed B 、continued C 、approached D 、missed
    (8)
    A 、letter B 、message C 、call D 、note
    (9)
    A 、lit B 、grew C 、went D 、took
    (10)
    A 、Surprised B 、Touched C 、Shocked D 、Amused
    (11)
    A 、sadness B 、pride C 、joy D 、regret
    (12)
    A 、small B 、large C 、crowded D 、empty
    (13)
    A 、pity B 、joy C 、comfort D 、pride
    (14)
    A 、moving B 、giving C 、keeping D 、letting
    (15)
    A 、carrying B 、pushing C 、passing D 、sending
  • 13、
    The Unsung Power of Routine

    In a world that often glorifies constant change and novelty, the value of routine is frequently overlooked. Yet, a well-crafted daily routine can be a powerful tool for personal growth, productivity, and well-being. It provides a framework within which we can thrive, helping us to balance work, rest, and self-care.

    A morning routine, for instance, sets the tone for the day. Whether it's a few minutes of meditation, a brisk walk, or a nutritious breakfast, these small actions can have a profound impact on our mindset and energy levels. By starting the day with intention, we are better equipped to handle the challenges that come our way.

    Of course, a routine doesn't mean rigidity. It should be flexible enough to accommodate unexpected events and personal growth. For example, if you find that a particular activity in your routine is no longer serving you, don't be afraid to adjust it. The key is to have a core set of practices that anchor you and provide a sense of stability.

    A consistent sleep routine is another crucial aspect. Going to bed and waking up at the same time each day helps to regulate our body's internal clock, leading to better sleep quality and overall health. It also allows us to wake up feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the day ahead.

    In the end, a routine is not about restricting freedom but about creating a foundation for a fulfilling life. By embracing the power of routine, we can unlock our potential and live with greater purpose and joy.

    A. It gives us a sense of control and predictability in an otherwise chaotic world.

    B. A good night's sleep is essential for cognitive function and emotional well-being.

    C. It can include activities that nourish our minds, bodies, and souls.

    D. Many successful people attribute their achievements to their well-structured daily routines.

    E. It should evolve as we grow and change, reflecting our current needs and priorities.

    F. Establishing a regular exercise routine can also have numerous benefits for both physical and mental health.

    G. It's about finding rhythm in the repetition and using it as a springboard for growth.

  • 14、Nanoplastics, even tinier than their better-known microplastic cousins, have emerged as a stealthy and pervasive environmental threat. These minuscule particles — measuring less than 1 micrometer in size — have infiltrated the most remote corners of the planet. They've been detected in the icy cores of the Arctic, embedded in the soil of ancient rainforests, swirling in the mist of mountain peaks, and even present in the umbilical cord blood of newborns, hinting at their ability to breach the most fundamental barriers of human biology.

    Now, a groundbreaking study published in Environmental Science Advances offers a glimmer of hope in the fight against these elusive pollutants. Researchers from a multinational team discovered that a specific combination of ultraviolet (UV) radiation and a natural clay-based filter could potentially reduce nanoplastics in drinking water by a significant margin. In controlled laboratory tests, exposing water contaminated with nanoplastics to UV light for 15 minutes, followed by filtration through a montmorillonite clay filter, resulted in the removal of at least 75 percent of certain nanoplastics.

    Crucially, the effectiveness of this method hinged on multiple factors. The pH level of the water played a vital role — alkaline conditions enhanced the binding of nanoplastics to the clay particles, while acidic environments weakened it. Additionally, the study was limited in scope: it focused only on three prevalent types of nanoplastics — polyamide, polyvinyl chloride, and polyethylene terephthalate — and did not account for the complex chemical interactions with other contaminants commonly found in real-world water sources, such as heavy metals and pesticides.

    Still, the findings underscore the urgency of addressing the nanoplastic crisis — a problem that's growing more complex by the day. Earlier this year, independent studies revealed that nanoplastic concentrations in bottled water brands, previously thought to be a safer alternative, were up to 500 times higher than initial estimates. This suggests that even seemingly pristine water sources are not immune to nanoplastic contamination.

    Scientists remain uncertain about the full extent of nanoplastic toxicity, but early research points to alarming possibilities. These particles, due to their small size, can penetrate cell membranes, potentially disrupting cellular functions and triggering inflammatory responses. The new study's authors emphasize that while their method shows promise, it's just one piece of the puzzle. "The way we demonstrated the interaction between UV, clay, and nanoplastics provides a foundation," says Dr. Elena Vazquez, an environmental chemist at the lead institution of the study. "But we need to scale up these solutions and integrate them into existing water treatment infrastructures to truly make a difference."

    (1)、How does the author introduce the issue of nanoplastics in the first paragraph?
    A、By citing an expert's opinion. B、By defining the key concept. C、By listing widespread examples. D、By presenting statistical data.
    (2)、What is a decisive factor affecting the removal of nanoplastics in the study?
    A、The intensity of UV radiation. B、The pH level of the water. C、The thickness of the clay filter. D、The temperature of the water.
    (3)、Why does the author mention bottled water in paragraph 4?
    A、To highlight the importance of plastic reduction. B、To illustrate the severity of the nanoplastic problem. C、To promote the use of alternative water sources. D、To emphasize the difficulty of water treatment.
    (4)、What does Dr. Elena Vazquez suggest regarding the study's findings?
    A、Developing new research techniques. B、Expanding the scope of the current study. C、Incorporating the method into water treatment systems. D、Involving more international researchers.
  • 15、While technological advancements have enhanced the convenience of urban commuting in recent years, environmental studies reveal a worrying decline in urban green spaces, especially in densely populated districts. Many residents complain that there's insufficient access to nature-filled areas for relaxation and exercise, so they end up spending more time indoors, relying on virtual entertainment.

    Urban planners Lila Chen and Ryan Moore are deeply troubled by such issues. In their newly released book Green Living: Reclaim Our Cities' Natural Spaces, they call for a fundamental rethinking of urban design and the role greenery should play in our daily lives.

    The landscape of urban living began to shift decades ago. Vast areas of natural vegetation were cleared to make room for sprawling concrete structures and commercial centers, forcing residents to seek nature in distant suburbs. Some grassroots groups fought back. Most notably, a community organizer from Seattle, who relocated to the city in the early 2000s, launched a movement to save a local wetlands area from being converted into a shopping mall. Expressing her outrage at the planned destruction, Emily Clark appealed to the city council to "Preserve Seattle as a city where nature and urban life coexist harmoniously, not just a place of concrete and commerce." Similar initiatives took place in other major cities across the country in the 2010s.

    Although these initiatives gained public attention, the harsh reality is that the majority of modern cities remain overwhelmingly dominated by urban development at the expense of green spaces. The coverage of natural areas in cities has been shrinking steadily. In California, for instance, the ratio of urban green spaces to total city area has dropped to a record low, even as the state promotes environmental protection campaigns.

    We invest substantial resources in building urban infrastructure that prioritizes speed and efficiency, yet we neglect to consider the true value of green spaces. Do we fully comprehend the social and psychological costs when citizens lack easy access to natural environments for mental rejuvenation? The authors of Green Living are spot-on: it's high time we re-evaluate the urban landscapes right outside our homes.

    (1)、What phenomenon does the author highlight in paragraph 1?
    A、Urban commuting has become overly dependent on technology. B、The reduction of urban green spaces leads to lifestyle changes. C、Virtual entertainment is replacing outdoor activities completely. D、Residents in densely populated areas have limited access to jobs.
    (2)、What were the Seattle community organizer and other activists attempting to achieve?
    A、Expand commercial development in urban areas. B、Relocate residents to distant suburbs with more greenery. C、Safeguard urban natural spaces for a balanced lifestyle. D、Promote the construction of more shopping malls in wetlands.
    (3)、What can be inferred about the initiatives in California in the 2010s?
    A、They successfully increased the ratio of urban green spaces. B、They failed to reverse the trend of shrinking green areas. C、They led to a surge in environmental protection donations. D、They resulted in the closure of all commercial construction projects.
    (4)、Which of the following would be the most appropriate title for the text?
    A、Urban Rush: Sacrificing Nature? B、Tech Advance: A Double-edged Sword? C、Green Spaces: A Luxury or Necessity? D、Community Activism: A Lost Cause?
  • 16、In my senior-year literature class last term, I encountered a knight who defended a forgotten kingdom, a gentle grandmother who healed wounds with folk tales, and a futuristic explorer who vanished in a black hole. Once, I often found myself amazed at how my students, who brought these figures to life, grasped the essence of complex literary themes.

    But the situation was quite different with their first assignment, which centered on the question: "Why is literature important?"

    Most of the essays were barely a page long, and scarcely any had a sentence that could serve as a strong thesis statement. I was taken aback. Then it dawned on me that the problem lay in the question itself. They could have written volumes about the allure of social media, but literature, in its pure form, just didn't seem significant to them. This had to change.

    As a new semester began, I asked everyone to craft a reflective essay on a literary work that had touched their soul. This time, they found the task far more engaging. For the subsequent two tasks, a drama-analysis project was followed by a poetry-creation workshop. I only stipulated that each piece should convey a deep-seated emotion. The outcomes were astounding. The students delved into a wide range of literary works and produced essays and poems, each 8 to 15 pages long, with insights that broadened my perspective and stirred my emotions.

    I entered the class believing that literature is important as a mirror of humanity. However, my students demonstrated something even more profound. When the final bell rang in June, I walked away with a year's worth of memories filled with the realization of literature's most profound significance — the ability to awaken dormant feelings, to transport us to unseen worlds, and to reveal the shared threads of our human experiences.

    (1)、Who are the characters mentioned at the beginning of paragraph 1?
    A、Senior-year students. B、The author's relatives. C、Famous literary critics. D、Fictional personas.
    (2)、Why did the students perform poorly in their first writing task?
    A、They lacked writing skills. B、They had a limited understanding of literature. C、They misinterpreted the question's intent. D、They had no interest in the topic.
    (3)、What does the underlined word "astounding" in paragraph 4 mean?
    A、Confusing. B、Impressive. C、Ordinary. D、Frightening.
    (4)、What does the author's experience illustrate?
    A、Literature can awaken deep-seated human emotions. B、Teaching literature is an easy task. C、Students prefer creative writing to theoretical essays. D、Classic literature is losing its appeal.
  • 17、Is Plant-Based Meat a Healthier Choice?

    When shopping for protein at the grocery store, we often encounter a dilemma: traditional animal-based meat or plant-based meat. Is plant-based meat truly a healthier alternative? Five experts from diverse fields were consulted to share their insights on whether plant-based meat is better for our health. Here are their in-depth responses.

    Dr. Amanda Green, Nutritionist

    Switching from traditional meat to plant-based meat can effectively cut down on the intake of saturated fat and cholesterol. Traditional red meat, in particular, is high in saturated fat, which is closely associated with elevated blood cholesterol levels and an increased risk of heart disease. Plant-based meat, conversely, typically contains low levels of saturated fat. Thus, for individuals concerned about heart health, plant-based meat is a more favorable option as it can help mitigate the risk of heart-related ailments.

    Mr. Ben Smith, Food Technologist

    Plant-based meat products are engineered to imitate the taste and texture of traditional meat. They can offer a comparable eating experience while having less fat. Most plant-based meats preserve nutritional benefits like protein, and some even add extra nutrients such as dietary fiber. Nevertheless, it's crucial to note that some plant-based meat products might have a relatively high content of salt and additives to enhance flavor. Hence, consumers should always scrutinize the nutrition labels.

    Dr. Charles White, Epidemiologist

    Both traditional meat and plant-based meat have their respective merits. For those who wish to reduce meat consumption for environmental or health reasons, plant-based meat serves as an excellent substitute. It can supply essential nutrients similar to traditional meat in most instances. However, we must also consider that a strictly plant-based diet may lack certain nutrients that are abundant in traditional meat, such as vitamin B12. So, it's not a universal solution, and a balanced diet remains pivotal.

    Ms. Emily Davis, Dietitian

    A long-term study tracking the health of thousands of people for over 15 years revealed no significant disparity in the risk of chronic diseases between those who regularly consume plant-based meat and those who consume traditional meat, provided their overall diet is balanced. For individuals aiming to manage their weight, plant-based meat can be a prudent choice due to its relatively lower calorie content. However, it's not a magical fix, and portion control is still of great importance.

    Dr. Peter Brown, Agricultural Scientist

    From an environmental standpoint, plant-based meat has distinct advantages as it requires less land, water, and generates fewer greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional meat production. But in terms of health alone, plant-based meat is not necessarily superior to traditional meat. It hinges on the specific product and an individual's overall diet. Some traditional meats, like lean poultry, can also be part of a healthy diet.

    (1)、According to the article, ________ out of the five experts believed that plant-based meat was better for our health in some aspects.
    A、one B、two C、three D、four
    (2)、According to the article, ________ and ________ hold different opinions about the nutritional sufficiency of plant-based meat compared to traditional meat.
    A、Dr. Amanda Green... Dr. Charles White B、Mr. Ben Smith… Ms. Emily Davis C、Dr. Charles White... Dr. Peter Brown D、Ms. Emily Davis... Dr. Peter Brown
    (3)、What can we infer from the article?
    A、Dr. Charles White suggested that people should completely replace traditional meat with plant-based meat. B、Mr. Ben Smith reminded consumers to pay attention to the salt and additives in plant-based meat. C、Ms. Emily Davis believed that plant-based meat has no calories, so it's very good for weight management. D、Dr. Peter Brown thought that plant-based meat is always better than traditional meat in terms of health.
  • 18、阅读下面材料,根据其内容和所给段落开头语续写两段,使其构成一篇完整的短文。

    When the announcement about the school play tryouts echoed through the classroom, my pen slipped from my hand. Ms. Carter, our drama teacher, smiled warmly. "This year's play is The Star Seeker — about a young astronomer who finds her courage," she said, her eyes scanning the room.

    I stared at my desk, fingers twisting the corner of my notebook. Public speaking made my throat tight; acting in front of the whole school felt impossible. But the story's title lingered in my mind. I'd always loved stars — spending nights in my backyard, mapping constellations with a tattered guidebook my dad gave me.

    "Anyone interested?" Ms. Carter asked. Mia, who sat beside me, nudged my arm. "You'd be perfect," she whispered. I shook my head, but when the sign-up sheet came around, my hand moved on its own. My name, small and shaky, joined the list.

    Tryouts were held in the auditorium after school. I stood backstage, reciting my lines over and over: "The stars are not just lights — they're stories." When my turn came, I stepped into the spotlight. The room blurred. I opened my mouth, but the words vanished. "I... I can't," I mumbled, fleeing to the exit.

    Mia found me sitting on the steps, staring at the sky. "You ran before the stars could shine," she said, sitting down. I pulled out my star guide, pointing to a dim constellation. "That's Cassiopeia. No one notices her, but she's always there." Mia traced the pattern with her finger. "Maybe she's just waiting for someone to look."

    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:

    The next day, Ms. Carter handed me a revised script.

    ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

    Paragraph 2:

    Opening night arrived.

    ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

  • 19、假定你是李华,在学校"网络文明"主题研讨会上,你将作题为"青少年网络社交:该如何守住边界"的演讲。

    内容包括:

    1.阐述现象;2.分析危害;3.提出建议。

    注意:

    1.词数不少于80;2.可适当加入细节,使内容充实、行文连贯。

    ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

  • 20、阅读下面材料,在空白处填入适当的内容(1个单词)或括号内单词的正确形式。

    The ancient practice of stargazing, which (date) back to prehistoric times, has long fascinated humanity. Early civilizations, from the Babylonian astrologers charting constellations to the Polynesian sailors reading the night sky, relied on celestial observations (navigate) vast oceans and track seasonal changes that governed their agricultural cycles. Even today, as cities glow with artificial light, the allure of distant stars continues to draw both amateur sky-watchers and seasoned scientists.

    A recent study, (conduct) by a team of astronomers at the University of Edinburgh over the course of five years, suggests that certain stars in the Orion Arm of the Milky Way (emit) radiation with unexpected frequencies for over a millennium. This phenomenon, cause remains unknown despite countless simulations, challenges existing theories about how stars evolve over time — particularly those in the later stages of their life cycles.

    Dr. Eleanor Hart, who led the research, explained in a press conference: "We're observing patterns no computer model has predicted. It's as if the stars are communicating in a language (we) have yet to decode, sending signals that shift in ways we can't fully explain." Her team's findings, published in last month's International Journal of Astrophysics, have sparked intense debates in academic circles, with some experts questioning the accuracy of the data collection methods.

    To address these doubts, researchers plan to replicate the experiment using advanced telescopes stationed at remote observatories in Chile's Atacama Desert, (hope) to collect data that will either confirm their initial conclusions or shed light on alternative explanations. "The universe is far more intricate than we once imagined," Dr. Hart noted in her latest paper. "Every breakthrough only reveals how much more there is to learn."

    By next year, when the new high-resolution imaging system is fully operational, they (install) a state-of-the-art observatory in the Andes Mountains, where thin air and minimal light pollution create optimal conditions for studying faint stellar emissions. This facility is expected to revolutionize our understanding of cosmic radiation patterns, potentially unlocking secrets that have puzzled astronomers for decades.

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