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But some worry that so much messaging leads to less communication. "Our texts are fine," one college student said. "It's what texting does to our conversations when we are together that's the problem."

New technologies often upset the way we relate to one another, of course. But such conflict caused by texting has a strong echo to the arguments we had over the telephone a hundred years ago. The small device gave us a new way to contact one another and quickly promote new forms of socializing. Callers arranged regular "visiting" calls, calling remote family to catch up on news.

Soon, though, social critics began to wonder: Was all this phone chatter good for us? Would it be so easy to talk that we'd never leave each other alone? "Thanks to the telephone, motor car and such like inventions, our neighbors have it in their power to turn our leisure into a series of interruptions," complained an American professor in 1929. "We shall soon be nothing but transparent masses of jelly (果冻) to each other,"   a London writer said sadly in 1897.

However, nowadays the telephone call seems like a return to a gentler era. When Jenna Birch, a communication professor at the University of Iowa, started dating a man who insisted on calling her on the phone, she found it warm and delightful. So she doesn't think the shift to texting has made our interactions worse. According to her study, teenagers who text the most are also those who spend the most time face to face with friends. Communication, it seems, brings more communication, and — as she argues —   just because talk happens in text doesn't mean it's not meaningful.

Michele Martin of Carleton University, thinks we're living through a replay of the telephone, where the things that made it valuable — instant communications — are the same that made it annoying. "People believe they are free because they can bring the mobile phone everywhere," Martin says. "But at the same time, they are slaves to it."

The evidence, published yesterday in the Journal of Zoology, centres on a population of breeding (繁殖) frogs in Italy. It seems that, a few years ago, these creatures had suddenly escaped from their home five days before an earthquake struck their breeding ground.

The frogs' ability to sense the earthquake is not fully understood, but 96 percent of male frogs escaped and returned a day after the danger had passed. This discovery confused Dr Rachel Grant, who hadn't set out to learn about frogs' reactions to earthquakes, but to study the effect of the lunar cycle on them. She now believes that frogs may be able to sense some signs and use them as an early-warning system for earthquakes.

Frogs are not the only creatures born with an unusual power to predict natural disasters. In 2004, elephants in Thailand made loud noises before the tsunami hit, while bats in Sri Lanka flew around in anxiety before the disaster.

While most of these animal warnings have been ignored, there are times when they have been noticed. In 1975, scientists in Haicheng, China, noticed unusual behaviour in the city's dogs and cats. They demanded the evacuation (撤离) of the city, expecting a major disaster. Their warning came five-and-a-half hours before an earthquake struck, resulting in 2,000 deaths. Without the evacuation, another 150,000 people could have been killed.

"There are things we can't see and sounds we can't hear. But many animals can. There is a sense called electroperception that fish and sharks use to form a picture around them, while dolphins and bats use sonar to find their way around," says Professor Daniel Mills, an expert in animal behaviour at Lincoln University.

While working at the Vancouver Aquarium, Tucker met a rescued dolphin whose fins were partially cut off due to fishing equipment entanglement(缠绕). This heartbreaking experience made Tucker immediately search for a way to take action against the plastic pollution that caused these injuries. "I saw immediately that this was because of us," she says. "I knew I had to do something. Then, I found Mind Your Plastic."

That aquarium encounter was not the only experience that inspired Tucker to action. Other experiences like working in retail(零售) management came with witnessing tons of plastic waste. "I saw how much got thrown out, and it didn't sit well with me," she says.

Plastic waste in business is among what Mind Your Plastic is seeking to end via its three key programs: the Circular Economy Ambassador Program(CEAP) for educators and youth, the Plastic-Free Events Policy Program for municipalities(市政当局) and the Plastic Awareness and Reduction Toolkits (PART) Program for businesses.

When people donate to Mind Your Plastic, their dollars directly support these programs and help them effect change. Through direct partnerships with local educators, municipalities and businesses, these programs connect Canadians with direct ways to take action. The CEAP program, for example, helps teachers educate youth about the circular economy, lead local cleanups, and track collected waste.

The blame game is another area in need of transition, according to Tucker, who says that big companies, not customers, should carry the responsibility to solve Canada's plastic pollution problem.

"It's felt for a long time like the responsibility is placed on the customers," says Tucker. "That needs to stop." Tucker says this perspective(观点) can be shifted by individuals creating public pressures — for example, pushing for policy — and using their dollars to support more sustainable, circular alternatives until these policy changes happen.

The science of biodiversity: Costa Rica

4 November 2025 | 13 days

Join an extraordinary journey to Costa Rica, a top biodiverse country in the world. Explore the country's wealth of ecosystems, including primary rainforests and volcanic zones. Enjoy guided walks around several reserves and national parks with local conservationists.

● Stay in hotels and eco-houses within the forest.

Insect and ecosystems expedition safari (观兽旅行): Sri Lanka

30 March 2026 | 11 days

Journey into the heart of Sri Lanka on this unique insect-and-ecosystem-focused expedition, from thick forests and misty highlands to tropical rainforests and lowland grasslands.

●Enjoy morning and evening safaris in Udawalawe National Park.

Alaskan brown bear, ecology and wilderness adventure

9 August 2026 | 6 days

Dive into the wild heart of Alaska for an unequaled encounter with brown bears in their natural environment. Guided by expert naturalists, gain fascinating insights into bear ecology. Arrive via a private flight flying over rough mountain ranges and glacier-capped volcanoes.

● Stay at a small remote bear camp on Cook Inlet in luxury tent cabins.

Marine conservation cruise exploring Darwin's Galapagos

24 August 2026 | 8 days

Discover the biodiversity of the Galapagos Islands, which inspired Charles Darwin's theory of evolution. Accompanied throughout by passionate naturalist James Costa, who will bring the islands to life through lively lectures and engaging discussions.

●Sail aboard the small sailboat, with space for just 15 guests.

1.可能出现的极端天气；

2.相关的防范建议。

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 Mike,

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Yours,

Li Hua

The Chongqing leg of this (year) Guizhou Village Super League tournament kicked off on Friday night in Fengdu county, Southwest China's Chongqing.

Following the opening ceremony, a football match unfolded Fengdu and Guizhou's Rongjiang county, the birthplace of the popular soccer event(know) as the Guizhou Village Super League Cun Chao. Since 2023, the Village Super League has gained enormous popularity in China and(international), supported by the game's widespread appeal among(local) and the region's ethnic culture.

Earlier this year, Fengdu and Rongjiang signed an(agree) — selected Fengdu as the exclusive host for the Chongqing leg of the national tournament.

According to Wang Weiyu, deputy director of the Chongqing event's(organize) committee, 28 teams from Fengdu will participate in the event, along with teams from other districts and counties in Chongqing. They will be composed of students, nine-to-fivers and villagers. The winning team will represent Chongqing in the national Guizhou Village Super League tournament.

The Chongqing event was also highlighted by the Fengdu Temple Fair, dates back over 2,000 years to the Western Jin Dynasty (265 — 316). It(be) popular in the Ming Dynasty (1368 — 1644).

However, there have been occasions when my white hair has been the source of4. One day, my husband and I visited a thrift shop, where I went to look at the knickknacks (小玩意),5 to find old pictures, while he went into the housewares section of the shop.

Finding no interesting pictures, I headed over to6 my husband in the hunt for some nice kitchen gadgets. I7 he'd walked up behind an elderly woman. She was wearing a similar coat to mine and had flowing white hair. I headed over just in time to hear him8 to her, "See anything you like?"

The woman9. She was obviously into her eighties and didn't seem to find James'10 particularly puzzling. She gave him a look, smiling, "Maybe." The11 look on James's face was priceless. I couldn't12 it. I laughed out loud. The elderly woman looked at me, and then at James. She figured out the mistake13.

"Nice jacket," she said to me. "Thanks," I replied. "You have the most beautiful14."

We all had a good chuckle (轻声的笑). I think the woman was pleased to be15 for someone thirty years her junior. And you know what? I didn't mind, either.

"The achievement represents a growing interest and trust in the reliability of electric planes," says Dr Tine Tomazic, director of engineering and programs at the company Pipistrel. "We recently completed production of our 100th Velis Electro, marking a significant milestone for Pipistrel and the industry."

"The aviation industry is improving its carbon emissions (排放) by nearly 2% per passenger mile per year," says Dr Guy Gratton, associate professor of aviation at Granfield University in the UK. However, the global demand for air transport is estimated to double by 2040, which means that while other industries are showing meaningful signs of decarbonizing, aviation is on track to increase its total emissions. "So, we need to prevent aviation becoming a majority polluter," Gratton says. "Now, how can we do that?"

The Velis Electro is leading the way, but the first electric planes aren't designed to replace large passenger aircraft. Instead, these pioneer aircraft are designed specifically for flight training, offering just 50 minutes of flight time with 20 minutes reserve and a range of 185 kilometers. It's powered by a 58kW electric motor with two lightweight lithium batteries.

Traditional batteries are either too heavy or too hot to be practical for an aircraft. Pipistrel's system, however, makes the whole powertrain safe, light and efficient. The battery weighs 70 kg and the whole aircraft weighs just 425 kg when empty.

Pilots don't need an additional license to fly Velis Electro, but they'll notice differences. "The aircraft delivers power without hesitation," Tomazic explains. "It uses a simplified user interface in a cockpit (驾驶舱) that maintains the same look and feel of its conventionally-powered planes. The cockpit is also much quieter than with conventional aircraft."

Dr Stephen Mayfield, one of the study's co-authors, said, "Many of us have known the potential of algae for food for years, and have been working on it as a food source, but now, with climate change, deforestation, and a population of eight billion people, most people realize that the world simply has to become more efficient in protein production."

Algae refers to a broad range of underwater organisms but this study focuses specifically on the cultivation of microalgae. The study cites research from 2014 that found "Algae can annually produce 167 times more useful biomass (生物量) than corn when using the same amount of land." Some algae models predict that existing algae strains (菌株) could potentially replace 25% of European protein consumption when grown on available land that isn't currently used for traditional crops.

Some algae strains can grow in salt or brackish water, and even wastewater from dairy farms, and they can be produced in a range of locations, from open-air ponds to above-ground bioreactors. Moreover, compared to traditional crops like corn and soybeans, algae cultivation requires far less water per ton of biomass produced.

It'll be important to convince the public that eating algae is a good idea. "Algae can be a very healthy food, but we just don't have a history of eating it; but once people try it, they usually learn to like it," said Mayfield. "Most US and European dietary health studies show we need to reduce the amount of red animal meat we eat, and algae could be a great way to get healthy plant protein into our diets."

This research is an interesting initial attempt into algae's potential role as a future food source. Once it is thought of as a global food crop, it could be treated much the same way, improved in color, taste, and protein content.

The Chemin de Puy, France

Length: 40 miles

Time: 4 days

We've picked a short section through rural Gascony, starting in Éauze, where the land is rich and green, the gentle hills easily tackled and the food and wine always appealing. You need to walk against the flow of hikers to reach the loveliest town. For three miles before you reach it, hilltop Lectoure attracts you with rolling wheat fields. Once there, expect to be greeted by cafes and old walls.

Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Italy

Length: 5.5 miles

Time: 3 — 4 hours

It surrounds three of the most impressive rock walls yet the path is broad and steady throughout. It begins and ends at a series of car parks by the Rifugio Auronzo (access is controlled and there's a fee to pay). Hike it in June or September to avoid the high-summer crowds and bring a pair of telescopic hiking poles if you're tackling it in June, in case there's still snow on the path.

Heidschnuckenweg, Germany

Length: 30 miles

Time: 3 days

The path is easy with hills no higher than 555 feet and is broad and sandy for most of its length. Hike it in late August when the heather blooms (石楠花盛开) and turns the landscape into a sea of purple. The three-day stretch provided by stages 3 to 5, from Handeloh to Bispingen, offers a lovely taster — with rail access at either end and some peaceful villages for overnight stops.

Hadrian's Wall, England

Length: 21 miles

Time: 4 — 5 days

The central section of Hadrian's Wall, from Birdoswald to Chollerford, is a long and continuous treat, packed with amazing ruins. The long-distance path that follows the wall is well-maintained and is shadowed by a lower, flatter route. Just remember to keep each day's walking short. That way you'll have time to explore key sites and museums.

A Perfect Friendship

The shining sun reflected in the flowing stream as it journeyed through the beautiful Wonderland. In the middle of the rolling field, sat a young boy called George. He laid out a picnic to share with his best friend Jack. George was buzzing with excitement. "I've brought extra Jaffa cakes just for you Jack," he called out, knowing that Jack would wolf them down (狼吞虎咽) in a second.

George didn't look like all the other boys, so no one wanted to be friends with him. No one, that was, except for Jack. Jack knew that George was a true friend, he was kind, creative, brave, funny and had the most incredible imagination. Jack didn't judge him by his looks, only by who he was inside and that was why they had a perfect friendship.

They spent many days together in the Heavens, climbing up trees and splashing (泼水嬉戏) through the stream. The wood was full of adventure, always offering new things to find and explore. Their imaginations ran freely as they battled giants and evil monkeys.

As the boys splashed each other in the stream, George wished that the water would wash away his scars. They weren't just physical scars, they were the scars (疤痕) that hurt so deeply inside. The years of teasing had built up inside him, but as he looked at Jack, the pain eased off. Finally, there was someone that could look beyond his imperfections and really understand him.

Sometimes, the cool kids would wander around the Wonderland and start laughing at George, "freak!", "glad, I don't look like you!", "monster!" "More like ‘cruel kids!" George sighed sadly. Luckily, he had Jack by his side, a comfort that he wasn't alone. "Don't take any notice of them", Jack always encouraged him, "It's not their fault that they can't see the real you."

Jack and George's favourite swing was an old tyre (轮胎) hanging on a tall oak tree (橡树). They would soar (高飞) towards the clouds, always competing to see who could go the highest. Now there was the swinging competition. Many kids were gathering around the oak, arguing about who could set the new record for the highest swing. Jack patted on George's shoulder, saying, "come on, boy. Let's join in the competition. We can do it just as usual!"

注意：续写词数应为150左右；请按如下格式在答题卡的相应位置作答，

Paragraph 1:

However, hearing these words, George just turned and fled quickly.

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Paragraph 2:

Jack accompanied George to move up to the oak tree.

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内容包括：（1）地球面临的问题；

（2）呼吁采取行动。

注意：写作词数应为80个左右。

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