相关试卷

On Aug 5, the river flooding2 the community when they were away on the mountain biking trip. Several homes were destroyed or partially destroyed. None of the3 was as notable as that of their house, with video of this widely shared online.

The couple4 to the site of the house three days later to sort out new living arrangements and search for Leo, with the5 of having an encounter with their beloved cat again. Wilkins was holding onto the belief that if any animal would6 the house falling into the river, it would be Leo, the couple's black and white cat who shows no7 of bears.

They called out Leo's name and left food for him in the coop (笼子). By then, it seemed like everyone in the8 was looking for him. There were plenty of9 of Leo, but it appeared that there were just many black-and-white10 cats in the neighbourhood.

Eventually, her faith11 26 days after the flood when a photo of Leo was posted to the Facebook page. She12 to meet Leo. When Leo did turn up, he appeared to be a little thinner, but otherwise13 fine.

‌"It's14 to have him back and it's nice to have some good news," she said. And just like Leo, some of their other15 are finding their way back to them, but not in as good of condition as the cat.

Just in the past few weeks, my wife has become the supporter of the concept of zero-waste living. Zero-waste is obviously about changing behaviors to produce less waste. But as my wife shared with me all the inventive ways people are getting around using plastic or reusing clothes or controlling the desire to accrue (积累) things we don't really need, I realized that, zero-waste starts with something else. And in many ways, the first step, which is simply being willing to do something differently, can be the hardest step of all.

This came to mind as I read a cover story in education. Ostensibly (表面上), it's about more and more colleges agreeing to drop standardized tests as a required measure of student aptitude (天赋).

That is always going to be hard. But in recent decades, colleges have realized that the old ways of judging individual value, while not necessarily wrong, were narrow. While they identified one kind of student well, they did not account for a wide range of experiences, skills, and qualities that were no less important to achievement and success. The tests weren't good enough. Schools could do better.

So what has happened? Schools are increasingly consenting to think differently about admissions. They have resolved to do the best they can to see the whole individual. Some think dropping mandatory standardized tests is a mistake. However, once the first step is taken, the onward pull of reason and morality speed progress.

At a time when there appears to be so much confusion in the world, it is possible to look out and instead see something else: the world struggling with the perpetual (长久的) task of consenting to new ideas. Politics today show how easily we can become stuck in the mentally familiar.

That can be an admissions officer wanting to be more thoughtful in extending the benefits that her school offers. Or it can be a zero-waste blogger asking us all to think differently about how we contribute to greater balance in the world.

The only constant is the universal need for progress, and that will never leave us where it found us.

A. It starts with consenting (同意) to change thought.

B. Undoubtedly there have been missteps along the way.

C. In short, they left a lot of amazing people out and didn't even know it.

D. But at its heart, it reveals something more fundamental: how we judge individual value.

E. They offer the most challenging academic programs and ensure every student's physical and mental health.

F. The world, on the other hand, is constantly demanding that we be kinder and more connected and think ever larger.

G. Many universities known to be highly selective in their admissions policies received more applicants than usual.

Music recommendation algorithms, such as those used by Spotify and Apple Music, have been highly effective at suggesting new songs and artists. But Dr. Emily Carter, a music data scientist at the University of Music and Technology, notes that these algorithms often use a one-size-fits-all approach that doesn't capture the nuances of individual listening behavior. To better understand and cater to individual preferences, researchers need to analyze each user's unique listening patterns.

To develop and train their AI, the researchers collected data from over 50 million listening sessions and fed it into a neural network. They tested the system by seeing how well it could distinguish between different users' listening habits. The system was given 100 listening sessions from each of about 3,000 known users and 100 new sessions from an unknown user. The AI looked for the best match and identified the unknown user 86% of the time, according to a study presented at the International Conference on Music Information Retrieval (ISMIR). ‌"We were quite surprised by the accuracy," says Alex Johnson, a doctoral student in Carter's lab and the lead author of the study. A non-AI method was only 28% accurate.

‌"The work is really innovative," says Dr. Sarah Kim, a music researcher at Google. ‌"Personalized music experiences could transform how we interact with music platforms."

The researchers are aware of the privacy implications of their system, which could potentially identify users based on their listening habits. In theory, similar systems could also analyze other behaviors, such as the types of podcasts people listen to or the timing of their music consumption. ISMIR organizers found the study technically impressive but ethically questionable, and accepted it on the condition that the researchers detail the privacy risks. Carter says they have decided, for now, not to release the software publicly.

As I prepared to walk over to the table, memories of previous school lunches came flooding back. I remembered feeling self-conscious as my friends would make faces when I brought homemade bread. I had once insisted that my mom pack ‌"regular" lunches like store-bought sandwiches, and she had reluctantly agreed. From then on, my lunches were filled with typical school fare. However, that day, she had packed a loaf of freshly baked bread from the night before.

As soon as I reached the new lunch table, I tried to hide my lunch box under my seat. I sat quietly, hoping not to draw attention to myself when Emily, a new friend, asked where my food was. ‌"I'm not really hungry," I replied in a hesitant voice. But Emily had already seen me with my lunch, so she said, ‌"Then, I'll try it!"

I didn't want to be rude, so I reluctantly pulled out my lunch box. I braced myself for their reactions, expecting them to turn up their noses. But to my surprise, Emily took a small piece of bread and took a bite. My new friends were amazed at how delicious it was. They hadn't expected homemade bread to taste so good. I felt a wave of pride and gratitude wash over me.

When I got home that afternoon, my mom noticed the empty bread container. She hesitated before asking, ‌"How was the food?" I paused for a moment, then replied, ‌"It was perfect, Mom. If possible, can I still have your homemade bread for lunch tomorrow?"

The woolly mammoth, a massive herbivore with long, curved tusks, roamed the icy landscapes of Eurasia and North America during the Ice Age. These colossal creatures stood up to 11 feet tall and weighed as much as 6 tons, making them larger than modern elephants. They subsisted on a diet of grasses, shrubs, and other vegetation, using their tusks to dig through snow and ice to reach food.

Due to the scarcity of well-preserved mammoth remains, scientists have had limited opportunities to study these ancient beasts. However, recent advancements in paleontology and genetics have allowed researchers to piece together a more accurate picture of their lives. By analyzing ancient DNA and fossilized footprints, scientists have discovered that woolly mammoths were far more agile and adaptable than previously thought.

One of the most significant findings is that woolly mammoths had strong, flexible tendons in their legs, which enabled them to move swiftly across the frozen terrain. Fossil evidence also suggests that they lived in complex social groups, similar to modern elephants, and had highly developed survival strategies to endure the harsh Ice Age conditions.

Woolly mammoths went extinct around 4,000 years ago, likely due to a combination of climate change and human hunting. However, their extinction was not due to a lack of intelligence or adaptability. In fact, recent studies indicate that they were highly intelligent animals with strong problem-solving abilities.

The ongoing research into woolly mammoths is part of a broader effort to understand the ecology and behavior of extinct species. ‌"We are on the brink of uncovering the true nature of these magnificent creatures," said Dr. Elena Ivanova, a leading paleontologist. ‌"The woolly mammoth was not just a relic of the past, but a highly evolved and resilient animal that thrived for thousands of years."

As scientists continue to unravel the mysteries of the woolly mammoth, we are gaining a deeper appreciation for this ancient giant and its place in the history of our planet.

Central City Greenway Park, Metropolis

This urban oasis stretches through the heart of the city, providing a green corridor for both residents and visitors. The park features a network of walking and cycling paths that weave through lush gardens and serene ponds. One of the most popular activities here is the guided nature walk, where visitors can learn about the diverse plant and bird species that thrive in this urban environment. For those looking for a more relaxing experience, there are plenty of spots to sit and enjoy a picnic, or simply unwind with a good book under the shade of the trees.

Historic Downtown Plaza Park, Urbanville

This park is a treasure trove of history and culture, located in the heart of the city's historic district. Visitors can explore the beautifully restored Victorian-era buildings that line the plaza, many of which now house museums and art galleries. The park also hosts a variety of cultural events throughout the year, including outdoor concerts, theater performances, and art festivals. One of the highlights is the weekly farmers' market, where local vendors sell fresh produce, artisanal crafts, and delicious street food.

Urban Riverfront Park, Riverside City

This park offers a unique blend of natural beauty and urban charm along the riverfront. Visitors can enjoy scenic views of the river while walking along the waterfront promenade, or take a leisurely boat tour to see the city from a different perspective. The park also features a series of outdoor fitness stations, perfect for those who want to stay active. In addition, there are several playgrounds and interactive water features that make it a great place for families with children. During the summer months, the park hosts a series of free outdoor movie nights, adding to its vibrant atmosphere.

Skyline Park, Uptown City

This urban park is located on a hilltop, providing breathtaking views of the city skyline. It is an ideal spot for photography enthusiasts and those who simply want to enjoy a panoramic view of the city. The park features a series of terraced gardens, each with its own unique design and plantings. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of recreational activities, such as yoga classes, outdoor chess games, and even stargazing events hosted by local astronomy clubs. The park's location also makes it a convenient meeting point for city-wide events and celebrations.

I had a dream from primary school: to work in television. My parents owned a little grocery store, so we were definitely not fancy people. Thankfully, my dad had raised me to have a lot of confidence. He often said, "You can do anything you want to do." My dad was particularly supportive. He was my steady rock — always there for me.

With his help and encouragement, I was admitted to the radio and television arts program at Ryerson in Toronto. I really loved the program and worked hard and I was named the most outstanding graduate. I felt like I was already living my dream. I began to think that maybe I could apply for an internship in CBC or CTV.

Luckily, Global Television had just started broadcasting in Canada that year. I thought to myself: I'm new and they're new, so if Fm going to get to know one person at Global, it might as well be the president. I was scared, but I knew deep down inside that this was what I wanted. When I called my dad and told him my plan, he said, "Good, Faye. That's exactly what you should do."

With my heart just about pounding out of my body, I called up the president of Global Television. Suddenly Mr. Slaight was on the phone. "I've heard that your studio facilities are amazing. I could come at eleven o'clock on Monday or eleven o'clock on Sunday for a tour. What would suit you better?" I caught him totally off guard. He stuttered a bit, and then picked a day. When I hung up, I was scared but excited.

I arrived at the studio on the appointed day. When Mr. Slaight took me around, he looked at me and said， "What do you want?" He sounded furious but curious. "All I want is a chance to audition. I just want you to know my face. That's all I'm asking."

I didn't know whether I'd ever hear from him again, but two weeks later, his secretary called, "Mr. Slaight wants to know if you'd like to come and audition for a new school life show." I immediately answered，"Sure!"

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:

When I arrived at the station, I went direct into the audition and began my short performance.

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Paragraph 2:

Finally came the day of my first public appearance on live TV with my parents at home watching.

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1.小组观点；

2.陈述理由。

注意： 1. 词数80左右；

2.可以适当增加细节，以使行文连贯。

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In 1812, the year Charles Dickens was born, there were 66 novels (publish) in Britain. People had been writing novels for a century—most experts date the first novel to Robinson Crusoe in 1719—but nobody wanted (do) it professionally. Many works of fiction appeared the names of the authors, often with something like "By a lady." Novels, for the most part, (look) upon as silly, immoral or just plain bad.

In 1870, when Dickens died, the world mourned him as (it) first professional writer and publisher, famous and beloved, had led an explosion in both the publication of novels and their readership. Today Dickens' greatness is unchallenged. (remove) him from the pantheon (名人堂) of English literature would make about as much sense as the Louvre selling off the Mona Lisa.

How did Dickens get to the top? It's partly true that Dickens' style of writing (attract) audiences from all walks of life. It's party that his writings rode a wave of social, political and (science) progress. But it's also that he rewrote the culture of literature and put himself at the center. No one will ever know what mix of talent, ambition, energy and luck made Dickens such distinguished writer.

Another group of migrators does not quite fit either model, and researchers have only recently started to figure out how they find their way. Take the Cory's shearwater, an oceangoing sea bird that migrates over the Atlantic every year. The young do not migrate with their parents, so culture cannot explain their journeys. And the exact paths vary wildly from individual to individual, making genetics equally unlikely.

Cory's shearwaters are long-lived, rarely producing young successfully before age nine. This leaves an opening for learning and practice to develop their migration patterns. Researchers call this the "exploration-refinement", and until now it has been hypothetical (假设的) because of difficulties in tracking migratory animals' movements.

But a team of researchers has done that by attaching small geolocators to more than 150 of the birds aged four to nine. They found that younger birds traveled longer distances, for longer periods, and had more diverse paths than older birds. "We finally have evidence of the ‘exploration-refinement' for migratory birds," says Letizia Campioni, who led the study. Younger Cory's shearwaters are able to fly just as fast as the adults— but they do not, suggesting that the young do more exploring, which gradually fades as they mature and settle into a preferred course.

Although it may seem less efficient than other strategies, "exploration refinement could be beneficial to birds and other organisms (生物) in a rapidly changing world due to unpredictable man-made changes," says Barbara Frei. "It might be safer to repeat a behavior that was recently successful than to rely on patterns that were perfected long ago but might no longer be safe."

The company is testing SearchGPT, which will combine its AI technology with real-time information from the web to allow people to search for information in the same way they talk to ChatGPT. The search engine is currently in an early test for a limited number of users. With the new feature, OpenAI will be directly competing with Google, which has for years dominated the online search market. SearchGPT could also pose a threat to Microsoft.

With SearchGPT, users will be able to ask questions in natural language, and they'll receive answers that they can then follow up on with additional questions. But unlike ChatGPT, which is often reliant on older data to generate its answers, SearchGPT will provide up-to-date information, with online links to what the company says are "clear and relevant sources." The tool will also show a sidebar with additional links to relevant information.

The OpenAI search engine could promote generative AI after Google has experimented with early efforts to incorporate chatbots and AI-generated answers into the search experience. But Google quickly pulled back on use of the feature after it provided false, and in some cases totally nonsensical information, in response to some users' queries.

The launch of Google's tool also raised concerns among some news publishers and similar concerns could arise with OpenAI's search engine. However, OpenAI said Thursday that it partnered with publishers to build the tool and give them options to "manage how they appear" in SearchGPT's results.

A year before, when Niall McCann first suggested making the 100–mile trip, I was excited by the prospect of returning to this lost world of crevasses (冰裂缝), mountains and ice, but upset and anxious about whether I'd struggle. Back then, I still would have given anything for my legs to work and to be able to walk again. But I was eager for adventure and signed on to do the trip with McCann, who had broken his back when paragliding, and EdJackson, a former professional rugby player who had broken his neck in 2017.

This was going to be the toughest challenge of my life. And yet, with each drive of my poles into the snow, I pushed myself further from civilization — and closer to the man I'd once been.

My mind drifted to the last time I was on a mountain before my accident, climbing Monte Rosa in the Italian Alps and feeling the addictive mixture of excitement and trepidation. Those same emotions returned as we battled through powerful storms and hidden crevasses before we reached the ice cap's highest point.

I was at the top when I was hit by an unexpected wave of emotion. I realized that, despite all that I had been through — all the challenges and setbacks I had faced — if someone asked me if I wanted my legs back, I would have said no. That moment affected every aspect of my life and the way I perceived my disability. No longer did I consider myself disabled or injured, because, if I could reach the summit of a remote ice cap, I could overcome the frustrations and setbacks of day-to-day life with resilience and persistence. Yes, I do still have a life-changing injury — but, for me, it's been for the better.

Phuket (普吉岛) is the largest of Thailand's many islands and is situated on the country's west coast. It is often known as the "Pearl of The Andaman" due to its crystal blue seas, white sand beaches and sacred temples. As a melting pot, it boasts incredible cultural, architectural, and culinary diversity. Before traveling, here are some important things you need to know.

Weather in Phuket

·Hot season: April to June.

·Wet season: July to November.

·Best time to go: December to March.

Staying safe in Phuket

·Water: Do not drink from the taps. Always use bottled water.

·Emergency: In case of an emergency, dial 191 for police, 1155 for tourist police, and 1669 for ambulance.

·Insurance: Get travel insurance as a part of your deal. It will always come in handy if you fall sick or if any other emergency arises.

· Accommodation: Choose a suitable location for your stay. Do not select a dodgy hotel just because it is cheaper than the others.

Top three recommended hotels

La Green Hotel and Residence

$110 per night/15% off for at least two nights

Set in Bang Tao Beach, 1 km from Bang Tao Beach, La Green Hotel and Residence provides a fitness centre, free private parking, a restaurant and a bar.

Sole Mio Boutique Hotel and Wellness

$140 per night/20% off for at least two nights

Sole Mio Boutique Hotel and Wellness offers accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, and a fitness centre, just 600 metres from Bang Tao Beach.

Riviera Patong Hotel

$125 per night/ 10% off for at least two nights

Riviera Patong offers accommodation with a bar and free WiFi, conveniently located within 0.5k m of PatongBeach and 1.1 km of Jungceylon Shopping Center.

"No, little girl. You can't get in without the money." Jeffrey, the bus driver, told a little girl who wanted to get on the bus but only had a few pennies. She must have been around seven years old, and he wasn't in the mood to deal with unaccompanied children that day.

"Please, sir. I want to visit my grandmother," the little girl begged. "Then go ask your parents for the money and come back next time," Jeffrey replied and gestured with his hand for the girl to get out. She finally left the bus with her shoulders lowered. Jeffrey saw her sit down at the bus stop and drove off.

He finished his route and went home for the lunch, greeting his wife, Greta, and sitting down on the couch to rest. When he browsed his Facebook posts, an image caught his attention. A picture was shared of the little girl he had just turned away a few hours earlier. The word "Missing" was written on top of the image. He learned that the girl had disappeared a day ago, and her parents were desperately trying to find her.

"Dear! What have I done?" he asked himself, standing up and going to the front door. When Greta asked where he was going, Jeffrey said, "Greta! Quick! Call 911 and this number," showing her the picture of the girl. "I saw this girl at a bus stop earlier, and I turned her away because she didn't have enough money. I'm going to find her, but please make those calls." Having told her where the bus stop was, he went out.

Jeffrey rushed to his car, speeding to the bus stop. Hopefully, the girl was smart enough to stay in one place. He couldn't believe how careless he had been earlier. She was a little girl all alone. As he drove to the bus stop, Jeffrey vowed to be more careful in the future, especially when it came to children.

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。

Finally, Jeffrey saw a tiny figure sitting on the bench at the spot.

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A few minutes later, the police and another car approached.

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1.研学经历和见闻；

2.你的感想。

参考词汇：研学 learning trip

注意：

1.写作词数应为80个左右；

2. 请按如下格式在答题卡的相应位置作答。

Dear Simon,

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Do you have similar experience? Looking forward to your story.

Best regards,

Li Hua

As the popularity of traditional hanfu clothing rises,more young entrepreneurs are embracing the opportunity(introduce)this   cultural heritage to a wider audience.

Yang Ting,95s-bom entrepreneur (创业者)and her friend QiQi,used to work as teachers,embarked on a new journey by opening a hanfu dressing and makeup boutique (时装精品小店)in the busy pedestrian street of the Grand Tang Dynasty Ever Bright City in Xi'an.

Yang explained that the process of dressing up in hanfu and having makeup done is not(complicate). It begins with selecting the desired style of clothing, followed by(consult)with makeup artists for the perfect look,which typically takes about an hour.

Since its opening in March 2023, their boutique (become)a hot spot, attracting hundreds of visitors(day). The visitors, who gather to experience the charm of dressing up in ancient hanfu clothes,(be)not only from different parts of China but also from countries such as South Korea, Japan, Russia, Nigeria, and Brazil.

Despite facing challenges in the early stages due to their lackexperience in operations.Yang and her co-partner kept on,gradually(expand)their business.

Today,their hanfu dressing and makeup boutique has expanded 1o two stores,boasting a collection of nearly a thousand outfits.(Adapted from CHINADAJLY2024/04/11)

My niece was2 by a plant full of blooming flowers. She approached it and admired its unique beauty. Suddenly she3 that the plant was in a pile of filth(污秽). She could not put up with the4 of dirt with such fantastic flowers.

She figured out a plan to clean the plant. She5 the plant with all her might from the dirt and washed its6 in running tap water till all traces of dirt were washed away. She then placed the plant on a clean stone and went away, proud that she had done a great7.

Later her father came to the garden and noticed the uprooted plant, which had lain8 in the baking sun. His little daughter ran over to9 her achievement. "I have cleaned it, Daddy," she reported10.

The father showed her how her treatment had nearly killed the plant and told her that the filthy soil provided the best11 to grow that plant. On hearing that, the girl felt guilty that the plant had suffered by her cleaning.

A great gardener mixes the12 soil for each plant.13, God provides each of us with the best14 required for optimum (最佳) spiritual growth. But it may appear to be15 and we may even complain to God about our difficulty.

The phenomenon known as "TikTok Brain" arises from the app's short and addictive videos. Similar to candy, these videos generate rapid dopamine (多巴胺) releases, stimulating the brain's pleasure center. A study was conducted to investigate the impact of Shorts on the teenage brains. They stimulated the brain's reward centers more intensely than random videos.

Our brains process visual information faster than text, which explains why videos tend to outperform text-based content online. Due to their underdeveloped reading skills, children are more easily to become addicted to visual stimuli. Remarkably, social media platforms can do a lot harm to the development of reading habits among younger users.

According to Jessica Griffin, a professor of child psychology, Shorts affect the developing brains of children and teenagers. The prefrontal cortex (前额叶皮质) is responsible for attention, self-control, memory, and learning flexibility. This delayed development makes young individuals more easily influenced by Shorts.

In conclusion, the constant exposure to fast-paced and stimulating content in Shorts can impact children's attention. To address this issue, parents can have open conversations with their children about the potential risks. Furthermore, encouraging physical activities and outdoor experiences is also crucial to develop a balance d lifestyle.
 

A. Some even do not include text at all.

B. TikTok's feed is created addictive by design.

C. But it does not fully mature until around the age of 25.

D. It is helpful to use screen time management tools for Shorts.

E. Short-term memory and the ability to concentrate are affected.

F. It revealed that these videos are personalized, selected and fed to users.

G. They're brief attention-grabbing videos that can be entertaining and addictive.

The precise timing of that post-Ice Age brain shrink has remained a mystery until now. A group of researchers led by DeSilva used a mixture of fossil and modern sample data to confirm that this loss of gray matter happened between 3,000 to 5,000 years ago, according to research published in June in the journal Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution. DeSilva's group calculated that human brains had remained roughly the same size in average volume, about 1,450 cubic centimeters, for roughly the past 150,000 years. That average rapidly dropped by around 10%, or up to 150 cubic centimeters, over the course of the last few millennia.

DeSilva's group found that not only did the human brain size shrink in general, but also it decreased relative to our body size, suggesting that brain size reduction isn't just a byproduct of our shrinking bodies.

Many anthropologists had explained the changes coincided with the appearance of agricultural practices around 10,000 years ago, and a global shift away from hunting and gathering. DeSilva's group point to booming eras for ancient civilizations in North Africa, the Middle East and South America — complex societies that they think may have played a role in the shrinkage.

The researchers suggested that perhaps our need to maintain a large brain to keep track of information about food, social relationships, and our environment has also relaxed in the past few millennia because we could store information externally in other members of our social circles and groups. That trend is likely strengthened by our use of books, personal devices and the Internet.

"Like, computers used to be the size of a room, and now they fit in your pocket, so it is important not to relate brain size to smarts." DeSilva said.

Currently nearing completion and set to reach a height of 301 meters, Foster's Lusail Towers are ready to claim the title of Oatar's tallest buildings. Lusail Towers are intended to serve as a center for Oatar's financial institutions, with four distinctive blocks, two standing at 70 stories and two at 50 stories.

But the construction itself wasn't all plain sailing. To address the unique challenges presented by Oatar's hot climate, Foster's team had to depart from the materials commonly used in skyscrapers in cooler countries—— part of what Foster called a decades- long quest to "reinvent the tall building." The design combines advanced shading with ventilation (通风), while the towers' surfaces are coated with "marine- grade" aluminum (铝) that wraps around the buildings, protecting the glass from strong sunlight while maintaining the views and still letting in natural light. Central to the project are special shading fins (鳍), which not only optimize views and natural lighting for occupants but reduce solar radiation by 70% compared to traditional all- glass towers.

While the towers are ready to become a recognizable landmark for Lusail, Foster believes that a city's skyline reflects what lies beneath the surface. It was crucial to integrate the towers into a "low- scale master plan." They are strategically positioned on top of a subway line and at the end of a commercial avenue linking the waterfront to the nearby football stadium. According to Foster, the ground features of the plaza will play a significant role in the objective of transforming the area into a lively public space for the future.