We’ve learned bees can understand zero and do basic math. Now a new study shows their tiny insect brains may be able to connect symbols to numbers.
Adrian Dyer, a professor in the RMIT University, said the research showed brains far smaller than humans’ could know numbers. “Humans learn numbers as children, but being able to recognize what numbers really represent needs a certain level of cognitive (认知的) ability,” Dyer says, “Studies have shown primates (灵长类动物) and birds have this ability, but this is the first time we’ve seen this in insects.”
It’s important for humans to do the research. There are 86 billion neurons (神经元) in humans’ brains. Bees only have less than a million. If bees have the ability to learn something difficult to understand like human-made symbolic language, this will open up exciting new paths for future communication between humans and animals.
Studies have shown that a number of animals have been able to learn symbols of numbers, including parrots and monkeys. Monkeys were taught Arabic numbers and could order them correctly. An African grey parrot called Alex was able to learn numbers and could do simple calculation.
Understanding how tiny brains of bees manage information opens paths to technology, which is good for the future design of computing (计算) systems.
1.What does Adrian Dyer say about the research?
A.The finding of the research is first seen in insects.
B.Humans’ brains are the biggest on the earth.
C.Birds can be as clever as primates.
D.Bees are cleverer than birds.
2.What do we know about the research?
A.Humans may find a new path to communicate with animals.
B.Bees have more neurons than monkeys.
C.Insects have the ability to communicate with humans.
D.Bees can solve basic math problems.
3.Who is Alex according to the text?
A.A child. B.A monkey.
C.An expert. D.A parrot.
4.What’s the main idea of the text?
A.Bees can communicate with other animals.
B.Bees can attach symbols to numbers.
C.Some animals can do math problems.
D.Bees can make communication with humans.
I was born in Bombay, India. When I was about 6 months old, my legs became paralyzed (麻痹的). My birth mother deserted (遗弃) me. I was adopted (收养) by an American family. I was taken to Spokane, Washington. It took me a long time to be able to walk, because I had to accept a number of operations.
When I was in the business school, one of my friends was training for a marathon. One day, she introduced me to an organization called Achilles International, which was a club for athletes with disabilities. It took me four months to get the courage to make the phone call. Dick Traum, the founder of Achilles, answered the phone. He asked me to show up on Tuesday and would lend me his bike. That was the first time that I had been able to feel the wind in my long hair. I rode really slowly, but it was the coolest feeling to ride a bicycle for the first time.
Later, I decided to take part in the Ironman World Championship. I was in a lot of pain, because I had to practice swimming, biking and running for over nine months.
On the day of the marathon, it took me 14 hours and 39 minutes to finish the Triathlon. After I crossed that finish line, I cried. I made it. It was my determination that made my dream come true.
1.Who took the author to America?
A.Her birth father. B.An Indian family.
C.An American family. D.Her birth mother.
2.Where did the author know about the organization?
A.From a book. B.From her friend.
C.From the Internet. D.From a magazine.
3.What is paragraph 3 mainly about?
A.Her hard exercising experience.
B.Her wish to be successful.
C.Her attitude towards the painful life.
D.Her dream of becoming a champion.
4.What can be the best title for the text?
A.Disability Is the Key to Success
B.A Friend in Need Is a Friend Indeed
C.Success Depends on Whom You Meet
D.Determination Makes Everything Possible
Taj Mahal (泰姬陵), one of the Seven Wonders of the World, was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. Exploring the beauty of this cultural relic along with the first rays of the sunlight, you’ll find yourself in a fantastic view. People have described the entire relic as a polished (抛光的) jewel in the morning sunshine.
Here is a route for you to enjoy the beautiful relic. The lowest price guarantee (保证) is $29.00.
Stop at: The hotel in New Delhi
Pick up from the hotel in New Delhi at 3:30 am and drive to Agra.
Duration (时长): 4 hours
Stop at: Taj Mahal
Note: Taj Mahal remains closed on Friday.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop at: Agra Fort
After visiting Taj Mahal, go on to visit Agra Fort, which was built in 1565 A. D. by Great Mughal Emperor Akbar.
Duration: 1.5 hours
Stop at: Mughal Spicy Restaurant
After the end of Agra fort, move towards Mughal Spicy Restaurant to have lunch. It provide you with delicious food of this city.
Duration: 1 hour
After the trip, our assistant will drive you back towards Delhi.
For more information, you can visit our website www. viator. com.
1.Taji Mahal is closed on ________.
A.Friday B.Thursday
C.Wednesday D.Monday
2.How long does it take to visit Agro Fort?
A.4 hours. B.1.5 hours.
C.2 hours. D.1 hour.
3.Where does this text most probably come from?
A.A geography textbook.
B.A historical report.
C.A travel website.
D.A design magazine.
Directions: Write an English composition in 120-150 words according to the instructions given below in Chinese.
WeChat is an essential part of our daily life. We can chat with friends, share our photos on moments and kill time by reading WeChat public accounts. And now, we can even gain new knowledge in WeChat study groups, covering everything from photograph to English. Do you like
this way of learning?
你认为微信学习群是真提升还是无用功？你的理由是什么？
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Directions: Translate the following sentences into English, using the words given in the brackets.
1.尽管已学了多年英语，但我仍发现用英语与他人交流有困难。（communicate）
2.她的工作涉及到检查事故中受损车辆，听上去很轻松。（involve）
3.每次我打开电脑，它都会提醒我要更新一下，我想知道不更新会有什么后果。（update）
4.政府已经花费了十年的时间来保护这座古庙免遭损坏，现在每天只有一定量的游客能进入。(take, admit)
Directions: Read the following passage. Summarize the main idea and the main point(s) of the passage in no more than 60 words. Use your own words as far as possible.
A Welcome Gift
Dario and his mother loved their new apartment. The living room was large enough for their piano. That night, the two of them set side by side at the piano. They played jazz music to celebrate their new home. The loud music filled the room, making them feel very happy.
The next morning, however, their happiness disappeared. Someone had left a note under their door during the night. Complaining about the sound of the piano. Dario’s mother asked the building manager if he knew anything about it. But he said that they were all nice people and he couldn’t imagine any of them had done that. Later that morning, Dario suggested writing a letter to apologize.
“Maybe we could visit everyone in person.” his mother said．
“What if we invited them to come here for a party instead? Dario asked．
They both loved the idea. Over the next few days, they sent out invitations and prepared desserts for their guests. They decorated the apartment with streamers (彩带) and party lights.
Finally, the day of the party arrived. Some guests brought presents. Others brought flowers. One woman, Mrs. Gilbert, presented Dario’s mother with a book of piano music by Chopin.
“I heard you playing the other night,” she said. “The sounds woke me out of bed. I worried that you might play like this every night. So I wrote a short note. I hope you don’t think I disliked the playing.”
Dario’s mother smiled at Mrs. Gilbert. “I think maybe we owe you an apology.” she said.“I didn’t realize how late it was when we were playing. Maybe we should play some quieter music at night.
“You play, you play!” Mrs. Gilbert said. “I like what you play! Just not so loud at night.” She pointed to the book she had given them. “These songs are not so loud.”
“These songs are beautiful music.” Dario’s mother said. “We will be happy to play them in the evening.” “And we won’t play so loud or late!” Dario said. He was already looking forward to practising the new music. More than that, however, he was happy to see the big smile on his mother’s face. It gave him a feeling of warmth and made him feel that they were home at last.
