A new smart phone system under development can locate you even when you’re inside a building, which GPS can't do. While the concept sounds powerful, it’s not yet clear how practical it might be.
The set-up, called SurroundSense, sends information from cameras and microphones—gear in the latest smart phones—to a server that produces a fingerprint of the location.
“You can’t tell much from any of the measurements individually, but when combined, the optical (光学的), acoustic (声学的) and motion information creates a unique fingerprint of the space,” said Ionut Constandache, a student in computer science.
The system distinguishes between two indoor spaces in this manner: It knows that a bar is likely to be dark and noisy and people move little, sit a lot, whereas a department store will be brightly lit, contain vibrant colors, and will see a lot of people moving up and down passages. The more the system is used, the more it learns about specific places.
More work is needed before the set-up would be ready for prime time, however. For now, it can’t work if a person’s cellphone is in a handbag or otherwise unable to employ the camera. Finally it would be best served if paired with phones that were worn on the wrist or hung around the neck. Batteries, too, are a problem.
Students on the research team went out across Durham, North Carolina, with their cellphones collecting data in different types of businesses. The students mirrored the actions of the selected customers so that they would not prejudice the measurements.
“We went to 51 different stores and found that SurroundSense achieved an average accuracy (精确性) of about 87 percent," Constandache said.
“As the system collects and analyzes more and more information about a particular site, the fingerprint becomes more precise,” said Romit Roy Choudhury, professor of computer engineering. “Not only is the ambience different at different locations, but also can be different at different time at the same location.”
1.We can infer from the first paragraph that GPS .
A. can find you wherever you are
B. can make too much loud noise
C. can only find outside things
D. isn’t really practical yet
2.Why did students mirror the actions of the selected customers?
A. To get a reasonable result.
B. To collect data in different ways.
C. To receive information about a particular site.
D. To learn more about specific places.
3.The underlined word “ambience” in the last paragraph may mean .
A. the fingerprint of the location
B. the character of a place
C. the existence of people
D. the area of store
4.The main idea of the passage is about .
A. comparing GPS with a smart cellphone
B. the development of cellphones
C. a cellphone knowing where you are
D. what kind of future cellphones face
Today, I felt terrible. My head was full of problems, burdens and confusion. I decided to take a walk even though I didn't know where I would go.
The most extraordinary thing happened when I was on this walk.
I saw an old man sitting on a chair. He was a seller of second-hand shoes. I thought he looked at least seventy years old. He seemed so tired and nobody was buying his shoes. I wanted to give him something but I had not brought anything with me.
Then, a little girl came toward him. I heard the child say, “Grandfather, may I polish your shoes?” That old man took pity on her and he gave her a shoe to polish.
The girl said, “I polish the shoe because I need money to buy my brother a new school uniform.”
I heard this and tears came to my eyes. The old man answered, “Oh, little girl. Just stop doing this. Come with me and I will buy you a school uniform.” Then they walked to a market and I followed them behind. There he bought her a school uniform.
The girl said, “Thank you so much for doing this. May God bless you.” Then she left, leaving the old man smiling.
He walked away from the market, but I stopped him. I whispered in his ear, “You are a hero! Thank you for your kindness!” As I walked away, I glanced back and I could see him still smiling.
My own sadness disappeared and was chased away (赶走) by the light of this kind act. I began realizing that I have a lot to be thankful for. I hope, some day, I can show my appreciation of what I have by following the example of the old man who only had a little, but shared it beautifully with someone who had nothing.
1.When seeing the old shoe seller, how did the author feel?
A. Sympathy. B. Sorrow.
C. Regret. D. Disappointment.
2.Why did the girl offer to polish shoes for the old man?
A. She took pity on him.
B. She wanted to take care of him.
C. She meant to be friendly to him.
D. She expected to get help from him.
3.Why did the author follow the old man and the girl?
A. To witness a kind act.
B. To talk to the old man.
C. To know the old man.
D. To know where the market was.
4.By sharing the story, the author wants to convey a message that .
A. a kind act can cheer us up
B. the old man set us an example
C. some poor people need our help
D. we should stop pitying the old
How can you help kids cope with(应对) stress? Proper rest and good nutrition can boost coping skills, as can good parenting. Make time for your kids each day. Whether they need to talk or just be in the same room with you, make yourself available.
Even as kids get older, quality time is important. It’s really hard for some people to come home after work, get down on the floor, and play with their kids or just talk to them about their day--especially if they've had a stressful day themselves. But expressing interest in your kids shows that they’re important to you.
Help your children cope with stress by talking about what may be causing it. Together, you can come up with a few solutions. For example, they should cut back on after-school activities, spending more time talking with parents or teachers, developing an exercise plan or keeping a journal.
You can also help by predicting stressful situations and preparing kids for them. For example, let a child know ahead of time ( but not too far ahead of time) that a doctor’s appointment is coming up and talk about what will happen there. Keep in mind, though, that younger kids probably won't need too much advance preparation. Too much information can cause more stress.
Remember that some level of stress is normal; let kids know that it’s okay to feel angry, scared, lonely, or anxious and that other people share those feelings.
When kids can’t or won’t discuss these issues, try talking about your own concerns. This shows that you’re willing to handle tough topics and are available to talk with them when they’re ready. If a child shows symptoms that concern you and is unwilling to talk, consult a counselor or other mental health experts.
Most parents have the skills to deal with their kids’ stress. The time to seek professional attention is when any change in behavior persists, when stress is causing serious anxiety on when the behavior is causing significant problems in functioning at school or at home.
1.What is the purpose of the text?
A. To share the author' s ideas on proper parenting.
B. To persuade parents to spend more time with kids.
C. To advise parents how to help kids deal with stress.
D. To seek different ways to help solve kids' problems.
2.What makes it difficult for parents to spare kids quality time?
A. Kids growing so fast.
B. Parents being tired out.
C. Kids losing interest in parents.
D. There being too much homework.
3.You are advised not to talk too much about a stressful situation in advance because .
A. it does no good to your kids
B. it doesn’t work in practice
C. your kids may lose interest
D. your kids don’t want to listen
4.What can we learn from Paragraph 5 ?
A. Normal people share the same feelings.
B. It is normal for kids to have some stress.
C. Kids should get rid of negative feelings.
D. Everybody feels angry, scared, lonely or anxious.
We are now able to offer those adults who live, work or study in the Bristol City Council area cycle lessons for free up to 3 hours long.
Beginner? Can’t you ride a bike? You're not alone. We can help you get on a bike and go cycling. Beginners are called Level 1.
Need a refresher? If you need a refresher or you haven't been on a bike for a while and want to start cycling or perhaps you're confident on traffic-free routes but you want to start cycling on the road, our instructors can teach you the skills you need to cycle safely and confidently on the road. This is Level 2.
Experienced Cyclist? If you are an experienced cyclist, our professional urban coaches can give you smart tips for negotiating complex junctions more easily and improving your rush-hour strategies. This is Level 3.
What you should bring: You will need a roadworthy bike for your lesson. If you don’t own a bike you can hire one for the duration of your lesson but you can only hire one from the instructors at our Bedminster and St George venues. The cost of the bike for hire is £5. UK law does not require you to wear a helmet, but if you do wear one it should fit correctly.
Costs :
Bristol: Thanks to Bristol City Council, sessions are currently free for Bristol residents over age 16 and you can have up to 3 lessons, depending on your ability. To secure your booking, all we require is a £5 refundable deposit.
B&NES: Thanks to Bath Cycling Campaign, sessions are currently £5 for anyone over 12. If you are a B&NES resident, please book using the link on the “Outside Bristol” page.
Anywhere else: Life Cycle have a presence in Salisbury and Gloucester. For Salisbury residents, please book online and for Goucester residents you can book by emailing us (lifecycleuk. org.uk ). For all areas outside Bristol our charge is £ 30 for a 1-hour session.
1.You would like to have three lessons as .
A. a beginner B. an instructor
C. a refresher D. a skilled cyclist
2.If you want to ride a bike safely on the busy road, you'd better take up a lesson of .
A. Level 1 B. Level 2
C. Level 3 D. Level 4
3.How much should you pay for two lessons if you are outside Bristol and don't own a bike?
A. £15. B. £65. C. £ 30. D. £ 60.
4.What would be the best title for the text?
A. Cycle training lessons for adults
B. The coming events in the Bristol City
C. Popular places of interest in England
D. Activities suitable to different people
阅读理解（共20小题；每小题2分，满分40分）
UK education is all about giving you inspiration to develop your knowledge and skills, freedom to be creative, and support to help you achieve your best.
On a UK course you will benefit from excellent teaching and facilities. In order to accept students, UK education centres must meet strict quality standards set by the UK government and education bodies.
With such a good reputation for research and education, universities and colleges in the UK attract some of the world's leading academics and professionals. You will be encouraged to express your own ideas and think for yourself.
The attention to quality is reflected in the UK's excellent results:
Four of the top six universities in the world are in the UK.
The UK is a world-leading research nation. 54% of the research conducted by UK universities and colleges is classed as either “world-leading” or “internationally excellent”.
At the most recent inspection, 97% of further education colleges were judged satisfactory or better, for their overall effectiveness.
In the recent BIS Tracking International Graduate Outcomes survey, more than 88% of international higher education graduates said they were satisfied with their UK learning experience.
Likewise, in the Higher Education Academy Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey of UK postgraduate students, 93% rated the quality of teaching positively.
For English language students, you'll find the UK has long been at the forefront of language teaching, and pioneered many of the techniques now used around the world. The emphasis is on learning the language through fun and participation: Instead of just listening to your teacher, your classes will involve games, problem-solving and discussions. You might also listen to songs, watch television or read magazines to practise your comprehension skills.
The UK’s boarding schools also offer excellent teaching, facilities and support. At UK independent schools (most boarding schools are independent), a teacher has just 9.4 pupils on average, so teachers have more time to give you individual support. This is reflected in the results: 91% of students from UK independent schools go on to higher education.
1.What do the education centres do to accept students?
A. To develop knowledge and skills.
B. To help achieve your best.
C. To meet strict quality standards.
D. To benefit from excellent teaching.
2.How many foreign students are said to be satisfied with their learning in the UK?
A. About 97%. B. Below 54%.
C. 93% or so. D. Over 88%.
3.How do the students learn English in the UK?
A. By listening to the teacher.
B. By working in the class.
C. By teacher's support.
D. By playing and discussing.
4.What's the purpose of the author to write this passage?
A. To introduce the education in the UK.
B. To make their students love the UK.
C. To attract foreign students.
D. To show his pride in the UK.
完形填空(共20小题；每小题1分，满分20分)
If you ever feel as if you are being knocked about by life, think about the amazing bird called the Water Ouzel. I can’t imagine this waterbird knows what it is to have a day. The little creature is often found living next to waterfalls and rivers rushing fast. And however threatening the weather, however the water, in snow and rain, the tough and cheerful Water Ouzel can be chirping and singing. What's more, while the of most songbirds, however melodious in warm weather, fall over long winter months, the hearty Water Ouzel on through all seasons and every kind of . I have to wonder: does this little creature know anything I don't?
It's as if the knows that every violent storm will eventually sunshine; every dark night will finally fade into . And isn't it true? Even our bleakest and stormiest times do not forever. Like the poor man in the cement mixer(混凝土搅拌机), there is almost always an end to the .
As the incredible humanitarian novelist Harriet Beecher Stowe said, “ you get into a tight place and everything you till it seems as though you could not hold on a minute longer, never give up then, for that is just the place and time that the tide will .” I have had that more times than I can remember.
Maybe this is one of those days you feel as if you are the cement mixer. If so, do you need to a little longer?
1.A. dull B. long C. bad D. wonderful
2.A. violent B. distant C. calm D. slow
3.A. deep B. cold C. clear D. dirty
4.A. recorded B. kept C. taught D. heard
5.A. sizes B. colors C. voices D. shapes
6.A. silent B. sleepy C. ill D. deaf
7.A. lives B. sings C. survives D. flies
8.A. time B. river C. music D. storm
9.A. bird B. novelist C. man D. farmer
10.A. take place of B. get away from C. give way to D. catch up with
11.A. dawn B. dusk C. noon D. night
12.A. come B. last C. stay D. go
13.A. concerned B. cared C. complained D. puzzled
14.A. party B. story C. trouble D. day
15.A. when B. because C. although D. whether
16.A. takes in B. goes against C. gets over D. cuts off
17.A. end B. go C. rise D. turn
18.A. experience B. memory C. idea D. sight
19.A. beside B. on C. in D. with
20.A. take up B. hold on C. put off D. bring in
