Scientists say they have developed a system that uses machine learning to predict when and where lightning will strike. Researchers report the system is able to predict lightning strikes up to 30 minutes before they happen within a 30-kilometer area.
Lightning is a strong burst of electricity in the atmosphere. Since it carries an extremely powerful electrical charge, it can be destructive and deadly. European researchers have estimated that between 6,000 and 24,000 people are killed by lightning worldwide each year. For this reason, climate scientists have long sought to develop methods to predict lightning.
The system tested in the experiments uses a combination of data from weather stations and machine learning methods. The researchers developed a prediction model that was trained to recognize weather conditions that were likely to cause lightning.
The model was created with data collected over a 12-year period from 12 Swiss weather stations in cities and mountain areas. The data, related to four main surface conditions: air pressure, air temperature, relative humidity and wind speed, was placed into a unique machine learning algorithm (算法), which compared it to records of lightning strikes. Researchers say the algorithm was then able to learn the conditions under which lightning happens.
The researchers test-ran the system several times. They found that the system made predictions that proved correct almost 80 percent of the time. “It can now be used anywhere,” the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology said in a statement.
The researchers plan to keep developing the technology in partnership with a European effort that aims to create a lightning protection program. The effort is called the European Laser Lightning Rod project. Scientists working on the project are experimenting with a laser technology that could someday control lightning activity, transferring lightning charges from clouds to the ground. They hope that such technology can one day be used as protection against lightning strikes. Possible uses could be at stations, airports or places where large crowds gather.
1.Why was the system developed?
A.To meet kids’ curiosity about lightning.
B.To show the power of lightning.
C.To keep track of lightning deaths.
D.To protect people from lightning.
2.What is special about the system?
A.It was based on a number of samples worldwide.
B.It adopted a different machine learning algorithm.
C.It used an effective method of collecting data.
D.It required low cost of predicting lightning.
3.What will the researchers do next with the laser technology?
A.Monitor lightning activity. B.Prevent the occurrence of lightning.
C.Direct energy from lightning. D.Generate electricity with lightning.
4.What can be a suitable title for the text?
A.A System of Controlling Lightning B.A Method of Forecasting Lightning
C.A Theory of Employing Lightning D.A Model of Creating Lightning
The worst outbreak of desert locusts (蝗虫) in decades is presently underway in the Horn of Africa. It is the biggest of its kind in 25 years for Ethiopia and Somalia — and the worst Kenya has seen for 70 years.
What we are seeing in East Africa today is unlike anything we’ve seen in a very long time. Its destructive potential is enormous, and it’s taking place in a region where farmers need every gram of food to feed themselves and their families. Most of the countries hardest hit are those where millions of people are already vulnerable (脆弱的) or in serious humanitarian need, as they endure the impact of violence, drought, and floods.
We have acted quickly to respond to this outbreak. The primary method of battling locusts is the aerial spraying of pesticides (杀虫剂). FAO’s “Locust Watch” service explains that “although giant nets, flamethrowers, lasers, and huge vacuums have been proposed in the past, these are not in use for locust control. People and birds often eat locusts but usually not enough to significantly reduce population levels over large areas.”
The UN’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs has released $10 million from its Central Emergency Relief Fund to fund a huge scale-up in aerial operations to manage the outbreak.
But the window to contain this crisis is closing fast. We only have until the beginning of March to bring this infestation under control as that is when the rain and planting season begins. If left unchecked — and with expected additional rains — locust numbers in East Africa could increase 500 times by June.
We must act now to avoid a full-blown catastrophe. And we will. At the same time, we need to pay attention to a bigger picture. This is not the first time the Greater Horn of Africa has seen locust outbreak approach this scale, but the current situation is the worst in decades. This is linked to climate change. Warmer seas mean more tropical storms, generating the perfect breeding conditions for locusts.
1.What is implied in paragraph 2?
A.People in East Africa are suffering drought.
B.People in East Africa are going through floods.
C.The locust outbreak will cause crop failure.
D.The locust outbreak is worsening locals’ life.
2.What can we learn from the last paragraph?
A.We need a bigger picture to study the disaster.
B.It is the second outbreak of locusts in East Africa.
C.It is the largest outbreak of locusts ever in history.
D.The outbreak of locusts is fueled by global warming.
3.What is the purpose of the text?
A.To analyse and compare. B.To inform and call for.
C.To argue and discuss. D.To introduce and assess.
4.Where does the text probably come from?
A.A guidebook. B.A health magazine.
C.A news report. D.A chemistry paper.
The expression, “everybody’s doing it,” is very much at the center of the concept of peer pressure. It is a social influence applied on an individual in order to get that person to act or behave in a similar way as a larger group.
People are social creatures by nature, and so it is hardly surprising that some part of their self-respect comes from the approval of others. This instinct explains why the approval of peers, or the fear of disapproval, is such a powerful force in many people’s lives. This instinct drives people to dress one way at home and another way at work, or to answer a simple “fine” when a stranger asks “how are you?” even if it is not necessarily true.
For certain individuals, seeking social acceptance is so important that it becomes an addiction. Teens and young adults may feel forced to smoke, or drink alcohol, which might encourage criminal behavior. Mature adults may sometimes feel pressured to cover up illegal activity at the company where they work, or end up in debt because they are unable to hold back the desire to buy a house or car that they can’t afford in an effort to keep up with the peers.
However, peer pressure is not always negative. A student whose friends are good at academics may be urged to work harder and get good grades. Players on a sports team may feel driven to play harder in order to help the team win. This type of influence can also get a friend off smoking, or to help an adult take up a good habit or drop a bad one.
Although peer pressure is sometimes quite obvious, it can also be so subtle that a person may not even notice that it is affecting his or her behavior. For this reason, when making important decisions, simply going with an instinct is risky. Instead, people should seriously consider why they feel drawn to taking a particular action, or it is simply because everyone else is doing the same thing.
1.What does the underlined word “instinct” in paragraph 2 probably mean?
A.A natural tendency. B.An acquired ability.
C.A popular idea. D.An obvious mistake.
2.What is paragraph 4 mainly about?
A.Potential causes of peer pressure.
B.Possible positive effects of peer pressure.
C.Negative consequences of peer pressure.
D.Tips for coping with peer pressure.
3.What is the author’s suggestion when making a decision?
A.Simply go with an instinct.
B.Ask for advice from adults.
C.Listen to the inner motivation.
D.Follow in the footsteps of others.
4.What is the author’s attitude to peer pressure?
A.Objective. B.Ambiguous.
C.Critical. D.Indifferent.
Whistler, B.C.
Beloved by tourists and Canadians alike, Whistler increased its international profile after the success of the 2010 Winter Olympics. With its close proximity (临近) to Vancouver — it’s only two hours north of the city — Whistler offers the ideal winter playground for all ages. Challenge yourself on its snow-covered mountains, enjoy some retail therapy in its 200 shops, or sample the finest cuisine in 90+ restaurants and bars.
Quebec
For more than 60 years, Quebec’s world famous Winter Carnival has been one of Canada’s must-visit winter destinations. With evening parades, snow tubing, skating, snow rafting, outdoor BBQs, ice sliding, snow sculpture competitions and dance parties, there’s something for every taste and age. And be sure to keep your eyes peeled for the fete’s main man — Bonhomme Carnaval — Quebec’s beloved snowman and Carnival ambassador.
Nova Scotia
You can’t get more Canadian than maple syrup, and Sugar Moon Farm in Nova Scotia has tasty fun in store for you! Learn all about the art of maple syrup — and sample the yummy results. Sugar Moon Farm offers warm hospitality along with their sugar camp tours, all-day brunch, maple-tasting experiences and hiking trails. Foodies will be thrilled to take part in Sugar Moon’s Chef Nights when the finest chefs create delicate dinners for a hungry and appreciative audience.
Saskatchewan
For a true frontier experience, enjoy a breathtaking journey through the Canadian wild by dog sled. Saskatchewan’s Sundogs Sled Excursions lets you ride along on a trip of a lifetime. Each winter from late November to mid-March, Sundogs takes visitors deep into the beautiful and unspoiled environs of Anglin Lake by dog sled. Sundogs offers a host of amazing activities including puppy camps, half or full day trips, and overnight camping.
1.What is Whistler, B.C. known for worldwide?
A.The success of the 2010 Winter Olympics.
B.Its close proximity to Vancouver.
C.Its snow-covered mountains.
D.The finest cuisine in restaurants and bars.
2.Which is suggested if one has a sweet tooth?
A.Whistler, B.C. B.Saskatchewan.
C.Nova Scotia. D.Quebec.
3.What can be expected in Saskatchewan?
A.A snow sculpture competition. B.A maple-tasting experience.
C.A cross-country hiking trip. D.A thrilling snow sled ride.
请阅读下面文字,并按照要求用英语写一篇150词左右的文章。
As the art of writing Chinese characters, Chinese calligraphy, or shufa, is boasting as long a history as that of China itself. It is one of the highest forms of Chinese art, serving the purpose of conveying thoughts while also showcasing abstract beauty of lines.
According to the new curriculum recently issued by the Ministry of Education, calligraphy education is required in primary and middle schools. Calligraphy education will not only focus on developing students’ ability to write Chinese characters, but also involve traditional Chinese culture and calligraphy appreciation.
Many people support this practice. The primary and middle schools should attach importance to the art of producing beautiful handwriting using pens or brushes. At the same time, provided with appropriate calligraphy education, students can understand the rich connotation (内涵) and cultural value of Chinese calligraphy.
However, some people think it is out of fashion for students to practise calligraphy, because in many cases, we don't have to write Chinese characters thanks to the invention of computers.
（写作内容）
1. 用约30个词概括上述信息的主要内容；
2. 你是否支持书法教育进学校课堂？请说明理由（不少于两点）
（写作要求）
1. 写作过程中不能直接引用原文语句；
2. 作文中不能出现真实姓名和学校名称；
3. 不必写标题。
（评分标准）
内容完整，语言规范，语篇连贯，词数适当。
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What is positive thinking? You might be tempted to assume that it implies seeing the world through rose-colored lenses by ignoring the negative aspects of life. However, positive thinking actually means approaching life's challenges with a positive outlook. It does not necessarily mean avoiding or ignoring the bad things; instead, it involves making the most of potentially bad situations, trying to see the best in other people, and viewing yourself and your abilities in a positive light.
Some researchers often frame positive thinking in terms of explanatory style. Your explanatory style is how you explain why events happened. People with an optimistic explanatory style tend to give themselves credit when good things happen, but typically blame outside forces for bad outcomes. Unlike individuals with a pessimistic explanatory style they also seldom view negative events as expected and lasting. Positive thinkers are more likely to use an optimistic explanatory style, but the way in which people attribute events can also vary depending upon the exact situation. For examples, a person who is generally a positive thinker might use a more pessimistic explanatory style in particularly challenging situations, such as at work or at school.
In recent years, the so-called "power of positive thinking" has gained a great deal of attention. Empirical (经验的) research has found that there are a lot of very real health benefits linked to positive thinking and optimistic attitudes. For example, positive thinking can make one live longer, feel less depressed, become less likely to suffer from health problems like the common cold and cardiovascular disease-related death. But why exactly does positive thinking have such a strong impact on health? One theory is that people who think positively tend to live a healthier life in general; they may exercise more, follow a more nutritious (营养的) diet and avoid unhealthy behaviors.
Even if you are not a natural-bom optimist, there are things you can do to learn how to think positively. For example, you are supposed to focus on your own inner monologue (独白) and stay away from negative self-talk.
When you are facing challenges and start engaging in negative thinking, call a friend of family member who you can count on to offer positive encouragement and feedback. Overall, remember that to think positively, you need to nurture (滋养) yourself. Investing energy in things you enjoy and surrounding yourself with optimistic people are just two ways that you can encourage positive thinking in your life.
Passage Outline | Supporting details |
Concept | Positive thinking refers to an attitude of approaching challenges, which doesn't mean escaping from bad things but taking 1.of them. |
Characteristics of positive thinkers | ♦ Positive thinkers reward themselves for good outcomes while they do not 2. themselves when bad things happen. ♦They tend to regard negative events as unexpected and3. . ♦ They are likely to 4.with some challenging situations in a pessimistic way. |
Benefits and possible reasons | ♦ Positive thinking helps 5. peopled lifespan, manage depression and improve people's ability to 6. disease. ♦ People who think positively tend to live 7.. |
Tips | ♦ 8. negative self-talk and when experiencing trouble. ♦Turn to a(n)9. person for positive encouragement and feedback. ♦ 10. yourself to interesting things and spend time with optimistic people. |
