Most of you have heard of the term "big data" by now. When a company records the information of millions of users, it can analyze this "big data" to discover patterns and trends, allowing them to make better business decisions. It sounds like a science experiment, but every single user who gives up their information becomes an unwilling test subject. Companies claim that the data is used to provide "better service".
When shopping on Taobao, for example, you will get product recommendations based on your previous purchases, making it easier to finish a shopping list. However, did you really end up only purchasing items you originally had in mind? Or did you add a few more to the cart as a result of their recommendations? And the customer? They just become one more point of data in the system.
Of course, you might be fine with spending a little extra from time to time, but that is only a tiny droplet (水滴) in the vast sea of big data. Moreover, companies can actually buy and sell your data. So, that is another way for companies to make quick money. The next time a photo editing application asks for your contacts, location and calendar, you may wonder which company is looking to buy your information.
As technology grows more advanced, there will only be more opportunities for you to be exposed. Every single photo, text or video you post on the internet is there to help someone paint a better picture of you. Perhaps in the near future, someone will have collected enough data to predict the future decisions you will make before you even make them. Actually, given the amount of data that is already at their disposal (任意使用 ), maybe it is already happening.
1.What is the purpose of collecting big data for companies?
A.To cut the cost of running companies B.To assist companies get higher profit
C.To provide better service to customers D.To analyze companies’ economic advantages
2.What of the following is the missing sentence in Paragraph3？
A.Big date benefits the customers. B.That’s where the business wins.
C.Taobao dominates the shopping markets. D.Product recommendations make shopping easier.
3.What is the best title for the text?
A.More Data, Less Privacy B.Big Data, Better life
C.More Data, Less Trouble D.Big Data, Future Predictor
Lock and Key: The Gadwall Incident Author: Ridley Pearson
Narrator: Nicola Barber Length: 1 Hour 54 Minutes
The New York Times bestselling author of the Peter and the Starcatcher and Kingdom keepers series, Pearson, brings us the Lock and Key series. Listeners will come to know the dangers that surround the Moriartys before James and Moria are sent off to Baskerville Academy, where they first meet Sherlock Holmes. It's a tale full of false starts and daring getaways, one that will leave listeners desperate to know what's next in the children’s classic.
Anne of Green Gables Author: Lucy Maud Montgomery
Narrator: Various Readers Length: 10 Hours 32 Minutes
The highest standards in editing and production have been applied to the Wordsworth Children's Classics, Anne of Green Gables which tells the story of a redheaded orphan girl. Despite her "tragical" past, Anne is always able to see the best in things. Anne’s life changes considerably when she is accidentally adopted by the Cuthberts. They plan to send Anne back to the orphanage but before they decide, she has begun to work her way into their hearts.
The Jungle Book Author: Rudyard Kipling
Narrator: Meredith Hughes Length: 5 Hours 2 Minutes
This classic children's book tells the story of Mowgli, a young boy raised by wolves: his adventures with his dear friends Bagheera and the bear Baloo; his capture by the Monkey-People; his attempt at rejoining civilization and his ultimate triumph over the lame tiger. Listeners will learn more about the story of how an innocent child wins the heart of some of the jungle s fiercest creatures.
1.What do the three books have in common?
A.Talking children's classics. B.Best-selling horror stories.
C.Stories of the same topic. D.Miserable stories of orphans.
2.Which of the following best describes Anne?
A.Tolerant and lonely. B.Generous and traditional.
C.Optimistic and smart. D.Humorous and determined.
3.What kind of book is The Jungle Book?
A.A fairy tale. B.A news report.
C.A biography. D.An adventure story
听下面一段独白，回答以下小题。
1.What did the speaker enjoy as a young child?
A.Running. B.Climbing. C.Swimming.
2.What was the speaker doing when he injured himself?
A.The long jump. B.A handstand. C.A forward roll.
3.For how many weeks did the speaker have to give up exercising?
A.Four. B.Eight. C.Twelve.
4.What was the change for the speaker after the incident?
A.He developed a new hobby.
B.He began to read love stories.
C.He enjoyed physical challenges even more.
听下面一段较长对话，回答以下小题。
1.What does the woman say about dogs in general?
A.They are messy.
B.They are annoying.
C.They are hard to take care of.
2.Why doesn’t the woman agree to have Lion?
A.It is unhealthy.
B.It is too large.
C.It is very noisy.
3.Where will the speakers probably get the dog?
A.From a pet store.
B.From a rescue shelter.
C.From a friend’s house.
4.What does the woman ask the boy to show her first in the end?
A.That he can clean up after the dog.
B.That he can take the dog for walks.
C.That he can be responsible for the chores around house
听下面一段较长对话，回答以下小题。
1.How many kinds of items does the man have in his basket?
A.Two. B.Three. C.Four.
2.What is the relationship between the speakers?
A.Brother and sister.
B.Husband and wife.
C.Grandmother and grandson.
3.What does the woman like to do when she has a headache?
A.Eat some bacon.
B.Drink some alcohol.
C.Have a bar of chocolate.
听下面一段较长对话，回答以下小题。
1.What does the boy’s teacher want him to improve?
A.His writing. B.His listening. C.His speaking.
2.What does the girl probably give to the boy?
A.A textbook. B.A novel. C.A newspaper.
