Rigid_growth

Charles Darwin was a rigorous, meticulous scientist. He spent nearly 20 years honing his analysis and polishing his prose before publishing his groundbreaking work, On the Origin of Species, in November 1859.Darwin’s slim volume was what we would call a “game changer,” a revolutionary work that fundamentally altered the way human beings see themselves and the natural world. Today most of us are familiar with his theory of “natural selection”—the foundation of modem evolutionary biology. But 150 years ago, Darwin was sailing into choppy waters. The Church of England had set rigid boundaries, and his thesis was clearly a challenge to the orthodox view that humans were a separate, unique part of God’s creation and that all life was divinely created and unchan geable.The establishment of the time mocked him. There was intense public debate. But Darwin was unflinching. Today his core idea that all animals and plants evolve and adapt through natural selection is the bedrock of modern life sciences. He opened the door to a new world—a door which religious fundamentalists and “intelligent design” proponents are still trying to close.Darwin’s long battle has disturbing echoes today. We, too, are trapped in the same sort of false illusion that stymied critical thought before his radical breakthrough, except that the myth that envelops us is more dangerous and even more deeply rooted.Our great sustaining myth is economic growth: faith that the economy can grow forever, that there are no limits to the wealth we can create from Earth’s natural resources. Growth, measured by an increasing Gross Domestic Product (GDP), is what drives government policy worldwide.The equation has been drummed into us for so long that it’s received wisdom. Growth equals prosperity and job s. Growth equals progress.Yet this is a relatively recent turn of events. Using the GDP as a tool to measure growth has only been around since the late 1940s when the UN System of National Accounts was developed. For most of human history, economic growth was a mere blip. Only the last eight generations of humans have experienced consistent growth. As the father of green economics, Herman Daly, points out: “Historically, steady state is the normal condition; growth is an aberration.” By “steady state,” Daly means an economy with a constant population and “the lowest feasible flows of matter and energy from the first stage of production to the last stage of consumption.”The latest global economic slump underlines our reliance on growth. What happens when the economy stumbles? Financial markets crash, property values plummet, bankruptcies pile up, unemployment soars, and social pathologies multiply. Thus the resurgence of Keynesian economics. Prime the pump with billions in government funds. Pray that tax breaks and fiscal stimulus will boost investment, production, and jobs.Yet the world already produces far too much stuff, a lot of it unnecessary and much of it useless. We go on churning out mountains of consumer goods because it’s good for growth. As long as the economy keeps growing, things will be okay. Growth keeps people employed, investment profitable, and the endless cycle of production and consumption spinning. Increases in productivity and the restless search for profits drive the process.Endless accumulation and expansion is the core of capitalism.Consider this: the world economy grew more than seven-fold from 1950 to 2000. It’s projected to do the same again by 2050. At current rates of growth (before the recent global meltdown), the economy was doubling every 15 years, a breathtaking number when you consider that it took all of human history to reach the $6 trillion world economy of 1950. As the US writers Fred Magdoff and John Bellamy Foster note: “No-growth capitalism is an oxymoron: when growth ceases, the system is in a state of crisis.” The upshot is that the natural environment, on which human life and the human economy depend, is sidelined—“not as a place with inherent boundaries within which human beings must live together with Eart h’s other species, but as a realm to be exploited in a process of growing economic expansion.”The uncomfortable and inconvenient truth is that the physical resources of the biosphere are finite. We’re not approaching the ecological limits to growth; we’r e well past them. And in the process we are fouling the planet with our wastes and threatening the natural systems on which humanity and all other species depend.The hard statistics of ecological decline could fill a library. We’re chewing through massiv e quantities of both renewable and non-renewable resources at a breakneck speed.In 2005, the UN Millennium Ecosystem Assessment, a collaborative work of more than 10,000 scientists, found that 60% of “ecosystem services”—things like climate regulation, the water cycle, pollination, global fisheries, natural waste treatment—were being degraded or used unsustainably. “Human activity is putting such a heavy strain on Earth’s natural functions,” the report warned, “that the ability of the planet’s ecosystems to sustain human endeavor can nolonger be taken for granted.”The new familiar Ecological Footprint model supports this conclusion. It’s a way of asking how much we’re extracting from the planet to live the way we do. Conventional economics tends to see the environment as a subset of the economy. The footprint approach does the reverse, comparing humanity’s ecological impact—resources consumed and waste produced—with the amount of productive land and water available to supply key ecosystem services. It deals in averages so the rich/poor divide is blurred. But the message is clear. It takes about 1.8 hectares to sustain the average person on Earth. Those of us in the rich world are way above the average: Canadians each use about eight hectares, and Americans use 10, more than five times the average.In 1961, human beings used about half of Earth’s biocapacity; by 2006 we were using 44% more than is available. Mathis Wackemagel, one of the founders of the ecological footprint system, says we will need the equivalent of two Earths by the late 2030s to keep up with our demands. Ecologists call this phenomenon “overshoot.” It’s a temporary state that becomes increasingly untenable as stocks of resources are depleted.Wackernagel again says: “Since the 1980s, we’ve been drawing down the biosphere’s principal rather than living off its annual interest. To support our consumption, we have been liquidating resource stocks and allowing carbon dioxide to accumulate in the atmosphere.”Oil is the main culprit. The burning of fossil fuels, especially petroleum, powers the global economy. Oil is an extraordinary feat of concentrated energy: three large teaspoons of crude contain about the same amount of energy as eight hours of human manual labor. Geologist Colin J. Camp bell hit the nail on the head: “It’s as if each one of us had a team of slaves working for us for next to nothing.”Napoleon said that an army marches on its stomach; our modern globalized economy marches on oil. But it’s a Faustian bargain. The costs now exceed the benefits. Take the climate system, a key “natural service” threatened by human-made greenhouse gas emissions, mostly CO2, the main by-product from the combustion of fossil fuels. The more oil and coal we bum, the more CO2 is pumped into the atmosphere and the more we tip the balance.Leading climate scientists say a target of 350 parts per million (ppm) of CO2 might avoid dangerous climate change. We’re currently at 390 ppm and projected to hit 650 ppm by the end of this century. This translate s into an average increase in global temperature of about 4°C. If this projection plays out, we’re in big trouble. Large parts of Africa, China, India, and Latin America would become desert. Have you heard the term “environmental refugees”? Keep it in mind, because you’re going to be hearing it a lot more in the years ahead.Even on its own terms, growth isn’t working. We avoid talking about the skewed distribution of the planet’s wealth and income, dreaming instead that we can grow our way out of the prob lem. So the richest 20% of the world’s population consumes the lion’s share of resources, while the poorest 80% have to get by on the crumbs. And the ratios are getting worse. Growth is an excuse for continued inequality. But, more importantly, countless studies show that beyond a certain point higher levels of material consumption do not lead to increased well-being or happiness.Per capita GDP has tripled in the United States since 1950, but the percentage of people who say they are happy has declined since the 1970s. Richard Wilkinson and Kate Pickett, in their book The Spirit Level, note that poor nations with lower inequality have higher levels of well-being than richer but more unequal nations. We place growth above equality and pay a price in what’s called “the hidden injuries of class.” Shorter, unhealthier, and unhappier lives addicted to a mindless consumerism that is depleting the planet’s resources.Free market cheerleaders believe that technology and human ingenuity will solve the problem. The economy can be “de-coupled” from material inputs, they claim, and improved technology will allow us to produce more wealth with less energy, materials, and waste. This is whistling in the dark. Between 1970 and 2000, rich countries saw impressive gains in energy efficiency of up to 40%; but average improvements of 2% a year were eclipsed by growth rates of 3% or more. Increased technical efficiency is swamped by increased consumption.A recent report by the New Economics Foundation found that, to stabilize carbon emissions at 350 ppm by 2050, the carbon intensity of the global economy would need to fall by 95%. Ramping up GDP without improving technological efficiency leads to more environmental damage. Yet improving efficiency leads to more growth, which leads to the same result.We’ve been captured by a myth far more alluring than the one that Charles Darwin confronted 150 years ago: the dream of perpetual economic growth. In the North we have been living beyond our ecological means for decades, consuming too much and producing more waste than the environment can absorb, while inequality grows.The global population is expected to jump by 3 billion in the next 40 years—more than the entire population in 1950.Most of that increase will be in the South, where poverty is entrenched and living standards desperate. How will those next three billion live? Justice demands that we in the rich countries ratchet back our growth and clear some space for those who need it. The fate of planet Earth may depend on it.Are we up to it?The economy is a human construct. It’s not an act of God. We made it, we can change it.。

《新编大学英语》第2册Unit1-10文本（单元重点句子）Unit One1. A bad fire broke out in the supermarket. (p 4)2. A force-ten wind is capable of blowing the roofs off houses. (p25)3. As the disease progresses, the patient loses the ability to coordinate his or her movements. (p 5)4. Don’t let on that I told you. (p 8)5. Even the smallest baby can identify his mother from her voices. (p 27)6. He claimed that he had been deprived of his freedom. (p 20)7. He complaints about anything, his job, his wife, his bike and everything. (p 5)8. He seems to have been content to live and work in this province. (p 4)9. I met him only on one occasion. It was at a party. (p 4)10. It’s good to know you’ve got fr iends to lean on. (p 3)11. The body adjusts itself to change in temperature. (p 5)12. They urged that the library be kept open during the holidays. (p 8)13. You need a good sense of balance to ride a bicycle. (p 3)Unit TwoHe said he caught a fish as long as his arm, but I think he is exaggerating. (P. 41)I tried to convey in my speech how grateful we all were for his help. (P. 40)My trip to London didn’t turn out quite as planned. (P. 58) She found herself in conflict with her parents over her futurecareer. (P. 40)She just managed to hold back her anger. (P. 51)The book’s title misled me into thinking that it was a love story, but it was about cars. (P. 42)The children had an argument over what game to play. (P. 40) The idea rapidly gained acceptance in political circles. (P. 39) The power of speech distinguishes human beings from animals. (P. 50)Unit ThreeIn the face of great difficulty, she managed to keep her sense of humor.John has a very rigid attitude to the way he works.None of these social problems is unique to this country.That book is beyond the capacity of children who are still learning to read.That’s a remarkable achievement for some so young.The course will cover a whole range of topics.We won four games in succession.You need to channel your energies to something useful.Unit Four1. Profits have declined as a result of the recent drop in sales.2. A doctor writes the prescription and a chemist makes it up for you.3. Both your fears and your behavior are irrational.4. Despite her father’s reassurance she was still frightened of the dark.5. He wants to transfer some money to the account of his daughter.6. Her interest in flowers stems from her childhood in the country.7. Her views are backed up by the new scientific discovery.8. She cited three reasons why people get into debt.9. She’s become addicted to love stories.10. The judge reacted angrily to the suggestion that it hadn’t been a fair trial.11. The pub has recently extended its opening hours.12. To our great relief, the children all arrived home safely.Unit Five1. The students felt relieved when their teacher said that the mid-term examination was cancelled. (p 151)2. Classes will be called off on Thursday and Friday. (p 155)3. One’s conscious motives are often different from one’s subconscious ones. (p 141)4. Scientists have been working on methods to predict earthquakes. (p143)5. The castle dates back to the 14th century. (p 144)6. The dictionary is the largest volume on that shelf. (p 144)7. The teacher corrected the errors in Bill’s term paper. (p 141)8. When I heard the good news, I trembled with excitement. (p 154)Unit Six1. Our high living standards cause our population to consume25% of the world’s oil. (词P.192,句子课外)2. She is a very effective teacher. (词P.193, 句子课外)3. It’s impractical to have so many people all try to use this equipment at the same time. (词P.193, 句子课外)4. An English-language version of the book is planned for the autumn. P.1965. If you need advice, you have only to pick up the phone, orcome to see us. P.1846. My mother still regards me as a child. P.1847. People often underestimate the importance of the training. P.1958. The farmers fertilize their farmlands. (词P.182, 句子课外)9. The food was fairly good and the portions were sufficiently large to please the men. P.18310. This box holds the sacred relics of a saint. P.183Unit 71. He was sent on over 200 missions before being killed in action. (P229)2. It would be very hard to surpass this very high score. (P 230)3. Mother assured us that everything would be alright. (P227)4. Some of the staff are apt to arrive late on Mondays. (P239)5. The industrial revolution modified the whole structure of English society. (P 229)6. The meeting broke up in great confusion. (P242)7. Unfortunately the report was prepared in haste and contained several inaccuracies. (P 228)8. Where did you pick up English? (P 184)9. With regards to future oil supplies, the situation is uncertain. (P 231)10. You weren’t boring me.On the contrary, you were interesting me. (P 242)11. The form cannot be signed by anyone other than yourself. (P.250) Unit 8The game was all but over by the time we arrived. (P. 267)Before you depart, let me give you a word of advice. (P. 263) Do genes govern all characteristics of an individual? (P. 264)He gave his some money for the purchase of his school books. (P. 266)Her correspondence with Jim lasted many years. (非本册单词)I hated practicing, but I stuck to it, and now I can play pretty well. (P. 287)I love champagne but it’s not often I can indulge myself. (P. 276)If you don’t patent you inventions, someone might steal your idea. (P. 265)If you have any information concerning the recent accident, please call the police. (P. 275)Mick closely resembled his father. (P. 286)She anxiously scanned the faces of the men leaving the train in the hope of finding her husband. (P. 286)She came up with a new idea for increasing sales. (P. 287)She feels obliged to be nice to Jack because he’s her boss. (P. 285)The car reached speeds in excess of 100 miles per hour. (P. 275)The Jackson family had occupied this apartment for the past six months. (P. 276)X-rays have confirmed that he has not broken any bones. (P.263)Unit 9\A campaign was conducted for equal rights.After some consideration, we have decided to sell the house.All their arrangements should be completed prior to your departure.British weather can never be relied on---it is always changing.Cars were still something of a novelty at the beginning of the century.He gives us a lot of trouble--- but I like him all the time.Her speech made tremendous impact on everyone.He is accused of murder.I perceived a note of unhappiness in her voice.More vehicles are prohibited from driving in the town center.The world’s wealth is not fairly distributed between men and women.We failed utterly to convince him.He read rapidly but did not digest anything.The discussions stimulated a free exchange of our ideas.I was pacing back and forth while I waited for the news.In theory, things can only get better. In practice, they may well become a lot worse.What may you suspect her of having taken the money?Unit101. Charities such as Oxfam are always trying to recruit volunteers to help in theirwork. P.3592. National poverty was aggravated by rapid population growth. P.3553. Some people find that certain foods trigger their headaches. P.3604. Surgical techniques are constantly being refined. P.3595. That is a very substantial improvement in the present situation. P.3606. There has to be a clear assessment of the country’s social needs. P.3567. All the members of the team come from totally diversebackground. (词P.344，句子课外)8. What can we do to reverse the present trend of falling sales? (词P.346,句子课外)9. Hard work is fundamental to his success. (词P.367,句子课外)10. He is not able to cope with the difficulties of his new position. (词P.370,句子课外)11. He was labeled a beggar by the local people because of his clothing. (词P.368,句子课外)12. The dream had distressed her greatly. (词P.367,句子课外)。

中国科学院博士学位研究生入学考试英语试题（2000年3月）THE CHINESE ACADEMY OF SCIENCESENGLISH ENTRANCE EXAMINATION FORDOCTORAL CANDIDATESMarch 2000PAPER ONEPART ⅡSTRUCTURE & VOCABULARY (15 points, 25 minutes)Section A (0.5 point each)Directions: Choose the word or words below each sentence that best complete the statement, and mark the corresponding letter of your choice with a single bar across the square brackets on yourMachine-scoring Answer Sheet.16. Much I have traveled, I have never seen anyone to equal her for thoroughness, whatever the job.A. whenB. moreC. fartherD. as17. To support the general statement in the first sentence, each sentence in the paragraph provides adifferent example.A. relevantB. subsequentC. coherentD. antecedent18. A hefty 50% of those from ages 18 to 34 told the pollsters in the TIME/CNN survey that they“feminist” values.A. shareB. regardC. attachD. dominate19. I was not alone in my knowledge; the woman had also seen my father’s eyes gleaming withpride.A. contractedB. contestedC. contentedD. contrasted20. the writer’s craft through a consideration of rhetorical patterns is a useful way to study writing.A. ExploringB. ExploitingC. EmployingD. Embodying21. The first two assumptions made about the of TV were dead wrong: that it would bury radio and itwould be threat to movies.A. recessionB. adventC. diversityD. bias22. An education should enable a student to get a better job than be would be able to find or fill.A. consequentlyB. neverthelessC. otherwiseD. anyhow23. In addition to being physically sick, may dad was in the midst of a nervous , through none of us knew tocall it that at the time.A. breakupB. breakdownC. breakthroughD. breakout24. Although they are very succinct-that is why they caught on-cliches are wasted words because they are expression rather than fresh ones.A. staleB. stainlessC. stableD. spotted25. Though Americans do not currently abortions directly, costs are carried by other Americans through higher insurance premiums.A. implementB. terminateC. prohibitD. subsidize26. There are probably very few cases in which different races have lived in completein a single country for long periods.A. successB. revengeC. harmonyD. conscience27. In the last century and a half, scientific development has been breathtaking, but the understanding of thisprogress has changed.A. incidentallyB. dramaticallyC. rigorouslyD. temporarily28. It is always useful to have savings to .A. come out inB. live up toC. make a fuss ofD. fall back on29. We seek a society that has a respect for the dignity and worth of the individual.A. at its endB. at its handC. at its coreD. at its best30. Modern man is careless when disposing his garbage.A. ofB. toC. atD. about31. Negro slavery, many claimed, was good for all .A. concernedB. is concernedC. to concernD. that concerns32. To cry over spilled milk is to cry .A. in a vainB. in the vainC. in vainD. in no vain33. “Do you want to see my driver’s license or my passport?”“Oh, ”.A. either does wellB. either one will doC. each one is goodD. each will be fine34. The novel, which is a work of art, exists not by its life, but by its immeasurable difference from life.A. significance inB. imagination atC. resemblance toD. predominance over35. A 50-ft, wave travels at speeds 20 m.p.h., and anyone who’s too slow at the approach risks beingsmashed.A. in excess ofB. in the reach ofC. in exchange forD. in relation toSection B (0.5 point each)Directions: In each of the following sentences there are four parts underlined and marked A, B, C, and D. Indicate which of the four parts is incorrectly used by drawing a single bar across the square brackets on yourMachine-scoring Answer Sheet.36. Applicants will be considered provided that their files are complete due to theA B C Ddeadline.37. Elizabeth B. Browning, who has remembered for her love poems, published herA B Cfirst work at the age of twelve.D38.O n l y i f t e n m o r e s t u d e n t s r e g i s t e r t h i s a f t e r n o o n w i l l a n o t h e r p r o n u n c i a t i o nA B Csection be opening.D39.T h a t i n t e l l i g e n c e t e s t s a c t u a l l y g i v e a m e a s u r e m e n t o f t h e i n t e l l i g e n c e o fA BA individuals are questioned by some eminent.C D40. Track lighting is one of the most popular types, if not the most popular type, ofA B Clighting on market todary.D41. In fact, there is perhaps only one human being in a thousand who are passionatelyA Binterested in his job for the job’s sake.C D42. Watching films of what hate turned those people into made me choose to reject it,A Bto deal with people individual and not to spot all whites with the same obscene images.C D43. After a grueling review session, some confusing students asked the teaching assistant forA B Cstill more help.D44. Flourish in the thirteenth century, traveling musicians, called minstrels, played anA B Cimportant part in the cultural life of the time.D45.T h e r e w a s h a r d l y s o me b o d y i n t h e r o o m w h o p a i d a n y a t t e n t i o n t o h i m e v e nA B Cthough everyone knew who he was.C DPART ⅢCLOSE TEST (15 points, 15 minutes)Directions: For each blank in the following passage, choose the best answer from the choices given in the opposite column. Mark the corresponding letter of your choice with a single bar across the square brackets onyour Machine-scoring Answer Sheet.Faster than ever before, the human world is becoming an urban world. By the millions they come, the ambitious and the down-trodden of the world drawn by the strange magnetism of urban 46 . For centuries the progress of civilization has been 47 by the rigid growth of cities. Now the world is 48 to pass a milestone: more people will live in urban areas than in the countryside.Explosive population growth 49 a torrent of migration from the countryside are creating cities that dwarf the great capitals of the past. By the 50 of the century, there will be fifty-one “megacities” with populations of ten million or more. Of these, eighteen will be in 51 countries, including some of the poorest nations in the world. Mexico City already 52 twenty million people and Calcutta twelve million. According to the World Bank, 53 of Africa’s cities are growing by 10% a year, the swiftest 54of urbanization ever recorded.Is the trend good or bad? Can the cities cope? No one know 55 . Without question, urbanization has produced 56 so ghastly that they are difficult to comprehend. In Cairo, children who 57 might be in kindergarten can be found digging through clots of ox waste, looking for 58 kernels of corn to eat. Young, homeless thieves in Papua New Moresby may not 59 their last names or the names of the villages where they were born. In the inner cities of America, newspapers regularly report on newborn babies 60 into garbage bins by drug-addicted mothers.46. A. way B. life C. area D. people47. A. defined B. estimated C. created D. expected48. A. about B. up C. like D. already49. A. of B. like C. and D. or50. A. change B. wake C. beginning D. turn51. A. developing B. developed C. develop D. development52. A. makes B. has C. comes D. lives53. A. none B. few C. any D. some54. A. event B. work C. level D. rate55. A for good B. with clarity C. for sure D. in doubt56. A. miracles B. miseries C. mysteries D. misunderstandings57. A. elsewhere B. anywhere C. somewhere D. nowhere58. A. unrefined B. undigested C. unpolished D. unspoiled59. A. ask B. find C. have D. know60. A. dropped B. to drop C. dropping D. dropsPART IV READING COMPREHENSION (30 points, 60 minutes)Directions: Below each of the following passages you will find some questions or incomplete statements. Each question or statement is followed by four choices marked A, B, C, and D. Read each passagecarefully, and then select the choice that best answers the question or completes the statement. Markthe letter of your choice with a single bar across the square brackets on your Machine-scoringAnswer Sheet.Passage OneG ordon Shaw the physicist, 66, and colleagues have discovered what’s known as the “Mozart effect”, the ability of a Mozart sonata, under the right circumstances, to improve the listener’s mathematical and reasoning abilities. But the findings are controversial and have launched all kinds of crank notions about using music to make kids smarter. The hype, he warns, has gotten out of hand.But first, the essence: Is there something about the brain cells work to explain the effect? In 1978 the neuroscientist Ver non Mountcastle devised a model of the neural structure of the brain’s gray matter. Looking like a thick band of colorful bead work, it represents the firing patterns of groups of neurons. Building on Mountcastle, Shaw and his team constructed a model of t heir own. On a lark, Xiaodan Leng, who was Shaw’s colleague at the time, used a synthesizer to translate these patterns into music. What came out of the speakers wasn’t exactly toe-tapping, but it was music. Shaw and Leng inferred that music and brain-wave activity are built on the same sort of patterns.“Gordon is a contrarian in his thinking”, says his longtime friend, Nobel Prize-winning Stanford physicist Martin Perl. “That’s important. In new areas of science, such as brain research, nobody knows how to do it.”What do neuroscientists and psychologists think of Shaw’s findings? They haven’t condemned it, but neither have they confirmed it. Maybe you have to take them with a grain of salt, but the experiments by Shaw and his colleagues are intriguing. In March a team led by Shaw announced that young children who had listened to the Mozart sonata and studied the piano over a period of months improved their scores by 27% on a test of ratios and proportions. The control group against which they were measured received compatible enrichment courses-minus the music. The Mozart-trained kids are now doing math three grade levels ahead of their peers, Shaw claims.Proof of all this, of course, is necessarily elusive because it can be difficult to do a double-blind experiment of educational techniques. In a double-blind trial of an arthritis drug, neither the study subjects nor the experts evaluating them know which ones got the test treatment and which a dummy pill. How do you keep the participants from knowing it’s Mozart on the CD?61. In the first paragraph Gordon Shaw’s concern is shown overA.the open hostility by the media towards his findings.B.his strength to keep trying out the “Mozart effect”.C.a widespread misunderstanding of his findings.D.the sharp disagreement about his discovery.62. Shaw and Leng’s experiment on the model of their own seems to be based on the hypothesis thatA.listening to Mozart could change the brain’s hardware.B.brain-waves could be invariably translated into music.C.listening to music could stimulate brain development.D.Toe-tapping could be very close to something musical.63. The remarks made by Martin Perl in Paragraph 3 about Gordon Shaw could be taken asA.neuroscientists and psychologists.B. Shaw and his colleagues.C. Shaw and his colleagues.D. the experiments by Shaw and his teamE. Shaw’s findings.66. According to the author, proof of what Shaw claims is difficult becauseA.the control group will also enjoy the same kind of Mozart.B.some educational techniques need re-evaluation.C.the double-blind experiment is not reliable and thus rejected by Shaw.D.participants cannot be kept from knowing what is used in the test.Passage TwoSometimes opponents of capital punishment horrify with tales of lingering death on the gallows, of faulty electric chairs, or of agony in the gas chamber. Partly in response to such protests, several states such as North Carolina and Texas switched to execution by lethal injection. The condemned person is put to death painlessly, without ropes, voltage, bullets, or gas. Did this answer the objections of death penalty opponents? Of course not. On June 22, 1984, The New York Times published an editorial that sarcastically attacked the new “hygienic” method of death by injection, and stated that “execution can never be made humane through science”. So it's not the method that really troubles opponents. It’s the death itself they consider barbaric.Admittedly, capital punishment is not a pleasant topic. However, one does not have to like the death penalty in order to support it any more than one must like radical surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy in order to find necessary these attempts at curing cancer. Ultimately we may learn how to cure cancer with a simple pill. Unfortunately, that day has not yet arrived. Today we are faced with the choice of letting the cancer spread or trying to cure it with the methods available, method that one day will almost certainly and would certainly delay the discovery of an eventual cure. We may not like the death penalty, but it must be available to punish crimes of cold-blooded murder, cases in which any other form of punishment would be inadequate and, therefore, unjust. If we create a society in which injustice is not tolerated, incidents of murder-the most flagrant form of justice-will diminish.67. How did Texas respond to the protests mentiond in Paragraph 1?A.No one was ever executed there later on.B.The criminal there was put to death in the gas chamber instead.C.Life of the condemned person there was terminated with a shot of drug.D.The murderer there was punished with life imprisonment instead.68. What is the main idea of Paragraph?A.The objections of death penalty have become less severe.B.The death itself is considered inhumane and unacceptable.C.Death penalty opponents only care about how one is put to death.D.The “hygienic” was of execution is even more barbaric.69. It can be safely inferred that the authorA.supports capital punishment.B.Is trying to learn how to cure cancer.C.Fears that someone might be punished by mistake.D.Likes radical surgery, radiation and chemotherapy.70. The author’s analogy between cancer and murder is made in order to showA.the lack of perfect solution to the present problems.B.the new discovery of modern science.C.the necessity of doing nothing till an ultimate cure is available.D.the availability of adequate punishment.71. Which of the following stands for the author’s attitude?A.Letting the injustice spread if we don't want to be barbarous.B.Minimizing incidents of murder by means of death penalty.C.Being tolerant of people’s choice of not having any medical treatment.D.Looking for a better form of punishment than death penalty.72. What type of writing is mostly adopted in this passage?A.Narration.B.Classification.C.Exemplification.D.Persuasion.Passage ThreeShyness is a nearly universal human trait. Almost everyone has bouts of it, and half of those surveyed describe themselves as shy. Perhaps because it’s so widespread, and because it suggests vulnerability, shyness is often an endearing trait: Princess Dian a, for example, won millions of admirers with her “Shy Di” manner. The human species might not even exist if not for an instinctive wariness of other creatures. In fact, the ability to sense a threat and a desire to flee are lodged in the most primitive regions of the brain.But at some life juncture, roughly 1 out of every 8 people becomes so timid that encounters with others turn into a source of overwhelming dread. The heart races, palms sweat, mouth grows dry, words vanish, thoughts become cluttered, an d an urge to escape takes over. This is the face of social phobia (also known as “social anxiety disorder”), the third most common mental disorder in the United States, behind depression and alcoholism. Some social phobics can hardly utter a sentence without obsession over the impression they are making. Others refuse to use public restrooms or talk on the telephone. Sometimes they go mute in front of the boss or a member of the opposite sex. At the extreme, they built a hermitic life, avoiding contact with others.Though social anxiety’s symptoms have been noted since the time of Hippocrates, the disorder was a nameless affliction until the late 1960s and didn’t make it way into psychiatry manuals until 1980. As it became better known, patients previously thought to suffer panic disorder were recognized as being anxious only in social settings. A decade ago, 40 percent of people said they were shy, but in today’s “nation of strangers” – in which computers and ATMs make face-to-face relations less and less common – that often favored by those who fear human interaction, greases the slope from shyness to social anxiety. If people were slightly shy to begin with, they can now interact less and less, and that will make the shyness much worse.73. According to Paragraph One, shyness isA.against human nature.B. completely an endearing trait.C. so widespread that a problem may arise.D. essential to the survival of the human species.74. The author suggests that our ability to sense a threat and desire to fleeA.are connected with types of shyness.B.make us more timid and less successfulC.distinguish humans from other creatures.D.are the results of the influence of our environment.75. Which is NOT mentioned as a sign of social anxiety disorder?A.Speechl ess in front of one’s supervisor.B.Unwilling to go to the public toilets.C.Getting drunk in social settings.D.The heart pumping fast.76. The term “social anxiety disorder” was coinedA. at the time of ancient meditation.B. in the 1960s.C. in 1980.D. a decade ago.77. It is shown that the most common mental disorder in the U.S. isA. depression.B. alcoholism.C. social phobia.D. panic disorder.78. What is the cited attitude of some psychologists towards the Internet culture?A.It is the main cause of social phobia.B.It is destructive and thus should be kept away from the youth.C.It encourages peple who are rather inhibited to communicate more freely.D.It helps accelerate the degradation from shyness to social phobia.Passage FourBenjamin Day was only 22 years old when he developed the idea of a newspaper for the masses and launched his New York Sun in 1833, which would profoundly alter journalism by his new approach. Yet, several conditions had to exist before a mass press could come into existence. It was impossible to launch a mass-appeal newspaper without invention of a printing press able to produce extremely cheap newspaper affordable almost to everyone. The second element that led to the growth of the mass newspaper was the increased level of literacy in the population. The then increased emphasis on education led to a concurrent growth of literacy as many people in the middle and lower economic groups acquired reading skills. The trend toward “democratization” of business and politics fostered the creation of a mass audience responsive to a mass press.Having seen others fail in their attempts to market a mass-appeal newspaper, he forged ahead with his New York Sun, which would be a daily and sell for a penny, as compared to the other dailies that went for six cents a copy. Local happenings, sex, violence, features, and human-interest stories would constitute his content. Conspicuously absent were the dull political debates t hat still characterized many of the six-cent papers. Within six months the Sun achieved a circulation approximately 8,000 issues, far ahead of its nearest competitor. Day’s gamble had paid off, and the penny press was launched.James Gordon Bennett, perhaps the most significant and certainly the most colorful of the individuals imitating Day’s paper, launched his New York Herald in 1835, even more of a rapid success than the Sun. Part of Bennett’s success can be attributed to his skillful reporting of crime news, the institution of a financial page, sports reporting, and an aggressive editorial policy. He looked upon himself a reformer, and wrote in one of his editorials: “I go for a general reformation of morals. … I mean to begin a new movement in the progress of civilization.”Horace Greeley was another important pioneer of the era. He launched his New York Tribune in 1841 and would rank third behind the Sun and Herald in daily circulation, but his weekly edition was circulated nationally and proved to be a great success. Greeley’s Tribune was not as sensational as its competitors. He used his editorial page for crusades and causes. He opposed capital punishment, alcohol, gambling and tobacco. Greeley also favored women’s rights. Greeley never talked down to the mass audience and attracted his readers by appealing to their intellect more than to their emotions.The last of the major newspapers of the penny-press era began in 1851. The New York Times,edited by Henry Raymond, promised to be less sensational than the Sun or Herald and less impassioned than Greeley. The paper soon established a reputation for objective and reasoned journalism. Raymond stressed the gathering of foreign news and served as foreign correspondent himself in 1859. The Times circulation reached more than 40,000 before the Civil war.79. Which is NOT mentioned as the contributing element in the launch of the mass press?A.The upgraded educational level of the masses.B.The increased wealth of the population as a whole.C.The democratic background and drive of the general publicD.The lowered cost of newspaper production.80. The New York Sun rarely featuredA.business newsB.women’s pages.C.lengthy discussion about politics.D.local shipment information.81. Which of the following papers issued a nationally circulated edition?A. The New York Tribune.B.The New York Sun.C.The New York Herald.D.The New York Times.82. Which of the following papers is viewed as the most dispassionate one?A The New York Tribune.B. The New York Sun.C. The New York Herald.D. The New York Times.83. The penny-press approach was pioneered byA.Henry Raymond.B. James Gordon Bennett.C. Benjamin day.D. Joseph Pulitzer84. It can be inferred thatA.the New York Times had the largest daily circulation at that time.B.the papers before the penny-press era only appealed to a small circle of readers.C.the success of the four papers lies in their endeavor to improve peple’s literacy.D.the paper’s being sensational was not favored by a majority of American readers.85. The main purpose of the passage is toA.give a brief introduction to the growth of the mass newspaper.B.trace the cause of the failures of the six-cent papers.C.find out which was the most significant newspaper of that time.D.show how a mass-appeal newspaper made a great fortune.Passage FiveInstead of advancing the public discussion of biotechnology, David Shenk succeeds merely in displaying his general ignorance and unfounded fears in his recent article “Biocapitalism”. His claim that “no living creature has ever before been able to upgrade its own operating system” ignores transduction (the act or process of transferring genetic material or characteristics from one bacterial cell to another) and bacterial conjugation (the temporary union of two bacterial cells), which are ways organisms have “upgraded” their own genomes with novel DNA f or hundreds of millions of years. A first-year biology major could have told him that. For Shenk to suggest that his daughter may someday use a before-birth genetic test for “quick-wittedness” is extremely dull-witted, ignoring the complexity of polygenetic traits while embracing a shallow genetic determinism. Nurture-utterly absent from his discussion-really does matter.Finally, worrying about the effects on the gene pool of a “culture in which millions choose the same desirable genes” is worse than point less. The United Nations projects an approximate human population of eight billion by the year 2020. Even if Shenk’s worst fears are realized, and the wealthy parents of 100 million children can and do select for a polygenetic trait-say, blue eyes-this would represent only a modest shift in the gene pool of 1 in 80, or 1.25 percent, assuming that none of those children would otherwise have been born with blue eyes. But what truly matters for the gene pool in the 1,000-year-long run is the capacity of this trait to grant reproductive success in subsequent generations. Whatever advantage blue eyes currently grant in acquiring a mate presumably derives in part from the trait’s relative scarcity. Elementary economics shows that if you flood the market with an asset, you diminish the relative value of that asset: more blue eyes will make blue eyes less sexy. Is it really too much to expect familiarity with either biology or economics from an essay entitled “Biocapitalism”?86. The purpose of David Shenk’s writing is most probably toA.draw the public’s attention to “biocapitalism”.B.cover his general ignorance about “biocapitalism”.C.show his approval of the advancement in biotechnology.D.Report his success in biotechnological research.87. According to the author, Dav id Shenk’s claim about the upgrading of living creaturesA.is obviously a fault.B. is comprehensible to college students.C. is identical to his own argument.D. will be testified by his daughter.88. What does David Shenk worry about?A.The capacity of the gene pool.B.The nurture of subsequent generations.C.The dramatic increase of world population.D.The consequences of excessive genetic shifts.89. The author’s explanation of people’s preference to blue eyes is thatA.blue eyes are purely inherited.B.few people have blue eyes.C.blue eyes are less sexy.D.people with blue eyes are usually wealthy.90. The tone of this passage is mainlyA. humorous.B. matter-of-fact.C. bitter and ruthless.D. emotional.PAPER TWOPART V TRANSLATION (10 points, 25 minutes)Directions: Put the following passage into Chinese. Write your English version in the proper space on Answer Sheet II.世界先进水平的一流大学应该是培养和造就高素质创造性人才的摇篮，应该是认识世界、探求客观真理、为人类解决面临的重大课题提供科学依据的前沿，应该是知识创新、推动科学技术成果向现实生产力转化的重要力量，应该是民族优秀文化与世界先进文明成果交流借鉴的桥梁。

学习数学挫折经历英文作文Learning from Mathematical Setbacks: A Transformative JourneyMathematics, a subject often perceived as rigid and unforgiving, has been a constant companion in my academic journey. While the allure of its logical precision and intricate problem-solving has always captivated me, I have also faced my fair share of challenges and setbacks along the way. In this essay, I will share my personal experiences with the struggles and triumphs of learning mathematics, and how these experiences have shaped my growth and resilience.From a young age, I have always been drawn to the elegance and beauty of mathematical concepts. The ability to manipulate numbers and symbols to arrive at a precise solution was both fascinating and empowering. However, as I progressed through my educational journey, I encountered moments where the subject seemed to elude me, leaving me feeling frustrated and discouraged.One particular incident that stands out in my memory occurred during my sophomore year in high school. I was tackling a complex problem in my Calculus class, one that required a deep understanding of differentiation and integration. Despite my bestefforts, I found myself struggling to grasp the underlying principles and apply them effectively. As the class moved forward, I found myself falling further behind, unable to keep up with the pace and complexity of the material.The feeling of inadequacy was overwhelming. I had always prided myself on my academic abilities, and the thought of not being ableto master a subject as fundamental as mathematics was deeply unsettling. I found myself questioning my own capabilities and wondering if I had what it took to succeed in this field.It was at this pivotal moment that I realized the true value of perseverance and a growth mindset. Instead of giving up or accepting defeat, I decided to take a step back and re-evaluate my approach to learning mathematics. I recognized that the path to mastery was not a linear one, and that setbacks were an inevitable part of the learning process.With renewed determination, I began to seek out additional resources and support. I reached out to my teacher, who graciously provided me with personalized guidance and extra practice problems.I also immersed myself in online tutorials, study groups, and mathematical forums, where I could learn from the experiences of others who had overcome similar challenges.As I delved deeper into the subject, I began to appreciate the nuances and complexities of mathematics in a way I had never done before. What was once a source of frustration became a source of fascination and intellectual stimulation. I discovered that the process of problem-solving was not just about finding the right answer, but about developing a deeper understanding of the underlying principles and concepts.Through this journey, I also learned the importance of embracing failure as an opportunity for growth. Instead of viewing mistakes as a weakness, I learned to see them as valuable learning experiences. I would carefully analyze my thought processes, identify the gaps in my knowledge, and use that information to refine my approach and strengthen my skills.As I continued to persevere and push through the challenges, I began to see tangible progress in my understanding of mathematics. The once-daunting problems became more manageable, and I found myself able to tackle increasingly complex concepts with confidence and ease.This transformation was not just limited to my academic performance; it also had a profound impact on my personal development. The resilience and problem-solving skills I honed through my struggles with mathematics have become invaluableassets in other areas of my life. I have learned to approach challenges with a more open and adaptable mindset, and to view setbacks as opportunities for growth and learning.In conclusion, my journey with learning mathematics has been a transformative experience. While the initial setbacks and frustrations were daunting, they ultimately served as the catalyst for my personal and academic growth. By embracing a growth mindset, seeking out support, and persevering through the challenges, I have not only become a more proficient mathematician but also a more resilient and adaptable individual. This experience has taught me the invaluable lesson that true success is not about perfection, but about the willingness to learn, grow, and overcome obstacles along the way.。

长难句翻译100句（7）1. But it is a little upsetting to read in the explanatory notes that a certain line describes a fight between a Turkish and a Bulgarian officer on a bridge off which they both fall into the river--and then to find that the line consists of the noise of their falling and the weights of the officers, "Pluff! Pluff! A hundred and eighty-five kilograms."但是让人感到不快的是，我们从注释中得知某诗行讲述的是一个土耳其军官和一个保加利亚军官在桥上动手打架并双双掉进河里的事情，而后我们却发现该行诗中不过只充斥着"扑通，扑通，185公斤重"这类对他们落水时的动静以及对军官们体重的描写时。

2. The coming of age of the postwar baby boom and an entry of women into the male-domiated job market have limited the opportunities of teenagers who are already questioning the heavy personal sacrifices involved in climbing Janpan's rigid social ladder to good schools and jobs.战后婴儿潮的一代的步入成年，女性打入男性主导的劳动力市场，这限制了青少年的发展机会。

打破固化思维作文英文回答：Breaking rigid thinking is essential for personalgrowth and development. When we are stuck in rigid thinking, we limit our potential and miss out on new opportunities.It's important to challenge our own beliefs and be open to new ideas and perspectives.One example of breaking rigid thinking is when I usedto believe that success only came from following atraditional career path. I thought that I had to go to college, get a stable job, and work my way up the corporate ladder. However, I realized that this belief was holding me back from pursuing my true passions. I broke free from this rigid thinking by exploring alternative career paths and eventually found success as a freelance writer. This experience taught me the importance of being open-mindedand flexible in my thinking.Another example is when I used to believe that failure was a sign of weakness. I was afraid to take risks and try new things because I thought that failure would reflect poorly on my abilities. However, I learned that failure is a natural part of the learning process and is actually an opportunity for growth. By breaking free from this rigid thinking, I was able to take more risks and ultimately achieve greater success in both my personal and professional life.中文回答：打破固化思维对于个人成长和发展至关重要。

大学改变生活英语作文College life is a significant phase in ones life that brings about numerous changes both in terms of personal growth and the way one perceives the world. Here is an essay on how university can transform ones life.Title The Transformative Power of University EducationIntroductionThe journey from high school to university is not just a transition from one educational institution to another it is a leap into a world of new experiences ideas and opportunities. University life is a crucible that shapes individuals into wellrounded professionals and responsible citizens.Academic GrowthThe first and foremost change that university brings is academic. Unlike high school where the curriculum is rigid and standardized university offers a plethora of courses that cater to diverse interests. Students have the freedom to choose subjects that align with their passions and career goals. This autonomy in learning not only enhances academic curiosity but also fosters a deeper understanding of the chosen field.Development of Critical ThinkingUniversity education encourages critical thinking and problemsolving skills. Students are no longer spoonfed with information but are expected to question analyze and synthesize knowledge. This shift from rote memorization to analytical learning is a profound change that prepares students for the complexities of the real world.Cultural Exposure and DiversityOne of the most enriching aspects of university life is the exposure to diverse cultures and perspectives. Students from different backgrounds come together creating a melting pot of ideas and traditions. This cultural diversity broadens ones horizons fostering tolerance empathy and a global mindset.Social Skills and NetworkingUniversity is a social hub where students can forge lifelong friendships and professional connections. The various clubs societies and events provide platforms to develop social skills teamwork and leadership. These experiences are invaluable in building a strong network that can support ones career and personal life.Personal IndependenceLiving away from home for the first time many students experience personal independence for the first time. Managing finances time and daily responsibilities independently is a significant change that builds selfreliance and maturity. This autonomy is crucial in preparing students for life after graduation.Extracurricular ActivitiesParticipation in extracurricular activities is another way university life changes individuals. Whether its sports arts or volunteering these activities help students discover hidden talents develop new skills and gain a sense of accomplishment outside the academic sphere.ConclusionIn conclusion university life is a transformative period that goes beyond academic achievements. It is a time of personal growth where students develop critical thinking cultural awareness social skills and independence. The experiences gained during this phase lay the foundation for a successful and fulfilling life. Embracing the opportunities that university offers can truly change ones life for the better.。

People undergo numerous changes throughout their lives,both physically and mentally.These transformations are influenced by various factors such as age, environment,experiences,and personal growth.Here is a detailed exploration of the different aspects of human change.Physical Changes1.Growth and Development:From infancy to adolescence,the human body goes through significant growth spurts.Bones lengthen,muscles develop,and secondary sexual characteristics emerge,marking the transition from childhood to adulthood.2.Aging:As people age,their bodies undergo changes such as the loss of elasticity in the skin,the graying of hair,and a decrease in bone density.These are natural processes that occur as part of the life cycle.3.Health and Fitness:Lifestyle choices,including diet and exercise,can lead to changes in body weight,muscle mass,and overall health.Regular physical activity can slow down the aging process and improve physical wellbeing.Mental and Emotional Changes1.Cognitive Development:The brain continues to develop throughout life,with critical periods in early childhood and adolescence.Learning and experiences shape cognitive abilities,including memory,problemsolving,and critical thinking.2.Emotional Maturity:Emotional intelligence and the ability to manage emotions improve with age and experience.People learn to cope with stress,express empathy,and develop resilience.3.Personal Values and Beliefs:As individuals encounter new experiences and cultures, their values and beliefs may evolve.This can lead to changes in attitudes towards social issues,relationships,and personal goals.Social Changes1.Relationships:Peoples social circles and relationships change over time.Friendships may deepen or fade,and new connections are formed through work,hobbies,or life events.2.Career Progression:Professional development leads to changes in job roles,responsibilities,and career paths.This can involve acquiring new skills,adapting to new environments,or facing new challenges.3.Cultural Adaptation:Exposure to different cultures can lead to changes in ones worldview,language,and social norms.This can be a result of travel,immigration,or living in a multicultural society.Technological Changes1.Adaptation to Technology:With rapid advancements in technology,people must continually learn and adapt to new tools and platforms.This can affect communication styles,work processes,and leisure activities.2.Digital Identity:The rise of social media has led to the creation of digital identities. People manage their online presence,which can influence their selfimage and how they are perceived by others.Personal Growth1.SelfAwareness:As people reflect on their experiences,they gain selfawareness and understand their strengths,weaknesses,and areas for improvement.2.Life Goals:Goals and aspirations often change as individuals progress through life stages.This can involve setting new career objectives,personal development goals,or family plans.3.Spiritual Growth:Some people experience changes in their spiritual beliefs or practices, which can provide a sense of purpose and inner peace.In conclusion,human change is a complex and ongoing process that is influenced by a multitude of factors.It is essential to embrace these changes as part of personal development and growth,adapting to new circumstances and learning from experiences to lead a fulfilling life.。

Four Laws of Ecology1 In broad outline,there are environmental cycles which govern the behavior of the three great global systems:the air,the water,and the soil.Within each of them live many thousands of different species of living things.Each species is suited to its particular environmental niche,and each,through its life processes,affects the physical and chemical properties of its immediate environment.1概括来讲,地球的三大系统—空气、水和土壤的行为由环境循环所决定。

每个系统中都生活着成千上万个不同物种的生物,每个物种都有与之相适宜的独特的环境生位,并且每一物种,在其整个生命历程中,都影响着它的周边环境的物理和化学特性。

2 Each living species is also linked to many others.These links are bewildering in their variety and marvelous in their intricate detail.An animal,such as a deer,may depend on plants for food;the plants depend on the action of soil bacteria for their nutrients;the bacteria in turn live on the organic wastes dropped by the animal on the soil.At the same time.the deer is food for the mountain lion. Insects may live on the juices of plants or gather pollen from their flowers.Other insects suck blood from animals.Bacteria may live on the internal tissues of animals and plants.Fungi degrade the bodies of dead plants and animals.All this,many times multiplied and organized species by species in intricate,precise relationships,makes up the vast network of life on the earth.2每个生物物种也与许多其他的物种相联系。

绝密★启用前合肥六中2024届高三最后一卷英语考生注意：1. 答题前，考生务必将自己的姓名、考生号填写在试卷和答题卡上，并将考生号条形贴在答题卡上的指定位置。

2. 回答选择题时，选出每小题答案后，用铅笔把答题卡对应题目的答案标号涂黑。

改动，用橡皮擦干净后，再选涂其他答案标号。

回答非选择题时，将答案写在答上。

写在本试卷上无效。

3. 考试结束后，将本试卷和答题卡一并交回。

第一部分听力（共两节，满分30分）做题时，先将答案标在试卷上。

录音内容结束后，你将有2分钟的时间将试卷上的转涂到答题卡上。

第一节（共5小题；每小题1. 5分，满分7. 5分）听下面5段对话。

每段对话后有一个小题，从题中所给的A、B、C三个选项中选出选项。

听完每段对话后，你都有10 秒钟的时间来回答有关小题和阅读下一小题。

每段仅读一遍。

例: How much is the shirt?A. £19. 15.B. £9. 18.C. £9. 15.答案是C。

1. What is the man going to do?A. Have a picnic.B. Go fishing.C. Repair his car.2. What are the speakers mainly talking about?A. The weather.B. Indoor activities.C. The woman's illness.3. Where does the conversation most probably take place?A. At a bus station.B. At a train station.C. At an airport.4. What will the man do next?A. Help the woman find a job.B. Advertise for a worker.C. Conduct an interview.5. Why does the man talk to the woman?A. To book a room.B. To confirm his flight.C. To reschedule a meeting.第二节（共15小题；每小题1. 5分，满分22. 5分）听下面5段对话或独白。