The adaptive place advisor A conversational recommendation system
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2025年全国大学英语CET六级考试模拟试卷及答案指导一、写作(15分)WritingPart AWrite an email to your friend to express your concern about their recent low spirits. In your email, you should:1.Mention the reason for your concern;2.Offer some advice or suggestions;3.Show your willingness to help.You should write about 100 words on the ANSWER SHEET 2. Do not sign your own name at the end of the letter. Use “Li Ming” instead. You do not need to write the address. (10 points)Example:Dear Zhang Wei,I hope this email finds you well. I noticed that you’ve been feeling down lately, and I wanted to reach out to you.I heard about the recent challenges you’ve been facing with your job, and I can only imagine how difficult it must be for you. It’s really tough whenthings don’t go as planned, and I want you to know that it’s okay to feel overwhelmed sometimes.I wanted to offer some advice that might help you. Firstly, try to take some time for yourself to relax and clear your mind. Secondly, consider seeking support from friends or family, or even a professional if needed. Lastly, remember that it’s important to stay positive and focus on the long-term goals.Take care and stay strong.Best regards,Li MingAnalysis:This example email follows the structure required for the task:1.Mention the reason for concern: The writer opens by expressing their awareness of the recipient’s low spirits and mentions the specific reason (recent job challenges).2.Offer advice or suggestions: The writer provides three pieces of advice: taking time to relax, seeking support, and staying positive.3.Show willingness to help: The writer concludes by expressing their willingness to help and reinforcing the belief in the recipient’s ability to overcome the challenges.The email is personal yet professional, maintaining a supportive tone throughout. It meets the word count requirement and demonstrates the ability to convey empathy, offer constructive advice, and express a desire to help.二、听力理解-长对话(选择题,共8分)第一题W: Good morning, everyone. I’m your instructor for this semester’s English course. Today, we’re going to discuss the importance of language proficiency in the globalized world.M: That’s a very interesting topic. I’ve always wondered how being proficient in English can help us in our careers.W: Well, let’s start with a scenario. Imagine you are at a major international conference, and you are given a chance to present your research findings. How would you feel if you were confident enough to present in English?M: I’d feel very confident. Being proficient in English would not only help me communicate effectively but also leave a lasting impression on the audience.W: Exactly. Now, let’s look at some benefits of being proficient in English.M: Sure, I’m all ears.W: First of all, English is the global language of business and science. It’s the primary language used in international conferences, meetings, and negotiations. Being proficient in English can open up numerous opportunities for you.M: That makes sense. So, how can we improve our English proficiency?W: There are several ways. One is to practice speaking and listening skills. Engaging in conversations with native speakers can be very helpful. Another way is to read extensively, both in English and about English language topics. Lastly,writing and translating exercises can also enhance your skills.M: Those are some great tips. I’ll definitely try them out.Q1: What is the main topic of the conversation?A) The benefits of being proficient in EnglishB) The challenges of learning EnglishC) The importance of attending international conferencesD) The best ways to improve English proficiencyQ2: Why is being proficient in English important for international conferences?A) It helps participants feel more confident.B) It allows for better communication across different cultures.C) It ensures that the presentations are clear and understandable.D) It helps to establish a common language for all participants.Q3: According to the conversation, which of the following is NOT a recommended way to improve English proficiency?A) Engaging in conversations with native speakersB) Reading extensivelyC) Writing and translating exercisesD) Attending only American films in the cinemaQ4: What is the speaker’s suggestion for someone who wants to improve their English?A) Focus on learning American English only.B) Watch only American films in the cinema.C) Practice speaking and listening skills.D) Avoid reading books in English.第二题DialogueW: Good morning, everyone. Today we have a special guest with us, Dr. Smith, who is an expert in environmental science. Dr. Smith, can you tell us about the main challenges we are facing in terms of environmental protection?M: Good morning, everyone. Thank you for having me. Well, one of the biggest challenges is the rapid pace of urbanization. As cities grow, they consume more resources and produce more waste. This puts a huge strain on the environment.W: That’s true. And what about the impact of climate change?M: Climate change is a major concern. The increase in greenhouse gas emissions is leading to more extreme weather patterns and rising sea levels. This is not only affecting wildlife but also human settlements.W: Very interesting. Now, let’s move on to the role of technology in addressing these challenges. Can you talk about that?M: Absolutely. Technology can play a crucial role in monitoring and reducing pollution. For example, renewable energy sources like solar and wind power can help reduce our reliance on fossil fuels. Additionally, smart technologies can improve waste management and reduce energy consumption.W: That’s a great point. Now, let’s see how much you’ve understood fromour conversation.Questions1、What is one of the biggest challenges in environmental protection according to Dr. Smith?A) Lack of awarenessB) Rapid urbanizationC) Limited resourcesD) Population growth2、How is climate change affecting wildlife and human settlements?A) It is causing more natural disasters.B) It is leading to the extinction of species.C) It is causing rising sea levels.D) All of the above3、What can technology do to address environmental challenges?A) It can monitor and reduce pollution.B) It can provide alternative energy sources.C) It can improve waste management.D) All of the above4、What is Dr. Smith’s main focus in the conversation?A) The importance of renewable energy.B) The role of technology in environmental protection.C) The impact of climate change.D) The challenges of rapid urbanization.Answers1、B) Rapid urbanization2、D) All of the above3、D) All of the above4、B) The role of technology in environmental protection.三、听力理解-听力篇章(选择题,共7分)第一题Passage OneIn the United States, it is customary for people to be on their best behavior in the office. A good many people, especially those who work in large companies, wear very formal clothing to work. This is not because they have to, but because they want to project an image of reliability, efficiency, and professionalism. People who dress casually may give an impression of being too relaxed, too comfortable with their job, or not serious about their work.Office hours in the U.S. are generally from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Some offices may have a half-hour lunch break, but others have a one-hour lunch break. Employees are expected to be punctual, and many companies have a strict “no late” policy. If an employee is late, he or she must have a good excuse, and this excuse is often recorded in the employee’s personnel file.The U.S. workplace is also characterized by its competitive nature. Employees are expected to be independent, self-motivated, and willing to work long hours if necessary. The U.S. work ethic emphasizes hard work and the belief that success comes to those who are willing to work hard for it.Questions:1、What is the main reason why people in the U.S. wear formal clothing to work?A)It is a legal requirement.B)They want to project an image of reliability and professionalism.C)It is a part of the office culture.D)They have to follow the company’s dress code.2、What are the typical office hours in the United States?A)8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.B)9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.C)10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday.D)7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday.3、Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the U.S. workplace?A)Competitive nature.B)Punctuality.C)Casual dress code.D)Long work hours.Answers:1、B) They want to project an image of reliability and professionalism.2、B) 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.3、C) Casual dress code.第二题Passage 1For many people, the dream of owning a home is a key part of the American Dream. However, the reality of purchasing a house can be daunting. The housing market has been volatile, with prices fluctuating greatly over the past few years. This passage will explore the factors that influence housing prices and provide some tips for potential home buyers.1、What is the main topic of the passage?A、The history of the American DreamB、The factors that influence housing pricesC、The challenges of purchasing a homeD、The benefits of owning a home2、Why is the housing market volatile?A、Because of the fluctuating prices of homesB、Because of the lack of affordable housingC、Because of the increasing number of people buying homesD、Because of the economic uncertainty3、What advice does the passage provide for potential home buyers?A、To avoid buying a home during the volatile marketB、To buy a home as soon as possibleC、To carefully consider the factors that influence housing pricesD、To rely on financial advice from friends and familyAnswers:1、B2、A3、C四、听力理解-新闻报道(选择题,共20分)第一题News Content:A new study shows that the number of people suffering from obesity has increased significantly in the past decade. The research, published in the Journal of Public Health, reveals that more than 60% of adults in the United States are overweight or obese. The study also points out that the main factors contributing to obesity are poor diet, lack of physical activity, and genetic factors.Questions:1、What is the main focus of the news report?A) The causes of obesityB) The number of people suffering from obesityC) The treatment methods for obesityD) The effects of obesity on public health2、According to the news report, what percentage of adults in the United States are overweight or obese?A) 40%B) 50%C) 60%D) 70%3、What are the main factors contributing to obesity, as mentioned in the news report?A) Good diet, physical activity, and genetic factorsB) Poor diet, lack of physical activity, and genetic factorsC) Good diet, lack of physical activity, and genetic factorsD) Poor diet, physical activity, and genetic factorsAnswers:1、B2、C3、B第二题News Content:Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to this edition of the World News Update. Today, we have a special report on the global response to the recent climate change summit held in Paris.1、According to the report, what was the main goal of the climate changesummit in Paris?A. To discuss the economic impact of climate change.B. To establish a global framework for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.C. To promote renewable energy sources worldwide.2、The report mentions that several countries have pledged to increase their contributions to the Green Climate Fund. Which of the following countries is NOT mentioned?A. ChinaB. GermanyC. BrazilD. India3、The news highlights the importance of international cooperation in addressing climate change. Which of the following is a direct quote from the report?A. “The summit has shown that global cooperation is crucial for ta ckling climate change effectively.”B. “Renewable energy is the only solution to our climate change problems.”C. “Economic growth must be prioritized over environmental concerns.”Answers:1.B2.C3.A第三题News ReportA. In the first news report, we hear about a recent technological innovation that is expected to have a significant impact on the way we communicate. Listen to the report and answer the following questions:1、What is the main technological innovation mentioned in the report?A) A new type of smartphoneB) An advanced AI communication systemC) A new social media platform2、How is this innovation expected to change communication?A) It will eliminate the need for face-to-face meetingsB) It will allow for real-time translation between languagesC) It will provide users with more personalized information3、According to the report, when is this innovation expected to be widely available?A) Within the next few monthsB) Within the next yearC) Within the next five yearsAnswers:1、B2、B3、A五、阅读理解-词汇理解(填空题,共5分)第一题阅读下面的短文,并根据上下文选择最合适的单词填入空白处。
杭州2023学年第一学期期末考试高二英语试卷(答案在最后)注意事项:1.答卷前,考生务必将自己的姓名、考生号等填写在答题卡上。
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第一部分听力(略)第二部分阅读(共两节,满分50分)第一节(共15小题;每小题2.5分,满分37.5分)阅读下列短文,从每题所给的A、B、C、D四个选项中选出最佳选项。
ABest Alternatives of Top Travel Booking SitesAfter losing two precious years to COVID,everybody is desperate to travel and explore the world.However, planning a dream trip is not easy as it demands carefully spending your money on flights and accommodation.Let’s see what best travel booking sites in the UK has to offer and what alternatives we have:TravelhouseukIt has been dedicated to serving its important clients for more than two decades now by using the expertise of travel agents.It is an element of human interaction with your travel agent that allows you to discuss your requirements in depth for personalization and look for customer support even after the booking is made. SkyscannerIt is a user-friendly interface that compares flight prices from all over the globe and brings out the best deals on flights.Not only flights but you can use this metasearch engine for hotels and car rentals too.It is a great tool for everyone,but some alternatives may help you even better in finding the cheapest trip to your destination.Cheap FlightsWhen Skyscanner considers known carriers to maintain the quality,Cheapflights takes the lead with the cheapest flight options worldwide.The online site serves up the cheapest time to fly,reasonable hotel rates, low-cost car rentals and vacation packages.The aim is to promote and simplify your travel experience by offering it all in one place.Google FlightsIt is a renowned name that facilitates online sales of air ticket through third-party suppliers.The best feature ofusing Google Flights is based on no predetermined time limits.You can look for the cheapest flying dates within the next two months of search dates.1.What makes Travelhouseuk special?A.Its price.B.Its convenience.C.Its booking time.D.Its personalized service.2.Which travel agency can you choose if you want to drive?A.Travelhouseuk and Google Flights.B.Google Flights and Cheap Flights.C.Skyscanner and Cheap Flights.D.Cheap Flights and Travelhouseuk.3.In which part of the web can you read this article?A.Travel.B.Culture.C.Lifestyle.D.Business.【答案】1.D 2.C 3.A【解析】【导语】本文是一篇应用文。
2024年外研版英语高二上学期期末复习试题及解答参考一、听力第一节(本大题有5小题,每小题1.5分,共7.5分)1、What is the main topic of the conversation?A. The importance of exercise for healthB. The benefits of a healthy dietC. The impact of stress on the bodyD. The importance of sleep for studentsAnswer: AExplanation: The conversation focuses on the importance of exercise for maintaining good health, emphasizing the physical and mental benefits of regular physical activity.2、 How does the speaker recommend managing stress?A. By avoiding all responsibilitiesB. Through regular exercise and relaxation techniquesC. By staying up late to finish all assignmentsD. By neglecting social activitiesAnswer: BExplanation: The speaker suggests that managing stress can be achieved byincorporating regular exercise into one’s routine and learning relaxation techniques, which can help alleviate stress levels.3、 BB. 5:10解析:The question asks about the time when the phone call ends. The dialogue mentions “After ten more minutes” which means it ends at “5:10”. Therefore, the correct answer is B.4、 AA. To thank the man解析:The question asks the purpose of the woman’s call. In the dialogue, the woman says “I just wanted to say thanks for helping me last night” which indicates her intention is to thank the man. Therefore, the correct answer isA.5.W: How many hours do you think you will need to study for the exam this weekend?M: Well, I haven’t counted yet, but I’ll estimate it will take about 20 to 25 hours.Q: How many hours does the man estimate he will need to study for the exam this weekend?A. 20 hoursB. 25 hoursC. 20 to 25 hoursAnswer: CExplanation: The listener will hear the man’s estimate which is “20 to 25 hours”, so the correct answer is option C.二、听力第二节(本大题有15小题,每小题1.5分,共22.5分)1、What is the man’s main concern about the new apartment?A)The locationB)The sizeC)The costD)The neighborsAnswer: C) The costExplanation:In the conversation, the man expresses his worry about the high rent of the new apartment they are considering moving into. He mentions that it is significantly more expensive than their current place, which makes him concerned about how they will manage the finances. This indicates that the cost is his primary concern, making option C the correct answer.2、Why does the woman suggest getting a roommate?A)To share household choresB)To reduce the rentC)To have companyD)To improve securityAnswer: B) To reduce the rentExplanation:When discussing the financial burden of the new apartment, thewoman brings up the idea of finding a roommate. She specifically states that having someone else to split the rent with would make the move much more affordable for them. Therefore, the reason she suggests getting a roommate is to reduce the rent, and the correct answer is B.3.You hear a conversation between two students discussing their summer plans.A. Student 1: I’m planning to go to the beach for a week.B. Student 2: That sounds great! I’m going to the mountains to hike and relax.Question: What is the student’s plan for the summer?A. To go to the beach.B. To go hiking in the mountains.Answer: B. To go hiking in the mountains.Explanation: The second student explicitly mentions going to the mountains to hike and relax, indicating their plan for the summer.4.You hear a teacher explaining a new project to the class.A. Teacher: For our next project, you will need to research a historical event and present it to the class.B. Student: What kind of historical event should we choose?Question: What does the teacher instruct the students to do for their next project?A. To research and present a historical event.B. To choose a historical event for the project.Answer: A. To research and present a historical event.Explanation: The teacher clearly states that the students need to research a historical event and present it to the class, making option A the correct answer. Option B is not the direct instruction given by the teacher.5.You hear a conversation between two students, John and Liu Yang, discussing their summer vacation plans.A)John is going to China to learn about its history.B)Liu Yang is planning to travel to the United States.C)They both plan to attend a language camp during the summer.D)John has already made his travel arrangements while Liu Yang is still unsure.Answer: C) They both plan to attend a language camp during the summer. Explanation: The key to this question lies in the phrase “They are both going to a language camp during the summer,” which indicates that both John and Liu Yang have similar vacation plans. The other options mention specific destinations that are not mentioned in the conversation.6.You listen to a news report on a local radio station about a new environmental initiative being launched in the city.A)The new initiative aims to reduce air pollution by planting more trees.B)The initiative focuses on teaching children about recycling and composting.C)The program will provide free garbage bags to encourage residents to separate theirwaste better.D)The city council is offering financial rewards to citizens who participate in theinitiative.Answer: B) The initiative focuses on teaching children about recycling and composting. Explanation: The news report includes a statement that the initiative is designed to educate the young generation about environmental sustainability, which directly correlates to optionB. The other options are not mentioned in the report and are therefore incorrect.7、What does the woman suggest the man do?A) Go to the library.B) Visit the museum.C) Take a walk in the park.D) Watch a movie at home.Answer: CExplanation: The woman suggests that the man should take a walk in the park because it’s a nice day outside. She believes it would be good for him to get some fresh air and enjoy the weather.8、Why can’t the man go to the party tonight?A) He has to study for an exam.B) He is not feeling well.C) He has to work late.D) He has another commitment.Answer: AExplanation: The man explains that he cannot attend the party tonight because he needs to prepare for an important exam that is coming up soon. Studying is his top priority at the moment.9.W: Have you heard about the new movie that just came out? It’s supposed to be a big hit.M: Yeah, I’ve heard it’s based on a true story. Do you know how it ended?Q: What does the man want to know about the movie?A: How it ended.B: What it is about.C: How it was made.D: When it came out.Answer: AExplanation: The man asks, “Do you know how it ended?” which means he wants to know how the movie ends.10.W: Are you planning to go to the concert this weekend?M: I was thinking about it, but I’m not sure if I can afford the tickets.Q: What can we infer about the man?A: He is sure he will go to the concert.B: He will not go to the concert because he cannot afford the tickets.C: He is not sure if he will go to the concert.D: He will go to the concert with his friends.Answer: CExplanation: The man says, “I was thinking about it, but I’m not sure if I can afford the tickets,” indicating that he is uncertain about going to the concert.11、How many floors are there in the building?A) 17 B) 20 C) 23Answer: B) 20解析:听力材料提到,这栋楼共有20层。
专题28 语法填空高频话题(地理环境与环境保护)1.(广东省河源市开学联考2023-2024学年高三联考试题)阅读下面短文,在空白处填入1个适当的单词或括号内单词的正确形式。
May 22 marks the annual International Day for Biological Diversity, 1 theme for this year is “From Agreement to Action: Build Back Biodiversity”. Nearly half of the global GDP output is related 2 biological diversity. Nearly 40 percent of the global population makes their living on marine or coastal biodiversity.China is one of the world’s most biologically 3 (diversity) countries. China is home to the world’s third largest number of higher plant species with 35,000, 4 (account) for the world’s 10 percent of the category. The country also owns 686 species of mammals and 5 largest number of unique mammal species. China has 24.02 percent of 6 (it) territory covered by forest and 7 (top) the fifth globally in terms of forest resource coverage.From the perspective of the world, however, the numbers of wild animals in Africa and the Asia-Pacific region have dropped 66 percent and 55 percent 8 (respective) due to habitat degradation (恶化), development and pollution, climate change and diseases. The threat that worldwide biological diversity is under is worsening as 41 percent of the world’s amphibians, 26 percent of the mammals and 14 percent of birds are facing extinction.What are we supposed to do? Don’t eat, purchase wild animals. Reduce using plastic 9 (item). Save water and power. Reduce 10 (consume) of domestic paper. Plant trees and forests.【答案】1.whose 2.to 3.diverse 4.accounting 5.the 6.its 7.tops 8.respectively 9.items 10.consumption【导语】本文是一篇说明文。
2024年外研版英语高二上学期模拟试卷及答案指导一、听力第一节(本大题有5小题,每小题1.5分,共7.5分)1、Question: What is the name of the author being discussed in the conversation?A) Jane AustenB) Charles DickensC) Mark TwainD) Emily BrontëAnswer: B) Charles DickensExplanation: The conversation mentions a famous novel by the author, which is “Great Expectations,” a novel by Charles Dickens. Therefore, the correct answer is B) Charles Dickens.2、Question: How does the woman describe her recent trip to the mountains?A) It was very hot.B) It was quite challenging.C) It was very relaxing.D) It was quite expensive.Answer: B) It was quite challenging.Explanation: The woman in the conversation mentions that the hike up the mountain was difficult and required a lot of effort, indicating that it was challenging. Thus, the correct answer is B) It was quite challenging.3、Question 3:Conversation:M: Hi, Sarah. Are you going to the library today?W: Yes, but I’ll be leaving a bit later because I have a class until 3 PM. Q: What does Sarah plan to do after her class?(A) Go home(B) Meet a friend(C) Go to the library(D) Attend a lectureAnswer: CExplanation: The woman indicates that she will go to the library, but only after her class ends at 3 PM.4、Question 4:Conversation:W: Excuse me, Professor White. Could you give me a brief overview of today’s lecture?M: Of course. We discussed the impact of technology on communication in the 21st century.Q: What topic did Professor White cover in his lecture?(A) The history of communication(B) The future of technology(C) The influence of technology on modern communication(D) The development of 21st-century educationAnswer: CExplanation: Professor White explicitly states that the lecture covered the impact of technology on communication in the current century, which aligns with option C.5、Listen to the conversation and answer the question.W: Hey, John, did you know that the average temperature in the city for the past week was 75 degrees Fahrenheit?M: Yeah, that’s quite hig h compared to last year. It was only 60 degrees Fahrenheit last week at this time.Q: What was the average temperature in the city last week at this time last year? A: 60 degrees Fahrenheit解析:This question tests your ability to understand numbers and compare information. The key phrase to listen for is “60 degrees Fahrenheit last year at this time,” which directly gives you the answer.二、听力第二节(本大题有15小题,每小题1.5分,共22.5分)1、Question: What is the name of the author who wrote the book “To Kill a Mockingbird”?Options:A. Jane AustenB. Mark TwainC. Harper LeeD. F. Scott FitzgeraldAnswer: C. Harper LeeExplanation: “To Kill a Mockingbird” is a novel written by Harper Lee. The other options listed are authors of different famous works, but they are not the author of this specific book.2、Question: What is the capital city of France?Options:A. RomeB. ParisC. LondonD. BerlinAnswer: B. ParisExplanation: Paris is the capital city of France. The other options listed are the capitals of Italy (Rome), the United Kingdom (London), and Germany (Berlin), respectively.3.You will hear a conversation between two students, Alice and Bob, discussing their weekend plans. Listen and answer the question.Question: What activity does Alice plan to do on Saturday afternoon?A. Visit a museumB. Go hikingC. Watch a movieD. Go shoppingAnswer: BExplanation: In the conversation, Alice says, “I’m planning to g o hiking with some friends on Saturday afternoon. It should be a lot of fun!” This indicates that her plan for Saturday afternoon is to go hiking.4.You will hear a news report about the upcoming climate change conferencein Paris. Listen and answer the question.Question: According to the report, what is the main goal of the conference?A. To discuss the history of climate changeB. To find a solution to the global financial crisisC. To create a global agreement on reducing carbon emissionsD. To promote tourism in ParisAnswer: CExplanation: The news report states, “The main goal of the conference is to reach a global agreement on reducing carbon emissions to combat climate change.” This directly answers the question about the main goal of the conference.5.You will hear a conversation between two students, Tom and Sarah, discussing their weekend plans. Listen to the conversation and answer the question.Question: What does Sarah plan to do on Saturday afternoon?A. Visit a museum.B. Go to a movie with Tom.C. Attend a sports event.D. Have a quiet day at home.Answer: A. Visit a museum.Explanation: In the conversation, Sarah mentions, “I’m thinking of visiting the art museum this Saturday afternoon.” This indicates that her plan is to visit a museum.6.You will hear a news report about a new study on climate change. Listen to the report and answer the question.Question: What is the main finding of the study according to the report?A. Climate change is slowing down.B. The effects of climate change are becoming less severe.C. The rate of global warming is increasing.D. The impact of climate change is minimal.Answer: C. The rate of global warming is increasing.Explanation: The news report states, “The study indicates that the rate of global warming is accelerating at an unprecedented pace, which is causing concern among scientists.” This statement supports option C as the correct answer.7.You hear a conversation between two students discussing their weekend plans. The first student mentions going to the beach, and the second student responds with enthusiasm. What does the second student say?A)“That sounds amazing, I wish I could go with you.”B)“I’m not a big fan of the beach, but I’ll consider it.”C)“I’ve never been to the beach, but I’ll give it a try.”D)“That’s a terrible idea, I prefer staying indoors.”Answer: A)Explanation: The second student expresses enthusiasm for the first student’s plan to go to the beach. The correct response is “That sounds amazing, I wish I could go with you.”8.You hear a conversation between a teacher and a student. The student is asking for advice on choosing a major. The teacher suggests that the student consider their interests and strengths. What does the teacher say?A)“You should choose a major that you’re passionate about.”B)“I think it’s best to choose a major that will make you a lot of money.”C)“You should choose a major that will make your parents happy.”D)“You should choose a major based on what your friends are studying.”Answer: A)Explanation: The teacher advises the student to consider their interests and strengths when choosing a major. The correct response is “You should choose a major that you’re passionate about.”9.You will hear a conversation between two students discussing their favorite subjects. Listen to the conversation and answer the question.Question: What subject does the girl prefer?A. MathB. EnglishC. HistoryD. ScienceAnswer: BExplanation: In the conversation, the girl says, “I really like E nglish because it’s both challenging and fun.” This indicates that her favorite subject is English.10.You will hear a dialogue between a teacher and a student about the student’s homework. Listen to the dialogue and answer the question.Question: Why is the student worried about the homework?A. The homework is too difficult.B. The homework is due the next day.C. The student has already completed the homework.D. The student doesn’t understand the instructions.Answer: DExplanation: The teacher asks, “Why don’t you understand the instructions for the homework?” The student responds, “I’m not sure what to do with the data analysis part.” This shows that the student is worried because they don’t understand the instructions.11.You hear a conversation between two students discussing their weekend plans.A)They plan to go hiking.B)They plan to stay at home and study.C)They plan to go to a concert.Answer: B) They plan to stay at home and study.Explanation: In the conversation, one student mentions having a lot of homework and the other agrees that it’s important to focus on studying,indicating that they plan to stay at home.12.You hear a news report about a recent scientific discovery.A) A new type of technology has been developed.B) A famous scientist has passed away.C) A major medical breakthrough has been achieved.Answer: A) A new type of technology has been developed.Explanation: The news report focuses on the introduction of a new technology that has the potential to impact various fields, which is why option A is the correct answer. The other options are not mentioned in the report.13.You will hear a short conversation between two students. Listen and answer the question.Question: What are the students discussing?A. The weather forecast for the weekend.B. The deadline for an upcoming assignment.C. The latest movie they watched together.D. The location of a new café in town.Answer: B解析:In the conversation, the students are talking about the deadline for an upcoming assignment. They discuss the importance of finishing it on time and how they need to manage their time effectively.14.You will hear a short lecture about the impact of social media on young adults. Listen and answer the question.Question: According to the lecture, what is one potential negative effectof social media on young adults?A. Improved communication skills.B. Increased self-confidence.C. Decreased face-to-face social interactions.D. Enhanced educational opportunities.Answer: C解析:In the lecture, the speaker mentions that one potential negative effect of social media on young adults is the decreased face-to-face social interactions. The speaker discusses how excessive time spent on social media can lead to less personal communication and a reliance on digital interactions.15.You will hear a conversation between two students, John and Emily, discussing their favorite subjects. Listen to the conversation and choose the best answer to the following question.Question: What is the main reason Emily chose her major?A. She is interested in mathematics.B. She wants to study computer science.C. She is passionate about literature.D. She is good at economics.Answer: C. She is passionate about literature.Explanation: In the conversation, Emily mentions that she has always loved reading books and writing stories, which is why she chose to major in literature. Therefore, the correct answer is C. She is passionate about literature.三、阅读第一节(第1题7.5分,其余每题10分,总37.5分)第一题Read the following passage carefully and then answer the questions below.In recent years, the importance of environmental protection has been increasingly recognized worldwide. As the global population continues to grow and urbanization expands, the negative impact of human activities on the environment has become more evident. One of the most pressing issues is climate change, which is caused by the excessive emission of greenhouse gases. The rising temperatures are leading to more frequent and severe natural disasters, such as hurricanes, floods, and droughts. In addition to climate change, pollution from factories and vehicles has also caused significant damage to ecosystems and human health.Many countries have started to take action to mitigate the environmental problems. Renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, are being developed to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Public transportation systems are being improved to encourage people to use eco-friendly modes of transport. Moreover, governments are implementing stricter regulations on industries to reduce their emissions and promote sustainable practices.Despite these efforts, it is still crucial for individuals to take responsibility for their own actions. Simple lifestyle changes, such as reducing waste, conserving water, and using energy-efficient appliances, can make a significant difference. Education and awareness are also vital in promoting aculture of environmental responsibility.Questions:1、What is the main topic of the passage?A. The benefits of renewable energy sourcesB. The negative impact of climate changeC. The role of individuals in environmental protectionD. The importance of public transportation systems2、According to the passage, what are the main causes of environmental problems?A. Climate change and pollutionB. Urbanization and overpopulationC. Deforestation and overfishingD. Fossil fuel consumption and deforestation3、Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a measure to mitigate environmental problems?A. Developing renewable energy sourcesB. Improving public transportation systemsC. Encouraging people to use eco-friendly modes of transportD. Implementing stricter regulations on industries and promoting sustainable practices4、What is the author’s main point about the role of individuals in environmental protection?A. Individuals should not take responsibility for their actions.B. Simple lifestyle changes can make a significant difference.C. Education and awareness are not important in promoting a culture of environmental responsibility.D. Individuals should only rely on governments and industries to solve environmental problems.Answers:1、C2、A3、C4、B第二题Reading PassageIn the small town of Windermere, nestled between the majestic mountains of the Lake District, there’s a hidden gem known as the Windermere Lake Steamboat Museum. This museum, which opened its doors in 1969, is dedicated to the rich history of steam-powered boats and their impact on the development of the region.The museum’s centerpiece is the world’s last remaining paddle steamer, the MV Balmoral, which was built in 1894. The Balmoral was an engineering marvel of its time, capable of carrying passengers and goods across the waters of Lake Windermere. The museum’s exhibits also include photographs, artifacts, and interactive displays that tell the story of the steamboat era.One of the most fascinating aspects of the museum is the opportunity for visitors to take a short steamboat ride on the lake, just as the early travelers would have done. The experience is not only educational but also offers a unique perspective of the landscape that has changed little over the years.The museum’s founder, Mr.Harold Pegg, was a local historian who had a deep passion for preserving the town’s heritage. He believed that the story of the steamboats was integral to understanding the development of the region and the lives of its people.Questions:1、What is the main focus of the Windermere Lake Steamboat Museum?A. The history of the town of WindermereB. The impact of steamboats on the Lake DistrictC. The life of Mr. Harold PeggD. The history of steam-powered boats and their role in the region2、What year was the MV Balmoral built?A. 1869B. 1894C. 1969D. 19403、What is a unique opportunity offered to visitors at the museum?A. A guided tour of the townB. A talk by a local historianC. The chance to take a steamboat ride on Lake WindermereD. A tasting of local cuisine4、Why did Mr. Harold Pegg establish the museum?A. To attract tourists to the townB. To showcase his own steamboat collectionC. To preserve the history of steamboats in the regionD. To promote the sale of steamboat memorabiliaAnswers:1、D2、B3、C4、C第三题Reading PassageThe following is a passage about the history and impact of the internet on modern life. Read the passage carefully and answer the questions that follow.In the late 20th century, the internet began to transform the way people communicate, work, and live. This digital revolution has had a profound impact on various aspects of society, including education, business, and entertainment. The internet has become an indispensable part of our daily lives, connecting people from all corners of the globe.The birth of the internet can be traced back to the 1960s, when the UnitedStates government initiated a project called ARPANET (Advanced Research Projects Agency Network). The primary goal of ARPANET was to create a decentralized communication network that could withstand nuclear attacks. Over time, ARPANET evolved into the modern internet we know today.1、What was the original purpose of ARPANET?A. To provide entertainment to the public.B. To create a decentralized communication network that could withstand nuclear attacks.C. To develop advanced research projects.D. To improve the quality of education.2、According to the passage, how has the internet changed our lives?A. It has made people more isolated.B. It has reduced communication between people.C. It has had a profound impact on various aspects of society.D. It has increased unemployment.3、The passage mentions that the internet has become an indispensable part of our daily lives. What does this mean?A. The internet is no longer important.B. The internet is a necessary part of our lives.C. The internet is not necessary for our lives.D. The internet is only important for some people.4、What is the main idea of the passage?A. The history of the internet.B. The impact of the internet on education.C. The impact of the internet on business.D. The impact of the internet on modern life.Answers:1、B2、C3、B4、D第四题Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow.The rise of the Internet has revolutionized the way we communicate and access information. With just a few clicks, we can now connect with people from all over the world, access a vast array of information, and even purchase products online. This technological advancement has brought both benefits and challenges to our society.In the past, communication was limited to letters, phone calls, and face-to-face meetings. Now, with email, social media, and instant messaging, we can communicate instantly with anyone, regardless of their location. This has greatly increased efficiency and convenience in our daily lives. However, it has also led to a decline in face-to-face interactions and a decrease in written communication skills.Information accessibility has also been greatly enhanced by the Internet. Libraries, once the go-to source for research, are now just one of many options. With a simple online search, we can find articles, books, and other resources in seconds. This has made education and self-learning more accessible to a wider audience. On the other hand, it has raised concerns about the reliability and accuracy of online information.Online shopping has become increasingly popular, offering convenience and a wide variety of choices. Customers can compare prices, read reviews, and even have products delivered to their doorstep. This has changed the retail landscape and forced traditional brick-and-mortar stores to adapt. However, there are concerns about the environmental impact of online shopping and the potential for fraud.1、What is the main topic of the passage?A. The advantages of the InternetB. The disadvantages of the InternetC. The impact of the Internet on communicationD. The impact of the Internet on education2、According to the passage, what is one of the challenges brought by the Internet?A. Increased efficiencyB. Decreased face-to-face interactionsC. Enhanced information accessibilityD. Improved communication skills3、How has the Internet affected libraries?A. Libraries have become obsolete.B. Libraries are no longer used for research.C. Libraries are still a valuable resource for research.D. Libraries have been replaced by online searches.4、What is a concern regarding online shopping mentioned in the passage?A. The convenience of online shopping.B. The environmental impact of online shopping.C. The wide variety of choices available.D. The potential for fraud in online transactions.Answers:1、C2、B3、C4、B四、阅读第二节(12.5分)Reading Section IIPassage:In the small coastal town of Porthaven, the community has long cherished its annual summer festival. This year, however, the festival is facing a newchallenge. The local council has proposed a plan to expand the town’s marina, which many residents believe will overshadow the festival and damage the natural beauty of the town.The festival, which has been running for over 50 years, features traditional music, local crafts, and a grand parade. It’s a highlight of the summer for both tourists and residents al ike. However, the council’s proposal has sparked a heated debate among the townspeople.Proponents of the marina expansion argue that it will bring in more tourists, boost the local economy, and provide more docking space for boats. They believe that the additional revenue generated from the expanded marina will be used to improve the town’s infrastructure and public amenities.Opponents, on the other hand, are worried that the expansion will destroy the natural landscape and disrupt the tranquility of the town. They also fear that the increased tourist traffic and commercialization will detract from the festival’s charm and the community’s sense of identity.Questions:1.What is the main issue that the community of Porthaven is currently debating?A. The closing of the local schoolB. The expansion of the town’s marinaC. The relocation of the town’s libraryD. The cancellation of the annual summer festival2.What is the primary concern of the opponents of the marina expansion plan?A. The potential increase in tourismB. The possibility of improved infrastructureC. The potential damage to the natural landscapeD. The potential for increased revenue3.Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a feature of the Porthaven summer festival?A. Traditional musicB. Local craftsC. A grand paradeD. An art gallery exhibit4.How do the proponents of the marina expansion plan expect the additional revenue to be used?A. To fund the festival activitiesB. To improve the town’s infrastructureC. To increase the festival’s budgetD. To reduce the town’s taxes5.According to the passage, what is the outcome of the debate over the marina expansion plan?A. The council has decided to cancel the expansion project.B. The town has voted to proceed with the expansion.C. The residents have decided to ignore the council’s proposal.D. The debate is still ongoing, with no clear resolution yet.Answers:1.B2.C3.D4.B5.D五、语言运用第一节 _ 完形填空(15分)完形填空Passage:“Every morning, Tom would wake up early and go f or a run. It was his way of getting ready for the day (1)_____. One morning, he noticed an elderly man sitting on a bench in the park, feeding birds. The old man looked so peaceful and content that Tom decided to (2)_____ him. ‘Good morning, sir,’ Tom gree ted with a smile. ‘Good morning, young man,’ the elderly gentleman replied. ‘I see you’re a runner. It’s a good habit to keep fit.’ Tom nodded, appreciating the (3)_____. They started talking about running, life, and the beauty of (4)_____. The old man shared stories of his youth, (5)_____ Tom with wisdom and laughter. Before leaving, the old man said, ‘Remember, son, it’s not just the destination but the journey that (6)_____.’ Tom waved goodbye, feeling inspired by their conversation. He realized that sometimes, the most unexpected (7)_____ can lead to the most profound moments. From then on, Tom made it a point to(8)_____ and appreciate every step of his journey, knowing that there is always something new to learn and someone new to meet. His runs became more than just exercise; they were opportunities for (9)_____. As days passed, Tom visited the park (10)_____, hoping to meet the old man again. Though the old man didn’t reappear, Tom never forgot his words. He continued to greet each day with (11)_____, to meet people with kindness, and to live his life to the fullest. In his heart, Tom knew that this encounter had changed him for the better.”1.A) ahead B) behind C) forward D) backward2.A) interrupt B) approach C) avoid D) ignore3.A) compliment B) advice C) suggestion D) guidance4.A) nature B) city C) town D) countryside5.A) filling B) providing C) giving D) offering6.A) matters B) exists C) happens D) appears7.A) meetings B) destinations C) journeys D) encounters8.A) slow down B) speed up C) give up D) drop out9.A) discovery B) relaxation C) adventure D) exploration10.A) regularly B) rarely C) occasionally D) seldom11.A) excitement B) disappointment C) sadness D) frustration答案1.C) forward2.B) approach3.A) compliment4.A) nature5.A) filling6.A) matters7.D) encounters8.A) slow down9.A) discovery10.A) regularly11.A) excitement以上就是这次的完形填空练习题及答案。
2022年考研考博-考博英语-中国人民大学考试全真模拟易错、难点剖析B卷(带答案)一.综合题(共15题)1.单选题The plane found the spot and hovered close enough to () that it was a car.问题1选项A.ensureB.examineC.verifyD.testify【答案】C【解析】动词词义辨析。
句意:飞机发现了这个地点,并盘旋着靠近,以证实这是一辆汽车。
verify指证明,证实;testify指作证。
选项C更符合语境。
2.单选题The encouraging factor is that the ()majority of people find the idea of change acceptable. 问题1选项A.numerousB.vastC.mostD.massive 【答案】B【解析】固定搭配。
the vast majority of指“绝大部分,绝大多数”。
选项B正确。
3.单选题Adam Smith, writing in the 1770s, was the first person to see the importance of the division of labor and to explain part of its advantages. He gives as an example the process by which pins were made in England.“On e man draws out the wire; another strengthens it; a third cuts it; a fourth points it; a fifth grinds it at the top to prepare it to receive the head. To make the head requires two or three operations. To put it on is a separate operation, to polish the pins is another. And the important business of making pins is, in this manner, divided into about eighteen operations, which in some factories are all performed by different people, though in others the same man will sometimes perform two or three of them.”Ten men, Smith said, in this way, turned out twelve pounds of pins a day or about 4, 800 pins per worker. But if all of them had worked separately and independently without division of labor, none of them could have made twenty pins in a day and perhaps not even one.There can be no doubt that division of labor is an efficient way of organizing work. Fewer people can make more pins. Adam Smith saw this but he also took it for granted that division of labor is in itself responsible for economic growth and development and that it accounts for the difference between expanding economies and those that stand still. But division of labor adds nothing new; it only enables people to produce more of what they already have.1.According to the passage, Adam Smith was the first person to ().2.Adam Smith saw that the division of labor ().3.Adam Smith mentioned the number 4,800 in order to ().4.According to the writer, Adam Smith’s mistake was in believing that division of labor () .5.Which of the following could serve as an appropriate title for the passage?问题1选项A.take advantage of the division of laborB.introduce the division of labor into EnglandC.understand the effects of the division of laborD.explain the causes of the division of labor问题2选项A.enabled each worker to make pins more quickly and more cheaplyB.increased the possible output per workerC.increased the number of people employed in factoriesD.improved the quality of pins produced问题3选项A.show the advantages of the division of laborB.show the advantages of the old craft systemC.emphasize how powerful the individual worker wasD.emphasize the importance of increased production问题4选项A.was an efficient way of organizing workB.was an important development in methods of productionC.certainly led to economic developmentD.increased the production of existing goods问题5选项A.Adam Smith, the English EconomistB.The Theory of Division of LaborC.Division of Labor, an Efficient Way of Organizing WorkD.Adam Smith, the Last Discoverer of Division of Labor【答案】第1题:C第2题:B第3题:A第4题:C第5题:C【解析】1.细节事实题。
Traveling to Thailand has always been a dream for many, and with the ease of international travel, its becoming more of a reality for people around the world. Heres a prediction on what a trip to Thailand might look like, written in an essay format.Title: A Glimpse into the Future of Traveling to ThailandAs the world continues to evolve, so does the way we travel. The year is 2025, and the landscape of tourism has changed significantly. Thailand, a country known for its rich culture, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality, has adapted to these changes, making it an even more attractive destination for travelers.Advancements in Travel TechnologyOne of the most notable changes is the integration of technology into the travel experience. Virtual reality tours have become popular, allowing potential visitors to explore Thailands most iconic sites from the comfort of their homes. This has led to a surge in bookings, as people are already familiar with the places they wish to visit.EcoTourism and SustainabilityWith a growing awareness of environmental issues, Thailand has embraced ecotourism. Resorts and hotels are now built with sustainability in mind, using renewable energy sources and minimizing their carbon footprint. Tourists are encouraged to participate in activities that promote conservation, such as tree planting and wildlife rehabilitation programs.Cultural Immersion ProgramsTo ensure that visitors have a deeper understanding and appreciation of Thai culture, immersive programs have been introduced. These programs allow tourists to learn traditional Thai crafts, cook local dishes, and participate in cultural ceremonies. This not only enriches the visitors experience but also supports local communities.Improved InfrastructureThailands infrastructure has seen significant upgrades to accommodate the increasing number of tourists. Highspeed rail systems connect major cities, making it easier for travelers to explore different regions. Airports have been expanded, and new routes havebeen established to cater to the growing demand for travel.Health and Safety MeasuresIn light of global health concerns, Thailand has implemented strict health and safety protocols. Tourists are required to undergo health screenings before arrival, and there is a strong emphasis on hygiene practices in public spaces. This has instilled a sense of security among visitors, making Thailand a preferred destination for those seeking a safe travel experience.Digital Nomad HavenRecognizing the rise of digital nomads, Thailand has created spaces and programs catering to this demographic. Coworking spaces with reliable internet connections are now common in tourist hotspots, allowing remote workers to enjoy the Thai lifestyle while continuing their work.ConclusionThe future of traveling to Thailand is bright and promising. With advancements in technology, a focus on sustainability, and an emphasis on cultural immersion, the country is poised to offer an enriching and memorable experience to its visitors. As the world continues to open up, Thailand stands ready to welcome travelers with open arms, ensuring that every visit is a journey to remember.This essay predicts a future where Thailand remains a top travel destination, adapting to modern trends and global concerns while preserving its unique charm and cultural heritage.。
2024年高二英语气候经济学视角单选题20题1.Climate change has a significant impact on the global economy. The word “impact” in this sentence can be replaced by_____.A.effectB.resultC.consequenceD.outcome答案:A。
“impact”“effect”“result”“consequence”和“outcome”都有“结果、影响”之意,但“impact”和“effect”较为常用且意思最为接近,可互换使用。
“result”更强调由某个行为或事件产生的结果;“consequence”通常指不好的后果;“outcome”侧重于最终的结果或结局。
本题考查的是词汇的辨析,涉及气候经济学中的专业词汇“impact”。
2.In climate economics, “carbon footprint” refers to_____.A.the amount of carbon dioxide released by an individual or organizationB.the total area of forests needed to absorb carbon dioxideC.the number of cars that emit carbon dioxideD.the cost of reducing carbon dioxide emissions答案:A。
“carbon footprint”指的是一个人或组织释放的二氧化碳量。
选项B 是指吸收二氧化碳所需的森林总面积;选项C 是指排放二氧化碳的汽车数量;选项D 是指减少二氧化碳排放的成本。
本题考查气候经济学中的专业名词“carbon footprint”的定义。
3.The government is taking measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The verb “reduce” can be replaced by_____.A.lowerB.decreaseC.diminishD.minimize答案:B。
UNIT 4 JOURNEY ACROSS A VAST LAND一、阅读词汇——在词块中明义1.international airlines 国际航空公司2.traditional crafts 传统工艺3.antique shop 古董店4.a massive rock 一块巨大的岩石5.spectacular views 壮观的景色6.the snow-covered peaks 白雪覆盖的山峰7.a fire drill 一场消防演习8.a huge shopping mall 一家大型购物商场9.a bunch of flowers 一束鲜花10.to enter/leave harbour 进入/离开港口11.useful idioms 有用的习语二、表达词汇——在语境中活用(一)在括号内写出蓝体词汇在语境中的汉语意思1.Emotional problems can arise from a physical cause, so it is very important to stay physically healthy.(vi.由……引起)2.There are bound to be price increases next year.(adj.一定会)3.The area is remarkable for its scenery.(n.景色)4.I'm just trying to highlight things you already know a little bit about.(vt.强调)5.At the time we couldn't have anticipated the result of our campaigning.(vt.预料)6.Soldiers had temporarily closed the border between the two countries.(n.边界)7.Contrary to popular belief, many cats dislike milk. (adj.相反的)8.Anyhow, I think the paper is well prepared.(adv.不过)9.Don't wait until you feel 100 percent confident before you proceed.(vi.继续做)10.By dusk we were dog-tired and heading for home. (n.黄昏)11.She spoke with a strong Australian accent.(n.口音)12.The company owes money to more than 60 banks.(vt.欠)(二)写出蓝体词汇的语境之义及拓展形式1.I spent a pleasant day in the country.(adj.令人愉快的)拓展:pleasure n.快乐,娱乐;乐事2.It's a totally awesome experience.(adj.很好的)拓展:awe n.敬畏;惊叹vt.使敬畏;使惊叹3.If the temperature drops below 0 ℃, water freezes.(vi.结冰)拓展:freezing adj.极冷的;冰冻的4.The ending of the novel will astonish you.(vt.使吃惊)拓展:astonishing adj.惊人的;令人吃惊的→astonished adj.感到惊讶的→astonishment n.惊讶5.Miss Parrish recently placed an advertisement in the local newspaper.(n.广告)拓展:advertise vt.& vi.(为……)做广告/宣传;登广告;招聘→advertising n.广告(业)三、词块短语——在语境中辨义活用写出或选出加蓝部分在语境中的汉语意思1.My first view of the island from the air took my breath away.令人惊叹2.Contrary to expectations, interest rates did not rise.相反的3.He introduced his plans briefly and then proceeded to explain them in more details.进而做4.In addition to my weekly wage, I got a lot of tips.除……之外5.Fast mask-changing is unique to Sichuan Opera performance.是……特有的6.In contrast to the previous year, the situation is much better now.与……相比7.Students tend to owe their success to the guidance of their teachers.把……归功于8.Written records show that acupuncture dates back to the Song Dynasty.追溯到9.I've never come across such an experience in my time.遇到10.On the living room table I found a bunch of flowers and a good bottle of French wine.一束11.He may have some shortcomings, but all in all he is a good student.__C__A.尤其B.毕竟C.总的来说D.同时12.We drove all the way through pouring rain. __C__A.在某种程度上B.顺便说C.一路上D.在各方面13.I always start the day by going through my emails.__D__ A.通过B.经历C.完成D.查阅四、经典句式——在佳句背诵中品悟规则用法1.2.3.教材原句Seen from the train window, the mountains and forests of Canada looked massive. (过去分词短语作状语)从车窗往外望去,加拿大巍峨的山脉和辽阔的森林尽收眼底。
2025年全国大学英语CET四级考试复习试题及解答参考一、写作(15分)Part I Writing (30 points)Directions: For this part, you are allowed 30 minutes to write a short essay on the topic “The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Daily Life.” You should start your essay with a brief introduction to the topic, then give specific examples to illustrate your point, and finally, provide a conclusion with your personal view. Your essay should be about 120 to 150 words but no less than 100 words.Writing Sample:The advent of artificial intelligence (AI) has revolutionized our daily lives in numerous ways. From smart homes to advanced medical diagnosis, AI has become an integral part of modern society.In smart homes, AI systems like voice assistants and smart security cameras enhance our convenience and safety. These systems learn from our habits and preferences, making our homes more comfortable and efficient. Moreover, in the healthcare sector, AI algorithms are being used to analyze medical images and identify potential diseases at an early stage, which can significantly improvepatient outcomes.However, the rise of AI also brings challenges. For example, job displacement is a major concern, as AI can perform certain tasks more efficiently than humans. Additionally, there are ethical questions about privacy, data security, and the potential misuse of AI technology.In conclusion, while AI has brought substantial benefits to our daily lives, we must also address its challenges to ensure a balanced and ethical integration of AI into our society.Writing Analysis:•Introduction: The essay starts with a clear introduction to the topic of AI and its impact on daily life, providing a broad perspective.•Body Paragraphs: The body of the essay presents two distinct impacts of AI:•The positive impact of AI in smart homes and healthcare.•The negative impacts of job displacement and ethical concerns.•Conclusion: The essay concludes with a balanced view, acknowledging both the benefits and challenges of AI, and emphasizing the need for ethical considerations.•Structure and Coherence: The essay has a clear structure and is well-organized, making the flow of ideas easy to follow.•Length: The essay meets the required word count, with 120 words, demonstrating the writer’s ability to convey the main points concisely.二、听力理解-短篇新闻(选择题,共7分)第一题News:In recent years, global attention has been drawn to the rapid development of electric vehicles (EVs). According to a recent report by the International Energy Agency (IEA), the number of electric vehicles on the roads worldwide reached 13 million in 2021, up from just 2 million in 2015. The report also indicates that by 2030, the number of electric vehicles is expected to surpass 145 million.Question 1:What has the number of electric vehicles on the roads reached as of 2021 according to the recent report by the IEA?A) 1 millionB) 13 millionC) 2 millionAnswer: BQuestion 2:How many years is it mentioned from 2015 to 2021 in the report?A) 5 yearsB) 6 yearsC) 7 yearsAnswer: BQuestion 3:What is the expected number of electric vehicles by 2030 according to the report?A) 13 millionB) 2 millionC) 145 millionAnswer: C第二题News Item 1:A new study reveals that the global use of electric scooters has increased significantly in recent years. These scooters are becoming a popular form of transportation in cities around the world. However, the study also highlights the environmental and safety concerns associated with the rapid growth in electric scooter usage.Cities are faced with the challenge of managing the increased demand for parking spaces, as well as the potential risks of accidents involving these scooters. Improved infrastructure and regulations are being considered to address these issues.Questions:1、What is the primary topic of the news item?A. The decline of traditional scootersB. The environmental impact of electric scootersC. The safety concerns of using electric scootersD. The rise in global use of electric scooters2、“These scooters are becoming a popular form of transportation in cities around the world.” Which of the following is true regarding the use of electric scooters?A. They are only popular in developed countries.B. They have no environmental impact.C. They are causing a decrease in car usage.D. They have become a common mode of transportation globally.3、“Improved infrastructure and regulations are being considered to address these issues.” What is the implied issue that needs to be addressed?A. The overuse of public transportation.B. The need for more parking spaces for cars.C. The decline in bicycle usage.D. The potential safety risks and management challenges posed by electric scooters.Answers:1.D2.D3.D三、听力理解-长对话(选择题,共8分)First QuestionConversationA: Hey, Sarah! Did you finish listening to the podcast this morning?B: Yeah, I did. It was quite fascinating. Have you checked the transcript on their webpage?A: Not yet. I plan to review what we heard today after work. By the way, I was thinking it would be nice to form a study circle this semester.B: That sounds like a good idea. Could you host a meeting this weekend?A: Sure, I can. I’ll prepare some questio ns for us to discuss, and you can bring in your notes. It’ll make our learning more productive.B: Great! Should we stick to the topics in the podcast or choose something else?A: Let’s talk about the topics in the podcast first. That way, it’ll help us understand the context better.B: Sounds perfect. I have a couple of questions for you. How long have you been listening to podcasts?A: Since about a year now. I find it’s a great way to learn English while doing something productive.B: I agree. What’s your favorite podcast?A: Hmm, I really like “The Economist Briefing.” It covers current events and history, which are topics I find interesting.B: Nice choice. I’m a fan of “TED Talks Daily.” It’s a bit different from “The Economist Briefing” but still educational.A: That’s true. We can switch up the topics as we like. What are youstudying?B: I’m majoring in international relations. The podcast really helps me get more insights into what I’m studying.A: That’s awesome. What about yo ur plans for the future?B: I hope to travel around Europe for my study abroad program next year, so I’m trying to learn more European languages. It would be a great opportunity to practice my English as well.A: That sounds exciting! This weekend, let’s m eet for an hour at my place, okay?B: Sure, that works for me.Q1. What is one reason Sarah likes listening to this podcast?a)To practice her English.b)To pass CET-4.c)To prepare for a trip.d)To learn her major subject.Answer: aQ2. How long has the speaker been listening to podcasts?a)One yearb)Two yearsc)Three yearsd)Half a yearAnswer: aQ3. Who does the speaker admire for choosing “TED Talks Daily”?a)Sarahb) A friendc) A professord)Another studentAnswer: aQ4. What will they do this weekend?a)Meet for an hour at the speaker’s place.b)Join a club activity.c)Go to a coffee shop.d)Attend a lecture on English.Answer: aQuestion 2:Why does Liu feel a bit nervous about the exam?A) He is preparing for it for too long.B) He hasn’t studied hard enough.C) His friends are also enrolled in CET-4 course classes.D) He needs to take a break soon.Answer: AQuestion 3:What advice does Amy give to Liu?A) Enroll in a CET-4 course class.B) Review the past papers.C) Study every day.D) Take a break.Answer: BQuestion 4:What can be inferred about Liu from the conversation?A) He is confident about the exam.B) He has been preparing for the exam for a long time.C) He is ready for the upcoming exam.D) He doesn’t like studying hard.Answer: B四、听力理解-听力篇章(选择题,共20分)第一题Directions: In this section, you will hear a passage. Listen carefully and answer the questions that follow.Passage:In today’s fast-paced digital world, it has become increasingly important for businesses to adopt technologies that improve their efficiency and customer satisfaction. The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) has led to significant advancements in the field of business operations. Companies are now exploring various ways to integrate these technologies to enhance their processes.1、What aspect of business operations has seen significant advancements dueto AI and ML integration?A) Customer serviceB) LogisticsC) Financial managementD) A2、Why is the adoption of AI and ML technologies regarded as important for businesses?A) To reduce operational costsB) To improve customer satisfactionC) To increase operational efficiencyD) C3、Which of the following is NOT an example of how businesses can integrate AI and ML?A) Enhancing predictive analyticsB) Automating routine tasksC) Increasing manual data entryD) C第二题Passage 1The globalization of the economy has brought about significant changes in the world, and one area that has been heavily affected is the sports industry. In this essay, we will explore how globalization has impacted the sports industry,focusing on the growth of international sports events and the role of sports in global culture.1、Why is globalization having a profound impact on the sports industry?A) Because it allows sports to be practiced anywhere in the world.B) Because it has led to the growth of international sports events.C) Because it has changed the way people culture around the world.D) Because it has increased the salaries of professional athletes.2、Which of the following is not mentioned as a change brought about by globalization in the sports industry?A) The increase in cross-cultural interactions.B) The decline in local sports teams.C) The rise of regional sports leagues.D) The increase in global fan bases for various sports.3、What is the main argument made by the essay about the role of sports in global culture?A) Sports have a单一 focus on winning and losing.B) Sports help to foster national pride and identity.C) Sports have become a way for countries to cooperatively compete.D) Sports have lost their relevance due to increased commercialization.Answer Key:1、B2、BThird Question: Listening Comprehension - Listening PassagePassage:Welcome to our final research trip to India. We are in a small village in the state of Kerala, known for its rich cultural heritage and scenic beauty. The village, named Paravoor, has a population of approximately 15,000. Today, we focus on the local economy, which is largely dependent on farming, tourism, and small-scale industries. Currently, the village is facing several challenges, including water scarcity and lack of proper infrastructure. The government plans to implement a new irrigation project, which will provide a significant boost to the agricultural sector. In addition, the village is promoting eco-tourism to diversify its economic base. However, these initiatives require support and investment from both the government and the local community.1、Which of the following is NOT a challenge facing Paravoor Village?A、Water scarcityB、Lack of proper infrastructureC、Dependence on large-scale industriesD、C、2、What is the villagers’ plan to diversify their economic base?A、Developing new industriesB、Promoting eco-tourismC、Increasing agricultural production3、Which of the following is a potential benefit of the new irrigation project?A、It will help diversify the local economy.B、It will improve the infrastructure.C、It will provide water to the entire state.D、C、五、阅读理解-词汇理解(填空题,共5分)第一题Reading PassageAlice, receiving a ring, was extremely pleased. Her father promptly asked, “Have you made up your mind, my dear?” “Not quite,” said Alice ominously, stepping out of her ring. “But I will do so directly,” she declared.With a faint shiver of delight, the father experienced her civil but firm decision and then together they went to bet {?1?} her little servant girl a seventeen-pound horse. While they were thus occupied, the children saw their disagreement. The richest and keenest-uprisinguchepest, perfectly struck their fancy, and though their(Game) competitive position was, by no means, satisfactory, they had no objection to feel very sorry for the seller.1、civil A. 非常高兴的B. 礼貌的;文明的C. 无数的;无休止的D. 非常出色的2、competititive A. 竞争性的;竞赛的B. 嫉妒的;充满敌意的C. 令人厌恶的;讨厌的D. 无能的;不称职的3、keen A. 苦涩的;尖利的B. 明锐的;敏锐的C. 高兴的;愉快的D. 枯燥的;乏味的4、Ominous A. 不吉利的;不祥的B. 温和的;文雅的C. 欢快的;愉快的D. 兴奋的;激动的5、shiver A. 战栗;发抖B. 淡水C. 快速降雨D. 柔软的动物答案:1、B2、A3、B4、A5、A第二题Directions: Read the following text and complete the sentences below. There is one word or phrase missing in each sentence. Choose the most appropriate word or phrase from the options given below each sentence.Reading Passage:The rapid growth of technology has profoundly transformed our social fabric. From the emergence of the internet to the advent of smartphones, our daily interactions and work routines have been fundamentally altered. These technological advancements have not only facilitated instant communication but also expanded our access to information. However, this shift comes with its own set of challenges. For instance, while the internet provides a vast array of resources, it also exposes us to misinformation and the need for digital literacy is increasingly important. Moreover, the reliance on technology in the workplace has raised concerns about job security, as automation and artificial intelligence continue to evolve and change the nature of work.1、The word “fabric” (Line 1) most closely r elates to the following word: _[Options: a) fabric b) structure c) society d) clothing_]•1、c) society2、The phrase “emergence of the internet” (Line 3) can be replaced with which of the following: _[Options: a) the start of the internet b) the appearance of the internet c) the deployment of the internet d) the invention of the internet_]•2、b) the appearance of the internet3、The word “instant” (Line 4) is synonymous with: _[Options: a) immediate b) brief c) quick d) rapid_]•3、a) immediate4、The challenge mentioned in the passage regarding the internet is: _[Options: a) accessing information b) exposure to misinformation c) maintaining digital literacy d) balancing physical and digital interactions_]•4、b) exposure to misinformation5、The phrase “nature of work” (Line 7) refers to: _[Options: a) the quality of work b) the purpose of work c) the essence of work d) the value of work_]•5、c) the essence of work六、阅读理解-长篇阅读(选择题,共10分)第一题Reading Passage OneIt is widely accepted that education is of great importance to all people. However, there are many arguments on its necessity. While some people believe it is important to receive an education, others argue that education is not essential in one’s life.One of the main arguments for education is that it offers opportunities for personal development. With a good education, individuals can acquire the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in life. They can also improve theircritical thinking abilities and make informed decisions. Furthermore, an education can help individuals become more adaptable and flexible, enabling them to thrive in a changing world.Opponents of education argue that people can succeed without it. They cite examples of successful individuals who dropped out of school, such as Steve Jobs and比尔·盖茨. They believe that talent and opportunities can compensate for a lack of formal education.In the following passage, there are some statements about education. Choose the most suitable answer for each of the following questions.Questions 1-51、Which of the following is the main issue discussed in the reading passage?A. The benefits of educationB. The drawbacks of educationC. The importance of personal developmentD. The relationship between education and success2、What do the proponents of education believe about the role of education in personal development?A. Education hinders personal growth.B. Education does not contribute to skill acquisition.C. Education improves critical thinking and decision-making skills.D. Education makes individuals less adaptable.3、What is the main argument against education mentioned in the passage?A. Education limits personal development.B. Successful individuals can compensate for a lack of education.C. Education stifles creativity and innovation.D. Education takes away opportunities for self-betterment.4、Which of the following does the reading passage NOT mention as a reason for supporting education?A. Increased opportunities for employment.B. Enhanced critical thinking abilities.C. Improved adaptability and flexibility.D. Theernenment in international cooperation.5、What is the author’s attitude towards the debate on education?A. The author believes that education is unnecessary.B. The author supports the idea that education is essential for personal development.C. The author prefers talent and opportunities over education.D. The author is neutral on the issue of education.Answer Key:1、A2、C3、B4、D5、B第二题Passage:The concept of cloud computing has been discussed for decades, but it has only recently become a practical solution for businesses and individuals. Itall began with the idea of using the Internet as a transmission medium for data and applications. As technology advanced, the costs of storage and bandwidth became more affordable, making cloud computing a viable option. Today, cloud services range from simple file storage to complex application delivery, and they are accessible via web browsers or special software applications.The benefits of cloud computing are numerous. First, there is no need for costly hardware or maintenance. Cloud providers handle all the backend operations, ensuring that the service runs smoothly without requiring any intervention from users. Second, cloud services are highly scalable, meaning they can handle sudden increases in demand without additional investment. Third, cloud computing encourages collaboration and mobility, as users can access data and applications from anywhere with an internet connection. Finally, cloud services often come with robust security features, which are continuously updated, minimizing the risk of data breaches.However, cloud computing also comes with challenges. Security remains a significant concern, as data is stored remotely and vulnerable to cyberattacks. Additionally, there is the issue of data sovereignty, where data stored outside a country’s borders may be subject to the laws of that country. Furthermore, some companies may be hesitant to switch to cloud services due to the lack of control over their data, a common concern known as “control issues.”Questions:1、What is the main idea of the passage?a) The history of cloud computing.b) The benefits and challenges of cloud computing.c) The security concerns of cloud computing.d) The scalability of cloud computing.2、Why did cloud computing become practical recently?a) Because of the decreased costs of storage and bandwidth.b) Because of the widespread availability of the Internet.c) Because of the advancement in technology.d) Because of the decreasing demand for hardware.3、What are the benefits of cloud computing mentioned in the passage?a) No need for costly hardware, scalability, collaboration and mobility, and robust security features.b) High scalability, easy maintenance, and data sovereignty.c) Low costs, easy access, and increased data security.d) Remote access, data availability, and decreased bandwidth requirements.4、Which of the following is a challenge of cloud computing?a) The lack of mobility.b) The high costs of hardware.c) The security risks associated with remote data storage.d) The limited availability of web browsers.5、What is the common concern known as “control issues” mentioned in the passage?a) Users have no control over their data.b) Users have control over their data, but it is stored remotely.c) Data stored outside a country’s borders may be subject to the laws of that country.d) Users can choose to control their data through special software applications.Answers:1、b) The benefits and challenges of cloud computing.2、a) Because of the decreased costs of storage and bandwidth.3、a) No need for costly hardware, scalability, collaboration and mobility, and robust security features.4、c) The security risks associated with remote data storage.5、a) Users have no control over their data.七、阅读理解-仔细阅读(选择题,共20分)First Reading Comprehension Part AReading PassageThe following is a passage about the importance of exercise for mental health and productivity. This passage is followed by some questions to which the answers can be found in the passage.In today’s fast-paced world, stress has become an integral part of our lives. It’s essential to find ways to manage and reduce stress to maintain both our mental and physical health. One effective way to combat stress is through regularexercise. Research has consistently shown that physical activity can have a profound impact on our mental well-being and productivity.1.Physical activity has been found to:A) improve mental healthB) enhance productivityC) both improve mental health and enhance productivityD) have no effect on mental health2.The passage primarily discusses:A) the negative impact of stress on mental healthB) the benefits of exercise in reducing stressC) the effectiveness of various stress management techniquesD) the effects of different types of stress on the body3.It is mentioned that physical activity can have a “profound impact” on our:A) attention spanB) moodC) ability to sleepD) All of the above4.The word “integral” in the first paragraph most closely means:A) essentialB) foundationC) simpleD) occasional5.According to the passage, what is one effective way to combat stress?A) Avoiding situations that cause stressB) Seeking professional helpC) Regular physical activityD) Meditating for a few minutes dailyOptions:1、C2、B3、D4、A5、C第二题阅读下面的文章,然后回答问题。
The Adaptive Place Advisor:A Conversational Recommendation SystemMehmet H. Göker1Cynthia A. Thompson21DaimlerChrysler Research & Technology1510 Page Mill Road Palo Alto, CA 94304mehmet.goeker@2Center for the Study of Language and InformationStanford University Stanford, CA 94305-4115cthomp@Abstract: In this paper, we describe the Adaptive Place Advisor, aconversational recommendation system designed to help users decide on adestination. We view the selection of destinations as an interactive,conversational process, with the advisory system inquiring about desired itemcharacteristics and the human responding. The user model, which containspreferences regarding items, attributes, values and value combinations, is alsoacquired during the conversation. The system enhances the user’s requirementswith the user model and retrieves suitable items from a case-base. If the numberof items found by the system is unsuitable (too high, too low) the next attributeto be constrained or relaxed is selected based on the information gain associatedwith the attributes. We also describe the current status of the system and futurework.1.MotivationAs information becomes abundant, humans are confronted with more difficult decisions for how to access, navigate through and select available options. The sheer number of alternatives often makes a wise choice impossible without some intelligent computational assistance. In response to this need, there have been increased efforts to design and implement intelligent aides for filtering web sites (e.g., Pazzani, Muramatsu, & Billsus (1996)), news stories (e.g., Lang (1995)), TV listing (Smyth and Cotter, (1999)) and other information sources. A related line of research and development has led to recommendation systems (e.g. Burke, Hammond, and Young (1996), Resnick and Varian (1997), Burke (1999)), which are not limited to filtering information but can be used for any task that requires choice among a large set of predefined items.Society, on the other hand, is getting more complex and diversified. The differences in personal preferences, social and educational backgrounds and private or professional interests are increasing, and tools to access information are becomingubiquitous. This causes the need for intelligent systems that process, filter and display available information in a personalized manner. Research on personalization has led to the development of systems that adapt themselves to the characteristics of their user: user adaptive systems (e.g. Rich, E. (1979), Langley (1997)).In this paper we describe the Adaptive Place Advisor, a user adaptive, conversational recommendation system. The system helps the user to select a destination from its database by performing a personalized conversation.2.Conversational Recommendation SystemsGiven a large set of items and a description of the user’s needs, recommendation systems present to the user a small set of the items that are suited to these requirements.The most widely used framework for recommendation systems is the ranked list approach. In this scheme, the user specifies his needs with one or more keywords and the system presents a usually long list of results, ordered by their predicted relevance to the user. This technique comes from information retrieval, where it was originally designed to help find documents or reports during library research. However, the basic method is quite general, and it underlies most search engines for the World Wide Web, which millions now use regularly for many quite different selection tasks. Yet despite its current popularity, the ranked list scheme is not the only approach to making recommendations. Consider a situation in which one person, that we will call the inquirer asks a second person, that we will call the advisor, for assistance in deciding on a restaurant at which to have dinner:Inquirer: Where do you think I should eat tonight?Advisor: Well, what type of cuisine would you like?Inquirer: What types are there?Advisor: Some examples are Chinese, Indian, and Mediterranean.Inquirer: Oh, maybe Indian.Advisor: What quality rating would you like?Inquirer: I don’t care, as long as it’s cheap.Advisor: How do you want to pay?Inquirer: No, I think I’d like Chinese instead.Advisor: Okay, we’ll switch to Chinese food. What city do you prefer?Inquirer: How about Berkeley?Advisor: I know three cheap Chinese restaurants in Berkeley. One is the Long Life Vegi House on 2129 University Avenue. Does thatsound alright?Inquirer: Sure, that sounds fine.We will refer to systems that mimic this approach to recommendation as conversational recommendation systems.The interaction supported by conversational systems seems quite different from that found in the ranked list approach. The most important distinction is that the inquirer never hears about a complete item until only one, or at most a few, choices remain.Rather than being overwhelmed with items that compete for his attention, he interacts with the advisor to narrow down the choices in an iterative, manageable fashion. This interaction takes the form of a sequence of questions, most designed to eliminate some items from consideration. Answering these questions plays a similar role to giving keywords with the ranked list scheme, but the aim is to remove alternatives rather than to simply order them. The conversational process can also help the inquirer better understand his own desires, since thinking about possible questions and answers may clarify goals in ways a ranked list does not.Such dialogues seem better for recommendations that must be delivered by speech rather than visually. This makes the conversational approach well suited not only for advice between humans, but also for computer interfaces that must rely on speech, such as ones used while the inquirer is driving. They also seem ideal, independent of modality, for tasks like restaurant and movie selection, in which the user needs to converge on at most a few items. On the other hand, ranked list methods seem more appropriate in situations where information can be presented visually and for tasks like the selection of web pages or news stories, in which the user may well want to examine many options.er Adaptive SystemsWhile raw data usually does not change based on the individual initiating its processing, the resulting information and the manner in which it is presented can be influenced by personal differences. Diversification in society has a direct impact on the number of ways in which users may choose their data to be processed and presented. A computer system should ultimately be intelligent enough to take individual variations in preferences, goals and backgrounds into account and generate personalized information.Individual differences can have an effect on computer systems at three levels:•the data processing level,•the information filtering level, and•the information presentation level.On the data processing level, the algorithms used for processing the data may vary depending on the user. The information generated by the processing level can be filtered according to its content (content based-filtering) or according to behavior of similar users (collaborative filtering). Finally, the same piece of information can be presented differently to different users.User adaptive systems are intelligent systems that capture user preferences and use them to customize themselves to individual users on one or more of the above mentioned levels.4. The Adaptive Place AdvisorOur goal is to develop conversational recommendation systems in which the interaction between the system and user becomes more efficient over time due to the system’s adjustments to the preferences of the user. While this approach does extend to item recommendation in general, our initial work has focused on destination selection as the initial application domain.In the following sections, we describe the Adaptive Place Advisor , a conversational recommendation system designed to help users decide on a destination. Our prototype system aims to help drivers select a restaurant that meets their preferences.To be able to recommend a restaurant based on a conversation, the Adaptive Place Advisor has to• carry out a conversation and generate a partial restaurant specification, i.e. a query,• improve or complement the query with a model of the user’s preferences,• use this query to retrieve matching restaurants from a database and calculate their similarity to the users’ request• if the number of retrieved items is not acceptable, select the next attribute to be constrained or relaxed during a conversation, and• learn and update the user model based on these interactions.The responsibilities for these tasks are distributed among various modules of the system (see Fig. 1). The Dialogue Manager generates and recognizes conversations.The Retrieval Engine is a case-based system that uses the query that has been generated and updated by the Dialogue Manager to retrieve items from the database.The User Modeling System generates the initial (default) query from the user model and updates the user model based on the conversation history. The Speech Recognizer and the Speech Generator comprise the natural language processing part of the Fig.1: Overall System Architecture of the Adaptive Place Advisor.system. We used tools from Nuance1 to handle recognition and output of the appropriate prompts from a pre-recorded set.In the following sections we describe the operation of the dialogue manager, the acquisition, modeling and utilization of the user preferences, and the retrieval engine.5.Talking with the DriverWe view the conversational process in terms of heuristic search, similar to constraint satisfaction in that it requires the successive addition of constraints on solutions, but also analogous to game playing in that the user and system take turns. Our approach to destination advice draws heavily on an earlier analysis of the task by Elio and Haddadi (1998, 1999), which itself borrows ideas from linguistic research on speech acts (e.g., Searle, 1969). We extend upon and adapt that work as needed to conform to the requirements of speech recognition technology and the design of the adaptive component.Our view of conversational recommendation as heuristic search requires us to specify the search states, operators, and operation-selection heuristics. The initial state of the search is that of an unconstrained query, where the system and user have not yet agreed upon any attribute values. Future states, arrived at by the operators discussed below, are (more) constrained queries. A state can consist of an over constrained query with no matching items, and the final state is reached when only a few items match the query. The search state also includes dialogue history information to help maintain a natural and coherent conversational flow.The majority of dialogue operators are determined by the task-level goal of finding one or more items that satisfy the user. The remaining, dialogue-level, moves are required for interactions that support progress on that task. While one side of the conversation is determined by the user, the system side of the conversation is governed by a set of control rules, described in detail in Langley, Thompson, Elio and Haddadi (1999). These rules select the next operator based on the search state and the conversational context. The particular instantiation of that operator (for example, which attribute to ask a question about next) is selected by consulting the retrieval engine and conversation history.We group conversational actions into one operator if they achieve the same effect, so that two superficially different utterances constitute examples of the same operator if they take the dialogue in the same direction. Table 1 summarizes the operators supported by the Adaptive Place Advisor.Let us first consider the operators available to the dialogue manager for advancing the conversation. The most obvious, A SK-C ONSTRAIN, involves asking the user to provide a value for an attribute that does not yet have one. This question is asked in an effort to constrain the query. In our example conversation, we saw four examples of this operator, with the advisor asking questions about the cuisine, quality of the food, payment options, and the location (city). Asking such questions is the most central 1 Nuance Communications, Menlo Park, CA. activity of conversational interfaces, at least for recommendation tasks, since it determines the ways in which the system constrains items presented to the user.In some cases, the process of introducing a constraint can produce a situation in which no candidates are satisfactory. When this occurs, the advisor applies A SK-R ELAX, which asks whether the user wants to drop a particular value, which would expand the candidate set.Another operator, S UGGEST-V ALUES, answers a user’s query about possible values for an attribute. In our example, this occurred in response to the inquirer’s query about cuisine. Note that, in this case, the advisor lists only a few options rather than all possible choices, a desirable characteristic for natural, concise conversations. A Table 1.Dialogue operators supported in the Adaptive Place Advisor System OperatorsA SK-C ONSTRAIN Asks a question to obtain a value for an attributeA SK-R ELAX Asks a question to remove a value of an attributeS UGGEST- V ALUES Suggests a small set of possible values for anattributeS UGGEST- A TTRIBUTES Suggests a small set of unconstrained attributesR ECOMMEND-I TEM Recommends an item that satisfies the constraintsC LARIFY Asks a clarifying question if uncertain about theuser’s most recently performed operator User OperatorsP ROVIDE-C ONSTRAIN Provides a value for an attributeR EJECT-C ONSTRAIN Rejects the proposed attributeA CCEPT-R ELAX Accepts the removal of a value of an attributeR EJECT-R ELAX Rejects the removal of a value of an attributeA CCEPT-I TEM Accepts proposed itemR EJECT-I TEM Rejects proposed itemQ UERY-A TTRIBUTES Asks system for information about possible attributes Q UERY-V ALUES Asks system for information about possible values ofan attributeS TART-O VER Asks the system to re-initialize the searchQ UIT Asks the system to abort the searchsimilar operator, S UGGEST-A TTRIBUTES, responds to a user query about the possible characteristics of destinations.Once the conversation has reduced the alternatives to a manageable number, the advisor must invoke R ECOMMEND-I TEM, an operator that proposes a complete item to the user. Finally, the C LARIFY operator is invoked when the system is uncertain about what the user has said, either because of low speech recognition certainty, when an answer diverges significantly from what was expected, or when a value could be applicable to more than one attribute.Now let us turn to the operators that the system assumes are available to the user. The most central action the user can take, P ROVIDE-C ONSTRAIN, involves specifying thevalue of some attribute. This can be a value for the attribute just asked for by the systems A SK-C ONSTRAIN operator, a value that would answer a different question, or a replacement for a previously specified value. Our example included four instances of this operator, two in response to questions about cuisine and city, one answering a question different from the one posed by the system, and one replacing the previously provided value for cuisine. Each such answer constrains the items the system considers for presentation to the user, and thus advances the dialogue toward its goal of identifying a few recommended restaurants.As we saw above, the Place Advisor does not assume the user will always answer its questions. If the person decides that the proposed attribute is inappropriate or less relevant than some other factor, he can reject the attribute or even replace it with another. The R EJECT-C ONSTRAIN operator captures explicit rejection. We saw this in our example when the inquirer did not specify a restaurant quality, but instead replied ‘I don’t care, as long as it’s cheap’.In addition, the user can explicitly accept or reject other proposals that the system makes, say for relaxing a certain attribute (A CCEPT-R ELAX or R EJECT-R ELAX) or for a complete item once the system recommends it (A CCEPT-I TEM or R EJECT-I TEM). We saw no examples of such rejections in our earlier scenario, but they take a form similar to other rejections. The user can also query about the available attributes (Q UERY-A TTRIBUTES) or about possible values of that attribute (Q UERY-V ALUES), as we saw for cuisine. Finally, the user can reinitialize (S TART-O VER) or end (Q UIT) the search.We have implemented most of the functionality described in this section. We used Nuance’s SpeechObjects to interface to their speech recognition capability and output pre-recorded prompts, with the remainder of the dialogue functionality implemented in Java. Further details on the implementation of the search for satisfying items can be found in Langley et.al. 1999.6.Acquiring, Modeling and Utilizing User PreferencesThe conversation with the user, similar to constraint satisfaction, will ultimately direct the system to a suitable solution. However, such a conversation can become very tiring and the quality of the returned result may not be acceptable for each user.Just as interactions with a friend who knows your concerns can be more directed and produce better results than those with a stranger, dialogues with the Adaptive Place Advisor become more efficient and effective over time. Our goal for user modeling differs from the one commonly assumed in recommendation systems, which emphasizes improving accuracy or related measures like precision and recall. We want to improve both the subjective quality of the results and the dialogue process. While some adaptive recommendation systems (e.g. Pazzani et.al. 1996, Lang 1995, Linden, Hanks and Lesh 1997, Smyth and Cotter 1999) require the user to provide direct feedback to generate the user model, our basic approach is to derive the preferences of the users from their interactions with the system.To efficiently provide the users with the solution that matches their needs bests, it isnecessary to acquire and model the preferences of the users. A user may have preferences about:•items in general,•an attribute,•values for an attribute, and•the combination of certain attribute-value pairs of an item.A preference about an item manifests itself in the user having a bias for or against a certain item, independent of its characteristics (item preferences). The preferences regarding an attribute represent the relative importance a user places on the attribute while selecting an item (i.e. how important is cuisine vs. price: attribute preferences). Preferred values show the user’s bias towards certain types of items (e.g. Italian restaurants vs. French restaurants: value preferences) whereas preferences for certain property combinations represent certain constraints with respect to the combined occurrence of characteristics in an item (accepts Mexican restaurants only if they are cheap: combination preferences). While the item preferences are related to single items, the attribute, value and combination preferences are applicable to the retrieval process in general.Table 2. Elements of a user modelUser Name HomerAttributes w i Values and probabilitiesCuisine0.4Italian French Turkish Chinese German English0.30.20.30.10.10.0 Price Range0.2543210.20.30.30.10.1.....Parking0.1Valet Street Lot0.50.40.1Item Accept/Reject#0815#5372#7638#6399.........List23 / 3 3 / 349 / 1244 / 3.. / .... / ..Item preferences are derived by observing how often a certain item was suggested and afterwards accepted or rejected by the user. Attribute preferences are updated according to the item the user selects among the ones the system suggests. If the selected item was not predicted to be the most similar one to the user’s query, then the attribute preferences (i.e. weighting factors) have to be adjusted (c.f. Zhang and Yang, 1998, Bonzano, Cunningham and Smyth 1997). Value preferences are calculated based on the frequencies of the values the user selects for an attribute. Combination preferences are derived by looking at the history of selected items and learningassociation rules.Since the value preferences can be viewed as a probability distribution over the values for each attribute, the user model (table 2) can be used to create an initial query with default values. In the course of the conversation, this initial query is refined and constrained with the values the user specifies for each attribute. The effects of relevant dialogue operators on the query and the user model can be seen in table 3. Please note that only the user operators have an effect on the query and the user model.The specification or rejection of values only effects the query and not the user model directly. The user model is updated by using the last version of the query. The update is performed after the user has selected an item or in a situation in which the system is unable to find an item meeting the specifications of the user.Table 3. The effects of dialogue operators on the query and the user model Dialogue Operator Effect on Query / User ModelA CCEPT-I TEM•Update user model with query•Update item preferenceR EJECT-I TEM•Update item preferenceP ROVIDE-C ONSTRAIN •Set probability of value for the constrained attribute in query to one•Set probability of other values for that attribute in query to zeroR EJECT-C ONSTRAIN•Drop attribute, i.e. set attribute preference (weightingfactor) in query to zeroA CCEPT-R ELAX•Update user model with latest query•Reset value preferences for the attribute in query fromuser model. (Dialogue Manager ensures that thequestion is not asked again.)R EJECT-R ELAX•No effect, Dialogue manager selects next attributeS TART-O VER•Initialize query with user model7.The Retrieval EngineThe retrieval engine of the Adaptive Place Advisor retrieves the items that are most suitable to the users’ request and match his preferences. Retrieval engines in Case-Based Reasoning systems are usually indifferent to the users’ preferences. They calculate the similarity of the items in the case-base to the query using the similarity metrics and weighting factors in the domain model. The Adaptive Place Advisor has to take the current status of the conversation and preferences of the user into account. The current status of the conversation determines which of the attributes of the query have values associated with them. Since these values represent explicit choices of the user, we use them generate an SQL-query to retrieve all items that match these values. The set of items that is returned from the database is used as a case-base for similaritybased retrieval. This allows the content of the case-base to change from interaction to interaction.Similarity between a case C and the current query Q is calculated as follows:where R C is the user’s preference for the specific case, w i is the weighting factor (attribute preference) for attribute A i , A m is the first attribute for which the user has not selected a value yet 2, V Ai is the value of A i in the case, and P(V Ai ) is the user’s value preference (probability) for this value. The local similarity metric (which calculates the similarity for each attribute of the case and the query) is replaced by the probability of the user requesting the value in the case.The selection of the attribute to be constrained or relaxed next is based on an information gain measure. The attribute to constrain is selected by determining the attribute with the lowest entropy (highest information gain) among the attributes the user has not yet constrained. If no items were returned from the database query, the attribute with the highest entropy (lowest information gain) is selected among the attributes the user has constrained so far and suggested for relaxation. This insures that the search stays focussed, i.e. information is preserved. The case-base of the previous query is used as a basis for this calculation.Since we only need to find one item, the entropy of an attribute A i can be calculated as:Where P(V j ) is the probability of the value of the attribute A i to be V j (this is not the probability coming from the user model), |CB s | is the number of cases above a certain similarity threshold, and |A i =V j |CBs is the number of items in CB s in which A i has the value V j .8. Summary and Future WorkIn this paper, we described the initial version of the Adaptive Place Advisor, an intelligent assistant designed to help people select a destination, specifically a2 This, simplified, representation assumes that the attributes A 1 to A m-1 are the ones the user has explicitly specified during the conversation. Obviously the real system does not require the specified attributes to be in a sequence.CBsj i CBs j i s A V j V A V A CB V P H i j =×=××=∑∈1log 1)(mn V P w R C Q Sim n m i A i i C −××=∑=)(),(restaurant. Unlike most recommendation systems, which accept keywords and produce a ranked list, this one carries out a conversation with the user to progressively narrow his options. We also described a framework for modeling user preferences and utilizing them for guiding the conversation and during retrieval.Although we have a detailed design and a partial implementation of the Adaptive Place Advisor, clearly more work lies ahead. Our current similarity calculation does not take the effects of combination preferences into account. We believe however, that this plays an important role in the user’s approach of selecting an item and are planning to incorporate it. Obviously we need to perform evaluations and measure the effects of the user model on the conversation and the resulting selection. In the course of the evaluation we will also investigate the effects of ‘overfitting’ to a user and how to circumvent it by adding variety to the suggested items. We are also planning to transfer the system to similar domains (e.g. selecting books, music) and translate the system to German.9.AcknowledgementsWe thank Pat Langley, Renée Elio and Afsaneh Haddadi for initial conception and design of the adaptive place advisor, Cynthia Kuo for help with the speech interface version of the Adaptive Place Advisor, and Stanley Peters for enlightening discussions about the design of conversational interfaces.10.ReferencesBonzano A., Cunningham P., Smyth B., ‘Using Introspective Learning to Improve Retrieval in CBR: A Case Study in Air Traffic Contol’, in Leake D., Plaza E. (eds.) ‘Case-Based Reasoning Research and Development, Second International Conference on Case-Based Reasoning ICCBR 1997’, Springer Verlag, Berlin 1997.Burke, R., Hammond, K., and Young, B. ‘Knowledge-based navigation of complex information spaces’, In Proceedings of the 13th National Conference on Artificial Intelligence AAAI96, pp. 462-468. 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