Passage 1
For a 50/50 chance of global warming staying below 1.5°C, we can only emit around 1.5 centigrade, 220 gigatonnes of carbon dioxide, according to the latest estimate. As we pump some 40 gigatonnes of the gas into the air each year, a figure that is still rising, we are on course to exceed this by 2029 or earlier.
Joeri Rogelj at Imperial College London says the world must hit net zero globally by 2034 rather than 2050 to have a 50 - 50 chance of keeping warming to 1.5°C. “There are no social or technical scenarios in the scientific literature that even describe how that would be possible.” However, it is still feasible to limit warming to well below 2°C, says Robbin Lamboll, also at Imperial College.
If we want to keep warming to 2°C, the world mustn't emit more than 1,200 gigatonnes of CO (GtCO ). This wouldn't be exceeded until 2046 if emissions continue on their current track.
How much the planet warms depends largely on the amount of CO in the atmosphere, and “There are no social or technical scenarios that describe how achieving this would be possible” that depends on how much more of it we emit. Based on this, climate scientists can calculate a carbon budget - the amount of CO we can still pump out before warming passes a certain level.
The team calculated that the remaining budget, as of January, was around 250 GtCO . Since then, there have been another nine months of emissions, so the remaining budget will already be down to roughly 220 GtCO .
One of the main reasons for the reduction from 500 to 250 GtCO is simply that there have been nine more months of emissions since 2020. Most of the rest is due to better estimates of the effects of aerosol pollutants. Such pollutants, such as sulphur dioxide from the burning of fossil fuels, form tiny droplets in the atmosphere that have a cooling effect by reflecting sunlight and altering cloud brightness. There has been a lot of uncertainty about the magnitude of this cooling effect.
The study team doesn't expect us to technically pass the 1.5°C threshold until some years after we exceed the budget, says team member Chris Smith at the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis in Austria. Even so, there are gains to be had.
What is the main idea of the passage
A. The impact of global warming on the environment.
B. The urgency of achieving net zero emissions by 2034 to limit global warming to 1.5°C.
C. The calculation method of the carbon budget.
D. The role of aerosol pollutants in climate change.
According to Joeri Rogelj, to have a 50 - 50 chance of keeping warming to 1.5°C, the world should ______.
A. stop emitting carbon dioxide by 2029
B. limit the total carbon dioxide emissions to 1,200 gigatonnes
C. reach net zero globally by 2034
D. reduce aerosol pollutants in the atmosphere
Why has the remaining carbon budget decreased from 500 to 250 GtCO
A. Because more accurate data about aerosol pollutants' effects has been obtained.
B. Because the world has made significant progress in reducing emissions.
C. Because the study team has changed the calculation method.
D. Because the global warming trend has been effectively curbed.
What can we infer from the last paragraph
A. Once we exceed the carbon budget, the 1.5°C threshold will be immediately crossed.
B. Even if we exceed the carbon budget, there are still some positive aspects.
C. We can never achieve the goal of limiting warming to 1.5°C.
D. The study team is pessimistic about the future of climate change.
Passage 2
Is it really vital to get 8 hours of sleep a night The largest analysis of brain scanning data yet challenges the long - held belief that shorter sleep duration is linked to brain shrinkage.
Everyone knows that staying up late can leave you less alert the next day. Some even claim that regularly getting too little sleep may promote the early onset of diseases like Alzheimer's and shrink the brain. However, a new comprehensive analysis of brain scanning studies has cast doubt on this idea.
Most health bodies in the US and the UK recommend that adults generally get between 7 and 9 hours of sleep a night. Thanks to wrist - worn trackers, we can now easily check if we're meeting this quota.
We know that when we sleep, the brain clears out waste substances. Anders Fjell at the University of Oslo in Norway and his team wanted to explore whether sleep duration affects brain health. They used brain volume as a proxy for brain health and investigated the relationship between sleep duration and brain volume at a single point in time, using existing data on about 47,000 people. They found an inverted U - shaped curve, meaning the highest brain volume was linked with a surprisingly low 6.5 hours of sleep per night.
The researchers also did a third kind of analysis using genetic data from about 30,000 people. They found that those with genetically short predisposed sleep durations didn't have smaller brain volumes.
Matthew Walker at the University of California, Berkeley, who wrote a book recommending 8 hours of sleep a night, believes the key measure of brain health is neuron density, rather than total brain volume. But Fjell says his team measured both, and the two measures correlated with each other.
While Fjell doesn't advise anyone to deliberately sleep less as a result of their findings, he believes there is much natural variation in people's innate sleep requirements and circumstances. So, if you're feeling tired, it may be that you're not getting enough sleep, but if you're feeling fine, there's no need to worry about falling short of 8 hours a night.
What is the traditional belief about sleep and brain health
A. Shorter sleep duration is beneficial to brain health.
B. 8 hours of sleep a night is the minimum requirement for adults.
C. Lack of sleep may lead to brain - related diseases and brain shrinkage.
D. Wrist - worn trackers can help improve sleep quality.
What did Anders Fjell's team find in their research
A. The longer people sleep, the larger their brain volume is.
B. 6.5 hours of sleep per night is associated with the highest brain volume.
C. People with genetically short sleep durations have smaller brain volumes.
D. Sleep duration has no correlation with brain health at all.
What is Matthew Walker's opinion on brain health
A. Neuron density is the key measure of brain health.
B. Total brain volume is more important than neuron density.
C. The two measures of brain health he mentioned have no correlation.
D. 6.5 hours of sleep is the optimal sleep duration for everyone.
What can we learn from the passage
A. We should all try to sleep 8 hours a night.
B. People's sleep requirements are all the same.
C. If we feel good, we don't need to worry about sleep duration.
D. Sleep duration has nothing to do with brain volume.
Passage 3
How to protect your mental health when you're self - employed
Being self - employed can be a double - edged sword. While it offers freedom and flexibility, it can also pose threats to your mental health. Here are some ways to safeguard your emotional well - being in this situation.
Understand the challenges What motivated you to become self - employed Maybe it was the appeal of being your own boss or having the freedom to work as you like. However, the transition to self - employment comes with its own set of challenges. A survey for the Association of Independent Professionals and the Self - Employed found that many self - employed people worry about various aspects, such as income irregularity, retirement unpreparedness, and payment delays. 1.____ The lack of demand for work and the fear of income drops can add to the stress.
Recognize the impact on mental health Self - employment can create a cycle of overworking. When your income is directly linked to your output and how much you earn depends on how hard you work, it's easy to get caught up in a loop of stress, overwhelm, and burnout in the name of making a living. 2.____ Financial instability, the sole responsibility of running a business, and fewer work - life boundaries all contribute to this.
Establish a routine One way to protect your mental health is to establish a regular routine. Even though you have the flexibility to set your own schedule, having a routine can bring a sense of stability. 3.____ This can help you stay focused and organized, reducing feelings of chaos and anxiety.
Build a support network Working alone can be lonely. Building a support network of fellow self - employed people, friends, or family can make a big difference. Share your experiences, challenges, and successes with them. 4.____ Their support and understanding can help ease the pressure.
Take care of yourself Amidst the hustle and bustle of self - employment, don't forget to take care of your physical and mental health. Make time for exercise, hobbies, and relaxation. 5.____ A healthy body and mind are better equipped to handle the challenges of self - employment.
In conclusion, by taking these steps, you can better protect your mental health and enjoy the benefits of being self - employed.
A. This can lead to serious mental health issues over time.
B. Set specific working hours, break times, and goals for each day.
C. These concerns can take a toll on your mental and emotional state.
D. You can also seek professional help if you're struggling with stress.
E. They can offer advice, encouragement, and a listening ear.
F. Self - employment provides more opportunities for personal growth.
G. The freedom of self - employment allows you to pursue your interests.Passage 1
For a 50/50 chance of global warming staying below 1.5°C, we can only emit around 1.5 centigrade, 220 gigatonnes of carbon dioxide, according to the latest estimate. As we pump some 40 gigatonnes of the gas into the air each year, a figure that is still rising, we are on course to exceed this by 2029 or earlier.
Joeri Rogelj at Imperial College London says the world must hit net zero globally by 2034 rather than 2050 to have a 50 - 50 chance of keeping warming to 1.5°C. “There are no social or technical scenarios in the scientific literature that even describe how that would be possible.” However, it is still feasible to limit warming to well below 2°C, says Robbin Lamboll, also at Imperial College.
If we want to keep warming to 2°C, the world mustn't emit more than 1,200 gigatonnes of CO (GtCO ). This wouldn't be exceeded until 2046 if emissions continue on their current track.
How much the planet warms depends largely on the amount of CO in the atmosphere, and “There are no social or technical scenarios that describe how achieving this would be possible” that depends on how much more of it we emit. Based on this, climate scientists can calculate a carbon budget - the amount of CO we can still pump out before warming passes a certain level.
The team calculated that the remaining budget, as of January, was around 250 GtCO . Since then, there have been another nine months of emissions, so the remaining budget will already be down to roughly 220 GtCO .
One of the main reasons for the reduction from 500 to 250 GtCO is simply that there have been nine more months of emissions since 2020. Most of the rest is due to better estimates of the effects of aerosol pollutants. Such pollutants, such as sulphur dioxide from the burning of fossil fuels, form tiny droplets in the atmosphere that have a cooling effect by reflecting sunlight and altering cloud brightness. There has been a lot of uncertainty about the magnitude of this cooling effect.
The study team doesn't expect us to technically pass the 1.5°C threshold until some years after we exceed the budget, says team member Chris Smith at the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis in Austria. Even so, there are gains to be had.
What is the main idea of the passage
A. The impact of global warming on the environment.
B. The urgency of achieving net zero emissions by 2034 to limit global warming to 1.5°C.
C. The calculation method of the carbon budget.
D. The role of aerosol pollutants in climate change.
According to Joeri Rogelj, to have a 50 - 50 chance of keeping warming to 1.5°C, the world should ______.
A. stop emitting carbon dioxide by 2029
B. limit the total carbon dioxide emissions to 1,200 gigatonnes
C. reach net zero globally by 2034
D. reduce aerosol pollutants in the atmosphere
Why has the remaining carbon budget decreased from 500 to 250 GtCO
A. Because more accurate data about aerosol pollutants' effects has been obtained.
B. Because the world has made significant progress in reducing emissions.
C. Because the study team has changed the calculation method.
D. Because the global warming trend has been effectively curbed.
What can we infer from the last paragraph
A. Once we exceed the carbon budget, the 1.5°C threshold will be immediately crossed.
B. Even if we exceed the carbon budget, there are still some positive aspects.
C. We can never achieve the goal of limiting warming to 1.5°C.
D. The study team is pessimistic about the future of climate change.
答案
B。文章开篇就指出为了有 50% 的机会将全球变暖控制在 1.5°C 以内，需要在 2034 年实现净零排放，接着围绕这一观点展开论述，包括碳预算的计算、剩余预算减少的原因等，所以文章主要讲的是在 2034 年实现净零排放以限制全球变暖至 1.5°C 的紧迫性，B 选项正确。A 选项文中未重点提及全球变暖对环境的影响；C 选项碳预算的计算方法只是其中一部分内容；D 选项气溶胶污染物的作用也只是部分内容，不能概括全文。
C。根据文中 “Joeri Rogelj at Imperial College London says the world must hit net zero globally by 2034 rather than 2050 to have a 50 - 50 chance of keeping warming to 1.5°C.” 可知，C 选项正确。A 选项文中未提及 2029 年停止排放二氧化碳；B 选项限制二氧化碳排放总量到 1200 千兆吨是为了将升温控制在 2°C，不是 1.5°C；D 选项减少气溶胶污染物在文中并非是为了实现将升温控制在 1.5°C 的条件。
A。从文中 “One of the main reasons for the reduction from 500 to 250 GtCO is simply that there have been nine more months of emissions since 2020. Most of the rest is due to better estimates of the effects of aerosol pollutants.” 可知，剩余碳预算减少的主要原因一是时间推移产生了更多排放，二是对气溶胶污染物影响有了更准确的估计，A 选项正确。B 选项世界在减排方面取得重大进展文中未提及；C 选项研究团队改变计算方法文中未提及；D 选项全球变暖趋势得到有效遏制与剩余碳预算减少的原因无关。
B。根据最后一段 “The study team doesn't expect us to technically pass the 1.5°C threshold until some years after we exceed the budget, says team member Chris Smith at the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis in Austria. Even so, there are gains to be had.” 可知，即使超过了碳预算，在几年内也不会在技术上突破 1.5°C 的阈值，而且仍然有一些好处可以获得，B 选项正确。A 选项与原文不符；C 选项说法过于绝对；D 选项文中未体现研究团队对气候变化未来的悲观态度。
Passage 2
Is it really vital to get 8 hours of sleep a night The largest analysis of brain scanning data yet challenges the long - held belief that shorter sleep duration is linked to brain shrinkage.
Everyone knows that staying up late can leave you less alert the next day. Some even claim that regularly getting too little sleep may promote the early onset of diseases like Alzheimer's and shrink the brain. However, a new comprehensive analysis of brain scanning studies has cast doubt on this idea.
Most health bodies in the US and the UK recommend that adults generally get between 7 and 9 hours of sleep a night. Thanks to wrist - worn trackers, we can now easily check if we're meeting this quota.
We know that when we sleep, the brain clears out waste substances. Anders Fjell at the University of Oslo in Norway and his team wanted to explore whether sleep duration affects brain health. They used brain volume as a proxy for brain health and investigated the relationship between sleep duration and brain volume at a single point in time, using existing data on about 47,000 people. They found an inverted U - shaped curve, meaning the highest brain volume was linked with a surprisingly low 6.5 hours of sleep per night.
The researchers also did a third kind of analysis using genetic data from about 30,000 people. They found that those with genetically short predisposed sleep durations didn't have smaller brain volumes.
Matthew Walker at the University of California, Berkeley, who wrote a book recommending 8 hours of sleep a night, believes the key measure of brain health is neuron density, rather than total brain volume. But Fjell says his team measured both, and the two measures correlated with each other.
While Fjell doesn't advise anyone to deliberately sleep less as a result of their findings, he believes there is much natural variation in people's innate sleep requirements and circumstances. So, if you're feeling tired, it may be that you're not getting enough sleep, but if you're feeling fine, there's no need to worry about falling short of 8 hours a night.
What is the traditional belief about sleep and brain health
A. Shorter sleep duration is beneficial to brain health.
B. 8 hours of sleep a night is the minimum requirement for adults.
C. Lack of sleep may lead to brain - related diseases and brain shrinkage.
D. Wrist - worn trackers can help improve sleep quality.
What did Anders Fjell's team find in their research
A. The longer people sleep, the larger their brain volume is.
B. 6.5 hours of sleep per night is associated with the highest brain volume.
C. People with genetically short sleep durations have smaller brain volumes.
D. Sleep duration has no correlation with brain health at all.
What is Matthew Walker's opinion on brain health
A. Neuron density is the key measure of brain health.
B. Total brain volume is more important than neuron density.
C. The two measures of brain health he mentioned have no correlation.
D. 6.5 hours of sleep is the optimal sleep duration for everyone.
What can we learn from the passage
A. We should all try to sleep 8 hours a night.
B. People's sleep requirements are all the same.
C. If we feel good, we don't need to worry about sleep duration.
D. Sleep duration has nothing to do with brain volume.
答案
C。根据文章第二段 “Some even claim that regularly getting too little sleep may promote the early onset of diseases like Alzheimer's and shrink the brain.” 可知，传统观点认为睡眠不足可能会导致与大脑相关的疾病以及脑萎缩，C 选项正确。A 选项与传统观点相悖；文中提到大多数健康机构建议成年人每晚睡眠 7 到 9 小时，并非 8 小时是最低要求，B 选项错误；手腕佩戴的追踪器只是能让我们查看是否达到睡眠时长标准，并非能改善睡眠质量，D 选项错误。
B。从文章第四段 “They found an inverted U - shaped curve, meaning the highest brain volume was linked with a surprisingly low 6.5 hours of sleep per night.” 可知，Anders Fjell 的团队发现每晚 6.5 小时的睡眠与最高的脑容量相关，B 选项正确。A 选项与研究结果不符；根据第五段 “They found that those with genetically short predisposed sleep durations didn't have smaller brain volumes.” 可知 C 选项错误；研究是在探讨睡眠时长和大脑健康的关系，并非毫无关联，D 选项错误。
A。由第六段 “Matthew Walker at the University of California, Berkeley, who wrote a book recommending 8 hours of sleep a night, believes the key measure of brain health is neuron density, rather than total brain volume.” 可知，Matthew Walker 认为神经元密度是衡量大脑健康的关键指标，A 选项正确。B 选项与原文意思相反；文中提到 Fjell 团队测量的两个指标（神经元密度和总脑容量）相互关联，并非 Matthew Walker 的观点，C 选项错误；D 选项不是 Matthew Walker 的观点。
C。根据文章最后一段 “So, if you're feeling tired, it may be that you're not getting enough sleep, but if you're feeling fine, there's no need to worry about falling short of 8 hours a night.” 可知，如果我们感觉良好，就不需要担心睡眠时长，C 选项正确。文章表明并非所有人都必须睡 8 小时，A 选项错误；从最后一段 “there is much natural variation in people's innate sleep requirements and circumstances” 可知人们的睡眠需求是有差异的，B 选项错误；文章研究了睡眠时长和脑容量的关系，并非毫无关系，D 选项错误。
Passage 3
How to protect your mental health when you're self - employed
Being self - employed can be a double - edged sword. While it offers freedom and flexibility, it can also pose threats to your mental health. Here are some ways to safeguard your emotional well - being in this situation.
Understand the challenges What motivated you to become self - employed Maybe it was the appeal of being your own boss or having the freedom to work as you like. However, the transition to self - employment comes with its own set of challenges. A survey for the Association of Independent Professionals and the Self - Employed found that many self - employed people worry about various aspects, such as income irregularity, retirement unpreparedness, and payment delays. 1.____ The lack of demand for work and the fear of income drops can add to the stress.
Recognize the impact on mental health Self - employment can create a cycle of overworking. When your income is directly linked to your output and how much you earn depends on how hard you work, it's easy to get caught up in a loop of stress, overwhelm, and burnout in the name of making a living. 2.____ Financial instability, the sole responsibility of running a business, and fewer work - life boundaries all contribute to this.
Establish a routine One way to protect your mental health is to establish a regular routine. Even though you have the flexibility to set your own schedule, having a routine can bring a sense of stability. 3.____ This can help you stay focused and organized, reducing feelings of chaos and anxiety.
Build a support network Working alone can be lonely. Building a support network of fellow self - employed people, friends, or family can make a big difference. Share your experiences, challenges, and successes with them. 4.____ Their support and understanding can help ease the pressure.
Take care of yourself Amidst the hustle and bustle of self - employment, don't forget to take care of your physical and mental health. Make time for exercise, hobbies, and relaxation. 5.____ A healthy body and mind are better equipped to handle the challenges of self - employment.
In conclusion, by taking these steps, you can better protect your mental health and enjoy the benefits of being self - employed.
A. This can lead to serious mental health issues over time.
B. Set specific working hours, break times, and goals for each day.
C. These concerns can take a toll on your mental and emotional state.
D. You can also seek professional help if you're struggling with stress.
E. They can offer advice, encouragement, and a listening ear.
F. Self - employment provides more opportunities for personal growth.
G. The freedom of self - employment allows you to pursue your interests.
答案
C：前文提到自由职业者担心收入不稳定、退休准备不足等各种问题，C 选项 “These concerns can take a toll on your mental and emotional state.”（这些担忧会对你的精神和情绪状态造成损害）中的 “These concerns” 指代前文提到的各种担忧，说明了这些担忧的影响，与前文衔接紧密，所以选 C。
A：该段主题是认识自由职业对心理健康的影响，前文提到自由职业容易导致过度工作的循环，A 选项 “This can lead to serious mental health issues over time.”（随着时间的推移，这可能会导致严重的心理健康问题）进一步说明了这种循环的后果，符合该段主旨，所以选 A。
B：该段主题是建立日常规律，前文提到建立日常规律能带来稳定感，B 选项 “Set specific working hours, break times, and goals for each day.”（设定具体的工作时间、休息时间和每天的目标）具体说明了建立日常规律的做法，与前文逻辑连贯，所以选 B。
E：前文提到建立支持网络，要与他人分享经历等，E 选项 “They can offer advice, encouragement, and a listening ear.”（他们可以提供建议、鼓励，并倾听你的心声）说明了支持网络中他人能提供的帮助，与前文内容相关，所以选 E。
D：前文提到在自由职业中要照顾好自己，包括进行锻炼、培养爱好和放松等，D 选项 “You can also seek professional help if you're struggling with stress.”（如果你在压力中挣扎，你也可以寻求专业帮助）进一步补充了照顾自己的方式，所以选 D。
