Passage 1
An experimental vaccine has shown promising results in reducing the symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS). This could potentially offer a new treatment approach for autoimmune conditions, where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own cells.
Autoimmune diseases, such as MS, type 1 diabetes, and coeliac disease, can cause significant damage to the body. In the case of MS, immune cells damage the protective coating around nerves, leading to issues like muscle spasms.
Jeffrey Hubbell at the University of Chicago and his colleagues have developed a unique “reverse vaccine”. Traditional vaccines train the immune system to recognize and attack specific molecules. In contrast, this reverse vaccine does the opposite: it inhibits an unwanted immune response.
The way it works is as follows. When our body has a system for clearing dead cells, it develops a specific molecular pattern on their surface. The liver then treats these cells like a dying cell and removes them, while also signaling to the immune system not to attack them. Hubbell's team modified a group of molecules, called antigens, to mimic this “out-of-service” signal. Once in the body, the liver processes these modified antigens, teaching the immune system to ignore them.
In an experiment using non-human primates, the researchers tested the vaccine's effect on an immune response caused by a previously received antigen. The results were encouraging. The vaccine was effective in reducing the immune response in the animals.
Currently, the reverse vaccine is in an early - stage clinical trial for MS. David Hafler at Yale University points out that multiple sclerosis is not caused by one single antigen. However, Hubbell believes that with further adjustments, the vaccine could potentially target other autoimmune conditions as well. For example, a similar injection has shown promise against coeliac disease in a small trial.
What is the main function of the “reverse vaccine”
A. To strengthen the immune system.
B. To train the immune system to recognize foreign molecules.
C. To inhibit the body's unwanted immune response.
D. To stimulate the production of immune cells.
How does the “reverse vaccine” work in the body
A. It directly attacks the immune cells that cause autoimmune diseases.
B. It changes the structure of the immune system.
C. It mimics the signal that tells the immune system not to attack certain cells.
D. It helps the liver to produce more protective substances.
What can we learn about the “reverse vaccine” from the passage
A. It has been widely used to treat various autoimmune diseases.
B. It is only effective in non - human primates.
C. It is in the early stage of clinical trial for MS.
D. It can completely cure multiple sclerosis.
What is David Hafler's attitude towards the “reverse vaccine”
A. He is optimistic about its potential for treating autoimmune diseases.
B. He believes it needs to be adjusted to target multiple antigens.
C. He doubts its effectiveness in treating autoimmune diseases.
D. He thinks it has no future in the treatment of multiple sclerosis.
Passage 2
Scientists and amateur archaeologists exploring a cave in southern Spain, called Cueva de los Mármoles, have made an astonishing discovery. Within this 2500 - square - metre cave, which once housed multiple generations of people over three millennia, they found evidence that prehistoric humans might have used human bones to make tools.
Since 1934, various groups have visited the cave. Recently, researchers led by Marco Milic from the University of Bern in Switzerland and Raquel Martínez Sánchez from the University of Córdoba in Spain collected more bone fragments. Using modern methods like radiocarbon dating, they analyzed the remains.
The cave had been a burial site during three distinct periods: 3900 to 3750 BC, 2600 to 2300 BC, and 1800 to 1400 BC. The researchers found that 33% of the bones had been intentionally cut, fractured, scraped, or sliced. Among the animal bones, nearly a third showed signs of intentional breakage, and the same was true for human - like bones. Some notable specimens included a middle - aged man's shinbone that had been scraped with stone tools and shaped into a bowl or cup, and a teenager's shinbone that had been broken, polished, and rounded into a kind of spatula.
These findings suggest that people may have manipulated the bones after the bodies in the cave had decayed in the cool, humid environment. “This, in turn, points to action not performed shortly after the death of the individuals, but at least some months after death,” says Milic. The use of human bones to make tools indicates a complex behavior in prehistoric societies, which may also have involved other activities related to the treatment of the dead.
Where was the discovery of prehistoric bone tools made
A. In a cave in northern Spain.
B. In a cave in southern Spain.
C. In a cave in Switzerland.
D. In a cave in Córdoba, Spain.
What did the researchers find in the cave
A. 411 complete human skeletons.
B. That 33% of the animal bones were used for building houses.
C. Evidence that prehistoric people may have made tools from human bones.
D. Human - like bones that were all intact.
What can we infer from the passage
A. Prehistoric people made tools from human bones right after death.
B. The cave was only used as a burial site.
C. The discovery can help us understand prehistoric societies better.
D. Radiocarbon dating was not used in the research.
What is the main idea of the passage
A. The history of Cueva de los Mármoles.
B. The method of radiocarbon dating.
C. The life of prehistoric people in southern Spain.
D. The possible use of human bones as tools by prehistoric people.
Passage 3
In the UK, the way we treat animals is inconsistent. There's no official oversight of the widespread use of poison to kill wildlife. However, if someone uses animals in scientific research without following strict rules, they may face prosecution.
This disparity isn't due to differences in the nature of the activities, but rather to long - standing prejudice and ignorance. We've categorized animals into groups like farmed animals, pets, “pests,” and “game.” The UK's wildlife “management” laws are full of unacceptable omissions and extremely bad practices. At one extreme, the UK has strict regulations for the use of animals in research, but when it comes to protecting wildlife, there are major problems. For example, dogs are used to hunt and kill wildlife, and there's a lack of independent ethical review for such actions.
Adding to the problem, much of the equipment used to kill wildlife in the UK is easily accessible, and there's no independent research on its impact. Public campaigns have tried to ban the use of certain traps and snares, but progress has been slow.
Globally, conservation bodies have adopted wildlife management principles. However, the UK's current laws are out - dated and in need of revision. When making new laws, the UK should consider these international principles. It's important to balance the “why” (the reasons for an action) and the “how” (the methods used). A combination of ethical review and a tough regulator would ensure that animal research is properly governed. Similarly, for wildlife management, there should be independent ethical review of the reasons and methods for killing wildlife, as well as strict inspection.
What is the main problem with UK wildlife laws according to the passage
A. They provide too much protection for farmed animals.
B. They lack strict regulations for animal research.
C. They have unacceptable omissions and bad practices.
D. They are too strict with the use of equipment to kill wildlife.
Why is there an inconsistent treatment of animals in the UK
A. Because of the different natures of activities related to animals.
B. Due to long - held prejudice and lack of knowledge.
C. As a result of the influence from international laws.
D. Because of the difficulty in categorizing animals.
What can we infer from the passage
A. The UK has made great progress in wildlife protection.
B. The equipment used to kill wildlife in the UK is hard to get.
C. Independent ethical review is necessary for wildlife management.
D. The UK's current wildlife laws are in line with international principles.
What is the author's attitude towards the UK's wildlife laws
A. Supportive.
B. Indifferent.
C. Critical.
D. Optimistic.
Passage 4
As spring arrives, we often engage in activities like packing away winter clothes and tidying up our living spaces. But have you ever thought about doing the same for your brain Sandra Bond Chapman, Ph.D., chief director of the Center for BrainHealth at the University of Texas at Dallas, says our brain is a powerful engine that requires regular attention and tune - ups, just like our skin and teeth.
After growing quickly during our young - adult years, our brain starts to slow down and lose neurons as early as our 20s. However, thanks to neuroplasticity—the brain's amazing ability to grow new neural pathways at any age—we can take steps to keep our brain healthy.
A major review in The Lancet found that up to 40% of dementia cases could be prevented or delayed by simple daily routines. These include reducing or quitting smoking, getting more exercise, and eating a heart - healthy diet. And it's never too late to start challenging your brain in new ways. Chapman's imaging studies on healthy people aged 18 to 97 show that following healthy brain strategies can lead to improvement, regardless of age.
One effective way to boost your brain is to learn something new. Just as physical exercise builds muscles, mental challenges build new neural connections. This helps build cognitive reserve, making your brain more adaptable and potentially staving off dementia. The key is to keep challenging yourself. If you usually do a crossword puzzle in the morning, try increasing its difficulty level over time.
What does Sandra Bond Chapman compare the brain to
A. A winter wardrobe.
B. A powerful machine.
C. The skin and teeth.
D. A living space.
What is the significance of neuroplasticity according to the passage
A. It shows that the brain stops growing in one's 20s.
B. It proves that dementia cases can't be prevented.
C. It indicates that the brain can form new neural pathways at any age.
D. It explains why people need more exercise.
Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a way to prevent or delay dementia
A. Quitting smoking.
B. Learning something new.
C. Eating a balanced diet.
D. Sleeping more hours.
What should people do when challenging their brain by doing crossword puzzles
A. Do them every morning without a break.
B. Choose easier puzzles as they get older.
C. Keep increasing the difficulty level.
D. Do them together with physical exercise.Passage 1
An experimental vaccine has shown promising results in reducing the symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS). This could potentially offer a new treatment approach for autoimmune conditions, where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own cells.
Autoimmune diseases, such as MS, type 1 diabetes, and coeliac disease, can cause significant damage to the body. In the case of MS, immune cells damage the protective coating around nerves, leading to issues like muscle spasms.
Jeffrey Hubbell at the University of Chicago and his colleagues have developed a unique “reverse vaccine”. Traditional vaccines train the immune system to recognize and attack specific molecules. In contrast, this reverse vaccine does the opposite: it inhibits an unwanted immune response.
The way it works is as follows. When our body has a system for clearing dead cells, it develops a specific molecular pattern on their surface. The liver then treats these cells like a dying cell and removes them, while also signaling to the immune system not to attack them. Hubbell's team modified a group of molecules, called antigens, to mimic this “out-of-service” signal. Once in the body, the liver processes these modified antigens, teaching the immune system to ignore them.
In an experiment using non-human primates, the researchers tested the vaccine's effect on an immune response caused by a previously received antigen. The results were encouraging. The vaccine was effective in reducing the immune response in the animals.
Currently, the reverse vaccine is in an early - stage clinical trial for MS. David Hafler at Yale University points out that multiple sclerosis is not caused by one single antigen. However, Hubbell believes that with further adjustments, the vaccine could potentially target other autoimmune conditions as well. For example, a similar injection has shown promise against coeliac disease in a small trial.
What is the main function of the “reverse vaccine”
A. To strengthen the immune system.
B. To train the immune system to recognize foreign molecules.
C. To inhibit the body's unwanted immune response.
D. To stimulate the production of immune cells.
How does the “reverse vaccine” work in the body
A. It directly attacks the immune cells that cause autoimmune diseases.
B. It changes the structure of the immune system.
C. It mimics the signal that tells the immune system not to attack certain cells.
D. It helps the liver to produce more protective substances.
What can we learn about the “reverse vaccine” from the passage
A. It has been widely used to treat various autoimmune diseases.
B. It is only effective in non - human primates.
C. It is in the early stage of clinical trial for MS.
D. It can completely cure multiple sclerosis.
What is David Hafler's attitude towards the “reverse vaccine”
A. He is optimistic about its potential for treating autoimmune diseases.
B. He believes it needs to be adjusted to target multiple antigens.
C. He doubts its effectiveness in treating autoimmune diseases.
D. He thinks it has no future in the treatment of multiple sclerosis.
答案
C
解析：根据文中 “Traditional vaccines train the immune system to recognize and attack specific molecules. In contrast, this reverse vaccine does the opposite: it inhibits an unwanted immune response” 可知，“反向疫苗” 的主要功能是抑制身体不必要的免疫反应，C 选项正确。
C
解析：从 “The liver then treats these cells like a dying cell and removes them, while also signaling to the immune system not to attack them. Hubbell's team modified a group of molecules, called antigens, to mimic this ‘out-of-service’ signal” 可知，“反向疫苗” 通过模拟告诉免疫系统不要攻击某些细胞的信号来发挥作用，C 选项正确。
C
解析：依据 “Currently, the reverse vaccine is in an early - stage clinical trial for MS” 可知，“反向疫苗” 目前处于针对多发性硬化症的早期临床试验阶段，C 选项正确。
B
解析：根据 “David Hafler at Yale University points out that multiple sclerosis is not caused by one single antigen. However, Hubbell believes that with further adjustments, the vaccine could potentially target other autoimmune conditions as well” 可知，David Hafler 认为需要对 “反向疫苗” 进行调整，以针对多种抗原，B 选项正确。
Passage 2
Scientists and amateur archaeologists exploring a cave in southern Spain, called Cueva de los Mármoles, have made an astonishing discovery. Within this 2500 - square - metre cave, which once housed multiple generations of people over three millennia, they found evidence that prehistoric humans might have used human bones to make tools.
Since 1934, various groups have visited the cave. Recently, researchers led by Marco Milic from the University of Bern in Switzerland and Raquel Martínez Sánchez from the University of Córdoba in Spain collected more bone fragments. Using modern methods like radiocarbon dating, they analyzed the remains.
The cave had been a burial site during three distinct periods: 3900 to 3750 BC, 2600 to 2300 BC, and 1800 to 1400 BC. The researchers found that 33% of the bones had been intentionally cut, fractured, scraped, or sliced. Among the animal bones, nearly a third showed signs of intentional breakage, and the same was true for human - like bones. Some notable specimens included a middle - aged man's shinbone that had been scraped with stone tools and shaped into a bowl or cup, and a teenager's shinbone that had been broken, polished, and rounded into a kind of spatula.
These findings suggest that people may have manipulated the bones after the bodies in the cave had decayed in the cool, humid environment. “This, in turn, points to action not performed shortly after the death of the individuals, but at least some months after death,” says Milic. The use of human bones to make tools indicates a complex behavior in prehistoric societies, which may also have involved other activities related to the treatment of the dead.
Where was the discovery of prehistoric bone tools made
A. In a cave in northern Spain.
B. In a cave in southern Spain.
C. In a cave in Switzerland.
D. In a cave in Córdoba, Spain.
What did the researchers find in the cave
A. 411 complete human skeletons.
B. That 33% of the animal bones were used for building houses.
C. Evidence that prehistoric people may have made tools from human bones.
D. Human - like bones that were all intact.
What can we infer from the passage
A. Prehistoric people made tools from human bones right after death.
B. The cave was only used as a burial site.
C. The discovery can help us understand prehistoric societies better.
D. Radiocarbon dating was not used in the research.
What is the main idea of the passage
A. The history of Cueva de los Mármoles.
B. The method of radiocarbon dating.
C. The life of prehistoric people in southern Spain.
D. The possible use of human bones as tools by prehistoric people.
答案
B
解析：根据文中 “Scientists and amateur archaeologists exploring a cave in southern Spain, called Cueva de los Mármoles, have made an astonishing discovery” 可知，这个发现是在西班牙南部的一个洞穴中做出的，B 选项正确。
C
解析：从 “The researchers found that 33% of the bones had been intentionally cut, fractured, scraped, or sliced... Some notable specimens included a middle - aged man's shinbone that had been scraped with stone tools and shaped into a bowl or cup...” 可知，研究人员在洞穴中发现了史前人类可能用人类骨头制作工具的证据，C 选项正确。
C
解析：依据 “These findings suggest that people may have manipulated the bones after the bodies in the cave had decayed... The use of human bones to make tools indicates a complex behavior in prehistoric societies” 可以推断出，这个发现能帮助我们更好地了解史前社会，C 选项正确。文中提到不是在人死后马上用骨头制作工具，A 错误；洞穴曾是埋葬地，但也有其他活动，B 错误；研究中使用了放射性碳测年法，D 错误。
D
解析：文章主要围绕史前人类可能用人类骨头制作工具这一发现展开，介绍了发现的地点、过程及相关研究结果，D 选项 “史前人类可能将人类骨头用作工具” 能概括文章主旨。
Passage 3
In the UK, the way we treat animals is inconsistent. There's no official oversight of the widespread use of poison to kill wildlife. However, if someone uses animals in scientific research without following strict rules, they may face prosecution.
This disparity isn't due to differences in the nature of the activities, but rather to long - standing prejudice and ignorance. We've categorized animals into groups like farmed animals, pets, “pests,” and “game.” The UK's wildlife “management” laws are full of unacceptable omissions and extremely bad practices. At one extreme, the UK has strict regulations for the use of animals in research, but when it comes to protecting wildlife, there are major problems. For example, dogs are used to hunt and kill wildlife, and there's a lack of independent ethical review for such actions.
Adding to the problem, much of the equipment used to kill wildlife in the UK is easily accessible, and there's no independent research on its impact. Public campaigns have tried to ban the use of certain traps and snares, but progress has been slow.
Globally, conservation bodies have adopted wildlife management principles. However, the UK's current laws are out - dated and in need of revision. When making new laws, the UK should consider these international principles. It's important to balance the “why” (the reasons for an action) and the “how” (the methods used). A combination of ethical review and a tough regulator would ensure that animal research is properly governed. Similarly, for wildlife management, there should be independent ethical review of the reasons and methods for killing wildlife, as well as strict inspection.
What is the main problem with UK wildlife laws according to the passage
A. They provide too much protection for farmed animals.
B. They lack strict regulations for animal research.
C. They have unacceptable omissions and bad practices.
D. They are too strict with the use of equipment to kill wildlife.
Why is there an inconsistent treatment of animals in the UK
A. Because of the different natures of activities related to animals.
B. Due to long - held prejudice and lack of knowledge.
C. As a result of the influence from international laws.
D. Because of the difficulty in categorizing animals.
What can we infer from the passage
A. The UK has made great progress in wildlife protection.
B. The equipment used to kill wildlife in the UK is hard to get.
C. Independent ethical review is necessary for wildlife management.
D. The UK's current wildlife laws are in line with international principles.
What is the author's attitude towards the UK's wildlife laws
A. Supportive.
B. Indifferent.
C. Critical.
D. Optimistic.
答案
C
解析：根据文中 “The UK's wildlife “management” laws are full of unacceptable omissions and extremely bad practices” 可知，英国野生动物保护法的主要问题是存在不可接受的疏漏和恶劣的做法，C 选项正确。
B
解析：从 “This disparity isn't due to differences in the nature of the activities, but rather to long - standing prejudice and ignorance” 可知，在英国对待动物不一致是因为长期存在的偏见和无知，B 选项正确。
C
解析：依据 “Similarly, for wildlife management, there should be independent ethical review of the reasons and methods for killing wildlife, as well as strict inspection” 可以推断出，野生动物管理需要独立的伦理审查，C 选项正确。文中提到英国在野生动物保护方面进展缓慢，A 错误；文中说用于捕杀野生动物的设备很容易获得，B 错误；英国现行的野生动物法需要参考国际原则，说明并不符合，D 错误。
C
解析：文章指出英国野生动物保护法存在诸多问题，如疏漏、恶劣做法等，由此可看出作者对英国野生动物法持批判态度，C 选项正确。
Passage 4
As spring arrives, we often engage in activities like packing away winter clothes and tidying up our living spaces. But have you ever thought about doing the same for your brain Sandra Bond Chapman, Ph.D., chief director of the Center for BrainHealth at the University of Texas at Dallas, says our brain is a powerful engine that requires regular attention and tune - ups, just like our skin and teeth.
After growing quickly during our young - adult years, our brain starts to slow down and lose neurons as early as our 20s. However, thanks to neuroplasticity—the brain's amazing ability to grow new neural pathways at any age—we can take steps to keep our brain healthy.
A major review in The Lancet found that up to 40% of dementia cases could be prevented or delayed by simple daily routines. These include reducing or quitting smoking, getting more exercise, and eating a heart - healthy diet. And it's never too late to start challenging your brain in new ways. Chapman's imaging studies on healthy people aged 18 to 97 show that following healthy brain strategies can lead to improvement, regardless of age.
One effective way to boost your brain is to learn something new. Just as physical exercise builds muscles, mental challenges build new neural connections. This helps build cognitive reserve, making your brain more adaptable and potentially staving off dementia. The key is to keep challenging yourself. If you usually do a crossword puzzle in the morning, try increasing its difficulty level over time.
What does Sandra Bond Chapman compare the brain to
A. A winter wardrobe.
B. A powerful machine.
C. The skin and teeth.
D. A living space.
What is the significance of neuroplasticity according to the passage
A. It shows that the brain stops growing in one's 20s.
B. It proves that dementia cases can't be prevented.
C. It indicates that the brain can form new neural pathways at any age.
D. It explains why people need more exercise.
Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a way to prevent or delay dementia
A. Quitting smoking.
B. Learning something new.
C. Eating a balanced diet.
D. Sleeping more hours.
What should people do when challenging their brain by doing crossword puzzles
A. Do them every morning without a break.
B. Choose easier puzzles as they get older.
C. Keep increasing the difficulty level.
D. Do them together with physical exercise.
答案
B
解析：文中提到 “Sandra Bond Chapman, Ph.D., chief director of the Center for BrainHealth at the University of Texas at Dallas, says our brain is a powerful engine”，可知她把大脑比作一个强大的 “引擎”，也就是强大的机器，B 选项正确。
C
解析：从 “However, thanks to neuroplasticity—the brain's amazing ability to grow new neural pathways at any age—we can take steps to keep our brain healthy” 可知，神经可塑性的重要意义在于表明大脑在任何年龄都能形成新的神经通路，C 选项正确。
D
解析：文章中 “A major review in The Lancet found that up to 40% of dementia cases could be prevented or delayed by simple daily routines. These include reducing or quitting smoking, getting more exercise, and eating a heart - healthy diet” 以及 “One effective way to boost your brain is to learn something new” 提到了戒烟、学习新事物、健康饮食可以预防或延缓痴呆，未提及多睡觉，D 选项正确。
C
解析：依据 “If you usually do a crossword puzzle in the morning, try increasing its difficulty level over time” 可知，人们通过做填字游戏挑战大脑时，应该不断增加难度，C 选项正确。
