A

Almost half of young people would rather live in a world where the internet does not exist, according to a new survey.

The research reveals that nearly 70% of 16 to 21-year-olds feel worse about themselves after spending time on social media. Half would support a “digital curfew” that would restrict their access to certain apps and sites past 10 pm, while 46% said they would rather be young in a world without the internet altogether.

The results came after the government weighed up the possibility of making cut-off times mandatory (强制的) for certain apps such as TikTok and Instagram. Rani Govender, the policy manager for child safety online at the NSPCC, said that digital curfews, while helpful, could not stop children being exposed to harmful materials online without other measures being put in place. “We need to make clear that a digital curfew alone is not going to protect children from the risks they face online. They will be able to see all these risks at other points of the day and they will still have the same impact,” she said.

The study, conducted by the British Standards Institution, surveyed 1,293 young people and three-quarters said they had spent more time online as a result of the pandemic, while 68% said they felt the time they spent online was harmful to their mental health. Andy Burrows, chief executive of the suicide prevention charity the Molly Rose Foundation, said “it was clear that young people are aware of the risks online and want action from tech companies to protect them”.

He added that algorithms (算法) can provide content that “can quickly spread and take young people down rabbit holes of harmful material through no fault of their own”. New laws were “urgently required to embed a safe approach to regulation that puts the needs of children and society ahead of those of big tech”, he said.

1.What does the phrase “digital curfew” in paragraph 2 probably refer to ?

A. A complete ban on digital devices.     

B. Parental control over the use of software.  

C. Governmental monitoring of online activity.  

D. Restrictions on internet access during specific hours.  

2.What does Rani Govender think of digital curfews?  

A. They are the most effective solution for online safety.  

B. They are strongly opposed by most technology companies.

C. They need to be combined with other measures to be effective.   

D. They prevent children from accessing harmful content entirely.   

3. What does Andy Burrows mean in paragraph four?

A. To call for new laws to regulate big techs.  

B. To highlight young people’s concerns and demand.  

C. To point out tech companies’ responsibility for online safety.

D. To criticize young people for spending too much time online.  

4.What can be learned about algorithms in the last paragraph ?  

A. Algorithms effectively remove all harmful content.   

B. Algorithms make it easy to find desired content quickly.  

C. Algorithms primarily show content requested by the user.  

D. Algorithms can unintentionally lead users to harmful content.

B

Animal testing refers to the use of animals in scientific experiments. Primarily, animals are used in research experiments to test disease treatments to ensure the safety of new medical treatments. Though animals are viewed as essential by many scientists, we should try to avoid using animals in experiments if possible.

Advocates of animal testing argue that animals offer scientists opportunities to address health problems when it is immorally acceptable or impractical to study and experiment on humans. Animals chosen for research are often biologically similar to humans and are therefore useful case studies for scientists to study the symptoms of diseases and the effectiveness of the treatments developed. Scientists rely heavily on animal models to find the cure for “unprecedented” diseases. In the development of the corona virus vaccine (疫苗), multiple animals were used as models, such as ferrets that display similar symptoms as humans when infected with the virus. These animals are crucial for scientists to study the symptoms of the virus and evaluate the effectiveness of the vaccines developed before they are tested on humans. As such, the use of animals in research experiments does enhance the efficiency of scientists’ search for the cure and minimizes the associated risks of applying newly developed drugs to humans.

However, not all research experiments involving animals are effective. Although some animals display characteristics similar to humans, animals and humans are different species and therefore, it is impossible to recreate human conditions on research animals. Research data has shown that animal studies fail to predict real human outcomes in 50 to 99.7 percent of cases. This is because the species tested are often artificially induced (诱导) with medical conditions unique to humans. As a result, nine in ten drugs developed using animal testing suffer from failure. Considering the high cost of animal testing, as well as the pain and suffering animals have to go through during the procedure, animal testing is hardly a cost-effective way of research. Sometimes, such research experiments produce nothing but the killing of innocent animals. Therefore, the use of animals in scientific experiments should be minimized and carried out only when necessary.

5.Why are animals used in scientific experiments?

A. Because many scientists consider them as necessary.

B. Because animals share biological similarities with humans.

C. Because they can ensure the safety of new medical treatments.

D. Because animals offer scientists opportunities to solve problems.

6. Why are “ferrets” mentioned in paragraph two?

A.To remind humans should be grateful to animals.

B. To indicate animals made great contributions to humans.

C. To prove animals are widely used in research experiments.

D. To illustrate animal trials can contribute to medical advances.

7. How does the author argue against animal testing?

A. By listing figures.                          B. By giving examples.

C. By analyzing cause and effect.                D. By making comparisons.

8. What is the author’s primary argument?

A. Animal testing should be avoided because of its high cost.

B. Despite its contributions, animal testing should be minimized.

C. Animal testing should be banned immediately due to its cruelty.

D. Considering its effectiveness, animal testing should be promoted .

C

Recent research suggests that using digital devices like smartphones and tablets might actually help protect brain function in older adults rather than harm it. A review of 57 studies involving over 400,000 people aged 50 and older found that those who regularly used technology showed slower mental decline compared to those who used it less. These findings, published in Nature Human Behaviour, challenge concerns that screen time causes “digital dementia”.

Scientists analyzed data from adults worldwide, with an average age of 69, who had taken cognitive (认知的) tests or received memory-related tests. Results showed no proof that a lifetime of using digital technology drives mental decline. Rather, they found that using a computer, smartphone, the internet or some combination of these was associated with a lower risk of cognitive issues. However, researchers warn that the relationship isn’t fully understood. It’s possible that people with more incisive minds are more likely to use technology, but tech might also provide brain-boosting benefits.

“We think the three Cs might be important: complexity, connection and compensatory (补偿的) behaviours,” Dr. Jared Benge told the Guardian. Digital tools could help people engage in complex activities and boost their social connections, both of which appeared to be good for the ageing brain, he said. The technology also allowed people to compensate for cognitive decline and function more easily, for example by using GPS to find their way or setting reminders to pay bills or take medicines, he added. He also emphasized that how devices are used matters. Passive activities like watching shows may not help, but mentally stimulating tasks — learning new apps, researching topics, or staying socially connected — likely play a positive role.

Sam Gilbert, a professor of cognitive neuroscience at University College London, said the study showed “a clear link” between digital technology usage and preserved cognitive ability in older age. “The explanation for this link is still not fully clear: we cannot be sure whether technology usage itself preserves cognitive ability, whether preserved cognitive ability leads to more frequent use of technology, or — most likely — some combination of the two. Nevertheless, this work suggests that using digital technology can be good for brain health.”

9. What can you learn about “digital dementia”?

A. It refers to technology-related memory or thinking problems.

B. It shows the effect of digital devices on users’ physical health.

C. It implies slower mental decline by using technology regularly.

D. It describes a special phenomenon of employing digital devices.

10. What does the underline word “incisive” in paragraph 2 mean?

A. Brilliant. B. Sharp. C. Optimistic. D. Suspicious.

11. According to Jared Benge, why does using digital devices benefit the elderly?

A. It can free them from their social contacts.

B. Digital devices usage can rid them of complex activities.

C. Using digital devices to learn new skills can stimulate their minds.

D. Digital devices usage can boost their brain function to a higher level.

12. What can be inferred from the last paragraph?

A. Using digital device is a necessity to brain development.

B. Preserved cognitive ability leads to using digital devices.

C. Technology usage protects brain function and cognitive ability.

D. More research is needed to further explain the research findings.