全新版大学进阶英语：视听说教程4

全新版大学进阶英语《视听说教程》网络课程可用于课堂教学外的巩固与补充，也可作为学生独立学习的网络课程。该课程选用美国《国家地理》的素材，图片震撼、场景真实、语言地道。《视听说网络课程》注重听力技能和口语表达的训练，练习设计循序渐进，科学合理；为兼顾四级考试的需求，网络课程每单元均含四级听力与口语训练的练习。听力播放支持语速调节，口语训练实现了较好的人机交互功能，便于学生根据自身需求进行个性化学习。

全新版大学英语视听说教程1

《全新版大学英语视听说教程》共四册，每册八单元，突出视听说技能、演讲技能和批判性思维能力的培养。该数字课程每单元包含Listening, Extended Listening, Speaking, TEDTalks, Presentation和Self-test六大部分。听力训练主题广泛、注重听力和记笔记技能的培养，素材包括电视或电台采访、新闻报道、专题讨论等，同时还有与单元主题相关的拓展听力兼顾学生应试需求。口语和语音训练通过人机对话、跟读评分，有效提升学生口语水平。以TED演讲为素材的视频练习，突出记笔记、作演讲能力的培养。数字课程特有的单元自测通过词汇和听力测试有效检验学生的学习效果。

全新版大学英语视听说教程2

《全新版大学英语视听说教程》共四册，每册八单元，突出视听说技能、演讲技能和批判性思维能力的培养。该数字课程每单元包含Listening, Extended Listening, Speaking, TEDTalks, Presentation和Self-test六大部分。听力训练主题广泛、注重听力和记笔记技能的培养，素材包括电视或电台采访、新闻报道、专题讨论等，同时还有与单元主题相关的拓展听力兼顾学生应试需求。口语和语音训练通过人机对话、跟读评分，有效提升学生口语水平。以TED演讲为素材的视频练习，突出记笔记、作演讲能力的培养。数字课程特有的单元自测通过词汇和听力测试有效检验学生的学习效果。

新闻听力 | 澳大利亚计划禁止16岁以下儿童使用社交媒体

澳大利亚计划禁止16岁以下儿童使用社交媒体Australia Plans Social Media Ban for Children under 16慢速 | 高考 偏难 | 593词 | 6min16s刘立军供稿Part I. QUESTIONSListen to the news and choose the best answer to each question you hear.Q1. What is the main purpose of the new bill introduced by the Australian Parliament?A. To ban social media for children under 16.B. To promote social media use among children.C. To increase social media engagement.D. To support social media companies financially.Q2. What is Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s main concern regarding social media?A. The economic impact of social media.B. The safety of children online.C. The popularity of social media platforms.D. The technological advancements in social media.Q3. What is Antigone Davis’s position regarding the age limit proposal?A. She opposes the age limit completely.B. She believes social media should be banned for everyone.C. She supports respecting the government’s age limits.D. She thinks social media is not harmful to children.Q4. What is the main idea of the opposition to the social media age limit?A. The ban will improve children’s mental health.B. The age limit will enhance digital literacy.C. The age limit will increase online harm.D. The ban is not an effective way to address social media risks.Q5. Why does child psychologist Philip Tam believe enforcing a ban for children under 16 might be challenging?A. Children under 16 do not use social media.B. The problem might be driven underground.C. The technology to enforce the ban does not exist.D. Parents will not support the ban.Part II. TRANSCRIPTAustralia Plans Social Media Ban for Children under 16The Australian government recently announced plans to ban the use of social media by children under the age of 16.Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said, “Social media is doing harm to our kids.” He added that now is the time for the government to intervene.The country’s Parliament will introduce a new bill during the final two weeks of its meeting starting on November 18. (Q1) The bill will set an age limit of 16 for children to use social media and make the services responsible for enforcement.parliament n. 议会，国会enforcement v. 执行，实施Albanese told reporters that the age limit would take effect 12 months after the bill is passed. And social media services, including X, TikTok, Instagram and Facebook, would need to use the year to work out how to put age controls in place.(Q2) “I’ve spoken to thousands of parents, grandparents, aunties and uncles. They, like me, are worried sick about the safety of our kids online,” Albanese said.be worried sick 非常担心The proposal comes at a time when governments around the world are considering ways to control how young people use smartphones and social media.Under the Australian proposal, social media companies would face penalties for violating the age limit. However, under-age children and their parents would not face penalties.(Q3) Antigone Davis is the head of safety at Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram. Davis said the company would respect any age limits the government wants to put in place. She added that officials need to discuss the ways social media can make the age limit happen. She suggested that stronger tools in app stores and computer systems for parents could be a “simple and effective solution.”effective adj. 有效的X did not immediately answer a request from The Associated Press (AP) for comment. TikTok said it would not offer a comment to the AP.Some groups oppose the age limitMore than 140 experts in fields related to technology and children signed an open letter to Albanese last month opposing a social media age limit. (Q4) The letter said a ban would not be an effective way to deal with the risks of social media use.Sunita Bose is a director at the Digital Industry Group in Australia. Bose said in a statement, “Rather than blocking access through bans, we need to take a balanced approach to create age-appropriate spaces, build digital literacy and protect young people from online harm.”literacy n. 读写能力，文化水平Jackie Hallan is a director at the youth mental health service ReachOut. She also opposed the ban. She noted that 73 percent of young people across Australia seeking mental health support get it through social media. She added that young people are likely to find ways to use social media even with a ban in place.Child psychologist Philip Tam said it would have been easier to enforce the ban for children under the age of 12 or 13. (Q5) Tam said, “My real fear honestly is that the problem of social media will simply be driven underground.”Prime Minister Albanese said there would be rules to permit social media use in some situations, such as a need to connect with educational services.Earlier this year, the government began testing age-restriction technologies among a group of users. Officials will use the test results to guide what reasonable steps social media services can take.Lawmaker Paul Fletcher said the services already have the technology to enforce such an age ban. He added that if the law for controlling social media use is well written, Australia can get the results it wants.Part III. KEYQ1. A. 细节题。题目出处为：The bill will set an age limit of 16 for children to use social media and make the services responsible for enforcement. 意为：“该法案将设定16岁的年龄限制，禁止16岁以下的儿童使用社交媒体，并要求这些服务提供商负责执行这一规定。”因此答案是A。Q2. B. 细节题。题目出处为：I’ve spoken to thousands of parents, grandparents, aunties and uncles. They, like me, are worried sick about the safety of our kids online,’ Albanese said. 意为：“我和成千上万的父母、祖父母、叔叔和阿姨交谈过。他们和我一样，非常担心孩子们在网络上的安全问题，”阿尔巴尼斯说。因此答案是B。Q3. C. 细节题。题目出处为：Antigone Davi... said the company would respect any age limits the government wants to put in place. 意为：安提戈涅·戴维斯……说公司会尊重政府决定实施的任何年龄限制。因此答案是C。Q4. D. 主旨题。题目出处为：The letter said a ban would not be an effective way to deal with the risks of social media use. 意为：这封信表示，禁止使用社交媒体并不是应对社交媒体风险的有效方法。因此答案是D。Q5. B. 推理题。题目出处为：Tam said, ‘My real fear honestly is that the problem of social media will simply be driven underground.’ 意为：Tam说，“我真正担心的是，社交媒体的问题将被直接转入地下（以更隐蔽的形式存在）。”因此答案是B。（本文图片来源于摄图网，版权归摄图网所有)

教学素材 | 人生旅途轻装上阵

The Art of Traveling Light through Life人生旅途轻装上阵词汇：考研 | 句法：六级 | 文本：考研刘立军 供稿Ancient philosopher Socrates embodied simplicity, owning little and even forgoing shoes. Despite this, he frequented marketplaces not to acquire goods but to appreciate the abundance he could live without, as he famously noted to an inquiring friend. 古代哲学家苏格拉底以其简朴的生活方式著称，他几乎一无所有，甚至常常赤脚行走。然而，正如他曾对一位好奇的朋友所说，他经常光顾市场，不是为了购买商品，而是为了欣赏那些他能够舍弃的丰盛物资。In the context of travel, ‘traveling light’ means moving unencumbered by excessive belongings, which translates into a more pleasant journey with less burden and greater freedom. This idea extends beyond the physical realm into a philosophy for living. This concept encourages us to question what constitutes a life traveled lightly ― is it minimal ownership like Socrates, or is there more to it? 在旅行的语境中，“轻装上阵”意味着不被繁重的行李所累，从而享受更加轻松愉快的旅程，减少负担，获得更多自由。这一理念不仅仅局限于物质层面，它更是一种生活哲学。这种思想引导我们前去思考：什么是轻装上阵的生活——它是像苏格拉底那样过极简的物质生活，还是有更多的内涵？The tale of King Midas reveals that an insatiable desire for possessions can lead to downfall. His wish to turn everything to gold, granted by Dionysus, turns tragic when the things he treasures most are lost to his greed, teaching him the peril of material obsession. 迈达斯国王的故事向我们揭示了一个深刻的道理：对财富的贪得无厌可能导致灭亡。他祈求将一切变为黄金，这一愿望虽由狄俄尼索斯实现了，但当那些他最为珍视的事物因他的贪婪而失去时，这一愿望最终酿成一场悲剧，让他深刻体会到了痴迷物质的危险。Humans naturally accumulate more than necessary, often driven by an innate instinct for survival, from securing homes for shelter to stocking food against hunger. However, for some, this need tilts towards excess, acquiring vast properties and collections of vehicles far beyond necessity, echoing Midas’s folly. While possessions offer convenience, they can also anchor one’s life with responsibilities and maintenance demands, whether it’s the upkeep of a lavish villa or the financial strain of an expensive mortgage, trading freedom for security. 人类出于生存本能，往往会积累超过实际所需的物品，从确保住所的安全，到储备食物以防饥饿，皆出此因。然而，对一些人来说，这种需求逐渐演变为过度的占有欲，他们积累了大量远超必要的财产和车辆，重蹈迈达斯的覆辙。尽管拥有这些财物能带来便利，它们也带来了诸多责任和维护的需求，无论是豪华别墅的日常维护，还是高昂房贷带来的财务压力，都是在以自由换取所谓安全感。Epicurus argued that the pursuit of pleasure should not result in greater distress. Our attachment to both possessions and burdensome thoughts impedes progress. Ancient philosophies, such as Stoicism, Cynicism, and Buddhism, guide us toward letting go of these material and mental weights to alleviate our lives. 伊壁鸠鲁认为，追求快乐不应该导致更多的痛苦。我们对财物的执着以及内心的负担阻碍了我们的进步。斯多葛主义、犬儒主义和佛教等古老哲学都在教导我们：应学会放下这些物质和精神上的重负，让生活变得更加轻松自在。Desires and aversions exert their own weight, where fulfillment leads to contentment and a sense of lightness, while unmet desires breed dissatisfaction and burden. Philosophical traditions across Stoicism, Buddhism, Christianity, and Islam prioritize non-attachment to worldly goods, viewing them as distractions from a path meant for those unburdened. 欲望和厌恶会分别带来不同的负担：当欲望得到满足时，人们会感到轻松和满足；而未满足的欲望则会引发不满和沉重感。无论是斯多葛主义、佛教、基督教还是伊斯兰教，这些哲学传统都强调对世俗财物的淡泊，认为它们是那些追求心灵自由之人路上的障碍，只会分散他们的注意力。The minimalist approach isn’t only about reducing physical possessions but also mental clutter. Letting go of future anxieties and past regrets brings psychological lightness, enhancing our overall well-being and allowing us to navigate life with ease. 极简主义不仅仅意味着减少物质上的财物，它还包含洁净心灵上的杂念。放下对未来的焦虑和对过去的遗憾，可以带来心理上的轻松，进而提升整体幸福感，使我们更加从容地应对生活中的挑战。After periods of global turmoil, embracing a nomadic lifestyle underscored the value of minimalism. The capability to work remotely with minimal equipment exemplifies the physical and metaphysical lightness sought by many. Whether it be in a hotel room or traversing international borders, the ability to live and work with just a suitcase is liberating. 在全球动荡之后，拥抱游牧式的生活方式更加彰显了极简主义的价值。只需极少的装备即可实现远程工作，这体现了许多人所寻求的物质和精神上的双重轻盈。无论是在酒店房间，还是穿梭于国界线之间，仅凭一只手提箱便能自在生活与工作，这一能力赋予人们极大的自由。The agility afforded by traveling light is akin to the experience of playing games like Skyrim with a nimble character. In life, being agile equates to adaptability ― being able to change course rapidly without the encumbrance of possessions or obligations. Ultimately, true lightness is achieved when one’s mind is unburdened by worries and desires, transcending even the most minimalist lifestyle. 轻装上阵所带来的灵活性，就如同在玩《上古卷轴5：天际》游戏时操纵一个敏捷角色的体验。在生活中，灵活意味着适应能力——能够在不被物质所累或义务束缚的情况下迅速改变方向。最终，当一个人的心灵不再受忧虑和欲望所困时，真正的轻盈感就实现了，这种状态甚至超越了最简约的生活方式所带来的自由感。An uncluttered mind allows for a truly light life journey, wherein the absence of mental strain makes even the smallest suitcase seem weightless. 一颗没有杂念的心能让生活旅程真正变得轻盈起来，那时，即便是一个最小的手提箱，在没有精神压力的情况下，也仿佛轻如鸿毛。【词汇】1. forgo v. 放弃2. unencumbered adj. 无负担的；没有阻碍的3. the tale of King Midas 迈达斯的故事。传说，希腊神话中的弗里吉亚王迈达斯贪恋财富，求神赐予点物成金的法术，酒神狄俄尼索斯满足其愿望。最后连他的爱女和食物也都因被他手指点到而变成金子。他无法生活，又向神祈祷，一切才恢复原状。4. insatiable adj. 不知足的；无法满足的5. folly n. 愚蠢；愚笨6. upkeep n. 保养；维修7. villa n. 度假别墅8. Epicurus 伊壁鸠鲁，古希腊哲学家。9. Stoicism n. 斯多葛主义，古希腊罗马时期的重要哲学流派，强调理性、自律、坚忍以及接受命运。10. clutter n. 杂乱的东西；杂乱11. nomadic adj. 游牧的；流浪的12. metaphysical adj. 形而上学的；抽象的；玄学的 13. Skyrim 一款开放世界角色扮演游戏，全称The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim（《上古卷轴5：天际》，简称《天际》或《上古卷轴5》），由贝塞斯达游戏工作室开发。14. nimble adj. 思路敏捷的；机敏的15. agile adj.机敏的，机灵的16. encumbrance n. 妨碍者；累赘；障碍物（本文图片来源于摄图网，版权归摄图网所有)

新闻听力｜人工智能关键术语与概念

Important Terms and Ideas for Describing Artificial Intelligence慢速 | 四级 难 | 753词 | 7min41s刘立军供稿Part I. QUESTIONSListen to the news and choose the best answer to each question you hear.Q1. What is the main characteristic of artificial intelligence (AI)?A. Translating languages for communication.B. Relying on human intelligence to work.C. Processing data with statistical methods.D. Using psychology as its primary method.Q2. What is the role of an algorithm in computer operations?A. A simple set of instructions.B. It helps achieve goals but does not involve learning.C. A series of steps that helps achieve goals and allows learning.D. It is used in traditional programs, not AI.Q3. What is the purpose of reinforcement learning in machine learning?A. To classify data into specific groups.B. To improve by trial-and-error processes.C. To identify patterns in large datasets.D. To strengthen neural network layers.Q4. What is the unique feature of deep learning?A. Using many layers of neural networks.B. Relying on unsupervised learning.C. Avoiding the use of raw data.D. Focusing on simple machine tasks.Q5. What is one issue with large language models (LLMs)?A. They cannot generate accurate answers.B. They only focus on generating recipes.C. They are unable to process legal questions.D. They often create false or misleading data.Q6. What is the ultimate goal of artificial general intelligence (AGI)?A. Reproducing human thinking processes.B. Translating languages with accuracy.C. Discovering trends in large datasets.D. Replacing humans in various fields.Part II. TRANSCRIPTImportant Terms and Ideas for Describing Artificial IntelligenceThere are several terms experts use to describe computer systems in the field of artificial intelligence. Recently, the French News Agency (AFP) defined some of the common terms and ideas used in that field. Here is a version for English learners:intelligence n. 智力，智能Artificial intelligence The first term is “artificial intelligence.” When asked what artificial intelligence is, the AI-powered ChatGPT system says that the term means “the simulation of human intelligence in machines that are programmed to think, learn and make decisions”. (Q1) AI’s main quality or characteristic is taking in large amounts of data and then processing it using methods from statistics. AI involves using ideas from many fields including computing, mathematics, languages, psychology, and others. Currently, the technology is being used heavily for investigating health issues, translating human languages, and predicting problems in machine tools and self-driving cars. But AI is affecting many fields of business and industry.simulation n. 模拟，仿真Algorithm A second important term is “algorithm.” (Q2) An algorithm is important to all computer operations. It is a series of steps or instructions followed by a computer program to get a result. Algorithms can give rules for an AI’s behavior, helping it to realize the objectives of computer program developers. Unlike a simple computer program, AI algorithms permit a computer system to “learn” for itself.algorithm n. 算法，运算法则Machine learning A third important term is “machine learning.” Machine learning is one method that researchers have used in their efforts to produce artificial intelligence. Machine learning lets computers learn from data without being directly programmed on what results to produce. In recent years, the field of neural networks has given important results. In a neural network, connections between some nodes are strengthened and others weakened as the system learns and makes changes. Learning can be “supervised.” This means the system learns to put new data into specific groups based on a model. For example, the system could learn to identify spam in an email or other messaging programs. “Unsupervised” learning permits the system to independently discover new areas or ways of doing things. These discoveries in the available data might not have been immediately clear. An example would be letting an online store identify buying trends in sales data. (Q3) “Reinforcement” learning adds a process of repeated trial-and-error. In this process, the system is rewarded based on its outcomes, causing it to learn and improve. One example might be a self-driving vehicle whose objective is to reach its destination as quickly as possible but also safely. That requirement would lead it to learn to stop at red lights although it requires additional time.neural adj. 神经的node n. 节点spam n. 垃圾邮件Deep learning (Q4) Deep learning owes its name to its use of many layers of neural networks. Raw data is examined by each layer in turn at growing levels of abstraction. Geoffrey Hinton received the 2024 Nobel Prize in Physics. Hinton is credited with developing deep learning. Hinton received the prize along with 1980s neural-network developer John Hopfield. Francis Bach, head of France’s SIERRA statistical learning laboratory, said this about deep learning: “The more layers you have, the more complex behavior can become, and the more complex the behavior can be, the easier it is to learn a desired behavior efficiently.” The method might help lead to scientific discoveries.Language models We now turn to large language models (LLMs). These might be the most popular example of generative AI. Large language models’ power tools like OpenAI’s ChatGPT or Google’s Gemini. Such systems are able to write long papers, answer legal questions or even produce a cake recipe based on their statistical models. But the technology is still new. (Q5) LLMs can suffer from “hallucinations” — the creation of content that is false or incorrect.hallucination n. 幻觉，虚构内容Artificial general intelligence A final important term is artificial general intelligence (AGI) — one the big goals of the whole AI field. (Q6) AGI suggests the unrealized dream of a machine able to reproduce all human processes of human thinking. People who push the idea include OpenAI chief Sam Altman and his competitors at Anthropic. They consider such a system to be within reach. The goal is to use large amounts of data and processing power to train LLMs that are increasingly powerful. But critics say that LLM technology has important limits, including its ability to reason. Maxime Amblard, computing professor at France’s University of Lorraine, told AFP last year, “LLMs do not work like human beings.” Amblard added that humans, as flesh-and-blood intelligent beings, are “sense-making machines” with different abilities from today’s computer systems.Part III. KEYQ1. C. 细节题。题目出处：AI’s main quality or characteristic is taking in large amounts of data and then processing it using methods from statistics. 意为：AI的主要特性是接收大量数据并使用统计方法进行处理。因此答案为C。Q2. C. 细节题。题目出处：An algorithm is ... a series of steps or instructions followed by a computer program to get a result. 以及AI algorithms permit a computer system to “learn” for itself.意为：算法是指计算机程序为获得结果而遵循的一系列步骤或指令；人工智能算法允许计算机系统“自主学习”。因此答案为C。Q3. B. 细节题。题目出处：Reinforcement learning adds a process of repeated trial-and-error. In this process, the system is rewarded based on its outcomes, causing it to learn and improve. 意为：强化学习添加了一个反复试验的过程；在这个过程中，系统基于其结果获得奖励，从而学习和改进。因此答案为B。Q4. A. 细节题。题目出处：Deep learning owes its name to its use of many layers of neural networks. Raw data is examined by each layer in turn at growing levels of abstraction. 意为：深度学习因其使用多层神经网络而得名；原始数据依次通过每一层进行更高层次的抽象分析。 因此答案为A。Q5. D. 细节题。题目出处：LLMs can suffer from ‘hallucinations’ — the creation of content that is false or incorrect. 意为：LLM可能会出现‘幻觉’——即生成虚假或错误内容。因此答案为D。Q6. A. 细节题。题目出处：AGI suggests the unrealized dream of a machine able to reproduce all human processes of human thinking. 意为：AGI表达了这样一个尚未实现的梦想——机器能够再现所有人类的思维过程。因此答案为A。 （本文图片来源于摄图网，版权归摄图网所有)

新闻听力 | 语言和传统是民族认同的核心

语言和传统是民族认同的核心Report: Language, Traditions Central to National Identity慢速 | 四级 高考 | 864词 | 9min32s刘立军供稿Part I. QUESTIONSListen to the news and choose the best answer to each question you hear.Q1. Based on the text, which of the following statements best reflects the views of those who participated in the Pew Research Center’s study?A. National identity is predominantly shaped by one’s language and traditions.B. Birthplace and religion have a negligible impact on national identity.C. National identity is a uniform concept across different cultures and societies.D.The importance of language and traditions to national identity is contested and varies by country.Q2. According to the text, which specific aspect of national identity do respondents from Mexico and Indonesia agree is central to being considered a true national, with a 91 percent consensus?A. Language proficiency.B. Shared customs and traditions.C. Birthplace significance.D. Adherence to the main religion.Q3. What does Janzen’s perspective on being Canadian imply about the national identity of Canada?A. It is primarily defined by speaking one of the official languages.B. It is inclusive and not strictly tied to any single criterion.C. It is strongly associated with being born within the country’s borders.D. It is mainly reflected through participation in the country’s customs and traditions.Q4. What is the implication of the Pew Research Center’s study findings on national identity for countries with a higher proportion of immigrants?A. They tend to prioritize language proficiency over birthplace for national identity.B. They are less likely to consider shared customs and traditions as important.C. They view religion as the most critical aspect of national identity.D. They believe that being born in the country is less important for national identity.Q5. How does the text suggest that the concept of national identity varies among individuals and countries?A. By showing that language and traditions are universally accepted as the core of national identity.B. By highlighting the uniform importance of birthplace and religion across all surveyed countries.C. By demonstrating the diverse opinions on the importance of language, birthplace, and religion.D. By indicating that shared customs and traditions are consistently valued over other aspects.Part II. TRANSCRIPTReport: Language, Traditions Central to National IdentityLuciana de Oliveira considers herself transnational. That means she is more than one nationality. de Oliveira grew up in Brazil, but she moved to the United States for her studies. She became a U.S. citizen in 2017.transnational adj. 跨国的；多国的de Oliveira has some strong feelings about national identity. She believes speaking a country’s majority language is a very important part of one’s national identity. de Oliveira speaks both Portuguese and English.A new study found that most people around the world share those feelings about language and national identity.The Pew Research Center carried out the study and released the results last month. Pew’s study centered on people’s ideas about national identity. It included answers from people in more than 20 countries.(Q1) Pew researchers asked study participants about four aspects, or parts, of national identity: language, traditions, birthplace and religion. They found that language is by far the most valued aspect of national identity.In fact, a median of 91 percent of people across 21 countries said that speaking a country’s most common language is “important for being considered a true national.”Traditions and customs are also key to national identity, the study found. Beliefs about the other two aspects – birthplace and religion – were more divided.VOA Learning English spoke with several people who live in countries that were included in the study. Among them is Jorge Catalan. He has lived in Mexico most of his life. The Pew study found that 93 percent of respondents from Mexico said that speaking the country’s main language – Spanish – is important to national identity.Catalan said he agrees that speaking Spanish is very important. But he added that it is regrettable.He said, “Mexico is a place where we have around 68 spoken languages besides Spanish.” He noted that the government has pushed Spanish as the main language throughout history and has turned it into a “must-have tool.”Agatha Janzen was born and raised in Canada. Pew researchers found that more than 80 percent of Canadians say that speaking the country’s language is important to national identity. In Canada, both French and English are official languages.Janzen said that “speaking one of the official languages is important to being Canadian for practical reasons.”(Q1) Traditions and customs are also a central aspect of national identity, the study found. Results showed 81 percent of people believe sharing their country’s customs and traditions is somewhat or very important to national identity.The Pew study found that 67 percent of Brazilians consider practicing customs and traditions an important part of national identity. That is the fourth lowest percentage of all the countries included in the study.But customs and traditions are important to de Oliveira. To feel closer to her Brazilian identity, she said she wears jewelry and shoes from Brazil and follows and supports Brazilian soccer.Mexico is tied with the highest percentage of respondents who answered that customs and traditions are an important aspect of national identity. But for Catalan, they are not so important. He noted that Mexican traditions have changed over time. He added that he does not take part in many Mexican traditions, “but I still feel proudly Mexican.”Beliefs about the two other aspects of national identity – birthplace and religion – were more mixed. A median of 58 percent of respondents from 23 countries said that being born in a country is important to national identity. An even lower number of respondents – 42 percent – said that being a member of the country’s main religion is important to national identity.(Q2) Respondents from Mexico and Indonesia had the strongest feelings about the importance of birthplace as central to national identity, at 91 percent.Calatan, who was born and lived most of his life in Mexico, agrees somewhat. “If you are born outside of Mexico and never lived in it, it would be difficult to get a real sense of what being Mexican means.”(Q3) But Janzen, the Canadian, said, “Being born in Canada has nothing to do with being Canadian.” For her, Canada is a melting pot and offers refuge to those who need it.refuge n. 庇护；避难These ideas match the results of the study. Countries where immigrants make up a smaller share of the population tend to see birthplace as a more important aspect of national identity. (Q4) Countries with a greater share of immigrants are more willing to accept those born outside of the country as true nationals.Less than half of people in most of the countries in the study do not feel religion is important to national identity. All of those who spoke with Learning English said they agreed that religion is not an important part of national identity.Christine Huang is a research associate at the Pew Research Center. She is one of the writers of the study. She told Learning English, “This question of belonging in a country is related to other work we have done to measure how connected people feel to each other.”Huang added, “When looking at how people relate to others in their community, in their country, and all over the world, people most frequently report feeling close to others in their country.”|Part III. KEYQ1. A. 主旨题。文本中提到：“Pew researchers asked study participants about four aspects, or parts, of national identity: language, traditions, birthplace and religion. They found that language is by far the most valued aspect of national identity.” 以及“Traditions and customs are also a central aspect of national identity, the study found.”这表明研究参与者普遍认为语言和传统是民族身份最重要的部分，所以民族身份主要由一个人的语言和传统塑造。因此答案为A。Q2. C. 细节题。文本中提到：“Respondents from Mexico and Indonesia had the strongest feelings about the importance of birthplace as central to national identity, at 91 percent.” 这表明墨西哥和印度尼西亚的受访者中有91%的人认为出生地对于民族身份认同至关重要。因此答案为C。Q3. B. 推理题。Janzen表示：“Being born in Canada has nothing to do with being Canadian. For her, Canada is a melting pot and offers refuge to those who need it.” 这表明 Janzen 认为出生在加拿大与成为加拿大人无关，加拿大是一个大熔炉，为需要的人提供庇护，这意味着加拿大的民族身份认同是包容性的，不严格依赖于任何单一标准，如出生地或语言。因此答案为B。Q4. D. 推理题。文本中提到：“Countries with a greater share of immigrants are more willing to accept those born outside of the country as true nationals.” 这意味着拥有更多移民的国家更愿意接受在外国出生的人作为真正的国民，可推测出他们认为出生地对于国家身份认同不那么重要。因此答案为D。Q5. C. 主旨题。文本通过展示不同国家和个体对于语言、出生地和宗教在民族身份中重要性的不同看法，表明民族身份的概念在不同人群和国家之间存在差异。特别是对于出生地和宗教的看法更为混合，这表明民族身份的构成因素在不同文化和个体中有着不同的解读。因此答案为C。（本文图片来源于摄图网，版权归摄图网所有)

新闻听力｜人工智能关键术语与概念

Important Terms and Ideas for Describing Artificial Intelligence慢速 | 四级 难 | 753词 | 7min41s刘立军供稿Part I. QUESTIONSListen to the news and choose the best answer to each question you hear.Q1. What is the main characteristic of artificial intelligence (AI)?A. Translating languages for communication.B. Relying on human intelligence to work.C. Processing data with statistical methods.D. Using psychology as its primary method.Q2. What is the role of an algorithm in computer operations?A. A simple set of instructions.B. It helps achieve goals but does not involve learning.C. A series of steps that helps achieve goals and allows learning.D. It is used in traditional programs, not AI.Q3. What is the purpose of reinforcement learning in machine learning?A. To classify data into specific groups.B. To improve by trial-and-error processes.C. To identify patterns in large datasets.D. To strengthen neural network layers.Q4. What is the unique feature of deep learning?A. Using many layers of neural networks.B. Relying on unsupervised learning.C. Avoiding the use of raw data.D. Focusing on simple machine tasks.Q5. What is one issue with large language models (LLMs)?A. They cannot generate accurate answers.B. They only focus on generating recipes.C. They are unable to process legal questions.D. They often create false or misleading data.Q6. What is the ultimate goal of artificial general intelligence (AGI)?A. Reproducing human thinking processes.B. Translating languages with accuracy.C. Discovering trends in large datasets.D. Replacing humans in various fields.Part II. TRANSCRIPTImportant Terms and Ideas for Describing Artificial IntelligenceThere are several terms experts use to describe computer systems in the field of artificial intelligence. Recently, the French News Agency (AFP) defined some of the common terms and ideas used in that field. Here is a version for English learners:intelligence n. 智力，智能Artificial intelligence The first term is “artificial intelligence.” When asked what artificial intelligence is, the AI-powered ChatGPT system says that the term means “the simulation of human intelligence in machines that are programmed to think, learn and make decisions”. (Q1) AI’s main quality or characteristic is taking in large amounts of data and then processing it using methods from statistics. AI involves using ideas from many fields including computing, mathematics, languages, psychology, and others. Currently, the technology is being used heavily for investigating health issues, translating human languages, and predicting problems in machine tools and self-driving cars. But AI is affecting many fields of business and industry.simulation n. 模拟，仿真Algorithm A second important term is “algorithm.” (Q2) An algorithm is important to all computer operations. It is a series of steps or instructions followed by a computer program to get a result. Algorithms can give rules for an AI’s behavior, helping it to realize the objectives of computer program developers. Unlike a simple computer program, AI algorithms permit a computer system to “learn” for itself.algorithm n. 算法，运算法则Machine learning A third important term is “machine learning.” Machine learning is one method that researchers have used in their efforts to produce artificial intelligence. Machine learning lets computers learn from data without being directly programmed on what results to produce. In recent years, the field of neural networks has given important results. In a neural network, connections between some nodes are strengthened and others weakened as the system learns and makes changes. Learning can be “supervised.” This means the system learns to put new data into specific groups based on a model. For example, the system could learn to identify spam in an email or other messaging programs. “Unsupervised” learning permits the system to independently discover new areas or ways of doing things. These discoveries in the available data might not have been immediately clear. An example would be letting an online store identify buying trends in sales data. (Q3) “Reinforcement” learning adds a process of repeated trial-and-error. In this process, the system is rewarded based on its outcomes, causing it to learn and improve. One example might be a self-driving vehicle whose objective is to reach its destination as quickly as possible but also safely. That requirement would lead it to learn to stop at red lights although it requires additional time.neural adj. 神经的node n. 节点spam n. 垃圾邮件Deep learning (Q4) Deep learning owes its name to its use of many layers of neural networks. Raw data is examined by each layer in turn at growing levels of abstraction. Geoffrey Hinton received the 2024 Nobel Prize in Physics. Hinton is credited with developing deep learning. Hinton received the prize along with 1980s neural-network developer John Hopfield. Francis Bach, head of France’s SIERRA statistical learning laboratory, said this about deep learning: “The more layers you have, the more complex behavior can become, and the more complex the behavior can be, the easier it is to learn a desired behavior efficiently.” The method might help lead to scientific discoveries.Language models We now turn to large language models (LLMs). These might be the most popular example of generative AI. Large language models’ power tools like OpenAI’s ChatGPT or Google’s Gemini. Such systems are able to write long papers, answer legal questions or even produce a cake recipe based on their statistical models. But the technology is still new. (Q5) LLMs can suffer from “hallucinations” — the creation of content that is false or incorrect.hallucination n. 幻觉，虚构内容Artificial general intelligence A final important term is artificial general intelligence (AGI) — one the big goals of the whole AI field. (Q6) AGI suggests the unrealized dream of a machine able to reproduce all human processes of human thinking. People who push the idea include OpenAI chief Sam Altman and his competitors at Anthropic. They consider such a system to be within reach. The goal is to use large amounts of data and processing power to train LLMs that are increasingly powerful. But critics say that LLM technology has important limits, including its ability to reason. Maxime Amblard, computing professor at France’s University of Lorraine, told AFP last year, “LLMs do not work like human beings.” Amblard added that humans, as flesh-and-blood intelligent beings, are “sense-making machines” with different abilities from today’s computer systems.Part III. KEYQ1. C. 细节题。题目出处：AI’s main quality or characteristic is taking in large amounts of data and then processing it using methods from statistics. 意为：AI的主要特性是接收大量数据并使用统计方法进行处理。因此答案为C。Q2. C. 细节题。题目出处：An algorithm is ... a series of steps or instructions followed by a computer program to get a result. 以及AI algorithms permit a computer system to “learn” for itself.意为：算法是指计算机程序为获得结果而遵循的一系列步骤或指令；人工智能算法允许计算机系统“自主学习”。因此答案为C。Q3. B. 细节题。题目出处：Reinforcement learning adds a process of repeated trial-and-error. In this process, the system is rewarded based on its outcomes, causing it to learn and improve. 意为：强化学习添加了一个反复试验的过程；在这个过程中，系统基于其结果获得奖励，从而学习和改进。因此答案为B。Q4. A. 细节题。题目出处：Deep learning owes its name to its use of many layers of neural networks. Raw data is examined by each layer in turn at growing levels of abstraction. 意为：深度学习因其使用多层神经网络而得名；原始数据依次通过每一层进行更高层次的抽象分析。 因此答案为A。Q5. D. 细节题。题目出处：LLMs can suffer from ‘hallucinations’ — the creation of content that is false or incorrect. 意为：LLM可能会出现‘幻觉’——即生成虚假或错误内容。因此答案为D。Q6. A. 细节题。题目出处：AGI suggests the unrealized dream of a machine able to reproduce all human processes of human thinking. 意为：AGI表达了这样一个尚未实现的梦想——机器能够再现所有人类的思维过程。因此答案为A。 （本文图片来源于摄图网，版权归摄图网所有)

新闻听力 | 汽车防盗指南

VOA慢速：汽车防盗指南How to Protect Your Car from Being Stolen慢速| 四级 | 高考 | 650词 | 4min54s刘立军供稿Part I. QUESTIONSListen to the news and choose the best answer to each question you hear.Q1. What is the primary feature of the car “fob” mentioned in the text?A. It has a long-range communication capability.B. It can unlock the car door as the owner approaches.C. It requires manual activation to send a signal.D. It can only be used within a few feet of the car.Q2. What is a potential vulnerability of the fob that thieves could exploit?A. The fob can be easily damaged.B. The signal from the fob can be cloned by thieves.C. The fob is too expensive for most car owners.D. The fob’s signal can only be sent when the car is unlocked.Q3. What does Steve Launchbury recommend to protect the car key’s signal?A. Storing the key in a Faraday bag.B. Keeping the key in the microwave or freezer.C. Frequently reprogramming the key.D. Using the car's touchscreen to secure the signal.Q4. What is one of the traditional methods to deter car theft that is still considered effective?A. Using a steering wheel lock.B. Hiding the key in the car.C. Painting the car to make it less noticeable.D. Disabling the car’s alarm system.Q5. What is a new theft technique that involves the car’s controller area network (CAN)?A. Jamming the CAN to prevent communication between car parts.B. Physically connecting to the CAN to send unlock or start signals.C. Using a Faraday bag to block the CAN’s signal.D. Cloning the CAN’s signal with a scanner.Part II. TRANSCRIPTHow to Protect Your Car from Being StolenMost recent cars have an electronic key that lets the owner get into and start the car.The electronic key is called a “fob” to those who know about the technology. (Q1) The fob sends a short-range signal to the car. As the owner gets close, the fob unlocks the door.(Q2) But the new technology also makes it easier for criminals to open the car without the key.When you lock your car and take the key with you inside your home, the fob does not stop sending its signal.Thieves, who have special equipment known as scanners, will pass by streets with a lot of cars. (Q2) If the scanner shows that a fob is sending a signal, the thieves use a device that clones the signal and opens the car doors.Government officials around the world have asked carmakers to warn car buyers of the risks of the new technology. They also have asked them to make the fobs more secure.Until then, what can you do to prevent your car from being stolen?Steve Launchbury has some suggestions he shared with the Associated Press. He is the head engineer of automotive security company Thatcham Research based in Britain. Place your key in a protective bag“It’s relatively easy for drivers to protect themselves,” he said.(Q3) The first tip is to put your key into a protective container or bag when you get home. One kind is called a Faraday bag. They are not very costly. The bag is made from a special metal material called mesh that blocks the signal from the fob. Just do not forget to put any extra keys you have into that bag, too.Some advice that is easy to find online says people should put their keys into the microwave or freezer to prevent their signal from being stolen. Launchbury said that does not work and it could harm your key.Get a steering wheel lock(Q4) You may have seen large locks that go across the steering wheel in television advertisements many years ago. It turns out they are still useful. They may be considered “old school,” but the presence of big locks that are easy to see makes car thieves turn away. The only problem is that you must take extra time to unlock the device and put it away before you can drive away.steering n.（车辆等的）转向装置Change the settingsSome car makers permit owners to deactivate the signal sent out by the fob. For Ford, Honda and Audi, owners can use their car’s touchscreen system to find the correct way to turn off the signal. For Toyota, you can turn off the signal by pressing a combination of buttons on the fob.Read your car’s owner’s manual to be sure how to do this.Some car makers include motion sensors on their key fobs. If the fob has not been moved in a while, the fob turns off.If you buy a used car, some experts suggest that you get your keys reprogrammed in case the earlier owner still has a key.New theft techniquesLaunchbury said some cars have a new system called a controller area network, or CAN. The network permits different parts, or components, of the car to communicate with each other. (Q5) He said some thieves are trying to join the CAN through some physical electronic connection to unlock the car. They can do this by removing a headlight and plugging in a device that lets them in the car’s network.The device can send a signal, such as “unlock” or “start” to the central system.Launchbury said this is where the physical lock can cause thieves to change their mind and force them to move on. Owners can also consider electronic immobilizers. These devices prevent a car from moving even if a thief gets into the internal system. However, immobilizers can be costly.Part III. KEYQ1. B. 细节题。根据：“The fob sends a short-range signal to the car. As the owner gets close, the fob unlocks the door.”意为：“fob向汽车发送短距离信号。当车主靠近时，fob会解锁车门。”这表明fob的主要特点是能够在车主靠近时自动解锁车门，答案为B。Q2. B. 细节题。根据：“If the scanner shows that a fob is sending a signal, the thieves use a device that clones the signal and opens the car doors.” 意为：“如果扫描器显示fob正在发送信号，小偷们会使用一种设备克隆信号并打开车门。” 这表明fob的一个潜在漏洞是其信号能被小偷克隆，答案为B。Q3. A. 细节题。根据：“The first tip is to put your key into a protective container or bag when you get home. One kind is called a Faraday bag.” 意为：“第一个建议是，当你回家后，把你的钥匙放入一个保护性的容器或袋子里。其中一种叫做法拉第袋。” 这表明Steve Launchbury推荐将钥匙放在法拉第袋中来保护汽车钥匙的信号，答案为A。Q4. A. 细节题。根据：“You may have seen large locks that go across the steering wheel in television advertisements many years ago. It turns out they are still useful.” 意为：“你可能在多年前的电视广告中看到过横跨方向盘的大型锁。事实证明，它们仍然有用。”这表明使用方向盘锁是一种传统的且仍然有效的阻止汽车被盗的方法，答案为A。Q5. B. 推理题。根据：“He said some thieves are trying to join the CAN through some physical electronic connection to unlock the car. The device can send a signal, such as ‘unlock’ or ‘start’ to the central system.”意为：“他说一些小偷正试图通过某种物理电子连接加入CAN以解锁汽车。该设备可以发送一个信号，例如‘解锁’或‘启动’到中央系统。” 这可以推断出一种新的盗窃技术涉及物理连接到CAN以发送解锁或启动信号，答案为B。（本文图片来源于摄图网，版权归摄图网所有)

第12届教学大赛英语专业组特等奖胡笑然授课

授课点评：胡笑然老师以充分的课前准备、认真的育人态度、专业的学科素养、科学的教学方法，在限定的20分钟时间内出色地完成了所指定的授课任务，为全国高校英语专业师生呈现了一堂值得学习和反思的短课。在整个授课过程中，胡老师精神饱满，着装端庄，形象甜美，教态自然，认真专注，热情友好，充满活力，展现了良好的个人魅力，体现了青年教师的时代风貌。胡老师具有扎实的英语基本功、娴熟的课堂掌控能力和应变能力、流畅的语言表达能力；综述简洁明了，呈现单元设计、教学目标、相关活动和拟用时间；授课有明确的目标，以学生为中心，围绕单元主题和语篇意义，突出重点，聚焦难点，讲解和引导规范适切。胡老师有自己的教学理念，能运用一定的教学理论，遵循“题材—功能—活动”的教学原则，重视语言感知和信息获取，围绕单元主题展开教学，各教学步骤衔接自然。能注重培养学生的观察力、想象力和分析能力，积极帮助学生通过语篇学习，了解重要概念以及语篇作者的观念和意图，努力激发学生对语篇主题的学习兴趣，师生之间有积极的互动和良好的交流。能充分利用和发挥电子课件的辅助教学功能， PPT和嵌入视频有良好的功能性和实用性，形式与内容相吻合，体现了课件形式与课文内容、教学手段与教学目的有机关联和主从关系，发挥了现代化教学资源及手段的教学辅助作用，增强了学生对单元主题和语言表述的理解。从整体上看，胡老师的授课比较成功。授课目的明确，授课重点突出，内容讲解清晰，活动安排合理，起承转合自然，师生互动自然，课件使用得当，教学效果较好。当然，她所展示的这堂英语短课仍存在以下待改进之处：授课停留在主题词语的概念解读层面，对主题意义的挖掘不够深入；教师个人主导成分太强，讲解和提问过多，学生活动不足，活动形式比较单一；时间把握不够合理，没有时间结尾，匆忙收课，无法安排课后作业和课外活动；授课时间用于教学，缺乏对教学成效的必要评价活动，难以确定单元教学目标的达成。建议胡老师在今后的教学研究和实践中，更加重视单元设计的完整性和课堂教学的有效性，关注输入与输出、课内与课外、语篇意义与语言形式的协调，注重教学手段、过程、效果的统一，促进学生在语言知识、语用技能、心智、情感、态度等方面的综合发展和提高。点评专家：梅德明

第12届教学大赛英语专业组二等奖赵雪宇授课

授课点评：赵雪宇老师展示了“3A设计”，整合了准备、习得与应用这三个不同的教学阶段。对教学阶段和教学过程的表述比较清晰，教学过程在“3A设计”的基础上展开，强调学生参与的多元形式，例如学生提问、学生评价、学生总结等。设计框架层次清晰。教学展示与教学设计紧密地融合在了一起。展示伊始，教师提醒学生回忆“3A设计”，并且多次使用“I want you to be/do…”的句式，运用丰富的肢体语言、重读、停顿等方式明确提出了自己的期待，帮助学生更加直观地获得课堂学习的方向感。此外，教师对学生的分享做出了真诚的回应，而不只是用简短的评价话语敷衍了事，这对学习共同体的建构大有助益。这同时体现出教师对英语有着较好的掌握程度，能够从容、准确地重述学生观点，帮助学生修正语言表述上的错误，并提供更加规范、高效的表达方式。整体而言，赵老师在教学展示过程中教态得体，状态自然、松弛，说课清晰，且能够脱离讲稿等材料的辅助完成授课。课堂教学紧密围绕教学目标，环环相扣，逐步深入。她有效运用了多媒体课件，运用多样的视图突出核心教学内容，起到了辅助作用。可以看出赵老师的整体状态（尤其体现为笑容、身势，对重读、停顿的运用，以及真诚的回应）有效吸引了学生的注意力，激发了学生的学习兴趣，为学生创设了安全的发言空间，让学生有分享欲，愿意主动参与课堂互动。最后，建议赵老师未来可以在分析课文内容的同时，进一步在词汇层面对近义词加以辨析。点评专家：杨延宁

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