比尔·盖茨展望2024年

Looking Forward to the Year Ahead in 2024

常速| 高考 偏难 | 212词| 1min27s

刘立军供稿

Part I. QUESTIONS

Listen to the talk and choose the best answer to each question you hear.

Q1. Why was the year 2023 exciting for the speaker personally?

A. Because he visited many countries.

B. Because he became a grandfather.

C. Because he started a new job.

D. Because he won a prestigious award.

Q2. What will people globally likely remember about the year 2023?

A. The expansion of AI technologies.

B. The resolution of conflicts worldwide.

C. The instability and wars in various regions.

D. The decline in the importance of AI technology.

Q3. According to the speaker, what will not be the only important thing next year?

A. Foreign aid from the United States.

B. The fight against climate change.

C. Improvements in the field of health.

D. AI and its various applications.

Q4. What can be inferred about the speaker's view on the United States' role in the world?

A. The U.S. has had a significantly positive influence through its aid.

B. The U.S. has a negative impact on global health issues.

C. The U.S. should stop providing foreign aid.

D. The U.S. will likely reduce its participation in global elections.

Q5. What does the speaker suggest people do if they are looking for reasons to be optimistic about the year ahead?

A. Attend a conference on climate change.

B. Read the letter the speaker has written.

C. Donate to foreign aid programs.

D. Learn about the U.S. elections.

Part II. TRANSCRIPT

Looking Forward to the Year Ahead in 2024

The new year is almost here. (Q1) 2023 was exciting for me personally because I became a grandfather and got to spend time with my new granddaughter.

(Q2) I think for the world, what people will remember is the instability, wars in the Middle East and continuing in Ukraine and other places. And they’ll think of it as the kickoff year for AI, with all of the promise and concern that that creates. I think we’ll be using AI in beneficial ways, including in health and education and for all countries, not just the rich countries, (Q3) but AI isn’t the only thing that will be important next year. We’ll also improve health. We’ll save kids’ lives with a probiotic to reduce malnutrition. The climate fight. You’ll see lots of innovations coming into the marketplace, even in areas like nuclear that are very complicated.

kickoff n.（事件或活动的）开始，开幕

probiotic n. 含益生菌的食品

malnutrition n. 营养不良

And of course, next year, we’ll have important elections, including in the United States. (Q4) I’m hopeful that the U.S. will continue its incredibly constructive role with foreign aid to save millions of lives, providing HIV drugs to millions of people. (Q5) If you’re looking for reasons to be optimistic about the year ahead, I hope you’ll take a few minutes and read my letter. You can find it now at gatesnotes.com.

Part III. KEY

1. B. 细节题。文章提到：“2023 was exciting for me personally because I became a grandfather…” 意为：“对我个人而言，2023年很激动人心，因为我成为了一位祖父……”。根据此句，可以确定讲话者的兴奋之情源自成为祖父。因此答案为B。

2. C. 细节题。文章提到：“I think for the world, what people will remember is the instability, wars in the Middle East and continuing in Ukraine and other places.”意为：“我认为对于世界来说，大家会记得的是不稳定、中东的战争以及乌克兰和其他地方的持续冲突。” 根据此句，可以确定人们可能会记住的是世界的不稳定和各地的战争。因此答案为C。

3. D. 细节题。文章提到：“...but AI isn’t the only thing that will be important next year.”意为：“……但AI并不是明年唯一重要的事情。”因此答案为D。

4. A. 推理题。文章提到：“I’m hopeful that the U.S. will continue its incredibly constructive role with foreign aid to save millions of lives…”意为：“我希望美国将继续其通过外援拯救数百万生命的极其建设性的角色……”。 因此，可以推断作者认为美国通过其援助在世界上发挥了非常积极的影响。因此答案为A。

5. B. 细节题。文章提到：“If you’re looking for reasons to be optimistic about the year ahead, I hope you’ll take a few minutes and read my letter.”意为：“如果你正在寻找理由来对未来一年抱有乐观态度，我希望你能花几分钟时间读读我的信。”因此答案为B。

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