The Intelligent Transport team at Newcastle University have turned an electric car into a mobile laboratory named “DriveLAB” in order to understand the challenges faced by older drivers and to discover where the key stress points are.
Research shows that giving up driving is one of the key reasons for a fall in health and well-being among older people, leading to them becoming more isolated(隔绝) and inactive.
Led by Professor Phil Blythe, the Newcastle team are developing in-vehicle technologies for older drivers which they hope could help them to continue driving into later life.
These include custom-made navigation(导航) tools, night vision systems and intelligent speed adaptations. Phil Blythe explains: “For many older people, particularly those living alone or in the country, driving is important for preserving their independence, giving them the freedom to get out and about without having to rely on others.”
“But we all have to accept that as we get older our reactions slow down and this often results in people avoiding any potentially challenging driving conditions and losing confidence in their driving skills. The result is that people stop driving before they really need to.”
Dr Amy Guo, the leading researcher on the older driver study, explains, “The DriveLAB is helping us to understand what the key points and difficulties are for older drivers and how we might use technology to address these problems.
“For example, most of us would expect older drivers always go slower than everyone else but surprisingly, we found that in 30mph zones they struggled to keep at a constant speed and so were more likely to break the speed limit and be at risk of getting fined. We’re looking at the benefits of systems which control their speed as a way of preventing that.
“We hope that our work will help with technological solutions(解决方案) to ensure that older drivers stay safer behind the wheel.”
1.What is the purpose of the Drivel AB?
A.To explore newmeans of transport.
B.To design new types of cars.
C.To find out older driver`s problems.
D.To teach people traffic rules.
2.Why is driving important for older people according to Phil Blythe?
A.It keeps them independent.
B.It helps them save time.
C.It builds up their strength.
D.It cures their mental illnesses.
3.What do researchers hope to do for older drivers?
A.Improve their driving skills.
B.Develop driver-assist technologles.
C.Provide tips on repairing their cars.
D.Organize regular physical checkups.
4.What is the best title for the text?
A.A new Model Electric Car
B.A Solution to Traffic Problem
C.Driving Service for elders
D.Keeping Older Drivers on the Road
After years of heated debate, gray wolves were reintroduced to Yellowstone National Park. Fourteen wolves were caught in Canada and transported to the park. By last year, the Yellowstone wolf population had grown to more than 170 wolves.
Gray wolves once were seen here and there in the Yellowstone area and much of the continental United States, but they were gradually displaced by human development. By the 1920s, wolves had practically disappeared from the Yellowstone area. They went farther north into the deep forests of Canada, where there were fewer humans around.
The disappearance of the wolves had many unexpected results. Deer and elk populations — major food sources (来源) for the wolf – grew rapidly. These animals consumed large amounts of vegetation (植被), which reduced plant diversity in the park. In the absence of wolves, coyote populations also grew quickly. The coyotes killed a large percentage of the park’ s red foxes, and completely drove away the park’ s beavers.
As early as 1966,biologists asked the government to consider reintroducing wolves to Yellowstone Park.They hoped that wolves would be able to control the elk and coyote problems.Many farmers opposed the plan because they feared that wolves would kill their farm animals or pets.
The government spent nearly 30 years coming up with a plan to reintroduce the wolvers. The U.S.Fish and Wildlife Service carefully monitors and manages the wolf packs in Yellowstone.Today,the debate continues over how well the gray wolf is fitting in at Yellowstone.Elk,deer,and coyote populations are down,while beavers and red fores have made a comeback.The Yellowstone wolf project has been a valuable experiment to help biologists decide whether to reintroduce wolves to other parts of the country as well.
1.What is the text mainly about?
A.Wildlife research in the United States.
B.Plant diversity in the Yellowstone area.
C.The conflict between farmers and gray wolves.
D.The reintroduction of wolves to Yellowstone Park.
2.What does the underlined word “displaced” in paragraph 2 mean?
A.Tested. B.Separated. C.Forced out. D.Tracked down.
3.What did the disappearance of gray wolves bring about？
A.Damage to local ecology. B.A decline in the park’s income.
C.Preservation of vegetation. D.An increase in the variety of animals.
4.What is the author’s attitude towards the Yellowstone wolf project？
A.Doubtful. B.Positive. C.Disapproving. D.Uncaring.
Minutes after the last movie ended yesterday at the Plaza Theater, employees were busy sweeping up popcorns and gathering coke cups. It was a scene that had been repeated many times in the theater’s 75-year history. This time, however, the cleanup was a little different. As one group of workers carried out the rubbish, another group began removing seats and other theater equipment in preparation for the building’s end.
The film classic The Last Picture Show was the last movie shown in the old theater. Though the movie is 30 years old, most of the 250 seats were filled with teary-eyed audience wanting to say good-be to the old building. Theater owner Ed Bradford said he chose the movie because it seemed appropriate. The movie is set in a small town where the only movie theater is preparing to close down.
Bradford said that large modern theaters in the city made it impossible for the Plaza to compete. He added that the theater’s location(位置) was also a reason. “This used to be the center of town,” he said. “Now the area is mostly office buildings and warehouses.”
Last week some city officials suggested the city might be interested in turning the old theater into a museum and public meeting place. However, these plans were abandoned because of financial problems. Bradford sold the building and land to a local development firm, which plans to build a shopping complex on the land where the theater is located.
The theater audience said good-by as Bradford locked the doors for the last time. After 75 years the Plaza Theater has shown its last movie. The theater will be missed.
1. In what way was yesterday’s cleanup at the Plaza special?
A. It made room for new equipment.
B. It signaled the closedown of the theater.
C. It was done with the help of the audience.
D. It marked the 75th anniversary of the theater.
2. Why was The Last Picture Show put on?
A. It was an all-time classic. B. It was about the history of the town.
C. The audience requested it. D. The theater owner found it suitable.
3.What will probably happen to the building?
A. It will be repaired. B. It will be turned into a museum.
C. It will be knocked down. D. It will be sold to the city government.
4.What can we infer about the audience?
A. They are disappointed with Bradford. B. They are sad to part with the old theater.
C. They are supportive of the city officials. D. They are eager to have a shopping center.
San Francisco Fire Engine Tours
San Francisco Winery Tour
Running: February 1st through April 30th
This delicious tour goes through the city on its way to Treasure Island where we will stop at the famous Winery SF. Here you can enjoy 4 pours of some of the best wine San Francisco has to offer.(Included in tickets price)
Departing from the Cannery: Tell time upon request.
Duration(时长)：2 hours
Price: $90
Back to the Fifties Tour
Running: August 16th through August 31st
This tour transports you back in time to one of San Francisco’s most fantastic periods, the 1950s! Enjoy fun history as we take you through San Francisco for a free taste of ice cream.
Departing form the Cannery 5:00 pm and 7:00 pm
Duration:2 hours
Price:$90
Spooky Halloween Tour
Running: October 10th through October 31st
Join us for a ride through the historical Presidio district .Authentic fire gear （服装）is provided for your warmth as our entertainers take you to some of the most thrilling parts of San Francisco
Departing from the Cannery:6:30 pm and 8:30 pm
Duration :1 hour and 30 minutes
Price: Available upon request
Holiday Lights Tour
Running: December 6th through December 23nd
This tractive four takes you to some of San Francis’s most cheerful holiday scenes. Authentic fire gear is provided for your warmth as you get into the holiday spirit.
Departing from the Cannery 7:00 pm and 9:00 pm
Duration: I hour and 30 minutes
Advance reservations required.
1.Which of the tours is available in March?
A.San Francisco Winery Tour.
B.Back to the Fifties Tour.
C.Spooky Hallowen Tour.
D.Holiday Lights Tour.
2.What can tourists do on Back to the Fifties Tours?
A.Go to Treasure Island.
B.Enjoy the holiday scenes.
C.Have free ice cream.
D.Visit the Presidio district.
3.What are tourists required to do to go on Holiday Lights Tour?
A.Take some drinks.
B.Set off early in the morning.
C.Wear warm clothes.
D.Make reservations in advance.
假定你是李华。你所在的校乒乓球队正在招收新队员。请给你的留学生朋友Eric写封邮件邀请他加入，内容包括：
1. 球队活动；
2. 报名方式及截止日期。
注意：
1. 词数100左右；
2. 可以适当增加细节，以使行文连贯。
假定英语课上老师要求同桌之间交换修改作文，请你修改你同桌写的以下作文。文中共有10处语言错误，每句中最多有两处。每处错误仅涉及一个单词的增加、删除或修改。
增加：在缺词处加一个漏字符号(∧)，并在其下面写出该加的词。
删除：把多余的词用斜线(＼)划掉。
修改：在错的词下划一横线，并在该词下面写出修改后的词。
注意：1. 每处错误及其修改均仅限一词；
2. 只允许修改10处，多者(从第11处起)不计分。
When I look at this picture of myself. I realize of how fast time flies. I had grown not only physically.and also mentally in the past few years. About one month after this photo was took, I entered my second year of high school and become a new member of the school music club. Around me in picture are the things they were very important in my life at that time,car magazines and musical instruments. I enjoyed studying difference kings of cars and planes,playing pop music, and collecting the late music albums. This picture often brings back to me many happy memories of your high school days.
