2026年真题13

Listen to a talk on an archaeology podcast (man) Throughout the years, archaeologists have discovered many fascinating artifacts on the Greek Island of Crete. One example is the Phaistos Disc, an ancient clay artifact that was found in the ruins of the Minoan palace at Phaistos. The Minoan civilization lasted from about 3100 BCE to 1100 BCE. And we think this artifact was made in the second millennium BCD. It was discovered in 1908 and it features many stamp’s symbols, 241 to be exact, in the shape of a spiral. The symbols, they include images of things like animals, tools, and so on. These animals, tools, and other images form a pattern in the shape of a spiral. What’s so interesting, symbols are unlike anything else from the Minoan civilization or another known writing system. Many experts have tried to decipher these enigmatic symbols. Some suggest they could represent an unknown language. Others think they might represent a calendar or even a religious hymn. Yet, no consensus has been reached. Another intriguing thing about the Phaistos Disc is the method used to imprint symbols. This involved pressing prefabricated stamps into wet clay. This process is really remarkable. It suggests a level of sophistication similar to early printing. Some scholars hypothesize that the disc might be an import from another culture, a lone artifact brought to Crete by traders or travelers. But this is another point of contention surrounding this fascinating artifact.

Listen to a talk in an art history class (man) Today, we delve into the enigmatic world of outsider art, which refers to pieces created outside the boundaries of the traditional art world by self-taught artist. These artists typically work outside the mainstream, producing pieces that are raw, authentic, and deeply personal. Many creators of outsider art have faced personal challenges which, in turn, have influenced their work. This gives their art the profound depth, often resonating deeply with audiences. An intriguing case is the work of James Castle, an artist who was born deaf and never learn to read, write or speak. In his drawings, James Castle used soot form his wood stove, and spit, uh, saliva as his primary materials, creating works that now hang in renowned galleries worldwide. What makes outsider art so compelling is its raw authenticity, but that same authenticity can be a barrier. Without formal training or gallery representation, outsider artists often struggle to gain visibility. Their work doesn’t always fit into the neat categories curators and collectors expect, which means fewer exhibitions, less funding, and limited access to network that could elevate their careers. The art world can be insular, favoring artists with art degrees, connections, or institutional backing. For outsiders, even getting a foot in the door can feel impossible. But here’s the twist: outsider art is often the most innovative and most emotionally resonant. It’s art that doesn’t ask for permission. It just is and that’s exactly why it deserves more space, more support, and more recognition.

Listen to a talk in a geography class (man) Desertification is the process by which fertile land transforms into desert, typically as a result of drought, deforestation, or unsustainable agricultural practices. One significant driver of desertification is the over-exploitation of land for intensive agriculture. This can exhaust soil nutrients, diminish vegetation cover, and accelerate erosion. Without root systems to anchor the soil, wind and water strip away topsoil, leaving behind barren land. In some cases, monoculture farming and excessive irrigation also contribute by disrupting natural soil chemistry. Deforestation further intensifies desertification. When forests are cleared for timber or agricultural expansion, the absence of trees reduces the land’s capacity to retain moisture. This loss of canopy cover not only dries out the soil but also disrupts local rainfall patterns, compounding the desert spread. Climate change is another accelerating force. Rising global temperatures and shifting precipitation cycles lead to prolonged droughts and extreme weather events, placing additional stress on soil and vegetation. Once fertile regions are becoming increasingly arid and agriculturally unviable. Desertification can trigger food and water insecurity, and species adapted to specific soil and moisture conditions may struggle to survive. Mitigation efforts include sustainable land management, reforestation, and soil restoration initiatives. Projects like the Great Green Wall in Africa aim to reverse degradation by planting trees and creating green jobs. Addressing desertification is essential not only for environmental health, but also for the stability and resilience of human communities worldwide.

Listen to a talk in a business class (man) Today, we’re discussing the concept of dark stores, that is, retail centers that resemble warehouses and are usually located near city centers. Unlike traditional storefronts, they are not designed for walk-in customers, but function as fulfillment hubs optimized for rapid online delivery. The rise of dark stores has been fueled by the growing demand for online shopping, especially in urban areas where space is limited and rent is high. The main appeal of dark stores lies in their efficiency. By eliminating the traditional storefront, businesses can reduce overhead costs and pass savings on to consumers through lower prices. Their proximity to dense urban areas also allows for faster delivery times, meeting the expectations of customers who value speed and convenience. For instance, a company might delivery groceries in under an hour, giving it a major competitive advantage over traditional supermarkets. However, dark stores are not without drawbacks. Their expansion can contribute to the decline of traditional retail spaces, creating economic challenges for local businesses. Employment is another concern. While these centers generate jobs in logistics and delivery, they may reduce the number of customer-facing roles available in physical stores. Looking ahead, many experts predict that dark stores will continue to reshape the retail landscape. Some may adopt advanced automation, further reducing the need for human labor and potentially redefining the shopping experience itself. As with other technological shifts, the key challenge will be balancing efficiency with the boarder social and economic implications of these changes.