2026年真题34

Listen to part of a lecture in a biology class (man) We’ve been talking about the iconic North American monarch butterflies. Many monarch butterflies migrate annually between the northern United States, where they spend summer, and Mexico, where they spend winter. Previously, however, researchers could only guess at some details of monarch butterfly migrations. They knew where the butterflies started and ended their journey, but not what happened in between. Now, with the help of new tracking devices, scientists can track precise routes, including stopover points and even detours. This level of detail could reveal how climate patterns and habitat loss affect migration success. Early data have already revealed surprises. For example, some monarch butterflies take far longer pauses than we ever imagined. Specifically, several butterflies that were tagged with the tracking devices in Kansas lingered for nearly two weeks in central Texas before continuing southward. These extended stopovers may help butterflies refuel and recover energy, reshaping how conservationists think about preserving habitats along the migration corridor. The technology isn’t without challenges, however. The tracking devices depend on sunlight for power, so dense cloud cover along migration routes can limit data collection. Despite these and other hurdles, the knowledge gained would be vital for saving one of nature’s most iconic creatures.

Listen to a talk on a social podcast (woman) One of the most fascinating aspects of human culture is gift giving. While it might seem simple, it’s actually a deeply social act shaped by cultural norms. Anthropologists have found that gifts aren’t just about exchanging goods, they’re about building relationships. In many indigenous communities, gift giving plays a central role in ceremonies and rituals. For example, in the potlatch tradition among indigenous groups in the Pacific Northwest, gifts like food, blankets, or tools are exchanged during communal gatherings to honor guests, mark life events, and reinforce social bonds. These gifts carry meaning and create mutual obligations, helping maintain harmony and unity within the group. Now interestingly, receiving a gift often comes with an expectation to give back, not immediately but eventually. Anthropologist Marcel most described this as a spirit of reciprocity. And what’s important is that it’s not just a one-time transaction of you gave me something so I’ll give you something. This cycle is often repeated in continuous loop creating long-term connections and trust. Over time, this rhythm of giving and returning strengthens relationships and community ties. OK, now in more formal settings like business and diplomacy, gift giving can signal goodwill, but cultural sensitivity is key. For instance, while a potted plant might seem thoughtful and eco-friendly, in some cultures it could symbolize something negative, making it unsuitable for formal occasions, so knowing what’s appropriate really matters.

Listen to a talk on a history of technology podcast (man) You’ve probably used many remote controls for things like televisions, smart devices, and other electronics. My wife uses one to open the gate to her parking lot at work. Now, remote controls for TV’s have been around since the 1950s. Wired remote controls had been used before then back to around 1870, mostly for unpiloted, uh, military vehicles. Later, the inventor Nikola Tesla developed a wireless remote control for military vehicles in 1898. As for TV remotes, the first really popular one was developed in 1950. It was called the Lazy Bones and was pretty expensive. Unfortunately, the Lazy Bones was connected to the TV by a long wire, which of course was annoying and a trip hazard. It’s kind of hard to imagine this was more practical for most people than just getting up and turning the dial on the television yourself. A few years later, in 1955, a wireless remote was introduced, the Flash-Matic. To use the Flash-Matic, you’d point it at one of the corners of your TV screen. This would shine a light beam at the chosen corner. Now, each corner had its own purpose, channel up or down, power or mute. Each corner had a photoelectric cell to convert the light beam into an electrical signal to do what you want. Trouble was, the photoelectric cells responded to other light sources too, like from a light bulb or even sunlight. Imagine turning on a light bulb and your TV suddenly turns on too.

Listen to a lecture in an art history class (man) David Hockney, one of Britain’s most celebrated painters, is renowned for his use of bold color and constant experimentation. In the 1960s, he gained fame with large acrylic paintings of California swimming pools, works like A Bigger Splash, which captured light, leisure, and everyday moments from modern life with striking clarity. Throughout his career, Hockney embraced innovation, always exploring how technology could expand his artistic vision. Decades later, in 2009, that curiosity led him to digital art. He began on a mobile phone, drawn at first to its portability and ease of use. Digital painting offered freedoms unimaginable with oil paints or even acrylic paints: no drying time, no storage issues and infinite color choices at the tap of his fingers. Hockney used these features to crate vibrant landscapes and intimate still-lifes, often sharing them instantly with friends, a spontaneity that echoed his lifelong interest in technology’s role in art. Working on a small screen shaped his style, simplified forms, luminous colors and a fluid process that felt like a dialogue with light and time. Eventually, he moved to a tablet where a larger screen allowed broader gestures, richer details and more complex compositions. These works retained his fascination with the theme of daily life, but now they also reflected the freedoms of the digital medium: bolder colors, more clarity and freshness. Hockney’s digital paintings remind us that while tools evolve, art’s essence remains, seeing the world always in a new light.