2026年真题21

Listen to a talk in a biology class (man) Frogs aren’t just known for their croaks and leaps. They’re key players in ecosystems, acting as both predators and prey, but scientists have been sounding the alarm. Frog population are shrinking fast across the globe. One major reason is chemical pollution. Pesticides and other pollutants often end up in the water where frogs live and breed. These chemicals interfere with their reproductive systems, leading to fewer eggs and developmental issues in tadpoles. Over time, this can cause entire population to collapse. Another serious threat is disease, especially a fungus called Chytrid. This fungus attacks the skin of frogs, which is vital for absorbing water and regulating electrolytes. Infected frogs often become lethargic, lose coordination, and eventually die. Chytrid has spread rapidly and is responsible for declines and extinctions in hundreds of frog species worldwide. It’s one of the most devastating wildlife diseases ever recorded. Why is this problematic? Frogs also serve as indicators of environmental health. Because they’re so sensitive to changes in water quality and temperature, their decline often signals deeper ecological problems. Bees play a similar role. When bee populations drop, it can point to issues like pesticide overuse or habitat stress. So when frogs and bees are struggling, it’s a warning sign that the environment needs attention.

Listen to a talk in an art history class (woman) Last week, we talked about realism, in which artists aimed to depict the world as it really exists. Today, we’ll explore surrealism. Starting in France in the 1920s, surrealist artists focused on inner realities, concepts such as fantasy and the nature of dreams. Their works reflected a combination of these inner realities as well as outer realities, that is, things we physically experience. Their paintings often depicted a familiar scene, but in a dreamlike manner. Spaniard Joan Miro was especially adept at surrealism. Interestingly, though, Miro never wanted to be associated with any artistic movement, and he never called himself a surrealist, but his contemporaries did, and we can see why they did when we look at Miro’s work. Miro typically painted in two stages. The latter stage was carefully calculated. It was meticulous and precise. Miro knew exactly what he was doing in this stage. But in the initial stage, Miro didn’t plan what he was going to paint. He just started painting. The form, whatever it was, a bird, a building, whatever appeared on the canvas, the form suggested itself under his brush. That’s how Miro described it. This method of creating art without conscious control is called automatism. Automatism is quite noticeable in a work of Miro’s that is titled, simply, Painting. Even Miro couldn’t fully explain the meaning of this work. Presumably the images that appeared came from things deep inside him, things he may not have even known were there.

Listen to a talk on a social science podcast (woman) Today, we’re exploring a fascinating concept in social science known as pluralistic ignorance. Pluralistic ignorance describes a situation where the majority of members in a group privately reject a norm or standard, but assume incorrectly that most others accept it. This often results in everyone conforming to a norm they don’t truly agree with. A classic example occurs in workplace overtime culture. Many employees might prefer to leave work on time, but they stay late because they believe everyone else is committed to working extra hours. In reality, most colleagues also wish to leave on time but fear appearing less dedicated. Research highlights this dynamic. When employees are asked privately about their preferences, many express a desire for better work-life balance despite their public behavior suggesting enthusiasm for long hours. Pluralistic ignorance has broad implications well beyond the workplace. Notably, it can perpetuate social stereotypes and hinder societal change, as individuals might hesitate to voice dissenting opinions, thinking they’re in the minority. However, overcoming pluralistic ignorance has powerful benefits. When even one person speaks up, it can embolden others to express their true beliefs, potentially leading to a shift in group norms and to more honest, authentic communities. But there’s a challenge and it’s a big one. Being the first to speak out often requires courage, as it can risk one’s social standing among one’s peers.

Listen to a talk in a physics class (man) Today, we’re going to explore a phenomenon called thin film interference. This is an optical effect that occurs when light interacts with very thin surfaces. Imagine a soap bubble floating in the air. Although it’s made of clear liquid, it shines with shifting rainbow colors. Thin film interference explains how this shimmering display occurs. When light strikes a bubble, some reflects off the outer surface and some reflects off the inner surface. As these waves meet, they can either work together or work against each other. If they reinforce one another, the color looks brighter. This is called constructive interference because the waves are constructing, or building, the light. If the waves hit each other and cancel each other out, the color fades. This is destructive interference because the waves are destroying each other’s effect. Which color appears depends on factors that keep changing, factors like the thickness of the film and the angle of the light. As these factors shift, some wavelengths are reinforced while others are cancelled and that constant change is what produces the bubble’s rainbow shimmer. The thin film that creates these dazzling colors also makes the bubble fragile. Because the layer is so delicate, the bubble can burst with the slightest touch or breeze. Scientists are interested in applying thin film interference to technology. Possible uses include paints that shine with bright colors without pigments and anti-reflective coatings for lenses.