Unit 7 Evolving technology

I. Fill in the blanks with appropriate words or word forms.

Word bank: conventional | competitive | pace | groundbreaking | uncover | identify | upgrade | emission | cultivate | grassroots | disrupt | optimistic | equally

  1. In today's highly job market, having a unique skill set and a good attitude is essential to stand out from other candidates.
  2. The medical researchers spent months analyzing the lab results before successfully the exact virus responsible for the unexpected outbreak.
  3. Artificial intelligence and automation are rapidly traditional industries, forcing many companies to change the way they operate.
  4. Many countries have signed international agreements to significantly reduce carbon from factories and vehicles to fight global warming.
  5. While having a smart strategy is important for a startup's success, having a dedicated and hardworking team is crucial.
  6. The successful environmental campaign didn't start with politicians; it began as a movement organized by ordinary citizens in local neighborhoods.
  7. The airline announced that all economy class seats will be next month to include personal entertainment screens and better legroom.
  8. Unlike farming methods that rely heavily on chemical pesticides, organic farming uses natural insects and compost to protect crops.
  9. Teachers should encourage their students to read extensively outside the classroom in order to a lifelong love for learning.
  10. The of technological change is so incredibly fast nowadays that it is often difficult for older generations to keep up.
  11. During the excavation (挖掘) last week, the archaeological team a hidden tomb dating back to the Han Dynasty.
  12. The scientists won the Nobel Prize for their research, which completely changed our fundamental understanding of quantum physics.
  13. Despite the recent economic downturn, the CEO remains deeply about the company's future growth and continues to invest in new projects.

II. Translate the following sentences into English.

  1. 这位艺术家的设计过于超前，因此在首次展出时招致了许多传统评论家的严厉批评。
  2. 既然你熟悉他通常保守的行事作风，那他突然辞职去环游世界的决定一定会让你大吃一惊。
  3. 这家科技公司将他们的新软件建立在大量的用户反馈之上，这项举措极大地促成了销量的提升。
  4. 自从这座古城堡被指定为世界文化遗产(World Cultural Heritage)后，那些关于隐秘宝藏的传说便深深地激发了全世界探险家们的想象力。
  5. 在政府主导的清洁能源运动的支持下，该地区成功跨越了严重依赖化石燃料的发展阶段，直接建立起了风能电网。

III. Banked Cloze

  1. A) fix
  2. B) cycle
  3. C) improvements
  4. D) changes
  5. E) gradually
  6. F) complicated
  7. G) normal
  8. H) hidden
  9. I) question
  10. J) standards
  11. K) rest
  12. L) unique
  13. M) private
  14. N) physically
  15. O) admit

A recent survey of 2,000 UK mothers revealed that a staggering 81% have experienced burnout. Experts warn that when this condition is ignored, it can severely damage both mental and physical well-being.

Dr Allison Venzon, a family medicine physician, explains that while some stress in motherhood is perfectly (1) , it crosses a dangerous line when it becomes constant. This unhealthy state is often called “mum burnout” or depleted mother syndrome. “Mothers may feel worn down most of the time,” she notes. “Even when they (2) , they don’t feel refreshed.”

The first warning signs are usually physical. Mothers might experience deep, persistent fatigue that sleep doesn’t (3) , frequent headaches, increased illnesses, or sudden (4) in appetite. Following the physical signs are heavy emotional tolls. Mum burnout often brings mental exhaustion, guilt, and irritability. Many mothers feel lonely, struggle with shame, or (5) if they are simply a “bad mum,” wondering why parenting feels much harder than they originally anticipated. Dr Emma Svanberg, author of Parenting For Humans, points out that overwhelmed parents might emotionally distance themselves from their children because they cannot (6) step away from them.

Fortunately, breaking the (7) of exhaustion is possible. The first step to recovery is recognizing the problem. From there, small, consistent actions are key. Dr Venzon recommends simple mindfulness practices, like deep breathing or gentle movement, to calm the nervous system. Self-care is equally vital, but it doesn’t need to be (8) . Taking 15 minutes completely alone, eating properly, getting fresh air, and prioritizing sleep are highly effective. Additionally, sharing responsibilities and asking for help are just as important as resting.

Finally, Dr Venzon advises letting go of the unrealistic, picture-perfect parenting (9) often pushed by social media. Finding what works for your (10) family lightens the mental load. However, if feelings of extreme sadness, emotional numbness, or exhaustion persist, mothers should not hesitate to reach out to a healthcare professional for support.

IV. Listen to the news report and choose the correct answer.

















V. Listen to the conversation and choose the correct answer.





















VI. Listen to the passage and choose the correct answer.