Feedback from my teacher highlighted that I should focus on listening to a variety of native speakers and practicing speaking regularly to improve fluency. I plan to continue watching English videos with subtitles, as this helps me understand context and pick up new phrases. Additionally, I will engage in more conversation practice, either with classmates or through language exchange platforms, to boost my speaking confidence and improve my pronunciation.

Good afternoon,I am going to write an essay to introduce myself. After the announcement of the college entrance examination results, I carefully planned my personal major choice and future career direction. After careful consideration, I believe that the professional fields in the field of finance and economics are particularly suitable for my interests and abilities. Among the many finance and economics disciplines, I particularly favor accounting, as it has obvious advantages. In addition, one of the important considerations for choosing this major is that it adopts a Sino-foreign cooperative education model, and students can obtain both Chinese and foreign degree certificates. I believe that this arrangement will play a huge role in my future application for overseas graduate programs and job hunting. In terms of overseas study, the dual degree certificate will increase my chances of being admitted to more prestigious universities ranked higher on the QS list.In the job market, it will help me secure job offers from top companies, thereby bringing higher salaries and more extensive career development opportunities.

Thank you for your viewing,

best wishes,

Hanson

ARTICLE:https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s42979-021-00815-1

Paragraph:The possession of nuclear weapons by any nation lacks justification due to their catastrophic humanitarian and environmental consequences. The deployment of such weapons results in indiscriminate destruction, causing immense loss of life and long-term ecological damage. Furthermore, the existence of nuclear arsenals perpetuates global insecurity, as nations may engage in arms races, heightening the risk of accidental or intentional nuclear conflict. The resources allocated to developing and maintaining these weapons could be better utilized in addressing pressing global issues such as poverty, healthcare, and education. Therefore, the abolition of nuclear weapons is imperative for fostering a safer and more equitable world.

One theory of motivation that applies to both work and sports is the goal-setting theory. Goal-setting theory emphasizes that specific and challenging goals lead to higher performance and motivation than vague or easy goals. In this context, "goal" refers to a desired outcome that guides behavior. For example, in the workplace, a salesperson might aim to increase sales by 20% over the next quarter. In sports, an athlete might set a goal to improve their running speed by five seconds in the upcoming season. By setting clear goals, individuals are more likely to focus their efforts and feel a sense of accomplishment upon reaching them.

Key Points of the Authors: The authors discuss the current state of global climate change, the causes of warming, and analyze the patterns and factors influencing climate change. The paper examines the impacts of climate warming on environmental air quality, ecosystem services, hydrological water resources, and renewable energy supply, proposing scientific and rational countermeasures.

Evidence Provided: The paper cites various studies and data, including research on temperature changes in different landscape belts of China over the past 50 years, trends in temperature observed through radiosonde observations over the past 60 years in China, and climate change characteristics of winter and summer temperatures and precipitation at Chinese station sites, to support their arguments.

Am I Convinced by Their Stance? Why/Why Not? The paper provides multiple studies and data to back up its stance on the impacts of climate change, which adds credibility to their claims. However, whether I am fully convinced requires considering additional research and data, especially those that may contradict or complement the findings presented in the paper. Climate change is a complex global issue that requires a comprehensive understanding based on a multitude of evidence and studies.

Feedback from my teacher highlighted that I should focus on listening to a variety of native speakers and practicing speaking regularly to improve fluency. I plan to continue watching English videos with subtitles, as this helps me understand context and pick up new phrases. Additionally, I will engage in more conversation practice, either with classmates or through language exchange platforms, to boost my speaking confidence and improve my pronunciation.

• Sustainability Crisis in Fashion: Widmaier highlights the significant environmental impact of the fashion industry, particularly due to the production of leather, which is resource-intensive and harmful to the environment.

• The Potential of Mycelium: Mycelium, a naturally occurring material found in mushrooms, can be cultivated quickly and cheaply, offering a biodegradable, eco-friendly replacement for leather. It can be grown using waste materials like sawdust, making it a renewable resource.

• Environmental Benefits: Unlike traditional leather production, which involves toxic chemicals and contributes to deforestation, mycelium-based leather reduces the need for these harmful practices. It is biodegradable, reducing the long-term environmental impact of discarded fashion products.

• Practical and Aesthetic Uses: Mycelium can be used to create durable, attractive materials for fashion products such as shoes, bags, and jackets. These mushroom-based materials are not only sustainable but also functional and aesthetically pleasing.

• Innovation and Consumer Demand: The talk emphasizes how scientific innovation in materials science can help meet the growing consumer demand for sustainable, ethical fashion. Mycelium offers a solution that aligns with both environmental needs and market trends.

In this interview with Elon Musk, conducted at the Tesla Texas Gigafactory, Musk discusses his vision for the future, focusing on key areas such as electric vehicles (EVs), renewable energy, and space exploration. He emphasizes how technological innovation is critical for addressing the world's most pressing problems, particularly the environment and the survival of humanity.

1. Electric Vehicles and Sustainable Transportation:

• Musk highlights the importance of electric vehicles in reducing global carbon emissions. He discusses how Tesla has been at the forefront of making electric cars more accessible and affordable, aiming to transition the world away from fossil fuel-based vehicles. Tesla's electric cars, he says, are an essential part of the solution to the climate crisis.

• In addition, Musk talks about the advancements in autonomous driving technology, which he believes will not only improve road safety but also revolutionize transportation by reducing traffic congestion and making driving more efficient.

2. Renewable Energy and Energy Storage:

• A key focus of Musk's talk is solar energy and energy storage. He emphasizes the need for a global transition to renewable energy sources, such as solar, to replace fossil fuels and mitigate climate change. Musk sees Tesla's solar panels and Powerwall (energy storage units) as critical tools for households to store and use renewable energy more effectively.

• Musk explains that these technologies could solve the intermittency problem of renewable energy, making a fully sustainable global grid possible.

3. Space Exploration and Multiplanetary Life:

• Musk shares his bold vision for SpaceX and the future of interplanetary travel. He argues that humanity's survival might depend on becoming a multi-planet species, with Mars colonization being a potential pathway. He explains that technological breakthroughs are necessary to make space travel more affordable and practical, ensuring that space exploration is no longer a distant dream.

• He sees space exploration not just as a technological challenge, but as an essential step for the long-term survival of humanity. He compares the risks we face on Earth (such as natural disasters, pandemics, or even human-made disasters) and advocates for building a backup civilization on other planets.

4. Innovation and Technological Progress:

• Musk emphasizes that technological innovation is essential to solving humanity's biggest challenges, like climate change, energy shortages, and the depletion of natural resources. He suggests that innovation is the key to shaping a future where humans can thrive sustainably.

• He also talks about the role of entrepreneurship and risk-taking in driving innovation. Musk points out that much of Tesla and SpaceX’s success came from willingness to take calculated risks and face failure, showing that major breakthroughs often require the courage to venture into unknown territories.

5. Facing Challenges and Being Persistent:

• A recurring theme in Musk’s talk is the importance of facing adversity and staying persistent. He reflects on the challenges he faced while building Tesla and SpaceX—from near bankruptcy to technical hurdles—but emphasizes that his companies succeeded because they persisted through those tough times.

• Musk encourages a mindset where failure is accepted as a part of the process and necessary for eventual success. This attitude is central to his work ethic, and he believes it's crucial for anyone trying to make a real difference in the world.

1. Understanding the Science of Habits:

   • Judson Brewer delves into the neuroscience of habit formation. He explains that habits are formed when the brain starts associating a particular behavior with a positive outcome. For example, if eating chocolate provides a momentary feeling of pleasure, the brain begins to associate chocolate with a reward, reinforcing the habit.

2. The Role of Mindfulness in Breaking Habits:

   • Brewer emphasizes the importance of mindfulness in breaking bad habits. Rather than fighting the habit directly, mindfulness allows individuals to observe their impulses without judgment. This awareness can help individuals break the cycle of craving and reward that leads to habit formation.

3. Awareness and Curiosity:

   • One key aspect Brewer discusses is replacing the craving with curiosity. Instead of trying to avoid the behavior, he suggests people become curious about their impulses, such as "What happens when I feel the urge to eat chocolate?" This curiosity can create a mental space that makes the habitual behavior less automatic and more manageable.

4. Real-Life Examples:

   • Brewer uses personal stories and scientific studies to demonstrate how mindfulness has helped individuals break habits like smoking, overeating, and other addictions. His approach shows that by simply observing cravings with an open mind, individuals can disrupt the habitual process that reinforces unhealthy behaviors.

5. Practical Steps to Implement Mindfulness:

   • Brewer provides practical advice for using mindfulness to combat habits. This includes focusing on the present moment, paying attention to physical sensations, and using curiosity to observe cravings instead of reacting to them. Over time, this awareness can reduce the automatic response to the habit.

6. Long-Term Change:

   • The ultimate goal is not to suppress cravings or desires but to create a new relationship with them. By using mindfulness, individuals can reduce the emotional attachment to the behavior, leading to a long-term reduction in unwanted habits.

1. Happiness is a Habit:

   • Matthieu Ricard argues that happiness is not an ephemeral state, but rather a habit that can be trained. He compares happiness to a muscle: the more we practice it, the stronger it becomes.

   • He explains that the key to happiness lies in cultivating mental habits such as compassion, mindfulness, and gratitude, which can rewire the brain for positive emotions.

2. The Role of Mindfulness:

   • Ricard emphasizes that mindfulness—being aware of our thoughts and feelings without judgment—is essential to achieving happiness. By observing our reactions to the world around us, we can change our habitual responses to stress, anxiety, and negative emotions.

   • He discusses how, through mindfulness, we can reduce the emotional impact of negative events and learn to respond with a sense of equanimity.

3. Happiness vs. Pleasure:

   • One of Ricard’s key points is the distinction between happiness and pleasure. While pleasure is fleeting and often comes from external sources (such as food, possessions, or experiences), happiness is an internal state that arises from the way we engage with the world and our own mind.

   • Ricard argues that genuine happiness is deeper and more lasting than pleasure, which is often temporary and can lead to dependency.

4. The Power of Compassion:

   • A major theme of Ricard's talk is the power of compassion. He shares how practicing kindness and caring for others can lead to greater well-being. He believes that cultivating compassion is not only beneficial for others but also for ourselves, as it enhances our emotional resilience and overall happiness.

   • Ricard highlights that helping others and fostering a sense of interconnectedness can greatly increase our own feelings of fulfillment.

5. Training the Mind for Well-being:

   • Ricard encourages us to train our minds, just as we would train our bodies for physical health. He introduces the concept of mental training, where through practice, we can develop positive mental habits that promote long-term well-being.

   • He also suggests that meditation is one of the most effective tools for training the mind to achieve lasting happiness.

1. Global Warming Crossing Key Thresholds:

   • The article highlights that 2024 is expected to breach the 1.5°C warming limit set by the Paris Agreement. This threshold is a critical point, beyond which the impacts of climate change could become irreversible.

   • With temperatures rising, we can expect more extreme weather events, including heatwaves, floods, and droughts, which will aggravate existing vulnerabilities.

2. Environmental and Societal Impacts:

   • The report outlines how climate change is already affecting global ecosystems, such as rising sea levels and the loss of biodiversity, threatening both natural environments and human systems.

   • Climate-induced displacement is also highlighted as a growing issue, potentially leading to mass migration, placing additional strain on cities, and contributing to geopolitical instability.

3. Urgency for Action:

   • The article emphasizes the urgent need for immediate climate action to avoid the worst consequences. It stresses that reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to inevitable changes are crucial steps that must be taken without delay.

   • Governments, businesses, and individuals are urged to increase efforts towards carbon neutrality and to adopt policies that foster environmental resilience.

Evidence Provided:

• The article cites global temperature records, indicating that 2024 is on track to be one of the hottest years on record, which will exacerbate climate-related disasters.

• Climate models are referenced, showing that if current trends continue, extreme weather events could increase by threefold by 2050.

My Point:

The article reinforces the fact that climate change is no longer a distant threat—it is a present crisis. The 1.5°C threshold is not just a symbolic figure but a real tipping point, and crossing it could lead to catastrophic consequences. The urgency for climate action has never been clearer. Despite the efforts being made, it is evident from the article that we are still far from the drastic reductions needed to stabilize the climate. Addressing climate change requires global collaboration and a comprehensive approach that includes mitigation, adaptation, and a reevaluation of economic and social systems to prioritize sustainability.

"Fast fashion has drastically changed the way we produce and consume clothing. Companies like Zara and H&M can design, manufacture, and distribute new styles in a matter of weeks, creating an ever-changing cycle of demand. This rapid production leads to cheap clothing, but also to environmental damage, as these garments often end up in landfills after only a few uses. Additionally, the overproduction of clothing contributes significantly to pollution and resource depletion."

Paraphrased Paragraph:

"The rise of fast fashion has transformed both the production and consumption of clothing. Brands such as Zara and H&M are able to create and deliver new trends in just a few weeks, fueling constant consumer demand. While this results in affordable clothing, it also causes severe environmental harm, with many garments discarded after minimal use. Moreover, the excessive manufacturing of clothes significantly impacts pollution and exhausts natural resources."

The article "Make Fashion Sustainable" emphasizes the urgent need for the fashion industry to adopt more sustainable practices. The piece highlights that the fast fashion model, based on rapid production and consumption, is not only contributing to the depletion of natural resources but also to significant environmental degradation, including pollution and excessive waste (World Economic Forum, 2024). A key solution proposed is the circular economy, where clothes are designed with longevity and recyclability in mind, reducing waste and improving resource efficiency (Vogue, 2023). Furthermore, innovations such as eco-friendly dyes and on-demand production are gaining traction, offering potential pathways to make fashion more sustainable and less harmful to the planet. While these changes are promising, the article stresses that industry-wide collaboration and legislation are essential to drive the necessary shift towards sustainability in the global fashion market.

References:
World Economic Forum. (2024). How recycled material could make fashion more sustainable. Retrieved from https://www.weforum.org
Vogue. (2023). 6 Sustainability Trends to Look Out for in 2024. Retrieved from https://www.vogue.com

The article highlights the urgent need for the fashion industry, particularly fast fashion, to adopt sustainable practices. Fast fashion has significantly contributed to environmental degradation, including the depletion of natural resources, water pollution, and high levels of textile waste (World Economic Forum, 2024). The primary challenge lies in the industry's reliance on cheap, low-quality garments, which are produced quickly and discarded just as fast, leading to massive amounts of waste. However, the article suggests promising solutions, including recycled materials, closed-loop recycling systems, and on-demand manufacturing to reduce waste and overproduction (Stanford Graduate School of Business, 2024). These innovations can help fast fashion brands shift towards a more sustainable model without compromising their profitability. Importantly, consumer behavior is also crucial—embracing secondhand purchases, garment recycling, and renting clothes can further reduce the industry's environmental footprint. While significant steps are being made, true sustainability will require collaboration across the entire supply chain, including manufacturers, consumers, and policymakers.

References:
World Economic Forum. (2024). How recycled material could make fashion more sustainable. Retrieved from https://www.weforum.org
Stanford Graduate School of Business. (2024). How the Apparel Industry Could Refashion Itself with Sustainability in Mind. Retrieved from https://www.gsb.stanford.edu

• Topic: Exploring new ways to optimize your diet.

• Key Points:

  • Simple strategies for improving eating habits.

  • Focus on nutrient-rich foods, portion control, and mindful eating.

  • Mention of scientific studies supporting these approaches.

  • Emphasizes the importance of small, consistent changes for better long-term health.、

  • Summary:

    The video discusses simple ways to optimize your diet for better health. It suggests focusing on nutrient-dense foods, controlling portions, and practicing mindful eating. The video emphasizes gradual changes, highlighting research that supports these methods. Small, consistent adjustments are presented as key to achieving sustainable health benefits. Overall, the video promotes a balanced approach to eating, encouraging viewers to make healthier choices that improve their long-term well-being without requiring drastic changes.

• Topic: Engineering marvels and innovative architecture.

• Key Points:

  • Focus on balancing modern infrastructure with cultural preservation.

  • Showcases cutting-edge engineering techniques.

  • Includes cities like Dubai, Hong Kong, and Shenzhen.

  • Explores global challenges such as urbanization and climate change.

  • Highlights iconic structures like the Burj Khalifa and North Lantau Hospital.

  • Summary:

    The video explores global engineering marvels, highlighting innovative architectural techniques and challenges faced by modern cities. It showcases how infrastructure development can coexist with cultural preservation, with examples from Dubai, Hong Kong, and Shenzhen. The series emphasizes the role of architecture in addressing urbanization, national identity, and climate change. Notable structures such as the Burj Khalifa and Hong Kong’s North Lantau Hospital are featured, illustrating how modern engineering and design are shaping the future of cities globally.

    
    

The article explores the growing prominence of circular shapes in Chinese architecture, highlighting both modern and ancient buildings. It delves into the symbolic and aesthetic significance of circles in Chinese culture, where they represent eternity and harmony. Notable examples of circular designs include The Ring of Life in Fushun and Gangxia North subway station in Shenzhen. The article also discusses how contemporary architecture in China incorporates circular forms to create visually stunning and meaningful structures.

Summary:

Circular shapes have become a prominent feature in Chinese architecture, symbolizing eternity and harmony. The article discusses how both modern and ancient buildings embrace circular designs, citing examples like The Ring of Life in Fushun and Gangxia North subway station in Shenzhen. These designs not only add aesthetic value but also reflect cultural significance. As circular shapes become more prevalent, they offer a visual connection to the past while meeting the needs of contemporary urban development.

One sunny day, a terrible storm approached. The sky turned dark, and strong winds began to blow. The big clouds, known for their power, gathered together to form the storm. But there was one problem: they needed to collect water from the lake below to create the heavy rain, and the only way to do this was by flying low over the lake.

But Nimbus was too small to carry enough water. He had always been told that small clouds couldn’t do the important work. He felt nervous, but something inside him urged him to try.

Determined, Nimbus floated down towards the lake. He stretched his tiny body as wide as he could, and for the first time, he felt the power of the wind beneath him. As he flew over the sparkling water, he gathered all the moisture he could. The lake shimmered, and Nimbus felt heavier and heavier as he absorbed more water.

Finally, Nimbus soared back into the storm. As the big clouds rolled with thunder and lightning, Nimbus released the water he'd gathered, creating a beautiful, gentle rain that calmed the storm. The earth below rejoiced, and the flowers bloomed.

From that day on, Nimbus was no longer the little cloud who felt unnoticed. He had learned that no matter how small you are, even the tiniest cloud can make a big difference. And every time the rain fell, the people below would smile, knowing that Nimbus had made the world a better place.

And so, Nimbus floated proudly in the sky, knowing he was as important as the mightiest of clouds.

The End.