When I was a student in a small town, learning beyond the classroom once felt impossible. Our school library was tiny, and new textbooks came only once a year. I often dreamed of reading extensively (广泛地), but such dreams seemed out of reach. Then came the Internet. At first, it was just a tool for sending messages, but I soon discovered its power to open the door to knowledge and connect me with a wider world.

With a few clicks, I can now reach online libraries, research articles, and video lectures from professors around the globe. I still remember the excitement of finding a website that explained physics concepts more clearly than any textbook I had used. Gradually, studying didn't feel like a duty — it became a journey of exploration. I could learn anytime, anywhere, following my curiosity instead of waiting for lessons in class.

The turning point came during a long winter when our town was cut off by heavy snow. Schools were closed for weeks, but online lessons continued. Through virtual classrooms and discussions, I stayed connected with my teachers and classmates. For the first time, I realized that learning no longer depended on a physical place. Technology had broken the walls that once confined education.

Later, I began using an AI-based learning app. It analyzed my mistakes, tracked my progress, and recommended exercises suited to my level. The progress was remarkable. I understood that technology, when used wisely, could make learning not only more efficient but also more personal and enjoyable.

Now, as I look back, I see how the Internet has reshaped my world. It has made knowledge accessible, flexible, and alive. What once seemed distant has become part of everyday life. Technology, in the end, has not replaced learning — it has redefined it, turning limitation into possibility and curiosity into growth.

People tend to believe they are logical thinkers, but our minds often prove otherwise. One of the most powerful and widespread thinking errors is confirmation bias (确认偏误) — the tendency to notice, seek, and interpret information that supports what we already believe. This bias makes us confident in our views and ignore facts that might challenge them. As a result, it narrows our understanding of the world and strengthens stereotypes (刻板印象) in lasting ways.

Psychologist Woo-kyoung Ahn from Yale University and Matthew Lebowitz from Columbia tested this idea in a 2017 study. They told some participants that they had a genetic (基因的) tendency toward depression, though this was false. Those participants later reported feeling more depressed than a control group who were told otherwise. Once they accepted the belief, their minds processed reality through it, recalling only the evidence that fit their new "identity". The study showed that once an idea feels true, we naturally gather support for it — no matter whether it's actually correct.

This bias also shapes decisions in workplaces and daily life. A manager who believes great scientists are mostly men may unconsciously favor male candidates, strengthening gender (性别) stereotypes and limiting others' chances. On a larger scale, confirmation bias can change public debates and strengthen "echo chambers" that block opposing ideas.

To address this bias, experts point out several strategies. Think twice before making judgments and look for evidence that could disprove your view. Intentionally seek opinions or data that challenge your assumptions. Slow down important decisions — structured reviews and diverse views help reduce bias. Finally, remember that being wrong is not failure but a path to clearer thinking.

Confirmation bias is deeply human, but awareness is the first defense. By questioning our certainty and considering other viewpoints, we can make wiser, fairer judgments — and see the world as it truly is.

In a lab at the University of Miami, containers of coral (珊瑚) from Florida, Honduras, and the Cayman Islands are part of a "coral olympics". Scientists are testing which one can best survive hotter ocean temperatures. Over the past two years, 80% of the world's reefs (礁) have faced dangerous levels of heat, which causes coral to bleach (白化). Florida's reefs are on the front line — more than 90% of the living coral has died.

For decades, people have tried to restore reefs by growing and planting coral in the ocean. However, after lots of restored coral near Florida died in a recent marine heat wave, scientists began to look for a new strategy. In 2023, ocean temperatures around Florida reached over 90°F, far beyond what branching coral could survive. Bleaching doesn't always kill coral, but long exposure to heat can cut off its nutrient supply. On some reefs, 95% of the restored coral died.

These losses pushed researchers to look for new solutions. They shifted their focus to species that survived the heat, such as brain and boulder coral, which grows more slowly but can stand higher temperatures. Meanwhile, scientists began crossbreeding (培育/杂交) coral that can better handle heat. Florida coral has been crossbred with coral from Honduras, creating "Flonduran" coral that combines features from both regions.

At the University of Miami, researchers are now testing whether the crossbred coral can adapt to warmer waters. Honduran coral comes from reefs that regularly experience higher temperatures, and the hope is that it can pass on its heat adaptability to the next generation. This process, called "assisted gene flow", helps coral adapt faster. So far, "Flonduran" coral in Florida has shown promise, even under heat stress.

However, scientists warn that there is no single "super coral". Coral strong against heat may be weak against disease. What reefs need most is diversity — many kinds of coral with different strengths. Researchers hope their work can inspire other regions to share coral samples and ideas, giving coral reefs a better chance to survive in a hotter world.

When you are faced with obstacles, problems and challenges, it's easy to become frustrated, especially when the circumstances are unfamiliar and seem a little threatening and urgent. 36______

Gain necessary resources. At times you simply do not have the necessary resources to help you deal with the situation at hand. In such circumstances you must question what pieces of the puzzle you are currently missing. 37______

38______ Often the answers you need to help you overcome the obstacles in your lives can be found by simply talking to others. In fact, other people might have already dealt with and successfully overcome the circumstances you find yourself in. You must therefore seek out mentors (导师, 教练), life coaches or experts to help you find the answers needed to move towards your goals or objectives.

Experiment in new directions. 39______ Try new things and move in new directions that you never considered before. Asking effective questions will help you gain new insights into the obstacles that are standing in your way.

Learn from failures. 40______ They can help you achieve your goals. Take time to learn from every unsuccessful attempt, from every failed result, and from every unsatisfactory outcome. The more you learn, the more you will grow and the better you will be able to deal with the obstacles that lie ahead on your path.

All my life, I thought it was good to be busy. I graduated on a Saturday from college and was already looking for a [41] by Monday, eager to commit to any field with innovation. Then I taught in a high school, contributing to a newspaper, and joining clubs…

At thirty, I got married and had my first [42], I showered love upon that baby. All the while, I kept [43] duties: birthday parties, life skills, pets, etc., which made my schedule vary constantly.

My father often advised that people need to [44]. When I'd claim the educational benefits of some high-tech preschool programs, he'd say, "Let the kids have free time for natural interaction — it's [45]!" When I'd sign my children up for fitness classes, he'd say, "Get close to nature. It's great exercise." I was puzzled by the [46] "With all the daily tasks, why bother going out to [47] places?" I'd think. Besides, I was often [48] from such activities due to work.

I always thought he had retired, and his ideas were [49]. But he still [50] outdoor experiences. I chose to [51] his advice, refusing to switch from my busy routine. I wanted us to live a [52] life. However, after years of overwork, I became [53] — I was confused!

One day after hospital discharge, I sat in a wheelchair, watching my kids play on the lawn. I'd been a woman with many duties, yet found joy in their freedom. The unpleasant [54] hit me, then I came to a firm conclusion: It's healthy to let life grow slowly. My father was [55]. From then on, I learned to balance work and leisure.

Dubai was a 6,000-person fishing village half a century ago. Since 1966, ①______ oil was discovered there, the population of Dubai has grown to 2.6 million. Over the years, it ②______ (become) a well-known tourist destination.

③______ attracts tourists to Dubai are tax-free shopping, dry weather, excellent accommodations, delicious food and beaches that go on for miles. In fact, some foreigners come here only ④______ (experience) the shopping. There are dozens of shopping malls, ⑤______ (provide) every famous brand you can name. Those outdoor markets sell everything from spices (香料) to gold at fair prices.

Choosing what places to visit in Dubai is difficult, because even the hotels there are also amazing ⑥______ (attraction). The Burj Al Arab is considered one of the world's best hotels, which is located on its own island, about 1,000 feet offshore from Dubai. Built ⑦______ the shape of a ship, this hotel is still ⑧______ (tall) than the Eiffel Tower and nearly as tall as the Empire State Building. Certainly, there are also other great places of interest to visit.

Indeed, travelling around this country will ⑨______ (true) give you an amazing experience because of its interesting things ⑩______ (offer) to all types of tourists.