二下第二次段考 Ivy Review

What’s the round, sweet treat that Doraemon, the robotic cat from Japanese manga and anime, can’t get enough of? Dorayaki! This sweet ​ (a)   two fluffy pancakes filled with sweet red bean paste. It is a dessert with stories to tell and flavors to enjoy. 　　

Dorayaki is said to be ​ named for its shape. Its shape bears a ​ (b)   to a Japanese gong called a dora, while yaki means baked. One legend links its creation to the warrior monk Benkei, who supposedly used a gong to cook the first version. An ​ (c)   tale tells of an elderly couple who helped Benkei when he was injured. Upon recovering, he set out on his journey but left behind his gong. The couple used the instrument to make pancake-like snacks. ​ (d)   , dorayaki was just one pancake folded in half. But in 1914, a Tokyo bakery started making it with two pancakes, and this is how we see it today. The main ​ (e)   is red bean paste, but now you can find other fillings like chocolate. Japan even has a Dorayaki Day on April 4th! This date sounds like 'happiness' in Japanese. It's a sweet that brings joy!

Dog owners often wish they could understand their pets’ thoughts. “Dog buttons” might turn their dream into a reality. These specially designed buttons, equipped sound chips, enable dogs to ​ (a)   their needs to their owners. This helps humans and dogs understand each other better, bridging the communication gap. 　　The science behind dog buttons is based on the concept of ​ (b)   learning. It’s a process in which learners can link actions with outcomes. For instance, if an owner ​ (c)   presses the “walk” button and then takes their dog for a walk, the dog can eventually learn that the button sound means a walk. Soon, the dog can press the button itself to ask to go out! 　　Training a dog to use the buttons ​ (d)   a great deal of time and patience, but certain techniques can be of great help. ​ (e)   the buttons to the floor so that they don’t move and dogs can easily recognize their positions. Furthermore, start teaching your dog buttons for things they really love. For instance, if a dog is more interested in walks than in food or water, it may learn to press the “walk” button faster. By using these buttons, dogs are able to express themselves to their owners.

Conflict diamonds, also called "blood diamonds," are diamonds mined in war zones and sold to fund groups fighting against governments. They come from regions where human rights ​ (a)   and conflicts are common. This trade became well-known in the late 1990s during civil wars in African countries like Sierra Leone and Angola. ​ (b)   groups would capture diamond-rich areas and force people to mine these precious stones, selling them illegally to finance their armies. In response, the international community created the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) in 2003. Its purpose is to ​ (c)   conflict diamond trading by certifying diamonds as conflict-free before they enter the global market. Participating countries must ensure diamonds are mined, processed, and traded legally with proper documentation of their origin. However, the Kimberley Process faces challenges. Its weak enforcement system allows diamonds from conflict zones to be ​ (d)   into neighboring countries, where they gain certification as "clean." Critics also say it fails to address ​ (e)   human rights issues like poor working conditions and child labor in the diamond industry. While the Kimberley Process has reduced conflict diamond trading, it hasn't completely solved the problem or ensured ethical practices in the global diamond trade.

Keelung, located at Taiwan’s northern tip, is famous for its rainy weather, maritime legacy, and mouthwatering street food. ​ (a)   as the "Rainy Port," the city experiences some of the highest annual rainfall in Taiwan. The northeast monsoon, combined with the city’s mountainous terrain, brings steady drizzle and mist from December to February. As winter transitions into spring, Keelung is often ​ (b)   dense fog, which sometimes interrupts port operations. However, since the 1990s, climate change has significantly reduced the city’s annual rainfall, leading to occasional droughts. The Port of Keelung has long served as a gateway to the world. Established in 1886, the port gained ​ (c)   in the 1960s when it opened container terminals, becoming the world’s seventh-largest container port. However, by the 1990s, limited space and shallow waters made it difficult to accommodate larger vessels, causing a decline in total cargo volume. To ​ (d)   , Keelung shifted its focus, transforming into a cruise home port and attracting major international cruise operators. Beyond its economic significance, the port also ​ (e)   a scenic destination, with the nearby Keelung Maritime Plaza being an ideal spot for visitors to enjoy a relaxing stroll. Today, the port stands as a lively center of trade, tourism, and cultural exchange.

Surrounded by mountains on three sides and featuring a natural harbor, Keelung was once a ​ (a)   location for various powers due to its strategic importance. As a result, the city now holds the highest number and density of forts in Taiwan. More than 20 fort relics remain ​ (b)   across Keelung, offering visitors a unique combination of historical exploration and scenic hiking opportunities. No visit to Keelung is complete without experiencing the famous Miaokou Night Market. ​ (c)   glowing yellow lanterns, the market is a food lover’s paradise. Visitors can enjoy a variety of local delights, including fish ball soup, braised pork rice, fresh seafood dishes, and bubble ice. After a satisfying meal, a stroll along the Zhengbin Fishing Port is a great way to unwind. Once a bustling fishing center, the port is now renowned for its colorful row of houses lining the waterfront. For those seeking to escape the city’s ​ (d)   , Heping Island GeoPark is a must-visit. The park offers stunning ocean views, remarkable rock formations, and a tranquil atmosphere — a true haven for nature enthusiasts. Keelung’s charm lies in its contrasts: it is both vibrant and peaceful, modern yet ​ (e)   tradition. Whether exploring historic forts, indulging in local cuisine, or admiring breathtaking landscapes, Keelung leaves visitors with unforgettable memories and a desire to return.

The ocean is home to many fascinating creatures, but few capture as much admiration as the tuna. These fast and agile fish ​ (a)   speed. Their smooth, streamlined bodies reduce drag, and their strong tails help them swim efficiently at high speeds. Tuna use a special swimming style called “thunniform swimming,” which requires very little body bending and relies primarily on the rear body and tail for ​ (b)   . Their crescent-shaped tail fin is highly effective in converting muscle power into forward movement. Tuna are also special because they are warm-blooded. They can maintain a body temperature higher than the surrounding water. This helps them move faster and ​ (c)   food more quickly. These traits enable them to thrive even in colder waters and give them a competitive edge when hunting. However, this high metabolic rate comes at a cost. Tuna have a high oxygen ​ (d)   and must continuously swim to breathe. Tuna must keep swimming to breathe. As they swim with their mouths open, water flows over their gills and gives them the oxygen they need. This ​ (e)   need for motion leaves them vulnerable to suffocation if they stop moving. Tuna don’t sleep like humans, but they have periods of reduced activity, during which parts of their brain rest while their bodies keep moving.

In the open ocean, where threats can come from any direction, tuna have various strategies to avoid becoming meals. Their agility and speed are their ​ (a)   defenses against predators. In addition, they often form large schools, a tactic that creates confusion and discourages attackers. Moreover, their countershading—dark backs and silvery undersides—helps them ​ (b)   the dark depths when viewed from above and the bright surface waters when seen from below. 　　However, these natural defenses are no match for human hunting techniques. Tuna ​ (c)   increased sharply during the 20th century, when refrigeration technology allowed fresh tuna to be ​ (d)   globally. High in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential vitamins, tuna are believed to improve people’s heart health and brain function, and even aid in cancer prevention, among others. This ever-growing demand has ​ (e)   overfishing, driving several tuna species toward extinction.

The virtual world may seem more appealing than real life. Nowadays, many people ​ (a)   themselves by posting photos on social media or shopping online. However, such activities may expose your private information and lead to serious risks, such as data leaks and even ​ (b)   . In 2014, a quiz app called This Is Your Digital Life allowed 270,000 Facebook users to log in and take a test. However, the app did more than just analyze their personalities—it ​ (c)   not only their information but also that of their friends. As a result, data from up to 87 million Facebook users were ​ (d)   . These were later passed on to Cambridge Analytica, a data analysis company ​ (e)   have used the information to assist Donald Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign.

Many apps may monitor your activity if you fail to ​ (a)   your privacy settings. For instance, Alphonso, a U.S. tech company, developed software used in around 1,000 gaming and social apps. Once ​ (b)   is granted at download, the software can access users’ microphones and pick up sounds in the surrounding environment. This allows it to ​ (c)   which TV shows or ads users are exposed to—data that is highly valuable to advertisers who wish to better market their products.

To better protect your privacy online, follow these tips:

1. Avoid logging in to third-party apps or websites via social media.

Adjust your privacy settings so that only friends can view your content.

​ (d)   clear browsing data and install tracker or ad blockers.

Shop only on well-known and ​ (e)   websites to keep your financial information safe.

We must all take privacy more seriously. Just as we look both ways before crossing the street, we should stay alert on the information superhighway.