2025 年 06 月大学英语四级考试真题（第 3 套）

The human brain has the ability to constantly form new networks and connections between brain cells. This means the brain has an almost magical ability to change. This characteristic is __26__ apparent in a new study, focusing on people who underwent a hemispherectomy, a surgical procedure in which half of the brain is removed to treat illness.

The findings showed that, despite missing half of this critical __27__, participants could function well. This was because the __28__ half of their brain strengthened. In fact, researchers found that connections—and thus communication—between parts of different brain networks are actually stronger in people who had hemispherectomies than in people with intact brains. This __29__ that the brain is able to compensate for loss of certain brain structure.

There are many other cases in the medical __30__ that document the brain's amazing ability to __31__. For example, a young boy had a significant portion of his brain removed for medical reason, which included the part of the brain __32__ for sight. But a few years after his surgery, scientists found that he could __33__ see. They determined that this was because other parts of his brain took over the missing part's __34__ tasks. Another study involved people who could smell, despite missing the region in the brain that processes information about smells. Though they are not sure how these individuals __35__ the ability to smell, scientists believe it is possible that another part of the brain took on that task.

Our society places a high value on physical beauty. Americans spend an average of over $722 each year on their appearance. One in ten Americans has tried to look like a star.

There's nothing wrong with trying to look our best, but excessive focus on physical appearance misses the soulful aspects of what it means to be beautiful. Trying to look like the magazine pictures can take us on a long ride away from what beauty is really about.

Many of us spend far too much time, energy, and money trying to polish an image of what we think will bring attention, love, and connection. In the process, we may fail to attend to ourselves in a way that would move us toward deeper intimacy, fulfillment, and meaning.

It may sound trite (老生常谈的), but beauty is only skin deep; it's not what brings love toward us. Just read about the latest Hollywood starlets whose seeming love turns into resentment and bitter court battles.

Outer beauty can be as much of a curse as a blessing. We may develop a habit of being so focused on maintaining a perfect appearance that we never cultivate the inner qualities necessary to sustain and deepen intimacy and connection. As I describe in my book, The Authentic Heart, it is the courage to be authentic that connects us in a deeper way.

While our initial attraction may be based, in part, on physical chemistry, it is the meeting of our inner worlds that creates the lasting intimacy and spiritual connection for which we long. If we redirect our attention toward cultivating inner qualities, we might find a magnetic attraction that moves us from something superficial to something that connects us to our depths.

The path toward cultivating inner beauty is really simple. But what is simple is not always easy. Not everyone will see us and appreciate us as we take the courageous risk to allow ourselves to be seen as we really are. But if they don't, it is their loss, not ours. Eventually we'll find those compatible souls who appreciate us as we are.

Plant-based meats are coming soon to a dinner table near you, but do they deserve a spot on your plate? If you tried a vegetable burger years ago and dismissed it as rubbery and flavorless, it's a good time to give meatless meat another chance. Newer varieties imitate the look, flavor, and texture of meat. Analysts don't expect the meat-free movement to slow anytime soon; a 2021 report predicts the market will skyrocket to $74 billion by 2030—a 957 percent surge.

Plant-based meats are no longer just for vegetarians. Companies such as Impossible Foods and Beyond Meat—the current superstars of the alternative protein sector—are pursuing consumers who enjoy meat but want to reduce their meat consumption for animal rights, health, or environmental reasons. So far, it's a winning strategy: More than nine out of ten consumers who buy Beyond Burger and Impossible Foods products also eat meat.

Many vegetarians don't actually care for food that resembles meat. When reporter Joan Solsman, a longtime vegetarian, tried a dish from Impossible Foods, she felt so sick that she couldn't finish it. "Maybe the best sign that Impossible Foods has cracked the code to realistic fake meat is that I couldn't stand to take another bite," she wrote.

Meatless meats are generally a healthier choice than beef because they are cholesterol-free, plus they're a good source of vitamins, minerals, protein, and fiber.

If meatless meat can help you stick to a plant-based diet, that in itself can lead to better health. Not only has red meat been linked to cancer, but studies show that people who ditch meat have lower blood pressure, lower average blood sugar, and lower cholesterol levels.

However, just because it's plant-based doesn't mean it's healthy food. Most imitation meats are highly processed and contain high amounts of sodium (钠) compared to traditional beef.

These new generations of alternate meat get all the attention, but don't forget about whole grains and vegetables. Beans are an especially excellent protein substitute. They're nutritious, inexpensive, and far more sustainable than any of the processed meatless substitutes on the market today.