1月5日午间英语新闻：南方人勇闯东北 东北冰雪游人气“爆棚”

> Ice and snow warm up winter tourism in NE China
南方人勇闯东北 东北冰雪游人气“爆棚”

Lately, the popularity of ice and snow tourism in Northeast China has exploded. Major hot springs resorts in Harbin are packed, with congestion levels comparable to the Spring Festival travel rush. Travelers from the south of China make up a large part of the tourism crowd.
最近，东北冰雪游人气“爆棚”，哈尔滨各大洗浴中心，拥挤程度堪比春运。来自中国南方的游客占旅游人群的很大一部分。

How do you tell the southerners apart from northerners? Northeastern Chinese people can be summarized in 4 characteristics: a light-colored down jacket, a lovely small hat, a suitcase in hand and shyness in public bath houses. Southerners are less prepared for the cold. 
如何在东北街头迅速识别出南方人？资深东北人总结了两个要素：浅色羽绒服、可爱帽子、行李箱、进澡堂有点不好意思，基本就是了。南方人对寒冷的准备不足，但北方人却对他们宠爱有加，使他们的冬季旅行难忘。

Some individuals online are providing practical suggestions for these southerners, emphasizing the need for clothing that protects them from the freezing outdoor temperatures while ensuring they don't sweat profusely indoors.
有人在网上给南方人们的穿搭提出可行性意见，主打一个既怕你室外冻死、又怕你屋内热哭。

In order to facilitate travel for tourists, Harbin has extended the operating hours of buses and subways. According to an announcement from the Harbin government, the ice and snow season in Harbin will continue until the end of March 2024. For travelers trying to avoid peak periods, it's advisable to plan visits after New Year's Day and Spring Festival, when tourist traffic is at its peak.
哈尔滨为了方便游客出行，延长了公交、地铁运营时间。根据哈尔滨政府发布的消息，哈尔滨冰雪季将持续到2024年3月底。对于想要错峰出行游客，可以等过了元旦、春节等人流高峰期再前往。

重点词汇：
congestion 
英 /kənˈdʒestʃən/
美 /kənˈdʒestʃən/
n.（交通）拥塞，塞车；充血，淤血



> Peking University's College of Life Sciences to change student assessment
多所高校尝试取消绩点，大学生不再“绩点为王”？

Peking University's College of Life Sciences has initiated a significant shift in student assessment by replacing the Grade Point Average (GPA) system with a grade-based evaluation. This change, aimed at reducing undue academic pressure on students, has drawn wide attention.
近日，北京大学生命科学学院展开一项重大的学生评估改革，放弃平均绩点(GPA)排名，实行“等级制”的考核评定方式。这一旨在减轻学生学业压力的变化引起了广泛关注。

Peking University Newspaper reported that to address the intense focus on minute score improvements, the college initiated this reform. GPA is calculated by weighting a student’s course grades with their credits.
据《北京大学报》报道，为了解决对分数提高的强烈关注，学院发起了这项改革。GPA是中国大学的一个重要指标，它是通过学生的课程成绩与学分的加权来计算的。

Professor Wang Shiqiang, former vice dean, said the GPA system's drawbacks have become increasingly apparent, with students obsessing over minor score differences and prioritizing easier courses over more beneficial ones.
前副院长王世强教授指出，GPA制度的弊端已经越来越明显，学生们沉迷于微小的分数差异，优先考虑容易的课程，而不是更有益的课程。

On social media, many posts offer advice on how to "boost GPA," suggesting tactics like delaying difficult courses or befriending teachers. A survey at the College of Life Sciences showed 88% student support for the change.
在社交媒体上，能看到不少网友发帖教人如何“刷绩点”，建议推迟“硬课”、和老师“混脸熟”等套路。生命科学学院的一项调查显示，88%的学生支持这一改变。

Wang emphasized that the new system aims to shift the focus from minute grade differences to understanding key concepts and problem-solving skills. It encourages students to use their time for practical experience and personal growth, including research, club activities, internships, and seminars, rather than just aiming for high grades. This shift also allows students to choose courses for knowledge enhancement rather than grade concerns.
王世强教授强调，新体系旨在将重点从微小的成绩差异转移到理解关键概念和解决问题的技能上。它鼓励学生利用时间进行实践体验和个人成长，包括研究、俱乐部活动、实习和研讨会，而不仅仅是追求高分。这种转变也允许学生选择知识提升而不是课程分数。

However, public opinion is mixed. Some support it as a way to reduce competition, while others fear it might shift the focus to competing in other areas. There's a consensus that whatever the evaluation method, the emphasis should be on genuine learning, not just obtaining a diploma.
然而，公众意见不一。一些人认为这是一种减少竞争的方式，而另一些人则担心这可能会将注意力转移到其他领域的竞争上。人们一致认为，无论采用何种评估方法，重点都应该放在真正的学习上，而不仅仅是获得一张文凭。

重点词汇：
consensus 
英 /kənˈsensəs/
美 /kənˈsensəs/
n.一致看法，共识