“The Greatest Night in Pop” Makes a Trip Down Memory Lane for You and Me

Being of a certain age will surely enhance the pleasure in watching “The Greatest Night in Pop”, a documentary on the making of “We Are the World” nearly 40 years ago. Lionel Richie serves as the tour guide for this trip down memory lane, which fulfills its promise to make a better day for you and me.

For those who don’t remember, the song and video to benefit starving people in Africa was pulled together in 1985, cleverly gathering nearly four dozen influential musical stars after they appeared at the American Music Awards. As Richie notes, organizers knew they had “one night only to get this right,” with producer Quincy Jones famously posting a sign outside that read, “Check your ego (自负) at the door.”

Directed by Bao Nguyen, the whole thing is pretty exciting, drawing from the enough footage (连续镜头) shot that night to provide plenty of fly-on-the-wall moments, added by interviews with musicians and the production crew.

There are plenty of amusing details, like Diana Ross asking Daryl Hall for his signature, which opened the floodgates to these performers releasing their inner fans and moving around the room collecting signatures.

Granted, the trade-off to watching is you’ll likely be humming or singing “We Are the World” for the next several days. Consider that a relatively small price to pay for a front-row seat to this remarkable gathering of musical royalty, and the magic that happened during one long night when, at Jones’ request, they left their egos outside.

1. What is a purpose of the documentary?

A．To benefit starving people in Africa.

B．To be in honour of “We Are the World”.

C．To remember famous American musicians.

D．To raise fund for the American Music Awards.

2. Who is the director of the documentary?

A．Quincy Jones.

B．Diana Ross.

C．Lionel Richie.

D．Bao Nguyen.

3. What do we know about the documentary?

A．It may make the song popular again.

B．The price of a front-row seat is worthless.

C．The younger you are, the more you like it.

D．The production crew are more royal to music.

“Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World” by Cal Newport is an exploration of the challenges posed by our modern, digitally-driven environment and the strategies one can employ to achieve focused success. Newport researches the concept of deep work, emphasizing its critical role in an era marked by constant distractions.

The book addresses the common issue of information overload and the impact of shallow tasks on productivity. Newport argues that the ability to engage in deep, concentrated work is essential for success. The author supports his claims with research, including experiments comparing brain connectivity patterns during deep work and shallow tasks.

Newport’s work agrees with earlier studies, confirming that handwritten notes outperform (胜过) typed ones in academic performance. Beyond academia, Newport presents evidence of the cognitive (认知的) benefits of deep work.

The book provides practical strategies for integrating deep work into one’s professional life, advocating for routines and intentional changing of the brain to resist distractions. Newport introduces concepts like productive meditation (冥想) and the craftsman approach to tool selection, offering readers actionable advice to enhance their focus and productivity.

“Deep Work” has won widespread praise for its insights into productivity in a distracted world. Many praise Newport’s thorough research, combining neuroscience with practical advice. Readers appreciate the real-world examples, from Carl Jung’s focused mindset to a social media pioneer’s distraction-free writing journey.

In conclusion, “Deep Work” stands as a valuable guide for navigating the challenges of the digital age. Newport’s exploration of deep work as a catalyst (催化剂) for success, supported by research and concrete strategies, has left a lasting impact on how individuals approach their professional and personal lives. It serves as a timely reminder to prioritize focus and concentration in an era defined by constant connectivity and distractions.

8. What kind of writing is this passage?

A．A book review.	B．An advertisement.
C．A science report.	D．A psychological research.

9. How does Cal Newport support his claims about the benefits of deep work in the book?

A．By sharing personal experiences.

B．By providing practical strategies.

C．By doing experiments on brain connectivity.

D．By integrating deep work into one’s professional life

10. What does Newport advocate as a strategy in “Deep Work”?

A．Selective tools.	B．Inflexible mind.
C．Changeable routines.	D．Productive meditation.

11. What does the author want to tell us in the book?

A．Achieving success through focus.

B．The necessity of handwritten notes.

C．The drawbacks of constant connectivity.

D．An analysis of modern workforce challenges.

As to psychological well-being, the comfort zone is frequently perceived as a haven, a familiar location where individuals feel calm and peaceful. Pushing beyond this psychological state might have benefits.

The comfort zone can be understood as a behavioral metaphor. Within a comfort zone, an individual takes on a state of minimal anxiety without a perception of risk, responding predictably to deliver a consistent level of performance. These include behaviors that people do commonly, find relaxing, or that take them away from high-stress situations. Engaging in the same manner over time leads to a predictable and familiar zone of comfort. As creatures of habit, we become dependent on these routines that we know we can complete well to feel secure. However, by stepping outside of our comfort zone, we learn about our ability to handle new situations and control risks, leading to greater self-confidence, and lower levels of anxiety.

One study found that individuals who are more secure in stepping out of their comfort zone are more likely to be excited by and look forward to new experiences, feeling greater confidence in their ability to take them on.

One behavior that demonstrates the benefits of stepping out of a comfort zone is learning to play a musical instrument. When we consider actions outside of our comfort zone, we must assess our desire to engage in that activity. By weighing the pros and cons, we evaluate how uncomfortable a situation may seem, and whether the danger of entering such an unknown situation will be worth the risk.

Music offers a safe way to step out of your initial comfort zone because you can begin by practicing in an isolated setting, which offers a casual, safe way to build a new skill set. By picking up and practicing a new instrument, you have proven to yourself that you are capable of meeting an unfamiliar objective, thus decreasing anxiety.

12. What does the underlined word “haven” in Paragraph 1 most probably mean?

A．Habitat.

B．Shelter.

C．Community.

D．Destination.

13. Which will not be considered when we step out of our comfort zone?

A．We recall the old experience.

B．We think whether it is worth the risk.

C．We evaluate our thirsty for the activity.

D．We weigh the strengths and weaknesses.

14. What will be probably discussed in the following paragraph?

A．The definition of the comfort zone.

B．The importance of psychological well-being.

C．The process of learning a new musical instrument.

D．The benefits of stepping out of one’s comfort zone.

15. Which of the following is the best title for the text?

A．How to Identify Comfort Zone

B．Staying Inside Comfort Zone is Important

C．Stepping Outside Comfort Zone Promotes Learning

D．How to Take Yourself Away from High-stress Situations

“Rise to Glory” is an incredibly inspiring film that unfolds the gripping (扣人心弦的) tale of a loser’s journey to greatness.     16     It takes them on an emotional rollercoaster, mixing moments of success with heart-breaking setbacks.

The cinematography, the technique of making films for the cinema, in “Rise to Glory” deserves special mention.     17     The director’s ability to perfectly combine intense action sequences (镜头) with quiet moments of reflection adds a layer of depth to the storytelling.

    18     Each character faces their own set of challenges, contributing to the overall theme of growth and resilience (适应力). The supporting cast delivers exceptional performances, filling the story with authenticity and depth. The strong connection among the cast members is noticeable, increasing the appeal of the characters’ journeys.

The soundtrack of “Rise to Glory” is a standout feature. It perfectly makes up the on- screen events, creating an immersive (沉浸式的) experience for the audience.     19    

“Rise to Glory” leaves a powerful impression on the viewer. It is a must-watch for anyone who wants to get motivated. The movie delivers a profound message of perseverance and self- discovery, presented with a heartfelt sincerity.     20     It’s an emotional journey that attracts from beginning to end. Its exceptional cinematography, compelling characters, and impactful soundtrack come together to create a cinematic masterpiece that will undoubtedly stand the test of time.

A．The soundtrack features a collection of music.

B．In summary, “Rise to Glory” is more than just a film.

C．The visuals are attractive, deepening the emotional impact.

D．The movie attracts the audience from the beginning to the end.

E．The music adds not only emotion but also depth to the storytelling.

F．What sets this film apart is its well-developed and relatable characters.

G．The film lacks a dramatic emotional journey, leaving viewers unaffected.

I never met a more interesting man than Mayhew, a lawyer, in Detroit. By 35 he had a good ________; a cute brain and an attractive ________. There was no reason why he should not become, financially or politically, a(n) ________ in the land.

One evening he was drinking with friends. One had recently come from Italy and told them of a house on the hill, ________ the Bay of Naples. He ________ to them the beauty of the most beautiful island in the Mediterranean.

Mayhew sent an email, wanting to buy the house. The next day the ________ came back. The offer was accepted. Mayhew made no secret of the fact that he would never have done so ________ a thing if he had not drunk, but he did not regret it. He made up his mind to do ________ as he had said. He did not ________ wealth and he had enough money on which to live in Italy.

He had no _________ plan. He merely wanted to get away from his current life. He determined to write a history about the Roman Empire. He began to collect ________ books and soon he had a large library. He worked harder, ready to sit down to ________. He died. His memory is ________ in the hearts of fewer friends. As the years pass on and to the world, he is unknown. And yet to me his life was a ________. He did what he wanted, and he died when his ________ was in sight.

21.

A．case

B．chance

C．reputation

D．business

22.

A．pose

B．voice

C．fashion

D．personality

23.

A．power

B．energy

C．strength

D．nobody

24.

A．blocking

B．surrounding

C．overlooking

D．monitoring

25.

A．reported

B．explained

C．described

D．announced

26.

A．offer

B．reply

C．letter

D．notice

27.

A．wild

B．urgent

C．demanding

D．awkward

28.

A．actually

B．exactly

C．formally

D．casually

29.

A．ask for

B．search for

C．call for

D．care about

30.

A．random

B．effective

C．undetailed

D．definite

31.

A．classic

B．related

C．unique

D．contemporary

32.

A．write

B．study

C．imagine

D．record

33.

A．explored

B．treasured

C．forgotten

D．discussed

34.

A．show

B．failure

C．success

D．surprise

35.

A．goal

B．glory

C．progress

D．dignity

阅读下面短文，在空白处填入1个适当的单词或括号内单词的正确形式。

Every day, thousands of tourists from around the world plan their trips to the Great Wall of China.

Despite the wall’s 5,500-odd miles,     36     (spread) from east to west across the country, most travelers find     37     (them) at either the Badaling or Mutianyu sections, the two areas closest to Beijing. These visitors rise early from their downtown hotels, pack themselves into buses and wait in long queues     38     (see) the magnificent structures that consist of the Great Wall.

But what if there was another way?

An hour-long drive north of the     39     (crowd) capital is Commune by the Great Wall, a popular weekend getaway for Beijingers     40     a series of modern buildings consist of a luxury hotel, with award-winning design among yellow-leaved gingko trees. It is not only the rural surroundings     41     attract travelers to the town of Yangqing. Beyond the usual services — an expansive breakfast buffet and cozy bed sheets — Commune by the Great Wall     42     (provide) a rare opportunity to simply walk to the Wall. Just 20 minutes by foot from the hotel reception     43     (be) the Shuiguan section of the wall.

Commune by the Great Wall won     44     special praise at the Venice Architecture Biennale in 2002, the year the 12 core buildings     45     (complete).

47. 阅读下面材料，根据其内容和所给段落开头语续写两段，使之构成一篇完整的短文。

I’ve always considered art to be “my thing”, the area where hours transform into the graceful dance of brushes on papers. It was a simple day. I finished my other classes before going to my favorite class-art. My teacher, a beautiful woman who always smiled, assigned our final task of the year: finish a self-portrait (自画像). I hadn’t done one since second grade. This was going to be an interesting challenge.

I looked through my photo albums as soon as I returned home. The first picture I found was me in 7th grade. Hmm. My teeth looked a little strange. The next picture was me with my friend. Ugh, there was a giant dot on my cheek. The third picture was me with my little sister. What was my hair doing? I decided I couldn’t use any of these photographs.

I went to my room and pulled up my mirror, face-to-face with my reflection. I started with the outline. First, I captured (捕捉) the shape of my face. I settled on some odd mixture between oval (椭圆) and circular (圆). Then, I continued sketching (素描) the eyes, nose, mouth, ears and finally my hair. The outline took a while because I wanted it to be beautiful. Then I worked on the actual painting process for a few days, making sure every detail was perfect. Finally, I finished it a week early.

I presented it to my teacher, who looked over it and sighed, “But we need to discuss the...”

注意：
1. 续写词数应为150左右；
2. 请按如下格式在答题卡的相应位置作答。

After arriving home, I looked in the mirror again.

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When I submitted the updated portrait, my teacher smiled and proposed to show it at an exhibition.

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