Leather-making in Florence dates back hundreds of years to the 13th century. A look at leather craftsmen in Florence will help you know more about Italian leather.

The leather factory－PIEROTUCCI

Join a free tour of the factory and you’ll get a deep dive into the process of making a handbag. After seeing what it takes to make a bag by hand, you’ll no longer wonder why PIEROTUCCI prices come with two zeros at the end. And you’ll know that if you do spend the money, the bag will last forever

The leather shoe store—STEFANO BEMER

STEFANO BEMER was famous for its hand-tailored shoes. The elegant store that sells shoes that cost hundreds，and in some cases thousands，of dollars is also where apprentices (学徒) learn their skills: visible in the front section of the store.

The leather school—Scuola del Cuoio

Walking into the courtyard of the Scuola del Cuoio feels a little like walking onto a mini college campus. You leave the busy street as you enter the historic building. The school specializes in making one-of-a-kind bags and in teaching paying students the secrets of high-quality leather working.

The bookbinding (书籍装订) store——Il Torchio

Il Torchio is a beautiful bookbinding store run by Erin Ciulla. If you ask Ciulla, she might take you to see the “guillotine”, which is actually a very large, antique-looking machine that’s used to cut large amounts of paper. Beyond binding with leather covers, Ciulla also covers books, journals, and photo albums in hand-made papers.

1. What is the main reason for Pierotucci’s high price?

A．The special material.	B．The handmade process.
C．The high cost of the visit.	D．The long history of the factory.

2. Which places provide the opportunity to learn leather-making?

A．Pierotucci and Il Torchio.	B．Seuola del Cuoio and Il Torchio.
C．Pierotucci and Stefano Bemer.	D．Stefano Bemer and Scuola del Cuoio.

3. What can you do in the bookbinding store?

A．Buy a high-quality leather bag.

B．Buy an antique-looking machine.

C．Have a photo album covered with leather.

D．Have the leather covers cut by the guillotine.

Do you remember the first stop-motion movie, with a galloping(飞奔)horse? Eadweard Muybridge made it in 1872, and the funny thing is—the first stop-motion movie was made because of a bet. The question was: do all four of the horse’s hooves (蹄)leave the ground at the same time at any point of the gallop? And Leland Stanford, the founder of the Stanford University, hired Muybridge to help him settle the bet.

Stanford claimed that, at some point of the gallop, all four of the horse’s hooves are in the air. Some of his colleagues took a common stand that one foot is always on the ground. It was a popularly debated question of the time, and it was Muybridge’s task to provide the answer using his photographic knowledge.

Now, you can imagine that cameras in 1872 couldn’t really capture the things moving quickly. Movie cameras still didn’t exist, so it was out of the question. So, Muybridge had to get creative. He experimented with a set of 12 cameras. He used them to photograph a galloping horse in a series of shots. His initial efforts seemed to prove that Stanford was right, but he still didn’t have the process perfected.

In 1878, Muybridge raised his creativity and skill on a new level. He set twelve wired triggers (触发器) connected to shutters (快门) for cameras. He placed them evenly along the race track to capture the galloping horse. As the horse galloped the race track, it set off the triggers and made every camera take a photo with less than half a second difference.

The photos showed that Leland Stanford was right, and obviously, he won the bet. But this invention was a winning situation for all of us. Muybridge later invented a zoopraxiscope, which was a bit like the GIFs that people now post on social media and is considered an early device for displaying motion pictures. Thanks to photography and his invention, the cinema was born.

4. Which of the following words best describes the invention of the first stop-motion movie?

A．Difficult.	B．Unexpected.
C．Serious.	D．Interesting.

5. Why did Muybridge have to be creative?

A．Because he was lacking in devices.

B．Because he was afraid of failure.

C．Because he was short of experience.

D．Because he was interested in experiment.

6. What can we know about Muybridge’s experiment?

A．Twelve horses galloped at the same time.

B．Muybridge invented GIF in the experiment.

C．One camera was used to take photos in the first attempt.

D．The triggers were set off by the horse in the second attempt.

7. What is the best title for the article?

A．A special history of cinema.	B．A popular study about horses.
C．A bet inspired the birth of cinema.	D．A question led to great experiments.

Qian Jiaqi, 39, who took up cycling in Beijing as a hobby, has seen a well-known route he often takes after work become increasingly crowded with fellow cyclists during evenings and weekends.

“This summer on Chang, an Avenue, it’s like the Tour do France every night as cyclists on a wide range of bikes constantly try to catch each other,”Qian said.“On the avenue, traffic jams are now forming in bike lanes, as well as in those designed for motor vehicles. It’s quite funny in a way.”

According to business insiders and experienced cyclists such as Qian, cycling in urban areas has become increasingly popular over the past two years in China, which was known as the “Kingdom of Bicycles”in the 1980s and early 1990s.

The emergence of COVID-19, the introduction of cycle lanes, and the seeking of healthier lifestyles have helped relight the nation’s passion for cycling.

Chang, an Avenue is the most popular route for cyclists in Beijing, with its two cycle lanes positioned alongside those for motor vehicles. Motorcycles were banned from the cycle lanes on May 9 last year, providing a safer and smoother experience for those turning the pedals. Chinese scholar trees planted alongside the bike lanes shade cyclists from the summer heat.

The avenue is also the perfect place to observe different types of cyclists. Those such as Qian always attempt to improve their time, so it’s easy to sense their frustration when they have to stop at red lights.Others prefer to ride at a slower pace, never missing the opportunity to take photos of Tian, an men Square at sunset on their phones.

Qian said, “Many people have discovered the therapeutic benefits of cycling during the COVID-19 epidemic. The measures taken to control outbreaks of the disease have resulted in the public longing for activities that give them the feeling of freedom and which are good for their health. Cycling ticks all the boxes.”

8. What can we see in Chang’ an Avenue at night this summer?

A．Big crowds getting together.	B．Beautiful scenery like Tour do France.
C．Bike exhibition showing the latest style.	D．Traffic jams due to a large number of cyclists.

9. What can we learn about the popularity of cycling?

A．The pursuit of healthy lifestyles promoted cycling.

B．The appearance of cycle lanes made cycling possible.

C．The emergence of COVID-19 reduced the popularity.

D．The number of cyclists rapidly increased in the 1980s.

10. What is the purpose of banning motorcycles from the cycle lanes?

A．To make room for the tree planting.	B．To solve the problem of traffic jams
C．To ensure the bike lanes available for cyclists.	D．To provide the bike lanes for cycling competitions.

11. Where is the text probably taken from?

A．The society section in newspaper.	B．A sports magazine.
C．The health section in newspaper.	D．A science magazine.

Language diversity is dying. While there are over 5,000 languages in the world, experts estimate (估计)that many are on their way out. Statista, a data provider, compiled(编译)the results of the ongoing work of the Endangered Languages Project to create a map of endangered languages highlighting what regions of the world are most affected.

The Endangered Language Project is an online platform administered by the University of Hawaii Manoa that collects information on the world’s languages, such as where each is spoken, the number of speakers left, what measures have been taken to preserve it, etc. For example, by perusing the Endangered Language Project’s website you can see that Irish Gaelic is an endangered language mostly spoken in Ireland and that consists of four different dialects; Irish Gaelic is spoken by 20,000 to 40,000 people worldwide.

Experts acknowledge that the rapid extinction of languages throughout the world is a fact that cannot be denied, but they also explain that it is very difficult to obtain exact numbers when it comes to languages and their extinction. This is because language information is outdated or limited, and it can be different in some cases to distinguish between languages and dialects. The Linguistic Society of America notes that some estimates state that 80 percent of the world’s languages could be gone by the next century as languages like English, Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese and Russian become even more of a majority.

On its website, the Endangered Language Project also features an interactive map of endangered languages that’s color-coded according to each   language’s level of threat. Each language is represented by a colored dot on the map, and clicking the dot will reveal the name of the language and its status. Clicking on the name of the language will lead you to a more detailed information card about the specific language.

12. What did Statista do for the Endangered Languages Project?

A．Creating a platform to predict affected regions.

B．Figuring out the number of language extinction.

C．Evaluating the data of the endangered language.

D．Designing a map to show endangered languages.

13. What information can we get from the platform?

A．The reason why Irish Gaelic died out.

B．The places where Irish Gaelic is spoken.

C．The people who are interested in learning Irish Gaelic.

D．The measures that will be taken to protect Irish Gaelic.

14. Which of the following opinion do the experts agree with?

A．It is hard to distinguish languages and dialects.

B．It is impossible to collect language information.

C．The popularity of the major languages will influence the language diversity.

D．The language which is outdated or limited will surely be extinct sooner or later.

15. What is the feature of the Endangered Language Project?

A．It is complete and colorful.	B．It is interactive and informative.
C．It features a picture of colored dots.	D．It features a map of extinct language.

The Power of 10 Minutes

How can we find ourselves with extra two hours? It probably comes in short little bursts of 5 to 10 minutes. Maybe you’re early to your school.    16    Instead of jumping on social media, you can actually use those little breaks to do something productive.

Strengthen relationship

In college, you’ll be eager to call your parents every single night. Besides, you know it’s necessary to stay in touch with your friends. A phone call doesn’t have to last an hour to get in some good conversation. A 5-minute’s call is enough. An email is even quicker.    17    .

Strengthen body

    18    , or a few stretches (伸展运动) can give your back a break from desk and chair. A few minutes of exercise goes a long way. Why not make full use of the breaks between classes to get actively involved in exercise? Your body will thank you.

Refresh yourself

Sometimes we’re so busy that our lives are in a mess, with piles of books on our desks, clothes everywhere on the floor at our dorms. We usually think it a waste of time cleaning up, therefore let them be.     19     And keep it up everyday, you’ll be amazed to find your life organized and get yourself refreshed.

Be more productive

Want to be extra productive?     20       You can write all of the tasks you’d like to complete that day, week, or month on the list. Keep it handy. The next time you find yourself with 10 extra minutes, you’ll know exactly what you can work on.

A．But both make a difference.

B．Maybe you have 5 minutes for We chat.

C．Instead,begin with a 5-minute’s tidying up.

D．A 10-minute’s walk can get your blood flowing better.

E．Perhaps you even get stuck waiting for a bus for 10 minutes.

F．The next time you have minutes to spare,write out a to-do list.

G．Bending over the desk provides you with a short but useful rest.

Eebbers,Transportation Security Administration’s oldest and cutest bomb-sniffing dog, retired after a decade of service.______his work.sniffing for explosives as a passenger screening canine(犬)，Eebbers also helped with scurrility at major ______ events including National Championship Football Games and the Special Olympics World Games.

Eebbers was trained to ________ the scent(气味)of explosive materials among ________.typically in security checkpoint lines， like busy airports and make his handler(训术员)aware of the hidden______.Besides,he was tested _______to make sure he was fit for service.While he is sociable,he is a working dog who could only be _______and fed by his handler.

Actually, most dogs retire when they’re 7 or 8 years old due to the ______of the high-pressure job and unavoidably they are going to start slowing down. However, Carney, Eebbers’handler and lifelong partner, said that ______ as Eebbers was,she wanted Eebbers to retire because she wanted him to enjoy his last few years just being a   ______.

Previously,Eebbers ______ the title of TSA’s cutest canine in a nationwide social media contest so he had a lot of fans. On his last day at work, his admirers conveyed their ________ to the cute puppy and ______ him with toys.

So what does post-retirement bliss(乐事)hold in store for Eebbers? Eebbers’“Eebbers' "working dog" vest meaning he could only be touched by his handler, will be replaced with ______clothes, meaning he could finally be touched by his admirers.Later this year, TSA will announce its 2023 Can me Calendar——which will ______ Eebbers on the cover.

21.

A．In relation to

B．In view of

C．In addition to

D．In charge of

22.

A．sporting

B．national

C．amateur

D．current

23.

A．find

B．detect

C．search

D．feel

24.

A．pilots

B．handlers

C．travelers

D．players

25.

A．robbers

B．thieves

C．surprise

D．threat

26.

A．usually

B．frequently

C．roughly

D．regularly

27.

A．touched

B．taught

C．led

D．served

28.

A．desires

B．demands

C．restrictions

D．responsibilities

29.

A．tired

B．old

C．young

D．energetic

30.

A．star

B．hero

C．dog

D．guide

31.

A．earned

B．enjoyed

C．deserved

D．abandoned

32.

A．feelings

B．wishes

C．views

D．concerns

33.

A．showered

B．supplied

C．replaced

D．provided

34.

A．beautiful

B．ordinary

C．colorful

D．comfortable

35.

A．put

B．reward

C．feature

D．include

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。

Around 138 BC, the Han Dynasty sent Chinese official Zhang Qian     36     the Western Regions to develop relations with countries in the Western Regions. This led to the development of the Silk Road,over time     37     (link) China’s capital Chang’an with Rome. Dunhuang became one of the stopping points for merchants traveling on the Silk Road. It was a place    38     they could find water and refreshment, and provided rest and     39    (safe). While most of the foreign merchants who came to Dunhuang were of Central and South Asian origin, for several centuries     40    (near) all of the Silk Road trade went through Kushan territory,and many of the merchants in Dunhuang were Kushan. Their culture combined Greek, Persian, and Indian elements to create something new. Ancient Dunhuang therefore    41     (become) a cultural crossroads. Not only was it a town filled with treasures from as far away as Rome and Korea,     42    it was also a town filled with people speaking many different languages, with different cultures, customs, religions, traditions, and concepts. These left their marks on the artwork     43    (find) in the Silk Road’s most important site,the Mogao Grottoes.

Today, just as the sand and the desert survived largely unchanged through the centuries, this small art gallery in the desert    44    (survive) largely unchanged over the centuries, providing     45    amazing look at a world ago past.

46. 假定你是李华，写信给外国朋友Miriam，告知她China Daily正面向曾经来华的海外人士举办主题为“中国让我没想到”的短视频征集活动，并鼓励她参加，具体详情可至my china surprise. i21st. cn 网站了解。内容包括：
1.活动相关内容；
2.鼓励与期待。
注意
1.写作词数应为80左右；
2.请按如下格式在答题卡的相应位置作答；
3.参考词汇：“中国让我没想到”My China Surprise。
Dear Miriam,
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Yours

Li Hua

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。

The Gift of Kindness

Will, a nine-year-old boy, was such a kind soul that he brought home birds with broken wings. Money was very short for his family because his mother was ill. Every weekend, Will would mow his neighbors lawns to earn a little money.

One hot dry morning, on his way to school, Will saw a man sitting on the roadside with his head in his hands. Not far away was his truck. Previously, the man spared no efforts in repairing it, but he failed, exhausted and thirsty. Will came up to him, ready to help.

Hearing Will’s greeting, the man raised his head, looked at Will and asked for some water. Learning that he had even not had breakfast, Will walked into a shop, fingering the money in his pocket. Eventually, he picked up sandwiches and water. They cost all his money! He shrugged, walked back and handed him the food.

The man received the supplies gratefully and they shared the brief meal while introducing themselves. Allan, a boss with a small factory who delivered goods by himself, smiled,” The delivering job is so tiring that nobody seems to want it. By the way, thank you for your food. I’m sorry that I forget to take money with me today. I’ll..”

“It’s OK. My mom always says we should be kind to the world, and the world will be kind to you!” Will shrugged, “As for the job, don’t worry. There must be someone wanting to take it.”

“Perhaps. Today, I feel kindness in the world like your mom says. Maybe she is the one the world has been kind to.” Allan commented.

Will lowered his head, explaining quietly his mother’s situation and his father’s just being out of work because of the bankrupt of the company. Will pointed at a house. “My dad says we’ll have to sell it to pay for mom’s treatment. Sometimes, I hope the world could be kind to our family soon.” Tears rolled down Will’s cheeks and Allan patted his back gently. But soon, Will wiped his face, shouldered his school bag, waved goodbye to Allan and rushed for school, never imagining he would see Allan ever again.

Allan stared at Will’s fading figure, lost in thought.

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 school, Will saw the truck parked in front of his house.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Hearing the good news, Will turned overjoyed.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________