【推荐1】Several new films on ordinary people’s contributions were released in celebration of the 70^th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China (PRC).

A kaleidoscope (万花筒) of heroes

Patriotism and realism reflected in My People, My Country are the top two elements that have won the audiences’ hearts. “In the seven stories in My People, My Country, the protagonists (主角) are no longer the main creators of history,” Zheng Yang, a teacher, said after watching the movie.

“We don’t want to simply sing praises of China’s achievements over the past 70 years; we want to show that all the achievements have been made thanks to the Chinese people’s efforts,” Chen Kaige, told People.com.cn in a video interview.

A miraculous escape

The Captain, directed by Andrew Lau, is based on a real incident.

On May 14, 2018, a Sichuan Airlines flight from Chongqing to Lhasa in southwest China’s Tibet Autonomous Region, made a miraculous escape when a cockpit window broke. It caused a sudden drop in the air pressure inside the aircraft, leading to the co-pilot almost being sucked out. He was saved by his seat belt. The temperature plunged to minus 40 degrees Celsius.

But against great odds, Captain Liu Chuanjian managed to land the plane and keep all 128 onboard safe. It was regarded as a miracle in civil aviation history.

Peak performance

The Climbers, is based on two expeditions (探险) by Chinese climbers to Mt. Qomolangma, the highest mountain in the world.

In 1960, three Chinese climbers, were the first to reach the summit from the dangerous northern side, becoming the first men to do so. However, the feat was not recognized internationally as the team failed to provide any evidence. To vindicate the Chinese climbers, a gigantic team of over 400 members was put together in 1975. During this expedition, nine climbers reached the top. The expedition also measured the height of the peak—8,848.13 meters.

1. What’s the common in the seven stories in My People, My Country?

A．They are all based on real incidents.

B．They are all about common people.

C．They are all about heroes in the history.

D．They are all about the founding of China.

2. What does the underlined phrase “against great odds” probably mean?

A．Out of question.

B．Around the corner.

C．All of a sudden.

D．Through thick and thin.

3. Which is the best title for the whole passage?

A．People’s Heroes

B．The Great Escape

C．The New Expedition

D．People’s Expectation

【推荐2】The Theory of Everything is not only about Inspiring Stephen Hawking but also his ex-wife Jane, an impressive woman in her own right. In fact, Anthony McCarten’s screenplay is based on Jane’s book, Music to Move the Stars.     1    . Stephen and Jane are brought to life with charm and credibility by two gifted actors, Eddie Redmayne and Felicity Jones.

This is one of the best biographies (传记) I’ve seen in a long time.     2    . We meet the super-smart Stephen as a healthy college student, and see his flowering as a world-class thinker and his painful experience of suffering from motor-neuron disease. He and Jane fall in love just before he knows he has developed ALS (肌萎缩性侧索硬化).     3    ,though doctors say that he only has two years to live.

The raw (原始的) material of this story so powerful that it greatly excites my Interest. Director James Marsh (who won an Oscar for his unconventional documentary Man on Wire), screenwriter Anthony McCarten, and the Actors go above and beyond the norm.     4    , while Felicity shows a determination and inner strength that is born of true love.     5    : Benoit Delhomme's cinematography, John Paul Kelly s period production design, Johann Johannsson’s score, and the contributions of such fine actors as David Thewlis, Emily Watson, Simon Mcburney, Charlie Cox, and Maxine Peake.

For once, I wasn’t aware of time going by. The film held my attention completely.

A．Everything about the film, as follows, is first-class

B．He tries to push her away but she refuses to back off

C．Eddie captures Stephen’s innate charm and clever humour

D．After the lights came up, a nurse wiped a tear from Hawking’s eye

E．The film was made with the cooperation of both parties and their three children

F．His first question when his doctor describes the disease is how it will affect his mind

G．It presents us with a public figure whose private life and struggles make for an attractive story

【推荐3】Four of the Most Magical Movies from Your Childhood

Whether it was the enchanting characters, the memorable scenes or simply because it was the first film your mum or dad took you to, these are the movies that have left the most lasting impressions over the decades.

Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory

“I loved it for two reasons. First, it showed a wonderful, loving extended family. I was fascinated by their kitchen setting and the little corner where the boy Charlie slept. Second, inside the chocolate factory was what all children dreamed of. The whole movie transported me from my childhood worries into a fairyland world.” — Margaret McKee

Dumbo

“For a kid who often felt like he didn’t fit in, and wasn’t good at anything, it was magical to see Dumbo discover his talent and become loved and celebrated.” — Lorraine

The Never-ending Story

“It has to be the most magical movie. The story has everything a young kid can ask for: a great story, a mythical flying dog and an interesting ending. Our family continue to watch it today. ” — Aaron Elliott

The Sound of Music

“When I was young, movies were a treat, with lollies, friends and a canvas seat. There was a special one that I did adore, and many times I’ve gone back for more. The songs, the scenery and the story line always transport me to another time. It is such a classic that my memories of it are so fantastic.” — Joanne Carter

1. What is “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory” about?

A．A dangerous situation.	B．A fairyland world.
C．A mysterious friend.	D．An unexpected incident.

2. Which movie may most help children lacking confidence?

A．Dumbo.	B．The Never-ending Story.
C．The Sound of Music.	D．Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory.

3. What does Aaron Elliott think of “The Never-ending Story”?

A．It is full of unrealistic things.	B．It meets all his expectations (期待).
C．It influences people of all ages.	D．It is the most meaningful movie.

【推荐1】Friday and Saturday were full of surprises for Chinese, as two places in China were listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites. The first, a World Natural Heritage, is composed of a series of migratory bird sanctuaries(候鸟保护地)along the coast of the Yellow Sea in Yancheng, East China's Jiangsu Province. The second, the Liangzhu Archaeological Site in Hangzhou, East China's Zhejiang Province, was listed as a World Cultural Heritage site.

China began the application process for the bird sanctuaries in 2017. It only took two years to successfully complete the process. The reason the migratory bird sanctuary application was successful is because of the special geographical category of the area. It is the largest intertidal mudflat seashore in the world. The success of this application marks the beginning of China's world natural heritage from land to sea. The migratory bird sanctuaries are the central node of the East Asian-Australasian Flyway and many endangered species, especially threatened migratory birds including red- crowned cranes and flamingos, go there to hunt for food during the migration season. The birds usually take a month to finish their migration. At about 10 days into their migration, they must stop and find food in order to have the energy to continue their journey.

Compared to the short turnaround for the World Natural Heritage's application, the Liangzhu application was far more complicated. The application team spent six years making their dream a reality. A lot of archaeological work had to be carried out for the Liangzhu site, which means the application and assessment(评定)process takes a longer time. The site in Liangzhu is evidence of the existence of an early regional state in the lower reaches of the Yangtze River during the late Neolithic period in China, which helps fill in the gaps in the history of the rice-cultivating civilizations of China and East Asia more than 5000 years ago. The site was one of the 20th century's most important archaeological discoveries in China.

With these two new additions, China now has 55 World Heritage sites, the highest number in the world. The successful application means greater responsibility and obligations(义务). Protecting these places is much more important and is our future work. The new status of the migratory bird sanctuaries might boost local tourism industries but this too poses a challenge as local governments will need to control tourist volume so as not to impact the birds' migration patterns. Meanwhile, the sheer area that the Liangzhu Archaeological Site covers, some 14.3 square kilometers, makes protection a difficult issue to handle. Those workings at the site are busy constructing protective shelters for the site and even reburying certain areas to protect them from exposure. Plans are also underway to build a local museum for the storage and display of artifacts, so visitors can come and learn more about the history of the nation.

1. What is special about the migratory bird sanctuaries?

A．It's the first China's world natural heritage on the sea.

B．It provides safe habitats for endangered species.

C．It's located along the coast of the Yellow River.

D．It supplies abundant fresh water to migratory birds.

2. According to Paragraph 2, how do migratory bird sanctuaries protect birds?

A．By creating warm places to produce baby birds.

B．By preventing them from being killed by hunters.

C．By providing food supplies during their migration.

D．By curing the endangered birds after their journey.

3. Why is Liangzhu chosen for the world heritage site?

A．It shows the long history of China.

B．It proves the wisdom of the people.

C．It witnesses the civilization of an age.

D．It reveals the food of the late Neolithic.

4. What is the last paragraph mainly talking about?

A．The application success's promotion of tourism.

B．Chinese responsibilities after the successful application.

C．The two places' influence on Chinese history.

D．Chinese challenge of protecting birds' migration.

【推荐2】Local officials in Beijing promised to further protect the city’s cultural heritage, in particular the narrow streets known as hutongs.

Hutongs are commonly found in the cities of North China, but they are at risk. Beijing is currently believed to have fewer than 1,000 hutongs, most of which are near the Imperial Palaces. Only 60 years ago, the number was 3,250. In the old districts of Dongcheng and Xicheng, which cover 62 square kilometers, some people will be asked to move from hutong houses to avoid further damage to the ancient architecture.

“On average more than 100,000 people visit the Imperial Palaces during the National Day holidays. The visitors put pressure on the protection of cultural relics,” said the director of the Beijing Municipal Commission of Urban Planning, adding that hutongs should be protected from human damage.

The government focused on how the protection plans were carried out and how the management of cultural heritages worked. Wang Shaofeng, head of the Xicheng district government, said the area has 182 cultural relics, many of which were built as far back as the Yuan Dynasty (1271—1368). The district of Xicheng has 1.28 million residents(居民) in its 57 square kilometers of land. “The most efficient way is to cut down the local population to reduce the possibility of causing harm to the heritage,” Wang said.

“Each community has been required to report the status of its cultural heritage, especially hutongs, and any actions to damage the heritage will be punished,” Wang said.

No one knows for sure how many hutongs will be left in the coming 100 years.

1. How many hutongs have disappeared in the past sixty years in Beijing?

A．Fewer than 1,000.	B．About 2,000.
C．More than 3, 000.	D．Over 4, 000.

2. According to Paragraph 3, what is the main cause of the damage to cultural relics?

A．Visitors’ activity.	B．Residents’ attitude.
C．Communities’ behaviour.	D．The government’s policy.

3. Which of the following is a useful way to protect hutongs?

A．To punish anyone damaging them.	B．To attract more visitors to come.
C．To increase the local population.	D．To stop anyone from entering them.

4. What will happen to hutongs in the near future?

A．No one will remember them.	B．The number will be growing.
C．Only time will tell.	D．Hutongs will disappear completely.

【推荐3】Shanghai residents passing through the city’s eastern Huangpu district in October might have astonished at an unusual sight: a “walking” building. An 85-year-old primary school has been lifted off the ground in its entirety and relocated using new technology named the “walking” machine.

In the city’s latest effort to preserve historic structures, engineers used nearly 200 mobile supports under the five-story building. The supports act like robotic legs. They’re split into two groups which in turns rise up and down, imitating the human step. Attached sensors help control how the building moves forward.

The Lagena Primary School, which weighs 7,600 tons, faced a new challenge — it’s T-shaped, while previously relocated structures were square or rectangular. Experts and technicians met to discuss possibilities and test a number of different technologies before deciding on the “walking machine”.

Over the course of 18 days, the building was rotated 21degrees and moved 62 meters away to its new location. The old school building is set to become a center for heritage protection and cultural protection. The project marks the first time this “walking machine” method has been used in Shanghai to relocate a historical building.

In recent years, China’s rapid modernization has seen many historic buildings razed to clear land for skyscrapers and office buildings. But there has been growing concern about the architectural heritage loss as a result of destruction across the country.

Shanghai has been China’s most progressive city when it comes to heritage preservation. The survival of a number of 1930s buildings in the famous Bund district and 19th-century “Shikumen” houses in the repaired Xintiandi neighborhood has offered examples of how to give old buildings new life. The city also has a track record of relocating old buildings. In 2018, the city relocated a 90-year-old building in Hongkou district, which was then considered to be Shanghai’s most complex relocation project to date.

1. How did the primary school get moved?

A．By reducing the weight of it.

B．By using movable supports.

C．By dividing it into several parts.

D．By using robotic legs.

2. What does the underlined word “razed” probably mean in Paragraph 5?

A．Replaced.

B．Burnt.

C．Protected.

D．Destroyed.

3. What can we infer about the heritage preservation in China?

A．The use of advanced technology leads to growing concern.

B．Shanghai is the pioneer in preserving architectural heritage.

C．A number of old buildings have been given new life.

D．Many historic buildings will be relocated.

4. What is the passage mainly about?

A．New preservation campaigns are launched in China.

B．New technology gives new life to historic buildings.

C．A building in Shanghai “walks” to a new location.

D．“Walking machine” makes heritage protection simpler.

【推荐1】Chinese people love food made of flour, whether it be dumplings, or flatbread. In the hands of skilled artisans (手艺人), flour is made into lovely models of people or animals to be enjoyed and played with, which brings a unique kind of pleasure. This art form is called dough figurine (面塑). Among the various art styles of dough figurines, Beijing’s Dough Figurine Lang is a unique folk art, which is filled with the rich history and customs of the capital city. Their fine and lovely handicrafts tell stories of old and new Beijing. In 2008, it was included in the list of national intangible cultural heritage.

It was created by Lang Shao’an. Most dough figurines are animals and characters from legends, historical stories, and local operas. The finished product is either put at the end of a thin stick, or on a table for display. Some are designed for children to eat or play with, with simple forms and vivid decorations, while others are fine pieces of artwork for display only. For this reason, during the process of making them, they are often mixed with additives (添加剂) to prevent them from breaking up, being eaten by insects or growing moldy. Over the course of his long career, Lang Shao’an developed a set of skilled fingers with an elegant artistic sense.

Lang Jiaziyu, born in 1995, is a third-generation inheritor of Dough Figurine Lang. When he was 15, he created Beijing Olympic Mascot-shaped dough figurines which were highly praised. He looks a bit more fashionable than other folk artisans. In his skilled hands, pop culture icons such as figures based on Marvel comics characters and Chinese mythological figure Nezha with smoky makeup, resonate with young people.

Like most of the other intangible cultural heritage handicrafts in China, Dough Figurine Lang does not get as much attention from the public. Many young people are unwilling to take the time to master a skill that does not make money, which has led to a decline in the number of those who are devoted to the handicraft. Good handicrafts need the devotion of artisans from one generation to another.

1. What is special about Dough Figurine Lang?

A．It is a mirror of Beijing’s culture.	B．It shows people’s love for animals.
C．It is created by many famous artists.	D．It is the most popular folk art in Beijing.

2. Why do artisans add additives to dough figurines?

A．To make dough figurines taste good.	B．To make colors brighter and last longer.
C．To help shape dough into various forms.	D．To better preserve the finished products.

3. What is the third paragraph mainly about?

A．Suggestions for other folk artisans.	B．Different art styles of dough figurines
C．Lang Jiaziyu’s achievements as an artisan.	D．The popularity of modern dough figurines.

4. What is the main purpose of the passage?

A．To call on people to master a skill.

B．To appeal to people to value this folk art.

C．To teach people ways to appreciate the handicraft.

D．To persuade people to protect national cultural heritage.

【推荐2】There is a common, usually round object that you can see every day and it appears in many expressions—buttons! Buttons, which are made of metal or plastic, are found on all sorts of clothing. They fasten or connect one piece of clothing to another to make sure your clothes don’t fall off.

To be cute as a button is an old saying, which means to be attractive or sweet, but in a small way. Babies are often described as cute as a button. Language experts don’t know why. But they do say the expression dates from the late 1860s.

Here is another expression associated with button: button-down. People often wear button-down shirts to the office. Button-down as an adjective means to be conservative. People described as button-down stay as close as possible to the normal way of dressing and behaving.

When buttoning a button, you slip it into a buttonhole. A buttonhole traps the button. So, to buttonhole someone means you have trapped him in a spoken conversation. Now, let’s say you find yourself buttonholed in a conversation at a party. Someone just keeps talking and talking and talking! Finally, you can’t stand it any longer. You tell him to button it! This is a direct, but a little rude way of saying “Stop talking!” “Button your lip” is another equally rude way to stop a person who talks too much.

Another kind of difficult person is someone who pushes one’s buttons. To push one’s buttons means to know how to get that person annoyed or upset. People who like to push other people’s buttons usually do it for selfish reasons.

1. What do you think of someone who wears a button-down shirt to the office?

A．Crazy.	B．Traditional.
C．Funny.	D．Fashionable.

2. What will you probably say to get rid of a long and boring talk?

A．Be cute as a button.

B．Push your button.

C．Button your lip.

D．Be button-down.

3. How does the fourth paragraph mainly develop?

A．By giving examples.

B．By making contrasts.

C．By listing figures.

D．By analyzing cause and effect.

4. What does the underlined phrase in paragraph mean?

A．Shouts loudly.

B．Learns of one’s secret.

C．Gets someone to lose his temper.

D．Argues with someone.