Samuel Osmond is a 19-year-old law student from Cornwall, England. He never studied the piano. However, he can play very difficult musical pieces by musicians such as Chopin and Beethoven just a few minutes after he hears them. He learns a piece of music by listening to it in parts. Then he thinks about the notes in his head. Two years ago, he played his first piece Moonlight Sonata(奏鸣曲) by Beethoven. He surprised everyone around him.
Amazed that he remembered this long and difficult piece of music and played it perfectly, his teachers say Samuel is unbelievable. They say his ability is very rare, but Samuel doesn’t even realise that what he can do is special. Samuel wanted to become a lawyer as it was the wish of his parents, but music teachers told him he should study music instead. Now, he studies law and music.
Samuel can’t understand why everyone is so surprised. “I grew up with music. My mother played the piano and my father played the guitar. About two years ago, I suddenly decided to start playing the piano, without being able to read music and without having any lessons. It comes easily to me—I hear the notes and can bear them in mind—each and every note,” says Samuel.
Recently, Samuel performed a piece during a special event at his college. The piece had more than a thousand notes. The audience was impressed by his amazing performance. He is now learning a piece that is so difficult that many professional pianists can’t play it. Samuel says confidently, “It’s all about super memory—I guess I have that gift.”
However, Samuel’s ability to remember things doesn’t stop with music. His family say that even when he was a young boy, Samuel heard someone read a story, and then he could retell the story word for word.
Samuel is still only a teenager. He doesn’t know what he wants to do in the future. For now, he is just happy to play beautiful music and continue his studies.
1. What is special about Samuel Osmond?| A．He has a gift for writing music. |
| B．He can write down the notes he hears. |
| C．He is a top student at the law school. |
| D．He can play the musical piece he hears. |
| A．Samuel chose law against the wish of his parents. |
| B．Samuel planned to be a lawyer rather than a musician. |
| C．Samuel thinks of himself as a man of great musical ability. |
| D．Samuel studies law and music on the advice of his teachers. |
| A．He became famous during a special event at his college. |
| B．He is proud of his ability to remember things accurately. |
| C．He plays the piano better than many professional pianists. |
| D．He impressed the audience by playing all the musical pieces. |
| A．The Qualities of a Musician |
| B．The Story of a Musical Talent |
| C．The Importance of Early Education |
| D．The Relationship between Memory and Music |
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【推荐1】I had just made a memorable speech, and I was about to learn how the judges decided my performance. The audience leaned forward and a period of silence fell across the room. I felt the drum rolled in my heart.
The third-place winner was announced. The name was not mine. Then the second-place winner, still not me. At last, the moment of truth came. I was about to either enjoy the warmth of victory or regret the months’ preparation. My heart felt closer to the latter.
Losing is a part of life, and I have dealt with it on more than one occasion. However, it was an indescribable feeling to drive a 200-mile round trip, get up very early on a freezing Saturday morning, and yet still finish fourth out of four competitors in my group.
I had spent many hours in front of a computer and in libraries doing research for the Lincoln Bicentennial (200周年) Speech Contest. After not placing (获得名次) in the first year of the contest, I really wanted to compete again. Lincoln had many failures, but he never allowed them to defeat his spirit or ambition, so I was not going to give up on a second contest! I reworked my speech for the following year, but again I did not place.
I couldn’t accept the fact that I failed twice in something that I had worked so hard on, until I thought about my hero. Never mind the lost prize money and praise—through learning stories about Lincoln, I discovered that I can fail successfully.
1. How did the author feel after finishing his speech?| A．Angry. | B．Nervous. | C．Confused. | D．Hopeful. |
| A．He was regretful about his not being fully prepared. |
| B．He felt so disappointed and didn’t want to try again. |
| C．He felt upset for getting up early on a freezing morning. |
| D．He turned out to be the last one of his group in the contest. |
| A．Brave and determined. | B．outgoing and talented. |
| C．Enthusiastic and easygoing. | D．creative and attractive. |
| A．Stand up from where we fall. |
| B．Don’t rely too much on others. |
| C．Never mind others’ judgments. |
| D．Learn to value memories in our life. |
【推荐2】Nobel Prize-winning theoretical physicist Frank Wilczek has been honored with this year’s Templeton Prize. The award recognizes individuals whose life’s work brings together science and spirituality.
Wilczek is known for his research into the laws of nature. In a statement, the John Templeton Foundation said his work changes “our understanding of the forces that govern our universe.” It said he used physics to address “the great questions of meaning and purpose pondered by generations of religious thinkers.”
John Templeton created the prize in 1972. It is one of the most highly valued prizes at more than $1.3 million. Past winners include Jane Goodall, Mother Teresa and Archbishop Desmond Tutu.
Wilczek told The Associated Press, “It’s a company I’m very glad to join in.” He added, “It’s encouragement in a direction that I’ve really only taken up in a big way quite recently… which is thinking about not just what the world is and how it came to be this way but what we should do about it.”
Over a long career, Wilczek had many successes. He won the 2004 Nobel Prize along with David J. Gross, and H. David Politzer for their 1973 research explaining the unusual properties of the strong force. Wilczek is currently a physics professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Arizona State University and Stockholm University. He is also the founding director of Shanghai Jiao Tong University’s T. D. Lee Institute. He has also written several books that are informed by science but look into spiritual and philosophical questions.
Heather Dill is the Templeton Foundation president. In a statement, she said, “Like Isaac Newton and Albert Einstein, he is a natural philosopher who unites a curiosity about the behavior of nature with a playful and profound philosophical mind.”
1. What is Frank Wilczek famous for?| A．His long-time efforts in philosophy. | B．His study in natural science. |
| C．His gains in the chemical awards. | D．His contribution in the field of art. |
| A．Governed strictly. | B．Designed seriously. |
| C．Considered carefully. | D．Abandoned completely. |
| A．His hobbies. | B．His advantages. |
| C．His expectations. | D．His achievements. |
| A．To advertise a book. |
| B．To introduce a great scientist. |
| C．To explain the difference of two prizes. |
| D．To stress the importance of science and philosophy. |
【推荐3】Many say their most painful moments are saying goodbye to those they love. After watching Cheryl, my cousin, watch her mother suffer for six months before dying, I think the most painful moments can be in waiting to say goodbye.
Cheryl made the two-hour trip over and over to be with her mother. They spent long afternoons holding hands and sharing memories.
Each time she kissed her mother before leaving, her mother would feel sad and say, “I’m sorry you drove so far and sat for so long, and I didn’t stay up long to talk with you.”
Cheryl would tell her not to worry. It didn’t matter. But still her mother felt she had let her down and said sorry at each goodbye.
“Mom, do you remember when I made the high school basketball team?”
Cheryl’s mother nodded.
“You’d drive so far and sit for so long, and I never even left the bench to play. You waited for me after every game and each time I felt bad and said sorry to you for wasting your time.” Cheryl gently took her mother’s hand.
“Do you remember what you’d say to me?”
“I would say I didn’t come to see you play. I came to see you.”
“And you meant those words, didn’t you?”
“Yes, I really did.”
“Well, now I say the same words to you. I didn’t come to see you talk. I came to see you.”
Her mother understood and smiled as she fell asleep.
Their afternoons together passed quietly into days, weeks, and months. To the last day they cared each other in silence, love given and received just by seeing each other.
1. According to the writer, the most painful moment is ________.| A．saying goodbye to those they love | B．watching one’s mother leave and say goodbye |
| C．waiting to speak to those they love | D．waiting to say goodbye to those they love |
| A．Her disease had cost Cheryl much money. |
| B．Cheryl had cried too many times for her. |
| C．Cheryl hadn’t stayed with her every day. |
| D．She felt sorry for being unable to talk much. |
| A．Visiting your sick parents is meaningful. |
| B．Saying sorry is necessary between loved ones. |
| C．Love means being there with loved ones. |
| D．Children and parents need understanding. |
【推荐1】Most 5-year-olds are just learning their ABCs but one little girl from the UK has actually written a book that was published in January 2022. Bella-Jay Dark from Weymouth, is the world’s youngest female to be published and was awarded the title by Guinness World Records (吉尼斯世界纪录). Her book, The Lost Cat tells the story of Snowy, a cat who got lost after going outside alone at night. She hopes the book will teach children not to go outside at night alone.
While many adult writers find inspiration for their books from life experiences, Bella’s creative vision actually came from one of her drawings. “It started off as a picture. My daddy said I could make a book and a story came from the picture,” Bella said.
Her mom, Chelsie Syme, was surprised that the book turned out as well as it did. “I am just really proud of her; I did not think it was going to go this far so I’m just proud and want to see her get the acknowledgement she deserves.”
But how do you get a child’s homemade book published? According to Syme, they took Bella’s book to a book fair and found a publisher willing to take a chance on it. Syme helped Bella with proofing copies (校对本) and making necessary changes. To earn the Guinness World Record title of The World’s Youngest Published Author, female, the book has to be published by a commercial publishing house and have at least 1000 copies printed and sold. Bella’s book met the criteria, so she was awarded the title.
Besides being an accomplished author, Bella is just a regular kid who enjoys reading, swimming, and playing on her tablet. In her free time, she is currently working on a sequel (续篇) to Snowy’s story. Who knows what pearls of wisdom will come next?
1. Who is Snowy?| A．A lost child. | B．Bella’s pet. |
| C．A talented female writer. | D．A cat in Bella’s work. |
| A．Bella’s life experiences. | B．Bella’s interest in animals. |
| C．A picture Bella drew herself. | D．A storybook bought by her father. |
| A．Records. | B．Standards. | C．Guesses. | D．Difficulties. |
| A．Her father is a painter. |
| B．Her mother is strict with her. |
| C．She wants to help children with her book. |
| D．She pays much attention to protecting animals. |
【推荐2】Zhang Zening, a hanfu enthusiast in Nanjing, Jiangsu province, set foot on an extraordinary journey to restore (复兴) this traditional Chinese clothing. Inspired by ancient wall paintings, Zhang planned to turn them into wearable pieces. She believed hanfu serves as a gateway into the past, allowing people to truly connect with their cultural heritage. “I believe as a reflection of our historical culture, hanfu, when appreciated by children for its beauty, is likely to be naturally loved,” said Zhang.
Upon graduating from college, Zhang first worked in material research and frequently organized various hanfu activities in her spare time. Later she opened a hanfu studio with some friends and started her own career. Around 2015, Zhang began to focus on the process of hanfu restoration.
On a visit to Dunhuang, she was fascinated by the paintings there, wondering how she could possibly transform these paintings into wearable pieces. Despite her determination, she found it was troublesome. She has devoted a large amount of time to researching clothing patterns, analyzing materials and personally handling the printing. In over eight years, she managed to restore more than 50 sets.
Zhang pointed that hanfu restoration is a relatively promising and profitable field within the culture circle. Unlike others specializing in hanfu of different dynasties, such as the Han Dynasty, the Tang Dynasty and the Ming Dynasty, Zhang is not limited to specific time periods, and tries to focus on restoring whatever are painted on the walls.
Her unusual craftsmanship has not only delighted hanfu enthusiasts but also gave some opportunities to make a living. Now the owner of Helu Hanfu Studio, Zhang has cooperated with women’s re-employment organizations, seeking full-time stay-at-home women with sewing skills, among whom are many single mothers.
1. Why did Zhang decide to restore hanfu?| A．To enrich her after-school activities. | B．To carry forward Chinese culture. |
| C．To achieve her childhood dream. | D．To make it suit modern tastes. |
| A．It takes a lot to restore hanfu. | B．It’s easy to copy the painting patterns. |
| C．Printing patterns is the biggest problem. | D．There has been a growing demand for hanfu. |
| A．Humorous and open-minded. | B．Brave and warm-hearted. |
| C．Independent and well-educated. | D．Responsible and business-minded. |
| A．Restoring timeless grace: the return of hanfu |
| B．Bearing a positive attitude: the hope of career |
| C．A determined woman making breakthroughs |
| D．A wonderful tradition facing challenges |
【推荐3】A cleaning staff (员工) member at the Summer Palace in Beijing has been widely praised online after a video of him explaining cultural relics and exhibitions to visitors during the recent National Day holiday was posted on the Internet. He has been dubbed the most powerful cleaning monk (僧人) by netizens.
In the video, the worker, Zhang Xu, 40, explains the sites to several tourists. What made it special was his clear explanation of dozens of hard-to-pronounce sites. He spoke with such confidence that it seemed like he was performing a tongue twister (绕口令). People thought he must be a tour guide or expert, yet he was wearing a cleaner’s uniform. After his explanation, Zhang smiled and returned to his work as though nothing had happened.
The video was posted online on Oct 7 and immediately became a hot topic on social media. Netizens expressed amazement at how ordinary people can become experts in certain areas. “In Beijing, no matter what you do, you can have a deep understanding of history and culture. Sometimes ordinary people are willing to explain things to complete strangers in exchange for a simple thumbs-up,” said one netizen. Zhang is better than ordinary tour guides, and the palace should offer him a job as a docent (讲解员), another commented.
The cleaner, who lives in Beijing, said he was surprised he’d become famous online, as he only wanted to help the tourists who seemed confused. He told Beijing Daily that he had been interested in architecture since he was a child. His father works in the construction industry. He has been a security guard and construction worker and has always had a strong interest in traditional architecture. He often refers to books or finds information online in his spare time.
Zhang joined the cleaning staff at the palace in late 2021 and walks about 40,000 steps inside the palace every day, so he knows a lot about it. “The traditional architecture of the palace is not just bricks. They have deep history and know how to speak to people who understand them,” he said. They are historic wonders with unique Asian aesthetics (美学), he added.
1. What does the underlined word “dubbed” in paragraph probably mean?| A．Known as. | B．Mistaken for. | C．Compared with. | D．Connected with. |
| A．His wearing as a cleaner. |
| B．His performance of a tongue twister. |
| C．His expertise in cleaning the palace. |
| D．His fluent explanation of cultural sites. |
| A．He will be offered a job as a docent. |
| B．He is a kind and hardworking man. |
| C．His behavior isn’t recognized by most people. |
| D．His being famous online is within his expectation. |
| A．The amazing history and culture of Beijing. |
| B．The popularity of the video on social media. |
| C．Zhang Xu’s interest in some other aspects. |
| D．The unique architectural features of the Summer Palace. |
