【推荐3】The Night Watch was commissioned (委托) in 1639 by Frans BanninckCocq, the captain of Amsterdam’s civil militia (民兵组织), and described him and his 17 members. It was completed in 1642 by Rembrandt van Rijn and spent more than 70 years in the hall of the civil militia.

In 1715, Dutch officials decided to move the painting to the city hall in Amsterdam’s Royal Palace on the Dam. The almost 12-foot by 14-foot artwork couldn’t go through the doors, so the movers made a decision and cut off the edges of the painting. The missing parts were never recovered. However, art historians have been aware of the missing items thanks to a smaller copy of the original scene painted by Dutch artist Gerrit Lundens.

In 2019, officials of Amsterdam’s Rijksmuseum, where the painting has been displayed since 1808, decided to recreate the missing parts. To help them with the restoration (修复), the team, led by the museum’s senior scientist, Robert Erdmann, turned to a new AI algorithm (算法). Called Convolutional Neural Networks, it helps computers figure out what images may have once looked like. The scientists scanned high-resolution images of the original (原作) and Ludens’ painting to the computer. The AI was able to study and correct the painting’s perspective. It also recognized the exact colors used by the Dutch master and could even copy his brushstrokes.

The “missing” parts were printed and mounted to the painting. The left side included two men watching the event and a young boy running away from the militia. A drummer and a barking dog were added to the painting’s right side.

The AI helped the museum reproduce the best possible version of the missing pieces. But Taco Dibbits, director of the Rijksmuseum, thinks that the original missing parts are still around and will be returned to the museum some day. The restored painting will be on show and it can also be seen online on the museum’s website.

1. Why did Rembrandt van Rijn create the painting?

A．He loved recording people’s life of his time.

B．Frans Banninck Cocq requested him to do that.

C．He wanted to advertise Amsterdam’s civil militia.

D．The civil militia provided him with strong inspiration.

2. How did Amsterdam’s Rijksmuseum restore the painting?

A．By copying Ludens’ paintings.	B．By using advanced techniques.
C．By employing a Dutch artist.	D．By creating a smaller painting.

3. What do we know about Taco Dibbits?

A．He isn’t satisfied with the reproduced pieces.

B．He is trying to find the missing part of the painting.

C．He hopes the original missing parts will be found.

D．He wishes the restored painting will be always on display.

4. What is the main idea of the text?

A．The Night Watch finally comes to light.

B．The Rijksmuseum is restoring old paintings.

C．The Night Watch was restored to its original form.

D．The original parts of The Night Watch are still missing.

【推荐1】I entered high school having read hundreds of books. But I was not a good reader. Merely bookish, I lacked a point of view when I read. Rather, I read in order to get a point of view. I searched books for good expressions and sayings, pieces of information, ideas, themes-anything to enrich my thought and make me feel educated. When one of my teachers suggested to his sleepy tenth-grade English class that a person could not have a "complicated idea" until he had read at least two thousand books, I heard the words without recognizing either its irony (嘲讽)or its very complicated truth. I merely determined to make a list of all the books I had ever read. Strict with myself, I included only once a title I might have read several times. (How, after all, could one read a book more than once?) And I included only those books over a hundred pages in length. (Could anything shorter be a book?)

There was yet another high school list I made. One day I came across a newspaper article about an English professor at a nearby state college. The article had a list of the "hundred most important books of Western Civilization." "More than anything else in my life, "the professor told the reporter with finality," these books have made me all that I am." That was the kind of words I couldn't ignore. I kept the list for the several months it took me to read all of the titles. Most books, of course, I hardly understood. While reading Plato's The Republic, for example, I needed to keep looking at the introduction of the book to remind myself what the text was about. However, with the special patience and superstition (迷信)of a schoolboy, I looked at every word of the text. And by me time I reached the last word, pleased, I persuaded myself that I had read The Republic, and seriously crossed Plato off my list.

1. On heating the teacher's suggestion of reading, the writer thought     .

A．one must read as many books as possible

B．a student should not have a complicated idea

C．it was impossible for one to read two thousand books

D．students ought to make a list of the books they had read

2. The underlined phrase "with finality" probably means     .

A．firmly	B．clearly
C．proudly	D．pleasantly

3. The writer's purpose in mentioning The Republic is to     .

A．explain why it was included in the list

B．describe why he seriously crossed it off the list

C．show that he read the books blindly though they were hard to understand

D．prove that he understood most of it because he had looked at every word

4. The writer provides two book lists to     .

A．show how he developed his point of view

B．tell his reading experience at high school

C．introduce the two persons' reading methods

D．explain that he read many books at high school

【推荐2】Back in 1958, I was crazy about the Norfolk and Western 746. The smooth bullet-nose engine with its orange and yellow lines and shiny streamline d black tender (车厢) seemed to have cast a spell on me.

Together the engine and tender measured a little shy of 2 feet — enormous by the toy train standards of the day. Even better, the 746 had a working headlight and smoker, and its tender sang high.

Unfortunately, the amazing 746 also had an amazing price — $50, equal to about $450 today. That was far more than my grandfather could afford. Instead, I had to be content with his little Lionel plastic, which was SIX INCHES shorter than the 746 and had no headlight, no smoker or no sound! But that was the best that my grandfather could give me at that time.

Years passed, and I was in my 30s. Superior sound systems and computer controls dominated toy trains. I never gave a look. My interest in toy trains, I firmly believed, had faded, so did my admiration for the 746, since my grandfather was not with me. The 746 was never called to mind. On an ordinary day, however, I happened to see the 746 outside the window of a train show. Just one-look, I could not look away. Childhood memories that I tried to hide in the depths of my heart raced through my mind, happy or sad.

That day I took the 746 home and placed it in the center of the room, and let my childhood dream sing its way around me. Smoke rose out from the engine and the soft song sounded from its tender. It seemed as if I could see the soft light in grandfather’s eyes and hear his cheerful laughter.

1. Which best describes the 746 in the author’s eyes?

A．Its measurement was at a disadvantage.

B．Its price rocketed from $50 to $450.

C．Its beauty had a special appeal.

D．It was the largest train in 1958.

2. How did the author feel when receiving his little Lionel plastic?

A．Visibly relieved.	B．Slightly discontented.
C．Really delighted.	D．Terribly ashamed.

3. What happened to the author in his 30s?

A．He left his grandfather alone.

B．He didn’t favor the 746 at all.

C．He admired advanced toy trains.

D．He attempted not to recall the past.

4. Which of the following is a suitable title for the text?

A．The 746: A Perfect Gift from My Grandfather

B．Toy Trains: Memories of A Generation

C．The 746: Childhood Memories of Love

D．Toy Trains: Childhood in History

【推荐1】On Wednesday afternoon, a handsome, wealthy attorney renowned for handling wealthy clients came into the restaurant. At least that’s how Lawrence described himself to me in his introduction. He was dressed in a sharp navy suit, white shirt and silk tie. He asked, “How long have you been waiting tables?”

Jokingly, I replied, “I’m new, so forgive me if your meal lands on your lap.”

He replied, quite sternly, “Don’t make excuses for your mistakes.” I thought he was joking, but his face lacked even the hint of a smile. In the same tone, he said, “Come to dinner with me Saturday night.”

I ignored his invitation, which seemed more like a demand, and asked, “How long have you been an attorney?”

“As long as I’ve wanted.”

Confused and curious, I prodded: “What kind of answer is that?”

“The only one you’re going to get.” Lawrence placed his order: filet mignon, green beans instead of broccoli. Staring at me straight-faced, he added, “I’ll have bottled water. ”

As soon as I brought his food to the table, he took his fork and inspected the filet. “Saturday night I’ll take you to a restaurant that makes this one look like fast food.”

“I enjoy fast food; it’s unpretentious,” I responded. “Besides, I haven’t agreed to any date.”

After he asked for the bill, I carefully removed his glass, plate and utensils, trying not to drop anything on him or the floor. As I cleared the table, he asked, “So, are we on for this weekend?”

Something about him was interesting. So as not to appear too eager, I replied with a tentative, “I guess so.”

Phone in hand, he asked, “What’s your name and number? I’ll call for your address.”

I took out my phone and said, “First, you tell me yours.”

He paid with cash, and instead of a tip, left a note stating he would make it up to me on Saturday night.

He waited until Saturday morning before calling to ask for my address. I told him to park in the upper tier of the parking garage next to my apartment building.

“Why can’t I just pick you up at your apartment?” he asked.

“I don’t know you well enough for that. Is that a problem?”

“No, but it’s weird.”

“Not to me.”

“OK, I’ll meet you there. Do you have any nice clothes to wear?”

“Lawrence, you better shape up before tonight, or this date isn’t going to take off. I look good in anything.”

“OK, OK, calm down.”

I arrived early, and the adrenaline was rushing through my veins as I waited for Lawrence in the parking garage. The minutes passed slowly until I heard the sound of a car engine approaching from below.

Lawrence had arrived in a black stretch limousine.

Waiting for Lawrence were three FBI agents—colleagues of mine—with cameras. Lawrence wasn’t an attorney; he was an unemployed jewelry store employee who stole hundreds of thousands of dollars in merchandise. His ex-fiancée went to the police after he broke off their engagement. But her story hadn’t been enough; we needed evidence.

I ran the prints from Lawrence’s glass and utensils— they matched perfectly with the ones found in the store’s safe. In the trunk of the limo, Lawrence had suitcases packed for a getaway. Hidden inside one was a small sack of jewels: rubies, diamonds, pearls, sapphires and emeralds.

As I walked towards the limo, I heard Lawrence pleading, “Please, I needed the money to pay bills!”

I yelled back, “Don’t make excuses for your mistakes!”

1. What did the author think of Lawrence’s introduction?

A．Convincing.

B．Unbelieving.

C．Ambiguous.

D．Joking.

2. The author ignored Lawrence’s invitation because _______.

A．she didn’t want to be connected with him	B．she thought him to be distant
C．he wasn’t the man she had affection for	D．she wanted to trick him into giving himself away

3. Why did the author “carefully removed his glass, plate and utensils”?

A．To avoid embarrassment.	B．Not to land anything on his lap.
C．To get the evidence for his crime.	D．Not to break them.

4. Which of the following words can be used to describe “I” in the passage?

A．Kind and friendly.	B．Easygoing and clever.
C．Distant and cautious.	D．Brave and wise.

5. What is the best title for the passage?

A．Familiar words.	B．A thief.
C．A mistake.	D．A story of a famous attorney.

【推荐2】Losing a parent is one of the most painful parts of life. No matter how old we are when they leave us, it can be a painful experience. Our memories are all that is left of them and happy reminders of their love turn into our most valuable treasures.

That’s how Mara Soriano feels about a very special teddy she lost in her recent move to a new apartment.

The toy bear didn’t cost a lot, but it contained a recording of her late mother’s voice telling her that she loved her and was proud of her. The bear, called “Mama Bear”, was in a backpack that contained electronics like an iPad and a Nintendo Switch. When the bag was missing last week during the move, the 28-year-old was heartbroken—not for the electronics, but for “Mama Bear”.

So she posted online the lost item and the story behind it. Luckily, Mara’s search soon became a hit. Meanwhile, Mara was out searching. She put up posters, dug through dustbins, and communicated with others online, following up any lead she could find.

Actor Ryan Reynolds posted an appeal for its safe return. “I think we all need this bear to come home.” he wrote. Along with the message, he also set a price of $ 5, 000 for the return.

Then on Tuesday night, Mara’s special bear came home. It’s a bit of a modern-day wonder that would never have happened without social media. Mara said she got an email from someone who told her they had the bear.

Mara is getting married next summer and the bear is going to have a special seat at the ceremony—the one her mother would sit in. For now, she’s keeping “Mama Bear” close and sending thanks to those who helped with the happy reunion.

1. Why did Mara spare no effort to recover her Mama Bear?

A．It contained expensive electronics.

B．It recorded her wedding memories.

C．It was a present for her 28th birthday.

D．It had happy reminders of her mom’s love.

2. What did Ryan Reynolds do to help Mara?

A．He put up posters across the city.

B．He sent a message to comfort Mara.

C．He bought an alternative bear for Mara.

D．He offered a reward for the return of the bear.

3. Who will the special seat at the wedding ceremony be intended for?

A．The bridegroom.	B．The toy bear.
C．A famous actor.	D．An honored guest.

4. Where was Mama Bear when it was lost?

A．In a backpack.

B．In the old apartment.

C．In a dustbin.

D．In an electronics store.

【推荐3】One day, when I was working as a psychologist in England, an adolescent boy showed up in my office. It was David. He kept walking up and down restlessly, his face pale, and his hands shaking slightly. His head teacher had referred him to me. "This boy has lost his family," he wrote. "He is understandably very sad and refuses to talk to others, and I'm very worried about him. Can you help?" '

I looked at David and showed him to a chair. How could I help him? There are problems psychology doesn't have the answer to, and which no words can describe. Sometimes the best thing one can do is to listen openly and sympathetically.

The first two times we met David didn't say a word. He sat there, only looking up to look at the children’s drawings on the wall behind me. I suggested we play a game of chess. He nodded. After that he played chess with me every Wednesday afternoon - in complete silence and without looking at me. It's not easy to cheat in chess, but I admit I made sure David won once or twice.

Usually, he arrived earlier than agreed, took the chess board and pieces from the shelf and began setting them up before I even got a chance to sit down. It seemed as if he enjoyed my company. But why did he never look at me?

     "Perhaps he simply needs someone to share his pain with," I thought. "Perhaps he senses that I respect his suffering." Some months later, when we were playing chess, he looked up at me suddenly.
       "It's your turn," he said.
       After that day, David started talking. He got friends in school and joined a bicycle club. He wrote to me a few times about his biking with some friends, an d about his plan to get into university. Now he had really started to live his own life.
       Maybe I gave David something. But I also learned that one-without any words-can reach out to another person. All it takes is a hug, a shoulder to cry' on, a friendly touch, and an ear that listens.
1. When he first met the author, David________.

A．felt a little excited

B．walked energetically

C．looked a little nervous

D．showed up with his teacher

2. As a psychologist, the author_______ .

A．was ready to listen to David

B．was skeptical about psychology

C．was able to describe David's problem

D．was sure of handling David's problem

3. David enjoyed being with the author because he ______.

A．wanted to ask the author for advice

B．need to share sorrow with the author

C．liked the children's drawings in the office

D．beat the author many times in the chess game

4. What can be inferred about David?

A．He recovered after months of treatment.

B．He liked biking before he lost his family.

C．He went into university soon after starting to talk.

D．He got friends in school before he met the author.

5. What made David change?

A．His teacher's help.

B．The author's friendship.

C．His exchange of letters with the author.

D．The author's silent communication with him.