1 . The Chinese ping feng (folding screen) is an ancient invention and traditional Chinese furniture (家具) . Its earliest common use dates from (追溯) the Han Dynasty. The term ping feng means protection from wind. showing its purpose at the very beginning.
As time passes, it has been made into different sizes with colorful paintings. On screens usually appears a dragon. It’s a symbol of light, growth and life-giving water. It also stands for nobility (尊贵) and power. The peacock, a beautiful bird, can be seen on screens, too. It’s a symbol of everlasting (永恒的) life. Beautiful flowers, which mean wealth and good luck, are also chosen as a popular design of the ping feng. All the designs carry people’s beautiful wishes.
Behind the ping feng lies an interesting story. In the past the unmarried daughter of a rich family was not supposed to see or be seen by men except her father, brothers or very close male cousins. When an admirer (追求者) paid a visit, however, she might take a secret look at him from a screen behind which she would be completely hidden. Her father would discuss poems with the young man and ask him to create one. If the daughter and her father were satisfied with the young man’s poem and his look, she might agree to take him as a husband.
Today the ping feng is back in fashion for its beauty and its practical (实际的) use as furniture. Acting as a moving wall or divider, it can be the perfect match for modern sofas and walls, which adds style to them. The ping feng is more than beautiful furniture.
1. What was the ping feng used for at the very beginning?| A．Protecting people from wind. | B．Dividing a room. | C．Making a room beautiful. | D．Hiding a person. |
| A．The dragon. | B．The peacock. | C．The water. | D．The flowers. |
| A．By telling a story. | B．By giving examples. | C．By comparing differences. | D．By explaining the result. |
| A．The ping feng has been popular all the time. |
| B．The paintings on the screens have the same size. |
| C．An unmarried daughter was too shy to see an admirer. |
| D．You can move the ping feng to match your other furniture. |
Recently, the nickname (昵称) “southern spuds (马铃薯)” has been popular across the country, thanks to Harbin, the capital of Northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province which is creating a frenzy (掀起热潮) on social networking sites in China.
Harbin has been actively meeting tourists from southern China, and these visitors are warmly called “nanfang xiaotudou” or “southern spuds”. The nickname comes from a perception (感知; 认识). Many northern Chinese think the people from the South look shorter when they are dressed in thick jackets and hats. This nickname may create a sense of warmth and friendliness for southern tourists.
However, the use of this nickname “southern spuds” has led to heated discussion. Locals think that the nickname shows warmth and good will. Besides, other interesting nicknames like “potato princess” are also getting popularity.
Many people agree the humor behind such nicknames, but some netizens (网民) have been unhappy to being called “southern spuds”. They feel their height is being made fun of.
Despite (尽管) the warmth and friendliness showed by the people from the Northeast, it is important to accept that different people have different ideas in some parts of China. In such an age where anyone can be a visitor or host, being kind and warm is necessary because all like friendliness and dislike discrimination (歧视).
1. Who are called “southern spuds”?2. What do locals think of the nickname “southern spuds”?
3. Do all netizens like the nickname “southern spuds”?
4. Do you have a nickname? What do you think of nicknames?
3 . ①Have you ever thought about what’s more important, looking fashionable or feeling comfortable? You might have noticed many people choosing style over comfort and some even go to extremes (极端) to follow fashion. But we should remember: being fashionable isn’t everything. It’s more important to be healthy.
②Some people believe that they need to be a certain size to look beautiful. So, they start extreme diets (日常饮食) that are not good for their health. They might not eat meals or eat too little, which can make them feel sick. Is it a healthy way to live?
③Also, many girls wear shoes with very high heels. They might think high heels make them look taller. But these shoes can actually hurt their feet and make it hard to walk comfortably, and it can increase risks of falls. Some even wear tight (紧的) clothes that influence blood circulation (循环) making it hard to breathe. Should we put fashion over comfort and physical health?
④Besides, some boys and girls spend a lot of time and money changing their hair color. The material they use is usually harmful to their health. To make their hair straight or curly, they also use tools that are hot enough to burn their hair. But using these tools too often or at very high temperatures can make the hair dry or even burnt. Is it really worth it to risk our health, spending so much time and money?
⑤So, let’s rethink what’s really important. Is it fashion or is it our well-being? Clothes or hairstyles don’t tell us anything about a person’s character. Instead of spending a lot of time choosing clothes, we could use that time to do fun things with friends. And instead of following extreme diets, let’s eat properly and exercise regularly. Remember, your worth is not decided by your appearance, but by who you are as a person.
1. Some people go on extreme diets to ________.| A．save money | B．save time | C．look beautiful | D．look different from others |
| A．To ask for help from readers. | B．To tell how to spend time and money. |
| C．To lead readers to think about the topic. | D．To describe the latest fashion. |
| A．Health. | B．Growth. | C．Warmth. | D．Wealth. |
A． | B． | C． | D． |
You have been familiar with the learning environment in your middle school, and it feels like home. So it is not always easy to say “bye-bye”to middle school. After entering high school, you may face some new challenges. The schoolwork may become more difficult and require greater skills. Most students need support. Teachers and parents may give you a hand.
Understand what kind of learners you are. Do you need silence to focus? Then make sure the TV is not on when you are studying.
Form good reading habits. Read something every day—the more, the better. It doesn’t matter what you read.
High school life can be enjoyable. Old friendships might come undone and new ones will develop. Hope you will feel confident and perform well in high school!
| A．Learn to be better organized. |
| B．Middle school life is difficult. |
| C．Reading newspapers regularly is a good choice. |
| D．However, you can’t depend on others all the time. |
| E．Provide yourself with a quiet learning environment at home. |
5 . ①After the Yangtze River Protection Law, China passed the Yellow River Protection Law in October, 2022. It is China’s second river basin (流域) protection law.
②Due to long-time human activities, the Yellow River’s ecology (生态) has been greatly destroyed (破坏), so the new law is pretty important and timely. The Yellow River is regarded as China’s mother river. For 3,000 years, its basin served as the nation’s political, economic and cultural center. The river runs through nine provinces and regions in our country, feeding 12 percent of the Chinese population. The Yellow River Protection Law stresses the need for the protection of the ecosystem. It also calls for flood control.
③For generations (代), flood control was the major challenge for the people living along the Yellow River. The river ever burst (决堤) its banks in 1953 when it rose about two-thirds of the way up an embankment (路堤) in Kaifeng, putting millions of people at risk. In autumn 2021, some areas on the lower reaches (下游) of the river saw their worst flooding for twenty years.
④The new law explains the need to protect and spread the Yellow River culture. Every autumn, an arts festival featuring Manhan Opera, is hold in Jungar Banner, Inner Mongolia, to carry forward the time-honored Yellow River art forms. Manhan Opera was created in the Yellow River basin. The art form mixes the Yellow River with grassland culture.
⑤The new law also calls for the best use of cultural heritage sites (文化遗址), such as museums. At a museum in Gaoqing County, Shandong, more than 20,000 items that have something to do with the Yellow River are on display, including documents (记录) on management of the waterway, tools used in the Yellow River basin, and ancient books and letters about the river.
1. The Yellow River Protection Law is ________ in China.| A．the first nature protection law | B．the second nature protection law |
| C．the first river basin protection law | D．the second river basin protection law |
| A．强调 | B．研究 | C．调查 | D．施压 |
| A．It is difficult to control the flood. |
| B．The river brings many problems to the people around. |
| C．People need to protect the Yellow River’s ecology. |
| D．People along the river are influenced by the flood greatly. |
| A．①;②③④;⑤ | B．①;②③;④⑤ | C．①;②;③④⑤ | D．①;②③④⑤ |
6 . It’s reported that Shenzhou-16 will bring international paintings by teenagers from 10 African countries to the China Space Station.
Jing Haipeng, one of the astronauts for the Shenzhou-16 manned spaceflight mission, shared the information during the Shenzhou-16’s press conference (新闻发布会) at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in Northwest China’s Gansu Province.
These paintings were beautifully drawn by teenagers from 10 African countries including Algeria, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Egypt, Madagascar, Mali, Mauritius, Nigeria, Somalia, South Africa and Zimbabwe.
“Indeed, we have this special and meaningful purpose, which is to show international paintings for the first time on the China Space Station, and these excellent works are from the winners of ‘Tianhe Award’ for young friends from the 10 African countries,” Jing explained. “At present, we have not seen the paintings. I believe they will be bright. Exploring the vast universe (宇宙) is the common dream of all human, no matter the race, age, or nationality. We expect to join hands with all peace-loving people to create a better tomorrow,” he continued.
“We will take the children’s best youth, best friendship, and best dreams into space, plant the seeds (种子) of science, friendship, and dreams on the China Space Station, and let them grow and bear fruit,” Jing hoped.
1. What does Jing Haipeng do?| A．A reporter. | B．An artist. | C．A gardener. | D．A spaceman. |
| A．Egypt, Mauritius and Mexico. | B．Mali, Colombia and Zimbabwe. |
| C．Madagascar, Algeria and Somalia. | D．Nigeria, South America and Madagascar. |
| A．Wonderful. | B．Funny. | C．General. | D．Fashionable. |
| A．Human and nature. | B．Peace and friendship. |
| C．Science and technology. | D．Culture and education. |
Dear Emma,
Your problem is like a circle. The harder you study, the less time you have to make friends and the less friendly you look to your classmates. The fewer friends you have, the harder you study to make yourself feel better.
Try to break this bad circle. Perhaps you are afraid of meeting new people, because you are too shy or too serious. You are not. Everyone has a fun side to his character. Push your shy side away and show your classmates how fun you can be.
Look at your classmates. Are there any people with whom you feel you have a lot in common?
First, smile at your classmates. Do this as often as you can, until your classmates become used to your smile and smile in return.
Next, talk to your classmates. Do this between classes or during your lunch break. You may find it easier to start by talking to people when they are alone.
Perhaps you could ask a classmate about your studies. They are likely to respond (回答) in a very positive (积极乐观的) way. People like to feel important and helpful.
There must be someone else in your class who is also quiet. It might be easier to try to talk with him or her. Your problem is mainly about confidence. Smile first, talk next and slowly you will make friends. Once you have more confidence, you can make as many friends as you want.
Editor
Information Card
| The cause of Emma’s problem | |
| Why the editor suggests Emma should talk to someone else in her class who is also quiet | Because |
| What the editor mainly tells Emma about | How to |
| The first thing to do | |
| What you may find easier to do when they are alone | Start |
8 . Dragons are not real animals, but look like a combination (组合体) of many animals such as snakes (角) and a long moustache (胡子). With fantastic (极大的), they fly in the sky or swim in the sea. They can make rain, too. The Chinese dragon is a symbol of strength and good luck. The emperors of ancient China loved dragons. Their clothes were covered with pictures of dragons.
We are proud to call ourselves the “descendants (传人) of the dragon”. In Chinese, “excellent” people are often called “dragon”. A number of Chinese sayings and idioms (习语) talk about dragons, for example, “Hoping one’s child will become a dragon.” which means he or she will be successful.
It is said that people born in the Year of the Dragon have certain characteristics (特质). They are creative, confident, brave and quick-tempered (脾气). There are some famous “dragons” who have done excellent things, for example, and the famous businessman Li Jiacheng. They are all successful.
There are also some traditional festivals about dragons in China, such as Dragon Head-Raising Day and the Dragon Boat Festival. We have different kinds of activities to celebrate them. These two festivals come every year, but the Year of the Dragon comes every twelve years.
The dragon is very important in Chinese culture. As the “descendants of the dragon”, it is necessary for us to know the views on dragons in our culture. It can help us understand why our parents always want us to be “dragons”.
The year 2024 is the Year of the Dragon. Good luck to you!
1. What does the Chinese dragon symbolize (象征)?| A．A combination of many animals. |
| B．Chinese sayings and idioms. |
| C．Traditional festivals. |
| D．Strength and good luck. |
| A．龙马精神 | B．龙飞风舞 | C．望子成龙 | D．龙腾虎跃 |
| A．Creative, confident, brave and powerful. |
| B．Creative, confident, brave and quick-tempered. |
| C．Lovely, confident, brave and quick-tempered. |
| D．Lucky, confident, creative and successful. |
| A．1988. | B．1998. | C．2008. | D．2018. |
| A．Dragons are real’ animals. |
| B．There are many Chinese sayings and idioms about dragons. |
| C．People born in the Year of the Dragon must be successful. |
| D．The “descendants of the dragon” are often called “dragons”. |
9 . Reading for pleasure is the easiest way to become a better reader in English. It is also the most important way.
Some students say they don’t want to read for pleasure. They say they want to use their time to learn the rules of the language and new words. They say that pleasure reading is too busy.
Many experts (专家) say pleasure reading is very important for learning English. Dr. Stephen Krashen, a famous expert on learning languages, says that pleasure reading helps you learn many important things about English. Students learn more grammar and more words when they read for pleasure. They also learn more about good writing.
Dr. Krashen tells us that pleasure reading helps each student in a different way. Each student needs to learn something different. Pleasure reading makes it possible for each student to learn what he or she needs.
Reading for pleasure is not the same as studying. When you read for pleasure, you choose your own books, and you don’t have to remember everything. There are no tests on your pleasure reading books.
Pleasure reading will help you:
Learn how English speakers use English.
Read faster in English.
Find examples of good writing in English.
Learn new words.
Learn about the culture of English speakers.
1. Reading for pleasure is the ________ way to become a better reader in English.| A．best | B．fastest | C．easiest | D．nearest |
| A．grammar and listening | B．listening and spelling |
| C．listening and speaking | D．grammar and words |
| A．something difficult | B．something different |
| C．something easy | D．something important |
| A．find examples of good writing in English |
| B．learn new words |
| C．learn how English writers use English |
| D．read faster in English |
| A．pleasure reading is a different way |
| B．pleasure reading is the same way |
| C．pleasure reading is an easy way |
| D．pleasure reading is an important way |
Motuo lies in the south of the Himalayas in Tibet. It is known as the “Natural Museum of Tibet”. It is home to different kinds of mountains, rivers, waterfalls, plants and animals. Its special geographic location makes it a beautiful place, but at the same time, one of the hardest places to reach. It was the last county (县) in China without a highway (公路).
The construction (建造) of the highway to Motuo started in the 1960s. However, it was not completed until over 50 years later. In 2013, the Motuo Highway was finally opened.
The highway is 117 kilometers long. To make it safer, the two-way highway is open in only one direction every other day. Although it doesn’t seem like a very well-built highway, it is still considered as a mega engineering project (超级工程项目). Why is that?
In this area, earthquakes and heavy rains happen very often. There could be falling rocks or even landslides (滑坡). People must build many walls and nets to protect the highway.
Another challenge is the snow. Large amounts of snow can sometimes destroy (摧毁) forests, rocks and roads. As a result, the construction of the highway to Motuo was stopped several times. To solve this problem, people built a tunnel (隧道) that goes through the snowy mountain area. Finally Motuo is no longer shut off from the world.
The highway is not only a way to connect Motuo to the outside world, but also a great chance for us to see how our country takes care of people in the far mountain areas. At the same time, it teaches us the Chinese spirit of “never giving up”.
1. How did the writer lead into the topic “the construction of the highway to Motuo”?| A．By telling a story. | B．By introducing Motuo. |
| C．By using an old saying. | D．By showing some numbers. |
| A．5 years. | B．10 years. | C．over 50 years. | D．117 years. |
| A．the weather in Motuo is nice |
| B．Chinese people are more friendly |
| C．when the highway to Motuo was opened to the world |
| D．why the highway to Motuo is considered as a mega engineering project |
| A．To share the “Natural Museum of Tibet”. |
| B．To explain how people constructed the highway. |
| C．To tell people it’s dangerous to drive on the highway to Motuo. |
| D．To show China’s care for its people and spirit of ‘never giving up’. |
