1 . J.K. Rowling frequently shows there is magic every day. Her Harry Potter series has helped people through times of stress and depression and she is always there to deliver wise words of encouragement.
She is one celebrity who is very active on Twitter. So when a single dad named Matt Burke sent her a message thanking her for the series, she noticed. Her series had helped strengthen his relationship with his 9-year-old daughter Bailey.
He included a link to his article titled Being a Broke Parent. He explained how he hadn’t found a level of financial stability that allowed him to pay bills on time and take his daughter on more activities and events. The family also doesn’t have the Internet or TV, which means there’s no “digital babysitter”, and he has to rely on his own creative ways to bond with his daughter. Since he received the series, the main thing that has occupied them these days is reading books together.
Burke admits that he thought he was “too cool” for the books when they first came out and he was in his twenties, but he’s loving reading them now. “We switch off chapter by chapter reading them out loud,” Burke explains. “This not only allows her to get more used to reading aloud in front of someone, but it gets me directly involved in something she loves, and it gives me the chance to be very dramatic when I read my chapters and bring myself into the characters in the book, which has proven to be a ton of fun.”
After hearing Burke’s story, Rowling said how honored she was when Harry Potter was a part of his family’s life and offered Burke more signed books. Besides, people are also offering to send Burke more books as gifts. For Burke, this experience, far more than gifts, will be what he treasures.
1. Why did Burke thank J.K. Rowling according to the text?A.She guided him how to write a good story. |
B.She encouraged him when he was in trouble. |
C.Her books helped him through times of confusion. |
D.Her books helped him improve his bond with his daughter. |
A.He has found it interesting to read the series. |
B.He was too old to understand the series better. |
C.He has chosen a better way of reading the series. |
D.He hopes to play a role in the drama in the future. |
A.Unique. | B.Normal. | C.Precious. | D.Funny. |
A.J.K. Rowling chooses to help improve kids’ health. |
B.J.K. Rowling gives a magical gift to a single father. |
C.J.K. Rowling has a deep influence on others’ growth. |
D.Burke comes to know J.K. Rowling through her series. |
2 . China’s box office revenue during the eight-day Spring Festival holiday through Saturday exceeded 8 billion yuan, which increased by 18.47% compared with the 2023 Spring Festival holiday box office, according to the authority.
YOLO directed by comedian Jia Ling, led the holiday revenue chart with a revenue of 2.72 billion yuan with its tale of an oversized woman regaining self-confidence through boxing, resonating widely with young audiences eager to become better versions of themselves. Although the film has caused an online controversy due to Jia’s significant weight loss and muscle gain, she once explained on her Weibo account, “The film is not related to weight loss and even has very little connection with boxing. It tells how a kind person finds herself and learns to love herself.”
Pegasus 2, is the second highest-grossing film so far during the holiday with a revenue of 2.398 billion yuan, followed by the movie Boonie Bears: Time Twist with 1.389 billion yuan. While Pegasus 2, with actor Shen Teng acting as a former racing car champion, won over audiences with a tale of a man’s incredible victory, Boonie Bears: Time Twist intrigued many children due to the popularity of the bears and their human friend, a logger who takes on a new job as a programmer in the latest movie.
Article 20 directed by Zhang Yimou—a movie exploring the definition of justifiable defense—is in fourth position with 1.34 billion yuan.
The most notable changes include the reduction of the average ticket price, the rising enthusiasm of audiences in third-and fourth-tier cities—who accounted for over 50 percent of the entire market—and the movies’ themes being more related to the lives of ordinary Chinese people, said ZhiZhi Feina, a professor at the Chinese National Academy of Arts, adding that Chinese authorities have also tried to boost movie consumption.
Rao Shuguang, president of the China Film Critics Association, said that most of the highest-grossing movies are comedies, proving that such light-hearted tales cater to the festival atmosphere and hence appeal to many filmgoers. He added that the future challenge for the domestic film industry is how to attain stable and sustainable development and encourage Chinese people to walk into cinemas regularly, not only during big holidays.
1. According to Jia Ling, what is the main message of the film YOLO?A.The experience of weight loss and muscle gain. |
B.The effort to find oneself and make oneself better. |
C.The connection between boxing and self-confidence. |
D.The tale of an oversized woman becoming a boxer. |
A.moved | B.inspired | C.attracted | D.persuaded |
A.Pegasus 2 is directed by Zhang Yimou. |
B.The movie ticket price has dropped sharply in 2024. |
C.Many transformations stimulate the consumption of movies. |
D.The revenue of YOLO makes up 25% of the total box office. |
A.Hopeful. | B.Concerned. | C.Indifferent. | D.Negative. |
3 . Time was introduced to us when we were just kids and only knew the playing hours, but when we grew up, we got our own senses about how important “The Time” is. There is a story on time management which can give you some guidance.
A philosophy professor, once, decided to teach the students a valuable lesson about Time Management, so he stood before his class with some items on the table. When the class began, wordlessly he picked up a big and empty jar and proceeded to fill it with rocks, about 2 inches in size. He then looked towards the class and asked the students if the jar was full. They all agreed that it was full. Therefore, the professor then moved to pick up a box of pebbles (鹅卵石) and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar gently. The pebbles, of course, rolled through the gaps between the rocks.
He then again looked up to the students and asked if the jar was full. They all again nodded their heads. For the last time, he turned towards the jar, this time, picked up a box of sand, poured it into the jar and shook it lightly. Of course, the sand moved into the gaps and filled up everything else. He then asked students for the last time if the jar was full or not. The students were surprised but responded with a unanimous “Yes.”
“Now,” said the professor, “I want you to realize that this jar actually is your life. The rocks are the important things — like your family, your children, your health, your partner. If nothing remained but only these, your life would still be full. The pebbles are the other things that matter — like your job, your career, your house. The sand is everything else, the unimportant stuff.” “If you put the sand into the jar first,” he continued “there is no space for the pebbles or the rocks.”
“The same goes for your life. If you keep on filling the jar with the sand, it means that you keep on spending all your time and energy on the pity things and you will never have room for the things that are important for you. First and foremost, focus on the rocks — the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand.”
1. What’s the main function of the first paragraph?A.To make a prediction. | B.To offer a guidance |
C.To provide some advice. | D.To attract readers’ interest. |
A.The professor put the pebbles into the jar first. |
B.The professor did four experiments altogether. |
C.The result of the experiment was beyond students’ expectation. |
D.It aimed to make students realize the importance of time for success. |
A.Your job and family. | B.Your career and children. |
C.Your parents and body. | D.Your house and money. |
A.It is important to make full use of time efficiently. |
B.It is necessary to attach more importance to what truly matters in life. |
C.It is crucial to strengthen the consciousness of managing time. |
D.It is vital to arrange enough time for all aspects of life in advance. |
4 . As we close out the final days of this year, treat yourself to a deliciously distracting new book —a book that you can dip into and out of throughout the holidays. Read up, rest up, and enjoy yourself.
Yoga for Pregnancy, Birth and beyond
A must-have guide for yoga-loving mamas, Yoga for Pregnancy, Birth and Beyond offers helpful relaxation techniques and breathing exercises that are tailored to each pregnant woman. The book also lays out valuable techniques for labor and staying in touch with your body as it continuously changes.
Mindfulness Activities for Kids
We could all use a little more peace in our lives. Uniquely suited for children and parents to do together, the 40 mindfulness exercises recommended here —from pausing to fully enjoy a tasty sandwich to taking chalk walk together—will not only teach children calm and gratitude, but also bring grown-ups and their littles closer together.
Before She Disappeared
Frankie Elkin is a recovering alcoholic who devotes her time to solving cold cases, especially those involving people of color. A new investigation brings her to Boston, searching for a Haitian teenager who disappeared months ago. But as Frankie starts asking questions, someone else will stop at nothing to keep the answers hidden.
Oak Flat
Lauren Redniss’ Oak Flat tells the story of the land near the San Carlos Apache Reservation through an Apache family fighting to protect the land which the U. S. government and two world-power mining enterprises are attempting to seize and destroy for its copper resources. Visually striking and deeply reported, Oak Flat tells a larger story of endless westward expansion and native resistance.
1. Which book can help to improve family relations?A.Oak Flat. |
B.Before She Disappeared. |
C.Mindfulness Activities for Kids. |
D.Yoga for Pregnancy, Birth and Beyond. |
A.It’s a brief account of mining enterprises. |
B.It centers on an Apache family’s struggle. |
C.It sings high praise of the US government. |
D.It supports westward expansion and native resistance. |
A.Teenagers. | B.Men. | C.Kids. | D.Grown-ups. |
5 . I almost died when I fell into the boiling (沸腾的) water at the age of three. The
In my teens, I realized that I was
I was a competitive (有竞争力的) swimmer for many years and then was
This year I swam from Asia to Europe alongside the talented physical sports expert Professor Greg. I swam close to Greg asking for his
I was doing this for all those people who had
A.opportunity | B.failure | C.trouble | D.accident |
A.operations (手术) | B.missions (使命) | C.experiments | D.experiences |
A.close | B.different | C.same | D.faithful |
A.Obviously | B.Immediately | C.Luckily | D.Suddenly |
A.prove | B.believe | C.ensure | D.accept |
A.persuade | B.educate | C.save | D.remember |
A.trained (培训) | B.forced (强迫) | C.requested (要求) | D.refused (拒绝) |
A.researching | B.exercising | C.struggling | D.surviving |
A.cooler | B.easier | C.happier | D.commoner |
A.opinion | B.permission | C.forgiveness | D.support |
A.feelings | B.ideas | C.words | D.dreams |
A.gathered | B.failed | C.returned | D.finished |
A.stay up | B.watch out | C.give up | D.show off |
A.suffered | B.forgotten | C.learnt | D.sought |
A.Talented | B.Graceful | C.Energetic | D.Strong |
6 . I have struggled with feelings of unworthiness since forever. My most painful moments were at parties. My friends made fun of me because I was rhythmically (有节奏地)
Around age 12, I decided that the way to
After several years of spiritual growth, it
The
A.adjusted | B.bothered | C.challenged | D.compromised |
A.twisted | B.annoyed | C.limited | D.awkward |
A.belong | B.appeal | C.match | D.deserve |
A.solve | B.cure | C.release | D.arouse |
A.sustain | B.work | C.hatch | D.dismiss |
A.included | B.excluded | C.inspired | D.appreciated |
A.internally | B.academically | C.professionally | D.contemporarily |
A.occurs to | B.happens to | C.calls on | D.knocks on |
A.desires | B.strengths | C.accomplishments | D.harmony |
A.as well as | B.as soon as | C.as much as | D.as far as |
A.Still | B.However | C.Meanwhile | D.Rather |
A.definition | B.resolution | C.sense | D.pose |
A.discovery | B.access | C.journey | D.experience |
A.emphasis | B.burden | C.demand | D.conditions |
A.valley | B.forest | C.dance | D.balcony |
7 . Virtual reality is quickly becoming the new technological frontier. Tech companies everywhere seem to be racing to get their foot in the VR door. However, virtual reality has a set of challenges and hurdles that it must overcome in order to work well. It should be noted that VR is heavily dependent on being very fast, very accurate and very good-looking. If it isn’t, the viewer will feel motion sick or disconnected from the world that VR is trying to create.
Now that we can actually build VR headsets that begin to meet these requirements, we are seeing a rising interest in VR. As it rises, so does the interest in creating new media to be experienced in using virtual reality. Journalism is a medium built on relevance. Journalists should always be finding new ways to tell stories and deliver content. It is a goldmine for storytelling. What better ways to tell a story to someone than to put them right in the center of it?
Virtual reality is a powerful tool for journalists. The consumer isn’t just reading or watching something play out; they’re experiencing it. The immersive nature of VR allows for people to connect with the subject matter on a much deeper level than just reading about it. The experience is emotional, speaking more to our instinct than our intellect. The possibilities for storytelling here are legion, and any storyteller wanting to do something more interesting than their peers should surely be considering the sheer power of VR.
The question of virtual reality, though, is not how powerful it is. That is immediately apparent. The question of VR is one of viability and availability. Telling stories must be easy to do, and access to those stories must be readily available. This is the biggest challenge that VR faces. If the tools to tell a story with VR aren’t easy to pick up and learn, VR will fail. If VR technology isn’t both top-of-the-line and affordable, VR will fail.
Accessibility was one concern for Thomas Hallaq, assistant professor of journalism and mass communications, who said that current VR technology, is pretty exclusive right now. Despite that, he said he doesn’t think the exclusivity of this technology will be a problem in the long run.
“I think it’s very promising,” Hallaq said. “We’re seeing more technology become accessible, and more people having access to that technology. Just look at smartphones.” Like radio, TV and the Internet before it, virtual reality will change the way we tell stories.
1. Why is VR considered a powerful tool for journalism?A.Because it is an exclusively new tool. |
B.Because it is very powerful and popular. |
C.Because people can experience the story in person. |
D.Because it is very fast, accurate and good-looking. |
A.How powerful and interesting it can be. |
B.Whether people will have easy access to it. |
C.Whether qualified VR headsets can be built. |
D.What new ways people will find to deliver content. |
A.Optimistic. | B.Neutral. | C.Pessimistic. | D.Concerned. |
A.The Wide Popularity of Virtual Reality |
B.The Future Development of Virtual Reality |
C.Challenges and Hurdles of Virtual Reality |
D.Virtual Reality is the Future of Storytelling |
8 . Four Art Study Abroad Programs in 2024
Whether you love art history, dance, photography, writing, or beyond, here are the top art programs to attend in 2024.
The 6-week Gap Year Course in Italy | Art History AbroadProgram length: 6 weeks in summer
Price: $10,000
If you’re interested in studying artists, criticism, and painting techniques during periods like the Renaissance and styles like baroque, Romanesque, and modern art, then this program is for you. It prides itself on not simply teaching art but also culture and an appreciation of beauty.
Creative Internships (实习) in Australia with ABI | ArtBound InitiativeProgram length: 1 month
Price: $3,250
If you’ve ever had an interest in pursuing a career in the creative industry, consider an internship opportunity with ArtBound Initiative. Interns can work in exciting overseas locations while getting one-on-one career coaching from professionals.
The Irish Arts and Culture Program | Irish Gap YearProgram length: 1 semester
Price: $17,000
Explore your own areas of interest as you work side by side with local Irish artists, photographers, writers, and musicians, learning about Ireland’s rich cultural and artistic heritage. Your hands-on experience goes hand in hand with day trips to galleries, museums, and castles, and at the end, you’ll have the opportunity to exhibit your works at the Le Cheile Art Expo.
Creative Semester in France | Berridge ProgramsProgram length: 1 semester
Price: $16,500
Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced performer or artist, your interests and talents will be nurtured by industry professionals. During your time here, you will work on improving your skills which will end with a feature film or creative performance.
1. Where should you go to obtain career guidance according to the text?A.France. | B.Australia. | C.Italy. | D.Ireland. |
A.The 6-week Gap Year Course in Italy. |
B.Creative Internships in Australia with ABI. |
C.The Irish Arts and Culture Program. |
D.Creative Semester in France. |
A.$3,250. | B.$10,000. | C.$16,500. | D.$17,000. |
9 . It all began on a cold, rainy day.
Sarah, a poor single mother, was
Sarah
A man, who saw the heartwarming
Reflecting on this unbelievable journey, we can
A.helping | B.continuing | C.struggling | D.seeking |
A.left behind | B.came across | C.looked for | D.turned to |
A.clean | B.cheap | C.fancy | D.thin |
A.followed | B.approached | C.respected | D.caught |
A.complaining | B.staring | C.suffering | D.surviving |
A.Attracted | B.Confused | C.Moved | D.Shocked |
A.connection | B.appreciation | C.duty | D.kindness |
A.exchange | B.invitation | C.option | D.performance |
A.story | B.symbol | C.chance | D.hit |
A.generosity | B.courage | C.curiosity | D.patience |
A.change | B.support | C.direct | D.educate |
A.creativity | B.strength | C.significance | D.description |
A.quick | B.main | C.different | D.extra |
A.recognize | B.expect | C.remember | D.admit |
A.regularly | B.obviously | C.eventually | D.slightly |
10 . In the more and more competitive service industry, it is no longer enough to promise customer satisfaction. Today, customer “delight” is what companies are trying to achieve in order to keep and increase market share.
It is accepted in the marketing industry, and confirmed by a number of researches, that customers receiving good service will promote business by telling up to 12 other people; those treated badly will tell their tales of woe to up to 20 people. Interestingly, 80 percent of people who feel their complaints are handled fairly will stay loyal.
New lineages for customer care have come when people can obtain goods and services through telephone call centers and the Internet. For example, many companies now have to invest (投资) a lot of money in information technology and staff training in order to cope with the “phone rage (愤怒)” — caused by delays in answering calls ,being cut off in mid-conversation or left waiting for long periods.
“Many people do not like talking to machines,” says Dr. Storey Senior Lecturer in Marketing at City University Business School, “Banks, for example, encourage staff at call centers to use customer data to establish instant and good relationship with them. The aim is to make the customer feel they know you and that you can trust — the sort of comfortable feelings people have during face-to-face chats with their local branch manager.”
Recommended ways of creating customer delight include: under-promising and over-delivering (saying that a repair will be come out within five hours, but getting it done within two ); replacing a faulty product immediately: throwing in a gift voucher (购物礼券) as an unexpected “thank you” to regular customers; and always returning calls, even when they are complaints.
Aiming for customer delight is all very well, but if services do not reach the high level promised, disappointment or worse will be the result. This can be eased by offering an apology and an explanation of why the service did not meet usual standards with empathy (for example, “I know how you must feel”), and possible solutions (replacement, compensation or whatever suggests best meets the case).
Airlines face some of the toughest challenges over customer care. Fierce competition has convinced them that delighting passengers is an important marketing tool, while there is great potential for customer anger over delays caused by weather, unclaimed luggage and technical problems.
For British Airways staff, a winning telephone style is considered vital in handling the large volume of calls about bookings and flight times. They are trained to answer quickly, with their name, job title and a “we are here to help” attitude. The company has invested heavily in information technology to make sure that information is available instantly on screen.
British Airways also says its customer care policies are applied within the company and staff are taught to regard each other as customers requiring the highest standards of service.
Customer care is obviously here to stay and it would be a foolish company that used slogans such as “we do as we please”. On the other hand, the more customers are promised, the greater the risk of disappointment.
1. We can learn from Paragraph 2 that .A.well-treated customers promote business |
B.unsatisfied customers receive better service |
C.Satisfied customers catch more attention |
D.complaining customers are hard to satisfy |
A.customers often use phones to express their anger |
B.customer care becomes more demanding |
C.people still prefer to buy goods online |
D.customers rely on their phones to obtain services |
A.“I’m sorry for the delay.” |
B.“I appreciate your understanding.” |
C.“I know how upset you must be.” |
D.“I know it’s our fault.” |
A.Face-to-face service creates comfortable feelings among customers. |
B.A company should promise less but do more in a competitive market. |
C.Companies that promise more will naturally attract more customers. |
D.Customer delight is more important for airlines than for banks. |