3 . A group of Chinese language students from Spain visited Malta for three days. They had a chance to enjoy themselves in the amazing Chinese cultural experiences there.

At the Confucius Institute of the University of Malta on Saturday, the students from the Official School of Languages were attracted by traditional Chinese flute (长笛) performances, and Chinese tea making. Each of them was photographed trying on Hanfu, a form of traditional Chinese clothing. Despite their age differences, they all proved their dexterity (灵巧) at traditional Chinese works such as paper-cutting and knot-weaving. Maria Nieves, a group member, expressed her strong interest in Chinese culture, after two years of learning the language. “Despite the challenges, Chinese characters are truly beautiful,” she says.

On Sunday, the group visited the Mediterranean Regional Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine in Paola, Malta. Under the guidance of a doctor, they practiced Ba Duan Jin, a set of exercises whose name translates as “eight steps to healthy living”. A lecture on TCM introduced them to treatments like acupuncture (针灸) and cupping, and some of the students had the chance to personally experience a treatment. Feng Hua, leader of the Chinese medical team, says that the TCM center is planning to host more students, who are interested in TCM and Chinese culture to take part in cultural exchange, and learn more about Chinese medical practice.

During their visit to the China Cultural Center in Valletta on Monday, the students were drawn to the traditional Chinese lanterns hanging in front of the entrance, and also to the beautiful tea sets in the main hall. Yuan Yuan, director of the China Cultural Center in Malta, highlights the importance of cultural exchange in promoting friendship between nations.

1. What is the first destination of the students’ study visits?

A．University of Malta.

B．Official School of Languages.

C．Mediterranean Regional Center.

D．China Cultural Center.

2. How long had Maria Nieves been studying Chinese?

A．Six months.

B．One year.

C．Two years.

D．Three years.

3. How many activities were experienced by the students in Paola, Malta?

A．One.

B．Two.

C．Three.

D．Four.

4. What could be the best title for the passage?

A．Wisdom of Chinese People

B．An Amazing Language Learning Tour

C．The Importance of Cultural Exchange

D．Spanish Students Visit Malta for Cultural Experience

4 . Roadkill is a worldwide problem. Every year: About 340 million birds are killed on roads in the United States; around 9 million mammals (哺乳动物) of average size are killed on Brazilian roads; and China is no exception.

To deal with this, a study of “roadkill” has been conducted by Professor Li Zhongqiu and his team from Nanjing University. The study was conducted in Nanjing, which has more than 9,700 km of well-built roads. Li and his teammates ran 26 roadkill monitoring (监测) activities over 224.27 km of roads, totaling 5,831 km during the research period. The nine roads chosen for the team’s research were monitored every two weeks over the course of a year.

The team recorded a total of 293 dead bodies. Among them, birds made up nearly half the total. As a main bird species in East China, blackbirds are usually attracted by flies or other insects to dead bodies of roadkill along the roads. “Specifically, cats, dogs and blackbirds were the three most commonly killed animals,” Li said. “This may be due to the large number of homeless cats and dogs in city areas. Pets thrown out of their homes are more likely to run into traffic.”

According to the report, roadkill happened a lot from May to September. The animal’ increased reproductive (生殖) activity in summer and autumn is a possible reason. Besides, roadkill issues also topped in November and January. This may be due to the need to search for food during winter when food resources are few, Li said.

“There is no doubt that roadkill has contributed to the decrease of animal populations and must be taken seriously,” Li said. “We call on related departments to take measures such as speed limits and necessary traffic controls during top periods of animal activities. For animals such as cats and dogs that usually use the roads, fences can prevent them from entering traffic.”

1. What is paragraph 1 of the text mainly about?

A．The purpose of the study.	B．The method of the study.
C．The result of the study.	D．The background of the study.

2. How often were the chosen roads monitored during a research year?

A．Once every two weeks.	B．Once a week.
C．Three times every two weeks.	D．Twice a week.

3. What is the possible reason why roadkill accidents happen the most in November and January?

A．Large animal birth rate.	B．Busier traffic.
C．Few traffic controls.	D．Animals’ demand for food.

4. What can policymakers do to reduce cat roadkill incidents according to Professor Li?

A．Having speed limits.	B．Taking traffic controls.
C．Building fences.	D．Setting warning signs.

5 . Thanks to its proximity (邻近) to England, its successful tourism industry and its multicultural population, Edinburgh is quite a special city in Scotland.

Edinburgh simply makes it with culture during its long holiday season. It is not just its famous festivals in the summer but its Christmas and Hogmanay (除夕) celebrations, which fill the city with tourists from all over the world. Along with the tourists, Edinburgh has lots of students. They bring energy and variety to the culture of the city. Although this can be overwhelming (令人不知所措) at times, if you open your arms to the good that it brings you can get so much out of the city.

The Cycling Gardeners are a part of the local community. By being totally dependent on bikes for transport, we are limited to working within the city centre. We have made life a bit easier on ourselves by using electric bikes, and we often beat cars in traffic and have no problem finding place to park.

We have a great collective team spirit which is very important. Whenever you go there from May to September, you will likely meet both sunshine and rain. But the wet weather can be dealt with by helping each other out, spending time in the many local cafes, catching up with your friends and having a good discussion about the rain!

Without doubt my favourite place in Edinburgh is the Meadows Park. I was born in the hospital overlooking it and grew up in buildings around it. Much of my childhood days were spent there. I met my wife there and it is where I take my young son to play. I have the happiest memories of building snowmen when the snow comes down. I really hope that this winter brings good snow so I can review my own childhood with my son!

1. What does Edinburgh attract visitors most?

A．Its successful industry.	B．Its famous festivals.
C．Its rainy seasons.	D．Its beautiful view.

2. Compared with driving cars, what’s the advantages of riding electric bikes for Cycling Gardeners?

A．Speed.	B．Comfort.
C．Convenience.	D．Expense.

3. What does the underlined phrase “catching up” in paragraph 4 mean?

A．Getting up.	B．Meeting up.
C．Showing up.	D．Picking up.

4. Why is the Meadows Park the author’s favorite place in Edinburgh?

A．He has good memories there.	B．He was born there.
C．He played with his young son there.	D．He met his wife there.

6 . UVSS Peer Support Centre

The UVSS (University of Victoria Students’ Society) Peer Support Center (PSC) is an inclusive (包容的) and comfortable space for students. Whether you are struggling with learning stress, are concerned for a friend, or need help getting resources on campus, you can get recommendations here. Our trained student volunteers are here to listen, offering warm and confidential support.

Volunteer with us!

If you want to make a positive influence on the lives of others, fill in the Registration Form at https://www.uvic.ca/ to sign up. We will pick 20 members at 12 p.m., December 8. We welcome students who are glad to provide empathetic (同理心的) listening, guidance, and help to their peers.

We accept applications on an ongoing basis, allowing you to join our team at any time throughout the year. However, please note that our yearly training activities are conducted in mid-to late-August.

Come for a visit!

The Peer Support Centre is here for you on campus (B035 in the basement of the Student Union Building).

The PSC hours are as follows:

Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday
10:00-4:30	10:00-4:00	10:30-3:30	10:30-4:00	Closed

1. What does the Peer Support Centre focus on?

A．Giving volunteer training.	B．Helping fellow students.
C．Reducing learning stress.	D．Providing campus resources.

2. What’s the picking rate if 80 students sign up for volunteers?

A．10%.

B．20%.

C．25%.

D．40%.

3. Which day has the longest PCS hours?

A．Monday.	B．Tuesday.
C．Wednesday.	D．Thursday.

7 . Beth Bonness talked into the mirror as her hairstylist cut her hair. Bonness was telling a funny story about a trip to Rome. Suddenly, the stylist started moving her hands around in the mirror. “Beth. Beth. Beth. Can you hear me? ” she said. Bonness asked her what was wrong. In her mind, the words were coming out of her mouth. But she could see in the mirror that her lips weren’t moving. She started seeing bursts of light in the sides of her vision (视野). Then suddenly, the sensations disappeared.

Tests indicated Bonness had a transient ischemic attack (短暂性脑缺血发作) (TlA). About a third of people who have a TIA go on to have a more serious stroke (中风) within a year.

Bonness said she was told it was a one-off incident, so she didn’t worry about future problems. Plus, only old people have strokes, she told herself. She was 49, healthy and fit. Even the doctors implied that she was too young to worry. But the same week, while having a meal with her family, she couldn’t speak clearly again.

Bonness went on disability for a few weeks, and returned to work full-time half a year later. In the beginning, she felt less confident about speaking. Later she threw herself into living as healthy as possible. In 2011, her doctor said she’d fully recovered. She stopped all stroke-related medication.

In 2014, Bonness retired. She ended up saving a historic craftsman-style home in her neighborhood by changing it into a small residential development. The process had so many twists and turns (意外的曲折变化) that Bonness began writing a book about her story.

Last year, she started sharing her writing. She also started a writing group for survivors of stroke and brain injury in the hope that they too might find the same insight (领悟) and comfort. “Maybe it’s about doing more talking and sharing,” she said. “Every experience you have, all that travels with you.”

1. What does paragraph 1 mainly tell us?

A．The reason for Bonness’ catching TIA.	B．The treatment course of Bonness’ TLA.
C．Bonness first experience of suffering TIA.	D．Bonness’ chat with her hairstylist about TIA.

2. What did Bonness think of her TLA at the beginning?

A．It would harm her eyesight.	B．It was nothing to worry about.
C．It might be a deadly disease.	D．It needed further examination.

3. Why did Bonness write her book?

A．To buy her family a house.	B．To have an active retirement.
C．To record some events in her life.	D．To support a housing development.

4. What has Bonness done recently?

A．She has traveled around the country.	B．She has gathered material for her book.
C．She has helped look after those with TIA.	D．She has encouraged survivors of TIA to write.

9 . Watching movies is great for improving your English. And if you choose films that you enjoy watching, you’ll learn English without even realising it! Here are four movies that are perfect for English learners.

Charlotte’s Web (2006)
Story: The power of friendship between a pig(Wilbur)and a spider(Charlotte).

The live-action film, a fine adaptation of E. B. White’s book, will entertain the young audience with cute talking animals and easy-to-follow language. Adults will also be charmed by heartwarming good time and learn to look at the world with curiosity and joy.

Toy Story(1995)
Story: A cartoon film about toys that come to life when children and adults aren’t around.

The storylines are clear and the characters use simple but useful language. Though it’s mainly for kids, Toy Story doesn’t feel childish. The story and jokes also attracted adults, so parents would be more likely to take their children to see the film.

Charlie & the Chocolate Factory (1971)
Story: Things go wrong when a group of kids get a free tour of Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory.

This film is also great for English learners as it is generally easy to follow. And you’ll hear some extracts(选段) from English literature because Willy often quotes well-known writers   such as Oscar Wilde and Shakespeare.

The Sound of Music(1965)
Story: A young woman (Maria) becomes the nanny for seven children in a house in the Austrian   Alps.

The Sound of Music is a musical and listening to music is one of the best ways to improve your English. Many of the film’s songs have become classics because they’re so catchy.

1. Which movie attracts cartoon lovers most?

A．Charlotte’s Web(2006).	B．Toy Story(1995).
C．Charlie & the Chocolate Factory(1971).	D．The Sound of Music(1965).

2. What do Charlie & the Chocolate Factory and The Sound of Music have in common?

A．They are preferred by housewives.	B．They are musicals.
C．They are based on classic works.	D．They have children characters.

3. Where is this text probably taken from?

A．A music blog.	B．A language magazine.
C．A movie poster.	D．A toy advertisement.

10 . The Music Educator Award, this year, went to Annie Ray, an orchestra(管弦乐队)director at Annandale High School.She was recognized for her efforts to make music accessible to all students, particularly those with disabilities.Ray got to attend the awards ceremony in Los Angeles and bring home a $10,000 prize.

Ray created the Crescendo Orchestra for students with severe intellectual and developmental disabilities, as well as a parent orchestra that teaches nearly 200 caregivers a year to play the same instrument as their child.Ray also works with a local charity to give damaged instruments a second life in her classroom.

The orchestra is about much more than just making music.The most important is to give students a chance to develop their cooperation skills, make mistakes and learn the art of refining something.Ray pushes her students to be brave, go outside their comfort zone and realize they have to learn how to make bad sounds before learning how to make good sounds.And they teach her a lot in return.” They changed my educational philosophy.I understand what it truly means to meet a student where they’re at and apply that elsewhere,” she said.

The warm reception on the ceremony was meaningful.Actually, not many people understand what exactly music educators do or how much their work matters.While her administration is supportive, that lack of understanding is a problem facing the profession in general.Another is resources.She says her school “desperately” needs new instruments.She will use some of her prize money to buy more.

Ray also plans to put some of the money towards an ongoing scholarship for students who want to pursue music when they graduate.She knows of several, those particularly interested in music, and aims to offer financial support needed to realize their musical dreams” It is hard but truly satisfying,” Ray said.“And there’s nothing else like it for them.”

1. What can we learn about Ray from the first two paragraphs?

A．She hosted the award ceremony.	B．She brought music to more people.
C．She gave away instruments to the poor.	D．She founded a local charity for children.

2. What do students benefit most from the orchestra?

A．They acquire in-depth musical knowledge.	B．They make friends with the like-minded.
C．They gain personal growth from playing music.	D．They improve their connections with educators.

3. What is paragraph 4 of the text mainly about?

A．The reception on the ceremony.	B．Importance of music education.
C．Challenges for music educators.	D．Plans to obtain resources.

4. What does Ray find satisfying according to the last paragraph?

A．Winning a scholarship.	B．Developing interest in music.
C．Making musical achievements.	D．Transforming dreams into reality.