2 . Do you remember reading an article called Kouji in middle school? In it, a kouji performer, specializing in vocal mimicry, creates lifelike performances of various sounds using just his mouth, with the stage having only a table, a block of wood on it, a chair and a fan.

Originating from ancient China, the art of kouji involves skillfully using movements of the lips, teeth, throat, and tongue to produce sounds that mimic birds, animals, and various other noises in the world. It is often combined with story-telling during performances. In 2011, kouji was recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage.

According to the IHChina website, traditional kouji is becoming endangered due to the rapid development of electronic audio. However, Cao Quyang, a 28-year-old inheritor, has found a solution by combining kouji with beatboxing, achieving a perfect combination of traditional and modern performance art.

Cao started learning kouji in 2016 when she wanted to bring something original to her B -box performance."As a former percussionis（打击乐器演奏者） ,I'm sensitive to rhythm, so I integrated the kouji techniques I learned into beatboxing and created my own unique style in my area of expertise." she added. For example, when mimicking environmental sounds like wind, Cao can use her mouth to weave beatboxing into it, making the sound of the wind stronger and more rhythmic. "The addition of beatboxing brings more musical expression to kouji performances, making the stories more vivid and appealing to today's young audiences." said Cao.

In addition to kouji and beatboxing, Cao can also play the Chinese drums, drum set, and piano, as well as DJ. " Innovation is not difficult for me. To me, innovation is simply expressing something that people don't understand in a way they do," said Cao, "As long as it combines tradition and modernity and allows the public to appreciate the beauty of tradition through innovation, I'm willing to do it."

1. What does the article tell us about kouji ?

A．It involves five parts of the human mouth.

B．It originated in the Western Han dynasty.

C．It usually mixes sound mimicry with storytelling.

D．It received national heritage status in 2001.

2. How has Cao Quyang contributed to the preservation of kouji ?

A．By developing a new form of art.

B．By employing it to compose pop songs.

C．By including digital effects in her performances.

D．By combining it with percussion instruments.

3. What aspect of kouji does Cao enhance with beatboxing ?

A．Visual appeal.	B．Emotional depth.
C．Mimicry accuracy.	D．Rhythmic complexity.

4. What does Cao think of innovation ?

A．It presents challenges and risks of failure.	B．It is a means of beautifying the old.
C．It is a way to bridge understanding.	D．It serves as a form of self-expression.

4 . The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) facilities have the primary purpose of supporting MIT’s educational and research programs as well as serving the local community, the nation, and the world. Access to and use of the MIT Libraries is a privilege extended to the members of the MIT community of faculty, students, staff and their families. Visitors can access Libraries’ resources for scholarly, research, and educational purposes.

MIT Libraries use policies are consistent with current MIT campus policies.

Principles for Library Use

Library users and staff will interact with mutual respect and consideration. Library users will:

Respect private and Institute property.

Obey all Institute and Libraries’ policies, licensing and contractual agreements.

Show valid identification upon request.

Use MIT Libraries’ resources (content, equipment, or facilities) safely and appropriately.

Prohibited Behaviors

Behaviors that threaten personal safety or the security of personal or Institute property.

Behaviors that disturb the activities of other library users or staff, including excessive (过度的) noise, cell phones, music and rudeness.

Alcohol, drug use and smoking — as detailed in MIT’s Policy on Substance Use.

The MIT Libraries may limit or refuse access to individuals or groups who fail to follow these guidelines. Interpretation of policies or guidelines is at the decision of the MIT Libraries’ staff.

The General Hour Rules

Weekdays: Libraries typically operate from early morning to late evening, with extended hours during examinations.

Weekends: Reduced hours are offered, with generally later opening and earlier closing times.

Special hours may apply during holidays, breaks, and summer. Some libraries may close entirely, while others operate on limited schedules.

Users are advised to consult the library website for the most current information on specific hours, closures, and exceptions.

1. What is the main purpose of the MIT Libraries?

A．To promote MIT’s academic pursuit.

B．To serve as a public library for the nation.

C．To provide Internet access for MIT students.

D．To offer a gathering center for the local community.

2. What behavior would result in restricted access?

A．Using library resources for essays.

B．Inquiring about checking out books.

C．Presenting valid identification as required.

D．Engaging in loud discussions with library users.

3. What is the libraries’ hour rule?

A．Open early on weekends.

B．Flexible hours on demand.

C．Closed entirely during the summer.

D．Longer hours in exam sessions on weekdays.

5 . Life can change in the blink of an eye. While Bridgette was in the parking lot, together with her kids, a car hit them. This left them _________ beneath the car. Thankfully, the driver wasn’t going very fast when she hit them. In that moment, she was _________ by the sun, which is the _________ cause of the accident. However, as soon as she could, she _________ out of the car to help.

Soon, Chris Crowder, CEO of the school, joined her. Without delay, he _________ a group of students to help. “It was _________,” Chris recalls. “I immediately just _________ the building because I knew I had to get a lot of people to lift this car. We have about 220 domestic kids and over 300 international kids at the school. They just heard me _________. All these kids from different countries just come running out and lift it up.”

Still, this wasn’t an easy _________. “The car was heavy,” says student Junier. “We did our best, and the moment I heard the kids crying I was like, ‘Oh, thank God, the kids are good.’”

The mother and kids were __________ to the hospital. Although Bridgette suffered the most of the injuries, all three of them are expected to make complete __________. A GoFundMe has been made to help the family with __________. “Thank you for your support of this amazing mother and her beautiful children as they __________ from this tragic accident,” Keaton Speaks, creator of the GoFundMe page shares. “We also have the __________ husband and father, Andrew Ponson, in our prayers as he takes care of his family wholeheartedly day and night.”

In addition to being grateful for Bridgette and her kids’safe rescue, the heroic students who helped are also getting their __________ praise.

1.

A．trapped

B．lost

C．ignored

D．hidden

2.

A．warmed

B．weathered

C．blinded

D．shone

3.

A．normal

B．complex

C．puzzling

D．suspected

4.

A．jumped

B．fell

C．rolled

D．slipped

5.

A．followed

B．gathered

C．pulled

D．advised

6.

A．fierce

B．competitive

C．urgent

D．strange

7.

A．searched for

B．wandered through

C．pointed at

D．rushed into

8.

A．sigh

B．scream

C．weep

D．pray

9.

A．project

B．task

C．preparation

D．solution

10.

A．dragged

B．appointed

C．transported

D．called

11.

A．judgements

B．efforts

C．returns

D．recoveries

12.

A．expenses

B．medicines

C．foods

D．wards

13.

A．learn

B．heal

C．escape

D．change

14.

A．honest

B．enthusiastic

C．incredible

D．optimistic

15.

A．promised

B．desired

C．continued

D．deserved

6 . Be a Beekeeper for a Day!

Learn about the fascinating world of honey bees in a way that few get to experience:

Your tour, led by a professional beekeeper, will include suiting up in protective gear, lighting a bee smoker, and getting up close with more than 100,000 bees.

Each tour is capped at 12 people, providing you an intimate experience of this fascinating species.

Guided tours include protective gear and select drinks.

At least one paid adult must accompany any children under the age of 18.

Price	Starting at $35   Adult (Ages 13+): $50     Child (Ages 6-12): $35
Time	Saturdays
Duration	1.5 Hours
Place	Two Hives Honey Ranch

Things to know:

Ensure you arrive a few minutes before your start time to sign waivers (豁免协议) and get signed in. Particularly for evening tours, it is important that we start on time so that we finish the tour before sunset.

Tours are weather dependent, so if the forecast calls for rain, please watch your email 24-48 hours before in case we need to cancel/reschedule.

What to bring:

We will have a variety of protective gear (beekeeping masks, gloves) for all of you. You will see that the bees are incredibly gentle and tame, but it’s better for everyone to enjoy their time and not feel worried about getting stung! Additionally, please adhere (遵守) to the below guidelines:

Closed-toe shoes that cover the ankle are required.

Wear long pants and a long sleeve top. Blue jeans are fine. Try to stick to lighter colors on top — button downs work great!

Choose clothing that is loose fitting — nothing especially tight! (Black yoga pants are NOT a good clothing choice.)

Avoid using materials that are hairy or made from sweater type materials.

Please avoid using any perfumes or heavily fragrant creams — the bees are not fans of our smells.

Finally, your tour guide may make his/her job look easy, but they work hard to ensure your bee experience is informative, fun, and most importantly, safe. If you enjoyed your time and the experience, a tip to show your appreciation for their work is not required but always appreciated.

1. What will you do during the tour?

A．Taste the honey from their hives.

B．Smoke bees out of their honeycomb.

C．Explore an active and living beehive.

D．Identify the bee queen and bee workers.

2. What is provided for the trip?

A．A cap.	B．A raincoat.
C．A beekeeping mask.	D．A pair of knee-high boots.

3. What are tourists advised to do?

A．Put on a sweater.	B．Wear tight clothes.
C．Choose black yoga pants.	D．Give a tip to the guide.

7 . I grew up on a dairy farm. The particular life location to which I got assigned—“stuck” is a better word if you’ve ever been there — was a small family-owned-and-operated outfit.

I remember the Christmas when our main hired hand dropped out of the work rotation. Sixteen and the oldest of the kids left at home, I was called on to fill in. Halfway through the first day, I realized I had never noticed exactly how much that worker did. For five days I either milked or slept, fed calves (牛犊) or slept. I have to admit this gave me a deep appreciation of how hard my parents worked day in and day out for 30 years, and that understanding solidified my determination to do whatever it took to not stay on that dairy farm my whole life.

Eventually, my determination paid off. I got into college. Now, I no longer have to worry about my father’s voice yelling, “Stace, come out here! We need help!” To be honest, I’m grateful. But at the same time, I also don’t have a compelling reason to be up in time to see the beauty of a sunrise. Nor do I have the opportunity to dance with my sister in the dairy barn, work side-by-side with my dad and hear the old stories.

Now, there are whole stretches of days when I don’t feel any pressing need to even go outside. And I can go months without petting an animal or watching in amazement at their keen sense of the environment around them. Instead, I have neighbors within shouting distance but who feel like they live a planet away.

Eighteen years I lived my life on that dairy, not really knowing there were people who didn’t get up and go out and work together to get the same overwhelming tasks done day after day. Sometimes I wish I had never found out there were.

1. What did the author come to understand on her first day working on the farm?

A．She couldn’t manage so much work.

B．Her parents sacrificed a lot for her family.

C．The tasks were dull and challenging.

D．The work was more demanding than expected.

2. What motivated the author to pursue further education?

A．Lack of opportunities on the farm.

B．A passion for academic study.

C．Her dissatisfaction with farm life.

D．Encouragement from her parents.

3. How does the author feel about her life now?

A．Mixed.	B．Regretful.
C．Content.	D．Relieved.

4. What can we infer about the author from the last paragraph?

A．She has become tired of her daily routine.

B．She misses the connections she had before.

C．She regrets leaving her family behind.

D．She has lost interest in the beauty of nature.

8 . The Grammy’s Music Educator Award recognizes those who have made a significant contribution to music education.

This year, the award ________ Annie Ray, the orchestra (管弦乐队) director at Annandale High School in Fairfax County, Virginia. With the creation of the Crescendo Orchestra, she works to make ________ accessible to all students, particularly those with severe intellectual and developmental disabilities. Ray says the focus of the program is on teaching students how to play a(n) ________, through one-on-one instruction tailored to their special ________. She also works with a local charity to give damaged instruments a second ________ in her classroom.

Ray took home both a $10,000 ________ and a matching grant for her school’s music program. In an interview, Ray ________ her pupils for this recognition. “This is the students’ ________. I am just ________ enough to have been a part of their journey and to have been ________ by them,” she said. “They completely changed my educational philosophy and ________ of what it truly means to meet a student where they’re at and ________ that elsewhere.”

Now, Ray will use the prize money to buy instruments—something the school had ________ to do. “We’ve been trying to ________ money all year for new cellos. And now the problem is solved.” She also plans to create an ongoing scholarship for students who want to ________ music when they graduate, in any capacity.

1.

A．appealed to

B．calmed

C．went to

D．entertained

2.

A．classrooms

B．books

C．competition

D．music

3.

A．instrument

B．joke

C．character

D．sport

4.

A．questions

B．rights

C．schedules

D．needs

5.

A．attempt

B．visit

C．life

D．thought

6.

A．budget

B．prize

C．contract

D．project

7.

A．prepared

B．credited

C．begged

D．forgave

8.

A．award

B．interest

C．tour

D．goal

9.

A．clever

B．right

C．lucky

D．brave

10.

A．replaced

B．taught

C．adopted

D．signed

11.

A．background

B．research

C．approach

D．resource

12.

A．attain

B．consider

C．choose

D．apply

13.

A．managed

B．threatened

C．agreed

D．struggled

14.

A．donate

B．raise

C．handle

D．spend

15.

A．pursue

B．record

C．stream

D．enjoy

9 . How can travel strengthen the human brain? It’s child’s play. By the age of three, a child’s brain has twice as many synapses (突触) per neuron (神经元) than in  adults. That’s because as humans age, the brain  removes unused connections to make  stronger ones; but doing new activities and  having new experiences can help enhance those connections at any age.

A 2009 study gave participants a unique creativity puzzle to solve involving a candle, a box of tacks and matches. The goal was to fix a lighted candle to a cork board with nothing but those items. Most of the participants who had traveled and lived abroad demonstrated a measurable increase in creativity. One of the reasons for this obviously is that living in another culture exposes you to new ideas, to new people, to new stimuli (刺激); and that increases the amount of elements or bits of information that you can combine or recombine in novel and original ways to come up with new ideas.

Scientists used to believe that the brain was unchangeable and only degraded with age. It wasn’t until the 1960s that neuroscientist, Dr. Marian Diamond, proved the complete opposite. She found that if the body was in an enriched environment, the brain could be shaped by that environment and grow. She did this by placing some lab rats in a multi-sensory environment and others in a bare environment. The rats that had spent more time in the enriched environment had more synaptic connections. So an enriched environment allows you to develop more pathways; so that they’ll be there and available for you and they won’t be pruned away as you grow older. By accessing these environments and travel, the mind can enter a complex emotional state known as awe. Awe is one of the most powerful perceptions we have, and awe gives you the excitement and the ability to step to the very place we evolve to avoid which is not knowing. So it gives you the curiosity and the courage to step forward.

If you want to be changeable, adaptable, travel with openness and courage and embrace the unknown. It may just transform your brain for the better.

1. What writing technique does the author use in Paragraph 2?

A．By comparison.	B．By citing quotation.
C．By giving example.	D．By giving definition

2. What can we infer from Dr. Marian Diamond’s proof?

A．As humans age,the brains degrade.

B．Children are more creative than adults.

C．The brain can be shaped by the environment and grow.

D．Enriched environments help brain grow more synaptic connections.

3. What does the underlined phrase mean in paragraph 3?

A．faded

B．deleted

C．expanded

D．increased

4. What does the passage mainly tell us?

A．The relationship between body and mind.

B．Travel can help transform your brain for the better.

C．More synapses in neurons make people more creative.

D．Travel gives you the curiosity and the courage to embrace the unknown.

10 . Are you an early bird or a night owl? Our activity patterns and sleep cycles could influence our risk of heart disease. New research published in Experimental Physiology found wake/sleep cycles cause metabolic (新陈代谢) differences and change our body’s preference for energy sources.

Researchers from Rutgers University, New Jersey, USA classified participants into two groups(early and late) based on their natural tendency to seek activity and sleep at different times. The participants were monitored for a week to assess their activity patterns across the day. They ate a calorie and nutrition-controlled diet and had to fast overnight to minimize dietary impact on the results. To study fuel preference, they were tested while at rest before completing two 15-minute period of exercise: one moderate and one high intensity session on a running machine. Aerobic fitness levels were tested through an incline challenge where the incline was raised 2.5% every two minutes until the participant reached a point of exhaustion.

The researchers found that those who stay up later have a reduced ability to use fat for energy, meaning fats may build up in the body and increase the risk of heart disease. People who are ‘early birds’ rely more on fat as an energy source and are more active during the day with, higher levels of aerobic fitness than ‘night owls’. On the other hand, ‘night owls’ use less fat for energy at rest and during exercise.

Researchers also found that early birds use more fat for energy at both rest and during exercise than night owls. Professor Steven Malin from Rutgers University said, “We found that early birds are more physically active and have higher fitness levels than night owls. Farther research is needed to examine the link between exercise and metabolic adaptation to identify whether exercising earlier in the day has greater health benefits.”

1. What does the underlined word “fast” in paragraph 2 mean?

A．Move quickly.	B．Go without food.
C．Exercise regularly.	D．Fall sound asleep.

2. How was the research conducted?

A．By making a survey.	B．By making contrasts.
C．By providing examples.	D．By introducing a concept.

3. What is the characteristic of the “early birds”?

A．Having lower fitness level.	B．Using less fat during exercise.
C．Consuming more fat at rest.	D．Being more active during the night.

4. What is Malin’s attitude to the result of the research?

A．Tolerant.

B．Pessimistic.

C．Indifferent.

D．Uncertain.