1 . Los Angeles County Museum of Art
What to know?Next door to the La Brea Tar Pits sits the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), the linchpin of the Los Angeles museum district. Since its opening in 1965, LACMA has showcased thousands of pieces, from Islamic artifacts to European impressionist paintings to modern art. With constantly shifting exhibitions and unique architecture, LACMA offers a rewarding experience for both serious art lovers and casual travelers.
More informationLACMA’s collection is housed in multiple buildings. The Ahmanson Building, the Hammer Building, and the Art of the Americas Building are historical structures that have long been part of the museum’s landscape. Currently, the museum is constructing a new building for its permanent collection, called the David Geffen Galleries, which is scheduled to open in 2024. For now, pieces will be on display in the Broad Contemporary Art Museum (BCAM) and the Lynda and Stewart Resnick Exhibition Pavilion. The Urban Light and Levitated Mass exhibits remain open to visitors. There is a restaurant and grab-and-go eatery on-site. Many visitors appreciated both the indoor and outdoor art exhibits and were impressed with the size of the collection of modern and contemporary art.
When to visit?Situated on Wilshire Boulevard in west Los Angeles, LACMA is open from 11 am to 6 pm on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays; from 11 am to 8 pm on Fridays and from 10 am to 7 pm on Saturdays and Sundays. It is closed every Wednesday.
PriceAs for residents outside the county, general admission tickets cost $25 for adults, $10 for those aged 3 to 17 (children aged 2 and younger get in for free) and parking will set you back $21. Tickets can be purchased online or at the museum’s ticket office.
1. Which building is under construction?| A．The Hammer Building. | B．The Ahmanson Building. |
| C．The David Geffen Galleries. | D．The Art of the Americas Building. |
| A．At 10 am on Tuesdays. | B．At 3 pm on Fridays. |
| C．At 8 pm on Saturdays. | D．At 11 am on Wednesdays. |
| A．$35. | B．$56. | C．$71. | D．$81. |
2 . Having lived in California until 1970, my family has felt a number of earthquakes. We have been fortunate, however, to have suffered no bodily harm or property damage.
There is a website that lists all California earthquakes recorded from 1769 to the present. The site lists the dates and times as well as the magnitude(震级) and the exact location of any quake that measured more than 6.0.
There are only a few quakes that stand out in my memory and, luckily, none is shown in the website. So, my personal experience with earthquakes might be considered insignificant.
There are three earthquakes that are difficult to forget. The first one was in 1955 and our oldest daughter was walking with me in our backyard in Redwood City in California. As the shaking became stronger I held her to me with one arm as I held on to one of our fruit trees with the other. All three of us (my daughter, I and the tree) shook for two or three minutes that to us felt like hours.
The second one was in 1963.Our entire family was visiting Disneyland in Southern California. The earth started to shake just as we were beginning to walk from our hotel toward the famous landmark.
My third experience with an earthquake was a lonely one in California. It was in my sixties and I was alone in an old church.As the building started to shake, I quickly headed for the door to go outside. I remember I said a little prayer—something like, “Help me get out of here in time, Dear Heavenly Father”. Minutes later, I was safe outside.
1. The author writes the passage mainly to tell us about ________ .| A．a new film about an earthquake | B．how to survive an earthquake |
| C．his three earthquake experiences | D．how to save children in an earthquake |
| A．all caused bodily harm | B．are all recorded in a website |
| C．all measured more than 6.0 | D．all happened in California |
| A．was staying with his daughter | B．was planting fruit trees |
| C．held on to a tree for hours | D．was in a hotel |
| A．A church. | B．Disneyland. |
| C．A building destroyed by an earthquake. | D．The place where the author was born. |
3 . With low or no-carbohydrate diets rising in popularity in recent times, the potato is now regularly overlooked in favour of other vegetables. In fact, research literature has previously indicated potatoes may have a detrimental effect on health, such as increasing the possibility of developing Type2 diabetes(糖尿病).
However, new research done by Edith Cowan University (ECU) has shown while potatoes may not have all the same benefits as some other vegetables, such as lowering risk of Type 2 diabetes, health issues associated with potatoes may actually be due to how people are preparing them and what they’re eating them with.
A recent analysis of this study led by Dr Nicola Bondonno from ECU’s Nutrition and Health Innovation Research Institute found people who consumed the most vegetables were 21 percent less likely to develop Type 2 diabetes than those who consumed the least amount of vegetables. PhD candidate Pratik Pokharel carried out work on the analysis and said while potatoes didn’t have the same impact on Type 2 diabetes, they also didn’t have any negative effect.
“In Denmark, people consume potatoes prepared in many different ways. In our study, we could distinguish between the different preparation methods. When we separated boiled potatoes from mashed potatoes(土豆泥), fries or crisps, boiled potatoes were no longer associated with a higher risk of diabetes: They had a zero effect,” said Pokharel.
“In our study, people who ate the most potatoes also consumed more butter, red meat and soft drinks-foods known to increase your risk of Type 2 diabetes,” said Pokharel. “We should separate potatoes from other vegetables in regard to messaging about disease prevention but replacing refined grains such as white rice and pasta(意大利面食)with potatoes can improve your diet quality because of fibre and other nutrients found in potatoes.”
1. What does the underlined word “detrimental” in paragraph 1 mean?| A．Magical. | B．Protective. | C．Fantastic. | D．Negative. |
| A．The effects they have caused. | B．The ways they are consumed. |
| C．The places where they are planted. | D．The results previous studies have shown. |
| A．Fries. | B．Crisps. | C．Boiled potatoes. | D．Mashed potatoes. |
| A．Critical. | B．Opposed. | C．Indifferent. | D．Objective. |
4 . Here are some fantastic parks in San Antonio.
Brackenridge Park
The park was first established in 1899 and has been popular with both locals and visitors ever since. Towering trees and peaceful riverbanks will greet guests along the park’s paths, and the facilities include playgrounds, museums, a miniature train, a Japanese tea garden, and one of the oldest golf courses in the city.
Friedrich Wilderness Park
In the park, you’ll find about 10 miles of paved(铺过的)and unpaved trails(路线), with a little something for everyone. From rocky climbs to deep canyons, and enchanting forests to open views, there’s no shortage of natural beauty. The area is nationally famous for birdwatching.
San Antonio Missions National Historical Park
The park is the state’s only one on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Site. It covers quite a large area, so it’s best to make it a full-day or at least a half-day trip so you can be sure to cover everything. While the Alamo is a separate attraction, you will get to enjoy the architectural wonders of Mission Concepcion, Mission San Jose, Mission San Juan, and Mission Espada. They’re all connected by a hike and bike trail, with plenty of stops along the way to picnic, climb trees, and refill water. Admission is free!
Eisenhower Park
Just a 20-to 30-minute drive from the city center, the park puts the best landscapes in the Texas Hill Country on full display, holding 6 miles of hiking trails, both paved and unpaved. Explore dried creek beds, look out over plunging canyons, and enjoy full views of San Antonio down below. You can also find playgrounds for the little ones, picnic tables, and barbecue facilities.
1. What is Friedrich Wilderness Park well-known for?| A．Birdwatching. | B．Ancient buildings. |
| C．A Japanese tea garden. | D．Unpaved hiking paths. |
| A．Brackenridge Park. |
| B．Friedrich Wilderness Park. |
| C．San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. |
| D．Eisenhower Park. |
| A．Golf courses and bicycle trails. |
| B．Museums and no entrance fee. |
| C．Birdwatching and playgrounds. |
| D．Hiking trails and barbecue facilities. |
5 . Spending time outdoors has long been linked (联系) to better health. Gardening goes beyond just beautifying outdoor spaces—it can have a deep effect on our physical and mental (身心上的) health.
Gardening involves physical activity that works all the main muscle (肌肉) groups, which is helpful for overall health. “Activities such as digging, planting, weeding and harvesting require movement and can help to improve strength,” said Clayton, CEO of an online lawn care company. “Performing these activities regularly can help burn calories, and keep a healthy weight.”
Beyond burning calories and building muscle, lots of studies have shown that gardening can improve the immune system (免疫系统). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that people get at least 150 minutes of exercise each week, and gardening is listed as a suitable activity. Doing garden work for that time each week can reduce the risk of obesity, high blood pressure and heart disease. Additionally, spending time outdoors makes us get close to natural sunlight, which is important for vitamin D synth.
Gardening provides a chance for social connection, too. It can be a shared activity among family members, friends or neighbors, building relationships and a sense of belonging.
Gardening also offers cognitive (认知的) benefits. It excites the senses, improves focus and encourages problem-solving and creativity. It provides a chance to learn about plants, ecosystems and the environment, developing a deeper understanding and appreciation for nature.
1. What is Clayton’s attitude towards gardening?| A．Supportive. | B．Doubtful. | C．Unclear | D．Uncaring. |
| A．It improves focus. | B．It is a waste of time. |
| C．It can keep a body in shape. | D．It helps to reduce the risk of diseases. |
| A．It contributes to creativity. | B．It encourages problem-solving. |
| C．It builds relationships between people. | D．It improves people’s awareness of safety. |
| A．How to Start a Garden | B．Choose a Garden or Not |
| C．What Plants Grow Best in a Garden | D．Start Gardening and Get the Health Benefits |
6 . Famous Attractions in the USA
Hawaii
Hawaii is the name of a state in the USA, located in the central Pacific Ocean. It has one of the most isolated population an the face of the Earth. This is because it is 3,857 km away from California and thousands of kilometers away from Japan and China. Hawaii was included as the 50th state of the USA, on August 21, 1959, and it is made up of 8 major islands. Honolulu is the capital of Hawaii and is located at the island of Oahu.
Grand Canyon
Situated in the Grand Canyon National Park, the Grand Canyon is located in the state of Arizona in the USA. The mile-high, multicolored rock walls and sandy slopes are enough to keep you lost in its natural beauty. Undoubtedly, the Grand Canyon is filled with powerful and inspiring landscapes, largely because of its big size.
Empire State Building
Standing tall in the New York City, the Empire State Building is a 102-story Art Deco skyscraper. It is one of the prides of the United States. The building is a popular landmark of New York tourism and reflects the history and architecture of New York. It describes America’s industrial revolution and has played an important role in featuring American culture.
Statue of Liberty
The Statue of Liberty was a friendship gift from the people of France to the people of the USA, on the completion of 100 years of independence. It is a universal symbol of freedom. Located on the Liberty Island of New York, occupying 12 acres of land, it welcomes all those who come to New York as tourists and also welcomes the people who are returning to their native place.
1. What do we know about Hawaii?| A．It is made up of some islands. |
| B．It is named after a famous leader. |
| C．It is very far from the Pacific Ocean. |
| D．It is the least populated island on the Earth. |
| A．Get close to nature. |
| B．Learn about art and culture. |
| C．Know about the history of America. |
| D．Appreciate the architecture of New York. |
| A．Hawaii. | B．Grand Canyon. |
| C．Empire State Building. | D．Statue of Liberty. |
7 . There’s no doubt that football is the global sport. Though basketball, tennis, and other sports are popular too, nothing comes close to football. Being played in every country in the world, football provides dozens of superstars. The numbers are greater when compared to any other sport, and this drives the popularity of football up. Have you ever wondered when the sport started and became popular?
Football has its origin (起源) in China and has a history of more than 2,000 years. However, modern football originally appeared in Britain in the 19th century. Folk football matches had been played before in many cities and towns, but never on a professional level.
Football became a winter sport game played in different schools. The rules were carried out by each school, and this made it difficult for players to play an official game with each other. It all changed in 1849 at the University of Cambridge that invented a set of standard rules known as the Cambridge rules of football. From that moment, a new star sport was born.
By the early 20th century, football had spread all across Europe. In 1904, FIFA was set up. There are seven original members, including France, Denmark and Spain, FIFA became the governing body for many associations in Europe.
England’s international success improved the popularity of the sport in the country. The league (联赛) in Britain was set up in 1992. From the 1990s, it became a truly impressive piece of football organization, becoming the world’s top football league in the process.
Football is obviously the most popular sport in the world. It is impossible for any other sport to take its place, especially with leagues spending billions of pounds every year to stay in the focus.
1. What is the author’s purpose of writing paragraph 1?| A．To describe the level of football. |
| B．To introduce the topic of the text. |
| C．To debate the main idea of the text. |
| D．To introduce famous football leagues. |
| A．In China. | B．In France. |
| C．In Britain. | D．In Spain. |
| A．The rules always changed. |
| B．There were no common rules. |
| C．The season made players hard to win. |
| D．Officials made players misunderstand the rules. |
| A．By time order. | B．By space order. |
| C．By listing numbers. | D．By giving examples. |
8 . Most people will rest and relax when they are old. They do not work. But Grandma Moses is different. She started a new job at the age of 70. She was born in a poor farmer’s family in 1860. Her parents named her Anna Mary Robertson. She married Thomas Moses in 1887. He was a farm worker.
It was 1930. Anna Mary Moses was 70, and was a grandmother. She began to paint pictures. She did paintings of country life. One day, her daughter took her paintings to a store in the town. Her paintings were put in the window. A man from New York saw the paintings in the window and bought them. And he wanted more!
The man liked Grandma Moses’s paintings. He wanted to help her. So he took her paintings to galleries (美术馆) in New York City. Otto Kallir had a famous gallery there. He liked the paintings by Grandma Moses. It was 1940 and Grandma Moses’ paintings were in Kallir’s gallery. She was 80 years old.
Grandma Moses suddenly became famous. Everyone wanted her paintings. So she painted more and more. She won many prizes for her paintings. She become famous in the United States and Europe. When she was 100 years old, the State of New York made her birthday “Grandma Moses’ Day”. After her 100th birthday, she painted 6 more paintings. She died at the age 101 and a lot of people thought she was amazing.
1. When did Grandma Moses start to paint pictures?| A．At the age of 70. | B．In the year 1887. | C．In the year 1940. | D．At the age of 80. |
| A．her daughter | B．a man from New York |
| C．Otto Kallir’s gallery | D．the owner of a store in town |
| A．When she was 70. | B．When she was 80. |
| C．When she was 100. | D．When she was 101. |
| A．Grandma Moses’ Day | B．Grandma Moses’ Family |
| C．Grandma Moses and Her Paintings | D．Grandma Moses and New York State |
9 . For my daughter's 19th birthday, we bought her tickets to go and see Linkin Park, as they were playing in our city. We didn't really have the
The night before she was like a
Needless to say when they
Later that day they returned, with faces full of happiness and warmth. They presented my husband and me with a
This wasn't something
| A．money | B．time | C．interest | D．news |
| A．worker | B．baby | C．kid | D．parent |
| A．dance | B．learn | C．walk | D．sit |
| A．speak | B．sleep | C．stand | D．leave |
| A．healthy | B．happy | C．pretty | D．surprised |
| A．stayed | B．left | C．returned | D．turned |
| A．worrying about | B．caring for | C．looking at | D．listening to |
| A．lent | B．earned | C．saved | D．spent |
| A．Still | B．Only | C．Just | D．Also |
| A．continued | B．tried | C．decided | D．struggled |
| A．kept | B．lost | C．realized | D．discovered |
| A．gift | B．prize | C．ticket | D．picture |
| A．richest | B．oldest | C．best | D．cleverest |
| A．important | B．ordinary | C．new | D．valuable |
| A．feelings | B．concerns | C．understandings | D．opinions |
10 . In September 2017, villagers found a tiny elephant wandering around alone in Burkina Faso, West Africa. They named the baby elephant Nania and brought it to a local wildlife base. The caregivers there saw promising signs-the young elephant remained physically healthy and didn't seem depressed. Experts predict the elephant was discovered within a day or two of being separated from her family, or she wouldn't have survived.
Fortunately, Nania grew well with her caregivers, who acted as her parents playing with her for 6-8 hours a day. Several months later, Nania was ready to start the process of returning to wild elephant group. As is known to us, turning wild animals into adopted ones is actually a process the animals can do naturally. Most animals including nonrelatives act like family. However, helping an elephant rejoin the wild is no simple task. Will it be able to find food for itself, avoid danger, and eventually have its own children?
Meanwhile, scientists began the search for her mother using DNA matching technology. They began collecting wastes samples from the 40 wild elephant tribes that passed through the area and analyzed the elephant wastes for DNA in a lab. Then one day, the lab found a surprising result: the DNA was a match. One of the sampled elephants was not just a family member of Nania, but almost surely her mother. Most importantly, through the DNA, the scientists discovered that Nania is a forest elephant. Forest elephants are endangered, which makes the importance of saving Nania much greater.
“What you really hope for is that there’s some connection that can be remembered when she finds her own species,” Katie Moore, vice president for animal rescue, said. “And that it just happens. To Nania, it will not feel lonely any more.”
1. What do we know about the tiny elephant from paragraph 1?| A．It seemed well although it was lost. | B．It was frightened of being left alone. |
| C．It had been missing for a long time. | D．It felt quite frustrated for loneliness. |
| A．It was impossible for it to find its family. |
| B．It was hardly able to join other species family. |
| C．It was unwilling to leave and go back to the wild. |
| D．It might be hard for it to survive back in the wild. |
| A．Nania forgot the animals in wildlife base. | B．Nania managed to get used to its former life. |
| C．Nania could be recognized by other elephants. | D．Nania had almost forgotten her family members. |
| A．The Endangered Forest Elephants | B．A Lost Elephant Finding Its Mother By Itself |
| C．A Rescued Elephant’s Returning To The Wild | D．An Amazing DNA Matching Technology |
