1 . You look up at the sky on a clear and dark night, you’ll see more stars than your eyes can count. Most of these stars have planets, similar to our own, orbiting them. With so many celestial bodies floating out in space, you can’t help but question whether other forms of life exist in the universe. And if that’s the case, is it possible to contact them?

Science is still somewhat divided on this issue. Currently, no evidence exists to suggest that intelligent life exists elsewhere in the universe. Yet with an estimated one trillion planets in our galaxy alone, it seems highly likely that Earthlings aren’t the only intelligent creatures out there. Some claim that life can only develop under perfect circumstances, and Earth is perhaps the only example of this. Other scientists object to this claim, and point out that even on Earth, life can find a way under the most extreme circumstances.

Some people believe that aliens have already visited our planet, but this information is being kept secret by governments. The most famous incident of this kind occurred in Roswell, New Mexico in 1947. On that date, many residents reported seeing an unusual flying disc streak through the sky, before it crashed in a field. When the military heard about the crash, they quickly sealed off the area. A few hours later, the army base announced that it had recovered a flying disk. Shortly after, this statement was retracted and it was said that it was a weather balloon that crashed. However, years later one local mortician even claimed that the military had him secretly perform an autopsy on a dead alien body.

Others believe that there certainly are other life forms out there, but the distance between us is too great. Even if we could somehow create a spaceship that travels at the speed of light, it would still probably take several lifetimes to reach them. Then again, we might never have to do this if aliens reach us first.

1. Why do some scientists think there is life on other planets?

A．Because an unusual flying disc was ever witnessed.

B．Because life exists despite extreme conditions as those on the Earth do.

C．Because the government’s statement seemed suspicious.

D．Because there are a great number of planets in the universe.

2. What does the underlined word “retracted” in paragraph 3 mean?

A．Examined again to guarantee the correctness.	B．Emphasized again to persuade people.
C．Formally taken back what has been said.	D．Seriously criticized due to poor evidence

3. Which of the following might be the best title for the text?

A．Are we alone in the universe?	B．Is it possible to contact aliens?
C．Intelligent life in the universe.	D．Planets floating out in space.

4. How does the author sound in the passage?

A．Objective.

B．Humorous.

C．Cautious.

D．Anxious.

3 .

What do you see in the image? The image can be challenging to interpret, and most people need a clue to see the pattern. It shows a Dalmatian dog. An interesting aspect of this experience is that once you’ve perceived the pattern, you can’t unset the dog.

Whether we like it or not, our brains look for patterns in various contexts. Much of our everyday understanding is linked to the concepts we learn in school and through interaction with others. On top of this, there are learned cultural patterns to interpret works of art, music, poems, etc. Once we know the patterns, they profoundly influence how we perceive cultural products. So we see the world through patterns we have acquired.

These patterns can be applied in all forms of teaching. The great benefit of seeing a pattern in an area of knowledge is that it can be applied to new problems. A student who has understood a pattern can not only answer questions taken directly from the learning material but can use it in other types of tasks. The key question, therefore, is how a student can discover the relevant patterns and create real understanding.

There are different ways to highlight patterns. Analogies (类比) are powerful tools for creating understanding. An example is the number line (数轴) in elementary mathematics. When children learn addition, it is easy for concrete combinations of objects: three apples plus two apples make five apples. The same is true for subtraction (减法): If you have six apples and remove four, you are left with two.

But this doesn’t work when it comes to negative numbers. How do you explain that if you have three apples and remove five, two are missing? Then, an effective analogy is to see the number line as something you walk along — the line becomes a path. Addition with three is like walking three steps forward, and subtraction with five is like walking five steps backward. No wonder that if you walk three steps forward and then five steps back, you are two steps behind where you started.

In this way, the negative numbers acquire a meaning rooted in experience. More patterns of numbers can now be understood.

1. What is the second paragraph mainly about?

A．The underlying effect of patterns.

B．The ability to acquire the art skills.

C．The way to find the Dalmatian dog.

D．The benefit of interacting with others.

2. Why should patterns be used in education?

A．It is easy for students to master them.

B．All types of tasks have the same pattern.

C．They can help students solve new problems.

D．They are the necessary learning materials.

3. What does the example in paragraph 4 and paragraph 5 suggest?

A．There are different ways to acquire experience.

B．Analogies are good methods for teaching patterns.

C．Addition is much easier than subtraction in maths.

D．The number line can solve all mathematics problems.

4. What is the best title of the text?

A．Understanding Is Seeing a Pattern.

B．The Best Principle for Learning

C．Walking Back and Forth on a Number Line.

D．Using Patterns to Learn Mathematics

4 . Princeton University Art Event

Program Information for Gaucho: A New Musical

March 8-10, 2024, in Wallace Theater

Presented by the Lewis Center for the Arts’ Program in Theater &Music Theater.

Gaucho:A New Musical

Book, music and lyrics (歌词) by Princeton University seniors Aaron Ventresca and Emmu Ventresca; directed by lecturer Nicuo Krell with music direction by guest artist Gia Gan.

Run Time

Approximately 2 hours(including a 10-minute intermission).

Setting

In this new musical set in nineteenth-century Argentina, the gaucho (高乔人) community of San Antonio de Areco (a town in Buenos Aires Province, Argentina) faces growing threats to its traditional way of life from large landowners’ newest technology-barbed (带刺的) wire fence. A young gaucho named Mateo struggles to break free from his family’s dying way of life to become a writer. Then with some help, Mateo escapes to Buenos Aires. There, he meets Sofia, who shakes his narrow-minded view of the world. As modernity takes shape, Mateo is torn between choices:his family or the one he could create, his culture or the movements of the world.

Special Notes

No flash photography permitted. Please silence all electronic devices including mobile phone and watches, and avoid text messaging for the duration of the performance.

Tickets &Details

Performances are free and open to the public;advance tickets required. If a performance is listed as sold out, a wait list will be formed at the door with a limited number of tickets available.

Accessibility

The Wallace Theater is an accessible venue with an assistive listening system. Guests in need of other access accommodations are invited to contact the Lewis Center at least one week in advance at lewiscenter@princeton. edu.

1. Who created the Gaucho: A New Musical?

A．Guest artist Gia Gan.

B．Two university students.

C．Lecturer Nico Krell.

D．Artists in the Wallace Theater.

2. What is the theme of the musical?

A．A romantic love story.

B．A movement of culture.

C．The change of lifestyle.

D．The immigration of a community.

3. What are people required to do to watch the musical?

A．Pay for performances in advance.

B．Wait in line at the door of the theatre.

C．Contact the Lewis Center for tickets.

D．Switch off their electronic devices.

5 . What are the best gardens in Ireland to visit? The answer is: everywhere.

Brigit’s Garden

The garden sits on 11 magical acres of natural woodlands and wildflower areas. The garden areas take you on a walk through ancient Celtic seasons. This is an educational area and it provides tours and walking groups with lessons for the local schools. There is a super cafe on site. When you have finished exploring, you can enjoy a snack or a cup of coffee.

Caheer Bridge Garden

An award-winning garden in County Clare, this garden is created around an old restore cottage on the river. It has been featured in several publications including the Irish Times and is open for viewing by appointment only.

It is also an area known for its challenging weather systems, constant westerly winds, and lack of naturally growing plants and trees.

Helen Dillon’s Garden

Starting her career as a junior assistant to other famous gardeners working at a gardening magazine and cultivating her own grounds for over 40 years, Helen has authored several books on gardening and has been quoted as claiming that gardening is a constant editing process and that what you take out can be as important as what you put in. The Dillon’s garden reflects Helen’s constantly changing style and is open to the public to view and tour.

Bellfield Garden

Covering almost one complete hectare and featuring a victorian glass house, Bellfield Garden has become a popular visitors spot.

It has been listed as one of the best 10 gardens in Ireland and has an impressive water feature. As a popular vacation destination, the grounds contain cottages that are fashioned from the old farmhouses where visitors may stay.

1. In which garden can you experience education?

A．Bellfield Garden.	B．Brigit’s Garden.
C．Helen Dillon’s Garden.	D．Caheer Bridge Garden.

2. What is Bellfield Garden famous for?

A．Snacks.

B．Books.

C．Water.

D．Weather.

3. Where is this text probably taken from?

A．A story book.	B．A magazine.
C．A science book.	D．A Tour Guide.

7 . On a tram smoothly pulling into the heart of Luxembourg City, Marck gives a smile and takes a look at the fabric of the seat next to him. For him, the city’s trams are more than just transport. More even than the focus of his job. They are about transforming his country and, perhaps, changing the world.

Marck is the director general of Luxtram, Luxembourg’s modern trams. It first started running services two years ago. Next year, Luxembourg will become the world’s only country to get rid of fares on all its forms of public transport. Luxembourg’s traffic problems come from its army of workers. The population of the capital city almost doubles during the working day, when more than 110,000 people travel in and out.

After three decades when its roads have become so crowded, Luxembourg is going to do something remarkable. Free fares, and a plan to persuade people to switch from cars to trams or trains. Marck, along with many others, is excited to see what happens next. “The fact that this is free means that everyone can use it — young or old, rich or poor,” he said. “Everyone can say to themselves it’s better to leave the car at home. We must continue to improve and extend the network. It must always be comfortable, well-connected, efficient.”

Lydie Polfer, the city’s mayor, says she hopes to reach the point where more than a third of people come into the city using public transport — at the moment, it’s less than one in five. She said, “It’s not practical to ban cars because some people, like the elderly, need them. But everyone has to be aware that he or she can do something to improve the situation. There is an expression in German — you are not in the traffic jam — you are the traffic jam, and that is true. I think that making it free will be the biggest arguments for people to use public transport. ”

1. Why does Marck think the city’s trams are more than just transport?

A．The trams are his goal that he strives for.

B．There are more means of transportation than trams.

C．City’s trams bring more changes beyond transport.

D．The trams are the heart of Luxembourg City transport system.

2. What does paragraph 2 mainly talk about?

A．The cause of the traffic problems.	B．The means of public transport.
C．The development of running services.	D．The increase of working population.

3. What concerns people most when using the public transport?

A．The convenience.

B．The fare.

C．The comfort.

D．The efficiency.

4. What can be inferred from what Lydie Polfer said?

A．The elderly needn’t use public transport.

B．It’s possible to persuade most people to use the trams.

C．Everyone can do his part to improve transport situation.

D．Those who don’t take public transport cause traffic jams.

8 . The Public Transport Fares in New York

On our website, you can find out how much it costs to ride the subway, bus, Long Island Rail Road, and Metro-North in the New York area.

★ Subways and buses

●Fare for most riders on subways and local, limited, and Select Bus Service buses:$2.85.

●Express buses cost $6.85.

More information about subway and bus fares

●Riding the subway costs $2.85 for most riders. People with disabilities or who are 65 or older are qualified for a reduced fare.

●An unlimited ride MetroCard can save you money. It gives you unlimited rides for a certain length of time.

●MetroCards cost $1. All cards except for the Single Ride card are refillable (可充值的).

●Up to three children under 44 inches tall ride for free when they are with a fare-paying adult.

●You pay the fare at turnstiles (旋转闸门) before you aboard the train. You don’t have to do anything afterwards.

★ Railroads: LIRR (Long Island Rail Road) and Metro-North

●Fares vary based on when and where you are travelling.

●Buying tickets on your phone is the most convenient option.

More information about railroad fares

●Peak (高峰的) fares are charged during business rush hours on any weekday train scheduled to arrive in New York City terminals between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m. or depart New York City terminals between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. On Metro-North trains, peak fares also apply to travel on any weekday train that leaves Grand Central Station between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m.

●Off-peak fares are charged at all other times on weekdays, all day on Saturday and Sunday, and on holidays.

●Use our trip planner to find fare information. Get schedules and directions and see whether a trip is during peak or off-peak hours.

1. How much might a subway trip cost a 68-year-old man with two children under 44 inches tall?

A．$2.35.

B．$2.85.

C．$5.70.

D．$6.85.

2. For what train trip are peak fares charged?

A．A weekday train leaving Grand Central Station at 10 pm.

B．A weekday train leaving Grand Central Station at 7 am.

C．A weekday train departing New York City terminals at 9 pm.

D．A weekday train departing New York City terminals at 8:30 am.

3. Why should people read the trip planner?

A．To know special offers.	B．To leave your advice.
C．To check fare information.	D．To book a train ticket.

9 . The Art Institute of Chicago

Visitor Information

Museum Hours

Members: The first hour of every day, 10 a.m. —11 a.m., is reserved for member-only viewing.

Monday—Wednesday Closed

Thursday: 11 a.m.—8 p. m.

Friday—Sunday: 11 a.m.—5 p. m.

●Audio Guide

Audio guides can be rented at the admission counter, audio counter and outside some special exhibitions. The guide is free to visitors with visual or hearing disabilities.

●Journey Maker

With the digital interactive JourneyMaker, you can build custom family guides based on your child’s interests-from superheroes to strange and wild creatures. Start your museum journey in the Family Room of the Ryan Leaning Center, and make your visit to the Art Institute an adventure for the whole family.

●Official Mobile App

Your personal, pocket-sized guide to the collection, this new iOS app features podcast-style audio tours, location-aware technology, access to the digital member card, and so much more. Download it today from the App Store.

●Photography

We encourage you to take pictures of the collection and special exhibitions for personal use. Signs indicate the few works that are not allowed to be photographed due to a lender requirement.

●Phones

You are welcome to use your phone to take pictures, text, and use the museum’s app-anything that does not disturb other visitors. If you need to make a phone call, please do so in a non-gallery space.

●Valet Parking

Art Institute visitors can drop off their cars at the Modern Wing entrance (159 East Monroe Street) and walk right into the museum. The valet service is available daily from 10:30 a. m. until one-half hour after closing.

●Admission

Adult: $ 32

Student: $ 26

Child (aged 13 and under): Free

Help us protect the collection-please do not touch the art.

1. How long at maximum can a visitor stay in the museum per day?

A．1 hour.

B．6 hours.

C．9 hours.

D．10 hours.

2. What can be learned from the Visitor Information?

A．Valet parking is not available after closing.	B．All artworks are encouraged to be pictured.
C．Audio guide is free to every museum visitor.	D．Family guides can be tailored to visitors’ needs.

3. How much would a couple with two children aged 6 and 14 pay for admission?

A．$ 64.

B．$ 90.

C．$ 116.

D．$ 128.

10 . SEA Summer High School Programs 2022

Science at SEA

Science at SEA is a four-week program for rising high school juniors and seniors, as well as recent high school graduates, which focuses on the coastal and offshore marine environment around Cape Cod, Massachusetts. The program includes a shore component on the SEA campus in Woods Hole and a sea component aboard the Sailing School Vessel (SSV) Corwith Cramer.

July 21 — August 13       Expense: $4,000

SEA Quest

SEA Quest is a two-week program that welcomes high school students and recent graduates. Participants will gain hands-on experience conducting field research, sailing at all ship, and understanding of the complexities of creating and managing marine reserves. They return home with a broader sense of the ocean's importance to our planet and the need to preserve this precious resource for future generations. Life here is fast-paced. No prior sailing experience is necessary. Strong desire to learn is required!

July 11 — July 22             Expense: $3,200

SEA Cape

This three-week summer program at SEA offers current high school students the opportunity to study the marine environment from a variety of perspectives: scientific, historical, and literary. Participants live and study at our campus in Woods Hole, Massachusetts.

June 27 — July 14            Expense: $3,800

SEA Expedition

This two-week summer program for high school students, including graduating seniors, is centered on learning by doing. SEA Expedition is a multidisciplinary experience that welcomes students to participate in every aspect of a challenging offshore sailing and oceanographic expedition, and occurs entirely aboard the SSV Corwith Cramer. Life at sea is fast-paced and tough.

July 5 — July 17               Expense: $3,500

1. Which program lasts the longest?

A．Science at SEA.

B．SEA Quest.

C．SEA Cape.

D．SEA Expedition.

2. What is necessary for participants in SEA Quest?

A．Previous experience in sailing.	B．Great eagerness to study the sea.
C．Ability to conduct scientific experiments.	D．Knowledge of sea resources preservation.

3. What is special about SEA Expedition?

A．It offers opportunities of sailing.	B．It entirely takes place on a ship.
C．It features many relaxing activities.	D．It allows graduates to participate in.