1 . Ancient China produced many types of beautiful works of art. Among them, calligraphy, poetry and painting are the most famous. Often they would be put together in art.These became important starting with the Song Dynasty.
Calligraphy is the art of handwriting. In the old times the Chinese considered writing as an important form of art. Calligraphers would practice for years to learn to write perfectly, but with style. Each of the over 40,000 characters needed to be written correctly. And each stroke (笔画) in a character had to be written in a certain order.
Poetry is also an important form of art. Great poets were famous all over the country, and all educated people were expected to write poetry. During the Tang Dynasty poetry was so important that writing poetry was part of the examinations to become a civil servant (文官) and work for the government.
Chinese painting is often connected with calligraphy. It is one of the oldest artistic traditions in the world. The most traditional way of Chinese painting is known as “national painting” or “native painting” which is quite different from Western painting. People can draw mountains, buildings, birds, trees and water.
1. Calligraphers needed to write over ______ characters correctly in the old times.| A．10,000 | B．20,000 |
| C．30,000 | D．40,000 |
| A．Painting. | B．Calligraphy. |
| C．Writing poetry. | D．Playing music. |
| A．Chinese art. | B．Chinese examinations. |
| C．Chinese history. | D．Chinese dynasties. |
2 . Music affects our emotions. We tend to listen to music that reflects our mood. When we’re happy we may listen to upbeat (愉快的) music; when we’re sad we may listen to slower and more moving songs; when we’re angry we may listen to darker music with heavy guitar, drums and songs that reflect our level of anger. We may not know why we prefer the artists we listen to, but we can learn a lot about ourselves through our musical tastes.
Consider John, a pleasant man in his mid-40s who describes his mid-20s as a time when he was figuring out his place in life. At the time, he considered himself to be cold, nervous, shy, well-mannered and sensitive. But the music he preferred to listen to was dark, heavy and aggressive. After some time in therapy (治疗), John realized he’d been repressing (抑制) anger and aggression due to years of childhood abuse, and music had become his voice. Now John has been able to unlock his previously hidden emotions and begin to work through the issues.
Cindy, a woman in her mid-30s, has struggled through years of depression. While depressed, she often listened to music that reflected sadness and emotional pain. However, Cindy also noted that she had a passion for upbeat music that made her want to dance and feel free from emotional struggle. But she rarely felt this energy and freedom without the music encouraging. It turned out that Cindy was an energetic and happy child. However, Cindy’s struggle with depression began after her mother’s death when she was 11 years old. With the help of therapy, Cindy is now in the process of breaking through the layer of depression that has covered her since her mother died.
In summary, while music can move us in an intense emotional moment, it also can be used to teach us about unconscious elements of our emotional structure. If we notice a pattern of emotional music that raises questions about our current feelings or about who we are, it could be an important opportunity for self-exploration.
1. What kind of music do people probably listen to when they are delighted?| A．Music with drums. | B．Slower songs. |
| C．Upbeat music. | D．Dark music |
| A．He was passionate. | B．He was aggressive. |
| C．He was dark inside. | D．He was polite. |
| A．Her mother passed away when she was 11 years old. |
| B．She rarely felt energetic and free. |
| C．She always listened to sad music. |
| D．She had experienced childhood abuse. |
| A．How to Be Happy |
| B．Music Impacts Our Emotions |
| C．People Change While Growing up |
| D．Different People Listen to Different Music |
3 . Two of the saddest words in the English language are “if only”. I live my life with the goal of never having to say those words, because they express regret, lost opportunities, mistakes, and disappointment.
My father is famous in our family for saying, “Take the extra minute to do it right.” I always try to live by the “extra minute” rule. When my children were young and likely to cause accidents, I always thought about what I could do to avoid an “if only” moment, whether it was something minor like moving a cup full of hot coffee away from the edge of a counter, or something that required a little more work such as taping padding (衬垫) onto the sharp comers of a glass coffee table.
I don’t only avoid (避免) those “if only” moments when it comes to safety. it’s equally important to avoid “if only” in our personal relationships. We all know people who lost a loved one and regretted that they had foregone an opportunity to say, “I love you” or “I forgive you.” When my father announced he was going to the eye doctor across from my office on Good Friday, I told him that it was a holiday for my company and I wouldn’t be here. But then I thought about the fact that he’s 84 years old and I realized that I shouldn’t give up an opportunity to see him. I called him and told him I had decided to go to work on my day off after all.
I know there will still be occasions when I have to say “if only” about something, but my life is definitely better because of my policy of doing everything possible to avoid that eventuality (可能发生的事). And even though it takes an extra minute to do something right, or it occasionally takes an hour or two in my busy schedule to make a personal connection, I know that I’m doing the right thing. I’m buying myself peace of mind and that’s the best kind of insurance (保障) for my emotional well-being.
1. Which of the following is an example of the “extra minute” rule?| A．Start the car the moment everyone is seated. |
| B．Leave the room for a minute with the iron working. |
| C．Wait for an extra minute so that the steak tastes better. |
| D．Move an object out of the way before it trips (绊倒) someone. |
| A．To keep her appointment with the eye doctor. |
| B．To meet her father who was already an old man. |
| C．To join in the holiday celebration of the company. |
| D．To finish her work before the deadline approached. |
| A．given up. | B．Lacked. | C．Avoided. | D．Wasted. |
| A．The Emotional Well-being | B．The Two Saddest Words |
| C．The Most Useful Rule | D．The Peace of Mind |
4 . Have you still remembered what happened when you went to school on the first day? I still remember my interesting first day of school. On that day, I hurried to my science class in the morning and found a seat in the back. I waited there for 15 minutes before the bell rang. The science teacher told us about some class rules. No one talked to me; nor did I talk to anyone else. I was one of those very shy girls. After the science class, I had an English class. I thought it would be boring but it turned out to be very funny. When the classes of the morning ended, I went to lunch. I sat outside the dining room with no one to talk to and no food because I was too nervous to join the lunch line. I kept looking around hoping to see someone I knew but I never saw anyone.
Lunch ended and I went to have my art class. I was the first one there and not even my teacher was there yet. So I sat at my desk and started drawing some pictures. I didn’t notice the rest of the class walking in or the girl that was standing behind me till I was surprised by the voice, “So what are you drawing?” It was a girl who had really long hair. She ended up being my best friend and one of the kindest and liveliest girls I know.
In the next class meeting, the teacher asked us to talk about the past holiday. I was glad to make some new friends in the class. The first day of high school was hard for me but I got through it.
1. According to the writer, the English class was __________ .| A．boring | B．useful | C．hard | D．interesting |
| A．wasn’t hungry | B．forgot the lunchtime |
| C．was afraid to stand in line | D．didn’t like the dining room |
| A．got to know a lively girl | B．talked about her past holiday |
| C．met someone she knew before | D．drew some pictures about her class |
| A．She sat in the front row. | B．She made some new friends. |
| C．She learned some class rules. | D．She was 15 minutes late for it. |
5 . Do you love music? If you are a music lover, there are some music festivals for you to learn about.
Strawberry Music Festival
Held at the most beautiful fairgrounds in California, Strawberry Music Festival takes over the Nevada County Fairgrounds every Memorial Day for four days of family fun. This park, which is set in the Sierra Nevada foothills, offers the perfect environment for camping and performances by some of the top artists. The festival also offers children’s programmes, workshops and activities for all ages.
Tree Town Music Festival
You don’t have to be in the Southwest or in Texas to enjoy yourself in the country lifestyle. Country living can be found all over the United States. The Tree Town Music Festival in Forest City, Iowa, is a great example of country fun in the Midwest. The Tree Town Music Festival features (以……为特色) camping and live music from some of the biggest names in modern country.
Tampa Bay Indian Music & Dance Festival
This festival shows respect for the traditions of India and its people. Food, music and performances are top attractions and display the Indian heritage proudly. Yoga fans can catch a relaxing practice through kirtan (唱颂). This experience of Indian culture is fun for all ages.
SXSW Music Festival
The SXSW Music festival is a global music event taking place every March in Austin, Texas. Each year the SXSW Music Festival receives a wonderful mix of artists performing in bars, clubs, parks, hotels and more in Austin, Texas. Not limited in the sort or area focus, audiences can enjoy different kinds of musical styles at SXSW.
1. What can you do in Forest City, Iowa?| A．Play live music. | B．Enjoy country life. |
| C．Have fun at summer camps. | D．Appreciate the local heritage. |
| A．It shows Indian culture. |
| B．It is suitable for camping. |
| C．It provides activities for children. |
| D．It has performances by top artists. |
| A．Strawberry Music Festival. |
| B．Tree Town Music Festival. |
| C．Tampa Bay Indian Music & Dance Festival. |
| D．SXSW Music Festival. |
6 . Here come four most popular clubs in our school! Join us, and we will help you to find your own shining points, lead you to find beauty and to create beauty, and make your campus life as fulfilling and happy as a dream.
Basketball Club
Students will be able to develop their basketball skills further and have the opportunity to compete in basketball games with members from other international schools in Beijing. The club will be available to 10-16 members from Grades 5 to 8, and will practice twice weekly.
Public Speaking Club
The Public Speaking Club will be centered around the personal development of students along with developing public speaking skills. The club will be interested in focusing on all skills in delivering better speeches and improving communication skills. The club will be available to 10-12 members from Grades 7 to 12, and will meet once weekly (Wednesday).
Yoga Club
Yoga not only improves balance, flexibility, and joint stability, but also serves as a peaceful escape from the stress of daily life. Our students will have the chance to physically exercise while reducing some stress from their life. The club will be available to 10-16 members from Grades 7 to 12, and will meet once weekly (Tuesday).
Media Club
The Media Club teaches students the basics of journalism. The club engages in a wide range of activities like interviewing teachers and students, writing about big events on campus, and operating the weekly school radio broadcasts. The club will be available to 8-12 members from Grades 6 to 12 and will meet once weekly (Monday).
1. Which club will attract students who want to get both mental and physical benefits?| A．Basketball Club. | B．Public Speaking Club. | C．Yoga Club. | D．Media Club. |
| A．Set up a school radio. | B．Write imaginary stories. |
| C．Learn public speaking skills. | D．Interview teachers and students. |
| A．In a school introduction. | B．In a research paper. |
| C．In a history textbook. | D．In a guidebook. |
7 . With the approaching of New Year, more and more visitors will come to China. Don’t know where you should go? Here are some places recommended for you.
Shanghai Expo Culture Park
The Shanghai Expo Culture Park will soon open its northern section to the public, in which the major attractions include a traditional garden that is similar in design to Shanghai’s famous Yuyuan Garden and a 400-meter avenue exhibiting the history of the area, while in the southern section lies a grand theater.
Macao Tower AJ Hackett Bungee Jump
The Macao Tower, 338 meters tall, is the world’s 10th highest tower, with a variety of activities, such as eating and entertainment. One of the activities which enjoy good fame is the bungee jump. The AJ Hackett Macao Tower Bungee Jump is 233 meters high, making it a Guinness World Record as the highest commercial (商业的) bungee jump in the world. Raise your arms and off you go!
Harbin’s Frozen World
For those who have never been to Harbin, there is an almost endless list of things to do. At Harbin Ice—Snow World, you can not only see the world—famous ice architecture, but also have great fun! You can have hotpot at the restaurants which are made of ice, enjoying the product of both ice and fire, go down the world’s longest ice slide (滑梯) and join in the popular Ice and Snow Electronic Music Festival to welcome 2024.
The winter is cold and the night is long, so why not go to the theatre? Harbin was listed by the United Nations as a “music city” in 2010. Harbin Grand Theater is where artistic souls defrost (化霜) a little to share their love of art.
1. Where should visitors go if they want to do extreme sports?| A．Shanghai Expo Culture Park. | B．The Macao Tower. |
| C．Shangha’s Yuyuan Garden. | D．Harbin Ice—Snow World. |
| A．Attend a famous music festival. | B．Play with both ice and fire. |
| C．Turn water into instant ice. | D．Learn to make ice architecture. |
| A．They have a high tower. | B．They have a long ice slide. |
| C．They have a grand theater. | D．They have traditional architecture. |
8 . Elephant Conservation
Country:Thailand
This is a working vacation at a wildlife centre. Anyone can become a volunteer if he/she agrees to help the elephant keepers with tasks.
Daily tasks
Collect the elephants at 6:30 a.m. Take them to look for food in the forest. Clean the enclosure. Swim with the elephants in the lake in the afternoon. If volunteers want to relax after work, they can watch satellite television.
How this vacation helps
If these elephants hadn’t been rescued, they would still be living on the streets of Bangkok. A rural environment is much better for them than an urban environment where there is lots of pollution.
Gorilla Safari
Countries:Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda
Departures:Aug.—Dec., 2—3 departures per month
Extras:gorilla permit ￡220
If you’re lucky, you’ll see lions, elephants and rhinos on safari. The highlight of the trip is the opportunity to see gorillas in the mountain forests. However, you must be in good health—if a gorilla caught a cold, it would be extremely harmful to its whole family.
How this vacation helps
There are only about 600 mountain gorillas left in the world as human activity has reduced the area where they can live. When you buy a permit, this will pay for the protection of the national park.
Polar Bear Watching
Country:Canada
Departures:sixty trips between Oct. 1—Nov. 19
Every October and November, groups of polar bears gather in Hudson Bay. As they are normally lonely creatures, this is unusual. The bears wait for the ocean to freeze so they can hunt seals, so this is the perfect opportunity to see them.
How this vacation helps
If the Arctic ice cap melts due to global warming, polar bears will be in danger. We give a share of our profits to the Polar Bears Alive Charity.
Your comment
These awesome bears get all the liquid they need from their food.
1. What will an elephant volunteer do?| A．Take food for elephants at 6:30 a.m. |
| B．Sweep the houses of elephants. |
| C．Wash elephants in the lake in the afternoon. |
| D．Watch satellite television on elephants. |
| A．You can find gorillas in Kenya and Canada. |
| B．You might get a cold in the mountain forests. |
| C．Visitors need to pay $220 to see 600 gorillas. |
| D．There are about 10 trips to visit gorillas. |
| A．Polar bears don’t need to drink water. |
| B．Polar bears store the liquid in their food. |
| C．Polar bears drink all kinds of liquid. |
| D．Polar bears eat mainly liquid food. |
9 . New Zealand
| What can you see? Mountains, volcanoes, rivers, lakes, waterfalls, forests, beaches. Both islands are mountainous. In fact, only 30% of New Zealand is flat. | The Maoris When the Maoris first arrived in New Zealand, they lived in villages and were excellent fishermen, hunters and farmers. About 50 years ago, many Maoris started to live and work in the large cities and took jobs in the government, industries, medicine and education. They are proud of their culture and decide to keep many of the customs which are part of their way of life. |
| Who can you meet? Most people live on North Island. Eighty-five percent of New Zealanders are “pakeha” (“white men”), which means their “great grandfathers” came from Europe. Ten percent are Maoris. The Maoris came to New Zealand from the Polynesian islands probably around the tenth century. The “pakeha” started to arrive in New Zealand from Europe about 200 years ago as farmers and traders. | Fact box: New Zealand. Position: South of the equator(赤道). Nearest neighbour: Australia, 1,600 km away. Size: Two main islands —North Island and South Island: together they are 268.680 square kilometers. Population: 4 million. Capital: Wellington. Languages: English and Maori. |
| A．Four million white people. | B．20% of the population being Maoris. |
| C．About 1, 600 km south of the equator. | D．Nearly 1/3 of the country being plains. |
| A．the white people and the Polynesians | B．the white people and the “pakeha” |
| C．the Maoris and the white people | D．the Maoris and the Polynesians |
| A．Living in small villages. | B．Developing farming skills. |
| C．Keeping their own culture. | D．Taking up government jobs. |
10 . BBC: Top 4 Wonderful English Novels
Great Expectations
By Charles Dickens, 1861
Mrs Dalloway
By Virginia Woolf, 1925
Middlemarch
By George Eliot, 1874
Wuthering Heights
By Emily Bronte, 1847
1. Which of the following might be the purest British novel?
| A．Great Expectations. | B．Mrs Dalloway. |
| C．Wuthering Heights. | D．Middlemarch. |
| A．In 1847. | B．In 1861. | C．In 1874. | D．In 1925. |
| A．Its plot is very simple. |
| B．It describes the hero’s events in one day. |
| C．It is powered by more psychological energy than any other book. |
| D．It is the greatest social and psychological novel written in English. |
| A．George Eliot. | B．Virginia Woolf. |
| C．Emily Bronte. | D．Charles Dickens. |
