In early summer, the mountains and fields of Guizhou provinces Miao villages are dressed in fresh robes of green. Everywhere, vigour and vitality shine.
Red roofs, gray walls, green trees and grass, along with placid water in the fields, paint a bright and colorful picture of Bayi village in Qiandongnan Miao and Dong autonomous prefecture.
The layers of terraced fields are a masterpiece of farming culture handed down by the ancestors of local Miao residents. Villagers plow fields and transplant rice seedlings.
What is the best title for the passage?
| A．Miao villages clothed in vibrant green |
| B．Miao villages engaged in plowing fields |
| C．Miao villages filled with vigour |
| D．Miao villages bathed in vitality |
2 . Experimenting with eggs
What can you do with eggs other than eat them?
Naked Eggs
What does an egg look like without its shell? You may be picturing the white and yolk in a bowl after cracking it, but that isn’t the only way to remove the shell.
Materials: 1 egg, white vinegar, a bowl, a spoon
Directions: Fill a bowl with one cup of vinegar. Add the egg to the bowl, and wait at least 24 hours. When you check it after a day, you’ll notice some bubbles on the egg and a residue(残留物)in the water. Use the spoon to gently remove the egg from the bowl. Remove the old vinegar, and add a cup of fresh vinegar. Return the egg to the bowl, and wait another 24 hours. When you remove the egg this time, the shell should completely disappear.
Walking on Eggshells
Can Eggs hold the weight of your entire body?
Materials: six cartons(硬纸盒)of eggs, a garbage bag
Directions: Place the garbage bag on the floor to make any necessary clean up easier. Place the cartons of eggs into two rows of three. Make sure all the eggs are pointing in the same direction-either all pointy end up or all rounded end up. Step onto the first carton of eggs carefully. If you’re careful, you will succeed. Eggs are actually incredibly strong. The arch shape at the top and the bottom of the egg allows pressure to be distributed evenly over the egg.
1. In the first experiment, what cause(s)the eggshell to disappear?| A．Water. | B．Vinegar. | C．Bubbles. | D．Residue. |
| A．The arrangement of the eggs. | B．the number of the eggs. |
| C．The distribution of the cartons. | D．The shape of the cartons. |
| A．To persuade readers to use eggs in new ways. |
| B．To tell the reader about the structure of the egg. |
| C．To instruct readers how to experiment with eggs. |
| D．To inspire readers to conduct experiments carefully. |
3 . A music festival is a community event focusing on live performances of singing and instrument playing that is often presented with a theme. On the list are the music festivals for fans around the world. Find your favorite now!
Field Day
January 1, 2023, Sydney
Field Day means New Year’s Day for young people in Sydney. Seen as the city’s original multi-stage party, it’s a gathering of friends coming together for a great fun-filled first day of the year. There’s an air of hope and positive energy on a perfect summer’s day.
The Envision Festival
February 27—March 6, 2023, Uvita
The Envision Festival is an annual gathering in Costa Rica that aims to provide an opportunity for different cultures to work with one another to create a better community. The festival encourages people to practice art, music, dance performances, and education. Meanwhile, our connection with nature is expected to be strengthened.
The McDowell Mountain Music Festival
March 2—4, 2023, Phoenix
The McDowell Mountain Music Festival is Phoenix’s musical celebration of community culture. Since its foundation in 2004, it has been the only 100% non-profit music festival designed to support, entertain and educate the community. The festival attracts thousands of visitors each year from around the country, and it is an opportunity to experience true culture.
The Old Settler’s Music Festival
April 20—23, 2023, Dale
The Old Settler’s Music Festival is a nationally known music festival for American music. The festival is held in the country of Texas at the height of the wild flower season. The Old Settler’s Music Festival offers great music and activities for the whole family.
1. In which city can people enjoy a fun New Year’s Day?| A．Phoenix. | B．Uvita. | C．Sydney. | D．Dale. |
| A．It encourages people to receive education. | B．It is not aimed at making money. |
| C．It provides an opportunity for friend gathering. | D．It focuses on cultural exchanges. |
| A．Field Day and the Envision Festival. |
| B．The Envision Festival and the McDowell Mountain Music Festival. |
| C．The Old Settler’s Music Festival and the McDowell Mountain Music Festival. |
| D．The Envision Festival and the Old Settler’s Music Festival. |
4 . Best for Formal English Classes: Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs)
MOOCs, as the name suggests, are online courses that are open to an unlimited number of students. If you’re someone who prefers this kind of course, one of these could be for you.
Best for All Levels: Alison Ratings: 4.3/5 Users: 1,000,000+Opened in 2007, Alison is considered to be the first MOOC. It has a whole section for learning English and is one of the best MOOCs for starting your English studies from ABC.
The courses offered here come from 40 places all across the world, including some top British institutions like the British Council. But it has no partners in the US, so if you’re looking for American English, you might want to try a different site!
Udemy wants to teach everything and is one of the biggest MOOCs out there. There are tens of thousands of courses. Not all the courses on Udemy are free, but there’re a good number of free ones. Even the courses that aren’t free can be pretty affordable.
Recommended for advanced learners, Coursera is another MOOC that offers saved courses without the Internet. Coursera has a great many partners, institutions and universities. You can complete courses as they take place, or just play back the lessons when they are over.
1. What do we know about FutureLearn from the text?
| A．It is the biggest MOOC. | B．It allows offline learning. |
| C．It is the first MOOC in the world. | D．It provides courses in British English. |
| A．They have access to free courses. |
| B．They can communicate with partners. |
| C．They can be recommended to universities. |
| D．They can complete courses at their own pace. |
| A．Alison. | B．FutureLearn. | C．Udemy. | D．Coursera. |
5 . What a day! I started at my new school this morning and had the best time. I made lots of new friends and really liked my teachers. I was nervous the night before, but I had no reason to be. Everyone was so friendly and polite. They made me feel at ease. It was like I’d been at the school for a hundred years!
The day started very early at 7: 00 am. I had my breakfast downstairs with my mom. She could tell that I was very nervous. Mom kept asking me what was wrong. She told me I had nothing to worry about and that everyone was going to love me. If they didn’t love me, Mom said to send them her way for a good talking to. I couldn’t stop laughing.
My mom dropped me off at the school gates about five minutes before the bell. A little blonde girl got dropped off at the same time and started waving (招手) at me. She ran over and told me her name was Abigail. She was very nice and we became close straight away. We spent all morning together and began to talk to another girl called Stacey. The three of us sat together in class all day and we even made our way home together! It went so quickly. Our teacher told us that tomorrow we would really start learning and developing new skills.
I cannot wait until tomorrow and feel as though I am really going to enjoy my time at my new school. I only hope that my new friends feel the same way too.
1. How did the author feel after going to her new school?| A．Exhausted. | B．Thrilled. | C．Upset. | D．Homelike. |
| A．Because her mother told her a funny story. |
| B．Because her mother talked to her in a funny way. |
| C．Because she didn’t accept her mother’s advice. |
| D．Because she thought her mother’s advice was funny. |
| A．She met many nice people. | B．She had a hurried breakfast. |
| C．She learned some new skills. | D．She arrived at school very early. |
| A．The author’s thanks for mum. |
| B．The author’s worries about the first new school day. |
| C．The author’s feelings and experience on the first new school day. |
| D．The author’s new friends she made on the first new school day. |
6 . In America, when the eighth graders leave the middle school, they are often worried about moving to the high school. It is a hard time for them, but it can be an exciting one as well. To make it easier, students need to get familiar with their school.
Even though they’ve done this already in the middle school, it’s still important to find where their classrooms are. Most schools take students to the high school for a visit at the end of their eighth grade year. And, most schools also have a freshman (新生) speech for parents and students before the first year begins. Sometimes the main office will give away a map of the school. This can help students and parents to find different place.
One way to know your high school more and make new friends is to join a club or play a sport. Schools often offer chances to join different clubs and sports. If you are not interested in sports, there are clubs for any interest, such as drama, dance, chess, photography，community service, etc. These clubs allow students from different grades. By joining an activity, students can find new friendships, not to mention improving their chances in future college applications (申请). The school office will have a list of activities offered at the school and information on how to join them.
1. According to the text, most students feel when entering the high school.| A．unhappy | B．worried | C．lonely | D．disappointed |
| A．There are fewer students from higher grades in the school clubs. |
| B．The school clubs in high school mainly welcome sports fans. |
| C．The school office can help new students join school clubs. |
| D．Summer activities begin before school starts. |
| A．To describe high school life. | B．To give advice to new high school students. |
| C．To teach useful experience. | D．To introduce new schools. |
| A．Before the eighth grade year starts. |
| B．At the end of their eighth grade year. |
| C．Right after the high school year starts. |
| D．At the beginning of the new term in the high school. |
7 . Field Trip
Minnewaska State Park
May 11
This field trip will allow senior students in Mr. Corzine’s Regents Biology class to experience the beautiful Minnewaska State Park, while learning about many concepts (概念) connected to our unit on ecosystems (生态系统). Students will be going on a two-mile walk from the Peterskill entrance to the park, down to the river and then back up to a lookout point. While there they will walk through different ecosystems and learn about the history of the park.
Students should be prepared to spend time outside:
·Wear comfortable shoes and waterproof (防水的) clothing, as there is a very small possibility of light rain. The possible rain date is May 12.
·We will be walking through grassy areas, so long trousers are recommended.
·Each person should bring enough water (at least 1 liter) , as well as lunch. Minnewaska is “carry in-carry out”, so be prepared to carry whatever rubbish is produced. A small backpack (book bag) is recommended.
·Also, the weather is pretty cool at the top of the Park, so please be sure to bring warm clothing.
We will meet at the entrance in the Gym Lobby at 7:50 and will set out at 8:00 am. We plan to return at 1:45 pm. There is no cost for this trip, as the Park will be supplying the bus for us.
1. What can students learn during the trip?| A．The history of biology. | B．Firsthand knowledge of nature. |
| C．The importance of state parks. | D．Different ways of physical exercise. |
| A．A set of sunglasses. | B．A pair of thin trousers. |
| C．Tickets for the park. | D．Plenty of water and food. |
| A．It is cost-free. | B．It is a two-day course. |
| C．It is for students of all ages. | D．It includes different parks. |
8 . School rules
All students are expected to read and learn the School Rules. These rules aim to make each student aware of the value of self-control, orderliness and the need to develop a sense of responsibility for their own behavior and for the larger community of which they are a part.
Dress regulations (规定)The school expects its students to wear their full school uniform correctly and with pride. It is our expectation that uniform and shoes will be clean and in good repair. Boys hair should be combed and of an acceptable length (not over the collar, cars or eyes) , with no artificial coloring. Girls’ hair should be of a natural color. Shoulder-length hair or longer must be tied back.
Punctuality (准时) , absence and illnessAll students must be at school on time. If late, the student must sign in the late book in the General Office. Parents are asked to inform the school if their child is absent (缺席的) by 8: 30 a. m. on the day of absence. A written note from a parent explaining the absence MUST be provided to the General Office the day after return. Should a student be ill during school hours, he is to go straight to the School Medical Center. The doctor will then take appropriate action.
SafetyProper behavior is expected within and around buildings and on the sporting field at all times. Students are not to enter laboratories, language rooms and music rooms unless invited to do so by teachers. The riding of bicycles or skateboards is prohibited (禁止) along the front drive. Students riding bicycles must wear an approved bicycle helmet (头盔) . No knives, explosives or dangerous materials may be brought into the school or boarding houses. Students are forbidden (禁止) to interfere (干扰) with fire safety equipment. An automatic (自动的) fine (罚单) will be imposed if this occurs.
Mobile phonesMobile phones are not to be used from 8: 30 a. m. to 3: 30 p. m. At these times, phones should be switched off. If you need to make contact with parents or other significant people, please contact Reception.
1. What shall a student do if he is late?| A．Ask his parents to come to school. |
| B．Write a note explaining his absence. |
| C．Write down his name in the late book. |
| D．Go straight to the School Medical Center. |
| A．One who brings a knife into a boarding house. |
| B．One who plays with the fire safety equipment. |
| C．One who rides a bicycle without a bicycle helmet. |
| D．One who goes into a language room without permission. |
| A．Parents. | B．Students. | C．Teachers. | D．School leaders. |
9 . After learning about these famous women, you’ll know you can do a lot for society no matter what. You don’t need to be in a specific field, time or environment to make a difference to the world in your lifetime.
Amelia Earhart (1897－1937)
Amelia Earhart was the first woman who ever flew alone across the Atlantic in 1932. She became the first woman pilot in 1935 after flying from Hawaii to California. She began her lifelong dream of flying across the world in 1937. However, her flight went missing on that trip and she was never seen again.
Helena Rubinstein (1870－1965)
Helena Rubinstein moved to Australia in 1902 without the ability to speak English. Later, she founded one of the world’s first cosmetic (化妆品) companies after mixing lanolin, which is an oil that comes from sheep’s wool, with flowers. Because of that, she became the world’s richest woman at the time.
Katharine Hepburn (1907－2003)
Katharine Hepburn was known for playing strongwilled women in her films. She won four Academy Awards for Best Actress, the most an actress has ever won. Her new dress style made wearing trousers acceptable to women, which wasn’t allowed at that time.
Emmeline Pankhurst (1858－1928)
Emmeline was an influential woman activist, who helped British women get the right to vote. She fought along with her husband for the rights of women all the time in the late 19th century and early 20th century. After she lost her husband, she teamed up with her three daughters and formed The Women Social and Political Union, which was best known as the suffragettes (women’s right to vote).
1. What was the problem for Helena at first when she moved to Australia?| A．She didn’t know how to make up. | B．She didn’t have money. |
| C．She didn’t have work experience. | D．She couldn’t speak English. |
| A．Patient. | B．Friendly. | C．Honest. | D．Determined. |
| A．A pioneering spirit. | B．A creative mind. | C．A good education. | D．A warm heart. |
10 . There are many podcasts (播客) that teach English and you can listen to them anytime. Here is a list of some of the best podcasts that you must see.
Learn English Podcast
This podcast has three levels.The first is for beginners, the second is for intermediates (中级学生) and the third is for upper intermediates. If a person wants to learn Business English,then episodes are also made for him.Every podcast is short but very informative. Worksheets and vocabulary tasks are also included.
Speaking Broadly
This podcast is made for advanced learners. Explained through discussion and interviews, each episode has non-native English speakers and every recording also has expert feedback. You will see some common mistakes made by English learners and you can improve your English by learning from those mistakes.
The English We Speak
This podcast airs one episode daily and every episode is only three to four minutes, which talks about phrases and idioms.There are two people in each episode who communicate with each other. Whatever level you are,you will find it rewarding
Elementary Podcast
This podcast is mainly for beginners and intermediate level learners. The length of a podcast is around 25 minutes but you can pause it anytime and continue whenever you want. The hosts of each episode are different.
1. Which podcast provides exercises going with it?| A．Learn English Podcast. | B．Speaking Broadly. |
| C．The English We Speak | D．Elementary Podcast. |
| A．It records just expert speakers. | B．It aims at beginners. |
| C．It presents some typical mistakes. | D．It provides feedback from listeners. |
| A．They have the same length. | B．They are both interactive. |
| C．They share the same contents. | D．They are suitable for beginners. |
