1 . Great European Cities

PARIS

Paris is the capital and largest city of France, situated on River Seine. It is one of the most beautiful cities in the world and is visited by more than eight million tourists every year. The most popular place for tourists is the Eiffel Tower, the famous symbol of Paris. One of the world’s largest art galleries, the Louvre, is also located in Paris. The city is also famous for its restaurants, cafes and theatres. About two-thirds of France’s artists and writers live in Paris.

BARCELONA

Barcelona is the second largest city of Spain and is situated on the northeast coast, about five hundred kilometres east of the Spanish capital, Madrid. One of Barcelona’s most famous landmarks is the Church of Sagrada Familia (圣家族大教堂), which was designed by an architect called Antonio Gaudi. Gaudi worked on the project from 1882 until his death in 1926. The church hasn’t been finished yet!

FLORENCE

Florence is an Italian city which won its fame because of the Renaissance (文艺复兴), a great artistic movement which began in the 1300s and lasted for three hundred years. During the Renaissance, some of the greatest painters of all time lived and worked in Florence. Many of Florence’s most beautiful paintings and sculptures were produced by great artists such as Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo. Florence is visited each year by about a million tourists who come to see the art galleries, churches and museums. The Uffizi Palace (乌菲兹美术馆) is the most famous art gallery in the city.

ATHENS

Athens, the capital of Greece, is known as the birthplace of western civilization. Two thousand four hundred years ago, it was the world’s most powerful city. Buildings such as the Parthenon (帕特农神庙) on the Acropolis (雅典卫城) Hill were built during this period. Greece’s best writers lived in ancient Athens. Their work has influenced other writers ever since.

1. Which of the following is TRUE about Paris?

A．Paris is the biggest city of Europe.

B．Louvre is the famous symbol of Paris.

C． The Eiffel Tower stands in the centre of Paris.

D．Paris is famous for its art galleries, restaurants, cafes and theatres.

2. What do we know about Barcelona?

A．It’s the capital of Spain.

B．It’s to the east of Madrid.

C．It’s the Largest city of Spain

D．The Church of Sagrada Familia was completed after Gaudi’s death.

3. What can we learn from Paragraph 3?

A．Florence is known for the Renaissance.

B．Florence is a city with a history of three hundred years.

C．The Uffizi Palace is the most popular art gallery in Italy.

D．Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo produced most of Florence’s paintings and sculptures.

4. According to Paragraph 4, Athens ________.

A．used to be the capital of Greece	B．used to be the centre of power
C．was a birthplace of great buildings	D．was home to most Greek writers

5. Where is the passage probably taken from?

A．A course guide.	B．A summer camp notice.
C．A tourist brochure.	D．A business magazine.

2 . There are top four places to visit in the Monterey Peninsula, California, where there are so many activities and beautiful lookout spots.

Pebble Beach

This scenic place offers many activities, hotels, and restaurants. At Pebble Beach, one can go fishing, swimming, diving, surfing, picnicking, boating, and on the nature trails there’s bicycling and hiking. It is a picture that is perfect with a white sand beach and beautiful view of the ocean.

Monterey Bay Aquarium

Regarded as the number one aquarium, Monterey Bay Aquarium has all kinds of interesting fish to see. Not only do they have strange fish but also other sea creatures too. They have very creative ways of displaying the fish; sharks are kept in a large glass looking tank. Admission (入场费) for adults is $ 34.95, children (13-17) $ 31.95, and children under 12 is $ 21.95．

The Butterfly Sanctuary

Every year in October, the Monarch butterfly migrates to Monterey County to stay for the winter. This is actually called overwintering, and at this sanctuary (庇护所) these large numbers of butterflies gather together on the tree branches to keep warm. There are tens of thousands of them flying up and down; it’d be a sight worth seeing.

Andrew Molera State Park

Being the largest state park in the area, Andrew Molera State Park offers many activities and natural views. The Big Sur, made famous by John Steinbeck’s novel, is within this park and is very beautiful. The park also offers camping, surfing, and hiking.

If you ever had the chance to go to Monterey County, California these are some of the places you’d like to see. Check them out for yourself at their websites below and see if they’ll be added to your travel wish list!

1. Visitors would like to go to Pebble Beach because ______.

A．they can see shark there	B．it is beautiful and has a lot of activities
C．it can offer excellent staying conditions	D．it has a lot of attractions and restaurants

2. If a couple and a teenager visit the aquarium they’ll pay ______.

A．34.95 dollars

B．66.90 dollars

C．91.85 dollar

D．101.85 dollars

3. If you are interested in insects you probably go to ______.

A．Pebble Beach	B．Monterey Bay Aquarium
C．The Butterfly Sanctuary	D．Andrew Molera State Park

4. What is made well known by a great writer?

A．California.	B．The Big Sur.
C．Monterey County.	D．The Monterey Peninsula.

5. What can we learn from this passage?

A．Monterey Bay Aquarium is considered the best in the U. S.

B．The Monarch butterfly migrates to Monterey Country in spring.

C．Andrew Molera State Park is the largest state park in the U. S.

D．In the Aquarium sharks are kept in a very large pool.

3 . Step back in time to experience the golden age of railroading. North America’s railroad museums and tourist lines provide affordable fun for the whole family! Plan your complete vacation with visits to these leading attractions. For information on advertising in this section, call Tom Vorel at 630-248-2299.

CALIFORNIA   Campo PACIFIC SOUTHWEST RAILWAY MUSEUM

750 Depot Street

Located 60 minutes east of San Diego Ride on the San Diego Arizona Railway: the last trans-con link, completed in 1919 and built by sugar-magnate (巨头), John D. Spreckels.

Trains depart from the historic 1917 Campo Depot every Saturday and Sunday. Check our website for train’ schedules and tickets.

www. psrm.org     619-465-7776

COLORADO   Golden COLORADO RAILROAD MUSEUM

17155 W. 44th Avene

There is something amazing about trains. The familiar whistle has always promised adventure. Experience it again with a visitor to the Colorado Railroad Museum, one of the top 10 railroad museums in the United States with one of the largest collections of narrow-gauge (轨距) equipment. The 15-acre rail yard also features a roundhouse restoration facility and renowned library. Train rides throughout the year. Group rates-and-programs available.

ColoradoRailroadMuseum.org   800-365-6263

PENNSYLVANIA     Marysville BRIDGEVIEW BED BREAKFAST

810 S. Main St.

Lately, train watching around The Bridgeview B&B has been extremely exciting with motive power from BNSF. UP, KCS, CP, CN, CSX and Ferromex often leading, plus add NS units into the mix. and you have some amazing lashup (应急设备) possibilities! Trains entering or exiting Enola Yard pass right by our front porch. From the spacious decks and sitting room, you can watch the Susquehanna River, Blue Mountains and train action on Rockville Bridge! Plus, visit Hershey, Gettysburg, and PA Dutch Country! Comfortable rooms all with private baths, A/C, Wifi, and a tasty breakfast are included with your stay. Take a virtual tour on our website and check us out on Facebook for daily updates, pictures and guest comments.

www. bridgeviewbnb.com   717-957-2438

WISCONSIN   Trego WISCONSIN GREAT NORTHERN RAILROAD

N6639 Dilly Lake Road

America’s Only Moving

BED& BREAKFAST DINNER TRAIN

The train departs Tuesday through Saturday evening at 5:30 pm year round. The train features a choice of a queen bed in our sleeper deluxe suites or a full size bed in our 1914 Pullman Private Car. Enjoy cocktails in the lounge and then move to the diner for a scrumptious 4-course chef prepared meal from our onboard kitchen. When the train returns to the station view the starlit sky while trading railroad tales with other passengers around our gas fire on the patio. Wake up to a hot breakfast buffet in the diner. See the world famous Mark Twain Zephyr at Trego Depot!

www. spoonertrainride.com   715-635-3200

1. This passage is intended for ________.

A．advertisers looking to promote vacation packages

B．families seeking to learn about US railroad history

C．tourists fascinated by trains or railroads in the US

D．travelers seeking accommodations along railroads

2. We can learn from the passage that _______.

A．a railroad over 100 years old is still in use at present

B．the four attractions provide fantastic train ride services

C．the B&Bs are convenient for many railroad museums

D．Bridgeview B&B offers packaged tours of the country

3. When do the trains depart from the Pacific Southwest Railway Museum?

A．Either Saturday or Sunday.	B．Every Saturday and Sunday.
C．On weekdays.	D．On holidays.

4. Which of the following is not special to the Colorado Railroad Museum?

A．It offers discounted services for groups.

B．It has a roundhouse restoration facility and a renowned library.

C．It has a large collection of narrow-gauge equipment.

D．It is the only moving dinner train in America.

5. Which of the following statements is true about the Wisconsin Great Northern Railroad?

A．The train features a choice of a queen bed.

B．The train departs every day at 5:30 pm.

C．It is the oldest railroad in the United States.

D．It only operates on weekends.

4 . Have you ever witnessed the astonishing beauty of auroras (极光)? They are a gift from the heavens resulting from the interaction between the atmosphere and cosmic radiation.

However, as the saying goes: One man’s meat is another man’s poison. In South Korea, a flight attendant, 53, died from cancer due to prolonged exposure to intense cosmic radiation, determined a South Korean labor court.

According to South Korean authorities, the flight attendant logged an average of 1, 022 annual flying hours throughout his career, with half of his flights spent crossing the regions in and around the North Pole, where cosmic radiation reaches extraordinarily high levels.

Cosmic radiation, which comes from the sun and other stars in the galaxy, is constantly hitting Earth. According to the International Atomic Energy Agency, cosmic radiation can be divided into two types: solar radiation and galactic cosmic radiation. Solar radiation comprises charged particles emitted by the sun, known as the solar wind, while galactic cosmic radiation comes from the remnants (残余部分) of supernovas (超新星) - powerful explosions created during the last life stages of massive stars.

Despite the continuous and powerful nature of cosmic radiation, we are generally shielded from their worst effects. Earth’s magnetic field and atmosphere provide protection from this radiation, with the magnetic field being strongest in tropical areas and weakest at the poles. Consequently, individuals living in higher latitudes, like Heilongjiang province, experience slightly more cosmic radiation than those in lower latitudes, such as Hainan province. Moreover, at higher altitudes, such as when passengers are flying on an airplane, the thinner atmosphere results in more intense exposure to cosmic radiation.

For astronauts and flight attendants on polar routes, lacking the shielding offered by Earth’s magnetic field and atmosphere exposes them to potential health risks. According to NASA, astronauts who spend six months in space encounter a radiation exposure roughly equivalent to undergoing 1,000 chest X-rays.

However, what makes cosmic radiation dangerous also holds therapeutic (治疗的) potential. The high speed and energy of cosmic radiation have provided insights into treating tumors (肿瘤). Scientists can now artificially produce charged particles similar to cosmic radiation. Compared to conventional radiotherapy (放疗), charged particles can target tumors more effectively with less harm to the surrounding healthy tissues, according to the journal Frontiers in Oncology.

1. What does the article tell us about cosmic radiation?

A．It primarily comes from the remnants of supernovas.

B．It generates harmful substances in the atmosphere.

C．It’s linked to an increased risk of cancer.

D．It consists entirely of charged particles.

2. Who would be exposed to the least cosmic radiation?

A．Individuals living at higher altitudes.	B．People traveling across the equator.
C．Those living near the equator.	D．Workers stationed at the poles.

3. What does the underlined word “shielded” in paragraph 5 most probably mean?

A．Exposed to dangers.	B．Protected from potential harm.
C．Separated from the environment.	D．Influenced by external factors.

4. Which of the following statements about cosmic radiation is TRUE according to the passage?

A．Cosmic radiation consists only of protons and electrons.

B．Cosmic radiation poses no risks to humans or other living organisms.

C．Astronauts are not required to wear protective suits to minimize their exposure to cosmic radiation.

D．Certain types of cosmic radiation particles can be used to precisely destroy cancer cells.

5. What can be inferred from the last paragraph of the passage?

A．Cosmic radiation is only a danger and should be avoided at all costs.

B．Scientists are only exploring the harmful effects of cosmic radiation.

C．The medical applications of cosmic radiation are still in their early stages of development.

D．Cosmic radiation particles are used as a primary treatment for all types of cancer.

6 . Welcome to the library, new students! The library will play a big part in your experience while you’re at the University of York. There’s a lot to take in if you’re new.

Buildings

We have several library sites, including a main library on Campus West and two other libraries in the City Centre. Our main library is made up of three connected buildings: the Morrell, the Fairhurst and the Burton. You enter all three buildings through the Morrell.

Resources

Our library has lots of books and journal articles that will help with your studies and research. We also provide videos, slides and interactive tutorials (学习指南) to help you develop your information skills, learn to code (编码), work with data and get creative with digital technologies. We’ll show you how to follow good academic practice and develop your digital skills for effective reading, note-making, essay writing and problem solving.

Checking out

Always bring Library Card with you as you will need it to enter the library and borrow items. You can borrow books and access the electronic resources provided by the library for free. There’s no need to request books that are available. This means you will need to go to the shelves yourself to find the books you need. You can borrow up to 75 items at once, and you’ll need to check your emails to find out when to bring them back.

Opening Hours

The library is usually open from 8 am to midnight. The exceptions to this are days over the Christmas period when the library closes early or is closed all day, and the exam period at the end of each semester when the library opens 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

1. The entrance of the main library is in ______.

A．the Morrell

B．the Fairhurst

C．the Burton

D．the City Centre

2. In what aspects can digital skills help you according to Paragraph 3?

A．Effective reading and public speaking.	B．Video editing and slide making.
C．Note-making and problem solving.	D．Information coding and tutorial making.

3. Which statement is TRUE on borrowing available books from the library?

A．You need make a request in advance.

B．You should pay the deposit with your Library Card.

C．You can directly take them from the shelves on your own.

D．You can borrow 75 books at once and return them anytime you want.

4. When can you study in the library through the whole night?

A．On December 25th.	B．On the day before the final exam.
C．On weekend.	D．On the first day of a new semester.

5. Where is the passage most probably taken from?

A．An education journal.

B．A travel brochure.

C．A local newspaper.

D．A student guide.

8 . Life’s journey can often be a lonely one without the comforting presence of companionship. While the significance of friendship is frequently praised, the true essence (本质) of being a genuine friend is often overlooked. A true friend is like family, and the bond you share is strong enough to stand the test of even long periods without talking. Then what contributes to true friendship?

Will Smith’s words, “If you’re absent during my struggle, don’t expect to be present during my success,” capture the essence of real friendship. We all face tough times, feeling depressed or even hopeless at times. A genuine friend stands by their companion through both the ups and downs of life. While it’s effortless to share joyous moments, friendship shines through during tough times. True friends do not abandon each other in times of trouble; instead, they face challenges together, providing mutual support even if it goes against their own interests.

True friends not only stand by you through thick and thin, but also offer constructive criticism when necessary. Oscar Wilde once said, “The truth is rarely pure and never simple,” highlighting how tough it can be to tell friends things they might not want to hear. While delivering criticism is never easy, a genuine friend is unafraid to point out mistakes or misguided paths. Giving constructive criticism, along with helpful advice, is a key part of true friendship. A true friend will speak up if they see you heading down a harmful path, even if it’s uncomfortable. The reluctance to speak up against a friend’s bad decision may lead to regret. As Wilde suggests, truth can be complex, but it’s important to express genuine concern. In a strong friendship, honest and caring advice weaves a web of trust and mutual growth.

In conclusion, the essence of true friendship lies in the willingness to sacrifice personal comfort for the benefit of a friend. Genuine friends are not fair-weather companions; they are present through highs and lows, and provide constructive criticism with care. To have even one true friend is a blessing that should be treasured. Let us strive to be true friends and, in turn, cherish the true friends we encounter on life’s journey.

1. In Paragraph 1, the author presents ______.

A．the essential nature of true friendship

B．the significance of family bonds over friendship

C．the challenges of maintaining lasting relationships

D．the contribution of personal qualities to true friendship

2. What can be learnt about true friendship from Paragraph 2?

A．It merely exists during moments of success.

B．It relies on criticizing friends during tough times.

C．It prioritizes personal interests over companionship.

D．It involves mutual support during both highs and lows.

3. The author develops his arguments through ______.

A．adopting proper exaggerations	B．employing famous quotes
C．sharing personal experiences	D．providing statistical evidence

4. What does the underlined part “fair-weather companions” in Paragraph 4 mean?

A．Friends who are always reliable and trustworthy.	B．Friends who offer constructive criticism with care.
C．Friends who only support you during good times.	D．Friends who show little interest in your success.

5. What can be concluded from the passage?

A．Better an honest enemy than a false friend.

B．Friendship is the only ship that never sinks.

C．Friendship is like money, easier made than kept.

D．Friends catch you when you fall and push you forward.

9 . Many parents of both boys and girls have witnessed striking differences in the way their kids use technology, with their sons generally gravitating to videogames and their daughters often spending more of their screen time scrolling through social media. Emerging research indicates that brain differences between males and females help account for the split.

Marc Potenza, a professor at Yale University, teamed up with researchers at universities in China to find out why. Using functional MRIs, which measure brain activity by detecting changes in blood flow, the team studied neural responses in young male and female gamers, particularly in the parts of the brain associated with reward processing and craving --a motivating factor in addiction. When the men and women were shown photos of people playing videogames, those parts of the men’s brains showed higher levels of activation than those parts of the women’s brains.

Brain regions that have been implicated in drug-addiction studies also were shown to be more highly activated in the men after gaming. The researchers said the results suggest men could be more biologically prone (有倾向的) than women to developing internet gaming disorder.

But girls and women aren’t free from problems when it comes to digital media. Data from Pew shows that, in general, women use social platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest far more than men. Many girls and women are drawn to those photo-sharing sites because they like to form bonds and find similarities, says Rosanna

Guadagno, a social psychologist at Stanford University. Some recent studies show that girls feel the ill effects of too much social media use, such as depression and anxiety, more than boys do.

Researchers at the University of Zurich looked at how differences in brain functioning can help explain why women tend to be more prosocial—that is, helpful, generous and cooperative—than men. In the 2017 study, they hypothesized that the areas of women’s brains related to reward processing are more active when they share rewards and that those areas in men are more active when receiving, selfish rewards. Brain scans conducted on men and women, in which they chose between receiving a monetary reward only for themselves or one that involved sharing money with others, supported their theory.

Scientists say understanding those differences is critical to parents’ ability to help kids navigate the fast-changing world of tech.

1. Boys and girls differ in the way they use technology in that _______.

A．boys like using technology while girls don’t

B．boys prefer photo-sharing sites to video games

C．girls use social platforms far more than boys

D．girls tend to suffer from the use of technology

2. Which is true about Professor Potenza’s research?

A．The team conducted the research in Yale university.

B．There were no changes in blood flow in female games.

C．Women’s brains showed higher levels of activation than men’s.

D．They focused on the brain’s responses to the part related to addiction.

3. Why do girls spend more time on social media?

A．Because they are afraid of developing internet gaming disorder.

B．Because using social media helps them drive away depression.

C．Because it functions as a way of establishing and keeping relations.

D．Because they are more active when exposed to social media.

4. The 2017 study is mentioned in the last but one paragraph to illustrate _______.

A．women are more likely to share money with others

B．men are more active when receiving selfish rewards

C．women are more helpful, generous and cooperative than men

D．women’s brain function influences their prosocial behaviors

5. What will the passage probably talk about next?

A．The importance of understanding these differences in brain.

B．The proper ways for teenagers to make use of technology .

C．The reasons why women are far more generous than men.

D．Other factors that might account for technology behavior.