1 . Yuck! Chicken blood splashes onto the floor and insects fly everywhere in the market. The old Indian woman waves the butcher knife. You’re speechless. Your friend who moved to India a few months before you notices your horror. “It’s just something they do,” he clarifies.

You’ve heard living abroad is good for you. Experiences like this one make you say “Seriously?”

Yes. Seriously.

Researchers William Maddux and Hajo Adam have discovered not only that cultural experiences are good for you, but they’ve also discovered why they’re good for you. Cultural experiences can make you more creative.

Maddux and his team discovered that learning about new cultures you encounter deeply is key to obtaining cognitive rewards. The team did a series of experiments with people who had lived abroad for a long time. They asked the sojourners (旅居者) to recall experiences where they: learned something about the culture they lived in abroad; learned something about their own culture; did something unrelated (like visiting a supermarket). Those who recalled learning something about a new culture did much better on a creative problem-solving task immediately afterward.

Maddux and his team wondered, though. Does learning new cultures always help? Is it enough to just notice that another culture is different? In another experiment they had a group of people recall an experience where they learned something new about a foreign culture but hadn’t been able to learn about the reasons for it.

The people who later were made aware of the hidden reasons for the novel, different, or unexpected behaviors they had come across were much more creative afterward than those who weren’t.

This means that even though discovering cultural differences exist is great, it’s not enough to influence how you think in other situations. You have to learn why a cultural difference exists. That’s what helps you spot new connections later, in other aspects of your life.

1. Why is the scene mentioned in the first paragraph?

A．To show us an appropriate example.

B．To prove the advantages of living abroad.

C．To provide evidence for the writer’s viewpoint.

D．To draw readers’ attention to the following exploration.

2. What did the researchers find by asking the sojourners to recall their experience?

A．What is necessary to be creative.

B．What influence creativity has on people.

C．What benefits cultural experiences bring.

D．What they can learn from their own cultures.

3. From the experiment in Paragraph 6, we can conclude ______.

A．learning new cultures is always of great help

B．it’s not enough just to notice similarities between cultures

C．knowing the reasons for the difference is the key to creativity

D．culture difference has an impact on your way of thinking

4. Where is the text probably taken from?

A．A research report.	B．A geography textbook.
C．A travel brochure.	D．A science magazine.

2 . NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC EXPLORERS

Anand Varma

In the woods near his childhood home in Atlanta, Varma discovered his passion for being immersed in the natural world. Then he picked up his father’s camera and found a way to share that enthusiasm. Now living in Berkeley, California, Varma has spent years developing innovative photography techniques to reveal aspects of science and nature, such as the rapid motions of hummingbirds that normally go unseen.

Katie Orlinsky

During almost a decade of living in and visiting Alaska, Orlinsky has been examining the effects of climate change on the Arctic. Her images of its melting permafrost appeared in the September 2019 issue of National Geographic, and for this issue she hiked solo for days in a remote stretch of Alaska to document migrating caribou. The June 2023 cover story featured her photographs of the world’s first designated wilderness area, in New Mexico.

Neil Shea

Based in Brooklyn, New York, Shea is an award-winning writer who works in print, film, television, and audio. His first book Frostlines: Dispatches From the New Arctic will be published by Ecco in 2025. It covers cultural and environmental shifts in places from Iraqi Kurdistan to East Africa.

Emma Lira

A travel writer and specialist in Spain, Lira has authored historical novels, A Lonely Planet Granada Guide, and A National Geographic Story On Tenerife’s Mummies. She’s a resident of Madrid and the Canary Islands and leads small group tours for women throughout the Islamic world.

These contributors have received funding from the National Geographic Society, which is committed to protecting the wonder of our world.

1. What is unique to Anand Varma?

A．His exploring passion.	B．His adventurous experiences.
C．His environmental awareness.	D．His new photography techniques.

2. What did Katie do for the images chosen by National Geographic in 2019?

A．She covered a long distance in Alaska alone.

B．She investigated the impact of climate change.

C．She explored the wildness area in New Mexico.

D．She spent 10 years living in and visiting Alaska.

3. What do Neil and Emma have in common?

A．They are both travel enthusiasts.	B．They are both expert in writing.
C．They have both published their books.	D．They both care about climate changes.

3 . Shanghai Pudong International Airport

Shanghai Pudong International Airport is one of the major and popular airports in China. Completed in 1999 with now existing 4 take-off runways and 2 terminals (航站楼) , it serves as the key aviation hub (枢纽) for visiting Shanghai and transferring to other cities in China.

Terminals

Shanghai Pudong International Airport Terminal 1 (Tl) handles both domestic and international flights. It is divided into international (left) and domestic (right) areas. Terminal 1 was opened on September 16, 1999 and it is shaped like a seagull.

Shanghai Pudong International Airport Terminal 2 (T2) was opened on March 26, 2008 and has a similar structure as Terminal 1 although it is slightly larger. It is split into international services, on the left, and domestic flights, on the right.

On September 16, 2019, Shanghai Pudong International Airport Satellite Terminal was opened, which is located south of the airport's existing Tl and T2. This H-shaped satellite hall is the world's largest single-building satellite terminal.

Facilities and services

Currency exchange; restaurants and shops; duty free; ATMs; assistance for passengers with special needs; vending machines.

Parking

Parking lot Pl and P2 (Rates) :

First 20 minutes: Free.

First 2 hours: 10 yuan per hour. If the time is more than one hour but is less than two hours, it is charged as two hours.

Over 2 hours: 5 yuan per hour. If the time is more than two hours but is less than 3 hours, it is charged as three hours.

From 1 hour to 24 hours: Maximum of 130 yuan.

Every 24 hours: Calculated of the standard price.

1. When was Shanghai Pudong International Airport Terminal I opened?

A．On March 26, 2008.	B．On September 16, 1999.
C．On September 16, 2019.	D．On March 16, 2008.

2. What do we know about Shanghai Pudong International Airport Terminal 1?

A．It is shaped like the letter H.	B．It was completed on September 16, 2008.
C．It mainly handles domestic flights.	D．It is a little bit smaller than Terminal 2.

3. How much does it cost to park for one and a half hours?

A．10 yuan.

B．15 yuan.

C．20 yuan.

D．25 yuan.

4 . Teachers worried about students turning in essays written by a popular artificial intelligence chatbot now have a new tool of their own.

Edward Tian, a computer science major at Princeton University, has built an App called GPTZero to detect whether a text is written by Chat GPT, which is a popular chatbot that has caused fears over its possibility for immoral uses in American academic circles. His motivation to create the computer program was to fight what he sees as an increase in AI plagiarism (剽窃). Since the release of ChatGPT in 2022, there have been reports of students using the language model to pass off AI-written assignments as their own. Many teachers have reached out to him after he released GPTZero, telling him about the positive results they’ve seen from testing it.

To determine whether an essay is written by a computer program, GPTZero uses two indicators: “confusion” and “burstiness (突发性)”. The first indicator measures the complexity of text; if GPTZero is confused by the text, then it has a high complexity and it’s more likely to be human-written. However, if the text is more familiar to GPTZero — because it’s been trained on such data — then it will have low complexity and therefore is more likely to be AI-generated. Besides, the second indicator compares the variations of sentences. Humans tend to write with greater burstiness, for example, with some longer or complex sentences alongside shorter ones. AI sentences tend to be more uniform.

In a demonstration video, Tian compared the App’s analysis of a story in The New Yorker and a Linked In post written by ChatGPT. It successfully distinguished writing between human and AI. However, GPTZero isn’t foolproof, as some users have reported when putting it to the test. He said he’s still working to improve the model’s accuracy.

Tian is not opposed to the use of AI tools like ChatGPT. GPTZero is “not meant to be a tool to stop these technologies from being used,” he said. “But with any new technologies, we need to be able to adopt it responsibly and we need to have protections.”

1. What have some students done since ChatGPT was released?

A．They have built language models from ChatGPT.

B．They have copied AI-written text from ChatGPT

C．They have accessed their assignments through ChatGPT.

D．They have passed their writing exams through ChatGPT.

2. What can be inferred about the two indicators of GPTZero?

A．The more uniform the text is, the more likely it is to be AI-generated.

B．The less complex the text is, the more likely it is to be human-written.

C．GPTZero sometimes confuses human-written texts with AI-generated texts.

D．GPTZero is more familiar with human-written texts than with AI-generated texts.

3. What does the underlined word “foolproof” mean in the fourth paragraph?

A．User-friendly.	B．Time-efficient.
C．Perfectly legal.	D．Completely reliable.

4. What maybe Tian’s attitude to the use of AI tools?

A．Favorable.

B．Disapproving.

C．Objective.

D．Ambiguous.

5 . Four Universities in Northern Part of China

Beijing Institute of Technology (BIT) is a renowned institution located in the heart of China’s capital, Beijing. Established in 1940, BIT has grown into a comprehensive university offering a wide range of disciplines, including engineering, science, management, humanities, and law. With a strong emphasis on practical application and innovation, BIT has become a leader in research and development, contributing significantly to China’s technological advancements.

China University of Political Science and Law (CUPL) is a prestigious institution dedicated to legal education and research. Founded in 1952, CUPL has played a crucial role in shaping China’s legal system and fostering legal professionals. With a focus on interdisciplinary studies and practical training, CUPL prepares students for careers in law, public administration, and international relations.

Dalian University of Technology (DUT) is located in the coastal city of Dalian, known for its strong engineering programs and research initiatives. Established in 1949, DUT has become a key player in China’s industrial and technological landscape. With state-of-the-art facilities and a commitment to innovation, DUT collaborates closely with industry partners to address real-world challenges and drive economic development.

Northeast Normal University (NENU) is situated in the city of Changchun and is recognized for its excellence in teacher education and liberal arts. Founded in 1946, NENU has a long-standing tradition of producing outstanding educators and scholars. With a focus on fostering critical thinking and cultural exchange, NENU offers a diverse range of programs in education, humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences, making it a vibrant hub for intellectual exploration and academic excellence in Northeast China.

Each of these universities represents a unique facet of China’s educational landscape, contributing to the nation’s development and global competitiveness in different ways. From technological innovation to legal expertise, from engineering excellence to liberal arts education, these institutions play a vital role in shaping the future of China and the world.

1. What do DUT and BIT have in common?

A．Their research focus on social sciences.

B．They are located in provincial capital.

C．They both emphasize the innovation.

D．They are both comprehensive universities.

2. What is Northeast Normal University recognized for?

A．Excellence in engineering programs and research.

B．Strong emphasis on practical application and innovation.

C．Outstanding achievements in teacher education and liberal arts.

D．Commitment to addressing world challenge and driving economic development.

3. If a high school student specializing in physics wants to have an international perspective, which university does he probably choose?

A．Beijing Institute of Technology

B．China University of Political Science and Law

C．Dalian University of Technology

D．Northeast Normal University

6 . There are three kinds of people in this world. Those who love Butter Chicken, those who think Butter Chicken is overrated and those who have never tasted Butter Chicken. Of all of these, I feel deep sorrow for the third kind. It is a loss of gigantic proportions, in my opinion.

Delhi, arguably the culinary (烹饪的) capital of India, owes a large part of its flavour heritage to the Mughals (印度贵族). Butter Chicken, however, has far more humble origins, and was born far closer to home. It only dates back a couple of decades to pre-partition India, and its story takes us to a sweet-shop, owned by an elderly gentleman called Mokha. It was here that young Gujral worked, where he helped invent the Tandoori Chicken that we all love today. Yes, you heard that right, this story also includes the invention of the famous Tandoori Chicken.

There came a time when Mokha’s health dropped and he eventually sold the shop to Gujral who renamed it as Moti Mahal. As a sharp businessman, Gujral realized that the Tandoori Chicken hanging above the tandoor (印度烤炉) all day would tend to dry out if unsold. He then came up with the genius idea of creating a basic sauces with tomatoes, butter, cream and some spices to immerse the Tandoori Chicken pieces in, helping them regain moisture and become tasty again. And thus, was born the Butter chicken.

When India was partitioned, Gujral moved to Delhi and so did Moti Mahal, with Butter Chicken and Tandoori Chicken in tow. The small outlet grew fast and now, almost 70 years later, it has a successful chain of restaurants with outlets far and wide, managed by his grandson, Monish. A few years back, when I was reviewing Masala Library in Mumbai, I was surprised to find Butter Chicken on the tasting menu. What started then, is now a full-fledged movement to take the humble dish and reinvent or present it in innovation. Today, you will find Butter Chicken tacos, pizzas, rolls, burgers, biryani and just about everything you can think of. I bet when Gujral invented Butter Chicken, little did he know that he was creating history, in a way.

1. What does the underlined word in paragraph 1 mean?

A．subtle

B．economic

C．dietary

D．enormous

2. What do we know about Gujral according to the text?

A．He invented the Tandoori Chicken as well as Butter Chicken single-handedly.

B．His grandson, Monish, managed to move Moti Mahal and Butter Chicken to Delhi.

C．His inspiration of Butter chicken came from the unsold Tandoori Chicken.

D．He took over the shop from Mokha when India was partitioned.

3. The author’s experience in the Masala Library is mentioned to ________.

A．explain his passion for Butter Chicken

B．show the popularity of Butter Chicken

C．indicate his satisfaction with the library

D．recommend a place to eat Butter chicken

4. Which of the following is a suitable title for the text?

A．The history of an Indian loved cuisine — Butter Chicken

B．The legend of a history-made hero — Gujral

C．The innovation of a humble Indian dish — Butter Chicken

D．The visit to the culinary capital — Delhi

7 . Standing on a school stage, the master swings his arms and moves his body as he conducts an orchestra. The 70 young musicians keep a sharp focus on the master’s white baton (指挥棒) as it shoots upward, downward, and sideways.

Michael Morgan was six years old when his father moved a neighbor’s unwanted piano into their living room. He started piano lessons, but it was when he saw a conductor leading an orchestra on television that he realized what he really wanted to do. At age eight, he began reading The Joy of Music by conductor and composer Leonard Bernstein and figured out how to direct with a baton. After graduating from Oberlin College Conservatory of Music, Michael worked under Bernstein. “Conducting is a thing you learn by apprenticing (当学徒). You do more watching than anything else,” Morgan says. Even after Morgan had graduated from Oberlin, Bernstein’s masterful teaching continued to influence him.

Morgan is committed to offering kids a chance to explore classical music. In his hometown, he started to volunteer in local schools, conducting student orchestras and talking with kids about music. Morgan is also the music director and conductor of the Oakland Symphony. He works with teachers in after-school programs to reach students who can’t afford lessons.

Morgan is focused and works very hard. “He’s mastermind behind all of these programs,” says Elizabeth, Oakland Symphony Education Coordinator. “He is in an amazing harmony with students. He is really serious in getting down to his business.”

Morgan says his work is mostly about providing young people with an entrance into music. “Instruments give kids a way of emotional expression, a source of pride, and an interest they can carry with them through life. Young musicians come from many different cultures and communities. But with instruments in hand, their hearts sing as one,” he says.

1. What inspired Morgan to begin his career as a conductor?

A．A gift from his neighbor.	B．The piano lessons he took.
C．The guidance of his teacher.	D．A TV program in his childhood.

2. Which of the following can best describe Morgan?

A．Passionate and honest.	B．Generous and demanding.
C．Ambitious and humorous.	D．Warmhearted and devoted.

3. Why does the author mention Elizabeth?

A．To show recognition on Morgan.	B．To share her cooperation with Morgan.
C．To encourage kids to learn from Morgan.	D．To express people’s expectations for Morgan.

4. What can we infer from the last paragraph?

A．Playing music is the best way to relieve people’s tension.

B．Morgan opens a door to music teaching for young musicians.

C．Music has the power to bridge cultural gap and unite people.

D．Young musicians tend to play the same song whole-heartedly.

8 . Xiaomi, best known for its popular smartphones and domestic appliances, launched its SU7 model on March 28 in China. The tech company began accepting orders in China via an app. Xiaomi said that it received 50,000 orders for the SU7 in the first 27 minutes after sales opened.

“Entering the car-making business will be the last big start-up project of my life. This is to perform our agreement made three years ago,” Chief Executive Lei Jun wrote. He added that he was confident about entering the EV (electric vehicle) market.

Xiaomi introduced the SU7 at its technology conference in December 2023, saying it was capable of accelerating speeds faster than Tesla cars and Porsche EVs, with one version capable of hitting 100 kilometers per hour in 2.78 seconds. One version has a driving range of up to 800 kilometers, it added.

The SU7’s release comes when EV makers battle for sales in the world’s largest auto market. Xiaomi will enter the competition as leading brands like BYD and Tesla are cutting prices sharply to attract consumers to buy their EVs in an oversupplied market.

Analysts said the SU7’s release will likely cut into Xiaomi’s bottom line as marketing and other expenses rise. Xiaomi posted a net profit of 4.87 billion yuan ($677.9 million) in the third quarter, up 52% from the preceding quarter on the back of improved margins. The key thing to watch for the launch will be the price, specifically if it’s below or above ¥ 200,000, Huatai Securities equity analyst Leping Huang said. The level serves as a classification benchmark for EVs in the same class as the SU7.

Xiaomi may have some advantages over competitors since it is “already a very well-known brand and may be able to take advantage of existing distribution channels,” Morningstar equity analyst Dan Baker said, “but recent profit forecasts could well be negative.”

1. What can we learn from the first two paragraphs?

A．The SU7 is well received by consumers in China.

B．Lei Jun raised his concern about the future of EV market.

C．Xiaomi regards developing SU7 models as its last project.

D．Orders of the SU7 can be placed in the shops worldwide now.

2. What challenge may the SU7 face at present?

A．Higher costs of production than other EVs.

B．Lack of advantages in acceleration speeds.

C．Fierce competition in oversupplied market.

D．Technical issues with an ideal driving range.

3. What does the underlined word “benchmark” probably mean in Paragraph 5?

A．Symbol.

B．Background.

C．Standard.

D．Management.

4. What can be a suitable title for the text?

A．Xiaomi released its first EV	B．Xiaomi hits the big time overnight
C．Xiaomi has changed the EV market	D．Xiaomi will take the lead in the world

9 . Millions of people have conditions that make walking difficult. Millions more regularly perform tough movement as part of their jobs. Wearable robotic devices called exoskeletons that help the legs move could benefit both of these groups. In laboratory settings, such devices have helped people walk faster while using less energy. But various obstacles have kept these devices from being practical for everyday use.

A research team at Stanford University led by Dr. Steven Collins has developed an exoskeleton that can rapidly adapt to the user during normal walking. The team tested how well an exoskeleton based on their model could adapt to a user. They then compared it to one based on lab measurements. Both methods wound up applying similar forces at different speeds and reduced effort similarly across a range of conditions. But the model-based adaptation took only one-quarter as long as the measurement-based adaptation.

Next, the researchers created a portable, ankle-worn exoskeleton that could be used in the real world. The exoskeleton was powered by a battery pack worn at the waist.

The team conducted tests of the device outdoors on public sidewalks. Compared with walking in normal shoes, the exoskeleton increased walking speed by 9% while expending 17% less energy on average. This is equal to the energy savings of removing a 20-pound backpack. When walking on a treadmill (跑步机) at a constant speed, users expended up to 23% less energy, equal to removing a 30-pound backpack.

“This exoskeleton personalize s assistance as people walk normally through the real world,” Collins says. “This opens the door to a much broader use of exoskeletons to assist individuals with physical impairments (损伤) and people who need to carry heavy loads,” adds co-author Dr. Scott Delp.

1. Who are exoskeletons designed for?

A．Sportsmen in a race.	B．Firefighters on a mission.
C．Patients with mental disabilities.	D．Doctors doing an operation.

2. What do the underlined word “obstacles” in the first paragraph mean?

A．Barriers.

B．Applications.

C．Models.

D．Backpacks.

3. Why are the figures listed in paragraph 4?

A．To illustrate the advantage of exoskeletons.	B．To compare exoskeletons with normal shoes.
C．To give examples of different kinds of shoes.	D．To list the reasons for designing exoskeletons.

4. What’s Dr. Scott Delp’s attitude towards exoskeletons?

A．Conservative.

B．Negative.

C．Favourable.

D．Indifferent.

10 . We’re often told that there’s no age limit when it comes to pursuing our goals, but it’s truly inspiring to see someone achieve them later in life-especially if they are 95 years old. Angela Alvarez is a Cuban-born singer and songwriter who, after putting aside her dream of pursuing a career in entertainment for decades, finally released her first album in 2021.

Once Alvarez graduated from school, she told her father she wanted to become a professional singer. However, he prevented her from doing so. Eventually, she got married and found happiness in raising her four children, though life wasn’t easy.

With time, her grandson, Carlos Jos é Alvarez, grew up to be a music producer. When he found out his grandma had written over 50 songs throughout her life, he asked if she would like to record her songs. Her answer was “yes”. And that was the beginning.

Alvarez’s story even caught the attention of actor Andy García, who produced a documentary about this amazing woman and the recording process of her 15-song album. “She represents a generation, perhaps our greatest generation of Cubans,” said the actor.

The dream reached new heights as she became nominated for a Latin Grammy. Once she took to the stage to accept her award, she gave an inspiring speech, “I want to dedicate this award to my beloved homeland, Cuba; also to those who have not achieved their dream. Although life is difficult, there is always a way out, and with faith and love they can achieve it. I promise, it’s never too late.”

1. What do we know about Alvarez?

A．She lived a miserable life bringing up her children.

B．She has released 15 albums since she returned to music.

C．She got nominated as the best musician of her generation.

D．She gave up her dream after graduation owing to her father’s prevention.

2. What made Alvarez decide to pursue her dream again?

A．Her hard life after marriage.	B．Her grandson’s support.
C．Her desire to make more money.	D．Her enthusiasm for music.

3. Which word best describes Alvarez’s story?

A．Inspiring.

B．Interesting.

C．Amusing.

D．Moving.

4. What’s the author’s purpose of writing the article?

A．To introduce a woman’s life-time story.

B．To call on others to learn from Alvarez.

C．To praise what Alvarez has done in music.

D．To tell us it’s never too late to achieve one’s dream.