1 . Since 1912, The Nederlander Organization has continued the tradition of operating historic theatres, producing and presenting the best theatrical and concert events. The following are a few of its Broadway theatres.
GERSHWIN THEATRE: 222 W 51ST ST, NEW YORK, NY 10019
Home of the Broadway smash-hit musical Wicked, Gershwin Theatre was named in honor of one of America’s greatest composers, George Gershwin. The theatre’s circular ball was designed to display the names and photographs of Broadway’s own Theater-Hall of Fame. Opened in 1972 with 1,900 seats, it is one of the Nederlander Organization’s nine Broadway theatres.
DURHAM PERFORMING ARTS CENTER: 123 VIVIAN STREET, DURHAM, NC 27701
Since its opening in 2008, DPAC has become the center for entertainment in North Carolina. With 2,700 scats, DPAC truly has “something for everyone,” and hosts more than 200 performances yearly. DPAC welcomes all guests and events in an open, friendly, and respectful setting. It stands committed against all forms of discrimination.
DOLBY THEATRE: 6801 HOLLYWOOD BLVD, HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA 90028
Dolby Theatre, built in 2001, delivers the most natural, life-like sensory experience with the latest innovations in Dolby entertainment technology, including DolbyAtmosTM, a breakthrough audio technology. Its cutting edge technologies attract many world’s biggest movie premieres, notable television awards events, and performances. With 3,400 seats, it is one of two Broadway theatres in Los Angeles.
WINTER GARDEN THEATRE: 1634 BROADWAY, NEW YORK, NY 10019
The playhouse occupies the second American Horse Exchange, built by William K. Vanderbilt in 1896, when Longacre (now Times Square) was the center of the horse and carriage trade. By 1911, it had been rented out, as horses had given way to automobiles. The Winter Garden was converted into a theatre in 1911. It served as a movie house from 1928 to 1933 when Warner Brothers rented’ it. Winter Garden Theatre has 1,600 seats and is one of Broadway theatres. The sound of music: the classic musical is now playing at the Winter Garden Theatre.
1. Which theatre enjoys the longest history?| A．Gershwin Theatre. | B．Winter Garden Theatre. |
| C．Dolby Theatre. | D．Durham Performing Arts Centre. |
| A．Realistic sound effects. | B．Numerous performances. |
| C．Hall of Fame. | D．Disapproval of discrimination. |
| A．Big movie premiers. | B．A musical about Gershwin. |
| C．A timeless musical. | D．Television awards. |
2 . Nanako Hama was holding a light envelop. When he tore it open with care, locks of hair emerged. Many strangers send Hama locks of their hair, hoping to recycle it.
People generate a huge amount of hair waste. Nearly all of that waste ends up in landfill, where it can release harmful greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change. But hair possesses such useful qualities that it’s a shame to simply throw it away. That’s why people all around the world, like Hama, have been collecting hair and finding innovative ways to recycle it, including making mats (垫子) out of it for removing oil leaks.
Hama is part of the nonprofit Matter of Trust (MoT) members working at more than 60 centers dotted across 17 countries, using machines to make hair donated from local salons and individuals into square mats, which are then used to clean up the floating oil. “Hair is particularly well-suited for this,” says MoT co-founder Lisa Gautier. “That’s because its rough (粗糙的) sort of outer layer lets oil stick to it.” MoT’s mats have been used in major oil leaks, including the 2010 Deepwater Horizon and 2007 Cosco Busan incidents.
In a 2018 study, Murray, an environmental scientist at the University of Technology Sydney in Australia, found that mats made of recycled human hair could absorb 0.84 grams of oil onto its surface for every gram of hair — significantly more than polypropylene, a type of plastic that’s typically used to clean up floating oil. Besides, hair is also useful as fertilizer (化肥). Hair contains a relatively high nitrogen, a chemical element crucial for plant growth, and each lock of hair is made of roughly 16 percent of this essential nutrient. Last year, more than 560 gallons of liquid fertilizer made from human hair was sold to farmers in northern Tanzania and the feedback from the farmers has been very encouraging.
“It’s just a great way to use hair in a productive way. Hair is an answer literally hanging in front of our eyes — for oil and soil,” Hama says.
1. How does the author introduce the topic in paragraph 1?| A．By detailing the background. | B．By presenting a scene. |
| C．By describing the usage of hair. | D．By praising an environmentalist. |
| A．Fertilize the soil. | B．Prevent oil leaks. | C．Take in harmful gas. | D．Clear the sea of oil. |
| A．Its color and strength. | B．Its length and amount. |
| C．Its weight and flexibility. | D．Its outside and component. |
| A．Uncertain. | B．Promising. | C．Doubtful. | D．Uncontrollable. |
3 . In one horrible film plot, AI eventually outsmarts humans and takes over computers and factories. In another, large language models (LLMs) of the sort that power generative AI like ChatGPT give bad guys the know — how to create destructive cyberweapons.
It is time to think hard about these film plots, not because they have become more probable but because policymakers around the world are considering measures to guard against them. The idea that AI could drive humans to extinction is speculative — no one yet knows how such a threat might materialise and no common methods exist for determining what counts as risky. Plenty of research needs to be done before standards and rules can be set.
Governments cannot ignore a technology that could change the world deeply. Regulators have been too slow in the past, but there is danger, too, in acting hurriedly. If they go too fast, policymakers could create global rules that are aimed at the wrong problems and are ineffective against the real ones.
Because of the computing resources and technical skills required, only a handful of companies have so far developed powerful “frontier” models. New hurried regulations could easily block out competitors to the “handful of companies”, especially because these companies are working closely with governments on writing the rule book. A focus on extreme risks is likely to make regulators careful of open-source models, which are freely available and can easily be revised.
The best that governments can do now is to set up the basic systems to study the technology and its potential risks, and ensure that those working on the problem have enough resources. As AI develops further, regulators will have a far better idea of what risks they are guarding against, and consequently what the rule book should look like. A fully mature body could eventually take shape. But creating it will take time and reflection.
1. What does the first paragraph function as?| A．An argument. | B．An explanation. | C．A lead-in. | D．A comment. |
| A．He believes it is a realistic possibility. |
| B．He considers it fictional and unworthy for policymakers to pay attention to. |
| C．He views it as an uncertain threat that needs more research. |
| D．He perceives it as a seemingly reasonable situation that requires serious consideration. |
| A．Competition in this area is prevented. | B．The development of AI is restricted. |
| C．AI will be applied to a limited degree. | D．The public will be misled about danger. |
| A．AI: a Real Threat? | B．Don’t Rush into Policing AI |
| C．AI: Humans’ Friend or Enemy? | D．Time for Government to Regulate AI |
4 . Las Vegas can offer a lot more than you expect. Here are the best guided tours to help visitors make the most of their Sin City getaway.
Big Bus Las Vegas — Open Top Night TourAdmire the glittering lights downtown on this evening double-decker bus tour. Along the drive, you’ll pass well-known buildings before hopping off to enjoy the free light shows on Fremont Street. Tour-takers praise the guides for their informative, friendly account.
Passengers can board the buses at the LINQ Promenade starting at 7 p.m. each evening.
Cowboy Trail Rides — Red Rock Canyon Sunset Horseback RideWhen you need a break from the city life, put on a cowboy hat and boots for a sunset trail ride through Red Rock Canyon. On the ride, you’ll follow a guide through the picturesque desert landscape, watching for wildlife. Travelers warn that it can get chilly on the ride, so they advise wearing warm layers.
Trail Rides are offered Tuesday through Sunday.
Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopters — Grand Celebration TourPapillon Grand Canyon Helicopters’ Grand Celebration tour offers bird’s-eye views of sought-after sights, like Eagle Point and Lake Mead. The tour also includes a Champagne picnic. The pilots and staff earn praise for their friendliness and professionalism.
There are several daily departure options.
Secret Food Tours — Las Vegas StripEvery day Secret Food Tours take groups of 10 participants to five-star restaurants on the Strip to sample a variety of cooking delights, including pizza, chocolates and lobster. During the walking tour, highly praised guides teach tourgoers about the city’s food and culture. Travelers say the food on the tour is plentiful and tasty, but they warn that you’ll be doing a lot of walking.
Tickets include all food tastings.
1. What can visitors do during the Open Top Night Tour?| A．Admire charged light shows. | B．Explore well-known buildings. |
| C．Board buses on Fremont Street. | D．Enjoy an evening double decker bus tour. |
| A．Visitors can try a horseback ride. |
| B．Visitors can have some food to taste. |
| C．Visitors can enjoy views from high in the air. |
| D．Visitors can learn about the history of Las Vegas. |
| A．Secret Food Tours — Las Vegas Strip |
| B．Big Bus Las Vegas — Open Top Night Tour |
| C．Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopters — Grand Celebration Tour |
| D．Cowboy Trail Rides — Red Rock Canyon Sunset Horseback Ride |
5 . It was a busy morning and I had several things to do before the day became too hot to be outside the house. As I was walking by the side of a busy road, I saw an old lady, maybe in her 80s, standing dangerously close to the traffic. Although my mind was preoccupied, I thought to myself that I should warn her not to stand so close to the busy traffic rushing by. When I reached the spot where the old lady was standing, I noticed that she was trying to get attention of passers-by who of course were too busy to take note of her.
She kept pointing to the middle of the road. When I tried to gently move her back further away from the edge of the busy road, she said that she was standing there because she dropped her house key in the middle of the road and was unable to enter her house without the key. I looked around and no one seemed to be interested in the two of us. I knew I was getting delayed but decided to help.
The traffic was busy on the road with people on two-wheelers or in cars as well as school buses rushing with school children. It was the worst time of the day to cross a busy road without a traffic light. I asked the old lady to stay at a safe distance, took a deep breath, and carefully stepped onto the road waving my hands crazily, fearing to be hit by an oncoming vehicle. At first one lane (车道) stopped and then I moved further on to the middle of the road continuing to wave my hands.
I quickly picked up the key and ran back to the old lady waiting by the side of the road and returned the key to her. As I turned to continue my hurried walk, the old lady pulled me by my hand and gave me a big warm hug. I felt so happy to have helped this old lady.
1. What was the author’s worry about the old lady?| A．She couldn’t get into her house. | B．She might lose her key on the road. |
| C．She could be hit by the passing cars. | D．She might get lost on the busy road. |
| A．It was dangerous to cross the road. |
| B．People had little sense of traffic safety. |
| C．People got tired of driving on the road. |
| D．No one on the road would help the old lady. |
| A．Scared. | B．Concerned. | C．Energetic. | D．Grateful. |
| A．Eventful. | B．Heart-warming. | C．Breath-taking. | D．Life-changing. |
6 . Set 40 kilometers northeast of the city of Ambatondrazaka, Madagascar, the Zahamena National Park has overall land coverage of 643 square kilometers, but only about 420 square kilometers is open to the public. It receives an average rainfall level of around 6 feet every year and experiences frequent rain showers even during the dry season between April and October. And elevations (海拔) inside the park range from 250 to 1,560 meters, which has resulted in a diversity (多样性) of climates.
One really interesting thing about the Zahamena National Park is its unique highland landform (高地地貌). The development of several ecosystems that all together exist within its area greatly depends on it. And this is also the reason why the types of wildlife living in one area of its wide range are different in another, which makes it quite exciting to explore.
This protected region’s main area is divided into two parts: the eastern and western areas, with a separate piece of ground in the middle where many small villages are located. Zahamena means “red trees”, which suggests a tree species scientifically called Diatum unifoliatum. It lives only in Zahamena and is characterized by its typically deep reddish-orange color.
Established as a strict natural highland habitat for nature conservation (保护) in 1927, the Zahamena National Park was officially awarded the honorary title of national park in 1997 and was finally opened to the public. Due to its amazing landform and unique local biodiversity, this national park was later listed as a key part of the Rainforests of the Atsinanana in 2007.
Unluckily, there are no hotels or restaurants around the national park. So Zahamena is not an easy rainforest—this national park needs people with a high level of fitness and people with low requirements concerning accommodations. Everyone who is not discouraged by this will be able to expect an amazing rainforest experience in a location which has a small number of tourists.
1. What do we know about the Zahamena National Park?| A．It is hard to reach due to conservation rules. |
| B．It has changeable weather all year round. |
| C．It has a great difference in elevations. |
| D．It is famous for its traditional villages. |
| A．The complete food chain of wildlife there. |
| B．The wet weather condition there. |
| C．The conservation efforts there. |
| D．The special landform there. |
| A．A cultural belief. | B．A local tree species. |
| C．The unique geography. | D．The local village group. |
| A．The tough condition of Zahamena. | B．People’s high level of fitness. |
| C．Its geographical location. | D．The diversity of climates. |
7 . Want to explore new cultures, meet new people and engage in meaningful pursuits? You can do all the three with Global Development Association (GDA). No matter what life stage you’re at, wherever you go, and whatever project you undertake with us, you’ll create positive changes in a poor and remote community.
We welcome volunteers from all walks of life and backgrounds. While the majority of our volunteers are between the ages of 17 and 24, we’re currently in need of volunteer managers aged 25 to 75, who play a very important role in the safe and effective operation of our programs. Our positions include project managers, mountain leaders, and communication officers.
Your chosen role could vary from enhancing a community’s access to clean drinking water to preserving valuable local cultures. Or perhaps you might design adventure challenges to train our young volunteers.
Not only will you be aiding the personal growth of our young volunteers, but you’ll also be picking up new skills and expanding your cultural insights. You’ll likely meet individuals who could become lifelong friends.
This summer we have both 4-week and 7-week programmes:
Country | Schedule | |
4-week programmes | 7-week programmes | |
Algeria | 5 Jul. — 1 Aug. | 20 Jun. — 7 Aug. |
Egypt | 24 Jul. — 20 Aug. | 19 Jun. — 6 Aug. |
Kenya | 20 Jul. — 16 Aug. | 18 Jun. — 5 Aug. |
South Africa | 2 Aug. — 29 Aug. | 15 Jun. — 2 Aug. |
GDA ensures that volunteers work with community members and local project partners where our help is needed. All our projects aim to promote the development of poor and remote communities.
There is no other chance like a GDA programme. Join us as a volunteer manager to develop your own skills while bringing benefits to the communities.
Find out more about joining a GDA programme:
Website: www.glodeve.org
Email: humanresources@glodeve.org
1. What age group does GDA primarily target for volunteer managers?| A．17—24. | B．25—40. | C．25—75. | D．17—75. |
| A．Egypt | B．South Africa | C．Kenya | D．Algeria |
| A．explore new cultures | B．protect the environment |
| C．gain corporate benefit | D．help communities in need |
8 . Dr. Janet S. Choi, a doctor at Keck Medicine of USC, wanted to know whether recovering hearing with hearing aids (辅助设备) may increase the chances of living longer.
“The group of patients who are using hearing aids regularly have a 24% lower risk of death compared to the group who never use hearing aids,” says Choi. The findings do not prove that it’s the hearing aids that lead to longer life. It could be that people who use hearing aids regularly are also more likely to put off isolation (孤独), remain more active in socializing with other people or have reduced risk of falls, which could explain why people who never use hearing aids likely die more prematurely than those who use them regularly. The effect holds up even when the researchers consider differences such as age, ethnicity, education and medical history.
Choi knows from personal experience the difference hearing aids can make. She was born with hearing loss in one ear. And for years she says she resisted the idea of wearing hearing aids, given that her hearing was very good in one ear. But when she became a surgeon, she realized she was missing out. Now she uses hearing aids regularly.
There can be several limits to recovering from hearing, including the cost of examining and the cost of hearing aids. But the technologies have improved and there are more affordable choices compared to several years ago. Still, some people avoid wearing them due to shame or the annoyance of getting used to them.
So, if you have hearing aids sitting in the back of a drawer, not being used, Choi says, try them again. She recommends new users wear their hearing aids every day for 30 ongoing days to get used to them.
1. What did the study find about patients often wearing hearing aids?| A．They are at risk of more falls. |
| B．They more possibly hate isolation. |
| C．They usually have good medical history. |
| D．They are more likely to communicate with others. |
| A．Early. | B．Unexpectedly. | C．Unhappily. | D．Suddenly. |
| A．To list an unusual example. |
| B．To state some pleasant scenes. |
| C．To pity people with hearing loss. |
| D．To prove the benefit of using hearing aids. |
| A．The high cost of hearing aids. |
| B．The process of examining hearing. |
| C．The rules of protecting hearing aids. |
| D．The troubles of recovering from hearing. |
9 . The Himalayan mountains are increasingly filled with mounting waste left by mountaineering activities over the years. There is no official data, but Nepal’s Department of Tourism estimates（估计）that on Qomolangma alone, there is nearly 140,000 tons of waste.
Now some of that material is finding its way to local craftswomen（女工艺师）, thanks to a new plan led by Shilshila Acharya. Acharya owns Avni Center for Sustainability, a waste processing business in Kathmandu. She has been working with the cleaning activity since 2019, targeting mountains such as Qomolangma, Makalu, Dhaulagiri, Ama Dablam and Annapurna.
“Metals go through the recycling（回收利用）process, but we were not able to find a way to recycle these ropes and small cooking gas cans,” she says. It occurred to her that the non-recyclable waste could be reused, but it wasn’t until she met Maya Rai at an event that a solution was born. Rai, helped connect Acharya with Sunita Chaudhary and her team of Tharu craftswomen in the hope of turning the mountain waste into economic opportunity.
“People like me, who are far from the mountains but belong to the local Tharu community, are using our traditional skills to change this waste into something entirely new,” Chaudhary says.
Finished crafts are sold at craft exhibitions. The craftswomen are paid according to how many items they make and sell, earning an average of 400 Nepali Rupees per half-day’s work. With flexible hours, the project gives women an opportunity to earn money even as they keep their household responsibilities.
1. What is the trouble for the Himalayan mountains according to paragraph 1?| A．No true data about waste. | B．Tons of mounting waste. |
| C．Mountaineering activities. | D．Lack of funds for environment. |
| A．The recycling process. | B．Meeting Rai at an event. |
| C．A cleaning activity in 2019． | D．A visit to Chaudhary’s house. |
| A．They learn new skills. | B．They receive fixed pay. |
| C．They sell crafts at exhibitions. | D．They explore the Himalayan mountains. |
| A．Mountaineering Adventures in the Himalayas |
| B．Exploring Traditional Skills of Local Craftswomen |
| C．Crafting Economic Opportunities from Mountain Waste |
| D．Promoting Tourism in Kathmandu |
10 . Established in 1986, the James Beard Foundation assists culinary (烹饪的) professionals who plan to further their education at a culinary school having official permission. International students may qualify for many, but not all, of our programs, and are encouraged to apply. As of 2024, we will be offering the following programs.
The Jean-Louis Palladin Professional Work/Study Grant (补助金)Chef (厨师) Jean-Louis Palladin is considered one of the culinary talented people of the 20th century. The James Beard Foundation is proud to offer the Jean-Louis Palladin Professional Work/Study Grant. Created to keep up the mission and programs of the Jean-Louis Palladin Foundation, the project will provide two yearly grants up to $4,000 to working chefs.
The Chef Mashama Bailey Tuition Waiver (学费减免)Chef Mashama Bailey is a graduate of ICE’s Culinary Arts program in 2001. She is the executive chef/co-owner of The Grey, in Savannah, Georgia and Austin, Texas. This tuition grant, for $20,000, was established to honor her achievement. Preference will be given to applicants who can communicate a clear personal interest and appreciation for regional food, particularly southern regional food in America.
The FCI Legacy of Excellence Tuition WaiverThe French Culinary Institute(FCI)was established in 1984 in New York City, with a focus on French technique as the foundation for teaching professional cooking. This tuition grant, for $15,000, was established to honor the legacy of FCI. Preference will be given to applicants who have a desire to one day be the head chef of a restaurant.
Johnson & Wales University Tuition WaiverUp to one waiver of $3,000 will be offered toward tuition at Johnson & Wales University campus in Providence or Charlotte, North Carolina. The award is renewable up to four additional years (for a total of $12,000). To remain qualified for the award, the student must keep satisfactory academic performance.
1. To get the highest award, which of the following can one apply for?| A．The Jean-Louis Palladin Professional Work/Study Grant. |
| B．The Chef Mashama Bailey Tuition Waiver. |
| C．The FCI Legacy of Excellence Tuition Waiver.. |
| D．Johnson & Wales University Tuition Waiver. |
| A．An applicant who wants to be a head chef. |
| B．An applicant who must be a working chef. |
| C．An applicant who is interested in southern American food. |
| D．An applicant who graduated from Johnson & Wales University. |
| A．In a novel. | B．In a history book. |
| C．In an education magazine. | D．In a travel brochure. |
