1 . Mu Sa, a livestream host of the Hui ethnic group from Zhongning, Ningxi a Hui autonomous region, demonstrated how the Internet had transformed many young unemployed people into useful talents contributing to society.
After graduating from university majoring in sociology, Mu worked as an office clerk in Shanghai, a marketing assistant in Beijing and a data analyst in Hangzhou. Each time he struggled to realize his dream in big cities. Mu returned home at 25 after losing his job during the COVID-19 pandemic in November 2021.
However, he was not overcome by his failures and quickly lifted himself up. Mu decided to pick up his cell phone and begin creating short videos about local people's daily lives at home and uploading them online.
A video clip showing his mother cooking local food turned out to be a surprise hit. Even his mother was shocked that so many viewers, who commented that the video aroused memories of their own moms and hometowns, could be interested in a daily routine.
Mu said it was the success of this video clip that inspired him to carry on. He gradually found that village-related content was popular among his followers. “The more local the content, the more universal its appeal is,” he said. Mu started promoting local specialties on his account on April 1 last year, which turned out to be another success.
Ma Rui, a middle school classmate of Mu's, also posted about local life on his social media, which had 150,000 followers. He helped Mu with framing, composition, transitions and music.
Apart from his rural angle, Mu also attributed the popularity of his short videos to the empathetic effects they produced in the viewers, particularly young people. “The uncertainty of the future often makes young people feel confused to varying degrees,” he said. “I gave my answer to the confusion with my own practical actions: There is not a uniform norm of life for young people, including college graduates. Dreams will lead everyone to where they should go.”
1. What is the direct reason for Mu Sa to start creating short videos?| A．His strong interest in sociological major. | B．His unemployment due to the pandemic. |
| C．The popularity of village-related content. | D．The success of a video clip about his mother. |
| A．By shooting the videos for him. | B．By producing music for the videos. |
| C．By promoting the videos on social media. | D．By providing assistance in making videos. |
| A．There is no regular formula for success. |
| B．Short videos should be centered on rural life. |
| C．Influencers should show pity for the viewers. |
| D．The young are supposed to experience hardship. |
| A．Assistance from friends ensured success | B．Videos about farmers gained popularity |
| C．An unemployed man became a local hit | D．A live streamer turned failure into success |
2 . China is one of the world’s ancient civilizations and has the earliest outstanding bronze casting technology. Here we’ve created a list of 4 museums where you can gain an in-depth understanding of Chinese bronze.
Sanxingdui Museum
Address: Sanxingdui Ruin Site, 133 Xian Road, Guanghan, Deyang, Sichuan province
Hours: Comprehensive Gallery (the first exhibition hall): 8:30-18:00; Bronze Gallery (the second exhibition hall): 8:30-18:30. Last tickets sold at 17:00. Closed on the morning of Chinese New Year’s Eve
Ticket booking: 0838-5651526
General admission: Gallery ticket 80 yuan
Note: Children shorter than 1.2m (including 1.2m) can visit the gallery free of charge. The ticket must be used on the day it is sold and authorizes one visit to each gallery.
National Museum of China
Address: East side of Tian’anmen Square, Dongcheng district, Beijing
Hours: 8:30-17:00 (no entry after 16:30)
General admission: Free (passport required for entry), Closed Mondays (except for national holidays)
E-mail: webmaster@chnmuseum.cn
Shanghai Museum
Address: 201 Renmin Avenue, Huangpu district, Shanghai
Hours: 9:00-17:00 (no entry after 16:00), Closed Mondays (except for national holidays)
E-mail: webmaster@shanghai-museum.org
General admission: free (a max of 8, 000 admitted daily)
Hunan Museum
Address: 50 Dongfeng Road, Changsha, Hunan province
Hours: 9:00-17:00 (no entry after 16:00), Closed Mondays (except for national holidays) and the eve of Chinese New Year
Tel: (+86-731) 8415833, 84475933
E-mail: web@hnmuseum.com
General admission: Free (passport required for entry)
1. Which museum should you choose for your family to visit next Monday?| A．Sanxingdui Museum | B．Hunan Museum |
| C．Shanghai Museum | D．National Museum of China |
| A．They are all free of charge. | B．They all set a deadline for entry. |
| C．They all lie in the south of China. | D．They can all be available through E-mail. |
| A．Science | B．Today’s News | C．Entertainment | D．History and Culture |
3 . In the movie “The Wrong Trousers”, a pair of futuristic trousers lets people walk on walls and ceilings. Inspired by the movie, researchers in England created “The Right Trousers”, a set of trousers embedded(嵌入) with electrical pumps to force air into tiny tubes that expand and can help elderly or disabled people with issues like getting up or improving blood flow. Now, material scientists, computer programmers and fabric designers are working to advance robotic clothing.
In June, researchers in Australia created robotic fibers, which can make fabric move automatically. Last year, scientists at MIT built fiber batteries that could be embedded into clothes and power robotic clothing. In recent years, Google partnered with brands like Levi’s and Adidas to put sensors in jackets, backpacks and shoes, letting users access their phones instantly. Researchers said they could soon unlock an era where clothing will act more like a computer, sensing how your body feels and telling your clothes how to help.
At the University of New South Wales in Australia, researchers are creating fabrics that can shape-shift. Thanh Nho Do, a senior lecturer at the school, said his team has created tiny tubes that can weave into sheets of fabric. These tubes can make fabric take various preprogrammed shapes. But challenges still remain for Do’s team, notably around making these robotic tubes smaller so they can weave easily with other fabrics.
Rebecca Kramer Bottiglio from Yale University agreed that many challenges remain before smart clothing “reaches their full potential.” It will be challenging to make these clothes, equipped with fibers and technology, strong enough to go through multiple cycles in the laundry, she said. Despite that, she says researchers will figure out a way forward. “Recent breakthroughs point toward a not-so-distant future where smart clothing will be a part of our everyday life.” she said.
1. What inspired the researchers to come up with “The Right Trousers”?| A．A film. |
| B．A blood issue. |
| C．The way electrical pumps work. |
| D．The way the elderly and disabled move. |
| A．They put sensors in clothes. |
| B．They created movable robotic fibers. |
| C．They made batteries for robotic clothing. |
| D．They released smart clothing connected to cellphones. |
| A．Making robotic tubes smaller. |
| B．Keeping robotic tubes properly shaped. |
| C．Producing stronger robotic tubes. |
| D．Programming the shape of robotic tubes. |
| A．Doubtful. | B．Indifferent. | C．Worried. | D．Hopeful. |
4 . Languages are dying out all the time. Here are four languages that were once widely spoken but are now considered as “dead” languages.
Old Norse
Old Norse was spoken and written by the Vikings from about the 7th century. It was used in countries like Iceland and parts of Russia. The Vikings were famous for their attacks on neighbouring countries, and so Old Norse had an influence on the languages of the places they attacked, including English. For example, English words such as “egg, gift, anger, want, trust and score” come from Old Norse.
Middle English
Middle English was spoken in England between the 12th and 15th centuries and was very different from the English we use these days. In the past, England was highly influenced by Old Norse. So was its language. There are no manuscripts (手稿) in Middle English as it was much more fashionable to write in French. Middle English gave way to modern English. One example of the wide use of modern English was Shakespeare’s works.
Hunnir
Hunnir is the most mysterious of the languages on our list. The Huns were a community that spread across eastern Europe in the 4th and 5th centuries. Despite the Huns’ success in expanding their empire, their language was never written down. The few words that are known are mainly names-in modern Turkey and Mongolia. Apart from these, only three words are known; kamos, medos (types of drinks) and strava (a big meal).
Ancient Greek
More than 4,000 years ago, the Greeks spoke an advanced language known today as Ancient Greek, and developed the first alphabet. Indeed, the English word “alphabet” is taken from the first two letters of the Greek alphabet: alpha and beta. Although the language is no longer spoken anywhere, it continues to be studied by scholars around the world and is regarded as one of the most important languages of all time.
1. Which language was spoken by the Vikings?| A．Old Norse. | B．Middle English. |
| C．Ancient Greek. | D．Hunnir. |
| A．French was a popular written language then. | B．Modern English replaced Middle English. |
| C．Shakespeare didn’t use Middle English. | D．Middle English was influenced by Old Norse. |
| A．Want. | B．Kamos. | C．Strava. | D．Alphabet. |
5 . There are always some people teaching you important lessons about life. They come into your life suddenly when you have no
Several years ago I was diagnosed (诊断) with a disease that was
First of all, my son, Eric, who
Dozens of lovely people
| A．control | B．need | C．guarantee | D．expectation |
| A．incurable | B．serious | C．unusual | D．communicable |
| A．exercise | B．swim | C．dance | D．drive |
| A．issues | B．surgeries | C．rules | D．tensions |
| A．looked on | B．held out | C．stepped forward | D．came by |
| A．made | B．generated | C．transformed | D．restarted |
| A．researched | B．operated | C．suffered | D．remained |
| A．exciting | B．inspirational | C．comforting | D．humorous |
| A．adjusting | B．trying | C．fighting | D．defending |
| A．trip | B．effort | C．march | D．visit |
| A．volunteers | B．specialists | C．nurses | D．housewives |
| A．always | B．never | C．even | D．still |
| A．wander | B．combine | C．insist | D．pour |
| A．admire | B．recognize | C．name | D．thank |
| A．Realizing | B．Supposing | C．Considering | D．Imagining |
6 . It was a sunny afternoon in June of 2022 when 20-year-old Anthony Perry stepped off the train at Chicago’s 69th Street station. On the platform, two men were fighting bitterly. Then the unthinkable happened: the pair fell over the edge and onto the tracks. One man ended up on his back. Suddenly, he started convulsing (抽搐) unnaturally. He had fallen on the third rail, the conduit (导线管) for the 600 volts of electricity that powers Chicago’s L trains. The aggressor leaped backward, bounded back up onto the platform and disappeared.
Perry couldn’t just stand there and watch. He sat at the edge of the platform and eased himself down. He took a few quick bounds and approached the victim. The guy looked dead, his body still moving violently as the electricity pulsed (搏动). Gathering up his courage, Perry reached down and grasped the victim’s wrist. Instantly, he felt a blast of electric shock shoot through his body. Perry shrank and jumped back. He reached down a second time, and was shocked again. But the third time he seized the man’s wrist and forearm and, braving the shock, pulled with all his strength. The guy’s body slid briefly along the third rail, coming to rest on the gravel on the outer edge of the tracks.
The man was breathing, but irregularly. Something wasn’t right. “Give him chest compressions (按压)!” yelled a woman. Perry was no expert, but for a few moments he worked on the man’s heart until the victim began convulsing. Then he heard a sudden noise behind him — medical workers and firefighters had arrived. Perry let the professionals take over. His heart still racing from the electric shocks, he climbed back up onto the platform, grabbed his things and headed home.
The evening news reported the incident. After a friend outed him to the media, Perry became the toast of Chicago. Perry was then recruited by the Chicago Fire Department and is now training to be an emergency medical technician.
1. What made the rescue of the victim particularly difficult?| A．The man had lost his consciousness. |
| B．The victim lay injured on top of a track. |
| C．The rescuer was at risk of an electric shock. |
| D．The electricity powering trains was hard to cut off. |
| A．He had received professional first aid training. |
| B．The local newspaper interviewed him on the spot. |
| C．His chest compressions played a key role in saving life. |
| D．His heart beat fast because of nervousness and tiredness. |
| A．Perry landed a job in the Fire Department. |
| B．The city of Chicago awarded Perry a prize. |
| C．People in Chicago toasted Perry for his brave deeds. |
| D．Perry got popular and greatly admired in Chicago. |
| A．To credit a hero with saving a victim’s life. |
| B．To highlight Perry’s courage in stopping a fight. |
| C．To stress the importance of calmness in rescue work. |
| D．To display people’s cooperation in assisting the victim. |
7 . Whether you’re after a quiet beach holiday or an adventure-packed trip, with over 700 islands and 30 territories, the Caribbean offers many choices. Here we will provide practical tips to help you plan your dream Caribbean vacation.
Choosing the Best Time to Visit
Generally speaking, the Caribbean has a tropical climate with hot and humid weather year-round. Hurricanes are common during the summer months, so it’s advised to avoid travel during this season if possible. The best time to visit typically starts in November and runs through April. Be sure to check local weather forecasts before your trip.
Experiencing the Local Culture
The Caribbean is home to a variety of cultures. The local culture is a key part of the Caribbean experience, so make sure to soak up as much as you can. Visit museums and historical sites to get a deeper understanding of the local heritage, or explore local festivals for a display of music, dance, and art. Moreover, the people of the Caribbean are well known for their friendliness, so don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation.
Planning Your Activities
Whether you’re into diving, hiking, shopping, or simply lying on the beach, you will be able to pick between endless activities. Besides, you can try your hand at deep-sea fishing, horseback riding, or even bungee jumping. If you’re looking for something more laid back, take a guided tour of the island’s botanical gardens or explorer its national parks. Whatever you decide to do, be sure to review safety guidelines and pack all the necessary equipment before your adventure.
In conclusion, the Caribbean offers a diverse travel experience that caters to different preferences and budgets. With careful planning and a bit of research, you can plan a vacation that is truly unforgettable. So don’t wait — start planning your dream Caribbean trip today!
1. Which month is the best time to visit the Caribbean?| A．July. | B．December. | C．August. | D．June. |
| A．Visitors can experience different cultures and activities. |
| B．Visitors can have the opportunity to play local music. |
| C．Visitors have to be concerned about the safety of accommodation. |
| D．Deep-sea fishing is not allowed for the reason of ocean protection. |
| A．A fashion magazine. | B．A shopping guide. |
| C．A geography textbook. | D．A travel brochure. |
8 . In a world where acts of kindness often go unnoticed, a good story that has been discovered reminds us of the power of care and the effect it can have on someone’s life.
It all started with a “Kindness Week Challenge” given to Brennan by his 8th-grade teacher, Ms. Watkins. Little did he know that this challenge would lead to a wonderful friendship with 84-year-old Ms. Ann.
Brennan’s promise to send his little attractive things every day for a week developed a habit of checking up on Ms. Ann and sending gifts regularly(定期地), long after the challenge was over.
Their friendship has now lasted for over five years, and Brennan still visits Ms. Ann every month with flowers, cakes, chocolates, cards and more.
They talk about everything from his high school life to his college goals. The pair has found that they share a common love of chocolates. Ms. Ann always hopes to hear about what he’s doing and loves to share her own stories from a different time. They have become the best friends, with Brennan treating her as his great-grandmother.
Brennan’s mom, Traci, takes pride in her son. She said, “The best thing a teenager can do is to take care of the elderly. I’m so glad my son has added more sunshine to Ms. Ann’s life. I hope he always remembers the joy he’s brought her, and his fun talks with her, keeps his kind heart, and thinks of others.”
Ms. Ann’s daughter Emma, with her husband Gould, has a 2-year-old son. They are thankful for Brennan’s friendship as they cannot always be with Ms. Ann. Brennan’s kind heart has brought more sunshine into Ms. Ann’s life, and her encouraging words have helped to inspire(启发)him in return.
1. How did the task “Kindness Week Challenge” affect Brennan?| A．He discovered his love of chocolates. |
| B．He became a good friend of Ms. Ann. |
| C．He developed a habit of receiving gifts. |
| D．He learned how to choose attractive things. |
| A．Flowers. | B．Cakes. | C．Chocolates. | D．Cards. |
| A．His kindness to others. |
| B．His talent for telling stories. |
| C．His good performances at school. |
| D．His ability to earn money for the gifts. |
| A．Worried. | B．Sorry. | C．Thankful. | D．Surprised. |
9 . When the European Commission’s LIFE program first brought together more than 20 organizations in 2002 to rescue the lynx ( 山 猫), the species had all but disappeared. Widespread hunting and a virus had wiped out ( 彻底消灭) most of the Iberian Peninsula’s European rabbits, the lynx’s main prey (猎物).
Lynx breed in captivity ( 圈 养) easily, however. Near one main release location, Iberian lynx have even learned to live in neighborhoods, in olive groves (橄榄树丛), and around highways.
“Thanks to the work carried out over the last 20 years, the number of lynx has increased greatly,” says Francisco Javier Salcedo Ortiz, regional coordinator of the Iberian lynx recovery plan.
But the cat’s not out of danger just yet. Its thousand-square-mile territory is a collection of five — soon to be seven — isolated ( 孤 立 的) groups. For Iberian lynx to fully recover, they must be able to travel from one group to another, ensuring the species’s long-term health by diversifying gene pools. That’s why the next stage of the LIFE project will focus on creating at least 10 6-square-mile areas of rabbit-rich habitat, which act as passageways among the existing lynx groups. Scientists selected these habitats based on predictions of where lynx are most likely to travel. For instance, lynx prefer to take the shortest paths through undeveloped habitats, and avoid broken-up areas of farmland.
The cat is popular, even among farmers and landowners, but a few view lynx as pests and occasionally will poison them for supposedly harming domestic animals. Illegal killings make up nearly 25 percent of annual lynx deaths on the peninsula, the second highest cause of non-natural death, after vehicle strikes. That’s why education is the “best tool to improve the lynx population,” says Maribel García Tardío, lead technician for Andalusia’s Iberian lynx recovery plan. She and her colleagues regularly meet with landowners and hunters, explaining how lynx rarely kill larger domestic animals.
The Iberian lynx is one of 33 small-cat species, many of which are endangered or threatened. These animals have long been eclipsed by their bigger cousins such as lions and tigers, but lately people have begun to recognize the world’s little-known cats.
1. Which of the following words can best describe the Iberian lynx according to paragraph 2?| A．Active. | B．Adaptable. |
| C．Funny. | D．Dangerous. |
| A．To free existing lynx from hunger. |
| B．To set up a gene pool of existing lynx. |
| C．To turn some farmland into lynx habitat. |
| D．To help existing lynx connect with each other. |
| A．She educates landowners and hunters regularly. |
| B．She works to reduce vehicle strikes in lynx habitats. |
| C．She suggests separating lynx from large domestic animals. |
| D．She clears up the misunderstanding between landowners and hunters. |
| A．Confused with. | B．Protected from. |
| C．Keeping step with. | D．Living in the shadow of. |
10 . When I was a child, my family went to the beach often. However, we
It was my own children who led me to another
Last summer, my love for
| A．still | B．never | C．always | D．sometimes |
| A．transformed | B．evaluated | C．appreciated | D．greeted |
| A．vehicle | B．tent | C．house | D．hotel |
| A．hired | B．raised | C．involved | D．trapped |
| A．warmer | B．happier | C．funnier | D．safer |
| A．influenced | B．confused | C．bothered | D．reminded |
| A．career | B．future | C．finding | D．path |
| A．concern | B．doubt | C．curiosity | D．knowledge |
| A．systematic | B．standard | C．general | D．different |
| A．hesitant | B．astonished | C．anxious | D．disappointed |
| A．shared | B．enjoyed | C．interpreted | D．showed |
| A．shore | B．sand | C．farming | D．nature |
| A．achieved | B．imagined | C．supported | D．acknowledged |
| A．explore | B．notice | C．measure | D．preserve |
| A．washing | B．cooling | C．dirtying | D．polishing |
