1 . Di Renjie, a judge and administrator of the Tang Dynasty (618-907), is called “China’s Sherlock Holmes” in the West. It all started in the 1950s, when Dutch sinologist (汉学家) and diplomat Robert Hans van Gulik created his own historical mystery tales featuring Judge Dee, collectively known as Judge Dee’s Mystery in the West. Since then, Van Gulik’s works have captured the imagination of audiences across Europe and the Americas.

The new TV series Judge Dee’s Mystery chronicles the life of Judge Dee. While solving various criminal cases in different places, Dee also uncovers the mystery surrounding his own birth.

Unlike traditional Chinese detective fiction which features a lot of supernatural elements, the new series values logic, reason and realism. For instance, in the case of “The Chinese Gold Murders”, a ghost ship adrift at sea with no survivors hides a “Golden Mystery”. As Judge Dee investigates, more intertwined mysteries surface.

“I was most impressed by the plot design of this case, taking pleasure in peeling back the layers to find the truth,” said actor Zhou Yiwei, who portrays Judge Dee in the series.

However, Judge Dee’s Mystery is more than a mere detective drama. Li Yunliang, the director of the series said he believes that embracing AI technology is an inevitable trend in the film and television industries. The busy streets of ancient Chang’an, for example, are brought to life using AI-generated imagery.

1. Where did the nickname “China’s Sherlock Holmes” originate from?

A．A Tang Dynasty judge.	B．A TV series in the 1950s.
C．Audiences across Europe and the Americas.	D．Historical mystery tales created by a scholar.

2. What does the word “chronicles” underlined in the second paragraph mean?

A．Describes in detail.	B．Summarizes briefly.
C．Predicts the future.	D．Compares with other events.

3. Which of the following statements is TRUE about the new TV series Judge Dee’s Mystery?

A．It focuses entirely on Judge Dee’s criminal cases.	B．It is set in the Tang Dynasty.
C．It highlights historical accuracy rather than plot.	D．It contains a lot of supernatural elements.

4. What does Zhou Yiwei think about the plot design of the case in the series Judge Dee’s Mystery?

A．Impressive and influential.	B．Fascinating but contradictory.
C．Complex and appealing.	D．Inspiring but illogical.

2 . Carillon Canal National Historic Site

The Carillon Canal, built on the Ottawa River for military purposes, was opened in 1833. Located 100 kilometres from Montreal and 130 kilometres from Ottawa, it is today a pleasure boating waterway.

Things to do

The Carillon Canal is fed by the water of the Ottawa River. The Canal opens a huge gate to enable boats to sail an impressive 20-metre drop in just 40 minutes!

Have a family picnic in beautiful scenery, then visit the old barracks (营房) which are now a museum. Curious to see a huge power station up close? Visits are free of charge.

Opening hours

The national historic site is open every day of the year from sun rise to 11 p. m.

Fees

Site access is free. Otherwise, there are fees for locking and overnight mooring(停泊).

When is the Canal the busiest?

From mid-June to the end of August, and especially during the following vacation periods and holidays:

·Fete Nationale du Quebec (June 24th).

·Canada Day (July 1st).

·Summer vacations.

·Labour Day(the first Monday of September).

·Thanksgiving.

What are the best times for sailing?

To avoid waiting lines, experience the Carillon Canal during the quieter periods, i. e. before June 24th, and later in early autumn, from Labour Day to mid-October. In this way, you’ll discover these wonderful places at your own pace, without pushing through the crowd that might have had the same idea as you, and you’ll gain the peace of mind to sail in complete relaxation!

1. What do we know about the Carillon Canal?

A．It was originally for educational purposes.

B．It is now visited by boaters for pleasure.

C．It enjoys a high reputation for its 20-metre drop.

D．It was formed naturally on the Ottawa River.

2. What can visitors enjoy in Carillon Canal National Historic Site for free?

A．Mooring overnight.	B．Staying overnight in old barracks.
C．Exploring a power station.	D．Passing through locks.

3. Which of the following is the best time to visit the Carillon Canal?

A．July 1st to July 24th.	B．October 24th to October 31st.
C．June 1st to June 24th.	D．August 24th to June 30th.

3 . They are so small that you need a microscope to see them, but so powerful that experts predict they could kill ten million people per year worldwide by the year 2050. They are superbugs — drug-resistant bacteria that have emerged since antibiotics (抗生素) revolutionized medicine. Indeed, the rise of these superbugs and the use of antibiotics are closely connected.

All organisms change over time. Smaller organisms, such as bacteria, are able to evolve more quickly, adapting as circumstances require. Facing antibiotics, bacteria have adapted with deadly efficiency. When a patient takes antibiotics to fight off a bacterial infection, the goal is to kill the bacteria causing the infection. However, although most of the bacteria are killed, a few of the strongest bacteria survive. Thus, only these drug-resistant bacteria are able to reproduce. This sets up a cycle and eventually results in the development of superbugs-bacteria able to resist even the most powerful drugs.

Scientists believe that a large part of this cycle is preventable. One recent study suggested that almost 50% of all antibiotic use is inappropriate or unnecessary. Some patients are prescribed (开处方) antibiotics for illness that would eventually clear up on their own. In addition, some patients don’t finish their course of medication, allowing bacteria to bounce back, but stronger. All of these factors contribute to the rise and spread of superbugs.

Another major factor that promotes the spread of drug resistance is the use of antibiotics for livestock (家畜). In the United States, 80% of antibiotic use is for animals. Partially, the drugs are used to prevent the spread of infection among animals. However, farmers also use antibiotics to help animals to gain weight quickly. Unfortunately, such use is problematic because it kills off the beneficial bacteria, leaving drug-resistant strains of bacteria to thrive.

What can be done to preserve antibiotics for future generations? Scientists maintain that as individuals, we can make a difference with simple steps, such as regular hand washing. It is also important that patients understand that antibiotics aren’t always the right course of treatment. Finally, it is crucial to take antibiotics out of the food chain. Fortunately, consumers are pushing for this, so we are likely to see changes in the near future.

1. According to the passage, what are superbugs?

A．Effective and revolutionary antibiotics.	B．Small but powerful drug-resistant bacteria.
C．Tiny organisms found under a microscope.	D．Bacteria that could harm animals and humans.

2. What probably contribute(s) to the rise and spread of superbugs?

A．The antibiotics for illness.	B．Some infected animals.
C．Patients’ awareness of treatment course.	D．The misuse of antibiotics.

3. What’s the author’s attitude towards the future of stopping superbugs?

A．Indifferent.

B．Neutral.

C．Pessimistic.

D．Optimistic.

4. Which of the following is the best title for the text?

A．Superbugs — Preventable or not?	B．Antibiotics — Beneficial or not?
C．Superbugs — Deadly Drug-resistant Bacteria	D．Antibiotics — Major Threats to Human Beings

5 . Small Business Saturday is a relatively new shopping holiday in Rochester University. This small and local business is home to more unique gifts than you may find at a national retail chain — and we have an abundance of Rochester craftsmen to shop from this holiday season.

The Op Shop

The Op Shop features 32 different handmade vendor (小贩), making it a great spot to find some truly unique gifts. They will be hosting their annual holiday market, Secondhand Wonderland, on Saturday Dec. 3, at the Nazareth College Field House. I went last year and found two great winter sweaters and some fun ornaments.

Parkleigh

Parkleigh is a gift-shopping place in Rochester located on Park Ave. They feature a wide variety of items from skin care, novelty socks to Rochester-themed items, and my personal favorite: Jellycat food dolls. The store features a mix of large and small businesses and is always a fun place to check out on Saturdays.

The Lucky Flea Market

I can’t write an article about shopping local and small without mentioning The Lucky Flea. This year they are hosting indoor markets throughout the colder months, featuring dozens of local vendors. Many of the vendors sell second-hand clothing but there are also jewelry makers and specialty foods. Check out their first indoor market of the season on Saturday, Nov. 20!

Central Rock Gym

Looking for an experience gift on Saturdays? Buy a gift card from Central Rock Gym for a day pass with all climbing equipment included. My friends and I went last year and it was a lot of fun learning how to rock climb and bouldering. This can also be an option for any fitness class at a local gym or specialty fitness center.

1. Where can you buy a unique handmade gift for your friend?

A．The Op Shop.

B．Parkleigh.

C．The Lucky Flea Market.

D．Central Rock Gym.

2. What is special about The Lucky Flea Market?

A．It sells food.

B．It offers clothing.

C．It opens on Saturdays.

D．It features experience gift.

3. Where is the text probably taken from?

A．A travel brochure.	B．A campus website.
C．An official document.	D．A market research report.

7 . What’s new to watch on TV

All Creatures Great and Small Season 4

The beloved British TV series, “All Creatures Great and Small”, is set to return for its fourth season on January 7. Executive producer Colin Callender expressed excitement for the new season, promising more heartwarming family stories, community spirit, and of course, delightful animal adventures. The show is based on the best-selling books by Alf Wight, writing under the penname James Herriot, describing the lives of three animal doctors in rural Yorkshire. The upcoming season will be set in 1940, during World War Ⅱ, offering a unique mix of warmth and drama.

Echo

“Echo”, the latest Marvel series on Disney+, follows the story of Maya Lopez, a deaf martial (武术的) artist with the ability to copy any move she sees. Played by Alaqua Cox, the character seeks vengeance (复仇) for her father’s murder at the hands of the criminal boss, the Kingpin. The series promises a more mature tone, offering a more grown-up kind of show than what we’ve seen in the Marvel Cinematic Universe before. Cox’s acting of Echo brings diversity and representation to the screen, adding depth to the character’s appealing storyline.

Masters of the Air

Coming to Apple TV+ on January 26, “Masters of the Air” is a highly anticipated miniseries recording the heroic efforts of the 100th Bomb Group, a US Air Force unit during World War Ⅱ. The show is based on historian Donald L. Miller’s book, displaying the courage, loss, and triumph experienced by the men as they carry out dangerous bombing missions over Nazi Germany. With emotional depth and a strong sense of brotherhood, this series promises a moving portrayal of the human experience during wartime.

1. What is “All Creatures Great and Small Season 4” mainly about?

A．The challenges faced by animals.

B．Stories about rural animal doctors in Yorkshire.

C．A group of animal doctors living in a city environment.

D．A story about the lives of animal trainers in the modern era.

2. What do we know about “Echo”?

A．It is written by Alaqua Cox.	B．It is a movie starring Maya Lopez.
C．It is more of a show for kids.	D．It is a story about revenge.

3. What do “All Creatures Great and Small Season 4” and “Masters of the Air” have in common?

A．Both are adapted from books.	B．Both are available on Apple TV+.
C．Both are seasonal series.	D．Both are about war stories.

9 . Many people have long believed that bright lights draw, or attract flying insects. But that is not exactly what is going on, a new study suggests.

Researchers believe that artificial lights at night may cause problems with flying insects’ natural navigation systems. As a result, the creatures fly in confusion around porch lamps, street lights and other artificial lights. “Insects have a navigational problem,” said Tyson Hedrick of the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. He added, “They’re accustomed to using light as a cue (提示) to know which way is up.”

Insects do not fly directly toward a light source, but actually “tilt their backs toward the light,” said Sam Fabian of Imperial College London. Fabian was a co-writer of the study that appeared recently in Nature Communications. This tilting action would make sense if the strongest light source was in the sky. But in the presence of artificial lights, the result is midair confusion.

For the study, researchers attached very small sensors to moths and dragonflies in a laboratory. They then filmed “motion-capture” video of flight — similar to how filmmakers attach sensors to actors to follow their movements. Researchers also used high-resolution cameras to film insects flying around lights at a field in Costa Rica. Such films permitted researchers to study in detail how dragonflies circle endlessly around light sources, positioning themselves with their backs facing the light. Researchers also documented that some insects fly upside down — and often crash land — in the presence of lights that shine straight upward like search lights. Insect flight was least disrupted by bright lights that shine straight downward, the researchers found.

“For millions of years, insects oriented themselves by sensing that the sky is light, the ground is dark — until people invented artificial lights”, said Avalon Owens of Harvard University.

1. What can we learn from the study?

A．Insects have a navigational problem.

B．Artificial lights will make insects confused.

C．Not all insects do fly directly toward a light source.

D．Small sensors are used to film an insect documentary.

2. Which of the following may Avalon Owens agree with?

A．Insects are unlikely to fly upside down.

B．Insects can position themselves facing the light.

C．Insects failed to orient themselves because of artificial lights.

D．Insect flight was interrupted by downward-shining bright lights.

3. What attitude does the author take towards the study?

A．Ambiguous.

B．Objective.

C．Optimistic.

D．Indifferent.

4. Where can we most probably read this passage?

A．In an advertisement.	B．In a science textbook.
C．In a nature magazine.	D．In a news report.