1 . Esports (electronic sports) are organized competitions where players — often referred to as “athletes” — face off against each other in video games. They are not just games in a sense. Actually, they are a sport that can improve the players’ thinking ability, hand-eye coordination, willpower and team spirit.

The esports industry has experienced significant growth in recent years around the world, though it’s still in the nascent stage, which means it has huge growth potential going forward.

While the assumption is that esports are only a recent phenomenon, in reality the first esports-like event was held back in 1972, when some Stanford University students competed against one another in the game Spacewar. The prize? A year-long subscription to Rolling Stone magazine.

The ’80s saw the first true videogame tournament, with over 10,000 players gathering for the Space Invaders Championship. However, most of the period saw that players focused on beating each other’s highest scores rather than competing in organized tournaments.

As gaming became more popular, the ’90s became the first decade when esports (a term which wasn’t yet coined) began to really take off, with companies such as Nintendo and Sega holding professional gaming tournaments. This is also when we began to see money becoming a factor in professional gaming. But it is the 1997 Red Annihilation Quake tournament that is considered the world’s first real esports event. Only a few weeks later, the Cyberathlete Professional League was formed — an organization which is considered a pioneer of esports.

Due to the normalization of gaming and the Internet (along with technological advances), the real surge ( 激增 ) of esports came in the recent decade. It was then that we began seeing what we now know to be modern-day esports. As streaming platforms such as YouTube took off, people began to show interest in not only playing videogames but watching them too. Popular tournaments now sell out stadiums and professional players can earn millions from prize money, advertising and salaries.

1. What does the underlined word “nascent” in Paragraph 2 probably mean?

A．Beginning.	B．Peak.
C．Mature.	D．Final.

2. How does the text mainly develop?

A．By providing examples.	B．By making comparisons.
C．By following the order of time.	D．By following the order of importance.

3. What can be learned about esports?

A．They spread worldwide overnight.

B．Prize money appeared in the 1990s.

C．The first real esports event was held in 1972.

D．The athletes in esports are programmers.

4. What seems to be the author’s viewpoint on modern-day esports?

A．They are getting popular.

B．They become too commercialized.

C．They boost the normalization of the Internet.

D．Their development relies on advertising.

2 . The joy of giving is real, according to a study. Research presented in the Journal of the Association for Psychological Science shows that those who give gifts are happier — and happier for longer — than those who receive gifts.

Researchers conducted two studies last year. In one，participants were given $5 every day for five days and were required to spend the money on the same thing each day. Some participants were required to spend the money on themselves, while others were required to give to make a donation to charity. In a second experiment that was done online, participants played 10 rounds of a word puzzle game and each won 5 cents per round, which they could keep or donate.

In both experiments, participants reported their overall happiness. Those who donated their money showed that their happiness declined at a much slower rate than those who kept the money or spent it on themselves.

The researchers note that when people focus on an outcome, they can easily compare outcomes, which may diminish their sensitivity to each experience. When people focus on an action, they may focus less on comparison and instead experience each act of giving as a unique happiness-inducing event. Further analyses ruled out some potential alternative explanations, such as the possibility that participants who gave to others had to think longer and harder about what to give, which could promote higher happiness.

The results are especially interesting because according to one of the researchers, Ed O’Brien of the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, they conflict with past research. “If you want to sustain happiness over time, past research tells us that we need to take a break from what were currently consuming and experience something new. Our research reveals that the kind of thing may matter more than assumed: Repeated giving, even in identical ways to identical other，may continue to feel relatively fresh and relatively pleasurable the more we do it,” O’Brien said.

So for all the holiday gifts you give this season, expect to feel happy and know that feeling is going to stick around for a while.

1. What’s the function of the first paragraph?

A．To lead to the topic.

B．To highlight the importance of the study.

C．To recommend a journal.

D．To persuade people to give gifts regularly.

2. Why did the researchers do two experiments?

A．To challenge the past research.

B．To rule out different experimental data.

C．To show the benefits of donation.

D．To make the conclusion more convincing.

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

A．Develop.

B．Show.

C．Reduce.

D．Lack.

4. What’s the main finding of the new study?

A．Gift giving will result in longer happiness than receiving.

B．Thinking longer and harder on giving will promote higher happiness.

C．The feeling of happiness will disappear soon if people just give holiday gifts.

D．Taking a break from what were currently consuming will sustain happiness.

3 . With a history of 2000 to 3000 years, traditional Chinese medicine has formed a unique system to diagnose and cure illness. Traditional Chinese medicine is a complete healthcare system that is capable of providing both specialized and primary healthcare. It also gives us guidelines on how to prevent illnesses. Acupuncture is a branch of traditional Chinese medicine.

The word “acupuncture” literally means “pricking with a needle”. It involves the insertion and manipulation   of needles into acupuncture points on the body for restoring health and wellbeing. This framework of medical practice begins with the belief that our body is a balance of two opposite yet inseparable forces—the yin and yang. Another cornerstone of traditional Chinese medicine is the concept of chi. Chi is the life force of the universe. In the body, it is chi that creates and animates life. We are all born with a certain amount of chi and continually acquire it throughout our lives through food, air, water and sunlight. Chi is believed to move through our body in channels called meridians. The quantity and quality of chi in our body depends on the state of our mental and physical balance. In fact, imbalances of the yin and yang in the body block the channels through which chi travels in our body. The practice of acupuncture unblocks these chi pathways, thus ensuring the constant and free flow of energy through our body for mental and physical wellbeing.

The method may seem alien to many of us but it has been practiced in China for thousands of years. Acupuncture originated in China more than 2000 years ago—making it one of the oldest and most commonly practiced medical procedures in China. Research into acupuncture is still ongoing and practices and theories are being constantly updated. In essence, acupuncture is aimed at promoting well-being and relieving pain.

In more recent times, acupuncture has spread internationally and won growing global acceptance, and this wisdom of the Chinese tradition will continue to thrive, to bring health and happiness to friends here and afar.

1. What is the function of Paragraph 1?

A．To introduce the topic.	B．To summarize the whole text.
C．To present new ways in medicine.	D．To provide detailed information.

2. What can we infer about chi according to the text?

A．All our chi is inborn.

B．Chi decides the balance of the yin and yang.

C．Meridians force chi to travel through our body.

D．Smooth and constant flow of chi contributes to good health.

3. Which of the following about acupuncture is true?

A．It is fully accepted home and abroad.	B．It has a history of one thousand years.
C．Research into acupuncture never stops.	D．It is the oldest medical practice in the world.

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

A．Acupuncture Reaches Peak	B．Stepping into Acupuncture
C．Effects of Chi on Well-being	D．Traditional Chinese Medicine Returns

4 . China starts to give heavy fines to those who disobey the nation's restrictions on disposable plastic products, including single-use plastic bags and straws. Many restaurant brands have tried to replace plastic straws with eco-friendly ones. Luckily for us, there is no shortage of options. While they may not be as fun and convenient as disposable plastic straws, it's time for everyone to play their part in no longer hurting our planetary ecosystem by choosing convenience over responsibility.

Glass straws

Dirt can be spotted through glass. And glass straws are quite comfortable to drink from, but can be easily broken if you're not too careful when handling them. You may also feel it inconvenient to carry a glass straw around with you wherever you go.

Stainless steel straws

The stainless steel straw is very strong thanks to its base material, and thus can be reused and cleaned thoroughly without damaging its surface. While being strong gives stainless steel straws one point over glass straws, their opaque (不透明的)look makes it impossible for us to see whether the inside is dirty or not.

Bamboo straws

Bamboo is a very durable, strong type of wood, and can be easily recycled. Bamboo straws are usually made without any plasticizer. However, the drawback of using this type of straw is its tendency to accumulate mold(霉菌)in the wet environment.

Silicone(硅酮)straws

Silicone straws are soft, flexible and most never break. They're very easy to clean, fun-looking, and especially popular among children. However, silicone is said to be something of a hybrid between a synthetic(合成的)rubber and a synthetic plastic polymer, which menus it's still a plastic.

1. What is an advantage of a glass straw?

A．It is fun-looking.	B．Dirt can be seen easily.
C．It is effortless to clean it.	D．It is convenient to carry it around.

2. Which of the following best describe both stainless steel straws and bamboo straws?

A．Strong and recyclable.	B．Kids-friendly and reusable.
C．Strong and flexible.	D．Soh and durable.

3. Children are most likely to choose________.

A．glass straws	B．stainless steel straws
C．bamboo straws	D．silicone straws

5 . The news appeared on the poster in the streets in Shijingshan District, Beijing, on the night of Oct.27, 2020. It said on the poster that “China on Sunday will start its seventh national census (人口普查) on November 1^st,2020, with about 7 million census takers going door to door to document demographic changes (登记信息). It will last till December10^th, 2020. The census collects data including the name, ID number, gender, marital status, education, and profession of Chinese citizens.”

National census is kind of investigation and registration made within defined period (统一规定时间), by using the same method, categories and survey forms at set time. The targets for census (普查对象) are the natural persons living within the territory (领地) of the People’s Republic of China on the standard time point of census and the Chinese citizens who are outside the territory of the People’s Republic of China but have not become permanent residents of the other country. While foreigners who are making a short-term stay within the territory of the People’s Republic of China shall be excluded.

“When census takers knock on your door, you can answer the questions by registering the information directly on the smart devices (智能设备). Or, the census taker will offer you an account number and a QR code (二维码) so that you can register your information within a certain time.”

“All information collected is filled in through the internet and is directly uploaded to the national database in real-time, eliminating (消除) possible human interference. Both the mobile end and the server end have adopted highly strict technology of data encryption (数据加密) and desensitization so that personal information cannot be disclosed during the process of data transmission.”

1. According to the poster, how long “will the takers spend taking this national census”?

A．Less than one month.	B．No more than one month.
C．More than one month.	D．As long as one month.

2. In which paragraph does the poster tell us the general notes about census?

A．Paragraph 1.

B．Paragraph 2.

C．Paragraph 3.

D．Paragraph 4.

3. How many ways to register your information are mentioned in the poster?

A．One.

B．Two.

C．Three.

D．Four.

4. What does the last part of the poster tell us?

A．The basic knowledge of census.

B．The special ways of registering the information.

C．The announcement of starting the national census.

D．The technologies of protecting one’s personal information being disclosed.

6 . Researchers at the DogStudies lab at the Max Planck Institute for the Science of Human History have shown that dogs may possess some metacognitive (元认知) abilities. Specifically, when they do not have enough information to solve a problem, they will actively look for more information, similarly to primates (灵长类).

In a recent study, project leader Julia Belger explored whether dogs have metacognitive abilities. To test this, the researchers designed a device involving two V-shaped fences. A reward, either food or a toy, would be placed by one researcher behind one of the two fences while another researcher held the dogs. In some cases, the dogs could see where the reward was placed, while in others, the dogs could not. The researchers then analyzed how frequently the dogs looked through the gap in the fence before choosing an option.

The researchers found that the dogs did check significantly more often for the reward when they had not seen where it was placed. These results show that dogs do tend to actively seek extra information when they have not seen where the reward is concealed.

The results did not allow the researchers to say definitively whether dogs possess meta-cognition, though they displayed some evidence for it. Julia said, “For humans, vision is an important information gathering sense. In this case, our experiment was based on a checking action relying on sight, but the dogs probably also used their sense of smell when checking through the gap. We know that smell is very important to dogs and we could see that they were using it.”

Julia added, “In future, we would like to develop an experiment to investigate under what circumstances dogs decide to use their sense of smell versus sight. This may give us additional insights into their information seeking abilities.”

1. What ability may dogs have according to the study?

A．To offer information like primates.	B．To use their skills to find more food.
C．To seek information to solve a problem.	D．To ask for help before choosing an option.

2. What does the underlined word “concealed” in paragraph 3 mean?

A．Decorated.

B．Hidden.

C．Produced.

D．Purchased.

3. What attitude did the researchers have to the finding?

A．Uncertain.

B．Friendly.

C．Negative.

D．Critical.

4. In which section of a newspaper can you probably read the text?

A．Environment and technology.	B．Humans and nature.
C．Literature and culture.	D．Society and life.

7 . Have you ever loved a destination but couldn’t figure out why — or even a way ——to express your feelings? That’s my dilemma with Morocco.

In August, I traveled in a country that had long been, on my wish list. I rode a camel, got lost in Medinas, and ate more couscous (粗麦粉) than was humanly possible.

I loved the trip. Our friendly guide introduced us to the helpful locals. I made friends with my tour mates and my roommate (which, on a tour, is a huge blessing). I loved being lost in the smell of different spices, and the chaos of millions of people and the dark red of the Sahara were all I wanted them to be.

There were many moments when I felt like a fish out of water and things didn’t go my way. But I take pleasure in those moments because it’s when you are pushed out of your comfort zone that you grow. Morocco lived up to all my expectations, but for some reason, my experience has been hard to express. Why?

One constant in my travels is that of a touchstone, one defining point where the trip all comes together and acts as a prism (三棱镜) for everything the journey represented . In Costa Rica，it was getting lost in a jungle. In Thailand, it was meeting those five people who changed my life.

I’m so inconsistent about Morocco because I lack that touchstone. There’s no “whoa” moment. But I have thousands of little ones - staring at a million stars in the blackness of the desert, discovering new foods with some amazing Australians on my tour, and befriending the fish sellers.

1. What does the author regard as a huge blessing?

A．Going on a guided trip.

B．Having a helpful guide.

C．Being warmly received by the local people.

D．Getting along well with the fellow travelers.

2. What’s the purpose of the fifth paragraph?.

A．To prove Morocco lacks the touchstone.

B．To show his reliance on the touchstone.

C．To compare Morocco with Costa Rica and Thailand.

D．To share his experience in Costa Rica and Thailand.

3. What made the author think the journey amazing?

A．The lack of big moments.

B．The little “whoa” moments.

C．Meeting with five Thai people.

D．Making friends with Australians.

4. What does the author mainly talk about?

A．Unpleasant travel in Morocco.

B．Finding a touchstone on travel.

C．Reflection on traveling in Morocco.

D．Lack of special moments in Morocco.

8 . Technology use seems to be the new wave of addiction hitting people of all ages. Its extreme use can be compared to the use of drugs, which is called Plug-in Heroin.

The next time you’re in a crowded public place, look at the people around you. It’s hard to find someone who isn’t glued to the tiny screen, fingers moving at lightning speeds, texting their friends, e-mailing coworkers or listening to music. It may seem ridiculous that someone is that addicted to such a small object. I’ve seen people who seem to be at their wits’ end if their phone or iPad has been taken away, lost or left at home.

Some people may ask, “What’s wrong with technology use? It’s a way for people to communicate.” While this is true, the overuse of technology isn’t always appropriate in certain settings. Schools are becoming stricter about the use of cell phones, iPods and other electronics in classrooms. Various workplaces have signs hanging on their walls warning employees that “Cell phone use is not permitted” or “Cell phones are forbidden”. On the first warning you will be sent home, and on the second warning you will be fired.

Electronics may be a way for people to communicate and stay in touch with each other, but the disadvantages may outweigh the benefits. People are losing the ability to hold face-to-face conversations with others. However, it’s hard to avoid electronics in this day and age because almost everything is turning into an electronic format. Books, originally meant for paper design, are now being transferred to electronic forms. Photo albums, and even yearbooks, can now be viewed via the Internet. With this growing trend, future generations are bound to become even more addicted to technology.

Is there a cure for electronic addiction? Simply turning electronics off for an hour or two a day may help to an extent, but it will not completely rid electronic addiction. There only seems to be one cure left, and it may be the hardest: self control.

1. What is Plug-in Heroin?

A．The growing popularity of electronics.

B．The serious consequences of technology use.

C．The future possibility of technology development.

D．The unreasonable dependence on electronics.

2. The second paragraph is intended to __________.

A．show people’s addiction to electronics.

B．persuade people to quit electronics.

C．prove electronics are harmful to people.

D．tell people it is ridiculous to use electronics.

3. Why is it difficult to avoid electronics nowadays?

A．People have no interest in traditional paper designs.

B．More information tends to be available in electronic forms.

C．It is the only way people stay in touch with each other.

D．People have fewer chances to communicate in person.

4. The writer’s attitude to the overuse of technology can be best described as __________.

A．approving.

B．indifferent.

C．critical.

D．doubtful.

9 . Why are pandas covering themselves with horse droppings? Researchers in China spent a decade studying this question. It really is something that some mammals will do in the Qinling Mountains in China. The pandas nose out fresh horse droppings, lay themselves down and roll their bodies in the dung(粪便).

The behavior may help pandas tolerate cold temperatures because a compound in horsedung, the researchers propose in the paper published Monday in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, may help make pandas less sensitive to cold. “There are all kinds of reasons you want to stay away from dung.” Dr. Bowie said. She added that if they really are doing this, there must be “a clear fitness benefit”.

Field observations revealed that wild bears also seemed to smear themselves with horse droppings, preferentially engaging with dung during the cooler fall and winter months.

A chemical analysis of the dung revealed two compounds called sesquiterpenes(倍半萜烯), which are commonly found in plants. Further lab experiments showed the sesquiterpenes were gumming up(破坏)a type of cold-sensing protein for pandas and many other animals, including humans. “In theory, these chemicals, when applied topically like an ointment, might temporarily help pandas tolerate cold,” Dr. Wei, who was involved in the study said. “It's still unclear whether other animals might also cover themselves in dung for warmth.”

Isaac Chiu, a neuroscientist at Harvard University, praised the team's work, but added that the sesquiterpenes the researchers found in horsedung can do far more than weaken an animal’s ability to sense cold.

1. What’s special about pandas' behavior?

A．Pandas eat horsedung.

B．Pandas roll their bodies for fun.

C．Pandas wash horsedung off their bodies.

D．Pandas defend against cold with horsedung.

2. What does the underlined word “smear” m Paragraph 3 probably moan?

A．Cover.

B．Involve.

C．Content.

D．Surround.

3. What can we learn from the text?

A．Dr Wei was in charge of the study.

B．Sesquiterpenes can help pandas bear cold.

C．Many animals also coat themselves with dung.

D．Sesquiterpenes are commonly found in animals.

4. What is Isaac Chiu's attitude towards the future study on Sesquiterpenes?

A．Unwilling.

B．Tolerant.

C．Positive.

D．Carefree.

10 . I was shocked at the news that Daisy-May Demetre, 9, became the first child double amputee(截肢)to walk on the runway at New York Fashion Week in September on the top of the Eiffel Tower.

Daisy-May, of Birmingham, was born with fibular hemimelia (腓骨半肢畸形).The condition is rare, occurring in 1 in 50,000 births. When she was 18 months old, Daisy-May's parents chose to have both of the young girl's legs amputated-the right above the knee and the left below the knee-in the hopes of giving her a better quality of life with prosthetics(假肢).Later on, she used prosthetic legs to help her walk and move.

“We had the choice for her to live like that or to go for the operation,” Alex, Daisy- May's father, said. “We didn't know at the time that Daisy-May would be as good as she is now. Instead of being discouraged by prosthetic legs, she is inspiring everyone by showing them who she is.”

She is, in many ways, just like any fifth-grader.、In school, she prefers English over math, and loves gymnastics. She is a gymnast as well as a model. But it's her moves on the runway that shed the most confidence.

She's been modeling for 18 months and has already dominated London Fashion Week, having worked. for Nike, River Island and several other high street brands in the UK. She was even named Child of Courage in the Pride of Birmingham Awards for inspiring other children to dream big in the face of immense challenges.

In the opinion of Daisy-May's father, modeling doesn't define Daisy-May. Rather, it's a small part of who she is. She just does Daisy. It is the way she goes about life with a smile on her face. Whether it's dancing, singing-she is a very special little girl.

1. What caused Daisy-May to miss her both legs while still a baby?

A．A rare birth illness.

B．An expected accident.

C．A Paris Fashion Show.

D．An unsuccessful operation.

2. What can we conclude from Paragraph 3?

A．Daisy-May was unwilling to go to operation.

B．Daisy-May was disappointed by her missing legs.

C．Daisy-May's father thinks Daisy-May is amazing.

D．Daisy-May's father considers Daisy-May is modest.

3. Which action made Daisy-May show her most confidence?

A．Speaking English fluently.

B．Working out math problems.

C．Doing graceful(优雅的)gymnastics.

D．Walking on the runway as a model.

4. In her father's opinion, what makes Daisy-May today?

A．Singing and dancing in a special way.

B．Taking on life with a smile on her face.

C．Pursuing to become a global inspiration.

D．Being determined to be a world-famous model.