1 .

Summary Filmed over 12 years with the same cast, Richard Linklater’s Boyhood is a groundbreaking story of growing up as seen through the eyes of a child named Mason (Ellar Coltrane), who literally grows up on screen before our eyes. Starring Ethan Hawke and Patricia Arquette as Mason’s parents and newcomer Lorelei Linklater as his sister Samantha, Boyhood charts the rocky terrain of childhood like no other film has before and is both a nostalgic time capsule of the recent past and an ode to growing up and parenting.

Directed By: Richard Linklater Written By: Richard Linklater

Want to know what it’s like to be in on the discovery of a new American classical play. Check out Boyhood. Richard Linklater’s coming-of-age tale is the best movie of the year, a four-star game-changer that earns its place in the cultural time capsule.

By Peter Travers
1. How do the critics view on the movie Boyhood?

A．Positive.

B．Mixed.

C．Negative.

D．Neutral.

2. Who is the main character in Boyhood?

A．Richard Linklater.	B．Mason.
C．Ethan Hawke.	D．Patricia Arquette.

3. What’s the possible style of this movie?

A．Musical.

B．Sport.

C．History.

D．Drama.

2 . In 2022, a father and his son set out to begin the first of three legs of the Ironman (铁人三项) competition. Jeff, 59, and son, Johnny, 28, weren’t the typical ________. Johnny is disabled and Jeff would ________ his arms and legs. To ________ the competition, athletes must complete a(n) ________ 140 miles of swimming, bicycling and running within 17 hours.

“I wanted to ________ his dreams,” Jeff said. “I started doing things I never would have dreamt possible.” Finishing the Ironman competition would be another dream come true.

The race began with a 2.4-mile swim in the Choptank River. The ________ completed the swim in 90 minutes, and completed the difficult bike part in eight hours, then set their sights on the ________ leg of the race — a 26.2-mile marathon with Jeff ________ Johnny in the racing chair. They’d been competing for 5 hours, leaving another 3 hours to make their time. But at mile 19, Jeff began to panic, convinced they were going too slow. Somehow he ________ the energy to pick up the pace.

With 15 minutes left and 200 feet to the finish line, Jeff stopped to help Johnny out of his racing chair. In the first decade of his life, Johnny could only walk 23 steps. ________, after years of painstaking work, he ________ his step number and was determined to finish his races on his own. Johnny saw the clock ticking down and ________ they wouldn’t complete it. “Not because I wouldn’t get my moment,” he says, “but because Dad had worked so hard.”

After 16 hours, 55 minutes and 35 seconds — with just four minutes and 25 seconds to ________— father and son crossed the finish line together.

As the crowd cheered on an excited Johnny, a(n) ________ Jeff kept a low profile (保持低调).

“He didn’t want his finish line moment,” says Johnny. “He wanted it to be ________.”

1.

A．competitors

B．coaches

C．leaders

D．experts

2.

A．make up

B．act as

C．work out

D．watch over

3.

A．regard

B．demand

C．start

D．finish

4.

A．familiar

B．easy

C．challenging

D．ordinary

5.

A．ruin

B．achieve

C．dream

D．abandon

6.

A．twins

B．pair

C．team

D．group

7.

A．first

B．final

C．second

D．middle

8.

A．lifting

B．pushing

C．beating

D．kicking

9.

A．sweated

B．carved

C．showed

D．gathered

10.

A．However

B．Instead

C．Therefore

D．Otherwise

11.

A．decreased

B．counted

C．increased

D．changed

12.

A．disappointed

B．delighted

C．worried

D．excited

13.

A．spare

B．save

C．spend

D．scream

14.

A．healthy

B．strong

C．energetic

D．tired

15.

A．his

B．theirs

C．mine

D．yours

3 . 阅读下面材料，在空白处填入适当的内容（1个单词）或括号内单词的正确形式。

Rongchang xiabu—a Chinese traditional cultural heritage originating in the Han Dynasty in Rongchang, Chongqing—is getting more attention and market     1     (opportunity) worldwide owing to Ivan from India, and his Chinese wife Tang Yi.

With its comfortable textile and nickname “the king of natural fibres”, xiabu from Rongchang was once     2     (significant) popular. It became     3     favorite choice for royals and nobles during the Tang Dynasty and was one of the     4     (early) exported products from the area in the 20th century,     5     an annual output of around 700,000 bolts.

    6     (bear) in India in 1989, Ivan has deep roots in China—his grandfather is a Chinese Indian and he has a quarter Chinese heritage. He     7     (work) as a service coach with an international airline in Qatar for six years. Chen reconnected with China in 2015 when he met Tang at a friend’s party. Tang, 32, was born into a family     8     has concentrated in the xiabu industry for three generations.

In recent years, the couple has been combining elements appealing to younger tastes into the ancient art that promoted hundreds of     9     (create)items made from their xiabu fabric, such as screens, decorative paintings, folding fans, notebooks, bedding     10     towels.

4 . Professor Dallas Smythe first described commercial media as a system for delivering audiences to advertisers. This perception of the viewing public as a “market” for products as well as an audience for advertising reflects the economic preference of the current media system in America. The unplanned side effects of advertising, however, concern many critics (评论家).

Dinar Godrej holds the view that advertising creates an attack on our senses, that advertising can act as a “compulsive liar”, and that the disorder advertising creates attacks us with images and ideas that result in a cultural change that creates desires for goods that only the wealthy can actually get. This author takes the point of view that there is really nothing positive that advertising contributes to a society, and that just about everything about advertising is negative.

John Calfee addresses many of these issues but also focuses on how the information in ads benefits consumers. He takes the position that advertising functions in the public’s interest, and that even the argument about ads can be beneficial because they can result in competitive pricing for consumers. He also states that individuals can learn about important issues (such as health) through ads.

There are also more neutral (中立的) views, such as those held by people who see it as an economic engine to deliver “free” programs to people, or the idea that advertising is an art form in itself. Whatever the perspective, one thing is true: Advertising can have both obvious and potential (潜在的) impact. It can be defended on solid ground and criticized on solid ground.

1. Why does Dinar Godrej think advertising can be a “compulsive liar”?

A．It creates disorder in our body.	B．It is full of images and ideas.
C．It changes our feelings for goods.	D．It creates goods for the wealthy.

2. What are the benefits of advertising according to John Calfee?

A．It helps control prices.	B．It decreases public’s interest.
C．It avoids arguments.	D．It is good for people’s health.

3. What can be inferred from the last paragraph?

A．Few people hold neutral views on advertising.

B．We can not see all the impact of advertising.

C．Advertising encourages us to learn about art.

D．Advertising is seldom criticized by people.

4. What is the author’s attitude toward advertising?

A．Positive.

B．Objective.

C．Doubtful.

D．Subjective.

5 . Iris Apfel, the interior designer and fashion tastemaker, who found fame in her 80s, has died aged 102. “She was forward-thinking in every sense of the world and saw the world through a unique lens. She saw the world as a kaleidoscope (万花筒) of colour, a canvas of patterns and prints,” said Apfel’s agent, Lori Sale.

Born in 1921 in Queens, New York, Apfel studied art history at New York University and later attended art school at the University of Wisconsin. Her first job was as a copywriter at Women’s Wear Daily. She later worked for the interior designer Elinor Johnson and also the illustrator Robert Goodman. In 1948, she married Carl Apfel. Two years later they launched the textile company Old World Weaver s and ran it until they retired in 1992.

As an outstanding authority on old-fashioned fabrics (纺织物), Apfel gave guidance on restoration projects, including work at the White House. She was the subject of several museum exhibitions and more recently starred in campaigns for H&M, eBay, Citroen and even had a Barbie doll made in her likeness. Among those showing respect was the US designer Tommy Hilfiger, who praised Apfel as an “innovator and leader” in the world of textiles and style, saying “Iris Apfel has become a world-famous fashion icon because of her incredible talent and amazing effect on so many people with her huge heart and magic touch.”

In 2005, her personal collection of designer accessories (配饰) and clothes became the subject of an exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. It was the first time that the Met had focused on a living female who was more than a designer. In another first, Apfel dressed the mannequins (人体模型) herself, styling them in her own unique and magnificent manner.

When asked about aging in a 2018 interview, Apfel said, “I wouldn't want to stop the clock. No, that would be so boring. It would be like being caught in a time machine. I don’t like that. I think variety is the spice of life.”

1. Which of the following is true according to the passage?

A．Apfel saw the world through a lens because she was far-sighted.

B．Apfel set up the textile company Old World Weavers on her own.

C．Apfel offered suggestions on the way to restore the White House.

D．Apfel was the first to dress the mannequins for the design industry.

2. Why was Apfel called an “innovator and leader” in the world of textiles and style?

A．Because she was a talented film star.	B．Because many US designers praised her.
C．Because she had a great influence on people.	D．Because a Barbie doll was made on her looks.

3. What can be learned about Apfel from the last paragraph?

A．She believes aging is full of excitement.

B．She prefers being caught in a time machine.

C．She wants to experience different stages of fashion.

D．She thinks variety is significant for a meaningful life.

4. What’s the best title for the passage?

A．Aging with style	B．Growing with talent
C．Living with passion	D．Working with determination

6 . England Tours

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Family Europe: London to Florence in 13 Days Tour

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Family Europe: London to Florence in 13 Days delivers a colorful mix of must-see cities. Along the way, you will encounter some fascinating bits of art, history, and culture — as well as a couple of castles, a boat, plenty of hiking, and even a swimming pool or two. Our stress-free Europe vacation package provides great guides, central hotels, all sightseeing — and memories to last a lifetime. And on this tour, kids aged 8 —19 get a $200 discount!

Best of London in 7 Days Tour

$4,495 per person

London has just what you need for a quick escape: direct flights, the best live theater scene on the planet, and an inviting pub on every corner. During your week-long stay in London, your Rick Steves guide will lead to the Tower, Westminster Abbey, St. Paul’s, and even take you on a train trip to Windsor Castle.

Best of England in 14 Days Tour

$4,395 per person

Our two-week tour of England offers a delightful mix of big-city thrills and village charm. Your Rick Steves guide will welcome you in the elegant Georgian town of Bath. From there you’ll be guided to King Arthur’s Glastonbury, flower-boxed Cotswold villages, and Caernarfon Castle. You’ll also be treated to the spectacular scenery of the Lake District.

Best of South England in 10 Days Tour

$4,595 per person

Starting in Canterbury and ending in Bath, our Best of South England tour brings you to the very roots of British history and culture. Your Rick Steves guide will introduce you to locals who have talents to share and stories to tell. You’ll also learn about and taste the delicious seafood and traditional Cornish pasties.

1. Which tour is probably the cheapest for a teenager?

A．Family Europe: London to Florence.	B．Best of London.
C．Best of England.	D．Best of South England.

2. What can tourists enjoy during the Best of South England?

A．Sea bathing.	B．Local school visits.
C．Local stories.	D．North Ireland’s history.

3. What service is offered in all of the four tours?

A．Direct flight.	B．Guided tour.
C．Village walk.	D．Delicious seafood.

7 . 请你写一篇短文向校英文报“Music”栏目投稿，向同学们介绍你校的“校园之春”音乐节活动，内容包括：
1. 活动安排；
2. 邀请参加。
注意：1. 词数应为80左右；
2. 可适当增加细节，以使行文连贯。

The Spring on Campus Music Festival

Get ready for our school’s upcoming event, the Spring on Campus Music Festival.

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8 . 阅读短文，在空白处填入适当的内容或括号内单词的正确形式。

Confucius was a government official in the state of Lu, in what is now Shandong, China. His real name was Kong Qiu, but within China he is most often called Kongzi, which     1     (mean) Master Kong.

During Confucius’s lifetime, China was ruled by the Zhou Dynasty(1046-256 BCE).     2    , by the time Confucius was born, this dynasty was in a slow decline. The emperor’s power was weakening and many small states were fighting     3     (gain) control. Confucius’s own city, Qufu, was capital of the state of Lu, and power in this state     4     (divide) between several families which could not get along.

As a government official of the state of Lu, Confucius wanted to end     5     conflict between these families, and to help do this, he developed a philosophy     6     he believed would bring peace and harmony. Confucius was perhaps a     7     (good) philosopher than he was a government official, and he ended up having to leave the state of Lu. He spent thirteen years traveling around the other states,     8     (spread) his philosophy, before returning to Qufu where he spent his later life teaching his disciples (门徒). The collective body of Confucius’s teachings came to be known     9     Confucianism. This enduring philosophical tradition has had a profound and lasting impact on Chinese culture and     10     (civilize), shaping values and attitudes for over two millennia.

9 . An increase in a country’s working-age population is a blessing. Lots of workers support relatively few children and retired people. So long as the labor market can absorb an increasing number of job-seekers, output per head will rise. That can boost savings and investment, leading to higher economic growth, more productivity gains and developmental speed-up. Yet for countries that fail to seize this opportunity, the results can be tough.

Consider Thailand. It is rapidly aging. In 2021, the share of Thais aged 65 or over hit 14%, a figure that is often used to define an aged society Soon Thailand will, like Japan, South Korea and most Western countries, see a decreasing supply of workers and flagging productivity and growth without extraordinary measures. Yet unlike Japan and the rest. Thailand is not a developed country. It has got old before it has got rich.

This is a big barrier to Thailand’s future development. To protect its aging citizens, many of whom are poor, Thailand’s government will have to spend more on health care and pensions (养老金). This will make it harder to invest in productivity-boosting skills and infrastructure (基础设施). And where Thailand goes, many developing countries will follow.

One conclusion is that countries with a working-age burst need seeking more economic growth out of it. India may never have a better chance than the present. It is widely accepted that privatization and looser foreign-investment rules could raise its growth rate.

Another conclusion is that developing countries need to start planning for old age earlier. They should reform their pension systems, including by raising retirement ages. They should encourage financial markets, providing options for long-term saving and health insurance. And they should try harder to increase female participation in the labor force. Getting more women into jobs would help deal with the fact that women live longer than men, but tend to have less savings and pensions, leaving them in difficult situations in old age.

1. What does “opportunity” in the first paragraph refer to?

A．Providing more jobs for working-age laborers.

B．Reducing support for children and the elderly.

C．Encouraging investment for economic growth.

D．Increasing economic output and labor productivity.

2. Why is aging considered a barrier to Thailand’s future development?

A．It causes a shortage of young workers.

B．It forces the country to invest in infrastructure.

C．It leads to less investment in economic development.

D．It increases the burden on the working-age population.

3. Why is it important for developing countries to involve more women in labor force?

A．To extend women’s retirement ages.

B．To encourage women to be included in health insurance.

C．To equalize the number of men and women in the workplace.

D．To settle the conflict between women’s long lifespan and small pension.

4. What is the best title of the passage?

A．Aging Problems in Developing Countries.

B．Planning Ahead for Aging Societies.

C．Challenges and Opportunities of Aging Societies.

D．The Role of Female Labors in Addressing the Aging Issue.

10 . In May 2019, a friend who had previously been involved in the Restless Development Sierra Leone Business Brains project encouraged me to apply for the “Saving Lives II” project. Seeing this as an opportunity to move closer to my ambition of working in the medical field in the near future, I eagerly seized the chance. Fortunately, my performance during the interview led to me being awarded the role.

Following the basic training, I was sent to volunteer in Kurubonla, a remote community located in the northem region of Sierra Leone. This assignment presented challenges such as limited road access and communication networks. At first, I felt concerned about being sent there, but with a determined mindset, I set out on the journey, driven by a passion to contribute to my country’s development and to push my personal boundaries.

As I got to know the community, I quickly realized that the challenges extended beyond language barriers and cultural differences; there was also a sense of isolation from my peers. However, I refused to allow these challenges to stop me. I threw myself in my duties, working together with local leaders and community members to identify the most pressing needs. Together, we carried out the projects aimed at improving healthcare, education, and infrastructure (基础设施). Additionally, I organized workshops and training courses to share my knowledge and skills with the locals.

Over time, I witnessed the positive impact of our collective efforts. Healthcare facilities improved, the number of students in schools increased, and the overall quality of life in the community showed signs of improvement. These achievements were not solely mine; they were a testament to the cooperative spirit and commitment of the entire community.

1. What do we learn about the author from the first two paragraphs?

A．He was unwilling to volunteer in Sierra Leonne.

B．He felt excited about the assignment in Kurubonla.

C．He applied for the “Saving Lives Ⅱ” project for his future promise.

D．He was immediately sent to Kurubonla after he was awarded the role.

2. What can we infer from paragraph 3?

A．He assisted in the projects led by the locals.

B．He met with only language and cultural barriers.

C．He overcame challenges to serve the community.

D．He attended the training courses organized by the local leaders.

3. Which of the following best describes the author’s personality?

A．Devoted but stubborn.	B．Determined and passionate.
C．Confident and cautious.	D．Motivated but moody.

4. What is the passage mainly about?

A．The author’s growth through volunteering.

B．Language and culture in voluntary work.

C．Collective efforts in community development.

D．Volunteers’ challenges in remote communities.