1 . 听下面一段较长对话，回答以下小题。
1. Why is it difficult for many kids to make a program?

A．They lack the support of their parents.

B．They have no access to proper guidance.

C．They are addicted to playing computer games.

2. How did Thomas learn to develop apps?

A．Through app development lessons.

B．Through the help of iPhone workers.

C．Through the iPhone software development kit.

3. What is Thomas’s plan for the future?

A．Learn to develop Android apps.

B．Create more apps for the iPhone.

C．Set up an app development company.

4. What can we learn about Thomas?

A．He has introduced several apps to the market.

B．He has limited experience in app development.

C．He learned some programming languages in the school club.

2 . Mother’s Day is the time to celebrate the great women who raised us.     1     With Mother’s Day nearly upon us, a lot of people are looking for last minute presents—but it’s not too late! Here are four most popular Mother’s Day gifts that will give you some inspiration.

Pick the gift of relaxation. For the mum who is always rushing around, looking after everyone but herself, a day of rest and relaxation at the spa is the perfect gift. Your mum deserves a break, and many spas offer special Mother’s Day packages with relaxing massages and facials.     2     She can use it when she can fit it in her busy schedule.

Say it with flowers. Flowers are a classic Mother’s Day gift for a reason, and an arrangement of her favourite blooms is sure to bring a smile to her face.     3     You can just make your own arrangement with flowers from the supermarket, and wrap them in brown paper for a nice look on your budget.

    4     Why give one gift when you can give her a gift every month? Booking monthly gifts is more popular than ever. From flowers to wines of the month, and even fresh coffee beans from local producers, you can show your appreciation for all she does for the whole year, rather than just one day.

Spend some quality time. It’s lovely to get presents, but what your mum probably wants more than everything is to spend some quality time with you. Treat her to a day out with an activity she’ll love, whether she’s into wine tasting or an elegant afternoon tea.     5    

A．Keep the gifts coming.

B．Show your gratitude with gifts.

C．Book her in for a day, or buy her a gift card.

D．Try to make something with her name or birthstone on it.

E．However, it can be difficult to find a gift to show your appreciation.

F．Or spend the day at home, letting her put her feet up while you cook.

G．You don’t have to spend hundreds on expensive bouquets in the flower shops.

3 . A total solar eclipse (日食) of the sun will have millions of people from Texas to Maine gazing up at the sky on the afternoon of April 8. If you can’t make it outside, here are some apps to track the eclipse on your computer or mobile device.

Total Solar Eclipse

Solar Eclipse is an “innovative” app developed by the Exploratorium, a museum of science, technology and arts in San Francisco, in partnership with NASA, according to app’s description in the Apple App Store. The app has a 3.8-star rating on the App Store and is designed exclusively for iPads and iPhones. You can download it here.

Eclipse 2024

This app, designed by developer Saira Creations, allows people to tap a marker anywhere on a map to see if that location will experience a total eclipse, in addition to the start time and duration. The app has a 3.1-star rating on the Apple App Store and is designed exclusively for iPads and iPhones. You can download it here.

One Eclipse

One Eclipse is an app designed by Simulation Curriculum Corp in collaboration with Astronomers Without Borders. It has a 4.7-star rating in the Apple App Store and you can download it here.

The NASA App

According to the AAS, the NASA App allows you to watch live streams of the eclipse. In addition to livestreams, the NASA App also offers the latest NASA images, news, mission information, podcasts and interactive augmented reality experiences to explore. It has a 4.8-star rating and you can download it here.

1. Who created the app Eclipse 2024?

A．The Apple APP Store.	B．Saira Creations.
C．Exploratorium.	D．Simulation Curriculum Corp.

2. Which of the following apps tops the ratings in the Apple App Store?

A．Total Solar Eclipse.	B．Eclipse 2024.
C．One Eclipse.	D．The NASA App.

3. Where is the passage probably taken from?

A．A textbook	B．A newspaper
C．A science journal	D．A website

4 . A team at a US university trained an AI tool to examine 60,000 fingerprints to see if it could work out which ones belonged to the same individual. The researchers claim the technology could identify, with 75-90% accuracy, whether prints from different fingers came from one person.

But they are not sure how it works. “We don’t know for sure how the AI does it,” admitted Prof Hod Lipson, a roboticist at Columbia University who led the study.

Graham Williams, professor of forensic science (法医学) at Hull University, said the idea of unique fingerprints had never been set in stone. “We don’t actually know that fingerprints are unique,” he said. “All we can say is that as far as we are aware, no two people have yet to show the same fingerprints.”

The results of Columbia University’s study could have the potential to impact both biometrics and forensic science.

If, for example, an unidentified thumb (拇指) print is found at crime scene A, and an unidentified index (食指) fingerprint at crime (犯罪) scene B, the two could not currently be forensically connected to the same person — but the AI tool could be able to identify this.

The Columbia University study will be published in the journal Science Advances on Friday. But a pair of twins in Cheshire might be ahead of everyone. Their grandmother Carol told the BBC her two grandchildren can open each other’s iPhones using their own fingers.

“They showed me on Christmas day,” she said. “We were told they were identical when they were born but I can tell the difference between them as they’ve got older.”She claimed that her grandchildren can also bypass the handsets’ facial recognition feature.

Fingerprints are formed before birth. Research published last year suggested the genetic process behind them may be similar to the way animals like zebras and leopards get their markings.

1. According to the research, what can AI tools do?

A．Identifying people’s fingerprints.

B．Contributing to crime prevention.

C．Helping lead scientific studies and experiments.

D．Training people to tell the difference of fingerprints.

2. What does the underlined word “identical” in paragraph 7 mean?

A．Unique.

B．Healthy.

C．The same.

D．Cute.

3. What can we learn from the research?

A．All twins share the same fingerprints.	B．People’s fingerprints may not be unique.
C．AI will replace humans in every way.	D．Fingerprints will change as people grow older.

4. Why does the author mention zebras and leopards in the last paragraph?

A．To make an appeal to people to protect animals.

B．To tell the difference between people and animals.

C．To explain the formation principle of fingerprints.

D．To show the similarity of genes between animals and people.

5 . When Senait Lara, a 28-year-old video producer, was questioned by her friends about her lack of communication in their group chat, the blames were as follows: she only caught up every few days; when she did, it was hardly an interaction — Lara spent time “liking” messages instead of responding with words and sometimes she would never respond at all. Lara didn’t deny it. She knew she sometimes preferred to completely avoid her phone rather than deal with a large number of requests. Actually, in person, Lara felt comfortable talking with people, but when communication came down to a text message or an email, she wanted to tap out.

While social media and messaging apps keep us more connected to each other, many younger users are finding themselves tired out from receiving constant notices and carrying on conversations that can last all day. The after-effect? Delayed responses, forgetting to get back to someone entirely, and a need for frequent breaks.

In fact, a 2023 study exploring the effects of information overload and online conversation dynamics (动态) found that “over-exposure to information can suppress the possibility of response by overloading users.”

Smartphones have quickly changed into handheld storage units for our conversations, thoughts, music and everything else. That shift to feeling constantly attached to our phones as if they were a limb relates to the burnout, says psychologist Emily Balcetis.

As the pressure to be online and always available continues to grow in our society, in-person interactions provide far more real communication than digital ones. From body language to eye contact and all the other social clues that exist in real life that aren’t available in a text message, it’s far easier to be present when you’re face-to-face. As Balcetis notes, “At the end of the day, I think what we’re looking for is not more ways to stay connected, but higher quality ways to be connected.”

1. What dissatisfied Senait Lara’s friends?

A．Lara denying her problems.

B．Lara avoiding using her phone.

C．Lara’s preference for digital communication.

D．Lara’s communication style in the group chat.

2. What does paragraph 2 tell us about many young people?

A．They are starting to have memory problems.

B．They refuse to put down their smartphones.

C．They are tired of frequent digital contact.

D．They feel more connected to each other.

3. What does the last paragraph mainly stress?

A．The need to take a break from digital devices.

B．The pressure of always being available online.

C．The importance of face-to-face communication.

D．The ability to understand clues behind text messages.

4. What is the author’s attitude to digital interaction?

A．Negative.	B．Unconcerned.
C．Supportive.	D．Objective.

6 . 听下面一段独白，回答以下小题。
1. Who is the speaker?

A．An art teacher.

B．A tour guide.

C．An artist.

2. What does the center offer?

A．Daily videos.

B．Exhibitions of ancient art.

C．Painting courses.

3. On which level can listeners get something to eat?

A．Leve1 3.

B．Level 4.

C．Level 5.

4. What do we know about the gift shop?

A．It has a variety of books.

B．It is located on Level 2.

C．It is beside the reception desk.

7 . 阅读短文内容，在空白处填入一个适当的单词或括号内单词的正确形式。

The Water-Splashing Festival, also     1     (know) as Buddha Bathing Ceremony, is the New Year’s celebration of the Dai ethnic minority in Yunnan Province. For Dai people, the annual Water-Splashing Festival is the most important holiday, attracting tens of thousands of locals and     2     (tour).

Jinghong, the capital of Dai Autonomous Prefecture, usually     3     (celebrate) it from Aprill3 to 15. On the first two days, a grand celebration marks the beginning of the festival. An outdoor market is set up,     4     locals come for new-year shopping. At night, the banks of the river are     5     (colorful) lit, and locals float river lanterns on the river. The third day     6     (reserve) for water splashing. The Dai people will put     7     their newest and best clothes, and then gather at the local Buddhist temple. It isn’t until people splash the Buddha statue with clear water     8     they can flock to the streets, parks or squares with pots or bottles, to splash each other with water.

For Dai people, water is     9     symbol of holiness, goodness and purity. Therefore, splashing others with water during the Water-Splashing Festival is     10     (wish) that person good luck and happiness.

8 . 阅读下面短文，在空白处填入1个适当的单词或括号内单词的正确形式。

Wearing traditional Chinese clothing while visiting scenic spots     1     (become) a popular activity among young people in China in recent years. Passengers     2     (dress) in traditional Chinese attire could ride the subway for free for about one week in Suzhou city, during this year’s Spring Festival holiday.     3     a result, the horse-faced skirt,     4     is a type of Hanfu, became a hit among young people during the holiday.

People used     5     (think) that wearing traditional Chinese clothing while walking down a street was strange. But now, people are getting used to seeing     6     (passer-by) in traditional clothes. People born in     7     1990s and 2000s like to wear traditional clothing when     8    (travel) because they have realized that     9     (they) cultural identity is related to Hanfu and it has become a fashion. The popularity of     10     (tradition) Chinese costumes will continue to grow.

9 . While you may get flowers or a card from the one you love on Valentine’s Day, it can be hard to know how our four-legged friends feel about us.     1    . Here are signs that your dog loves you.

Happy greeting

It’s great to be welcomed home by our pet and your dog isn’t doing this to show welcome to you;     2    . This is also the case if your dog greets you when they are already wrapped up in another activity, like playing or eating. It is known to all how much they like their treats, so you know you’re well-loved if they choose you over that!

    3    

When your pet chooses to look at you with soft, relaxed eyes, they trust you and are happy in your company, accepting you as non-threatening. And, it could be argued, that trust is the highest form of love.

Hugs (on your pet’s terms)

Your dog can choose to curl up wherever they like, so when they hug you, they are actively choosing you. This can range from full body hugs to them leaning into you to ask for some love. However, any hug must always be on your pet’s conditions and personalities.     4    .

Tail wagging

A wagging tail can display a whole range of emotions from your dog, but you’ll know it’s a sign of love when they treat you to a full body wiggle. Their tail will turn around in circular movements like helicopter propellers (螺旋桨).     5    .

Licking you

Your dog may lick you for a variety of reasons, but one of them is affection and love. They are ultimately seeking attention from you because they want to interact with you.

A．Soft eye contact.

B．Cheerful and excited barking.

C．Actually, it’s a sign that they are pretty happy to see you.

D．In actuality, it’s a sign that they are hungry and eager for some treats.

E．Some dogs will find having someone’s arms around them stressful and uncomfortable.

F．Our cats and dogs can’t tell us how they feel, so what are the other signs that you share a special connection?

G．This type of tail wagging is usually reserved for people that are special to them, and is mostly used when dogs see their owners.

10 . St. Patrick’s Day, Ireland’s National Day, is celebrated on 17th March every year, marking the anniversary of the day on which he passed away. St. Patrick is the most famous saint of Ireland. Born in Roman Britain, he was enslaved in Ireland at the age of 16, but he successfully escaped. Later, he returned to Ireland and brought his religious beliefs to its people.

On St Patrick’s Day, Irish families would traditionally attend church in the morning and celebrate in the afternoon. People would dance, drink, and feast on traditional meals of Irish bacon and cabbage. The Irish have observed this day as a religious holiday for over 1,000 years.

Interestingly, however, the first parade held to celebrate St Patrick’s Day took place not in Ireland but in the United States. On 17th March 1762, Irish soldiers serving in the English army marched through New York City. Along with their music, the parade helped the soldiers reconnect with their Irish roots, as well as with fellow Irishmen serving in the English army.

Over 100 St. Patrick’s Day parades happen across the U.S., with New York City and Boston hosting the biggest. In 1848, New York Irish Aid societies joined to create the official New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade, the world’s oldest civilian (平民的) parade and the largest in the U.S. It draws over 150,000 participants and nearly 3 million spectators (观众), lasting over five hours. Boston, Chicago, Philadelphia, and Savannah also celebrate the day with major parades.

Today, people of all backgrounds celebrate St Patrick’s Day, especially throughout the United States, Canada and Australia. It is also celebrated in many other locations far from Ireland, including Japan, Singapore, and Russia.

1. Why is St. Patrick’s Day celebrated on 17th March?

A．Saint Patrick died on 17 March.	B．Saint Patrick was born on 17 March.
C．Saint Patrick became a slave on 17 March.	D．Saint Patrick escaped from Ireland on 17 March.

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

A．Rode.

B．Sailed.

C．Advanced.

D．Wandered.

3. How do people in the USA celebrate St Patrick’s Day?

A．By attending church with family members.	B．By attending outdoor musical performances.
C．By organizing large St Patrick’s Day parades.	D．By setting off fireworks and enjoying Irish cuisine.

4. What do we know about St Patrick’s Day?

A．It is no longer a religious festival for the Irish.	B．It has the largest parade in Ireland.
C．It was first celebrated in the United States.	D．It has now become an international festival.