1 . As home gardeners in the US page through seed catalogs (目录册) and pick out their favorite plants this week, there’s a new seed that has never been available to them before: a purple tomato. It is the first genetically engineered food crop to be directly marketed to home gardeners and the seeds went on sale Saturday.

The lending scientist behind the tomato is Cathie Martin. About 20 years ago, she set out to create a transgenic (转基因的) tomato, using DNA from a purple snapdragon, which is an unrelated eatable flower. Her goal was to develop a tomato with high levels of anthocyanins, chemicals that give blueberries, blackberries, eggplant and purple cabbage their color. Research has shown that anthocyanins also have anti-cancer and anti-aging effects.

“It’s normal for tomatoes to make these healthy chemicals. But they typically don’t make them very much in the fruit,” Martin told reporters in an interview. “They normally appear in the leaves and stems.”

So she started with, separating the DNA in the snapdragon flower that turns on and off the purple color. Next, she used a basic technique that was figured out by scientists in the 1980s to introduce it into a certain bacteria so that the tomato could then take in the foreign genetic material and express this new gene.

The result? In a paper published in Nature, Martin found that the purple tomato had, per weight, as much anthocyanin as a blueberry or eggplant, and that the mice who ate a diet mixed with purple tomatoes lived 30% longer than those who didn’t.

“Americans eat more tomatoes annually, so it makes the nutritional benefits more accessible,” Martin said.

Of course, some people have raised health concerns about eating genetically engineered foods. But these foods were introduced three decades ago and studies have not shown any harm.

“The purple potato is another great example of how the outcomes and applications of such biotechnologies can improve our life,” Martin said.

1. What can be inferred from the second paragraph?

A．Tomatoes usually do not produce anthocyanins.

B．The wild purple snapdragon might be poisonous.

C．Many purple fruits may postpone the aging process.

D．The purple tomato was widely available 20 years ago.

2. What can we know about the technique used to produce the purple tomato?

A．It is a relatively old method.	B．It was invented by Cathie Martin.
C．It puts the DNA directly into the potato.	D．It was used to separate the DNA in the flower.

3. What does Cathie Martin think of the genetically engineered foods?

A．Unprofitable.

B．Safe.

C．Expensive.

D．Unreliable.

4. From which is the text probably taken?

A．An advertisement.

B．A handbook.

C．A short story.

D．A science report.

2 . In-flight announcements can be crucial in providing important information.     1     But beyond the “necessities”, are passengers being flooded with too many announcements?

Imagine boarding an aircraft late in the evening or during the early hours of the day, eager to get some sleep. After forcing yourself to stay awake for the safety briefing, you fall fast asleep.     2     It’s the captain making an announcement. She’s telling you her name, her first officer’s name, the name of every flight attendant, and of course, the cruising speed and altitude. Was this really necessary and was it worth being woken up for?

    3     It’s anyone deep into a film or two passengers trying to talk to each other. In fact, in-flight announcements automatically pause television shows and movies—sometimes coming through your headphones far louder than the volume of whatever you were watching.

Which announcements are necessary? There are many in-flight announcements that are absolutely necessary. Anything to do with safety and security is, of course, essential. Anything to do with delays and scheduling is also important to know.     4     I think most people care about those as well.

However, anything beyond these is questionable. Of course, the additional announcements are meant to better connect passengers to the flight crew, the airline, and the overall experience of flying.     5     But in my opinion, this comes at the cost of the overall flight experience.

So from my point of view, in-flight announcements have gotten out of control and need to be controlled.

A．In-flight meal options?

B．After all, they are rules that should be obeyed.

C．Actually, most of the passengers are likely to feel sleepy.

D．It’s not just passengers trying to sleep that are interrupted.

E．It also seems polite to introduce those who will serve you.

F．Suddenly, you’re in the air and something has stirred you awake.

G．This might include delays, the local time at destination, and of course, emergencies.

3 . 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。

Hong Kong’s tiny Tai Hang district is usually one of the city’s     1     (quiet) places. But every year during the Mid-Autumn Festival, the neighborhood comes alive with the Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance.

    2     (list) as China’s National Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2011, the Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance began in 1880,     3     the neighborhood was attacked by a deadly disease on the eve of the Mid-Autumn Festival. According to the legend, a fortune teller suggested that the villagers perform a fire dragon dance for three days and three nights during the upcoming full moon. To their     4     (amaze), the disease disappeared     5     (short) after the dance. Since then, this tradition has been carried on every year during the Mid-Autumn Festival. The 67-metre fire dragon will wind through the streets of Tai Hang, like it did over a century ago with over 300     6     (performer) , 70,000 incense sticks (焚香), and lots of firecrackers.

Dragon dance leader Chan Tak-fai, who has been organizing the event for the past 20 years, first got involved     7     a child. “I grew up     8     (watch) all the elder makers—there were three on Sun Chun Street where I lived—create the fire dragon every year. I was able to learn and later teach young Tai Hangers,” says Tak-fai, now 70. “Back then, we always     9     (gather) in the street as there was no air-conditioning and it was cooler outside. That created     10     great sense of community.”

4 . Alexander Graham Bell hated spending summertime in Washington, DC. He usually ________ to his farm in Nova Scotia, but one year he had to stay in the capital.

“Why humans have ________ how to warm a house but not how to cool one — until now,” he wondered, and in 1872, he ________ a cold-air-producing device and brought the temperature in his room down to 21℃.

When 69-year-old Bell told that ________ in a speech to the 1917 graduating class of McKinley Manual Training School, the students went ________. The clapping lasted so long that he was ________ to say something more surprising.

“Could postage stamps be used in ________ of persons?” asked Bell, who had thought of ________ a low price for public transport, but the cost of building additional roads was too high. “Perhaps, the flying machine will be the ________.”

In the speech, Bell also ________ on a century of progress and looked ahead with remarkable foresight. In the reflection, he was amazed by the ________ made in the past century: Gas lighting had evolved into electric bulbs and automobiles ________ horse-drawn vehicles. He then went on to ________ the commercial airplane, solar panels, and the ________ for renewable resources.

Gilbert Grosvenor, the editor of National Geographic magazine, asked for the ________ and published a revised version in the February issue. Now, more than one hundred years later, Bell’s predictions still remain prescient (预见性的).

1.

A．wandered

B．escaped

C．flew

D．applied

2.

A．agreed on

B．insisted on

C．figured out

D．ruled out

3.

A．designed

B．bought

C．saw

D．borrowed

4.

A．accident

B．loss

C．problem

D．story

5.

A．wild

B．hungry

C．disappointed

D．silent

6.

A．allowed

B．forced

C．paid

D．chosen

7.

A．favor

B．memory

C．transportation

D．case

8.

A．cutting

B．raising

C．avoiding

D．charging

9.

A．pollution

B．solution

C．discovery

D．issue

10.

A．relied

B．switched

C．reflected

D．called

11.

A．profits

B．advances

C．materials

D．failures

12.

A．replaced

B．destroyed

C．attacked

D．missed

13.

A．sell

B．rent

C．invent

D．predict

14.

A．deadline

B．competition

C．need

D．balance

15.

A．text

B．book

C．contract

D．interview

5 . From beautiful bronze (青铜) wine cups to grand bronze ding (food containers), this exhibition features discoveries that will fundamentally change visitors’ understanding of ancient Chinese civilization.

At about the same time that Stonehenge was rising in England, a Bronze Age culture was developing in China that in many respects was seldom equaled and never surpassed. This development seemed to have begun by 1600 BC in the Shang (about 1600 BC — 1046 BC) along the Yellow River. For thousands of years, this area had witnessed cultures of increasing complexity,

which laid the foundation of the Chinese civilization. By the time of the Bronze Age, this culture was characterized by a strong centralized government, urban communities with obvious social classes, a distinctive system of writing, strict religious rituals, diversified art forms, and advanced bronze-producing methods.

Unlike other cultures, where bronze was first used chiefly for tools and weapons, in China, bronze was used to make vessels (容器) that played central roles in official ceremonies and ancestor worship for more than 1,000 years, even after the official beginnings of the Iron Age in 400 BC. Possession of bronze vessels thus became a symbol for the holding of power and rulers used bronze cups and food containers to present offerings of food and wine to royal ancestors and gods.

During Shang times, wine played a major part in such ceremonies, and containers for wine therefore far outnumbered other types. Then, the Shang were criticized for too much wine drinking by its enemy, the Zhou, who felt that the drinking had offended Heaven and given the Zhou the right to overthrow the Shang. Safeguarding its own dynasty, the Zhou replaced the wine vessels with more practical cooking and storage tools.

After the Shang period, bronze vessels became more important as expressions of personal status than as vehicles for official ceremonies. This is evident from the changing content of bronze inscriptions. Carved into the surface of a vessel, these writings first appeared during the late Shang period as an identification of the vessel’s owner or of the ancestor to whom it was dedicated. During the Western Zhou period, inscriptions became increasingly common and lengthier, praising the achievements of the owners.

1. By the time Stonehenge was rising in England, ________.

A．the Chinese had yet to invent their writing system

B．China was still relatively backward in many respects

C．China had already had a strong centralized government

D．social classes just started to emerge in the Chinese cities

2. What is the third paragraph mainly about?

A．The main applications of bronze in China.

B．The complex official ceremonies in China.

C．The significance of the discovery of bronze.

D．The differences between China and other countries.

3. Which of the following most probably belongs to the Zhou?

A．Huge bronze ding with short religious texts.

B．Bronze vessels showing the kings’ achievements.

C．An unearthed temple with lots of bronze wine cups.

D．An ancient kitchen with lots of bronze cooking pots.

4. From which is the text most probably taken?

A．A science report.	B．An exhibit brochure.
C．A history textbook.	D．A research paper.

6 . On March 5, 2024, Riken Yamamoto became the 53rd winner of the Pritzker Architecture Prize since it was established in 1979 and the 9th architect from Japan to be awarded the prize.

Yamamoto was born in 1945. His projects, ranging from private residences to public housing, are located throughout the world. His signature works include Nagoya Zokei University (Nagoya, Japan, 2022), The Circle at Zürich Airport (Zürich, Switzerland, 2020), Tianjin Library (Tianjin, China, 2012), Pangyo Housing (Seongnam, South Korea, 2010).

“Yamamoto has spent his entire life creating architecture that enriches the lives of those communities in a very generous and quiet way,” Deborah Berke, head of the Yale School of Architecture, told NPR. “My favorite is the Yokosuka Museum of Art. When I was there, I felt that I was part of something larger. That was really magical.”

The building Yamamoto is proud of might be the transparent firehouse he designed in Hiroshima. “The place is especially popular with children. They like to see the firemen training,” the architect said with a smile. “It’s covered with glass, so they can see the firefighters’ activities from the outside.”

Deconstructing traditional concepts of freedom and privacy while rejecting longstanding conditions that have reduced housing into a commodity (商品) without relation to neighbors, Yamamoto defines community as a sense of sharing one space and tries to bridge cultures, histories and multi-generational citizens, by adapting international influence and modernist architecture to the needs of the future.

“For me, to recognize space is to recognize an entire community,” Yamamoto said. “The current architectural approach emphasizes privacy, while ignoring the necessity of societal relationships. However, we can honor the freedom of each individual while still living together in architectural space as a harmonious community.”

“One of the things we need most in the future of cities is to create conditions through architecture that multiply the opportunities for people to come together and interact. By reconsidering boundary between public and private lives, Yamamoto contributes positively beyond the belief to enable communities,” says Tom Pritzker, chair of the Hyatt Foundation, which sponsors the award.

1. Which building does Deborah Berke like most?

A．The Circle at Zürich Airport.	B．Pangyo Housing.
C．The Yokosuka Museum of Art.	D．Nagoya Zokei University.

2. What has made the firehouse in Hiroshima so popular with children?

A．The magic roof.	B．The interesting toys.
C．The beautiful walls.	D．The training activities.

3. What does Riken Yamamoto stress in his design?

A．Social interaction.	B．Individual freedom.
C．National tradition.	D．Futuristic appearance.

4. What is Tom Pritzker’s attitude to the majority of the existing urban buildings?

A．Unclear.

B．Disapproving.

C．Unconcerned.

D．Favorable.

7 . Washington, DC is a theatre town. Here’s where you can get the best performances and cultural experiences offered for every taste in the nation’s capital.

Kennedy Center

Kennedy Center hosts hundreds of world-class performances each year and is home to the National Symphony Orchestra and the Washington National Opera. The Suzanne Farrell Ballet also counts Kennedy Center as its performance headquarters. The company—under the direction of Farrell—was first invited to perform there in 1993 and has since become one of the venue’s most famous attractions.

Woolly Mammoth Company

Woolly Mammoth Company is an experimental theatre that welcomes original plays that push the boundaries of live theatre. The New York Times has called it “Washington’s most daring theatre company”, and the half dozen plays Woolly produces each year continue to live up to that reputation.

Shakespeare Theatre Company

For more than 25 years, Shakespeare Theatre Company has committed itself to serving as the nation’s classical theatre. It operates out of two spaces, including Sidney Harman Hall at the Harman Center, which seats 775, and the Lansburgh Theatre, which seats 451. The shiny, glass-walled Harman Center showcases classic Shakespeare plays, modern updates and Shakespeare-inspired original shows.

Wolf Trap

For locals, summer isn’t complete without at least one trip to Wolf Trap, the only national park dedicated to the performing arts. The venue is best-known for performances of touring artists. The open-air theatre offers covered seating, but when the weather warms up, we suggest buying seats on the grassland and packing a picnic.

1. When did the Suzanne Farrell Ballet first perform at Kennedy Center?

A．In 1993.

B．In 1998.

C．In 2000.

D．In 2003.

2. Which of the following is known for experimental plays?

A．The Harman Center.	B．Woolly Mammoth Company.
C．The Lansburgh Theatre.	D．Shakespeare Theatre Company.

3. What sets Wolf Trap apart from other theatres?

A．Its covered seating.	B．Its Shakespeare plays.
C．Its selected directors.	D．Its open-air atmosphere.

8 . 听下面一段独白，回答以下小题。
1. What is unknown to the speaker about the tree?

A．Its location.

B．Its height.

C．Its age.

2. What is the average height of a redwood?

A．About 350 feet.

B．Nearly 400 feet.

C．Around 800 feet.

3. Why has the newly-found tree probably stopped growing?

A．It is too old.

B．Its top was damaged.

C．The soil is not rich enough.

4. What did tourists do to another famous tree?

A．They cut it down and sold it.

B．They built nests in it for birds.

C．They got too close and ruined it.

9 . In the fast-paced world of Formula One racing, there was a young driver named Alex who was an ________ boy. From a tender age, Alex dreamed of becoming a Formula One champion. Alex’s family, though ________ at first, recognized his determination and supported him in pursuing his dream.

But Formula One was a very ________ world, filled with talented drivers. Alex faced many challenges and ________ along his journey. He was faced with moments of self-doubt, questioning whether he had what it ________ to succeed at the highest level of motor sport.

Yet, Alex refused to let difficulties ________ him. He knew that true champions were made in the crucible (磨炼) of defeat. With great determination, he pushed forward.

As seasons came and went, Alex’s skill and reputation ________. Some famous teams took notice of his remarkable talent, and he eventually ________ a seat in one of the top Formula One teams. It was the ________ of a lifetime, a chance to compete against the best drivers in the world for the ________ of championship.

Alex faced massive pressure and expectations. The ________ of his dream and the eyes of millions were upon him. However, he resisted the pressure and ________ became the Formula One World Champion.

From that day, Alex’s victory ________ a symbol of courage and resilience. And his story ________ us that in the pursuit of our dreams, there are no ________— only possibilities waiting to be realized.

1.

A．ambitious

B．independent

C．influential

D．honest

2.

A．unfamiliar

B．doubtful

C．inexperienced

D．embarrassed

3.

A．uncertain

B．well-known

C．competitive

D．fast-paced

4.

A．conflicts

B．complaints

C．departures

D．defeats

5.

A．ignored

B．took

C．said

D．acknowledged

6.

A．detect

B．change

C．approach

D．define

7.

A．grew

B．continued

C．failed

D．remained

8.

A．arranged

B．shared

C．secured

D．hired

9.

A．opportunity

B．regret

C．challenge

D．course

10.

A．recognition

B．title

C．support

D．cooperation

11.

A．power

B．benefit

C．appeal

D．weight

12.

A．finally

B．suddenly

C．temporarily

D．apparently

13.

A．pointed to

B．served as

C．accounted for

D．resulted from

14.

A．granted

B．promised

C．reminded

D．warned

15.

A．tricks

B．surprises

C．alternatives

D．limits

10 . 阅读下面材料，根据其内容和所给段落开头语续写两段，使之构成一篇完整的短文。

In 2019, an unattractive package arrived at my front door. Inside was a 2-by-4-foot scrapbook (剪贴簿) filled with candy wrappers over 70 years old. It was sent by Jeffrey S. Green, who was a famous candy company’s vice president. After the company closed down, the scrapbook traveled 2,950 miles to La Verne, California, to the farm my family and I call home.

I’m the founder of the online website “Roadside Attraction: Candy Wrapper Museum”, where I share my 50-year collection of little slips of paper, designed to be tom and thrown away. Why? Because these small objects serve as time machines, opening an emotional door to the past.

I was 15 years old when I started collecting candy wrappers, inspired by friends with cool collections like beer bottles from around the world. Some of their collections are classified either by size and color as well as sports or people. Inspired by these novel collections, I wanted to start one of my own, but of what? I usually spent my few coins on candy at the candy shop. The candy shelves were a wonderland of tasty treats with colorful wrappers in different themes, all shouting: Pick me! Big Bears, Milk Duds, Jujyfruits, Choco’Lite, Lemonhead… How could a girl decide?

Then inspiration struck. Instead of throwing away those wrappers, I would save them. I would create a Candy Wrapper Museum. I hoped that the wrappers would one day be enjoyed as art, nostalgia (怀旧) and humor. It was 1977 when I was a teenager. An idea struck me: I would collect these wrappers throughout my lifetime, then open up the museum as a roadside attraction in my old age. I chose my first pieces, Nice Mice and Cinnamon Teddy Bears, and so began this journey.

My family were the first to leave the candy wrappers to me. Then the relatives. My friends caught the spirit of fun and donated pieces. Collecting became an affordable, novel way to explore the world around me, one that could turn even an ordinary shopping trip into a treasure hunt.

In 2002, inspiration struck again. Why wait until retirement? Why not open the museum right now on the internet, the ultimate “superhighway”?

注意
1. 续写词数应为150左右；
2. 请按如下格式在答题卡的相应位置作答。

Building the online museum was a massive six-month, one-person project.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

When the museum was launched, I doubted whether anyone would be interested.

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