1 . In general, the society is becoming one of giant enterprises directed by a bureaucratic (官僚主义的) management in which man becomes a small, well-oiled cog in the machinery. The oiling is done with higher wages, well-equipped factories and piped music, and by psychologists and “human-relations” experts; yet all this oiling does not change the fact that man has become powerless, that he does not wholeheartedly participate in his work and he is bored with it. In fact, the blue-collar and the white-collar workers have become economic puppets who dance to the tune of automated machines and bureaucratic management.
The worker and employee are anxious, seemingly because they might find themselves out of a job or they would say that they are unable to acquire any real satisfaction or interest in life. In fact, they feel desperate as they live and die without ever having confronted the fundamental realities of human existence as emotionally and intellectually independent and productive human beings.
Those higher up on the social ladder are no less anxious. Their lives are no less empty than those of their subordinates. They are even more insecure in some respects. They are in a highly competitive race. To be promoted or to fall behind is not a matter of salary but even more a matter of self-respect. When they apply for their first job, they are tested for intelligence as well as for the right mixture of submissiveness and independence. From the moment on they are tested again and again by the psychologists, for whom testing is a big business, and by their superiors, who judge their behavior, sociability, capacity to get along, etc. This constant need to prove that one is as good as or better than one’s fellow-competitor creates constant anxiety and stress, the very causes of unhappiness and illness.
Am I suggesting a return to the pre-industrial mode of production or to nineteenth-century “free enterprise” capitalism? Certainly not. Problems are never solved by returning to a stage which one has already outgrown. I suggest transforming the social system from a bureaucratically managed industrialism in which maximal production and consumption are ends in themselves into a humanist industrialism in which man and full development of his potentialities — those of all love and of reason — are the aims of social arrangements. Production and consumption should serve as means to this end, and should be prevented from ruling man.
1. By “a small, well-oiled cog in the machinery”, the author expresses the idea that man is _________.| A．an essential part of society with irreplaceable functions |
| B．expected to work in reasonable harmony with the rest of society |
| C．an unimportant component of society, though functioning smoothly |
| D．responsible for the smooth running of society and business operations |
| A．they are filled with an overwhelming fear of being unemployed |
| B．they don’t have any genuine satisfaction or interest |
| C．they have to face the fundamental realities of human existence |
| D．they lack a sense of independence and productivity |
| A．caution | B．obedience | C．commitment | D．optimism |
| A．To introduce the production mode of our ancestors. |
| B．To show the problematic situation in society. |
| C．To argue for full development of human potentials. |
| D．To help people escape production and consumption. |
2 . It was a warm evening in August in 1995. Robert Blocker was driving to Yale University after being appointed as the university’s Dean (院长) of Music. He didn’t expect to see many people, but a couple of students met him and showed him around.
“When I looked at the history of the university and how people are devoted to the school’s art programs, I was honored by the chance to work there. I could not wait for the next day to start my job. And that excitement never changed because every day was different. My job as dean was not scheduled. I walked around the campus and students talked to me. I went to rehearsals (排演) by the students and teachers and got inspired by them,” he adds.
After nearly three decades as the Dean of Music at Yale, the 77-year-old retired from the position on Aug 31. Also an expert pianist, he remains a professor of piano at the music school, as well as professor of leadership strategies at Yale School of Management. Among his countless contributions as dean, Blocker developed long-term relationships with fellow musicians in China. He once toured cities, including Shenzhen, Shanghai and Hangzhou, giving lectures to the youngsters.
“China is a very special place for me. I am very happy to be back after the pandemic (疫情) to meet my friends and colleagues,” Blocker says, adding that he is particularly excited about being with young students.
Yang Suxian, director of the Shenzhen Piano Music Festival, says, “He has been very supportive and has participated in the Shenzhen Piano Music Festival for years, even during the pandemic.”
Blocker’s vision of a more hopeful world is reflected in his belief that music bridges the understanding between people.
“Music brings hope. People may speak different languages and have different ideas but music speaks to each other’s heart, and that’s why we keep this work going on and why the work never ends,” he says, “Our job is to let music heal the world by allowing us to understand and find a common place in our hearts.”
1. How did Robert Blocker feel after being appointed as the university’s Dean?| A．Anxious. | B．Thrilled. | C．Terrified. | D．Challenged. |
| A．Teaching leadership skills. | B．Reviving art programs of the school. |
| C．Giving concerts when touring cities in China. | D．Organizing rehearsals for students and teachers. |
| A．To advertise the festival in Shenzhen. | B．To stress Robert’s preference for music. |
| C．To review the hardships during the pandemic. | D．To show Robert’s care about Chinese musicians. |
| A．Spreading music to the whole world. |
| B．Translating music into a common language. |
| C．Helping people to reach an agreement on music. |
| D．Guiding people to know themselves better through music. |
Marco stared at the blank canvas (油画布) spreading out before him, its stark whiteness almost laughing at his sudden lack of inspiration. He was in his final year of high school, and his art portfolio (画集) was fast approaching its due date in a week. This canvas was meant to be his masterpiece, the crown jewel of his collection, but all his ideas seemed to escape the moment he stood before it. “What’s wrong with me? What should I do?” Marco murmured to himself.
Having grown up in the bustling city of New York, Marco had always found beauty in the chaos. The harshness of roaring cars, the colorful palette of street art, the symphony of diverse tongues and the odd behaviors of the passengers-all served as inspirations for his art. Yet, now, when it mattered most, he found himself lost.
Upset and distressed, Macro walked out, longing to run across something unexpected. Unaware of the duration of his wandering through the streets of the city, Marco chanced upon a small, hidden park he had never noticed before. It was a pocket of quiet amid the urban uproar, which attracted Marco immediately. An old man sat on a bench, feeding pigeons that flocked around him in a dance of fluttering wings.
The old man noticed Marco’s thoughtful gaze and gestured him over. They struck up a conversation aimlessly as if they had been old friends for a long time. In their talk, everything was full of interest from life to art. At last Marco confided (倾诉) his artistic block to the old man. The old man listened intently before offering a piece of wisdom. And then, the old man stood up slowly and patted Marco’s shoulder softly. “Sometimes, the best inspiration comes from the places we least expect. Look beyond what you see.” The gentleman said in all earnestness.
要求:
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The next day, Marco returned to his canvas.
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The time presenting his portfolio came soon.
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4 . Fashion house Alabama Chanin has a new line of organic cotton clothing made from its own cotton field. It’s not just an experiment in keeping production local but also an attempt to bring back to life the tradition of clothes-making in the Deep South.
Alabama Chanin, the fashion and lifestyle company founded by Natalie Chanin and Billy Reid, is best known for her flowing, made-to-order organic garments (衣服), entirely hand-made and inspired by the rural South of the 1930s and ‘40s’. “It’s not just ‘factory work’,” Chanin says. “This is a skill that’s dying out in this country. ” “It’s part of the nation’s ‘cultural sustainability to preserve these things’,” Chanin says, “to be able to make our clothes.”
Her business partner, K. P. McNeill, is the one who first thought about growing their own cotton. The ideas of going from field to garment made Chanin think of how generations ago, manufacturing was of a vertical (纵向的) affair. Could that be done today? And organically? They came up with a plan to test it. Reid says it meant no artificial chemicals. “A lot of the weeds had to be pulled by hand. It’s not just your normal cotton operation that’s automated,” Reid says.
Chanin holds a piece of ivory-colored cloth made from the hand-picked cotton grown in the Alabama field. “I’ve never seen cotton quite as clean and clear as this,” Chanin says, “I don’t think people have seen that since cotton was really a driving factor of destruction in this country.”
Chanin says this project is about transforming cotton into something more modern. “I mean, cotton has an ugly history. It has built fortunes, it’s destroyed nations, it’s enslaved people,” says Chanin. “But to me this cotton is part of making a new story for cotton.”
1. What do we know about Alabama Chanin?| A．It just focuses on the ready-made suits. |
| B．It preserves traditional craftsmanship. |
| C．It leads the way in the fashion industry. |
| D．It ensures sustainable economic growth. |
| A．To highlight production efficiency. |
| B．To question the cotton’s cleanliness. |
| C．To contrast cotton’s historical image. |
| D．To praise the cotton of high quality. |
| A．Fashion keeps changing all the time. |
| B．A bad reputation often ruins tradition. |
| C．Honoring the past builds the future. |
| D．Modernization easily beats tradition. |
| A．From Cotton Field to Garment |
| B．Creating Clothes That Do Matter |
| C．From Old Times to Modern Days |
| D．Launching a Fashion Movement |
5 . AQ, or Adversity Quotient (逆商), refers to an individual’s capacity to effectively navigate and overcome adversities. It shares similarities with concepts such as resilience (应力) and persistence. Those with a high AQ have the ability to bounce back after facing setbacks.
Adaptability to shifting circumstances
Similar to how creatures in the natural world must adapt to survive, individuals in the professional realm must also embrace change. Individuals with high AQ understand that change is constant and inevitable, and instead of resisting it, they embrace it as an opportunity for growth and development.
Emotional stability is a crucial quality when facing adversity. Individuals with a high AQ possess the capacity to manage their emotions effectively, ensuring that they do not get overwhelmed by negativity or despair. They remain calm under pressure and approach problems with a clear and rational mindset.
Positive Mindset
High AQ individuals maintain a positive and optimistic outlook on life. They usually view adversities as temporary hurdles and believe in their ability to overcome them.
Problem-Solving Skills
| A．Ability for self-management. |
| B．Capacity for emotional regulation. |
| C．Cultivating AQ is essential for personal growth. |
| D．Such individuals often exhibit the following qualities. |
| E．High AQ individuals excel at finding effective solutions. |
| F．They actively pursue growth through challenging situations. |
| G．Their ability to adapt enables them to overcome diverse challenges. |
6 . Once upon a time a little leaf was heard to sigh and cry, as leaves often do when a gentle wind is about.
And the twig (细枝) said, “What is the matter, little leaf?”
And the leaf said, “The wind just told me that one day it would pull me off and throw me down to lie on the ground!”
The twig told it to the branch on which it grew, and the branch told it to the tree. And when the tree heard it, it rustled all over, and sent back word to the leaf, “Do not be afraid; hold on tightly, and you shall not go till you want to.”
And so the leaf stopped sighing, but went on nestling and singing. Every time the tree shook itself and stirred up all its leaves, the branches shook themselves, and the little twig shook itself, and the little leaf danced up and down merrily, as if nothing could ever pull it off.
And so it grew all summer long until October.
And when the bright days of autumn came, the little leaf saw all the leaves around becoming very beautiful. Some were yellow, and some scarlet, and some mixed with both colors.
Then it asked the tree what it meant. And the tree said, “All these leaves are getting ready to fly away, and they have put on these beautiful colors because of joy.”
Then the little leaf began to want to go, and grew very beautiful in thinking of it, and when it was very bright, it saw that the branches of the tree had no color in them, and so the leaf said, “Oh branches, why are you lead color and we golden?”
“We must keep on our work clothes, for our life is not done; but your clothes are for holiday...”
Just then a little puff of wind came, and the leaf let go without thinking of it, and the wind took it up, and turned it over and over, and whirled it like a spark of fire in the air, and then it fell gently down under the fence among hundreds of other leaves, and began to dream — a dream so beautiful that perhaps it will last forever.
1. Why was the little leaf anxious?| A．It would lose the twig soon. | B．It would be blown off by the wind. |
| C．It couldn’t nestle on the tree. | D．It would fly away from the tree. |
| A．The tree taught the leaf to be merry. | B．The branches are the nest of the leaf. |
| C．The tree was strong to fight against the wind. | D．The little leaf conquered its fear and anxiety. |
| A．The leaf was changing its color for holiday. | B．The branches were of tired of the leaf. |
| C．The leaf was on the way to falling off. | D．The branches were jealous of the leaf. |
| A．Every dark cloud has a silver lining. | B．Everything on earth goes with the law of nature. |
| C．The grass is always greener on the other side. | D．Life is of high value but freedom is more precious. |
The Book of Songs is the
The Book of Songs is rich in content,
All the poems included in The Book of Songs fall into three sections—poems
The opening poem of The Book of Songs, Cooing and Wooing (《关雎》), is about love, which
By riverside are cooing
A pair of turtledoves;
A good young man is wooing
A fair maiden he loves.
Through these lines, the poet expresses the man’s longing for
As the beginning of ancient Chinese poetry, The Book of Songs enables people to have a better understanding of Chinese civilization. Moreover, it is also
8 . In October 2023, 3-year-old Journey Castillo completed a quest to visit all 63 of America’s national parks. Her parents, Eric and Valerie Castillo, said she is likely the youngest person to reach that milestone.
The family, from San Antonio, Texas, ended their travels with a trip to Katmai National Park and Preserve in Alaska. “Mission complete,” they wrote on Instagram. “After three years of adventure, countless logistics work and not giving up, we could not be more proud to share the conclusion of our quest.” Journey hasn’t been officially verified as the youngest traveler to visit all 63 parks. But more important than the title, her parents say, is the experience.
“Our thing was: ‘Let’s… inspire in Journey a passion for nature, inspire in her that she can handle the strenuous parts of the traveling: the environments, the weather changes, different cultures.” Valerie Castillo told The Guardian’s Ramon Antonio Vargas.
Before she could walk, Journey Castillo’s parents set out to visit every national park in the U.S. They hiked up Pikes Peak and explored Rocky Mountain National Park, all with an infant in tow. As far as they could tell, Journey seemed to enjoy herself.
“We could see her little eyes open and take it all in,” Valerie Castillo told the San Antonio Express-News last year. “She was so aware, even being a few days old. She’s adapted so well.”
They then ventured to Grand Canyon National Park — and decided to keep going. They set a goal of visiting 21 parks by Journey’s first birthday, then 42 parks by her second birthday. Eventually, they decided to go for all 63 parks. The family has been documenting every step of the way on Instagram and their website, Journey Go Explore.
Reaching the last few parks on their list — all in Alaska — required lots of logistical management, including renting flights, ferry rides, and even special permission from the National Park Service to visit a seasonally closed park. Though their visit was challenging at times, the Castillos say it helped their daughter develop confidence. Journey walks fearlessly through airports and happily greets park rangers. “When she’s out at these parks, she comes to life, and her personality brightens up,” Eric Castillo said.
1. Why did Journey Castillo’s parents take her to visit all America’s national parks?| A．To inspire others to be more active. |
| B．To document their travels on Instagram. |
| C．To inspire a passion for nature in Journey. |
| D．To break a record as the youngest traveler. |
| A．identical | B．appealing | C．mild | D．challenging |
| A．She was uninterested in the surroundings. |
| B．She adapted well and seemed to enjoy herself. |
| C．She preferred staying indoors with her parents. |
| D．She only enjoyed specific environments and attractions. |
| A．Shy and introverted. | B．Reliable and anxious. |
| C．Fearful and splendid. | D．Enthusiastic and confident. |
9 . Show Biz Summer 2023
Location: Rosewood Center for Family arts
Important Information:
● Tuition paid on the first day of class.
● No tuition refunds (退款) for not attending the class.
● Please accompany students to the first day of class.
● Registration begins one and half an hour before class time.
How To Register:
● Mail: fill out the form on the last page, black ink only.
● Be sure to list the class and group that you want & the dates.
| Drama Days—$175 Entering Grades: Group A: 1st-2nd Group B: 3rd-5th Time: July 2-July 6 ● Create the situations and scenes ● SHOWTIME—invite family and friends to your Friday Showcase! ● Bring a sack lunch and drink each day! |
| Hot Comedies—$175 Entering Grade: 5th Time: July 23-July 27 ● Tell a joke! Learn why old jokes can be the best! ● Work with your class to put on a Comedy Show for family and friends! |
| Acting—Just Acting—$225 Entering Grades: Group A: 1st-2nd Group B: 3rd-4th Time: August 4-August 8 ● Start with the characters: Who are you? Be the Star of your Dreams. ● Work with your class to create the plot. |
| Summer Scenes—$225 Entering Grades: 5th-6th Time: August 11-August 15 ● Do you want to be an actor? ● Improve your skills with instructions from professional actors & directors. |
| A．tuition must be paid before July 2 |
| B．there will be refunds if you miss the class |
| C．registration begins half an hour before class time |
| D．students had better not go alone on the first day |
| A．Drama Days. | B．Acting-Just Acting. |
| C．Hot Comedies. | D．Summer Scenes. |
| A．A brochure. | B．A research paper. | C．A textbook. | D．A health magazine. |
10 . Undersea Adventures
This unique activity is a must-do and you don’t even need to know how to swim. Walk on the seabed using underwater helmets (头盔) or ride along under the waves on scooters (轻便小车). Children from 1.2 metres tall can walk on the seabed using helmets and the minimum height for the scooters is 1.4 metres tall. It is a unique experience that the whole family can do together. Just book with a deposit (订金) and pay the rest on the day of the activity.
What is included
Pick-up from your hotel in the Ayia Napa/Protaras areas;
All equipment;
Professional instruction, safety briefing and dive guidance;
2.5 hours’ experience including 30 minutes’ diving.
What is not included
Photos of the dive (available to purchase if you’d like);
Snacks and refreshments.
Before you go
You may be required to complete a health questionnaire before you dive;
Minimum age/height requirements: Helmets — width of shoulders 32 cm and height 120 cm, minimum age 6 years old; Scooters — height 140 cm and minimum age 13;
Diving is in small groups of up to 6 people with helmets and up to 4 people on the scooters;
No previous experience is necessary;
Available every morning and afternoon from May to October, weather permitting. Please book at least 48 hours in advance.
Tickets
Scooters cost €57 and include a deposit of €12;
Helmets cost €47 and include a deposit of €12 (For adults);
Helmets cost €37 and include a deposit of €7 (For children);
No paper tickets are required for this tour;
Emergency-contact number will be sent with your confirmation email.
1. What can be learned about the activity?| A．It demands full payment in advance. | B．It is suitable for children of all ages. |
| C．It enables tourists to walk or ride underwater. | D．It provides free photography services for tourists. |
| A．To spend at most 2 hours underwater. | B．To book at least two days ahead. |
| C．To take their own food and drink. | D．To have rich experience of diving. |
| A．€ 36. | B．€ 121. | C．€ 131. | D．€ 151. |
