1 . Which movie does the man speak highly of ?

A．Marina’s Ocean.

B．Pavement Song.

C．Umbrella.

2 . 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。

In the small coastal town of Brighton, the community    1     (come) together every summer to celebrate their unique heritage and culture. This year’s festival, was more special as it    2     (mark) the town’s 200th anniversary. The event    3     (kick) off with a grand parade featuring colorful floats and costumes, each    4     (represent) different aspects of Brighton’s history.

Local artists and craftsmen    5    set up booths along the main street, proudly displayed their handmade goods, drawing admiration from visitors and locals alike. Among the attractions, the most popular    6     (be) the traditional dance performances,     7     (showcase) the town’s rich cultural diversity.

The highlight of the festival was the seafood cook-off, where the    8     (good) chefs in Brighton competed to create dishes using the freshest catch from the sea. The aroma of cooking filled the air,     9     (tempt) everyone to taste the delicious creations.

As the sun set, people gathered at the beach where a bonfire was lit up, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Stories and laughter were shared, and it had become evident that the festival was not just a    10     (celebrate) of the town’s past, but also a reinforcement of the strong community bonds that had been formed over generations.

3 . On July 15, a small community in Colorado witnessed an extraordinary act of bravery during a fierce wildfire. Firefighter John Smith should have_______his shift hours earlier, but his_______to stay saved a family’s home from destruction. His_______came from a commitment to protect his community.

As reported by local news, Smith was nearing the end of his_______when he noticed a house in the path of the advancing flames. Without hesitation, he_______to the scene, aware that every second counted. He quickly assessed the situation and realized that with_______assistance, he might save the house.

He_______and grabbed a hose, battling the flames with intense focus. After hours of relentless effort, he managed to contain the fire, preventing it from spreading to the nearby_______area.

Once the danger had passed, the homeowners were_______and couldn’t express enough gratitude to Smith. They knew that their home would have been reduced to ashes without his_______efforts.

As for Smith, he remained_______about his heroic actions. “I was just doing my job,” he said modestly. In his view, it was not a_______, but rather a duty. “Anyone in my_______would have done the same,” he added.

Though Smith and the family were_______before the incident, they have since formed a strong bond. Smith may not have won any official_______, but his act of selflessness and courage won the hearts of the entire community.

1.

A．started

B．left

C．extended

D．finished

2.

A．refusal

B．decision

C．ability

D．plan

3.

A．hesitation

B．inspiration

C．motivation

D．limitation

4.

A．shift

B．break

C．journey

D．vacation

5.

A．rushed

B．returned

C．retreated

D．relented

6.

A．additional

B．minimal

C．expert

D．immediate

7.

A．called for help

B．evacuated

C．geared up

D．ran away

8.

A．residential

B．commercial

C．industrial

D．agricultural

9.

A．overwhelmed

B．disappointed

C．indifferent

D．ungrateful

10.

A．timely

B．risky

C．minimal

D．delayed

11.

A．humble

B．proud

C．indifferent

D．surprised

12.

A．challenge

B．achievement

C．routine

D．adventure

13.

A．position

B．team

C．community

D．family

14.

A．competitors

B．strangers

C．colleagues

D．neighbors

15.

A．reward

B．promotion

C．recognition

D．prize

4 . Abstract art, a genre often misunderstood and deeply involved in argument, challenges the traditional norms of visual representation. It resists simple explanation, making viewers connect with the artwork in a more thoughtful and emotional way. This style of art, eschewing (避开) literal depiction, instead uses shapes, colors, forms, and gestural marks to achieve its effect.

The genesis of abstract art can be traced back to the early 20th century, a period marked by rapid technological advancements and significant societal changes. Artists began to move away from realistic portrayal, seeking new ways to express the complexities of the modern world. Pioneers like Wassily Kandinsky and Piet Mondrian broke away from traditional techniques, favoring a more subjective approach that emphasized inner feelings over external realities.

Kandinsky, often hailed as the father of abstract painting, believed that art should be free from the constraints of representational accuracy. He advocated for the use of color and form as tools to evoke emotion, asserting that they possessed an intrinsic spiritual value. Mondrian, on the other hand, focused on reducing art to its basic elements – a style he termed Neoplasticism (新塑造主义). His compositions, characterized by horizontal and vertical lines intersecting at right angles, sought to achieve a sense of harmony and balance.

In the ensuing years, abstract art evolved into various movements and styles, each offering a unique perspective on the non-representational aesthetic. Movements like Abstract Expressionism, led by artists such as Jackson Pollock and Mark Rothko, emphasized the creative process and the physical act of painting. Pollock’s drip paintings, made by spreading and dripping paint onto the canvas, showed the movement’s lively and energetic nature.

Despite its evolution, abstract art has often been met with skepticism. Critics argue that its lack of clear, recognizable forms makes it inaccessible to the general public. However, proponents of abstract art contend that its value lies in its ability to transcend language and cultural barriers, offering a universal form of expression that connects with the viewer on a subconscious level.

The impact of abstract art extends beyond the confines of the art world. It has influenced various fields, including architecture, design, and fashion, underscoring its significance as a revolutionary force in the realm of creative expression.

1. What distinguishes abstract art from traditional art forms?

A．Its focus on realistic portrayal.

B．Its emphasis on historical themes.

C．Its reliance on technological tools.

D．Its use of non-representational elements.

2. How did Wassily Kandinsky view the role of color and form in art?

A．As means to achieve representational accuracy.

B．As tools to evoke emotional and spiritual responses.

C．As elements secondary to the subject matter.

D．As techniques to enhance visual complexity.

3. What was the primary goal of Piet Mondrian’s Neoplasticism style?

A．To depict modern technological advancements.

B．To capture the dynamism of urban life.

C．To reduce art to its basic elements for harmony and balance.

D．To experiment with new painting materials.

4. Why has abstract art been met with skepticism?

A．Because of its inaccessibility and lack of recognizable forms.

B．Due to its complex and complex themes.

C．Owing to its focus on naturalless and dynamism.

D．Due to its limited influence on other creative fields.

5 . Explore the Enchanted Forest Trail Park in Oregon! This beautiful park is a haven for nature lovers, offering miles of hiking trails through lush(繁茂的) forests, alongside sparkling streams, and past breathtaking waterfalls. It’s an ideal spot for bird watching, photography, and enjoying the serenity of nature.

Why Enchanted Forest Trail Park:

The park boasts a variety of trails ranging from easy walks to challenging hikes, catering to all levels of experience. Visitors can explore the famous Whispering Pines Trail, the scenic Lakeview Loop, or the adventurous Rocky Ridge Path. The park is also known for its rich biodiversity, including rare plant species and wildlife.

Park Facilities:

Visitor Center with maps and guides

Picnic areas with grills

Camping sites (reservation required)

Guided nature walks every Saturday at 9:00 am

Guided Nature Walks:

The guided nature walks are led by experienced naturalists who share fascinating insights about the local flora and fauna. The walks cover the lower part of the Whispering Pines Trail and last about 2 hours. Walks begin at the Visitor Center.

1. What is a key attraction of the Enchanted Forest Trail Park?

A．Water sports activities.	B．Diverse hiking trails.
C．Amusement park rides.	D．Golf courses.

2. What facility is available for park visitors?

A．A swimming pool.	B．Horseback riding trails.
C．Picnic areas with grills.	D．A ski resort.

3. Where do the guided nature walks start?

A．Lakeview Loop.	B．Rocky Ridge Path.
C．Visitor Center.	D．Camping sites.

6 .    Lots of kids like to talk about sports, but Joseph D’Avirro talks about sports like a professional host in a show called Sliders & Curveballs. The 9-year-old from Newington, Connecticut is a natural at sports talk and has been broadcasting the show—which is about baseball, basketball and other sports—with his dad, Mike D’Avirro, since September 2019.

   The D’Avirro started the broadcast after two former college roommates of Mike died, which made Mike want to spend more time with his son. Then the idea came to him. So far, they have done about 50 programs. Joseph’s favorite is when the father-and-son team interviewed Jim Calhoun, the coach leading the Connecticut Huskies to three national titles. They have also interviewed important sports authors.

   The father and son make about one 30- to 40-minute podcast each month. They prepare for the podcasts by deciding on the questions they want to ask the guest. Joseph asks half of the questions, and Mike handles the other half. Joseph reads his questions again and again to get them in his brain well. It is a lot of work, but Joseph says it is “a lot more fun than homework”. Joseph has also learned to speak up and speak clearly. He has to listen and to go with the flow of the conversation. For example, he said, “If the guest is talking about sports in the 1990s, you have to think about sports in the 1990s.”

When asked how long he and his dad will continue doing the show, he answered, “Until my dad starts growing gray hairs.” Joseph has other ambitions when he grows up—to be a sports player, a sports broadcaster or to own a basketball team. Those are big dreams, but Joseph is already living a dream: talking sports and spending time with his dad.

1. What is Joseph’s show about?

A．Some talk shows on sports.

B．Ways to get along with parents.

C．Stories about famous sports players.

D．Sports that his family loves playing.

2. What inspired Mike to start the show with his son?

A．His son’s talent for sports.

B．His wish to be a host since college.

C．The deaths of his college roommates.

D．The encouragement from his roommates.

3. What does Joseph think of memorizing his questions?

A．It’s as boring as homework.

B．It’s challenging to his brain.

C．It takes a lot of time but means a lot.

D．It’s more interesting than homework.

4. What is the best title for the text?

A．A rising sports broadcaster

B．A long road to go to success

C．The father-and-son team hosts

D．Joseph D’Avirro’s big dream

7 . 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。

One day many years ago, 60-year-old Gladys Hankerson picked up the phone to give her sister, who lives in Maryland, a call. But she accidentally called the wrong number, dialing a 401 area code instead of 410. Mike Moffitt, in his 20s, was the one who received Gladys’ call. He politely let the sweet lady from Florida know she’d called the wrong number. “I’m so sorry, child!” she exclaimed and quickly hung up.

But then, sometime later, Gladys misdialed Mike again. It happened several times more, with Gladys apologizing each time for calling the wrong number. Mike didn’t mind a bit. And he eventually stopped Gladys from hanging up to ask who she was and where she lived.

It turned out that Gladys’ 30-year-old son had just died. And she was also going through a divorce. And though she’d called the wrong number, the kindness from this absolute stranger was just what she needed. The time this young man took out of his day to chat with Gladys meant the world to the woman. And she eventually told Mike about the struggles she was facing in her personal life. After that, this sweet woman was calling specifically to chat with her new friend. It wasn’t just Gladys who felt the special connection. Mike enjoyed the chats, too.

For Gladys, Mike was no longer a wrong number. Instead, she began intentionally dialing him every couple of weeks to check in on him. And these two people who started out as absolute strangers, separated by age and many miles, grew to become friends.

“When I’m talking to him, I can feel the love,” Gladys explained. And for Mike, the wrong number put another motherly figure in his life. He pointed out Gladys would sometimes call when Rhode Island got snow. “She would watch my weather, almost like my mom does,” Mike said.

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。

For over 20 years, the two had only ever spoken on the phone.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

So a week later, Mike turned up unexpectedly at Gladys’ house.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

9 . “Angela, do you think the United States will elect a female president in your lifetime?” Years ago, this was the last question of the last interview for a scholarship that I didn’t win. I shook my head “no”. As the interview ended, I sensed that I’d given an answer the committee found disappointing. “Yes, of course there will be a female president in my lifetime, and I hope I have your vote.” Maybe they wanted me to say this assertively.

Where does the bravery to set ambitious goals and strive for them come from?

In a previous study, an experimenter did a series of “car impact experiments”. The experimenter placed a toy car in the middle of the platform and placed obstacles on each side of the car. If the car collided (撞击) with the obstacle on the left, the car would light up. If it collided with the obstacle on the right, there would be no response.

The experimenter invited children to observe him playing two sides of “collision games”. After that, the children were asked to play this game. It was found that all children specifically hit the left obstacle because it would make the car give out light. Through this experiment, we can understand that children will not imitate (模仿) all of your actions, but only your “successful” actions. So we need to be sure they have a good example.

In a more recent study, it is found that the closer the person was to the child, the more willing the child was to imitate. Likewise, college students who are assigned to teaching assistants of similar race or ethnicity were more likely to attend office hours and discussion sections. This match also led to improving student performance in sequenced courses.

Don’t assume that children can he anything they want when they grow up. So go out of your way to expose the young people to inspiring role models they can relate to, whether it’s an Olympic athlete or a local entrepreneur. And now that we have our first female vice president, can the first female president be far behind?

1. Which of the following words has the same meaning as “assertively” in paragraph 1?

A．Confidently.

B．Casually.

C．Shamefully.

D．Cautiously.

2. What can we learn from the previous study?

A．Role models can help kids do all they want.	B．Children should act as the experimenters do.
C．Role models can help children set good goals.	D．Children like to learn from adults’ behaviors.

3. What motivated the college students to be more active in discussion?

A．Their love for the follow-up courses.	B．Their teaching assistants encouragement.
C．Their passion for improving performances.	D．Their willingness to imitate the closer person.

4. What is the best title of the text?

A．What you do is more important than what you say	B．What you see helps you realize what’s possible
C．Can a female be elected as the president of the US?	D．Who is the most successful role models in life?

10 . The spotlight shines brightly on the dancers as they gracefully leap across the stage. But what sets this performance apart from others is not just the skill and grace of the dancers but the unique and meaningful use of recycled materials in their costumes and set design.

The famous Japanese ballet company, K-Ballet, recently showed their new production “Plastic”, which aims to raise awareness about the global plastic pollution crisis. The costumes worn by the dancers are made from used bubble wrap, the stage is surrounded by four massive walls constructed from recycled plastic bottles, and even the 100 umbrellas used in the performance were found abandoned in the streets of Tokyo.

The dancers, including guest star Julian MacKay, look like space-age creatures with hand-cleaned plastic bottles tied to their bodies as they dance on stage. MacKay, from the United States, notes that the issue of plastic waste “really hasn’t gotten that spotlight” in the dance world and believes that the performing arts can inspire people to take action.

The problem of plastic waste is a pressing one. According to the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), plastic waste has doubled globally in the past 20 years, and only 9 percent of it is successfully recycled. The United Nations predicts that the volume of plastic entering the oceans will nearly triple (成为三倍) by 2040.

K-Ballet plans to keep its costumes and set design for at least a year with the hope of restaging the show and after that, the bottles will be recycled by Shirai, a waste management company. The chow’s experience and message moved audience members who attended the performance. Ayumi Kisaki, a 30-year-old actor, said, “It’s an issue I don’t usually think about. But these dancers highlighting the issue of plastic call me and all of us to find ways to recycle and reuse the plastic.”

1. How did K-Ballet draw the public’s attention to its “Plastic”?

A．By applying new equipment and set design.	B．By exhibiting new plastic products on the stage.
C．By creatively using recycled materials in dance.	D．y inviting American dance star Julian MacKay.

2. What can he inferred from Julian MacKay’s comment about “Plastic”?

A．It is the best art in the dance world.	B．It is a pressing show to the audience.
C．It will inspire more people to take up dancing.	D．It integrates art with environmental protection.

3. What’s the function of paragraph 4?

A．Introduce another topic of the text.	B．Add some background information.
C．Provide some advice for the readers.	D．Summarize the previous paragraphs.

4. What does Ayumi Kisaki think of the performance of “Plastic”?

A．Impressive.

B．Entertaining.

C．Depressing.

D．Logical.