1 . National Geographic Film Concert: Secrets of the Whales

This month, the Jack Singer Concert Hall will invite audiences into the underwater world of legendary photographer Brian Skerry and producer James Cameron in National Geographic Film Concert: Secrets of the Whales on May 26-28. With none other than Jann Arden, celebrated musician, actor and author, as a guest commentator guiding audiences into the complex and fascinating families, culture, and play that reveal the secret lives of whales, the whole experience is brought to life by a full orchestra (管弦乐队) and world-class conductor Anthony Parnther.

Called “visually appealing” by The New York Times, this concert presentation brings the most powerful moments of the Emmy-winning Disney+ series together, transporting audiences into the lives of five different whale families as they adapt to ecological changes to their habitats.

“Secrets of the Whales was the most ambitious project of my career as a photographer. If we could see the ocean and our planet through the lens (镜头) of the culture of another species, that could change our view of the natural world and our relation to it,” says Skerry. “Those connections, the communities and the cultures the whales share all mirror human culture, but sometimes we forget about that.”

Brian Skerry has spent nearly four decades exploring and documenting the world’s oceans. He spent more than three years in 24 locations shooting footage for the four-part series Secrets of the Whales. Now, with the most powerful moments selected, the documentary has been edited for this live, two-hour concert performance. Projected on a high-definition screen, the rich filmography and sweeping score is brought to life by a 40-piece orchestra. Join Arts Commons Presents for this worldwide event, in the Jack Singer Concert Hall al Arts Commons. Get your tickets today at artscommons.ca/whales.

1. What will Jann Arden act as in the film concert?

A．Explainer.

B．Musician.

C．Conductor.

D．Director.

2. What is the project aimed at?

A．Advertising the concert.	B．Researching human culture.
C．Protecting animals’ habitats.	D．Understanding nature better.

3. How long did Skerry spend filming the documentary?

A．Two hours.	B．Four days.
C．Over three years.	D．About four decades.

2 . In today’s fast-paced world, where screen time is a fact of life, the thought of taking your kids to an art gallery — and them actually enjoying the experience — might seem a thankless and impossible challenge.     1     Surely a child won’t have the patience to stare at something outside the screen.

In fact, art galleries serve as invaluable educational and instructional resources. They invite young viewers to interpret and connect with the artwork on a personal level. This exposure not only broadens their artistic horizons but also encourages them to appreciate different ways of seeing the world. So art galleries are packed with nutrition for mind, heart, and soul. But many kids are picky eaters, and take galleries as appetising as yesterday’s porridge (粥).     2    

Allow your children to fit in on their own terms. Who said that walking around a gallery bad to be slow and methodical, stopping to look at every picture?     3     If they want to head straight for a certain display, it’s no big deal. If something catches their eye on the other side of the room, far away from the Picasso or Constable in the spotlight, that’s absolutely fine.

While it might sound like I’m not being an art enthusiast, the particular work of art is simply not important. What really matters is that children build a connection with art.     4     Involve older children, either with or without a reward, in simple quizzes such as, “Who can guess the artist?” or, ”Who can identify the period it was made?”

    5     Ask questions such as, “What exhibit did you find most exciting or boring?” or, “How did that painting make you feel?” and discuss your different impressions of the same works. As an added bonus, it will deepen the connection between you and your children. By taking this approach, art is no longer dull but something alive and relevant to young people, and even a rewarding and fascinating pursuit that will last a lifetime.

A．You can make it into a game.

B．How can they find enjoyment?

C．It always enhances their interest.

D．Instead, let them control the pace.

E．Talk to children in the language of emotions as this also works.

F．Limiting your visit to 45 minutes is perfect for stopping boredom.

G．After all, galleries are for quiet reflection and observation, right?

3 . The color blue is very rare in nature, with fewer than one in 10 plants sporting the common human favorite. To present this color, they have to perform tricks to make themselves blue to the human eyes. In some lowers like bluebells, it primarily occurs when naturally occurring pigments (色素) are mixed the way you can mix different paints to change the color.

For blueberries, the blue comes on the naturally produced thin layer of wax (蜡) on their skin, which often serves as a self-cleaning coating or for added protection in the plant kingdom. “The blue of most fruits is in their pigmented juices. That isn’t the case with blueberries,” says Rox Middleton, co-author of a study published in Science Advances.

In the study, Middleton and his team examined the wax of a blueberry using an electron microscope. They found that the layer of wax is composed of tiny structures that work by scattering (散射) blue and UV light from the sun, while absorbing most of other colors of light. The arrangement makes the berries appear blue to humans and blue-UV to birds and other species that can see UV light, despite not having blue pigments in the waxy skin itself.

To look closer, they removed the outer wax and reshaped it on a black card. They created a new blue-UV coating and removed a very thin substance that creates color called a colorant from the skin. “The colorants scatter blue and UV, letting the other colors pass through without absorption,” says Middleton. “That’s why it’s so important that there are dark pigments underneath to ‘mop up’ the rest of the light. If there was a bright pigment or white scattering material underneath, that light would come through, and the color would look mixed or washed out.”

The study does show that nature has developed a “really neat trick” in the form of a very thin layer for an important colorant. Reproducing this colorant in the lab could make a way for new methods of creating pigments.

1. How do bluebells present blue to humans?

A．By blocking natural light.	B．By combining the pigments.
C．By changing the outer colour.	D．By producing various paints.

2. What did Middleton’s team discover about the wax layer on blueberries?

A．Its colorful pigments.	B．Its internal mechanism.
C．Its chemical changes.	D．Its unique components.

3. Which of the following can replace the underlined phrase “mop up” in paragraph 4?

A．Mix.

B．Reflect.

C．Recognize.

D．Absorb.

4. What is a suitable title for the text?

A．The Science Behind Plant Colors	B．The Invisible Pigments Of Blueberries
C．Technically, Blueberries Aren’t Blue	D．Indeed, Color Blue Is Human Favorite

4 . In recent years, much of my life as a consumer has shifted to what I like to call background spending as I`ve subscribed to more apps and streaming platforms.

While this explosion of subscriptions was sold to me on the idea that it would make my life more convenient, there was a certain sticker shock I felt upon discovering how much I was spending without realizing each month—after I’d already spent it, of course. You see, the thing about background spending is that it tends to happen, well, in the background without your full attention. And there lies the point.

“Hand over your credit card details and let us take care of the rest,” these companies promise us. But by agreeing to this trade, we’ve become passive consumers who are allowing the balance of capital to tilt(倾斜)away from us. It’s understandable why this model of subscription service is so inviting for businesses. Subscriptions offer the promise of “selling once and earning forever.” And while subscription services have been around for decades, more customers have been willing to sign up thanks to the popularization of smartphones. But while these subscriptions promise ease and happiness, not all of us are satisfied.

Last year, C+R Research asked 1,000 people to estimate how much they pay for their subscriptions before having them figure out this spending. They found the average monthly spend was more than 2.5 times of that people guessed.

If we’re going to rebalance the wheels of capital just a little, we could support a recently proposed rule from the Federal Trade Commission(FTC). In March, the agency suggested a “click to cancel” item that would require companies to make it just as easy to end a subscription as to sign up for one. Additionally, businesses would need to remind subscribers annually about their membership before these are automatically renewed.

If all that doesn’t work, I have another idea: an app designed to keep track of your various subscriptions and background spending. Oh wait, those already exist— for a reoccurring fee, of course.

1. What does subscribing to more apps bring about to the author?

A．Data leak.	B．Overloaded phones.
C．Cost increase.	D．Unwilling purchases.

2. What can we learn about the subscription service from paragraph 3?

A．It is business friendly.	B．It guarantees customer satisfaction.
C．It is specially customized.	D．It encourages reasonable consumption.

3. What does FTC advise businesses to do?

A．Text sign-up reminders.	B．Lower subscription spending.
C．Set automatic renewal mode.	D．Simplify canceling procedures.

4. How does the author feel about background spending?

A．Powerless.

B．Dismissive.

C．Appreciative.

D．Tolerant.

5 . When Jean Armour Polly, a former librarian, first introduced the idea of having computers in libraries in the early 1980s, she was met with pushback. “People teased and said, Why would you go to a library to use a computer?” she said. Even when the Internet rolled around, many librarians felt they were supposed to be the only gatekeepers of knowledge and information.

Polly got interested in the potentials of technology early on. In the mid-1970s. she had taken free computer classes. In 1981, Polly managed to secure an Apple II Plus into Liverpool Public Library in New York, she helped it create its own bulletin board system. By 1992, libraries were offering free internet to the public, a year after the first website was introduced to the public.

Since the Internet was hard to use back then, Polly along with local librarians would help library-goers take their baby steps online. “We didn’t have all the graphic interfaces (界面) like we have now, and we didn’t even have Google. So you really needed somebody to hold your hand,” Polly said. Polly would also go around attending library conferences about the Internet, excitedly speaking to anybody who would listen about the resource.

Wilson Library Bulletin, a library magazine. asked Polls to write a beginner’s article foe librarians explaining what the Internet was and how to use it. She needed a good metaphor as to what navigating the Internet felt like in the early days. Her mousepad happened to have a picture of a surfer and said “information surfer”, a phrase that was already floating around. The words just clicked for her. “Surfing the Internet” was published in the summer of 1992, quickly becoming viral as a catchphrase after Polly put the article up online.

In 2019, Polly was admitted into the Internet Hall of Fame for promoting the use of computers in public libraries.

1. What was people’s attitude to having computers in libraries according to paragraph 1?

A．Disapproving.

B．Indifferent.

C．Unclear.

D．Favorable.

2. What did Polly do to promote the use of computers in libraries?

A．She introduced Google to libraries.

B．She offered services to internet beginners.

C．She provided free computer classes for the public.

D．She organized conferences to publicize the Internet.

3. How did Polly come up with the phrase “surfing the Internet”?

A．She searched for some hot words online.	B．She got the clue from a magazine article.
C．She got the inspiration from her mousepad.	D．She got the idea from her surfing experience.

4. Which of the following best describes Polly?

A．Talented and modest.	B．Ambitious and grateful.
C．Pioneering and creative.	D．Considerate and generous.

6 . Join us as we explore the most photogenic roads in the world! The road experts at Instarmac take a look at some of the world’s most famous roads on Instagram and advise which is the best to help make your feed look fantastic!

Route 66

Even though Route 66 was officially removed from the US Highway System almost 40 years ago, it remains one of the world’s most popular and culturally significant roads. A must-visit for any road trip enthusiast, Route 66 is the most-Instagrammed road in the world, with over 2. 1 million posts using the hashtag (标签) #route66.

Great Ocean Road

Stretching for 150 miles across Australia’s south-easterly coast, the Great Ocean Road is the world’s largest war memorial, making it a painful and beautiful expedition. Built between 1919 and 1932 by Australian soldiers on their return from the First World War. the Great Ocean Road links the towns of Torquay and Allansford.

Wild Atlantic Way

One thousand six hundred miles long, the Wild Atlantic Way travels across much of Ireland’s west coast and is Europe’s most westerly road. With panoramic (全景的) views stretching out over the Atlantic Ocean, this winding road is home to stunning natural rock Formations like the Cliffs of Moher and Slieve League, as well as historic man-made features like the lighthouse at Fanad Head and the Baltimore Beacon.

Big Sue

One of the world’s most beautiful coastlines is Big Sur, an California’s Central Coast. The Bit Sue Coast Highway is home to a number of extremely Instagrammable features. Well worth a visit for the mad-tripper, particularly if you can get there in the quieter months outside of the school or summer holidays!

1. Which road was built in memory of a historical event?

A．Route 66.	B．Big Sur
C．Wild Atlantic Way.	D．Great Ocean Road

2. What is special about Wild Atlantic Way?

A．It is the longest coastal road.

B．It lies on Ireland’s eastern coast.

C．It travels across much of Europe.

D．It features natural and artificial scenery.

3. What do the roads Route 66 and Big Sur have in common?

A．They both are coastal roads.

B．They appeal to road trip lovers.

C．They bear traditional cultural value.

D．They remain part of the US Highway System

7 . Short-form videos now dominate our social media feeds, with TikTok, Facebook and Google all fighting for our attention—but there can be only one winner.

What makes the videos strange is that they make people wildly addicted. Hit on a video, and you’ll find yourself flipping through dozens of short clips. I know from personal experience what this feeling is like. I’ll take a break and hit on one short clip and, well, the next time I look up, it’s 20 minutes later and the blank document on my computer monitor is reminding me that my work still hasn’t been done. However, as silly as it seems, short-form videos are actually super important, and are at the centre of a major battle between the world’s largest tech firms.

The format was first pioneered by TikTok— the Chinese-owned video app that has taken the world by storm since its launch in 2016. As TikTok has continued to boom, Facebook has emaly fallen in popularity. The reason TikTok has proven such a powerful challenger to Facebook’s social media dominance is almost entirely down to these sorts of short-form videos.

So you can understand why Facebook and other firms like Google wanted a piece of the action. Facebook first launched Reels globally almost exactly a year ago to try and take a share at this market. Even Google was nervous. launching its own TikTok-style video section of YouTube. And behind the scenes. the company has strong-armed some of the biggest video makers on its platform to start making Shorts.

Why are all three companies fighting so intensely over this form of video? Ultimately it’s because in the end it is likely that there will only be one winner. Whichever company can grow is short-form video business. the fastest is likely to end up with a big slice of our screen time and all of the profits that come with it

As things stand, though TikTok currently maintains a healthy lead in the category. both Google and Facebook have deep pockets-so expect to see even more Reels and Shorts popping up in your feed as this intense fight proceeds.

1. What can we learn from the author’s experience in paragraph 2?

A．Short videos seem silly.

B．He complained of work load.

C．Short videos are addictive.

D．He makes videos every day.

2. What did Google do to compete with TikTok?

A．Spread Reels globally.	B．Cooperate with Facebook.
C．Use the videos of TikTok.	D．Launch Shorts on its platform.

3. What can we infer from the last paragraph?

A．TikTok will win the battle.

B．Reels and Shorts are taking the lead.

C．Facebook and Google lack financial support.

D．Google and Facebook are strong competitors to TikTok.

4. What is the purpose of this text?

A．To explain a concept.	B．To advertise social media.
C．To introduce a phenomenon.	D．To recommend short videos.

8 . Think Better, Live Better (TBLB) is the go-to event for YOU, if you are serious about taking action to reclaim your happiness and realize your true potential (潜能). If you want to attend a life-changing conference filled with world-class experts who care, this is it! Don’t simply wonder if there’s a better way, just join in the TBLB conference! Here are the replies to the common concerns.

Tickets for the entire weekend experience begin at $399 (VIP tickets are accessible for $499). A ticket can ensure you to get direct access to Marc and Angel and all speakers throughout the weekend who are there to help you and access to all the keynotes and workshops. Because all seating is allocated (分配) to individual attendees at this event, all tickets sold are final. We have worked with the Catamaran Resort to provide discounted room rates to our attendees. Rooms will be $199/night. You will receive the reservation link once your TBLB tickets have been bought.

TBLB main events take place from Friday, February 9^th to Sunday, February 11^th (which includes opening parties, special events, and all main-stage sessions). For the planners out there, it will be best to arrive in San Diego on Friday, February 9^th and leave on Monday, February 12^th for the complete TBLB experience. If you can’t come for that long, at least make sure that you’re there by Saturday morning (8: 30am), the 10^th, and leave no earlier than Sunday evening (5:00 pm), the 11^th.

If you have additional questions or concerns, we’re happy to help. Please email Angel at angel@marcandangel.com.

1. What is the purpose of the text?

A．To inform the schedule of the TBLB main events.

B．To answer the frequently asked questions of TBLB.

C．To encourage readers to keep up high spirits in daily life.

D．To tell the prices of the ticket and accommodation of the event.

2. What is known about the TBLB ticket?

A．It can be returned before the meeting.

B．It can help you enjoy a discounted room.

C．Booking it in advance can save money.

D．Getting it is difficult for common people.

3. How long will the TBLB main events last?

A．1 day.

B．2 days.

C．3 days.

D．4 days.

9 . Kurt, one of Australian most respected and recognized athletes, has won over 40 marathons, including New York, Chicago and London, in his career of more than 20 years. He became the first athlete with a disability to win The Don Award-given to honor those whose achievements inspire the whole nation — in the Sport Australia Hall of Fame in 2018.

Kurt has always been determined. Being born without the lower part of his spine (脊椎) has never held him back, from backyard games of football to crewing an attractive Sydney to Hobart ship and winning dozens of marathons around the world.

Growing up in a large and loving family in the small town of Carcoar, Kurt was encouraged to make the most of every opportunity, and he did. He took on almost every challenge presented to him, encouraged by his parents. He even managed to move himself on his elbows up and down hills at an early age.

Turning his attention to wheelchair sports in his teens, Kurt quickly became a world beater. He started his career with two silver medals at the 2000 Sydney Paralympic Games, before making his winning breakthrough at the 2004 Athens Paralympics with gold medals in the 5,000m and marathon races. Following the 2004 Paralympics, Kurt conquered the world, winning seven world championships and more than 30 marathons around the globe.

Kurt is a person who supports the rights of people with disabilities. He throws himself into a number of charitable activities. For example, in 2009, Kurt spent two weeks crawling (爬) the 96 kilometer Kokoda Track to raise awareness and money for people’s health charity.

While Kurt’s athletic career is over, his commitment (投入) to sports and support for people with disabilities live on in so many different forms. Kurt believes that people with disabilities should be given more opportunities.

1. What does paragraph 1 tell us about Kurt?

A．He contributed a lot to American spirit.	B．He is the most popular marathon athlete.
C．He is the first athlete to win the Don Award.	D．He is a disabled athlete with great achievements.

2. What can we learn from paragraph 3?

A．Kurt’s living conditions were poor.	B．Kurt’s parents were strict with him.
C．Kurt’s tough life inspired his creation.	D．Kurt’s childhood saw his determination.

3. Who will benefit from Kurt’s charitable activities probably?

A．A sick teenager.

B．A blind boy.

C．An injured athlete.

D．A potential champion.

4. What does Kurt’s story tell us?

A．Learn to walk before your run.	B．Ups and downs make one strong.
C．Become the light and warm others.	D．Disability is a force for great progress.

10 . Human voices cause considerably more fear in wild animals than the sound of lions, a study in South Africa has found.

The Kruger National Park is a popular safari (观兽旅行) destination and is known for its diverse wildlife. Scientists played recordings of people talking normally through speakers hidden at water holes in the Kruger National Park. About 95% of animals were extremely frightened and quickly ran away. Surprisingly, recordings of growling lions brought about significantly less alarm. Some elephants, in response to the big catcalls, even attempted to face the source of the sound.

The human speech they chose to play included local languages commonly spoken in the country. The study’s findings suggest that the animals, which include antelopes, elephants, giraffes, leopards and wild pigs, have learnt that contact with humans is extremely dangerous, due to hunting, gun use and the use of dogs to catch them.

Over the years, the encroachment (入侵) of human settlements into wildlife habitats and hunting have led to a deep-seated fear of humans among wildlife. The fear goes beyond the Kruger National Park, showing a global pattern where wildlife tends to fear humans more than any other enemies, according to the study. This fear of humans is a challenge for areas that rely on wildlife tourism, as the human visitors they want to attract are scaring off the animals they have come to see.

The study opens up the potential to protect weak species in these ecosystems. Human sounds, when used appropriately, could help protect wildlife against illegal hunting. This research also highlights the great importance of respectful and responsible wildlife tourism. One thing is clear: the need for a balanced approach to wildlife conservation and tourism has never been greater. As we step into their world, we must remember that we are visitors and that they are rightful inhabitants.

1. How was the study conducted in paragraph 2?

A．By making comparison.	B．By raising questions.
C．By studying the recordings.	D．By presenting previous researches.

2. Why are the animals alarmed about human voice?

A．The voice of human is scary.	B．Human presence threatens them.
C．Human beings are stronger than them.	D．They are sensitive to the sounds in nature.

3. What will the animal’s fear of humans lead to according to paragraph 4?

A．Human visitors will be safer.	B．Animal species will be reduced.
C．Wildlife tourism will suffer loss.	D．Wild animals will be more dangerous.

4. What is the significance of the study?

A．Illegal hunting can be prevented.	B．Wildlife habitats will get enlarged.
C．A new way to protect wildlife is inspired.	D．The balance between human and nature is strengthened.