1 . Some people believe that humans could live on the planet Mars by the year 2100. Our own planet, the Earth, is becoming more and more crowded and polluted. It is hoped that people could start all over again and build a better world on Mars. Here is what life there could be like.
At present, our spacecraft are too slow to carry large numbers of passengers to Mars — it would take months. With the development of technology, by the year 2100, the journey might only take about 20 minutes in spacecraft that travel at the speed of light! However, the spacecraft would travel really fast, so the journey to Mars might be quite uncomfortable. Many people would feel ill.
Humans can’t live without water, air or food. So far, nobody knows whether there would be enough water or air on Mars for people. Moreover, scientists are not sure whether plants could grow on Mars. Food would most probably be in the form of pills (药片) and would not be so tasty.
Compared with life on the earth, life on Mars would be better in some ways. People would have more space. They might live in houses with huge comfortable rooms. Also, robots would do a lot of their work so that they could have more time to relax. There would probably be no schools on Mars. Every student would study at online schools with “e-teachers”.
Life on Mars would be interesting and challenging. However, it may take hundred or years to make it true. So the most important thing we need to do now is to protect our beautiful blue planet — the Earth!
1. The underlined word “spacecraft” means ________.| A．spaceships | B．hot-air balloons | C．space stations | D．planes |
| A．Fast and enjoyable. | B．Fast but uncomfortable. |
| C．Slow and boring. | D．Slow but comfortable. |
| A．There would be enough water and air on Mars for people. |
| B．Food on Mars would be more delicious than that on the earth. |
| C．People would be busy with work on Mars. |
| D．The writer thinks living on Mars would be full of challenges. |
| A．Schools on Mars | B．Food on Mars |
| C．Life on Mars | D．Environment on the Earth |
2 . The Rise of “China-chic”
Over past years, guochao, or “China-chic” has been gaining popularity among Chinese consumers. Guochao conveys the cultural heritage and values of China.
The idea of guochao was first borrowed from some international brands, and began to win over Chinese consumers in 2015.
In its third stage, guochao became more common in everyday life. Over the past decade, guochao has expanded from consumer goods to experiential products. As consumers are showing greater interest in cultural identity and creativity, productions like the TV program National Treasure, and the dance show Night Banquet in Tang Dynasty Palace integrate cultural and historical elements with the latest audio-visual technologies.
Nowadays, guochao is moving to the next stage. No matter how the trend evolves, Chinese people’s positive attitude toward the country’s development and their recognition of and growing confidence in national culture won’t change.
| A．The trend grew in the following years |
| B．They give the viewers a totally new experience |
| C．The next stage saw the rise of China’s native fashion trends |
| D．It also expresses national pride and confidence in a new era |
| E．The second period of guochao mainly features hi-tech sectors |
| F．Its success will rely first and foremost on gaining cultural confidence |
| G．The concept of “Made in China” was recognized as the representation of Chinese culture |
3 . Getting motivated when you don't feel like working out is so much easier when you have a workout partner!
If you are doubting your discipline or feel like your motivation ebbs and flows(起伏), then a workout partner can make all the difference! For both of you!
With A Workout Partner, You Show Up
You set time to meet and exercise about an hour, and you are getting dressed and planning to head out soon. When you are alone, so many things can get in the way and seem more important: the laundry, the kid's needs, fixing dinner, petting the dog...
You’ll Work Harder With A Partner
You and your workout partner will have a workout plan, and you'll know what is expected for the day.
A Workout Partner Keeps You Focused
Your focus on the exercise at hand is multiplied when you have a workout partner. There is a purpose for your meeting, and it becomes clear how to make the goal a reality with consistent work. The hard work seems worth it when you have a partner who is working towards the same goal.
| A．If you have ever done, you know what I mean. |
| B．Before you know it, your planned exercise time is gone. |
| C．As a workout partner, you are a motivator and a voice of reason. |
| D．Your partner will remind you of the potential mistakes you may make. |
| E．With a workout partner, you learn how to achieve the desired results. |
| F．So it makes you more focused, knowing your time together is limited. |
| G．Your partner will push and motivate you because he or she expects the same from you! |
4 . Keeping kids busy with various activities provides them with a well-rounded social life. Growing up, I knew many teenagers who were actively involved in both sports and student government. Those teenagers all ended up going to college and graduating. This may not be the situation in all cases, but from what I have noticed, teens who stay active and do good in the community are typically the ones who deal with anxiety and depression(抑郁) better.
A 2015 study published by professor of biology Theodore Garland concluded, “If kids exercise regularly through the school years, they may be more likely to exercise as adults, which could have far-reaching positive effects on human health and well-being. Our results suggest that any positive effects of early-life exercise on adult exercise tendencies will require reinforcement(强化) and maintenance if they are to be long-lasting.” This study found that along with physical activity, having a spirit of adventure would also help improve children’s physical and mental health.
Some parents disagree. They feel that pushing a child to stay active and involved causes unnecessary stress and can have the opposite effect, making him/her hate being involved or being active. Parents also fear their children will experience failure, which they believe could lead to low self-confidence.
The key to helping the youth stay motivated is not pressuring them too hard. People who have strict parents typically rebel(反抗) or feel they will never be good enough. Keep in mind that encouraging the youth to be competitive isn’t the best thing. Some of the unhappiest people I have met are competitive. Positive reinforcement is the best way to keep people motivated.
An active and involved youth will show personal qualities that will become useful in the future. Some of these include leadership, teamwork, a healthy lifestyle, educational benefits, respect and trust, which will lead to success in the future.
1. According to the author, active teens _________.| A．get much better education | B．concentrate more on self-improvement |
| C．do well in both sports and management | D．deal with some mental problems better than others |
| A．the positive effect of early-life exercise is not necessarily lasting |
| B．physical activity helps children become more confident |
| C．early-life exercise has positive effects on relationships |
| D．school life experience has a long-lasting influence |
| A．They believe it may take a lot of time. | B．They think it is unnecessary to push kids. |
| C．They are worried about the opposite effect. | D．They are afraid it makes their children feel depressed. |
| A．The importance of trusting the youth. | B．The key to keeping the youth motivated. |
| C．The possible problem faced by the youth. | D．The reasons for helping the youth stay positive. |
5 . Volunteering to take care of neighborhood pets is a great way for kids to learn responsibility.
Ideas for getting started
Have your kids make flyers(传单) to place around the neighborhood,showcasing their willingness to help out by caring for neighborhood pets.
Helping out
Your children can volunteer for small pet-sitting jobs that are easy for both you and them to manage.
Learning opportunities
Offering activities,like animal caretaking,benefits little animals and your children at the same time.
Emotional benefits of animals
The benefits of interaction between children and animals go beyond the physical aspect,as well.
| A．Pets also meet many psychological needs. |
| B．Young children can benefit from the difficult actions. |
| C．Small tasks can allow parents to gain a sense of understanding. |
| D．Use these opportunities to teach your kids about a new creature. |
| E．Walking gentle dogs is both safe and rewarding for the young caretakers. |
| F．For the youngest child,a flyer may be as simple as a picture to which you add the words. |
| G．Speak words of appreciation and don’t forget to comment on the great job they are doing! |
6 . Research on the effects of age on language learning often leads to claims that it’s impossible to learn a language after the age of 18, yet these claims lack scientific evidence. While certain language processing functions peak during childhood, others develop later, with some even experiencing a new growth between the ages of 50 and 75.
The definition of language learning and its goals also play a significant role. If the aim is to participate comfortably in daily social interactions, research suggests that fluency in a new language can be achieved at any age with sufficient study and exposure.
Learning a language at different stages of life comes with advantages and disadvantages. Starting before the age of 10 allows for the potential of acquiring a native-like accent. However, introducing a second language to children late in verbal(言语的)development may pose challenges.
Between the ages of 10 and 18, there is a unique opportunity to intuitively(直觉地)understand grammar and develop a comprehensive and unconscious understanding of a new language’s rules. Language acquisition during this period can also boost confidence and encourage a reflective attitude towards language changes.
Studying an additional language in adulthood involves more translation and a tendency to think in one’s native language first. Language anxiety and hesitation may also arise. However, adulthood offers advantages such as peak communication skills, literary knowledge, and socio-cultural understanding.
Learning a new language at the age of 50 and above may be advantageous in terms of certain mental skills that continue to improve until the mid-to-late 70s. This age group can quickly grasp the basics of a language, although more research is needed to confirm this theory.
In summary, learning a language is a lifelong process. While certain aspects may become more challenging with age, there is no age limit that makes language learning futile. Achieving an intermediate level in a target language can be rewarding, even if some mistakes are made. Starting early can enhance phonology and grammar skills, but continued exposure and usage throughout life are vital for becoming a comfortable speaker. Ultimately, it’s never too late to start or relearn a language.
1. In which situation can one achieve fluency in a new language at any age?| A．In grammar class. | B．In writing practice. |
| C．In vocabulary research. | D．In everyday communication. |
| A．Early learning delays children’s language development. |
| B．Learning during teenage years helps build up confidence. |
| C．Learners beyond fifty can gain literary knowledge quickly. |
| D．Learning in adulthood helps to acquire peak translation skills. |
| A．Fruitless. | B．Complex. | C．Time-consuming. | D．Painful. |
| A．Why Language Learning Has Age Limits |
| B．Why Age Plays a Vital Role in Language Learning |
| C．How Language Learning Occurs at Different Life Stages |
| D．How Learning a Language Changes Depending on Your Age |
7 . If you had boarded a passenger plane in 1950, you would have seen five people in the cockpit (驾驶舱): two pilots, a radio operator, a navigator and a flight engineer. Over the years, technical advances have gradually removed the need for the last three, leaving just two pilots. That has been the norm (标准) in commercial aviation for decades.
However, things could be simplified further — one of the two remaining pilots could soon go. Many military aircraft are already manned by a single pilot, and for commercial aviation this would mean stepping into a brave new world.
But how will airlines make this brave innovation come true? One way is to greatly increase automation in the cockpit, devoting more tasks to computers. Another is to shift the same tasks from the cockpit to the ground. “The latter approach seems to be more workable, at least in the short term, because much of what is required already exists,” says Patrick Smith, an airline pilot flying Boeing 767 aircraft. “A trained ground operator could observe a number of flights at once and even fully control the plane remotely if needed.”
It’s true that single-pilot operations could help airlines save money, but there is another reason which makes them quicken their pace for this crucial breakthrough. Boeing predicts a need for 600,000 new pilots in the next two decades, but by some estimates, there will be a deficit (赤字) of at least 34,000 pilots globally by 2025. Reducing the number of pilots on some crews or aircraft could lessen the impact of this.
Perhaps the biggest barrier to a single pilot will be selling the idea to passengers. In 2019, Don Hairis, a professor at Coventry University, conducted a survey on the prospect of flying on an airliner with just one pilot. Just a minority of participants said they’d be willing to take that flight, and the general idea was that removing a pilot increased the possibility of accidents. In the study, Harris concluded that the single-crew airliner would be still probably 20 years away.
1. What is the potential trend in commercial aviation according to the text?| A．It will make air travel eco-friendly. |
| B．It will switch to single-pilot operations. |
| C．It will tighten its flight control for safety concerns. |
| D．It will bring in many military aircraft to the industry. |
| A．Raising the standards in admitting new pilots. | B．Making pilots adaptable to different situations. |
| C．Using computers to automate the flight process. | D．Gaining piloting support from ground operators. |
| A．The shortage of pilots. | B．The need for new airlines. |
| C．The airlines’ brave innovation. | D．The financial problem airlines face. |
| A．The prospect of single-crew airliners is bright. |
| B．It's urgent that airlines reduce airplane accidents. |
| C．Passengers are willing to try new types of airplanes. |
| D．Airlines have a long way to go before the innovation occurs. |
8 . How to Read a Poem
You’ve selected the poem you want to read — congratulations! Now it’s time for the business of reading it.
Examine the title and the shape
Read the poem as you normally read anything
Reading poetry doesn’t require a clever approach; you can read as you’d read anything else. On the first pass through, absorb whatever it is that arises upon first impression.
Next, try reading the poem out loud or search for readings of the poem online. This is where the music of a poem emerges, and you can feel the shape of each word and line as you move through it.
Add context to paint a full picture
Finally, return to the poem context.
| A．Re-read for sound |
| B．Re-read for meaning |
| C．Dig into the author’s history |
| D．Notice where in the poem you react |
| E．Look for where the poem offers a moment of surprise |
| F．Before you start a poem, you should first read the title |
| G．Long messy forms might mean it’s coming from a place of confusion or anger |
9 . Textspeak is an informal term for the abbreviated (缩写的) language used in text messaging and other forms of electronic communication. In the digital age, it’s common to hear how textspeak is ruining language. Some people argue that technology has made us lazy about how we speak and write.
Of course, language does change when it’s used digitally. Textspeak is an evolution of language. It’s even the focus of a field of linguistics (语言学) called CMC, which is committed to the study of interaction facilitated by technology like computers, mobile phones and tablets.
Contrary to the idea that these innovations are aggravating language, CMC demonstrates a creative repurposing of symbols for technology. These swift and clever evolutions illustrate the flexibility of language and its capacity to communicate meanings not relating to words.
People have been complaining about language being “ruined”. In A.D. 63, for example, a Roman scholar complained that students of Latin were writing in an “artificial language”. In fact, this writing was a new language that would become French! Similarly, in 1871, the then-president of Harvard University said,“Bad spelling, incorrectness, inelegance of expression in writing, and ignorance of the simplest rules of punctuation... are far from rare among the young who are well-prepared for college studies.”
Today, people are able to communicate rapidly using a wide variety of tools and technologies. Perhaps no linguistic development better indicates changes in the ways we communicate than the popular emoticon (表情符号). It is a visual representation of a smiley face turned sideways. Although an emoticon may look like a smile, a frown or any number of facial expressions, it doesn’t really represent a face. Instead, it’s intended to convey a feeling, such as “I’m happy” or “just joking”.
So, far from ruining language, the example indicates how people can now communicate complex feelings in a simple manner. This kind of change is perfect for our modern, fast-paced world.
1. What can be learnt about “textspeak” from the text?| A．It has ill effects on language. |
| B．It is ruining language in the digital age. |
| C．It is a visual representation of facial expressions. |
| D．It is an evolution of language and communication. |
| A．Language changes and adapts to new technologies. |
| B．Language has become more rigid with technology. |
| C．Language is being corrupted by modern innovations. |
| D．Technology has made us lazy in our use of language. |
| A．Simplifying. | B．Opposing. | C．Worsening. | D．Shortening. |
| A．Indifferent. | B．Favorable. | C．Doubtful. | D．Objective. |
10 . The Suez Canal (苏伊士运河),which connects the Mediterranean Sea (地中海) and the Red Sea, opened in 1869. It helps speed world trade between the East and the West. But the man-made waterway has also helped speed the rise of other things, such as non-native species, which have damaged the Mediterranean’s environment and caused native species to disappear.
The number of non-native species has risen since the Suez Canal was widened in 2015. The “New Suez Canal” has raised concerns in many Mediterranean countries.
Bella Galil is an Israeli biologist who has studied the Mediterranean for over 30 years. She noted that the widening and deepening of the Suez Canal had created a “moving aquarium” of species. These species could make coastal waters almost unusable for human beings. Galil believes the number of invasive species has reached 400, which is twice the number from 30 years ago.
Scientists in Mediterranean countries from Turkey, Tunisia to Lebanon share the same concern. But some Egyptians don’t consider the environmental concerns as serious. They said only 5% of the invaders are a problem and that invasive species can be helpful by “replacing species that are overfished”. They don’t think that the widening of the canal is responsible for the increase in invasive species; they say the increase was caused by rising water temperatures and wastewater from ships.
The Suez Canal Authority runs the canal. Canal officials say they are closely watching the movements of sea species. They say they are requiring ships to take action to avoid carrying species from one side of the canal to the other. And they are trying to keep salt levels high in the Bitter Lakes to block invasive species out. Galil, however, questions whether these will be enough to protect the native species. “One day we will wake up to a complete and irreversible (不可逆的) change and know that there was something we could have done about it, if only it had been done on time,” she said.
1. What does the first paragraph show?| A．Seeing is believing. | B．Man will conquer nature. |
| C．Let nature take its course. | D．Every coin has two sides. |
| A．Its environment is worsening. | B．It connects Mediterranean countries. |
| C．It is widened to include more species. | D．It is to protect endangered native species. |
| A．The results of overfishing. |
| B．The decrease of native species. |
| C．The cause of the increase in invasive species. |
| D．The meaning of the widening of the Suez Canal. |
| A．Uninterested. | B．Doubtful. | C．Supporting. | D．Understanding. |
