1 . Here are some ways to introduce classical music to your children.

●When you read a story to your children, pick out a classical music piece that matches the emotion of the book.     1     After getting used to reading in time with the music, tell your children you have a special surprise for them. Read them the story in the new way, and they will surely be delighted!

●If your kids are always moving around, try introducing classical music to them by dancing. Instruct your children to listen to the music and dance however the music makes them feel. Parents dance with them!     2    

●Before your kids begin playtime, make a list of classical music pieces with the name of the person who wrote it.     3     Tell them something about the person they picked to listen to. Before long, your children will have a basic knowledge of the person who wrote the piece.

●    4     Make sure your children listen to the music and create their picture to however the music makes them feel. Once everyone is finished, listen to the music again and explain your creations.

●You can pick out three pieces of music to play during the week.     5     At the end of the week have a listening game to see who can remember the name of the piece when you play it. Games are always a fun way to introduce learning concepts.

A．Have your children pick one.

B．Practice reading the story out loud with the music.

C．Mix up the music and see how your children react.

D．Classical music can be fun, and not boring to listen to.

E．Tell your children the name of the piece every time you play it.

F．Make sure you tell your children what the piece is and who wrote it.

G．While you and your children paint, play different classical music pieces.

2 . The Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2023 was awarded to three American scientists Moungi G. Bawendi, Louis E. Brus and Alexei I. Ekimov “for the discovery and development of quantum (量子) dots”. They are so tiny that their size determines their properties. These smallest components of nano (纳米) technology now spread their light from televisions and LED lamps, and can also guide surgeons when they remove cancer tissue, among many other things.

Everyone who studies chemistry learns that an element’s properties are governed by how many electrons (电子) it has. However, when matter contracts to nano-dimensions quantum phenomena arise; these are governed by the size of the matter. The Nobel winners in Chemistry 2023 have succeeded in producing particles so small that their properties are determined by quantum phenomena. The particles, which are generally known as quantum dots by scientists, are now of great importance in nanotechnology.

“Quantum dots have many fascinating and unusual properties. Importantly, they have different colours depending on their size,” says Johan Åqvist, Chai r of the Nobel Committee for Chemistry.

Physicists had long known that in theory size-dependent quantum effects could arise in nanoparticles, but at that time it was almost impossible to sculpture in nanodimensions. Therefore, few people believed that this knowledge would be put to practical use.

However, in the early 1980s, Alexei Ekimov succeeded in creating size-dependent quantum effects in coloured glass. The colour came from nanoparticles of copper chloride (氯化铜) and Ekimov demonstrated that the particle size affected the colour of the glass via quantum effects. A few years later, Louis Brus was the first scientist in the world to prove size-dependent quantum effects in particles floating freely in a liquid. In 1993, Moungi Bawendi revolutionised the chemical production of quantum dots, resulting in almost perfect particles. This high quality was necessary for them to be used in applications.

Quantum dots are thus bringing the greatest benefit to humankind. Researchers believe that in the future they could contribute to flexible electronics, tiny sensors, thinner solar cells and quantum communication — so we have just started exploring the potential of these tiny particles.

1. Why was the Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2023 awarded to 3 American scientists?

A．They discovered quantum size.	B．They discovered nanotechnology.
C．They discovered quantum effects.	D．They discovered and improved quantum dots.

2. What does the underlined word “particles” in paragraph 2 probably refer to?

A．Quantum dots.

B．Spots.

C．Atoms.

D．Grains.

3. Who discovered nearly faultless quantum dots?

A．Moungi Bawendi.

B．Louis Brus.

C．Alexei Ekimov.

D．Johan Åqvist.

4. What can we infer from the Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2023?

A．Innovation is the most important thing.

B．Practice is the only criterion for testing truth.

C．The development of science and technology is endless.

D．Technology from quantum dots is constantly improving.

4 . Google Flights reveals new feature to help travelers save money

Regular users of Google Flights might notice a new feature the next time they go to the site to check out airline schedules and compare flight prices.

The new feature officially announced on Monday morning in a news release is Google guidance on the cheapest time to book a flight, which adds price tracking alerts and a price guarantee option already in place.

Cheapest time to book: Google Flights said starting this week, searches that have reliable trend data will let users see in what time frame prices have typically been lowest. Users can then better decide whether to book now or later, Google said in the release.

Take flights from New York to Miami, for example, the cheapest time to book is usually from Sep 13 to Dec 7. Prices during this time are $59 cheaper on average.

Price tracking: Users who want to wait for lower fares before booking can use a price tracking feature that “can do most of the heavy lifting for you,” Google said.

Price guarantee: On some flight results, users might notice a price guarantee badge (标志) pop up (this won’t happen on every use). If you book one of these flights, Google said it will monitor the price every day before takeoff.

“If the price does go down, we’ll pay you back the difference via Google Pay. These price guarantees are part of a pilot program available for select Book on Google itineraries (行程) departing from the U. S.,” Google said in the release.

1. Which is the cheapest time to book a flight from New York to Miami?

A．August 19.

B．September 20.

C．December 8.

D．January 11.

2. What is the function of Google Flights’ new feature?

A．Get your money back.	B．Pay back the difference.
C．Monitor the price before flights take off.	D．Make sure you can get the cheapest flight.

3. In which section of a newspaper may this text appear?

A．Science.

B．Entertainment.

C．Travel.

D．Education.

6 . Exploring China is not easy even for experienced travelers, but the history instructor Jessica Gerard from Ozarks Technical Community College (OTC) knows from experience the trip is worth it. Since 2008, she’s led five groups of students across China to study its culture and history.

Gerard often reminds interested students that the trip is not a vacation—it’s an academic (学术的) course. “Anyone interested in the trip must take an online course about the history of China before they can go,” she said. “And, most importantly, students continue to learn while in China. They’re expected to listen to guides, keep a diary and write about their experiences afterward.”

OTC student Ross Weis believed his experiences in China easily transcended (超越) anything he could have learned in the classroom. In fact, it was his long-held interest in China that led him to ask about the trip after seeing a poster in the OTC library. “I’ve always been drawn to China and its rich culture and history,” Weis said. “My dad studied history in college, and I suppose that has some influence on me.”

Of all the cities and historical sites Weis visited, he said nothing could top his experience at the Great Wall. “I’d read about the Great Wall and seen it on TV, but it is so different to go there and actually experience it,” he said. “It wasn’t as worn as I had expected it to be. That was pretty cool.”

Every OTC group Gerard has taken to China has been led by her trusty tourist agent, Jim Lieu. Gerard plans her trips directly through Lieu, who keeps travel costs down for students. “Lieu and I have an excellent relationship with one another. He always knows what I want for my students, and I know what he can do,” said Gerard. “He sincerely believes that in order to build stronger communities and a better world, people around the world should get to know each other through travel.”

1. Why did Gerard organize travel to China for her students?

A．To help students relax after exams.	B．To get students interested in travel.
C．To teach history in a productive way.	D．To give an interesting life experience.

2. What should the students do before their trip to China?

A．Take a course online.	B．Consult a native guide.
C．Show their anxiety.	D．Share their preparation.

3. What made Ross Weis take the trip to China?

A．His passion for travel.	B．His interest in China.
C．His teacher’s invitation.	D．His father’s inspiration.

4. Which of the following best describes Jim Lieu?

A．Brave.

B．Patient.

C．Helpful.

D．Humorous.

7 . Dragons, a famous imaginary beast born from fantasy, are often present in stories in the west and east. In both cultures, dragons are generally recognized as massive creatures capable of flight. They have great power and are often associated with magical abilities. However, due to their different cultural roots and images, there exist significant differences in the way dragons are regarded in the west and east, particularly in China.

Chinese dragons most resemble snakes, and have four claws and no wings. They often have features of other animals, including carp, tigers, and eagles. In the contrast, Western dragons look like huge lizards with big claws and large bat-like wings, and are often shown with spines or rough scales.

In traditional Chinese culture, a dragon is a symbol of luck, power and high status. They can cause weather changes and bring rainfall to the fields to ensure rich harvests. They are considered divine (神圣的) creatures, which hold an important position as the head of the four spirits. Therefore, to symbolize their power, ancient Chinese emperors decorated their clothes with dragon patterns. These clothes are known as dragon robes. Many Chinese view the dragon as a national symbol, proudly referring to themselves as “descendants of the dragon”. In the west, however, a dragon symbolizes an evil creature that spreads violence and terror throughout the land. They are believed to be transformed by the devil, with the ability to breathe fire or spit poison. Many western tales show dragons being defeated and killed to protect people from danger.

Today, dragons continue to evolve, exceeding traditional boundaries and finding new significance in global culture. They are no longer associated with evil or good, but rather as complex characters with their own unique personalities and motivations. For example, Toothless from How to Train Your Dragon begins as a dangerous dragon but evolves into a misunderstood being with love and compassion. This challenges the idea of dragons as naturally evil, presenting them as complex beings with emotions and motivations.

1. What do western dragons and eastern dragons have in common?

A．They have rough skin.	B．They are huge and powerful.
C．They are in the shape of snakes.	D．They have big claws and wings.

2. What do we know from paragraph 3?

A．Western dragons are a symbol of authority.

B．Dragons in China can protect people from danger.

C．Chinese dragons can control rainfall and breathe fire.

D．Dragons are believed to cause chaos in western culture.

3. What is new about dragons in today’s global culture?

A．They are regarded as adventurous creatures.

B．They are closely associated with evil or good.

C．They have more diverse emotions and personalities.

D．They tend to represent human spirits facing challenges.

4. Which of the following is the best title for the text?

A．The Dragon Elements in Global Culture

B．The Origin of Dragons in Chinese History

C．The Magical Animals in Different Countries

D．The Images of Dragons in Western Traditions

8 . The Africa Sourcing and Fashion Week held in Ethiopia in November attracted over 5,000 visitors. Though the number is not extremely high, the continent is becoming a new global fashion leader, according to a UNESCO report.

Although most African fashion businesses are small and medium-sized enterprises (企业), the report identified a growing number of high-fashion brands concentrated in key markets on the continent. What makes African fashion unique is its authenticity (真实性), according to Kenyan designer Aulga Nato. “If you check most fashion houses elsewhere in the world, they have done so much that they have less creativity in what they are putting out now. Africa, on the other hand, is rich in cloth. We are huge cotton growers, and we are rich in every single way. That’s our fashion,” she explained.

Africa is a major producer of raw materials (原材料) for the fashion industry, with 37 out of 54 African countries producing cotton and textile exports from the continent averaging $15.5 billion (about 110.2 billion yuan) a year. The continent also has a huge animal population from which it sources animal skins. However, there’s a huge shortage of chemicals to make the materials needed to treat the leather (皮革) from animals used in the clothing industry. And the continent still faces challenges related to the movement of people.

Despite these challenges, African designers are giving their best to their work and leading the world in sustainable fashion and practices. African governments have also taken measures to help designers in achieving their aims. It seems that their efforts have paid off. After checking clothing exhibits at a fashion event, Ghanaian exhibitor Solomon Dodoo noticed that every single cloth is unique and there are no two pieces of cloth that look alike.

1. What makes Africa have an unusual fashion?

A．Its increasing tourism.	B．Its huge cotton production.
C．A report from the UNESCO.	D．The authenticity of its fashion.

2. What challenge does African fashion face?

A．A great need for animal skins.

B．Lack of chemicals for treating leather.

C．The development of cotton production.

D．Shortage of creativity among designers.

3. Why do African designers overcome challenges successfully?

A．They are supported by African governments.

B．They abandon unique and sustainable fashion.

C．They lead the world in the clothing industry.

D．They check clothing exhibits at a fashion event.

4. What is the best title for the text?

A．African Fashion is Popular in the World

B．African Designers Face Difficulties in Fashion

C．African Countries Have Materials for the Fashion Industry

D．Africa’s Advantages Promote Its Fashion Industry’s Success

10 . Diving in the ocean, marine biologist Erika Woolsey has seen how coral reefs (珊瑚礁) are being damaged by climate change. It has made her decide to find a way to share her experience —including those who can’t easily explore the ocean.

Through her non-profit, The Hydrous, Woolsey is using virtual reality to bring the ocean to everyone. Scientists, filmmakers and divers are taking people on immersive (沉浸式的) virtual dives, attracting attention to reef damage and expecting action to protect our sea. About 25% of marine species depend on coral reefs. However, climate change, pollution and overfishing have done harm to around half the world’s shallow water coral reefs.

Twenty years of underwater exploration has given Woolsey a detailed understanding of the dangerous situations facing reefs. “I’ve seen this first-hand shift. Healthy colourful coral reefs become what look like the moonscape step by step,” Woolsey says.

It is through this experience that The Hydrous team set out to recreate with their award-winning film Immerse. Intended to watch with a VR headset, viewers join Woolsey for a nine-minute guided virtual div e on the coral reefs, immersed in a 360-degree underwater view.

They swim alongside sea turtles and sharks before witnessing the worsening of the reefs. The experience often brings out strong feelings. “As soon as people take off that headset and look me in the eye, they want to tell me a story about their ocean experience,” Woolsey says. “It’s that human connection to our ocean that will solve our ocean problems.”

Woolsey hopes advances in camera technology will allow her team to take more and more people to places in the ocean that are underexplored and places further away from human civilization. They are developing a virtual experience that will put the people in the role of a marine biologist, carrying out biodiversity surveys underwater, and even transporting the viewers to space to monitor global sea surface temperatures.

1. Why did Erika Woolsey set up The Hydrous?

A．To collect money for ocean protection.

B．To let the public know about coral reefs better.

C．To help people enjoy the ocean’s beauty.

D．To encourage people to protect the ocean.

2. What does the underlined word “shift” in Paragraph 3 probably mean?

A．change.	B．experience.
C．material.	D．scene.

3. What can people know through the immersive dive?

A．The story about the ocean.	B．The situation of coral reefs.
C．The connection with sea life.	D．The way to protect the ocean.

4. What does Erika Woolsey hope to do in the future?

A．To bring more fun during the lockdown.

B．To train talents for environment protection.

C．To help people learn more about the ocean.

D．To discover more places that need protection.