1 . Norman Rockwell didn’t create his celebrated images using only brush and paint. They often took shape first as scenes that Rockwell literally acted out, not only for his editors at the Saturday Evening Post, but for his real-life models, too. “It was difficult,” he once explained, “but I felt it was the best way to get across my meaning.” And so he would enthusiastically play out his visions and ideas, a one-man show packed with just the right expressions, giving enough details of each character in the scene to inspire his models and more importantly, get his editors to buy his ideas.

Now, more than 30 years after his death, Rockwell is still acknowledged for skillfully documenting the best of 20th century American life with drawings of simple emotions inspired by everyday people. To create his detailed recollections of everyday American life, Rockwell worked much like a film director, not just acting out the scenes in his imagination, but looking for locations, casting everyday people from his town for particular parts.

The recognition he received strongly proves Rockwell’s superior skills as a storyteller and is the subject of another kind of one-man show: the upcoming exhibition at the Smithsonian American Art Museum in Washington, D.C., titled Telling Stories: Norman Rockwell from the Collections of George Lucas and Steven Spielberg. The exhibit, gathered together from the private collections of these two popular film directors, will feature rarely viewed pieces of Rockwell’s artworks.

That concentration of information as well as emotion is something essential in Rockwell’s art. Emotion certainly spoke to Steven Spielberg when he first saw one of his favorite Rockwell paintings, High Dive, the August 16, 1947 Post cover that describes a boy at the top of what must be a towering diving board. He crouches (蹲伏) high above a swimming pool, too afraid to either jump or climb back down. The painting hangs in Spielberg’s office at Amblin Entertainment because it holds a great deal of meaning for the filmmaker.

1. How did Norman Rockwell successfully influence his editors?

A．By performing his ideas.	B．By hiring more models.
C．By donating his paintings.	D．By drawing actual events.

2. What were the subjects of Rockwell’s works?

A．Film directors.	B．Folk storytellers.
C．Natural landscapes.	D．Ordinary citizens.

3. What may the boy in the painting High Dive inspire the viewers to do?

A．Develop artistic skills.	B．Learn how to act out.
C．Appreciate nature.	D．learn to swim.

4. What is the author’s purpose in writing the text?

A．To introduce an exhibit.	B．To recommend a painting.
C．To remember an artist.	D．To explain a cultural phenomenon.

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。

A Great musician Brings Ancient Chinese Sounds to London

On the afternoon of the second Saturday of every second month, Cheng Yu dresses in traditional Chinese attire(服装)and takes a guqin and pipa to a special gathering she started in London 20 years ago. Cheng is a master of the two instruments who was trained at Xi’an Conservatory of Music before     1    (play)with the China National Traditional Orchestra. She later studied     2     master’s and doctoral degrees in University of London.

Cheng Yu has been active since she started educating people and performing Chinese music in the United Kingdom. To Cheng, sharing and promoting Chinese     3    (tradition) instruments and music to westerners brings her     4     greatest joy and fulfillment. The gathering she started, called yaji, is a tradition among Chinese literati(知识界)that goes back to more than 1,000 years ago, to a time    5     ancient scholars and artists got together to drink tea, write poems, appreciate art and enjoy music.

The bimonthly yaji in London     6    (organize)by the London Youlan Qin Society now and focuses on traditional Chinese music, with attendees playing music on Chinese instruments and     7    (musician)sharing their understanding of music. Over the years, the yaji gatherings in London     8    (attract)professional musicians, scholars, office workers and amateur appreciators of Chinese culture from all over the UK and sometimes from elsewhere in Europe.

Charlie Thomas from Birmingham said: “It’s not just Chinese people who come. I met a German lady who also liked guqin. People here are so welcoming and they have     9    (entire)different backgrounds but share similar interests in guqin.” Thomas has studiedguqin with Cheng for about a year. “    10    (compare)with violin, the sound of the guqin is calming,” he said, adding that playing the instrument helped him calm down and solved a sleeping problem he had.

3 . In a studio on the top floor of a three-story Tibetan-style house in Lhasa, Phuntsok Tobgye and others are busy working on a thangka painting, which shows Tibet’s breathtaking beauty and famous attractions like the Potala Palace.

Phuntsok Tobgye is one of the inheritors (继承人) of Tsedong thangka. It is a branch of the Miantang painting, the most influential school of Tibetan thangka painting. Through the efforts of thangka painters, the skills have been passed to younger generations, with their works reaching a wider range of art lovers.

When he was a child, Phuntsok Tobgye developed an interest in the thangka paintings. He started sketching the landscape of his hometown. After primary school, he began to learn thangka painting. When he was 18 years old, he traveled to Lhasa, learning from thangka masters to help repair the murals (壁画) in the Potala Palace. It was there that he learned different styles of the art form.

In the following years, he continued to learn the art form in Lhasa. During this period, his works were displayed at various exhibitions, including one in Beijing and one in Vancouver, Canada. His solo exhibition held in Lhasa in June 2015 attracted nearly 1,000 visitors on its opening day and his works gained popularity among art collectors.

Sonam Wangden, Phuntsok Tobgye’s son, is learning thangka painting from his father. He says he can recall his father being busy with the canvas (帆布). Not long ago, Sonam Wangden and his father went to Lhasa to undertake restoration work of temple murals. After finishing their work, they sat by the wall chatting about their restoration work. Now, many of his relatives paint thangka. Phuntsok Tobgye takes pride in that.

1. What does the thangka painting Phuntsok Tobgye is working on show?

A．Tibet’s architecture.	B．Tibet’s working people.
C．Tibet’s long history.	D．Tibet’s scenery and tourists spots.

2. What inspired Phuntsok Tobgye to learn thangka paintings?

A．His early interest.	B．His childhood experience.
C．His family’s support.	D．His teacher’s encouragement.

3. How does Phuntsok Tobgye feel about his relatives’ painting thangka?

A．Excited.

B．Proud.

C．Surprised.

D．Disappointed.

4. What is the best title of the text?

A．Phuntsok Tobgye Held Solo Exhibitions in Lhasa

B．Phuntsok Tobgye Loved Thangka Painting when young

C．Tibetan Artist Phuntsok Tobgye and Thangka Painting

D．A Tibetan Man Learns Thangka Painting from His Father

4 . During one conversation with Frank Morrison, he told me that when he was a child his favorite pastime was drawing on the pieces of white and tan cardboard that came with his mother’s pantyhose (连裤袜) containers. Frank’s goal was to draw, and he found ways to make that happen. This example speaks to the determination he has demonstrated throughout his life so that he could follow his dreams, make a difference, and inspire others.

I first met Frank at a conference in 2015. I was working at Little Be eBooks at the time. I went over and introduced myself. I didn’t have a project in hand for him at the time, but I gave Frank some background information about Little Be eBooks and told him that I hoped he would consider working with us someday.

Several months later, I had the perfect manuscript (手稿) for him to illustrate: The Roots of Rap: 16 Bars on the 4 Pillars of Hip-Hop, written by Carole Boston Weatherford. The fabulous text was a love letter to the pioneers of hip-hop, and Frank was immediately taken with the manuscript because Carole, with whom he adored working, had written it; and Frank grew up with this culture.

The first time Frank and his brother heard rap music was in their grandmother’s backyard, via a one-speaker radio. Frank said that “the beats were impressive”. Up to this point they had been listening to what their parents listened to. They found familiar beats in hip-hop because it felt like are mix of their parents’ music. Looking through Frank’s books is like walking through an art gallery. He can transport you to another time or put you in the middle of a cultural movement, while making the connection between past and present.

1. What can be inferred about Frank from paragraph 1?

A．He dreamed of inspiring others.

B．He managed to find something to draw on.

C．He liked the pictures on pantyhose containers.

D．He was spoken highly of for his determination.

2. What did the author do in 2015?

A．He offered to join in Frank’s project.

B．He asked Frank to sign Little Bee Books.

C．He expressed his expectation to work with Frank.

D．He got some background information about Frank.

3. How did Frank like rap?

A．He liked it all the time.

B．He found its beats hard to bear.

C．He thought it less popular than hip-hop.

D．He considered it helpful for personal growth.

4. What can be learned about Frank’s illustrations from the last paragraph?

A．They are shown in a gallery.	B．They connect us with history.
C．They have started a cultural movement.	D．They changed people’s ideas about the past.

5 . Taylor Swift, born on December 13,1989, in Reading, Pennsylvania, is an established American singer-songwriter whose career has made a lasting impact on the music industry. With love for music starting at a young age, Taylor’s journey to fame is an interesting story of talent, determination, and being true to herself.

At the age of 14, Taylor Swift decided to pursue a career in country music. She started by performing at local places and taking part in talent competitions, showing a talent that would soon capture the hearts of many. It was her sincere passion for telling stories through music that made her special-a quality that still defines her work today.

In 2006, Taylor Swift released her first album, named after herself, introducing the world to her unique mix of country and pop influences. The album was a huge success, earning her praise from critics and gaining a loyal fan base. Popular songs like Tim McGraw and Teardrops on My Guitar showed her skill in creating relatable, emotionally charged lyrics.

Taylor’s later albums, such as Fearless, Speak Now, and Red continued to reveal her growth as an artist. The shift from country to pop in the album 1989 was a very important moment, making her a global superstar. The attractive tunes and thoughtful lyrics of songs like Shake It Off and Blank Space resonated(共鸣)with people worldwide, bringing her numerous awards.

Besides her musical talent, Taylor Swift is known for her advocacy(提倡)and charity work. Whether speaking out on social issues or supporting good causes, she uses her influence to make a positive impact.

Taylor Swift’s ability to reinvent herself, along with a strong commitment to being true, has made her one of the most influential figures in the music industry. With each album, she continues to attract the world with her storytelling skills, proving that her journey is ongoing and that her influence will last for generations.

1. What can we learn about Taylor Swift according to the text?

A．She was born in Texas.

B．Her first album was a failure.

C．She mainly focuses on pop music.

D．Her musical journey began in 2003.

2. Which album made Taylor Swift internationally famous?

A．Fearless.

B．Speak Now.

C．Taylor Swift.

D．1989.

3. Which words can best describe Taylor Swift?

A．Patient and sensitive.	B．Gifted and caring.
C．Humorous and positive.	D．Curious and outgoing.

4. What is the text mainly about?

A．Taylor Swift’s path to fame.	B．Taylor Swift’s worldwide fans.
C．Taylor Swift’s talent for music.	D．Taylor Swift’s impact on music industry.

6 . Top Piano Players in the World

Martha Argerich

Martha Argerich could be considered the next Beethoven, as she is one of the most outstanding pianists ever to play. Argerich preferred being on stage with others instead of performing solo; therefore, she has been performing in a concerto format since the 1980s. Argerich was not one for the spotlight, as she often avoided public appearances such as interviews; however, her great talent was all the publicity she needed, standing out during concertos and sonatas.

Leif Ove Andsnes

Known for his appealing performances of Edvard Grieg’s works, Andsnes has won praise for his performances at some of the world’s most famous concert halls. Andsnes has certainly made his mark in Norway, as he is the founding director of Norway’s Rosendal Chamber Music Festival. Because of his unique voice and interesting approach, he was praised by The New York Times as a “pianist of authoritative elegance, power, and insight.”

Alfred Brendel

Known for his beautiful interpretations of Beethoven, Haydn, Schubert and Mozart, Alfred Brendel was considered one of the greats. He played in various concertos throughout his career and became known for his interpretive coldness in recreating these works. Brendel was considered one of the greatest musicians of the 20th century, as he made his mark in the classical music industry. Brendel was self-taught and learned his love of piano at an early age.

Arthur Rubinstein

Arthur Rubinstein was certainly one of the greats. His career began in the early 20th century when he began to come into contact with some of the world’s most important composers, such as Maurice Ravel, Paul Dukas, and Jacques Thibaud. He made various trips worldwide and visited nearly every continent, where crowds met him with great praise and encouragement.

1. What does the female pianist focus on in her career?

A．Skills in hosting concertos and sonatas.	B．Cooperation with other musicians.
C．Close relationships with the media.	D．Unique ways to interpret music.

2. Who learned music by himself or herself?

A．Martha Argerich.	B．Leif Ove Andsnes.
C．Alfred Brendel.	D．Arthur Rubinstein.

3. How is Arthur Rubinstein different from the other pianists?

A．He was the director of a Norwegian festival.

B．He made a difference in classical music.

C．He was the best musician of the 20th century.

D．He got in touch with some famous composers.

7 . 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。

Maxime Biou, a winner of the 2020 Yishu 8 Young French Artist Award, is holding     1     exhibition in Beijing. Biou, born in France in 1993, is based in Paris. He graduated from the Ecole Nationale Superieure des Beaux-Arts in Paris in 2019 and the following year he     2     (win) the Yishu 8 Young French Artist Award. Over the past few years, he     3     (participate) in artistic residencies in cities such as Madrid, Avignon, and Nantes, showing his creations in exhibitions     4     (hold) in well-known locations like Paris, Venice, and Arles. In October, Biou began his residency in Beijing. Within a month, he toured world- famous landmarks     5     the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Beihai Park, and the Great Wall. He also explored exhibitions showcasing the works of young Chinese artists in the 798 Art Zone. Yet,     6     truly attracted him was the hutong where he chose to live. Biou     7     (skillful) pictures the essence of the hutong life on oil paintings in this exhibition. Displayed are four oil paintings     8     Biou employs his distinctive brushwork to paint the differences of time, light, scenery, and     9     (object) within the small alleys. Christine Cayol, the     10     (found) of Yishu 8, said that Biou enjoyed the nights of Beijing, where he illustrated his viewpoints and reflections on life. The exhibition runs until Dec. 10.

8 . For Vishwanath Mallabadi from Bangalore, India, there is no such thing as a useless object or “waste”. Give him anything—abandoned metal or plastic items, old devices, dysfunctional printed circuit boards — and he’ll create art out of it.

Vishwanath’s passion is particularly relevant in the current age, where India generates more e-waste than it can recycle. From 2019 to 2020, the country generated a total of more than 1 million tonnes of e waste. Of this, only 22.7 percent was collected, taken apart and recycled. The eco-artist has upcycled and transformed nearly 200 kg of e-waste into usable products and proposes eco-art as a means to deal with waste management.

Vishwanath’s father, D M Shambhu, was a famous sculptor and painter, but he wanted his son to choose medicine and become a doctor. However, Vishwanath, who was interested in upcycling second-hand objects right from childhood, decided to pursue a BFA in Applied Art. He later went on to work in a company as a high-level administrator and retired two years ago. “In my free time and during the weekends. I used to conduct experiments in e-waste and try to develop something unique,” he recalled.

So far, the eco-artist has created more than 500 objects. These include a six-foot tall sculpture made from upcycled computer keyboard keys, and a painting inspired by Vincent Van Gogh’s The Starry Night, using upcycled resistors (电阻器) on wood. Among his other artworks are a 42×38 inch figure statue created from upcycled keyboard keys on a sun board finished with plastics, a deer made of colorful used wires, plants and flowers from computer parts, and eco jewellery from upcycled digital wrist watch parts.

“The work involves selecting the e-waste objects—the texture, shape, and colour etc, and visualising and conceptualising the final product. It might take weeks and months for sculptures. However, sustainable initiatives and upcycled art are nowadays in demand in multinational companies opting for a sustainable culture,” he said.

1. What does the author try to convey in paragraph 2?

A．The seriousness of e-waste in India.

B．Vishwanath’s passion for environment protection.

C．The achievements of waste management in India.

D．Vishwanath’s attitude towards dealing with e-waste.

2. What did Vishwanath work as before retiring?

A．A passionate eco-artist.	B．A private doctor.
C．A famous sculptor.	D．A senior manager.

3. Which of the artworks were made of the same materials?

A．The deer and the plants.	B．The sculpture and the figure statue.
C．The painting and the flowers.	D．The deer and the eco jewellery.

4. What does Vishwanath think of his working on eco-art?

A．Exciting but unprofitable.	B．Creative but useless.
C．Demanding but worthwhile.	D．Efficient but costly.

9 . 阅读短文内容，在空白处填入1个适当的单词或括号内单词的正确形式。

As one of the top contemporary Chinese painters     1     (major) in landscapes, Fan Yang, over the past decades, has used the traditional forms of Chinese painting to record major historical events in the country with his brush.

Fan Yang     2     (grow) up in Nantong, a city abundant in cultural riches dating back to ancient times. He came from a famous literary family,     3     influence grounded in him a solid foundation and love of traditional culture and painting.

After graduating from high school, Fan chose to work at the Nantong Arts and Crafts Research Institute. He applied     4     (he) to learning about folk art, which played a significant role in his future development.

In 1978, Fan Yang     5     (admit) to the Art Department of Nanjing Normal University,     6     school with a 120-year history. Over the past century, it has cultivated many Chinese artists such as outstanding Chinese artist known     7     horse paintings, Xu Beihong, revolutionizing Chinese ink painting master, Fu Baoshi , pioneer of 20th-century Chinese oil painting Lyu Sibai and China’s famous painter, fine art historian and     8     (educate) Qin Xuanfu (1906-1998).

During his four years of college life, Fan absorbed the skills and knowledge of his predecessors (先辈)     9     going on to form his own painting style.

After many years of     10     (create) experimentation, Fan gained a strong reputation among contemporary Chinese painting circles.

10 . Four Self-Portraits (自画像) by Famous Artists

Raphael (Raffaello Sanzio da Urbino)—“Self-Portrait”, 1506

One of the beautiful self-portraits by famous artist Raphael was drawn at the age of 23. It measures around 45cm×33cm and is located at the world-famous Uffizi Gallery. The Italian painter used oil on board to draw his self-portrait, which was the clearest and the most recognizable self-portraits of Raphael himself.

Leonardo da Vinci—“Portrait of a Man in Red Chalk”, 1512

“Portrait of a Man in Red Chalk”is a self-portrait of da Vinci at the age of 60 and measures around 33.3cm×21.6cm, which is on display in Biblioteca Reale, Turin, Italy. It is drawn with red chalk on paper and represents the head of an elderly man in a three-quarter view. In the portrait, the length of the hair is uncommon in Renaissance (文艺复兴) portraits.

Rembrandt van Rijn—“Self-Portrait with Beret and Turned-up Collar”, 1659

Dutch painter Rembrandt van Rijn painted his self-portrait in 1659 when he was 53 years old. It shows his worried expression that clearly portrays the troubled condition of his mind at that point of his life since the year 1659 was a year of anxiety for him. This self-portrait found its place among the Benjamin Altman Collection, which has been exhibited in the Metropolitan Museum of Art since 1913.

Edgar Degas—“Degas Au Porte-Fusain’”, l855

Edgar Degas made this self-portrait only when he was twenty-one years old. It was one of the most remarkable of his fifteen self-portraits. Degas was seated as seemingly without fear and anxiety. The pose in the painting was formal and academic. The painting is located in the musée d’Orsay, Paris, France.

1. Where should visitors go if they want to admire Raphael’s self-portrait in 1506?

A．Uffizi Gallery.	B．Biblioteca Reale.
C．The musée d’Orsay.	D．The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

2. Which aspect of Portrait of a Man in Red Chalk was special during the Renaissance?

A．The red clothing.	B．The formal pose.
C．The long hair.	D．The worried expression.

3. Which painter was the youngest when painting the above-mentioned self-portraits?

A．Raphael.	B．Edgar Degas.
C．Leonardo da Vinci.	D．Rembrandt van Rijn.