1 . Although we may not have the ability to paint the Mona Lisa or write novels like Hemingway, everyone is born with a special ability — creativity. Some people can find and learn to show it early, while others might discover it later in life. Creativity has different meanings for different people, but unluckily a lot of things may stifle the development of it.And the importance of creativity is not valued as much as it should be. However, it has a powerful effect on one’s overall ability to get much success in life.
No matter how busy one is, it is very important to leave some time to develop creativity. Trying out different hobbies is a great way to discover one’s creativity because it can be very enjoyable. Some people find one hobby and fall deeply in love with it. Some people prefer to try different hobbies for short time, or change them up each season to stay interested and keep trying different things.
One great thing about a hobby is that there are no set rules. Each person gets to decide how often they want to do it and whether they want to keep it for a long time or move on to something else after trying it for a few weeks or months.
Another cool thing about hobbies is that one can enjoy them quietly when spending some free time alone, or as a way to fit in a community. Book clubs, art or cooking classes,gardening clubs — nearly every type of hobby offers a chance to meet with other people with the same interest and build relationships. Hobbies can be a great way to create a community among co-workers.
Usually, the simple act of developing hobbies can provide a chance for a person to find and show his or her creativity, which will produce great active changes. When people experience something as simple and great as creating something beautiful through hobbies,they begin to look at the world — and daily environments — in a fresh way.
1. What does the underlined word “stifle” in paragraph 1 probably mean?| A．Stop. | B．Mistake. | C．Lose. | D．Pretend. |
| A．There are no set rules to develop creativity. |
| B．Trying different hobbies has many disadvantages. |
| C．We can develop creativity by trying different hobbies. |
| D．It’s enjoyable to try different hobbies at the same time. |
| A．Creativity can help people to look at the world actively. |
| B．Enjoying a hobby alone can help fit in a community well. |
| C．It’s better to have a long-time hobby than find something else. |
| D．Taking up simple hobbies can provide people with better lives. |
| A．People are all born with creativity. |
| B．People value creativity very much. |
| C．Creativity comes from great success. |
| D．Creativity means the most important thing. |
2 . One well-below-freezing morning last December, I walked through the grounds of Ontario Place. Trees were frosted sculptures, and large pieces of ice floated in the lake. I stopped to take a photo, and that’s when I saw them: a group of people jumping up and down in the water.
I didn’t quite believe my eyes. The ice fighters came out from the lake, their skin steaming. They were laughing and hugging each other so free. Watching them, I felt a rush of excitement. I called out: “You guys are awesome!” One woman smiled back and said, “Come and join us! We’re here every Monday at 7 am. You can sign up online.” When I got home, I signed up and received a confirmation email telling me what to bring.
The next morning, a young man first led us through introductions and breathing exercises. Together we jumped up and down, and then charged into the lake. We swam down until just our heads and hands were above water, and called out into the sky. Teeth chattering(打颤),fingers and toes going numb(麻木),we stayed there for a few minutes.Knowing it was my first time, people cheered me on.When we swam back out of the water, my skin was bright red. It felt amazing. I couldn’t remember the last time I’d felt so happy. I went from swimming once a week to almost every day, and I’ve come to expect that moment when the cold becomes a second skin. Apart from the thrill, what have drawn me are the people.
It won’t fix everything in our lives, or the world at large - but for some reason, it helps. At the end of each session, I returned home feeling stronger and lighter. As another winter sets in, I’m more than ready to embrace the cold again.
1. What do we learn about the writer’s mood from paragraph 2?| A．Ashamed. | B．Thrilled. | C．Concerned. | D．Confused. |
| A．She hesitated to jump into the lake. |
| B．She expected it to be so interesting. |
| C．She suffered from cold and hunger. |
| D．She was encouraged by her fellow swimmers. |
| A．Her hands got frozen. | B．Her head went numb. |
| C．Her body was trembling badly. | D．Her skin turned bright red. |
| A．She obtains much strength. |
| B．She realizes her full potential. |
| C．She can fix everything confidently. |
| D．She finds a new purpose in life. |
3 . 4 Best Things to Do in Hollywood
Learn About Insane World Records
The Guinness World of Records Museum along Hollywood Boulevard’s Walk of Fame isn’t just a fun stop on the main tourist drag, it also happens to be housed in the oldest standing movie house in the area, originally built in 1913. Inside, the museum houses an impressive collection of photos, videos, and artifacts representative of the thousands of amazing world records.
See a Show at the Troubador
Hollywood may be best known for its movie and television stars, but there’s quite a bit of music history, too. People who love music should do their best to get tickets for a show at the Troubadour, Los Angeles’ most famous and storied concert venue, which has seen some incredible moments.
Take Photos of the Hollywood Sign
There are plenty of places with views of the Hollywood Sign, but one of the most accessible spots to see the sign and take a photo is from the viewing bridges at the Hollywood& Highland complex next to the TCL Chinese Theatre. The shopping and entertainment center is home to many well-known shops and restaurants, where you can enjoy views of the sign.
Meet Celebrities at a Wax Museum
The Hollywood Wax Museum is one of the originals, housing an ever-changing collection of wax movie stars and a permanent collection of past presidents. Nearby, Madame Tussauds Wax Museum opened in 2009, sporting a much larger selection of wax figures, many of which seem more lifelike than those at the Hollywood Wax Museum. Visit both for yourself and be the judge.
1. What do you recommend a Guinness record seeker to do?| A．See a show at the Troubador. | B．Meet celebrities at a Wax Museum. |
| C．Learn about Insane World Records. | D．Take photos of the Hollywood Sign. |
| A．Film viewers. | B．Oil painters. |
| C．Television directors. | D．Music lovers. |
| A．The TCL Chinese Theatre. |
| B．The Hollywood & Highland. |
| C．The Hollywood Wax Museum. |
| D．The Guinness World of Records Museum. |
4 . What guides my successful teaching career comes from my Dad’s tire shop. He
When I was in the shop, I was
Now, whenever I return and visit the tire shop, I
| A．predicted | B．purchased | C．assessed | D．abandoned |
| A．trouble | B．experiment | C．experience | D．luck |
| A．pretended | B．promised | C．regretted | D．resolved |
| A．get hold of | B．tend to | C．think well of | D．get along with |
| A．engaged | B．stressed | C．quiet | D．anxious |
| A．rewarding | B．simple | C．demanding | D．enjoyable |
| A．deliver | B．fit | C．repair | D．locate |
| A．friends | B．partners | C．regulars | D．companions |
| A．pulled out of | B．squeezed into | C．stopped by | D．pulled into |
| A．crawl | B．kneel | C．slide | D．stretch |
| A．fragrant | B．unpleasant | C．thick | D．colorless |
| A．worn out | B．confused | C．left out | D．upset |
| A．Besides | B．However | C．Therefore | D．Otherwise |
| A．describe | B．recognize | C．spot | D．recall |
| A．curiosity | B．ambition | C．relief | D．satisfaction |
5 . Expressive writing is a cornerstone of wellness and writing connections. If you are not familiar with it, you may be asking: “Just what is expressive writing, and how is that related to my wellness?”
Expressive writing is personal and emotional writing without regard to form or other writing conventions.
Expressive writing therapy works because it allows you to make meaning out of a painful experience, experts say. Recognizing that something is bothering you is an important first step.
What if you don’t consider yourself “a writer”? Don’t worry about spelling or grammar, and don’t share your writing with anyone. But do dig deep into your thoughts and feelings.
Yanatha Desouvre, who teaches entrepreneurship at a college in Miami, took up expressive writing about 15 years ago, after the breakup of what he says was an unhealthy relationship. He wrote to understand why it made him feel vulnerable (脆弱的) and sometimes physically ill. He thinks of his expressive writing as a captain’s log.
| A．But there are a few warnings. |
| B．Your goal is to be honest with yourself. |
| C．It is a recording of what happened and what he’s learned. |
| D．It simply expresses what is on your mind and in your heart. |
| E．Spending minutes writing down your feelings improves your health. |
| F．The topic can be anything as long as the writing expresses personal thoughts. |
| G．Translating that experience into language forces you to organize your thoughts. |
6 . Imagine you bought a new shirt and did not intend to buy a new jacket,however,you suppose that the new shirt makes the old jacket look worn. You weaken and buy a new jacket, new trousers,even new shoes.Before you realize it,you have a whole new wardrobe.And maybe an empty bank account.
This is called the Diderot Effect. Denis Diderot,a well-known French philosopher,was the co-founder and writer of Encyclopedia. However，he was too badly off to afford a dowry(嫁妆)for his daughter. His only valuable possessions were books. Hearing of Diderot’s financial troubles,Catherine the Great,the Empress of Russia, offered to buy his library at a high price. Shortly after this lucky sale，Diderot acquired a new dressing gown(长袍)which had a huge effect on his life. As he wrote in the article in 1769, the new dressing gown made his other belongings seem old and unattractive. Thus, he began replacing them.
According to many social scientists,it resulted from a psychological need for our possessions to go together and to reflect our self-image. In 1988, anthropologist Grant McCracken coined the term “the Diderot Effect” to describe this need and its influence on consumerism.
Marketers utilize this need by displaying products in what McCracken calls Diderot Unities. An example is the Swedish furniture company IKEA, whose marketing uses two kinds of Diderot Unities in its shops, website and catalogue. One is dividing items like lamps and rugs into various furniture “families”. The other is displaying items in fully furnished rooms. Shops count on all of these to create the Diderot Effect, making the buyer want the entire package.
We may occasionally give in to the Diderot Effect,but knowing it exists can help us resist it so we don’t regret our purchases. Before buying something, ask yourself, is it necessary? Then, buy items that match what you already have. And remind yourself that a new chair won’t transform your bedroom into a showroom!
1. What can we infer about Denis Diderot from paragraph 2?| A．His belongings were out of style. |
| B．He showed interest in nothing but books. |
| C．He kept on buying new items after the lucky sale. |
| D．His new dressing gown landed him in financial troubles. |
| A．To improve their social status. |
| B．To show off their beauty and elegance. |
| C．To make their belongings better matched. |
| D．To cater for the needs of family members. |
| A．Get rid of. | B．Ignore. | C．Affect. | D．Take advantage of. |
| A．Keep an eye on your bank account |
| B．Embrace Minimalism: less is more |
| C．The Diderot Effect: a two-edged sword |
| D．Have you ever given in to the Diderot Effect? |
7 . Winemakers in the Rioja area in northern Spain make some of the best wine in the world. But in recent years, winemakers there have been having difficulty producing good wine. They say when the temperature was cooler, the wine tasted better, but it was 2.2 degrees Celsius higher than average in 2022. Now, a genetic research has shown that grape vines living for more than 35 years are better able to deal with high temperatures brought by climate change.
Researchers like Pablo Carbonell think older grape vines may be able to grow better in higher temperatures. Carbonell looks at rows of gray shapes on his computer screen. Among them was a green rectangle, which represents a kind of grape vine that produces grapes that take longer to ripen, even in warmer conditions.A longer ripeness period is what winemakers want. The current vines produce grapes that are ready to pick too early. Such grapes do not make wine that has the right color and smell and has too much alcohol.
People who work in the vineyards have long crossed old vines with new ones. Now they are working with special laboratories to find a climate-resistant vine. One of them is the Vine and Wine Research Institute,known as the ICVV in Spain. The lab is working to keep the Spanish wine making industry alive as temperatures rise. The scientists there are studying the genomes(基因组)of commonly used grapes in wine and looking for traits，or qualities，that might permit the vines to survive in a warmer climate instead of looking for mutation(变异)that causes diseases.
In addition to the genetic research, scientists are also working on different planting methods. A winery called RODA is planting vines in a curve instead of a straight line. The hope is that plants will soak up more water this way. The new vineyard is made up of vines that were over 100 years old and moved from another place.
Maria Santolaya is an agricultural engineer and part of RODA’s technical team. She said the hot weather was very problematic. But,“our biggest concern,”she added,“is what will happen in 20 or 30 years. We don’t really know how things will come out.”
1. What mainly causes the quality of wine to decline in Spain?| A．Shortage of rainfall. | B．High temperature. |
| C．Genetic variation. | D．Geographical location. |
| A．Grapes picked too early won’t have the sugar content. |
| B．Grapes with a longer ripeness period make good wine. |
| C．Grapes in hot regions won’t lose their original flavor. |
| D．Grapes from older vines have a rise in production. |
| A．Make use of older grape vines. |
| B．Develop disease-resistant grape vines. |
| C．Replace old grape vines with new ones. |
| D．Cultivate grape vines with abundant water. |
| A．Indifferent. | B．Unclear. | C．Worried. | D．Conservative. |
8 . Cimabue, the greatest painter in medieval Italy, was surprised when he discovered that a fly had landed on one of his works. “Shoo!” he shouted, but it remained still. Finally, he reached out to touch the insect. To his surprise, he found only wet paint. Actually Giotto had painted the fly when Cimabue was away, and it looked so real that Cimabue had been completely fooled.
Giotto di Bondone was born in a poor farming family. Legend has it that while he was tending goats he drew a picture on a rock and that the artist Cimabue, who happened to be passing by, saw him at work and was so impressed with the boy’s talent that he took him into his studio as an apprentice(学徒).
In the Middle Ages, an apprentice’s job was to copy his master as exactly as he could, which resulted in a distinct lack of new ideas. In fact,art in the Middle Ages seemed to have been stuck in a rut. The people in paintings didn’t look like real people,and the symbolism of art was often so remote that it must have been difficult for viewers to connect with it on a personal level. But Giotto thought art could be something more.
To accomplish this goal, Giotto adopted many techniques that were uncommon at the time. He painted people the way he saw them,instead of the overly tall and boxy people that other artists painted. He created three-dimensional space by using perspective, something that had not been done since Roman times. Finally, he threw out parts of the symbolism associated with medieval painting. For example, at that time the Christ Child was usually drawn as a mature man who was only a baby in size. This symbolized that Christ was wise even though he was young. Instead,Giotto painted the Christ Child as a baby,which emphasized the human relationship between the child and his mother.
The ideas Giotto brought to painting throughout his life revolutionized the art world and made him one of the greatest painters ever.
1. Why does the author mention the fly event in paragraph 1?| A．To prove the pupil outdoes the master. |
| B．To stress the fly was vividly painted. |
| C．To relate how Cimabue was tricked. |
| D．To demonstrate art has no limits. |
| A．Giotto would be a helpful assistant. |
| B．Cimabue desired to rid Giotto of poverty. |
| C．Giotto badly needed Cimabue’s guidance. |
| D．Cimabue sensed a great potential in Giotto. |
| A．It lacked innovation. | B．It highlighted realism. |
| C．It bonded well with viewers. | D．It underwent great changes. |
| A．To portray people in a realistic way. |
| B．To try the technique of perspective. |
| C．To distinguish himself from other painters. |
| D．D. To bring a sense of symbolism to his painting. |
9 . Whale Watching Cruises in Maine
Cruise A Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co. — Whale Watch Cruises
Price: Adults from $75; kids from $27
Duration: 3.5-5.5 hours
The tour transports passengers through Frenchman Bay and into the Gulf of Maine in search of whales and other marine life. Guides narrate the journey to help passengers learn about the wildlife and tour-goers find them knowledgeable and personable. However, trips can get canceled due to poor weather and you should be flexible.
Cruise B First Chance Whale Watch — Nick’s Chance Whale Watching Cruise
Price: Adults from $59; kids from $39
Duration: 4.5 hours
Aboard the company’s whale watching boat — Nick’s Chance — you will spend about 4.5 hours venturing through the summer feeding grounds of minke whales, blue whales, right whales and more. If you do not see any whales during your voyage, First Chance will provide you with a pass to return another time. First Chance Whale Watch also hosts a scenic lobster cruise tour and a private evening cruise along the Maine coast.
Cruise C Cap’n Fish’s Cruises — Boothbay Harbor Whale Watching Cruise
Price: Adults from $71; kids from $58
Duration: 3.5 hours
You’ll get a quick tour of the Booth-bay Harbor and see some of Maine’s famous lighthouses and also see plenty of whales on this trip. In addition to informative narration, the crew offers instructions on what to look for when searching for wildlife. The cruise is also pet-friendly, allowing dogs to come aboard for $20.
Cruise D Cap’n Fish’s Cruises — Whale Watch & Puffin Combo Cruise
Price: Adults from $87; kids from $20
Duration: 4 hours
This tour lasts at least four hours, giving you and also your dog plenty of time to spot whales, Atlantic puffins, sunfish, dolphins and more. Meanwhile, pet is permitted during the tour. Another bonus? If you don’t see any whales or puffins on your trip, you’ll get a standby ticket for another cruise at no cost. Tour-takers offer positive reviews for the tour and report seeing numerous whales and puffins.
1. Which tour may be called off because of bad weather?| A．Cruise A. | B．Cruise B. | C．Cruise C. | D．Cruise D. |
| A．Organize a scenic lobster cruise tour. |
| B．Acquire a pass to return at any time. |
| C．Have a chance to feed the whales. |
| D．Go on a private evening cruise. |
| A．They are guided tours. | B．They are dog-friendly. |
| C．They offer standby tickets. | D．They provide informative narration. |
It was Friday, and I was at my daughter’s place in Manhattan. My husband and I had gone out for breakfast with my daughter and son-in-law and their child. After breakfast, we took a taxi to Central Park. The plan was to take my 2-year-old grandson on his first horse and buggy(小马车)ride，pick up our bags from my daughter’s house and drive to my friend’s home in Flatbush, Brooklyn, for a visit.
The horse ride went well, and we all had a great time. My grandson was filled with joy and excitement all the time. We arrived back at my daughter’s apartment, picked up our bags and then I said to my husband, Moishe, “Where is your phone?” Usually, I will check everything before we leave a taxi since things can fall out, but this time, I guess I didn’t, and we could not seem to find it.
Maybe we left it in the buggy, or it might have fallen out in the taxi? I wondered. Or perhaps we left it in the restaurant at breakfast? I was in a state of panic, wondering what the one with the phone could do with it. Moishe was evidently at a loss as to what to do. My sensible son-in-law, Leon, had a clever idea of calling the phone to see if anyone would answer it.
With butterflies in my stomach, I watched as Leon dialed and got through. He turned the loudspeaker of his phone on so that we all could hear but what we heard was a lady’s poor, broken English. The person on the other side of the phone obviously had difficulty communicating with Leon. Leon was very patient and was speaking very slowly but I could see that he didn’t get much useful information before he had to hang up.
After some discussion, we decided to send a text message to the lost phone saying, “We will pay money to get our phone back, please tell us where you are.” This idea worked out well. Soon we got a reply message saying “119 Ocean Parkway, Mrs. Hichens”.
注意：1．续写的词数应为150左右;2．请按如下格式在答题卡的相应位置作答。
In no time, we all got into our car and headed for the address.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________With Laura’s help, Mrs. Hichens was able to explain to us what had happened.
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