1 . HARDCORE TANO*C is an independent Japanese music label that is known for releasing music compilations and albums focused on various forms of hardcore techno such as UK hardcore, happy hardcore, and gabber. The label was founded in 2003 by Yoshikazu Nagai (who at the time used the Akai Hito alias), originally under the name of Hardcore Tanoshii, but changed to its current name of HARDCORE TANO*C in 2007 after the release of the album HARDCORE SYNDROME. The label features a store which sells the most notable doujin (同人)music releases, and is well known for their frequent live events that are regularly organized throughout the years, including the annual TANO*C TOUR series of events and the S2TBTANO*C events done in collaboration with kors k’s S2TB Recording label.

From 2011 to 2018, HARDCORE TANO*C were very closely linked with BEMANI, most notably in beat mania IIDX and SOUND VOLTEX. Many of HARDCORE TANO*C’s members were frequent contributors to BEMANI,and KONAMI even collaborated with the label for a few of their own album releases. Their presence also expanded to various other music game titles.

Many guest artists have appeared in HARDCORE TANO*C compilations, including Ryu☆, kors k, DJ Shimamura, m1dy, M-Project, JAKAZiD (as Joshka), Hommarju, Camellia, lapix, C-Show, Maozon, Nhato, Dustvoxx, and Akira Complex.

By the end of 2017, HARDCORE TANO*C has started to produce major artist album releases, containing licensed works done for music games by the circle’s artists. From September 2018, a sub-label directed by DJ Myosuke named HARDCORE TANO*C HARD has been established, which focuses on harsher music. HARDCORE TANO*C is also heavily involved in the 2019 rhythm game WACCA, which is published by MARVELOUS!, with nearly its entire staff contributing to the game.

A song composed by various members of HARDCORE TANO*C, BATTLE NO.1, was planned to be in SOUND VOLTEX IV HEAVENLY HAVEN for the The 8th KONAMI Arcade Championship, under the artist name of TANO*C SOUND TEAM. KONAMI rejected the song (likely due to their poking fun (打趣) of the BEMANI Sound Team moniker, which was at its most extreme in the time of that event), and it later appeared instead in the HARDCORE TANO*C-produced game WACCA on August 1st, 2019. It also appeared in lowiro’s Arcaea as part of the Arcaea× HARDCORE TANO*C Collaboration (联动) and SEGA’s maimai でらっくす Splash. It was added to Muse Dash on February 5, 2021.

1. What’s the main idea of the first paragraph?

A．Some basic information about HARDCORE TANO*C.

B．The founder and members of HARDCORE TANO*

C．C. The relationship between Yoshikazu Nagai and HARDCORE TANO*C.

D．The relationship between BEMANI and HARDCORE TANO*C.

2. Among the following members, who has NOT shown up in this music label’s compilations?

A．Camellia.

B．Laur.

C．Maozon.

D．Akira Complex.

3. What can we know about the rhythm game WACCA?

A．It was produced by HARDCORE TANO*C last year.

B．None of MARVELOUS!’s employees is working for it.

C．The song BATTLE NO.1 was included in this game.

D．It had a collaboration with Muse Dash in Feb, 2021.

4. Arcaea has collaborated with both HARDCORE TANO*C and WACCA. As a player of Arcaea, what should you do?

A．Try playing WACCA if possible.

B．Spread bad comments about HARDCORE TANO*

C．Only cheer for the game or the artist you like.

D．Ask the official staff about the song selection petulantly.

2 . Iceberg Water, which is harvested from icebergs off the coast of Newfoundland Canada, is achieving new heights of popularity in North America.

Arthur, Von Wiesenberger who carries the title “Water Master”, is one of the few water critics in North America. As a boy, he spent time in the larger cities of Italy, France and Switzerland, where bottled water is consumed daily. Even then, he kept a water journal, noting the brands he liked best. “My dog could tell the difference between bottled and tap water.” He says.

But is plain tap water all that bad? Not at all. In fact. New York’s tap water for more than a century was called the champagne of tap water and until recently considered among the best in the world in terms of both taste and purity. Similarly, a magazine in England found that tap water from the Thames River tasted better than several leading brands of bottled water that were 400 times more expensive.

Nevertheless, soft-drink companies view bottled water as the next battle-ground for market share — despite the fact that over 25 percent of bottled water comes from tap water: Pepsi Co’s Aquafina and Coca-Cola’s Dasani are both purified tap water rather than spring water.

As diners thirst for leading brands, bottlers and restaurateurs are desperate for the profits. A restaurant’s typical mark-up (加价) on wine is 100 to 150 percent, whereas on bottled water it’s often 300 to 500 percent. But since water is much cheaper than wine, and many of the fancier brands aren’t available in stores, most diners don’t notice or care.

As a result, some restaurants are turning up the pressure to sell bottled water. According to an article in The Street Journal, some of the more shameless methods include placing attractive bottles on the table for a visual sell, listing brands on the menu without prices, and pouring bottled water without even asking the diners if they want it.

Regardless of how it’s sold, the popularity of bottled water taps into our desire for better health. our wish to appear cultivated, and even a longing for lost purity.

1. What is Arthur’s purpose in mentioning his dog in paragraph 2?

A．To indicate his own preference for bottled water.

B．To show the importance of bottled water to dogs.

C．To clarify the difference between bottled water and tap water.

D．To exhibit the large consumption of bottled water in big cities.

2. Which of the following best explains “fancier brands” underlined in paragraph 5?

A．tap water from the Thames River

B．famous wines not sold in ordinary stores

C．PepsiCo’s Aquafina and Coca-Cola’s Dasani

D．pricey bottled water with very impressive names

3. Why are some restaurants turning up the pressure to sell bottled water?

A．Most diners find bottled water affordable.

B．Competition from the wine industry is fierce.

C．Bottled water can bring in huge profits.

D．Bottled water satisfies diners’ desire to be fashionable.

4. What is the best title for the text?

A．Tap water: why tastes better?	B．Bottled water: why so popular?
C．A new favorite of. restaurants; bottled water	D．A rising star: tap water

3 . Officials in San Francisco are asking the public to help choose a waste container among several models proposed for mass deployment (部署) in the California city. It is proving to be a costly project. One of the trash cans under consideration cost more than $20,000 and took four years to make.

San Francisco began its search for the perfect public trash can in 2018. Officials decided it was time to replace the more than 3,000 cans that have served the city’s streets for almost 20 years. The current trash cans open too widely, they say, permitting people to reach in. The cans also break a lot, requiring repairs. Sometimes people push them over or mark them with words and pictures. Sometimes, the cans are set on fire.

Last month, the city deployed 15 made-to-order trash cans and 11 off-the-shelf trash cans. Attached to each was a QR code from which people could answer questions about the individual can. The city government project also created interactive maps so people can find the different models to consider. The so-called Soft Square model trash can was priced at $20,900, making it the most expensive model on the streets. It is made of light steel. A press of a pedal opens the can for hands-free operation. It has dividers so waste can be separated from materials for recycling, like aluminum and glass.

City officials say, however, that the government will not pay more than three-thousand per can once a model is chosen for mass production. Beth Rubenstein is a spokeswoman for San Francisco’s Department of Publie Works. “We live in a beautiful city, and we want(the trash can)to be functional and cost-effective, but it needs to be beautiful,” she said.

But the good looks of the shiny new trash cans have not protected them from vandalism and other disrespect. Three weeks after being deployed, several are overflowing, or covered in orange and white graffiti or dirty from coffee spills. Diane Torkelson volunteers on a team that removes trash from the streets near her home. She recently visited three of the proposed trash cans. Two were already full when the group arrived to inspect them, she said. “If the trash can is full, it’s of no use, no matter how well it was designed,” she said.

1. Why did San Francisco decide to replace the existing trash cans?

A．They are damaged beyond repair.	B．They are too small to hold the city's waste.
C．They have outlived their useful life.	D．They are difficult to clean and maintain.

2. What is paragraph 3 mainly about?

A．The urban can replacement project.	B．The trash can QR code campaign.
C．The city-wide mapping initiative.	D．The pedal-operated container program.

3. What does the underlined word “vandalism” in the last paragraph mean?

A．Destruction of property.	B．Theft.
C．Illegal invasion.	D．Tagging.

4. What is Diane’s attitude towards the new trash cans?

A．Positive.	B．Negative.
C．Neutral.	D．Indifferent.

4 . Are you ready to get down to a thrilling journey through the pages of captivating stories and profound knowledge? Join us for an unforgettable reading event that promises to ignite your passion for literature and broaden your horizons!

Celebrating the Richness of American Literature

Immerse yourself in a treasure of literary masterpieces that showcase the cultural richness and diversity of American voices. From timeless classics to contemporary gems, there’s something for everyone to discover and enjoy.

Book Highlights:

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee: Delve into the timeless tale of justice, morality, and compassion set against the backdrop of the American South.

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald: Experience the glitz, glamour, and disillusionment of the Jazz Age through the eyes of the enigmatic Jay Gatsby.

Beloved by Toni Morrison: Journey into the haunting world of slavery’s legacy and the enduring power of love and memory.

Meet the Authors: Signed Copies and Book Giveaways!

Don’t miss the opportunity to meet renowned authors and get your books personally signed! Plus, stand a chance to win exclusive giveaways and limited edition merchandise.

Event Details:

Date: Saturday, March 23rd

Time: 10:00 AM-5:00 PM

Location: Central Public Library, 123 Main Street, Anytown, USA

Who Should Attend?

This event is perfect for crazy readers, literature enthusiasts, and anyone eager to explore the diverse landscape of American literature. Whether you’re a high school student preparing for college or a seasoned bookworm, there’s something here for you!

Registration and More Information:

Visit our website at www.booklovers.com to register for this exciting event and learn more about the featured authors and book selections.

Why It Matters:

By celebrating the rich tapestry of American literature, we not only honor the voices of the past but also inspire future generations to embrace diversity, empathy, and the power of storytelling.

1. Which book is NOT mentioned as an emphasis of the event?

A．To Kill a Mockingbird.	B．The Great Gatsby.
C．Moby-Dick.	D．Beloved.

2. What can attendees do at the event?

A．Sign their own names on books.	B．See and greet famous authors.
C．Participate in a reading competition.	D．Watch a movie screening.

3. Where is the text most probably taken from?

A．A food magazine.	B．An astronaut’s journal.
C．A sci-fi handbook.	D．A reading website.

5 . 阅读下面材料, 根据其内容和所给段落开头语续写两段, 使之构成一篇完整的短文。

This…was turning out to be a strange meeting. Though the one in black doesn’t know it, the one white is beginning to share the darker girl’s lack of enthusiasm. Like a fire in a sudden chill wind, her hope flickers and wanes. Now she grows uncomfortable, anxious, and wary. A slight but unshakable atmosphere drifts between them, one that feels unmistakably off. To her, it seems as though their very meeting is something the world finds to be simply…“wrong”. The ever-present glass, now scattered unevenly throughout and above the broken grounds, reflects that strange feeling.

Ordinarily, these shards would flock to them without their bidding：“happiness”to the girl in white, “tragedies” to the girl in black. Right now, every piece of glass in the air stands still. Perhaps half a hundred mirrors are quietly

suspended around the girls, half-catching images of the empty place that surrounds them. When the girl in white tries to call out to them, they will not even waver. It unsettles her：happiness placed beside horror, equally glinting and equally motionless. The only piece that will follow her is the one she can hold—the one that set her free.

She stares hard at the shadow girl.“If we’re in this together, ”she begins, leaning forward, “then what do you think about staying together?We…We could help each other, and maybe…”

She stops. The other girl is staring into the empty, canvas-like sky with a blank and uninformative expression. She doesn’t seem to be listening, but in truth she has followed every word.

注意：
1．续写词数应为150左右;
2．请按如下格式在答题卡的相应位置作答。
Paragraph 1:

“Maybe…”the dark girl echoes.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Paragraph 2:

And the remnant of the girl she used to be, the Tairitsu who had first woken up in this world, rebelled against the prospect of “the end”—against the idea of giving up.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

6 . I guess most of you have had an experience like it: it’s the weekend, but instead of having a good rest, you have to bury yourself in the endless homework you have left over from the week. This was my routine too. But it came to an end during my school’s “No Homework Weekend”.

The activity was announced two weeks in advance so we could get prepared. Students in my class did not have any homework on the special weekend, but students in other classes were not so lucky. There were also some teachers who told their students: “You don’t have homework this weekend, but you do have a test next Monday.” This meant: “You don’t have to prepare for the test during the weekend, but good luck if you don’t!” Well, teachers will be teachers, I suppose.

I really made the most of those two days without homework. On Friday night, I stayed up chatting with my friends online because we didn’t need to worry about homework. On Saturday, I watched a band concert, and on Sunday I had a god sleep and organized my notes. Normally I have so much regular homework that I do not have time to review and organize class notes. But on that weekend, I finally had time to do it.

No Homework Weekend was really a great time to release stress and take a look at what we had learned so far. I loved it and I hope my school holds more weekends like it in the future!

1. The writer often _________on weekends.

A．has a good rest

B．watches movies

C．prepares for tests

D．does lots of homework

2. According to the second paragraph, the writer’s class __________ on the special weekend.

A．will not have any homework	B．will have a special test
C．will have to prepare for the exam	D．will have lots of books to read

3. The writer did NOT _________ on the special weekend.

A．watch a film

B．sleep very well

C．organize the notes

D．review the lessons

4. We know that the writer __________ about “No Homework Weekend”.

A．is worried

B．seems happy

C．doesn’t care

D．is surprised

7 . 阅读下面材料，在空白处填入一个单词或括号内单词的正确形式。

The fourth season of the travel reality show HAHAHAHAHA aired on Tencent’s video platform on Saturday,     1     (offer) viewers a catching glimpse (一瞥) into the travels of actors Deng Chao and Chen He, pop idol Lu Han, comedian Wang Mian, former soccer player Fan Zhiyi, and rapper Dong Baoshi as they take on an     2     (adventure) journey through Laos.

The show,     3     is different from tradition, explores abroad for the first time,     4     decision made by director Wang Zhengyu as a means     5     (improve) the artists’ creativity.     6     previous seasons crossing China’s various places, from the northern city of Mohe to Kashgar in the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, the new environment promises to stir up inspiration and excitement among the performers.

“Laos people are welcoming to Chinese visitors,” Wang reflected on the kind help during the filming. “Our time in Laos offered a good understanding of     7     the Belt and Road Initiative has brought     8     (opportunity) and changes there.”

Building upon the previous three seasons, Wang notes the harmonious relationship among the five members. “At     9     (it) main feature, the reality show     10     (serve) as a source of relaxation and enjoyment for viewers.”

8 . Kim Stemple, a special-education teacher, faced terrible diseases during her stay in a Boston hospital. While ________ with depression in her hospital room, Stemple received an unexpected present from a friend: a medal.

Before Stemple got too sick to ________, she had been a marathon runner and the medal brought back her racing memories. It served as a much-needed pick-me-up, ________ her of the strength and perseverance she once possessed. ________, it worked like a charm, and then some, ________ her spirits and renewing her determination.

Inspired by this life-changing ________, Stemple began to think about how such a simple act could bring hope to others going through ________ times. And from this ________ of inspiration, her charity, We Finish Together, was born. This initiative ________ medals from strangers — runners, dancers, swimmers, singers, and even spelling bee win-ners — and donated them to individuals in need.

Part of the process ________ the donor writing a personalized note on the ribbon, giving the recipient a unique ________ to someone who cares. Indeed, for those who were ________ in hospitals and battling health challenges, being presented with a medal and reading the warm ________ really made a big difference. It ________ a reminder that they were not ________ in their struggles and that there was always support available to them.

1.

A．wrestling

B．competing

C．quarreling

D．parting

2.

A．live

B．heal

C．exercise

D．recover

3.

A．cheating

B．clearing

C．breaking

D．reminding

4.

A．Casually

B．Desperately

C．Temporarily

D．Surprisingly

5.

A．explaining

B．lifting

C．discovering

D．absorbing

6.

A．season

B．plan

C．experience

D．solution

7.

A．common

B．tough

C．pointless

D．dangerous

8.

A．race

B．game

C．secret

D．seed

9.

A．collected

B．assessed

C．borrowed

D．bought

10.

A．promoted

B．insisted

C．involved

D．shaped

11.

A．connection

B．barrier

C．division

D．conflict

12.

A．trained

B．stuck

C．operated

D．warned

13.

A．document

B．message

C．receipt

D．gift

14.

A．threw away

B．put down

C．acted as

D．dropped out

15.

A．shy

B．weak

C．tired

D．alone

9 . Tai Chi, a gentle martial art originating from China and involving slow movements with a focus on breathing and on what your body is doing in that moment, provides numerous benefits for both physical and mental well-being. Here are five convincing reasons to bring Tai Chi into your routine.

●It’s easy on the body.

Tai Chi offers gentle exercise suitable for individuals of all ages and fitness levels.     1    , as muscles remain relaxed without any stretching or straining. It’s an exercise that can be easily adapted for less able people, including those in wheelchairs.

●It could prevent falls.

A review of studies conducted in 2019 indicated that Tai Chi could lower the risk of falls among older people. Certainly, the emphasis is on balance, with sideways and backwards movements aiding in the strengthening of the muscles necessary for stability.     2    .

●It may boost brain power.   

    3    . Research shows that practising Tai Chi on a regular basis can enhance cognitive abilities in older adults, both those with and without memory issues. Given that it’s considered safe and suitable for the elderly, this is a definite win.

●    4    .

A reduction in stress and anxiety, along with an increase in confidence, is another mental health benefit of Tai Chi, as indicated by research findings, though further research is needed to comprehensively understand and confirm these effects.

●You can do it at home.

Attending classes can be beneficial for receiving structured instruction and connecting with like-minded individuals.     5     , providing an alternative for practicing at home. You’re bound to find one that matches your fitness level and exercise preferences. Practicing Tai Chi at home can also offer unparalleled convenience and flexibility.

A．It has the feel-good factor

B．It can improve heart health

C．The benefits aren’t just physical

D．But there are videos available online too

E．They also improve flexibility and spatial awareness

F．Its low-impact nature minimizes the risk of joint injury

G．You can share experiences with these people face-to-face

10 . Top 4 must-see ancient villages in Beijing

Beijing is a world-famous historical and cultural city with a history of more than 3, 000 years. The rich and profound ancient village culture found in and around the city remains an important part of the capital’s history and culture. Below we recommend 4 must-see ancient villages in the Beijing area as the 2024 May Day holiday approaches.

Lingshui village

Located in the northwest of Mentougou district, Lingshui village was formed in the Liao and Jin dynasties. The ancient dwellings in Lingshui village are a model of rural residential buildings during the Ming and Qing dynasties (1368-1911) in northerm China, and their original appearance is well preserved. Tourists can explore over 120 folk houses, alongside many cultural relics in the village.

Shuiyu village

Shuiyu village is in Fangshan district. The village was built during the Ming and Qing dynasties. With 600 houses and more than 100 sets of courtyard houses from the Ming and Qing dynasties, the original cultural ecology of the village has been well maintained. Facing both north and south, the village is laid out in a circular shape, forming a unique architectural style.

Sangyu village

Sangyu village lies in the north of Mentougou district, Beijing, next to Lingshui village. Prior to the Ming dynasty (1368-1644) , Sangyu village was called Sanyu or “encountering” in English, named for the three water channels that meet in the village. Dense mulberry tree forests surround the entire village, and when they bear fruit, purple mulberries light up the village valley.

Malan village

Malan village, which means “horse stable” in English, had a history of keeping horses that dates back to the Ming dynasty. The ancient buildings in Malan village are made of stone and mud. When building and repairing houses in the village, people try their best to maintain their original appearance. There is also an exhibition hall, a row of old houses, as well as 12 gate bridges in the the village.

1. Which village is designed round according to the text?

A．Lingshui village.	B．Shuiyu village.
C．Sangyu village.	D．Malan village.

2. What does Lingshui village and Malan village have in common?

A．They are models of rural buildings.

B．The houses are made of stones and mud.

C．Their original appearance are well maintained.

D．They were built during the Ming and Qing dynasties.

3. From which column of a newspaper can this passage probably be taken?

A．Nature.

B．Agriculture.

C．Geography.

D．Tourism.