1 . As an epic (史诗) which brings back to life some of the most famous poets from the Tang Dynasty (618-907) , on July 2, the animated movie Chang’an held its first release in what was once called Chang’an, now known as Xi’an.

Produced by Light Chaser Animation, a Beijing-based animated studio known for its focus on tales inspired by traditional culture and mythology (神话), the film is scheduled for a nationwide release on Saturday.

With a total time of 168 minutes — the longest of any Chinese animated movie to date — Chang’an mainly chronicles the decades-long friendship of Li Bai, arguably the country’s most beloved poet, and Gao Shi, his close friend and a well-known poet.

In an interview, Zou Jing, the director of the movie, discussed the challenges faced in bringing their story to the screen. The biggest challenge we faced was deciding how to present the impressive prosperity (繁荣) of the Tang Dynasty. Before production began, our team studied historical materials, read as much as possible about Tang Dynasty culture and the poets’ lives. We invited experts from different fields to guide us to make sure the content was correct and reliable, and we also learned thoroughly about the poems in this film.

Zou Jing added that in this film, animation gave us a strong expressive means to present Chinese poetry culture in a more impressive way so that the audience could better understand the poetic mood and artistic concepts of the poets.

Chang’An is set up as the first in a series of New Culture films that Light Chaser plans to produce. Speaking with Global Times, Zou Jing explained, ”The New Culture series will be based on actual historical figures in China. This is the key of the series.”

As of Saturday, the movie had gained over 27 million yuan ($3.7 million), topping the country’s presale box office.

1. What do we know about Chang’an from the passage?

A．It was the longest movie so far.

B．It was a movie about mythology.

C．It held its nationwide release on July 2.

D．It involved some famous poets from the Tang Dynasty

2. What does the underlined word “chronicles” in paragraph 3 probably mean?

A．Guides.

B．Records.

C．Creates.

D．Educates.

3. What was the biggest challenge faced in making the movie Chang’an?

A．Displaying the splendid Tang Dynasty.

B．Understanding the culture of the Tang Dynasty.

C．Telling the whole story in limited time.

D．Ensuring the movie’s credible.

4. What is the purpose of this article?

A．To explain the success of a movie.	B．To promote a new animated movie.
C．To introduce Chinese poetry culture.	D．To discuss the challenges of making a film.

2 . It was long theorized that people make decisions based on integrated global calculations that occur within the frontal cortex(额叶皮层) of the brain, which is considered the seat of higher-order thinking. However, Yale researchers have found that three distinct brain circuits from the frontal cortex connecting to different brain regions are involved in making good decisions, bad ones, and determining which of those past choices to store in memory.

The study of decision-making in rats may help scientists find the roots of flawed decision-making common to mental health disorders such as addiction, the authors say. They used-a new tool to manipulate(操纵) brain circuits in rats while they were making choices between actions that led to them receiving rewards or no rewards. If the rats made the right decision, one that ended in a reward, one of the brain circuits was activated, but another was activated if the rats made the wrong choice and received no reward. The third circuit stored past experiences and decisions to help the rats with future choices.

Stephanie Groman, lead author of the research says, “A comparison would be deciding on a restaurant for dinner. For instance, without the ‘good choice’ circuit you may not return to the restaurant with good food and without the ‘bad choice’ circuit you might not avoid the restaurant with bad food. The third ‘memory’ circuit is crucial in making decisions such as whether to return to the restaurant after receiving one bad meal after several good ones.”

Changes in these circuits may help explain a typical feature of addiction—why people continue to make harmful choices even after repeated negative experiences. The Yale researchers previously showed that some of the same brain calculations were disrupted(扰乱)in animals that had taken methamphetamine. “Because we used a test that is similar to those used in studies of human decision making, our findings have direct relevance to humans and could aid in the search for novel treatments for substance abuse in humans,” Groman said.

1. How was Yale’s research different from the previous theory?

A．It defined the function of different brain regions.

B．It identified specific circuits involved in decision-making.

C．It focused on the connection between choices and memories.

D．It highlighted the role of the frontal cortex in higher-order thinking.

2. What can be inferred from Stephanie Groman’s words?

A．Memories are related to all the three circuits.

B．People base their decisions on personal preferences.

C．The three circuits are all of vital importance in making decisions.

D．The circuit related to rewards is the foundation of deciding wisely.

3. What does the last paragraph mainly focus on?

A．The limitations of the present study.	B．A description of the research method.
C．A possible reason for the study findings.	D．The potential application of the conclusion.

4. What might be the best title for the text?

A．How people get addicted and cured

B．How making decisions influences our brain

C．How our brain develops when facing choices

D．How the brain helps us make good decisions and bad ones

3 . 我们一直在采取各种措施来拯救濒临灭绝的动植物。（现在完成进行时） （汉译英）
____________________________________________________________________________________________

4 . It's a great idea to reread novels.     1     For a while, I saw little point in rereading. Why reread a favorite when there are other books waiting for you? Most book lovers have long books waiting to be read. It seems a waste of time to reread a novel. The aspect of time is a crucial point for readers — a novel simply is not a poem, short story or movie.

    2     For one, the purpose of reading changes. You are no longer familiarizing yourself with the plot, characters or setting. These points were made clear in the first read. Rather, the second and third reading allows greater focus on the theme, literary references, style and the more subtle (细微的) aspects of the novel. This makes for a more enjoyable read. In many ways, a novel is like an endless treasure chest.    3    .

Another pleasant part of rereading is the lack of need to “understand” a novel. You've already read it and can now determine the extent of your enjoyment. However, there's a possibility of disliking a novel at second glance (再看一眼). There's   nothing wrong with this!     4     It's through rereading that we develop an understanding of our tastes.

I'm not suggesting that rereading is superior to (优于) reading novels for the first time. Yet, it's worth arranging time for two or three novels a year. You shouldn't reread any book. Rather pick a favorite to start with, preferably a story you read over a year ago.     5     It's entirely possible not to enjoy a novel at first but appreciate it at a different stage in your life.

A．However, it wasn't something I often did.

B．Yet plots, characters and setting still matter.

C．Still, I must mention the benefits of rereading.

D．That's because our tastes and preferences change.

E．I prefer the latter even though the enjoyment is less.

F．Or, pick a novel you are having second thoughts about.

G．You'll always find something previously undiscovered.

5 . Magazines make great reading materials for kids. Libraries often have a large selection of periodicals (期刊) for every age group and reading level, and for many areas of interest. And some magazines may even have issues going back years and even decades! Below is a list of some of them!

Military Kids Life

It is about finding the bright side of life as a military kid! Inside each quarterly issue, your child will encounter inspiring stories, articles, and photographs! (8 to 16 years)

Faces

With articles, folk tales, and hands-on projects, Faces magazine takes young readers around the world for an honest and objective view of how children in other regions live. (9 to 14 years)

Make

Make magazine publishes tested projects, skill-building tutorials, in-depth reviews and inspirational stories, accessible by all ages and skill ranges. (9 to 18 years)

Brio

Brio magazine for teen girls has a fresh new look that includes more pages filled with inspiring profiles, cultural insights, health & beauty tips, faith-filled features and added fun! (13 to 18 years)

Please note: Though all the magazines on this list are written for children, some issues may contain content that you may feel inappropriate for your child. As always, please review all reading materials before giving them to your child to read.

1. Which magazine can help develop kids’ international awareness?

A．Faces.	B．Make.
C．Brio.	D．Military Kids Life.

2. What can be learned from the text?

A．All the magazines are proper for children.

B．Magazines are usually published for children.

C．Some magazines have back issues in libraries.

D．Only magazines for kids are accessible in libraries.

3. What is the purpose of this passage?

A．To argue.	B．To inform.
C．To entertain.	D．To persuade.

6 . New research shows that removing black rhinos’ horns (犀牛角) to make them less attractive to illegal hunters is reducing their territory (领地) sizes and making them less sociable with each other.

The study, published in the journal PNAS, found that de­horned South African rhinos have home ranges that are 45 per cent smaller than those of complete animals, and that they were 37 percent less likely to engage in social interactions.

“The big, dominant bulls that used to have very large territories that overlapped with a lot of females may now have much less territory and much less reproductive (繁殖的) success,” says Vanessa Duthé, who led the work at Switzerland’s University of Neuchâtel.

“It’s really hard to predict the effects of this,” she says. “It doesn’t mean that population success will necessarily decline, because it might open up gaps for younger males that would not have had the space or the means before.” Indeed, a University of Bristol study published last year showed that de­horning (去角) does not negatively affect populations overall.

But such unintended behavioral consequences necessarily feed into judgments about whether this highly invasive procedure is worthwhile. Remarkably, perhaps, there is little hard evidence either way. “No one’s put all the data together to say whether it’s a really effective measure,” says Duthé.

“What is clear is that the introduction of de­horning and a decline in illegal hunting has occurred at the same time,” she adds. “But de­horning has been accompanied by other conservation measures that may be more effective.”

“It’s incredibly complicated,” says Lucy Chimes, a member of the Bristol team. “There are so many other factors involved. You have to consider what other security measures are being carried out — fencing, patrols, staff numbers — and poverty levels surrounding parks, their nearness to national borders and whether there is community engagement.” Chimes is currently planning a project that aims to separate these and other factors. In the meantime, Duthé believes that de­horning is a worthwhile tool of last course of action. “A rhino that is behaving a little bit strangely is better than a dead rhino.”

1. What is the purpose of removing the horns of black rhinos?

A．To make them less sociable.	B．To protect them from being hunted.
C．To reduce their home ranges.	D．To affect their reproductive success.

2. What does the underlined phrase “invasive procedure” in paragraph 5 refer to?

A．The removal of rhino horns.	B．The loss of rhino territories.
C．The impact on rhino population.	D．The change of rhino behavior.

3. What is Chimes’ attitude toward the de­horning of black rhinos?

A．Supportive.

B．Opposed.

C．Unconcerned.

D．Uncertain.

4. What can we learn from the last paragraph?

A．De­horning rhinos shows satisfying effects.

B．Various factors lead to the decline in illegal hunting.

C．De­horning is the last action researchers will take.

D．Rhinos are supposed to behave a little bit strangely.

7 . Join the Sydney City Library

1. Create a City of Sydney account and join the library

Experience greater security and access to our library and other services by joining with a City of Sydney account. Your City of Sydney account uses your email address and a password as the login (登录). You’ll be able to use the same login to access other City of Sydney services.

① Go to the library online catalogue (目录) and select Join

② Select Create an account and follow the instructions

③ When the account is created, select Join the library

2. Join the library without an email address

If you don’t have an email address you can still join the library.

① Go to the library online catalogue and select Join

② Select Create an account and then the option I don’t have an email

③ Follow the prompts to complete the library membership form

3. Activate (激活) your membership

To ensure your full membership and collect your library card, visit a branch open for browsing and borrowing. You need to show proof of identity and permanent residential address. Official documents such as a driver licence, student card, bank statement or rates are accepted.

Applicants under 18 years old

A parent or guardian is required to approve your application. They need to visit a branch with you to show proof of identity, including their residential address and medicare card listing your name. For online memberships this proof of identity should be emailed to librarymemberships@cityofsydney. nsw. gov. au

1. What’s the benefit of having a City of Sydney account?

A．You can spend less money.	B．You can borrow more books.
C．You can enjoy safer access.	D．You can log in without a password.

2. What do you need to activate your membership?

A．Library card.	B．Email address.
C．Identity documents.	D．Bank password.

3. What is this text?

A．A guide.

B．A poster.

C．A report.

D．A notice.

8 . Nowadays, the term “superfood” has become the nutritional buzzword. Simply put, these superfoods are those that provide large amount of nutrients through minimal calories.

The term “superfood” may have taken the modern food scene by storm.     1     Although only popular in recent years, the concept of certain foods with special nutritional qualities has been around for a long time. The nickname “superfood” gained widespread popularity in the early 2000s as health enthusiasts and the food industry sought to identify and market foods with special health benefits. Today, it is a trend in diet.

In an age when we share all kinds of superfoods on social media, ignoring the phenomenon is impossible.     2     It’s easy to understand. These nutritional superheroes offer a perfect combination of substance and style, tailored for the digital generation. Their lively colours, exotic origins and impressive nutrient profiles make them candidates for the next viral food trend.

    3     They offer a lifestyle that reflects the global shift towards a more health­conscious society. As the world wrestles with an increasing burden of diseases and the fast pace of modern life, people are seeking dietary solutions from superfoods.     4     They are rich in vitamins and minerals that can strengthen your immune system, avoid chronic diseases, and improve your overall well­being. Another remarkable benefit is their potential to promote heart health, helping you build a strong heart. Don’t forget their role in skin regeneration. The antioxidants (抗氧化物) can provide a natural glow, reduce skin ageing and fight against skin conditions.

    5     Superfoods, while nutritionally dense, should be part of a comprehensive diet rather than the only guarantee of our health.

A．What is driving the trend?

B．What are nutritional superheroes?

C．They bring appearances to the table as well.

D．Superfoods promise more than just a meal.

E．No single food can cure all diseases.

F．They seem tailor­made to deal with these concerns.

G．However, its roots can be traced back to early 20th­century nutrition literature.

9 . Adam Wolfers believes that his son’s autism (自闭症) has a positive impact on his hobby of photography. 10-­year­-old Morgan has always possessed a _________ eye for capturing the world around him through his camera. Diagnosed (被诊断) with autism at the age of 3, Morgan has had a hard time _________ with others.

_________ these difficulties, he has shown an exceptional talent for noticing details that _________ others. Morgan has found clarity and focus in nature, particularly in the vivid colors and shapes of plants, leading him to _________ the art of nature photography.

Not _________ with merely capturing pictures, Morgan has even established his own photography business, becoming one of the top sellers in a local shop. _________, he donates ten percent of his _________ to support autistic artists through the Blue Ribbon Arts Initiative.

However, his motivation for photography _________ financial gain, as he simply wants to share the beauty he __________ with others. His work has gained __________, with one of his photos picked by National Geographic for __________ in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

His parents teared up as they told what his photography means. Morgan’s photography has become his saving grace (体面) because it gets people to look __________ his issues. “He’s going to make his __________,” his mother said.

Morgan advises all of us to try new things and explore our __________ and what we want to do. In other words, don’t be afraid to see things differently.

1.

A．strange

B．typical

C．unique

D．normal

2.

A．fighting

B．interacting

C．agreeing

D．competing

3.

A．Without

B．For

C．From

D．Despite

4.

A．escape

B．hit

C．touch

D．please

5.

A．admire

B．explore

C．change

D．promote

6.

A．amused

B．familiar

C．content

D．bored

7.

A．Remarkably

B．Undoubtedly

C．Accidentally

D．Fortunately

8.

A．salaries

B．profits

C．budgets

D．expenses

9.

A．results in

B．arises from

C．goes beyond

D．consists of

10.

A．recalls

B．imagines

C．expects

D．encounters

11.

A．recognition

B．advantage

C．strength

D．power

12.

A．examination

B．display

C．investigation

D．trade

13.

A．for

B．up

C．into

D．past

14.

A．decision

B．living

C．way

D．fortune

15.

A．principle

B．intelligence

C．emotions

D．limits

10 .

I grew up hearing that it is better to give than to receive, and the older I get, the more I aim to take this message to heart. Nevertheless, here I am, in the midst of the holiday season stressed out about gifts I have not yet purchased.

How did gift buying become an emotionally fraught chore (苦差事)? For a moment, it’s easy to question if it’s worth it. But science tells me that giving makes us feel good.

“The act of giving actually does improve your happiness,” says Michael Norton, a psychologist at Harvard Business School. He has published several studies on the effects of giving.

In one experiment that included about 700 people, the researchers randomly assigned participants to make either a purchase for themselves, or for a stranger. Afterwards, the participants reported how happy they felt. Turns out, giving to others led to a significant happiness boost, whereas spending on oneself didn’t move the needle.

“If you take $5 out of your pocket today, the science really does show that spending $5 on yourself doesn’t do much for you,” Norton says. “But spending that $5 on somebody else is more likely to increase your happiness.”

Take a scarf. If you buy one for yourself, it’s just another thing you don’t necessarily need. But if you buy a scarf for someone else, “you’ve shown them that they’re important to you,” Norton says. Either way, it’s just a scarf. “But it can either be a throwaway object or something that enhances a relationship between two people,” he says.

So, there’s evidence that generosity promotes happiness, but the process of shopping, wrapping and schlepping (搬) gifts can be tiresome — or even extremely annoying considering all of our day-­to­-day demands and other holiday stressors.

Studies also show when people are given something they are more likely to give back. Reciprocity (互惠) is a foundation of good relationships and when we surround ourselves with generous people, we tend to feel the same. Feeling that spirit of giving and the connection it can bring is what the holidays are all about.

1. Why does the author mention his own experience in paragraph 1?

A．To make a prediction.	B．To introduce the topic.
C．To present a reason.	D．To clarify a concept.

2. How does Norton illustrate his opinion in paragraphs 5 and 6?

A．By listing data.	B．By giving examples.
C．By making comments.	D．By telling personal experiences.

3. Why is preparing a gift sometimes an emotionally fraught chore?

A．It’s difficult and expensive.	B．It happens frequently.
C．It’s not valued by others.	D．It requires much effort.

4. What can we learn about giving gifts from the text?

A．It is not worth the effort.

B．It is a must to enhance a relationship.

C．It brings about emotional benefits.

D．It gains popularity during holidays.