1 . 听下面一段较长对话，回答以下小题。
1. How long did the hike take?

A．Three days

B．Eight days

C．Fourteen days.

2. What was the main landscape during the hike?

A．Mountains.

B．Woodlands

C．Desert.

3. What animal did the man see in camp?

A．A lion.

B．A wolf.

C．A snake

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。

When people think of China, silk is among the first things that pop into their mind. The best place in China     1     (discover) the wonder of silk is the city of Suzhou. 90 % of the genuine-silk trade in the world comes from China,     2     one third of the silk products exported from China is from Suzhou. It was in this place     3    some of the first silk embroideries (刺绣) were born. Suzhou Silk can be made     4       a great many products, the most common being clothing and scarves.

Silk is a natural protein fiber. The protein fiber of silk consists mainly of fibroin,     5     protein produced by certain insects to generate cocoons.

Chinese legend gives the title Goddess of Silk to Leizu, wife of the mythical Yellow Emperor in about 3000 BC. She     6       (credit) with the introduction of silkworm ever since. During the Western Han Dynasty, the Emperor assigned special envoys, like Zhang Qian,     7     (routine) to the Western Regions, which facilitated the     8     (form) of the Silk Road.

Silk is the symbol of     9     (distinguish) ancient Chinese culture and the old silk industry formed one of the most splendid chapters in the history of the Chinese culture, remarkably     10     (contribute) to the development of the world civilization.

3 . Every Christmas, my mom would fill our stockings with small toys and candies. At the very tip of the stocking, the very _________ thing that we would pull out was an orange. For years, I hated the tradition. It was _________ to pull an orange out of my _________ after uncovering so many fun and delicious treats. An orange wasn’t special. I could eat one any time of the year, and it was just _________ room that could have been filled with more candy.

When I was thirteen, I _________ asked my mother why she put oranges in our stockings. She _________ my grand-father had grown up very poor. His father had a brain tumor that left him blind and _________ to work, so his mother relied on _________ from the church to take care of her seven children. Every Christmas, a local church donated a basket of fruit to their family. This was my grandfather’s favorite day of the year because it was the only day when he could eat fresh fruit. The oranges were his favorite because they _________ like sunshine. When he grew up, he always __________ to have a bowl of oranges around at Christmastime so he could __________ his favorite Christmas memory with his children.

When my mom finished telling the story, I felt __________. In my rush to collect as much candy as possible, I had __________ to be grateful. Now the orange at the bottom of my stocking is a __________ to be grateful for the beautiful Christmases that my parents gave me and for the hard work they did that ensured I could have a（n）__________ any day of the year.

1.

A．best

B．last

C．first

D．fast

2.

A．disappointing

B．amazing

C．appealing

D．frightening

3.

A．room

B．bag

C．stocking

D．pocket

4.

A．blowing up

B．building up

C．taking up

D．holding up

5.

A．initially

B．joyfully

C．casually

D．eventually

6.

A．commented

B．described

C．explained

D．imagined

7.

A．unwilling

B．unable

C．qualified

D．ambitious

8.

A．contributions

B．inventions

C．pensions

D．donations

9.

A．tasted

B．looked

C．touched

D．felt

10.

A．settled down

B．spoke up

C．made sure

D．turned up

11.

A．share

B．exchange

C．appreciate

D．discuss

12.

A．anxious

B．ashamed

C．delighted

D．excited

13.

A．forgotten

B．expected

C．continued

D．agreed

14.

A．ceremony

B．tradition

C．reminder

D．memory

15.

A．party

B．festival

C．gift

D．orange

4 . Globally, about 192.1 million animals are used annually for experimental purposes. Iran has conducted animal-based research dating back to the time of Ibn Sina. Although, like many countries, Iran regulates the use and treatment of laboratory animals, it lacks sufficient enforcement. To ensure ethical treatment of research animals, Iran needs better data about their use, and institutions and individuals need to take responsibility for their care.

Iran’s Ministry of Health, which oversees animal testing, requires all animals are treated according to international ethical standards. However, some institutions that produce or use animals provide substandard treatment, disregarding the ministry’s guidelines. To facilitate better enforcement of established regulations, Iran needs clear, accurate and reliable information about the quantity of animals used in research. All Iranian research institutions that use animals should be required to collect and report annual data on the number of animals they use, the conditions in which the animals are kept, and the animals’ research purpose. Such data would allow Iran to track each institution’s adherence (遵守) to the “3Rs”of animal research: Replacing animal-based experiments with alternative strategies, reducing the number of animals used, and refining techniques to minimize the pain and discomfort research animals experience.

In addition to government enforcement, individual institutions should prioritize the replacement, reduction, and refinement of animal use. Iran’s medical schools and research institutions should establish an accessible database with comprehensive experimental details to prevent excessive animal studies. Ethics committees shouldn’t approve experiments that use more animals than necessary or methods that require animals when alternative methods are available. In some cases, technical sampling (using a small sample size) can replace experimental sampling (using a relatively large sample size).

Individuals should also take an active role. All researchers must be trained to adhere to ethical principles and understand unnecessary pain or discomfort in animals could affect the interpretation of data.

Maintaining international ethical standards for animal treatment is vital for Iran to establish its global standing in the field of medical sciences. Iran’s government, institutions, individual scientists, and public can work together to ensure ethical animal research.

1. What is the main idea of paragraph 1?

A．The origin of Iran’s animal-based research.

B．The regulations of Iran’s research into animals.

C．The development of Iran’s animal-based research.

D．Moral concerns for Iran’s research animals’ welfare.

2. Why does Iran need better data about the use of research animals?

A．To follow the ministry’s guidelines.

B．To be in control of animal-based research.

C．To ensure the adherence to the “3Rs” in animal-based research.

D．To replace animal-based experiments with alternative strategies.

3. Why should a database with overall experimental details be established?

A．To follow government regulations.

B．To reduce unnecessary animal-based studies.

C．To make research more visible to the public.

D．To ensure the accuracy of experimental results.

4. What is the main purpose of the text?

A．To encourage cooperation for ethical animal-based research in Iran.

B．To promote the use of an accessible experimental database in Iran.

C．To highlight ethics committees’ role in animal-based research in Iran.

D．To stress international ethical standards in animal-based research in Iran.

5 . Phenomenal Los Angeles Exhibitions To See Right Now

While there are tons of world-class museums in Los Angeles to lose yourself in all year round, there are a few that stand out as must-sees. Here are two of the best art exhibits in Los Angeles that you simply cannot miss.

 Hip Hop Til Infinity

Explore the extensive history and enduring influence of hip hop at this exciting new exhibition on Sunset Blvd. Guests will embark on a 50-year journey of the genre, from its origins in New York through its presence here in Los Angeles. You can also expect immersive virtual concerts, vibrant listening parties, meet-and-greets with influential artists, iconic photography displays, and an original soundtrack by DJ Clark Kent. Remember that reservations are required before your visit.

Tickets: ＄15 per ticket.

Dates: On view now, tickets available through April 2024

Location: 6400 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles

 Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity Mirror Rooms

We’re lucky to have two of Yayoi Kusama’ s Infinity Mirror Rooms available to visit for free right here in LA.

 Infinity Mirrored Room: An enclosed mirror-lined space filled with flashing LED lights that visitors physically step into. Since guests enter the space one group at a time, the Broad requires that you make a timed reservation to foster the best possible experience. Find it on the first floor of The Broad.

 Longing for Eternity: A mirrored chamber filled with pulsating neon lights that guests peer into one by one. There’s no need to make a reservation for this, so just join the line on the third floor.

Tickets: Free to visit.

Dates: On view now, no end date announced

Location: The Broad, 221 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles

1. Which is suitable for people who don’t book in advance?

A．Hip Hop Til Infinity.

B．Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity Mirror Rooms

C．Infinity Mirrored Room.

D．Longing for Eternity.

2. What can we learn about the Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity Mirror Rooms?

A．The opening time has not been announced yet.

B．They will charge visitors who don’t make a reservation.

C．Guests to Longing for Eternity can line up on the first floor.

D．Groups should enter the Infinity Mirrored Room one by one.

3. Where is the text probably taken from?

A．A travel brochure.	B．An encyclopedia.
C．A report.	D．A textbook.

6 . Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. If you’re looking for a memorable and romantic trip, the Scottish capital city — Edinburgh is your destination for a magical Valentine’s Day. Here are 4 special reasons to surprise your loved one with an Edinburgh break.

1. Stay at The Balmoral

Having celebrated its 120th anniversary in 2022, royal families, celebrities and heads of state have all stayed at this five-star luxury hotel in the heart of Edinburgh. Combining modern design and classic architecture, the hotel itself, with its incredible clock tower, is an Edinburgh landmark and part of the skyline. There’s also a spa, gym and a 4 AA Rosette restaurant Number One, serving Scottish cuisine.

2. See Scott Monument and Edinburgh Castle

Seeing the landmarks of Edinburgh is a must and two of the most historic and striking are just a short walk from The Balmoral. The Scott Monument is a Victorian Gothic monument dedicated to Scottish author Sir Walter Scott. The Edinburgh Castle, overlooking the city, dates back to the 11th century and offers the perfect opportunity to learn about fascinating Scottish history and enjoy the awesome views as well.

3. Visit the Scottish National Gallery and National Museum of Scotland

Edinburgh is a cultural city, with some of Scotland’s finest museums and art galleries. The Scottish National Gallery houses Scotland’s national collection of fine art, from the Renaissance (文艺复兴) onwards, in a striking neoclassical building. Romance and Reality Scotland 1800-1895 is highly recommended. The National Museum of Scotland includes Scottish archaeological finds and the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition is well worth a visit too.

4. View the city and see the monuments at Calton Hill

A short walk from The Balmoral beyond Princes Street’s east end is Calton Hill (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) , a hill that offers magnificent views of Edinburgh without too much uphill effort. Calton Hill is also home to’ some impressive monuments and buildings, including the National Monument, Nelson Monument, Robert Burns Monument and the City Observatory.

1. What is the purpose of building the Scott Monument?

A．To become a landmark.	B．To enjoy the awesome views.
C．To memorialize a Scottish writer.	D．To overlook the whole city.

2. Where can you enjoy Scottish history and art?

A．Edinburgh Castle.	B．City Observatory.
C．Princes Street.	D．National Museum of Scotland.

3. What do Edinburgh Castle and Calton Hill have in common ?

A．Both of them date back to the Renaissance.

B．They both overlook the city of Edinburgh.

C．They both have been included in the World Heritage List.

D．Both of them are home to some striking monuments.

7 . At the end of 2019, I learned that a software start-up, whose goal is to let the living communicate with the dead, was looking for applicants of its new project. Intrigued by what it was promising, I applied to experiment the software on my very-much-alive parents.

At first, I thought it would be just a fun project to see what was technologically possible. Then the pandemic (流行病) added some importance to the experiment. I was frightened that my parents might die, and that with the strict control on hospital visits at the time, I might never have the chance to say goodbye.

The first step of the experiment was an interview. My parents were asked questions by a technician for hours — about everything from their earliest memories to what they believe will happen after they die. Whether through pandemic-related concerns or a willingness to humor their daughter, my parents put up zero resistance. The company then took their responses and started to create the voice assistants. A few months later, my virtual parents arrived via email.

When I communicated with them through the app on my phone, my hands were shaking. I hadn’t seen my actual, real parents for six months. They told me personal stories I’d never heard. They gave me life advice and told me things about their childhoods, as well as my own. It was fascinating.

Personally, I have mixed feelings about my experiment. I’m glad to have my virtual parents. They’ve enabled me to learn new things about my parents, and it’s comforting to think that those bots will be there even when my parents aren’t. On the other hand, I can’t help but find it sad that it took a stranger interviewing my parents for me to properly know the complex people they are. But I feel lucky to have had the chance to grasp that and to still have the precious opportunity to spend more time with them and learn more about them, face to face, no technology involved.

1. What does the underlined word “intrigued” mean in paragraph 1?

A．Puzzled.

B．Attracted.

C．Accepted.

D．Expected.

2. What was the author’s primary purpose of joining the project?

A．To record her parents’ voices when they are alive.

B．To relieve the fright brought by the pandemic.

C．To learn more about the life stories of her parents.

D．To test out what the new technology might be like.

3. What can we learn about the author’s parents?

A．They opposed joining the project at first.	B．They went through many interviews.
C．They were patient and caring.	D．They died because of the pandemic.

4. What dose the author realize in the last paragraph?

A．Technology allows us to learn more about our virtual parents.

B．The development of technology has advantages and disadvantages.

C．New technology means never saying goodbye to our parents.

D．The real connection with our parents matters most.

8 . Like every gym class I have ever taken, I felt like the odd one out. Opening the door and glancing around the room, I seemed to be the only girl struggling. Everyone else, in their fitted tank tops and leggings, not a hair out of place, looked as if they belonged. I on the other hand, with my curly hair now wildly unleashed, oversized shirt, wondered why I had ever bothered to subject myself to a gym class.

Earlier that year, with a healthy dose of encouragement from my family, I decided to give fitness a real shot. I showed up to my university gym for spin class with my stomach in a bundle of nerves. The first time I tried to stand on the bike pedals, I felt my legs shake and immediately sat down. All the muscles I hadn’t used before creaked as they suddenly engaged in rapid movement. It wasn’t until the third class, when I smoothly transitioned to standing up on the bike, that I started to gain some confidence.

Eventually, as my comfort on the bike grew, I became less focused on how I looked and the exact movements my legs and arms were to engage in and more focused on looking inward. I had never considered myself athletic. But now, rather than agonize (感到痛苦) over my weight, I started to reflect in amazement at my body’s ability to lift groceries, move apartments and all the other countless tasks it did to keep my life moving forward.

Somewhere between being yelled at to squat lower, jump higher and push harder, gym class made me realize that while I was wrong about many things when it came to fitness, I was right about one important thing: What truly matters is showing up, not what you wear or your fitness abilities. Because once you show up, the rest gets easier, one sweaty adventure at a time.

1. How did the author feel when she first entered the gym class?

A．Excited.

B．Awkward.

C．Confident.

D．Bothered.

2. What does paragraph 2 mainly talk about?

A．The changes to the author’s body.

B．The author’s passion for spin classes.

C．The author’s experience as a new gym-goer.

D．The reasons for the author’s entering gym classes.

3. What does the author think of her body at present?

A．She is in pretty good shape.

B．She cares more about her weight.

C．She is critical of her body’s ability.

D．She is proud of her body’s capability.

4. What important lesson did the author learn from the gym class?

A．Pushing harder is good for you.

B．What you wear to the class matters the most.

C．Showing up plays a determining role in fitness.

D．Fitness abilities are more important than showing up.

9 . Often, during his formative years, a 500-year-old ginkgo tree (银杏树) that did not sprout leaves for two to three years at a stretch used to be a daily sight for Yang Zhongkai on his way to and from high school. Since villagers widely regarded it as one that made their wishes come true, they used to kneel down in front of the “lucky” tree and burn offerings under it. This, Yang recalled, led to long-time heat exposure at its roots, stunting its growth.

“Millions of such old trees are in urgent need of protection given their importance as vital biological resources and symbols of ecological civilization,” said Yang, the initiator of a team — Zhiyue — dedicated to protecting ancient trees.

“But the recording and management of ancient and famous trees nationwide commonly rely on Excel spreadsheets, which are troubled by information silos (信息孤岛), lack of real-time updates and incomplete content,” he said.

However, things have changed of late.

Yang and his team now use the artificial intelligence technology developed by Tencent Cloud to identify and register trees accurately, based on individual traits and GPS tracking. They are part of the fourth Light Technology Public Welfare Creation Camp, a science and technology public welfare platform launched by Tencent Holdings. As one of the most influential technology public welfare platforms in China, it aims to encourage more people to solve social problems using scientific and technological knowledge and open up more than 300 AI functions of Tencent Cloud to participants. More than 3,600 teams and 18,000 developers have participated in this influential tech charity platform since its establishment in 2020.

“Digital technologies, represented by AI, large models, and virtual reality, will deeply impact charity through platforms like the camp. Such efforts will create greater value for social development and human progress,” said Guo Kaitian, senior vice-president of Tencent.

1. Why did Yang talk about the ginkgo tree in paragraph 1?

A．To introduce the “lucky” tree in his village.

B．To stress the urgency of protecting the tree.

C．To criticize villagers for their wrong wishes.

D．To explain the reason why the tree was dying.

2. What made it difficult to record and manage ancient trees according to Yang?

A．Lack of updates.

B．Inaccuracy of updates.

C．Shortage of participants.

D．Lack of real-time monitor.

3. What can we learn about the fourth Light Technology Public Welfare Creation Camp?

A．It is launched by Tencent Cloud.

B．It promotes ecological civilization.

C．It targets at inspiring social problem solutions.

D．It is based on individual traits and GPS tracking.

4. What does Guo Kaitian think of digital technologies?

A．They contribute to human progress.

B．They will be deeply influenced by AI.

C．They benefit a lot from social development.

D．They will boost the development of the platform.

10 . 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。

No doubt, one of the most admired Chinese paintings of all time is the Qingming Shang He Tu,     1     Along the River During the Qingming Festival. The painting is on a silk scroll that is 24.8 cm wide and 528.7 cm long,     2     (bear) Emperor Huizong’s name. It was painted by Zhang Zeduan, who was a court painter during the Northern Song Dynasty.

This amazingly     3     (detail) painting quickly became a national treasure. Over the centuries that followed, hundreds of copies of it were made, many of     4     became national treasures themselves.     5     the original painting was lost for some time, it is now     6     (proud) placed in the Palace Museum in Beijing. The painting     7     (exhibit) for only brief periods every few years. However, using computer animation, the painting has been remade into     8     animated digital version for all to enjoy.

The Qingming Shang He Tu is not only a true work of art, but it also gives us a rare insight     9     daily life of ancient China. So often, history only contains the stories of emperors, generals, and important events. This painting’s great appeal is     10     it provides us with a look into ordinary people's lives in the Song Dynasty.