1 . Tobias, a 35-year-old Belgian musician, has become popular on social media for his excellent grasp of the Shanghai dialect. He has been sharing his everyday experiences, which he _______ in Shanghai dialect, on video-sharing and lifestyle _______ Douyin and Xiaohongshu, winning thousands of followers and millions of _______

In the videos, he speaks_______ Shanghai dialect, which many non-locals believe is as difficult to learn and _______ as a foreign language. He talks about walking on the city’s streets, enjoying the food and music, and _______ his daily life in the city. Tobias started shooting and _______ these short videos for his own practice purposes. He didn’t expect so many people would be watching them, following him and sending him _______ and encouragement.

Tobias did not bury his nose in textbooks or _______ intensive study to learn Shanghainese. He said his learning __________ involved getting immersed (沉浸) in a language environment, having a positive attitude, and speaking __________ “without being afraid to make mistakes” . He was not thinking too much when he started learning the Shanghai dialect — it was just for __________.

Tobias said he did not expect he would __________ the promotion of the Shanghai dialect, but it would be an __________ and pleasure if his posts encouraged his followers to learn and pass on the dialect. “I believe a dialect is the heart of a local __________” said the musician.

1.

A．acts

B．delivers

C．competes

D．votes

2.

A．approaches

B．habits

C．platforms

D．communities

3.

A．likes

B．dollars

C．medals

D．chances

4.

A．ancient

B．sweet

C．modern

D．fluent

5.

A．understand

B．write

C．create

D．practise

6.

A．advancing

B．searching

C．recording

D．observing

7.

A．testing

B．reviewing

C．selling

D．posting

8.

A．notes

B．comments

C．reports

D．replies

9.

A．interrupt

B．assess

C．conduct

D．appreciate

10.

A．materials

B．methods

C．objectives

D．resources

11.

A．secretly

B．slowly

C．happily

D．bravely

12.

A．fun

B．work

C．fame

D．show

13.

A．stick to

B．contribute to

C．focus on

D．rely on

14.

A．advantage

B．opportunity

C．honor

D．option

15.

A．authority

B．history

C．custom

D．culture

2 . Wellness for Younger Tastes

Wellness, or yangsheng in Mandarin, is no longer a term exclusive to the middle-aged and elderly. Faced with intense competition in education and their careers, those born in the 1990s and 2000s have already started a journey to safeguard their health. As the pursuit of wellness becomes an essential pastime for many young people, a trend known as “New Chinese-style Wellness” has taken over social media platforms.     1    . During a busy work day, they enjoy herbal teas brewed (煮) in wellness pots, enhancing their well-being while tapping away at their keyboards.

    2    , advocating for the consumption of fresh, natural ingredients, balanced meals and exercising moderation in the consumption of oil y and peppery foods, essentially maintaining a light and nutritious diet. Additionally, it promotes mental well-being by incorporating traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theories to regulate emotions and achieve a balanced development of physical and mental health.     3    , and as long as this demand continues to exist, the interest in related TCM practices will continue to grow.

Given the long hours facing a computer for work, young people often experience muscle discomfort in their shoulders and neck. Besides using a meridian massage (按摩) device, they may also get regular professional massages at hospitals to ease these issues.     4    , such as tai chi, to strengthen the body and achieve the goal of well ness and fitness.

    5    , which is behind their exploration of new wellness practices. According to the China Good Life Survey released by CCTV Finance, in 2023, health-related consumption ranked third with 31.04 percent in the list of consumption intentions among young people aged 18 to 35.

A．Many young people are riding the trend

B．Furthermore, it advocates for light exercise

C．There is a reflection of young people’s consumption trends

D．Having a balanced and healthy diet has always been important

E．“New Chinese-style Wellness” emphasizes the idea of dietary therapy

F．Modern young people have a different lifestyle from the older generation

G．The demand for health and wellness among modern individuals is significant

3 . In recent news, it has been reported that Hollywood executives have decided to cancel an $800 million investment in a new studio. This decision comes after the emergence of a groundbreaking technology called Sora, which has sent shockwaves throughout the film industry.

Sora, developed by OpenAI, has quickly become a focal point of discussion within Hollywood. Unlike previous AI video generators, Sora has the ability to generate one-minute-long videos based on textual prompts (提示) while maintaining visual quality and consistency. It can switch between shots, adjust compositions and accurately combine video content with relevant background themes, resulting in incredibly realistic and virtual videos.

The introduction of Sora is just the beginning of a shocking shift in the film industry. Its ability to generate high-quality videos based on textual prompts raises questions about the future of traditional movie-making processes. The potential to replace certain job roles and disturb the livelihoods of some individuals is just a small part of the overall impact.

Looking ahead, the innovation of productivity tools and the potential for smaller teams to create Hollywood-level movies at a lower cost may completely transform the way films are produced. This shift could bring about new production methods, viewing experiences, and even business models within the film and entertainment industry.

This breakthrough technology has raised concerns within the film industry, as it has the potential to disturb the traditional movie production process and cause certain job roles’ losses. However, this technology also presents opportunities for innovation and cost-effective production methods. The film industry is on the edge of a transformative era, and only time will tell how Sora and similar technologies will shape its future. It likely won’t be long before audiences get to see film productions made with Sora. It can be stated with certainty that the film industry has entered a new era of rapid development in AI technology.

1. What is paragraph 2 mainly about?

A．The impact of Sora.	B．The concern of Sora.
C．The potential of Sora.	D．The advantage of Sora.

2. What will be challenged by Sora in the film industry?

A．Textual creation.	B．Individual investment.
C．Relevant job chances.	D．Video content development.

3. In what aspects does Sora influence the film industry?

A．Culture and business models.	B．Film production cost and methods.
C．Function and viewing experiences.	D．Innovation and background themes.

4. What is the author’s attitude towards Sora?

A．Objective.

B．Dismissive.

C．Unclear.

D．Doubtful.

4 . The birth of a male white-tailed eagle signals the success of the Roy Dennis Wildlife Foundation (RDWF) and Forestry England project to return these iconic birds to their original widespread locations along the southern coast of England. The last time a white-tailed eagle chick grew in England, Mozart was working on his opera Idomeneo in Germany

For two centuries these amazing birds were missing from most of the UK, having been wiped out by human persecution by the early 20th century.

In 2020, the parents of the landmark bird were translocated from the Outer Hebrides and north-west Sutherland in Scotland to the Isle of Wight. This is an area with plentiful food to sustain them. It is also a location from which the birds could spread out to cliffs, lakes and forests.

Female G405 and male G471 were two of 25 eagles (16 are still alive) released by the RDWF and Forestry England as part of the ongoing project. And they are one of three pairs to have now established breeding territories in the south of England.

The chick hatched earlier this summer at a nest on private land, the exact location of which is being kept a secret to ensure the welfare of the young bird.

“This is a very special moment for everyone who has worked on, supported and followed this ground-breaking project,” Roy Dennis says, founder of the RDWF. “Restoring a breeding population in southern England, where the species was once widespread, has been our ultimate goal. Seeing the first pair reach this stage is truly incredible.”

The young white-tailed eagle has now been ringed and fitted with a satellite tag (标签) so that its progress can be tracked. A further release of young white-tailed eagles is planned for late summer from the project team’s base on the Isle of Wight.

1. What is the author’s purpose in mentioning Mozart in paragraph 1?

A．To admire the musician’s great works.

B．To celebrate the birth of the white-tailed eagle.

C．To compare the situations of England and Germany.

D．To emphasize white-tailed eagles’ centuries-long absence.

2. Which word can replace the underlined word “persecution” in paragraph 2?

A．Hunt.

B．Exploration.

C．Disturbance.

D．Training.

3. Why is the accurate position of the chick kept secret?

A．For privacy.

B．For safety.

C．For territory.

D．For support.

4. Which may be a suitable title for the text?

A．A Splendid Bird	B．A Successful Wildlife Project
C．Milestone for White-tailed Eagles	D．Restoring a Breeding Population

5 . About eight years ago, Li Jinglong and Guan Dian visited the Palace Museum in Beijing. The cloisonne (景泰蓝瓷器) objects on display attracted them in particular. They spent hours looking at those beautiful objects. They just couldn’t take their eyes off them.

Born and raised in Beijing, 35-year-old Li is no stranger to cloisonne, since there were a pair of cloisonne vases in his grandparents’ home. His wife, 34-year-old Guan, who learned to paint as a child and later became a designer after graduating from the Beijing Institute of Fashion Technology, is also familiar with cloisonne, as it appears in her art books. As a result of their visit, the couple made the daring decision to open a workshop.

“We learned cloisonne after seeing the pieces displayed in the Palace Museum. We wanted to turn our hobby into a career, so that people could enjoy and learn to make the craft themselves,” said Li, who worked in a finance company before quitting his job to launch Handcraft Addicted, a DIY workshop where participants can make cloisonne. Since 2018, they have opened three workshops in Beijing. They are happy to give people a glimpse of the traditional techniques of cloisonne as part of a DIY experience.

Instead of focusing on making traditional cloisonne objects , such as plates and vases, the workshop allows participants to create the designs they want on surface of glass, resin (树脂) or wood. Although the process has been simplified, it is still not easy for people trying cloisonne for the first time to succeed. Participants spend months making one piece, which they take home or give friends as presents. It’s a luxury for people to spend time alone and fully focus on one thing nowadays because of the fast pace of life. Participants come to the workshop not only to create art, but also to take a break from their busy lives.

1. What can we learn about the couple?

A．They both grew up in Beijing.	B．They both majored in cloisonne art.
C．They both quit their previous jobs.	D．They are both familiar with cloisonne.

2. What inspired the couple to open Handcraft Addicted?

A．Their grandparents’ cloisonne vases.	B．Their hobby in handcraft techniques.
C．Cloisonne objects in Guan’s art books.	D．Cloisonne on exhibition in the Palace Museum.

3. In Handcraft Addicted, ______.

A．the first attempt is often simple

B．participants relax themselves while creating art

C．the couple make cloisonne objects by themselves

D．it is a luxury to make traditional cloisonne objects

4. Which of the following can best describe the couple?

A．Modest.

B．Generous.

C．Creative.

D．Outgoing.

6 . Drawing is not just about putting pencil to paper; it is a gateway to creativity, expression and imagination. Whether you are an ambitious Da Vinci or simply looking to learn a new skill, this guide is for sure your artistic roadmap to unlock the magic of drawing.

Preparation work

The first step on your drawing journey is to arm yourself with the right tools and materials.     1     Rather, use what you already have and are comfortable with, even if it is that one pencil from sixth form (六年级).

Start simple

Don’t dive straight into complex compositions. If so, you’ll feel pressured.     2     Circles, squares and triangles are the basic essential skills of more complicated drawings. A solid foundation will guarantee your smoothly tackling more challenging subjects later.

    3    

Creating lifelike art requires not just technical skill but also a keen eye for detail and a passion for observation.

Grab your sketchbook and focus on items you encounter regularly. Everyday objects are your best teachers.     4     As you study these subjects, pay close attention to their complexity — the play of light and shadow, the precise proportions and the subtle differences that make them unique.

Learn from the greats

    5    .You are supposed to visit museums, dive into art books or explore the vast online resources, including YouTube channels specializing in teaching entry-level drawing. There are countless art works out there waiting to be explored. Surrounding yourself with art can definitely ignite your passion for drawing.

Learning from other artists serves as endless inspiration and knowledge. Their works provide insight into different techniques, styles and interpretations of the world. By standing on the shoulders of artistic giants, you will find your own artistic voice to push your creative exploration forward.

A．Observation is key.

B．Drawing outside the box

C．So how can you learn from those things?

D．Their craft is based on dedication and hard work.

E．Immerse yourself in the wealth of art around you.

F．You are advised just to begin with mastering simple shapes.

G．There is no need to buy a new set of quality supplies right at the very beginning.

7 . The best places to do your Christmas shopping this year

It’s the most wonderful time of the year – but it can also be the most stressful. With multiple gifts to buy and a packed social calendar to cope with, Christmas shopping can feel like a drag, but no need to panic purchase: these top-quality shops deliver on festive cheer and on one-of-a-kind gifting.

Best for pre-loved gifts
Oxfam Superstore, Oxford

Trying to give more sustainably this Christmas? Head to Oxfam Superstore, an market of second-hand wonders, from furniture to fashion. Some of the most exclusive high-end brands make their way there.

Oxford Business Park, Alec Issigonis Way, OX4 2JZ
Best for on-the-go gifts
Tebay Services, Cumbria

Driving home for Christmas? You’re very lucky if your journey takes you along the M6 and passes Tebay. Tebay boasts not only a restaurant serving fresh local produce but a farm shop selling the finest foods, crafts and clothes from a community of 80 farmers and makers within 30 miles.

M6, Tebay | tebayservices.com
Best for beauty fanatics
Sephora, Westfield London

The US beauty mecca Sephora opened its first UK store in March and has fast become a destination for beauty fans countrywide. It’s truly a beauty lover’s playground —you can spray and try products to your heart’s content and there’s a range of expensive, but exclusive brands you can’t get elsewhere.

Ariel Way, W12 7GF | sephora.co.uk
Best for foodie gifts
The Newt in Somerset, Bruton

The Newt is an excellent destination for gift shopping, with an on-site farm and homeware shop, as well as an abundant online store. This year’s range has everything from Somerset cheese to butchery meats and cases of wine.

Hadspen, BA7 7NG | thenewtinsomerset.com
1. What will make you feel worried as Christmas Day is approaching?

A．Purchasing many gifts.

B．Meeting a lot of beauty fans.

C．Dealing with the old calendar.

D．Delivering different kinds of presents.

2. What is the similarity between Oxfam Superstore and Sephora, Westfield?

A．They feature second-hand gifts.

B．They can satisfy the beauty lover’s needs.

C．They pay more attention to the fashion of presents.

D．They share exceptional and expensive brands of goods.

3. Where should you go if you prefer to get local-made produce?

A．Oxford Business Park or M6, Tebay.

B．M6, Tebay or Hadspen, BA77NG.

C．Ariel Way, W12 7GF or M6, Tebay.

D．Oxford Business Park or Hadspen, BA77NG.

8 . 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。

It all began when my younger brother, Chris, and I went over to Aunt Barbara and Uncle Howard’s for Thanksgiving. My aunt and uncle live on a farm at the opposite end of town, and Chris and I love going there. The farm is situated in a valley surrounded by rolling hills. The fields are lush and green, with crops growing as far as the eye could see. The sound of chickens clucking and cows mooing fills the air. For my brother and me, it is a wonderland where we have a lot of fun.

We got up early and did the morning chores before we left. As kids, we talked happily about the feast along the way. Roasted turkey, cornbread stuffing, sweet potato, and cranberries were awaiting us. We were curious to know how a turkey could grow so big. When we finally got to my aunt and uncle’s, Chris and I went outside to see if Uncle Howard needed help with anything. He and Dad had decided to clean out the turkey coop (笼子) before dinner. Since Chris was only nine, he got the easier job of scrubbing out the watering cans. I was twelve, old enough to help load the wheelbarrow (手推车). Work was tough, but we still found time to ask Uncle Howard a lot of questions about turkeys. He must have been impressed, because when we were finished, he winked at my dad and handed me a turkey egg. “You kids put it under a setting hen,” he said, “and in twenty-five days, you’ll have a fine turkey!” Chris was so excited that he nearly dropped his egg on the way to the house. We both stuffed ourselves at dinner and then couldn’t wait for the grownups to finish talking so we could go home and tend to our egg.

Dad put the egg under an old hen, and every day Chris and I would check to see if it’d hatched yet. Twenty-five days seemed like forever.

Para. 1. Finally, on the twenty-sixth day, Chris and I walked into the coop after school.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Para. 2. We waited nervously for the coming of the next Thanksgiving Day.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

9 . 听下面一段独白，回答以下小题。
1. How many wooden train sets are made each month?

A．About 1,000.

B．About 2,000.

C．About 4,000.

2. Why do they have about 1,000 boxes in stock?

A．Orders are changeable.

B．The space is limited.

C．It can save costs.

3. What is the date today?

A．November 2nd.

B．November 3rd.

C．November 10th.

10 . 听下面一段较长对话，回答以下小题。
1. What is the woman probably?

A．A travel agent.

B．A hotel receptionist.

C．A flight attendant.

2. How does the woman suggest the man get to town from Baltimore Washington Airport?

A．By subway.

B．By train.

C．By cab.

3. What will the man do first?

A．Have a second thought.

B．Ring the woman.

C．Book а flight.