1 . A planet that suffers 475 C beneath a thick acid atmosphere may be the last place you'd expect alien (外星的) life in our solar system. But one NASA scientist claims that extraterrestrials (天外来客) are most likely hiding on Venus amid conditions that are unbearable for humans. The new theory was put forward by the research scientist Dr Michelle Thaller. She says that possible signs of life have already been seen within the carbon-dioxide filled atmosphere, adding that she was absolutely certain that life exists somewhere.

Venus is often described as Earth's twin due to its similar size and structure. But their conditions couldn't be further apart, as astronomers believe it would be impossible for humans to exist on Venus. Positioned 67 million miles from the Sun, Venus is the hottest planet in our solar system, suffering temperatures that can even melt lead. Its atmosphere also adds to the uninhabitable situation.

Despite this, scientists have long debated whether Venus' clouds may host microbial (微生物的) life forms that can survive. Many scientists think that photosynthesis (光合作用) is possible on the planet's surface as Venus receives enough solar energy to pass through its thick clouds.

However, Professor Dominic Papineau, a biologist at the University College of London, believes Dr Thaller's views are “difficult to realistically assume”. He explained, “For life-related chemical reactions to take place, liquid water is necessary. Hence, to find extraterrestrial life, we need to find liquid water, and to find extraterrestrial fossils requires looking for special rocks that were associated with liquid water in the past.”

This makes life on Venus today difficult to realistically assume, because its surface is too hot, although Venus might have had liquid water in its past. Even still, both Professor Papineau and Dr Thaller agree that the icy moons of our solar system could also be sites of potential microbial life. NASA suggests there are 290 “traditional moons” in our solar system-excluding 462 smaller minor planets.

1. What can we know about Venus?

A．Its atmosphere is thin acidic.

B．It is much bigger than Earth.

C．It is 77 million miles from the Sun.

D．Venus and Earth are considered as twins.

2. Which statement would Papineau agree with?

A．Photosynthesis can happen on Venus's surface.

B．Thick clouds make photosynthesis in Venus hard.

C．Liquid water is important for the extraterrestrials.

D．Some rocks can prove life exists on Venus.

3. What can we know from the last paragraph?

A．The surface temperature of Venus is high.

B．It's very easy to confirm life on Venus.

C．Venus might have liquid water now.

D．Many icy moons go around Venus.

4. In which section of a newspaper can you find this text?

A．Education.

B．Science.

C．Culture.

D．Sports.

2 . Science fiction lovers in China have reasons to feel inspired by Chinese writer Hai Ya, whose book The Space-Time Painter won the Hugo Award for Best Novelette on Oct. 21, 2023.

Hai created the story inspired by a painting masterpiece Qianli Jiangshan Tu by Wang Ximeng from the Song Dynasty, who painted the work at the age of 18. Hai created a painter named Zhao Ximeng, who painted for the emperor more than 1,000 years ago. After much misery and suffering, Zhao abandoned his physical body and entered a space where a modern policeman was investigating a case involving an ancient painting. The story reveals the political struggles behind this extraordinary painting and fights of individuals against the torrents of time. Pitying on Wang who was so talented but had such a short life, Hai extended his life through sci-fi.

Hai has impressed the world most with his work ethics. Rather than being a full-time novelist, Hai treats writing as a part-time activity to be taken up whenever he is not doing his bread-winning job, something that should inspire more young writers. There was a time when not everyone could be a “writer” but now more and more people are pursuing their dreams to become writers.

In fact, Liu Cixin, who won the Hugo Award for The Three-body Problem in 2015, is also a part-time writer, holding an engineering job. He encourages young people to keep their jobs and write if they have dreams.

Their stories go to show that holding a job should not deter people from pursuing their dreams of writing. If there is a story and the will to write it, one can get up early or sleep late to devote around three hours to writing intensively every day. And having a job will actually equip one with enough material to write about, while the salary can guarantee a life, because not every writer makes enough money from writing. The key lies in balancing the eight hours in office every day with three hours of writing in the early morning or late at night. Persistence is the key.

1. What can we know about The Space-Time Painter?

A．It was inspired by the marvelous life of Wang Ximeng.

B．It combines the elements of Chinese culture with sci-fi.

C．It was the first Chinese book to win a Hugo award.

D．It reveals the struggles among average individuals.

2. Why is Liu Cixin mentioned by the author?

A．To show his popularity.

B．To promote the book The Three-body Problem.

C．To prove that it’s necessary to keep a bread-winning job.

D．To inspire sci-fi lovers to write stories while keeping their jobs.

3. What does Hai’s writing experience tell us?

A．Persistence will be eventually rewarded.

B．Unintentional actions bring unexpected surprise.

C．Balancing your work with hobby is important.

D．Genius is ninety-nine percent perspiration plus one percent inspiration.

4. Where is the text probably taken from?

A．A book review.	B．A science paper.
C．A news report.	D．An advertisement.

3 . 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.

4 . 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.

5 . British rower Helen Glover is preparing for her fourth Olympic Games, pushing herself to the limit. Despite enduring bloodied and blistered hands and pale skin, Glover knows that physical ________ are just one aspect of the intense training required for the Olympics.

For Glover, the real challenge ________ the day-to-day exhaustion and the constant ________ of waking up and training. With two gold medals from the 2012 and 2016 Olympics, her fourth-place finish in Tokyo was remarkable considering her ________ preparation. Just a year after giving birth to twins and four years after ________, Glover made the bold decision to ________ in the Olympics with only six months of serious training. Juggling (尽量兼顾) childcare with her ________ schedule, she managed to reach the starting line and ________ miss out on a medal.

After Tokyo, Glover initially ________ her retirement but later changed her mind and decided to compete in the coxless four (四人单桨无舵手艇) at Paris 2024. This time, her preparation is more straightforward, and her racing experience gives her an ________.

________ on her journey, Glover acknowledges that in the past, her happiness seemed dependent on results and success. However, becoming a ________ has shifted her perspective. Now, even on ________ training days, as long as her children are happy, she finds contentment.

Glover understands that her decision to continue rowing is a personal ________. Her growing success does not ________ her whole life, but she is determined to excel in the sport she loves and give her best.

1.

A．injuries

B．disabilities

C．commitments

D．anxieties

2.

A．arrives at

B．lies in

C．lets out

D．leaves off

3.

A．intention

B．devotion

C．exploration

D．repetition

4.

A．excellent

B．sufficient

C．limited

D．constant

5.

A．improving

B．preparing

C．training

D．retiring

6.

A．compete

B．coach

C．volunteer

D．advance

7.

A．amazing

B．breaking

C．working

D．demanding

8.

A．merely

B．narrowly

C．scarcely

D．hardly

9.

A．suggested

B．required

C．announced

D．arranged

10.

A．advantage

B．admission

C．impression

D．impact

11.

A．Depending

B．Carrying

C．Reflecting

D．Focusing

12.

A．rower

B．winner

C．loser

D．parent

13.

A．daily

B．tough

C．simple

D．usual

14.

A．choice

B．opinion

C．feeling

D．promise

15.

A．base

B．wave

C．define

D．affect

6 . Having a regular dentist check up is as essential for ensuring healthy teeth and gums (牙龈) as regular brushing and flossing. Here’s why you should make the trip.

Prevention is better than cure. Regular dental check-ups are recommended to maintain healthy teeth and gums.     1     Your dentist will advise you on what’s right for you. The aim of a check-up is to nip any problems in the bud, before you experience pain, lose teeth or have other health problems.

You’ve had a new medical diagnosis.     2     For example, high blood sugar levels in saliva caused by diabetes favour bacteria which can cause cavities (蛀牙). Some medications can cause oral problems ranging from dry mouth to stained teeth.

    3     More and more adults are having orthodontic (正畸) treatment to straighten their teeth. Not only does it make a huge difference to your smile, it can also prevent gum disease, which is more likely to take hold if you struggle to clean crooked teeth.

You’ve got bad breath. Halitosis (口臭) is embarrassing and can sometimes leave a nasty taste in your mouth. You might have a hole in your tooth, an infection or gum disease.     4     Your family and friends will thank you for it.

Check for cancer. Dentists don’t just look for cavities and unhealthy gums. They can also spot mouth cancer and refer patients to hospital to see a specialist. Cases have risen by 34 per cent in the past decade, according to the Oral Health Foundation.     5    

A．You want to improve your confidence.

B．You think it is time to have some changes.

C．However, early diagnosis can save your life.

D．Certain conditions can affect your oral health.

E．You might just be brushing too enthusiastically.

F．It varies from three months to two years depending on your oral health.

G．Your dentist can give you tips on freshening your breath more effectively.

7 . 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。

Have you ever experienced one of the earliest movies? It boasts star-studded ensembles (乐团), undergoes rapid transformations in the blink of an eye, and even includes special effects, music and     1     (perform), all without the aid of machines or computers.

Utterly relying on hands, the ancient Chinese art of shadow play is a tradition with a history     2     dates back 2,000 years, and it’s also a representative of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity     3     (recognize) by UNESCO.

Last month, two prominent online celebrities, Nanxiang Buaichifan and Jiuyue, shared videos documenting their journey to learn how to perform shadow puppetry that     4     (receive) over 20 million views so far on social media platforms. “Some romance may have long faded,     5     we can use traditional techniques passed down through the generations to create a romance     6     (belong) to today’s world, which is marked by hardships and complexities,” Bilibili content creator Shujiangyuan wrote, commenting on Jiuyue’s video.

The two celebrities dedicated a month     7     learning the art from scratch, beginning with the basic skills of handling cowhide (牛皮革). The challenge of mastering this millennia-old technique within such a short time initially seemed like mission     8     (possible). Fortunately, they were lucky enough to learn from     9     best — Dang Feihua, a 23-year-old inheritor of the shadow puppetry tradition. Dang says that the duo took their apprenticeships     10     (serious). “Jiuyue has a foundation in painting, so she learned quickly, while Nanxiang Buaichifan, having experimented with various crafts, also caught on swiftly,” he says.

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.