1 . Roosters (公鸡) act differently when faced with another chicken rather than just their own reflection. This may mean that the birds can recognize themselves in a mirror, a key indicator of self-awareness. In the traditional mirror self-recognition test, which originated in1970, researchers place a mark on an animal’s body in a spot that it only see when seeing its reflection. They note if the animal touches the mark while examining its mirror image, which suggests it understands that what it sees represents its own body. Few non-human species have passed this test, but they include some great apes, dolphins, elephants.

However, results from the test are often variable.Sonja Hillemacher and her colleagues from the University of Bonn in Germany wondered if this was because there is little natural reason for many animals to find out such marks. So, they have tried to adapt the test to the natural behaviour of roosters. Roosters usually make loud noises to warn other chickens when they see predators (捕食者) but generally stay quiet when they are alone.

In the lab, they tested 68 roosters one by one in an arena divided by a wire net. They placed a bird on one side, and either left the other side empty or put another rooster in it. Then they added a mirror to the divider for some tests. The results showed that when a rooster was paired with another rooster, it raised the alarm more often than when it was alone, regardless of whether it could see its own reflection. When another rooster was present but hidden behind a mirror, few alarms were raised, showing that roosters can distinguish between reflection and reality through vision rather than smell or sound.

Since the birds acted similarly when alone and with a reflection, they may realize their reflection is of themselves, say the researchers. While the research suggests that roosters may recognize themselves in mirrors, it is too early to claim that chickens possess this ability.

1. What can we learn about the traditional mirror self-recognition test?

A．The test was improved in 1970.

B．Elephants failed to pass the test.

C．Most non-human species have passed the test.

D．Animals touching the mark show self-awareness.

2. What made Sonja target the roosters in her test?

A．Their sharp vision.

B．Their poor smell.

C．Their loud sound.

D．Their native behavior.

3. What did Sonja’s test suggest about roosters?

A．They sent fewer alarm before another rooster.

B．They showed more interest in their reflection.

C．They used vision to tell reality from reflection.

D．They were unable to recognize their reflection.

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

A．Roosters: Quiet Reflection-observers

B．Roosters: Possible Self-recognizers

C．Roosters: Clever Mark-checkers

D．Roosters: Brave Alarm-raisers

2 . Nowadays, shopping online enjoys great popularity, but my _______ to clothes shopping developed via supermarkets.

With four children, I spent a lot of time in supermarkets. When they started selling fashion, I found myself _______ out fancy items for myself. My wardrobe quickly _________ up. Whenever I felt bored or _________, I bought myself something new to wear. One day, when I _______ the total money I'd spent over the previous month, I got a real _________. So I decided to change.

One New Year, I made a(n) _______: I would stop buying clothes for a full year. My family laughed in _______ because they knew how I loved to shop, but this made me more _______ to do that.

The start of the year was especially ________, as all the sales were on, and I really love the ________. It almost made me ________ to see all the lovely dresses and coats, knowing I couldn't buy any of them. But I got through January, ________ away in February and sorted out my wardrobe in March. That was when I found ________ items of clothing. Some of them still had the tags (标签) on! Then I was re-wearing things that had barely seen the ________ of day since I'd bought them. I even wore the same dress to two parties ________, where I had much fun with my friends and no one ________ my dress. I suddenly ________ that I didn't need lots of new clothes.

I survived my year without ________ clothes, and now think ________ before I buy anything new.

1.

A．contribution

B．addiction

C．response

D．approach

2.

A．picking

B．checking

C．making

D．carrying

3.

A．broke

B．ended

C．filled

D．shut

4.

A．relaxed

B．curious

C．satisfied

D．stressed

5.

A．added up

B．put aside

C．handed over

D．took away

6.

A．trouble

B．puzzle

C．idea

D．shock

7.

A．reservation

B．choice

C．announcement

D．prediction

8.

A．confusion

B．disbelief

C．excitement

D．embarrassment

9.

A．confident

B．discouraged

C．determined

D．interested

10.

A．tough

B．promising

C．smooth

D．amazing

11.

A．dress

B．item

C．bargain

D．store

12.

A．worry

B．smile

C．refuse

D．cry

13.

A．gave

B．passed

C．threw

D．hid

14.

A．long-forgotten

B．badly-treated

C．well-made

D．easily-obtained

15.

A．color

B．light

C．beauty

D．value

16.

A．in a row

B．at a distance

C．in a way

D．at a loss

17.

A．exchanged

B．liked

C．mentioned

D．selected

18.

A．remembered

B．regretted.

C．imagined

D．realized

19.

A．wearing

B．purchasing

C．changing

D．washing

20.

A．casually

B．carefully

C．gradually

D．constantly

3 . How to Appreciate Art

Unlocking the meaning behind a work of art is one of the many joys of viewing and collecting. But how do you appreciate art and actually interpret it?     1    .

Look at the art

    2    , but it’s more than quickly glancing at the art and drawing a conclusion. Before stepping back and taking the artwork in, take a moment to identify the artwork’s basic qualities：

Is it a painting or sculpture?

Is the texture (质感) rough or smooth?

Does it appear chaotic (混乱的) or organized?

All of these are elements the artist chose when designing the artwork, so they need to be considered.

Identify the art and artist

Knowing when or how the artwork was made reveals more information.

Take for example the famous Guernica (1937) by Pablo Picasso, knowing Picasso composed the painting in response to the bombing of the town of Guernica during the Second World War leads to understanding its anti-war ideas. Even if the historical context of an artwork is not apparent, knowing the year of its creation offers an idea as to the broader events taking place at the time.     3    .

    4    

Use what you observed in the first two steps to think about meanings the artwork could have. Many artists have specific meanings behind their art, but also encourage viewers to come up with their own understandings. In this way, there is no “right” answer that must be reached to unlock the painting’s mysteries.

Discover your tastes

Just remember one important fact: You don’t have to look at everything. For instance, if you dislike abstract art, skip the abstract.     5    , so don’t be afraid to stop and observe something outside of your tastes.

The next time you are admiring a work of art, keep these techniques in mind, and its meaning may unfold before your eyes.

A．Think about the meaning

B．Maintain your own opinions

C．Viewing the art seems like an obvious first step

D．However, keeping an open mind is always encouraged

E．Applying these techniques to every work of art you come across may seem confusing

F．Looking at and understanding art is all about taking the time to view, identify and think

G．In all cases, learning something about the artist undeniably adds to the appreciation of art

4 . 听下面一段独白，回答以下小题。
1. What is the speaker doing?

A．He is advertising a house.

B．He is showing people around a house.

C．He is constructing a house.

2. What do we know about the house?

A．It was completed before 1904.

B．It was designed in an old style.

C．It was named after the architect.

3. What material was used in constructing the house?

A．Wood.

B．Brick.

C．Concrete.

4. Why can the badly damaged furniture be replaced？

A．Their plans have been preserved.

B．Some of them are copies.

C．They are uniquely designed.

5 . 听下面一段较长对话，回答以下小题。
1. What happened to the woman at the beginning?

A．She lost her phone.

B．She couldn’t find the way.

C．She was trapped in heavy snow.

2. Why did the woman turn off the engine?

A．The car was running out of gas.

B．She stopped to answer a call.

C．The engine couldn’t work properly.

3. How did the woman keep warm all night?

A．By drinking hot tea.

B．By having more clothes on.

C．By using the car heater.

4. What did the emergency services do?

A．They called an ambulance.

B．They led the woman to her home.

C．They helped the woman go to the main road.

6 . 听下面一段较长对话，回答以下小题。
1. What was the normal price of the back pillow?

A．£36.

B．£40.

C．£46.

2. How does Claire exercise her back?

A．By lifting weights.

B．By going swimming.

C．By doing yoga.

7 . 阅读下面材料，在空白处填入适当的内容（1个单词）或括号内单词的正确形式。

Sichuanese is China’s most thrilling regional cuisine. Although it’s most famous for     1     (it) electrifying use of chilies (辣椒) and lip-tingling Sichuan Peppercorns (花椒), the heart of the local style of cooking     2     (lie) in the artful mixing of flavors.

Sichuanese     3     (cook) specialize in combining hot, numbing, sweet, sour, savory and nutty seasonings     4     (create) an astonishing variety of flavors. Some of these are     5     (incredible) hot, some dishes are mildly spicy and some are not hot at all.

While Sichuan pepper is     6     ancient Chinese spice, the chili is a relatively recent import from the Americas. It wasn’t widely cultivated in Sichuan     7     the 19th century but went on to become one of its most indispensable local seasonings.

In Sichuanese dialect, chilies     8     (know) as “sea pepper” (hai jiao) too, a reference to their foreign origins. Locals explain their preference for chilies comes from traditional Chinese medicine,     9     people are advised to eat plenty of “heating foods” to counter the damp of the local climate. People     10     (visit) Sichuan are often asked, “ni pa bu pa la” — “Are you afraid of Chili heat?”

8 . I was a lecturer for 10 years when I met my greatest teacher. It wasn’t in a _______ but in a hospital. She was my daughter Kelsey.

She was born with congenital cerebral palsy (先天性脑瘫). At four, she still _______ to tie her shoes. It was _______ for her. After three years of _______, Kelsey made it. Her accomplishment taught me that pace wasn’t going to be crucial — achieving goals according to her own _______ matters most.

At age 5, she won a battle against cancer. Kelsey _______ through creative play. In the hospital, the game was always “restaurant” with her playing waitress and the rest of us _______ as customers. She enjoyed herself in the _______ for several hours _______, as if we weren’t in the hospital at all. At home, the play turned to “hospital.” Her game included medical terms even we adults didn’t understand. We’d just play along as she ________ herself in her roles.

At six, she wished to take ballet lessons. I’m embarrassed to admit how much this ________ me. I wasn’t just afraid for her body, but for her ________.

I worried about the __________ she might get from the class. But she wouldn’t ________ and the expectation in her eyes ________ all the drawbacks, so we enrolled her in a ballet school.

Kelsey danced with ________! Did she fall? Of course. Was she awkward? Very. But she was completely ________ by her situation. The sheer joy of dancing was enough. After four years, she ________ to horse riding. This time, I signed her up without ________.

Now a seventh grader, Kelsey continues to embrace her life and teach us invaluable __________ about persistence and the power we could never have otherwise.

Kelsey, I’ll never have a greater teacher!

1.

A．classroom

B．family

C．kindergarten

D．restaurant

2.

A．managed

B．continued

C．refused

D．struggled

3.

A．intense

B．challenging

C．impossible

D．confusing

4.

A．resistance

B．persistence

C．assistance

D．acceptance

5.

A．gesture

B．movement

C．timetable

D．interest

6.

A．adapted

B．faced

C．lived

D．coped

7.

A．listed

B．chosen

C．cast

D．named

8.

A．comedy

B．media

C．music

D．game

9.

A．uninterruptedly

B．conveniently

C．unnoticeably

D．exhaustedly

10.

A．dressed

B．lost

C．nursed

D．adjusted

11.

A．frightened

B．excited

C．ashamed

D．encouraged

12.

A．attitudes

B．passions

C．feelings

D．thoughts

13.

A．guiding

B．teasing

C．complaining

D．admiring

14.

A．turn down

B．light up

C．give up

D．break down

15.

A．connected with

B．brought up

C．carried out

D．canceled out

16.

A．abandon

B．worry

C．ease

D．care

17.

A．discouraged

B．unaffected

C．influenced

D．unbalanced

18.

A．switched

B．returned

C．stuck

D．related

19.

A．success

B．result

C．hesitation

D．reason

20.

A．skills

B．rules

C．plays

D．lessons

9 . 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。

Thousands of years ago, Chinese characters appeared on animal bones and silk before they     1     (write) on paper. But now many     2     character has a “new container” in the modern age. 

Recently, a research team, drawing every little bit of     3     (inspire) from Xunzi, an outstanding Confucian philosopher during the late Warring States Period (475-221 BC), has rolled out Xunzi, a large language model (LLM) and Xunzi Chat in association with a leading ancient Chinese text publisher. When     4     (ask) why, the team leader explained, “Characters  set invertical layout (竖版), the absence of pausing and punctuation are all holding readers back.”     5     (create) Xunzi the LLM, the team first did a lot of research. Since2013, they’ve sweated     6     (heavy) to digitize Chinese classics like the SikuQuanshu. “The hard work involves a large-scale pool of two billion Chinese characters,     7     has laid a solid foundation for the LLM.” Their efforts seem to have paid off. Currently, Xunzi the LLM can translate, punctuate     8     understand some ancient Chinese texts. The model can help us mine for more information hidden in our cultural legacy and find unnoticed models and connections.

The team have shared the LLM on GitHub and other websites,     9     (allow) users to download and use it for free. They’re committed to the philosophy of making the data and model     10     (access) globally.

10 . How to Improve Your EQ

Emotional quotient (EQ) consists of self- awareness, self-control, self-motivation, empathy, and social skills. These help you manage your stress levels and communicate effectively with people.Here are some helpful tips to increase your EQ.

Pay attention to your body

    1    . Our emotions and bodies are not separate, and they affect each other deeply. You can raise your EQ by learning how to read physical cues that clue you into what emotions you're feeling. This essentially raises your self-awareness.

Learn to manage your emotions

Once you're able to recognize your own emotions, it's important to work on regulating and controlling them.     2    . Or take a pause in the middle of a conflict or argument to avoid any impulsive emotional reactions.

    3    

Self-control is one of the five major components of EQ, and willpower is key to self-control. You can enhance willpower by resisting short-term temptation and satisfaction in order to focus on long-term goals.

Build your empathy

Empathy involves being able to recognize how other people are feeling and share in their emotions.     4    . Developing empathy is sure to increase your EQ and improve your relationships with others.

Put yourself out there socially

Get out of your comfort zone and make an effort to be more social, which can help you practice and improve your social skills. It can be scary to step outside your comfort zone, but increased social connection can have a positive impact on your life.     5    

A．Work on your willpower

B．Use self-motivation to boost self-control

C．It's the ability to put yourself in another person's shoes

D．This will help you practice the skill of identifying your feelings

E．Start listening to the physical conditions of your emotions, instead of ignoring them

F．You can do deep breathing exercises to calm anxiety in emotionally-charged situations

G．Social connection also leads to better emotional and physical health and promotes well-being