1 . Here are some favorite films and TV shows of 2023.
Better Things, Season 5
What Pamela Adlon and her special, Iovable, anxious, sensitive, humorous, weak, rude and brilliant colleagues managed to bring to these characters over five seasons was special. Few shows have made me feel emotions so deeply with every episode. Even fewer have felt truly aspirational, inviting me to dream of having a community as warm and welcoming as the one Sam has created and raised alongside her three children, her mother and the many friends who are basically family.
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Mo
Mo Amo’s half hour comedy is a heartfelt family story with an incredible flavor. The fictional Mo’s endless struggles have led him into a dilemma, which makes him easily to various economic risks and the potential risks that may arise from his decisions. The center of the program is Amir’s sharp and compassionate performance, which is in line with both the elements of comedy and the child’s love for his mother’s homemade olive oil.
Genre: Comedy, Drama
The Last Movie Stars
Directed by Ethan Hawke, this thorough and thoughtful look at the lives of Joanne Woodward and Paul Newman is not just biography; it perfectly illustrates the combination of heroes and art. Hawke’s assembly of contemporary actors to read from old interviews with Hollywood legends works brilliantly, and the result is impressive as well as deeply touching.
Genre: Biography, Documentary, Romance
1. Which of the following movie is a hero biography?| A．Better Things, Season 5. | B．Mo. |
| C．The Last Movie Stars. | D．None of them. |
| A．Both of them were delayed. |
| B．Both of their theme is friendship. |
| C．Both of them will make you laugh. |
| D．Both of them talk about artist’s life. |
| A．Films brochure. | B．Newspaper. |
| C．Science report. | D．Biology textbook. |
2 . When you're a kid, theme days at school are a big deal. They're a chance to dress up in something special and
As the driver, Larry Farrish noticed the boy was
He asked the office to call Levi down, and that's when their days took a major
As a driver, Farish feels that his
| A．benefit | B．break | C．hide | D．learn |
| A．Generally | B．Gently | C．Fortunately | D．Properly |
| A．spend | B．mark | C．save | D．memorize |
| A．upset | B．funny | C．excited | D．curious |
| A．agreed | B．explained | C．pretended | D．remembered |
| A．changing | B．losing | C．getting | D．finishing |
| A．made | B．selected | C．tried | D．designed |
| A．shape | B．defend | C．warm | D．suit |
| A．turn | B．chance | C．step | D．hit |
| A．honest | B．brave | C．nice | D．humorous |
| A．helpless | B．happy | C．regretful | D．awkward |
| A．enthusiasm | B．ability | C．position | D．belief |
| A．grow up | B．calm down | C．hang out | D．head off |
| A．interest | B．repetition | C．instruction | D．example |
| A．loved | B．respected | C．served | D．praised |
3 . To help you get out and explore, language leaning platform, Preply, has ranked Europe’s walkable cities.
Seville, Spain
Seville in Spain tops the list of Europe’s walkable cities. Visitors to this amazing Spanish city can explore the impressive Plaza de Espana public square, before wandering over to the UNESCO-listed palace of Real Alcazar and Seville Cathedral. With just 20 minutes of walking between these attractions, you can really make the most of your time here.
Venice, Italy
Venice is famous as a port city for walkers. There are endless attractive passages to explore, as well as plenty of extremely impressive bridges over the crossing canals. Just under half an hour of walking here will take you on a tour of the fantastic Grand Canal, Doge’s Palace, St Mark’s Square, Basilica and bell tower, all in only 1.3 miles.
Florence, Italy
Florence secures its place as a walkable city in Europe thanks to its wonderful display of attractions that can be explored on foot. In only 33 minutes, visitors can take in the brilliance of Florence’s top destinations. A 1.6-mile route covers the famous Uffizi Gallery and the Galleria dell’ Accademia, home to Michelangelo’s masterpiece, the Statue of David.
Athens, Greece
Visitors to Athens can begin their journey at the Acropolis, climbing to discover the ancient Parthenon, which stands as evidence for the city’s ancient heritages (遗产). The National Archaeological Museum is also close by, housing a treasure trove (宝库) of artifacts that proudly display Greece’s impressive archaeological heritage.
1. What is special about Seville?| A．It is Europe’s most walkable city. | B．It is famous for impressive canals. |
| C．Ancient treasures are housed there. | D．There are some wonderful attractions. |
| A．Wander around Seville Cathedral. | B．Visit the Grand Canal. |
| C．Explore the Uffizi Gallery. | D．Climb the Acropolis. |
| A．Seville. | B．Venice. | C．Florence. | D．Athens. |
4 . The Best Books of the Year
Poverty by Matthew Desmond
Hardcover: $14.8
Paperback: $6.5
“In his powerful book, Matthew Desmond exposes the realities of inequality in the world. His writing takes readers on a journey through the lives of those struggling to make ends meet. Desmond’s book is a powerful call to action, urging readers to demand change and work towards a more just and fair society. It is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the root causes of inequality and the urgent need for transformative solutions.” — Lindsay Powers
King: A Life by Jonathan Eig
Hardcover: $15.5
Paperback: $7.2
“Eig’s book dives into the life and times of Martin Luther King Jr., providing an in-depth and comprehensive account. This book offers deep insights into the life of one of the most influential figures in American history, revealing the hardships and heroics of a man who changed the world.” — Al Woodworth
The Wager by David Grann
Hardcover: $18.5
Paperback: $5.4
“This true story is a thrilling read that will keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end. It is a story of human ambition, greed, and the continuous pursuit of adventure, all set against the backdrop of the vast and unforgiving ocean. Journey into a world of adventures, where fortunes are made and lost, and lives hang in the balance. Witness pursuits of power and wealth. Experience the dangers and uncertainties of life on the high seas, where anything can happen and no one is safe.” — Al Woodworth
Happy Place by Emily Henry
Hardcover: $17.6
Paperback: $4.5
“Emily Henry’s latest has all the feels! More than your standard second-chance romance, Happy Place is about the beauty, pain, and joy that come with biological families, chosen families, growing up and apart, and how — as adults — we deal with this thing called life.” — Kami Tei
1. Whose book might be a biography?| A．Matthew Desmond’s. | B．Jonathan Eig’s. |
| C．David Grann’s. | D．Emily Henry’s. |
| A．Poverty. | B．King: A Life. |
| C．The Wager. | D．Happy Place. |
| A．$4.5. | B．$15.5. |
| C．$17.6. | D．$18.5. |
5 . Alaska has much to offer travelers in the winter months. Even better, hotel rates can run half what they do in summer, making Alaska an affordable vacation destination.
Northern Lights Viewing
Witness one of the most spectacular lights shows around when you make time for Alaska in the winter months. Book a photography workshop or snowmobile tour in Fairbanks for excellent aurora (极光) viewing. Alternatively, head to Denali National Park for a stay at the five-room boutique hotel. Sheldon Chalet. Enjoy heli-skiing and snowshoeing by day followed by entrancing aurora viewing by night.
Alaska Railroad
In winter, book a trip on the Aurora Winter Train for a bucket list-worthy adventure into Alaska’s snow-covered backcountry, Ride the train all the way from Anchorage to Fairbanks. Or, get off the train along the way in Talkeetna for cross-country skiing and a berry delicious pie-making class at Talkeetna Roadhouse.
Wintry Zoo Animals
The Alaska Zoo in Anchorage is a true delight in winter. That’s when you can see the state’s native animals, like bears, moose and wolves, in their natural winter habitat. Celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, the Alaska Zoo boasts up-close views and interactions with more than 100 animals, Say hello to the zoo’s newest resident, Cranbeary, a 17-year-old polar bear that relocated from Denver last year.
Snowshoe Tours
Trekking through knee-deep fluffy snow in snowshoes can be loads of fun. Try your skills on a guided snowshoe tour in Fairbanks with Leaf Out Nature Guides. Led by expert biologists, the outfitter runs two-hour snowshoe tours. Guests venture into the boreal forest of Alaska’s interior. keeping a keen eye open to spot wildlife, like snowshoe hares, caribou and flying squirrels. Snowshoers are treated to expert knowledge on animal tracks. how animals survive in the harsh winter and how local plants are used.
1. Where can you learn the berry-pie making?| A．In Sheldon Chalet. | B．In the Alaska Zoo. |
| C．In Denali National Park. | D．In Talkeetna Roadhouse. |
| A．A polar bear. | B．An Alaska train. |
| C．A five-room hotel. | D．An expert biologist. |
| A．To entertain. | B．To instruct. | C．To describe. | D．To advertise. |
6 . Nike x Corteix | “Rules the World”
The crazy and surreal ad described a world where the launch was canceled: stock markets crash, people fight on the streets, and a newborn baby cries—calming down only when the shoe drops into their crib. The buzz-worthy film was an original take on fashion marketing while creating a joyful portrait of British street culture,
Taco Bell | “See You Next Tuesday” by The Or
“See you next Tuesday” typically has a vulgar(粗俗)implication. But Taco Bell U. K put a positive change on the phrase’s meaning by applying it across an eye-catching billboard and inviting the British public to enjoy its Taco Tuesday promotion, offering a taco and drink combo for £2. The campaign demonstrated the brand’s signature cheekiness while tapping into British humor to bring a smile to the nation.
Teleflora | “The Hardest Part” by The Wonderful Agency
Teleflora’s campaign for Mother’s Day started with a seconds-long piece of user generated content—a mom sending her kid off to school and, when he’s out of sight, breaking down in tears. It celebrates the bonds between mothers and their children, but turns the focus to the bittersweet feeling of losing the parental control. “It’s a human truth we thought advertising hadn’t touched on before,” said Danielle Mason, vice president of marketing at the brand.
Ikea | “Monsters Not Included” by Ogilvy
During the season, children might see spirit around every corner. Ikea reassured kids of all ages that there was nothing to be afraid of, with ads showing dark spaces beneath beds or other furniture where monsters might be hiding. However, the brand’s clever tag-line explained that monsters were not included and wished consumers a Happy Halloween.
1. What do Rules the World and See You Next Tuesday have in common?| A．They all make a hit. | B．They bring happiness. |
| C．They are used on the festival. | D．They are involved with culture. |
| A．It has emotion effects. | B．It is in charge of Danielle. |
| C．It aims to celebrate a festival. | D．It contains consumers’ wishes. |
| A．To argue. | B．To inform. | C．To entertain. | D．To advertise. |
7 . Think of a caveman, and maybe you imagine someone tearing at the flesh of an animal they’ve just hunted. But this picture may be false—analysis of prehistoric remains suggests that Stone Age people were skilled in processing and cooking different kinds of seeds, even experimenting with different flavours. Seeds are still an important part of our diets, so maybe food choices haven’t changed as much as we think.
In botanical terms, seeds are what new plants grow from. Strictly speaking, edible seeds include nuts, pulses and grains, and area significant source of protein and calories world-wide. Between them, rice and bread are staple foods in most of the world. Many cuisines use beans, whether cooked in stews or curries, or mashed into pastes, like hummus from the Middle East. This definition of seeds also includes coffee beans and the cocoa beans used to make chocolate.
Added to these are culinary (烹饪的) seeds. These are what we more often think of as seeds-we often buy them unprocessed and use them whole in cooking, whether as a seasoning, as part of a salad or as a topping for bread. This includes chia seeds (奇亚籽), sesame seeds (芝麻籽) and flaxseed (亚麻籽).
There are clear health benefits to including these seeds in our diet. They are high in dietary fibre, which is good for digestion and helps fight illnesses such as diabetes and bowel cancer. They are also a good source of unsaturated fat (不饱和脂肪). Experts believe that using this to replace saturated fats, such as those from meat and dairy products, can lower cholesterol and help keep our heart healthy. The minerals contained in many culinary seeds, such as zinc, copper, and folate, can be beneficial for the immune system.
However, it’s not all good news. Seeds can cause an allergic reaction, especially sesame seeds. Sesame is one of the top ten causes of food allergies in the UK. Different types of seeds can share allergy-causing proteins, and other seeds that can cause allergies include sunflower seeds and poppy seeds.
1. Which of the following might the author disagree with?| A．Cavemen made a living merely by hunting. |
| B．Stone Age people could try different flavors. |
| C．Stone Age people were good at processing seeds. |
| D．Seeds might be an important part of cavemen’s diets. |
| A．Rare. | B．Main. | C．Costly. | D．Undiscovered. |
| A．It can help defeat cancer. |
| B．It can help us digest cholesterol. |
| C．It can help keep our spirits high. |
| D．It can assist in keeping our hearts fit. |
| A．The British can note at sesame seeds. |
| B．We should eat less seeds but more meat. |
| C．Not all seeds are beneficial for everyone’s health. |
| D．We shouldn’t produce seeds causing allergic reactions. |
8 . A 17-year-old boy nicknamed Tao Tao with cerebral palsy(脑瘫) has made positive attempts to achieve greater self-reliance through selling self-made popcorn on the street on his own, touching the hearts of netizens and winning him an education opportunity.
According to Tao Tao’s mother: Yao Chuanhua, her son was born with the disabling condition. Over the years, she has continuously tried to train him to adapt and live as normally as possible.
As Tao Tao grew up, the idea of fostering his independence by selling homemade popcorn has brewed in the mother’s mind. She taught Tao Tao how to make popcorn at home and helped set up a stall in Xiaoshan district, Hangzhou city of East China’s Zhejiang province.
“Tao Tao, don’t worry. Take it easy even if no one comes to buy,” after a few words of encouragement, Yao stepped aside and let his son take charge.
Initially reserved and unaccustomed to street vending, Tao Tao struggled to attract buyers. To boost his confidence, the mother even paid some passers-by to buy popcorn from her son’s stall.
Gradually, despite shyness and physical difficulties, Tao Tao has become more active and confident, managing the business smoothly without relying on a megaphone to peddle the product.
“The moment you stood here, you were already a success,” Being proud of Tao Tao’s progress, Yao shared videos of her son’s popcorn selling story online, receiving immense care and support from netizens.
Some traveled specifically to buy popcorn from Tao Tao, and one viewer even ordered thousands of buckets. Many expressed a desire to donate, but Yao declined any form of donations.
“My goal is to encourage him to make a brave step forward and connect with the outside world. I hope that one day he could live independently through his own efforts.”
“Tao Tao is a persevering child. He insists on making and packaging the popcorn all by himself, trying his best his best to prove that he can make it,” Yao added.
The online video sensation has drawn the attention of the local education authority to Tao Tao’s situation. After learning that the teen failed to receive proper school education due to health conditions, they have arranged for local special education teachers to offer him door-to-door teaching.
1. What can we learn about Tao Tao from Paragraph 1?| A．He is a student who likes studying. |
| B．He suffered from cerebral palsy at 17. |
| C．He made a lot of money by selling popcorn. |
| D．He is a boy with a positive attitude towards life. |
| A．To boost his confidence. | B．To gain people’s sympathy. |
| C．To foster his independence. | D．To improve his popcorn-making skills. |
| A．To get the support from netizens. |
| B．To get him to sell more popcorn on his own. |
| C．To draw the attention of the local education authority. |
| D．To encourage him to boldly connect with the outside world. |
| A．His spirit of perseverance. | B．The donations he accepted. |
| C．The help given by netizens. | D．The good education he received. |
9 . Is it bad to work out in cold weather?
Burn extra calories
In cold climates, your body needs to perform extra heat to keep your body warm. Brown fat is the type of body fat that helps control body temperature. When you’re outside in the cold, brown fat burns calories in order to increase body temperature.
Help increase willpower
Working out in the heat can cause you to become tired more easily, since it increases sweating and your heart rate more rapidly.
Exercising outside during the winter is thought to be one useful way to avoid a type of disorder or depression that tends to affect people during the dark winter months. Sunlight and exercise both have a positive impact on your mental (精神的) condition. They help give out more “feel good” chemicals, including serotonin and endorphins.
Help you sleep better
The combination of sunlight exposure (暴露) during the daytime, fresh air and physical activity can help you relax and sleep well at night.
Exercising in cold weather isn’t for everyone, though. If you have any health problems, it is advisable to talk with your health care provider first.
| A．Support heart health |
| B．Improve your mental health |
| C．It can make you take regular exercise |
| D．In this process it can likely help you to lose weight |
| E．Sunlight is important for controlling your sleep-wake cycle |
| F．As long as you take preventive measures, it is actually pretty beneficial |
| G．On the other hand, exercising in the cold can allow you to work out longer |
10 . Eddie was on a family trip on Hawaii’s Big Island when the terrible wildfires occurred in the island of Maui, killing 115 people and destroying the town of Lahaina. He overheard the disaster (灾难) while watching TV.
“It was Wednesday afternoon, we had the news on, and he asked me to turn it off because he said that made him too sad,” Eddie’s mother, Ami, told USA TODAY. “At that point, I realized he was really paying attention and listening, and we needed to actually solve it. I hadn’t really intended to tell him about it, because we thought he was still a kid. But what happened next proved that we were wrong.”
Ami shared how their family had stayed in Lahaina earlier that year. While it was difficult for Eddie to understand the disaster at a young age, he wanted to help people in any way he could.
Eddie shared the idea of starting a stand and giving all the money to support casualties. Ami and her husband immediately supported the idea and set up a lemonade stand on Saturday on their busy Seattle street.
The stand ran from 10 am to 6 pm. It sold lemonade, ice cream sandwiches and even some of Eddie’s toys. Lemonade was sold for a dollar each, but most people gave $5, $10 and $20 bills as part of their donation (捐赠) .
The family also posted videos on social media and told their friends and family. To their surprise, their one-day business found success quickly. Back-to-back cars would line up to buy and many donated online. The stand made over $17,000, including online donations.
Eddie had a great time in the whole process. Struck by how his generosity invited others to be generous, Ami and her husband are proud of Eddie’s creativity and generosity and happy to support his positive ideas.
1. What can we know about Eddie?| A．He enjoyed watching TV. | B．He was willing to help others. |
| C．He understood what the disaster was. | D．He cared little about what happened. |
| A．Parents losing their jobs. | B．Children liking lemonade. |
| C．Villagers doing some business. | D．People suffering from the fire. |
| A．To make themselves famous. | B．To call for more donations. |
| C．To attract officials to join them | D．To share more lemonade with others. |
| A．It’s good to aim at an early age. | B．Creativity is the key to success. |
| C．There is no age limit to helping others. | D．Where there is a will, there is a way. |
