1 . Do you remember reading an article called Kouji in middle school? In it, a kouji performer, specializing in vocal mimicry, creates lifelike performances of various sounds using just his mouth, with the stage having only a table, a block of wood on it, a chair and a fan.

Originating from ancient China, the art of kouji involves skillfully using movements of the lips, teeth, throat, and tongue to produce sounds that mimic birds, animals, and various other noises in the world. It is often combined with story-telling during performances. In 2011, kouji was recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage.

According to the IHChina website, traditional kouji is becoming endangered due to the rapid development of electronic audio. However, Cao Quyang, a 28-year-old inheritor, has found a solution by combining kouji with beatboxing, achieving a perfect combination of traditional and modern performance art.

Cao started learning kouji in 2016 when she wanted to bring something original to her B -box performance. "As a former percussionis (打击乐器演奏者), I'm sensitive to rhythm, so I integrated the kouji techniques I learned into beatboxing and created my own unique style in my area of expertise." she added. For example, when mimicking environmental sounds like wind, Cao can use her mouth to weave beatboxing into it, making the sound of the wind stronger and more rhythmic." The addition of beatboxing brings more musical expression to kouji performances, making the stories more vivid and appealing to today's young audiences." said Cao.

In addition to kouji and beatboxing, Cao can also play the Chinese drums, drum set, and piano, as well as DJ. "Innovation is not difficult for me. To me, innovation is simply expressing something that people don't understand in a way they do," said Cao, "As long as it combines tradition and modernity and allows the public to appreciate the beauty of tradition through innovation, I'm willing to do it."

1. What does the article tell us about kouji ?

A．It involves five parts of the human mouth.

B．It originated in the Western Han dynasty.

C．It usually mixes sound mimicry with storytelling.

D．It received national heritage status in 2001.

2. How has Cao Quyang contributed to the preservation of kouji?

A．By developing a new form of art.

B．By employing it to compose pop songs.

C．By including digital effects in her performances.

D．By combining it with percussion instruments.

3. What aspect of kouji does Cao enhance with beatboxing ?

A．Visual appeal.	B．Emotional depth.
C．Mimicry accuracy.	D．Rhythmic complexity.

4. What does Cao think of innovation ?

A．It presents challenges and risks of failure.	B．It is a means of beautifying the old.
C．It is a way to bridge understanding.	D．It serves as a form of self-expression.

2 . Humans are driving climate change. That means we can change our path.     1    , individual actions matter, too. Here are some individual actions that can make a positive impact.

    2    . First, be mindful of your meat. Cows create a lot of methane (甲烷), a significant driver of global climate change. One study found replacing beef with almost anything else for one meal a day can cut a person’s dietary carbon footprint by 48%. Then, address your food waste. Cut down on what you throw away and watch out for single-use items like coffee beans whose production produces greenhouse gases.

Extend product lifespan (寿命).     3    . Shoes, clothes, furniture and even some electronics can be repaired to extend their life and keep waste out of landfills.

Switch to electric cooking. Not only is gas-powered cooking releasing harmful chemicals into the environment, but it could be contributing to health problems for you if you’re cooking indoors.     4    .

Plant trees where you can. Trees can help control temperatures and improve air quality.     5    . Local wildlife organizations often have lists of plants with neutral (中性的) or positive impacts on local flora and fauna (动植物群).

A．Eat more sustainably

B．Fix what you have instead of replacing it

C．The time it gives you back this fall is an added bonus

D．As climate change causes temperatures in many areas to rise

E．Just make sure the plants you’re adding are approved for your area

F．Plus, research has shown some gas stoves can leak pollutants even when they’re off

G．While governments and businesses have a key role to play in addressing climate change

3 . 阅读下面短文，在空白处填入一个适当的单词或括号内单词的正确形式。

We all know the characteristic     1     (feature) of a giraffe : long neck, hornlike head protuberances, spotted coat. Well, not always. A giraffe     2     (miss) spots was recently photographed     3     the first time in the wild. The unprecedented sighting, at a private game reserve in Namibia,     4     (occur) just weeks after another animal with similar coloring was born at a Tennessee zoo. No data suggest that a solid-brown coat is appearing more     5     (frequent) than in the past, but it's a surprising coincidence, says Sara Ferguson, a wildlife veterinarian and     6     (conserve) health coordinator at the Giraffe Conservation Foundation. The last     7     (report) all -brown giraffe sighting was in 1972, at a Tokyo zoo.

Genetic mutations are the likely cause,     8     the animals don't seem to be at a disadvantage, says Derek Lee,     9     biologist at Penn State University who co-authored a 2018 study     10     found some aspects of giraffe markings are passed down from mother to calf. Are the all - brown giraffes truly spotless ? Technically, Lee says, they're " one-spot- all - over giraffes."

4 . 根据语境，选择下框中的单词或短语，替换句中划线部分，使之意思一致。

proceed；breakthrough；desperate；ease；convey；welfare；purchase

1. People are easy to be persuaded to buy something they don’t need.
2. With the right learning method, make the best of time, and you will make a progress.
3. We’re not ensured whether we still want to continue with the game.
4. He took a part-time job to help reduce his parents’ financial burden.
5. He tried to express his thanks, but opened his mouth and could say nothing.
6. Countless nights, he was dying to attain answers from books.
7. Our government is committed to taking responsibility for the happiness of China, which is also everyone’s duty.

5 . The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) facilities have the primary purpose of supporting MIT’s educational and research programs as well as serving the local community, the nation, and the world. Access to and use of the MIT Libraries is a privilege extended to the members of the MIT community of faculty, students, staff and their families. Visitors can access Libraries’ resources for scholarly, research, and educational purposes.

MIT Libraries use policies are consistent with current MIT campus policies.

Principles for Library Use

Library users and staff will interact with mutual respect and consideration. Library users will:

Respect private and Institute property.

Obey all Institute and Libraries’ policies, licensing and contractual agreements.

Show valid identification upon request.

Use MIT Libraries’ resources (content, equipment, or facilities) safely and appropriately.

Prohibited Behaviors

Behaviors that threaten personal safety or the security of personal or Institute property.

Behaviors that disturb the activities of other library users or staff, including excessive (过度的) noise, cell phones, music and rudeness.

Alcohol, drug use and smoking — as detailed in MIT’s Policy on Substance Use.

The MIT Libraries may limit or refuse access to individuals or groups who fail to follow these guidelines. Interpretation of policies or guidelines is at the decision of the MIT Libraries’ staff.

The General Hour Rules

Weekdays: Libraries typically operate from early morning to late evening, with extended hours during examinations.

Weekends: Reduced hours are offered, with generally later opening and earlier closing times.

Special hours may apply during holidays, breaks, and summer. Some libraries may close entirely, while others operate on limited schedules.

Users are advised to consult the library website for the most current information on specific hours, closures, and exceptions.

1. What is the main purpose of the MIT Libraries?

A．To promote MIT’s academic pursuit.

B．To serve as a public library for the nation.

C．To provide Internet access for MIT students.

D．To offer a gathering center for the local community.

2. What behavior would result in restricted access?

A．Using library resources for essays.

B．Inquiring about checking out books.

C．Presenting valid identification as required.

D．Engaging in loud discussions with library users.

3. What is the libraries’ hour rule?

A．Open early on weekends.

B．Flexible hours on demand.

C．Closed entirely during the summer.

D．Longer hours in exam sessions on weekdays.

6 . Be a Beekeeper for a Day!

Learn about the fascinating world of honey bees in a way that few get to experience:

Your tour, led by a professional beekeeper, will include suiting up in protective gear, lighting a bee smoker, and getting up close with more than 100,000 bees.

Each tour is capped at 12 people, providing you an intimate experience of this fascinating species.

Guided tours include protective gear and select drinks.

At least one paid adult must accompany any children under the age of 18.

Price	Starting at $35   Adult (Ages 13+): $50     Child (Ages 6-12): $35
Time	Saturdays
Duration	1.5 Hours
Place	Two Hives Honey Ranch

Things to know:

Ensure you arrive a few minutes before your start time to sign waivers (豁免协议) and get signed in. Particularly for evening tours, it is important that we start on time so that we finish the tour before sunset.

Tours are weather dependent, so if the forecast calls for rain, please watch your email 24-48 hours before in case we need to cancel/reschedule.

What to bring:

We will have a variety of protective gear (beekeeping masks, gloves) for all of you. You will see that the bees are incredibly gentle and tame, but it’s better for everyone to enjoy their time and not feel worried about getting stung! Additionally, please adhere (遵守) to the below guidelines:

Closed-toe shoes that cover the ankle are required.

Wear long pants and a long sleeve top. Blue jeans are fine. Try to stick to lighter colors on top — button downs work great!

Choose clothing that is loose fitting — nothing especially tight! (Black yoga pants are NOT a good clothing choice.)

Avoid using materials that are hairy or made from sweater type materials.

Please avoid using any perfumes or heavily fragrant creams — the bees are not fans of our smells.

Finally, your tour guide may make his/her job look easy, but they work hard to ensure your bee experience is informative, fun, and most importantly, safe. If you enjoyed your time and the experience, a tip to show your appreciation for their work is not required but always appreciated.

1. What will you do during the tour?

A．Taste the honey from their hives.

B．Smoke bees out of their honeycomb.

C．Explore an active and living beehive.

D．Identify the bee queen and bee workers.

2. What is provided for the trip?

A．A cap.	B．A raincoat.
C．A beekeeping mask.	D．A pair of knee-high boots.

3. What are tourists advised to do?

A．Put on a sweater.	B．Wear tight clothes.
C．Choose black yoga pants.	D．Give a tip to the guide.

7 . 听下面一段独白，回答以下小题。
1. What caused the closure of Pittwater Road?

A．A fallen tree.

B．A flooded river.

C．A car accident.

2. What happened at Town Hall Station?

A．A police officer got hurt.

B．A passenger went missing.

C．The station roof was broken.

3. What are road users advised to do?

A．Drive at low speed.

B．Postpone their trips.

C．Follow traffic signs.

8 . Four YouTube Channels for Learning English

Bob the Canadian

Bob is a high school teacher from Toronto, Canada, who lives on a flower farm with his wife and five kids. Bob’s videos mostly deal with everyday situations. Bob describes common places, scenes and conversations using simple English. He has taken his viewers to a great mix of places, from hardware stores to hotels. Bob’s ac cent is very clear and he subtitles his videos.

JenniferESL

JenniferESL has been making YouTube videos teaching US English with her family since 2007, so there’s a huge collection to discover. Like Bob the Canadian, one of the enjoyable things about Jennifer’s videos is that you get a brief look at someone’s life in an English-speaking country. She also uses her channel to advertise other teachers’ videos that she finds useful.

Learn English with Mr. Duncan

Mr. Duncan has been running a successful English-language YouTube channel for over ten years. He lives in a pretty town in the UK and has an upper-class British ac cent to match. Mr. Duncan’s huge video catalog covers nearly every topic in the world of British English. For the past few months, he has stopped creating short video lessons, and started running free livestream lessons three times per week instead. Unlike Bob the Canadian, Mr. Duncan’s videos are quite funny and most viewers find them fun and memorable.

EnglishClass101

This is a channel designed to sell an interactive online English course. However, if you don’t mind a sales pitch(推销行话), the videos themselves are a great learning resource. They are all completely free, whether or not you buy the course. This channel is particularly good at explaining grammatical rules and common expressions. If you’ve ever become so bored trying to understand the use cases for a tense, there’s almost certainly an EnglishClass101 video that can help you!

1. What do Bob and Jennifer have in common?

A．They both add subtitles to their videos.

B．They both teach English with their families in videos.

C．They both promote valuable videos from other educators.

D．They both share life in English-speaking countries in videos.

2. What change has Mr. Duncan made to his courses in the past few months?

A．He is producing shorter video lessons.

B．He is conducting free livestream lessons.

C．He has tried to make his videos more fun.

D．He has started teaching English with a British accent.

3. Which YouTube channel should you turn to if you have grammatical problems?

A．JenniferESL.	B．Bob the Canadian.
C．EnglishClass101.	D．Learn English with Mr. Duncan.

9 . 听下面一段较长对话，回答以下小题。
1. How long will the speakers go on holiday?

A．Two days.

B．Three days.

C．Seven days.

2. Why does the woman give up going to Greece?

A．It’s hard to book hotels.

B．The weather is not good.

C．She can’t book flights in April.

3. What does the woman think of living in a cottage?

A．It is cheap.

B．It is nice.

C．It is uncomfortable.

10 . Where to Find the Perfect Christmas Tree Around Baltimore This Year

A handful of the area’s best choose-and-cut Christmas tree farms are only a quick road trip away.

A SNOWBALL’S CHANCE TREE FARM

This choose-and-cut Christmas tree farm of 16 acres has been run by a couple since 2005. Open for one weekend only, Dec. 3-4, this year, the new location in Woodstock will offer eight and nine-inch pre-cut Fraser Firs or cut-your-own White Pines & Blue Spruces.

10231 Harvest Fields Drive, Woodstock

DAVIDSON CHRISTMAS TREE FARM

Although it’s been active for more than two centuries, this family-owned Upperco Farm didn’t start to plant Christmas tree seedlings until the late 1960s. The fields are open seven days per week from Nov. 18 to Dec. 17. Wander through its 60-plus acres for eight tree varieties, such as the silver-blue Concolor Fir.

1101 Emory Church Rd., Upperco

FROSTEE TREE FARM

The appropriately named Helen and George Winter began planting and selling trees at their Perry Hall farm in 1974. The two have since passed away, but the farm, now operated by Paul Stiffler, has 15 acres of ready-to-cut trees ranging from Scotch Pine to White Pine, Douglas Pine, and Norway Spruce. The farm re-opens on the last weekend of November, after Thanksgiving.

8926 Cowenton Ave., Perry Hall

GAVER FARM

Owner Michael Gaver was just 17 when he established this Mt. Airy farm in 1978. Today, it holds 70 acres of cut-your-own trees, with varieties such as the Colorado Blue Spruce and the whisper-soft White Pine. Christmas tree shopping starts on Nov. 24. What distinguishes this farm from others is that you can step into the family farm’s cafe for apple cider doughnuts, beef sandwiches, and hot cocoa before you leave.

5501 Detrick Rd., Mt. Airy

1. Which farm has the shortest history of Christmas tree cutting?

A．A SNOWBALL’S CHANCE TREE FARM.

B．DAVIDSON CHRISTMAS TREE FARM.

C．FROSTEE TREE FARM.

D．GAVER FARM.

2. Where is the farm run by Paul Stiffler?

A．10231 Harvest Fields Drive, Woodstock.

B．1101 Emory Church Rd., Upperco.

C．8926 Cowenton Ave., Perry Hall.

D．5501 Detrick Rd., Mt. Airy.

3. What is unique about the largest one of the four farms?

A．It offers drinks and foods.	B．It includes White Pine.
C．It is owned by a family.	D．It is active for about 200 years.