1 . Bill Gates isn’t doing much light reading this summer. For his annual list of reading recommendations for the season, he’s picked four books that you can really sink into on vacation.

Upheaval, Jared Diamond

Diamond examines how people react to the different crises in their lives. Specifically, he looks at how six countries responded to big challenges, and learned how to adapt in the face of adversity. Gates writes. “I finished the book even more optimistic about our ability to solve problems than I started.”

Nine Pints, Rose George

Gates glowingly recommends this deep dive into what you ever wanted to know about the stuff in your veins (静脉). He thinks everyone should know more about this topic. “There is nothing that more people have in common than blood,” he writes.

A Gentleman in Moscow, Amor Towles

It’s 1922 and Alexander Rostov has been sentenced to spend the rest of his life under house arrest in a Moscow hotel. Even though this book is sure to please anyone who is interested in learning more about Russia, Towles goes beyond just politics in his best-seller. “The book is technically fiction,” Gates writes.

Presidents of War, Michael Beschloss

Beschloss studies how presidents dealt with nine different US conflicts from the War of 1812 to the Vietnam War, and makes critical connections about their decisions and power as leaders. “It is hard to read about today’s conflicts without thinking about how they might connect to the past,” Gates writes.

1. Which book would most appeal to those interested in serious politics?

A．Upheaval.	B．Nine Pints.
C．Presidents of War.	D．A Gentleman in Moscow.

2. What is Nine Pints mainly about?

A．Tricks of diving.	B．Illustrations of blood cells.
C．A thorough study of blood.	D．A glimpse of blood function.

3. What is Bill Gates’ reflection after his reading the fourth book?

A．It’s impossible to solve all the problems.	B．It’s critical to make far-sighted decisions.
C．It’s difficult to understand today’s conflicts.	D．It’s necessary to connect the present to the past.

2 . How does the woman learn Chinese?

A．At a summer school.

B．From a family member.

C．On a language app.

3 . 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 took a day’s drive, but distance was beside the point. I always enjoyed long journeys in my father’s car with my family. However, things went different that time. We were moving to a new town, not for any tourist destination, but to settle down, for my father had a new job there. My mother, sitting on the passenger seat in the front, was talking with my father. She looked excited for the coming new life. But I was down, feeling nervous about starting a new school life. Entering a new school meant adapting to a completely different environment and meeting new classmates and teachers, which I was not good at.

On my first day at the new school, I felt lost and out of place. The students already knew each other well, and they chatted happily during breaks. I missed my old friends terribly and wished I could go back to my old school. Feeling lonely. I often spent time alone during breaks and after classes, reading books in the library or drawing pictures in the art room. I missed the good days I had with my old friends and longed for that sense of belonging.

As the days went by, I still found it hard to fit in. I was shy and found it difficult to strike up conversations with my classmates. Some of the kids in my class noticed my discomfort and tried to be friendly, but I couldn’t shake off the feeling of being an outsider. I only had words with my desk mate, Alex, when necessary. Things took a turn for the worse when I knocked off Alex’s water bottle by accident, although I picked up the bottle immediately and apologized to him. He got mad at me and seemed not to forgive me. Soon I found we were avoiding each other.

注意：
1. 续写词数应为150左右；
2. 请按如下格式在答题卡的相应位置作答.

However, I was assigned to pair up with Alex to design a poster.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Alex proudly introduced that the fantastic picture was drawn by me.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

4 . 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

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 . 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.

7 . Which film does Mike prefer?

A．The horror film.

B．The historical film.

C．The science fiction film.

8 . Environmental Books For Kids

City Green, by DyAnne DiSalvo-Ryan (1994)

It is a great book on how anyone can take action and make a difference. In it, Marcy, a young girl, wants to plant a garden in the vacant lot(空地) of her city block. The book describes every step of building a community garden for everyone to share. It comes with a handy guide on how you can start your own community garden!

Kate, Who Tamed the Wind, by Liz Garton Scanlon (2018)

This book is a wonderful story of problem-solving and perseverance (坚持不懈), as it tells the story of a young girl who decides to stop the wild wind from blowing by planting trees. It is a great read explaining the important role of trees in our lives and the planet as well as the importance of nature-based solutions.

We Are Water Protectors, by Carole Lindstrom (2020)

If you want to learn more about native people and the importance of protecting water, this is the book for you. It is a story of a young girl who stands up for environmental justice (正义) and becomes an activist who fights to protect the world from pollution.

Pangolina, by Jane Goodall (2021)

A pangolin is to be unlawfully sold at the market. Luckily for her, a little girl, who knows that pangolins are friendly animals with feelings just like humans, asks her mother to buy Pangolina and set her free. If you love animals and you want to learn more about the problems of wildlife traffic as well as the importance of protecting endangered animals, this wonderful book is a good choice.

1. Which book would you recommend to someone interested in gardening?

A．City Green.	B．Pangolina.
C．We Are Water Protectors.	D．Kate, Who Tamed the Wind.

2. When was the book covering native people’s movement printed?

A．In 1994

B．In 2018.

C．In 2020.

D．In 2021.

3. Who wrote the book about saving animals?

A．DyAnne DiSalvo-Ryan.	B．Liz Garton Scanlon.
C．Carole Lindstrom.	D．Jane Goodall.

9 . It is quite true that nowadays more and more people have come to realize the importance of health. On the other hand, being healthier can be a huge challenge, especially if you don’t have the time or the energy.     1    That is because there are small changes you can make to your life where you can improve your health and still be lazy. Just start with eating well.

Eat your meals with your non-dominant hand.

Which is your non-dominant hand? For example, if you’re a right-hander, then your left hand is. Usually fork in your left hand, right? OK!     2     You’ll eat more slowly and probably consume less food.

Add in healthy food.

You can buy those Milano cookies, but also make an effort to buy frozen fruits for smoothies (奶昔) and snap pea crisps to snack on, too.     3    

Drink a glass of water before every meal.

Water will fill you up a little bit, so you won’t be hungry as a wolf at meal. Make it a habit to keep a water bottle nearby at all times, whether you’re in your house or on the go. That we should drink at least 8 cups of water every day makes sense.

Drink coffee.

Right!    4    More importantly, people who drink three to five cups of coffee a day are less likely to show early symptoms of heart disease. Don’t skip out of your morning cup of coffee or that afternoon pick-me-up.

    5    

People who eat on smaller plates end up eating less food. Buy a few inexpensive smaller plates and bowls if yours are large. You’ll think you’ve eaten more than you have.

Besides, just stretching your legs after meals every day will help a lot more.

A．Eat on smaller plates.

B．Never a coach potato!

C．A lucky dog you are now.

D．Caffeine truly refreshes you.

E．Stop eating when you feel full, never overeat.

F．Try using your right hand as your fork hand, rather than your left one.

G．Over time, fewer cookies and more healthy snacks you will have on hand.

10 . Self drive Ireland tours are ideal for people who enjoy the freedom to go at their own pace and make their own plans. Go Irish Tours specializes in short Ireland self drive tours ranging from 5 to 8 days long-perfect for a mid-year getaway or a romantic honeymoon.

Short Break Away (5 nights). It takes you from Dublin through Cork, Kerry and the Midlands, providing a perfect taste of Irish culture and history. Drive around Ireland in style, guiding yourself through sprawling cityscapes and rolling green hills alike. Just start with Phoenix Park.

Romantic Love Tour (6 nights). This idyllic driving tour is short but sweet, perfect for newlyweds with a passion for adventure. You’ll fall in love with Ireland over the course of six nights, cosying up in castles and driving through the most romantic scenery on Earth. This tour is the perfect way to treat yourselves after the hustle and bustle of planning a wedding.

Haunted Ireland Tour (7 nights). This ghosty self drive tour is bursting with Irish culture, mythology and legend. Explore haunted castles and twisted woods, learning of our fantastic folklore (民俗学) and its origins. This tour is a truly unique way to explore Ireland on your own. Leep Castle is one you can’t miss.

Southern Loop Tour (8 nights). This is a fantastic introductory trip to Éire. This week-long escape draws a ring from Dublin through the south half of the island and back again, stopping in Cork, Kerry, Clare, Galway and the Midlands. Enjoy getting to grips with Ireland’s roads as you explore hills, valleys, mountains and villages behind the wheel of your personal rented car. This self-driving tour of Ireland will leave you dying to visit again!

1. What does Go Irish Tours possibly do?

A．A local expert travel agent.	B．A local government branch.
C．An international trade company.	D．A popular travel magazine.

2. Which tour is best suitable for you and your bride?

A．Short Break Away.	B．Romantic Love Tour.
C．Southern Loop Tour.	D．Haunted Ireland Tour.

3. Which probable event will you join in if you are on the Southern Loop Tour?

A．Go on a bike tour of the Phoenix Park.

B．Buy your bride one classic ladies gold ring.

C．Brave enough to visit the notorious Leep Castle alone.

D．Experience different road conditions when driving around.