1 . 阅读下面短文，在空白处填入1个适当单词或括号内单词的正确形式。

Since sixteen literature works     1     (include) in the British Library, one of the world’s largest libraries, online novels with distinctive Chinese features have emerged as an important way for cross-cultural communication.

After 20 years of overseas development, China’s online literature has gained     2     (recognize) among the global readership. According to a report, Chinese online literary works have been translated into 20 languages,     3     (cover) more than 40 countries and regions. Online literature is becoming a successful cultural communication for China,     4     international readers showing a strong and growing willingness     5     (pay) for Chinese online literature. Some insiders have even listed     6     as one of the four cultural wonders of the world, alongside Hollywood blockbusters, Japanese animations, and idol dramas from ROK TV series     7     (adapt) from online literary works are popular both at home and abroad.

The     8     (evident) growing Chinese online literature in overseas markets offers a totally new worldwide lens into understanding China, through     9     overseas readers could not only learn more about Chinese cultural elements and core values such ns diligence, harmony and cooperation, but also realize the different cultural     10     (origin) and ways of thinking between China and the West.

2 . “Nice guys finish last!” I have _______ that phrase literally hundreds of times over the years. There were even a few times when I believed it myself. But if I ever need a reminder of just how _______ that line is, I only need to recall what happened to me recently.

It was a cold and drizzling morning. I had just finished taking my son to school. Road work, however, had _______ me and I was running late 20 minutes. I still had a full day’s worth of work to do and felt a little _______. I had to pick up some things at the local _______ before heading home.

When I was checking out, an old couple asked me for a _______ going back the way I’d already came. My busy brain wanted to say: “no”, but_______ the better angels of my heart said, “yes”. They climbed in my car and I _______ down the road. During the trip we talked and laughed and after I_______them off, they thanked me for what I had done.

As I turned around the car and headed back home I felt a warmth in my heart and a ________ in my soul. I glanced in the rear view mirror and saw I was smiling without knowing it. Then the sun broke through the clouds and the sky seemed to________down on me as well. I may have been more behind the ________than ever but in that moment I felt I was right where I was________ to be.

When it comes to money, ________ and fame in this world then it might be true that sometimes nice guys do finish last. But when it comes to the heart, soul and mind, nice guys finish________

1.

A．taught

B．heard

C．adapted

D．created

2.

A．false

B．true

C．simple

D．straight

3.

A．found

B．limited

C．impressed

D．delayed

4.

A．motivated

B．confused

C．stressed

D．thrilled

5.

A．store

B．garden

C．library

D．park

6.

A．lift

B．gift

C．chance

D．leave

7.

A．secretly

B．thankfully

C．desperately

D．purposefully

8.

A．drove on

B．walked forward

C．headed back

D．pulled over

9.

A．paid

B．saw

C．set

D．dropped

10.

A．sympathy

B．peace

C．recovery

D．pain

11.

A．come

B．look

C．bend

D．smile

12.

A．door

B．wheel

C．scene

D．schedule

13.

A．used

B．meant

C．taught

D．left

14.

A．love

B．belief

C．power

D．truth

15.

A．first

B．last

C．most

D．least

3 . One of the most popular therapists(治疗师)in University of Rochester (UR) smells like chips, pees outside, and doesn’t mind eating baby carrots off the ground. Sasha, a five-year-old golden dog, runs her practice out of a second-flour officc in the Interfaith Chapel that she shares with her owner-Dr. Denise Yarbrough. During their office hours, which run from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m, on Mondays and Fridays, the messy puppy is likely to greet you with tail wags, happy “woof”, and even her two front paws lifting. It’s this patented charm that allows Sasha to meet the needs of a crowd of students who drop in to see UR’s first and most accessible therapy dog in residence.

But the path to her puppy Ph.D still called for three rounds of training. First was a two-week residential camp on the essentials -sit, stay, come, heel, ete. There her natural fondness for“people pleasing” revealed itself on her very first day! That training was followed by the eight- week Canine Good Citizen program, where she learned how to stay calm in crowds, to resist reacting to other dogs, and to be comfortable with Yarbrough leaving her side. A five-week therapy dog specific course was the last step in her journey. There she studied approaching people with mobility aids like wheelchairs, tolerating loud noises, and the importance of the “leave it!” command, among other things.

Sasha passed the therapy dog exams at nine months old but couldn’t get certificated until she was one year old. The pandemic postponed her on-campus arrival, but Yarbrough did evennunlly get to bring her to work, and students consequently fell in love, “I have this constant stream of students, and obviously this is meeting a need.” Yarbrough said. “This is the third year we’re doing this, and she does get a pretty steady stream of friends coming in on the days that she’s here.” Since then, Sasha’s role in the community has ballooned.

1. What do we know about Sasha from the first paragraph?

A．She works six hours every day.

B．She goes to the office as Dr.Yarbrough’s pet.

C．She attracts students with improper behaviour

D．She works by actively interacting with students.

2. What inborn nature did Sasha show in the training?

A．The resisting reaction.

B．Ability to aid the disabled.

C．Fondness for people pleasing.

D．Obeying the commands precisely.

3. What is the last paragraph mainly about?

A．The popularity of Sasha.

B．The expectation of Yarbrough.

C．The hardship of Sasha’s work.

D．The feedback of the community.

4. What is the writing purpose of this text?

A．To present puppy training strategies.

B．To introduce a special campus therapist.

C．To launch an appeal for animal conservation.

D．To highlight the significance of pets’company.

4 . It’s easy to worry about your home when you’re away. “Is it safe?” “Did you remember to lock the door?” “Did you leave the lights on?” We’ve tested and reviewed the top systems to make securing your home simpler and less stressful.

The first you should consider when choosing a home security system is how long the monitoring record can be saved. Others to be considered include: Would you prefer to install the system by yourself or by a professional? What do you want to be able to do with your system? How much will you pay? These questions will help you determine which system is right for you.

Ring is a good DIY option, though it also offers professional installing.

It is built around a comprehensive, easy-to-use app and good-quality cameras. Apart from reliable self-monitoring option, additional functions like Neighhors Alerts are icing on the cake.

Vivint has much to recommend it, including greal outdoor cameras and easy-to-use apps. It also offers excellent professional installation by trained installers. What makes it stand out among the list is its entry sensors, proving accurate and reliable throughout our testing.

ADT has systems that are built around excellent indoor and outdoor cameras. It has smart lights, locks and voice assistant integrations. As an added bonus, the sound quality of recordings was among the sharpest and clearest of all of the systems we have tested.

SimpliSafe lives up to its branding by being one of the easiest home security systems to set up. It offers smart locks, lights, built-in Wi-Fi and its cameras are very solid and generally perform well. SmashSafe app will alert police if the equipment is damaged.

1. What is the primary consideration when you choose a home security system?

A．Shipping expenses	B．Product suppliers.
C．Record-saving duration.	D．Installation position.

2. Which of the following is Vivint’s special advantage?

A．Entry sensors.	B．Ouidoor cameras.
C．Built-in Wi-Fi.	D．Professional installers.

3. Which system has the sound alert function when the equipment is unavailable?

A．Ring.	B．Vivint.
C．ADT.	D．SimpliSafe.

5 . What is the man’s decision on the house?

A．To sell it.

B．To keep it.

C．To decorate it.

6 . 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.

2. What do Better Things, Season 5 and Mo have in common?

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.

3. Where could this article be found?

A．Films brochure.	B．Newspaper.
C．Science report.	D．Biology textbook.

7 . When I was fifteen, I planned to start my business. But every time I wanted to try something new, I felt there was a _______ between two different versions of me: One wanted to _______ the world, while the other was _______ rejection.

Then I learned about “Rejection Therapy (治疗)”. Basically, the _______ is that you look for rejection and get rejected at something every day — finally, you no longer feel _______.

Once, I thought, “What if I just _______ to teach a college class?” I went to University of Texas at Austin and knocked on a professor’s door and asked, “Can I teach your class?” I was rejected. Because I didn’t run, on the ninth try, the professor was very _______. He carefully _______ my well-prepared materials for the _______ and said, “Cool! I’ll fit you in my curriculum (课程).”

Three months later, when I finished teaching that class, I walked out crying with ________. I was rejected many times, but I ________ got used to it. Then I faced it calmly and ultimately got myself ________.

Honestly speaking, rejection ________ me a lot, so at first I ran away from it. However, when I began ________it, I could turn it into the biggest ________ in my life.

1.

A．feature

B．link

C．deal

D．battle

2.

A．change

B．ignore

C．destroy

D．recall

3.

A．open to

B．sure about

C．interested in

D．afraid of

4.

A．price

B．excuse

C．idea

D．news

5.

A．embarrassed

B．bored

C．tired

D．confused

6.

A．agree

B．decline

C．ask

D．pretend

7.

A．grateful

B．impressed

C．envious

D．regretful

8.

A．broke down

B．looked at

C．put aside

D．prepared for

9.

A．products

B．answers

C．tests

D．lessons

10.

A．excitement

B．sympathy

C．forgiveness

D．respect

11.

A．suddenly

B．gradually

C．barely

D．casually

12.

A．followed

B．challenged

C．accepted

D．assessed

13.

A．taught

B．helped

C．bothered

D．understood

14.

A．avoiding

B．interrupting

C．forgetting

D．welcoming

15.

A．gift

B．issue

C．event

D．record

8 . The introduction of artificial intelligence (AI) is a significant part of the digital transformation bringing challenges and changes to the job descriptions among management. A study shows that integrating AI systems into service teams increases demands on middle management in the financial services field.

Interviewed in the study were 25 experienced managers employed by a leading Scandinavian financial services company. AI systems have been intensely integrated into the tasks and processes of the company in recent years.

The results showed that the integration of AI systems into service teams is a complex phenomenon, putting new demands on the work of middle management and requiring a balance d act in the face of new challenges.

“The productivity of work grows when routine tasks are passed on to AI. On the other hand, the fast pace of change makes work more demanding, and the integration of AI makes it necessary to learn new things constantly. Surprisingly, new kinds of routine work also increase, because the operations of AI need to be monitored and checked,” says Assistant Professor Jonna Koponen.

According to the results of the research, the social features of middle management also changed, because the AI systems used at work were seen either as technical tools or colleagues, depending on the type of AI that was used. Especially when more developed types of AI, such as chatting robots, were included in the AI systems, they were seen as colleagues.

Integrating AI also poses ethical (道德上的) challenges, and managers devoted more of their time to ethical considerations. For example, they were concerned about the fairness of decisions made by AI. Aspects observed in the study showed that managing service teams with integrated AI requires new skills and knowledge of middle management, such as technological understanding and skills, interactive skills and emotional intelligence, problem-solving skills, and the ability to manage and adapt to continuous change.

“AI systems cannot yet take over all human management in areas such as the motivation and inspiration of team members. This is why skills in interaction and empathy (同理心) should be emphasized when selecting new employees for managerial positions which emphasize the management of teams integrated with AI,” Koponen says.

1. What does the study find?

A．AI becomes less popular in the service field.	B．AI makes decisions more fairly than humans.
C．AI proves human management is unnecessary.	D．AI makes middle management more demanding.

2. What’s Jonna Koponen’s attitude to integrating AI systems into service teams?

A．Unmentioned.

B．Opposed.

C．Objective.

D．Indifferent.

3. Which of the following shows Jonna Koponen’s opinion?

A．AI can’t replace human mangers completely.	B．Few managers in the service field are needed.
C．Employees for managerial positions dislike AI.	D．AI devotes more time to ethical considerations.

4. What is the main idea of the text?

A．The integration of AI into service teams is hard.

B．AI takes over human management in many fields.

C．AI and human managers are a perfect combination.

D．The application of AI influences middle management.

9 . Four Best Music Festivals Worth Attending This Year

Big Ears

When: March 21 — 24

Where: Knoxville, Tennessee

Named for the open-minded approach to listening it asks attendees to have, Big Ears regularly hosts contemporary classical music performances along with adventurous rock, jazz, metal and electronic music. For four days, Big Ears transforms the city into a paradise (天堂) for music of all kinds, taking over music halls, clubs and churches, all of which are centrally located and within walking distance.

Ultra Music Festival

When: March 22 — 24

Where: Miami, Florida

Considered as one of the best electric music events in the world, Ultra Music Festival features electronic dance music (EDM), techno and house music. Attendees are referred to as “Ultranauts” and come from around the globe to party in downtown Miami. This year’s line-up includes Calvin Harris, Afrojack, David Guetta and Zeds Dead.

Jazz & Heritage Festival

When: April 25 — May 5

Where: New Orleans, Louisiana

Held annually since 1970, Jazz Fest is also one of the biggest. Nearly half a million people show up to take in a massive bill of jazz, blues and rock music. While most festivals are content to book the same handful of reunited alt-rock (另类摇滚) bands making the rounds, Jazz Fest always takes pride in hall-of-fame headliners. This year’s line-up goes well beyond jazz with names like the Foo Fighters, Chris Stapleton, Hozier and Earth, Wind & Fire.

SXSW

When: March 8 — 16

Where: Austin, Texas

The first SXSW was held in 1987 and since then the festival has grown both in terms of attendance — by some counts, 280,000 people attended the festival in 2019 — and in terms of influence: SXSW is Austin’s biggest profit-producing event and one of the most important gatherings on the nation’s entertainment calendar. The event is broken down into several parts, including SXSW Music, SXSW Film and SXSW Comedy.

1. What can you do at the festival of Big Ears?

A．Listen to various kinds of music.	B．Enjoy comedy shows every day.
C．Watch classical films in a church.	D．Explore a paradise for nature lovers.

2. Where should you go to attend one of the world’s best electric music events?

A．Knoxville, Tennessee.	B．Miami, Florida.
C．New Orleans, Louisiana.	D．Austin, Texas.

3. Which festival lasts the longest this year?

A．Big Ears.	B．Ultra Music Festival.
C．Jazz &Heritage Festival.	D．SXSW.

10 . Charlie Jeffers, 17, a senior at Redwood High School in Marin County, Calif., has loved Lego since age 4. His room is full of Lego bricks. Noticing his friends start throwing away their old Lego collections, he hatched a plan. “Legos are pricey,” he noted. “Many can’t afford them.” He started collecting unwanted Lego parts from friends and neighbors, spreading the word through community notices and door-to-door visits.

The response was surprising. Donations of old Lego sets poured in, propelling Jeffers to formalize his efforts under the banner of Pass the Bricks. Together with a dedicated team of volunteers, Jeffers and his teammates carefully clean, sort, and repurpose collected Lego pieces into imaginative sets. These sets, each with roughly 20 to 60 pieces, are carefully made to create scenes such as blind dates or family photoshoots. Since its start in 2020, Pass the Bricks has made a significant success. With over 3,000 sets donated to date, Jeffers and his team are driven by two purposes: to reduce landfill waste and to provide Legos to children who might otherwise go without. Jeffers stresses the educational value of Lego, emphasizing its capacity to inspire creativity and learning.

Pass the Bricks has since expanded its reach nationwide, with volunteers in several states distributing sets to local charities. To ensure each set is presented with care, Jeffers uses donations and personal funds from his job at a gym to purchase affordable cardboard gift boxes online. These sets, accompanied by instructions and a photo of the finished product, are distributed to various organizations and directly to children at local schools.

Despite his approaching to college, Jeffers remains devoted to his commitment to Pass the Bricks. He plans to continue and expand the initiative, driven by a desire to share the joy and educational benefits of Lego with as many children as possible. “We’re grateful to share them with the kids and families we serve,” Jeffers expresses. Reflecting on his own Lego-filled childhood, he acknowledges its profound influence. “I aim to provide others with the same chance,” he emphasizes, echoing his ongoing commitment to sharing the joy of Lego with all.

1. What is the primary purpose of Pass the Bricks?

A．To generate profit from selling Lego sets.

B．To recycle old Lego pieces and reduce waste.

C．To compete with other Lego manufacturers.

D．To promote the use of Legos in professional settings.

2. Which best replaces the word “propelling” in paragraph 2?

A．Forcing.

B．Preventing.

C．Urging.

D．Expecting.

3. How does Jeffers ensure that each set is presented with care?

A．By relying on community contributions.

B．By investing in appropriate packaging materials.

C．By securing financial support through various means.

D．By distributing with charitable organizations nationwide.

4. What does Jeffers hope to achieve by continuing Pass the Bricks?

A．Establishing a sustainable company.

B．Earning recognition for his dedication.

C．Enhancing personal satisfaction and growth.

D．Sharing Lego joy with many children and families.