1 . One of the world’s largest technology events, Consumer Electronics Show (CES), is taking place in Las Vegas, Nevada. CES presents the latest technology offerings from companies across the world. Here is a look at some of the top products presented at the show this year.

Transparent televisions   

LG and Samsung brought televisions that have a transparent (透明的) screen design to CES. The TVs use OLED technology. They’re designed to be hidden in a room when not in use. The companies presenting the TVs haven’t provided pricing information, but experts say the transparent models are likely to cost tens of thousands of dollars.

Robot pet sitter

Robotics developer Ogmen presented a new machine designed to assist pets. The ORo robot is equipped with a food container to feed animals. It can also play with pets, record health details and take photos and videos of animals’ daily activities.

Body power to charge a phone

Sports equipment developer LifeSpan introduced an exercise bicycle/desk combination that uses human power to charge phones or other devices. The Ampera bike is designed to be used with a “standing” desk table. LifeSpan says at a speed of 60 rpms, the bike can produce up to 65 watts of electricity per hour.

Home-made ice cream in 2 minutes

The ColdSnap company introduced a machine that can make single servings of ice cream in about two minutes. The machine uses small containers, called pods, just like Keurig coffeemakers. The pods for the ColdSnap machine can be kept at room temperature, saving energy costs. The machines can be taken anywhere and are simple to operate.

1. What can be known from the text?

A．The ORo robot is a perfect pet.

B．The ColdSnap specializes in soft drinks.

C．The price of transparent TVs is still a secret.

D．The Ampera bike can finish charging a phone hourly.

2. What do ColdSnap machines and Keurig coffeemakers have in common?

A．They are quite easy to carry.	B．They are environmentally-friendly.
C．They are equipped with little containers.	D．They are developed by the same company.

3. What’s the main purpose of the text?

A．To show the wide popularity of CES.

B．To advertise a global show called CES.

C．To predict some next-generation technology products.

D．To introduce some top technology products from CES 2024.

2 . All families experience conflict from time to time. Disagreeing with others — even those you love — is generally a part of all types of close relationships.     1     For those who wish to discover how to solve family conflict, some of the tips below may help.

● Learn how to emotionally control.

Emotions can be powerful.     2     However, working toward building your abilities in this way can make a big difference in how you handle all types of conflicts and challenges in life and relationships. Something as simple as deep breathing can help calm the mind.

●     3    

Sometimes, arguments between people escalate (加剧) when one or all parties interpret that they’re not being heard. Making a conscious effort to invite each family involved in a conflict to tell their side can help de-escalate emotions and move participants in the direction of a resolution.

● Explore different formats of conflict resolution.

    4     Being open to different methods and formats of conflict resolution can make the family feel more comfortable expressing their points of view and agreeing on solutions. For example, some people may spend time alone organizing their thoughts. Allowing them to put their thoughts down on paper instead of presenting them orally may be beneficial.

● Avoid interrupting.

According to research, even a two-second interruption is enough to make us lose the thread of what we’re saying. An interruption can make us lose our focus and even the potential to feel satisfied at having fully expressed ourselves. Avoid interrupting family when they’re explaining their side of a conflict.     5    

A．Let others speak.

B．Communicate directly.

C．Not every human is born to handle conflict in the same way.

D．The way in which families handle conflict is the most important.

E．And remaining perfectly in control of them in every situation isn’t always easy.

F．It can help ensure they can express themselves fully and feel heard and understood.

G．And you may be able to influence how others in your family handle conflict over time.

3 . Casey McIntyre, who was 38, worked as a publisher in New York City. In 2019, doctors told her that she had a serious kind of cancer that’s usually found in women much older than her. Though doctors treated her for the cancer, Ms. McIntyre’s health got worse.

But she realized that in a way, she was luckier than some other people. She had insurance to help pay for her medical care. That means she didn’t owe money for her medical care. But she and her husband knew many people with cancer face tough decisions because of the costs of medical care. Soon, she and her husband began donating money to a group called RIP Medical Debt, which works to pay off the unpaid medical debt s of others. Usually, for every $ 100 donated, the group can pay off $ 10,000 in unpaid medical bills.

In late June, 2023, doctors told Ms. McIntyre that she probably had about a month to live. Though her health was failing, Ms. McIntyre lived for about six months. She had many difficult days, but she also spent some wonderful days with her family. In that time, she also thought about what she wanted to happen after she died. She decided to make an effort to pay off the medical debts of as many people as she possibly could.

On November 12, 2023, Ms. McIntyre passed away. Her husband posted a message for her on her social media accounts. “If you’re reading this, I have passed away. To celebrate my life, I’ve arranged to buy up others’ medical debts and then destroy the debts,” the post said.

The couple had set up a page on a website to raise money for this purpose. They’d hoped to raise about $ 20,000. That would have been enough to pay off about $ 2 million worth of medical bills. But the donations on her web page quickly passed the original goal. In less than a week, the site had raised 10 times more than expected. And the donations are still coming in.

1. What conclusion can be drawn about Casey McIntyre from paragraph 1?

A．She caught the cancer far earlier than average.

B．The treatment she received worked well on her.

C．Her cancer was too serious to be worth treating.

D．She was found to have cancer in her late thirties.

2. Why did Casey McIntyre think she was luckier than some others?

A．Because she was able to make proper decisions.

B．Because she was able to afford her medical bills.

C．Because she was accompanied during treatment.

D．Because she could receive the best medical care.

3. What does the last paragraph imply?

A．People enjoyed donating through the Internet.

B．People felt very sorry for the loss of Casey McIntyre.

C．People were generally concerned about cancer patients.

D．People showed great support for Casey McIntyre’s behavior.

4. Which of the following words can best describe Casey McIntyre?

A．Smart and strong-willed.	B．Proud but single-minded.
C．Unfortunate but kind-hearted.	D．Ambitious and easy-going.

4 . Austin Community College (ACC) offers a stimulating schedule of art classes year-round for beginners and seasoned artists of all ages, from toddlers (学步幼儿) to adults. Taught by experienced professional artists, ACC’s classes are small, scheduled around the school, and tuition fees are affordable. ACC’s art students have access to the excellent contemporary art in our galleries to help stimulate and inspire their own efforts.

Classes for Toddlers: In keeping with research suggesting the value of art in early childhood education, ACC offers its My First Portfolio program for preschoolers, forking alongside their caregiver, young children develop their cognitive (认知的), sensory, and motor skills, and explore their creativity with age-appropriate art activities. Both toddlers and caregivers benefit from this unique and artistic bonding experience.

Classes for Children: Classes for school-age students introduce techniques, including clay modeling, collage, and more. Many classes introduce themes such as art history and current events. Students interact with a professional instructor, meet contemporary artists, and see inventive artwork in the galleries, while developing their creative skills.

Classes for Teens: Classes for teens at ACC are focused on specific themes or techniques, and aim to develop fundamental skills as well as individual artistic voice.

Classes for Adults: Both beginners and experienced artists will find engaging classes at ACC. Our class schedule regularly features drawing, painting, printmaking, and mixed media classes. In addition to professional instruction, adult students are regularly exposed to the work of contemporary artists.

1. What does ACC promise to its participants?

A．Free tuition.

B．Small classes.

C．Great progress.

D．Online courses.

2. What can we learn about My First Portfolio program?

A．It is suitable for all ages.

B．It is beneficial to both toddlers and carers.

C．It helps teens improve their athletic skills.

D．It connects the researchers with the caregivers.

3. Which of the following best suits people interested in learning basic artistic skills?

A．Classes for Children.	B．Classes for Adults.
C．Classes for Teens.	D．Classes for Toddlers.

5 . Explore ART X Lagos on Artsy

31 October-3 November 2024

ART X Lagos was launched as an active platform to show and support the breadth of contemporary art from Africa and beyond. The fair, begun in 2016 by Tokini Peterside-Schwebig, has become a cornerstone of the African art every year. The first of its kind in West Africa, ART X Lagos is a special cultural event that goes beyond the traditional art fair. The fair, which hosted over 40 artists and galleries from Africa and worldwide, bridges the gap between continent-based and foreign artists.

ART X Lagos has become renowned for its ambitious program, which includes ART X Talks — a lively discussion series; ART X Live—a one-of-a-kind music show; ART X Cinema — a film theatre; and ART Books — a feast to the latest books on art.

For its 2024 edition, the fair’s theme “The Dialogue” will place an emphasis in this unique year, on conversation and community, and will see audiences raising their voices on these present challenging times, not just for Nigeria, but on the continent and globally.

“We decided to go ahead with this different format for ART X Lagos 2023 due to the current socioeconomic challenges Nigeria is facing, and to fulfill, at the same time, our desire to continue to support the ecosystem in a way that is responsible and sustainable,” said the fair’s founder, Tokini Peterside-Schwebig, in an email exchange, “We want people to take time to talk to each other and this is why we have placed our talks at the center of the fair — we are inviting our audiences to get deeply involved and encourage the act of dialogue, at this key time.”

1. Which is true about ART X Lagos?

A．It lasts about a month.	B．It is open only to African artists.
C．It was the first exhibition in Africa.	D．It’ll come to the ninth edition in 2024.

2. If a visitor intends to enjoy music performance, which can be recommended?

A．ART X Talks.

B．ART X Live.

C．ART X Cinema.

D．ART Books.

3. What will the ART X Lagos 2024 stress according to Tokini?

A．Conservation.

B．Economy.

C．Entertainment.

D．Communication.

6 . At Reader’s Digest, we understand a holiday is never just a holiday. It’s visiting new and inspiring places, enabling you to experience different cultures, broaden minds and discover the unknown. It’s something exciting to look forward to and talk about when you get home. It’s making memories that will last a lifetime.

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1. From which is the text probably taken?

A．A magazine.	B．A web page.
C．A book guide.	D．A shopping list.

2. Who can get the promo codes for discounts on travel bookings?

A．Experienced authors.	B．Experts in group travel.
C．Reader’s Digest subscribers.	D．Publishers of Reader’s Digest.

3. How much can a couple save with promo codes for a holiday of 7 nights?

A．£60.

B．£100.

C．£120.

D．£200.

7 . It was a heartwarming turn of events on the special night. The Inner Finland Police Department successfully _______ a missing child with the help of their police dog, Kuha. According to Finland’s Police Dog Association, the _______ went missing at around 7:00 pm on December 23. The snow covered the tracks, so the family had to seek _______ from the authorities. A rescue team was quickly _______ , including a dog, which played a(n) _______ role in the rescue.

The search initially focused on the city center, but the _______ came near the child’s home. Kuha carefully _______ a snow pile (堆) where children had built snow caves. Despite the challenging conditions, Kuha’s keen (敏锐的) sense of smell and its devotion _______ .

At around 12:30 am that night, Kuha discovered a shoe _______ under three feet of snow. The child, who had been trapped in a collapsed snow cave, was ________ firstly but gradually recovered after receiving medical attention. The community breathed a collective sigh of ________ as the child was able to speak in the ambulance.

The success of this rescue mission was ________ to the extensive training of police dog Kuha. The dog handler’s knowledge that human ________ rises in the snow led to a second search of the pile, ________ leading to the child’s discovery. The Finnish Police Dog Association also ________ Kuha’s role in the successful rescue.

1.

A．entertained

B．located

C．educated

D．trained

2.

A．team

B．family

C．child

D．dog

3.

A．announcements

B．equipment

C．explanations

D．assistance

4.

A．established

B．reported

C．transformed

D．awarded

5.

A．unknown

B．crucial

C．alternative

D．strange

6.

A．passion

B．accident

C．breakthrough

D．challenge

7.

A．constructed

B．restored

C．guarded

D．inspected

8.

A．left behind

B．ran out

C．went back

D．paid off

9.

A．burned

B．buried

C．dried

D．ruined

10.

A．unresponsive

B．unbelievable

C．unapproachable

D．unchangeable

11.

A．relief

B．envy

C．regret

D．sympathy

12.

A．adjusted

B．credited

C．devoted

D．limited

13.

A．temperature

B．spirit

C．smell

D．energy

14.

A．completely

B．initially

C．similarly

D．ultimately

15.

A．designed

B．discussed

C．celebrated

D．played

8 . As electronic gaming rapidly evolves, an increasing number of games are integrating diverse cultural elements. Among these, 'Teamfight Tactics' is a multiplayer online game where players collaborate with their teammates to complete various tasks and challenges, which beloved by players.

Overview of the Teamfight Tactics. When it comes to card collection and upgrade, players can collect various heroes and cards via various methods in the game, and by upgrading and strengthening their cards, they can increase their combat power and skill effects. As for assembling a combat team, players can flexibly assemble different combat teams based on the cards and heroes they have collected. Each hero and card has unique skills and characteristics (属性), requiring players to select the most suitable team composition according to their opponent's lineup. Regarding strategies for confrontation, the gameplay of the game places a heavy emphasis on strategy and decision-making. Players must flexibly adjust their strategies according to their opponents' actions and formations, selecting the appropriate cards and heroes for battle to achieve victory.

In the Teamfight Tactics, the supply and demand dynamics of cards play a crucial role in maintaining game balance. Popular cards, with their powerful abilities and broad usage, are highly sought after, naturally increasing their value. Conversely, less popular cards, due to their limited abilities and usage, are less frequently played, thus their value is relatively low. These shifts in supply and demand influence card prices and trading frequencies. Besides, market monopolies (市场垄断) do exist. Some players, by purchasing or synthesizing numerous cards, can reduce the availability of these cards, thereby increasing their prices. This forces other players to pay higher prices to acquire these cards, compromising the game's fairness and balance to some extent. In addition, resource allocation, a crucial concept in economics, arises. Players must distribute their limited resources (such as gold coins and experience points among various uses, including upgrading heroes, purchasing equipment, and synthesizing cards. Last but not the least, risk assessment is crucial. Players must weigh the costs and benefits when acquiring or crafting cards. If a card's cost is high but its payoff is low, it poses a high risk, urging players to think twice before purchasing or crafting it. Throughout the game, players must assess risks based on their current resources and situations to minimize losses and maximize gains.

Apparently, integrating economic knowledge into the game allows players to acquire knowledge in a relaxed and engaging environment, making it more appealing than traditional learning methods and sparking players' interest in better understanding and applying economic principles, such as supply and demand, cost-benefit analysis, etc., in practical operations, who can also spread this knowledge to friends and family around them, thus expanding the scope of economic knowledge. By incorporating economic principles into 'Teamfight Tactics', players are encouraged to apply economic knowledge via various levels and tasks, enhancing the game's fun and challenge. Players must strategize, allocate resources and devise economic plans, thereby boosting their cognitive and decision-making skills.

1. What can we infer from the paragraphs2-3?

A．Players should have a collection of a variety of heroes and cards to choose an appropriate composition.

B．The gameplay is to unite several players together to vanquish the fictitious world and defeat enemies.

C．They mainly talks about the application of economic principles in Teamfight Tactics.

D．Resource allocation might demand trade-offs and decision-making to optimize players' benefits.

2. What is the closest meaning to the underline words”are highly sought after”?

A．welcomed	B．renowned
C．advantageous	D．cogent

3. Which benefit of Teamfight Tactics can not be conjectured from the article?

A．It can better promote the dissemination and popularization of economic knowledge.

B．It may enhance players’ teamwork skills about how to effectively divide labor and coordinate within the team.

C．It can make players bold and relieve the anxiety emerged from life.

D．It can spread the economic knowledge to others in a brand new way.

4. What is the purpose of this article?

A．To emphasize the momentous status of Teamfight Tactics.

B．To make a highly praise of the behaviour of combining economic with the game.

C．To have a brief introduction of the innovative gameplay of Teamfight Tactics.

D．To present how Teamfight Tactics integrating diverse economic elements to readers.

9 . Crying in H Mart, by Michelle Zauner

This is the memoir (回忆录) and first book of Michelle Zauner, lead singer of the band Japanese Breakfast. Zauner writes about growing up as a Korean American and how losing her mother to cancer when she was 25 forced her to reconnect with her identity. It’s a story of Zauner’s grief and an exploration of all the gifts (language, food, history) her mother left behind.

Overwhelmed, by Brigid Schulte

You’ve probably heard by now that you won’t be sleeping much after you welcome your bundle of joy and noise into the world. Parenthood can be challenging and tiring, but you don’t have to feel like you’ve lost yourself while you’re creating a life for someone else. Journalist Brigid Schulte lays out how our always-on culture can get the best of us and what you can do to take back some time for yourself.

On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous, by Ocean Vuong

Ocean Vuong is a Vietnamese-American poet and his first novel is written in the form of a letter from a son to a mother who cannot read. Exploring race, class, and manhood, the novel handles difficult topics with beauty and the kind of lines that will hang in the air long after you’ve set the book down.

24/6: The Power of Unplugging One Day a Week, by Tiffany Shlain

In 24/6, filmmaker and popular speaker Shlain introduces readers to what she calls a “Technology Shabbat” -the one day, every week, where she and her family turn off all electronic devices. Beyond detailing the many ways she and her family have benefited, Shlain gives helpful, reassuring advice for setting your own tech shabbat and controlling device use.

1. Who are the main target readers of Overwhelmed?

A．Children.

B．Parents.

C．Writers.

D．Journalists.

2. Which book may help you have an electronic-free lifestyle?

A．Crying in H Mart.

B．Overwhelmed.

C．On Earth We’re Brie fly Gorgeous.

D．24/6: The Power of Unplugging One Day a Week.

3. What do the four books have in common?

A．They are related to family life.

B．They are on the theme of growing up.

C．They are written by mixed-race authors.

D．They are concerned with electronic devices.

10 . IT STARTS WITH PLAY: GET INTO WRITING

Meet me on the page. In this course, we’ll push ourselves creatively, freely playing with words and exploring new ideas. By the end, you will have writing works of at least five poems, three pieces of mini-fiction, or two short essays, as well as dozens of pages of free-writing and lists of ideas for future writing projects.

Designed for people new to creative writing, the course includes word play, experimentation of structure, and live-writing to develop thoughts that might later grow into poems or other styles of writing.

To do this, we’ll first learn from the Surrealists, who tried to inspire the imagination by focusing on process, as we apply intuition (直觉), chance, and surprise to our writing practice. Next, we’ll set about writing on the blank page based on John Keats’ concept of negative capability, by which we’ll be capable of being in uncertainties, mysteries (神秘), doubts without any hurriedly reaching after facts and reason. Then we’ll make creative use of other art forms, thus seeing how sight can lead to insight. In the fourth step, we’ll explore modes of imagery, including the bodily senses, and we’ll be encouraged to write across text types, create diverse works, and cooperate with each other.

Class discussions will center on the writing process, the writer’s life and how to best deal with the four stages of writing. In just a few weeks, you’ll develop from inexperienced beginner to a creative writer who knows how to command the blank page, as well as methods for finalizing works-in-progress.

Schedule: Beginning February 14th, we will meet every Wednesday from 7 to 8 p.m. Eastern. The last time we meet will be on March 27th.

1. Whom is this course intended for?

A．Readers interested in poetry.	B．Beginners of creative writing.
C．Students enjoying playing games.	D．Writers of contemporary literature.

2. What will be done in the third step?

A．Inspiring imagination.	B．Creating various works.
C．Developing critical thinking.	D．Using other art forms creatively.

3. How long will the course last?

A．For one week.	B．For two weeks.
C．For four weeks.	D．For six weeks.