1 . Recently, a research team from Nanjing Agriculural University has rolled out Xunzi — a large language model (LLM)
Wang Dongbo, the leader of the research team, said that the large language model was named after Xunzi because Xunzi was not only an outstanding Confucian philosopher during the late Warring States Period (475 — 221 BC), but also a pioneer in presenting and explaining theories of linguistics in ancient China.
When asked why he and his team made the large language model, Wang explained, “Traditional Chinese characters, vertical layout (竖版), the absence of pausing and punctuation are all barriers that readers have to overcome when they read traditional texts.”
To create Xunzi the LLM,Wang and his team first needed to do a lot of research. Since 2013, his team has worked tirelessly to digitize Chinese classics like the Siku Quanshu.
“The hard work involves a large-scale corpus (语料库) of two billion Chinese characters, which has laid a solid foundation for the large language model,” said Wang. But their efforts seem to have paid off.
Now Xunzi the LLM can tag (标记), translate, punctuate, and understand scraps (片段) of ancient Chinese texts. It can even do part-of-speech analysis and retrieve (检索) specific information, such as names, events, and places from a text.
Through Xunzi's retrieval function,users can get more specifie cultural information. “The model can help us mine for more information hidden in our cultural legacy and find unnoticed models and connections,” said Wang. But Wang and his team aren't simply focused on target users in China. They are aiming at the rest of the world as well. They have shared the LLM on GitHub and other websites, allowing users to download and use it for free.
“Our team is committed to the philosophy of making our data and model globally accessible. We hope this will encourage more people to appreciate traditional Chinese culture,” Wang explained.
1. Why was the language model created?| A．To appreciate the philosophy of Xunzi. | B．To simplify traditional Chinese characters. |
| C．To help read ancient Chinese texts easily. | D．To digitize more ancient Chinese classics. |
| A．Establish a large-scale corpus. |
| B．Correct people's pronunciation. |
| C．Recommend the works of Xunzi. |
| D．Turn ancient texts into modern versions. |
| A．Dig out. | B．Look through. |
| C．Turn to. | D．Put forward. |
| A．Xunzi: An Influential Scholar in Ancient China |
| B．LLM Released for Ancient Chinese Book Research |
| C．Traditional Chinese Culture Regaining Attention |
| D．An Innovative Way to Know about Chinese History |
2 . The NCPA (国家大剧院) has accepted more than four million visitors with a series of 284 exhibitions covering oil paintings, music instruments, intangible cultural heritage and more. The NCPA provides you with performances and shows every day. Whenever you see a sunrise or sunset the curtain her never falls down.
Shape of MusicShape of Music — A Cross-Sense Experience is an art exhibition jointly launched by the NCPA and the Central Academy of Fine Arts. Visual artists will create animated (动画的) works based on the feelings brought by different music pieces.
The NutcrackerThe ballet The Nutcracker is produced by the Harbin Ballet. Zhang Dandan, the famous ballet artist the head and artistic director of the Harbin Ballet, and the chief director, together with the international choreographer Peter Quanz and many other top domestic and foreign artists, create a large-scale ballet. The ballet has now had its first public performance at the Harbin Grand Theater and has achieved complete success.
Xu Li’s Impressionistic Oil PaintingsIt is the first exhibition of new oil paintings by Xu Li in recent years, which gives shape to natural mountains and rivers throughout the country. He continuously pours out his appreciation and perception of the beautiful China
Pear Garden Culture-Themed ART ExhibitionAbout 100 traditional Chinese paintings and oil paintings are displayed under three themes — “Ancient Tone &New Tune”, “Cultural Inheritance” and “Review for More Knowledge” at the exhibition to introduce, present and spread the opera culture in the form of paintings, promoting the expression of the opera culture through the re-creation of painting art.
Booking tickets: please click here.Working hours: 9:30AM-19:30PM (CST) on performance day
9:30AM-18:00PM (CST) for days without performances
1. If you are interested in dancing, which will you probably go for?| A．The Nutcracker. | B．Shape of Music. |
| C．Xu Li’s Impressionistic Oil Paintings. | D．Pear Garden Culture-Themed ART Exhibition. |
| A．They are available for free. | B．They are exhibition of oil paintings. |
| C．They are re-creation of performing arts. | D．They are related to traditional Chinese culture. |
| A．A website. | B．A brochure | C．A newspaper. | D．A magazine. |
3 . Children’s Books
My Winter City by James Gladstone
A kid, his dad and their dog happily brave a downfall to go sledding across town. The boy notes the “windows gone all steamy” on the bus, the “wilderness of footprints, crisscrossing, disappearing” on the sidewalks, the “light powder pillows” when they make snow angels. Through the illustrations (插图) of the book, little children can find each well-observed de tail of wintertime city life.
40pp.$19.95.(Ages 4 to 8.)Bear Is Awake! An Alphabet Story by Hannah E. Harrison
A “big bear” wakes up in the middle of winter, leaves her den and shows up at a “cozy cabin,” where a girl is annoyed, then inspired to take the bear into town to figure out how to help the creature get back to hibernation (冬眠). The final page has no words, just a proud look on the girl’s face: mission accomplished. The book lets even pre-readers follow the alphabetical story through the expressive illustrations.
40pp.$17.99.(Ages 3 to 6.)I Am Polar Bear by J. Patrick Lewis.
The book captures the majesty of the polar bear. Lewis has the creature tell us what he’s called in different cultures, from the Inuit(“I am Nanuk”) to the Sami, who “refuse to speak my name for fear of offending me.” The ending shows the polar bear float on a shrinking bit of ice, “losing hold.”
32pp. $18.99.(Ages 4 to 8.)Snowy Race by April Jones Prince.
A girl gets to ride on her dad’s giant snowplow in this delightful rhyming tale. They race through the heavy snow, but it’s not clear where they’re going until they arrive at the airport, where her mother is waiting. Prince’s (“What Do Wheels Do All Day?”) text is intriguingly spare, letting Davenier’s (“The First Thing My Mama Told Me”) soft lively wintertime scenes shine.
40pp.$18.99.(Ages 3 to 6.)1. Which of the following books unfolds the winter city life?
| A．My Winter City. | B．Bear Is Awake! An Alphabet Story. |
| C．I Am Polar Bear. | D．Snow for Everyone. |
| A．James Gladstone. | B．Hannah E. Harrison. |
| C．J. Patrick Lewis. | D．April Jones Prince. |
| A．The stories are about celebrating snow. | B．Each book costs a lot. |
| C．Each book has 40 pages. | D．They are intended for little kids. |
注意：①写作词数应为80左右；②请按格式在答题纸的相应位置作答。
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5 . The US economy seems strong with high employment, falling inflation (通货膨胀), and growth. However, the reality is far less optimistic for ordinary American workers.
A March 6 survey by the Savings website showed that 47% of US parents financially support their adult children to cope with rising living costs. Gen Zers (18-27) are the most likely to receive such aid, averaging $1,515 per month. Still, even older parents assist their Millennial and Generation X adult children, accounting for 21% of support. Common expenses include groceries, tuition, and health insurance.
Why are so many US adults struggling? Soaring food prices are a major factor. The US Department of Agriculture predicts a 2.5% increase in food prices in 2024. Meanwhile, stable housing remains an elusive dream for many, with the average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (抵押贷款) reaching at almost 8% in October 2023, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association. This high cost prices many Americans out of homeownership.
The final piece of the puzzle is falling salaries. Previous generations were able to count on graduating from college as the key to landing a job that paid well. But now, young US graduates have found that they earn less than their parents. According to a CNBC analysis, college graduate salaries have decreased more than 10 percent in four decades after adjusting for inflation. In other words, steadily declining salaries make it even harder for young Americans to cope with steadily rising costs.
With Gen Zers in the US struggling under financial pressures, so do the older generations supporting them, as their generosity puts their prospects for retirement at risk. The Savings website discovered that working parents were found to contribute 2.4 times more to support adult children than they contribute to their retirement accounts each month.
Essentially, while the US economy remains floating, we might witness multiple generations of Americans sinking in their own lifeboats in the years ahead.
1. What did the March 6 survey find out about adult children in the US?| A．Nearly half of them are financially dependent. |
| B．Over half of Gen Zers are financially struggling. |
| C．21 percent of Generation X receive parental help. |
| D．A majority of them rely on their parents for education. |
| A．Readily accessible. | B．Difficult to achieve. |
| C．Often misunderstood. | D．Commonly sought after. |
| A．Graduates’ financial struggles are temporary. |
| B．Government policies favor older generations. |
| C．Financial pressures affect both the young and the old. |
| D．Salaries for graduates tend to keep pace with inflation. |
| A．Negative. | B．Positive. | C．Reserved. | D．Ambiguous. |
6 . Grant Village and West Thumb
Yellowstone National Park offers a range of engaging activities for families, nature lovers, and wildlife enthusiasts alike. From exploring the Grant Village and West Thumb regions to participating in interactive programs, visitors can immerse themselves in the park’s natural wonders and learn about its diverse wildlife and geological features.
Experiencing Wildlife in Yellowstone (May 26 to September 2).
Whether you’re hiking a backcountry trail, camping, or just enjoying the park’s amazing wildlife from the road, this quick workshop is for you and your family. Learn where to look for animals and how to safely enjoy your wildlife watching experience. Meet on the back porch of the Grant Visitor Center.
West Thumb Geyser Basin Walk (June 9 to September 2)
Take a guided walk along the beautiful shores of Yellowstone Lake while exploring the origins of glittering geysers, belching mud pots, and emerald hot spring s in West Thumb’s dynamic geyser basin. Meet at the West Thumb Visitor Information Station. Round-trip distance is 1/2 mile. Easy.
Junior Ranger Discovery Program (June 16 to September 2)
Investigate and discover the many curiosities of Yellowstone during this interactive program geared towards kids 4-13 years and up. Meet at the Grant Village Pavilion, located behind the visitor center along the edge of the lake.
Grant Village Evening Program (June 23 to September 2).
Learn more about Yellowstone’s natural and cultural history in this presentation highlighting one of Yellowstone’s wonders. Inquire locally and on bulletin boards for program descriptions. Meet at the Grant Visitor Center Amphitheater. Dress warmly and bring a flashlight.
1. Which program is suitable for a family to learn about safely watching wildlife in Yellowstone?| A．Experiencing Wildlife in Yellowstone. | B．Grant Village Evening Program. |
| C．West Thumb Geyser Basin Walk. | D．Junior Ranger Discovery Program. |
| A．Experiencing Wildlife in Yellowstone. | B．Grant Village Evening Program. |
| C．West Thumb Geyser Basin Walk. | D．Junior Ranger Discovery Program. |
| A．attend the Grant Village Evening Program. |
| B．join the Junior Ranger Discovery Program. |
| C．take a guided walk along Yellowstone Lake. |
| D．meet at the Grant Visitor Center Amphitheater. |
7 . How to make a vision board
We all have hopes and dreams, and each person tries to achieve them in their own way. Some may start journaling, while others have different methods. This could include creating a vision board. Here is what you need to know about vision boards and how to make your own.
A vision board is a collection of images and quotes that symbolize someone’s dreams, aspirations and ideals. This could include a landscape of the city you want to live in or the model of a new car you really want to buy.
Vision boards can be made in many ways. There is no right or wrong choice to start visualizing your goals.
The same advice goes if you’re making a physical vision board. For this, you want to get a poster, picture frame or any kind of base. Similar to the other, you want to set a goal and gather materials. In this case, you’ll need to print out images and quotes first. You may also choose to write words of affirmation or include your own photos.
No matter what format you use, be sure to put your vision board somewhere you can see it, such as on your desk or as your phone background.
| A．The best place to start, however, is to set your ambitions. |
| B．Then make your picture by gluing or taping the materials on the base. |
| C．Vision boards are only for achieving short-term goals, not long-term ambitions. |
| D．Once you narrow down what you want to achieve, it’s time to pick your format. |
| E．Creating a vision board requires expensive materials and professional assistance. |
| F．These photos and words are meant to inspire and motivate you to achieve these goals. |
| G．The more you see your visualized goals, the more likely you may be to work toward them. |
8 . Magnolia’s Deli &Cafe in Rochester holds a unique distinction as the only restaurant President Barack Obama has ever visited. A plaque remaining people of his 2013 lunch, complete with a dedicated menu item, greets sponsors upon entry. However, securing a table can be a test of patience, as the establishment does not take phone numbers for waiting lists.
Once seated, our group sampled various offerings, starting with the spinach dip (菠菜汤), which received mixed reviews due to its slightly water y consistency. Sandwiches dominate the menu, served on sourdough slices and priced around $15, accompanied by kettle potato chips and a pickle slice. Highlights included the Wisconsin grilled cheese, featuring a mixture of cheeses, apple cubes, and bacon, though the Marion Street sandwich was criticized for its heavy-handed use of artichokes (洋蓟).
Beverages also earned praise, particularly the iced chai latte and dark roast iced coffee. Some diners were so impressed that they expressed a desire to return solely for the drinks. Dessert options, including carrot cake and triple chocolate cake, tempted our group, with the latter earning high marks for its thick layers of mousse (奶油冻).
Overall, Magnolia’s cozy atmosphere and diverse menu make it a popular spot on Park Ave. Despite occasional critical reviews regarding certain dishes, the establishment’s appeal extends beyond presidential sponsorship, offering a satisfying dining experience for locals and visitors alike.
1. What’s the role of Paragraph 1?| A．To tell readers Obama’s story. | B．To attract readers to a unique place. |
| C．To remind readers Obama’s 2013 lunch. | D．To explain the importance of securing a table. |
| A．Overuse of artichokes. | B．Sufficient use of articles. |
| C．Insufficient use of artichokes. | D．Lack of variety in artichokes. |
| A．The triple chocolate cake earns high marks for its thick layers of mousse. |
| B．Beverages were so popular that all diners would return for them. |
| C．The iced chai latte is a kind of dessert liked by diners. |
| D．The carrot cake is better than dark roast iced coffee. |
| A．Critical. | B．Neutral. | C．Positive. | D．Indifferent. |
9 . Home to 40 museums, Basel has the highest concentration of museums in the country. It also has a beautiful Old Town, modern architecture, and the Rhine — an inviting spot to rest a while.
Description
Basel is Switzerland’s oldest university city. Historic landmarks of the city include the large market square with its richly decorated red sandstone town hall and the late Romanesque-Gothic cathedral. During a walk through the old town, a visit to the “Läckerli Huus” to try the traditional Basel honey cake is well worth your while. Basel is tradition-conscious and open-minded at the same time, a fact born out by several modern buildings designed by renowned architects such as Herzog & de Meuron, Mario Botta, and Richard Meyer.
Almost 40 museums make Basel the city with the highest density of museums in the country. Internationally known museums, such as the Basel Art Museum, the museum devoted to the iron sculptor Jean Tinguely, the Fondation Beyeler and the Museum of Cultures attract a great many visitors, as do several galleries and playhouses. Basel is among other things home to the symphony orchestra and the chamber orchestra.
Basel is a green city. The Botanical Gardens, the Merian Gärten and the banks of the Rhine are perfect places to relax and stay for a while. You can easily explore Basel on foot or by bike. There are four Rhine ferries that connect Grossbasel with Kleinbasel.
Winter
Basel is widely regarded as Switzerland’s cultural capital, and with good reason: in this city you will encounter art at every turn, whether you stroll through the beautiful Old Town or visit one of almost 40 museums. What’s more, Basel also features top-class modern architecture just waiting to be discovered on a city tour.
Basel’s Christmas market on Barfüsserplatz and Münsterplatz is considered one of the most beautiful and largest in Switzerland. During the pre-Christmas period, many events and spectacular special exhibitions in the museums also enrich the city’s cultural offerings.
Summer
Basel’s secret landmark is the Rhine. People relax in the charming buvettes — the lovingly designed, small open-air gastronomic establishments — or let themselves be carried along by the gentle flow in the river. On a hot summer day, there is hardly anything more beautiful than cooling off by swimming in the Rhine while watching the backdrop of the city pass by.
1. What can be inferred about Basel’s cultural scene from the passage?| A．It is limited to museums and galleries. |
| B．It primarily focuses on traditional forms of art. |
| C．It is not well-developed compared to other Swiss cities. |
| D．It is diverse, including both traditional and modern forms of art. |
| A．Because it is very likely to come across art around in Basel. |
| B．Because it has the most modern architecture in Switzerland. |
| C．Because it hosts the largest Christmas market in Switzerland. |
| D．Because it is home to the largest botanical garden in the country. |
| A．The Rhine. | B．The Old Town. |
| C．The Botanical Gardens. | D．The Basel Art Museum. |
10 . Every year, New York sees many visitors from Toronto. There are several ways of traveling between the two cities. You can opt to fly, drive or take a train or a bus. No matter how you choose to travel, there’s always something worth seeing and doing in New York.
| Time | Cost | Best For | |
| Train | 13 hours | from $175 | stress-free travel |
| Flight | 90 minutes | from $150 | travelers in a hurry |
| Bus | 11-13 hours | from $60 | people on a budget |
| Car | 8 hours, 40 minutes | varies (about 790 kilometers) | a flexible schedule |
December is a great time to visit. The weather isn’t too cold and the city is full of holiday cheer. Traffic is almost always bad in New York, especially in Manhattan, but it’s best to avoid driving during the morning and evening rush hours when commuting time is extra long.
What’s the Most Scenic Route to New York?Driving can offer the best views on a journey to New York, especially if you choose to stop and explore around Niagara Falls. The train follows a similar path but views of the falls are unlikely.
What Is There to Do in New York?There is enough to see and do in New York to satisfy even the pickiest travelers. The city is home to some of the best museums in the world, from The Metropolitan Museum of Art to the American Museum of Natural History. There is the chance to enjoy a Broadway show, walk in Central Park or ride the free ferry to Staten Island. It’s also well worth taking in great skyline views from the top of Empire State Building or walking to Brooklyn via the iconic Brooklyn Bridge.
1. What is the city atmosphere like in New York in December?| A．Tense. | B．Festive. | C．Creative. | D．Changeable. |
| A．By plane. | B．By train. | C．By bus. | D．By car. |
| A．Broadway. | B．Central Park. |
| C．Empire State Building. | D．The Metropolitan Museum of Art. |
