1 . Dragons, a famous imaginary beast born from fantasy, are often present in stories in the west and east. In both cultures, dragons are generally recognized as massive creatures capable of flight. They have great power and are often associated with magical abilities. However, due to their different cultural roots and images, there exist significant differences in the way dragons are regarded in the west and east, particularly in China.

Chinese dragons most resemble snakes, and have four claws and no wings. They often have features of other animals, including carp, tigers, and eagles. In the contrast, Western dragons look like huge lizards with big claws and large bat-like wings, and are often shown with spines or rough scales.

In traditional Chinese culture, a dragon is a symbol of luck, power and high status. They can cause weather changes and bring rainfall to the fields to ensure rich harvests. They are considered divine (神圣的) creatures, which hold an important position as the head of the four spirits. Therefore, to symbolize their power, ancient Chinese emperors decorated their clothes with dragon patterns. These clothes are known as dragon robes. Many Chinese view the dragon as a national symbol, proudly referring to themselves as “descendants of the dragon”. In the west, however, a dragon symbolizes an evil creature that spreads violence and terror throughout the land. They are believed to be transformed by the devil, with the ability to breathe fire or spit poison. Many western tales show dragons being defeated and killed to protect people from danger.

Today, dragons continue to evolve, exceeding traditional boundaries and finding new significance in global culture. They are no longer associated with evil or good, but rather as complex characters with their own unique personalities and motivations. For example, Toothless from How to Train Your Dragon begins as a dangerous dragon but evolves into a misunderstood being with love and compassion. This challenges the idea of dragons as naturally evil, presenting them as complex beings with emotions and motivations.

1. What do western dragons and eastern dragons have in common?

A．They have rough skin.	B．They are huge and powerful.
C．They are in the shape of snakes.	D．They have big claws and wings.

2. What do we know from paragraph 3?

A．Western dragons are a symbol of authority.

B．Dragons in China can protect people from danger.

C．Chinese dragons can control rainfall and breathe fire.

D．Dragons are believed to cause chaos in western culture.

3. What is new about dragons in today’s global culture?

A．They are regarded as adventurous creatures.

B．They are closely associated with evil or good.

C．They have more diverse emotions and personalities.

D．They tend to represent human spirits facing challenges.

4. Which of the following is the best title for the text?

A．The Dragon Elements in Global Culture

B．The Origin of Dragons in Chinese History

C．The Magical Animals in Different Countries

D．The Images of Dragons in Western Traditions

2 . Your birthday is therefore the perfect time for being grateful _____________ what you have already experienced and achieved. (用适当的词填空)

3 . 阅读下面短文，在空白处填入1个适当的单词或括号内单词的正确形式。

Thousands of animal and plant species in decline across the UK

One sixth of species on the state of UK nature is at risk of     1     (disappear) from England, Scotland and Wales. The conservation organisations behind the report are calling for an urgent expansion of nature-friendly farming schemes     2     (prevent) the ongoing loss of UK wildlife. The abundance of more than 700 land and freshwater species in the UK     3     (decrease) by 19 per cent, on average, since 1970, the study found. This average figure includes a decline in 38 percent of land and freshwater species and     4     increase in the abundance of 27 per cent of these species. On a positive note, localised efforts to restore nature have led to the     5     (recover) of species such as the Duke of Burgundy butterfly (Hamearis lucina) and natterjack toads (Epidalea calamita), he says. “We just need to do it on a larger scale.” Now, the UK has agreed to restore 30 percent of land and sea by 2030. “    6     (take) action will be good for people’s well-being, mental health, and support     7     (health) food, fibre and clean air,” says Gregory. On 28 September, Packham will also join dozens of organisations in protests calling for stronger policies to support nature-friendly farming, fishing and forestry in the UK. “My view is that agricultural schemes     8     support biodiversity need to be     9     (effective) implemented, need massive public investment and they need to be decentralised so farmers are empowered to adapt them    10     their farms.”

4 . Hobbies to try in 2024: release your passion

Do you want to try out new and exciting hobbies in 2024? We are here to provide you with a variety of hobbies that will inspire your interest and free your creativity.

Release your artistic side and let your imagination soar with creative hobbies. For example, painting is a good way to express emotions and creativity. Certainly, it’s not the only way     1     It lets you explore various subjects, from landscapes to portraits and allows you to freeze moments in a flash.

Social hobbies are worth exploring for those who enjoy making meaningful relationships. Joining a book club allows you to discuss literary works and share insight with fellow book enthusiasts. You can also make a difference in your community to a cause you care about. Volunteering isn’t a time consuming task     2    

If you love to embrace the unknown, adventurous hobbies might be your calling. Experience the ultimate rush as you jump out of an airplane and free fall through the sky.     3     Besides, rock climbing pushes your limits and rewards you with a sense of achievement when you reach the summit.

    4     For instance, open doors to new cultures and broaden your horizons by learning a new language. It not only boosts your communication skills but also fosters a deeper understanding of different customs and traditions. Or you can learn an instrument to enhance cognitive abilities and bring joy through the power of music.

In conclusion, hobbies are an essential part of our lives     5     So, go ahead and kick off an exciting journey of self-discovery!

A．You can also capture the world through your cameras.

B．Skydiving provides an unparalleled sense of great joy.

C．Language learning is a hobby which can definitely benefit you.

D．You can create beautiful works of art and find comfort in the process.

E．Instead, it does others a favor and provides a sense of fulfillment as well.

F．They offer us an escape from daily routine and a chance to explore our passions.

G．Expand your knowledge and challenge your brains with the educational hobbies.

5 . 听下面一段独白，回答以下小题。
1. What is Perelman?

A．A researcher.

B．A doctor.

C．A reporter.

2. With whom do babies feel the most comfortable?

A．Strange adults.

B．Babysitters.

C．Other babies.

3. How may babies react to unfamiliar babies?

A．They may start to cry.

B．They may show much fear.

C．They may touch each other.

4. What may the study lead to?

A．Much more parenting time with babies.

B．An increase in family-based day care centers.

C．A greater demand for experienced babysitters.

6 . 听下面一段较长对话，回答以下小题。
1. What does the man think of visiting art galleries?

A．Costly.

B．Worthwhile.

C．Disappointing

2. Where did the woman go recently ?

A．To Washington.

B．To Seoul.

C．To Paris.

3. How old is the woman now?

A．22 years old.

B．26 years old.

C．28 years old.

4. What art gallery does the man want to visit again?

A．Musée d’Orsay.

B．Centre Pompidou.

C．The National Gallery of Art.

7 . 根据下面短文内容, 在短文的空格处填上一个恰当的词, 使短文完整、通顺。
     As an English-learner, you must know some common idioms. An idiom (习语) is a phrase that cannot be understood word by word. It often needs real-world environment and much life     1     to understand.

“It’s not rocket science”

“It’s not rocket science” is a common English idiom that’s used to show how     2     something is, especially compared to rocket science. It has the same meaning     3     the-very-popular idiom — “it’s not brain surgery (手术).’’ We don’t really know     4     it came from; We just know it was commonly used in the late 1900s. For example, to cheer a friend up, you may say to him, ”Get yourself together! It’s really not rocket science.“

“Don’t put all your eggs in one basket”

“Don’t put all your eggs in one basket” is an idiom that     5     “don’t risk everything on one plan or idea .” The phrase suggests that someone puts all the eggs they have in one basket and is then at risk of breaking the basket and losing     6     they worked hard for. The first example of the idiom     7     in the 17th century in writing. It was likely in Spanish or Italian. There is a wonderful quote from Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes. It reads, “It is the part of a wise man to keep himself today for tomorrow, and not venture all his eggs in one basket.”

“Call it a day”

“Call it a day” is a simple idiom. It is used when someone wants to tell others they’re done with work for the day. That “work” could be their job, exercise, a creative activity, cooking, or housework. According to Dictionary. ”Call it a day“ first appeared in writing in 1919.     8     you want your workers to go home and get some rest, you can say, “Okay, let’s call it a day here and start work again tomorrow.”

8 . I am going to visit the Palace Museum in Beijing. (对划线部分提问)
_______________ _______________ you going to visit the Palace Museum?

9 . We need two spoons of sugar to make milk tea. (对划线部分提问)
_______________ _______________ sugar do you need to make milk tea?

10 . 阅读下列短文, 根据短文内容, 完成下列各题。

People say that a dog is man’s best friend. Once dogs find their “people”,   they will stay by their side until the very end. Sadly, however, many families lost or even gave up their dogs.

Leo is a dog from Thailand. He became popular on the Internet because of his amazing story. About four years ago; the poor dog was left behind by his owners somewhere near a gas station. Hoping his owners would return for him, the dog never left his spot(地点).

Luckily. Leo was never truly alone. Seeing the poor thing, people there decided to help him out. Saowalak, a 45-year-old woman, took the poor dog back to her home after giving him food. However, Leo just kept on running away only to return to his old spot and wait for someone by the side of the road.

In the end, she let him but still brought over some food every day so that Leo wouldn’t be hungry.

Another person, Anuchit, also cared about Leo and decided to put some photos of the dog online to find his family. That’s when the Internet did its magic. After being put on the Internet, the photos finally reached Leo’s missing family. They called Anuchit, telling him how the dog in the pictures looked like their dog.

It turned out that Leo was their dog. They lost him back in 2015. They looked for him for a week but had little hope of finding him. They thought that they would never see him again.

The family and Leo got the chance to see each other again. But while both seemed happy to be reunited(重逢), it also seemed like something has changed with Leo. When the family asked Leo to get into the car and go home with them, Leo stopped. …

1. Did Leo become popular on the Internet because he was cute?
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
2. Why did Leo keep on running away after Saowalak took him back to her home?
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
3. According to the passage, what does “the Internet did its magic” mean?
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
4. What did Leo decide to do next? Please write an ending for the passage. (No more than 30 words)
_______________________________________________________________________________________________