1 . In a video shared online, a young photographer, Lily, is seen confidently directing a well-known action movie star for a photograph. Even though the actor is very tall, she is not nervous. She tells him what to do like a real professional, even though she’s still quite young.

“Given his size, I asked him to make more pronounced movements,” said Lily, reflecting on the shoot in a recent interview. The young shutterbug (摄影爱好者) has already taken photos of several personalities and has earned a significant following online, with her work receiving millions of likes.

Lily’s journey into photography began when she was just four years old, with a simple point-and-shoot camera. Her father, recognizing her natural ability to connect with people, encouraged her to explore street photography. At the age of five, she captured a portrait of a renowned musician-turned-actress during a chance encounter in a store, which quickly went viral on the social media.

Since then, Lily has been receiving numerous requests to photograph top talents. “The more I photograph in public places, the more recognition I get, which in turn leads to more chances to work with well-known figures,” she explained.

Because of her young age, some have questioned how she manages to secure such high-profile shoots. Her father, who assists with minor post-production edits, explained that her unique perspective was what attracted the attention of talent agencies. “Through Lily’s lens (镜头), subjects show a different side,” he said. “Her photos capture a softer, gentler aspect of people, celebrity or not.”

Addressing concerns about the use of filters and heavy editing, Lily insists that her images are minimally processed. Her ultimate goal is to evoke (唤起) emotions through her photography and, eventually, to become a full-time portrait photographer. For now, she continues to hone (磨炼) her craft and enjoys the present moment.

1. What phenomenon is described in the first paragraph?

A．A girl is directing a film.	B．How a girl is photographing.
C．Children need social activities.	D．How a short video is produced.

2. What made Lily gain more attention?

A．She photographed many action movies.	B．A famous actress offered to help her.
C．Her father made her skills known.	D．Social media played a significant role.

3. How does Lily differ from professional photographers in photographing?

A．She is good at adjusting lens.	B．She constantly learns from others.
C．She photographs from a special angle.	D．She gains recognition from celebrities.

4. What is Lily’s attitude to improving her skill?

A．Hesitant.

B．Determined.

C．Pessimistic.

D．Negative.

2 . Southern Africa is home to most of the world’s black and white rhinos. Because of global warming, the weather in this area is changing quickly. People have worked hard to protect rhinos from being hunted, but until now, no one has really looked at how the changing weather might hurt these animals.

A research team from the University of Massachusetts Amherst has recently reported that the area will be affected by both higher temperatures and changing precipitation (降水) and the rhinos are more sensitive to rising temperatures, which will quickly increase above the animals’ acceptable maximum threshold.

Over the last 100 years, Africa’s average monthly temperatures have gone up by 0.5℃ to 2℃. Scientists think that in the next 100 years, it might get even warmer, up to 2 more degrees. This change in weather might also change how much rain we get. But here’s the thing：For animals like white and black rhinos, which people have been trying to protect for a long time, will the heat or the rain changes hurt them more? This is a big question because rhinos don’t have sweat to cool down. They stay cool by taking baths and staying in cool shady spots.

To understand how changing climate will affect rhino populations, lead author Hlelowenkhosi S. Mamba and his colleague, focused their efforts on five large national parks representing diverse landscapes in southern Africa that are home to most of the rhinos. They have found that temperature conditions in all study parks will become increasingly unsuitable for both species, but it is predicted that white rhinos will be affected earlier than black rhinos.

“This research highlights the importance of using climate predictions for both park and rhino management,” says Randhir. “We propose that park managers now think about increasing water supplies, tree cover, watching for stress and planning to allow rhino migration as the world warms.”

1. How are rhinos traditionally protected?

A．By building their living habitats.

B．By saving them from illegal hunt.

C．By monitoring their physical health.

D．By removing their breeding surroundings.

2. Which can best replace the underlined word “threshold” in paragraph 2?

A．range

B．register

C．average

D．content

3. What is a means for rhinos to fight against heat?

A．Cooling heat off by sweating.	B．Drinking much water.
C．Migrating to other places.	D．Bathing in the water.

4. What is the key suggestion for park managers to help rhinos adapt to climate change?

A．Predicting the weather.	B．Buying new species.
C．Boosting habitats.	D．Restricting visitors.

4 . Hit Chinese Variety Shows in 2023

The year 2023 saw a wide variety of TV and Internet shows in China, offering to audience not only amazing entertainment but also new insight.

The Big Band 3

Each week, bands competed in different groups, and via votes cast by the audience and six celebrity judges, five bands earned the title of the “Hot 5” by the end of the season.

Become a Farmer

The farming-themed reality show Become a Farmer took Chinese social media by storm in the first half of the year, shining a spotlight on agriculture — a crucial part of Chinese culture. The word “farming”, however, may be unfamiliar to many young urban Chinese citizens. In an effort to connect these individuals with the agricultural industry, the 50-episode variety show tackles the topic by inviting 10 young men from various fields to experience life on the farmland. It offers insights into farming practices and modern agricultural production.

Infinity and Beyond 2023

With a shocking viewership, the music cultural program Infinity and Beyond 2023 emerged as a resounding success both on TV and on the Internet in the first half of this year. Featuring a star-studded cast, the show improved cross-strait connection and covered classic and popular songs dating back to the 1970s.

Divas Hit the Road — Silk Road

This season saw some Chinese actresses and actors embark on a journey to Saudi Arabia, Croatia and Iceland. They explored the beautiful landscapes and diverse cultures of these countries and learned about the collaborative projects related to the Belt and Road Initiative. They have dipped into the local customs and traditions of the places they visited.

1. What is special about Become a Farmer?

A．It has cruel competition rules.	B．It focuses on agricultural industry.
C．It invited ordinary people as the judges.	D．It captured widespread attention online.

2. In which show can we appreciate the culture of other countries?

A．The Big Band 3.	B．Become a Farmer.
C．Infinity and Beyond 2023.	D．Divas Hit the Road — Silk Road.

3. What can we learn from the text?

A．Become a Farmer got the highest mark.

B．The Big Band 3 performed pop music mostly.

C．Infinity and Beyond 2023 made a contribution to cross-strait connection.

D．Divas Hit the Road — Silk Road offered collaborative projects related to WHO.

5 . Cloud “engineering” could be more effective for climate cooling than previously thought, because of the increased cloud cover produced, new research shows.

In a study published in Nature Geoscience, researchers at the University of Birmingham found that marine cloud brightening (MCB), also known as marine cloud engineering, works primarily by increasing the amount of cloud cover, accounting for 60% — 90% of the cooling effect.

The practice of MCB has attracted much attention in recent years as a way of offsetting the global warming effects caused by humans and buying some time while the global economy decarbonizes (脱碳). It works by spraying tiny particles, or aerosols (气溶胶), into the atmosphere where they mix with clouds and with the primary aim of increasing the amount of sunlight that clouds can reflect.

However, the ways in which MCB creates a cooling effect, and the ways in which clouds will respond to aerosols, are still poorly understood. To investigate the phenomenon, the researchers created a “natural experiment”, using aerosol injection from the effusive eruption of Kilauea volcano in Hawaii to study the interactions between these natural aerosols, clouds, and climate.

Using machine learning and historic satellite and meteorological (气象学的) data, the team created a predictor to show how the cloud would behave during periods when the volcano was inactive. This predictor enabled them to identify clearly the impacts on the clouds that had been directly caused by the volcanic aerosols.

They were able to show that the cloud cover relatively increased by up to 50% during the periods of volcanic activity, producing a cooling effect of up to — 10 W/m² regionally.

Lead author, Dr Ying Chen, of the University of Birmingham, said, “Our findings show that marine cloud brightening could be more effective as a climate intervention than climate models have suggested previously. Of course, while it could be useful, MCB does not address the underlying causes of global warming from greenhouse gases produced by human activities. It should therefore be regarded as a ‘painkiller’, rather than a solution.”

1. How does MCB help global cooling according to the study?

A．By decreasing the amount of sunlight.

B．By boosting the volume of cloud cover.

C．By reducing the amount of cloud cover.

D．By removing greenhouse gases from the atmosphere.

2. What does the underlined word “offsetting” mean in paragraph 3?

A．Weakening.

B．Destroying.

C．Ignoring.

D．Suspending.

3. What does Dr Ying Chen think of MCB?

A．Perfect.

B．Ineffective.

C．Valueless.

D．Fruitful.

4. What can be the best title for the text?

A．The Mechanism Behind Marine Cloud Brightening

B．Understanding The Impact Of Aerosols On Clouds And Climate

C．Enhancing Climate Cooling Through Marine Cloud Brightening

D．Marine Cloud Brightening: A Solution To Climate Cooling Strategy

6 . The months of July and August are often known as the “dog days of summer”, bringing in longer, hotter and sunnier days for you to throw the perfect dog birthday party.

Choosing the right spot

If you’re lucky enough to have a garden big enough, that couldn’t be better.     1    . If not, then dog - friendly parks, beaches and cafes can also make for great alternatives. Consider how many guests you’ll be inviting, both humans and animals, and make sure the space is big and secure enough to accommodate.

Picking the menu

    2    ! Some bakeries and pet stores will provide treats perfect for the occasion. However when in doubt, homemade is always better. Take a look online and you’ll find a ton of recipes and take a look at the ingredients to make sure they’re good for the dogs.

Setting up activities

Dogs love to socialise and play together, so why not bring a few activities into the mix. From frozen lick mats, tug of war to even a mini swimming pool, there are plenty of options to keep the guests of honour entertained.     3    . It can show off their dogs’ best skills.

    4    

Photos of your puppy party will give you memories to look back on forever, and who doesn’t love showing their pup off online? Add some props (道具) and a special backdrop to make your pictures even more double-tap worthy.

Don’t forget the humans

While the puppies are undoubtedly the real stars of the party, you can’t forget about your fellow human guests. Consider dog-themed treats, drinks and music. And finally, don’t send your guests home empty-pawed.     5    .

A．Set up a photo spot

B．Record more memorable moments

C．All your furry friends can run around freely there

D．The owners would be also interested in getting involved

E．A little gift with a thank-you note and an extra toy go a long way

F．Arguably the most exciting aspect of any puppy party is the treats

G．A trick contest is also a great way for the humans to get involved

7 . 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。

Chinese ancient architecture is a treasure of cultural heritage, reflecting China’s rich history and unique cultural identity. With a history     1     (date) back thousands of years, it has evolved and diversified to become one of the most distinctive styles in the world.

Chinese ancient architecture is characterized by its use of natural materials such as wood, brick, and stone, in conjunction with fancy carvings and decorative details. Bridges, tombs, temples, and towers are some of the key     2     (feature) of Chinese ancient architecture     3     have stood the test of time.

One of the most iconic examples of Chinese ancient architecture is the Forbidden City in Beijing. Construction of the Forbidden City began in 1406 and took over a decade     4     (complete). It served     5     the royal palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties and is now a popular tourist attraction. The Forbidden City is known for the harmony of its design.

In southern China, the rice terraces (梯田) are     6     unique example of Chinese ancient architecture.     7     (carve) out of the mountains over centuries, these terraces provide a complex system for irrigation and cultivation. The rice terraces are not only a crucial part of Chinese agricultural history but also a masterpiece of engineering and geometry.

Chinese ancient architecture has had a profound influence on the     8     (globe) architecture, and many element s and designs     9     (adopt) and adapted in different parts of the world ever since. Today, Chinese rich architectural heritage gains     10     (recognize) worldwide, becoming a reminder of China’s rich cultural history.

8 . 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。

A disability only becomes a disability when you allow it to stop you from being genuinely happy and spreading happiness to others.

In a high school in Missouri, there is a remarkable student named Ryheem Lumpkins. At the age of 16, Ryheem displayed a tough spirit that challenged physical limitations. While his arms and hands hadn’t fully developed, he still managed to land a part-time job as a cashier at a local pizza restaurant.

Although he had only been employed for a month, Ryheem’s work ethic shone exceptionally bright. When it’s not so busy at the counter, he would grab a broom to sweep the floors or carefully clean the buffet. Despite his disability, he had such enthusiasm for life that he even got his driver’s license and worked hard to save money to buy his first car.

As a naturally shy individual, this new job unexpectedly revealed his hidden positive character. Interacting with new people, engaging in conversations, and delivering services became a source of excitement for him.

One fateful day, a customer named Robert Samay recognized the exceptional personality of young Ryheem. The young cashier left a lasting impression on Mr. Samay, leading him to commit an act of kindness that would astonish Ryheem and warm the hearts of those who witnessed it.

Impressed by Ryheem’s personality, Mr. Samay decided to express his appreciation. He slipped a five-dollar bill into Ryheem’s hands and spoke words that sympathized deeply within the teenager’s soul. “I appreciate your infectious smile and your exceptional attitude,” Mr. Samay said warmly. “Such qualities are rare these days, especially among young individuals.”

Ryheem’s eyes gleaned with gratitude as he thanked Mr. Samay, his voice earnest and sincere. He carefully folded the five-dollar bill, tucking it into his pocket with a smile that could light up a room. The warmth of the kind gesture infused Ryheem with a sense of validation and empowerment, reminding him that his disabilities did not define him. The sight of joy that lightened Ryheem’s face as he received the modest tip remained impressive in Mr. Samay’s memory.

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

It fueled an urge for Mr. Samay to reward the young man’s happiness even more.

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After the video was posted online by the shop owner, it swiftly spread across various platforms.

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10 . Karla Torres, a recent graduate of Francisco Bravo Medical Magnet High School in Boyle Heights, designed and created an 18th-century-inspired dress with the support of her mom to enter the yearly “Stuck at Prom” scholarship contest, sponsored by a trademarked brand of duct tape (强力胶带). The Los Angeles teen was named a finalist last week with the grand prize: a $ 10,000 scholarship.

In the beginning, Karla often spent hours online looking for clothing ideas or different styles. But it wasn't until a recent visit to the J. Paul Getty Museum — the only field trip she took in high school — that she found her inspiration from the 18th-century French paintings, featuring impressive, grand dresses.

“We’ve never made a dress, much less out of duct tape,” Karla said. “We didn’t know how much duct tape we needed. We were just doing it by trial and error.” In the end, the college-bound teen and her mom spent at least 120 hours, over many days, working on the dress, and used l4 rolls of tape.

“Tape is so tough and you can’t move it easily,” Karla said. “It was really challenging to make it all come together.” But the fashion-forward teenager overcame that challenge. Of more than 200 entries to the contest, Karla’s work was selected among the top five, judged for color, quality, originality, and the use of the brand tape.

While it’s Karla’s name officially in the contest, this whole process was more of a collective effort by her family. “It means a lot to me. The $ 10,000 prize would go a long way as I plan to attend a California State University school in August. I wouldn’t want my parents to struggle trying to find a way to pay for it,” Karla said. “It would really help my parents.”

1. What inspired Karla to create the dress?

A．Social media.

B．The encouragement of her mom.

C．Her visit to a museum.

D．The impact of other competitors.

2. How did Karla’s work stand out among the other entries in the contest?

A．It showed great skills and originality.

B．It copied the style of modern paintings.

C．It reflected a variety of fashionable ideas.

D．It used expensive and high-quality materials.

3. Why is winning the contest important for Karla?

A．It’s a recognition of her mom’s efforts.

B．It allows her to find a job in the fashion industry.

C．It ensures her admission into the California college.

D．It saves her parents from struggling to pay for her college.

4. Which of the following can best describe Karla?

A．Creative and considerate.

B．Humorous and hardworking.

C．Responsible and brave.

D．Kind and generous.