1 . Three scientists jointly won this year’s Nobel Prize in physics for proving that tiny particles (粒子) could keep a connection with each other even when separated, a phenomenon once doubted but now being explored for potential real-world applications such as encoding information. Frenchman Alain Aspect, American John F. Clauser and Austrian Anton Zeilinger were quoted by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences for experiments proving the “totally crazy” field of quantum entanglements (量子纠缠) to be all too real. They demonstrated that unseen particles, such as photons (光子) , can be linked, or “entangled”, with each other even when they are separated by large distances.

In quantum entanglement, establishing common information between two photons not near each other “allows us to do things like secret communication, in ways which weren’t possible to do before”, said David Haviland, chair of the Nobel Committee for Physics. Quantum information “has broad and potential effects in areas such as secure information transmission, quantum computing and sensing technology”. The kind of secure communication used by China’s Micius satellite, as well as by some banks, is a “success story of quantum entanglement”, said Harun Siljak of Trinity College Dublin.

The Nobel Committee said Clauser developed quantum theories first put forward in the 1960s into a practical experiment. Aspect was able to correct an error in those theories, while Zeilinger demonstrated a phenomenon called quantum teleportation that effectively allows information to be sent over distances. “Using entanglement you can send all the information which is carried by an object over to some other place where the object is.” Zeilinger said. He added that this only works for tiny particles. “It is not like in the Star Trek films transporting something, certainly not the person, over some distance,” he said.

1. Which of the following statements about quantum entanglements is NOT true?

A．Scientists were doubtful whether it exists in the real world.

B．The Nobel Prize winner has put it into practical experiment.

C．Two particles can actually be connected regardless of distances.

D．The more distant 2 photons get, the less entangled they’ll become.

2. Which has the closest meaning to the underlined word “transmission”?

A．Affecting.	B．Transforming.
C．Communicating.	D．Spreading.

3. What is the last paragraph mainly about?

A．The achievements these 3 scientists have got individually.

B．The explanation for information transmission over large distances.

C．The clarification that science fiction is no equal to scientific theory.

D．The reason why these 3 scientists share this year’s Nobel Prize in physics.

4. What can we conclude from the passage?

A．Classical physics can be applied to tiny particles.

B．Quantum physics is the focus of modern physical research.

C．Particles, photons, and quanta are all the basic composition of matter.

D．Quantum entanglements can contribute to more cutting-edge technologies.

2 . Harvest Festivals Around the World

The harvest season falls at different times of the year depending upon region, climate, and crop, but festivals celebrating its arrival are held the world over. The following list highlights four particular harvest festivals.

Rice Harvest Festival in Indonesia (May 1 — June 30)

The Rice Harvest Festival that is held in Bali, Indonesia, is a feature of the island’s Hindu culture. The harvest time, which follows the New Year by about one month, is dedicated to the rice goddess and is a time of joyous celebration. Sculptures of the goddess are placed in the fields in thanks, towns are decorated with colored flags, and special bull races are held.

Yam Festival in Ghana (August or September)

The Ewe people of Ghana in Africa celebrate the end of the rainy season and the first appearance of yams, a staple crop. The duration and exact days of the celebration vary according to place, in hopes of driving away hunger in the coming year. People gather and hold huge feasts and activities such as dances and parades.

Sukkoth in Israel (September-October)

Sukkoth, the “Feast of Booths (棚子),” is held shortly after the High Holy Days of the New Year celebration. Special booths are constructed to recall the period of the Exodus, recorded in the local religion, when their ancestors lived in booths in the desert before entering the Promised Land.

Pongal in India (January)

The four-day festival of Pongal is a celebration of the rice harvest period. Held after the winter solstice (冬至), it celebrates the return of longer days of life-giving sunlight. Pongal is similar to other festivals held in South and Southeast Asia, but its name comes from a local word meaning “to boil” and is also the name given to a rice dish that is prepared during this time.

1. What is special about Rice Harvest Festival?

A．Its connection with Hindu culture.	B．Its celebration of the rainy season.
C．Its respect for their ancestors.	D．Its similarity to other festivals.

2. Where can you join the crowd and enjoy local activities?

A．In Indonesia.

B．In Ghana.

C．In Israel.

D．In India.

3. Which festival is highly religious?

A．Rice Harvest Festival.

B．Yam Festival.

C．Sukkoth.

D．Pongal.

3 . The Miyun Reservoir (水库) near Beijing plays an important role in providing water to the capital. But not many people know this major project was actually designed by a group of university students as their graduation project. In 1959, under Jiang Nanxiang, the then headmaster of Tsinghua University, who encouraged his students to combine theory with practice, students from the Department of Hydraulic Engineering set about the project.

This is one of the stories told in the new season of Century Masters, which focuses on 11 noted educators, among them Peking University head Cai Yuanpei, promoter of mass education Tao Xingzhi and physical education advocate Jiang Nanxiang, which aired on China Education Television in March, 2024.

Produced by the China Federation of Literary and Art Circles, Century Masters is dedicated to people renowned for their mastery in different areas. Earlier seasons focused on famous artists, architects and writers. According to Chen Hong, the general director for the series, the new season seeks to preserve and protect the educational practices, ideas and progress of the subjects, and nurture young people in the process. “We want to crystallize the wisdom and sweat of countless educators, a precious heritage for future generations, and open a window to showcase the country’s progress. Many of them also made great achievements in other areas. This series, however, focuses on their contributions to education”, says Chen.

Unlike artists who produce physical creations, the contributions of educators are often theoretical, and so are difficult to show visually. To deal with this, the series brought the educators to life by illustrating their ideas through snapshots (快照) of their work and life. The two episodes (一集) about Ma Yuehan, a pioneer in advocating for physical education at Tsinghua University, explore his habit of regular exercise maintained since childhood, his participation in national and international competitions at university, and the way in which he benefited from being in good health.

1. What do we know about the Miyun Reservoir from the passage?

A．It was finished in the year 1959.

B．Its historical importance has not been fully recognized.

C．It was designed by the headmaster of Tsinghua University.

D．It is a product of Tsinghua University’s advanced teaching philosophy.

2. What purpose does the new season of Century Masters serve?

A．To introduce Chinese experts of all fields.

B．To dig into the all-around achievements of great educators.

C．To record the educational practices and ideas of noted educators.

D．To call upon young people to contribute to Chinese education.

3. Why does the author mention the episodes of Ma Yuehan in paragraph 4?

A．To highlight his educational contribution.

B．To serve as an example of the practice above.

C．To prove the importance of physical education.

D．To showcase his achievement in physical competitions.

4. What’s the best title for the passage?

A．Heroes of Education in Century Masters

B．Protectors of Heritage in Century Masters

C．Physical and Academic Education in Tsinghua University

D．Theoretical and Practical Education in Tsinghua University

4 . Wondering what you can do to celebrate Earth Day on April 22? You’ve come to the right place. We’ve gathered a comprehensive list of Earth Day activities, both fun and environmentally-conscious, to help raise awareness and make a difference. If you’re ready to learn more about joining the global celebration, initiating real change, and doing your part to save our planet, read on!

·Walk or ride your bike.

    1     Plus, it’s a great way to involve physical activity into your daily routine, benefiting both your physical and mental well-being. Even one day can make a difference, but if you can commit to walking or biking more often in the future, that’s even better!

·Use a refillable water bottle.

Consider going with a stainless-steel refillable bottle for a super long-lasting option.     2     Using a refillable water bottle, meanwhile, protects the planet, saves you money, and protects your health.

·Plant a tree.

Pick a tree species that’s native to where you live. If you’re unsure, ask an employee at your local nursery or garden department. Choose the best planting spot to meet the tree’s needs, dig a properly sized hole, and water the tree well to give it a good start.     3     Try donating to a reputable environmental non-profit that will plant trees on your behalf instead.

·Visit a local farmer’s market.

Eating locally grown food is much better for the environment. For example, locally-grown food doesn’t have to be transported long distances to end up on grocery store shelves.     4    

·     5    

See if your community is holding an environmental fair. If your community doesn’t have one planned, consider starting one yourself! It’s the perfect day to get together for a fun and educational celebration of the Earth. Any money raised can go towards a local environmental restoration project or group.

A．Attend a local Earth Day event.

B．Educate your community on environmental awareness.

C．Going car-free for the day will reduce harmful carbon emissions.

D．That means your money won’t be wasted on unnecessary spending.

E．If physically doing this is unrealistic for you, there are other choices!

F．Normally, plastic water bottles end up in garbage cans after a single use.

G．You’ll also be giving back to your community by supporting local farmers.

5 . Of course, Baoyu had seen this new cousin earlier on and _______ that she was the daughter of his Aunt Lin. He made haste to bow and, having greeted her, took a seat. Looking at Daiyu closely, he found her _______ from other girls. Her dusky arched eyebrows were knitted and yet not frowning; her _______ eyes held both merriment and sorrow; her very weakness had _______. Her eyes sparkled with tears; her _______ was soft and faint. In rest she was like a lovely flower _______ in the water; in motion, a pliant willow swaying in the wind. She looked more sensitive than Bi Gan, more _______ than Xi Shi.

“I’ve met this cousin before,” he _______ at the end of his scrutiny (审视).

“You’re talking nonsense again,” said his grandmother, laughing.

“How could you possibly have met her?”

“Well, even if I haven’t, her face looks _______. I feel we’re old friends meeting again after a long separation.”

“So much the better.” The Lady Dowager laughed. “That shows you’re ________ to be good friends.”

Baoyu went over to sit beside Daiyu and once more ________ fixedly at her…

Then, to the confusion of them all, he asked Daiyu if she had any jade (玉).

________ that he had his own jade in mind, she answered, “No, I haven’t. I suppose it’s too rare for everybody to have.”

This instantly put Baoyu into one of his frenzies (狂暴). ________ the jade, he threw it on the ground.

“What’s rare about it?” he ________. “It can’t even tell good people from bad. What ________ understanding has it got? I don’t want this annoyance either.”

1.

A．decided

B．recognized

C．observed

D．guessed

2.

A．distant

B．free

C．different

D．absent

3.

A．wondering

B．speaking

C．hesitating

D．pleasing

4.

A．love

B．terror

C．charm

D．trick

5.

A．gesture

B．figure

C．movement

D．breath

6.

A．bathed

B．mirrored

C．planted

D．dropped

7.

A．delicate

B．precious

C．aggressive

D．reserved

8.

A．assumed

B．explained

C．declared

D．interpreted

9.

A．common

B．familiar

C．pretty

D．similar

10.

A．matched

B．committed

C．intended

D．meant

11.

A．grasped

B．checked

C．aimed

D．stared

12.

A．Realizing

B．Doubting

C．Imagining

D．Admitting

13.

A．Setting off

B．Tearing off

C．Wearing off

D．Cutting off

14.

A．stormed

B．threatened

C．identified

D．criticized

15.

A．romantic

B．complex

C．spiritual

D．typical