1 . In nature, octopuses (章鱼) hunt mainly with their sense of touch, using their eight arms to feel out their environment for hidden creatures. Researchers at the University of Minnesota recently studied a different way octopuses hunt—when they identify prey (猎物) based on sight. The study findings show that the marine creatures are quite consistent and methodical in how they approach prey.

Lead researcher Trevor Wardill and his team placed California two-spot octopuses into water tanks, hiding them in caves where they would have one eye looking out. They then placed either fiddler crabs or white shrimp in the tanks to see how the octopuses would try to catch them, capturing the interactions on video. The crabs and shrimp behave differently when trying to escape from predators (捕猎者), so using both species gave the researchers an opportunity to see whether this led the octopuses to use a different arm for hunting depending on the prey.

Wardill’s team found that the octopuses almost always used the same arm to grab their prey. Specifically, the second arm from the middle of the octopuses’ body, on the same side of their body as the eye, caught the prey. If they needed more arms to grab prey, they would use the ones next to the second arm.

The octopuses also attacked differently depending on the prey. When faced with crabs, an octopus would move suddenly on top of the crab with its whole body. However, when catching shrimp, the octopuses would take one arm and reach out very slowly toward the shrimp, then grab it and latch (缠住) onto it with its other arms to pull it in.

Wardill and his team hope to do more research. They want to study the octopus’s brain as it attacks pre y to develop a better understanding of what role the creature’s nervous system plays in selecting the arms it uses.

1. What is the recent study mainly about?

A．Octopuses’ ability to hide itself.	B．Octopuses’ way to track prey.
C．Octopuses’ hunting mode via eyes.	D．Octopuses’ method of perceiving the environment.

2. What can we learn about the octopuses in the study?

A．They adopt different strategies to hunt.	B．They stretch arms slowly to catch crabs.
C．They move suddenly to prey on shrimps.	D．They use the second arm to catch prey anytime.

3. What does the follow-up test aim to find out about the octopuses?

A．Whether they’re nervous in hunting.	B．How their nerves work during hunting.
C．How they choose their arms in hunting.	D．Whether they use their brain during hunting.

4. Which of the following can be a suitable title for the text?

A．Octopuses: Skillful Hunters	B．Octopuses: One-armed Predators
C．Octopuses: A Sharp-eyed Species	D．Octopuses: A Mysterious Creature

2 . A comment from Zadie Smith caught my attention this week. Asked whether she had ever considered recording an album, the novelist responded, “I have a dream of having a Café Carlyle residency in New York in my 80s.” Here she is at the height of her success dreaming of a career Plan B just like the rest of us!

Weird Plan Bs fascinate me because for years I had one of my own. Despite being perfectly happy in my chosen profession, I had long harboured the fantasy of becoming a photographer and I took a lockdown leap and applied to art school to acquire some actual skills.

Has it brought me fame and riches? Not as yet. Like many people who dream of having a go at something different, I was focusing on creative fulfilment rather than my future finances. By the time I graduated in 2022, my dream of running a portrait photography business was looking a lot less practicable—in part thanks to AI head-shot generators.

If only I had had a little more Fobo, also known as the fear of becoming out-of-date. This workplace trend is an updated version of Fomo—the fear of missing out, which now feels like a poignant (辛酸的) throwback to more optimistic times. 22% of workers are worried that technology will put them out of a job. And who can blame them?

There is another reason that nurturing an alterative career might be risky. Research indicates that having a back-up plan can work against you. Having a Plan B as a safety net can cause people to make less effort at their day job and — unhelpfully — run a greater risk of losing it.

So, do I regret pursuing my Plan B? Not at all — hopefully I’ve got a few years before robot photographers take over the world, and I currently spend a day a week on photography. My only sorrow is something unexpected. For so many years. I had the fantasy of trying something new. My “someday” ambition sustained me through dull and boring days. But now I’m actually spending some of my week doing it, which has caused empty space in my life. It made me realize that having an alternative career to dream about is in itself sustaining and comforting. You might never do it, and that might not even matter. So, if you’ll excuse me, I need to go and start working on my Plan C...

1. Why did Zadie Smith want to have a Cafe Carlyle residency?

A．She was not satisfied with her writing career.

B．She was eager to take up a second career.

C．She was depressed by recording an album.

D．She was unable to reach the height of success.

2. What do you know about the author’s plan B?

A．She was a skilled photographer who graduated from an art school.

B．She gave up her chosen occupation because of lockdown.

C．She gained a sense of creative satisfaction instead of income.

D．She ran a photography business with the assistance of AI.

3. Why did the author mention the concepts of Fobo and Fomo in paragraph 4?

A．To explain why workers are eager to do plan

B．To introduce one of the disadvantages to do plan B.

C．To advocate the society’s acceptance of plan B.

D．To display the future of trend of the workforce.

4. What’s the author’s “only sorrow” according to the last paragraph?

A．She will be replaced by robot photographer in the future.

B．She can’t spare time to do photography professionally.

C．She hates the dull and boring days in doing photography.

D．She lost something new to excite some enthusiasm for life.

3 . 语篇填空

In one club in Beijing, for example, players enter into a fictional martial arts school     1     they wear costumes and assume roles like a peach fairy or a dragon. The script offers character backgrounds, relationships and potential storylines. The plot develops as the players go around the table, talking in character, taking clues from the script and the host. In the end, they vote on     2     they think the murderer might be.

The whodunits may be imaginary,     3     they provide a real-world alternative for young Chinese people who spend increasing amounts of time on their screens. The country’s one billion Internet users spend much of their time on their phones,     4     (cause) worries from the public and the government alike about too much screen time. The government’s concerns over children in particular     5     (lead) it to restrict video game time for minors recently.

The games also provide free-flowing opportunities for young people to get together, something     6     can be rare in China, according to Kecheng Fang, an assistant professor in the School of Journalism and Communication at The Chinese University of Hong Kong. The games provide “    7     participatory experience and a way of socializing, which is     8     (miss) from the life of many Chinese young people,” Dr. Fang said. They are     9     (lack) in participation in civic affairs, community     10     (engage) and meaningful socialization.

4 . It was something rather irregular at an otherwise regular board of appeals meeting in Maine. A resident wanted a permission for not observing the no-chicken rule. But this wasn’t just any resident. It was C-Jay Martin, 25, who is blind and has epilepsy (癫痫) and autism. Chickens are what brought C-Jay joy despite his challenges. “Having something to share with other people was important to him,” said his mother, Amy Martin.

But Bangor is not OK with chickens. In fact, city rules clearly prohibit residents from keeping “fowl, goats, sheep, cattle or swine of any kind” and the municipal government urges the residents to obey the rules strictly. So, would the staid New England city of 31,000 make an exception for C-Jay and his emotional support hens?

It was with high hopes that Martin headed to the otherwise ordinary municipal meeting earlier this month. She told the appeals board she got the chickens in April after researching the Fair Housing Act, which prohibits discrimination in housing by landlords or municipalities, and finding it might allow her son an accommodation.

She was joined by neighbors and community members who showed up to support C-Jay and his chickens. One noted C-Jay regularly assumes the responsibility of feeding the chickens, despite his disabilities. Another said their cooing and soft noises are clearly a comfort to C-Jay. Others said Martin and C-Jay keep the chickens’ area in their yard very clean.

But there were some complaints. Some raised concerns about whether the presence of the chickens could attract rodents (齿类动物), and didn’t want an exception for C-Jay to open the door for others to keep banned animals.

City officials, seeming to side with C-Jay and his flock, assured attendees that no increased rodent activity would not be tolerated and any livestock permission would only apply to C-Jay Martin at his house.

In the end, it reached a consensus: the appeals board ruled that C-Jay had a need for the chickens. He would be allowed to keep them, although limits on the number were set, and noisy roosters prohibited.

Martin said her son is relieved and that his beloved chickens will stay. “When he’s sitting outside listening to an audiobook, or just hanging out in the backyard with the sun shining, he always knows where they are because he can hear them,” she said. “He’s never really alone.”

1. What was something “irregular” happening at a board of appeals meeting in Maine?

A．Residents there were prohibited from raising animals of some animals at home.

B．A special resident there wanted to keep chickens despite a no-chicken rule.

C．Physically disadvantaged groups there were under huge discrimination.

D．Disabled children didn’t want to share their animals with other people.

2. What’s the meaning of the underlined word “staid” in paragraph 2?

A．United.

B．Civilized.

C．Rigid.

D．Remote.

3. Which of the following is correct concerning C-Jay and his flock?

A．It is legal to raise the flocks in the whole community.

B．C-Jay with disabilities was unable to care for the chickens

C．C-Jay obtained emotional support from his own flocks.

D．Banned animals are more likely to be tended in Maine.

4. Which section of a newspaper is the passage probably taken from?

A．Healthcare.

B．Society.

C．Amusement.

D．Politics.

5 . Researchers have claimed a major step forward in the field of organ transplantation after a monkey survived for more than two years with a genetically engineered pig kidney.

Scientists have spent decades working out whether animal organs could ever work properly and safely in humans without them being rejected by the patient’s immune system, but the challenges have proved immense.

For the latest trial, researchers used a gene-editing tool called Crispr to alter genes in Yucatan miniature pigs before transplanting their kidneys into macaques (猕猴). The modifications altered genes to prevent organ rejection and remove pig viruses that could potentially be activated in recipients.

Writing in the journal Nature, the scientists describe how 21 monkeys got on after their kidneys were removed and a single genetically modified pig kidney was implanted. Monkeys typically survived no more than 24 days when the kidneys were edited to disable three genes that triggered immune rejection. But when the scientists added seven human genes that reduce blood clotting (结块), inflammation and other immune reactions, the monkeys survived seven times longer, typically for 176 days. When combined with treatment to restrain the immune system, the researchers report that one monkey survived for more than two years — 758 days — with the transplanted organ.

Curtis, the chief executive of eGenesis, said the long-term survival of at least some of the monkeys had put eGenesis on course to satisfy the US Food and Drug Administration requirement to see at least 12 months’ survival in animals before the team can launch a clinical trial in humans. “We are well on our way there,” Curtis said. “There simply aren’t enough kidneys to go around. In our opinion it’s the only near-term practicable solution.”

The team uses Yucatan miniature pigs as donors because at maturity their kidneys are roughly the same size of those in the adult human. In the monkey trial, the kidneys were transplanted at two to three months when the organs were much smaller.

Prof Tatsuo Kawai, an author on the study at Harvard Medical School, said the scientists expected the modified pig organs to perform better in humans than monkeys because “they are a better match”.

1. What do researchers do with the Yucatan miniature pigs?

A．They altered their immune systems.	B．They changed their genes to prevent rejection.
C．They used them to produce a gene-editing tool.	D．They transplanted their kidneys into human beings.

2. Which of the following statements is true?

A．The 21 monkeys were implanted with a healthy pig kidney.

B．The monkeys usually survived less than 24 days previously.

C．Researchers removed three genes causing immune rejections from the kidneys.

D．Monkeys can survive much longer if their genes are modified property.

3. What’s Curtis’ attitude towards the result of the experiment?

A．Dissatisfied.

B．Doubtful.

C．Content.

D．Indifferent.

4. What’s the main idea of the passage?

A．Monkey survives for over two years with a genetically engineered pig kidney.

B．A big breakthrough has been made in the field of organ transplantation.

C．Animal organs can work in an effective way in the bodies of human beings.

D．It’s high time to make some adjustments to human immune system.

6 . 语法填空

The Palace Museum’s clock collection, more than 1,500 in number, is arguably one of the most breathtaking clock preservations worldwide.     1     (make) between the 18th century and the 20th century, some were crafted in Britain, France and Switzerland, some were from the Clock Worship of the Qing Palace, the others were     2     mixture of both the East and the West.

The     3     (major) of British clocks feature bronze cases inlaid with splendidly colorful jewels. They are diverse     4     form, recreating all kinds of architecture and natural sights, and often include automatic     5     (decorate) such as fountains, moving figures, boats and birds. These clocks represent the highest level of craftsmanship in Britain.

Most of the French clocks here are the products of the early 20th century. Whether in terms of theme     6     decorative style, the French clocks in the collection have a style of     7     (they) own, and deserve their place in history.

The Swiss timepieces     8     (most) comprise small, unconventionally shaped desk clocks and delicate pocket watches. They were specially made     9     (suit) the tastes of Chinese customers.

Clocks may turn back in time, but humans may never dream of doing so. Today, the Palace Museum     10     (aim) to carry on this touching tale of “time” as guardians of this traditional craftsmanship.

7 . 阅读下面材料，根据其内容和所给段落开头语练写两段，使之构成一篇完整的短文。

Every morning before going to school, Galen would stand in front of their bookshelf in the living room, focusing his sights on one book titled “The Greatest Explorer That Never Was”. It was kept on the top shelf. His mom would always read it to him when he was feeling sad. And lately, he’d always been feeling sad. His mom died.

He would try to think of a way to get the book. He’d thought about asking his dad for help but his dad had been spending more time in his office. Galen was on his own for this one and he saw it as a challenge he needed to overcome. This was his test.

At school, he would draw up plans on how he would do it. First, he planned on using the ladder they kept in the shed (小屋). So when he got home, he threw his bag on the couch and carried out the plan. But when he had his hands on and tried to carry it, immediately he realized that the plan was a failure-the ladder was too heavy for him to carry to the living room. He left the shed, defeated. He took out the notebook that he’d written his plans on. He crossed out using a ladder. He went to bed that night determined to come up with a new plan that would work.

His next plan was to use his mom’s old trampoline (蹦床). Using it would allow him to jump high enough, reach the top of the shelf, grab the book, and land on the ground. He did this about four or five times before deciding that this plan, like the one before, wouldn’t work.

Galen started coming with other plans as the days went on. After the unsuccessful mop and broom plan, he stayed up late that night hatching a new plan, which had a higher success rate than the others. It was to climb to the top of the shelf until he could just take the book. He’d just have to hold on to the sides a little tighter so that he wouldn’t fall off.

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

But it wasn’t the easy climb he expected.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Down to the ground with the book, he turned around to see who the ally (同盟)was.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

8 . Benefits of sharing jokes as a family

A well-chosen joke can have a big impact when speaking to a crowd or attempting to redirect a tense meeting.     1     Our family started regularly enjoying jokes when my son began sharing the “Joke of the Day” read On the morning announcements his school with us at dinner. A burst of laughter prevents us from complaining about the menu.     2     The benefits of sharing jokes definitely go beyond mealtime conversation matter, though. Here are some reasons to make joking around a regular family habit:

    3     Knowing a good joke can help a kid connect with other kids at the cafeteria table or start a conversation on the school bus. Enjoying jokes and practicing the art of humorous delivery in the safety of their home can give kids tools for social situations, especially if this is an area of difficulty.

Jokes improve language skills.     4     Consider the learning potential in these samples from Funology.com: “What do you call a cow that eats your grass? A lawn mower.” “When is a door not a door? When it’s ajar (半开着).”

Jokes encourage reading and learning. Many parents and teachers report that joke books help motivate their reluctant or struggling readers to read more. Since jokes, by design, are for sharing, reading them aloud is particularly good practice for kids who struggle with reading fluently.     5     If your child needs help remembering a difficult concept, a joke might do it. For instance, try another joke from Funology.com: “Two atoms are playing together when on tells the other, ‘I lost an electron.’ The second atom asks, ‘Are you sure?’ The first atom replies ‘I’m positive!’”

A．Jokes help kids build social relationships.

B．Jokes aren’t just for the public stage, though.

C．Humor can even help a person deal with mood disorders.

D．Studies show humor can make information more memorable, too.

E．Jokes are quick lessons about sounds in words and word meanings.

F．Humor encourages family connection and can help ease kids’ anxiety.

G．Also, it’s been a good chance to explain jokes he didn’t quite understand.

9 . Adaptations are currently popular in the movie industry. We’re all familiar with film adaptations of books.     1     Book adaptations of films aren’t that common, but it’s a medium that certainly takes skills to master.

The most well-known version of a film being adapted to books is via the novelisation (小说化). Movie novelisations went through a boom period before the internet era. Fans wanted to know more about the fictional worlds and experience the story again in a new way.     2     Thus, the novelisation was a great solution.

Meanwhile, the screen to page process has also opened up the possibility of sequels (续篇). Perhaps there simply wasn’t financial investment to create a follow-up to a film. Maybe a sequel idea simply felt more appropriate for a novel.     3     In recent years for example, the film Heat, released in 1995 has received its own novel. ET: The Book of the Green Planet continued the extra-terrestrial’s journey after the completion of the film’s narrative.

But what are the benefits of reading a novel instead of waiting for the big screen version? Well, a novel can take its reader deeper into the mind of the characters that the film had to represent in a more visual way.     4     Although a film might characterize a fantastic scene or a specific costume choice, it doesn’t always tell why those things are important. Novelisations and sequels can take that extra step and shine a light on some of those movie-making choices.

Book adaptations of films obviously won’t ever replace cinema, and there’s no need to choose one or the other.     5    

A．But what about book adaptations of films?

B．Besides, descriptions can be more detailed too.

C．For a time, they were everything for cinema lovers.

D．Films being adapted to books has been talked repeatedly.

E．But they couldn’t simply google it, or immediately purchase the production on tape.

F．Regardless, some terrific films have been expanded upon thanks to this medium.

G．Actually, these two mediums are considerably interdependent and complementary.

10 . Do not miss this unique opportunity to participate in Circle U. ’s winter course at Humboldt-Universitat zu Berlin with co-students from nine universities across Europe!

Key Information

● Dates:24-28 November plus five additional online sessions

● Level/target group:Students from all fields of study

●Costs:School fees are free of charge. Participants will receive support for their travel,   accommodation and living costs.

● Application deadline:28 November, 2023

How to Apply

Applications are accepted through the Move On website. Along with the application form, please submit your CV and motivation letter, your transcript of records as well as proof of enrollment(注册)at one of the Circle U. universities.

*By 2 October,all applicants will be informed by email about the results of the selection procedure.

Course Description

No matter whether you study art history, agricultural sciences, or something else altogether,the winter school“Climate Change &Policy:How to Transition to a Post-Carbon Future” is for you. Over the course of two weeks—five days of online sessions and five in person—you will take part in interactive lectures, workshops, and panel discussions, all led by famous researchers and policy experts from across Europe.

●Together with Circle U. students, you will not only learn about basic concepts of climate science,but also discover the potential of mitigation(缓解)actions,as well as the dynamics of climate politics.

●In small teams, you will analyze and document examples of the climate impact on your home region, and research sustainability policies at your university.

1. What do we know about the winter course?

A．It will last more than two weeks.

B．No school fees are required for it.

C．No limitation is set on application.

D．It's open to students of certain majors.

2. Which of the following should be contained in the application materials?

A．Certificate of enrollment.

B．A self-introduction letter.

C．Records of previous activities.

D．School permission documents.

3. What can participants acquire through the course?

A．Knowledge about climate trend.

B．Recognition of related course credit.

C．Insights into basics of climate science.

D．Ways of responding to climate policies.