Pu’er tea is a kind of dark tea only found in China’s Yunnan Province. It’s
Pu’er tea is big and rough in shape, black or brown red in color and the soup tastes mellow (醇厚),
The taste
2 . About 20 years ago, I was attending a law school while still doing my part-time job to provide my tuition. Despite that, my grades were still among the top ten percent of the class.
After several weeks, I completed the legal research and began writing my paper. Two weeks later, I ended my paper draft.
Later, I wrote a letter to the local newspaper detailing this story and explaining how paper grades were subjective. The letter was then published. Knowing this, the professor was awkward. Luckily, I didn’t mention his name. He emailed me and explained he’d made a mistake and confused my paper with another student’s.
| A．So I had nothing to complain about. |
| B．It was published and I got the check. |
| C．In fact, my paper should have been given an A. |
| D．Though annoyed, I could do nothing but accept it. |
| E．During the graduation season, I had to write an essay. |
| F．In order to win the competition, I prepared my essay very hard. |
| G．I showed it to some of my classmates, who gave me some constructive suggestions. |
3 . In 1997,I worked at a gas station with a Laundromat (自助衣店) and for $2 a bag we’d wash, dry and fold. One of the days that I provided this
Early one morning, a tattooed (纹身的) giant truck driver
An hour later, I went to move the giant’s laundry into the dryer. Then I was
The rest of the day passed in a blur (模糊) as I
That day I learned that no one and nothing is ever quite what it seems. Giants can be
| A．option | B．method | C．service | D．program |
| A．dropped | B．grabbed | C．removed | D．opened |
| A．proposed | B．promised | C．agreed | D．warned |
| A．distribution | B．submission | C．admission | D．collection |
| A．confused | B．excited | C．shocked | D．amused |
| A．powerful | B．empty | C．useful | D．automatic |
| A．breathe | B．understand | C．resist | D．complain |
| A．predicted | B．determined | C．imagined | D．prevented |
| A．Eventually | B．Suddenly | C．Hopefully | D．Fortunately |
| A．woke up | B．gave up | C．sat down | D．broke down |
| A．secret | B．effort | C．mistake | D．fear |
| A．astonishment | B．regret | C．disappointment | D．satisfaction |
| A．applause | B．laughter | C．anger | D．silence |
| A．inspire | B．hurt | C．relieve | D．remind |
| A．generous | B．unique | C．careful | D．gentle |
4 . Some people hold the idea that being starving is the most effective way of losing body fat. Remember, if we go on a starvation diet, we lose weight but not much fat. In starvation mode, we use up our energy stores of carbohydrate (碳水化合物) first (in the form of a substance called glycogen). However, the body can store only a little glycogen, and this is used up within two days. Then we start breaking down fat and protein. But we can’t afford to lose body proteins: our muscle mass decreases, we become noticeably weaker, and our immunity is threatened because the lack of protective immunoglobulin proteins (保护性免疫球蛋白) means we are subject to an increased risk of infection.
Sure, we look slimmer, and we certainly weigh less, but we are weaker and becoming unhealthy. There is no point in dieting if it’s going to make us ill. And, of course, because we need our muscles, when we are even slightly distracted from the diet, our bodies immediately rebuild muscle and we regain all of the ‘lost’ weight very quickly. Not only have we gone through a period of reduced immunity and a lack of proteins, minerals, vitamins, antioxidants and other essential nutrients, there is evidence that so-called immediately effective dieting is detrimental to health in the longer term.
Quite simply, we are going to virtually eliminate all refined (精制的) carbohydrates and sugars (which are also carbohydrates), leaving us with a low-carbohydrate, high-protein diet. On this diet, you will be cutting out virtually all refined carbohydrates so that body fat is burned with priority, to provide energy. Sugar, white flour, cakes, bread, pasta and rice are the usual trouble-makers. These foods have very little nutritional value and, what’s more, can cause medical and fat problems. Of course, there are forms of these carbohydrates — such as wholemeal rice, wholemeal bread and wholemeal pastas — that do have nutritional benefits and which you can reintroduce later, but in the initial stage of the diet, you have to reduce all carbohydrates, to switch on the fat-burning mechanism.
One point to be aware of is that refined carbohydrates can appear in many unexpected sources. You probably know that bread, cakes, biscuits, potato crisps and fried potato chips all contain refined carbohydrates, but pasta, rice, most breakfast cereals, most tinned foods, many pre-packaged foods, and prepared sauces do as well… In fact the list goes on and on. Virtually all ‘fast foods’ contain very high proportion of refined carbohydrates and if your diet is high in refined carbohydrates, you will definitely put on weight. If you’re worried that by cutting out refined carbohydrates you’ll have virtually no foods left to choose from, fear not. In fact, high-protein and nutritious foods such as meat, fish, shellfish and eggs are all open to you, along with vegetables, cheese, spices and herbs, from which you can easily produce delicious, healthy and quick meals. You’ll be relieved to hear that you don’t have to live on a diet of lettuce and tomato. On the contrary, you will be eating virtually limitless quantities of very tasty food with delicious sauces and dressings: in other words, real food!
1. What do you know about people following a starvation diet?| A．They are more likely to develop diseases. |
| B．They run the risk of immediate health problems. |
| C．Their fat and protein will be burnt prior to carbohydrates. |
| D．Their appetite will be spoiled gradually. |
| A．Damaging. | B．Insignificant. | C．Unpredictable. | D．Constructive. |
| A．They are banned although considered beneficial. |
| B．They are used as a primary source of energy. |
| C．They can be consumed only under certain circumstances. |
| D．Carbohydrates foster the consumption of sugary food. |
| A．You can become less muscular and athletic. |
| B．You should only eat meat, fish, shellfish and eggs. |
| C．You should monitor all the protein you take in. |
| D．You can have and make delicious dishes. |
5 . Biologists Slagsvold and Wiebe have spent years studying tits, flycatchers, and other birds that lay their eggs into holes in trees, walls and even human-made boxes. “Holes are rare, so there’s great competition,” Wiebe said. Birds will sometimes get into fights. Even after a bird gets a hole, it has to watch out: There’s always a chance that a passerby tries to possess it. Owners don’t have many options to wait for and stop thieves. Some police their nest’s entrance hole, but preparing for parenthood is hungry work, and eventually the birds have to leave to get food. So Slagsvold and Wiebe started to look for alternative home-defense systems the birds might be using.
They noticed feathers, usually helping animals keep warm, but that doesn’t seem to be how these particular birds are using them. Blue tits, for instance, get feathers on top of the nest, rather than putting them in. Some other birds dump feathers into holes before gathering other materials. “They’re white, and often noticeable,” Wiebe said, “as if the birds want to send a message.”
To find out, they built nest boxes — some feathery, some not — in Europe and America, and recorded how tits, flycatchers and swallows reacted. The birds entered feather-free boxes quickly. But they froze at the sight of white feathers, sometimes hesitating outside for an hour. Black feathers scared them less, perhaps because they were harder to see. The feathers didn’t stop the birds as most eventually went inside. But even a brief delay can make a huge difference, Wiebe said. “Even 20 minutes can give the owner enough time to circle back, and fight off their competitors.”
The birds’ behavior shows their high-risk lifestyle. They have to think twice as the holes may be hiding danger. The feathers represent possible violence, showing a predator might be inside.
The experiment reflects the lies animals tell where nest sites are rare. They build a scene so horrible to discourage nest stealers. Birds are terrified of death. And they can exploit that reality to safeguard what’s theirs.
1. What inspired Slagsvold and Wiebe to seek birds’ other possible ways to protect homes?| A．Birds have to fight to get the limited holes. | B．Birds get tired from watching out in nests. |
| C．Birds face many nest stealers on their own. | D．Birds leave their nests unattended sometimes. |
| A．To show a friendly welcome. | B．To help stealers avoid danger. |
| C．To buy time for the nest owners. | D．To confirm this place is occupied. |
| A．Understandable. | B．Confusing. | C．Possible. | D．Worrying. |
| A．Some birds refuse to build their nests | B．It’s important for birds to have feathers |
| C．High risks of life lead birds to turn to lies | D．Birds create a false scene to protect their nests |
6 . General Art Contests
THE SUNNY ART PRIZE
Prize A total cash fund of £6,000 plus an individual exhibition in London.
Entry Fee £25 for one artwork, up to £45 for four artworks.
Requirements Open to artists worldwide aged 18 and over.
Closing Date June 30, 2024
One of the most diverse art competitions in the UK, the Sunny Art Prize offers unique exposure for both emerging and established artists.
BEAUTIFUL BIZARRE ART PRIZE
Prize Over $50,000 in cash and prizes to be won. Plus, global exposure through Beautiful Bizarre Magazine. Winners will also participate in Beautiful Bizarre Magazine’s group exhibition at Haven Gallery in New York later this year.
Entry Fee $40 per entry
Requirements Open to artists worldwide working in the representational visual arts.
Closing Date July 17, 2024
The Beautiful Bizarre Art Prize, now in its 5th year, is an annual international art prize that celebrates diversity and excellence in the representational visual arts.
MADE IN CALIFORNIA COMPETITION
Prize $750 first prize, $500 second prize.
Entry Fee $20 per entry
Requirements Open to artists based in California.
Closing Date February 16, 2024
Hosted by the Brea Gallery, the Made in California Competition provides a promotional opportunity for all artists based in the state of California.
ARTISTS MAGAZINE ANNUAL ART COMPETITION
Prize Over $29,000 in cash prizes and publication in Artists Magazine.
Entry Fee $40 ($35 if submitted before April 3)
Requirements Open to artists over 18 worldwide working in a traditional medium.
Closing Date May 30, 2024
Artists Magazine’s Annual Art Competition celebrates traditional 2D artistic mediums such as painting, digital art, and much more. All winners’ works will be featured in the January/February 2025 issue of Artists Magazine.
1. Which art contest offers the opportunity for a group exhibition?| A．THE SUNNY ART PRIZE. |
| B．BEAUTIFUL BIZARRE ART PRIZE. |
| C．MADE IN CALIFORNIA COMPETITION. |
| D．ARTISTS MAGAZINE ANNUAL ART COMPETITION. |
| A．$20. | B．$25. | C．$35. | D．$40. |
| A．They are held every year. | B．They are open to emerging artists only. |
| C．They provide winners with added bonus. | D．They celebrate excellence in traditional arts. |
7 . 阅读下面的材料，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。
“Mom, I’m ready to go,” called Jason.
Every Saturday, Jason looked forward to going to Chinatown to shop for food because his mom let him pick his favorite snacks: roast pork buns and bubble tea.
The streets in Chinatown were crowded with cars and pedestrians. His mother could not find the same exotic vegetables in the local supermarkets, so they always came here to shop. What fascinated Jason was tasty roast pork, even the whole pigs hanging on big hooks in the windows, their skins roasted to a glistening brown. Jason’s mouth would water just looking at them.
As they passed the newsstand carrying Chinese newspapers and magazines, Jason spotted an old man sitting on the sidewalk. His hair was long, white, and messy. The face beneath was lined, dirty, and unshaven. Frayed and torn clothing wrapped around his thin frame, and in this kind of cold weather, he even wore sandals, his feet blue with cold. He banged an empty can against the sidewalk. As Jason walked by, he could smell a musty odor and pinched his nostrils together. The old man reached out and touched Jason’s left leg. Instinctively, Jason gathered all his strength to jerk(猛拉) his leg away and kick the old man’s hand heavily. Frightened, he hurried to catch up with his mother without looking back.
“Mom, the old man touched me,” he cried, “He touched me with his dirty hands. It’s disgusting! And he smelled too.”
Jason’s mother glanced back at the man with a look of understanding and said gently, “Jason, he can’t help it. He’s homeless. He didn’t mean any harm.”
Mom’s words made Jason look back at the old man with regret, who now was looking up at other passersby, still banging his can.
On their way home, Jason asked, his voice filled with concern. “Why is that old man homeless? Where does he sleep?”
“I don’t know. It’s tough to be homeless, especially in this cold weather. He did look quite weak,” his mother replied.
Mom’s words made Jason’s regret deepened. He confessed his heavy kick to his mother, who reminded him that it was crucial to acknowledge his mistake and try to make up for it.
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。
The next day, with his mother’s help, Jason decided to do something.
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Hearing this, the old man looked at them with watery eyes.
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8 . 假定你是李华，你的美国好友Susan下周要参加国际中华思想文化演讲比赛（International Speech Contest on Chinese Thought and Culture），给你发来邮件表示焦虑、紧张。请你就此给她回封邮件，内容包括：
1.表示宽慰；
2.提出建议；
3.给予鼓励。
注意：
1.词数80左右；
2.格式已为你写好。
Dear Susan,
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Best wishes,
Li Hua
9 . Benefits Of Cold Weather
There’s no doubt about it—cold weather can be pretty unpleasant.
It boosts your brain. Cold temperatures can excite your brain, allowing improved focus and greater clarity of thought. The cold climate increases oxygen flow to the brain.
It increases brown fat content. Cold weather has the unique ability to increase the number of brown fat cells.
It improves skin health.
All in all, there are many benefits to spending time outside in cold weather! Next time you want to stay inside and avoid the cold, keep these benefits in mind and consider getting outside for a few minutes!
| A．It helps you sleep. |
| B．It raises health awareness. |
| C．Thus, the central nervous system can perform at increased levels. |
| D．Cold weather exposure is a helpful contribution to our well-being. |
| E．They are important for controlling body temperature by producing heat. |
| F．Cold weather can be good for keeping our skin looking and feeling healthy. |
| G．While it makes us want to stay indoors, cold weather has some major benefits. |
I had a trip to New Mexico last year, a trip I still remember very well to this day. I went to a place called Philmont and attended a summer camp. There were thirteen people including me. The entire 10-day hike we took through those mountains went well, except for the second day, because of the terrible weather.
It had been a nice sunny day up until we were halfway to the camp we were staying at that night. Then without a word it started raining gently. There was nothing too bad and certainly nothing we couldn’t handle. We put our raincoats on and continued on our way. It stayed raining slightly for a while, so I decided it would be a good idea to say, “Well, it can’t be much worse than this, right?” And in less than five seconds the thunder crashed around us. It almost sounded like a laugh, as if it was laughing at us. Then the rain started to come down harder, and then, the hail (冰雹) came.
Getting hit with balls of ice in the middle of the New Mexico mountains was not something I had ever thought would happen to us, but here we were. All thirteen of us were wishing at that moment that we could go home. But we quickly abandoned the idea. It was freezing, and my feet felt like they might fall off. Wet, cold, and carrying 40 pounds on our backs, we hiked on.
But soon enough we got lost for about a mile because of a mistake that our “Navi-guesser” made on getting us to our destination. At the same time, one of our boys got a minor case of hypothermia (低温症). We decided to stop for a while, unpacking our tents to get into a nice warm sleeping bag. I don’t know if you know this, but unpacking camping gear (装备) in the rain was not very fun, especially setting up a tent.
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。
We came up with a solution.
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The rain stopped just as we were about to start.
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