1 . Here are some favorite films and TV shows of 2023.
Better Things, Season 5
What Pamela Adlon and her special, Iovable, anxious, sensitive, humorous, weak, rude and brilliant colleagues managed to bring to these characters over five seasons was special. Few shows have made me feel emotions so deeply with every episode. Even fewer have felt truly aspirational, inviting me to dream of having a community as warm and welcoming as the one Sam has created and raised alongside her three children, her mother and the many friends who are basically family.
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Mo
Mo Amo’s half hour comedy is a heartfelt family story with an incredible flavor. The fictional Mo’s endless struggles have led him into a dilemma, which makes him easily to various economic risks and the potential risks that may arise from his decisions. The center of the program is Amir’s sharp and compassionate performance, which is in line with both the elements of comedy and the child’s love for his mother’s homemade olive oil.
Genre: Comedy, Drama
The Last Movie Stars
Directed by Ethan Hawke, this thorough and thoughtful look at the lives of Joanne Woodward and Paul Newman is not just biography; it perfectly illustrates the combination of heroes and art. Hawke’s assembly of contemporary actors to read from old interviews with Hollywood legends works brilliantly, and the result is impressive as well as deeply touching.
Genre: Biography, Documentary, Romance
1. Which of the following movie is a hero biography?| A．Better Things, Season 5. | B．Mo. |
| C．The Last Movie Stars. | D．None of them. |
| A．Both of them were delayed. |
| B．Both of their theme is friendship. |
| C．Both of them will make you laugh. |
| D．Both of them talk about artist’s life. |
| A．Films brochure. | B．Newspaper. |
| C．Science report. | D．Biology textbook. |
2 . The magic of baseball is its fluid connection between players, each in the right position at the right time, playing their part to perfection. When a team is on the site of competition, there is nothing more breathtaking than baseball. But it takes a lot of practice to look effortless.
That’s what was happening —practice —one afternoon when the Valley High School team was distracted by a scream for help. Coach Brett Sawyer heard the noise and saw the en-tire team rushing towards the parking lot, jumping over fences.
One of their schoolmates was stuck under a car that had accidentally backed over her. One of the players, Chas Roberts, remembered afterward, “You had to do what you had to do to save someone’s life.” The players quickly surrounded the car, each taking a hold, and lifted the car. An assistant coach was then able to pull the girl out from underneath the car. She is expected to make a full recovery.
Maybe it’s the connection human beings have with each other, rushing in to help when it’s needed. And maybe playing together as a team became natural because each knew what to do. Or maybe it’s both. Maybe, deep inside, we all know that we are on the same team.
The next day, the varsity team lost their last game of the year. But winning was a little less important to them that day. The coach was proud of them for what they accomplished and said, “To be honest, we might not have the best baseball team around, but we do have a great group of guys.”
The magic of life is the fluid connection between people: how they love, how they share, how they help. There is nothing more breathtaking than the game of life well played.
1. What is the magic of baseball?| A．Right position and right time. |
| B．Strong team members and coaches. |
| C．Catching the ball wholly every time. |
| D．Collaboration among team members. |
| A．To save a girl’s life. | B．To solve the problem of noise. |
| C．To practice jumping over fences. | D．To run out and scream for help. |
| A．One schoolmate was stuck under a car. |
| B．Helping others is everyone’s born ability. |
| C．Lifting the car is not hard for their team. |
| D．An assistant coach led the whole process. |
| A．The magic of baseball | B．An unforgettable match |
| C．Teamwork that saves lives | D．Fluid connection between people |
3 . In a heart-pounding display of courage and quick thinking, a 65-year-old crane operator became an unexpected hero as he rescued a man trapped on top of a towering building engulfed in flames.
Glen Edwards, a crane operator from Egham, was expressing his gratitude after a tense rescue operation in Reading last Thursday. Edwards found himself in a challenging situation as he navigated circling winds to save a man trapped by smoke and flames on a building. The dramatic rescue unfolded amid thick black smoke, making visibility nearly impossible
When the alarm sounded, Edwards, who had a concrete skip on his crane, wasted no time the moment he spotted the distressed man waving his coat. Employing his experience and knowledge of the area, Edwards attached a metal cage to the crane, carefully considering his options for the rescue. However, the challenging conditions, with smoke sheltering his view, added an extra layer of difficulty to the operation.
With a colleague providing guidance and a concerned crowd watching from below, Edwards skillfully operated the crane to rescue the man. The onlookers erupted in cheers and applause as the man was safely lifted to the ground.
Reflecting on the intense experience, Edwards remarked, “It seemed to pass a long time until the man got inside. The adrenaline (肾上腺素) was pumping.” He admitted to experiencing shaking after the rescue, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.
Despite the successful operation, Edwards is yet to meet the man he saved, humorously noting, “He’s got to take me across the road for a drink!”
The heartwarming part of this story is the overwhelming support Edwards has received from well-wishers. A fund-raising page was set up to “buy Edwards a beer as a sign of gratitude,” initially aiming for £5,000 but now standing at an impressive ₤9,100. The community’s response has left Edwards deeply moved. He stated, “It means a lot; some of the comments have been absolutely fantastic.”
1. What does the underlined word “distressed” in paragraph 3 probably mean?| A．Brave. |
| B．Painful. |
| C．Enthusiastic. |
| D．Disappointed. |
| A．Warm and Curious. | B．Caring and ambitious. |
| C．Professional and humorous. | D．Gifted and generous. |
| A．Sharp tools make good work. |
| B．One good turn descries another. |
| C．Actions speak louder than words. |
| D．Hope for the best,but prepare for the worst. |
| A．A diary entry. |
| B．A medical magazine. |
| C．A news report. |
| D．A first-aid essay. |
4 . The horse-face skirt, or mamianqun in Chinese, is receiving renewed attention on the fashion stage.
Far from being photoshoot prop, wearing the horse-face skirt has become almost trend among many Chinese celebrities and influencers for various international social occasions. On Douyin, China’s TikTok, individuals who sport the horse-face skirt on city streets in Paris and other international cities can easily gain millions of likes. A popular blogger on Xiaohongshu appeared on a British television program to discuss the development of the English Premier League in China while wearing a horse-face skirt.
From its first appearance during the Song Dynasty to becoming a standout representation of Chinese clothing, mamianqun has crossed nearly a millennium of history. In the current trend of traditional Chinese clothing reconstruction, how has the horse-face skirt stood out to become the most famous clothing?
Mao Zhaoxi, who is a hanfu enthusiast, told the Global Times that Hanfu is the external demonstration of culture, integrating the life philosophies, values, and aesthetic (美学) views formed and inherited (继承) by the Chinese people generation after generation. She said, “Many young people believe that the horse-face skirt is not just a fashion item, but also a cultural symbol. This shows the awakening of traditional aesthetic genes among the younger generations, indicating that the confidence in our own culture is constantly increasing.”
Moreover, Hu Xiao, one of the founders of the ancient Chinese costumes restoration team, analyzed one main reason of this phenomenon lies in the fact that the horse-face skirt has managed to remain relevant, never falling out of fashion. “Many people thought the horse-face skirt had disappeared for a while, but in fact, Chinese brides can always be seen in the costume of mamianqun.” The horse-face skirt possesses a strong sense of inheritance while also possessing fashionable features. This perhaps is the cultural DNA that enables it to become a fashion item.
The momentum (潮流) of Chinese-style clothing has begun, and how to lead the trend of Chinese-style clothing through design and how to stay at the forefront of the national trend is an issue that will not disappear in a short time.
1. What does the underlined word “sport” mean in paragraph 2?| A．Compete. | B．Display. | C．Exercise. | D．Decorate. |
| A．Horse-face skirts are Chinese clothing with a long history. |
| B．Horse-face skirts had become fashionable in Song Dynasty. |
| C．Horse-face skirts have been the main clothing for a millennium. |
| D．Horse-face skirts are leading the clothing design around the world. |
| A．It develops everyone’s aesthetic and philosophy view. |
| B．It represents the ancient Chinese costumes and life. |
| C．It wakens the young to love their own traditional culture. |
| D．It demonstrates the importance of Chinese-style clothing. |
| A．Good beginning and it will lead the world fashion. |
| B．Good beginning and it will fall into the disfavors. |
| C．Good beginning and it will own fashionable DNA. |
| D．Good beginning and it will have a long way to go. |
5 . When I was fifteen, I planned to start my business. But every time I wanted to try something new, I felt there was a
Then I learned about “Rejection Therapy (治疗)”. Basically, the
Once, I thought, “What if I just
Three months later, when I finished teaching that class, I walked out crying with
Honestly speaking, rejection
| A．feature | B．link | C．deal | D．battle |
| A．change | B．ignore | C．destroy | D．recall |
| A．open to | B．sure about | C．interested in | D．afraid of |
| A．price | B．excuse | C．idea | D．news |
| A．embarrassed | B．bored | C．tired | D．confused |
| A．agree | B．decline | C．ask | D．pretend |
| A．grateful | B．impressed | C．envious | D．regretful |
| A．broke down | B．looked at | C．put aside | D．prepared for |
| A．products | B．answers | C．tests | D．lessons |
| A．excitement | B．sympathy | C．forgiveness | D．respect |
| A．suddenly | B．gradually | C．barely | D．casually |
| A．followed | B．challenged | C．accepted | D．assessed |
| A．taught | B．helped | C．bothered | D．understood |
| A．avoiding | B．interrupting | C．forgetting | D．welcoming |
| A．gift | B．issue | C．event | D．record |
Peter sat at the kitchen table, having breakfast. It had been another bad night for his baby sister, Lily, and his parents were arguing in the sitting room. He heard his mother mention Tom, an old man who lived in the forest. Peter often explored the forest and knew Mr. Tom was a kind herbalist (草药医生). Was it true that he could help Lily? Peter wouldn’t rest until he found it out.
After breakfast, Peter immediately set off. It was a short walk from his home to the forest’s edge. Peter was so focused on his thoughts of his sister that he didn’t notice the strange crying sounds in the distance until he got close enough. He followed the sounds until they led him to a cave.
A flashlight lit up suddenly in the cave, and Peter saw a little boy lying on the dirt-covered stone. Peter learned that the boy called Cliff came to this forest with his mother but ran off by himself. Cliff was injured and didn’t see his mother. Peter decided to take Cliff to Mr. Tom. When they saw Mr. Tom and told him everything, Mr. Tom treated the injury with a bandage (绷带) and helped contact Cliff’s mother over the radio.
Peter moved closer to look at Cliff’s bandaged ankle and felt a sense of relief. Then Peter turned to Mr. Tom and said, “Mr. Tom, my baby sister is very sick. I overheard Mom mention you, so I came out here today to ask you for help...” Before Peter finished his words, Mr. Tom said, “I had tried to help, but your sister needed to be sent to a big hospital and a lot of money...” Peter realized his parents had argued because they couldn’t afford Lily’s treatment.
Mr. Tom was trying to comfort Peter when someone knocked on the door. Mr. Tom opened it and saw a lady, who claimed herself as Cliff’s mother.
“It’s you!” Mr. Tom shouted excitedly.
“You’re a fan?” the lady said. “I came to this area to spend a holiday with my son. Thankfully, you have saved him. Where is he?”
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。
Mr. Tom nodded and led the lady to her son.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________The next morning, in his bedroom, Peter was woken up by a joyful scream.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Seated by the Tonghui River that runs across southern Beijing, Banbidian village
A major reason is that Banbidian used to have factories which
Now, people in the village and from art universities are working together
In cooperation with famous art schools in and outside Beijing, the village committee recently sent out an
Art BBD was a cultural brand jointly
8 . Living in a city, you often see a group of runners emerge around a corner. They laugh and chat together as their running shoes rhythmically touch the pavement.
Get more motivation
When you run alone, it is harder to get out of the door and onto the pavement. There is often a convincing inner voice that whispers to you to simply stay at home!
Become a better runner
When you are part of a club, you can make friends with those sharing the same passion. According to a fitness magazine, runners are known to be a friendly bunch! This offers a sense of belonging, and after a while, these new partners feel like a warm family and can become lifelong friends.
Feel safe
Most runners choose to run in fall or winter and this may mean going out on a dark evening. When running alone, it is harder to see the road and you may easily trip or fall due to the darkness. When in a group, you will be reminded of possible dangers and if there is an accident, people are there to help you.
| A．Develop friendship |
| B．Become more friendly |
| C．These runners are often part of a running club |
| D．This can definitely give you a sense of security |
| E．When running in a group, you may hit your personal goals more quickly |
| F．However, being part of a group pushes you to participate in a running event |
| G．You get encouragement and protection from this group of runners that passed by |
9 . The introduction of artificial intelligence (AI) is a significant part of the digital transformation bringing challenges and changes to the job descriptions among management. A study shows that integrating AI systems into service teams increases demands on middle management in the financial services field.
Interviewed in the study were 25 experienced managers employed by a leading Scandinavian financial services company. AI systems have been intensely integrated into the tasks and processes of the company in recent years.
The results showed that the integration of AI systems into service teams is a complex phenomenon, putting new demands on the work of middle management and requiring a balance d act in the face of new challenges.
“The productivity of work grows when routine tasks are passed on to AI. On the other hand, the fast pace of change makes work more demanding, and the integration of AI makes it necessary to learn new things constantly. Surprisingly, new kinds of routine work also increase, because the operations of AI need to be monitored and checked,” says Assistant Professor Jonna Koponen.
According to the results of the research, the social features of middle management also changed, because the AI systems used at work were seen either as technical tools or colleagues, depending on the type of AI that was used. Especially when more developed types of AI, such as chatting robots, were included in the AI systems, they were seen as colleagues.
Integrating AI also poses ethical (道德上的) challenges, and managers devoted more of their time to ethical considerations. For example, they were concerned about the fairness of decisions made by AI. Aspects observed in the study showed that managing service teams with integrated AI requires new skills and knowledge of middle management, such as technological understanding and skills, interactive skills and emotional intelligence, problem-solving skills, and the ability to manage and adapt to continuous change.
“AI systems cannot yet take over all human management in areas such as the motivation and inspiration of team members. This is why skills in interaction and empathy (同理心) should be emphasized when selecting new employees for managerial positions which emphasize the management of teams integrated with AI,” Koponen says.
1. What does the study find?| A．AI becomes less popular in the service field. | B．AI makes decisions more fairly than humans. |
| C．AI proves human management is unnecessary. | D．AI makes middle management more demanding. |
| A．Unmentioned. | B．Opposed. | C．Objective. | D．Indifferent. |
| A．AI can’t replace human mangers completely. | B．Few managers in the service field are needed. |
| C．Employees for managerial positions dislike AI. | D．AI devotes more time to ethical considerations. |
| A．The integration of AI into service teams is hard. |
| B．AI takes over human management in many fields. |
| C．AI and human managers are a perfect combination. |
| D．The application of AI influences middle management. |
10 . While growing up in California in the 1980s, Winifred Frick never saw a condor(秃鹰) in the wild. The population of North America’s largest bird, Gymnogyps californianus, had declined to nearly zero by 1987 because so many were shot, poisoned or captured.
The few remaining wild condors were brought into zoos in the early 1980s as part of a captive breeding(圈养)program. Gradually, a small group of the birds reproduced, and eventually many of the condors were released back into the wild.
Today, Frick, a conservation biologist, and her 14-year-old son can admire condors flying in the sky while hiking along the Pacific coast. Nearly 350 of the species, whose wings can span nearly 3 meters, once again fly over parts of California and Arizona.
The condors’ happy ending is thanks in large part to the U. S. Endangered Species Act, or ESA, enacted on December 28, 1973. The act currently protects more than 2,300 species. These include more than 900 plants and at least 160 marine species.
“When it comes to preventing plants and animals from going extinct, the ESA is one of the most powerful laws we have,” says Frick. “The ESA is about protecting wildlife for our future generations.”
If a species is thought to be threatened or endangered with going extinct, it goes through a strict process to determine whether it should be added to the endangered species list. Once a species makes the list, government agencies create a plan to help it recover. This might mean describing ways to restore its habitat or identifying ways to halt threats to a species. For instance, being listed under the act makes it illegal to use, kill or catch any of these organisms. It also bans the import of any endangered foreign animals, as well as any meat or products made from them.
The ESA has written plenty of success stories over the past half-century. So far, the act has helped keep 99 percent of species under its protection from extinction.
1. Why did the zoos keep wild condors captive in the 1980s?| A．To relocate their natural habitat. | B．To restore the condor population. |
| C．To make way for hiking activities. | D．To honor a conservation biologist. |
| A．The survival rate of the condors is high. | B．Many species are faced with extinction. |
| C．The ESA has been recognized by the public. | D．The ESA contributes a lot to species protection. |
| A．Stop. | B．Track. | C．Transform. | D．Replace. |
| A．The ESA Has Saved Many Species | B．Quantities of Species Are Dying Out |
| C．The ESA Shares the Story of Condors | D．Wild Animals Are in Need of Protection |
