1 . The NCPA (国家大剧院) has accepted more than four million visitors with a series of 284 exhibitions covering oil paintings, music instruments, intangible cultural heritage and more. The NCPA provides you with performances and shows every day. Whenever you see a sunrise or sunset the curtain her never falls down.

Shape of Music

Shape of Music — A Cross-Sense Experience is an art exhibition jointly launched by the NCPA and the Central Academy of Fine Arts. Visual artists will create animated (动画的) works based on the feelings brought by different music pieces.

The Nutcracker

The ballet The Nutcracker is produced by the Harbin Ballet. Zhang Dandan, the famous ballet artist the head and artistic director of the Harbin Ballet, and the chief director, together with the international choreographer Peter Quanz and many other top domestic and foreign artists, create a large-scale ballet. The ballet has now had its first public performance at the Harbin Grand Theater and has achieved complete success.

Xu Li’s Impressionistic Oil Paintings

It is the first exhibition of new oil paintings by Xu Li in recent years, which gives shape to natural mountains and rivers throughout the country. He continuously pours out his appreciation and perception of the beautiful China

Pear Garden Culture-Themed ART Exhibition

About 100 traditional Chinese paintings and oil paintings are displayed under three themes — “Ancient Tone &New Tune”, “Cultural Inheritance” and “Review for More Knowledge” at the exhibition to introduce, present and spread the opera culture in the form of paintings, promoting the expression of the opera culture through the re-creation of painting art.

Booking tickets: please click here.
Working hours: 9:30AM-19:30PM (CST) on performance day

9:30AM-18:00PM (CST) for days without performances

1. If you are interested in dancing, which will you probably go for?

A．The Nutcracker.	B．Shape of Music.
C．Xu Li’s Impressionistic Oil Paintings.	D．Pear Garden Culture-Themed ART Exhibition.

2. What do “Shape of Music” and “Pear Garden Culture-Themed ART Exhibition” have in common?

A．They are available for free.	B．They are exhibition of oil paintings.
C．They are re-creation of performing arts.	D．They are related to traditional Chinese culture.

3. Which is the text most likely to be taken from?

A．A website.

B．A brochure

C．A newspaper.

D．A magazine.

2 . Tears, often associated with human emotions, have sparked curiosity regarding their presence in nonhuman animals. While humans have long been recognized as the only species to produce tears in response to emotions, recent studies delve into the possibility of similar occurrences in other creatures.

Tears serve various purposes across species. The primary function of tears can maintain eye health, while reflex tears combat external irritants. Emotional tears, however, remain a subject of debate. Historically, societies deemed emotional crying as uniquely human, association it with expressions of sadness or vulnerability.

Although scientific consensus still favors emotional tears as a human trait, recent investigations suggest otherwise. A study published in 2022 observed tear secretion in dogs during positive emotional encounters, such as reuniting with their owners. This phenomenon, triggered by the hormone oxytocin, potentially strengthens the bond between humans and dogs.

Moreover, observations of domestic pigs and rats have revealed tear-like secretions when in a state of tension, indicating a possible emotional response. These findings challenge the notion of emotional tears being exclusive to humans.

Despite anecdotal evidence of animals displaying signs of sadness, such as elephants, gorillas, and wolves, scientific backing remains rare. Professionals working with animals have reported no instances of emotional crying. Anecdotes often lead to anthropomorphism, attributing human behaviors to animals without solid evidence. The viral video of a “crying” bison gained widespread attention, yet experts suggest a more reasonable explanation, such as irritation from dust or wind. While ancient depictions, like the bi son painting in the Chauvet cave, hint at tear-like imagery, concrete evidence is lacking.

In conclusion, while emotional tears remain primarily associated with humans, emerging research suggests the possibility of similar phenomena in certain animal species. Further studies are needed to uncover the complexities of emotional responses across the animal kingdom.

1. What is the first paragraph mainly about?

A．A topic of tears and human emotions.	B．A topic on tears in nonhuman animals.
C．Human tears and those of other creatures.	D．The emotional significance of human tears.

2. Which animals exhibit tear-like secretions during stressful conditions?

A．Dogs.	B．Bison.
C．Domestic pigs and rats.	D．Elephants and gorillas.

3. Why is the viral video of the “crying” bison mentioned Paragraph 5?

A．To suggest that animals are capable of emotional crying.

B．To emphasize the importance of viral videos in scientific research.

C．To highlight the need for further investigation into the behavior of bison.

D．To illustrate how anecdotes can lead to misconceptions about animal behavior.

4. Which can be the best title of the passage?

A．Why Do Animals Possess Emotional Tears?

B．Whether Do Animals Possess Emotional Tears?

C．Why Do Animals Possess Emotional Responses?

D．Whether Do Animals Possess Emotional Responses?

3 . 阅读下面材料，在空白处填入适当的内容（1个单词）或括号内单词的正确形式。

China ramps up space ambitions with record launch schedule

China has ambitious plans for its space industry in 2024, with     1     (approximate) 100 launch missions scheduled, according to the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corp (CASC), the nation’s leading space contractor. The announcement of this record-high number of launch plans     2     (make) during a news conference in Beijing on Monday.

CASC will be responsible for nearly 70% of the planned missions,     3     (arrange) over 290 spacecrafts into orbit, said Ma Tao, deputy head of the company’s space program planning department. Notable spaceflights for the year include two     4     (crew) journeys and two unmanned missions to the Tiangong space station.

Experts highlight that     5     (significant) mission in 2024 will be Chang’e 6, tasked with bringing back     6     first-ever samples from the little-known far side of the moon. The majority of planned     7     (launch) will be conducted by CASC’s Long March rocket family, with additional ones by the company’s secondary rocket series named Smart Dragon, China Aerospace Science and Industry Corp’s Kuaizhou fleet, and several models from private companies.

In 2023, China was the second-ranking country in terms of launch numbers, having carried     8     67 rocket launching missions, with 47 conducted by the Long March rocket family, all of     9     were successful.

The company laid     10     (emphasize) on its contionuous efforts in the research, development and construction of over 200 spacecrafts to be launched in the coming years.

4 . Madison Baloy was a normal twenty-something a year ago, with a positive attitude on life. However, a _________ colon cancer completely changed her life course.

A year later, her health condition became worse, and she _________ 50 pounds over nine months. During the _________ diagnosis, Baloy tried the social media platform for help. She couldn’t find people like her, and she started filming her own journey. It makes sense people with terminal illnesses would _________ social media to express themselves or share their _________ wishes. It is because social networking sites _________ the fundamental human need of social connection and _________. Just as it makes sense for Baloy to live life in her own _________ while she still can.

Even though it was hard, Baloy _________ shares her journey on social media, aiming to change perceptions about cancer patients and __________ that she is more than her illness. __________, one of her videos got more than 1 million likes. Baloy __________ that’s because people were really __________ to the fact that she looks and seems like a very average woman in her 20s. Yes, Baloy has terminal cancer, but she also is a person in her 20s trying to figure out her life. She is old enough to __________ her own choices, and still __________ enough that she doesn’t need to just stay in bed all day.

Before Baloy dies, she has many __________ on her bucket list (遗愿清单). __________ the bucket lists of terminal people on social media gives us some insight into what __________ to someone at the end of their lives. It’s a way for us to learn about life __________ having to face our own mortality (死亡). Madison Baloy was a(n) __________ twenty-something a year ago. And she still is.

1.

A．doubtful

B．critical

C．curable

D．mild

2.

A．lost

B．carried

C．weighed

D．spent

3.

A．amazing

B．remaining

C．frightening

D．exciting

4.

A．keep up

B．take up

C．bring in

D．turn to

5.

A．secret

B．appropriate

C．final

D．sincere

6.

A．combine

B．absorb

C．sense

D．satisfy

7.

A．expression

B．inspiration

C．commitment

D．contribution

8.

A．space

B．way

C．occasion

D．state

9.

A．happily

B．barely

C．bravely

D．deliberately

10.

A．maintain

B．demonstrate

C．recognize

D．comfort

11.

A．Naturally

B．Particularly

C．Regularly

D．Surprisingly

12.

A．assumed

B．recalled

C．approved

D．convinced

13.

A．driven

B．drawn

C．attached

D．opposed

14.

A．use

B．give

C．make

D．change

15.

A．proud

B．generous

C．curious

D．lively

16.

A．items

B．alternatives

C．restrictions

D．definitions

17.

A．Keeping

B．Passing

C．Adopting

D．Viewing

18.

A．belongs

B．matters

C．applies

D．relates

19.

A．without

B．except

C．through

D．despite

20.

A．energetic

B．ambitious

C．typical

D．humble

5 . How to make a vision board

We all have hopes and dreams, and each person tries to achieve them in their own way. Some may start journaling, while others have different methods. This could include creating a vision board. Here is what you need to know about vision boards and how to make your own.

A vision board is a collection of images and quotes that symbolize someone’s dreams, aspirations and ideals. This could include a landscape of the city you want to live in or the model of a new car you really want to buy.     1     A vision board can suit to a specific goal, such as getting a dream job, or they can overview a series of things you’re aiming for, including having good finances and a healthy relationship.

Vision boards can be made in many ways. There is no right or wrong choice to start visualizing your goals.     2     It could be the European summer trip you’ve always dreamed of or it may be taking control of your life’s situation. You may also choose to set a timeline for yourself to further visualize your ambitions.

    3     Vision boards can be done digitally or physically. For a digital vision board, you can create it on PowerPoint, Google Slides or websites. On a blank template (模版), begin to add photos, quotes and words that will inspire you to reach your goal. For example, if you want to travel more, find images of the locations. If you want to improve your self-confidence, include encouraging quotes.

The same advice goes if you’re making a physical vision board. For this, you want to get a poster, picture frame or any kind of base. Similar to the other, you want to set a goal and gather materials. In this case, you’ll need to print out images and quotes first. You may also choose to write words of affirmation or include your own photos.     4    

No matter what format you use, be sure to put your vision board somewhere you can see it, such as on your desk or as your phone background.     5     It is important to remember while vision boards are fun, do not hold yourself to an unrealistic standard of success. When you do have triumphs, they may not look exactly how you planned them.

A．The best place to start, however, is to set your ambitions.

B．Then make your picture by gluing or taping the materials on the base.

C．Vision boards are only for achieving short-term goals, not long-term ambitions.

D．Once you narrow down what you want to achieve, it’s time to pick your format.

E．Creating a vision board requires expensive materials and professional assistance.

F．These photos and words are meant to inspire and motivate you to achieve these goals.

G．The more you see your visualized goals, the more likely you may be to work toward them.

6 . Rapid advancements in generative artificial intelligence (AI) have sparked concerns regarding the future of work and human creativity. As AI technologies exhibit remarkable capabilities in tasks requiring originality, there is a growing apprehension about potential job displacement and the redefinition of creativity.

In a recent study published in Scientific Reports, AI programs outperformed the average human in tasks demanding imagination. Participants were tasked with generating imaginative uses for commonplace objects, with AI responses often judged as more creative than those from humans. Although human ideas scored higher in terms of originality, the average scores of AI responses surpassed those of humans, leading to headlines discussing AI’s creativity surpassing human capabilities.

This research has increased anxieties among professionals, particularly those in creative industries. For individuals like Kat Lyons, a background artist in animation, the ascent of AI-generated content poses a risk to their livelihood and prompts concerns about the future of artistry. The adoption of AI tools by entertainment giants such as Marvel and Disney increases these fears, fostering uncertainties regarding the authenticity and sustainability of artistic professions.

The widespread apprehension surrounding AI’s progress extends beyond job displacement to include broader social influences. Mary Alvord, a psychologist, observes that concerns about data privacy, job security, and human out of style contribute to a widespread sense of unease. However, managing AI anxiety necessitates a balanced approach, acknowledging both the potential benefits of AI and addressing its potential dangers.

Experts stress the importance of contextualizing AI advancements within historical and technological frameworks. Sanae Okamoto, a psychologist, points to past instances of technological anxiety, suggesting that understanding AI’s benefits and limitations can lessen fears. By becoming familiar with AI tools and advocating regulatory measures, individuals can transform apprehension into authorization.

1. What does the underlined word “apprehension” in Paragraph 1 probably mean?

A．Excitement.

B．Depression.

C．Amusement.

D．Anxiety.

2. How does AI perform in tasks according to the second paragraph?

A．Human creativity surpasses AI in all tasks.

B．AI scores higher as it creates more original ideas.

C．AI performs better in tasks calling for creativity.

D．The average score of AI is lower than that of humans.

3. Which of the concerns is Not raised in creative industries, according to the passage?

A．The lack of innovation in creative industries.	B．The unstable employment in creative industries.
C．The vague prospects for artistic professionals.	D．The threat to the livelihood of artistic professionals.

4. According to the article, what is Sanae Okamoto’s advice to common people?

A．Knowing the history of AI.	B．Ignoring the existence of AI.
C．Understanding AI’s limitations.	D．Understanding AI in a comprehensive way.

7 . Magnolia’s Deli &Cafe in Rochester holds a unique distinction as the only restaurant President Barack Obama has ever visited. A plaque remaining people of his 2013 lunch, complete with a dedicated menu item, greets sponsors upon entry. However, securing a table can be a test of patience, as the establishment does not take phone numbers for waiting lists.

Once seated, our group sampled various offerings, starting with the spinach dip (菠菜汤), which received mixed reviews due to its slightly water y consistency. Sandwiches dominate the menu, served on sourdough slices and priced around $15, accompanied by kettle potato chips and a pickle slice. Highlights included the Wisconsin grilled cheese, featuring a mixture of cheeses, apple cubes, and bacon, though the Marion Street sandwich was criticized for its heavy-handed use of artichokes (洋蓟).

Beverages also earned praise, particularly the iced chai latte and dark roast iced coffee. Some diners were so impressed that they expressed a desire to return solely for the drinks. Dessert options, including carrot cake and triple chocolate cake, tempted our group, with the latter earning high marks for its thick layers of mousse (奶油冻).

Overall, Magnolia’s cozy atmosphere and diverse menu make it a popular spot on Park Ave. Despite occasional critical reviews regarding certain dishes, the establishment’s appeal extends beyond presidential sponsorship, offering a satisfying dining experience for locals and visitors alike.

1. What’s the role of Paragraph 1?

A．To tell readers Obama’s story.	B．To attract readers to a unique place.
C．To remind readers Obama’s 2013 lunch.	D．To explain the importance of securing a table.

2. What was criticized about the Marion Street sandwich?

A．Overuse of artichokes.	B．Sufficient use of articles.
C．Insufficient use of artichokes.	D．Lack of variety in artichokes.

3. What can we learn from the last but one paragraph?

A．The triple chocolate cake earns high marks for its thick layers of mousse.

B．Beverages were so popular that all diners would return for them.

C．The iced chai latte is a kind of dessert liked by diners.

D．The carrot cake is better than dark roast iced coffee.

4. What’s the author’s attitude towards Magnolia’s Deli & Cafe?

A．Critical.

B．Neutral.

C．Positive.

D．Indifferent.

8 . Home to 40 museums, Basel has the highest concentration of museums in the country. It also has a beautiful Old Town, modern architecture, and the Rhine — an inviting spot to rest a while.

Description

Basel is Switzerland’s oldest university city. Historic landmarks of the city include the large market square with its richly decorated red sandstone town hall and the late Romanesque-Gothic cathedral. During a walk through the old town, a visit to the “Läckerli Huus” to try the traditional Basel honey cake is well worth your while. Basel is tradition-conscious and open-minded at the same time, a fact born out by several modern buildings designed by renowned architects such as Herzog & de Meuron, Mario Botta, and Richard Meyer.

Almost 40 museums make Basel the city with the highest density of museums in the country. Internationally known museums, such as the Basel Art Museum, the museum devoted to the iron sculptor Jean Tinguely, the Fondation Beyeler and the Museum of Cultures attract a great many visitors, as do several galleries and playhouses. Basel is among other things home to the symphony orchestra and the chamber orchestra.

Basel is a green city. The Botanical Gardens, the Merian Gärten and the banks of the Rhine are perfect places to relax and stay for a while. You can easily explore Basel on foot or by bike. There are four Rhine ferries that connect Grossbasel with Kleinbasel.

Winter

Basel is widely regarded as Switzerland’s cultural capital, and with good reason: in this city you will encounter art at every turn, whether you stroll through the beautiful Old Town or visit one of almost 40 museums. What’s more, Basel also features top-class modern architecture just waiting to be discovered on a city tour.

Basel’s Christmas market on Barfüsserplatz and Münsterplatz is considered one of the most beautiful and largest in Switzerland. During the pre-Christmas period, many events and spectacular special exhibitions in the museums also enrich the city’s cultural offerings.

Summer

Basel’s secret landmark is the Rhine. People relax in the charming buvettes — the lovingly designed, small open-air gastronomic establishments — or let themselves be carried along by the gentle flow in the river. On a hot summer day, there is hardly anything more beautiful than cooling off by swimming in the Rhine while watching the backdrop of the city pass by.

1. What can be inferred about Basel’s cultural scene from the passage?

A．It is limited to museums and galleries.

B．It primarily focuses on traditional forms of art.

C．It is not well-developed compared to other Swiss cities.

D．It is diverse, including both traditional and modern forms of art.

2. Why is Basel considered Switzerland’s cultural capital according to the passage?

A．Because it is very likely to come across art around in Basel.

B．Because it has the most modern architecture in Switzerland.

C．Because it hosts the largest Christmas market in Switzerland.

D．Because it is home to the largest botanical garden in the country.

3. Where can visitors experience the cool current in Basel?

A．The Rhine.	B．The Old Town.
C．The Botanical Gardens.	D．The Basel Art Museum.

9 . Travel inspires adventure, team spirit and growth in children, as I discovered when I took my daughter Mai with me around the world.

When she was four, we had a parent-child _________ through the Fraser River in Canada. I was a travel writer and my job covered from describing the scenery I traveled along to _________ the people I met. So while I was taking pictures, Maia, wanting to prove her _________ as an assistant, began interviewing a couple in the same ship. Unable to spell words, she _________ their answers in crayon. Then when we sat together at lunch, my daughter _________ the kids’ meal and requested the salmon (三文鱼). She explained that kids’ meals might not always be _________ during travel, so her food _________ was “try everything.” That trip proved Maia as such an easy travel _________ .

When she was six, we flew to the Riviera Maya in Mexico. I was impressed by how _________ fearless she was when we dived along a reef(礁石). And I was __________ by how she cleverly worked out that she could order chocolate cake from room __________ alone. But it was on the __________ home, when my glued-to-my-arm kid said it was okay that the airline didn’t __________ us together, that I realized how much travel was __________ her. It helped her become more __________ .

As Mai a grew older, travel continued to __________ her life. We explored the Amazon rainforest, where she learned the importance of __________ our planet. We visited famous __________ in China , where she developed a deep appreciation in its rich cultures and long history. And we __________ at an orphanage (孤儿院) in Africa, where she learned the meaning of love and care.

Travel has also helped Maia develop important life __________ such as independence, problem-solving, and communication. I am grateful for what travel has had on my daughter, and I am excited to see what the future holds for her.

1.

A．course

B．talk

C．journey

D．quarrel

2.

A．helping

B．teaching

C．organizing

D．interviewing

3.

A．worth

B．belief

C．discovery

D．demand

4.

A．spelled

B．reported

C．found

D．drew

5.

A．picked up

B．turned down

C．searched for

D．complained about

6.

A．affordable

B．delicate

C．available

D．delicious

7.

A．chain

B．motto

C．preference

D．supply

8.

A．agent

B．client

C．assistant

D．partner

9.

A．cheerfully

B．foolishly

C．smartly

D．unpleasantly

10.

A．persuaded

B．puzzled

C．criticized

D．offended

11.

A．cleaning

B．service

C．rent

D．design

12.

A．train

B．ship

C．flight

D．bus

13.

A．invite

B．see

C．link

D．seat

14.

A．shaping

B．comforting

C．hurting

D．ruining

15.

A．intelligent

B．adaptable

C．respectful

D．changeable

16.

A．rule

B．disturb

C．enrich

D．save

17.

A．protecting

B．controlling

C．destroying

D．creating

18.

A．sites

B．people

C．parks

D．shops

19.

A．survived

B．played

C．volunteered

D．spoke

20.

A．styles

B．values

C．attitudes

D．skills

10 . 假定你是李华，最近参加了学校举办的“新时代好少年”主题网络短视频制作大赛活动，请你给学校英文报写一篇短文介绍该活动，内容包括：
1.活动设置目的；
2.你的参与情况和感受。
注意： 1. 词数100左右；
2.短文的题目和首句已为你写好。

An Unforgettable Video–clip Story

Recently I participated in a contest of online video -clip making, which was themed “Model Students in New Era”.

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