1 . The Mona Lisa is the famous Leonardo da Vinci painting of a woman with a mysterious smile. This week, the painting gave up a secret.

Scientists using X-rays to examine the chemical structure of a small part of the painting discovered a technique Leonardo used in the work. An oil paint used for it was a special, new chemical mixture, which suggests that the Italian artist was in an experimental mood when he worked on the painting in the 16th century.

“He loved to experiment, and each of his paintings is completely different technically,”said Victor Gonzalez, a chemist who has studied the chemical element (成分) of several works by Leonardo and other artists. The researchers found a rare lead compound (铅化合物) — plumbonacrite, in Leonardo’s first layer of paint. The discovery proved that da Vinci most likely used lead oxide to thicken and help dry his paint. The paint in the study is about the thickness of a human hair, lying in the top right area of the painting.

The scientists looked into its atomic structure using X-rays, moving particles at the speed of light, permitting researchers to look deeper into the paint structure. “ Plumbonacrite is really a fingerprint of his recipe, as it’s the first time we can chemically confirm it,” Gonzalez said.

Dutch artist Rembrandt may have used a similar mixture when he was painting in the 17th century. Gonzalez and other researchers have found plumbonacrite in his work, too. Leonardo is thought to have put lead oxide powder, which has an orange color, in the oil to make it thicker and dry faster. “What you will get is an oil that has a very nice golden color,” Gonzalez said. “It flows more like honey.”

But the Mona Lisa — said by the Louvre to be a portrait (肖像) of Lisa Gherardini, the wife of a Florentine silk businessman — and additional works by Leonardo still have other secrets to tell. “What we are saying is just a little brick in the knowledge,” Gonzalez said.

1. What’s the new discovery about the Mona Lisa?

A．A new explanation of the secret smile.

B．A new chemical element used in the painting.

C．The secret of the woman in the painting.

D．The structure of the paint da Vinci used.

2. Which best explains the underlined word “fingerprint” in paragraph 4?

A．Open secret.

B．Widespread use.

C．Hidden element.

D．Long-term dream.

3. How does Gonzalez view the use of lead oxide powder in paintings?

A．It helps to make many things into paints.

B．It helps to make paints easy to deal with.

C．It helps to keep the paintings last long.

D．It helps to make paintings rich in color.

4. What can we learn about the Mona Lisa from the last paragraph?

A．It has more secrets to tell the world.

B．It’s the portrait of a silk businessman.

C．It’s well kept in bricks in the Louvre.

D．It has a mixture of different art styles.

2 . 阅读下面短文，在空白处填入1个适当的单词或括号内单词的正确形式。

Having grown up in northern Arizona, I believe that the southwestern state is home     1     the most beautiful landscapes on the planet. That is, until I     2     (invite) to explore Guizhou province by an organization many years ago. There is nothing like seeing with one’s own eyes.

My father used to drag my brothers and me on     3     (fish) trips around Arizona. We would compete to catch the     4     (large) fish. On my trip to Guizhou I had the opportunity to canoe on Wanfeng Lake,     5     I enjoyed the silence and took in the surrounding karst mountains.

During my trip around     6     city of Xingyi, in Guizhou, I saw the artwork of the Bouyei ethnic group. They use dyes (染料)     7     (produce) from local plants to make clothing and blankets. Local elders still practice weaving with wooden machines and pass that tradition on to their grandchildren. The designs were ancient, and carried     8     (wise) within them.     9     (serious), I got the feeling of being home while looking at the art on display in Xingyi.

I     10     (live) away from Arizona for 10 long years, making my own living in China. I’ve managed to build a family, a career, a livelihood, and passion projects. I feel as though I have everything I need. In Guizhou, I feel at home.

3 . After decades of married life, I realized that my life was limited, and even having friends frightened me. To ease my anxiety, my husband and I explored the Blue Ridge Mountains about an hour’s ride from home. We chose a path only a couple of miles long. The process of putting one foot in front of the other started to ease my worried soul. Being with nature slowed down my racing mind. Up and down the path we went. The trees gently swayed in the wind as we enjoyed views of valleys below us.

I knew this was my way to heal. I found the Internet site Meetup, picked a group and signed up for a five-mile hike in Shenandoah National Park. All my worries came into play when meeting the hiking group. The fifteen hikers, at least ten years younger than me, started slowly, crossing many little streams on rocks. I enjoyed the tour but struggled to keep up. After a half-mile, my steps got into the rhythm. I felt a part of all that surrounded me.

I have been actively hiking since that day, walking thousands of miles, with several worn pairs of hiking boots to prove it. With my fellow hikers, I climbed Mount Le Conte at 6,593 feet. It was a challenging hike, but I made it.

I have hiked the Dingle Peninsula in Ireland with five other women, through more than a hundred miles of green hills and valleys filled with baby sheep and their mothers. I’m fortunate to have the Blue Ridge Mountains nearby. Before the pandemic, I backpacked on the AppalachianTrail, falling short of my 100-mile goal but enjoying it. I met hikers along the way, camping next to them and listening to their determination to hike the entire 2,200 miles.

I don’t intend to give up being one with nature outdoors anytime soon. We all are responsible for our peace and happiness.

1. What made the author less worried at the mountain path?

A．Closely following her husband.

B．Choosing a path near her home.

C．Taking a walk outdoors in nature.

D．Racing with the wind in the trees.

2. How did the author feel upon meeting the hiking group?

A．Worried.	B．Energetic.
C．Confident.	D．Excited.

3. What did the author fail to do on the Appalachian Trail?

A．Travel with backpack before the pandemic.

B．Keep her boots to prove her ability.

C．Plan the hiking route of 2 ,200 miles.

D．Finish the 100-mile goal along the trail.

4. What can be a suitable title for the text?

A．Outdoor Life Is Beneficial

B．The Mountains Are Calling

C．I Learned to Face My Worries

D．Nature Is Our Best Friend

4 . The 1973 horror film “The Exorcist” and “Silent Night, Deadly Night” released in 1984 were so scary that audiences left the theater up and out—throwing up and passing out, that is.

Based on this evidence after the release, it would seem to most people that horror movies are bad for people’s health. Yet experts actually argue exactly the opposite: The Halloween tradition of watching scary movies is actually good for your mental health.

“There is some research on this in psychology, but I think what’s basically been found is that there’s a benefit to recalling fears in your mind,” Matthew Strohl, the author of Why It’s OK to Love Bad Movies, told Salon. “You can gain a sense of distance from them. You feel you can conquer them through this sort of exposure, as it were, by repeatedly putting yourself in a position where you have to engage with them. But because it’s in a fictional (虚构的) artistic context, you can deal with them.”

Frank T. McAndrew, who has studied how places can “creep” people out (让人害怕)—researched on the science behind how horror movies are in many ways ideal as a specific vehicle for meeting this need to be scared.

“That is kind of born with us,” McAndrew pointed out. “We like stories. We like to learn through the experience of other people. We learn valuable lessons that might be kind of costly to learn on our own. So we are attracted by horror movies and horror experiences because by watching other people deal with scary things, we can mentally practice strategies that will make us better prepared for dealing with that ourselves in the future.”

Whether it is turning down the movie’s volume, covering your eyes, or reminding yourself that it is just a movie, McAndrew said “that kind of playful engagement with fear can not only help people avoid fainting from horror in face of a horror movie, but also handle the pressure and anxieties of the real world.”

1. How experts’ opinion differs from most people’s belief?

A．People like horror movies.	B．Horror films are actually beneficial.
C．Horror may cause physical discomfort.	D．Halloween tradition is watching horror movies.

2. Which statement might Matthew Strohl agree with?

A．Horror films can give people a sense of control.

B．Fears can keep people away from scary films.

C．Fears in life differ from those caused by scary films.

D．Not everyone can appreciate the beauty of fictional arts.

3. What does “That” underlined in paragraph 5 probably mean?

A．The appeal for a vehicle.	B．The need for fear.
C．The fear for some places.	D．The science behind horror.

4. In which aspect can scary film lovers perform better?

A．Studying literature and art.	B．Writing film reviews.
C．Dealing with stress and anxiety.	D．Interacting with others.

5 . How to Be More Present

Many people have a tendency to live in the past or the future. They constantly think about the past and worry about the future, and thus find it difficult to enjoy the good things in life in the here and now. You might unfortunately be one of these people.     1     Here are some tips that might help you.

Notice Your Surroundings

One way to be in the present moment is by noticing your surroundings. How often do you take time out of your day to actually look around and see what’s going on? Now close your eyes and take a deep breath.     2     When you do, it’s easier to be more present in the moment.

Be Grateful for What You Have Now

    3     If you are constantly focused on things you don’t have, you aren’t taking the time to appreciate what you have at this moment. One way to practice gratitude is to write a list of things you are grateful for and review that list on a daily basis. Try to write at least three things you are grateful for in your life right now.

Show Acceptance

If you want to learn how to be more present, you need to let go of how you think things should be and accept them for what they are.     4     Sometimes life is going to be different than how you want it to be. Practicing acceptance will help you let go of the things in your life that are out of your control.

Find Positive Social Support

The kind of social support you have in your life can also play an important role. Surrounding yourself with positive, supportive people will increase your own positivity and happiness levels.     5    

A．Then open them and really take in where you are.

B．You should focus your attention on one thing at a time.

C．You cannot control everything that happens around you.

D．This is one way to distance yourself from what you are enjoying.

E．In turn, this will allow you to focus on what is going on right now.

F．Part of living in the present moment is to appreciate what you have now.

G．So learning how to live in the moment can greatly improve your well-being.

6 . As a child, I was fascinated by the world of theater and began taking classes at the age of 7. Throughout my teenage years, I actively _________ plays, television shows, and movies. _________ provided me with an opportunity to explore and _________ things that I may not have had the courage to attempt in real life. One of the most significant _________ of acting was the ability to step outside of my comfort zone and transform into someone else, _________ and bold on stage.

Despite this, in my everyday life, I was often plagued (困扰) by _________ and hesitance. Acting allowed me to explore different time periods and _________, as I donned (穿上) various costumes and immersed (投入) myself in different eras and worlds. I played a variety of _________, ranging from aliens to ringmasters, and _________ a diverse set of skills along the way.

Performing was an excellent way for me to __________ my shyness and inhibitions. I gained a newfound confidence in myself and learned to be more __________ and daring. __________, after a while, I grew tired of living inside someone else’s __________ and was ready to forge (打造) my own path. I was fortunate to have received unwavering __________ and guidance from my family, who had always __________ me of the importance of education and self-worth.

Looking back, my time as a __________ actor was a period of significant self-discovery and __________. Through acting, I gained __________ insights into myself and the world around me. I will always be __________ for the experiences and lessons I __________ during my time in the spotlight.

1.

A．participated in

B．carried out

C．dealt with

D．applied for

2.

A．Studying

B．Dancing

C．Acting

D．Teaching

3.

A．predict

B．confirm

C．influence

D．experience

4.

A．results

B．benefits

C．features

D．rules

5.

A．generous

B．familiar

C．confident

D．strange

6.

A．curiosity

B．excitement

C．misunderstanding

D．nervousness

7.

A．places

B．cities

C．groups

D．cultures

8.

A．sports

B．roles

C．matches

D．songs

9.

A．missed

B．challenged

C．changed

D．acquired

10.

A．overcome

B．ignore

C．remove

D．hide

11.

A．adventurous

B．casual

C．skillful

D．funny

12.

A．Moreover

B．Therefore

C．Otherwise

D．However

13.

A．task

B．plan

C．story

D．future

14.

A．persuasion

B．support

C．permission

D．comfort

15.

A．reminded

B．inform

C．assured

D．warned

16.

A．emotional

B．creative

C．popular

D．professional

17.

A．freedom

B．growth

C．adaptation

D．satisfaction

18.

A．suitable

B．acceptable

C．valuable

D．flexible

19.

A．eager

B．sorry

C．grateful

D．ready

20.

A．heard

B．supposed

C．expected

D．learned

7 . Ride a Wave of Weekend Music in New York City

Bill Saxton All-Stars

Sept. 9 — 10 at Bill’s Place, Manhattan

Honoring the spirit of Harlem jazz since opening in 2006, Bill Saxton is now part of the history it celebrates. Each weekend, Saxton, who grew up in the neighborhood packed with jazz in the mid-20th century, takes the stage with his Harlem All-Stars to tear through bop classics, spiritual jazz beauties and his originals with earthy power.

Tickets are at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. and $30 at www.billsplaceharlem.com.

An A24 Comedy

Sept. 9 at Littlefield, Brooklyn

The comedian Sarah Rachel shows her love for A24, an award-wining film, by hosting a celebration of dress party. Attendees are encouraged to dress up as their favorite A24 characters, with a prize for the best dressed.

Tickets, starting at 8 p.m., are $20 in advance, $25 on the day, and available at www.littlefieldnyc.com.

CMOM’s Art Festival

Through September 30 at the Children’s Museum of Manhattan

The museum is inviting visitors to celebrate summer in the city with storybook readings and craft activities, all devoted to New York themes. Grub Gallery offers two daylong workshops, where children can carve a refrigerator out of a cake as their treats.

All activities are included in museum admission, starting at $13, available at www.cmomsummerart.com

Burna Boy

Sept. 9 at 7 p.m. at Citi Field, Queens

Burna Boy, a famous Nigerian artist, heads to Citi Field, where the singer and rapper will perform on Saturday, combining sounds rooted in hip-hop, dancehall and more. Tickets for Saturday’s concert, part of his ongoing tour promoting “Love, Domini”, start at $54.50, available from Ticketmaster.

1. What do we know about Bill Saxton?

A．He will dress up to perform a character of A24.

B．His workshop offers special treats to children.

C．He grew up in a place filled with jazz music.

D．He is a Nigerian artist performing in New York.

2. What can visitors do at CMOM’s Art Festival?

A．Have a taste of the spiritual beauty of jazz.

B．Dress up as their favorite characters of a film.

C．Join the singer for a promotion of a rap tour concert.

D．Carve a fridge out of a cake supplied in the workshops

3. Where can one go for a ticket to the show at Citi Field?

A．At Ticketmaster	B．At www.littlefieldnyc.com.
C．At www.billsplaceharlem.com.	D．At www.cmomsummerart.com.

8 . 听下面一段独白，回答以下小题。
1. What kind of people are “early birds”?

A．The people getting up early in the morning.

B．The people going to bed early at night.

C．The people going to bed late at night.

2. When do most teenagers go to bed?

A．Around 9: 00 p. m.

B．Around 10: 00 p. m.

C．Around midnight or later.

3. How many teenagers sleep enough?

A．One-fourth.

B．Two-fifths.

C．One-fifth.

4. What are night owls better at?

A．Some intelligence tests.

B．Getting grades in school.

C．Getting good jobs.

9 . 听下面一段较长对话，回答以下小题。
1. What are the two speakers talking about?

A．Foods and activities.

B．Activities or things they don’t like to do.

C．Foods that they don’t like.

2. What is the probable relationship between the two speakers?

A．Interviewer and interviewee.

B．Teacher and student.

C．Boss and worker.

3. What can we learn about the woman?

A．She prefers washing dishes to mowing the lawn.

B．She likes both mowing the lawn and washing dishes.

C．She’d rather mow the lawn than wash dishes.

4. What does the man think of cooking?

A．He likes cooking.

B．He dislikes cooking.

C．He doesn’t mind cooking.

10 . 听下面一段较长对话，回答以下小题。
1. Who is Spotty?

A．A dog belonging to the boy’s family.

B．A human who isn’t liked by the man.

C．The man’s little brother.

2. What does the man think of Spotty?

A．He appreciates him.

B．He dislikes him.

C．He likes him.

3. What can we learn from the conversation?

A．Spotty will not be in the family picture.

B．Spotty will be in the family picture with no hat.

C．Spotty will be in the family picture with a hat.