1 . Walt Disney: A Legacy of Dreams
The name “Disney” evokes a rush of images: from the enchanted kingdom of Disneyland to the heartwarming tales of Bambi and Simba. For almost a century, Disney, initiated by Walt Disney himself, has been synonymous with storytelling, imagination, and dreams-come-true. But what’s the journey behind this global empire of happiness?
Founded in 1923 by Walt and Roy O. Disney, the company started as a small animation studio in the back of a real estate office in Los Angeles.
Disney’s first full-length animated feature film, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, premiered in 1937.
Disneyland, opened in 1955, was Walt’s most ambitious venture (经营项目).
With Walt’s death in 1966, there were doubts about the future of the company.
Walt Disney once said, “All our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them.”
| A．The transformation from a humble beginning to a global business came with both achievements and challenges. |
| B．Each turn in the park promises a leap into fantasy, ensuring the magic is felt at every corner. |
| C．This venture greatly changed the landscape of cinematic history. |
| D．Though faced with initial skepticism, the park became an instant success. |
| E．Over the decades, it has redefined entertainment, proving that stories have no boundaries. |
| F．However, despite initial uncertainties in leadership and direction, the enterprise continued to grow. |
| G．It’s a universe of stories, where every character, every song, and every ride have a heart and soul. |
2 . Lucia was a bright-eyed girl of 12, born in a tiny village which is far less crowded than big cities. The village, even though filled with love, had no room for the world of arts. Lucia, however, possessed a passion for acting. While children played in fields, Lucia practiced lines from old plays she found in the attic. She visualized herself on grand stages, under bright lights. But for a girl from a distant village, this dream seemed more like a fantasy.
When Lucia heard about a national acting competition in the city, her heart raced with excitement. But she faced two big challenges: convincing her closed-minded parents and preparing for a competition with city-bred competitors.
Her parents, although loving, believed that the city was no place for their daughter. Lucia’s pleas seemed to fall on deaf ears until she decided to perform a touching scene for them. Tears flowed, not just from Lucia’s eyes but from her parents’ too. Witnessing her raw talent, they gave her their blessing.
Training was no easy feat. With no acting schools or instructors, Lucia had to be able to solve all the problems by herself. She practiced day and night, watching old films, and seeking feedback from village elders. Her dedication made a difference; she was molding herself into an acting wonder.
The day of the competition arrived. The city’s hall was filled with well-dressed participants and audiences. Lucia, in her modest clothes, felt like a fish out of water. Yet, when her turn came, the stage was her world. She performed so beautifully that she made the audience completely amazed. She showed the emotions so vividly; it touched souls.
When the results were announced, the underdog from a tiny village had finally won. The city, which seemed so vast, echoed with applause for Lucia.
She returned to her village not just as Lucia but as a symbol of hope and dreams. Her journey, from a quiet village girl to a national acting champion, was not just a proof of her talent but a shining example of passion and determination.
1. Why did Lucia’s parents disapprove of her going to the city at the beginning?| A．Because they thought acting was not a tiring career for her. |
| B．Because they thought it was costly and they could afford it. |
| C．Because they thought Lucia’s too young to go there by herself. |
| D．Because they thought the city was so big that it was beyond their reach. |
| A．By playing a part of a play. |
| B．By asking them repeatedly. |
| C．By seeking help from the elders. |
| D．By molding herself into a wonder. |
| A．Upset yet passionate. |
| B．Relaxed and uncaring. |
| C．Nervous and uneasy. |
| D．Determined yet overconfident. |
| A．Cities are wonders. |
| B．Talent always finds a way. |
| C．Always listen to your parents. |
| D．Determination is the key to success. |
3 . The Evolution of Multimedia Technologies
In the late 20th century, a revolution began with the development of various communication tools, producing what we now know as multimedia. This mixture of text, audio, graphics, and video into one medium has transformed the way information is transferred and received, greatly changing several industries.
In the field of education, multimedia platforms have become a must in classrooms. Traditional classrooms, with chalk and blackboard, have transformed into dynamic spaces with interactive whiteboards. Students, no longer passive listeners, are now actively interacting with the content, making a deeper understanding of subjects. Multimedia has allowed for the creation of e-learning platforms, ensuring that no student is left behind, even in remote parts of the world.
The entertainment industry too has seen a big change. Gone are the days when families would gather around a single television set. Due to the popularity of multimedia devices, people have a large amount of content to choose from. Streaming platforms have challenged traditional media systems, providing viewers with a personalized viewing experience.
Moreover, multimedia has proved to be a boon for the business world. Companies employ multimedia presentations to show ideas, products, and visions, ensuring that their message stands out. Virtual tours, 3D product modeling, and interactive customer service have made user experience better, leading to increased brand loyalty (品牌忠诚度).
The field of healthcare has also been significantly impacted. With multimedia, doctors can now visualize complex medical procedures and share them with patients, making sure a better understanding from the patients. Medical students benefit from 3D models, making learning more interactive and precise.
However, multimedia can sometimes result in information overload, causing cognitive tiredness. Additionally, the cost of setting up multimedia systems can be high, leading to a digital divide where only the rich people can afford the latest technology.
Another concern is the invasion of privacy. With smartphones turning into multimedia platforms, every click, swipe, and download can be tracked, leading to questions about data security. The wide use of multimedia, while beneficial, requires a stronger framework for data protection and user rights.
In conclusion, the rise of multimedia technologies is a testament to human creativity. While it offers many opportunities, it’s essential to address the related challenges to ensure a harmonious digital future, respecting the rights and limits of its users.
1. How does the author strengthen his arguments about multimedia’ effects on different sectors?| A．By telling stories. |
| B．By presenting data. |
| C．By raising examples. |
| D．By quoting from experts. |
| A．Multimedia has so many drawbacks we need to keep away from it for now. |
| B．Multimedia has many benefits, however, it’s important to consider the challenges. |
| C．Multimedia benefits classroom teaching, but it also distracts students from the subjects. |
| D．Multimedia focuses mainly on combining audio and video and needs further development. |
| A．Multimedia: Yes or No? |
| B．The Wonders of Virtual Reality |
| C．The History of Communication Tools |
| D．The Digital Divide: A Growing Concern |
4 . How Do Smartphones Affect Our Sleep
Smart phones can be addictive and may lead to problematic use. This is even more true for teenagers. Smartphone addiction can also negatively affect students’ performance in school. Many studies have also shown the prolonged screen time is bad for our sleep. But is it different if you are actually addicted to your phone? Is that more of a problem for sleep than just spending time on your screen?We asked 1043 UK students aged between 18 to 30 to complete two questionnaires. The first one was about the students’ smartphone use, which includes questions like whether they miss planned work due to smartphone use to see whether they are addicted. The second questionnaire assessed the quality of students’ sleep. We then analyzed the data to find if there is an association between smartphone addiction and some factors like age, ethnicity, or gender.
Around 39% of the students showed several signs of smartphone addiction. It was more prevalent among students under 21. Prolonged use was strongly linked to addiction. About 54% of the students who used their smartphones for more than 5 hours a day suffered from addiction. Only 20% of those who used them for under 2 hours a day were addicted.
Smartphone use before bed is also an important factor. The addiction levels were high among students who used their phones less than 30 minutes before bedtime and low among those who stopped using their phones more than one hour before time.
According to our study, smartphone addiction is also related to using it in late hours. For example, if you use your phone after 1 am, you are three times as likely to have an addiction. So the amount of time spent on your phone is not enough to suggest addiction. But combining that with the latest time you use your phone can be a good indicator.
Our study also shows that smartphone addiction could be harming people’s sleep. And this is not just because of screen time. People could suffer from addiction and poor sleep even when they used their phones for under 2 hours a day. But use in the late hours or right before bedtime tended to harm the students’ sleep.
If you have a smartphone, it could have a bad impact on your health. Students need to take special actions to prevent it from damaging their health before it’s too late.
1. What does the word “prevalent” probably mean?
| A．accepted | B．common | C．controlled | D．understood |
| A．Age of smartphone users. | B．How long smartphones are used per day. |
| C．Latest time on phone. | D．Time and duration of using smartphones. |
| A．Using smartphones right before bedtime harms sleep quality. |
| B．54% of the participants use their phones more than 5 hours a day. |
| C．39% of the participants aged under 21 are addicted to smartphones. |
| D．Using smartphones less than 2 hours a day keeps you away from addiction. |
| A．Stop playing games on the phone. |
| B．Watch relaxing videos before bed. |
| C．Stop using phones 30 minutes before sleep. |
| D．Take a break every 2 hours on his phone. |
The Power and Problems of Eco-Tourism
Eco-tourism gained its popularity over the past two decades. At its core, eco-tourism promotes sustainable travel practices that benefit local communities and protect the environment. However, like any significant trend, it is vital to analyze its impact and understand both its merits (好处) and potential shortcomings.
Eco-tourism emerged as a response to the damaging effects of mass tourism. Coastal towns were being transformed into commercial centers, but the luxury resorts rarely invested back into the community. Over time, ecosystems suffered, local cultures were overshadowed, and the very essence of these destinations was at risk. On the other hand, eco-tourism focuses on smaller groups, environmental education, and local engagement.
One of the primary merits of eco-tourism is its emphasis on environmental conservation. It helps protect endangered species and reforest areas affected by deforestation. Take the mountain gorillas of Rwanda for instance, tourism income has played a crucial role in their conservation efforts, bringing them back from the edge of extinction.
Furthermore, eco-tourism often ensures that local communities benefit economically. Instead of leaving profits to international corporations, the income often stays within the community. Local artisans, guides, and service providers receive a more significant piece of the pie, ensuring that tourism acts as a tool for socio-economic growth.
Yet, eco-tourism is not without its problems. The term “eco-tourism” is sometimes misused or overused. Some businesses might claim themselves as “eco-friendly” purely as a marketing strategy, without truly making sustainable practices.
In conclusion, eco-tourism represents a significant change towards more sustainable travel, placing emphasis on the environment and local communities. However, as with any major movement, it’s essential to approach it with a critical eye. By doing so, we can ensure that our passion for travelling doesn’t come at the cost of our planet or its inhabitants, but rather enriches both the traveler and the destination.
1. How has eco-tourism impacted the mountain gorillas of Rwanda?2. What are the merits of eco-tourism?
3. Please decide which part is false in the following statement, then underline it and explain why.
Eco-tourism places emphasis on the environment and local communities, ensuring that our passion for travelling comes at the cost of our planet and its inhabitants.
4. Do you believe eco-tourism is a sustainable way to promote tourism without causing harm? Why or why not? (In about 40 words)
6 . User Guide of Tsinghua University Libraries
Welcome to the best place of Tsinghua Yuan — Tsinghua University Library. Here we have magnificent buildings, abundant resources, convenient facilities, professional staff, considerate services, free atmosphere, etc. We are ready to provide warm welcomes, great supports, and best services for you.
Activate Borrowing Services
As a new user, you need to activate borrowing services by clicking on our homepage. The system adopts INFO system for identification. For freshmen, activating identity on the Electric ID Service System is required before first login. Post-doctors graduating from other universities shall submit a copy of their doctoral dissertation (博士毕业论文) together with their IC Card when making an application at the library card center to open your library privileges.
Borrowing Privileges
Upon presenting a valid university IC Card, you can access and borrow books according to the privileges listed below.
Loan Quotas (借阅限额) | ||
Borrowers | Loan Quotas | Hold Quotas |
Teachers and Students | 100 copies | 20 copies |
International Non-degree Students | 5 copies | 3 copies |
Online Reservation
You can reserve books that have been checked out to other users. You will be informed by E-mail or WeChat once the requested book is available. The requested books will be kept at loan desk only for 3 days.
Renewals
You may renew books online and the new return date is 8 weeks after the renewal day. You may renew books for many times, however, the longest period for general books is 32 weeks (224 days).
Fees for Late Return
Readers who fail to return the books by the due date will be charged ¥ 0.20 per day per book.
1. What do we know about activating borrowing services at the libraries?| A．The services are automatically activated for students. |
| B．Post-doctors all need to submit a copy of their dissertation. |
| C．Freshmen activate the services online before their first login. |
| D．Post-doctors are required to use the Electric ID Service System. |
| A．Wait that guy to return the book to the libraries. |
| B．Ask a librarian for the information of the borrower. |
| C．Make an online reservation for the book you need. |
| D．Borrow it via the system anyway and wait in the queue. |
| A．You may borrow altogether 120 books at one time. |
| B．Your requested book will be mailed to you once ready. |
| C．You may renew your books as many times as you wish. |
| D．You will be fined if you have books past due at your hand. |
If you enjoy walking for exercise, there’s a simple way to meet your demand—change your walk into a ruck, and it’s an increasingly popular form of exercise.
Rucking is walking with weight on your back. The term “rucking” comes from ruck marching, a core skill used by the military around the world. One of the tests the army normally gives to soldiers is a 12-mile ruck, which they must complete within three hours while carrying a weight of at least 35 pounds.
The reason why rucking is growing in popularity is that it’s an easy and all-body exercise. One study in 2019 showed that 10 weeks of weighted walking improved physical performance. Since rucking is usually performed outdoors, there is no doubt that it’s also good for your mental health. Lots of studies suggest that the mental health benefits of being in a natural environment are huge.
There are several tips for your rucking when you get started. First, don’t be too eager. As with any new exercise, you’ll need to begin slowly. Start with an empty backpack (背包) and walk a distance you’ve already done. When you start adding weight to your pack, try something low, like 10% of your body weight. Adding weight is going to put more stress on your ankles, knees, hips and back, so do it gradually. Another option is to start with a weighted vest (背心) instead of a backpack. This spreads the weight between your front and back. And of course, don’t forget your feet. Select a comfortable pair of shoes to prevent getting hurt.
1. What is rucking?(不多于六个单词)2. Why is rucking popular?(不多于六个单词)
3. Where is rucking usually performed?(不多于一个单词)
4. What is the last paragraph mainly about?(不多于三个单词)
8 . Hundreds of dead migrating (迁徙) songbirds covered the ground like a carpet on Thursday in Chicago.
Nearly 1,000 songbirds died throughout the night after crashing into the glass of the McCormick Place Lakeside Center due to a deadly combination of excellent migratory conditions, rain, and the low building’s lighting and window-lined walls, according to bird experts.
Window hits are a problem in almost every major city in the United States. Birds cannot see transparent (透明的) or reflecting glass and are unaware that it is a dangerous block. They rush for plants or bushes they see through windows or reflected in them, killing themselves in the process.
Night-migrating birds depend on the stars for direction. Building lights both attract and confuse them, resulting in window hits or birds flying around the lights until they die of exhaustion, a phenomenon known as deadly light attraction.
According to Stan Temple, a retired bird expert from University of Wisconsin-Madison, conditions were ideal for a big wave of songbird southern migration over Chicago on Wednesday evening. “You had all these birds that were just eager to set out, but they’ve been held up with this unusual September and October with temperatures way above normal,” Temple said.
To avoid irregular air movements and predators (捕食者), little songbirds graze to absorb energy during the day and travel at night. They’ve been waiting for north winds to push them south, but September’s unusually warm south winds left the birds in a holding position here, according to Temple. A wind moved south on Wednesday evening, offering a good chance, and millions of birds took to the air.
“Pre-dawn rain forced the birds to fly low, and they found McCormick Place’s lights on,” said David Willard, a manager at the Chicago Field Museum.
According to Ann a Pidgeon, a bird biologist at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, window hits and deadly light attraction are simply avoidable. Building managers can simply decrease their lights, and building designers can create windows with bird-friendly marks in the glass. People can also add screens, paint their windows, or put stickers on the glass.
1. Which of the following probably caused the songbirds’ death in Chicago?| A．Window hits. | B．Hunger. | C．Diseases. | D．Bird hunts. |
| A．Play. | B．Eat. | C．Grow. | D．Wait. |
| A．The importance of protecting birds. | B．The prediction of the songbirds’ future. |
| C．The further study of the songbird event. | D．The ways to avoid the disaster for birds. |
| A．Human activities have affected wild life. | B．Climate change is challenging the world. |
| C．Technology helps the protection of nature. | D．Animals learn to adapt to the environment. |
9 . Best friends Tommy, 17, and Daniel, 15, decided to sign up for their school’s robotics team in their freshman year, and began their journey towards changing lives for the better.
They began their work with 3D printers to create parts for their robots, but they wanted their impact to be greater. “It started off with a team idea,” Tommy said. “We were trying to figure out how we could make a difference to society as a first-year robotics team. We later thought of the idea of using 3D printers to make prostheses (假肢), like hands.”
The team worked with IMAHelps, a nonprofit organization, and received help from the Science Robotics Initiative. Shortly after, they began working with their first person in need of a prosthesis.
“We started off with making an artificial (人造的) arm for Samantha, a 12-year-old little girl in Ecuador who lost her arm in a bus accident,” Tommy explains. “We got her measurements and then made the prosthesis. IMAHelps brought it to Samantha and it fit her perfectly and worked well.”
“Samantha had a dream to write, and we wanted to help with that,” adds Daniel.
It didn’t take long for other kids to see Samantha’s prosthesis. A young man named Ernest Priester, 13, asked to have an artificial foot. Later, the team offered to make him one for free. “He started tearing up. It brought so much joy to his eyes.” Tommy says.
This July, the team traveled to Ecuador to deliver four more prostheses to those in need. “We were so happy to help,” Tommy shares.
The team also plans on continuing to give away their 3D creations. “You can do whatever you want to do when it comes to helping people and changing the world,” Tommy says. “There are no age limits.”
“By offering a little bit,” adds Daniel. “We can change a lot.”
1. To make the robotics team’s impact greater, Tommy and Daniel decided to________.| A．create robot parts | B．start a robotics course |
| C．make prostheses | D．invent a 3D printer |
| A．They set up IMAHelps for her. | B．They made her an artificial arm. |
| C．They offered her medical treatment. | D．They gave her instructions on writing. |
| A．Curious. | B．Relaxed. | C．Regretful. | D．Pleased. |
| A．Caring. | B．Calm. | C．Honest. | D．Brave. |
10 . A houseplant is pretty to look at and brings fresh air to your home. Besides, looking after a plant will give you something more to do and care about. Let’s look at the four best houseplants you can grow.
 Australian Pine A perfect “living decoration” to add in your house, it is good to look at and has a comforting feel. It can also serve as the perfect Christmas tree. It grows around 10 feet tall indoors. Remember that it requires plenty of light and fresh air. Otherwise, it becomes weak and an easy target for mites (螨虫). |  Dracaena The green and yellow pattern on its leaves looks great. It can grow to be around 10 feet tall. Just make sure you keep the soil surface dry between your watering periods because it gets influenced by too much water. Also, having this plant around a dog can be dangerous. It can be poisonous to dogs if they eat it. |
 Grape Ivy If you want something off the ceiling (天花板), this houseplant is the one for you. It’s a climbing plant, and it will make for a beautiful hanging basket decoration. The plant is full of life wherever it is hung. It needs to be kept wet in all its parts for good growth. |  Peperomia It is little in size, with long leaves. It adds energy to your living room and creates a comforting environment. As it’s not a very tall plant, you needn’t worry about how much space it will take up. The plant likes a dry surface of the soil. |
So what are you for? Choose the one that attracts you most, and give your home a wonderful addition.
1. Which of the following can serve as a Christmas tree?| A．Australian pine. | B．Dracaena. | C．Grape ivy. | D．Peperomia. |
| A．be careful with mites | B．hang it from the celling |
| C．keep dogs away from it | D．leave the surface of the soil wet |
| A．Its leaves are short. | B．It is small in size. |
| C．It likes much water. | D．It is a climbing plant. |
| A．Politics. | B．Business. | C．Travel. | D．Life. |
