1 . Certain Chinese cuisines, such as the well-known Roasted Duck from Beijing or the delicious Tianjin-style Pancakes, might appear commonplace to the Chinese, but they have gained global recognition. The appeal of these delicacies is deeply rooted in vast geographical diversity.

Stretching from the extremely cold northern plains to the southern rainforests, different regions have their unique ingredients and cooking techniques.     1    , commonly referred to as the Eight Major Cuisines of China. These include the rich and flavor-packed dishes of Sichuan, the delicate and varied tastes of Guangdong, the mouth-watering and hearty foods of Shandong, and the spicy and sour flavors of Hunan, among others.

Climate plays a crucial role in shaping regional cuisines. In Sichuan, for example, the hot and wet climate, coupled with the region’s mountainous physical geography, has led to a preference for spicy foods, like Stir-Fried Tofu in Hot Sauce or Spicy Chicken. The spicy flavors add appetite to dishes. In addition,     2    . The unique conditions of the Sichuan Basin, with its low-lying land and difficulty in losing heat through evaporation (蒸发), contribute to this preference.

One of the most noteworthy contrasts between southern and northern Chinese cuisines lies in the employment of ingredients. Southern dishes tend to be lighter and more delicate, featuring seafood, vegetables, and rice. In contrast,     3    . They have a wealth of wheat-based dishes like noodles and dumplings.

    4    , regardless of their differences. Dishes are attentively cooked to stimulate the senses and promote a sense of pleasure. The use of fresh, seasonal ingredients, along with the close attention to details in preparation and presentation, defines Chinese cuisine.

Another important aspect of Chinese dining culture is the significance of table manners. Meals are often shared among family and friends, with each person taking turns to serve and pour. Chopsticks, rather than forks or knives, are preferred, symbolizing closeness and familiarity. The act of eating together goes beyond food alone.     5    .

A．northern cuisines are heavier and more hearty

B．they serve to warm up and remove dampness from the boday

C．This diversity comes down to its geographical and climatic conditions

D．The Chinese people have for centuries crafted varieties of delicious dishes

E．This geographical diversity has given birth to eight major cooking traditions

F．That is to say, it represents a sense of community and the strength of bonds

G．Chinese cuisines share emphasis on the perfect harmony of color, flavor and taste

2 . Pity the poor traffic policeman. He’s the last guy you want to see when you’re speeding down the highway. But according to a major research by scientists in Canada and California, that policeman just might be saving your life or the life of someone else.

The researchers have found that a traffic ticket reduces a driver’s chance of being involved in a disastrous accident greatly. The effect doesn’t last long, however. Within months, the lead foot is back on the pedal and the risk of killing yourself or someone else is back up to where it was before that policeman stared you in the eye and wrote out that expensive ticket. It is back to business as usual for most motorists.

Traffic tickets save thousands of lives every year. Yet traffic laws are applied infrequently, almost as if by whim (心血来潮), partly because people just don’t like traffic policemen, and there are lots of other things for the government to spend money on than applying highway safety laws.

Researches looked at the month prior to a disastrous accident, and the number of traffic convictions (定罪), and then the same month in the year before. They found there were fewer tickets in the month before a disastrous accident than there were a year before, which suggests there’s a protective effect of having a ticket.

The scientists also turned up some surprising results. “Most of the crashes did not involve alcohol,” they reported. “The relative risk reduction associated with traffic convictions was remarkably consistent among women and men, regardless of age, prior driving record, and other personal data. Men, however, were involved in far more disastrous accidents than women and the most accident-prone (有倾向的) age was between 30 and 50.”

They also pointed out that most crashes could have been prevented by a small difference in driver behavior. So the next time you see that policeman in your rear-view mirror, give him or her a broad smile.

1. How will the drivers probably behave months after having traffic tickets?

A．Drive more attentively than before.	B．Return to where accidents happened.
C．Escape a spot check for alcohol.	D．Drive as fast as they did before.

2. Which statement about traffic laws is correct?

A．They have saved thousands of lives so far.

B．They are not favored by traffic policemen.

C．They are carried out consistently and sufficiently.

D．They are not the priority of the government’s budget.

3. What can be learned from paragraph 4?

A．Traffic tickets can guarantee safe driving.

B．It is necessary to reduce traffic convictions.

C．Disastrous accidents will decline with more traffic tickets given.

D．Tickets’ protective effect can be found before disastrous accidents.

4. What can be inferred from the research?

A．Its results applied to both men and women.

B．None of the traffic crashes involved alcohol.

C．Women aged 30 to 50 caused more disastrous accidents.

D．Drivers were used to looking at the mirrors while driving.

3 . Throughout history, literature has been a mirror to society, capturing its evolution, revolutions, conflicts, and ambition. As reaoers, we often find comfort, inspiration, or severe realities through the world of words. Yet, in the 21st century, with a sharp rise in digitalization, literature’s canvas (画布) has expanded dramatically, leading to both enthusiasm and worry among literary enthusiasts.

Dr. Elizabeth Montgomery, a famous literary critic and professor at the Langford Literary University, set about an extensive study to decipher (破译) the changing landscape of literature in the digital age. “The printed word has a touchable beauty and permanence. Digital platforms, on the other hand, are vast, changing, and developing. This dichotomy (二分法) is interesting but also challenges traditional literary boundaries,” reflected Montgomery.

Montgomery’s study lasted over two years, involving a diverse group of 1,200 participants from various age groups and backgrounds. They were divided into three groups: the first experienced literature only through printed books, the second through e-books, and the third through interactive digital stories, which combine text, graphics, and user interaction.

Feedback revealed diverse insights. Printed book fans valued the sensory experience—the feel of pages, the smell of a book—claiming that it deepened their connection to the content. E-book readers appreciated the convenience and portability but missed the touchable experience of traditional books. However, the third group, who engaged with interactive digital stories, expressed excitement at being part of the story, though some felt it weakened the literary essence.

Further, the study found that interactive stories appealed especially to younger readers, suggesting a potential shift in future literary consumption patterns. Montgomery notes, “While traditionalists might find the digital development of literature disturbing, it’s undeniable that the boundary between readers and stories is becoming more foggy. The key is to balance innovation with the preservation of literary integrity.”

1. What was the purpose of Dr. Elizabeth Montgomery’s study?

A．To promote digital platforms over printed books.

B．To explore the impact of digitalization on literature.

C．To present the landscape of the digital literature.

D．To challenge the traditional literary boundary.

2. What can we learn about the participants who read printed books?

A．They found it convenient to carry the books around.

B．They believed the books lacked the literary essence.

C．They thought they were happy to be involved in the story.

D．They felt the sensory experience promoted their understanding.

3. What does the study suggest about the future of literature consumption?

A．Traditional books may be preferred by elder people.

B．Digital stories will enjoy equal preference of all ages.

C．Interactive stories may see a rise among younger readers.

D．E-books will replace printed books and dominate the market.

4. What is Montgomery’s attitude to the digital development of literature?

A．Objective.

B．Doubtful.

C．Excited.

D．Unconcerned.

4 . My family and I had set out on a day trip from Shillong to Cherrapunji, a town known for being one of the wettest places on Earth. However, after we had been stuck in traffic for more than four hours, one of my sisters proposed going back to the city as a last attempt to save whatever remained of the day. A quick online search revealed other must-visit spots around Shillong. Most were familiar, but one caught our attention—Nartiang with its mysterious monoliths (独石碑). The photo showed tall stones piled together in a strange formation, appealing to us to explore further despite the lack of details provided.

That is how I found myself standing in the shadow of the huge monoliths of Nartiang, which is home to the thickest and largest collection in the region. Curious to uncover their history, I approached Maryo Symblai, a village elder I met later that day, who told me the story of the monoliths that has been orally passed down over generations. She said, “Back in the day, Nartiang didn’t have a bazaar (集市) and the nearest one was at Raliang. On one such bazaar, a giant named Mar Phalyngki was caught in heavy rain on his way back. He requested to borrow an umbrella from the Raliang chief’s youngest daughter, but she wanted to test his legendary strength instead. ‘Why don’t you go lift that huge stone in the bazaar and use it as an umbrella?’ she said dismissively. Emboldened by her challenge, he just did that, but before reaching Nartiang, he placed it in a forest when the rain had stopped.”

“There is a certain overlap of ancient story and memory in the case of the Nartiang monoliths. The locals’ account of how the place came to be is based on ancient stories or folk customs. But they also remember it because it served their ancestors as a weekly marketplace, a memorial, and a place for political gatherings. That is how oral history works. It mixes fact and fiction into collective memory”, said Dr Reeju Ray, a local writer.

Today, even though the traditional customs and more confirmed historical accounts offer some insight into the site, the mystery(奥秘)of the stone giants lasts.

1. Why did the author and his family come to visit the monoliths of Nartiang?

A．It was in their original trip plan.

B．They had to choose it as an alternative.

C．It was the only remaining place to visit.

D．An elder village r gave them the suggestion.

2. Which does the underlined word “Emboldened” in paragraph 2 mean?

A．Threatened.

B．Moved.

C．Stimulated.

D．Frightened.

3. Why are Dr. Reeju Ray’s words mentioned?

A．To info rm what the monoliths served as.

B．To illustrate how the mysterious story came into being.

C．To introduce the feature of Nartiang monoliths.

D．To deny the overlap of ancient story and memory.

4. What is the best title for the text?

A．A Trip to the Monoliths.	B．The Mystery of Shillong.
C．The Formation of the Monoliths.	D．A Disappointing Travel Experience.

5 . The Mysterious World of Deep-Sea Creatures

The deep sea remains one of the least explored and understood environments on our planet. Lying below the sunlit upper layers of the ocean, the deep sea is a region of permanent darkness, freezing temperatures, and massive pressure. Yet, life thrives (茁壮成长) here in some of the most astonishing ways.

* The Black Dragonfish *

Residing at dephs of up to 2,000 meters, the black dragonfish is a predator with a thin and long body and sharp teeth. What makes it unique is its ability to produce its own light, a phenomenon known as bioluminescence. This helps it attract prey (猎物) and communicate with potential mates.

* The Giant Squid *

Long a stuff of legends and tales, the giant squid, which occasionally attacks whales, can reach lengths of up to 43 feet. Its massive eyes, the size of dinner plates, allow it to detect weak light in the deep dark waters. Encounters with this enormous creature are rare, and much of its life remains unknown.

* Tube Worms at Hydrothermal Vents *

In the depths of the ocean, hydrothermal vents (热液喷口) shoot superheated water packed with minerals. Around these vents, communities of tube worms thrive, reaching lengths of up to 2 meters. They possess no mouth or digestive system; instead, bacteria inside them process the minerals from the vents to produce energy.

Modern technology has enabled humans to explore deeper into the ocean than ever before. Using remotely operated vehicles and deep-sea submersibles (潜水器), scientists can now study these creatures in their natural habitats, uncovering secrets that could hold the key to understanding life’s adaptability.

1. What ability is unique to the black dragonfish?

A．Generating light for itself.	B．Attracting and capturing prey.
C．Discovering light in the deep water.	D．Communicating with other creatures.

2. Which creature relies on internal bacteria for energy?

A．The black dragonfish

B．The tube worm.

C．The giant squid.

D．The whale.

3. Where is this text probably taken from?

A．An academic article.	B．An experimental report.
C．A travel guide.	D．A natural science magazine.

6 . I went to South Africa for the first time as a lone travelling female with a love for wildlife when I just graduated from high school.

During my six-month stay there, I spent the last 4 weeks at GVI Karongwe. The GVI members were so helpful and were so kind and lovely too when I was there. It was one of the easiest and best-organised programs I spent my time on.

Every day we collected information on a variety of animals for research. I have to say it changed my life in so many ways and actually guided me on my path to the job I am doing now.

The first week was pretty busy with training to prepare us for our job in the bush (灌木) and teach us about mammals (哺乳动物), birds and other animals, tracks and signs as well as how to use the equipment (设备), take care of the cars and clean and cook for a house of more than 20 people. The training made a world of difference to anyone who was nervous about being new to the South African wilderness and wanted to do the job well. I also made friends with people from all over the world and they were of all ages and backgrounds, united by the common goal to contribute to wildlife protection in South Africa, which was so amazing!

GVI programs provide a fantastic way to learn and contribute to the community and wildlife in a hands-on way. It has put me on the path of wildlife research for the rest of my life!

1. Why did the author go to South Africa at first?

A．To do a voluntary job there.	B．To visit the wild animals there.
C．To join in the GVI program there.	D．To carry out research there.

2. What did the author think of the training provided at the first week?

A．It was necessary and important.	B．It was relaxing and creative.
C．It was difficult.	D．It was too long.

3. What can we learn about the GVI program in South Africa?

A．It offers free training and accommodation.	B．It helped the author choose her career.
C．Its members all have rich knowledge of wildlife.	D．Its purpose is to encourage visits to South Africa.

4. What is the author’s purpose in writing the text?

A．To give a positive review of the GVI program.	B．To tell us the importance of animal protection.
C．To tell us what she learned in South Africa.	D．To share her experiences in South Africa.

7 . You might have heard of the expression “a guilty pleasure”—maybe it’s the chocolate bar you buy on the way home from work, or the new clothes that you don’t really need.     1     . Perhaps we don’t feel we deserved it, or we don’t think it was a responsible way to spend our money. But should we feel like this? Do we really have to feel guilty about treating ourselves?

Perhaps not. Psychologists have suggested that buying things for yourself can make you feel better as it provides an opportunity to take control of your situation.    2     . It may be that as well as lifting your mood, when you buy a treat, you might just be looking after yourself.

Of course, there are also examples of people turning to destructive behaviour when faced with stressful circumstances. People might spend money that they don’t have or turn to dangerous addictions. Psychologist Leon Seltzer considers the difference between self-indulgence and self-nurturing.    3     , while self-nurturing is taking responsible decisions to satisfy our needs and take care of ourselves in ways that don’t have a significant impact.

    4    . So, many universities publish guides with advice for coping with exam stress. Reflecting the difference between self-indulgence and self-nurture, they recommend rewarding yourself for your efforts, doing things that you enjoy and are good at so that you can feel accomplishment.    5     . Thus, perhaps, as long as we make responsible decisions, we shouldn’t feel guilty about our guilty pleasures.

A．Exams are vital for students.

B．Self-indulgence can have negative consequences

C．The difference becomes evident when students manage exam pressure

D．They also recommend embracing activities that could dampen your spirits

E．Besides, you should avoid things that may make you feel worse afterwards

F．It comes from the idea that when we treat ourselves, it can sometimes leave us feeling guilty

G．It can give you social contact as well as a confidence boost from changes you make to your self-image

8 . The Day of the Dead celebrations are a great time to honour the dead. Here’s where to stay to experience them.

Mexico City, Mexico

On November 4, a parade starts with thousands of dancers. “The best place to watch the parade is from a terrace on the Paseo de Reforma, where you can see the dancers and colours from above,” says Karla Gonzalez, director of the Mexico City tourism board.

Oaxaca, Mexico

This southern Mexico city is known for candlelit cemeteries on the Day of the Dead, and parades with dancers in the Jalatlaco neighborhood. “The city doesn’t sleep for three days,” says local tour guide Gabriel Sánchez. He takes guests to the cemetery in Santa Maria Atzompa, a village three miles from Oaxaca City, where the families go all out with candles and flowers.

San Diego, California

The first European settlement (定居点) in Southern California, Old Town San Diego is a seven-block state park with shopfronts dating back to the 18th century. It’s also the site of a long-running Day of the Dead celebration, with a crafts market and a candlelit parade to the El Campo Santo Cemetery on November 2, which dates to 1849.

San Antonio, Texas

This south Texas city was once a part of Mexico, known for its exciting Day of the Dead celebrations. In downtown’s Hemisphere Park, the festival brings a parade of boats lit with bright lights on the River Walk on the evening of October 27. You can also see a famous tourist draw on the south bank of the San Antonio River.

1. When does the parade take place in Mexico City?

A．On October 10.

B．On October 27.

C．On November 2.

D．On November 4.

2. What can you do in Old Town San Diego on the festival?

A．Swim in the River Walk.	B．Join the candlelight parade.
C．Admire Hemisphere Park.	D．Explore the unique rainforest.

3. Where can you enjoy a parade of boats at night to experience the festival?

A．In San Antonio.

B．In Mexico City.

C．In San Diego.

D．In Oaxaca.

9 . Germany’s Chancellor Olaf Scholz and the leaders of the nation’s 16 states decided on a tough new migration (移民) policy during long talks that ended on Tuesday. The agreement came against the situation of a sharp rise in the popularity of far-right anti-immigration political parties in Germany that have got power and energy from people’s frustration with the large number of migrants entering the country in recent years to seek asylum (庇护). Both Scholz and the 16 state governors have seen their share of the vote fall as the far-right parties have grown.

Tuesday’s deal included Scholz agreeing on new funding for the 16 states after they complained of lack of money because of their need to house irregular migrants. The funding will include a payment of 1.75 billion euros($1.87 billion) that will arrive in a few months, and subsequent annual funding of 7,500 euros per migrant.

Scholz, who described the agreement as a “historic moment”, said, “Our shared goal is to push back irregular migration.” He said the agreement offered the nation a “transition to a breathing system” and explained that the new funding means “with rising numbers there is more money, with falling numbers there is less”.

The funding agreement followed Scholz’s government introducing a series of proposed new measures in recent weeks to discourage irregular migration that the 16 state governors signed off on. The measures include steps to make it easier to deport migrants who are not granted asylum, and changes that mean migrants must wait longer before they can receive full government handouts (救济品). Additionally, migrants will be allowed to work and support themselves while waiting for a decision on whether they will be granted asylum. There will also be longer sentences for the people-traffickers who bring migrants into the country illegally. During the first nine months of 2023, 230,000 people arrived and claimed asylum in the nation of 84 million people. Additionally, around 1 million refugees from Ukraine have settled in Germany during the past two years.

The BBC said some state governors want Germany’s federal government to introduce a system in which asylum applicants can be processed in a third country, in a move that would have been similar to the United Kingdom’s proposed system to process some asylum applicants in Rwanda. However, the federal government said during the meeting with the state governors that the idea will not be introduced immediately and will instead be examined at a later date. Boris Rhein, governor of the central state of Hesse, said the new measures will take things in the right direction. “It is also clear that a path consists of many steps and that further steps must, of course, follow,” the Associated Press quoted him as saying.

1. Why do the 16 states need the funding?

A．To upgrade public facilities.

B．To provide assistance for the poor.

C．To offer shelter to irregular migrants.

D．To create more employment opportunities.

2. What is the possible meaning of the underlined word “deport” in Paragraph 4?

A．Care about.

B．Drive out.

C．Send for.

D．Connect with.

3. How did Boris Rhein react to the new measure according to the last paragraph?

A．He was opposed to it.	B．He was doubtful about it.
C．He was objective about it.	D．He was in favor of it.

4. What can serve as the best title for the news report?

A．Germany taking steps to discourage migrants

B．People’s frustration with migrants entering Germany

C．Large numbers of migrants entering Germany to seek asylum

D．Sharp rise in popularity of far-right anti-immigration political parties in Germany

10 . Five nutrition myths and what health experts want you to know instead

MYTH 1: Fresh fruits and vegetables are always healthier than canned, frozen or dried varieties.

Research has found that frozen, canned and dried fruits and vegetables can be just as nutritious as their fresh counterparts.     1     However, some canned, frozen and dried varieties contain added sugars, saturated fats and sodium, so be sure to read nutrition labels, especially on prepared foods.

MYTH 2:     2    

By the 1980s, doctors, government health experts, the food industry and the media were reporting that a low-fat diet could benefit everyone. As a result, many people replaced calories from fat with calories from refined carbohydrates such as white flour and added sugar. In reality, healthy fats help reduce your risk. Examples of those include monounsaturated fats (found in olive oil, avocados and certain nuts and seeds) and polyunsaturated fats (found in sunflower oil, walnuts, fish and flaxseed).

MYTH 3: “Calories in, calories out” is the most important factor for maintaining weight.

It’s true that if you burn more calories than you consume, you will probably lose weight.     3     Rather, it’s the types of foods we eat that may be the long-term drivers of those conditions. Ultra-processed foods can lead to weight gain.

MYTH 4: Plant beverages are healthier than dairy milk.

While the nutrition of plant-based beverages can vary, many have more added ingredients which can contribute to poor health than cow’s milk.     4     Almond (杏仁) beverage on the other hand, typically has one or two grams in the same amount.

MYTH 5: Potatoes are bad for you.

Potatoes have often been vilified in the nutrition community because of their high glycemic index, which can spike your blood sugar. However, potatoes are rich in vitamin C, potassium, fibre and other nutrients, especially when consumed with the skin on.     5    

A．All fat is bad.

B．All fat is not beneficial.

C．The reason for this is that they are rapidly digested.

D．They are also inexpensive and available year-round in grocery stores.

E．Typically, cow’s milk has about eight grams of protein per 250 millilitres.

F．They can be an easy way to make sure there are always fruits and vegetables available at home.

G．But research does not suggest that eating more will result in becoming overweight or obese.