1 . Rap music has long been the poster child for negativity in society for a number of decades. It has been criticized (批评) in the media and seen by a good number of people as a bad influence on citizens in general. The lyrics might have something to blame in this regard as they often seemingly celebrate violence as well as drugs and alcohol. The reality is that rap music is greatly misunderstood. In spite of the negativity that often surrounds it, however, rap music can have a positive influence on listeners.

One of these positive effects is that it has been used as a great unifier of diverse populations around the world. It started as a subculture among African American communities in America but it is now a phenomenon of global culture. As a matter of fact, it isn't only limited to African American communities, as non black communities make up seventy five percent of the global rap audience. Its infectious rhythms, catchy beats, and relatable lyrics hold universal attraction that goes beyond cultural and language barriers.

Rap has also been vital in promoting social and political awareness among the youth of today. Rap music educates people from different points of views and raises many social issues. Rap is channel (渠道) for people to speak freely about their view on political or social issues and by doing so, it encourages teenagers to become concerned and aware of these issues. A few of them that rap has created awareness in are racial discrimination (歧视), the importance of education and believing in your dreams.

Rap music is entertainment (娱乐) and should not be treated any differently than any other form of entertainment out there. If critics of rap music still believe that rap only sends negative messages, they should listen closer. The bottom line is that all rap music is not degenerate (堕落的) and consideration should be taken when analysing the message that the music is presenting

1. Why is rap music often connected with negativity?

A．It has long been the poster child for negativity.

B．It has shown a bad influence on citizens in general.

C．It seems to celebrate violence as well as drugs and alcohol.

D．It started as a subculture among African American communities.

2. What helps rap music gain great popularity around the globe?

A．Its positive influence on listeners around the world.

B．Its engaging music elements like rhythms, lyrics and beats.

C．Its continuous promotion of social and political awareness.

D．Its African American culture that fascinates non black communities.

3. How does rap encourage teenagers to become more aware of social issues?

A．By making social issues more entertaining.

B．By providing a platform to voice their opinions

C．By stressing the importance of education and dreams.

D．By drawing teenagers’ attention to racial discrimination.

4. What can be inferred about rap music in the last paragraph?

A．Rap music is now unfairly treated.

B．Rap music is suitable for everyone.

C．Rap music is difficult to understand.

D．Rap music is simply for entertainment.

2 . Australia Day, on 26 January, is in memory of the day in 1788 when Captain Arthur Phillip, commander of the First Fleet of 11 British ships, arrived at Sydney Cove to mark the birth of the colony (殖民). Every year, many in this nation of 24 million people gather on beaches and around barbeques to celebrate. From boats competitions, camel races, to outdoor concerts, Australians mark a public holiday more popularly treated as a late summer festival than the serious national day its founders intended it to be — a unifying celebration of the good fortune of being Australian and the values that unite the nation: freedom, independence, a fair go, mateship.

However, not all Australians feel the same about the day. Recently there has been much controversy over the correctness of celebrating on this date. Native Australians, in particular, have long referred to this date as "Invasion (入侵) Day" or "National Day of Mourning (哀悼)" in protest of the arrival of the British peoples. They mourn their ancestors who suffered and died during colonization. There has even been a growing push to change the date of the national celebration, a move popular with younger Australians but less so with older generations.

In response to the protests, the Australian government has recognized the traditional owners of the lands on which Australia Day activities take place, in the hope that Australians from all backgrounds come together to celebrate Australia as a multicultural society. "Our desire is that Australia Day is a time for inclusion, as well as an opportunity for greater understanding," one officer from The Australian Department of Communications and the Arts said.

1. What is the original purpose of Australia Day?

A．To observe a late summer festival.

B．To honor the arrival of the British.

C．To celebrate national identity and values.

D．To mourn the natives who suffered during colonization.

2. What does the underlined word “controversy” in Paragraph 2 probably mean?

A．Debate.

B．Defence.

C．Faith.

D．Puzzle.

3. What did the British probably do to the native Australians after their arrival?

A．They mourned the suffering of native Australians.

B．They recognized native Australians’ independence.

C．They protested against native Australians’ ownership of the land.

D．They brought loss of life and hardship among native Australians.

4. What can be inferred from the last paragraph?

A．More Australia Day activities will be organized.

B．The date of Australia Day will soon be changed.

C．The protests of changing the date have already been settled.

D．Australia Day should be celebrated with understanding and respect.

3 . The 4 Best Museums to Visit in Boston

Boston is a city filled with history, which is one of the reasons it’s a great destination to visit. Exploring Boston’s museum scene will give you a taste for what this New England city is all about. Read on for the best in the city.

MIT Museum

The MIT Museum’s main purpose is to share science and technology research and innovation. There are all sorts of shows with inventions that will spark conversation around a variety of topics related to STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics). Along with many hands-on experiments in the afternoon.

Hours: 10:00 a. m.-5:00 p. m. Self-guided tour tickets available for students and seniors ($5) and adults($10).

The Museum of Fine Arts

The Museum of Fine Arts may be the most popular museum in Boston. Founded in 1870, the museum has grown over the years to now feature nearly 500, 000 works of art. The museum also hosts special events throughout the year, along with art classes for those interested in improving their skills.

Hours: Monday-Sunday 10 a. m.-5 p. m.. Tickets: Adults-$25, Students-$23, Children-$10.

The Sports Museum

Located on the 5th and 6th floors of the TD Garden is The Sports Museum. It’s here that you’ll see a half-mile worth of exhibits and learn about the history of all the Boston sports teams and their championship titles over the years. (For more information, you may click here.)

Hours: Monday-Saturday 10 a. m.-5 p. m. and Sunday 11 a. m.-5 p. m. Tickets (same price for each tour): Kids 6 and under-FREE, Kids 7-18-$10, Adults-$15.

The Museum of Science

One of the most popular museum s in Boston, the Museum of Science has something for everyone with over 500 shows that are both educational and interactive. The museum has a big emphasis on STEM education (science, technology, engineering and math), and you’ll see this brought to life through their exhibits throughout the year.

Hours: Saturday to Thursday 9 a. m.-5 p. m. and Friday 9 a. m.-9 p. m.

Tickets: Kids-$23, Adults -$28, Seniors -$24 for Exhibit Hall. Save $3 per ticket by purchasing Exhibit Hall tickets a day in advance online.

1. Where can a group go if they want to visit a museum with classes?

A．MIT Museum.	B．The Museum of Fine Arts.
C．The Sports Museum.	D．The Museum of Science.

2. What do MIT Museum and The Museum of Science have in common?

A．They open until 9 p. m.	B．They provide discounts online.
C．They offer chances to do experiments.	D．They are concerned with science.

3. Where is this text probably taken from?

A．A travel brochure.

B．A research paper.

C．A website page.

D．A course plan.

4 . Over the years, April Fools’ Day has become larger than life. While it may be seen as just a bit of fun, there is more to jokes and humour than may be obvious, begging the question: are the jokes on the 1st of April a good or a bad idea?

Every year, individuals and newspapers present jokes on the 1st of April that may be funny, yet sometimes causing an unexpected upheaval. One radio announcement made in 1949, that a mile-wide swarm of wasps (一群黄蜂) was heading for Auckland, was taken a bit too seriously. The news even came with advice on how to prepare for the incoming insects, resulting in all residents walking outdoors tucking (塞) their trousers into their socks, wearing masks (面罩) as well as setting honey traps outside their doors.

What makes things funny? This is a million-dollar question and one that’s not easily answered. First, it’s influenced by the context, the culture, and personal opinions, meaning that it’s not consistent (一致的) across populations. Besides, if a joke is violating (违反) a norm or rule, it’s more likely to be regarded as funny. Such violations need to be harmless, as they can otherwise be considered unpleasant. In terms of personal experience, serious events may be considered funnier over time, while stubbing (踩) a toe, considered a small violation, would lose its comedic effect over time. Interestingly, people, children, in particular, have been found to be more likely to laugh when they are near others compared to when alone.

Jokes may not seem serious but can actually serve social functions like managing emotions and also be used to deal with matters in work. For example, studies have found that there is a meaningful function of humour in healthcare settings, as it strengthens the connection between medical staffs and patients as well as relieves stressful situations linked to end-of-life care among nursing professionals.

However, it’s suggested that jokes be used cautiously. For example, David Letterman gained reputation (名声) for an interview he had done with Lindsay Lohan in 2013, when the audience had laughed loudly at his repeated questions about her going to receive treatment. However, 8 years later, his comments were seen as offensive (冒犯的). So it’s important to ensure that any violations made are not significant enough to damage your future fame.

1. What does the underlined word “upheaval” probably mean in paragraph 2?

A．Upset.

B．Fun.

C．Annoyance.

D．Popularity.

2. What can we learn about jokes from the passage?

A．People’s opinion of jokes differs.	B．Jokes remain humorous all the time.
C．Jokes can strengthen our connection.	D．Children are more likely to laugh than adults.

3. How does the author mainly share her understanding of jokes with us?

A．By listing figures.	B．By making comparisons.
C．By giving examples.	D．By answering questions.

4. What’s the purpose of the text?

A．To tell us the function of jokes.	B．To provide information about jokes.
C．To help make up funny jokes.	D．To propose telling jokes carefully.

5 . In the forest on Washington state’s outer coast, streets and sidewalks have appeared in recent weeks, representing the future of the Quinault Indian Nation. The coastal tribe (部落) has done more to deal with that hotter future than most places in the U.S. It is gradually becoming one of the first American communities to move inland as sea levels rise.

Each winter, the highest waves of the year threaten to flood Taholah, the largest Quinault village of 800 people. Flood forced the government to start the relocation of Taholah in 2022 to an upland site. In December, 2023, the Quinault government reached a milestone (里程碑) in its long push to provide safe housing for its people. While fully relocating the village is expected to take at least another decade, tribal officials hope the first Quinault elders can begin moving into new homes in the next year or two.

To deal with the human-driven climate change that coastal communities are facing, such an approach can cost millions of dollars and cause huge emotional distress. It’s been a long process to persuade tribal members to move to higher ground. One tribe member Lia Frenchman said there’s a generational divide, with some elders doubting whether the move would be necessary in their, or their children’s, lifetimes. Frenchman said she looked forward to moving uphill and protecting her family from the rising ocean. Still, she would miss the sounds of the surf and eagles overhead.

Despite the challenges, the approach of Taholah gives us a possible way-out. Global sea levels have risen about 7 inches over the past century due to heat-trapping pollution, with a similar rise forecast in just the next 30 years. Many communities may find this approach necessary as the Earth continues to warm and sea levels continue to rise.

1. Which is the challenge faced by the Quinaut government?

A．The safe places are hard to find.

B．The moving process is longer than expected.

C．The sea level rises too fast for the tribe to move.

D．Not all tribe members welcome the relocation.

2. What can be learned from Frenchman’s words?

A．She was concerned about eagles.

B．She was doubtful about the move.

C．She was unwilling to move inland.

D．She was aware of the existing danger.

3. What’s the author’s attitude toward the approach of the Quinaut tribe?

A．Supportive.

B．Doubtful.

C．Indifferent.

D．Negative.

4. What’s the main idea of this passage?

A．The rising sea level will continue in the future.

B．The rising sea level is threatening coastal tribes.

C．A costal Indian tribe is escaping from a rising sea.

D．A costal Indian tribe is rebuilding houses for safety.

6 . With iconic landmarks (地标) and architectural marvels, Seattle is one of the best places to visit in the Pacific Northwest. The following best-selling tours will make your trip a trip to remember.

Sightseeing Bus Tour
☆3.6 (647 reviews)

This tour will give you the chance to see the highlights of Seattle at your own pace. With a one-day or two-day ticket, you can hop on and hop off the open-top double-decker bus at any stop and listen to an audio guide throughout the journey.

Chef Guided Food Tour
☆4.9 Exceptional (902 reviews)

This chef-guided food tour will take you to explore Seattle’s food culture in two hours. You will start with a bite of yogurt featuring local dairy. Next, you stop by for a quick snack of dried apples and cherries, followed by tasting a cup of award-winning thick soup. You will also learn where the chefs get their produce from, and see the production of cheese on-site.

Harbour Cruise Tour
☆4.7 Exceptional (730 reviews)

Starting from Seattle’s central waterfront, this one-hour Seattle harbour cruise will take you along the shoreline, enjoying views of the Seattle skyline. You’ll view the Seattle Great Wheel, Seattle Aquarium, Olympic Sculpture Park and Myrtle Edwards Park from the boat. Additionally, you’ll see the Olympic Mountain range and a 14,410-feet-tall volcano, located 60 miles southeast of Seattle.

Underground History Tour
☆4.6 Fabulous (1224 reviews)

This two-hour, small-group tour will take you into the attractive world beneath Seattle’s streets. You’ll travel along the underground pathways constructed over a century ago and learn interesting details about Seattle’s early history from your knowledgeable guide.

1. Which tour is the best choice if you are a foodie?

A．Underground History Tour.	B．Chef Guided Food Tour.
C．Harbour Cruise Tour.	D．Sightseeing Bus Tour.

2. What can visitors do in the Harbour Cruise Tour?

A．Admire various landmarks.	B．Go on a hike.
C．Learn Seattle’s history.	D．Listen to an audio guide

3. What’s the text?

A．A blog post.	B．A travel journal.
C．A tour advertisement.	D．A news report.

7 . The Great Smoky Mountain area is one of the most gorgeous vacation destinations in the USA. It would be no surprise if guests here book one of the amazing hotels.

Black Fox Hotel

Rooms at this lovely hotel come equipped with great amenities (便利设施) and feature s to make your stay as stress free as possible. Take a relaxing dip in the indoor swimming pool before heading back to your room. Guests will also enjoy taking advantage of the on-site restaurant and the fitness center.

Smoky Getaways Hotels

Smoky Getaways Hotels offer free parking, microwaves and fridges in all guest rooms! Each room comes equipped with a full kitchen and a grill — plus, they are pet friendly! Smoky Getaways Hotels are located close to Dollywood Amusement Park, so it is perfect for a family getaway.

The Resort at Governor’s Crossing

Here guests can enjoy a wide variety of exciting water park rides in both indoor and outdoor parks. From water basketball and water slides to a hot tub and a lazy river, utmost recreation and fun await at the indoor and outdoor pools, making it perfect for a family vacation.

Quality Inn Creekside

This hotel is sure to add comfort and convenience to your amazing trip. Guests will be able to enjoy a fun outdoor pool as well as amenities such as a mini-bar, a fitness center, and bicycles to rent. It is close to some amazing shopping centers and restaurants as well.

Browse through all of the hotels and the perfect one is just a click away!

1. Which hotel best suits pet lovers?

A．Black Fox Hotel.	B．Smoky Getaways Hotels.
C．Quality Inn Creekside.	D．The Resort at Governor’s Crossing.

2. What do Black Fox Hotel and Quality Inn Creekside have in common?

A．Both have restaurants within the hotels.

B．Both are close to the downtown shopping center.

C．People can work out in the fitness center of the hotel.

D．People can have easy access to swimming pool in the open air.

3. Where can the text be found?

A．In a travel brochure.

B．In a magazine.

C．On a newspaper.

D．On a website.

8 . Though it’s been around for roughly 5,000 years, yoga is more popular today than ever. The fact that you can practice it just about anywhere is a big reason why.    1     That’s nearly 15 million more than the number of people who golf.

Westerners adopted yoga as a form of exercise, but at its roots, yoga is a way of life. As recorded in the Yoga Sutras, yoga is based on the idea that the mind, body and spirit are all one. The breath is said to carry a person’s life force.     2    

In addition to reducing stress, yoga can improve posture and balance, strengthen bones and muscles,and keep your joints healthy.     3       For instance, downward-facing dog can relieve back pain, while plank pose is good for building a strong core (核心). For a quick break, the best choice is child pose.     4     You start out on your hands and knees and sit back, bringing your belly to the floor, with arms outstretched.

    5    . Globally, the industry is expected to produce $66 billion by 2027. More than 45,000 yoga studios dot the country. Despite the fact that all you really need is a mat, the average American yogi spends an estimated $62,640 over a lifetime on yoga classes and accessories.

A．Today, yoga is big business.

B．Different poses offer different benefits.

C．You have access to yoga whenever you like.

D．About 55 million Americans regularly hit the mat.

E．It is a gentle stretch that helps you rest and refocus.

F．Close your eyes, relax your body and take a deep breath.

G．Also, many experts believe that controlling the breath refreshes the body.

9 . The number of states requiring high schoolers to learn about personal money matters continued to increase in 2021, and another —Florida—is ready to join the group shortly. In Florida, the Legislature has passed a law requiring students to take a full term course in personal finance (金融) before graduating.

Financial concerns grew during the pandemic, and rising inflation (通货膨胀) is tightening household budgets. Those factors, combined with worries about burdensome student debt levels, have created a stronger reason for making personal money skills a must for high schoolers.

“The need has never been greater,” said Annamaria Lusardi, the founder and academic director of the Global Financial Literacy Excellence Center at George Washington University. “We owe it to this young generation to be well prepared for the future.”

Financial literacy (金融素养) — a working grasp of concepts like saving, credit, interest rates, investing and risk assessment — is generally low among American adults, especially younger adults. Two-thirds of Generation Z adults, for example, couldn’t correctly answer more than half the financial questions in the center’s survey, which compared financial literacy across five generations.

“The pandemic has shown a great need for the average Americans to have these skills,” said Tim Ranzetta, co-founder of Next Gen Personal Finance.

State-level surveys conducted for Next Gen have found strong support for high school personal finance requirements, Mr. Ranzetta said, and dozens of proposals are awaiting action in state legislatures. It’s uncertain how many will become laws, but a requirement in a large state like Florida, he said, may help promote other states’ efforts.

While the progress among states is encouraging, there is more to do. Currently, just nine of the 23 states require personal finance to be taken as a stand-alone course. Others permit the subject to be combined with other classes, like math or social studies, or provide other ways for students to quit the course.

1. Which is NOT the reason for requiring students to take a course in personal finance?

A．The impact of the pandemic.	B．The tight household budgets.
C．An increase in financial cases.	D．Concerns about student debt levels.

2. Which statement would Mr. Ranzetta probably agree with?

A．Dozens of proposals are sure to become laws.

B．Florida’s new law may encourage other states’ efforts.

C．Personal finance is not necessary for the average Americans.

D．The young generation have been well prepared in personal finance.

3. What’s the author’s attitude to states’ efforts in meeting personal finance requirements?

A．Positive.

B．Objective.

C．Indifferent.

D．Doubtful.

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

A．A New Course in Personal Finance

B．A Great Need for Financial Literacy

C．High Schoolers’ Growing Financial Concerns

D．High Schools’ Requirements for Personal Finance

10 . Many children are introduced to animals through TV shows or movies. Shaun the Sheep, a popular cartoon series, features a variety of animals living at the Mossy Bottom Farm. Among them, naughty Shaun is the clever leader of his flock of sheep. Sheep in this series look a bit different from common ones because the TV show used the Valais Blacknose sheep the model.

There are few animals that make people say “Aww!” in a high-toned voice as quickly as the Valais Blacknose sheep. As the cutest sheep in the world, these animals come from the Valais region in Switzerland. They are instantly recognizable thanks to their charming appearance. With spiral-shaped horns (螺旋形的角), they have soft, white wool, which contrasts with the black patches spread evenly over their faces and found on their ears, knees, and ankles.

The Valais Blacknose sheep have a rich history deeply rooted in the Swiss Alps. They were originally raised in the 15th century for their highly valued wool. However, it was not until 1962 that they were officially recognized as a breed (品种). Their population once dwindled, but continuous efforts have been made to protect this unique breed. These efforts have been successful, and the Valais Blacknose sheep can now be found in various parts of the globe.

Looking like a combination of a lamb and a teddy bear, the Valais Blacknose sheep has found its place in the hearts of many people. They are also raised as pets due to their adorable, gentle, and friendly nature, which makes them perfect companions. However, it’s important for owners to consider their needs, including suitable living environment, nutrition (营养), and space to get around. Whether as wool producers or beloved pets, the Valais Blacknose sheep have gained their fame in being helpful animals.

1. What do we know about the Valais Blacknose sheep?

A．They were officially recognized as a breed in 1962.

B．They make a sound of “Aww” when seeing people.

C．They are often raised as pets due to their valuable wool.

D．They are only found in the Valais region of Switzerland.

2. What does the underlined word “dwindled” mean in paragraph 3?

A．Increased rapidly.	B．Decreased gradually.
C．Remained stable.	D．Changed constantly.

3. What should owners take into consideration when raising the Valais Balcknose sheep?

A．Sheep’s food needs.	B．Owner-sheep relationship.
C．Sheep’s appearance.	D．Owners’ living environment.

4. What is the text mainly about?

A．The rich history of raising the Valais Blacknose sheep.

B．The popularity of the Valais Blacknose sheep in cartoons.

C．The unique characteristics of the Valais Blacknose sheep.

D．The importance of protecting the Valais Blacknose sheep.