1 . “When I first started learning calligraphy, I just copied the teacher’s strokes (笔画) , and my work was ugly. But when the brush was in the teacher’s hand, it turned into Harry Potter’s magic wand (魔杖) ,” said Aryan Mohammd, 27, from Afghanistan.

Currently studying as a graduate student at the Central University of Finance and Economies in Beijing, Aryan has lived in China for six years. During this time, he discovered many of China’s great achievements in economics, science and technology, as well as the richness of Chinese culture. He also realized that Chinese is steadily becoming an international language.

Attending multiple school activities for international students to better understand Chinese culture. Aryan found his hobby — calligraphy.

“When I first came to China, I didn’t know much Chinese and thought calligraphy would be difficult,” Aryan said. “However, later on, I found out that calligraphy can help me improve my Chinese language skills and my understanding of Chinese culture.

Calligraphy helps him to both understand each stroke and the Chinese attitude towards life. The horizontal, vertical (垂直的) and left and right falling strokes on the paper represent Chinese people's unique symbols and memories. They are also the hidden keys to better understanding Chinese culture.

“I have learned the saying that all forms of Chinese art are some extensions of calligraphy,” Aryan said. He has also developed a more mature personality along the way. He has become calmer when facing difficulties through his new hobby. Calligraphy offers him a special personal space and gives him strength when he feels stressed. Ultimately, it helps him to find inner peace.

1. What initially motivated Aryan to start learning calligraphy?

A．His progress in Chinese learning.	B．His interest in Harry Potter’s magic wand.
C．His admiration for China’s great achievements	D．His desire to better understand Chinese culture.

2. How does Aryan see the strokes in Chinese calligraphy?

A．They relate to people’s hobbies.	B．They are complex and difficult to master.
C．They are a direct extension of Chinese art.	D．They reflect the Chinese attitude towards life

3. What can be inferred about Aryan’s experience with calligraphy over time?

A．His preference for calligraphy grew.

B．He gave up on calligraphy due to its difficulty.

C．His initial attempts at calligraphy won high praise

D．He found calligraphy an easy hobby and mastered it quickly.

4. What’s the best title of the text?

A．The Evolution of Chinese Calligraphy

B．The Magic of Learning Chinese Calligraphy

C．The Internationalization of Chinese Calligraphy

D．The Increasing Popularity of Chinese Calligraphy

2 . As concerns about the environmental impact of food production continue to grow researchers and policymakers are exploring novel ways to produce protein more sustainably. One option that has been gaining attention in recent years is the use of insects as a food source.

The idea of eating crickets (蟋蟀) or mealworms doesn’t give many Western consumers a good appetite. A new study, presented at this year’s European Congress on Obesity (ECO) in Venice, Italy, surveyed 603 UK adults about their attitudes towards consuming insects and revealed that only 13% of respondents were willing to regularly eat insects, while 47 percent said they would not be willing to do so. However, it suggests that mixing insect-based ingredients (配料) with familiar foods could be key to overcoming the biggest barrier and making this eco-friendly protein source more palatable.

So, what makes insects such a promising alternative to traditional livestock, such as cows and sheep? Some insect proteins, such as ground crickets or freeze-dried mealworms, are cheaper and often have a lower fat content. Additionally, insect farming requires less land, water, and feed than traditional livestock and has less environmental impact. The biggest factor is that they are a rich source of protein and micro-nutrients, making them a potentially valuable tool in preventing people from both being too fat and under nutrition.

The study found that ideas about insects’ taste or sensory properties were generally unfavorable, with participants anticipating lower levels of enjoyment, liking, or sweetness and higher levels of saltiness and bitterness. However, the researchers note that attitudes towards eating insects can change over time, pointing to the example of lobster (龙虾) . Once considered a poor man’s food, these are now considered a delicacy in many parts of the world despite their insect-like appearance. To help change attitudes towards insect-based foods, the researchers suggest that more needs to be done to let consumers be well-informed of the nutritional and environmental benefits of eating insects.

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

A．Profitable.

B．Authoritative.

C．Affordable

D．Delicious.

2. What can be the main cause of insects’ likely replacing traditional livestock?

A．The raising costs.	B．The rich nutrition.
C．The low fat content.	D．The eco-friendly features

3. Why do the researchers mention lobsters?

A．To make a comparison.	B．To highlight a problem.
C．To prove their prediction.	D．To criticize an argument.

4. What is the author likely to write about after the last paragraph?

A．How to raise insects effectively.	B．Varieties of insect-based foods.
C．How to make insects more appealing	D．Education of consumers eating insects.

3 . Do you think artificial intelligence (AI) should be banned in schools? To improve the new development of education, experts and officials believe that generative AI tools should be safely and appropriately applied in schools rather than being banned.

Zheng Qinghua, president of Tongji University, emphasized the importance of taking the opportunities and meeting challenges presented by AI-empowered education. He suggested that young people should be guided to improve their understanding of the knowledge created by technology. Meanwhile, their motivation for learning should also be encouraged.

AI technology has become increasingly important for getting and spreading knowledge, impacting teaching, learning, and school management. Zheng emphasized the widespread use of various models such as Emie Bot, an AI chatbot product developed by Baidu, among college students in China. The tool can write essays, solve science problems, and help students with assignments and tests.

Furthermore, a survey conducted by the online learning platform Study showed that 89 percent of students had used ChatGPT for homework assistance, raising concerns about academic honesty. Instead of merely relying on AI to provide answers or complete homework and tests, people should focus on using AI to develop students’ innovation and integrate professional skills, enabling them to solve real-world problems, said Zheng.

According to Colin Bailey, president of Queen Mary University of London, as ChatGPT grows rapidly, the focus should not be on whether to use AI in education, but on how to use it safely, effectively, and appropriately. Banning AI in schools is not the solution, Bailey concluded. Bailey also warmed about the potential harm caused by poorly designed AI.

Efforts to regulate (监管) AI have come out around the world, such as the Blueprint for an AI Bill of Rights in the US and a pro-innovation approach to AI regulation in the UK. In China, measures for managing generative AI services have been carried out. Chen Jie, vice-minister of education, emphasized the need for cooperation among education and research institutions to address AI-related issues like privacy leaks and bias (偏见) .

1. What is Zheng Qinghua’s attitude towards using AI in education?

A．Doubtful.

B．Tolerant.

C．Favorable

D．Unclear.

2. What is the primary concern raised by the survey conducted by Study?

A．The privacy leaks of using AI tools.

B．The students’ reliance on AI tools to learn

C．Dishonest behavior in the students’ homework

D．The students’ preference for AI chatbots to human teachers

3. What is Colin Bailey’s suggestion on AI tools in schools?

A．Applying them in a proper and efficient way.	B．Protecting them from the potential harm.
C．Prohibiting them due to academic issues	D．Using them without restrictions.

4. What’s the main idea of the last paragraph?

A．The unique approach of China in regulating AI

B．The global agreement on the ban of AI in education

C．The international cooperation in addressing AI-related issues

D．The worldwide efforts to establish regulations on AI services.

4 . July is just around the corner. As you look forward to travelling or having your holidays to the beach, an outdoor theatre may also be a good choice. There are plenty of outdoor theatres to choose from across the UK.

Storyhouse Theatre, Chester

Every year in July, Storyhouse theatre builds an entire amphitheatre (圆形剧场) in Grosvenor Park. This year sees an eclectic trio: The Gangs of New York, The Importance of Being Earnest and The Wizard of Oz. You will be most excited by the first: a new adaptation written by Kieran Lynn and directed by John Young.

Thorington Theatre, Suffolk

Opening in 2021, Thorington is built in a natural amphitheatre hidden in the Suffolk woodlands. This year’s programme includes some family favourites such as Teddy Bear’s Picnic and The Little Mermaid, as well as Shakespeare’s The Tempest and A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

Minack Theatre, Cornwall

Built into a cliff face in Porthcurno, you hardly need an excuse to visit this theatre. It will be an unforgettable experience. This year sees touring productions of Little Shop of Horrors, The Massive Tragedy of Madame Bovary among other things. If you want a show particularly fitting for this unique surrounding, check out The Pirates of Penzance playing in September.

Pitlochry Festival Theatre, Highland Perthshire

Throughout most of the year, the Pitlochry Festival Theatre’s indoor auditorium and studio serve as their regular performance spaces. But in summer, you can see equally lavish productions at the amphitheatre, nestled in the woods and overlooking Ben-Y-Vrackie mountain. This year they’ll be staging Dido and Aeneas, and The Secret Garden, the perfect story for this lush garden stage.

1. What do the theatres have in common?

A．They offer outdoor activities.	B．They are built in woodlands.
C．They are only open in summer.	D．They put on open-air performances.

2. In which of the following can you enjoy a Shakespeare play?

A．Storyhouse theatre.	B．Thorington Theatre.
C．Minack Theatre.	D．Pitlochry Festival Theatre.

3. What do you think of the plays staged in Minack Theatre?

A．Peaceful.

B．Family-friendly.

C．Thrilling.

D．Humorous.

5 . A monarch butterfly landed on the palm of my open hand. I put my hand high above my head. The butterfly took off, flying into the sky and disappearing.

That moment was in 1993. It was the first time I had ever tagged a butterfly. I got hooked. Over the years, I observed its change from egg to adult. I watched with eyes wide when the caterpillar would start to shed its skin and show its inner green body. My passion for science inspired by these small insects continued to Kenyon College in Ohio. There I was one of the few girls who majored in biology.

I got involved in a long-term program fueled by generations of energetic volunteers. They tagged monarchs, monitored their migration south, and helped to give lectures at the local state park. It helped show patterns in monarch migration. Monitoring monarchs in the same location, year after year, allowed us to associate climate change with increasing delayed migrations, which had put the monarchs at risk.

In another program, we visited a monarch reserve in March 2007. There, we tagged more than 3,000 monarchs, talked to hundreds of interested visitors, and witnessed the amazing movement of monarchs. It was a transformational experience. More and more visitors came every spring. The monarchs bring in thousands of tourists each year, helping the local economy and providing new ideas to protect the remaining forest.

Monarch butterflies, and science programs supporting them, helped draw me into science over 20 years ago. Other projects like Audubon’s Christmas Bird Count have also inspired other young students to embark on careers in science. Engaging in any manner of projects, like monitoring sea level rise, contributes to science and helps get students of any age outdoors. Remember: science isn’t just for scientists.

1. What motivated the author to study biology in the college?

A．Playing a butterfly game.	B．The monarch’s migration.
C．Her interest in butterflies.	D．Feeding monarchs at home.

2. What might be a cause of monarch’s delayed migrations?

A．Loss of forests.	B．Lack of food sources.
C．Climate change.	D．Tourism development.

3. What does the author think of their visit to the monarch reserve in 2007?

A．Well-organized.

B．Rewarding.

C．Laborious.

D．Boring.

4. Why does the author mention Audubon’s Christmas Bird Count?

A．To show who are real scientists.	B．To prove her predictions.
C．To advocate animal protection.	D．To show its inspiring effect.

6 . Throughout the summer there is nothing like getting to play outside in the warm weather. You have all day to play and have lots of adventures, with no school or responsibilities.     1     Here are some simple sun safety tips that will keep you having fun in the sun.

One of he easiest ways to protect yourself from the sun is to use sunscreen and know how to apply it correctly. You should remember to put on sunscreen at least 15 minutes before going outside. Remember to put it on any area that is exposed to the sun, especially hands, ears, neck, feet, nose, shoulders and lips. You also need to remember to reapply sunscreen at least every two hours.     2     Waterproof sunscreen is a better choice if you will be around the water.

    3     Hats and UV protected sunglasses are important to protect your face and eyes from sun damage. Also wearing protective clothing, including clothing with UV protection will also help prevent sun damage.

It is also fairly simple to plan not to spend too much time outside during the sunniest hours of the day.     4     During these times it is a good idea to have other fun activities arranged, so you can be sure to get out of the sun for a while and protect yourself from sun damage.

When you are playing at the beach in the water and on the sand you should be extra careful about sun safety.     5     And that can cause more sun damage. Be sure to cover up as much as possible and be careful to reapply your sunscreen often and after you have been in the water.

A．Watch for the UV index.

B．Both water and sand reflect the sunlight.

C．The sun is most powerful from around 10 am to 4 pm.

D．But nothing can ruin your fun like getting a nasty sunburn.

E．And reapply it every time after swimming or getting sweaty.

F．Another simple way to protect your skin from the sun is to cover up.

G．If you must be in the sunlight, use the strongest sunscreen you can get.

7 . Deceleration isn’t really in the runner’s vocabulary. For many of the people who do it, from Olympic champions to 5K enthusiasts, running is the pursuit of speed itself; a sport defined by personal bests, competition and striving. Slow? That’s a four-letter word.

Until quite recently, slow running has become “A Thing”, backed not just by wellness experts on Instagram, but also by a growing number of coaches, amateur runners and exercise scientists, too. The thinking is that going slow could be a fast way to enjoy the benefits of exercise.

Slow running is usually defined as a pace at which you can comfortably hold a conversation. Think of it as an effort of 4 or 5 on a scale of 1 - 10, where 10 is an all-out sprint (冲刺). If you know your sports science, it’s referred to as ‘zone 2 exercise’ and it’s a physiological sweet spot that can improve and extend your life.

So, what makes the unhurried approach so healthful? As well as improving the strength and pumping capacity of your heart, slow running can avoid metabolic diseases and encourage your body to use fat for energy. Slow runners also recover faster and are less likely to suffer tiredness or injuries from overtraining. They’re also more likely to feel good.

“There are huge positives for emotional health,” says Gordon, an exercise physiologist at Anglia Ruskin University in southeast England. “The benefits for things like mood state, depression and anxiety don’t really decrease any more if we increase the exercise intensity. And then there’s the social aspect. One of the things to emphasize with slow running is, you can actually have a conversation!” Gordon believes that promoting slow running might encourage more people to exercise and stick with it, partly because you can do it with friends and partly because there’s no pressure to perform.

1. What is the most important for a runner on the sports field?

A．Speed.

B．Health.

C．Interest.

D．Enjoyment.

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

A．Explained.

B．Defined.

C．Supported.

D．Proved.

3. What are the last two paragraphs mainly about as to slow running?

A．Its definition.

B．Its benefits.

C．The training.

D．Its popularity.

4. What does Gordon say about slow running?

A．It benefits a lot to mental health.	B．It is key to increase the intensity.
C．It offers a chance to make friends.	D．It is no easy work to stick with it.

8 . Kendall Griffith is a student at Bard College majoring in both the pipa, a four-stringed Chinese lute, and Asian studies. Born and raised in Boston, Griffith started her journey into Chinese culture nine years ago, when she began learning Chinese for its writing system and tones.

While learning Chinese, she was captivated by traditional Chinese music in a drama she was watching. Griffith did some research and discovered that the instrument she was drawn to was the pipa.

“I like the sound of the pipa, especially the techniques that are incorporated with it,” Griffith says, adding that her parents and friends have been very supportive of her learning Chinese traditional music.

Griffith’s father helped her discover the instrument and she found her first pipa teacher, who was part of the Boston Chinese Ensemble. Sometimes, after performances, people would tell her, “I’ve never seen a non-Chinese person play this before. That’s very cool.”

Last semester, Griffith studied at the Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing. Learning the pipa in the city, where “Chinese music is happening”, Griffith felt pushed beyond her comfort zone and learned more about her passion.

“There was an interesting lecture that talked about how most Chinese music emulates things in calligraphy. There’s a lot of empty space, and I can now incorporate that feeling into a lot of the music I play,” she says.

“Chinese music also emulates nature in a way. The sound it makes can resemble a horse; you can visualize it. There are many techniques not seen in Western instruments, such as bending the strings or using your five fingers to create a tremolo. I enjoy telling my friends about it,” she says. Griffith’s friends, who were amazed by her impressions, started attending more Chinese music concerts, wanting to learn more.

Diving into another culture through music makes Griffith value the culture more. She said, “When you learn about a different type of music, it makes you appreciate the culture more. It makes you realize how important it is to be open-minded. I feel more open-minded about why things are the way they are.”

1. How did Griffith begin to learn the pipa?

A．Inspired by her Asian studies.	B．Influenced by her friends.
C．Attracted by its unique sound.	D．Encouraged by her father.

2. What do some people think of Griffith’s pipa playing?

A．Amazing.

B．Odd.

C．Shocking.

D．Curious.

3. Why does Griffith mention the calligraphy in Paragraph 6?

A．To explain the Chinese writing system.	B．To display its link with Chinese music.
C．To show different forms of Chinese arts.	D．To explore the origin of Chinese music.

4. What benefit does Griffith get from learning Chinese music?

A．It has promoted her Chinese learning.	B．It makes her abandon western music.
C．It has developed her critical thinking.	D．It makes her love Chinese culture more.

9 . Every culture has its own music.     1     All types of music have one thing in common: it brings people together.

There are many festivals held in various communities.     2     Without music, a celebration will be effectively incomplete. Music allows us to dance and be completely ourselves in front of our peers. When music is playing and people are dancing, you feel a sense of belonging to your culture.

Music is always present in our lives. It can be a huge part of our life no matter where we live or how old we are. Our parents play us music or sing to us when we are young. People schedule a time to relax and listen to their favorite music.     3    

    4     There’s a reason why parents sing to their babies before they’re born. They will be able to learn a language by listening to music. The alphabet, taught through a song, is one of the most important skills you learned as a child. To be sure, learning a language through song is easier than trying to memorize a sentence in a completely different language.

Music also assists us in discovering our identities.     5     As they grow older, they begin to have our own musical tastes. That is often their first act of defiance (挑战) against their parents. They figure out who they want to be, and music can play an important role in this process.

A．Music is extremely personal.

B．Most of them include music.

C．Children like to listen to pop music.

D．It exists in every corner of the globe.

E．Music is critical in helping you learn a language.

F．It affects them and brings them closer to others.

G．Children attempt to imitate their parents for a long time.

10 . On a drizzly British spring day, the 2024 Guinness World Records held a ceremony in Bournemouth to award local lifeguard Chris Lewis the title of the world’s longest-serving lifeguard.

Lewis, 74, began volunteering as a lifeguard at the age of 16. Over the years, he patrolled the beaches as a member of the Royal lifesaving Society, and in 2001, became part of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) lifeguard service when the charity began providing beach patrols for local authorities. “It’s the best job in the world,” Lewis said. “You’re working on the beach, which you love, and you’re helping people. What could be better?”

Most of his colleagues are half his age, but he is still fighting fit. A Royal National Lifeboat Institution lifeguard must complete a 400m pool swim in under 7.5 minutes, and run 200m along the beach in under 40 seconds. The swimming fitness tests are still reasonably easy for Lewis. But a little hip trouble, the legacy of a rugby injury, can slow down his running. “I’ve been doing yoga to try to help with that”, he said.

Lewis’s most memorable rescue took place in 2010 when a 16-year-old girl and her two younger brothers got into trouble while swimming off Durley Chine beach. On that day, the girl was being hurled into a groyne (防波堤), leaving her with nasty cuts. One of her brothers was hanging on to the groyne while the third child was being knocked around by the waves. Lewis swam out with a rescue tube and managed to get all three back to the beach. As he got out, everyone on the beach stood up and applauded.

if Lewis does stop any time soon, there is someone else who may just break his record. His wife of 49 years, Elaine Lewis, 70, has been a lifeguard in Bournemouth for 50 years and still competes in lifeguard competitions. Their two children are lifeguards and their grandchildren are in training.

1. How long has Lewis been working as a RNLI lifeguard?

A．58 years.

B．49 years.

C．35 years.

D．24 years.

2. What made Lewis work so long?

A．His interest in swimming.	B．His colleagues’ challenge.
C．His love for helping others.	D．His desire to regain health.

3. Which of the following best describes Lewis’s job?

A．Well-paid.

B．Demanding.

C．Creative.

D．Exciting.

4. What is presented in Paragraph 4?

A．A practical example.	B．The social response.
C．The risks Lewis faces.	D．The author’s attitude.