1 . Say you’re on vacation at Niagara Falls. You want to take an amazing photo that captures(捕捉) the exceptional beauty of the waterfalls.
Before you snap (拍摄) a shot, ask yourself: What are you trying to document and why? That may be as simple as saying to yourself: “I’m going to take a picture of this painting at the museum because I like the colors.” It can help you focus on what you want to remember.
Make a shot list.
Professional photographers often create “shot lists”—a checklist of every photo they hope to capture, along with notes on style and composition—to ensure they get the coverage they need. You can try this same approach on your vacation.
Capture the ordinary.
Study your photos.
It can be hard to appreciate your photos in the rush of a trip.
| A．Learn from the professionals. |
| B．Think before you take a photo. |
| C．Try to capture moments or objects that may seem “ordinary”. |
| D．Thus, wait until you’re back home to study your images more carefully. |
| E．Making use of your senses is another way to add dimension to your pictures. |
| F．However, you don’t want to take the same photo that everyone else is taking. |
| G．Such a list can help figure out your photo goals and identify what you’re most excited about. |
2 . “I was not exceptional at all,” Claudia Goldin once told me of her time as an economics PhD student at the University of Chicago. But as the course progressed, she said, “I felt like lightbulbs were going on in my head.” On October 9 the brightness of those lights was confirmed, as she was awarded the Nobel Prize in Economics “for having advanced our understanding of women’s labour market outcomes”.
Goldin found men relatively dull, at least as a topic of study. Their labour was uniform compared to that of women, who might switch between caring for children, toiling (辛苦工作) in the family businesses or sweating somewhere else. But this complexity was harder to measure. According to America’s historical statistics, for example, their occupation was often unhelpfully listed as “wife”. So Goldin set out to measure their work properly.
The standard pattern of development was once that as countries got richer, women were pulled into the labour market. But by painstakingly stitching together different data sets, Goldin established that America’s path was more complicated, and that growth in the 1800s coincided with women moving away from work other than domestic labour.
Why? For a start, factory jobs were harder to combine with childcare than, say, sewing at home. And richer families could afford to spare women the indignity of toil. Goldin argued that stigma (污名) reinforced this, or the idea that “only a husband who is lazy and neglectful of his family would allow his wife to do such labour.” Later the stigma faded — the office clerk job of the 20th century was easier, and consistent with the impression of a supportive spouse. With the arrival of tight labour markets in the 1950s, discriminatory policies against hiring married women were virtually abandoned.
Today, women still work and earn less than men. As social norms have shifted and real barriers have fallen, Goldin says that most of the remaining gender gaps facing college-educated women are due to something else. So-called “greedy jobs” reward round-the-clock work and are conflicting with being on call for children. Perhaps men should also share the family burden and allow their partners to be more professionally involved instead.
1. How does Claudia Goldin find women’s domestic labour?| A．Complicated to understand. | B．Tricky to assess. |
| C．Less changeable than men’s work. | D．More valuable than men’s career. |
| A．They took an active part in workforce. |
| B．They were comfortable enough not to work. |
| C．They stood a good chance in office jobs. |
| D．They were still stuck in household chores. |
| A．To explain the current gender gaps. |
| B．To introduce the employee reward system. |
| C．To call on men to stay at home. |
| D．To expose the greedy nature of capitalists. |
| A．Gender Pay Gap Research Wins the Nobel Prize in Economics |
| B．How Goldin Transformed Our Understanding of Women’s Work |
| C．Women’s Century-Long Journey Toward Equality |
| D．Do Greedy Jobs Cause the Gender Pay Inequality |
3 . Despite being connected online, no matter what state you’re from, each city still retains its own language and slang. At my public high school in Los Angeles, we had our own secret language. A party was a “yart”. A beer was a “brewsky”. If I tried to use these words in front of anyone that didn’t live in Los Angeles, they would have no idea what was going on. When I came to college and used these words around my roommate from the East Coast, she would look at me with a blank stare.
Teenagers are often blamed for pulling apart standard linguistic patterns. The way my parents used to talk isn’t the same way that teenagers talk now. But it reflects the dynamic nature of language, which evolves over time due to various influences, including generational shifts and technological advancements. Teenagers, at an age when they are actively exploring their identity and seeking to differentiate themselves from previous generations, often play a significant role in this evolution.
It’s interesting to note that people around the world all have different terms for everyday things. Last year, I came across a British show called Love Island, which is a reality show that mixes people from different parts of the U. K. in a “villa”(another word Americans don’t typically say) for about eight weeks. As a bystander, the way they talked felt so elegant and fun, but to them, it was just normal.
Whether the way we talk is regional or from online, the soul of communication lies in its power to connect people, foster understanding, and facilitate interactions that shape our personal and social lives. I have often found it’s the way we connect with the people we live around.
1. Why might the roommate not understand the author’s high school language?| A．It is specific to Los Angeles. | B．It is too informal. |
| C．It is outdated. | D．It is from online. |
| A．By imitating their parents. |
| B．By applying advanced technology. |
| C．By following previous language patterns. |
| D．By finding their own voice. |
| A．To demonstrate worldwide language diversity. |
| B．To speak highly of British English. |
| C．To recommend a reality show. |
| D．To introduce everyday expressions in Britain. |
| A．The means of communication. | B．The nature of communication. |
| C．The elements of communication. | D．The process of communication. |
4 . Homeless Outreach & Mobile Engagement (HOME) Program in Los Angeles
The Homeless Outreach & Mobile Engagement (HOME) program provides field-based outreach, engagement, support, and treatment to individuals with severe and persistent mental illness who are experiencing unsheltered homelessness. Services are provided by addressing basic needs, conducting clinical assessments, providing street medical treatment, and providing access to appropriate services (including mental health services, substance abuse treatment, and shelter).
HOME serves the youth aged 16 to 21 who are experiencing chronic (长期的) unsheltered homelessness and who have profound mental health needs and associated impairments. These vulnerable individuals struggle with securing appropriate food, clothing, and shelter due to their mental illness. In addition, they may have critical shortage in communication, and are generally highly avoidant of medical services. They are unable to live safely in the community and require specialized mental health services to secure and sustain housing.
Most referrals (移交) are submitted by homeless outreach program staff members who identify individuals with severe impairments that require specialized and intensive support and engagement.
The general public may initiate a referral to a homeless outreach team through the Los Angeles Homeless Outreach Portal at www. LA-HOP. org. Individuals will be assigned to a HOME team if the person meets the criteria.
Homeless outreach providers should complete the form below and email it to HOME@dmh.lacounty.gov.
Press coverage about HOME:
●Los Angeles Times “LA’s first street psychologist makes his sidewalk rounds, transforming homeless lives”
●KPCC-FM “How LA’s ‘Street Psychology’ Program Works To Treat People Who Are Unhoused”
1. How does the HOME program offer help?| A．By conducting scientific research. |
| B．By providing accessible medical care. |
| C．By recommending useful websites. |
| D．By finding hosting families. |
| A．The temporarily unsheltered. | B．The well-off but troubled. |
| C．The homeless mentally ill. | D．The physically challenged. |
| A．Apply on the website. | B．Contact local media. |
| C．Visit its employees. | D．Write a letter of reference. |
5 . Playing tennis might add years to your life, according to a new study of Danish men and women. The study found that adults who frequently participate in tennis or other racket (球拍) and team sports lived longer than people who were spending a lot of time sitting down. They also lived longer than people who took part in activities such as jogging, swimming and cycling. The results raise interesting questions about the role that social interactions might play in enlarging the benefits of exercise.
No one doubts that being physically active improves our health and can extend our longevity (寿命). But whether some activities might be better than others remains in argument. One widely publicized 2017 study of more than 80,000 British men and women found that those who played racket sports like tennis tended to outlive those who jogged.
The researchers widened their inquiry and looked at a variety of sports and their associations with life. To start, they turned to the same data resource they had used for the jogging study, the Copenhagen City Heart Study. The study’s participants had all completed health exams and lengthy questionnaires about their lifestyles and whether and how often they took part in some sports common in Denmark, including cycling, swimming, running, tennis, soccer and, perhaps unexpectedly, badminton.
According to the data, cycling added an average of 3.7 years to riders’ lives, compared to sedentary Danes. Running added 3.2 years while tennis 9.7 years. These associations remained unchanged even when the researchers controlled for people’s education, socioeconomic status and age.
“Why and how some sports might add more years to people’s lives than others is impossible to know from this kind of observational study,” says Dr. James O’Keefe, a study co-author. “But we know that social support probably has unique effects on helping people get more benefits from the exercise.”
For now, people who run or ride alone might consider finding a group or partner to work out together. “Raising your heart rate is important for health,” he says. “But it looks like connecting with other people is, too.”
1. According to the passage, which activity may help people live longer?| A．Cycling. | B．Running marathon. |
| C．Swimming. | D．Playing badminton. |
| A．Inactive. | B．Outgoing. | C．Depressed. | D．Easygoing. |
| A．Exercising alone. | B．Working out together. |
| C．Working out regularly. | D．Raising one’s heart rate. |
| A．women who prefer team sports live longer than men |
| B．people’s education and socioeconomic status affect their longevity |
| C．the reason why some sports might add more years to people’s lives is still unknown |
| D．80,000 Danish men and women participated in the survey |
6 . High school, for most teenagers, is a space where new adventures and challenges begin. I clearly remember my first day of high school. As I entered the schools gate, I was greeted by a crowd of students. The hallways were filled with talking and laughter. It was a lot to handle, and I felt like a tiny fish in a vast ocean. I held my schedule tightly, trying to find the right classroom. My heart raced as I was scared of getting lost.
My first class was English, and as I walked in, I spotted familiar faces from my previous school I breathed a sigh of relief as I took my seat, surrounded by friendly smiles. My English teacher, Mrs. Johnson, introduced herself and made everyone feel comfortable. She explained what we would be studying during the semester and encouraged us to share our thoughts and ideas. The next class was mathematics, which happened to be my weakest subject. I felt a tight feeling in my stomach as I entered the classroom, but my maths teacher, Mr. Smith, turned out to be very patient. He promised us that we would learn and improve together. His words of support made me feel more relaxed, and I began to believe that I could overcome my maths struggles.
During lunchtime, I sat with a group of students who quickly became my friends. We shared stories, and talked about our expectations for high school. It was during this time that I realized that high school wasn’t just about academics (学术); it was also about building friendships and making lasting memories.
The rest of the day flew by with a variety of classes, faces, and experiences. My first day of high school was filled with moments of anxiety, joy, and the promise of new beginnings.
1. Why did the author feel like a tiny fish in a vast ocean at first?| A．Because of excitement and curiosity. |
| B．Because of the school’s welcoming atmosphere. |
| C．Because of fear of the unfamiliar environment |
| D．Because of good preparations for the new school. |
| A．Outgoing and friendly. | B．Generous and powerful. |
| C．Responsible and patient. | D．Encouraging and supportive. |
| A．Excited. | B．Anxious. | C．Relaxed. | D．Confident. |
| A．High school only focused on academics. |
| B．High school was an extremely challenging place. |
| C．High school was full of old friends and classmates. |
| D．High school was also about wonderful social experiences |
7 . If you’ve reached the end of the year feeling as though you didn’t read enough, we’ve got you. Here are some of the best books of the year according to notable artists, image-makers and other cultural taste makers.
Emily Ratajkowski, model: Ghost Lover’“This collection of nine short stories probes into many of the same themes in Lisa Taddeo’s beloved ‘Three Women’, but discusses them in a sharper, more disagreeable way. She ruthlessly explores jealousy relationships between women, aging, revenge and, of course, desire. Taddeo never lets you come up for air -- making you laugh while simultaneously horrifying you all when you least expect it.”
Hans UIrich Obrist, artistic director: ‘I Always Knew’“This is a portrait of artist and writer Barbara Chase-Riboud, through the letters she wrote to her mother, Vivian Mae, between 1957 and 1991. In this remarkable title, Barbara Chase-Riboud tells her mother about her development as an artist, her love stories, and her trips around the globe, from Africa to China. In these memoirs (回忆录), Chase-Riboud frankly and passionately describes her aspirations, her ambitions and creative inspiration，while also showcasing love and tenderness to her mother.”
Avan Jogia, actor and director: ‘Who is Wellness For?’“‘Who is Wellness For?’ is a book that works as part social observation and part memoir. It explores the commercialization of healing and ritual and asks questions about the industry of wellness I found the read insightful, thoughtful, and unafraid. Wellness isn’t for anyone if it’s not for everyone.”
1. What sets “Ghost Lover” apart from “Three Women”?| A．The focus on themes. | B．The setting of stories. |
| C．The structure of books. | D．The tone of narration. |
| A．Barbara Chase-Riboud. | B．Hans Ulrich Obrist |
| C．Vivian Mae. | D．Avan Jogia. |
| A．They bring laughter to readers. | B．They share the same writing type |
| C．They center on the theme of love | D．They stand out as the best reads of the year. |
8 . With the busy lifestyle of the modern world and the increasing demands on our time, napping (小睡) is becoming something only available for seniors and children of society. However, napping is a pleasant experience for taking a break from our daily work.
There are a variety of reasons why napping is necessary for humans. Some believe the Circadian rhythms (昼夜节律) decide the highs and lows of the waking state. The time after a large noonday meal is a perfect time to mark the change because digestion (消化) will create sleepiness.
Napping is not deep sleep but rather a short period of time, usually 20—30 minutes.
Traditionally, naps are taken after the midday meal, between 12:00 noon and 3:00 pm. Every culture around the world recognizes napping. In farming countries, a midday break is usual because of their early and late work schedules.
| A．Napping isn’t for everyone. |
| B．Napping offers various benefits for healthy adults. |
| C．This deep relaxation is more valuable than deep sleep. |
| D．Most doctors recommend a short break after the midday meal to digest. |
| E．Some countries like France offer special areas in the workplace as napping |
| F．However, research has discovered that napping occurs even without the large meal. |
| G．Many believe taking the time for napping will be more beneficial than the time lost from work. |
9 . A survey of 16- to 18-year-olds shows that even among some of American top high school students, not only do boys like math more than girls, but they also have more confidence in math class. The survey, conducted by Philadelphia-based Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (SIAM), gathered responses from 1,253 students to determine their views on math.
“While there are not huge differences in male and female views on math, the survey shows there is still a prominent gender difference when it comes to subject preferences and how students view their own strengths, as well as confidence levels in math class. Because 76% of male students describe their participation (参与) in math class as frequent and confident, while only 58% of females say the same,” says Michelle Montgomery, director of SIAM.
The survey also looked at the students’ preferences and practices when it comes to completing math problems. It found that if given the choice, most males and females prefer to work on projects in a team of three or more rather than work in pairs or individually. Just under a third said it didn’t matter to them and would happily do what is given. In terms of math exams, slightly more males prefer open-ended questions than females (63% vs 52%), while slightly more females like multiple (数量多的) choice questions than males (48% vs 37%).
The reasons for their preference? Those that like multiple choice questions proved the fact that questions seem less frightening when they can use the process of elimination (排除). Those who prefer open-ended math questions most often say they like that because there is no fixed answer—a problem can be solved in different ways, which is exciting.
1. What does the underlined word “prominent” in Paragraph 3 probably mean?| A．Obvious. | B．Similar. | C．True. | D．Uncertain. |
| A．Work in pairs. | B．Solve the problems by themselves. |
| C．Select another girl to work with. | D．Work in groups of three or more. |
| A．Because males enjoy being challenged. | B．Because males are used to elimination. |
| C．Because males want to show off their gift for math. | D．Because males like fixed answers. |
| A．Gender Difference Affects Math Grades | B．Boys Have a Better Gift for Math than Girls |
| C．Girls Feel Frightened of Learning Math | D．Boys Show More Confidence in Math than Girls |
10 . I loved weightlifting and began to do that at 12 years old. During my first year of high school, increased the amount of training and put everything into my dream to one day compete internationally. Unfortunately, I was not a naturally-gifted athlete. But I worked hard. When I was a senior in high school, I won two national championships and earned nine national-level medals in all.
However, I didn’t make it to compete for Team USA. I didn’t meet the requirements for the IWF Youth World Championships team and was later an alternate(侯补者) for the Pan-American Youth Championships team. I struggled to accept the fact that I never achieved the one goal I worked for during the last four years, representing Team USA internationally. I lost the passion I once had for the sport and took a step back from competing for a few months.
After I started college, I once again came into contact with barbells(杠铃) during my PE classes. Once I touched the barbell again, I just wanted to continue lifting weights and see how far I could physically and mentally push myself. I decided to start training full-time again to see what I could achieve during the rest of my college years.
I stopped caring about the weight on the bar, the girls I was competing against and the idea of being on Team USA. I started focusing on being confident and consistent with every lift-training with consistent weights on the barbells, skills and positive self-encouragement. Training and weightlifting became a competition with myself, rather than with other weightlifters.
During University Nationals 2022, I represented Temple as a university student. It was the first competition in my eight years of competing where I felt confident during every lift. The work I put into the six minutes spent on the lift paid off in every way. Later, I became a 2022 All-American athlete and finally made my first international team.
1. What did the author achieve in weightlifting as a senior in high school?| A．Discovering her great weightlifting talent. | B．Competing in an international game. |
| C．Becoming a member of Team USA. | D．Winning several national medals. |
| A．Honoured. | B．Discouraged. |
| C．Nervous. | D．Satisfied. |
| A．Making progress for herself. | B．Increasing weight on the barbells. |
| C．Competing with other weightlifters. | D．Entering international weightlifting games. |
| A．Set goals and stay focused. | B．Push our limits until success. |
| C．Be ourselves and enjoy the process. | D．Get along with those better than us. |
