1 . How to Avoid Internet Addiction

Internet addiction is a common problem that can be just as damaging as any other form of addiction. Maybe you are concerned that you are too dependent on the Internet and feel very upset.     1    

Reach out to friends and family to build more in-person connections If you desire social interaction, call up a friend and make plans to do something fun.     2     If you don’t have friends or family who you can turn to, look into a special interest group you can join. Attend in-person meetings to connect with other people who share your interests and make new friends.

    3    . Exercising, reading a book, writing, studying and doing crossword puzzles are all better alternatives to mindlessly surfing the Internet. If you want to cut back on how often you are using the fnernet but aren’t sure what to do with the extra time, identify a few activities that you enjoy and pick one to do instead when you’re feeling the urge to go online.

Use relaxation techniques to reduce stress and anxiety. Yoga, meditation, muscle relaxation, and deep breathing are all great ways to relax when you’re feeling stressed.     4     Instead, try going out for a walk in nature or engaging in a favorite hobby.

Watch for signs of Internet addiction and seek help if you notice them. If you are concerned about becoming addicted to the Internet, staying aware of the signs of Internet addiction may help you know when to seek help. Be on the lookout for any signs that you may have become addicted.     5     If this strategy to overcome Internet addiction doesn’t work for you, talk with your doctor for help.

A．Act right away to limit your Internet usage.

B．Replace Internet use with a-healthy activity.

C．Arrange a family dinner or a game night also helps.

D．Employ your extra time to do something worthwhile.

E．Following are several strategies to limit your Internet usage.

F．You are likely to think that the Internet addiction will ruin your life.

G．You should not reach for your smart phone or laptop when you are feeling pressured.

2 . Many researchers refer to coral reefs (珊瑚礁) as the rainforests of the sea because they are not only very beautiful but also cuucial to the health of our oceans. Sadly, these delicate ecosystems face they is from pollution and overfishing. In an inspiring cooperatton, Mote Marine Laboratory (MML) and the Combat Wounded Veteran Challenge (CWVC) have joined hands to restore (恢复) the coral reefs off the coast of Kev West, Florida.

On a sunny day in Key West, a group of 31 wounded and injured veteratis, together with six Mote staff members, set out on a misirn to restore the Higgs Head coral reef. Equipped with specialized waterproof prosthulies and a shared determination, the group managed to plant a record-breaking 1,040 corals on the reef.

The planting mission not only belps to replace corals lost to disease, hurricanes and rising water temperatures, but symbolizes the adaptation and strength of both wounded veterans and the coral reefs themselves. Dr. Michael P. Crosby, President of MML stated, “The inspirational CWVC motto ‘I am wounded, not conquered (征服)’ is also applicable to coral reefs in Key West.”

Florida’s populations of coral reefs were once filled with life. The living coral cover, which represents the proportion of the reef covered in living coral, has plummeted from over 30% four decades ago to a mere 1-5% today, however. MML’s research and restoration programs offer hope for the recovery of Florida’s coral reefs and other coral ecosystems worldwide.

As wounded veterans and scientists work side by side to restore coral reefs, the impact of their collective efforts extends far beyond the ocean floor. The restoration missions not only help to heal the wounds of war but also provide a renewed sense of purpose for those who have sacrificed so much. Andrew Lourake, CWVC Vice President confirms, “The challenge, friendship and knowing they are making a difference are the highlight of the year for almost all our participants.”

By combining cutting-edge science, community engagement, and the spirit of resilience (复原), MML and CWVC are paving the way for a brighter future for our coral reefs. They inspire us all to protect and preserve these invaluable ecosystems, ensuring that future generations can wonder at their beauty and biodiversity.

1. Why does the author mention coral reefs in paragraph 1?

A．To lead in the topic of the text.

B．To compare them with rainforests.

C．To highlight the threats facing them.

D．To focus on their significance in ocean’s health.

2. What does paragraph 3 mainly talk about?

A．The motivational effect of the motto.

B．The mufupte significance of this mission.

C．The background for carrying out the mission.

D．The cooperation of veterans and Mote staff members.

3. Which of the following can replace the underlined word “plummeted” in paragraph 4?

A．Spread widely.	B．Improved greatly.
C．Disappeared completely.	D．Decreased sharply.

4. What’s Andrew Lourake’s attitude towards the group’s restoration of coral reefs?

A．Unclear.

B．Critical.

C．Appreciative.

D．Doubtful.

3 . Music is all around us. It’s an accessible and popular art form which accompanies our daily lives. Advertisers have long understood the popularity and emotional power of music and capitalized on it. They spend much time and money securing the right soundtrack (配乐) for an advertisement in order to boost sales. For example, Microsoft spent a reported US$3 million using Start Me Up as part of their advertising campaign for Windows 95.

As one researcher puts it, “Music expands pictures and colors words, and often adds a form of energy available through no other source.” This is supported by other studies, which suggest that music matching the main message of an advertisement has a positive effect on consumer engagement. This is known as “musical congruity” and can result in better attention, a positive emotional response, finally improving the effectiveness of an advertisement.

Take the simple but interesting advertisement for Air France, with the soundtrack of Mozart’s Piano Concerto No.23, for example. It projects greatness and elegance in the hope that viewers will associate those qualities with the airline. The research, which looked at hundreds of viewer comments about the music used in advertising, suggested it was successful.

Music is also effective at arousing (唤醒) emotional memories in advertisements creates associations with consumers’ past experiences. A good choice of music allows businesses to tap into this nostalgia for commercial benefit.

However, the use of popular music in advertising can also arouse arguments between artistic effort and commercialism. Some people believe a work of art shouldn’t be used for the pursuit of profit. The findings of study showed that consumers sometimes passionately oppose the use of music produced by respected musicians in advertisements, as they believe that it destroys the aesthetic integrity (美学完整性). For example, Nike’s use of the Beatles’ song Revolution was seen by some as using John Lennon’s music to sell shoes. It made some Nike wearers so angry that they refused to buy the products.

1. What does the underlined phrase “capitalized on” in paragraph 1 mean?

A．Taken advantage of.	B．Held on to.
C．Checked up on.	D．Cried out for.

2. What can we know about “musical congruity” according to the text?

A．It helps cut down the cost of advertising.

B．It reminds consumers of their past experiences.

C．It makes advertisements much more convincing.

D．It explores the relationship between music and digital art.

3. Which word can best describe the author’s attitude to the use of music in advertising?

A．Tolerant

B．Unclear

C．Doubtful

D．Objective

4 . What do you say when your boss propose a programme you think is impractical? How do you decide whether it’s worth speaking up? And if you do, what exactly should you say?     1    

Decide whether to wait. Consider whether it’s best to wait before expressing your opinion. Maybe you haven’t fully thought through the problem yet. Maybe you want to know what other people think.     2     They can offer information to your thinking, which would help you have a better understanding of the whole issue.

Find common ground. Before you share your thoughts, understand the goals of your boss.     3     It may be the reputation of the team. It may be to get a project done on time. You’re more likely to be heard if you have a shared goal with your boss.

Stay calm. You might feel your heart racing or your face turning red. When you seem anxious, it weakens the message you’re conveying.     4     Thus your boss will have to choose which signals to read. Do whatever you can to remain calm.

    5     Emphasize that you’re only offering your opinion, not absolute truth. It may be a well-researched opinion, but it’s still an opinion. Instead of saying: “If we set an end-of -quarter deadline, we will never make it,” say, “This is just my opinion, but I don’t see how we will make that deadline.” Tell your boss that this is your point of view, and be open to other views.

A．Stay humble.

B．Consider the risks.

C．Ask permission to disagree.

D．You may even send a mixed message.

E．Seeking opinions from others is helpful.

F．Think about what your boss cares about.

G．Here are tips on how to show your disagreement.

5 . In the digital world of endless comparisons, a thought-inspiring study by a team at Ruhr University Bochum reveals a surprising truth: materialism (物质主义) on social media adds stress and reduces happiness. This research, conducted through an online survey of over 1,200 participants, highlights the unique way social media causes materialistic attitudes and the subsequent impact on mental health.

Conducted with a diverse group of participants, the survey analyzed the social media behaviors and psychological states of individuals, focusing on their materialistic posts. The study employed six questionnaires to understand the participants’ materialistic attitudes, social media habits, stress levels, and life satisfaction. The participants, averaging over two hours a day on social media, revealed a clear pattern: higher levels of materialism on social media are associated with lower life satisfaction, increased stress symptoms, and a higher risk of social media addiction.

The study’s implications extend beyond numbers and charts. It suggests a worrying trend where individuals seeking validation (肯定) through materialistic displays on social media might be sacrificing their mental peace and happiness. Social media addiction is characterized by frequent use of social media platforms, often at the expense of other activities. Stress symptoms can range from anxiety to physical signs like headaches or tiredness. What’s clear is that social media may cause far more harm to users than good.

While the study acknowledges the risks associated with social media, especially for materialistic individuals, Dr. Ozimek, a psychologist, advises against completely abandoning these platforms.

Instead, he suggests a balanced approach of various activities to avoid comparison. Researchers also propose incorporating materialism and social media usage assessments in mental health treatment. Recognizing these factors as potential starting points for interventions offers new methods for addressing modern-day mental health challenges.

1. What does the survey find about the materialistic posts?

A．They produce high life satisfaction.

B．They help to ease stress symptoms.

C．They lead to social media addiction.

D．They bring about high consumption patterns.

2. What is one phenomenon discovered by the study?

A．Some people avoid too much use of social media.

B．Some people try to seek the good of online displays.

C．Some people undervalue mental peace and happiness.

D．Some people pursue recognition through online material shows.

3. What does Dr. Ozimek suggest?

A．Abandoning social media platforms.	B．Keeping a balance among various activities.
C．Assessing social media posts objectively.	D．Searching for potential interventions.

4. Which can be the best title for the text?

A．Turn to Rich Life for Growth

B．Assess Real Life for Mental Health

C．Materialism on Social Media Decreases Happiness

D．Understanding of Materialism Differs among Individuals

6 . A rare snowstorm blanketed our city and transformed it into a magical scene: the square resembled a moonscape, monuments took on an alien appearance, and buildings appeared like castles in the clouds. When I awoke to this sight, I immediately ran outside to build a snowman. Exhausted, I fell onto the ground with my arms and legs spread out. Then I noticed I had an audience—a well-dressed couple observing me with their unspoken question: Don’t you have anything better to do?

A middle-age woman playing by herself in the snow seems strange, but perhaps it shouldn’t be. Recent research suggests that modern adults suppress their human desire to play, and that’s causing all kinds of problems. “The opposite of play isn’t work; it’s depression,” says psychiatrist and play researcher Stuart Brown. “The lack of playfulness is becoming a public health crisis.”

Last summer, scientists found that for mammals, play may be as essential as the need for sleep. The play drive starts in the brain stem—one of the oldest parts of our nervous system. Moreover, adult play has been linked to important discoveries throughout history. Deep in our evolutionary history, a playful early human came up with the concept of stone tools. Even today, the urge to play inspires most of humanity’ s greatest inventions, artworks, and scientific breakthroughs. “When I interviewed Nobel winners, I was struck by how most of them didn’t separate work and play. Their labs were their playgrounds,” says Brown.

Unfortunately, social norms (准则) hold back our urge to let loose. “Being a playful adult is shameful in our society,” says Brown. “You don’t want to feel irresponsible. You don’t want people to think that you’re childish.” Yet, there is hope that playfulness could make a comeback in modern society as we are shifting to a knowledge-based economy. At companies like Apple, workers are encouraged to chat freely during coffee breaks. They understand the value of encouraging adults to play. In the face of global challenges such as climate change, having a playful mindset may be crucial for creative problem-solving and cooperation.

The next time I’m caught playing, I know exactly what I’ll say: “I am not wasting time, or acting immature. I’m playing around for the benefit of all humanity. You’re welcome.”

1. Why does the author mention her personal story in paragraph 1?

A．To introduce the topic of adult play.

B．To illustrate her deep affection for snow.

C．To talk about how unfriendly the couple were.

D．To highlight the city’s magical transformation.

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

A．Encourage.

B．Share.

C．Create.

D．Control.

3. What is paragraph 3 mainly about?

A．Different attitudes to adult play.	B．The significance of adult play.
C．Ways to balance work and play.	D．The reasons for adults lacking play.

4. What is the author’s attitude to adult play in knowledge-based economy?

A．Supportive.

B．Cautious.

C．Unconcerned.

D．Neutral.

7 . There are robot cleaners and robot mops to help us around the house, so why not a robot to build our houses? Wait no longer. Now there is a set of electronics to do just that, build a house from scratch, and fast.

Forget weeks to find a builder and months for house construction; a machine developed in the United States can build a 232 sqm house layer by layer in a single day. University of Southern California’s Professor Behrokh Khoshnevis has designed the giant robot that replaces construction workers with a mouth on an arm of crane, which spits out concrete and can quickly build a house according to a computer pattern. The technology, known as Contour (轮廓) Crafting, could revolutionise the construction industry.

Contour Crafting could greatly decrease the cost of homeowning, making it possible for millions of displaced people to get on the property ladder. It could even be used in disaster relief areas to build emergency and replacement housing. As Prof. Khoshnevis points out, if we look around almost everything is made automatically these days—shoes, clothes, home appliances, cars. The only thing that is still built by hand are buildings.

The Contour Crafting system is a robot that automates age-old tools normally used by hand. These are applied by a robotic crane that builds a three-dimensional object. The nature of the technology means it will also be possible to create curved walls and architecture that is both “exotic (异国情调的) and beautiful” according to Prof Khoshnevis. As a result, it could be ideal to print out expensive houses according to customers’ demands.

Furthermore, Prof. Khoshnevis believes that the technology could be applied beyond our planet. “Contour Crafting technology has the potential to build safe, reliable, and affordable structures, habitats, laboratories, and other facilities on the moon and Mars before the arrival of human beings,” his website reads.

According to the International Labour Organisation, construction employs nearly 110 million people worldwide and “plays a major role in fighting the high levels of unemployment and in absorbing extra labour from the rural areas”. What the implications are for builders is, of course, a major concern. But Khoshnevis says “the reality is that a lot of new jobs can be created in this field as well”. Instead of building the house, workmen are used to maintain the machine.

1. Which advantage does the giant robot have for the consumers?

A．It saves a great deal of time.	B．It decorates houses beautifully.
C．It provides energy-saving apartments.	D．It builds environmentally-friendly houses.

2. The underlined part “to get on the property ladder” in Paragraph 3 means “______”.

A．to print objects	B．to purchase a house
C．to predict disasters	D．to accumulate wealth

3. The new construction technology can satisfy the needs of ______.

A．low-income residents	B．people at different income levels
C．middle-income people	D．wealthy immigrants

4. What influence will Contour Crafting have on construction industry?

A．Many construction workers will lose jobs.

B．Professionals will be hired to make robot builders.

C．More rural people will engage in construction.

D．Construction workers will update their skills.

8 . When I was a child, the new year’s activity for my family is dumpling-making, but it’s been years since I’ve last experienced the uniquely carefree comfort and connection I felt during moments. My family has changed a lot, and gatherings like these simply don’t come together with the same ease as they once did.

This year, I came home in the evening to a dark house with pieces missing. I noticed things that I wouldn’t have before, like how my family slept earlier and got up later and how my dog had more trouble jumping up on my bed. After all, it’s easier to become blind to its subtle changes when you occupy it virtually every day of the year, and much harder when you must be exposed to months of accumulated change all at once.

Personally, the most precious childhood privilege is not the free extra snacks from flight attendants, but the privilege of thinking of the people and relationships around you with a sense of permanence. I mean this in the sense that it escaped my eight-year-old brain to think about how my parents were aging as I did or about the sacrifices they made for me until suddenly, I was an adult as they were.

I turn 20 in a couple months, so I’ve been seized with a feeling of adulthood, which feels far stronger than the transition into legal adulthood at 18 ever felt. It seems as if the “teen” part of“19”keeps me attached to the same category as the one my newly 13-year-old self occupied, carrying with it a certain comfort in the social allowances made for the immaturity inherent (固有的) to youth. But marching into 20 is different.

I’d so desperately wanted to move away and get a taste of independence upon starting college, but now I know that such freedom comes with loss and responsibility. Now I start to understand the governance of a circularity (循环) inherent to our lives and have a newfound appreciation for the things that remain the same.

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

A．Obvious.

B．Sudden.

C．Unusual.

D．Unnoticeable.

2. Which of the following might the author agree with when he was eight?

A．Everything would be the same.	B．His parents were becoming old.
C．Free extra snacks were common.	D．His parents had done a lot to him.

3. In what way is 20 years old different according to the author?

A．Physical maturity.	B．The social expectation.
C．The loss of freedom.	D．The shift into legal adulthood.

4. What can be the best title of the passage?

A．A newfound appreciation for life.	B．The difference between teens and adults.
C．My passing memories of childhood.	D．My reflection on the switch into adulthood.

9 . Art Appreciation

Art appreciation is an often overlooked skill. It’s more than simply looking at a piece of art and judging it based on what we see. It requires us to look deeper, beyond the surface into the artist’s intention.     1     The following tips would help you achieve it.

The first step is to prepare yourself mentally. Before you begin viewing any artwork, take moments to clear your mind of what a piece you think should look like.     2     That’s because an artist can present a unique visual experience by combining line, shape, form, color and space creatively.

Besides, examine the artwork closely. Take note of its elements mentioned above. Consider how these elements work together to convey meaning or emotion in the piece. Notice how the work makes you feel.     3     What can I see? What is the artwork saying? What feelings does it arouse in me?

    4     Information about the artist and when the artwork was created can help you uncover the deeper symbolism present in the work that may not be immediately evident. Art is often used as a tool for social change. To appreciate art, it’s important to understand the context where it was created. The context behind a piece can be found through research and analysis.

Last but not least, sharing opinions on art also helps. Try discussing your thoughts on artwork with friends or family who may have different opinions. Taking the diverse understanding into consideration, you can approach viewing art work from different viewpoints. As a result, you can gain a new appreciation every time you look at it.     5    

A．Relevant research counts as well.

B．Engage all your senses and ask yourself questions.

C．The process can bring you a fun and educational trip.

D．Leave your feelings aside and check out the questions.

E．To sum up, communication can also do good to your art appreciation.

F．With the previous ideas, you can get well prepared for the appreciation.

G．This will help you open up to different perspectives when exploring the work.

10 . Hope to have a cultural trip? Why not try these biggest and best exhibitions around the world?

Acts of Creation

The pains and joys of motherhood are not always described with as much care and detail as in this exhibition. With over 100 artworks by over 60 artists, three themes of motherhood — creation, maintenance and loss — will be explored through paintings, photographs, sculptures, sound and films.

Time: Until November 12

Location: Midlands Arts Centre, Bristol

From the Other Side

An exhibition on horror? It might not sound a good one for those who are not brave. However, you needn’t worry: this collection is far different from scary paintings. Instead, these artworks of 19 Australian artists aim to raise questions about horror in the women’s views.

Time: Until December 23

Location: ACCA, Melbourne

Modes and Characters

This museum exhibition is taking a look at the history of modern graphic design and explores how computer-based publishing technology has changed the world of design. Special focus is given to the work of Japanese designers and Japan’s different graphic culture, with individual exhibits ranging from magazine covers to the posters seen on trains.

Time: Until October 30

Location: 21 Design Sight, Tokyo

Hip Hop and Contemporary Art

Hip hop has had an influence on culture over the last 50 years, and this exhibition is taking a deep dive into its history. It ranges from fashion and photography to video and sculpture. Highlights include a large-scale installation from Lauren Halsey, the work of artist Hank Thomas, and photographs from Deana Lawson.

Time: November 5

Location: Art Gallery of Ontario, Toronto

1. Where do the artists for the exhibition on horror come from?

A．England.

B．Australia.

C．Japan.

D．Canada.

2. What is the theme of Modes and Characters?

A．The technology of computer.	B．The contribution of Japanese designers.
C．The history of modern graphic design.	D．The importance of magazine covers.

3. Which exhibition should one attend for a knowledge of hip hop culture?

A．Acts of Creation.	B．From the Other Side.
C．Modes and Characters.	D．Hip Hop and Contemporary Art.