1 . Chinese social media was a buzz with praise for war correspondent Chen Huihui who reported from the front lines of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. As one of the first journalists to arrive at the scene, Chen has been reporting live from the battlefield since October 9th.
Chen’s reports have provided a realistic and complex view of the conflict, earning her widespread respect and admiration from netizens on Weibo. Many compared her deed to a “heroic act” for fearlessly facing the situation.
One netizen expressed admiration for war reporters covering the Israel-Palestine conflict, stating: “I admire the war reporters covering the Israel-Palestine conflict; truly admirable, they are reporting and directing the gunfire and bombardment every day. Salute!”
As the Israeli army entered Gaza and began ground battle, Chen Huihui shared her firsthand accounts of the situation. On November 11th, an emotional video emerged of a father crying out in sorrow after his three children were killed by Israel ’ s bombardment. This heart-broken image led netizens to express their sympathy for the people affected by the conflict.
The Weibo netizens remained great support and respect for journalists like Chen Huihui who are putting their lives on the line to report from the front lines. As a Spanish parliamentarian named Mayster condemned Israel for committing war crimes, Chinese social media users praised journalists who bring attention to the realities and cruelty of war.
As another netizen put it: “War correspondents are often not individuals but representatives of national images. Only when reporters are closer to the guns can they feel more deeply the cruelty of war, know true casualties, and understand the distinction between justice and injustice.”
Chen Huihui’s courageous reporting from the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has earned her widespread praise on Chinese social media. Her bravery and devotion to providing realistic coverage of the complex situation have inspired admiration among netizens who value journalists like her who are committed to throwing light on important global issues.
1. What is one of the reasons for Chen Huihui’s great praise on Chinese social media?| A．Her courage and bravery in the face of danger. |
| B．She was the first journalist to arrive at the scene. |
| C．She reported live from the battlefield since last October. |
| D．Her sympathy towards the people affected by the conflict |
| A．They blamed Israel for the tragedy. |
| B．They expressed their pities for the victims. |
| C．They praised the father’s bravery in the face of danger. |
| D．They remained calm and did not comment on the video. |
| A．Because Chen Huihui reported on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. |
| B．Because netizens praised journalists who bring attention to the realities and cruelty of war. |
| C．Because the Israeli army entered Gaza and began cold-blooding killing to the common people. |
| D．Because Chen Huihui shared an emotional video of a father grieving for his children. |
| A．By reporting from a safe distance. |
| B．By witnessing the heroism of soldiers. |
| C．By getting close to the battlefield. |
| D．By understanding the distinction between justice and injustice. |
2 . Many people have dreamt to find a cancer cure. Now, a pill might provide some insight into their dreams.
The medicine, AOH1996, also called the “cancer-killing pill”, explicitly targets the protein that encourages cancer cells to spread across the body. It prevents proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA 细胞增殖核抗原) with a tiny molecule. Up to August 2023, it is being evaluated in Phase I clinical studies for the treatment of solid cancers.
Cancer is a condition in which abnormal cells continue to proliferate uncontrollably, causing the tissue to be destroyed. About one in six deaths were due to cancer in 2020, making it the top cause of death globally.
According to a recent study published in Cell Chemical Biology, City of Hope researchers have discovered a novel method to treat cancer using a special tablet that can get rid of solid tumors. AOH1996 differs from other targeted cancer therapies in this respect, where other approaches may cause a tumor to change and develop more resistance to treatment.
According to City of Hope Professor Linda Malkas, the research team created a medicine specifically targeting the kind of PCNA seen in cancer cells since data indicate that PCNA is distinctively changed in cancer cells. The novel cancer medicine acts like a snowstorm closing a significant airport, stopping only flights from and to aircraft carrying cancer cells.
“Results have been promising. AOH1996 can prevent tumor growth in cell and animal models. The drug is currently in Phase I clinical trial in humans at City of Hope.”
Treatment of lung, brain and skin cancers with AOH1996 has shown to be effective. It kills specific cells by stopping them from replicating (复制) typically. To assess this medicine for potential future use, more clinical studies are planned.
1. What can we know about PCNA?| A．It is a pill that cures solid cancer. |
| B．It is a medicine that prevents tumor growth. |
| C．It is a molecule targeted by the cancer-killing pill AOH1996. |
| D．It is a protein that causes cancer cells to spread across the body. |
| A．It has cured many patients’ cancers. |
| B．It will develop drug resistance. |
| C．It is a natural product collected from plants. |
| D．It has less side effects than other cancer drugs. |
| A．AOH1996 targets cancer cells without harming healthy cells. |
| B．AOH1996 has caused chaos in the medical field. |
| C．AOH1996 is highly effective but inefficient in treating cancer patients. |
| D．AOH1996 is unpredictable and can have unintended consequences. |
| A．Determining the specific types of cancers it can effectively treat. |
| B．Investigating the possible side effects of the medicine. |
| C．Determining if it can be used on a large scale. |
| D．Confirming its effectiveness in killing specific cells. |
3 . Dutch researchers have discovered that birds living in cities are using metal spikes (尖刺) to build their nests. People put these spikes on buildings in order to keep birds off their balconies, benches, and chimneys, but birds seem to be stealing them and using them to keep people away from their eggs.
The research began when, in the courtyard of a hospital in Antwerp, Belgium, biologist AukeFlorian Hiemstra found a large nest that had been built by a magpie (喜鹊). The nest was made from about 1,500 metal spikes. They were pointing outward to create a protective system around the nest.
“I just stared at it, this strange, beautiful, weird nest,” Hiemstra told BBC News. When he investigated further, he found that magpies had moved away nearly 165 feet of metal spikes that had been glued to the hospital’s roof.
After Hiemstra made this discovery, his team heard about a similar nest created by crows in Rotterdam, in the Netherlands, and another magpie nest in Glasgow, Scotland. The crows had positioned the spikes in a different way, perhaps using the metal to support the nest’s structure.
In their report, the researchers mention many kinds of birds moving spikes off buildings, but they chose to focus their study on corvids(birds from the crow family). The researchers pointed out that there have been previous studies on how corvids use everything from telephone wires to clothes hangers to build their nests. They said the use of anti-bird spikes “hints at a functional use”—meaning the birds seem to know exactly what they’re doing.
Magpies have often been seen nesting in thorny (多刺的) places, where the thorns can prevent people from attacking the small eggs and chicks inside the nest. Thorny hedges aren’t common in cities, however, so the theory is that magpies use the human-made version instead. Hiemstra calls this the birds’ “revenge”. “We’re trying to get rid of birds, but the birds are collecting our metal spikes and actually making more birds in these nests,” he said.
1. Why are metal spikes put on buildings?| A．To draw birds’ attention to the nest. | B．To prevent strangers entering. |
| C．To keep birds off the buildings. | D．To make the buildings more beautiful. |
| A．to protect their eggs and chicks | B．to decorate their nests |
| C．to provide a strong hold | D．to support the structure of the nests |
| A．Disappointing. | B．Appreciative. |
| C．Confusing. | D．Indifferent. |
| A．To introduce a new species of bird that has adapted to city life. |
| B．To compare different nesting habits of birds in urban environments. |
| C．To emphasize the negative impact of human activities on bird habitats. |
| D．To inform readers about birds using metal spikes to build nests in cities. |
4 . Millions of years ago dinosaurs lived on the earth. In the days of dinosaurs the whole earth was warm and wet. There were green forests and they could find enough to eat. Later, parts of the earth became cold and dry, and the forests there died. Then dinosaurs could not find enough to eat. This must be one reason why dinosaurs died out.
We can guess another reason. New kinds of animals came on the earth. Some had big brains and were fast and strong. They could kill dinosaurs.
There may be other reasons that we don’t know about yet. Scientists are trying to make more discoveries about dinosaurs.
Dinosaurs have many sizes and shapes (形状). Some were as small as chickens, while some were about 90 feet long.
There were also terrible fights between dinosaurs. They might have happened more than 100 million years ago. Though there was no man to see any of the fights, we can be told by the footprints (足迹) that fights did take place.
1. According to the passage, dinosaurs did exist only________on the earth.| A．for millions of years |
| B．millions of years ago |
| C．more than 100 million years ago |
| D．when it was warm and wet somewhere |
| A．there were too many dinosaurs |
| B．parts of the earth became warm and wet |
| C．there were many green forests |
| D．they couldn’t find enough to eat |
| A．scientists are trying to make some dinosaurs |
| B．dinosaurs are dangerous enough |
| C．dinosaurs are worth studying further |
| D．scientists know nothing about dinosaurs |
| A．footprints | B．imagination | C．rocks and forests | D．dinosaurs’ eggs |
5 . While socializing comes naturally for some, it can be a struggle for others. Shyness is a normal, common personality trait (特征).
Get Excited About A New Adventure
You may have been shy most of your life.
Pay Attention To Your Words
Practice Mindfulness (正念)
Mindfulness involves drawing your attention to the present and being aware of your thoughts, feelings, and surroundings.
Take Small Steps
Getting started can be the hardest part of learning how to be more social for those who are shy.
| A．If so, that’s a part of you that you’re used to |
| B．Sometimes the best path toward addressing a fear is exposure |
| C．Mindfulness can help reduce symptoms of social anxiety disorder |
| D．Taking time to tend to your appearance can make a big difference |
| E．How we communicate and characterize ourselves can be powerful |
| F．However, shyness can make it hard for people to connect with others and achieve their goals |
| G．But engaging with people doesn’t have to be practiced as an important work presentation |
6 . Volunteer at the EcoTarium! We simply could not offer the programs and special events that make the EcoTarium a unique resource to our community without our diverse and dedicated corps of volunteers. To be considered for a more specific position, look through the volunteer listings below, and submit an application.
Zoo Ambassador Volunteer
Our zoo ambassador volunteers will assist the Zoology Department to connect with guests through engaging educational experiences about our animal residents. We are looking for volunteers who are passionate about animals and excited to interact with guests of all ages. Volunteers may also complete behavioral studies on numerous animals within the care of the EcoTarium to help enhance the welfare for our animals!
Animal Care Volunteer
Animal care volunteers will aid in all areas of husbandry (农牧业), including feeding, cleaning, record keeping, training animals, and behavioral observations. They will work with a variety of animals under our care, including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and insects. The position is physically demanding and requires working in all weather conditions.
Education Program Volunteer
Through conversations and hands-on activities, education program volunteers help visitors make meaningful connections to our exhibits, encourage curiosity and scientific inquiry, and challenge visitors to dive deeper into the concepts explored at our museum.
Collections Volunteer
The EcoTarium seeks volunteers who are interested in making a contribution to science by uncovering lost specimens (标本) in the EcoTarium collection! Photograph, measure, and take notes on birds, eggs, seashells, or pressed flowers. This is an excellent position for a high school or college student considering a career in biology or lab science. It is also appropriate for citizen scientists of any age. It offers an opportunity to see examples of rare or extinct plants and animals.
1. What can an animal care volunteer do?| A．Collect lost specimens. |
| B．Learn to feed and clean animals. |
| C．Finish some studies on the exhibits. |
| D．Help elderly visitors interact with animals. |
| A．Collections Volunteer. | B．Animal Care Volunteer. |
| C．Education Program Volunteer. | D．Zoo Ambassador Volunteer. |
| A．To list the advantages of volunteers. |
| B．To spread knowledge about volunteers. |
| C．To train more people to become volunteers. |
| D．To introduce some positions about volunteers. |
Your home can be a dangerous place, but by making it safer you can prevent accidents. The kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom are where most accidents happen. These can include falls, fires, poisoning, cuts, hot water burns, and electric shocks.
THE KITCHEN
People may slip when the floor is wet, so make sure the floor is kept dry.
Always cut away from your body when you use a knife.
Follow instructions for all electrical appliances.
Unplug all appliances after use.
THE BEDROOM
•Never smoke in bed.
•Keep a lamp near the bed.
•Have a telephone near the bed, especially when you’re feeling ill.
•Don’t run electrical wires under carpets.
THE BATHROOM
•Don’t plug in an electrical appliance or use one while standing in water.
•Don’t use a hairdryer near a bath containing water.
•Keep the bathroom floor dry.
•Make sure that your hot water heater is set at a low temperature.
PREVENTING FIRES
Fires can cause terrible damage to your home and terrible injuries to people. If there is a fire, your first priority is getting everyone out of the house safely, and then calling for help. Never go back into a burning building to save your things.
•Buy clothes, curtains, and toys that do not burn easily.
•Use heaters very carefully, as they can set objects on fire.
•Place them away from furniture.
•When cooking, do not let oil touch the fire or other sources of heat.
•Check electrical wires a number of times each year to make sure they are in good condition.
•Switch off your gas and electricity when you will be away from home for a long time.
•Make sure your home is equipped with fire extinguishers.
CHILDREN AND HOME SAFETY
Homes are not always safe places for young children.Being curious, they may stick their fingers or objects into dangerous places and end up suffering from electric shocks or getting burnt. In addition, they may try to eat or drink anything they can find, whether it is food or not. For these reasons, it is important to make your home safe if you have young children about.
•Keep matches out of the reach of children.
•Store all cleaning materials in a locked cupboard.
•Never leave a small child alone in the bath.
•Put covers over electrical outlets.
•Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
MAKING YOUR HOME SAFE FOR THE ELDERLY
The elderly present special challenges, as they may have trouble moving about and can be seriously hurt in falls. If you have an elderly person in your home, you may need to take some extra measures to make your home safer.
•Make sure that passages within the home are kept clear.
•Put non-slip bath mats in and next to the bath and shower.
•Put handrails along passage walls and in the bathroom.
1. Which is not included in the common accidents around the house?| A．Smoking. | B．Falls. | C．Electric shocks. | D．Poisoning. |
| A．storing all cleaning materials in a locked cupboard. |
| B．putting handrails along passage walls and in the bathroom. |
| C．following instructions for all electrical appliances. |
| D．keeping the bathroom floor dry. |
| A．You should make sure that your hot water is set at a low temperature. |
| B．You shouldn’t run electrical wires under carpets. |
| C．You should keep all medicines out of the reach of children. |
| D．You don’t have to have your home equipped with fire extinguisher. |
| A．Newspaper. | B．An advertisement. |
| C．A home-safety manual (使用手册). | D．The Internet. |
8 . The Unity (和谐) of Man and Nature
The “unity of man and nature” is necessary and important in the cultural tradition of China. The Chinese believe in the unity of man and nature, a basic way to their philosophy (哲学) of life.
The idea of unity of man and nature has been in the heart of Chinese people.
Most of the Chinese, especially the young, are willing to protect the natural environment. China is now working with all other countries to make the earth a better place to live.
| A．Each of the three has its own way. |
| B．The power is from water, wind, and sunlight. |
| C．There are plenty of great people in the history of China. |
| D．The ancient Chinese never placed themselves above nature. |
| E．It encourages modern Chinese to take action (采取行动) to protect natural environment. |
| F．Nature and man depend on each other. |
| G．Most traditional Chinese festivals build a right order of relationships among humans. |
9 . A tree has roots (根). People have roots too. If you get to the root of a problem, you will solve it. It’s the same thing with words. Dig deeply into a big, unfamiliar word and you will understand where it came from.
As readers, especially those reading in a second language, we need to deal with the text as if we were detectives (侦探) looking for information to unlock (解开……秘密) the unknown. Like any good detective arriving on the crime scene, the first thing to do when meeting a new and difficult word is to judge the situation, to look at everything that is known and see if it helps us to understand what it means.
As you know, prefixes (前缀) and suffixes (后缀) can be added to the beginning or end of words to change the meaning. Know them, and you will have the word building power. But root words are the key (关键). Take time to learn a few of these, put them in your memory, and you will become a master word detective.
Let’s look at one common root word used in English. “Alter” from the Latin(拉丁语的) word means “other”. When you meet this root word, you know that the bigger word has something to do with “other”. Examine the word “alternate”. Can you find the Latin root in it?
• If you and your friend like to eat out, first you pay and the other pays the next time. You are alternating paying.
• If you go to the movies on alternate Saturdays, you go on one Saturday, but not the other Saturday.
• If you have no alternative, you have no other choice.
Learn as many root words as possible in the language you are studying. Then use your “rooting for words” skills. Like any new skill, practice and hard work are always paid back.
1. If Jim and Lily go to the movies, which one below is “alternating paying”?| A．Jim pays every time. | B．They each pay half. |
| C．They take turns paying. | D．Their parents pay for them. |
| A．By giving a fact. | B．By taking an example. |
| C．By telling a story. | D．By having a discussion. |
| A．My brother is my senior by two years. |
| B．He was ill so he was absent from school. |
| C．A criminal was sentenced to death by law. |
| D．60 students were present at the sports meeting. |
(①=Paragraph (段落) 1 ② =Paragraph 2, ...)
A． | B． |
C． | D． |
10 . A big sandstorm hit northern China several months ago. It covered many cities with thick clouds of yellow dust (尘土).
The storm, which came from Mongolia, was the largest sandstorm in China in the past 10 years. Many flights and classes were canceled (取消) because the visibility (能见度) was lower than 500 meters.
The storm was the result of warm and dry weather in the area, together with the strong winds from Mongolia. “There has been little rainfall so far this spring and the temperature is rising. So now it is a worrying time for sandstorms,” said an expert from Beijing.
In recent years, sandstorms haven’t been as common in northern China as before. The land with desertification (沙漠化) has been falling by 7, 585 km per year in China, and the area of sandy land has been decreasing by 1, 284 km a year. This is thanks to China’s Three-North Shelter Forest Program (TNSFP, 三北防护林工程) which started in the 1970s. Millions of trees have been planted in northern China to prevent sandstorms and protect the environment.
Besides, China has a color-graded weather warning system (预警系统) for sandstorms, with red meaning the most serious, followed by orange and yellow. Therefore, people would have time to get prepared for the sandstorm.
Sandstorm visibility < 1 kilometer
Severe (严重的) sandstorm visibility < 500 meters
Super severe sandstorm visibility < 50 meters
1. What caused (造成) the sandstorm from Mongolia?
| A．Cold and wet weather, together with the strong winds. |
| B．Cold but sunny weather. |
| C．Warm, wet weather and the strong winds. |
| D．Warm, dry weather and the strong winds. |
| A．In the 1970s. | B．In the 1980s. | C．In the 1960s. | D．In the 1990s. |
| A．Red. | B．Orange. | C．Yellow. | D．Blue |
