1 . Many people love to listen to music while driving. Thanks to the world’s musical roads, drivers now don’t need to turn the radio on.     1    

A musical road can create music when a car tires go over grooves (凹槽) on the road. To produce beautiful music, drivers must pass over the grooves at a certain speed. Signs often tell drivers the right speed.

    2    . Since the mid-1990, musical rads have appeared in many different countries.     3    . To warn drivers to the incoming music, all the roads are marked by colored musical notes that are painted on these roads. Drivers can decide whether to go over the grooves or not because they are set on the side of the road.

In Hungary, there is a musical road in honor of one of the country’s most popular musical performers — Laszlo Bodi. Bodi was the lead singer for the band Republic.     4    . Sadly, Bodi passed away in 2013. But people still remember him as there’s a road where drivers can hear 30 seconds of the Republic song “Road 67”.

    5    . In Indonesia, a road plays the first six notes of “Happy Birthday”. The fifth note is a little out of tune, though. This “mistake” keeps drivers awake and aware, and it has reduced the number of traffic accidents. Such is the power of music and musical roads.

A．Musical roads are also keeping drivers safe.

B．There is not any music road in Eastern countries.

C．Musical roads help improve the road safety greatly.

D．But they can also enjoy music while taking road trips.

E．Formed in 1990, the group is one of Hungary’s biggest acts and is still active today.

F．The first musical road was created in Gylling, Denmark, in 1995.

G．For example, in Japan, there are many musical roads throughout the country.

2 . How to Apply China Visa (签证)

How to apply China visa is the most concerned question for international tourists who plan to travel to China. Here you will find the useful information about China visa requirements and instructions.

China Visa Requirements

▶The valid (有效的) passport

Original passport valid for at least 6 months with blank visa pages, and a photocopy of data page (with your photo on it)

▶China visa application form and photo

The applicants must fill in a complete visa application form and attach it with a recent-taken colour passport photo.

So what is the requirement of the photo? The photo you submit must be passport-type (bare-head, full face) and standard with the correct dimension and background colour.

▶Effective proof of legal stay or resident status (it applies to those who do not apply for China visa in their countries of citizenship).

Supporting Application Documents

For C-Visa, a letter of guarantee issued by a foreign transport company or an invitation letter issued by a relevant authority from China side shall be provided.

For D-Visa, the original and a photocopy of foreign permanent residence identification form issued by China’s Ministry of Public Security shall be provided.

For F-Visa, an invitation letter issued by relevant authorities or individuals from China side shall be provided.

For G-Visa, an onward air (train, bus, ship) ticket with confirmed date and seat to the third country or region shall be provided.

For L-Visa, the tour itinerary (行程) and documents with round trip flight tickets and accommodation reservations, or an invitation letter issued by relevant authorities or individuals from Chinese side shall be provided.

For M-Visa, documents of business activity, trade fair invitation letter or other invitation letter issued by trade partners in China shall be provided.

Further reading: click the link China visa knowledge and types.

1. In what situation do people have to prove the legal stay for the application?

A．Not being in his country of nationality.

B．Without documents of business activity.

C．Without photos that match the requirements.

D．Not being invited by trade partners in China.

2. Which visas need the trip ticket?

A．C-Visa and M-Visa.	B．L-Visa and D-Visa.
C．G-Visa and L-Visa.	D．F-Visa and M-Visa.

3. Where is the text probably from?

A．A science magazine.	B．A travel brochure.
C．A hotel poster.	D．A web page.

3 . It is natural for us teenagers to feel upset.     1     Here I am offering some useful suggestions.

•Move your body.

    2     Have you ever noticed that you feel happier and have a sense of achievement after a good workout? That’s because working out creates endorphins — body chemicals that make us feel happy. No matter how low you are feeling, your mood will get a well-deserved boost (改善) after a workout. Exercise also helps you keep your heart in shape, makes you stronger and helps you stay at a healthy weight. And exercise is totally fun — and it’s great for your self-esteem, too.

•Talk about it.

    3     Friends’ ears can be a great source of support since you’re all in the same boat. And don’t forget your mom — she was once a teenager as well and may understand more than you realize. Even talking to your pet can help — just saying things out loud can help you see things differently and calm you down.

•Laugh a lot.

Humour can rescue you from an upset moment or make you feel better when you’re in an unpleasant mood. No matter what’s going on, the ability to laugh at yourself and your situation is really important.     4     It’s true! Using your smile muscles tells your brain to make more endorphins and that boosts your mood.

•Cry — it’s okay!

Sometimes the only way to get out of your feelings is to cry — so go ahead! Shut yourself in your room and cry your eyes out! No one says you have to be happy all the time.     5    

A．Why not pack up your suitcase and take a trip?

B．We can’t say enough good things about exercise.

C．But still we should find ways to manage our feelings.

D．So smile at whatever is happening and choose to be happy.

E．And do you know just smiling can help better your mood?

F．When you are done, you’ll be ready to face the world again.

G．Don’t hold in all those feelings until you are ready to explode.

4 . Mexico is a very colorful country, which is located in the south of North America. It combines a relaxing beach holiday, unusual mysterious excursions and an energetic nightlife. If you happen to visit Mexico, be sure to visit at least some of its attractions.

CHICHEN-ITZA

This is a sacred village located on the Yucatan Peninsula, in which the ancient Mayan people lived. The combination of Mayan construction techniques with new elements from central Mexico make Chichen-Itza one of the most important examples of the Mayan civilization in Yucatán. Chichen Itza is considered the best preserved Mayan city, so it is highly popular. The most famous structure of the city is the temple of the god Kukulkan, a 30-meter-high pyramid.

PALACE OF FINE ARTS

The Palace of Fine Arts, which is considered a symbol of Mexico city, is one of the most spectacular buildings in the heart of the city. Situated at one end of the Alameda garden, it offers visitors endless architectural, artistic and historical facts, inside and out. On the top floor, you’ll find the National Museum of Architecture, which showcases the work and lives of famous Mexican architects, and multiple art museums and galleries.

PARK SHKARET

This is a natural amusement park with a zoo and a botanical garden, waterfalls and underground rivers, caves, bright evening shows (for example, dance and horse shows, and other performances). The territory of the unique park is huge, so it is unreal to bypass it in one day. Here you can also visit the buffet restaurant, which is included in the ticket price.

HIERVE EL AGUA

Hierve el Agua is an unforgettable destination in the mountains of Oaxaca. It is a set of stunning travertine rock formations that appear like a frozen waterfall from a distance. The hot springs on the top, as with many other mineral-rich springs around the world, have a reputation for supposed healing qualities. Swimming here, at the same time enjoying the mountain scenery around, is an absolute pleasure and, besides, the recovery of the body.

1. Why is Chichen Itza so popular?

A．It is the most sacred village.	B．It is a well-preserved Mayan site.
C．It is famous for god Kukulkan.	D．It is a symbol of Mexico City.

2. Where would you prefer to go if you want to know the history of Mexican architecture?

A．PALACE OF FINE ARTS.	B．CHICHEN-ITZA.
C．PARK SHKARET.	D．HIERVE EL AGUA.

3. What is special about HIERVE EL AGUA?

A．There are many waterfalls.	B．Visitors can enjoy horse shows here.
C．It is rich in rare mineral resources.	D．Its spring water has health benefits.

5 . Scientists have been experimenting with playing sounds to plants since at least the 1960s, during which time they have been exposed to everything from Beethoven to Michael Jackson. Over the years, evidence that this sort of thing can have an effect has been growing. One paper, published in 2018, claimed that an Asian shrub known as the telegraph plant grew substantially larger leaves when exposed to 56 days of Buddhist music — but not if it was exposed to Western pop music or silence. Another, published last year, found that marigolds and sage plants exposed to the noise of traffic from a busy motorway suffered growth difficulty.

Plants have been evolving (进化) alongside the insects that eat them for hundreds of millions of years. With that in mind, Heidi Appel, a botanist now at the University of Houston, and Reginald Cocroft, a biologist at the University of Missouri, wondered if plants might be sensitive to the sounds made by the animals with which they most often interact. They recorded the vibrations made by certain species of caterpillars (毛毛虫) as they chewed on leaves. These vibrations are not powerful enough to produce sound waves in the air. But they are able to travel across leaves and branches, and even to neighbouring plants if their leaves touch.

They then exposed tobacco plant — the plant biologist’s version of the laboratory mouse — to the recorded vibrations while no caterpillars were actually present. Later, they put real caterpillars on the plants to see if exposure had led them to prepare for an insect attack. The results were striking. Leaves that had been exposed had significantly higher levels of defensive chemicals, making them much harder for the caterpillars to eat. Leaves that had not been exposed to vibrations showed no such response. Other sorts of vibration — caused by the wind, for instance, or other insects that do not eat leaves — had no effect.

“Now speakers with the right audio files are more often being used to warn crops to act when insects are detected but not yet widespread,” says Dr. Cocroft. “Unlike chemical pesticides, sound waves leave no dangerous chemicals.”

1. What can we learn about plants from the first paragraph?

A．They may enjoy Western music.	B．They can’t stand Buddhist music.
C．They can react to different sounds.	D．They can make different sounds.

2. What’s the basis for Appel and Cocroft’s research?

A．Plants can make a cry for help.	B．Plants evolve alongside insects.
C．Plants are sensitive to the sounds.	D．Plants have been studied for years.

3. What can we infer about plants from Paragraph 3?

A．They can recongnize harmful vibrations.	B．They look like laboratory mice.
C．They can threaten the caterpillars.	D．They can release poisonous chemicals.

4. What does the last paragraph mainly talk about?

A．Disadvantages of chemical pesticides.	B．Application of the experimental results.
C．Interaction between plants and insects.	D．Warning system of widespread insects.

6 . How Taking Short Vacations Can Improve Your Well-Being at Work

Without doubt, the nonstop demands of work and life can be bad for your well-being, exhausting your physical resources and cognitive capacities-and possibly resulting in adverse health and performance results.

    1     Research emphatically shows that vacations improve our physical and mental health while also boosting our performance at work. Perhaps surprisingly, they can even increase the likelihood of receiving a pay raise or promotion.

    2     In fact, nearly half of U.S. workers take less time off than their job allows, leaving an average of 9.5 days of paid time off (PTO) on the table, according to a 2023 survey by the Pew Research Center. And for 30 percent of employees, this unused vacation time doesn’t roll over to the next year.     3     taking mini-vacations throughout the year can improve their overall well-being. That means you can just use a long weekend to explore a new small town in your state, go camping in a national park, or do a biking tour of your local wineries.

We know that being on vacation feels good and that it’s good for us.     4     Naturally, there is the expense, and the bill involved in long trips-room, board, airfare, rail, sightseeing, everything-can be daunting.     5     The Pew survey of over 5,900 U.S. workers found that 49 percent of participants indicated they worried they might fall behind at work if they take more vacation time.

No wonder, then, that most people don’t use all their vacation time. And over half (52 percent) of U.S. employees work while on vacation.

A．If working hard is the way to earn more bread,

B．Even if many workers don’t use all their PTO,

C．Taking a real break is important for so many reasons.

D．But that doesn’t mean we always use our vacation time.

E．So why do we neglect to take all the time we’ve earned?

F．Do you know why people like to take vacations whenever possible?

G．It also turns out that taking extended time away from the office causes a lot of stress.

7 . Ugandan student’s study and adaptation of traditional Chinese craft helps build bridges through art. With its balanced, rounded pot and cups, the tea set seems like Chinese ceramic (陶瓷) at first glance. But closer inspection of its pattern reveals an ancient Ugandan design. “My projects always aim to join some aspects of Chinese and Ugandan culture together,” says the tea set’s creator, Ocen Robert.

In 2015, Robert arrived in China from the East African nation to pursue a higher education in ceramic arts at Jingdezhen Ceramic University in East China’s Jiangxi province. The Ugandan is also enrolled in a PhD program focusing on design, with his art pieces sold at national-level exhibitions in China.

He says, “I love it here not only because of its safety, but the raw materials and the production techniques for ceramics here are also among the best in the world.” During his time in China, Robert was given many opportunities to participate in ceramic production, exhibitions and even access to experts-all helping to grow the space where he could express his creativity.

To deepen his understanding and passion for traditional Chinese culture, Robert spends most of his free time in local museums’ culture and history sections. He also gets to know Chinese professionals inside and outside the ceramic world. “I would love to solidify my career as an artist here while helping to link Uganda and China,” Robert says.

“Ugandans are thankful, curious, and passionate about Chinese culture. I would love to introduce the artists back home to study and create ceramic artworks in China and promote them to the world.”

Robert says, “To be a modern artist in Chinese ceramics, one needs to comprehend the full flow of production, which requires years of practice and learning.” One of the most challenging areas of creating his pieces involves creating the “ideal shape and thickness”. He says “I fail at times, but I always practice and try again and again.” Robert has attained the essential spirit of Chinese ceramic arts——accepting and integrating the differences.

1. What is the goal of Robert’s art projects?

A．To promote traditional Chinese ceramics in Uganda.

B．To combine elements of Chinese and Ugandan culture.

C．To compete in the international exhibitions.

D．To restore and preserve ancient Ugandan arts.

2. Why did Robert choose to study ceramic arts in China?

A．He intended to earn money in China.

B．He desired to achieve a doctoral degree abroad.

C．China has the best ceramic materials and craft.

D．China is safer than any other country.

3. How does Robert deepen his understanding for traditional Chinese culture?

A．By visiting famous masters of Chinese history.

B．By comparing it with Ugandan traditions and customs.

C．By acquiring related knowledge from local museums.

D．By participating in art festivals and academic meetings.

4. What words can best describe Robert?

A．Creative and perseverant.	B．Kind and knowledgeable.
C．Humorous and passionate.	D．Courageous and intelligent.

8 .

69% of the travelers try to put down their smartphones on vacation.	1/3 of Americans always spend their time on the phone on holiday.		16% of UK travelers always check their phones on vacation.		Most important objects USA:  Mobile phone AUS:  Camera UK:  Sunscreen
Holidays booking (预订)
3/4 of the travelers prefer to book trips online.		84% of Americans say they are most likely to book online.		3% of Australians book travel by phone.

根据材料内容选择最佳答案。
1. What do one third of Americans always do during trips?

A．They always try to put down their phones.

B．They always use a lot of sunscreens.

C．They always take cameras with them.

D．They always spend time on the phone.

2. How many countries are mentioned in the text?

A．two

B．three

C．four

D．five

3. How do some Australians choose to book trips?

A．

B．

C．

D．

4. Where do most people prefer to get advice when making travel plans?
①From social media users.
②From other travelers’ reviews.
③From family and friends.
④From travel companies.
⑤From travel guides.

A．①④

B．②⑤

C．②③

D．④⑤

5. Which of the following is TRUE?

A．The text is written to change travelers’ habits.

B．UK travelers use mobile apps the least during trips.

C．Sunscreen is the most important object for a US traveler.

D．Most travelers like to communicate with their friends on vacation.

9 . New research from the University of Portsmouth has shown a marked increase in shipping in the North East Atlantic. Scientists now warn that more monitoring is required to help protect sea life.

Researchers at the University of Ponsmouth have discovered that rates (率) of shipping in the North East Atlantic area rose by 34 per cent in a five-year period. The research is the first detailed survey of shipping activity in the North East Atlantic. Researchers used data from over 530 million vessel (船) positions recorded by Automatic Identification System(AIS). They looked at the change in shipping between 2013 and 2017 across ten different vessel types. In total the study area covered 1.1 million km², including waters off Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany,Iceland, Ireland, The Netherlands, Norway, Portugal. Spain, and the UK.

Lead author, James Robbins said: “This change is likely to put more pressure on the marine (海洋的) environment, and may influence the protection of at-risk species. Renewed monitoring effort is needed to make sure that protective measures are enough to save species under threat in a changing environment.”

Some of the greatest shipping increases were found in areas close to the Spanish coast. The Espacio Marino de la Costa da Morte saw a rise of 413 percent in vessel activity. It is an area used to protect seabirds.

Dr. Sarah Marley, Visiting Researcher at the University of Portsmouth, said: “Shipping is the most widespread human activity in our oceans, carrying a set of threats-from unnoticeable effects like underwater noise pollution to serious results when ships hit whales.”

Professor Alex Ford. from the University’s Institute of Marine Sciences, said: “Given the well-documented effects that shipping can have on the marine environment, it is necessary that this situation continues to be monitored-particularly in areas used to protect vulnerable (脆弱的) species which may already be under pressure.”

1. What can we say about the new research?

A．It started in 2013.	B．It is the first of its kind.
C．It was carried out by AIS.	D．It covers the whole Atlantic.

2. What do the underlined words “This change” in paragraph 3 refer to ?

A．Rapid population growth.

B．Rising global temperatures.

C．The huge increase in shipping.

D．The disappearance of marine life.

3. What does Dr. Sarah Marley want to tell us in paragraph 5?

A．Shipping plays an important role in the local economy.

B．Shipping can be a danger to the marine environment.

C．Noise pollution is closely related to human activity.

D．Marine areas should be monitored more carefully.

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

A．New waterways across the Atlantic

B．The shipping industry in the North East Atlantic

C．New research opens windows into life under the water

D．Sea life needs better protection from an increase in shipping

10 . Bred to be more sweeter, today’s cherries, bananas and apples taste different than they used — to but not necessarily better. Among fruit farmers, the word “quality” is now routinely used as a standard for “high in sugar”, though firmness, color and size are also considerations. In a recent study about ways to enhance the sweetness of fruit using “molecular (分子的) approaches”, a group of plant scientists wrote that, in general, the sugar content of many fruits are now higher than before owing to continuous selection and breeding. Modern apple varieties, the scientists stressed, were on average sweeter than older ones.

The sweetness of fruit depends not just on how it is bred but also on growing conditions, yield and harvest. The lead researcher, Sugiura, said, “If you could taste an apple harvested 30 years ago, you would feel the difference.” He believed that modern apples are picked so early that even if they are bred for sweetness, they often don’t develop their full character. The fragrance (香味) never develops in fruit that is harvested too early.

Jim Cooper, an apple farmer in England, is regretful to admit the fact that many people will never taste the “strawberry hint” in a really ripe Pearmain, a type of heritage apple. In a way, the rise of consistently sweeter fruit in our lifetimes has been a victory of plant breeding. After all, it’s a rare person who would seek out bitter grapes if they could have sweet ones instead.

But the sweetness of modern fruit is not without its problems, especially for people with diabetes (糖尿病), who have to reduce their intake of higher-sugar fruits. Fruit that is bred sweeter also tends to be lower in the chemicals that make it healthy. Considering health, maybe the real problem with modern fruit is that it has become yet another sweet thing in a world with sugar. Even grapefruits, which used to be quite bitter, are sometimes now as sweet as oranges. If you’ve never tasted a sour cherry, how can you fully appreciate a sweet one?

1. In what aspect is many fruits different from before?

A．Sugar content.

B．Soft skin.

C．Bright color.

D．High yield.

2. Why did Sugiura express discontent with the present fruits?

A．They are bred too early.	B．They taste so sweet.
C．They are losing a good flavor.	D．They need a higher yield.

3. What is Cooper’s attitude towards modern fruit breeding?

A．Favorable.

B．Critical.

C．Ambiguous.

D．Indifferent.

4. What does the last paragraph mean?

A．It’s a wise choice to breed fruits for sweetness.

B．Breeding sweet fruits improves the quality of fruits.

C．Some fruits like grapes and cherries taste the same.

D．The sweetness of fruits will cause health issues.