1 . Lion dance is a valued tradition deeply rooted in South China’s Guangdong province and among Chinese communities in Southeast Asian countries. Historically, this art form was only practiced by men. However, a unique team consisting entirely of teenage girls stands out among all the male groups — they are the Nanxing Hexingtang Women’s Lion Dance Team from the town of Ren he in Guangzhou.

Nearly every village in Guangzhou has its own lion dance team. Yet as of 2018, Hexingtang had only male participants. As there was a decline in the number of young people practicing lion dance, it accepted a few young girls. The journey was far from smooth for the girls. They were once hired to perform for a family on the first day of Chinese New Year. When the family realized that it was the girls who would be performing, they erupted in anger and chased them away. Then Hexingtang decided to formally establish a women’s team to make the female lion dance leagal. They customized flags and banners printed with “women’s team”, crafted pink and purple lion heads, which are rarely seen in male lion dance, and even fashioned a lion head looking like the image of the female general Mu Guiying, a famous figure in Yue Opera.

It was hoped that after the girls won awards and proved themselves, they might be accepted by more people. Their breakthrough came in 2021 when the girls beat all-male teams and won the first prize in a competition in Guangzhou’s Baiyun district. The following year, at the 16th Guangdong Provincial Games, the girls once again got the top prize in the junior group, representing Guangzhou. Since then, they have continued to win awards. In the recent Maofeng Mountain competition just before Spring Festival in Guangzhou, the team performed a routine titled “Tramping Over Mountains and Hills Step by Step”, which mirrors the growth journey of these girls themselves as they navigate through numerous challenges. Behind this near-perfect performance is girls’ dedication and hard work.

Lion dance is not easy, especially for girls, as it demands significant strength and mastery of martial arts movements. However, girls possess unique advantages and can cultivate a distinctive style. Girls typically have a keen understanding of music, performing perfectly in both lion and instrument roles. Furthermore, their superior physical flexibility allows them to complete difficult moves. Most importantly, their sensitivity enables them to capture the expressions and behaviors of lions.

1. What do we know about lion dance?

A．It is a tradition rooted in all Asian countries.

B．Only men could practice lion dance in the past.

C．Every village in Guangzhou has its own lion dance team.

D．It’s easy for people to practice.

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

A．made.

B．bought.

C．painted.

D．had.

3. What was the turning point for women’s team?

A．They performed for a family on the first day of Chinese New Year.

B．They performed a routine titled “Tramping Over Mountains and Hills Step by Step”.

C．They won the first prize in a competition in Guangzhou’s Baiyun district.

D．They won the top prize in the junior group at the 16th Guangdang Provincial Games.

4. Which is not a unique advantage of girls in lion dance?

A．They can complete difficult moves with superior physical flexibility.

B．They have great strength and master martial arts movements.

C．They have a keen understanding of music, performing perfectly in different roles.

D．They can capture the expressions and behaviors of lions with sensitivity.

2 . In the heart of a harsh winter, Ma Yuxing and his family found themselves caught in an unexpected blizzard as they returned to Xinjiang after the Spring Festival. The storm forced them to leave the highway and seek shelter in Guazhou Coupty, Gansu, where the local community’s warmth would soon thaw their cold predicament.

Amidst the snowstorm, local authorities rapidly transformed schools and gymnasiums into temporary shelters for stranded (受困的) travelers like Ma and his family. Despite the freezing temperatures and growing demand for accommodation, the people of Guazhou sprang into action, providing food, warmth, and medical assistance to everyone in need.

The generosity of the Guazhou residents knew no bounds. Local citizens, like Wang Yang, opened their homes to strangers, embodying a spirit of communal support and hospitality. The local governmen, along with various organizations and businesses, coordinated effectively to distribute essential supplies and ensure the safety and comfort of all stranded individuals.

This story of snowstorm turned unity highlights the kind nature of the Guazhou community, a testament to human kindness in the face of natural disaster.

1. What caused Ma Yuxing and his family to seek shelter in Guazhou County?

A．They were on holiday in Guazhou.	B．They were visiting relatives in the area.
C．They were stranded due to a snowstorm.	D．They decided to move to Guazhou.

2. How did the Guazhou community respond to the stranded travelers?

A．They ignored the travelers’ plight.

B．They provided temporary accommodation and essentials.

C．They charged a small fee for their services.

D．They offered jobs to the stranded individuals.

3. We can infer about the residents of Guazhou based-en their actions during the crisis EXCEPT?

A．They are kind to others’ suffering.

B．They provided accommodation to the strangers.

C．They are selfless and warm-hearted.

D．They are well-prepared for natural disasters.

4. Use an adjective to describe the characteristic of Guazhou people as depicted in the story.

A．in different

B．warm-hearted

C．unfriendly

D．selfish

3 . Ways the Pandemic Has Changed Our Relationship with Food for the Better

Some of food-related behavior changes have the potential to become new habits with long-term benefits. Here are five eating-related behaviors that might be kept after the pandemic.

1. Eating family meals together

For the first time, some kids now have two parents home for weeknight dinners.     1     That highlights the importance of eating together when you can. Research has found that eating as a family helps kids have better self-esteem, more success in school, and lower risk of depression.

2. Kids learning to cook

Some families are making time to get kids involved in the kitchen.     2     Start with the basics by letting your child arrange simple snacks on a plate. It’s never too title, too early or too late to start giving kids some things to do in the kitchen.

3. Eating more plant-based proteins

People are trying tofu and homemade veggie burgers and finding out that, with the right recipes, these foods can be delicious. Alternatives to animal protein benefit the health of individuals and our planet.     3    

4. Buying food locally and lending a hand in the hunger crisis

Problems in the food supply chain that-have been significant during the pandemic have prompted people to seek local sources of food.     4     Hopefully this trend deepens our appreciation for who and what it takes to bring food to our table.

5. Changing mindsets about fitness to include self-worth

Eating is one of the most basic ways we take care of ourselves, and recent things have people rethinking how they define fitness. Take pride in both big and small changes you’ve recently put into practice.     5     It is hoped that what people maintain after the pandemic is more friendliness toward themselves as eaters.

A．Indeed, people tend to think differently about vegetables.

B．In contrast, kids of frontline workers may eat more meals away from their parents.

C．Sales of local produce and community-supported agriculture programs have increased greatly.

D．Don’t lose heart if it seems every kid but yours can cook nicely.

E．However, it might be too hard for overworked parents.

F．They might tum into brand new habits with benefits in the long run.

G．This doesn’t mean you need to become vegetarian, but you can start thinking about meat differently.

4 . BOOKSHOPS IN ROME:A QUICK GUIDE

Rome has a handful of bookshops with only English language titles. Here is our list of the main bookshops offering books in English, from old to new titles.

Almost Corner Bookshop

The Almost Corner Bookshop in Trastevere has a wide collection of fiction (小说) works and also carries books on Roman history, art, culture, poetry and many other subjects.

Via del Moro 45, tel.065836942.

Anglo American

Centrally located near the Spanish Steps, the Anglo American Bookshop only carries books in English but on request can order books in other languages. The shop has recently moved, just down the street.

Via della Vite 27, tel. 066795222.

Open Door

The Open Door Bookshop is a small shop that specialises in buying and selling quality second-hand and old books in English, Italian, French, German and Spanish, as well as some new books.

Via della Lungaretta 23, tel. 065896478.

The Little Reader

This children’s English bookshop in the Esquilino area of Rome collects books from babies to teens in English and Italian. It also has a local cafe (咖啡馆) and garden and offers a regular (定期的) programme of reading events and activities for children and their parents.

Via Conte Verde 66b, tel. 0687784678.

1. In which bookshop can you learn more about Roman history?

A．Almost Corner Bookshop.	B．Anglo American.
C．Open Door.	D．The Little Reader.

2. Which number should you call if you want to buy second-hand books?

A．065836942.

B．066795222.

C．065896478.

D．0687784678.

3. What can readers do in The Little Reader bookshop?

A．Eat Spanish food.	B．Read books in French.
C．Enjoy reading activities.	D．Take Italian language courses.

5 . The Best Art Competitions to Enter in 2024

Watermedia Showcase

Watermedia Showcase is back for its 15th year! Showcase your best watercolor art in this exciting competition. All winners and honorable mentions will have their works featured in the magazine. First prize winners will receive an additional $2,500 cash prize and a free Artists Network Membership. Entry fee is $45 ($30 before February 6, 2024).

Closing Date: April 11, 2024.

Jackson’s Painting Prize

Jackson’s Painting Prize was created to reward original art created with oil paints. A $7,500 total cash prize will be equally divided between the first three winning artists. There are also awards for emerging artists and best oil paintings. Winners will be given an opportunity to have their works shown in an exhibition. Entry fee is $35 per entry.

Closing Date: March 1, 2024.

The Strokes of Genius Contest

Open to artists in the United States and Canada, this contest celebrates original drawings made in pencil, charcoal, pen and ink, colored pencil and so on. Top prize is $3,500. Winning entries will be published in a special edition of The Best of Drawing. Entry fee is $45.

Closing Date: April 29, 2024.

The Sunny Art Prize

Contestants can submit works made in a diverse range of media, including drawing, sculpture, printmaking, video art, and photography. Top prize winner receives $6,000 and a silver medal. Open to artists worldwide aged 18 and over. Entry fee is $40 for one artwork.

Closing Date: June 30, 2024.

1. What is the final deadline for the submission of watercolor works?

A．April 11.

B．March 1.

C．February 6.

D．April 29.

2. What can a winner get in Jackson’s Painting Prize?

A．A silver medal.	B．A free membership.
C．A chance to exhibit his entry.	D．A qualification to publish his work.

3. What is special about the Sunny Art Prize?

A．It charges the least for each artwork.	B．It is most popular with emerging artists.
C．It is open to artists based in North America.	D．It accepts entries in multiple types of media.

6 . Yue-Sai Kan was born in China. In 1972, she moved to New York. When Kan was a child, she was told by her father that she should always aim to (力争) be the first because no one remembered the second. What her father said has been a driving inspiration over the years for her to become a bestselling author and a successful businesswoman.

Her new book Be a Pioneer, which is the tenth she has written and her first Chinese-language autobiography (自传), was produced after three years, inspired by her father’s words.

When writing an autobiography, the biggest challenge is not how to present one’s life, but to remember it. To help with reconstructing her story, Kan asked many friends and colleagues she made over the years to write down their memories of her from earlier times. So besides featuring Kan’s own words, the new book is also filled with those of her friends’s, which gives Kan a new understanding of herself — a woman who works hard, studies hard. and the most important thing is that she is a woman filled with a sense of responsibility.

“My helper Stephanie mentioned that I was worried because we were running out of money for the company. My housekeeper reminded me that before the start of one of my events she found that I had fainted (晕倒) in the bathroom. I was so tired that I was getting sick. They know more about me than myself,” Kan says.

“Writing a book is a good business to be in, not so much to make money but to grow the brain. I believe what I do will benefit the world. All the things I have done in Be a Pioneer — my successes and my failures — can be a good example to young people in particular. That’s the main reason why I wrote the book,” adds Kan.

1. What can we know about Kan’s book Be a Pioneer?

A．It took her 10 years to finish.

B．It is full of her father’s words.

C．It was completed with her friends’ help.

D．It tops the tenth on the bestseller list.

2. What is Kan’s difficulty in writing her autobiography?

A．Being short of money.	B．Having no supporters.
C．Having to write it in Chinese.	D．Remembering her past.

3. What does the author intend to do in paragraph 4?

A．To tell Kan is weak in health.

B．To show Kan is a worried woman.

C．To report the path of writing is difficult.

D．To state how Kan’s story was reconstructed.

4. What is Kan’s book Be a Pioneer aimed at?

A．Setting an example.	B．Earning money.
C．Making herself popular.	D．Proving herself to her father.

7 . As Christmas Eve approached, I found myself in New York City, far from my family and friends in Taiwan. I was feeling homesick and lonely, but my Jewish friend, Rachel, who, like me, doesn’t get connected with Christmas due to any religious things, invited me to join her for a dinner in a Chinese restaurant. She explained that it was a tradition for many Jewish people to celebrate this holiday by eating Chinese food on Christmas Eve.

We went to Jing Fong, a fancy restaurant in Chinatown. The place was packed with people, and the atmosphere was lively and festive. We ordered a variety of dishes. Everything was delicious, and I felt grateful to be sharing this experience with Rachel. As we ate, we talked about our families and our cultures. We laughed and joked, and for a moment, I forgot about my homesickness.

A moment later, a group of carolers (唱圣诞歌的人) came into the restaurant, singing Christmas songs. At first, I was puzzled. Why were they singing in a Chinese restaurant? But then I realized that this was part of the magic of New York City. People from all different cultures and backgrounds could come together and celebrate the holidays in their own way. Rachel and I joined in the singing, and soon the whole restaurant was filled with music. It was a beautiful moment, and I felt blessed to be part of it.

What a night! I learned that even when you’re far from home, you can still find joy and connection with others. Rachel and I may come from different cultures, but we shared amazing food, joyful music, and most importantly heartfelt company. And that’s exactly what all the holidays are all about.

1. Why did Rachel invite the author to join her for dinner?

A．To show respect to God

B．To celebrate Christmas in the Jewish way

C．To share stories about their families

D．To forget about their homesickness

2. What was the author’s initial reaction to the carolers?

A．Fearful	B．Joyful
C．Disappointed	D．Confused

3. How did the author want people to approach Christmas?

A．By focusing on religious traditions

B．By celebrating with family and friends

C．By enjoying a variety of festive dishes

D．By embracing diverse ways of celebration

4. Where is the text most probably taken from?

A．A personal blog	B．A commercial promotion brochure
C．A travel guide of New York	D．An academic article

8 . “What should I learn to stay excellent?”     1     , but it is still worth thinking—both for the professional benefits and the complete joy of learning something new. Here is a look at some skills that will surely benefit you.

Self-management

Self-management is your ability to manage behaviors, thoughts and emotions. It is a way that better serves you and your work. Rules of self-management usually include: How to create and keep a calendar;     2     ; How to do a weekly review; How to focus deeply.

Logic and reasoning

Logical thinking can be extremely powerful for making better decisions and solving problems. However, most of us receive little training in this area in school.     3    

How to do exercise

You can just pick an activity you enjoy and do it regularly. Try different things and see what you enjoy.     4     . The best program is the one you’ll actually hold on to.

    5    

Knowing how to fix things around your house or apartment is wonderful. Instead of having to wait hours or days for others to fix it. you can do so immediately. And doing your own repairs can save you lots of money. You can buy a basic tool kit. And when you meet some kind of problem with your place, see if you can figure out how to fix it on the Internet.

A．It’s a difficult question to answer

B．How to make and use a to-do list

C．How to perform basic home repairs

D．There’s a bit more to it than that

E．So it’s worth spending some time learning how to think logically

F．And remember that there’s no such a thing as the “best” exercise program

G．But having logical thinking in your mental “toolbox” can be very useful

9 . Finding a California condor in the wild would be the most unusual treat. perhaps even more unusual than finding a wolf in Yellowstone National Park. In fact, the wolf was what opened my eyes to the fact that humans could bring an animal back to the place where it had disappeared.

In 1987, there were only 27 California condors left, none of which were in the wild, only in captive breeding programs, It was those breeding programs that contributed to their population rise, enough that by 1991 some of them could be freed into the wild.

Still, the hope of seeing a California condor, which remains an endangered species, is very low, let alone getting a photo of one. California condor population dropped mostly due to human factors, such as poaching and living areas destruction-these are challenges California condors still face today.

Although this is just a bird’s-eye view of the challenges California condors face and there are many others, it is part of why the opportunity to work with the US Fish and Wildlife Service team and their partners helping their recovery is so special to me as a photographer. I am not only able to photograph the birds in their wild living areas, but also understand and record how difficult the work is of those people on the front lines of the protection.

I am grateful for the work of the team, and my hope is that California condor population will continue to rise allowing future generations an opportunity I never had when I first got here-to look to the sky and see one flying around.

1. What helped the increase of the California condor population in 1987?

A．Rules for hunters.	B．Captive breeding programs.
C．The improved natural environment.	D．The enlargement of wild living areas.

2. What does the author say about taking photos of a California condor in the wild?

A．It is difficult.

B．It is easy.

C．It is boring.

D．It is dangerous.

3. What did the author do when working with the US Fish and Wildlife Service team?

A．He guided ways for them.	B．He made records by photos.
C．He helped the birds to recover.	D．He rebuilt the birds’ living areas.

4. What is the best title for the text?

A．New Way, New Hope	B．Wolves and California Condors
C．A Photo of a California Condor	D．The California Condor’s Coming Back

10 . A lot of people find it difficult to do exercise regularly, even though they know it’s good for their physical and mental (身心上的) health. Yet keeping on a workout routine doesn’t necessarily go to the gym or run around your neighborhood. Gardening is a great example of a popular hobby that can be used as a workout.

Nashville resident Tom Adkinson, 72, is on board with the idea of gardening to stay fit. He has three gardens, which he uses primarily to grow tomatoes, sweet banana peppers and okra. Like traditional exercise, Adkinson does a lot of preparation before gardening, and then he spends hours watering and weeding (除草) all three gardens, involving bending and stretching, which he compares to performing garden yoga.

“It is wise of Adkinson to do so. Even though gardening may not appear difficult, using the body in new ways can make you hurt if you don’t warm up beforehand,” said Zeller, who teaches at the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Cape May County in New Jersey.

Working in your garden just two hours a week could improve your mood. And the communal gardening, which is done by a number of people as a group in communities and schools, provides social benefits that can reduce stress and help fight against loneliness and even dementia according to studies.

“With all these benefits, gardening for fitness will be a trend (趋势) in the coming year,” announced Mandal, CEO of the fitness coaching app Future, “Our users at Future have already been asking their coaches to add gardening and landscaping activities into their routines because it’s easy to get and fit into their lifestyle.”

1. What do the underlined words “on board with” mean in paragraph 2?

A．In support of.	B．At the risk of.
C．Under the control of.	D．In opposition to.

2. What did Zeller probably suggest doing before gardening?

A．Having a good rest.

B．Getting enough water ready.

C．Doing warm-up exercise.

D．Preparing tools for weeding.

3. What is paragraph 4 mainly about?

A．Tips for gardening.

B．The benefits of gardening.

C．The process of garden management.

D．The difference between personal and group gardening.

4. Which activity may be added to the app Future according to Mandal?

A．Running.

B．Yoga.

C．Gardening.

D．Walking.