1 . Do you remember reading an article called Kouji in middle school? In it, a kouji performer, specializing in vocal mimicry, creates lifelike performances of various sounds using just his mouth, with the stage having only a table, a block of wood on it, a chair and a fan.

Originating from ancient China, the art of kouji involves skillfully using movements of the lips, teeth, throat, and tongue to produce sounds that mimic birds, animals, and various other noises in the world. It is often combined with story-telling during performances. In 2011, kouji was recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage.

According to the IHChina website, traditional kouji is becoming endangered due to the rapid development of electronic audio. However, Cao Quyang, a 28-year-old inheritor, has found a solution by combining kouji with beatboxing, achieving a perfect combination of traditional and modern performance art.

Cao started learning kouji in 2016 when she wanted to bring something original to her B -box performance. "As a former percussionis (打击乐器演奏者), I'm sensitive to rhythm, so I integrated the kouji techniques I learned into beatboxing and created my own unique style in my area of expertise." she added. For example, when mimicking environmental sounds like wind, Cao can use her mouth to weave beatboxing into it, making the sound of the wind stronger and more rhythmic." The addition of beatboxing brings more musical expression to kouji performances, making the stories more vivid and appealing to today's young audiences." said Cao.

In addition to kouji and beatboxing, Cao can also play the Chinese drums, drum set, and piano, as well as DJ. "Innovation is not difficult for me. To me, innovation is simply expressing something that people don't understand in a way they do," said Cao, "As long as it combines tradition and modernity and allows the public to appreciate the beauty of tradition through innovation, I'm willing to do it."

1. What does the article tell us about kouji ?

A．It involves five parts of the human mouth.

B．It originated in the Western Han dynasty.

C．It usually mixes sound mimicry with storytelling.

D．It received national heritage status in 2001.

2. How has Cao Quyang contributed to the preservation of kouji?

A．By developing a new form of art.

B．By employing it to compose pop songs.

C．By including digital effects in her performances.

D．By combining it with percussion instruments.

3. What aspect of kouji does Cao enhance with beatboxing ?

A．Visual appeal.	B．Emotional depth.
C．Mimicry accuracy.	D．Rhythmic complexity.

4. What does Cao think of innovation ?

A．It presents challenges and risks of failure.	B．It is a means of beautifying the old.
C．It is a way to bridge understanding.	D．It serves as a form of self-expression.

2 . Humans are driving climate change. That means we can change our path.     1    , individual actions matter, too. Here are some individual actions that can make a positive impact.

    2    . First, be mindful of your meat. Cows create a lot of methane (甲烷), a significant driver of global climate change. One study found replacing beef with almost anything else for one meal a day can cut a person’s dietary carbon footprint by 48%. Then, address your food waste. Cut down on what you throw away and watch out for single-use items like coffee beans whose production produces greenhouse gases.

Extend product lifespan (寿命).     3    . Shoes, clothes, furniture and even some electronics can be repaired to extend their life and keep waste out of landfills.

Switch to electric cooking. Not only is gas-powered cooking releasing harmful chemicals into the environment, but it could be contributing to health problems for you if you’re cooking indoors.     4    .

Plant trees where you can. Trees can help control temperatures and improve air quality.     5    . Local wildlife organizations often have lists of plants with neutral (中性的) or positive impacts on local flora and fauna (动植物群).

A．Eat more sustainably

B．Fix what you have instead of replacing it

C．The time it gives you back this fall is an added bonus

D．As climate change causes temperatures in many areas to rise

E．Just make sure the plants you’re adding are approved for your area

F．Plus, research has shown some gas stoves can leak pollutants even when they’re off

G．While governments and businesses have a key role to play in addressing climate change

3 . The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) facilities have the primary purpose of supporting MIT’s educational and research programs as well as serving the local community, the nation, and the world. Access to and use of the MIT Libraries is a privilege extended to the members of the MIT community of faculty, students, staff and their families. Visitors can access Libraries’ resources for scholarly, research, and educational purposes.

MIT Libraries use policies are consistent with current MIT campus policies.

Principles for Library Use

Library users and staff will interact with mutual respect and consideration. Library users will:

Respect private and Institute property.

Obey all Institute and Libraries’ policies, licensing and contractual agreements.

Show valid identification upon request.

Use MIT Libraries’ resources (content, equipment, or facilities) safely and appropriately.

Prohibited Behaviors

Behaviors that threaten personal safety or the security of personal or Institute property.

Behaviors that disturb the activities of other library users or staff, including excessive (过度的) noise, cell phones, music and rudeness.

Alcohol, drug use and smoking — as detailed in MIT’s Policy on Substance Use.

The MIT Libraries may limit or refuse access to individuals or groups who fail to follow these guidelines. Interpretation of policies or guidelines is at the decision of the MIT Libraries’ staff.

The General Hour Rules

Weekdays: Libraries typically operate from early morning to late evening, with extended hours during examinations.

Weekends: Reduced hours are offered, with generally later opening and earlier closing times.

Special hours may apply during holidays, breaks, and summer. Some libraries may close entirely, while others operate on limited schedules.

Users are advised to consult the library website for the most current information on specific hours, closures, and exceptions.

1. What is the main purpose of the MIT Libraries?

A．To promote MIT’s academic pursuit.

B．To serve as a public library for the nation.

C．To provide Internet access for MIT students.

D．To offer a gathering center for the local community.

2. What behavior would result in restricted access?

A．Using library resources for essays.

B．Inquiring about checking out books.

C．Presenting valid identification as required.

D．Engaging in loud discussions with library users.

3. What is the libraries’ hour rule?

A．Open early on weekends.

B．Flexible hours on demand.

C．Closed entirely during the summer.

D．Longer hours in exam sessions on weekdays.

4 . Be a Beekeeper for a Day!

Learn about the fascinating world of honey bees in a way that few get to experience:

Your tour, led by a professional beekeeper, will include suiting up in protective gear, lighting a bee smoker, and getting up close with more than 100,000 bees.

Each tour is capped at 12 people, providing you an intimate experience of this fascinating species.

Guided tours include protective gear and select drinks.

At least one paid adult must accompany any children under the age of 18.

Price	Starting at $35   Adult (Ages 13+): $50     Child (Ages 6-12): $35
Time	Saturdays
Duration	1.5 Hours
Place	Two Hives Honey Ranch

Things to know:

Ensure you arrive a few minutes before your start time to sign waivers (豁免协议) and get signed in. Particularly for evening tours, it is important that we start on time so that we finish the tour before sunset.

Tours are weather dependent, so if the forecast calls for rain, please watch your email 24-48 hours before in case we need to cancel/reschedule.

What to bring:

We will have a variety of protective gear (beekeeping masks, gloves) for all of you. You will see that the bees are incredibly gentle and tame, but it’s better for everyone to enjoy their time and not feel worried about getting stung! Additionally, please adhere (遵守) to the below guidelines:

Closed-toe shoes that cover the ankle are required.

Wear long pants and a long sleeve top. Blue jeans are fine. Try to stick to lighter colors on top — button downs work great!

Choose clothing that is loose fitting — nothing especially tight! (Black yoga pants are NOT a good clothing choice.)

Avoid using materials that are hairy or made from sweater type materials.

Please avoid using any perfumes or heavily fragrant creams — the bees are not fans of our smells.

Finally, your tour guide may make his/her job look easy, but they work hard to ensure your bee experience is informative, fun, and most importantly, safe. If you enjoyed your time and the experience, a tip to show your appreciation for their work is not required but always appreciated.

1. What will you do during the tour?

A．Taste the honey from their hives.

B．Smoke bees out of their honeycomb.

C．Explore an active and living beehive.

D．Identify the bee queen and bee workers.

2. What is provided for the trip?

A．A cap.	B．A raincoat.
C．A beekeeping mask.	D．A pair of knee-high boots.

3. What are tourists advised to do?

A．Put on a sweater.	B．Wear tight clothes.
C．Choose black yoga pants.	D．Give a tip to the guide.

5 . Four YouTube Channels for Learning English

Bob the Canadian

Bob is a high school teacher from Toronto, Canada, who lives on a flower farm with his wife and five kids. Bob’s videos mostly deal with everyday situations. Bob describes common places, scenes and conversations using simple English. He has taken his viewers to a great mix of places, from hardware stores to hotels. Bob’s ac cent is very clear and he subtitles his videos.

JenniferESL

JenniferESL has been making YouTube videos teaching US English with her family since 2007, so there’s a huge collection to discover. Like Bob the Canadian, one of the enjoyable things about Jennifer’s videos is that you get a brief look at someone’s life in an English-speaking country. She also uses her channel to advertise other teachers’ videos that she finds useful.

Learn English with Mr. Duncan

Mr. Duncan has been running a successful English-language YouTube channel for over ten years. He lives in a pretty town in the UK and has an upper-class British ac cent to match. Mr. Duncan’s huge video catalog covers nearly every topic in the world of British English. For the past few months, he has stopped creating short video lessons, and started running free livestream lessons three times per week instead. Unlike Bob the Canadian, Mr. Duncan’s videos are quite funny and most viewers find them fun and memorable.

EnglishClass101

This is a channel designed to sell an interactive online English course. However, if you don’t mind a sales pitch(推销行话), the videos themselves are a great learning resource. They are all completely free, whether or not you buy the course. This channel is particularly good at explaining grammatical rules and common expressions. If you’ve ever become so bored trying to understand the use cases for a tense, there’s almost certainly an EnglishClass101 video that can help you!

1. What do Bob and Jennifer have in common?

A．They both add subtitles to their videos.

B．They both teach English with their families in videos.

C．They both promote valuable videos from other educators.

D．They both share life in English-speaking countries in videos.

2. What change has Mr. Duncan made to his courses in the past few months?

A．He is producing shorter video lessons.

B．He is conducting free livestream lessons.

C．He has tried to make his videos more fun.

D．He has started teaching English with a British accent.

3. Which YouTube channel should you turn to if you have grammatical problems?

A．JenniferESL.	B．Bob the Canadian.
C．EnglishClass101.	D．Learn English with Mr. Duncan.

6 . Where to Find the Perfect Christmas Tree Around Baltimore This Year

A handful of the area’s best choose-and-cut Christmas tree farms are only a quick road trip away.

A SNOWBALL’S CHANCE TREE FARM

This choose-and-cut Christmas tree farm of 16 acres has been run by a couple since 2005. Open for one weekend only, Dec. 3-4, this year, the new location in Woodstock will offer eight and nine-inch pre-cut Fraser Firs or cut-your-own White Pines & Blue Spruces.

10231 Harvest Fields Drive, Woodstock

DAVIDSON CHRISTMAS TREE FARM

Although it’s been active for more than two centuries, this family-owned Upperco Farm didn’t start to plant Christmas tree seedlings until the late 1960s. The fields are open seven days per week from Nov. 18 to Dec. 17. Wander through its 60-plus acres for eight tree varieties, such as the silver-blue Concolor Fir.

1101 Emory Church Rd., Upperco

FROSTEE TREE FARM

The appropriately named Helen and George Winter began planting and selling trees at their Perry Hall farm in 1974. The two have since passed away, but the farm, now operated by Paul Stiffler, has 15 acres of ready-to-cut trees ranging from Scotch Pine to White Pine, Douglas Pine, and Norway Spruce. The farm re-opens on the last weekend of November, after Thanksgiving.

8926 Cowenton Ave., Perry Hall

GAVER FARM

Owner Michael Gaver was just 17 when he established this Mt. Airy farm in 1978. Today, it holds 70 acres of cut-your-own trees, with varieties such as the Colorado Blue Spruce and the whisper-soft White Pine. Christmas tree shopping starts on Nov. 24. What distinguishes this farm from others is that you can step into the family farm’s cafe for apple cider doughnuts, beef sandwiches, and hot cocoa before you leave.

5501 Detrick Rd., Mt. Airy

1. Which farm has the shortest history of Christmas tree cutting?

A．A SNOWBALL’S CHANCE TREE FARM.

B．DAVIDSON CHRISTMAS TREE FARM.

C．FROSTEE TREE FARM.

D．GAVER FARM.

2. Where is the farm run by Paul Stiffler?

A．10231 Harvest Fields Drive, Woodstock.

B．1101 Emory Church Rd., Upperco.

C．8926 Cowenton Ave., Perry Hall.

D．5501 Detrick Rd., Mt. Airy.

3. What is unique about the largest one of the four farms?

A．It offers drinks and foods.	B．It includes White Pine.
C．It is owned by a family.	D．It is active for about 200 years.

7 . Most Popular UK Destinations for a Staycation

Looking for a cheap stay cation to brighten up your winter? Here are the most popular destinations in the UK.

Blackpool

Whether you’re seeking the thrills of Blackpool Pleasure Beach or are keen to catch a glimpse of Blackpool Tower, the city’s most appealing attraction, the seaside town offers various amazing views. It’s no wonder the town has gained 980.8 million views on TikTok. With accommodation price £75 for a night, you’ll have a golden opportunity to enjoy Blackpool's Illuminations (彩灯) display and the Seaside Trail.

Searborough

North Yorkshire’s Scarborough sees 49,500 monthly searches and 686.4 million views on TikTok. One of the local highlights is the annual St Nicholas Fair. While a one-night stay in Scarborough costs £85, the town offers holiday-makers opportunities to experience ancient British culture at the 12th-century castle ruins.

Swansea

The Welsh town sees 27,100 monthly searches and has 622.4 million views on TikTok. Swansea’s Waterfront Wonderland brings with it the Alpine Village and various amusement attractions. Spending a night here costs just 10 pounds more than in Scarborough. But if you book a week earlier, you can get a 5 percent discount in total. With Cardiff only being an hour’s drive from Swansea, you have the perfect opportunity to catch a game of ice hockey.

Bournemouth

Bournemouth isn’t called Sunny Bournemouth for nothing, as holiday-makers can enjoy breathtaking views along the Jurassic Coast. With a World Heritage Site within its borders, it’s no surprise to see this town with the high number of views on TikTok (868.3 million). A one-night stay will cost you £105, giving you the perfect opportunity to get relaxed.

1. What is the most attractive in Blackpool?

A．Blackpool Pleasure Beach.	B．Blackpool Tower.
C．The Illuminations display.	D．The Seaside Trail.

2. How much will a tourist at least pay for a night in Swansea?

A．£ 70.

B．£ 85.

C．£ 85.75.

D．£ 90.25.

3. Which of the following has the second-highest number of views on TikTok?

A．Blackpool.

B．Swansea.

C．Scarborough.

D．Boumemouth.

8 . Courage is a huge theme in my life, a quality I constantly seek, appreciate, and analyze. The root of “courage” is “cor,” the Latin word for heart. In the beginning, courage meant “to speak one’s mind by telling all one’s heart.” While courage is often associated with heroism nowadays, I believe true courage lies in being open and honest about who we are and how we feel.

I recently witnessed an example of true courage. During a mountain-climbing trip with my 15-year-old daughter and some college students, I noticed her struggling to keep up with the group. Despite my suggestions to rest, she persisted until she couldn’t breathe properly.

Panicked, I called out to the front for help, but there was no response, and we had no cellphone signal. Fortunately, two students just came back to check out on us. They offered assistance and calmed us down. As we continued at a slower pace, they shared their own experiences, from starting out as beginners like my daughter to becoming consistently among the first to reach the peak.

“You know,” one of them said, looking at my daughter, “I was just like you when I started.

But with practice and proper pace, you’ll get there too.”

“Yeah, don’t let your lack of experience stop you,” the other added. “It’s okay to admit when you’re struggling or not feeling alright. In fact, it’s important to speak up and ask for help when you need it. That’s how we improve and grow.”

Reaching the mountain top was a huge relief for both my daughter and me. However, the two students addressed the celebrating group directly, emphasizing the importance of staying together in tough environments. Their words led the group to apologize to us for overlooking our struggle.

I was totally amazed at their bravery, and my daughter learned that it’s okay to be the least experienced in a group. Courage, I’ve come to realize, has a ripple effect. Each time we choose courage, we inspire those around us to be a little braver and make the world a little better.

1. Why does the author mention the original meaning of courage?

A．To question the common belief of courage.

B．To argue for the true nature of courage.

C．To show the changing meaning of courage.

D．To compare different interpretations of courage.

2. What did the two students suggest the daughter do?

A．Keep to a suitable pace.	B．Seek help whenever possible.
C．Challenge her own limits.	D．Stick with experienced climbers.

3. Which action in the mountain-climbing story is an example of true courage?

A．The mother asked the girl to rest.

B．The girl tried hard not to fall behind.

C．The two students pointed out the group’s fault.

D．The group celebrated the reach of the mountain top.

4. What does the author intend to tell us?

A．Kindness connects us all.	B．Being a beginner takes courage.
C．We don’t have to be a hero to be brave.	D．With courage, everyone can be perfect.

9 . How many calories should you eat in a day? Many factors go into determining your calorie needs. Your age, weight, gender/sex, height and activity level and if you want to maintain, lose or gain weight and so on all play a role. So, how many average calories per day should you aim for?

Everybody’s daily calorie needs are different, which can make it hard to figure out the magic number. In general, men and people assigned male at birth (AMAB) need more calories than women and people assigned female at birth (AFAB). Active people need more than those who have desk jobs. And younger people need more than older people, whose metabolisms (新陈代谢) slow down as they age.

Calories per day for women and people AFAB

Age	Calories: inactive	Calories: moderately active	Calories: active
21–25	2,000	2,200	2,400
26–30	1,800	2,000	2,400
31–50	1,800	2,000	2,200
51–60	1,600	1,800	2,200
61+	1,600	1,800	2,000

Source: Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2020-2025, Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion).

Calories per day for men and people AMAB

Age	Calories: inactive	Calories: moderately active	Calories: active
21–25	2,400	2,800	3,000
26–35	2,400	2,600	3,000
36–40	2,400	2,600	2,800
41–45	2,200	2,600	2,800
46-55	2,200	2,400	2,800
56–60	2,200	2,400	2,600
61–65	2,000	2,400	2,600

Source: Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2020-2025, Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion).

Keep in mind, these calorie recommendations are for people who are at a normal weight. If your weight is above the normal range for your height and your goal is weight loss, you need to consume less. A shortage of 500 calories can provide a weight loss of 1 pound per week.

1. If you are a male of 24,always sitting in the office, daily calorie you need is .

A．2400

B．2000

C．2800

D．2200

2. Which of the statement is true according to the passage?

A．People of same age consume the same calories per day.

B．At age 61, men moderately active need more calories than women active .

C．If you are losing weight, you need to consume calories as the recommendations.

D．As metabolisms slow down, the elderly need more calories than younger people.

3. What is the author’s purpose of writing the passage?

A．To persuade us to lose weight .

B．To tell us how many calories we should eat every day.

C．To remind us to eat according to calories recommendations.

D．To tell us age weight, gender, height and activity level etc. determine daily calories need.

10 . For foreign visitors, Morocco in Africa holds an immediate and enduring fascination. Here are some picks to visit.

The Anti-Atlas

In the mountain playground of the Anti-Atlas, travelers can exercise by trying new hiking routes and connect with locals who share their timeless valleys with generosity and warmth. Take some time to connect with the local people living in the region. A glimpse into their simple life and down-to-earth way of being is good for your heart.

Marrakesh

The “pink city” is one of Morocco’s must-sees—all your senses come to life here. Feel the city’s charm with the rosy colors of the media wall at sunset and the sweet smell of trees in season. For a touch of desert romance, the Agafay Desert and its luxury camping options are within easy reach of Marrakesh, pertect for a night under the stars.

The Sahara Desert

The drive to the Sahara Desert is long, but the emptiness of the Sahara Desert can bring a sense of remoteness that is rare to find these days. Visiting the Moroccan Sahara Desert is an opportunity to disconnect, empty your mind and enjoy being in the middle of nowhere. The wild environment comes to life with a good guide, especially at might when the night sky free of light pollution is filled with stars.

Fez

As the oldest city and study center in Morocco, Fez proudly keeps one foot firmly planted in the past where you will get lost making your way through workshops and market stalls. The fantastically preserved ancient ruins and the Kairaouine Library that is among the world’s oldest libraries are worth a visit.

1. What does the trip to the Anti-Atlas feature?

A．The foreign too a and drınk.

B．The enjoyment of the urban life.

C．The physical and spiritual experience.

D．The gift-sharing events in the mountain playground.

2. What can travelers do both in Marrakesh and the Sahara Desert?

A．Feel the city’s romance.

B．Enjoy the mountainous lifestyle.

C．Sec the scenery of plentiful valleys and runs.

D．Get the chance to spend starry nights outdoors.

3. Which is the best place for history lovers?

A．The Anti-Atlas.	B．Marrakesh.
C．The Sahara Desert.	D．Fez.