1. What did the speaker’s father expect him to do?
| A．Work as an artist. |
| B．Take up a regular job. |
| C．Follow in his footsteps. |
| A．His brother. | B．His cousin. | C．His sister. |
| A．He found a job. | B．He opened a shop. | C．He got an award for painting. |
| A．Set up a studio. | B．Make much money. | C．Design best-selling products. |
1. How long will the speakers go on holiday?
| A．Two days. | B．Three days. | C．Seven days. |
| A．It’s hard to book hotels. |
| B．The weather is not good. |
| C．She can’t book flights in April. |
| A．It is cheap. | B．It is nice. | C．It is uncomfortable. |
1. Why does Daniel value the watch so much?
| A．It is rare. | B．It is expensive. | C．It is meaningful to him. |
| A．Sara. | B．Peter’s aunt. | C．Daniel’s sister. |
4 . Former US secretary of state Henry Kissinger, who passed away on Wednesday at the age of 100, will always be remembered for the key role he played in the normalization of China-US relations.
The secret trip he made to Beijing in July 1971, at the height of the Cold War, paved the way for the historic visit by then US president Richard Nixon to the Chinese capital in February 1972. “The week that changed the world” helped end more than 20 years of estrangement (疏远) between China and the United States, and led to the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1979. The following more than four decades of mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries, although not always smooth sailing, have reshaped the global geopolitical landscape, contributing to peace, stability and the development of the world.
As an diplomat with scholarly understanding of Chinese history and culture, in China Kissinger is heralded for his visionary (有远见的) and insightful thinking on China-US ties. The role he played in bridging the differences between the two countries — as highlighted by the more than 100 trips he paid to China — made him a trusted messenger for successive leaders of both countries.
He was worried by the many US politicians trying to play the Taiwan card to contain China's rise, a situation which, in his view, is against the long-term interests of both China and the US. “Keep in mind that if China and America are in conflict, then the whole world will be divided,” he said. To minimize the chance of the two countries sliding into a serious conflict, Kissinger advised the US “to keep from being adversarial (对抗的) and pursue dialogue instead”. He urged China and the US to cooperate, because “working together, we can achieve great things, not just for our countries, but also for humanity”.
The death of Kissinger is a great loss. But his legacy (遗产) will last forever. What he said and did to help develop a sound and healthy US-China relationship should inspire all those who are working for a better relationship between the two countries. His call for dialogue and cooperation, rather than confrontation and zero-sum competition, should shed light on the course for healthy interactions between the two sides.
| A．To represent the US to talk about some trade deals. |
| B．To have a tour around the city and know more about it. |
| C．To deal with some important personal affairs in the city. |
| D．To get ready for Richard Nixon's paying a visit to Beijing. |
| A．Adapted to. | B．Praised for. | C．Prepared for. | D．Attached to. |
| A．That the US and China should make compromises. |
| B．That the US and China should go their separate ways. |
| C．That the US and China should lead the world together. |
| D．That the US and China should communicate and work together. |
| A．Kissinger’s legacy needs to be passed on |
| B．Kissinger warns America not to contain China’s rise |
| C．Kissinger worries about conflict between America and China |
| D．Kissinger — an diplomat with scholarly understanding of Chinese history and culture |
5 . What do ballet dancers and short people have in common? They both spend more time on their tip toes than others. I don’t remember when I went from being a
One of the greatest lessons my dad taught me was to do something before somebody else could. If I am going to be a punchline (笑点), I’d rather be the
There was a lot of name-calling (辱骂). Some was cruel
Jokes and nicknames
As I get older, and
| A．humorous | B．small | C．handsome | D．strong |
| A．preferred | B．copied | C．reviewed | D．heard |
| A．author | B．suspect | C．criminal | D．coach |
| A．breaking down | B．falling behind | C．rolling in | D．running out |
| A．while | B．until | C．since | D．after |
| A．taken to | B．blocked out | C．stuck to | D．figured out |
| A．him | B．you | C．me | D．it |
| A．aboard | B．ahead | C．above | D．aside |
| A．hated | B．organized | C．recommended | D．researched |
| A．character | B．weight | C．height | D．emotion |
| A．shocked | B．puzzled | C．judged | D．inspired |
| A．constantly | B．apparently | C．bitterly | D．intentionally |
| A．explanations | B．principles | C．misunderstandings | D．benefits |
| A．spacious | B．solid | C．occupied | D．steady |
| A．stomach | B．shoulder | C．back | D．head |
6 . For nearly as long as the modern computer has existed, it has been used to forecast the weather. First used during World War II to simulate (模拟) nuclear weapons, computers were soon adopted to simulate the future state of the atmosphere, creating the modern discipline of weather prediction. Although that discipline has grown ever more complicated and now produces reliable forecasts several weeks in advance, its approach remains the same: using large amounts of calculating power to solve equations (方程).
Over the past year, artificial intelligence (AI) has begun to change that. Tech companies including Google and Nvidia have trained AI models to predict the weather up to 10 days in advance, with an accuracy equaling or even topping traditional models — and with far less calculation overhead. Rather than solving equations, these AI models predict the near future based on patterns learned through training on 40 years of past weather, which is recorded by the traditional model of the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF), the world’s top weather agency. Once trained, the AI models can work out a forecast on a computer in 1 minute rather than taking 2 hours to run on a supercomputer.
ECMWF has already begun to produce its own AI forecast, and other weather agencies are eager to catch up. The new models aren’t perfect. They struggle to predict certain essential features—hurricane intensity, for example. But AI forecasters will only improve as they begin to learn from direct weather observations collected by sensors, not just data already passed through existing models. Besides, their speed could allow agencies to run them over and over, as they capture in the atmosphere the full spread of uncertainty, be it necessary or unnecessary for weather prediction.
No one expects traditional weather prediction to disappear. Another branch, climate models, an extension of weather forecasting, for example, rely on equation solving just as traditional weather models do. But in the long term, the output of climate models may itself become training data for a climate forecasting AI, which might ultimately do a better job than the traditional models.
1. How do AI models predict weather?| A．By running on a supercomputer. | B．By recording traditional models. |
| C．By working on the existing data. | D．By making massive calculations. |
| A．They may be overly operated. | B．They may be slow to respond. |
| C．They may confuse natural disasters. | D．They may bring unfair competitions. |
| A．They lack accurate data. | B．They need intensive training. |
| C．They work in a traditional way. | D．They determine weather forecasting. |
| A．How Can AI Aid Atmosphere Study? |
| B．Should We Trust AI to Predict Hurricanes? |
| C．Weather Forecast Is Having an AI Moment |
| D．Tech Giants Are Competing in Data Collection |
7 . Why volunteer with STA Travel?
It’s a sad truth that many well-intentioned volunteer projects can be mismanaged for profit rather than helping. We will only work with projects that have a positive impact, satisfying the needs of the host communities while also meeting the desires of travellers to make real contributions, train their mind to think creatively, and gain skills for future study and work.
We support projects in more than 30 countries. Whether you’re looking to teach English, work with communities, animals or clean up our planet, there’s something for everyone.
Our featured voluntourism projects
Teach Children in Nepal
Join the project lasting over three weeks to assist with English lessons and homework and choose to stay at a shared volunteer house. Optional activities include a trip to Pokhara, the second largest city in the country and cooking demonstrations.
Thai Elephant Conservation
Experience one of our best-selling volunteer projects which offer a peaceful home to more than 30 neglected and previously abused elephants — with options ranging from seven days to four weeks. Play an important role by preparing food, feeding them and assisting in maintenance of the park.
Make a Difference in Indonesia
Work alongside local communities to arrange beach clean-ups and monitor and nurse newborn animals in their living areas for four weeks. There are also two-month options including teaching in local schools and community visit opportunities.
Experience Borne o & Conserve Orang-utans
This one-month project is designed for volunteers to experience and help with rehabilitation (复兴) of orang-utans in Sarawak, which are large arboreal animals and the only great apes in Asia. What’s more, take part in a long adventurous walk into the rainforest to meet the Iban and experience a unique stay in traditional longhouses.
1. What is the feature of STA Travel?| A．Its services are all over the world. | B．It provides free training for volunteers. |
| C．It focuses on domestic communities. | D．Its projects leave a far-reaching influence. |
| A．Teach Children in Nepal. | B．Make a Difference in Indonesia. |
| C．Thai Elephant Conservation. | D．Experience Borne o &Conserve Orang-utans. |
| A．Taking part in adventurous walks. |
| B．Bringing harmony between man and nature. |
| C．Tracking wild animals in their living places. |
| D．Arranging clean-ups in traditional longhouses. |
8 . Four Highly-related Books
Anne of Green Gables.
Anne of Green Gables by Canadian author Lucy Mau d Montgomery has been considered as a children’s novel since the mid-20th century. It states how Anne makes her way with the Cuthberts at school and within the town. The novel presents the conflicts between Ann’s more fantastical daily life and that of Marilla, who would rather operate as social convention dictates (规定). Since publication, the book has sold more than 50 million copies and has been translated into 20 languages.
First published: 1908
Original language: English
Pride and prejudice
Pride and Prejudice is a romantic novel of manners by the British author Jane Austen. The story follows the main character, Elizabeth Bennet, as she deals with issues of manners, upbringing, norality, education and marriage in the society of the landed gentry (地主阶层) of England in the early 19th century.
First published: 1813
Original language: English
Treasure Island
Treasure Island is an adventure novel by Scottish author Robert Louis, telling a tale of “pirates (海盗) and buried gold”. The influence of the book on popular perceptions of pirates is huge, including such elements as treasure maps marked with an “X”, sailing ships, tropical islands and one-legged seamen bearing parrots on their shoulders.
First published: 1883
Original language: English
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland is a novel written by English author Charles Lutwidge Dodgson under the pen name Lewis Carroll. It tells of a girl named Alice falling through a rabbit hole into a fantasy world populated by unusual and vivid creatures. The tale plays with logic, giving the story lasting popularity with adults as well as with children. It is considered to be one of the best examples of the literary nonsense type.
First published: 1865
Original language: English
1. What do the four books have in common?| A．They are novels written by the authors from the same country. |
| B．They were first published in the 19th century. |
| C．They were originally written in English. |
| D．They are works of children's literature. |
| A．Its theme is manners, upbringing and marriage. | B．Its main character is an English gentleman. |
| C．It is suitable for both adults and children. | D．It is based on a true and touching story. |
| A．Treasure Island. | B．Pride and prejudice. |
| C．Anne of Green Gables. | D．Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. |
9 . Harvard’s Pre-College Program for high school students is an intensive two-week summer program designed to give you a glimpse of college life. You will live on the Harvard campus during your two-week session while taking a college-level course with other Pre-College Program students. The application for Summer 2024 is now open.
Who Can Participate in the Pre-College Program?Harvard’s Pre-College Program is designed for mature, academically motivated students who are interested in exploring a potential major or simply finding out what college is really like.
To be eligible for Summer 2024, you must meet both of the following criteria:*Will graduate from high school and enter college in 2025 or 2026
*Are at least 16 years old by June 22, 2024, and will not turn 19 years old before July 31, 2024.
Important Deadlines:
*Early Application and Priority Financial Aid Deadline — January 10, 2024
*Regular Application and Financial Aid Deadline — February 14, 2024
*Late Application Deadline — April 10, 2024
Courses at Harvard’s Pre-College Program:
With almost 30 courses to choose from in each session, you’re sure to find a topic that arouses your interest. You take one course during a session, and although courses are non-credit, they are thorough and strict. At the end of the program, you’ll receive a written evaluation from your instructor, as well as a Harvard transcript with a grade of AR or NM (“requirements met” or “requirements not met”). This is a great way to supplement your college application. Please note: You need to attend every class in its entirety to receive a passing grade of “Met All Requirements.”
The total fee for a 2024 Harvard Pre-College Program session is $5,550. The program fee includes tuition, room and meal plan, activity costs, and an accident and sickness insurance plan for the full two weeks. There is also a non-refundable $75 application fee per person.
A limited number of scholarships are available to assist eligible students who demonstrate financial need. Awards vary based on need, and a typical award covers a portion of the tuition.
1. Which of the following statement is True?| A．The students will take a college-level course with college students. |
| B．The program is intended for mature and talented students. |
| C．The application must be submitted by April 10, 2024. |
| D．The scholarships are available to a majority of students. |
| A．He will choose 30 courses. |
| B．He will fail to get a passing grade if he misses any class. |
| C．He will earn credits before college. |
| D．He will receive an oral evaluation from instructors. |
| A．$11175 | B．$5,625 | C．$11150 | D．$11250 |
10 . In summer, Stefano Piraino was stepping along the rocky shoreline, when he spotted a washed-up jellyfish. Later, he tore off a piece and popped it in his mouth. It was salty, crunchy and crispy from the sun. “It was very tasty,” remembers Piraino, a zoologist. After a few days of lying on the shore their stinging (刺) cells are deactivated, Piraino explains. Still, he prevented anyone from eating jellyfish straight out of the sea, because raw jellyfish contains germs that can cause food poisoning.
Recently, there have been numerous reports of jellyfish blooms—seasonal events where there is a large and sudden increase in jellyfish numbers. These population explosions destroy the balance of ocean ecosystems, and have the potential to harm biodiversity and reduce fish stocks.
Some scientists, such as Piraino, believe one solution is broadening our ability to appreciate the taste and flavor. He suggests that since the world is in urgent need of sustainable food resources, one way to achieve this is to attempt to integrate new foods into traditional recipes and local cuisine. Jellyfish is already eaten across Asia. In China, Jellyfish have been eaten for more than 1,000 years, with jellyfish salad a popular delicacy. Not only are they high in protein, but the microalgae (海蜇) inside the cells of some jellyfish are rich in fatty acids.
However, despite their appeal to adventurous Western diners, jellyfish are not a straight substitution for fish, or other sources of protein. For one thing, jellyfish are 95% water, with the remaining 5% containing the nutritious essentials. Their nutrition to mass proportions means they’re a fairly inefficient source of protein. “There is probably more functional in them as a type of collagen (胶原蛋白) rather than protein,” says Jonathan Houghton, a senior lecturer in marine biology. “But certainly not as a replacement for fish, as that is several orders of magnitude greater as a potential food source.” There are a number of companies already using jellyfish as a substitute for cow and pig collagen, which is often used in medical treatments for humans. One British company says collagen from jellyfish offers a better alternative, because their collagen is in harmony with a wide variety of human cell types.
1. Why does Piraino warn people not to eat jellyfish directly from the sea?| A．Because they are too salty to digest. | B．Because their stinging cells are still working. |
| C．Because they contain harmful bacteria. | D．Because they are tasteless when raw. |
| A．irrelevant | B．ineffective | C．immature | D．unavailable |
| A．Reducing the reproduction of jellyfish. |
| B．Combining the jellyfish food with traditional diet. |
| C．Substituting for fish or other sources of protein. |
| D．Limiting urgent need of sustainable food resources. |
| A．Having a seafood feast? Here is the recipe. |
| B．Unhealthy! Raw jellyfish contains bacteria! |
| C．Crispy and tasty! The jellyfish is a replacement for fish! |
| D．Solving the world’s jellyfish problem? Just eat them! |
