1 . Most of us have heard of the 3Rs: reduce, reuse and recycle. It is the core principle of a sustainable (可持续的) life, but few of us can apply it in our own lives. Now, there’s a “lab” you can explore and discover a way toward living sustainably.

3R Lab is located in Xuhui district, Shanghai. It offers exhibitions, activities and goods that showcase the 3R principle. The key to a sustainable life, according to Vincent T. M. Fong, the 32-year-old from Hong Kong who created the lab, is to make it a long-term promise. “A sustainable life should be sustainable itself in the first place. You can’t lead a sustainable life on a whim. Small and comfortable changes are exactly what you need,” Fong said.

The lab regularly hosts ugly fruit markets, offering these strange fruits which are often thrown away by traditional markets and consumers at a quite attractive price. “They’re thrown away simply because of their appearance. Buying fruit regardless of how they look reduces food waste significantly in our daily life,” Fong commented.

A water tank with two types of straws is another equipment in the lab. “One type is made from normal plastics widely used in our daily life while the other is from PHA, a new replacement for plastics, and the water is sourced from the Suzhou River,” explained Ni Li, an employee of the lab. Visitors can see how the PHA straws degrade (降解) into a thin layer in just one month, while the others remain unchanged.

“Leading a sustainable life does not necessarily mean sacrifice,” said Fong. Consuming ugly fruit and using degradable plastics are small changes that are good for the environment and easy to stick to. Only in this way can the 3R principle become part of our lives, he added.

After working there for six months, Ni, who wasn’t mindful of the 3R principle before arriving at the lab, now uses her cup every time she buys a coffee. “The job has reshaped my life,” Ni said.

1. What does the-underlined phrase “on a whim” in the second paragraph probably mean?

A．In a rush.	B．On a regular basis.
C．Without any reason.	D．As a common practice.

2. What is the purpose of the ugly fruit market at 3R Lab?

A．To reduce food waste.	B．To promote healthy eating.
C．To sell new kinds of fruit.	D．To provide more affordable fruit,

3. What can the water tank at 3R Lab show to its visitors?

A．The water pollution caused by plastics.	B．The degradation of PHA straws.
C．The interaction between two types of straws.	D．The disappearance of normal plastic straws.

4. What can we infer from the last paragraph about Ni?

A．She avoids going to traditional markets.	B．She has devoted less time to her hobbies.
C．She has got rid of a few bad habits.	D．She is leading a low carbon life now.

2 . Consumers may soon find meat on restaurant menus that has never walked the earth—grown from cell to fillet (肉块). The product, called “cultured” or “cultivated” meat, is reaching more plates. Cultivated chicken has been sold in a Singapore restaurant since 2020, and recently the Department of Agriculture approved the sale of cultured chicken in the United States. More than 150 businesses worldwide are working to put beef, fish, and pork on the market, too.

Cultured meat begins as a cell from an egg or a piece of traditionally butchered meat. Fed with certain nutrients for two or three weeks, the meat is processed into forms that consumers are familiar with. “Initial research is in a lab, but the meat is made in a production facility.” says Josh Tetrick, CEO of Good Meat, one of the USDA-approved cultured chicken manufacturers. The company has made public their own nutrient analysis, evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration, which reveals that the nutritional profiles of their products are almost identical to conventional meats.

By alleviating the raising and killing of animals, cultured meat companies say their product helps reduce animal cruelty and will be better for the environment. Their process uses far less land because there’s no need to house animals or grow their feed. Cultured beef, especially, could reduce the number of cattle on farms-a significant source of methane emissions. However, some studies contradicted that cultured meat may also require greater energy usage than conventional production. Much of the environmental impact will depend on whether the energy used is renewable and on the efficiency of future production technology.

Given a growing consumer consciousness around animal rights and climate change, supporters foresee a future meat market where consumers will choose between different kinds of conventional meat, cultured meat, and plant-based alternatives. Approved sale of cultivated chicken in the U.S. is a landmark moment, but not yet a revolution. While cultured meat’s widespread consumption and impact on the economy seem a step closer to reality, scientists, philosophers, and the product’s own manufacturers acknowledge years of work lie ahead.

1. What’s the first paragraph mainly about?

A．The official approval of meat marketing.

B．The growing popularity of meat products.

C．The increasing promotion of cultured meat.

D．The widespread consumption of cultured chicken.

2. In what way is cultured meat similar to conventional meat?

A．Initial forms.	B．Production efficiency.
C．Nutritional contents.	D．Consumption prospect.

3. Why does the author mention cultured beef in paragraph 3?

A．To explain the process of raising animals.

B．To compare cultured meat and conventional meat.

C．To emphasize the environmental benefits of cultured meat.

D．To highlight the significance of reducing methane emissions.

4. What attitude do scientists hold for the future consumption of cultured meat?

A．Cautious.

B．Confident.

C．Doubtful.

D．Worried.

3 . On the evening of June 22, a Kunqu Opera performance titled The Peony Pavilion took to the stage of Beijing’s Northern Kunqu Opera Theater, starring Wei Chunrong in the role of the female protagonist (主角), Du Liniang. Despite having performed the part on stage over 300 times, Wei still arrived at the theater four hours early, being the first actress backstage to get her makeup done and check the equipment. This is a habit she’s maintained ever since first entering the world of Kunqu in 1982.

Kunqu Opera originated in Jiangsu Province some 600 years ago. As one of the oldest traditional Chinese operas, Kunqu is regarded as the “ancestor of Chinese dramas” and the “mother of Chinese operas”.

Kunqu Opera prospered (兴盛) during the Ming Dynasty, but suddenly experienced a downturn in the mid-Qing Dynasty. Its lyrics (歌词), originally flowery, eventually became non-understandable, while its melodies slowed down to what some people called a “funereal level”. Kunqu therefore became unacceptable to all but a small number of fans.   

But when UNESCO officially listed Kunqu Opera as intangible cultural heritage in 2001, it returned to the spotlight.

“When our application proved successful, we were all so happy and proud. However, I suddenly realized that it actually meant its decline (衰退) and that it required protection.” Since then, Wei has devoted herself to preserving and passing on her beloved art of Kunqu Opera.

To address the lack of young talent in Kunqu Opera, Wei herself today also teaches younger actors, doing for them what her teachers did for her. Offstage, Wei is their friend; onstage, she aims to bring out the best in them as performers of the art through her masterly knowhow and strict demands.

1. Which of the following can best describe Wei according to paragraph 1?

A．Devoted.

B．Creative.

C．Promising.

D．Curious.

2. What can be learned about the Kunqu Opera?

A．It is the oldest opera.	B．It is especially popular with the young.
C．It once lost its appeal.	D．Its lyrics are long and difficult.

3. What is Wei doing to protect Kunqu Opera?

A．Promoting herself as a master.

B．Passing it down to a younger generation.

C．Getting people to learn more about its history.

D．Giving as many performances as possible globally.

4. What would be a suitable title for the text?

A．Kunqu Opera—Intangible Cultural Heritage

B．Kunqu Opera—from Prosperity to Decline

C．The Origin and History of the Kunqu Opera

D．One Master’s Commitment to the Kunqu Opera

4 . 听下面一段较长对话，回答以下小题。
1. What does Stephen have a problem with?

A．Developing a habit.

B．Managing the time.

C．Focusing on tasks.

2. Why does the woman recommend using a diary?

A．To plan the week ahead.

B．To remember key dates.

C．To write down feelings.

3. What suggestion does the woman give about creating a to-do list?

A．Share the list with friends.

B．Write important things on the list first.

C．Make the list for the next day the night before.

4. What will Stephen do next?

A．Take a class.

B．See a friend.

C．Do some shopping.

5 . 听下面一段较长对话，回答以下小题。
1. When did Amber begin attending college?

A．At age 18.

B．At age 19.

C．At age 20.

2. What did Amber think of working for Highlights?

A．It was boring.

B．It was demanding.

C．It was interesting.

3. How did Amber know about Youth Beauty Competition?

A．From the TV.

B．From a poster.

C．From her boss.

4. What did Amber do with most of her prize money?

A．She put it in the bank.

B．She spent it on a vehicle.

C．She donated it to a school.

6 . 听下面一段独白，回答以下小题。
1. Who is the speaker aimed at?

A．Those who feel depressed.

B．Those who need some rest.

C．Those who are music lovers.

2. What' is the speaker going to do first?

A．Talk to Tessa.

B．Play some music.

C．Hang out with friends.

3. What does the speaker do?

A．She's a hostess.

B．She's a musician.

C．She's a psychology teacher.

7 . 听下面一段较长对话，回答以下小题。
1. Why does Phyllis call Evan Peters?

A．To send an invitation.

B．To offer some information.

C．To confirm a booking.

2. What does Phyllis suggest Evan Peters do?

A．Buy the ticket another day.

B．Plan the trip in advance.

C．Contact the airline immediately.

8 . In the animal kingdom, there are many species that give birth to spotted young, from deer to birds and fish. Even species that we don’t typically link with spots, such as lions, wear the pattern as babies, only to lose it later in life.

But what purpose do these spots serve, and why do only some species seem to have them? Kiyoko Gotanda, a biologist at Brock University, said it is likely so common because it functions as excellent camouflage.

For example, spotted young tend to be more common in species that live in habitats with some high grass or forests, and less common in environments that are plain, like pack ice. Indeed, baby seals (海豹) born on pack ice are pure white, and develop spots only when they leave the ice for rocky beaches because spots are easy to be seen on pack ice, which may get them into difficulties.

In other rarer cases, spots actually help babies stand out. Young garibaldi, a fish found in California — have bright-blue spots that advertise their low social positions. As the fish grow and start to engage in the social ranking order, their spots disappear.

Other species may lose their spots as they age because their color goes on to serve another purpose. Lions are born with many spots, yet the spots mostly disappear in adulthood. Males, in particular, trade their spots for thick hair, which can help them attract female ones. Reproducing, rather than hiding, becomes the main focus.

It’s unclear why an animal like a cheetah would maintain its spots while a lion doesn’t. Gotanda said it may come down to hunting practice. Lions hunt in groups, while cheetahs tend to hunt alone and rely more heavily on the smokescreen power of their spots to get near prey (猎物).

1. Which can best replace the underlined word “camouflage” in paragraph 2?

A．Guidance.

B．Reminder.

C．Attractant.

D．Protection.

2. Which young animals use spots to mark their identity?

A．Cheetahs.

B．Seals.

C．Garibaldi.

D．Lions.

3. Which statement might Gotanda agree with?

A．White spots need more energy to grow and maintain.

B．The way of hunting may affect the existence of spots.

C．Male lions tend to use spots to attract strong female ones.

D．Spotted young animals often appear in featureless environments.

4. What is mainly talked about in the text?

A．How spots help animals escape danger.

B．Why so many baby animals have spots.

C．Which kind of young animals have spots.

D．What might happen to spotted young animals.

9 . Here are four universities in Munich, Germany that offer free tuition for their students.

Technical University of Munich(TUM)

This university is the best technical university in Germany. It was established in 1868 by King Ludwig Ⅱ. The university was renamed Technische Universitat München in 1970. Its alumni(校友)have several Nobel Prize winners, including Konrad Emil Bloch for Medicine or Physiology and Robert Huber for Chemistry. This university offers undergraduate degrees in Aerospace Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Nuclear Technology and others.

Munich University of Applied Sciences(MUAS)

Established in 1971, the university is the biggest university of applied science in Bavaria. Its establishment was the result of seven colleges of higher education joining together. It offers a variety of bachelor’s and master’s degrees in different subjects. It also works with around 200 different educational institutions around the world.

Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich(LMUM)

This is a public university established by the Duke Ludwig IX of Bavaria-Landshut in 1472. It was renamed its present name in honor of the founder of the university by King Maximilian I. The university counts several famous personalities among its alumni, including Pope Benedict XVI, 2005 Nobel Prize winner in physics Theodor W. Hansch, and Nobel Prize-winning novelist Thomas Mann.

University of Television and Film Munich(UT&FM)

Established in 1966, the university is one of the most famous film schools in Germany. It has strict guidelines when it comes to the admission of students. Some of the alumni of the university have received the Academy Award. Among the better-known alumni is Florian Henkel von Donnersmarck, who won an Academy Award in 2007 for The Lives of Others.

1. What is special about Munich University of Applied Sciences?

A．It is the biggest university in Germany.

B．It focuses on training talents of science.

C．It has some Nobel Prize winners in its alumni.

D．It was founded by combining several colleges.

2. Who graduated from University of Television and Film Munich?

A．Pope Benedict XVI.	B．Florian Henkel von Donnersmarck.
C．Konrad Emil Bloch.	D．Thomas Mann.

3. Which university has the longest history?

A．TUM.

B．MUAS.

C．LMUM.

D．UT&FM.

10 . It was a sunny afternoon. My husband Dave and I had just arrived home from hospital. I parked the car in front of the house. Dave was so tired that he leaned against the door and waited for me to open it for him. When I opened it, he _________ out of the car onto the ground. He was too _________ to raise himself. I tried to lift him, but my _________ ended fruitlessly. I looked around in all directions for someone to help us but nobody was _________.

I turned to run into the house to make a _________. Just then, a man dressed in white walked toward us. I couldn’t _________ how he appeared suddenly as I’d seen no one seconds before. He looked at Dave on the ground and asked if we needed _________. I nodded, adding that my husband was very heavy and _________ to move.

“Let me _________,” he said. He put one hand under Dave’s arm. As if Dave __________ no more than a feather, the man lifted him. He put Dave’s arm over his shoulder and put his own arm around Dave’s waist to keep him __________.

As I __________ the way into the house, the two men walked up our front stairs and into our home together. The man lowered Dave onto a little sofa. He smiled as Dave tried to thank him and said he was __________ to help. As he turned to go, I thanked him __________. He just smiled, said goodbye, and walked away.

I’ve never seen that man again, but I’ll always __________ him as our angel of light.

1.

A．stepped

B．fell

C．rushed

D．stared

2.

A．weak

B．nervous

C．annoyed

D．ashamed

3.

A．desires

B．efforts

C．judgments

D．adventures

4.

A．in need

B．in place

C．in sight

D．in charge

5.

A．call

B．plan

C．wish

D．promise

6.

A．predict

B．demonstrate

C．understand

D．believe

7.

A．comfort

B．assistance

C．guidance

D．information

8.

A．unwilling

B．unsure

C．unsuitable

D．unable

9.

A．check

B．explain

C．know

D．try

10.

A．demanded

B．lost

C．matched

D．weighed

11.

A．awake

B．focused

C．balanced

D．silent

12.

A．led

B．found

C．marked

D．pushed

13.

A．glad

B．shy

C．qualified

D．prepared

14.

A．awkwardly

B．appropriately

C．independently

D．repeatedly

15.

A．choose

B．introduce

C．remember

D．recommend