1 . The Biggest Events in the States

Mardi Gras

Mobile, Alabama

Attendance: One million

Believe it or not, the Mardi Gras celebration in Mobile is even older than the one in New Orleans since this Gulf Coast city has much of the same French and Cajun culture as the latter. The celebration dates back to 1703 and includes nearly a month of parades, running from mid-January up through Late February.

Mount Marathon Race

Seward, Alaska

Attendance: 40, 000

This 103-year old tradition is the 10th-oldest foot race in America, but it’s by far the most scenic. The short-but-dangerous competition is held every July 4, racing up the side of Seward’s Mount Marathon through cliffs, waterfalls, and breathtaking views of southeast Alaska. Once at the top, racers look back down to the finish line with top finishers completing the three-mile roundtrip in just over 40 minutes.

Little Rock Riverfest

Little Rock, Arkansas

Attendance: 100, 000—200, 000

This annual music festival held along the Arkansas River has been running for over 40 years, bringing some of the biggest names in rock music. The festival runs every Memorial Day weekend, and this year featured Peter Frampton, Young the Giant, and Highly Suspect.

St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Norwich, Connecticut

Attendance: 300,000

In just five short years, little Norwich, Connecticut, has developed one of the biggest St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in the country, with an estimated 300, 000 people coming to this town of 40, 000 for bagpipes, beer, and plenty of Irish food. The mile-long parade is held on March 4, the early date giving people with other St. Patrick’s plans the chance to have two holidays, which might be a big reason for its popularity.

1. What do Mobile and New Orleans have in common?

A．They are coastal cities.

B．They have large populations.

C．They are related to French culture.

D．They enjoy a history of about 300 years.

2. What’s special about the event held in Seward?

A．It has the most participants of all.

B．Racers see striking scenery along the way.

C．Racers run great risks on the mountaintop.

D．It is the oldest marathon event in America.

3. Which event will be most attractive to food lovers?

A．Mardi Gras.	B．Little Rock Riverfest.
C．Mount Marathon Race.	D．St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

2 . 听下面一段对话，回答以下小题。

1. What is the woman doing?

A．Hosting a program.

B．Having a job interview.

C．Doing an environmental test.

2. What happened to the animals in the disaster a short time ago?

A．The fish were covered with oil.

B．The birds died of a rare disease.

C．The whales were washed up on the shore.

3. How does the woman find Kevin’s job?

A．Interesting.

B．Difficult.

C．Easy.

4. Why did Kevin choose the job?

A．He liked outdoor activities.

B．He enjoyed staying at the coast.

C．He was interested in the ocean system.

3 . 听下面一段较长对话，回答以下小题。
1. How much will the man pay for the membership?

A．$95.

B．$110.

C．$260.

2. Where can the man buy the kit?

A．From a shop.

B．From a website.

C．From the club.

3. What is the woman probably?

A．A manager.

B．A fitness trainer.

C．From the club.

4 . 听下面一段独白，回答以下小题。
1. What made the white T-shirts popular?

A．A fashion show.

B．Hollywood movies.

C．The American soldiers.

2. When did the fashion for T-shirts for women start?

A．In 1948.

B．In 1959.

C．In 1970.

3. Why did people wear T-shirts with “Free Angela”?

A．For a black leader.

B．For a fashion designer.

C．For an American actress.

5 . 听下面一段较长对话，回答以下小题。
1. Why will Steve go to Boston?

A．For vacation.

B．For work.

C．For study.

2. What does Jenny suggest Jack do?

A．Find a new job.

B．Live in Boston.

C．Go to Boston for vacations.

3. How does Jack sound in the end?

A．Grateful.

B．Depressed.

C．Think positively.

6 . If you decide to see the northern lights, consider heading to Canada, where they fill the sky 300 days a year in certain regions.

Yukon

With its sweeping landscapes and dramatic mountain views, Yukon is an outdoor lover’s dreamland. Take advantage of the brief window between the end of summer and first snowfall in autumn to combine outdoor activities like boating along the storied Yukon River with northern light watching.

Churchill

Home to wolves, foxes, whales, moose and snowy owls, Churchill is well known for its arctic wildlife. It also sees an average of 300 nights of northern light activity every year. With over a week in the wild, there’s a good chance you’ll spot the lights.

Nunavik

Nunavik is Quebec’s northernmost region and one of four areas in Canada. It is home to the country’s Inuit people. By day, travelers canoe or snowmobile to Vieux Fort-Chimo, a 19th-century fur trading post; hear elders tell stories of a nomadic (游牧的) way of life; and listen to traditional throat singing, or katadjak — all led by an Inuit guide. Under inky skies, the guide offers Inuit insights into the meaning of the light.

Jasper

Located in the Rocky Mountains, Jasper is home to the world’s second-largest dark sky preserve, making it one of the best — and most convenient — places to catch northern lights throughout the year.

An especially great time to visit is during the annual Jasper Dark Sky Festival in October when experienced photographers from around the world host workshops to share their best tips and astronomers explain how to interpret space weather data to determine optimal viewing time.

1. When should you go if you want to combine outdoor activities with light shows in Yukon?

A．In late spring.

B．In early summer.

C．In autumn.

D．In winter.

2. Where can tourists have a relatively in-depth experience of Inuit culture?

A．In Yukon.

B．In Nunavik.

C．In Jasper.

D．In Churchill.

3. What is special about the visit to Jasper in October?

A．The rarest show of lights.	B．Interactions with the locals.
C．The diversity of wildlife.	D．The chance to meet professionals.

7 . Each fall, the flu emerges as a terrible force.     1     Influenza viruses cause millions of illnesses and thousands of deaths in the United States each year. So it’s necessary to know more about the flu viruses.

What’s the difference between Type A and Type B?

Influenza A viruses come in many varieties. Four subtypes commonly affect humans. But many more influenza A viruses have been identified in animals, which makes it a potential source of pandemics whenever a new type of influenza A jumps to humans.     2     They are divided into just two lineages (谱系) that cause seasonal outbreaks.

What are symptoms of an influenza infection?

If you do get sick with the flu, you’ll have common symptoms like fever, muscle aches and respiratory ailments. Most otherwise healthy people are sick for three to seven days.     3     The flu can also trigger inflammatory (炎症反应) responses in the body and worsen existing chronic conditions like asthma or heart disease.

    4    

Some rapid tests available at doctors offices can distinguish between influenza A and B, although they tend to have low sensitivity. Doctors can also order more sensitive P. C. R. tests to identify the specific flu virus causing infection.

How do you treat influenza?

To treat the flu, we can take approved antiviral medications that are commonly used to shorten the duration and severity of illness. Stay hydrated, get plenty of rest and use over-the-counter medications to reduce fever as needed. But if you develop a sustained fever of 39℃, you have difficulty breathing or you experience severe chest or stomach pain, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.     5    

A．How do you get tested for influenza?

B．How do you know which type you have?

C．Influenza B viruses, however, only circulate in humans.

D．In some cases, the cough and fatigue can linger for two weeks.

E．These may be signs that you need a stronger influenza treatment.

F．There are two players every flu season: influenza Type A and Type B.

G．Public health officials recommend everyone six months and older get an annual flu shot.

8 . The Maryland Center for History and Culture(MCHC) is currently hosting “The Jim Henson Exhibition: Imagination Unlimited”. The exhibition spotlights Henson’s unique contributions to children’s education, including his creation of the Muppets (布偶).

Born in 1936 in Mississippi, Henson grew up in Maryland. His creative talents were evident when he was a student at high school. He loved cartooning and creating sets for school theater productions. While a freshman at university, Henson made puppets for a local TV station. The station’s producers were so impressed that they asked him to produce his own puppet show. Called Sam and Friends, the program started in 1955. Viewers loved Henson’s playful characters, including an early version of Kermit the Frog.

While at university, Henson majored in home economics. At the time, it was the only major that offered classes in sewing and textiles (纺织品).Henson not only honed his creative skills at university, but he was also good at marketing and business. “He was an entrepreneur who happened to get into puppetry, ” said Deborah Wood, MCHC’s learning manager.

In 1959, Henson married Jane Nebel, whom be had met at university. The couple established Muppets Inc. which later became the Jim Henson Company. It was there that Focus Bert, Ernie, Miss Piggy, and other Muppets were created for Sesame Street, a popular children’s television program.Generations of children around the world have grown up watching and laming from the Muppets.

Henson, who died in 1990, created not just the Muppets, but also films, TV commercials, variety shows, and more. The exhibition shows every aspect of his career. This includes some lesser-known works, including The Cube, a short experimental film that was nominated (提名) for an Academy Award.

Visitors also get a chance to appreciate Henson’s creative process and inventiveness through hands-on displays. They can even make their own Muppets. “For me, I think the really powerful message of this exhibition is the fact that it covers Henson’s whole life and his whole career, ” said Chloe Green, public programs manager at the MCHC.

1. What’s paragraph 2 mainly about?

A．An interesting exhibition about Henson.	B．Viewers’attitude to Henson’s works.
C．Henson’s exceptional talents in creation.	D．Characters in Henson’s famous works.

2. What does the underlined word “honed” mean in paragraph 3?

A．Changed.

B．Improved.

C．Found.

D．Shared.

3. What can be learned about Sesame Street?

A．It was first played in 1955.	B．It was a popular radio program.
C．It was targeted at children.	D．It was an early version of Kermit the Frog.

4. What’s the attitude of Chloe Green to the exhibition?

A．Favorable.

B．Opposed.

C．Doubtful.

D．Indifferent.

9 . English history is vast, from its rule under the Romans to the rise, heights and decline of the British Empire. When choosing a book to recommend on my country’s history, I wanted something that could summarize this sweeping history but didn’t get stuck in the details of things that hold me back from thoroughly engaging with this truly rich history. Then, I found Dominic Haynes’ A Brief History of England. It had just what I was looking for and was a real joy to read.

The book is a whistle-stop tour through the whole of English history, from its earliest people to the movement of settlers from Europe. It looks at the Battle of Hastings in 1066, Elizabeth I’s reign (统治) and the lasting impact of Shakespeare. Then it touches on the English Civil Wars and the shift of rule from kings and queens to the parliament (议会) running the country and the establishment of the political parties of the Whigs (辉格党) and Tories (托利党) still functioning today in some form as the currently ruling Conservative Party (保守党). It also covers the Napoleonic Wars and the world wars and even contemplates (思考) England’s post-Brexit (脱欧后的) present and future.

This really is quite the sweeping tome. However, it’s very short. This means it’s easy to navigate and get a hold of a huge amount of history, but it also means it’s very light on the details. At times, this can be frustrating, as there are parts where it feels like just another paragraph or page would really elevate this book. But for an introduction to English history or perhaps a reminder or refresher, it’s great and particularly useful as it is likely to fill in some gaps in your knowledge.

Furthermore, because of the pace of the book, there’s not a dull moment. It’s a real page-turner, covering the succession (交替) of kings and queens, wars, famines (饥荒) and changes in the social order of the country at home and the country’s influence across the world.

One reviewer on Amazon described the book as “a small masterpiece”, and said, “This is a great book for anyone who wants to get a crash course in English history or for those who want a quick reference to that subject.”

So, jump in, dear readers, and get a hold of what made England what it was, what it went on to be, and where it may stand in our global future.

1. What is the main focus of Dominic Haynes’ A Brief History of England?

A．Detailed exploration of England’s political parties.

B．An introduction to the British Empire’s rise and fall.

C．A brief overview of England’s historical shifts and events.

D．In-depth analysis of England’s post-Brexit policies.

2. What is a weakness mentioned by the reviewer regarding the book?

A．Its pace is slow and frustrating.

B．There’s a shortage of information on wars.

C．It dives too deeply into political complexities.

D．It lacks detailed information due to its shortness.

3. What does the underlined word “page-turner” in paragraph 4 probably mean?

A．A book that is exciting to read.	B．A book that has lots of pages to turn.
C．A book that is easy to understand.	D．A book that is complicated.

4. What might be the best title for the text?

A．Jump into the UK’s past.	B．The ebb and flow of the UK.
C．The significance of studying the UK’s history.	D．The UK, you always live in people’s hearts.

10 . At 20 years old, I was a confident and handsome student at the University of California at Berkey.

But that year, I ________ a bump (肿块) in my right nostril (鼻孔), and when it didn’t go away, I made an ________ with a doctor. It turned out to be a tumor (肿瘤). Then I underwent surgery. Fortunately, the procedure was ________, and I returned to classes soon.

But six months later, a new bump appeared. Numerous ________ confirmed it had reproduced a horrible, life—threatening tumor. I was advised to have another operation and ________ that I might lose part of my nose. I was too young to think about death then, but the thought of disfigurement (毁容) made me feel ________.

I awoke from the surgery with a scarred, disfigured face. As I re-entered the real world, I noticed adults ________ and children pointing—and sometimes laughing—at me. The occasional and ________ negative reactions from my friends also hurt me. My self-respect sank increasingly lower, and I constantly asked others, “Do my looks ________ you?”

Five years and 20 reconstructive surgeries later, I ________ a man receiving treatment. After hearing my question, he criticized me. My problem, he ________ me, was not my physical appearance, but my emotional insecurity. His ________ helped me realize my mental scars were far more disfiguring than my physical ones.

I began examining myself from the inside out. Later, I volunteered at a cancer support organization to offer inspiration and hope to those ________ cancer

Now, I am ________ for who I am—a much stronger person than before. To you, I offer this message: Avoid making judgements about people at ________.

1.

A．took charge of

B．took care of

C．took control of

D．took notice of

2.

A．appointment

B．arrangement

C．commitment

D．placement

3.

A．severe

B．minor

C．apparent

D．complicated

4.

A．novelists

B．specialists

C．impressionists

D．journalists

5.

A．advocated

B．predicted

C．warned

D．witnessed

6.

A．desperate

B．enthusiastic

C．delicate

D．optimistic

7.

A．smiling

B．glaring

C．glancing

D．staring

8.

A．unusually

B．unintentionally.

C．unconventionally

D．unselfishly

9.

A．bother

B．impress

C．annoy

D．restrict

10.

A．greeted

B．persuaded

C．encountered

D．grasped

11.

A．abused

B．defended

C．informed

D．motivated

12.

A．relief

B．security

C．defence

D．honesty

13.

A．going about

B．relating to

C．wrestling with

D．breaking with

14.

A．greedy

B．grateful

C．suitable

D．tolerant

15.

A．mental vitality

B．physical fitness

C．social acceptance

D．face value