1 . There are many great independent bookstores in North Carolina. If you’re looking for some good books to read, you can visit the bookstores listed below.

Purple Crow Books

It’s a literary meeting place right in historic downtown Hillsborough. It was opened in 2009. You can find new books, used ones or the latest works by local authors. Because it specializes in local writers, Purple Crow Books is a favorite tourist destination. It’s a great place to grab a signed copy of a book by your favorite local author.

109 West King Street, Hillsborough, NC 27278

Quail Ridge Books

This is an independent bookstore with friendly staff dedicated to (致力于) providing the best customer service. Founded in 1984 by Nancy Olson, the store provides a wide variety of carefully selected books, events, discussion groups and town hall meetings. The owner Lisa Poole bought the store in 2013 and is dedicated to serving the locals.

4209-100 Lassiter Mill Road, Raleigh, NC 27609

Pomegranate Books

This bookstore is located in the historic Borkenhagen House in the Winter Park neighborhood of Wilmington, North Carolina. It has been finding good homes for great books since 2005. It stocks a carefully selected collection of literary and life-enhancing titles for all ages and also features locally-made cards and gift items.

4418 Park Ave, Wilmington, NC 28403

Scuppernong Books

This bookstore was opened on December 21, 2013 and has been an important part of the rebirth of downtown Greensboro ever since. It features fiction and poetry along with a remarkable children’s section and a broad range of general interest titles. Within the store is a busy cafe serving coffee, wine, and beer sourced primarily from local small businesses.

304 South Elm Street, Greensboro, NC 27401

1. What is special about Purple Crow Books?

A．It holds various reading activities.	B．It mainly sells books by local writers.
C．It focuses on selling second-hand books.	D．It is supported by local small businesses.

2. Which bookstore has the longest history?

A．Quail Ridge Books.	B．Purple Crow Books.
C．Pomegranate Books.	D．Scuppernong Books.

3. Who would prefer to visit Scuppernong Books?

A．People loving non-fiction books.	B．People liking handmade cards and gifts.
C．People enjoying a very quiet environment.	D．People fond of buying collections of poetry.

2 . Maximalism, as a design aesthetic (审美), is rooted in cultural shifts throughout history. In the mid-20th century, minimalism dominated social aesthetic, which laid great emphasis on the idea of less was more. In the late 1960s, postmodernism challenged the ideas of minimalism and embraced a more playful approach to design.     1     During the 1980s, maximalism reached its peak and continued to evolve in the following decades.

Today, maximalism has become a noticeable design style characterized by celebrating individuality,embracing the unexpected, and creating st unning and expressive spaces.     2     They hold that maximalism can make homes blossom into spaces that radiate with warmth and joy, and reflect the personalities and tastes of everyone in the house.

    3    Even hallways can be turned into gallery-like spaces with unique art collections, vibrant wall coverings that enhance visual impact. Mirrors, if strategically placed, can add to the pleasant feel of a space that could otherwise be a boring passage.

The living room unfolds with patterns and decor items, creating a dynamic and cozy atmosphere which is all about individuality and comfort.     4     A combination of decoration items such as sculptures, vases, and books are also on display.

Breaking free from regular kitchen aesthetics, maximalism transforms kitchens into exciting and inspiring environments. Using unexpected kitchen lighting options can add some home atmosphere.    5    

As an interior (室内的) stylist, I encourage you to get the best from your home and the possessions you already have by displaying what you love most. This will spark joy everywhere you look, and this concept is at the heart of maximalism.

A．Delicate table lamps may work well.

B．Your home should be a celebration of all you are.

C．Many interior designers are advocates of maximalism.

D．Maximalism breathes life into often-overlooked corners.

E．You can find a variety of ways to bring it into your home, too.

F．Maximalism emerged as a reaction against the idea of simplicity.

G．There is a mix of different patterns through throw pillows and curtains.

3 . At Ynez Library, we are champions of curiosity. At its core, our mission for nearly four centuries has been to advance the learning, research, and pursuit of truth. Our efforts are motivated and powered by working collaboratively, embracing diverse perspectives, championing access, aiming for the extraordinary, and always leading with curiosity.

There are plenty of opportunities for visitors to experience our collections. Ynez ID holders may bring up to four guests into the library. For more details, click on the following icons (图标).

Visitors Interested in using our libraries, but are not a Ynez student, faculty, alum, or staff? You’re in the right place.

Exhibits Library exhibits tell the unique stories of our diverse and deep collections. Many are open to the public.

Tours Browse upcoming library tours. Some tours are open to the public; others are open to Ynez ID Holders and their guests.

Events Many library events are open to the public, including academic meetings, forums, lectures, etc. Check Admittance information first.

SPECIAL COLLECTIONS

Many of our libraries are home to rare and unique materials, which are available to all researchers.

• Our special collections are open to all without a fee, by appointment.

• Please contact the holding library to learn more about accessing their special collection items in person.

• Different libraries have different holdings, so you may want to start by using our search tools to find materials relevant to your research.

1. What does Ynez Library highlight in the first paragraph?

A．Its new changes.	B．Its main values.
C．Its best achievements.	D．Its working principles.

2. Which part should a person click on if he plans to attend a scientist’s speech?

A．Visitors.

B．Exhibits.

C．Tours.

D．Events.

3. How can a researcher find the special holdings quickly in the library?

A．By paying a special fee.	B．By visiting main libraries.
C．By locating them online.	D．By appointing a librarian.

4 . What is the man’s chief consideration in choosing the cottage?

A．Its location.

B．Its comfort.

C．Its facilities.

5 . From unexpected colour to making clever environmental choices, Joanna Plant, an interiors specialist and tastemaker, shares her design intentions for the year ahead.

·What is your New Year design resolution?

I’d like to get out and look at things. The aim is to visit lots of houses and gardens for inspiration and see more exhibitions abroad. I love a house tour and try to find somewhere to go and look about whenever I travel outside London or abroad. I really appreciate seeing things first-hand these days.

·What was a highlight of 2023?

Selling my house of 22 years and having the improvement of a new property — very exciting to be doing a project for myself! What’s fantastic is to work with suppliers who have amazing collections to discover and those who allow us to change the colours or make changes to existing designs.

·What design ideas do you have that you hope to bring to fruition?

Happily, clients seem to be more responsive to having bolder paint plans and using more colours. We have been asking them to see how layering pattern can make a room more quiet and relaxing. I think that we are making our rooms look very nice by using a lot of decorative trims and accessories.

1. Where will Joanna prefer to go to get design ideas?

A．Houses in America.	B．Gardens in London.
C．Tastemakers’ houses.	D．Gardening exhibitions.

2. What will Joanna probably agree with?

A．That improving her old house is exciting.	B．That working with suppliers is very fantastic.
C．That clients are willing to paint more colours.	D．That layering pattern can make a room detailed.

3. In which section of a magazine may this text be?

A．New Property.	B．Home Decoration.
C．New Year Resolution.	D．Environmental Choices.

6 . What is the restaurant’s specialty?

A．American food.

B．Italian food.

C．Thai food.

7 . Nowadays, for many people, buying a house or flat is just too expensive. However, the total amount of rent paid by tenants in Britain in 2017 rose to more than 50 billion-more than double the level of ten years prior. Consequently, a lot choose to share the flat.    1    

The pros? People rent a room and share the kitchen, living room and bathroom to save money.    2    You may not even need to ask; just leave an IOU. Additionally, there’s the fact that you gain access to their social networks. Living with people means meeting their friends, who may then become your friends.    3    Due to the nature of communal living, you’re not just dealing with your own life events. Most likely, there will always be a shoulder to cry on when you need one. But don’t forget to pay back when they need it.

Now the cons.    4    In most cases, the kitchen, for example, will be divided up into designated shelves and areas. Worse, many people may not respect these boundaries. You might well come home to find someone steal your milk or shower gel, and no one owns up to it. Furthermore, there are the unexpected guests. If a flatmate forgets to keep you informed of a party they’re throwing and it can be challenging for you to have a quiet night.

    5    Some people prefer their own space while other s thrive in a social environment. Regardless, for many who lack the means to buy their own property, a flat-sharing is, and will continue to be, a necessity.

A．Lastly, there’s the emotional support.

B．Those flat-sharing can share the secrets.

C．To start with, do you lack private space?

D．There’s limited storage space, for a start.

E．Whether the pros outweigh the cons depends.

F．Then what are the pros and cons of flat-sharing?

G．Also, living with others means that you can pool your resources.

8 . 听下面一段较长对话，回答以下小题。
1. What does the woman say about the houses?

A．They were all built in the 1960s.

B．Most of them have two bathrooms.

C．They all look different.

2. What is the most important thing to the man?

A．Safety.

B．Size.

C．Price.

3. What type of housing will the man probably see?

A．One of the smaller houses.

B．A four-bedroom apartment.

C．A two-bedroom apartment.

4. When will the man see the woman next time?

A．Tomorrow morning.

B．Tomorrow afternoon.

C．Later this afternoon.

9 . 听下面一段较长对话，回答以下小题。
1. Who lives above the speakers?

A．Mr. Green.

B．Mr. White.

C．Mrs. Smith.

2. Where is Mrs. Smith now probably?

A．In another city.

B．In her apartment.

C．At the fire department.

3. What will the man do next?

A．Phone for help.

B．Break into the house.

C．Get a bucket.

10 . Which Louvre Museum Ticket is Best for You?

If you are Short on Time
Go for: Skip-the-line Tickets
Guide: Expert guide/audioguide

These entry tickets provide skip-the-line access, allowing you to bypass long queues. Go on a carefully tailored 2 to 3-hour guided tour with an audio headset to keep you from missing out on any explanation.

If you are on a Budget
Go for: Direct Entry Tickets
Guide: Audioguide

Get guaranteed entry within 30 minutes and explore the world’s most visited museum with an optional audio guide available in 10 languages at an affordable rate. These day-long valid tickets will let you walk around and browse through both the 38,000 permanent works and the many temporary exhibits at your own pace.

If you are a Solo Traveler
Go for: Small-Group tour
Guide: Expert guide

Small group tours offer great personalized and interactive experiences. With fewer people, you can engage with your guide and group and explore the Louvre in depth. See the Louvre’s most notable pieces like the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, the Winged Victory, and more.

If you are Travelling with Kids
Go for: Skip-the-line tickets
Guide: Expert guide/audioguide

With skip-the-line tickets, you can avoid long queues into the museum. The short, specialized tour will also focus on the major highlights of the Louvre, making them perfect for families with kids. A professional guide will accompany you, providing fascinating insights in a kid-friendly manner.

1. What is the primary advantage of the tickets for visitors short on time?

A．Exclusive access to VIP exhibits.	B．Extended access for the whole day.
C．Avoiding long queues.	D．Free admission for solo travelers.

2. Which of the following do the tickets for visitors on a budget offer?

A．Access to VIP exhibits.	B．A day-long validity.
C．Free audio guide in 10 languages.	D．Special discounts on temporary exhibits.

3. What do tickets for people short of time and for those travelling with kids have in common?

A．They guarantee the same major highlights.

B．They provide specially catered insights.

C．They offer visits of approximately the same length.

D．They include quick access and a guided tour.