1 . Charles Darwin was a very famous scientist who lived in the 1800s. His ideas about evolution (进化) completely changed the way scientists understand the natural world. He recorded his ideas in notebooks marked with letters of the alphabet (字母表), which have been considered extremely important for showing how he developed the evolution.
The Cambridge University Library had several of Mr. Darwin’s notebooks. The two that were missing were kept in a small box, and were last seen in 2000. In 2001, someone noticed that the box was missing. Luckily, the library had taken pictures of the notebooks’ pages, so the information wasn’t completely lost.
In 2020, the library made a huge effort to find the books. Workers searched through the 10 million books and other things in the library, but they didn’t find the notebooks. Finally, the library asked people around the world to help look for the books. They officially reported the missing notebooks as stolen so that the police around the world would search for them.
Nobody could ever have expected the way in which the notebooks were returned recently: in a pink gift bag with a note that said “Librarian, Happy Easter, X”. People at the library quickly recognized the blue box that the notebooks had been stored in. Inside a brown envelope they found the two missing notebooks, tightly wrapped in plastic. After the police had examined the package, library workers were able to open and carefully study the notebooks. They were pleased to learn that the notebooks were in good shape. They hadn’t been damaged and they weren’t missing any pages.
The timing of the return is perfect. The library was planning a show called “Darwin in Conversation”, which is set to open in July. Now the missing notebooks can be part of that show.
1. What did Darwin write in his notebooks?| A．Scientists’ ideas about society. |
| B．The stories of his family. |
| C．His thoughts of evolution. |
| D．The development of the alphabet. |
| A．The library wanted to turn to the police for help. |
| B．The library didn’t want to take on responsibility for the loss. |
| C．The library discovered a librarian stole the notebooks. |
| D．The library realized the notebooks couldn’t be found. |
| A．Proud. | B．Nervous. | C．Unconcerned. | D．Surprised. |
| A．They will be on exhibition. |
| B．They will be hidden forever. |
| C．They will be sold on a show. |
| D．They will be returned to the owner. |
2 . Travel has become increasingly inconvenient and sometimes impossible over the last couple of years. However, museums around the world are digitizing their collections, enabling people to tour the museums from afar.
The British Museum, London
The British Museum contains objects from around the world, including the Rosetta Stone, with three versions of a text that helped researchers learn to read ancient Egyptian. The Great Court’s ceiling, in the middle of the museum, is composed of 3212 pieces of glass, none of which are alike. The virtual tour of the museum offers a 360-degree view of the room, allowing visitors to look at every piece.
MASP, S ão Paulo
The first modern museum in Brazil, the Museu de Arte de São Paulo includes art from the 14th to the 20th centuries. The paintings, which are placed on glass panels, appear to be floating in mid-air. This setup, included in the virtual tour shows, makes the art appear almost magical.
National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Korea
This Korean museum includes four branches in different cities and features works of art from Korea and around the world. The art includes a variety of media such as print, sculpture and photography. There are also online exhibitions such as “Artists in Their Times” which traces trends in Korean art since the late 1970s.
The J. Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles County
This museum, with locations in two different places, features art going back to The Neolithic Period. Its virtual tour, accessible through Google Arts & Culture, offers views of more recent works, including some by van Gogh and Renoir. Another platform, Xplorlt, also features views of some of the museum’s outdoor spaces.
1. What can we learn about The British Museum?| A．It is best known for the Rosetta Stone. | B．It tells the changes of ancient Egyptian. |
| C．It is made up of several pieces of glass. | D．It houses exhibits from different countries. |
| A．The British Museum. | B．MASP, São Paulo. |
| C．National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art. | D．The J. Paul Getty Museum. |
| A．They have several branches. | B．They display their paintings in mid-air. |
| C．They can be visited in your own home. | D．They are accessible on Google Arts & Culture. |
3 . 4 Largest Art Museums in the World
Art museums offer the space to display a wide range of art, from sculptures to paintings. They are located all over the world. This article takes a look at the largest art museums by area.
The Louvre
The Louvre, located in Paris, is the largest art museum in the world. It is considered a historic monument. This building first served as a castle before becoming a royal residence. Under King Louis XIV, it was used to house two art academies. The Louvre Museum was opened with 537 paintings. Today, it is home to around 38, 000 pieces.
State Hermitage Museum
The State Hermitage Museum, located in St. Petersburg, Russia, is the second largest art museum in the world. It has a total area of 719, 480 square feet. This museum, one of the oldest in the world, is home to a collection of over 3, million pieces, including the largest painting collection in the world.
National Museum Of China
The third largest museum is the National Museum of China. Located along Tiananmen Square in Beijing, it covers an area of 700, 000 square feet. Its chief objective is to educate the public and promote the history and arts of China. The National Museum of China houses 1. 05 million pieces in its collection, including the heaviest piece of bronze ware—the 1, 836-pound Simuwu Ding.
Metropolitan Museum Of Art
The fourth largest museum in the world is the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, which covers an area of 633, 100 square feet. Today, this museum is in a building that is 20 times larger than the original and located on the border of Central Park. It is home to more than 2 million pieces. Additionally, it is known for its large collection of musical instruments.
1. What can we know about The Louvre?| A．It was once a military base. |
| B．It has the largest collection of paintings. |
| C．Members of the royal family once lived there. |
| D．Students majoring in art can receive education there now. |
| A．Louvre. | B．State Hermitage Museum. |
| C．National Museum Of China. | D．Metropolitan Museum Of Art. |
| A．It is the oldest museum in the world. | B．It receives visitors most in the world. |
| C．It has the heaviest piece of bronze-ware. | D．It has a large collection of musical instruments. |
4 . Oxford Street is a major street in the City of Westminster in London, the United Kingdom. It has about 300 shops. The street was formerly part of London-Oxford road which began at Newgate, City of London, and was known as Oxford Road. Oxford Street follows the route of a Roman road, which becomes one of the major routes in and out of the city.
Oxford Street is one and a half miles from end to end. Most shops are open from 10 am to 6 or 7 pm. Many are also open on Saturdays and Sundays from 6 am to 12 pm. Oxford Street is best known for Selfridges (塞尔福里奇百货公司) and the other big department stores that are all found in the section from Marble Arch to Oxford Circus, along with most of the big-name multinationals (跨国公司). Oxford Street is said to be the busiest shopping street in Europe.
Between the 12th century and 1782 Oxford Street was known as Tyburn Road, Uxbridge Road, Worcester Road and Oxford Road. By 1729, the road had become known as Oxford Street. In the late 18th century, many of the surrounding fields were bought by the Earl of Oxford, and the area was developed. It became popular with entertainers. During the 19th century, the area became known for its shops.
Oxford Street is home to a number of major department stores and numerous flagship stores (旗舰店), as well as hundreds of smaller shops. It is the biggest shopping street within Inner London. Though not necessarily the most expensive or fashionable, it is considered to be the most important, and forms part of a larger shopping area with Regent Street, Bond Street and a number of other smaller nearby streets.
1. What do you know about Oxford Street?| A．It is known to be the busiest shopping street in Europe. |
| B．It has the biggest multinational in the world. |
| C．It is the longest street in the city, London. |
| D．It is in the central part of the city, London. |
| A．Its location. | B．Its history. | C．Its products. | D．Its transport. |
| A．In the 12th century. | B．In the year of 1729. |
| C．In the year of 1782. | D．In the late 18th century. |
| A．Oxford Street stands for its fashion |
| B．only big flagship stores can be found in Oxford Street |
| C．Oxford Street plays an important part in the trade of London |
| D．shops in Oxford Street are open all day long throughout the year |
5 . China’s first Universal Studios theme park opened this month in Beijing. Made up of seven themed lands filled with 37 rides, it is the world’s fifth Universal Studios theme park. It has many of the popular attractions found at its counterparts in Singapore, Osaka, Los Angeles and Orlando. But there are some Universal firsts as well, including the Kung Fu Panda Land of Awesomeness.
The park has many attractions and restaurants designed to reflect the country’s cultural heritage. Guests who have been to the other Universal parks and want to experience something fresh will be most excited about the Kung Fu Panda Land of Awesomeness. Attractions here include Po’s Kung Fu Training Camp, the Carousel of Kung Fu Heroes and the Kung Fu Panda Journey of the Dragon Warrior. And yes, it does feature a Mr. Ping’s Noodle House, modeled after the movie version, among the dining options.
Among the most popular attractions are the scream-inducing Decepticoaster inside the Transformers area, and all the Harry Potter rides. The Jurassic World Adventure and the Minions simulator rides also attract long lines.
Visitors to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter can experience the globally popular Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey ride inside the towering Hogwarts Castle, as well as the Flight of the Hippogriff. Transformers Metrobase is where guests will experience the impressive outdoor Decepticoaster, while the Minion Land and Jurassic World Isla Nubar have plenty for the little ones.
1. What special experience will guests attain in the Kung Fu Panda Land?| A．Chinese culture. | B．Thrilling rides. |
| C．Delicate western desserts. | D．The noodles cooked by real Mr. Ping. |
| A．Mr. Ping’s Noodle House. | B．Jurassic World Isla Nubar. |
| C．Transformers Metrobase. | D．The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. |
| A．To make a contrast with other theme parks. | B．To persuade tourists to visit the theme park. |
| C．To enhance the reputation of the theme park. | D．To present a brief introduction of the theme park. |
| A．Lifestyle. | B．Entertainment. | C．Culture. | D．Society. |
6 . Below is a list of the top and leading Chinese Restaurants in Los Angeles.
Hoy’s Chinese Restaurant
The restaurant is a family-owned and operated business that has been offering tasty servings in every table. Their family is proud to serve everyone always something like that.
Products/Services: Dim Sum, Vegetarian Menu, Specialty, Seafood
Address: 7105 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90046
Phone: (323)850-6637
Reviews: “They manage their high-level service and the highest level of the food they serve.”—Francis
Phoenix Chinese Cuisine
For more than five decades, it has served tens of thousands of consumers in Los Angeles. The restaurant will not be tired of inviting you to truly experience authentic and remarkable dining.
Products/Services: Seafood. Coconut, Rice Noodle, Chicken Wings
Address: 301 Ord St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Phone: (213) 629-2812
Reviews: “Great place to go eat & the price is fair for the most part. It does get busy at times with all the online food orders.”—Julio
Dragon Chinese Restaurant
The Lees have cooked and served Chinese food for over 40 years, producing delicious Chinese cuisine that wasn’t accessible to the metropolis.
Products/Services: House Specialties, Appetizers, Beef, Seafood, Vegetables
Address: 8597 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90035
Phone: (310) 657-7355
Reviews: “The restaurant is absolutely the tastiest place in the region.”—Tom
Little China Restaurant
It welcomes the customer as if in China, 6 days a week. For customers who do not have any time to go out, you can check out their menu online and order, for pickup and delivery.
Products/Services: Chicken, Pork, Vegetables, Noodle and Rice Dishes, Desserts
Address: 3535 Cahuenga Blvd w # 107, Los Angeles, CA 90068
Phone: (323) 969-8838
Reviews: “Wonderful restaurant, we came here after going to Universal Studios. The prices are super reasonable!”—James
1. If you want to order some seafood for delivery, you can call ________.| A．(323) 850-6637 | B．(213) 629-2812 |
| C．(310) 657-7355 | D．(323) 969-8838 |
| A．The price is fairly low. | B．They are family-run. |
| C．They provide vegetarian menu. | D．They are in operation for decades. |
| A．Food. | B．Health. | C．Economy. | D．Entertainment. |
7 . People like to celebrate when they move into a new home. Maybe it’ s the first flat someone has owned, a couple’ s first home since getting married or maybe a growing family has moved to a bigger house. For whatever reason, the home is new. It represents a change and an exciting new beginning, with walls to paint, rooms to decorate and neighbors to meet. And what better way to meet people than to throw a party?
Parties to celebrate moving into a new home are called “house-warming” or “flat-warming” parties. If you think about it, they are appropriate names because an empty house with no people or furniture in it is a cold shell of a place. A house full of people, on the other hand, often requires some open windows or air conditioning to keep from getting too hot.
So what are house-warming parties like? Usually, the hosts invite their new neighbors as well as their friends. They usually provide some food and drinks and guests usually bring house-warming gifts. The gift might be something for the house，like a plant, or something for the guests to share, like a bottle of wine. There may be a dress code or theme. For example, if it is a “Hat Party”, people will wear unusual or funny hats. This helps break the ice by making people laugh. This makes it easier to meet new people and creates a fun and cheerful atmosphere.
There’ s an old saying that home is where the heart is. When people throw a house-warming party,they’ re opening their hearts as well as their homes to the people around them. So if you’ re ever invited by new neighbors to a house-warming, go! Then invite them to your home another time. Your home might already be warm, but new friends are the surest way to warm your heart.
1. People hold a house-warming party to celebrate ______.| A．finding a new job | B．having a new baby |
| C．getting married | D．moving into a new home |
| A．It’s the opposite of a house-cooling party. |
| B．A house or flat with people in it seems to be lively. |
| C．When people drink wine at these parties they get very warm. |
| D．At these parties there is always a fire that people sit around to warm themselves. |
| A．It means to get conversation flowing(流畅). |
| B．It means to make a hole in the ice through which to fish. |
| C．It means conversation is very difficult because people don’ t know each other. |
| D．It means the atmosphere at a house-warming party is very cold and unfriendly. |
| A．It can show your politeness to your neighbors. |
| B．Everyone should have a house-warming. |
| C．Making new friends will make you happy. |
| D．Inviting them will warm up your cold house. |
8 . A huge, 12-pointed star has been fixed on top of one of the towers of Antoni Gaudí’s famous Sagrada Familia church in Barcelona. This means the construction work, begun 139 years ago, nears completion. It is scheduled to be completely finished in 2026 — marking 100 years since the architect’s death.
When Gaudí died in 1926, less than a quarter of the exterior was complete. Since then construction has been stopped every now and then for various reasons from Spanish civil wars to funding problems. Though in 2005 the church was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the construction work was claimed to be illegal in 2016, and regained its building permit in 2019.
Born in 1852, Gaudí grew up fascinated by geometry and the natural wonders of the countryside. After studying architecture in school, he eventually formed his own style. In his opinion, form and function were inseparable: Beauty should be part of structure, which rules the natural world. “Nothing is art,” he concluded, “if it does not come from nature.” On his graduation ceremony, his director said the words that became famous later: “I do not know if we have awarded this degree to a madman or to a genius; only time will tell.”
Time has obviously given the answer. In fact, Gaudí’s work over the years has permanently influenced Barcelona architecture like none other before or after. The city is considered the best outdoor modernist Museum of Europe mostly because of Gaudí.
On the 10th of June 1926, Gaudí was knocked down by a tram (有轨电车) while he was doing his usual evening walk. He lost consciousness, and nobody recognized that this disheveled (蓬乱的) old man was the famous architect until he was taken to the hospital. He was buried two days later in the unfinished Sagrada Familia, following a funeral attended by thousands of people: most of the citizens of Barcelona came out to bid a final-farewell to the most universal architect that the city had ever known.
1. What is the first paragraph mainly about?| A．A 12-pointed star was set on a Gaudí’s church. |
| B．Barcelona is well known for Gaudí’s architecture. |
| C．Gaudí’s famous church will be finished at last. |
| D．The 100h anniversary of Gaudí’s death will come. |
| A．It was to memorize Gaudí. | B．It suffered frequent delays. |
| C．It was a World Heritage Site. | D．It didn’t get its building permit. |
| A．His style was too special in his time. | B．He was not qualified for the degree. |
| C．His attitude to others was crazy. | D．He was too talented to be taught. |
| A．Sagrada Familia — Gaudí’s Unfinished Work |
| B．Barcelona — a City of Antoni Gaudí |
| C．Antoni Gaudí — a Genius Architect |
| D．Gaudí’s Architecture — the Beauty of Nature |
9 . In today’s fast-paced world, comfort and relaxation are keys to a happy daily life. People want to have their tasks finished as quickly and as efficiently as possible. We all search for convenience.
Improved home security, safety, and privacy
Voice-assistant smart technology
Voice-assistant innovative technology helps users do a lot like turning on music, computers, TVs and other devices inside their homes!
You can also use Smart Home technology to help you with everyday household chores! You can stay in bed in your pyjamas while your AI vacuum cleaner does all the work for you!
Smart healthcare technology
| A．Smart home cleaning |
| B．Smart touchless technology |
| C．We all want our homes to look nice and bright |
| D．That’s why more and more people are interested in Smart Home |
| E．These are always the most important things for every homeowner |
| F．It also helps in making a cosy atmosphere by adjusting temperature and lighting |
| G．Smart devices allow fast communication with medical professionals over the internet |
10 . I'm ashamed to say that,as the years have gone by,I haven't taken the time to walk around my neighborhood. Sure.I'm out and about all the time but always in the car to my way out of the neighborhood.
The main reason is that I don't love my neighborhood anymore.I'm referring to the place,not the people. My street used to come to an end in a forest. We would walk the dogs in the forest that always had nice,seasonal flowers and shrubs(灌木)coming up all year round. Now it's gone and been replaced(取代)by a forest of high-rise buildings.
Pretty down because of some annoying( 频人 的） office work these days.I decided I just had to get out and walk today. It started at the building "forest". I still felt pain in my heart from the sight and I missed those days of walking the dog and taking in the beauty of the trees and shrubs and flowers.
As I continued on, though.I came across this. .
Some very artistic children created some lovely, colorful artwork and I couldn't help but think they must have been trying to make me and everyone else just feel better. It certainly worked on me. Thank you,thoughtful artists!
At one point,I saw a man walking across one of the wider, busier streets. I shouted,"I just wanted to say hi to someone!" He answered,looking very friendly and happy,smiling and waving（挥手）.
As I walked near the last couple of streets of my walk, the winds began to blow. There were dark clouds behind me so I decided to head home. Luckily, the rain didn't come down until I was resting on the sofa.""
I was glad I went out.
1. Why did the author seldom walk around his neighborhood?| A．He was a homebody. |
| B．He didn't like the environment. |
| C．He was too busy with his work. |
| D．He didn't get along with the people. |
| A．Surprised. | B．Angry. |
| C．Lonely. | D．Sad. |
| A．Creating artwork. | B．Meeting famous artists. |
| C．What the children did. | D．How to cheer people up. |
| A．He made a neighborly connection with a stranger. |
| B．He was caught in the rain suddenly. |
| C．He received children's artwork as a gift. |
| D．He came across an old friend. |
