2 .

With its bright colors, easy-to-learn rules and familiar music, the video game Tetris has endured as a pop culture symbol over the past 40 years. Many people, like me, have been playing the game for decades, and it has been updated to adapt to new technologies like game systems, phones and tablets.

However, Tetris is much more than winning. The game, in which players must control blocks of different shapes as they slide down a screen, is based on a fundamental element of geometry, called dynamic spatial reasoning (动态空间推理). It is taught by mathematics educators and used by architects, engineers, animators, and many others. Players employ these geometric skills to progress in Tetris, so playing it both tests and improves a player’s dynamic spatial reasoning.

Spatial reasoning is the ability to visualize geometric figures and how they will move in space. So, dynamic spatial reasoning is the ability to visualize actively moving figures. The Tetris player must quickly decide where the falling game piece will best fit and then move it there. This movement involves both translation — moving a shape right and left, and rotation — turning its shape by 90 degrees at a time.

Spatial visualization is a key element of a mathematics discipline called transformation al geometry, which is usually first taught in middle school. In a typical transformational geometry exercise, students might be asked to represent a figure by its x and y coordinates (坐标) on a coordinate graph and then identify the transformations, such as translation and rotations, necessary to move it from one position to another while keeping the piece the same shape and size.

While it may seem simple, transformation al geometry is the foundation for several advanced topics in mathematics. Architects and engineers both use transformations to draw up blueprints, which represent the real world in scale drawings. Animators use concepts of transformations as well. While animators today use computer programs that automatically move figures around, they are all based on this kind of transformation.

1. Which is NOT a key reason for Tetris’s lasting popularity?

A．Its pleasure of winning the game.	B．Its bright colors and catchy music.
C．Its link to complex math and geometry.	D．Its simple rules and tech adaptability.

2. According to the passage, what fundamental skill does playing Tetris help improve?

A．Logical reasoning.	B．Mathematical calculation.
C．Memory maintaining.	D．Spatial visualization.

3. Move the sample block on the right using both translation and rotation. Which image below can we get?

A．(a)

B．(b)

C．(c)

D．(d)

4. Which of the following statements does the author most probably agree with?

A．Tetris is a particularly useful tool for animation and architecture designs.

B．Spatial visualization is based on the constant change of a figure’s position.

C．Transformation algeometry behind Tetris can be applied to various fields.

D．Spatial reasoning is too difficult for middle school students to master.

3 . Flinging brightly coloured objects around a screen at high speed is not what computers’ central processing units were designed for. So manufacturers of arcade machines invented the graphics-processing unit (GPU), a set of circuits to handle video games’ visuals in parallel to the work done by the central processor. The GPU’s ability to speed up complex tasks has since found wider uses: video editing, cryptocurrency mining and most recently, the training of artificial intelligence.

AI is now disrupting the industry that helped bring it into being. Every part of entertainment stands to be affected by generative AI, which digests inputs of text, image, audio or video to create new outputs of the same. But the games business will change the most, argues Andreessen Horowitz, a venture-capital (VC) firm. Games interactivity requires them to be stuffed with laboriously designed content: consider the 30 square miles of landscape or 60 hours of music in “Red Dead Redemption 2”, a recent cowboy adventure. Enlisting AI assistants to churn it out could drastically shrink timescales and budgets.

AI represents an “explosion of opportunity” and could drastically change the landscape of game development. Making a game is already easier than it was: nearly 13,000 titles were published last year on Steam, a games platform, almost double the number in 2017. Gaming may soon resemble the music and video industries in which most new content on Spotify or YouTube is user-generated. One games executive predicts that small firms will be the quickest to work out what new genres are made possible by AI. Last month Raja Koduri, an executive at Intel, left the chip maker to found an AI-gaming startup.

Don’t count the big studios out, though. If they can release half a dozen high-quality titles a year instead of a couple, it might chip away at the hit-driven nature of their business, says Josh Chapman of Konvoy, a gaming focused VC firm. A world of more choices also favors those with big marketing budgets. And the giants may have better answers to the mounting copyright questions around AI. If generative models have to be trained on data to which the developer has the rights, those with big back-catalogues will be better placed than startups. Trent Kaniuga, an artist who has worked on games like “Fortnite”, said last month that several clients had updated their contracts to ban AI-generated art.

If the lawyers don’t intervene, unions might. Studios diplomatically refer to AI assistants as “co-pilots”, not replacements for humans.

1. The original purpose behind the invention of the graphics-processing unit (GPU) was to ________.

A．speed up complex tasks in video editing and cryptocurrency mining

B．assist in the developing and training of artificial intelligence

C．disrupt the industry and create new outputs using generative AI

D．offload game visual tasks from the central processor

2. How might the rise of AI-gaming startups affect the development of the gaming industry?

A．It contributes to the growth of user-generated content.

B．It facilitates blockbuster dependency on big studios.

C．It decreases collaboration between different stakeholders in the industry.

D．It may help to consolidate the gaming market under major corporations.

3. What can be inferred about the role of artificial intelligence in gaming?

A．AI favors the businesses with small marketing budgets.

B．AI is expected to simplify game development processes.

C．AI allows startups to gain an edge over big firms with authorized data.

D．AI assistants may serve as human substitutes for studios.

4. What is this passage mainly about?

A．The evolution of graphics-processing units (GPUs).

B．The impact of generative AI on the gaming industry.

C．The societal significance of graphics-processing units (GPUs).

D．The challenges generative AI presents to gaming studios.

4 . People who keep chickens as pets or barnyard animals tend to be quite passionate about them. Similar to those who keep cats and dogs as animal friends, chicken owners love to spoil their little ones. If that means building tiny amusement parks to keep them happy, then that’s exactly what they will do.

Chickens have more personality than many people give them credit for. Like humans, chickens love to have fun, explore, and just kind of check stuff out.

What happens if chickens get bored?

Bored chickens tend to engage in bad behaviors. These can include pecking at and fighting with one another and pulling out each other’s feathers.

Part of keeping and caring for chickens (or any animal for that matter) includes making sure they have everything they need to be happy. That includes entertainment and things to keep their days interesting.

One method is to hang up a piece of cabbage. Not only does this keep the chickens entertained, but it also gives them a healthy source of nourishment.

There is another fun toy you can build for your chickens, and all you need is some old bicycle tires. Chicken merry-go-rounds are about to become all the rage (风靡一时) in chicken society. To do this, all you need to do is remove the wheel from a bike. Then lay the wheel out over top something so the chickens are able to spin and ride on top. The chickens seem to know how to jump right on and go for a ride. They might not react like a human on a rollercoaster (过山车), but their behavior tends to show it is an enjoyable experience for them. The wheels can be spread out through your garden, backyard, or wherever your chickens like to roam. They help make their days more interesting, fun, and unique!

1. What’s the purpose of hanging up a piece of cabbage?

A．To feed chickens.	B．To train chickens.
C．To amuse chickens.	D．To punish chickens.

2. What does the word underlined in the last paragraph mean?

A．Hatch.	B．Rest.
C．Gather.	D．Wander.

3. What can be a suitable title for the text?

A．A New Pet	B．Chickens’ Beautiful Life
C．People’s Friends	D．Harmonious Coexistence

4. Where is the text probably from?

A．A magazine.	B．A biography.
C．A diary.	D．A novel.

6 . “The opposite of play isn’t work; it’s depression,” says play researcher Stuart Brown. “The adult-play shortage is becoming a public health crisis.” Play may appear insignificant, but recent studies indicate it may be as essential as the need for sleep. Playfulness helps some young animals learn to master their bodies and their environments — and once they do, most stop playing as adults.

“Adult play promotes qualities that we humans could use more of,” says Jeff Harry, a play consultant. Unfortunately, social standards restrain (抑制) our urge to let loose. “Being a playful adult is really disapproved in our society,” he says. “You don’t want people to think that you’re childish.”

“It hasn’t always been this way,” says Peter Gray, a play researcher at Boston University. When Gray reviewed descriptions of the last remaining hunter-gatherer tribes, he noticed that they were often described as “good-humored” and “joyful”. “What we would call work — hunting and gathering — was fun,” he says. “Generally speaking, we like to do the things that are necessary for our survival. Humans took one giant step away from fun when we started planting crops. Then we invented factories and lost sight of play entirely,” Gray adds.

We may be able to reverse this situation, says Harry. As we fully make the transition to a knowledge-based economy, work and play are beginning to merge (合并) again. Some of today’s most successful companies, such as Google and Apple, were started by people tinkering (小修补) in their garages.

“Play is all about looking at a tough world with creativity and optimism,” Brown says. He goes so far as to declare that “adult play is necessary for our survival as a species”.

The next time I’m caught playing, I know exactly what I’ll say, “I am not wasting time, or acting immature. I’m playing for the benefit of all humanity. You’re welcome.”

1. Why does Stuart Brown consider adult play essential?

A．It promotes creativity.	B．It battles depression.
C．It facilitates cooperation.	D．It improves adaptivity.

2. What societal factor restrains adult play according to Jeff Harry?

A．Fear of judgment from others.	B．Lack of sufficient time for leisure.
C．Cultural emphasis on personal values.	D．Pressure from work-related responsibilities

3. Which statement will Peter Gray agree with according to Paragraph 3?

A．Adult play contributes positively to work.

B．Social attitudes toward play regularly shift.

C．Humans initially found joy in survival activities.

D．Industrialization closely connected work and play.

4. What is the purpose of the text?

A．To stress the significance of adult play.	B．To discuss the evolution of work and play.
C．To advocate playfulness in modern businesses.	D．To explore the impact of adult play on depression.

7 . 阅读下面短文，在空白处填入1个适当的单词或括号内单词的正确形式。

In recent years, the traditional Chinese card game of guandan     1    (welcome)by Chinese business people. Now, it is even being introduced to children     2    (improve)their soft skills.

According to local media reports,     3     local education group in Yichang, central Hubei province, is planning to add guandan to its curriculum for primary students     4     has already given each student their own pack of cards to practice with during the upcoming winter break.

Guandan,     5     literally means “throwing eggs,” is played by four people split(分成)into two teams using two decks of cards. Both teams take turns throwing out their cards in     6    (vary) set combinations, with the goal of shedding(去除) all their cards before the other team.

The name comes from the Chinese word for “egg”     7    (have)the same pronunciation as“bomb.” An     8    (estimate)140 million people play the game in China, which originates from the eastern Jiangsu province.

Gao Zhenghua, party secretary of Tianwen Education Group, told local media outlet Hubei Daily that the game will improve students’ “thinking ability,     9    (adaptable), resourcefulness, and teamwork skills.”

However, guandan's increasing associations     10     social networking among business people have also raised concerns that the game is inappropriate for children to play at an early age.

8 . 听下面一段独白，回答以下小题。

1. What is the main topic of the article?

A．The popularity of online games.

B．The disappearance of traditional games.

C．The benefits of traditional games.

D．The differences between old and new games.

2. What did the teachers find out when they asked their students to write articles about games they knew?

A．More than half of the students wrote about outdoor games.

B．Most of the students wrote about traditional games.

C．Only a few students wrote about traditional games.

D．More than half of the students wrote about online games.

3. What does the educationist think about traditional games?

A．They are not as popular as modern games.

B．They are more popular than modern games.

C．They are easy to learn and play.

D．They are more difficult to learn and play than modern games.

4. What is the example of a jump rope game?

A．Rubber band jumping.

B．Hide-and-seek.

C．Teamwork game.

D．Long jump.

5. What is the situation with primary school students today?

A．They prefer to spend their breaks in the classroom.

B．They don’t have any studies to do.

C．They know how to play traditional games.

D．They don’t know how to play traditional games.

9 . 阅读下面短文，在空白处填入1个适当的单词或括号内单词的正确形式。

Despite being 75 years old, Chai Tixia’s expertise in Jianzi is truly impressive. With quick kicks, he effortlessly sends the Jianzi into the air and gracefully guides it to land    1     (gentle) on his head.

Jianzi,    2     game that dates back to the Han Dynasty, is surprisingly simple: players must keep the Jianzi in the air,    3     (use) any part of their body except their hands and arms. However, to master this game    4     (require) a lot of practice.

While enjoyed throughout China, Jianzi     5     (describe) by Chai as an important aspect of hutong culture. The narrow alleyways, situated within Beijing’s inner city, provide the setting for the game’s    6     (popular). Each mormning, Chai and his fellow hutong residents gather for their shared passion for Jianzi.

Chai’s spirited matches with his neighbors have a big audience     7     (draw) to the artistry and excitement of the game. The onlookers who watch them playing with great athleticism are amazed at     8     Chai and his fellow players can achieve.

Having practiced Jianzi for over 30 years, Chai cherishes the physical and social     9     (benefit) the game brings. Engaging in lively matches with his neighbors energizes his body, enhances his flexibility,     10     promotes unity within the community. Through Jianzi, Chai harvests not only health but a sense of belonging and friendship.

10 . If you’re looking for the perfect activity to do with your teens — try board games! Here are three board games for teens that will exercise their brains in amazing ways.

Hive (Ages: 8 and up)

Hive is considered a board game, except there is no board. As each player adds pieces, the board is created. Hive comes with a rulebook that explains what each piece can/can’t do.

About the Game:

As more and more pieces are added, the game becomes a fight to see who can be the first to capture the opposing Queen Bee. You can become quite skilled soon because playing the game is easy — even though you have to be on your toes thinking through each move.

Blokus (Ages: 7 and up)

Blokus Board Game received a Mensa award for promoting healthy brain activity.

About the Game:

The goal of this game is for the players to fit all of their pieces onto the board. The piece cannot lie next to the other player’s pieces. But it must be placed touching at least one corner of their pieces already on the board. The player who gets rid of all of their tiles (棋子) first is the winner. The game can be repeated for more family fun.

Codenames (Ages: 14 and up)

Codenames is a family game for 4-8 players.

About the Game:

There are two opposing spymasters who know the identity of 25 agents. Their teammates know the agents only by their codenames. Spymasters give one-word clues that can point to multiple words on the board. Teammates try to guess words while avoiding those belonging to the opposing team. The team managing to contact all their agents first wins the game.

1. What do we know about Hive?

A．It has no fixed playing rule.	B．It needs playing experience.
C．It has a ready-made board.	D．It requires cautious decisions.

2. What do Blokus and Codenames have in common?

A．The minimum age is 7.

B．They have received awards.

C．They are suitable for family fun.

D．They need players to guess words.

3. Who is the text probably intended for?

A．Brilliant teens.	B．Devoted parents.
C．Experienced players.	D．Creative inventors.