1 . 听下面一段独白，回答以下小题。
1. Wy is the man giving a speech?

A．He has won an award.

B．He has got a new job.

C．He is retiring.

2. Who is the director?

A．Steven.

B．Maggie.

C．Calvin.

3. What does the man owe the success of his film to?

A．His family.

B．Interesting writing.

C．People spreading the word.

2 . There has been a recent wave in Hollywood where studios take popular animated (动画的) films and “improve” upon them by changing them into live-action remakes. The thought that live-action movies are better because they follow the laws of the natural world degrades the style of animation.

The beauty of animation is that its use of caricatures (漫画) and exaggerations (夸张) reflects an amazing amount of creative depth in characters stories that reality cannot. Looking at the bigger picture, it becomes clear that the true purpose of Disney’s ever growing list of live-action remakes is not to comment on the value of animation, although it indirectly does, but a quick way to take advantage of nostalgic (怀旧的) fans.

For evidence, look no further than Disney’s 2019 The Lion King live-action remake, a retelling of the 1994 animated classic. It broke several box office records, raking in a whopping $543.6 million globally in box office sales alone. However, in comparison to the original, the audience satisfaction with the remake decreased greatly on Rotten Tomatoes. This is similar to the the remakes of Beauty and the Beast, Cinderella, Dumbo, Aladdin, and the countless other live-action remakes Disney has produced within the last 5 years. This means that Disney no longer needs to come up with new and original content because they can make a big profit just by taking beloved stories and remaking them.

In fact, Disney looks at itself as a business, and therefore considers making a profit as one of their main aims.

The problem with this mentality (心态) is that, while Disney makes a huge profit, audiences, artists, and art suffer. They may no longer create new stories or art styles, but rather serve as money-making machines that require directors to produce the same stories with a fresh coat of paint every 10 years or so. If this cycle continues, artists will be held back from creating new lovable characters and stories full of creativity. The feeling of nostalgia when we see old Disney films could possibly never happen-to newer generations if this cycle does not stop.

1. What does the author think of live-action remakes?

A．They slow down Hollywood development.

B．They’ve failed to become a popular art form.

C．They are poor at showing the beauty of nature.

D．They destroy the artistic expression of animation.

2. What makes animation attractive?

A．It bases its stories on reality.	B．It uses many special effects.
C．It explores characters fully.	D．It brings back fans’ memories.

3. Why does the author mention the live-action remakes in paragraph 3?

A．To tell us Disney has given up its originality.

B．To show Disney has focused more on making money.

C．To prove too many remakes have been produced.

D．To show audiences have high expectations of remakes.

4. What is wrong with Disney’s choice?

A．It reduces Disney’s incomes.	B．It demands more from directors.
C．It hurts new-generation audiences.	D．It causes artists to be less creative.

3 . With a few hours until curtain call, a quiet but noticeable energy fills the backstage dressing room of the famous Sunbeam Theatre, known as “Hong Kong’s Grand Palace for Cantonese Opera” Tonight, it’s the annual Rose family performance.

Some of the performers are eating takeout boxes of food, sure to sustain them through the bows-long show ahead. Others are getting a head start on their make-up. A few are being helped into their colorful costumes by eager assistants.

But there is something unexpectedly unusual about this particular performance that becomes obvious as soon as the curtains rise some of the people on stage aren’t Chinese.

Mike Brady, who comes from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, stands on stage in full costume. But he has never seen a Cantonese Opera, let alone been in one. As a background character, he has no spoken lines.

This unlikely actor owes his first performance to Lyle Rose, a fellow American who stands next to him in a similar costume. When it comes to performing, Lyle, a native New Yorker who now lives in Hong Kong, is not as green of a performer as Mike; in fact, he is the mastermind behind tonight’s show.

The entire Rose family is on stage. Mike himself is actually a new addition to the group: his daughter recently married Lyle’s younger son.

Cantonese Opera is a family affair for Lyle. Every year, Lyle, his wife, Cynthia Hu-Rose, a Hong Konger, and two sons put on a performance to raise money for local charities. But their true purpose for doing it is simply to introduce people to it. Though Cantonese Opera remains an important part of Hong Kong culture, it has to compete with many other forms of entertainment for the attention of younger generations, who associate n with their grandparents. “We love Cantonese Opera,” Lyle said. “We want people of all ages to come and watch.”

1. What scene is described in Paragraph 2?

A．Actors are practicing a play backstage.

B．Actors are getting ready for an upcoming show.

C．The audience are lending a hand to a performer.

D．The audience are eagerly waiting for a big show.

2. What is special about tonight’s Cantonese Opera show?

A．Some of its performers are American.

B．Most of its performers have no spoken lines.

C．Some of its performers wear newly styled costumes

D．Most of its performers have never performed before

3. What can we learn about Lyle Rose from the text?

A．He lacks performing experience.

B．He has seldom seen Cantonese Opera.

C．He directs and plays a part in tonight’s show.

D．He always plays a background character in opera shows.

4. What is the real reason behind the Roses’ performance?

A．To make a living abroad.

B．To collect money for local charities.

C．To change elders’ opinions about operas.

D．To attract younger audiences to Cantonese Opera.

4 . Film Puts Justifiable Defense in Spotlight

The film, Article 20, directed by Zhang Yimou, draws its name from Article 20 of the Criminal Law, which focuses on the sometimes controversial legal concept of justifiable defense. Drawing inspiration from real-life cases of justifiable defense, the film gained widespread attention and struck a chord with the public during the Spring Festival holiday. The movie calls for a de tailed interpretation of legal terms and urges against compromising on unlawful conduct.

According to the Criminal Law, when a person, faced with an unlawful attack, takes action to protect his or her own rights or interests or those of others, and the attacker is thereby harmed, the defender will be considered to have acted in justifiable defense and will not bear criminal responsibility. For some time, justifiable defense has been regarded as a “dormant clause” (沉寂条款), due to the influence of misconceptions, such as “whoever is injured or killed is right”.

But the true meaning of the law should be to increase the responsibility for wrongdoers, rather than burdening good people. Recent cases have shown that, for ordinary citizens, justifiable defense is no longer a pipe dream. A high-profile case in Kunshan, Jiangsu province, in 2018 served as a wake-up call and caught the attention of authorities regarding such cases. In that case, a traffic argument led to a motorist who took a knife with him confronting another man. The motorist was killed, and police and judges determined that the defender’s actions constituted justifiable defense. Since then, the justifiable defense clause has been applied in several places across the nation. The concern over justifiable defense reflects the public’s demand for fairness, justice, security and rule of law.

Luo Xiang, a renowned professor of criminal law at China University of Political Science and Law, said in a recent comment about the film Article 20 that the public and judges should avoid taking a “godlike” perspective. Instead, they should consider the situation in which the defender was involved, empathize with the defender’s position, and stop themselves from making excessive demands on the defender, Luo said.

1. Why did the film Article 20 attract the audience’s attention?

A．It was released during the Spring Festival holiday.

B．It is named after one article in the Criminal Law.

C．It explores real-life cases of justifiable defense.

D．It was directed by Zhang Yimou.

2. According to the Criminal Law, the victim will be free from criminal responsibility when ________.

A．the victim gave up his legal rights

B．the robber kept silent about the robbery

C．the robber was hurt worse than the victim

D．the victim knifed the armed robber to stop the ongoing crime

3. What is the function of the case in Kunshan in Paragraph 3?

A．Making comparisons.	B．Listing reasons.
C．Explaining misconceptions.	D．Providing evidence.

4. What does Luo Xiang suggest judges do?

A．Take a “godlike” viewpoint with the public.

B．Put oneself in the defender’s shoes.

C．Demand more from the defender.

D．Side with the attacker.

5 . 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。

Though a regular at the annual Beijing International Film Festival(BJIFF),     1     has been running for 10 years, Chinese actor and     2    (direct) Deng Chao is sitting on the jury for the first time at BJIFF’s Financing Forum, which is     3     new experience for him and provides a chance to meet young filmmakers.

The Financing Forum     4    (initiate) at the second BJIFF. Over the past eight years, the event     5    (manage) to discover many outstanding potential creators and help their projects transform from stories to films on big screens.

When interviewed, Deng talked about some of his most impressive works,     6    (say) that they all have the potential to be released in the cinema.     7     some works are still in the early stages, the works submitted by different filmmakers with different degrees of completion     8    (actual) reflect the periodic achievements of the main team and deserve careful consideration. Deng expressed he wanted to keep up     9     young people, not to be “left behind”.

The Beijing International Film Festival runs till August 29. Stay tuned with CGTN Culture     10    (find) out more activities and events.

6 . 阅读下面材料，在空白处填适当的内容(1个单词)或括号内单词的正确形式。

Under the intense inspection of the public eye, the highly anticipated drama “Blossoms Shanghai” has finally announced its appearance on this year’s Spring Festival Gala stage,     1    has not only sparked excitement among viewers but has also emerged as a popular topic of conversation among the media.

“Blossoms Shanghai” is a TV drama     2    (set) in the backdrop of the 1990s, telling the story of a group of ordinary people living in Shanghai’s alleyways. With its realistic and delicate storyline and the     3    (act) outstanding performances, the drama quickly gained     4    (popular) and captured the hearts of many viewers after its broadcast. As one of the     5     (large) stages in China, the Spring Festival Gala undoubtedly provides the “Blossoms Shanghai” crew with     6    excellent opportunity to showcase their talents.

In preparation for the Spring Festival Gala performance, the drama crew has carefully prepared several attractive acts. It     7    (report) that they will showcase classic scenes and characters from “Blossoms Shanghai” through various forms such as singing, dancing, and skits.     8    (additional), renowned singers and performers have been specially invited to join the performance,     9    (promise) to deliver a refreshing audio-visual feast for the audience.

The directorial team of the Spring Festival Gala has stated that the inclusion of the “Blossoms Shanghai” crew will add a unique charm     10    this year’s show.

7 . If you want to further improve your oral pronunciation or learn the language as used by real Americans, not the stiff, textbook-like content such as “Fine, thank you and you,” you need to watch more original movies and TV shows. Here are some.

The Walking Dead

Synopsis: “The Walking Dead” is about people surviving after the world becomes full of zombies(僵尸). Rick Grimes, the leader, and his group face dangers from both zombies and other people. The show looks at how they keep going and make tough choices to stay alive.

Desperate Housewives

Synopsis: “Desperate Housewives” revolves around the lives of four women living on Wisteria Lane. The show delves into their seemingly perfect suburban existence, unraveling (揭露) secrets, scandals, and unexpected twists. As friendships form and break, each character grapples with personal challenges. The series combines drama, humor, and mystery to explore the hidden struggles within a picturesque neighborhood.

This Is Us

Synopsis: Inspired by true figures, “This Is Us” tells the story of the Pearson family. The show explores their lives, joys, and challenges across different timelines. With relatable characters and heartfelt moments, it delves into love, loss, and the connections that bind us. Viewers witness the family’s journey through ordinary yet deeply emotional experiences, creating a touching portrayal of the ups and downs of life.

Prison Break

Synopsis: “Prison Break” tells the story of Michael Scofield, an engineer who intentionally gets himself imprisoned to aid his wrongly blamed brother, Lincoln Burrows, in avoiding execution (极刑). The plot focus on Michael’s detailed plans, tattoos (纹身) containing vital hints, and partnerships formed inside the prison, keeping viewers on the edge as they witness daring escapes and unexpected alliances (联盟) in the pursuit of freedom.

1. What do the four shows have in common?

A．They are all horror shows.	B．They can all be watched for free.
C．They are all about family lives.	D．They are all good materials to learn English.

2. Which TV show is based on real stories according to the passage?

A．The Walking Dead

B．Desperate Housewives

C．This Is Us

D．Prison Break

3. Which of the following about Prison Break is correct?

A．Michael Scofield went to prison on purpose.

B．Michael Scofield was sentenced to death.

C．Michael Scofield blamed his brother out of misunderstanding.

D．Michael Scofield is very willing to form an alliance with the viewers.

8 . TVB’s 56th-anniversary show, The Queen of News, has become popular across the country. It stars actors Charmaine Sheh and Kenneth Ma . People enjoy talking about its plot and copying its pointed lines.

The show got 8.2 points out of 10 on the review website Douban. Telling the stories of news reporters competing for the top spot during golden time, some said, the show was a bit over the top. But the fantastic plot where the main character overcomes challenges on the way to success is loved by many.

The Queen of News is a so-called “feel-good drama”, a type of drama that has become more and more popular in recent years. But why do people enjoy such dramas so much? One of the reasons is that the plots in these shows are easy to follow. They often tell stories where the main character goes from facing difficulties to seeking revenge (复仇) and, in the end, earning respect and success.

This kind of show allows people to forget about their worries and challenges in life and feel happy while watching them. Han Ning, a psychological counselor who works in Nanjing, told the Yangtze Evening Post that feel-good dramas can help with mental health . These shows can meet the emotional needs of the audience. They also help people lower their anxiety and stress levels.

However, some people worry that feel-good dramas may lead people to look at life in an unrealistic way. If people look too deeply into these big personality changes of characters and the excitement of the story, it may affect how they think they should live their lives, noted Guangming Daily. The newspaper added that these dramas should cut out the over-the-top parts that are larger-than-life.

1. Which word is closest in meaning to “over the top” in Paragraph 2?

A．sharp.

B．dramatic.

C．competitive.

D．unrealistic.

2. What do we know about “feel-good dramas”?

A．Their plots are close to real life.	B．Their plots are easy to follow.
C．They star the most popular idols.	D．They usually get high points on Douban.

3. Why are “feel-good dramas” popular according to Han Ning?

A．Because they help the audience release stress.

B．Because they come from and are used in life.

C．Because they teach useful life lessons.

D．Because they let the audience feel respected.

4. What idea might Guangming Daily agree with?

A．People shouldn’t watch “feel-good dramas”.

B．The dramas should promote more realistic views.

C．We should closely watch the qualities of the dramas.

D．It’s good to watch “feel-good dramas” sometimes.

9 . For more culture coverage and the new streaming services, www. vulture. com has prepared a wide range of funny things to see, hear, watch, and read.

TV: The Crown (Season Six)

Netflix, November 16.

The final season of The Crown is being divided into two parts, with four episodes on show before Thanksgiving and the remaining six landing on December 14. And, yes, those initial episodes will address the death of Princess Diana, played by Elizabeth Debicki, a talented Australian actress.

OPERA: Later the Same Evening

Juilliard Opera presents. Peter Jay Sharp Theater, November 12, 15, and 17.

Composer John Musto and play writer Mark Campbell turned those moody scenes into a one-act opera that’s become a student favorite but rarely gets seen on a greater stage. It would be a once in a life time chance to have a feast for eyes.

MOVIES: Fallen Leaves

In theaters, November 17.

Finnish director Aki Kaurismäki, a master of deadpan, returns with what might be his most romantic film so far — an unexpected meet up of an alcoholic construction worker and a headstrong supermarket employee.

MUSIC: Heaven Knows

Warner Records UK, November 10.

Pink Pantheress, 22, combines R&B, pop, and electronic music into relaxing but impactful tracks like “Do You Miss Me?” from December’s Take Me Home EP. This fall, her first complete studio-recorded album, consisting of 13 songs, will be released. Early tastes of Heaven Knows like “Capable of Love” and “Mosquito” suggest that we’re in for tighter hooks and longer, more ambitious compositions.

1. Which will attract those who enjoy Elizabeth Debicki’s performance?

A．Mosquito.	B．Malarkoi.
C．The Crown.	D．Fallen Leaves.

2. What do the streaming services have in common?

A．They are coming into market in November.

B．The works can be enjoyed once in a life time.

C．More details can be accessible from newspaper.

D．They are the works by the world-famous artists.

3. What do we know about Heaven Knows?

A．It is produced by Netflix.

B．It is divided into two parts.

C．It’ll be released on Nov.17.

D．It is her first full studio album.

10 . 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。

Constantly for three days since the start of 2024, Johnny Keep Walking!, a comedy,     1     (gain) the top position on the country’s box-office charts, resonating (共鸣) with a wide young viewership due to its touching     2     (expose) of workplace problems.

    3     (mark) as the third movie of filmmaker Dong Ruinian, who is also a renowned scriptwriter, the film fictionalizes the story of a factory worker who is     4     (mistaken) transferred to the commercial group’s headquarters. The human resource manager, Ma Jie, is another main character who was caught up     5     the “wrong adjustment” incident. Despite the human resource manager’s desperate attempts     6     (hide) his error, the worker surprisingly receives a series of promotions and unexpectedly disclose a corruption (贪污) case     7     (involve) a high-ranking manager.

Dong reveals that he thought up the script around five years ago and conducted extensive research on some Internet companies,     8     he discovered “absurd and ridiculous things”, giving him lots of inspiration.

With the story resonating with many young professionals due to its themes addressing    9     (variety) office problems such as complex interpersonal relationship, excessive overtime, and executive conflicts, the film has received a rating of 8.1 points out of 10 on Douban,     10     of the country’s most popular review sites.