1 . The Underwater Photographer of the Year, which originated from 1965, is a yearly contest based in the United Kingdom. As you might expect, the focus is on photos taken underwater, whether in the ocean, in lakes or rivers, or even swimming pools.

The pictures are judged in several different categories. The contest in 2020 had over 5,500 entries from 70 different countries.

The grand prize winner was “Frozen Mobile Home” by French photographer Greg Lecoeur. The photo shows seals swimming around a small iceberg. To get the picture, Mr Lecoeur traveled to Antarctica in a small boat and spent time tracking the life around floating icebergs.

The photo “Last Dawn, Last Gasp” by Pasquale Vassallo of Italy won the award for Ocean Protection Photographer of the Year. Mr Vassallo said that he went diving early in the morning to take this picture of a tuna (金枪鱼) trapped as fishermen pulled their nets in.

Mr Vassallo also took “Octopus Training”, a picture that won in the category of “Behavior”. He says that when he came up after a dive, he noticed a soccer ball floating on the surface. When he went to check it out, he saw that there was an octopus hanging from the ball. Mr Vassallo says he doesn’t understand what the octopus was doing, but wonders if it was training for the World Cup.

Though Rooman Luc of Belgium didn’t win the “Portrait” category, his photo, titled “Angry Seahorse”, is quite striking. The close­up shot of a seahorse staring strictly into the camera was named runner­up (second place). He said he spent nearly an hour standing in knee­high water being bitten by mosquitos in order to get the picture.

The contest has many more amazing photos that can be viewed on the site, along with the stories behind them. There is even a book with all of the contents that can be downloaded for free.

1. Which isn’t suitable to enter the Underwater Photographer of the Year contest?

A．The crying dolphin.

B．Saving the elephant.

C．The dancing lemon shark.

D．Kissing the whale.

2. What is the photo “Last Dawn, Last Gasp” aimed to tell us?

A．A tuna is hard to shoot.

B．We should protect ocean animals.

C．Diving early in the morning is painful.

D．There are too many fishing nets in the sea.

3. What can we learn from the photo of “Octopus Training”?

A．The octopus is endangered.

B．Photography should be serious.

C．The photographer has a sense of humour.

D．The photographer concerns himself about the octopus.

4. In which section of a website can we read the text?

A．Arts.	B．Literature.
C．Documentary.	D．Education.

2 .

A great rivalry (对抗) can make a hockey (曲棍球) game exciting. But it’s even better when both sides share the same goal. Students of Boston College (B.C.) and Boston University (B.U.) held a game for a good cause. Former members of the schools’ hockey teams faced off in the 4th Annual Commonwealth Avenue Charity Classic. It took place at B．U.’s Walter Brown Arena. Every year, the competition raises money for Compassionate Care ALS, the Pete Frates Home Health Initiative and the Travis Roy Foundation. This year’s event brought in a record­breaking $78,432.

Frates is fighting ALS, a disease that affects the brain. A former B.C. baseball team leader, he was diagnosed (诊断) with ALS in 2012, when he was only 27. Frates and his family have since raised hundreds of millions of dollars for ALS research, most famously with the Ice Bucket Challenge, which began in 2014.

“Pete likes social media (媒体) very much, so he wanted his voice, his face, everything that was happening to him to be recorded to help more people,” said John Frates, Pete’s father.

The B.C. and B.U. students enjoy coming together for the event. “This is just the best of the hockey world,” said former B.U. hockey player Travis Roy. “Both schools have a lot of great hockey players. Their skills are impressive, and the fact that they come out here to support good causes is a big deal.”

After a heated battle (较量), the B.U. Terriers won. Afterwards, former B.U. star Charlie McAvoy summed up the feeling of friendliness on the ice. “We all come together,” said McAvoy, who now plays for the Boston Bruins, “and we’re able to put aside the rivalry for great causes.”

B.U.’s Danny O’Regan, who now plays for the Buffalo Sabres, added, “You work hard on the ice and off the ice, and good things will happen.”

1. What was special about the hockey game at B.U.’s Walter Brown Arena?

A．It was a quarterly event.

B．It was held by different charities.

C．It attracted many universities in the country.

D．It invited former members of the schools’ teams to join.

2. What happened to Frates when he was 27?

A．He was helped by a charity.

B．He was chosen as the team leader.

C．He was found to be seriously ill.

D．He was asked to work in a social media company.

3. What can we learn from Travis Roy’s words?

A．Hockey is a very popular game.

B．B.U. has the best hockey players.

C．Hockey games should get more attention.

D．Both schools’ hockey players are warm­hearted.

4. What did Charlie McAvoy think of the game?

A．It was too competitive.

B．It connected the players with a good cause.

C．It helped schools find many gifted players.

D．It encouraged students to work hard for their dreams.

3 . While the temperature in Chicago on March 4, 2018 was 5 degrees, the water was even colder—2 degrees. That didn’t stop over 4, 800 people on North Avenue Beach jumping into Lake Michigan.

The Chicago Polar Plunge is a yearly event to raise money for Special Olympics Chicago. Each of the participants (参与者) collect at least $200 from friends and family members to get the chance to jump into the lake’s icy water. More than $1.5 million was raised for a great cause: Special Olympics Chicago and the over 7, 500 athletes it serves.

Special Olympics, a nonprofit organization, was founded in 1968. The group’s purpose is to provide athletic training and competition in 22 sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities (缺陷).

After some initial speeches, the first group of participants ran into the lake. Many of the participants were members of teams that dressed up in costumes (服装), including Minions and Waldo from the Where’s Waldo book series.

Chloe Krecun, 12, from Chicago, was shaking when she got out of the water. “I can’t feel my feet or fingers and my shoes are filled with water,” she said afterwards. But she would do it again to support the Special Olympic athletes.

As other participants headed towards the water to “take a plunge”, one of them shared why he participated in the event. “My cousin has benefited from the Special Olympics, so my family and I are here to support him by plunging,” said Brandon Marty.

Brunida Cotton, a special education teacher, was also paying attention to the Special Olympics as she prepared to plunge. “It gives the athletes confidence; they belong to a team and they enjoy being able to do things other kids do, ” Cotton said.

1. What do we know about the Chicago Polar Plunge?

A．It involves more than 7, 500 athletes.

B．It was first held in 1968.

C．It asks participants to wear costumes.

D．It requires each participants to collect $200 or more.

2. How did Chloe Krecun find her experience in the water?

A．Comfortable.	B．Challenging.
C．Dangerous.	D．Exciting.

3. Why did Brandon Marty take part in the event?

A．To support his cousin.

B．To encourage others to join in the activity.

C．To collect money for the Special Olympics.

D．To get a chance to enter the Special Olympics.

4. What does this passage mainly talk about?

A．An introduction of the Special Olympics.

B．A speech to encourage people to help others.

C．A report about a plunging event.

D．An action to raise money for athletes.

4 . There’re some important days to remember in April.

First Modern Olympics

On April 6, 1896, King George Ⅰ of Greece welcomed people to take part in the Summer Olympic Games in Athens.

Back then, Athens was just a small village, and news about the Games was unable to reach many people. As a result, only 245 athletes took part in the games. They weren’t chosen by their countries like now. Instead, they came by themselves and paid for the journey themselves. Ever since then, the Summer Olympic Games have been held every four years in a different city around the world.

World Health Day

April 7 is World Health Day. This day is not just about hand washing and healthy eating. Each year a different theme is selected. For example, the theme of 2012 World Health Day was Ageing and Health.

In 2018, World Health Day focused on high blood pressure. The main causes of blood pressure include stress, too much salt in your food and too little exercise.

World Earth Day

We call the Earth our “mother”. However, our “mother” is facing lots of problems. April 22 is designated (指定) as World Earth Day. It’s a day to remind us to care about the planet. On this day people do things to help improve the environment and cut down their energy use. World Earth Day comes only once a year, but it reminds people to live in a green way every day. If we truly care about the planet, everyday can be Earth Day!

1. Why did only 245 athletes take part in the first Olympic Games?

A．Because most people weren’t interested in it.

B．Because communication wasn’t developed.

C．Because King George Ⅰ didn’t allow the news to be spread.

D．Because the journey to Athens was too long and expensive.

2. Which of the following isn’t the reason for high blood pressure?

A．Too much work.	B．Too much stress.
C．Too little exercise.	D．Too much salt.

3. Why does the writer write the text?

A．To ask us to respect the tradition.	B．To tell us some important days in April.
C．To ask us to protect the environment.	D．To tell us how to celebrate those days.

5 . Marcus is a handsome and athletic kid. He plays tennis and _________ the state tournament every year. Marcus’s neighbor, Conrad, is also _________ to compete, but he has rheumatoid arthritis (类风湿性关节炎). Although it pains him just to walk, he _________ painful days at school walking to the sports field. He loves watching his school compete so he doesn’t _________ a game.

Marcus has known Conrad since primary school. They’ve always been _________. He sees Conrad in pain and his _________ at not being able to play sports. So, every day alter school, Marcus _________ his classmates to go to Conrad’s for a moment of discussion about the game competition. The discussion is as _________ as a real high school game, which makes Conrad forget the hurt.

Finally, the doctors found a new _________ to reduce the pain. Conrad walks without much pain, and then begins running, but he still has to learn the __________ of running. After a childhood of walking carefully and taking __________ steps, Conrad has to train his walking like a kid again and stay in shape. He pushes himself every day，building his lungs and doing leg lifts repeatedly for his leg __________. He knows what pain feels like, but running for Conrad is no longer __________.

To Conrad’s delight, he gets a chance to join the cross country team. Conrad doesn’t win, not once, but Marcus is there, __________ for him who always finishes in the middle of the competitors, breathing in wind and waving his hands __________.

1.

A．gives up

B．competes in

C．hears of

D．breaks through

2.

A．able

B．lucky

C．eager

D．calm

3.

A．bears

B．counts

C．forgets

D．escapes

4.

A．accept

B．enjoy

C．lose

D．miss

5.

A．strangers

B．enemies

C．friends

D．teachers

6.

A．surprise

B．sadness

C．impatience

D．tiredness

7.

A．promises

B．asks

C．drives

D．forces

8.

A．long

B．noisy

C．boring

D．interesting

9.

A．treatment

B．excuse

C．period

D．topic

10.

A．goal

B．style

C．speed

D．skill

11.

A．suitable

B．serious

C．small

D．comfortable

12.

A．strength

B．show

C．shape

D．advantage

13.

A．relaxing

B．beneficial

C．painful

D．meaningful

14.

A．queuing

B．arguing

C．running

D．cheering

15.

A．excitedly

B．curiously

C．anxiously

D．actively

6 . 选词填空

Competitive Sports and Mass Sports

Soccer, boxing, badminton, marathon, skiing, gymnastics and track and field, there seem to be hundreds of sports for us. In stadiums, gyms, or homes, we can work out     1    all over. Competitive sports mean that athletes must compete against each other for medals in championships or Olympics to win     2    and glory for their country, which needs not only skills and strength but also great     3    . However, success often comes along with stress, failure and injuries. Sometimes even a master will fall apart, but he never loses heart. Finally, he makes it and becomes a legend.    4    with competitive sports, mass sports focus on fitness     5     competition. Millions of people go jogging or do push-ups to keep slim instead of going on diet by cutting out fat. However, with no audience to shout encouragement, they may give up. They cheat themselves into taking exercise the next day or     6    to have done it otherwise, which doesn’t make sense. However, even if you take exercise now and then, it will make a difference and have     7    effects, won’t it?

7 . 假设你校将举办一场题为“推广中国传统节日”的英语演讲比赛，你报名参加了此次比赛。 请你写一篇演讲稿，包含以下要点：
1. 中国传统节日的重要性；
2. 如何推广中国传统节日。
注意：
1. 词数80左右，开头与结尾已给出，不计入总词数；
2. 可以适当增加细节，以使行文连贯。
Distinguished judges and dear fellow students,

It’s my honor to stand here and talk about “Promoting traditional Chinese festivals”.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Thank you very much for your attention!

8 . 阅读下面材料，根据其内容和所给段落开头语续写两段，使之构成一篇完整的短文。

Sweat poured down Marquez’s face. He was preparing for a basketball game and he would win. That was a pretty sure thing. After all, he wasn’t just good; he was excellent.

Basketball was a way of life in Marquez’s family. His older brother Reggie was now playing at a top college. Marquez was ready to follow in his brother’s footsteps and make his family proud. But he had a secret. As good as he was at basketball, Marquez’s heart wasn’t in it anymore. He had another sport on his mind.

Wiping the sweat from his forehead (额头), Marquez jumped on a bus heading home. Through the bus window, he could see cheerleaders dancing and performing amazingly on the field. Marquez was attracted. He pulled out a sheet from his bookbag. Across the top in big block letters was the phrase: Cheerleading Competition (啦啦队比赛). That’s what Marquez really wanted to do. He longed for a new challenge.

Although it is accepted that cheerleading was girly, Marquez knew the meaning of cheerleading for a game. He also knew that cheerleading wouldn’t just be a physical challenge; it would be an emotional one, too.

Now, he knew it was time for him to tell his family.

As soon as he arrived home, his parents and Reggie were at the door. Marquez’s face grew bright as he hugged Reggie. “You’re home?” “Of course, little man. I planned to come to your game. You’re going to be a better player than me!”

Everyone in the family was smiling…except Marquez. His family had such high expectations for him when it came to basketball. But Marquez was tired of trying to keep up with his brother. He was ready to carve his own path. He wanted to tell his parents, but Reggie being there put much more pressure on him.

注意：
1. 续写词数应为150左右；
2. 请按如下格式在答题卡的相应位置作答。
However, Marquez knew what had to be done.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Over the next few weeks, his family began to understand and support him for the big event.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

9 . The match was nearly over and I was almost on my last legs, when I saw a chance. I picked the ball up from Sally and headed for the German penalty area(罚球区).

“Jess!” I could hear Jules shouting as she ran alongside me. “Pass!”

I looked up and hit the ball forward into space. Jules ran on to it, picked it up and hit the ball into the net. It was just as good as Beckham’s last-minute goal against Greece!

Two minutes later, the referee(裁判) blew the whistle for full-time. A draw.

“Penalties,” Jules said, with a wide smile on her face.

Although it wasn’t usual to finish a friendly with penalties, both sides had decided that it would be a nice idea. Joe came on to the pitch(球场) to give us a quick pep talk. Maybe he wouldn’t choose me.

“OK, Jules, you go first,” Joe said. “Then Mel, Tina, Hannah and—Jess.” I tried not to look relieved that I was last. With any luck I wouldn’t have to take my turn, if the match was decided before that.

The Germans went first and scored. So did Jules. The Germans scored again. So did Mel. After a third German goal, Tina was looking nervous, but she was lucky because her shot went in off the post.

My stomach was turning over and over as Hannah stepped up to take our fourth penalty. If Hannah scored, it would be all down to the last German penalty-taker—and me.

Hannah rolled the ball smoothly into the left-hand corner of the net. I tried to take deep breaths to calm myself down. If the next German player scored, I’d have to take my turn. I closed my eyes, willing her to fail.

A loud roar around the stadium told me that she’d scored. The referee signaled me to come over and with heavy steps I walked over to place the ball on the spot. I was really tired and my legs felt like they were made of lead. Behind me I could hear the girls yelling encouragement.

I made a superhuman effort and ran towards the ball, but even as I hit it, I knew it wasn’t right. I groaned as the ball hit the crossbar and bounced away into the crowd.

1. Why was Jess’s kick compared to the one of Beckham’s?

A．They were both penalty kicks.

B．They both ensured victory of the match.

C．They were both the only goal scored in the match.

D．They were both scored in the last minute of the match.

2. Why was Jess relieved learning that she was the last to take the penalty?

A．She had confidence in herself.

B．They already had the game in their hands.

C．She might not be the one to decide the game.

D．The Germans were not good at penalty kicks.

3. How many rounds of penalty did they take in all?

A．Four.

B．Five.

C．Six.

D．Seven.

4. How did Jess feel when she was about to take her penalty?

A．Exhausted and unconfident.	B．Relieved and delighted.
C．Relieved but disappointed.	D．Exhausted but excited.

10 . Sharing China 2023 is calling for photos and videos from all over the world until Feb.12, 2023. Welcome to send us your memorable moments from Chinese New Year celebrations.

What We are Looking for

Suggested themes include: traditional customs, modern customs and new trends, folk activities, foreigners experiencing the Spring Festival and celebrations around the world.

Awards and Prizes

We will select 50 photos (single or group) and 10 short films. Each winner will be awarded 1,000RMB.

Timeline

Starting time and deadline: from Dec.20, 2022 to Feb.12, 2023.

Selection and ranking: from Feb.13 to May 15, 2023.

Result announcement: June, 2023.

The Rules

Photos:

1. All works must be real and not doctored or edited.

2. Works can be single photos or a series of photos.

3. Works should have titles and a short photo description.

Short films:

1. Size: 1GB maximum, less than 4 minutes.

2. Dubbing and subtitles (配音和字幕): If the video is dubbed, the language could be either Chinese or English, but subtitles should be bilingual (双语的).

3. Caption: English or Chinese words to give a brief introduction.

How to submit (提交)

You can submit your works to China Culture’s Facebook. For further information, click here.

1. Which time is proper if you want to hand in your works?

A．Dec.10, 2022.	B．Jan.12, 2023.
C．Feb.15, 2023.	D．Jun.16, 2023.

2. Which of the following meets the rules?

A．An edited photo.	B．A 3-minute video.
C．A photo without a title.	D．A video with only English subtitle.

3. Where is this text probably taken from?

A．A science report.	B．An encyclopedia.
C．A story book.	D．A website.