Xiaomi’s founder and CEO, Lei Jun, marked the 130th anniversary of his alma mater (母校), Wuhan University, with an enormous donation of 1.3 billion yuan ($182.59 million). The contribution, the largest single donation ever received in the history of Chinese
In recognition of his
Lei’s story of
2 . Red tourism in Shaoshan
For 17-year-old Luo Yaqian, a two-day trip to the former residence of Chairman Mao Zedong in Shaoshan, Hunan province, inspired her to work hard to realize her goal of going to a reputable university. During Luo’s trip, the students visited Mao’s former residence, his memorial hall and Mao Zedong Square. They also watched a movie and attended a lecture themed on Mao’s younger days.
Luo said she was deeply inspired by the late Chinese leader. “Mao decided at an early age to leave his hometown to make a difference with his life. I am also determined to work hard and achieve good results in the national college entrance exam to realize my dream.” she said.
In April, the authorities in Hunan launched a special study tour campaign for all primary and secondary school students to visit Shaoshan to make good use of the city’s “red tourism” resources. By the end of last month, more than 81,600 students had taken part in the study tours in 93 batches, local government figures show. The cost of these tours is covered by the government.
Li Qingshan, 65, and his wife, Sun Zhuyun, 63, visited Shaoshan early this month from Qingdao, Shandong province, as they feared there would be too many visitors during the 130th anniversary of Mao’s birth on Dec 26. It was Li’s second visit to Shaoshan, following one he made in the 1990s. “Shaoshan has definitely improved greatly over the years, and the local environment, roads and scenic spots are now much better.” he said.
Li, who served in the military in Shenyang, Liaoning province, for several years in the late 1970s, admires Mao’s skills as a military leader. “He was a true leader of the Chinese people, and dedicated himself to changing their destiny.” he said.
When the couple arrived in the square, it was already packed with visitors waiting their turn to bow three times in tribute to Mao. Some visitors paid for a two-man military-style escort to guide them to the foot of Mao’s statue. After Li and his wife bowed three times to the statue, they had tears in their eyes. Sun said: “People of my generation have lived through tough times, so we have deep feelings for Chairman Mao. He was a savior. Without him, we would not have been able to dream of living happy lives today.”
1. Which of the following statements is true?| A．Only students are allowed to visit Shaoshan. |
| B．It is Chairman Mao’s experience that makes Luo want to go to college. |
| C．College students don’t have to pay for themselves when they visit Shaoshan. |
| D．A variety of activities are arranged during the special study tour. |
| A．bodyguard | B．companion | C．coach | D．official |
| A．Pay a tribute to Chairman Mao’s leadership and contribution. |
| B．Show respect to the local government’s great efforts. |
| C．Show appreciation for the impressive improvements in Shaoshan. |
| D．Look back on the happy memories of their first visit in the 1990s. |
| A．A novel. | B．A travel guide. | C．A newspaper. | D． An advertisement. |
3 . Rosalind Franklin, one of the most outstanding female scientists of the 20th century, was a remarkable British chemist and X-ray crystallographer (晶体学家). She made a great contribution to the discovery of the structure of DNA, which led to a revolution in modern biology and genetics (遗传学).
Born in London in 1920, Rosalind grew up in a family of scientists and mathematicians. She received her undergraduate degree in physical chemistry from the University of Cambridge and pursued her postgraduate degree in physical chemistry. at King’s College London. It was during this time that she developed a keen interest in DNA structure, which she explored through X-ray crystallography.
Rosalind’s contribution to the discovery of DNA structure was very important. Working alongside other scientists at the Medical Research Council in Cambridge, she used her skills in X-ray crystallography to produce high-resolution images of DNA molecules. Her images helped reveal the crucial helical (螺旋) structure of DNA, which was groundbreaking in the field of genetics.
Despite her achievements, Rosalind’s role in the discovery of DNA structure was not always acknowledged. She faced discrimination and sexism within the scientific community and was often overlooked for credit and recognition for her work.
James Watson and Francis Crick announced the discovery of the double helix structure of DNA in 1953, which they attributed to Rosalind and another scientist, Maurice Wilkins. However, it wasn’t until years later that Rosalind’s contribution was fully recognized.
Rosalind’s legacy continues to inspire scientists and researchers worldwide today. Her story serves as a reminder of the importance of determination, hard work, and a willingness to take risks in pursuit of scientific advancement. Despite the challenges she faced, Rosalind persevered and made a significant impact in the field of chemistry. Her contributions to the scientific community will always be remembered, and she will remain an inspiration to generations of future scientists.
1. What can we know about Rosalind’s upbringing from the first two paragraphs?| A．She had a strong interest in science. | B．She came from a extremely rich family. |
| C．She was born in King’s College London | D．She got her postgraduate degree in Cambridge. |
| A．Discovering the double helix structure. |
| B．Conducting X-ray crystallography analysis. |
| C．Overcoming the discrimination and sexism. |
| D．Pursuing a postgraduate degree in chemistry. |
| A．Praise. | B．Support. | C．Neglect. | D．Prejudice |
| A．The value of determination, hard work, and risk-taking. |
| B．The importance of DNA structure in biology and genetics. |
| C．The challenges faced by female scientists in the 20th century. |
| D．The significance of X-ray crystallography in scientific research. |
4 . Kenya’s EliudKipchoge made history by running the 26.2 miles in less than two hours, faster than any other person in history. His time of 1:59:40 required him to maintain an average pace of about 4:35 per mile!
Upon crossing the finish line, Kipchoge, who spent four months training, said, “That was the best moment of my life. The pressure was very big on my shoulders. I got a phone call from the President of Kenya.”
The Prater Park course in Vienna, Austria, was carefully selected, taking into account factors like temperature and wind speed to ensure the perfect racing. His speed was maintained by 41 medium and long-distance runners. An electric car projected a green laser ahead of the runners to guide them along the best route. To save time, Kipchoge was fed pre-prepared drinks and energy on the course at 3.1-mile intervals.
The historic run was Kipchoge’s second attempt at breaking the two-hour marathon barrier. The Kenyan runner first tried to accomplish the feat on May 6, 2017, at Nike’s Breaking2 event, which took place on a Formula One racetrack in Monza, Italy. However, while Kipchoge’s 2:00:25 time was the fastest ever attained by a human, it was not under the desired two hours. However, the lack of acknowledgement does not bother Kipchoge.
Kipchoge was not the only Kenyan runner to make headlines that weekend. On Sunday, October 13, 2019, Brigid Kosgei made history of her own at the Chicago Marathon. Her time of 2:14:04, outpaced British runner Paula Radcliffe ‘s 16-year-old record by an impressive 81 seconds, earning Kosgei the title of the world’s fastest female marathoner!
1. Why did Kipchoge have bigger pressure?| A．He intended to make history. |
| B．The president of Kenya rang him. |
| C．The coming marathon was fierce. |
| D．His training was harder than ever. |
| A．Tell us Kipchoge’s determination. |
| B．Summarize Kipchoge’s contributions. |
| C．Praise Kipchoge for his thoughtfulness. |
| D．Show Kipchoge planned the marathon carefully. |
| A．Concerned. | B．Astonished. | C．Upset. | D．Calm. |
| A．Beat. | B．Equaled. | C．Stuck. | D．Set. |
1. When did Beckham start his professional career?
| A．At age 13. | B．At age 19. | C．At age 17. |
| A．Beckham got married. |
| B．Beckham met Victoria Adams. |
| C．Beckham was a finalist for Player of the Year. |
| A．Her singing career. |
| B．Her modeling career. |
| C．Her fashion designs. |
6 . Henry Kissinger, one of the country’s most important foreign policy thinkers for more than half a century, enjoyed a worldwide reputation.
As a secretary of state and national security adviser to Presidents Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford, Henry Kissinger played the major behind-the-scenes role in building the architecture that enabled more manageable relations with the Soviet Union, China, and major Arab nations. At the same time, he was closely associated with some of the most disputed U. S. foreign policy moves in recent decades, by promoting intensive bombing campaigns in Southeast Asia and repeatedly turning a blind eye to human rights abuses by governments perceived to be supportive of U. S. interests.
In America, the young Kissinger worked in a factory during the day and went to school at night, until he was drafted into the U. S. Army. After getting out of the army, he attended Harvard, where his 300-page undergraduate thesis titled “The Meaning of History” brought him to the attention of Richard Nixon. Over the next few years, he directed one of the boldest periods of diplomacy in U. S. history to strengthen its negotiating position. In 1971, Kissinger arranged Nixon’s historic visit to China.
Though he never worked directly under a U. S. president again after Ford left office, Kissinger’s influence was long-lasting. U. S. superpower relations to this day still bear his imprint, and he remained a sought-after voice on international affairs to the end of his life.
“There were other great secretaries of state and a long list of impressive historians, but no one who combined the two pursuits as Kissinger did,” said Richard Haass, president emeritus (荣誉退休的) of the Council on Foreign Relations.
“I remember walking down the street in Manhattan with him, and he would attract a crowd like a movie star, a rock star,” recalled David Rothkopf, who worked for a time as a managing director at Kissinger’s consulting firm. “Everybody, regardless of what they thought of Henry, wanted to see Henry, wanted to be with Henry.
1. According to the 2nd paragraph, which word can best describe Kissinger?| A．Brave. | B．Aggressive. | C．Controversial. | D．Devoted. |
| A．He shared a strong friendship with Richard Nixon. |
| B．He demonstrated diligence in his early work and education. |
| C．His thesis earned him a position at Harvard. |
| D．He is the boldest negotiator in U. S. history. |
| A．His promotion of human rights in Southeast Asia. |
| B．His academic thesis as a historian. |
| C．His everlasting legacy on international affairs. |
| D．His faithful service to President Ford. |
| A．The World Ahead. | B．Profile. |
| C．The Economist Explains. | D．The World in Brief. |
7 . Growing up on a farm, Tori James spent much of her early years outdoors, building shelters and playing in muddy streams. She describes herself as an ambitious, adventurous child who went to bed reading the survival guides that lived on her bedside table. Even so, James says she could never have predicted that, one day, she might be the youngest British woman to reach the summit of Mount Everest.
Today, James is a professional adventurer. Yet ahead of her first expedition at the age of 18, which she spent mapping the cracks of Iceland’s Vatnajökull glacier with the British Exploring Society, James recalls doubting her ability to last a month out in the cold without the comfort of a hot bath. “It’s only by stepping out of our comfort zone that we understand our true potential,”she explains. “That’s when the magic happens.”
Although James has spent a significant part of her life exploring some of the most remote landscapes in the world, when it comes to traveling, she believes that there are numerous ways for everyone to push their boundaries, other than by undertaking physical challenges. James also encourages would-be adventurers not to be put off by the stereotypical image of the rugged, hardy explorer. “I am such a believer that, with the right support and skills, everyone can bring something to an expedition,” she says.
Sometimes, she adds, it’s only out in the field that someone’s hidden talents emerge. A diverse team can be key to a successful trip, particularly given the role of exploration in today’s world. “Historically, exploration has been about people finding nature’s hardest obstacles and trying to either overcome them, or beat them,” says James. “But now, for me at least, exploration is about connecting, not conquering. It’s about our connection to the living world around us, it’s about sharing its importance once we’ve returned and it’s about figuring out how to do adventure sustainably.”
1. What do we know about James?| A．She was once doubted to be a professional adventurer. |
| B．She enjoys reading thrilling adventure survival stories. |
| C．She was a child with big dreams and a desire for exploration. |
| D．She might be the youngest woman to conquer Mount Everest. |
| A．Few ways are there for us to push our boundaries. |
| B．Future explorers are supposed to venture bravely. |
| C．Exploring remote landscapes in the world is of significance. |
| D．Support and skills are sure to bring out the best of explorers. |
| A．To make the most of people’s hidden talent. |
| B．To overcome the possible hardest obstacles. |
| C．To figure out how to have a successful adventure. |
| D．To engage in sustainable interactions with nature. |
| A．Born to Be Adventurers. | B．Connecting the Living World. |
| C．James’s Amazing Expeditions. | D．Adventurer James’s Travel Insights. |
8 . Gary Vaynerchuk is a larger-than-life character who has established a series of successful businesses. He was born in 1975 in the town of Babruysk and then left for the USA with his
When Gary grew up, his approach to the wine business soon brought
Gary’s opinions are aimed at the business community, but there is much in what he says that can be applied just as effectively to your
Wasting time is something Gary hates. He often emphasizes the fact that
| A．family | B．relatives | C．friends | D．teacher |
| A．stopped | B．established | C．exhibited | D．offered |
| A．generous | B．natural | C．inexperienced | D．greedy |
| A．meeting | B．school | C．machine | D．stand |
| A．terrible | B．changeable | C．impressive | D．limited |
| A．selling | B．separating | C．owning | D．lending |
| A．advantage | B．game | C．case | D．alarm |
| A．position | B．style | C．society | D．philosophy |
| A．language | B．life | C．hobby | D．dance |
| A．fall | B．succeed | C．travel | D．predict |
| A．money | B．freedom | C．energy | D．time |
| A．look back on | B．look forward to | C．make the most of | D．make up for |
| A．beauty | B．safety | C．achievement | D．independence |
| A．forget | B．care | C．worry | D．discover |
| A．gain | B．follow | C．plan | D．organize |
9 . The Maryland Center for History and Culture(MCHC) is currently hosting “The Jim Henson Exhibition: Imagination Unlimited”. The exhibition spotlights Henson’s unique contributions to children’s education, including his creation of the Muppets (布偶).
Born in 1936 in Mississippi, Henson grew up in Maryland. His creative talents were evident when he was a student at high school. He loved cartooning and creating sets for school theater productions. While a freshman at university, Henson made puppets for a local TV station. The station’s producers were so impressed that they asked him to produce his own puppet show. Called Sam and Friends, the program started in 1955. Viewers loved Henson’s playful characters, including an early version of Kermit the Frog.
While at university, Henson majored in home economics. At the time, it was the only major that offered classes in sewing and textiles (纺织品).Henson not only honed his creative skills at university, but he was also good at marketing and business. “He was an entrepreneur who happened to get into puppetry, ” said Deborah Wood, MCHC’s learning manager.
In 1959, Henson married Jane Nebel, whom be had met at university. The couple established Muppets Inc. which later became the Jim Henson Company. It was there that Focus Bert, Ernie, Miss Piggy, and other Muppets were created for Sesame Street, a popular children’s television program.Generations of children around the world have grown up watching and laming from the Muppets.
Henson, who died in 1990, created not just the Muppets, but also films, TV commercials, variety shows, and more. The exhibition shows every aspect of his career. This includes some lesser-known works, including The Cube, a short experimental film that was nominated (提名) for an Academy Award.
Visitors also get a chance to appreciate Henson’s creative process and inventiveness through hands-on displays. They can even make their own Muppets. “For me, I think the really powerful message of this exhibition is the fact that it covers Henson’s whole life and his whole career, ” said Chloe Green, public programs manager at the MCHC.
1. What’s paragraph 2 mainly about?| A．An interesting exhibition about Henson. | B．Viewers’attitude to Henson’s works. |
| C．Henson’s exceptional talents in creation. | D．Characters in Henson’s famous works. |
| A．Changed. | B．Improved. | C．Found. | D．Shared. |
| A．It was first played in 1955. | B．It was a popular radio program. |
| C．It was targeted at children. | D．It was an early version of Kermit the Frog. |
| A．Favorable. | B．Opposed. | C．Doubtful. | D．Indifferent. |
注意：1.词数 80 左右；
2.可以适当增加细节，以使行文连贯。
资料参考：钟南山1936年出生于江苏
共和国勋章的获得者（共和国勋章 the Medal of the Republic） 战胜 SARS 和 COVID-19
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