相关试卷

Is that Big Ben? At the Science Museum's amazing exhibition, a tall mechanical clock a spire (尖顶) and a four-faced base catches the eye. This is a "zimingzhong," or "self-striking bell," a type of clock collected by Chinese emperors. Twenty-three such clocks, borrowed from Beijing's Palace Museum shown in Britain for the first time, are now on display in South Kensington.

In the 18th century, British merchants eager for Chinese silk and tea decided to promote their country's clockmakers. Skilled clockmakers like James Cox (know) how to make luxury clocks with complex parts that could ring and move. Some could even play music, (earn) them the old British name "sing-songs". Chinese emperors loved these "foreign (curiosity)" and asked for them as gifts.

To say zimingzhong are complicated is to understate their (grand). Decorated with gold, glass, and materials like kingfisher feathers, they shine with richness. To modern viewers, they look fancy and almost over-the-top, like glittering jewels.

These clocks were meant to surprise: one has lotus petals (花瓣) that can open (show) tiny figures inside. (sad), because they are so old and delicate, the zimingzhong at the Science Museum must remain silent and still. However, a recorded sound of ticks and bells creates magical atmosphere. Though they may not fit modern tastes, they are wonderful, just the Qianlong Emperor said: "heavenly made".

By my early 40s, I had tried all the1 that were supposed to make me feel better about entering middle age. I had taken an acting class and thrown myself into learning a new language, but given them up. My attempt at yoga was also a(n)2. And then,3 by the fruitless efforts, I decided to4 a ballet class.

"But you're not very5," my husband gently reminded me. He was right. I nearly injured myself when I once tried to lift my leg onto a table in an attempt to6. But I was determined to give it a7. I needed confirmation that my body was8 of graceful movement.

Though I'd expected my classes to be physically9 and my muscles to ache, I hadn't10 I couldn't complete the seemingly simple act of pointing and extending my foot to the side. However, over time,11 I started becoming more comfortable with the body under the12 of my teacher. My body hasn't ossified (僵化) any more, which brings me great13.

If anything, ballet is forcing me to14 my relationship with my body, and instead of noticing only the beginning of older age, I now marvel at what my body is capable of and the gradual15 I've seen as I've learned to stand with more confidence and courage.

By contrast, Jia Baoyu in Dream of the Red Chamber exemplifies (举例说明) round characters, defined by inner conflicts, contradictions, and personal growth. They reflect the unpredictability of humanity, making them more relatable and dynamic to readers.

In earlier literary works, flat characters often symbolized heroic ideals, such as the brave heroes in The Odyssey. As society moves away from idealized heroes, literature focuses more on characters' personal struggles, reflecting how writers began to see humanity in a more complex way. With the rise of realism in the 19th century, round characters gained popularity, as seen in Jane Eyre, which allowed for the exploration of personal identity and internal conflict.

However, not every character that appears in a story needs to be deep. Imagine the main character is taking a taxi to a hotel. If we make the taxi driver a round character, the focus could shift from the main character to the taxi driver, potentially taking attention away from the main plot.

They together create tension and richness in a literary work. Flat characters provide clarity and focus, simplifying themes and making them accessible to readers. Meanwhile, round characters reveal human complexity, showing life beyond black and white.

A. Neither type of characters is better than the other.

B. Such characters stand out for complexity and depth.

C. We don't get heartfelt backstory to enrich their roles.

D. If flat characters are round, they may "steal the show".

E. This shows how literature reflects evolving social views.

F. Round characters are more engaging than flat characters.

G. They are more like a spotlight, drawing attention to one aspect.

Snowshoe rabbits live in the mountain ranges of North America, and have a pure white coat during the wintertime to match the snowy surroundings and to help avoid being caught. And they take off winter coats for a darker brown fur colour to match the dirt and leaves after the snow melts in the spring. Sounds like a great way to escape from their natural enemies, right? However, concern begins when scientists begin looking at how the warming climate will impact the rabbits.

There are more and more white rabbits in the middle of a brown habitat, where the snow has already melted away. This is a problem for them, as they are more easily seen by their natural enemies, giving them a "mismatch" problem. Snowshoe rabbits time the coat change in spring from white to brown based on the change in day length, not the temperature or the presence of snow in their habitat. Nowadays, the snow is melting a week on average before the change in day length signals the change in coat colour, leaving the rabbits exposed to their natural enemies.

Some predictions put the rabbits in up to 8 weeks of a white coat in a brown, snowless habitat by the end of this century. This timeline could spell doom for their populations, as their natural enemies will have nearly two months of easily spotting them.

Fortunately, scientists have found areas with snowshoe rabbits in colour from white to brown in the same place, meaning the timing of the coat change can be influenced by the environment. Snowshoe rabbits reproduce quickly, and if the colour change timing is passed down then it is possible for rabbits to change coats accordingly. By protecting areas with variable ones, we can give snowshoe rabbits the opportunity to adapt to the changing climate.

Typing pays no attention to the form of the letters — only involving relatively simple and uniform movements. By contrast, handwriting is a complex task. Motor system has to delicately adjust the pressure that each finger applies on the pen to recreate each letter. Adding to the complexity, your visual system must continuously process that letter as it's formed, with your brain making adjustments to fingers in real time to create the letters' shapes. "This process lets you make your body and what you are seeing mesh (匹配)." says Robert Wiley, a cognitive psychologist at the University of North Carolina, adding "such complexity is crucial to mental development."

Screens and keyboards replacing pen and paper might affect kids' ability to learn letters, which is actually an important predictor of later reading and math attainment. If young children are not receiving any handwriting training, their brains simply won't reach their full potential. For adults, typing often results in failing to actually process information. During a lecture, it's possible to type what they're hearing word for word. But often, they're just typing blindly, failing to make information their own. On the other hand, taking notes by hand forces them to write only key words and use drawings or arrows to work through ideas.

Actually, we don't have to drop digital tools, like graphics tablets and smart pens, to capitalize on the power of handwriting. Recent research suggests that writing on a screen activates the same brain pathways as writing on paper. It's the movement that counts, not its final form.

Mainly initiated by senior Avari Brocker, president of the All Minds All Bodies Club, the exhibıt focuses on developing a space to raise awareness about visible and invisible disabilities. "As a young child who didn't know I was disabled and only knew I was struggling, I felt really solitary," Brocker said. "I felt like I didn't have a community."

Discovering her disability less than two years ago at 16, Brocker was inspired to find ways she could advocate immediately after being diagnosed with dyslexia(阅读障碍) and ADHD. Since then, she has become involved in the International Dyslexia Association. "Growing up like that made me realize that spreading awareness of disabilities was part of my purpose in life, " she said. "But everybody needs help and needs a village. Nobody gets anywhere on their own. "

After the exhibit on Friday, March 14, students stayed in their homerooms to watch a video that provided insight towards what the most universal invisible disabilities were at school. ADHD, anxiety disorders, and dyslexia were among the most common according to a study Brocker conducted for her club.

"We wanted to give people a window into what it's like to be neurodivergent(神经分化)," Brocker said. She reflected on how it felt emotionally tiring to have her struggles emphasized at school, noting that sometimes her disability became more apparent in social situations too, but she's grateful to friends who supported her through the process, like playing a game all together. Between the exhibit and the video, there's one thing she hopes for students to take away. "Disability doesn't prevent a person's ability to do things," she said. "It also isn't a weakness to ask for help. "

Choosing the Right Shows

Pick shows that match your interests. The Northeast offers classic flower displays. Northwest exhibitions highlight native species. Southwest shows focus on desert plants. Check show dates carefully. Some run for just a day or weekend, while others last a week or more. Think about what you want to see most.

Ticketing and Entrance Fees

Buy tickets early as the shows offer discounts for advance purchases. Some shows have multi-day passes if you want to visit more than once.

Prices vary by show and location. VIP or preview night tickets often cost more but give you early access. Some shows include free workshops with admission.

Travel Tips

If you're flying, compare prices at different airports. Some cities have multiple options. Rental cars give you freedom to explore, but parking can be tricky at show venues.

Volunteering Opportunities

Helping out at garden shows is a fun way to meet people and learn new skills. Many events need volunteers to greet guests, answer questions, or help with setting up the exhibitions.

Check show websites or social media to find out how to sign up. Volunteering often comes with free entry and behind-the-scenes access. It's a great way to network while you're supporting the gardening community.

I first thought about becoming a policeman when I was 4^1/2 years old. On my first day of school, my teacher, Mrs. See took me by the hand, and invited me to enter a world that would ultimately see me reach a goal set during those early years. Although I loved art and music, it was a 6-inch wooden toy figure that impacted me the most those first few months.

Each day, as the rest time arrived, Mrs. See asked each of us to pick up a small mat and place it on the floor. We were then told to lie down, close our eyes, and rest. As the noise died away, we were told that, after resting, we would have an opportunity to play with the large wooden blocks and wooden doll-like figures that sat on a long shelf against the back wall.

I remembered eyeing the blocks and dolls, and when I did, I immediately noticed something that caught my attention. It was a beautifully crafted figure whose arms and legs were movable, and it had a painted-on bright blue uniform with a policeman's badge on its chest. When I first saw that doll on the shelf, I knew that I had to get it first.

So, when the rest time ended, I rushed straight to the wooden figures and grabbed the policeman! Holding him in my hands, I somehow knew that he represented what I wanted to be when I grew up!

As the years passed, I never lost sight of my goal. When the time arrived and I was qualified to begin testing for the Los Angeles Police Department, I eagerly began the process.

I easily passed the written examination and scored high on the oral interview. However, when it came to the physical examination, I hit a roadblock. Not long after my physical examination, I received a letter advising me that I was over the weight limit and therefore disqualified from employment on the department. The letter further advised me that my condition could be improved.

注意：1. 续写词数应为150词左右；

2. 请按如下格式作答。

Armed with that information, I began to lose enough weight.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

After two months of regular exercise and dieting, I again appeared for a physical examination.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

1. 作品简介；

2. 你的感想。

注意：

1. 词数80左右；

2. 可适当增加细节，以使行文连贯。

Dear Tom,

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Yours,

Li Hua

Chinese opera, a unique mix of music, dance and dialogue, is a key element of traditional Chinese performing arts, dating back to the Zhou Dynasty. Over time, it (develop) into a variety of local styles, each with its own distinctive charm.

Peking Opera, came into being in the Qing Dynasty, is the most well-known form. It's famous its stylized movements, complex facial makeup, and distinctive vocal style. Also, Teochew Opera from Guangdong province, (regard) as a most popular way of entertainment with graceful singing and lively performances, often presenting local legends and historical events.

Chinese opera is crucial for preserving cultural values and traditions. Its stories, often (inspire) by historical events and folk tales, explore universal themes like love, loyalty and purity. The Legend of the White Snake among them is a classical example, (tell) the love story between Bai Suzhen and Xu Xian. In terms of its visual storytelling, costumes and makeup are of great significance. For instance, red symbolizes loyalty and (brave) while white represents cheat and trick.

Though rooted in tradition, Chinese opera is also integrated with modern elements. (attract) contemporary audiences, adaptations combine traditional elements with new themes and (technology) such as multimedia and special effects. This enduring art form continues to develop, reflecting China's rich cultural heritage and social changes. As link between the past and the present, Chinese opera is still a dynamic and vital part of China's cultural landscape.

Last August, Bannister, then 79, went on her own, figuring despite the trail's steepness and1, she'd be fine because she's a/ an2 hiker.

As she headed back down, her foot got caught in a hole in the ground, causing her to3 and break her leg. Hearing Bannister's crying out for4, strangers approached and called 911. They were told rescue would5 in at least five hours. Luckily, a young man Troy with his friend Layton offered to take the6 woman to the bottom of the trail. Troy carried her for most of the nearly three-hour journey and Layton carried him for the7.

Others8 as well. Shortly into the hike, Troy got blisters on the bottom of one9. A man on the trail saw the10 and gave Troy his shoes, then continued on in his socks. A couple bandaged Bannister's foot and did breathing exercises with her to11 her.

During the long hike down, her rescuers shared stories and asked Bannister about her own life to12 her from the mounting pain. Once they reached the parking lot, Bannister was quickly13 to the Tacoma General Hospital.

During her recovery, the rescuers14 Bannister several times. She felt a deep sense of15 and believed they would remain friends forever.

Some people have spent most of their life and professional career wondering what life purpose means and, more importantly, how one finds and fulfills it. Here is what I have learned so far along the way.

For whatever reason, we all feel passionate about certain things in life. In order to live our life purpose, we must become completely absorbed in whatever it is, which means it must be something we are passionate about. Otherwise, we will be forced to do something that ultimately makes us miserable and angry, in which case it will be impossible to perform at the highest level.

Do what makes us happy. Realizing our life purpose will undoubtedly bring us joy and a sense of personal fulfillment. Ask a roomful of people what the meaning of life is and most answers will come back to happiness. The answer is that we should be committed to living in pursuit of our life purpose.

Focus on what we can control. If there is one lesson I have learned repeatedly in my life, it is that there is only one thing we can control: effort. No matter how hard we try, no matter how much our actions may be based on intended or expected outcomes, we absolutely can't control the results of our actions.

Embrace our creativity. Those two components, originality and value, make up the definition of creativity. Of course, when we focus on cultivating our talents and devote ourselves to what we are passionate about, creativity comes easily.

A. Pursue our passions.

B. Follow our inner voice.

C. All that we can do in life is make every effort.

D. Many of us wonder how we can get happiness.

E. As for me, it has been a long journey getting to this point.

F. What we can do in life is to accept the consequence passively.

G. We can produce something that is both original and of value to the world.

The Norse established their settlements in Greenland in 985 and kept rich and strong for several centuries, only to abandon the land by 1400. In sharp contrast, the Inuit people, who arrived around 1000, managed to survive long after the Norse had departed. This striking difference has aroused archaeologists' interest for decades. One hypothesis (假设) is that the Norse failed to add more seafood to their diet as agricultural conditions fell worse. Yet, dental studies indicate that the Norse did turn to marine resources for nutrition. While archaeologists agree that the Inuit adapted successfully to their environment and the Norse did not, the underlying reasons have remained unknown. Recently, a research on toys discovered this mystery.

Researchers carefully examined toys from both cultures. Their findings revealed that the Inuit children not only had more toys available to them, but also these toys were more diverse. Most importantly, it was found that the differences in the number and diversity of toys had grown greatly over time. As the years went by, innovative toys associated with hunting at sea became more common among the Inuit, but the Norse continued to give their children traditional figures of horses and birds.

In fact, the researchers said the Norse were adapting their lives to their new environment but continuing to gift old-fashioned toys. Though the lack of toys may indicate that the Norse were less creative from the start, the researchers argue that their tendency to give irrelevant toys led to any initial lack of creativity and ultimately reduced their chances of survival. In contrast, the Inuit's preference for diverse and relevant toys paved the way for their children to be more innovative and adaptive. This serves as a reminder of the far-reaching impact which cultural artifacts can have on social adaptation. A lesson for parents if ever there was one.

Obstructive (梗阻性) sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when throat muscles over-relax during sleep, narrowing or closing the airway. This leads to snoring, shallow breathing, and pauses in breathing, followed by gasping for air. Such disrupted breathing at night prevents the brain from getting necessary oxygen and results in the body's getting inadequate sleep.

Age and weight are also the risk factors for sleep apnea, but anyone, regardless of age or body size, can develop it. Other risk factors include smoking, having a thick neck or narrow throat, family history, alcohol or sedative use, and certain medical conditions like heart or kidney failure and endocrine disorders.

For mild cases in overweight individuals, lifestyle changes can sometimes ease sleep apnea, like improving diet and switching sleep positions. When patients are in hospital, the most common option is a CPAP machine, which is a mask to prevent the throat from collapsing. Other options include different types of PAP machines, oral appliances made by certified dentists, and surgeries. Researchers are exploring new measures, which have shown effectiveness in healing sleep apnea and are under FDA consideration. Other trials are evaluating new drugs and developing devices to stimulate tongue muscles during the day for better nighttime function.With many options available, no one should miss out a good night's sleep due to sleep apnea.

In the past, George would ask for my phone number, write it down, and call repeatedly until he lost the paper. Six years ago, he finally memorized it. Nowadays, he calls me about 10 times a day from 7 a. m. to 7 p. m. every day without fail, but I may answer only two of those calls. Our conversations follow one of three fantasy scenes George creates. Sometimes he's my dad scolding me for my mistakes. Other times, he's Major Charles Winchester from a play MASH, and I'm Captain B. J. Hunnicutt. Or we're both lifeguards planning a rescue. He always tells me I'm the best guy he knows, and I reply him in the similar way. He always asks what I'm eating for dinner, or if I'm watching the Mets game, and wraps up telling me he'll call me back at a specific time. However, he always calls back earlier.

These calls have been a constant in my life for years. No matter what's happening in the world or how I'm feeling, they provide a sense of stability. During breakups or professional setbacks, they offer an escape, letting me laugh and feel like a kid again.

George doesn't understand my adult life, but that doesn't matter. He brings energy, love and acceptance every time he calls. It's a gift that helps me through tough times. Even when I feel like I'm drowning, I know I can count on Uncle George to call and tell me I'm the best guy he knows. This simple act of love makes a big difference in my life every day.

Relaxation & Adventure Package

Why Coral Island?

Nestled in the tropical ocean, Coral Island is a paradise. Its crystal-clear waters are rich in colorful coral reefs and diverse marine life. Palm-lined sandy beaches offer a perfect spot to relax. The rainforest, covering 60% of the island, is home to the unique bird — Coral Island Finch. Free from urban noise, it exudes a laid-back atmosphere. With activities for all ages, such as snorkeling and forest hikes, there's something for everyone. On land, you can join guided rainforest hikes or village tours.

What to Do?

On the first day, we'll greet you at the airport and take you to your accommodation. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner. On the second day, you can choose between snorkeling in the morning or going on a forest hike, then relax or play beach volleyball in the afternoon. Three-day guests check out after a final swim on day three. Five-day guests can explore the village, try windsurfing, and continue discovering from day four to five.

Accommodation Choices?

We cater to every budget. Our Beachfront Bungalows are located right on the beach. They come equipped with air conditioners, private baths, and feature ocean-view balconies. Our Inland Cabins, nestled in nature, are budget-friendly. They are surrounded by the natural beauty of the island and have nearby shared bathrooms.

The individual price is as follows:

For a 3-day stay: Beachfront Bungalow: $1,200, Inland Cabin: $600

For a 5-day stay:Beachfront Bungalow: $1,800, Inland Cabin: $900

(A 50% discount applies for those under 18 years old.)

The prices cover your accommodation, three daily meals, and most activities. However, some specialized water sports may cost extra.

If this tropical escape on Coral Island has won your heart, don't hesitate!

Click here to register and embark on an unforgettable adventure.

Here are a few things you need to know about my dad. First, he was a slightly impatient kind of a guy. If he wanted something done, he wanted it done NOW, if not sooner. Second, you need to know that Dad was an early riser. Every single day. No exceptions. No excuses. Work or no work. Holidays or vacation days, there was my father, up and ready to go. Oh, and you should know that Mom was a night owl, up late watching a late movie or a wrestling match.

One more thing about my dad. He was color-blind. That usually doesn't matter. And he was a fairly conservative kind of person. For instance, he bought our new home out in the country and objected immediately to the stucco (灰泥) being a pale peach color. Way too "flashy" for Dad. He hired a painter to cover up all that peach with a nice, not-flashy gray. Dad was fond of gray anyway.

And so, we arrived at the Saturday morning when Dad sprang out of bed as bright-eyed as ever, felt restless, and looked around for something that needed doing. Mom was sound asleep, as usual. My brother and I slept in a bit. There was nobody around to keep an eye on Dad and whatever he decided to do next.

So, Dad decided that the porch (门廊) on our newly gray house needed a fresh coat of paint. He headed off to the hardware store to get paint and painting supplies. He did not tell any of us. Nor did he invite any of us along.

We've never been sure what happened at the hardware store. Did he ask for advice? Did he study color samples? Did another shopper help him choose? Who knows? But we're all pretty sure that Dad had no clue what color he was painting the wooden porch. My brother and I woke up, wondered where Dad was, and went looking for 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。

Paragraph 1:

We froze in our tracks when we stepped outside.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Paragraph 2:

Looking at the bright pink porch, we three exchanged looks, unsure how to break the news.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

1．活动目的和内容；2．你的感受。

注意：

1．写作词数应为80左右；2．请在答题卡的相应位置作答。

Dear Andy,

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Best regards,

Li Hua

Chinese peonies (牡丹) are not just beautiful flowers; they also hold deep symbolic meaning in Chinese culture.

Often (refer) to as the King of Flowers, the peony is one of the most culturally significant flowers in China, with a history dating back over 2,000 years. It is believed (represent) wealth, prosperity (繁荣), and honor.

One of the reasons for the peony's cultural significance is its historical (associate) with the imperial family. During the Tang Dynasty, the peony (consider) the official flower of the imperial court and only the imperial family and high-ranking (official) could plant and enjoy these delicate flowers.

In addition, the peony was deeply rooted in Chinese mythology. According to Chinese legend, the peony is associated with a beautiful goddess named Xi Wangmu, planted peonies in her garden to symbolize her immortality (永生). Thus, the peony is often associated with longevity and the (pursue) of immortality.

Also, the peony holds special place in Chinese weddings. It is greatly admired a symbol of love and happiness and is often used in wedding ceremonies and decorations.

In conclusion, the cultural significance of Chinese peonies cannot be underestimated. Over centuries, their rich history, deep symbolism, and aesthetic beauty (make) them one of the most treasured flowers in China.

His5 was as intense as his expectations were high. The absence in his life that his6 had left behind in his life was vast. So he was determined to be present, to never7 so much as a Little League game. He was home every day at five thirty,8 as clockwork. He coached my soccer team in the park. He had no9 of being a father, because fatherhood had never been modeled for him.10, he figured it out somehow.

From my father, I learned what it11 to be a businessperson. I understood that his employees needed to see his12. On weekends and holidays, he would drive around and13 the clerks to make sure business was running smoothly. And on snow days a few times a year, I would go with my dad to help14 the stores so that people could get food, essentials, and gas. We took pride in15 a public service; we were part of the fabric of our town.