• 1、At a Berlin trade fair for sustainability, a new device caught Waltraud Berg's eye - a solar panel small enough to be easily installed (安装) on the side of a balcony (阳台) and then plugged into a wall socket (插座) to feed energy produced by the sun directly into her home.

    "I was absolutely thrilled to learn that such a thing even existed, that you can generate your own power and be more independent," said Ms. Berg, a retiree who installed several panels on the south-facing balcony of her apartment by herself.

    Each of the lightweight panels produces only enough electricity to charge a laptop or run a small refrigerator. But in homes across Germany, they are powering a quiet transformation. Electricity prices in Germany have now settled at around 25 euro cents per kilowatt-hour. But they remain among the highest in Europe. Recently, a few new passed laws have effectively prevented landlords from blocking solar panel installations and dropped some of the annoying registration requirements. More than 500, 000 of the systems have already been set up across Germany, and the new laws that relaxed rules around solar panel installation have contributed to a craze in use.

    Some of the solar panels sold in Germany are made by European companies, but most are produced in China, whose dominance (支配地位) of the global industry allows it to deliver solar panels at increasingly lower costs. Janik Nolden, who together with two friends founded Solago, a German company that sells rooftop solar panels and the plug-in versions, said most of the ones that he sells are produced in China, which makes better quality and less expensive panels than anything being produced in Europe.

    "We are seeing a continuous increase in solar installations in particular," said Klaus Müller, president of the Federal Network Agency. "Compared to the total capacity of last year, almost 10percent more solar capacity was added in 2024. Of that, two-thirds was installed on buildings, which includes balcony systems."

    (1)、Why was Waltraud Berg excited about the solar panels?
    A、Because they could help her save on electricity bills significantly. B、Because they allowed her to make her own electricity. C、Because they enabled her to grow plants on her balcony. D、Because they allowed her to share electricity with her neighbors.
    (2)、What can be inferred from paragraph 3?
    A、Landlords are forced to install solar panels. B、No upsetting install-restrictions exist. C、New laws are favored by consumers. D、Electricity prices will certainly remain at a high level.
    (3)、What do we know about the solar panels sold in Germany?
    A、All of the panels are made in China. B、The solar panels must be installed by professionals. C、The panels have no effect on the electricity prices in Germany. D、A lightweight panel generates enough power to charge a portable PC.
    (4)、What is the best title for the text?
    A、German's Love for Solar Energy B、China's Solar Panels in Germany C、Solar Panels Lighting up German Homes D、Balcony Systems are Simplified in German Homes
  • 2、Confidence is influential. A study by Matthias Brauer of the University of Mannheim and his co-authors analysed language used in letters from activist investors. It found that more confident letters were associated with more successful activist campaigns.

    Confidence wins status, too. In a study published in 2012 by Cameron Anderson of the University of California, students on an MBA course were asked to take an online survey before they started classes. The questionnaire asked participants to say if they recognized certain names, events and works of art unknown to them. The options included both real choices, such as Maximilien Robespierre and "Pygmalion", and made-up ones like Bonnie Prince Lorenzo and "Winermere Wild". Overconfident students who had picked more "invented" entries turned out to have the most influence on their classmates, and they were also the ones who were trusted the most, according to end-of-term ratings.

    As much as confidence brings rewards, however, it also brings danger. Work by Ulrike Malmendier of the University of California, has found that overconfident bosses are much more likely to undertake acquisitions (收购). Thus, their acquisitions are also more likely to destroy the value of the company. Another paper, by Guoli Chen of INSEAD and his co-authors, looked at the relationship between bosses' confidence and their earnings forecasts. The researchers found that bosses with inflated (膨胀的) levels of self-belief were slower to adjust their forecasts when they proved inaccurate. "Put simply," they concluded, "overconfident bosses who make mistakes continue to be wrong for longer."

    This messy picture is divided into two broad directions for managers to reflect on. First, puffed-up people need guardrails. A new paper by Priscilla Kraft of WHU, a German business school finds that overconfident bosses of American high-tech firms have a better record of making breakthrough innovations if they are managed by powerful and expert boards (董事会). Second, self-doubters need encouragement to fulfil their potential. That might come from managers, advisors or even themselves.

    (1)、Why did overconfident students have more influence on their classmates in the study in 2012?
    A、They were more active in class discussion. B、They had a better understanding of the survey. C、Their overconfidence made them more reliable. D、They made more correct options in the questionnaire.
    (2)、What's the potential risk for overconfident bosses according to Ulrike Malmendier?
    A、Bringing too many rewards. B、Leading to certain loss. C、Avoiding acquisitions. D、Expanding their business.
    (3)、What does the underlined sentence "puffed-up people need guardrails" in paragraph 4 mean?
    A、Overconfident people need proper management. B、Overconfident people should be encouraged. C、Overconfident people need more power. D、Overconfident people shoulder more responsibility.
    (4)、What can we know from the studies mentioned in the passage?
    A、Confidence always leads to positive outcomes. B、Self-doubters are more likely to succeed in the long run. C、The level of confidence has no relation to one's influence. D、Overconfidence can have both advantages and disadvantages.
  • 3、Productive artificial intelligence is increasingly making its presence felt in classrooms. It's not just students who are turning to AI for help; teachers are also getting involved. Many teachers are now using new AI grading tools, which offer students speedier feedback and more opportunities to practice. When applied correctly, AI assistants are believed to bring about benefits and remove prejudice from the evaluation of student work.

    Education-oriented (面向教育的) AI startups typically provide grading services mainly in writing-heavy subjects like English and history, and to some extent in math and science. These AI-based systems generate a score and offer negative comments on various elements such as topic sentences, persuasive arguments and more. Teachers have the option to use the AI-generated feedback as a guide or directly pass it on to students.

    However, not everyone is convinced that AI is suitable for grading. Some people hold the view that the technology isn't reliable enough for vital grading, which can have a significant impact on students' college admissions and other life-changing decisions. Critics point out that current AI tools can have shortcomings or be overly strict in grading. Alex Kotran, co-founder of the AI Education Project, emphasized, "It should not be used for grading. It will weaken public trust in the education system."

    To test how these graders function, a 12th-grade English paper from a Wall Street Journal colleague was put into three different AI tools. The paper, an essay about the oppression (压迫) of Ophelia in Shakespeare's "Hamlet" that originally received a 97% in 2013, got various scores. AutoMark gave it 97% at first and later 100%, while Class Companion rated it 62% and CoGrader judged it 85%. The results were confusing.

    In conclusion, AI grading tools offer both opportunities and challenges in the classroom. As AI technology continues to grow, it will be crucial to strike a balance between getting much of its benefits and preserving the human touch that is essential for effective teaching and learning.

    (1)、What are the favorable results brought by AI grading tools according to paragraph 1?
    A、Faster feedback and more chances to practice. B、Reduced workload for teachers and increased student activity. C、Improved student attendance and better classroom management. D、Enhanced student-teacher interaction and reduced homework.
    (2)、What subjects are primarily targeted by AI companies for grading services?
    A、Calculation-core subjects. B、Experiment-centre subjects. C、Politics-related subjects. D、Article-writing subjects.
    (3)、Why do some people oppose to use AI for critical grading?
    A、AI tools are too expensive for schools to afford. B、AI technology decreases public trust in the education system. C、AI grading will make teachers lose their jobs. D、AI tools make students become over-dependent on technology.
    (4)、What can we learn from paragraph 4?
    A、AI grading tools function perfectly. B、AI grading tools should be used with great caution. C、AI grading tools are reliable in the final assessment. D、AI grading tools will play a key role in education.
  • 4、Recently, some newly published books come to the readers. Following are some outstanding ones. Have a brief reading of the introduction, and choose the one to your taste.

    The Life Impossible By Matt Haig

    Filled with wonder and wild adventure, this book is a story of hope and the life-changing power of a new beginning. When retired math teacher Grace Winters is left a run-down house on an island by a long-lost friend, curiosity gets the better of her. She arrives in Ibiza with a one-way ticket, no guidebook and no plan. Among the foggy hills and golden beaches, Grace searches for answers about her friend's life, and how it ended. What she uncovers is stranger than she could have dreamed.

    Night Magic By Leigh Ann Henion

    In this book, New York Times bestselling nature writer Leigh Ann Henion invites us to leave our well-lit homes, step outside and embrace the dark as an extremely beautiful part of the world. The book is rich with insights about nocturnal (夜间活动的) animals and plants, like bats in Alabama and mushrooms in North Carolina. During her adventure, Henion encounters naturalists, biologists and others who've devoted their lives to studying creatures in the dark.

    Blood Test: A Comedy By Charles Baxter

    Blood Test: A Comedy is a humorous play that digs into the chaos and absurdity (荒诞) surrounding a routine medical check-up. The story begins with a mix-up with blood test results in a clinic waiting room, which leads to a series of misunderstandings and over-the-top reactions. As the characters search for the truth, the plot becomes complicated. With amusing dialogue, comical humor and a touch of heart, the book reminds us not to take life — or our health — too seriously.

    (1)、Why does Grace Winters go to the Mediterranean island in The Life Impossible?
    A、To start a new life there. B、To buy her friend's run-down house. C、To find out the truth about her friend. D、To meet her long-lost friend.
    (2)、Who might be interested in Night Magic?
    A、Nature enthusiasts. B、Magic lovers. C、Island explorers. D、Comedy fans.
    (3)、What does the author want to tell us in Blood Test: A Comedy?
    A、Live your life freely. B、Live your life to the full. C、Life is full of hope. D、Life is beyond dream.
  • 5、听下面一段独白,回答以下小题。
    (1)、When did Nehme enter the Lebanese Conservatorium (黎巴嫩音乐学院)?
    A、At the age of 3. B、At the age of 5. C、At the age of 7.
    (2)、What does the speaker say about the company Peter Music & More?
    A、It was set up in 2014. B、It produces one brand of instruments. C、It stores various instruments.
    (3)、What happened to Nehme 12 years ago?
    A、He encountered challenges in European workshops. B、He fell to the ground during a performance. C、He lost all his collections in a house fire.
    (4)、What is Nehme's current expectation?
    A、Hosting concerts home and abroad. B、Being able to play 46 different instruments. C、Establishing a museum for his instruments.
  • 6、听下面一段较长对话,回答以下小题。
    (1)、How long did the man do the volunteer work last year?
    A、Two months. B、Six months. C、A year.
    (2)、Why did the man choose to be a volunteer teacher?
    A、To follow his father's footsteps. B、To gain more teaching experience. C、To act as his teacher advised.
    (3)、What was the most challenging for the man in his volunteer experience?
    A、Cooking meals for students. B、Sending students home after school. C、Communicating with local residents.
    (4)、What has the woman learned from her volunteer experience?
    A、Never give up in the face of difficulties. B、Treasure everything she possesses. C、Take every chance to make progress.
  • 7、听下面一段较长对话,回答以下小题。
    (1)、What is the woman exhausted of?
    A、Her boring work. B、Her low efficiency. C、Her poor focus.
    (2)、What does the "A" in SMART goals stand for?
    A、Achievable. B、Appealing. C、Accurate.
    (3)、What's the man's final advice for the woman?
    A、Making a schedule. B、Reducing her workload. C、Arranging proper breaks.
  • 8、听下面一段较长对话,回答以下小题。
    (1)、What will Max probably do in the evenings at the pet school?
    A、Take a training. B、Play with others. C、Have a walk.
    (2)、What kind of animal is Vicky?
    A、A dog. B、A bird. C、A cat.
  • 9、听下面一段较长对话,回答以下小题。
    (1)、Why is the woman taking a course in computer science?
    A、For her interest. B、For a competition. C、For her promotion.
    (2)、What course will the man probably choose?
    A、A Tai Chi course. B、A chess course. C、A computer course.
  • 10、What surprised the man about the sculpture?
    A、Its price. B、Its material. C、Its size.
  • 11、What is the probable relationship between the two speakers?
    A、Neighbors. B、Colleagues. C、Brother and sister.
  • 12、What did the speakers probably have for dinner yesterday?
    A、Porridge. B、Dumplings. C、Noodles.
  • 13、Where is the woman now?
    A、In Peru. B、In Mexico. C、In Britain.
  • 14、Which magazine is the best seller?
    A、National Geographic. B、Science. C、Nature.
  • 15、读后续写

    "Bob, my dear," a warm voice called out from Bob's mother. Feeling pain all over his body, Bob slowly opened his eyes and saw his mother sitting in a chair next to his bed. Trying to sit up, he looked around and found himself in a small sick room.

    Memories of the past few days came rushing back: a football match his friends cheering him on, a shining medal, and then the sudden slip (滑倒) on the road and the blaring horn (刺耳的喇叭声). After that darkness followed.

    Bob's mother watched him with a pained expression as he raised a shaking hand to touch the white sheet covering his legs. Bob broke down and cried. When the doctor entered the room, Bob had only one question on his mind, "How will I ever play football again?" Football was Bob's life. He was the star player on his school team, scoring countless winning goals.Every free moment was spent kicking a ball around.

    After a few months, Bob left the hospital and returned home, but the journey was far from over. Rehabilitation (康复) began a slow and painful journey. A year passed, and Bob stepped onto the field for the first time since the accident.

    The game began. However, Bob quickly realized that he was no longer the best player on the team. Others were faster, smoother, and more skilled with the ball. It only took one match for everyone to see that Bob was a hindrance (造成阻碍的人) to the team. He ran slowly and often tripped and fell, That night, Bob was very sad and refused any comfort.

    The next day, his grandfather insisted on (持) taking him somewhere. They ended up at the same park where Bob had played the game just the day before, There was a group of young children wanting to play football.

    Tears filled Bob's eyes as he said, "Why are we here, Grandpa?"

    ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

    Bob found hope to teach others his best skills and moves.

    ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

  • 16、假定你是李华,你所在的城市今年夏天将开办一个国际音乐夏令营,该夏令营面向世界各地爱好演奏中国民族乐器(Chinese musical instruments) 的学生。你想建议你的英国朋友James参加该夏令营。请你给他写封邮件,内容包括:

    1.夏令营的开办信息;

    2.你的建议;

    3.夏令营的课程:

    (1)中国民族乐器演奏训练课;

    (2)中国传统音乐欣赏课。

    注意:

    1.词数80左右;

    2.可以适当增加细节,以使行文连贯;

    3.开头和结尾已给出,不计入总词数。

    Dear James,

    ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

    Yours,

    Li Hua

  • 17、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。

    Most of us are familiar with the "Silk Road", a network of land trading routes which has connected north-western China to Europe since the Han Dynasty. With its recent(popular), you may have heard of the "Ancient Tea Horse Road" as well, another network of land trading routes that connected China to various parts of Asia and Europe before sailing became common. (history), the "Ancient Tea Horse Road" is no less (value) than the "Silk Road". And because of their respective locations (位置), sometimes the "Ancient Tea Horse Road" (refer) to as the "Southern Silk Road".

    The "Ancient Tea Horse Road" got it's name as Chinese tea and horses were the main products (buy) and sold along the route. Historians have traced the origins of the "Ancient Tea Horse Road" back to the Tang Dynasty, tea was being transported out of Yunnan to Beijing, Tibet, and other places. The "Ancient Tea Horse Road" was (far) developed during the Song and Ming dynasties, and remained busy trading route all year round until the Qing Dynasty.

    The "Ancient Tea Horse Road" served not only a trading route, but also a bridge connecting different races — such as Han and the Tibetan people. It is located near the "Roof of the World", and is where many minority groups are located, (make) it a spot of many attractions.

  • 18、My dad was 60 when I was born.1, he was a blind man having lost his sight in his early 50s.

    Growing up with a blind dad wasn't2. Sometimes his blindness3 me. I would feel nervous and afraid when I saw his sightless eyes. On occasion I wondered how he4 to move around effortlessly. So I would play blind, walking through a room with my eyes5 feeling my way. I came to realize how much his6 was different from mine. Beginning at 9, it was my responsibility to read for Dad. When I read, he, with7, listened to me struggle through the new words. I had to spell some of them, and he would8 their meanings calmly. He always said, "Go on," with an encouraging smile.

    I'll never forget the9 that would come from his eyes when I succeeded in reading a challenging part. I knew I was doing a10 job. He couldn't see my pride but I knew he11 it.

    I used to12 how different my childhood would have been if I had a father who could see and could play catch, take me to a movie or13 my drawings. Yet I know I was14 by being with a courageous old man who often told me life goes on no matter what. I've begun to realize that belief was his15 gift for me.

    (1)
    A 、Unfortunately B 、Frankly C 、Undoubtedly D 、Awkwardly
    (2)
    A 、bad B 、comfortable C 、easy D 、challenging
    (3)
    A 、shamed B 、frightened C 、touched D 、astonished
    (4)
    A 、pretended B 、wished C 、managed D 、decided
    (5)
    A 、closed B 、raised C 、widening D 、rolling
    (6)
    A 、dream B 、world C 、interest D 、intention
    (7)
    A 、patience B 、motivation C 、politeness D 、curiosity
    (8)
    A 、correct B 、guess C 、interpret D 、change
    (9)
    A 、anger B 、thankfulness C 、disbelief D 、light
    (10)
    A 、good B 、simple C 、difficult D 、boring
    (11)
    A 、presented B 、sensed C 、recognized D 、protected
    (12)
    A 、look into B 、learn about C 、think of D 、figure out
    (13)
    A 、collect B 、describe C 、accept D 、praise
    (14)
    A 、defeated B 、toughened C 、annoyed D 、embarrassed
    (15)
    A 、small B 、basic C 、surprising D 、priceless
  • 19、
    How to think outside the box

    Thinking creatively often involves more than just considering opposing viewpoints.

    A break in our daily routine can offer the necessary push to change our thought patterns. We can change our surroundings, for instance, by rearranging our workspace or trying a different path to commute. For some, though, more significant changes such as starting a new job or getting married might be necessary.

    A well-known approach is to tackle everyday situations as if experiencing them for the first time. In essence, we should examine them as if they were entirely novel to us. For example, when brushing our teeth, pause to observe the toothbrush as if it were an unfamiliar object, noting its color and shape. Consider the taste of the toothpaste and pay attention to the sensation in our mouth as we brush.

    The simple fact of having a group of individuals with varied experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds in our daily life fosters an environment where people are more adaptable to change. Why? Because they are essential catalysts for the creation of new ideas and solutions.

    Unlike negative emotions that start specific responses (such as fear driving us to escape), positive emotions expand our focus, encourage exploration of our surroundings, and make us more receptive to new information.

    They can be aspects of our life that are currently going well or thing we are thankful for. This transition to a more positive mindset will naturally lift our spirits — and liberate our thinking.

    A. It's also helpful to seek for the difference.

    B. For some people, small changes might work.

    C. We should show respect for different cultures too.

    D. Some small techniques could help broaden the way we think.

    E. Take a few moments to think about the beautiful things in our life.

    F. Positive emotions play an important part in unfreezing our thinking.

    G. "Beginners' mind" develops openness to experiences, despite early knowledge.

  • 20、The video game "Black Myth: Wukong" has been praised as a "masterpiece" by critics and enthusiasts alike, with many boldly predicting that it will be a strong competitor for the famed title of Game of the Year. This game has not only gained great popularity within China but has also captivated international audiences, many of whom may not be familiar with the complexities of the classic Chinese novel "Journey to the West", from which the game draws its inspiration. Despite this, the game's complex plot presents certain challenges for players who are not good at the slight differences of the source material.

    "Black Myth: Wukong" is a proof to the perfect integration of traditional Chinese cultural elements with modern gaming technology. The game beautifully combines Daoist talismans (护身符), Buddhist artifacts, and ancient architectural wonders, creating a visually stunning experience that draws inspiration from iconic landmarks such as the Great Wall and the splendid Mount Huangshan. The Shanxi Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism has cleverly capitalized on the game's popularity by releasing a promotional video that highlights real-life locations featured in the game, such as Xiaoxitian and Yuhuang Temple. This has led to a surge of cultural pilgrimages (朝圣) to these historic sites, as fans of the game seek to experience the real-world counterparts of the virtual wonders they have explored.

    The development team's dedication to authenticity is evident in their careful research in Shanxi, a region that boasts (自夸) 80 percent of China's surviving wooden structures from the Yuan Dynasty and earlier periods. This research has led to an almost exact copy of China's breathtaking landscapes, grand temples, and delicate sculptures inside the game. This remarkable achievement not only serves as a proof to the team's dedication to authenticity but also stands as a powerful cultural export, allowing players from around the globe to experience the richness of Chinese heritage in an immersive (沉浸式的) and interactive manner.

    The game's success is a reflection of the growing influence of Chinese culture in the global gaming industry. "Black Myth: Wukong" is not just a game; it is a cultural phenomenon that bridges the gap between traditional Chinese culture and modern gaming, creating an experience that is both educational and entertaining. As the game continues to gain popularity, it is likely to attract even more players who are curious about Chinese mythology and history, further cementing its status as a global cultural icon.

    (1)、"Black Myth: Wukong" appeals internationally mainly because of                    .
    A、its simple plot and gameplay B、its complicated plot and cultural elements C、its focus on Western mythology D、its lack of historical accuracy
    (2)、To use the game's popularity, the Shanxi Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism                  .
    A、released a video game B、created a promotional video C、built new tourist attractions D、published a travel guidebook
    (3)、What is the significance of the development team's research in Shanxi?
    A、It led to the creation of a new game engine. B、It was used to develop a virtual reality experience. C、It caused a decline in tourism to Shanxi. D、It resulted in a near 1:1 reproduction of Chinese landscapes.
    (4)、"Black Myth: Wukong" bridges the gap between traditional Chinese culture and modern gaming                 .
    A、ignoring historical accuracy B、focusing on Western themes C、integrating cultural elements into gameplay D、using outdated graphics
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