Pixar Animation StudiosThis article is about the animation company. For information on the file format .pxr or thePixar Animation Studios, or simply Pixar (/ˈpɪksɑr/, stylized PIXAR), is an American computer animation film studio based in Emeryville, California. The studio is best known for its CGI-animated feature films created with PhotoRealistic RenderMan, its own implementation of the industry-standard RenderMan image-rendering application programming interface used to generate high-quality images. Pixar began in 1979 as the Graphics Group, part of the computer division of Lucasfilm before its spin-out as a corporation in 1986 with funding by Apple Inc. co-founder Steve Jobs, who became its majority shareholder.[1]The Walt Disney Company bought Pixar in 2006 at a valuation of $7.4 billion, a transaction which made Jobs Disney's largest shareholder.Pixar has produced fourteen feature films, beginning with Toy Story in 1995. Thirteen of the films have received both critical and financial success, with the notable exception being Cars 2, which, while commercially successful, received substantially less praise than Pixar's other productions.[2] All fourteen films have debuted with CinemaScore ratings of at least "A-", indicating a very positive reception with audiences.[3]The studio has also produced several short films. As of July 2013, its feature films have made over $8.3 billion worldwide,[4] with an average worldwide gross of $597 million per film.[5]Both Finding Nemo and Toy Story 3 are among the 50 highest-grossing films of all time, and all of Pixar's films are among the 50 highest-grossing animated films, with Toy Story 3 being the all-time highest, grossing over $1 billion worldwide.The studio has earned 27 Academy Awards, seven Golden Globe Awards, and eleven Grammy Awards, among many other awards and acknowledgments. Since the award's inauguration in 2001, most of Pixar's films have been nominated for the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, with seven winning: Finding Nemo, The Incredibles, Ratatouille, WALL-E, Up, Toy Story 3, and Brave. Up and Toy Story 3are two of only three animated films to be nominated for the Academy Award for Best Picture (as well as the second and third animated film after Disney's Beauty and the Beast). On September 6, 2009, executives John Lasseter, Brad Bird, Pete Docter, Andrew Stanton, and Lee Unkrich were presented with the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement by the Biennale Venice Film Festival. The award was presented by Lucasfilm founder George Lucas.HistoryEarly historyPixar's studio lot in Emeryville. The studio opened in November 2000.A Pixar Computer photographed at the Computer History Museum with the 1986-1995 logo on it.Pixar was founded as The Graphics Group, which was one third of the Computer Division of Lucasfilm that was launched in 1979 with the hiring of Dr. Ed Catmull from the New York Institute of Technology(NYIT),[6]where he was in charge of the Computer Graphics Lab (CGL). At NYIT, the researchers pioneered many of the CG foundation techniques—in particular the invention of the "alpha channel" (by Catmull and Alvy Ray Smith);[citation needed] years later the CGL produced an experimental film called The Works. After moving to Lucasfilm, the team worked on creating the precursor to RenderMan, called REYES (for "renders everything you ever saw"); and developed a number of critical technologies for CG—including "particle effects" and various animation tools.In 1982, the team began working on film sequences with Industrial Light & Magic on special effects.[6]After years of research, and key milestones in films such as the Genesis Effect in Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khanand the Stained Glass Knight in Young Sherlock Holmes,[6]the group, which numbered 40 individuals back then,[1] was spun out as a corporation in February 1986 with investment by Steve Jobs shortly after he left Apple Computer.[1] Jobs paid $5 million to George Lucas for technology rights and put them and $5 million cash as capital into the company.[1] A factor contributing to Lucas' sale was an increase in cash flow difficulties following his 1983 divorce, which coincided with the sudden dropoff in revenues from Star Wars licenses following the release of Return of the Jedi. The newly independent company was headed by Dr. Edwin Catmull as President and Dr. Alvy Ray Smith as Executive Vice President. They were joined on the Board of Directors by Steve Jobs who was Chairman.[1]Initially, while awaiting the consequences of Moore's law, that would reduce the cost of computing a film, Pixar was a high-end computer hardware company whose core product was the Pixar Image Computer, a system primarily sold to government agencies and the medical community. One of the buyers of Pixar Image Computers was Walt Disney Studios, which was using the device as part of their secretive CAPS project, using the machine and custom software (written by Pixar) to migrate the laborious ink and paint part of the 2-D animation process to a more automated and thus efficient method. The Image Computer never sold well.[7]In a bid to drive sales of the system, Pixar employee John Lasseter—who had long been creating short demonstration animations, such as Luxo Jr., to show off the device's capabilities—premiered his creations at SIGGRAPH, the computer graphics industry's largest convention, to great fanfare.[7]As poor sales of Pixar's computers threatened to put the company out of business, Jobs invested more and more money and took more and more ownership away from the management and employees until after several years he owned essentially all the company for a total investment of $50 million. Lasseter's animation department began producing computer-animated commercials for outside companies. Early successes included campaigns for Tropicana, Listerine, and Life Savers.[8] In April 1990 Pixar sold its hardware division, including all proprietary hardware technology and imaging software, to Vicom Systems, and transferred 18 of Pixar's approximately 100 employees. The same year Pixar moved from San Rafael to Richmond, California.[9] During this period, Pixar continued its successful relationship with Walt Disney Feature Animation, a studio whose corporate parent would ultimately become its most important partner. In 1991, after a tough start of the year when about 30 employees in the company's computer department had to go (including the company's president, Chuck Kolstad),[10]which reduced the total number of employees to just 42, essentially its original number,[11] Pixar made a $26 million deal with Disney to produce three computer-animated feature films, thefirst of which was Toy Story. At that point, the software programmers, who were doing RenderMan and CAPS, and Lasseter’s animation department, who made television commercials and a few shorts for Sesame Street, was all that was left of Pixar.[12]William Reeves, CTE at Pixar, on rendering algorithms, raytracing and global illumination, 1995, after the release of Toy Story.Despite the total income of these products, the company was still losing money, and Jobs, still chairman of the board and now the full owner, often considered selling it. Even as late as 1994, Jobs contemplated selling Pixar to other companies, among them Microsoft. Only after learning from New York critics that Toy Story was probably going to be a success and confirming that Disney would distribute it for the 1995 Christmas season did he decide to give Pixar another chance.[13] He also began then for the first time to take an active direct leadership role in the company, making himself its CEO. The film went on to gross more than $361 million worldwide.[14] Later that year, Pixar held its initial public offering on November 29, 1995, and the company's stock was priced at US$22 per share.[15]Pixar built a new studio in Emeryville which opened in November 2000.会声会影运行软件开始注册，当出现“剩余XX（30）天”界面，点击左下角的“已经购买”按钮；会弹出激活界面（如果已过试用期请点击左下方的“其它激活选项”），复制序列号到“请输入您的序列号”框中，点击中间的“致电Core(P)”！再弹出激活界面，复制界面中的“安装代码”、“序列号”出来追加提问（不要截图），利用注册机算出激活码World Wide Fund for Natureof wildlife refuges ...for educations among those who would care... For sending experts to danger spots and training... Making it all possible that their needs are met before it is too late.”-Morges ManifestoWWF has set up offices and operations around the world. It originally worked by fundraising and providing grants to existing non-governmental organizations, based on the best-available scientific knowledge and with an initial focus on the protection of endangered species. As more resources became available, its operations expanded into other areas such as the preservation of biological diversity, sustainable use of natural resources, the reductionof pollution, and climate change. The organization also began to run its own conservation projects and campaigns, and by the 1980s started to take a more strategic approach to its conservation activities.In 1986, the organization changed its name to World Wide Fund for Nature, to better reflect the scope of its activities, retaining the WWF initials. However, it continues to operate under the original name in the United States and Canada.[6]That year was th e 25th anniversary of WWF’s foundation, an event marked by a gathering in Assisi, Italy to which the organisation’s International President HRH Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, invited religious authorities representing Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam and Judaism. These leaders produced The Assisi Declarations, theological statements showing the spiritual relationship between their followers and nature that triggered a growth in the engagement of those religions with conservation around the world.[11]In the 1990s, WWF revised its mission to: “Stop the degradation of the planet’s natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature, by:• conserving the world's biological diversity• ensuring that the use of renewable natural resources is sustainable• promoting the reduction of pollution and wasteful consumption.”WWF scientists and many others identified 238 ecoregions that represent the world's most biologically outstanding terrestrial, freshwater and marine habitats, based on a worldwide biodiversity analysis which the organization says was the first of its kind.[12] In the early 2000s (decade), its work was focused on a subset of these ecoregions, in the areas of forest, freshwater and marine habitat conservation, endangered species conservation, climate change, and the elimination of the most toxic chemicals.We shan't save all we should like to, but we shall save a great deal more than if we had never tried. —Sir Peter Scott[13]In 1996, the organization obtained general consultative status from UNESCO.status as an endangered species, panda is seen to serve the need of a strong recognizable symbol of the organization. Moreover, the organization also needs an animal that would have an impact in black and white printing. The logo was then designed by Sir Peter Scott from the preliminary sketches made by a Scottish naturalist, Gerald Watterson.[14][15]WWF's current strategy for achieving its mission specifically focuses on restoring populations of 36 species (species or species groups that are important for their ecosystem or to people, including elephants, tunas, whales, dolphins and porpoises), and ecological footprint in 6 areas (carbon emissions, cropland, grazing land, fishing, forestry and water).The organization also works on a number of global issues driving biodiversity loss and unsustainable use of natural resources, including finance, business practices, laws, and consumption choices. Local offices also work on national or regional issues.[16]WWF works with a large number of different groups to achieve its goals, including other NGOs, governments, business, investment banks, scientists, fishermen, farmers and local communities. It also undertakes public campaigns to influence decision makers, and seeks to educate people on how to live in a more environmentally friendly manner.It urges people to donate funds to protect the environment. The donors can also choose to receive gifts in return.WWF publishes the Living Planet Index in collaboration with the Zoological Society of London. Along with their ecological footprint calculations the index is used to produce a twoyearly Living Planet Report to give an overview of the impact of human activity on the world.[17]The organization also regularly publishes reports, fact sheets and other documents on issues related to its work, in order to raise awareness and provide information to policy and decision makers.[18]AMPHIBIANSTree FrogTree Frog, or Tree Toad, any of several kinds of climbing frogs or toads. Most live in trees, but some inhabit smaller plants, and a few species are ground-dwellers. Tree frogs are found in most parts of the world. They vary in length from less than one inch (2.5 cm) to more than four inches (10 cm).Tree frogs have pads at the ends of their fingers and toes. These pads help in climbing because they are rough and are covered with a sticky secretion. Some tree frogs have claw-shaped fingers and toes, and most kinds have webbed hands, webbed feet, or both. Many tree frogs can change color, usually to match their surroundings. As winter approaches, tree frogs burrow into the humus on the forest floor. Their tissues and body fluids are protected from freezing by glycerol, a type of alcohol made in the frogs' cells.Tree frogs are noted for the loudness and variety of their mating calls, made only by the male. Most tree frogs lay their eggs in water. There is variety in their breeding habits, however, especially among tropical American species. Some lay their eggs on leaves overhanging water into which the tadpoles, or larvae, fall after hatching. The tadpoles of certain other species are carried from tree to stream on the back of the male frog. The female of some kinds carries her eggs in a pouch on her back where they hatch and the tadpoles remain until they metamorphose.Tree frogs have sticky pads at the ends of their fingers and toes to aid in climbing.Tree Frogs of the United StatesZoologists use the term true tree frogs to describe only those belonging to the family Hylidae. The only tree frogs found in the United States belong to this family. They include:Common Tree FrogTree-dwelling. The body is 2 to 2 1/2 inches (5 to 6.4 cm) long. It is pale gray to brown on back with one or more large greenish blotches, but is capable of marked color change. Found over most of the United States west to the Great Plains and into Canada.The common tree frog is Hyla versicolor.Spring PeeperSome live on the ground, others in trees. About 1 1/4 inches (3 cm) long. Usually brown on back with a dark cross-shaped marking. Range is about the same as that of the common tree frog.The spring peeper is H. crucifer.Pacific Tree FrogGround-dwelling. Body is nearly two inches (5 cm) long. The back is extremely variable in color, with various markings. This frog is found from the Pacific Coast eastward into Nevada, Idaho, and Montana.The Pacific tree frog is H. regilla.Chorus FrogGround-dwelling. Body length is about 1 1/2 inches (4 cm). The back is greenish gray with five darker stripes or rows of dots. The chorus frog is found from the Atlantic Coast west to Montana and southern Idaho, and in New Mexico and Arizona at high elevations.The chorus frog is Pseudacris nigrita.Cricket FrogSemiaquatic. Body length is a little more than one inch (2.5 cm). Wide variation in color from gray to greenish red, with darker or contrasting markings. Found over most of the United States west to the Rocky Mountains and into Mexico and Canada.The cricket frog is Acris gryllus.Check out our awesome range of animal facts for kids and learn some fun trivia about ourfriends in the animal kingdom.Fun Leopard Facts for KidsPart of the cat family, leopard’s bodies are built for hunting. They aresolitary animals, hunting at night and often drag their food up trees forsafe keeping.Read on for more interesting information and leopard facts.∙Leopards are part of the cat family, Felidae. The scientific name for a leopard is Panthera pardus.∙Leopards are well known for their cream and gold spotted fur, but some leopards have black fur with dark spots. These black leopards are often mistaken for panthers.∙Adult leopards are solitary animals. Each adult leopard has its own territory where it lives and, although they often share parts of it, they try to avoid one another.∙ A leopard’s body is built for hunting. They have sleek, powerful bodies and can run at speeds of up to 57 kilometres per hour. They are also excellent swimmers and climbers and can leap and jump long distances.∙ A leopard’s tail is just about as long as its entire body. This helps it with balance and enables it to make sharp turns quickly.∙Leopards are mostly nocturnal, hunting prey at night.∙Leopards protect their food from other animals by dragging it high up into the trees. A leopard will often leave their prey up in the tree for days and return only when they are hungry!∙Female leopards give birth to a little of two or three cubs at a time. By the time a cub is two years old it will leave the company of its mother and live on their own.∙When a female leopard is ready to mate she will give a scent and rub her body on the trees to leave her smell there. Male leopards either smell the females scent or hear her call to know that she is ready to mate.∙Some people believe that the bones and whiskers of leopards can heal sick people. Many leopards are killed each year for their fur and body parts and this is one reason why the leopard is an endangered animal. While they were previously found in the wild in a number of areas around the world, their habitat is largely restricted to sub-Saharan Africa with small numbers also found in India, Pakistan, Malaysia, China and Indochina.Check out our awesome range of animal facts for kids and learn some fun trivia about ourfriends in the animal kingdom.Enjoy these fun lion facts for kids. Learn about lion behavior,how fast they can run, where they are found, how many lions areusually in a pride, the male’s mane, lioness differences andmore. Check out the wide range of interesting facts about lions.∙Lions are the second largest big cat species in the world (behind tigers).∙The average male lion weighs around 180 kg (400 lb) while the average female lion weighs around 130 kg (290 lb).∙The heaviest lion on record weighed an amazing 375 kg (826 lb).∙Lions can reach speeds of up to 81 kph (50 mph) but only in short bursts because of a lack of stamina.∙The roar of a lion can be heard from 8 kilometers (5.0 miles) away.∙Most lions found in the wild live in southern and eastern parts of Africa.∙Lions are very social compared to other cat species, often living in prides that feature females, offspring and a few adult males.∙Male lions are easy to recognize thanks to their distinctive manes. Males with darker manes are more likely to attract female lions (lionesses).∙Lions are the national animal of Albania, Belgium, Bulgaria, England, Ethiopia, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and Singapore.∙Lions in the wild live for around 12 years.∙When lions breed with tigers the resulting hybrids are known as ligers and tigons. There are also lion and leopard hybrids known as leopons and lion and jaguar hybrids known as jaglions.∙Lionesses are better hunters than males and do most of the hunting for a pride.∙In the wild, lions rest for around 20 hours a day.11。
全国通用2023高中英语必修三Unit4SpaceExploration知识点总结全面整理单选题1、Sometimes a strong ________ others' attention might indicate a (n) ________ self-confidence.A．passion for, adjustment toB．devotion to; compassion inC．fascination with; approach toD．desire for; lack of答案：D考查名词与介词的搭配。
句意：有时候，强烈渴望得到别人的关注可能表明你缺乏自信。
A.passion for对……的强烈爱好， adjustment to对……的调整；B.devotion to致力于，compassion in对……的同情；C. fascination with 对……的迷恋， approach to做……的方法；D.desire for对……的强烈渴望，lack of缺乏。
根据语境和常识，只有D项逻辑关系通顺，即：渴望被别人关注是一个人缺乏自信的表现，故选D。
2、The difficult exercise was ________ the abilities of most of the class, making us upset. A．beyondB．besidesC．behindD．below答案：A考查介词词义辨析。
句意：这个困难的练习超出了班上大多数人的能力，这使我们很沮丧。
A. beyond超过，在……较远的一边；B. besides除……之外（还）；C. behind在……后面，落后；D. below在……下面，低于。
据句意和所给部分可知这里使用介词beyond意为“超出”，beyond the abilities of 意为“超出……能力”符合题意。
故选A。
The Magic of Animated Films: A Journey Through Imagination Animated films have long held a special place in the hearts of audiences around the world. From whimsical adventures to profound life lessons, animation transcends age and culture, offering viewers a unique lens through which to explore imagination and reality. This essay explores the impact of animated films, highlighting their artistic merits, storytelling prowess, and cultural significance. Through analyzing popular animated films and their influence, we uncover the magic that makes animation a timeless and universal medium.One of the most striking aspects of animated films is their ability to push the boundaries of artistic expression. Unlike live-action films, animation allows creators to design entire worlds from scratch, limited only by their imagination. For instance, Disney’s Fantasia (1940) is a pioneering example of blending classical music with vibrant animation, creating an abstract visual symphony that challenges conventional storytelling. Similarly, Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away (2001) showcases a meticulously crafted fantasy world with stunning hand-drawn artistry, transporting viewers to a magical realm where imagination knows no bounds.The innovation in animation extends beyond visual artistry. Techniques such as CGI (Computer-Generated Imagery) have revolutionized the industry, allowing for intricate and dynamic visual effects. Pixar’s ToyStory (1995), the first feature-length film created entirely with CGI, set a new standard for animated storytelling. The film’s realistic textures and fluid movements of characters marked a milestone in animation technology, demonstrating how artistic innovation can enhance narrative depth and audience engagement.Animated films excel in storytelling, often weaving complex narratives with emotional depth that resonates across different age groups. For example, Pixar’s Up (2009) begins with a poignant montage that captures the essence of a lifelong romance, setting the stage for an adventurous yet emotionally charged journey. This opening sequence, while brief, effectively establishes the film’s emotional core and prepares viewers for the subsequent adventure, showcasing how animation can convey profound emotional experiences with visual and auditory techniques. Moreover, animated films often explore universal themes such as friendship, courage, and self-discovery in ways that are accessible and engaging. The Lion King (1994), for instance, uses the circle of life motif to address themes of responsibility and identity. Through the journey of Simba, viewers experience growth and redemption in a story that balances epic adventure with personal transformation. The film’s ability to resonate emotionally while delivering an engaging plot underscores the power of animation in storytelling.Animation also plays a significant role in reflecting and shapingcultural values. Films such as Disney’s Mulan (1998) and DreamWorks’Kung Fu Panda (2008) offer insights into different cultural traditions and values. Mulan presents a story inspired by Chinese folklore, highlighting themes of honor and gender equality. Similarly, Kung Fu Panda integrates elements of Chinese culture with a humorous and action-packed narrative, making cultural concepts accessible to a global audience.The impact of animated films extends beyond entertainment; they also serve as a medium for cultural exchange and understanding. By introducing diverse stories and characters, animation fosters empathy and broadens viewers’perspectives. For instance, Studio Ghibli’s My Neighbor Totoro (1988) provides a glimpse into Japanese rural life and the importance of family and nature, offering an experience that resonates with audiences worldwide.As technology continues to evolve, the future of animation holds exciting possibilities. Advances in virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are beginning to influence how animated stories are told and experienced. VR experiences, such as The Lion King VR experience, allow viewers to immerse themselves in animated worlds, enhancing the sense of presence and interactivity.Moreover, the growing popularity of streaming platforms has expanded the reach and diversity of animated content. Series like Netflix’s Big Mouth and Hilda showcase how animation can address a wide range oftopics, from adolescence to fantasy adventures, catering to various audience preferences. The increased accessibility and variety of animated content ensure that animation will continue to be a dynamic and influential medium.Animated films are more than just a form of entertainment; they are a powerful medium that combines artistic innovation, emotional storytelling, and cultural representation. Through their unique ability to transport viewers to fantastical worlds and explore universal themes, animated films captivate audiences of all ages. As technology advances and new storytelling techniques emerge, the magic of animation will undoubtedly continue to evolve, offering fresh and engaging experiences. Whether through heartwarming tales or groundbreaking visuals, animated films hold a special place in our lives, reminding us of the boundless possibilities of imagination and the enduring impact of storytelling.。
2023 学年第二学期奉贤区高三英语练习卷考生注意：1.考试时间120分钟，试卷满分140 分。
2.本次考试设试卷和答题纸两部分。
所有答题必须涂（选择题）或写（非选择题）在答题纸上，做在试卷上一律不得分。
3.务必在答题纸上填写准考证号和姓名，并将核对后的条形码贴在指定位置。
I. Listening ComprehensionSection ADirections: In Section A, you will hear ten short conversations between two speakers. At the end of each conversation, a question will be asked about what was said. The conversations and the questions will be spoken only once. After you hear a conversation and the question about it, read the four possible answers on your paper, and decide which one is the best answer to the question you have heard.1. A. At the foot of a mountain. B. In the hiking trail.C. On the way to a mountain.D. On the mountaintop.2. A. Classmates. B. Cousins.C. Colleagues.D. Strangers.3. A. Rush out into the rain. B. Play a game of chess.C. Borrow more books.D. Return the books.4. A. He used to study very hard.B. He is not working hard this semester.C. He is one of the best students in class now.D. He remains unchanged in his academic performance.5. A. This job is very annoying. B. Kids are often troublesome.C. He prefers working with kids.D. He feels greater to work with adults.6. A. He is shy. B. He is calm.C. He is talkative.D. He is creative.7. A. He can't find the "ON" button on the calculator.B. He accidentally broke the woman's calculator.C. The calculator has been malfunctioning for some time.D. The woman doesn't want to fix the calculator.8. A. The team did a good job again this time.B. The team has little chance to win this time.C. The team didn't perform well for the first time.D. The team has lost the match four times.9. A. The man refuses the woman's apology.B. The man decides to forgive the woman.C. The woman intentionally hurt the man before.D. The woman tried to forget the whole thing.10. A. The plants may need more light.B. The woman should water the plants less.C. The corner is a better place for the plants.D. The woman's dormitory is not suitable for any plant.Section BDirections: In Section B, you will hear two passages and one longer conversation. After each passage or conversation, you will be asked several questions. The passages and the conversation will be read twice, but the questions will be spoken only once. When you hear a question, read the four possible answers on your paper and decide which one is the best answer to the question you have heard.Questions 11 through 13 are based on the following conversation.11. A. Design a landmark building using AI.B. Announce a policy to ban AI use in class.C. Allow students to use AI when taking exams.D. Encourage students to write essays using Chat GPT.12. A. Negative. B. Doubtful.C. Neutral.D. Supportive.13. A. Universities are banning the use of AI in assessments.B. Universities should adapt to the inevitable use of AI.C. Students turn to AI text gencrators for writing essays.D. Educators seldom struggle with the advancements in AI.Questions 14 through 16 are based on the following conversation.14. A. Electric-powered with five seats.B. Wind-powered with five seats.C. Petrol-powered with three seats.D. Solar-powered with thrcc scats.15. A. Planning the flying taxi's possible route.B. Determining the cost of the flying taxi service.C. Establishing traffic rules for the flying taxis.D. Assessing carbon footprint of the flying taxis.16. A. The introduction and development of flying taxis.B. The training plan for the pilots of flying taxis.C. The preparation for the 2025 World Expo in Osaka.D. The competition between ANA and Joby Aviation.Questions 17 through 20 are based on the following conversation.17. A. Team collaborations. B. A job interview.C. Marketing strategies.D. A student organization.18. A. Finance. B. MarketingC. Customer service.D. Technical support.19. A. Reducing expenses. B. Increasing website visits.C. Analyzing customers' behaviors.D. Changing the website content.20. A. Its financial stability. B. Its extensive product line.C. Its commitment to innovation.D. Its staff welfare.II. Grammar and vocabularySection ADirections: After reading the passage below, fill in the blanks to make the passage coherent and grammatically correct. For the blanks with a given word, fill in each blank with the proper form of the given word; for the other blanks, use one word that best fits each blank.Are You Ready to Hug a Robot?Getting hugged tends to be a powerful positive emotional experience. Hugs have been shown to enhance social bonding and emotional well-being. However, not everyone can get a hug (21)______ they need one. Some people are lonely and do not have anyone to hug them. Others may be in long-distance relationships (22)______ it is not easy to get physical affection from their partner. In this case, they (23)______ receive fewer hugs than they like.How can this problem be solved? (24)______ scientists have proposed is to develop hug robots. This could offer lonely people the positive effects of getting hugged without the need (25)______(seek) a person who could hug them. Nevertheless, designing a hug robot is not an easy task. For example, if the robot is very large and made mostly of metal, people might be frightened of it, (26)______ happily hugging it. Therefore, psychological research is needed.A new study, which (27)______(publish) in International Journal recently, focuses on the development of Moffuly-II, a newly developed hug robot, which can move its arms to perform different small gestures during the hug. When two people hug, they often do specific things with their hands, such as clapping the(28)______(hug)person on the back to signal sympathy. It is important that a hug robot can perform similar gestures, too. In the study, the scientists wanted to know whether these gestures would make a robot hug(29)______(appealing). Volunteers who Moffully-Il hugged generally preferred hugs with gestures to gesture-less hugs. They felt that the robot was more friendly when(30)______(perform) gestures.The findings of the study indicate that it is possible to design a robot that people enjoy to hug. Details matter here, as the intra-hug gestures played a significant role in determining how much the human volunteers enjoyed the hug.Section BDirections: Fill in each blank with a proper word chosen from the box. Each word can be used only once. Note that there is one word more than you need.A. floodedB. leapsC. increasinglyD. combinesE. reflectF. emphasizingG. pioneering H. crafted I. technical J. unexpectedly K. classicChinese animations（动画）are boomingThe "Black Cat Delective", released 40 years ago, was a childhood favorite for many Chinese. Since then, Chinese cartoons have come a long way. While "Black Cat Detective" was simply drawn, current cartoons feature31 advances and fascinating plots. One example is "Boonie Bears: Time Twist", a family-friendly adventure released in February, with smooth animation reminding us of Pixar, a 32 animation studio now owned by Disney.These recent 33 in quality have enabled Chinese cartoons to succeed at the domestic box office. "Ne Zha: Birth of the Demon Child" was the most well-received film in China in 2019, 34 beating out "Avengers: Endgame", a superhero movie by Marvel Studios.In the 1960s, China's animation industry saw a big downturn as American and Japanese films 35 into the Chinese market, dominating both domestic television and cinema screens. As a result, Chinese animators36 began to work for western studios. However, things changed in 2015 with the release of "Monkey King: Hero is Back", a breakthrough for Chinese animation. This film, based on the timeless 37 "Journey to the Wes/", signaled a new era of creativity and success in the industry. The main character, the Monkey King, is depicted（刻画）as going through a mid-life crisis, which 38 the director's view that cartoons are not just for children.Light Chaser Animation, a Beijing-based studio, has contributed to the popularity of cartoons in China. Its production "30,000 Miles from Chang' an" 39 elements of Chinese culture, history, and legends with aesthetic（美学的）feeling of Tang dynasty poetry. Indeed, traditional themes are widespread among successful Chinese animations, 40 the importance of traditional culture as a foundation for Chinese animation. Like other industries, cartoons in China are inspired by Western innovations but with added "Chinese characteristics". III. Reading ComprchensionSection ADirections: For each blank in the following passage there are four words or phrases marked A, B, C and D. Fill in each blank with the word or phrase that best fits the context.In a bustling city in Arizona stood a high school where most of the students live in poverty. Among them were four sons of Mexican immigrants, Juan, Oscar, Luis, and Alfredo. These boys, coming from 41 backgrounds, often found themselves overlooked and underestimated. Bonded by fate and friendship, they shared a common passion for 42 . Two science teachers there decided to enter their high school into a complicated43 robotics competition sponsored by the NASA and the Naval Research. Excited for the news, these four boys signed up for the competition.With enthusiasm and energy, they started calling mechanical engineers for design help. They were 44that these kinds of robots require glass syntactic flotation foam, a type of floating material used in various marine applications. 45 money, all they could afford was some PVC pipes and duct tape（强力胶布）. 46 , they searched the city for various spare parts, gathering whatever they could to bring their vision to life. With the teachers' guidance and encouragement, they 47 together a robot with no more than metal and wires.As they worked on their robot, the boys also faced personal challenges. Juan struggled with the weight of family responsibilities; Oscar 48 a deep-seated fear of failure; Luis's heart ached from the constant peers' mockery（嘲笑）for his 49 accent, and Alfredo longed for acceptance and belonging. 50 these obstacles, they persevered, leaning on each other for support and inspiration.After a few test runs of their robot, they piled into a second-hand van to head to the competition. Uponentering the main pool area, they noticed the college teams wearing matching outfits, with robots sponsored by big companies. Feeling a bit nervous, the boys put the robot in the water for a test run. 51 , the PVC didn't hold up, causing the robot to leak and sink.However, instead of letting this 52 ruin their spirits, the boys put their heads together and came up with a brilliant solution. 12 hours later, armed with 8 super-absorbent pads to plug the leak, the robot was 53 into the pool again. This time, their robot performed admirably. Gliding gracefully through the waters, it navigated the course with precision and speed, 54 the judges and audience alike. This underwater robot, a symbol of their determination and 55 , conquered the waters, defeated engineering powerhouse MIT and ranked first in the country. This was not just a win for those four but a victory for every underdog with a dream.41. A. academic B. relevant C. humble D. professional42. A. space B. mechanics C. research D. ocean43. A. giant B. industrial C. underwater D. local44. A. advised B. forced C. challenged D. consulted45. A. Reliant on B. Available to C. Short of D. Desperate for46. A. Therefore B. Otherwise C. Moreover D. However47. A. tied B. pieced C. added D. wrapped48. A. conquered B. created C. expressed D. battled49. A. perfect B. strange C. slight D. elegant50. A. With B. Given C. Despite D. Besides51. A. Unfortunately B. Basically C. Actually D. Consequently52. A. disagreement B. failure C. conflict D. progress53. A. scaled B. lowered C. inserted D. fed54. A. boring B. confusing C. wowing D. motivating55. A. bravery B. generosity C. confidence D. perseverance Section BDirections: Read the following three passages. Each passage is followed by several questions or unfinished statements. For each of them there are four choices marked A, B, C and D. Choose the one that fits best according to the information given in the passage you have just read.(A)Among my oldest friends, I'm known as the mysterious one, the guy who rarely shows up, is always there not here. I had high school buddies, and I loved them all dearly though we boys didn't say such things back then. Then life happened. Most of us left our hometown. Meet-ups become rare occasions.One of those old friends, whom I had not seen since our high school graduation, reached out recently to say he'd be near where I am, and hoped we could meet up. He'd done the same thing about 10 years ago, and I'd begged off for some stupid reason related to my shyness, or rather, my introverted nature. I'm older and a bit wiser now, and I've been packing around some guilt over that missed opportunity for 10 years, so I agreed readily.We met for dinner, perhaps two hours, and rarely had I felt at case with other humans as I did with him. We talked and talked. About who we were then. Who we are now. And what made us the jerks( 混蛋）we were then.We acknowledged that if not for each other, and the circles of good people we ran with back then, the good friends who kept us reasonably on track and in check, life could have easily gone south for either of us. Each of us recalled things the other had no memory of. Fragments of memories, scattered yet precious. We know we were tight then, and we value that friendship and shared experience still today.People are fundamentally social beings and enjoy connecting with others. Maintaining social connections is good for our mental and physical health. However, despite the importance and enjoyment of social connection, people significantly underestimate how much others will appreciate being reached out to.There's something about the friends you make in youth that's near impossible to recreate with friends you make later in life. I'm telling you this to remind you that your old friends would love to hear from you, maybe a simple text, a little hello, maybe even a phone call or a meetup.56. The author refused the meet-up about 10 years ago probably because ______.A. he was not a sociable man.B. he was not clever enough.C. he lived far away from his friends.D. he felt guilty about his friends.57. Which of the following best describes the author's feeling during the dinner?A. Anxious and nervous.B. Excited and energetic.C. Comfortable and relaxed.D. Sad and regretful.58. What does the author imply by saying "life could have easily gone south for either of us"?A. They could have easily been off the track in life.B. They might have settled down in the southern region.C. Their friendship could have easily turned sour.D. They could have faced financial difficulties.59. What is the main purpose of the article?A. To describe the author's re union with an old friend.B. To reflect on the value of friendships formed in youth.C. To encourage readers to reach out to their old friends.D. To discuss the importance of social connections.(B)60. As a student who is fond of sports, where is Jane most likely to visit during the summer vacation?A. GeorgiaB. KyotoC. AlgeriaD. Paris61. What can we infer from the passage?A. Everyone can enter for the Marathon Games in the summer of 2024.B. Kyoto features the peaceful daytime and energetic nightlife.C. Visitors worldwide can enjoy skiing in Georgia all year round.D. Rock carvings in Algeria werc created by artists to attract tourists.62. What is the main idea of the passage?A. It presents attractions in different regions of the world.B. It shows the beauty of rural landscapes around the world.C. It lists the most popular places of interest in the world.D. It discovers the hidden treasures in western cultures.(C)With its bright colors, easy-to-learn rules and familiar music, the video game Tetris has endured as a pop culture symbol over the past 40 years. Many people, like me, have been playing the game for decades, and it hasbeen updated to adapt to new technologies like game systems, phones and tablets.However, Tetris is much more than winning. The game, in which players must control blocks of different shapes as they slide down a screen, is based on a fundamental element of geometry, called dynamic spatial reasoning（动态空间推理）. It is taught by mathematics educators and used by architects, engineers, animators, and many others. Players employ these geometric skills to progress in Tetris, so playing it both tests and improves a player's dynamic spatial reasoning.Spatial reasoning is the ability to visualize geometric figures and how they will move in space. So, dynamic spatial reasoning is the ability to visualize actively moving figures. The Tetris player must quickly decide where the falling game piece will best fit and then move it there. This movement involves both translation — moving a shape right and left, and rotation —turning its shape by 90 degrees at a time.Spatial visualization is a key element of a mathematics discipline called transformation al geometry, which is usually first taught in middle school. In a typical transformational geometry exercise, students might be asked to represent a figure by its x and y coordinates（坐标）on a coordinate graph and then identify the transformations, such as translation and rotations, necessary to move it from one position to another while keeping the piece the same shape and size.While it may seem simple, transformation al geometry is the foundation for several advanced topics in mathematics. Architects and engineers both use transformations to draw up blueprints, which represent the real world in scale drawings. Animators use concepts of transformations as well. While animators today use computer programs that automatically move figures around, they are all based on this kind of transformation.63. Which is NOT a key reason for Tetris's lasting popularity?A. Its pleasure of winning the game.B. Its bright colors and catchy music.C. Its link to complex math and geometry.D. Its simple rules and tech adaptability.64. According to the passage, what fundamental skill docs playing Tetris help improve?A. Logical reasoning.B. Mathematical calculation.C. Memory maintaining.D. Spatial visualization.65. Move the sample block on the right using both translation and rotation. Which image below can we get?A.(a)B.(b)C.(c)D.(d)66. Which of the following statements does the author most probably agree with?A. Tetris is a particularly useful tool for animation and architecture designs.B. Spatial visualization is based on the constant change of a figure's position.C. Transformation al geometry behind Tetris can be applied to various fields.D. Spatial reasoning is too difficult for middle school students to master.Section CDirections: Read the passage carefully. Fill in each blank with a proper se ntence given in the box. Each sentence can be used only once. Note that there are two more sentences than you need.A. Large roofs can, hence, collect greater amount of water.B. Rainwater can also be used for fountains and ponds.C. We all deeply depend on the nourishment of rain.D. To secure future water supply, we need new sources.E. Now, many people are returning to this practice.F. Rainwater is clean but it gets dirty from the roof.Rain CollectionWhat do you like to do on a rainy day —si t inside and listen to the pitter-patter on the roof or splash outside and feel the cold drops on your face? Whatever you choose, rain is vitally essential in the nature.67 It fills rivers and lakes, slowly sinks into the earth, nourishes our plants, and keeps the land alive and beautiful. In the past, people obtained their water from rain, wells, or nearby rivers. Now, many of us live in places where water is piped in, sometimes from far away. Removing so much water from nature and sending it to great distances harm the living things that also need that water.As climate change heats up the planet and causes extreme weather, more places face water shortages.68 . One easy place to look for more water is the sky!Humans have collected rain since ancient times. 69 . They are tapping into this clean and rich source of water provided by nature. By harvesting the rain we can reduce the amount of water we take from rivers and out of the ground.Even in dry climates, there is a lot of potential rainwater that can be effectively harvested and utilized. This rich yet often overlooked resource has the potential to significantly contribute to water conservation efforts, especially in regions facing water shortages. Just one inch of rain falling on a medium-sized house produces over 600 gallons of water. 70 .Nowadays, rainwater is still used as a primary supply in many places in the world, like Vietnam and Hawaii. In places with piped-in water, rainwater is not commonly used, but this is changing. Rainwater harvesting is getting more popular since it's easy to do and helps create water security.IV. Summary WritingDirections: Read the following passage. Summarize the main idea and the main point(s) of the passage in no more than 60 words. Use your own words as far as possible.71.Complaining: The Happiness KillerIn 15th-century Germany, there was an expression: Greiner, Zanner, which can be translated as "a chronic（长期的）complainer." Are you a bit of a Greiner, Zanner? If so, you're not alone. Survey data show that customers today are more than twice as likely to complain about a product or service as they were in 1976. A U. K.-based survey also observed a rise in job dissatisfaction over a two-year period before autumn 2022.Complaints can be grouped into different categories. As is reported, 45 percent of complaints concern the behavior of others. For instance, parents repeatedly criticize their children for small issues like messy bedrooms or dirty clothes. Another 29 percent focus on personal discomfort. A common complaint in this category might be about feeling too hot in a room without air conditioner. The remaining 26 percent involve unpleasant obligations like unnecessary work meetings people are forced to attend.The problem with all of these complaints is that it can feel helpful—but it typically isn't . Although complaining might offer temporary relief, it's bad for your happiness in the long run. Researchers who measured people's mood before and after they complained found that those complainers' mood was significantly worsening. Besides, complaining can also lower the happiness of the people around you. In some relationships, the negative effect can pass like a virus to those exposed. In other words, when people see others' complaints expressing anger, disgust and sadness, they can, in turn, feel similar emotions.As the 20th-century Bulgarian philosopher Archimandrite Seraphim Aleksiev observed, "Complaining is like the winter frost which, when it falls, destroys all the labors of the gardeners."V. TranslationDirections: Translate the following sentences into English, using the words given in the brackets.72.我们都乐于和真诚的人分享生活中的点点滴滴。
