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UNIT1PEOPLE OF ACHIEVEMENT

I.152.537.5

A

Whatever your resolutions are, make sure they are still going strong. Here are some famous persons' resolutions.

Gabby Logan, TV presenter

Resolution: to drink more water

I know I should drink two litres of water a day, but it's easy to forget, especially when it's cold out. I'm going to fill my bottle and leave it in the fridge overnight so I won't leave home without it and check in each night to see if I've drunk enough.

Sarah Stirk, TV presenter

Resolutionto meditate () more

With a newborn baby, I'll need to stay really calm. Meditation will help me deal with those stresses, so I'll work on that, as well as deep breathing and getting out in nature regularly. With a positive attitude, I use diaries tohelp me keep my resolution.

Desiree Henry, sprinter (ih )

Resolution: to get quality rest

As I train so hard, I need to ensure I also get enough rest. I've set an 8 : 3 0 \ { p . m } . reminder on my phone to slow down. Sometimes I can move really slowly, so I give myself plenty of time. At 1 0 \ { p . m . } , I'll put my phone on airplane mode so I can't be disturbed.

Alex Davies, bodybuilder

Resolution: to schedule my time efficiently

I've taken a break from my job as an engineer to become a professional bodybuilder and train as a drone (#L) pilot. I've never been busier! But without that 9-to-5 structure, I need to be focused. My top trick will be nightly diaries so I can write down my short-term goals and prepare a to-do list for the next day.

1. What do Gabby Logan and Sarah Stirk have in common?

A. They both work at a TV station. B. They have the same resolution.
C. They are both expecting a baby. D. They need to calm down in study.

2. What do we know about Desiree Henry?

A. She will have a newborn baby. B. She worked as an engineer once.
C. She is now training as a drone pilot. D. She gives herself enough time to rest.

3. Who has changed an occupation according to the text?

A. Gabby Logan. B. Sarah Stirk.
C. Desiree Henry. D. Alex Davies.

B

I loved drawing pictures. While my children were still young, I started illustrating books for a group. Once my kids got older, I decided to take the leap and work at starting my own business. I decided to focus on fine art paintings.

Sad to say, it took me almosttwo years to have the courage to present my work to a gallery. When I finally did it, the gallery immediately started selling my work and I soon drove to the state office to do the necessary paperwork for a business.

I didn't understand how an artist could run his own business and there weren't many resources to help people like me get started at the time. All I could find were a handful of books. So, to get my business off the ground I went to galleries, looked through them, and asked myself, \*Am I a good fit for this place?" If they were interested in my work, I would share my paintings with them.

When I started showing my work in galleries, I was initially very frightened. There were some amazing artists that Iput on a pedestal ($5t /). I felt I could never attain the position. I eventually became friends with one of the top artists at the first local gallery I got into. I remember visiting with him one day and a comment he made impacted me. As we were talking about showing our works, meeting buyers, and the prices of our art, he said to me, "I can't even afford my own art." He laughed it off but it made me think to myself he was just a regular guy and I was not so different. This gave me the confidence I needed to keep on trying, and suddenly everything seemed a lot less frightening.

Since that time, I've had many galleries representing me. I wear so many hats running my business, and not all are the perfect fit, but that's okay!

4. How did the author feel after her first show according to paragraph 2?

A. Encouraged. B. Doubtful.
C. Confused. D. Awkward.

5. What challenge did the author face while she was trying to start a business?

A. She couldn't get the necessary paperwork.
B. She was far from an amazing artist.
C. She had little time for her children.
D. She was clueless about that.

6. How did the top artist's words affect the author?

A. She gained a sense of achievement. B. She believed that she would do well.
C. She tackled problems efficiently. D. She learned new drawing skills.

7. What is the best title for the text?

A. How I became a famous artist. B. Why galleries are important to me.
C. How I started my business as an artist. D. Why I decided to start a business.

C

Failure is a big part of everyone's life. The problem many of us face, however, is that we automatically equate experiencing failure with being a failure. We view it as something to be ashamed of, or embarrassed about, something to be avoided or hidden.

In fact, failure gives us an opportunity to learn, adapt and grow. It should be expected on the way to achieving life goals and used as a feedback mechanism (l#J) to get it right next time, or the time after.

I recently saw a woman who had to give up studying for her university degree. She had bipolar disorder (#BE) and was unable to cope with the pressure of studying. She was studying to be a teacher and had hoped to find a teaching job. However, she failed her exams and job interviews, and overall felt like she was failing to achieve anything.

One of the things she enjoyed doing was singing in a band. So in order to earn a bit of money, she began giving singing lessons to children in her community. Fast forward 18 months and she now has her own growing business of teaching singing full-time. She hasn't achieved this goal in the way she imagined, and she wouldn't have embarked on this path without the setbacks she encountered.

What was it about this woman that made her succeed? Yes, failure had a big part to play, but the ability to bounce back and be flexible was an important factor.

An important part of developing flexibility is having a supportive network. Having relationships with people who can support us helps us go through tough times.

Our attitudes toward ourselves are also crucially important, including a sense that we are in control of our actions, have confidence in what we do, realize our strengths and set ourselves achievable and realistic goals. This is all necessary to flexibility.

The secret to flexibility lies in accepting that there are things in life we cannot change. Rather than thinking of ourselves as victims, we need to realize we have the ability to change the way we think, behave and, ultimately, feel. Life may throw manure (\*) at us, but we can grow roses with it.

8. What do people usually think of failure?

A. Shameful. B. Unavoidable.
C. Changeable. D. Rewarding.

9. What do paragraphs 3-4 mainly talk about?

A. Ways to achieve our goals in life. B. Reflection on how to avoid failure.
C. Reasons why failure can't be avoided. D. An example of turning failure into a chance.

10. What does the author think contributes to the woman's success?

A. His positive mindset. B. Her ability to adapt.
C. Her eagerness to learn. D. Her courage and persistence.

11. What is the key to being flexible, according to the author?

A. Ignoring what bothers us. B. Keeping improving our abilities.
C. Learning to accept failure. D. Setting goals based on our interests.

D

(# # ) Olympic athletes pour everything into training for the Games, routinely pushing their physical and mental limits to the limit--and beyond--for a shot at a gold medal. But getting into shape for what comes after the closing ceremony can be equally crucial, especially if the end of the Games also means the end of professional competition. Team USA rower Kate Knifton, a first-time Olympian at the 2024 Summer Games in Paris, understands the mental stress that a sudden exit from the highest levels of competitive life can bring. In 2022 she experienced a near career-ending back injury.

Studies have found that top athletes-professional, college and Olympic-often face a range of short-term and long-term mental health issues, including exhaustion, eating disorders, anxiety and depression. A study by researchers at the University of Toronto found that 41.4 percent of Canadian national team athletes who were training for the 2020 Olympics had depression, anxiety, an eating disorder or more than one of these conditions when surveyed in 2019; in another survey of Olympic and Paralympic athletes in 2018 and 2019,24 percent reported psychological stress after the Games. A few athletes facing retirement tend to have more serious psychological problems, due to the loss of their goals and identity.

Emotions are also intensified by the nature of the event itself. The Olympics is a massive cultural show-a whirlwind of global public attention, financial investment and extensive media coverage. New international celebrities are created, and some contenders fall from grace during various accusations or controversies. Athletes bear the pressure of representing their country, and winning medals, in front of a worldwide audience. But then \*all of that buzz and intensity around being an Olympian falls off very quickly," Cogan, a sports psychologist says. Painful decisions can follow: Do I want to keep competing? Should I pursue a completely different direction or occupation? Such questions can be even more anxiety-causing if athletes have injuries and need surgery or recovery, Cogan says.

12. Why does the writer use Kate Knifton's experience as an example?

A. To share the joy of winning Olympic medals.
B. To show the mental stress after the Olympics.
C. To highlight the difficulty of physical training.
D. To describe the process of recovery from injury.

13. Which is NOT considered as a common mental problem among top athletes?

A. Depression. B. Tiredness.
C. Eating disorder. D. Loss of goals and identity.

14. What psychological impact does the nature of the Olympics have on athletes?

A. It brings them extensive media attention.
B. It helps improve their physical and mental well-being.
C. It causes them intense pressure and emotional highs and lows.
D. It offers them global recognition, fame, and financial rewards.

15. What is probably the biggiest challege an athlete faces after the Games?

A. How to recover from injuries.
B. When to start a new occupation.
C. How to regain global public attention.
D. Whether to continue competing or change careers.

.52.512.5

(###)In a world that often feels fast-paced and restrained to routines, the desire for van (4) life and mobile living has captured the hearts of many seeking an alternative lifestyle. 16 From the freedom to explore new horizons to fostering a minimalist mindset, here are some captivating advantages of embracing van life.

Liberation from Materialism

The confined space of a van encourages a minimalist lifestyle, where experiences are valued over possessions. _ 17 With minimal monthly expenses, such as parking fees and fuel costs, van dwellers can allocate resources to experiences rather than high rent or house payments. This mobile living is supported by the degrowth movement, which believes that economies should focus on securing the minimal basic needs instead of consumption and consumerism.

Exploration and Flexibility

The ability to follow adventure wherever it takes you is one of the most amazing aspects of living in a van. You can choose to wake up at dawn over the ocean one day and find yourself in a forested mountainside the next. Living in a van frequently involves being close to the outdoors surrounded by the beauty of nature. _ 18

Minimal Ecological Footprint

19 They adopt solar panels and efficient water systems, further minimizing their impact on the environment. People who choose to live in mobile homes believe that eventually, global warming and extreme weather might bring an end to sedentary (EJ) living patterns.

Through theopen road, the beauty of nature, and the friendship of fellow adventurers van life presents a unique avenue for enriching the human experience. 20

A. It's thrilling to travel the world.
B. Many van lifers tend to go green.
C. Living in a van can often be more cost-effective.
D. They'll find a sense of freedom of constant exploration.
E. The natural world becomes an essential part of your daily life.
F. Better yet, it offers a way to reconnect with the essence of living.
G. The concept of van life offers benefits beyond just a change of scenery.

II.15115

Shi lives with her family in Fuxin, a city in Northeast China's Liaoning Province. Shi and her _ 21, Li, have devoted themselves to providing _22 education to their students. They encourage their students to attend after-school activities related to science, technology and innovation.

During the past dozen years, Shi has 23 her students as they have taken part in various contests. Several of Shi's students have received 24 . Given her achievements, Shi has been named the most excellent teacher.

Li has a(n) 25impressive resume (j). He is a professor _26 coal mining (HF K) in a university. He often goes into the most _ 27 places in the mines while conducting scientific research. He measures data and collects samples, and then he _ 28 above ground to complete his analysis and calculations, and to design plans to solve the problem at hand. He 29 to his students in how to concentrate on one's work and overcome difficulties.

Encouraging their students to 30 various contests is one of the ways Shi and her husband have tried to _ 31 their students. In this way, the students have obtained a sense of achievement, and their 32 has driven them to study harder.

Shi says education is like a_ 33 one takes in search of "treasures". She believes it is important for teachers to discover each student's interests and advantages, learn to _ 34 their interests and advantages, and encourage the student to live a. 35 life he or she longs for.

21. A. friend B. student C. daughter D. husband
22. A. online B. personal C. quality D. special
23. A. invited B. stopped C. led D. beaten
24. A. failures B. awards C. payment D. attention
25. A. fortunately B. plainly C. slightly D. equally
26. A. teaching B. saving C. limiting D. sponsoring
27. A. comfortable B. dangerous C. familiar D. meaningful
28. A. falls B. returns C. starts D. points
29. A. goes back B. shows honor C. sets an example D. puts his mind
30. A. escape B. enter C. hold D. question
31. A. please B. assess C. follow D. inspire
32. A. success B. promise C. faith D. laziness
33. A. gift B. test C. picture D. journey
34. A. grade B. hide C. appreciate D. rebuild
35. A. fantastic B. simple C. quiet D. physical

V.i101.515

(##)Chinese architect and writer Lin Huiyin was posthumously awarded () a Bachelor of Architecture degree from the Weitzman School of Design of the University of Pennsylvania in 36. (recognize) of her outstanding contributions as a pioneer of modern architecture in China.

37. (comment) on the decision, Weitzman Dean Fritz Steiner said that "All the men from China received full scholarships and Lin got half of one. She was the only woman and the only student who 38. (deny) an architecture degree by the School." "But she deserved that degree."

In 1924, with her admission application to the architecture program of the University of Pennsylvania 39. (reject), Lin had to study in the only department 40. accepted female students-the School of Finc Arts. Apart from completing her art courses as well as most of 41. required architecture courses, Lin also worked as a teaching assistant in architectural design and outperformed most of her male peers 42. (academic).

After returning to China, as the first Chinese female architect in modern times, Lin achieved great success in architectural history, design, and education 43. war and disease.

With the historical revision of gender 44. (equal) being underway overseas, Lin's legendary story has now become known to generations of young people. This is not just a story about 45. Chinese women are breaking through stereotypes ( E) and historical limits, but also serves as a role model for modern Chinese women.

V.1##40

- 15

iTom FF 1. ; 2. X 3. K\* i+t. 1.80 2.

Dear Tom,

From your last letter, I know you want to know who is the great woman I like most.

Yours,

Li Hua

# 25

It was a cold December, and things were tough for our family. Mum had a hard time raising us kids on her own in our small community. My father had died five years earlier, leaving us worse off. We relied on social assistance for clothes. Though our clothes were second-hand, we thought they were beautiful.

Looking back, I realised what Mum went through sending us kids to school. Every morning she would put a new piece of cardboard in our shoes because our soles (J) were worn out. When we got home, Mum would have bread prepared for us. Our rent was25 a month, but Mum couldn't pay it, and we knew we would move out right after New Year on the first of January.

The holidays were drawing near, and we were offered 25$ for New Year from social services four days before New Year. Instead of buying food, Mum was going to use the money to pay back our rent. That way we'd have a roof over our heads for a little while longer, but we would have no New Year gifts.

What Mum didn't know was that I had been selling flowers, sweeping snow and doing part-time jobs to earn enough money to buy a new pair of boots--boots that weren't patched (T3 T), boots with no cardboard in it. I knew exactly which boots I wanted. They were teninch, warm boots, and they cost 23$ .

The big day for getting my boots came on New Year Eve afternoon. I was very excited as I hurried to the shopping centre for it. On the way, I noticed a grocery store.

1.150 2. .

The New Year lights and decorations attracted me, and I slowed my pace.
Once home, I piled the groceries on the ground and knocked at the door.

(fi100 4#120 )

UNIT 2 LOOKING INTO THE FUTURE

I.152.537.5

A

Abandoned Places on Earth that Will Leave You Surprised

There are places on our planet that look like they come directly out of horror stories. It's interesting to see that certain things and places that once belonged to thriving communities are being taken back by Mother Nature. Take a look at this amazing collection of abandoned places found on all corners of the Earth.

Abandoned Church in the Snow, Canada

From the outside, the church may look like it's still active. Although in need of major restoration, the church has actually been abandoned for quite some time. Within the church, we can still find the chairs perfectly lined up, a few bibles scattered here and there, and a perfectly good pulpit (i#it) for Sunday's sermon (i#i).

Underwater City in Shicheng, China

The 1,300-plus-year-old ruins of an ancient city lost in time was not an outcome of global warming but rather a man-made phenomenon. In 1959, the local government decided to construct a new hydroelectric power station needed to fulfill the demand of the growing population. Dam was constructed and the rushing waters soon submerged () Shicheng in more than 100 feet of water.

The Abandoned City Hall Subway Stop in New York, U.S.A

City Hall Loop, opened in 1904, was once a luxurious terminal station that served around 600 passengers a day. Passenger travel through this station was discontinued after 40 years of operation due to the dramatic increase in New York's population. Today, you can only visit the station during very specific times of the year.

1. What can we know about Church in the Snow, Canada?

A. It is not in use for Sunday's sermon.
B. It is still actively used for weekly services.
C. It is in perfect condition and ready for use.
D. It is currently undergoing major restoration.

2. What contributed to the submersion of Shicheng, China?

A. Global warming. B. A natural disaster.
C. An increase in population. D. A hydroelectric power station.

3. Why was the City Hall Subway Stop discontinued for passenger travel?

A. The station was not safe for passengers.

B. The station was too expensive to maintain.
C. The station was replaced by a more modern one.
D. The station was unable to accommodate so many people.

B

Our mood brightens as nature wakes up from winter, with blooming trees coloring the scenery in soft, pretty colors. Near my house is Kairaku Park, one of the biggest gardens in Japan, famous for its vast collection of almost 10,o00 plum trees. I find myself in the enviable position of having them all outside my backyard, taking advantage of the walking paths daily.

The trees and swans are like old friends to me now, a familiar sight with each visit. However, on one particular day, the routine was broken by a charming novelty. At the water's edge of the small lake, I was greeted by the sight of newly hatched black swans. Their delicate beauty was heartwarming as they stayed close to their mother. While capturing the golden of the sunset on camera, I was drawn away by an unusual, persistent sound. Turning around, I discovered one little swan was stuck by two stones, struggling to free itself. The mother swan's efforts to liberate her were in vain.

Approaching with the intention to help, I found the mother's protective instincts in full force. She was fiercely guarding her young, preventing any approach. I sought assistance from an elderly gentleman sitting on a nearby bench, "Excuse me, the swan baby seems trapped and unable to move. I wish to lend a hand, but the mother is quite territorial. Would you be so kind as to assist me?"

The man's face broke into a warm smile before he agreed to help me. With considerable effort, he managed to distract the mother, braving her aggressive behavior multiple times. Thanks to his courageous attempts, I was able to edge closer and successfully push the little swan out of the gap. I held my breath, hoping that it was not injured, but relief washed over me as I saw it swim away, alive.

In spring, my body seems to come alive with renewed energy. It's nature, not material possessions, that shapes us. I am positive that each of us has a slice of nature nestled in our own neighborhoods. There, we are reminded of why natural life is so important-it supports us as we grow alongside it. Personally, I take simple joy in the sight of baby birds, which brings a smile to my face! I strive for a minimalist lifestyle, seeking fulfillment in the basic harmony of living in tune with Nature.

4. What is special about the Kairakuen Park?

A. It has many trees and swans.
B. It is the largest park in Japan.
C. It is located very close to the author's house.
D. It is famous for its large number of plum trees.

5. Why couldn't the author get close to the stuck swan at first?

A. Because the mother swan was angry and protective.
B. Because the stuck swan was too far away from the author.
C. Because the author was afraid of hurting the mother swan.
D. Because the old man sitting on the bench stopped the author.

6. How did the author feel after rescuing the stuck swan?

A. Excited and proud. B. Relieved and hopeful.
C. Frustrated and helpless. D. Angry and disappointed.

7. It can be inferred from the text that the author

A. is really a nature lover
B. is short of some life skill
C. asks people to help the weak
D. calls on more people to protect the environment

C

Cold winters can be extra annoying for people who wear eyeglasses. Whenever they come indoors, their glasses practically always fog up, just like when warm air from a car's heater hits a cold windscreen.

When you enter a house from the extremely cold outdoors, the warm air around you cools. This causes some of the water vapor (k#/t) in the air to turn into small drops of water. If you have glasses, nearby tiny water drops will attach to the glasses and fog them up, explains Alexander Henn, who developed a new coating made from tree waste.

Henn dealt with the problem by using a renewable waste product-lignin (J $), a combination made from smaller building blocks. Woody plants contain lots of lignin, which keeps them hard and strong. \*Here in Finland, we have a lot of trees. Everyone knows that you can build with the wood, or you can make paper or cloth from it, but most of those processes don't use a tree's lignin, which ends up as a waste product," Henn says.

The researchers were working with lignin nanoparticles ( \*\*t F) before starting thinking about fog. To make them, the scientists put mini-lignin pieces in a specially made liquid. When they poured that liquid into water, the lignin gathered together, forming tiny groups in the water. Each one was about 100 nanometers in size. Those tiny bits were hydrophilic, which means they love water. Coating glass with water-loving lignin bits would change how its surface interacts with water. The nanoparticles wanted to hold onto the water, which would make them spread out across the glass surface. If that water spreads out enough, the small water drops will form a continuous thin layer. Although the glasses are now wet, they might not be foggy.

There was just one problem. "You could see the particles," Henn says. So putting lignin bits onglass would make it look a bit dirty. This encouraged Henn to make the lignin particles 50 nanometers across so they would go unnoticed. "Lignin can do many different things, including being used as an incredible renewable resource. Besides, it can take in light in interesting ways," he adds.

8. What is paragraph 2 of the text mainly about?

A. What troubles glasses wearers. B. How to keep your glasses clear.
C. Why glasses turn foggy in winter. D. How water vapor becomes water drops.

9. What can be inferred from Henn's words in paragraph 3?

A. Lignin is a rare element in trees. B. Finland has created much wood waste.
C. Trees in Finland are used unreasonably. D. Lignin's role is often ignored in Finland.

10. How did lignin help rid glasses of fog?

A. By dividing water drops into nanoparticles.
B. By forming a thin layer of water on the glass.
C. By stopping water vapor from becoming water.
D. By taking in water and keeping the glasses dry.

11. What is Henn's solution to the disadvantage of the lignin coating?

A. Creating recyclable lignin. B. Making smaller lignin bits.
C. Applying lignin in wider areas. D. Exploring ways to clean eyeglasses.

D

(#t#) Robots did not write this sentence, orany other part of Nature. But that could change. Dramatic shifts in labor are reshaping society, the environment and the political landscape. Consider this disorienting estimate from the World Economic Forum: 65 % of the children entering primary schools now will grow up to work in jobs that do not yet exist. This week, Nature asks, \*What light is research shedding on the future of work, and how will the changes affect scientists' working world?"

A news feature explores which jobs are most at risk of being replaced by artificial intelligence and machine learning, whether a gig economy () will democratize (#) work, and what programs will best prepare workers. "There's a huge need and a huge opportunity to study the changes," says economist Erik Brynjolfsson. And the scientific workforce is feeling these shifts. A career feature reports people doing research outside the traditional career path. "I love freedom," says Cecile Menard, an independent land-surface modeller in Edinburgh, the UK, "but for other people, it may be too stressful."

Important lessons can be drawn from the past. Economic historian Robert Allen synthesizes () three centuries of data to see when and where the relationship between wages and productivity is most like today's and finds that some regions are in uncharted (\*) J) waters. These changes call for new socio-economic models and a revolution in education, concludes historian Yuval Noah Harari. And economist Ian Goldin argues that our era has more parallels with the Renaissance than the Industrial Revolution. This time, he urges, knowledge and enquiry must find a way to conquer prejudice and ignorance.

12. According to the estimate of the World Economic Forum,

A. 65 % of the children will find new jobs B. some new jobs will appear in the future C. robots will replace humans in the future D. future jobs will remain the same as the present ones

13. What's Cecile Menard's attitude to the changes in future work?

A. Negative. B. Doubtful.
C. Positive. D. Indifferent.

14. How does the author organize the last paragraph?

A. By making comparison. B. By offering some examples.
C. By listing some important data. D. By analyzing the cause and effect.

15. Which is the best title for the passage?

A. How to Work Well B. The Past of Work C. The Benefit of Work D. The Future of Work

.52.512.5

Life is filled with numerous victories and downfalls; what matters is how you tackle each situation. Whether it is your schooling or a serious life struggle, we must learn to turn the page and change our life for the better. 16

You might find yourself in a dead end. 17 This will help you mark your future decisions. Everything that you faced until now was just a part of the problem and everything that comes after the line will be part of the solution. Don't take the whole thing as suffering; instead, it is a learning experience. Make sure that you won't let anything hold you back and will try to be better each day.

When handling a tough situation, you may need some extra help. Connect with people that have gone through the same trialsas you have. During the interactions, you will notice the different patterns which made them successful. _18 Their experiences are beneficial to uplifting your spirit and truly help you out.

Another amazing approach is to make sensible and favorable choices for yourself. Engaging in battles and struggles is going to be very hard. _19 Picture your goals in your mind and make sensible steps towards them with each passing day. Remember to do what actually works and make sure that nothing stands in your way.

The past is a part of your history, but not a part of your destiny. Life moves on and so should we. _ 20 The new chapter of your life is coming for you.

A. Now it's your turn to think outside the box.

B. We must forgive ourselves to begin the next chapter.
C. Here' s how you can create a new chapter in your life.
D. What you can do in this situation is draw a mental line.
E. However, giving up and being stuck in pain will be even harder.
F. Let your tears and sweat water the seeds of your future happiness.
G. Besides, you will obtain the motivation you can't find in yourself.

.15115

(#)Micro-dramas are short web series which usually last only a few minutes or even no longer than 60 seconds. They have been gathering 21 in recent years mostly through online platforms like WeChat mini-programs. 22 the brevity of these minidramas, viewers don't have to waste much energy and time, consequently leading to a pleasurable viewing experience. Their easy _ 23 allows people to enjoy the content anywhere they like, from public transportation to elevators.

Mini-dramas have won hearts of younger audiences due to their _ 24 storytelling and surprising plot developments, which make them perfectly _ 25 young people's busy lives. According to several _ 26 of mini-dramas, a key reason behind the popularity of their shows is that people who experience stress in real life may find a kind of 27 release in the conflicts in these stories, such as successfully taking revenge by gaining superpower or having great wealth.

These producers also 28 that about 90 percent of the mini-dramas in the market are 29 from web novels, which are rich in plot twists and conflicts to get readers _ 30

Mini-dramas' success can be _ 31 to the growing habit of watching short videos in China. Data shows that more than 1 billion Chinese online users spent an average of 2.5 hours daily watching short video content in 2022.

32 , mini-dramas are not problem-free; quite a few of them include violence, emotional manipulation and other _ 33 content in the hope of obtaining higher _34 and viewership. As of March 2024, over 36,000 "vulgar and harmful" mini-dramas were 35 from online platforms and the National Radio and Television Administration claimed to enhance the monitoring of the creation and distribution of mini-drams in the future.

21. A. speed B. strength C. evidence D. popularity
22. A. Regardless of B. On account of C. Thanks for D. Apart from
23. A. accessibility B. absorption C. assessment D. acquisition
24. A. detailed B. complex C. rapid D. vivid
25. A. fit into B. take up C. miss out D. slow down
26. A. audiences B. producers C. novelists D. citizens
27. A. biological B. physical C. emotional D. behavioral
28. A. evaluated B. doubted C. recommended D. noted
29. A. adapted B. separated C. restricted D. adjusted
30. A. shocked B. hooked C. terrified D. affected
31. A. exposed B. applied C. attributed D. subjected
32. A. Hence B. Nevertheless C. Furthermore D. Instead
33. A. impressive B. pleasant C. casual D. unhealthy
34. A. clicks B. standards C. quality D. recognition
35. A. sheltered B. replaced C. removed D. discovered

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(J#r# # #) It is considered one of the most extraordinary documentary film 36. (project) ever made, a film shot in every country of the world 37. the same day, involving 3,000 hours of footage in 70 languages from 19,000 volunteer filmmakers around the world. The 104-minute film, One Day on Earth, is a visual poem 38. (star) everyone on the planet. It's about you and me, the times we live in, and our place in 39. puzzle Of humanity.

Director Kyle Ruddick and executive producer Brandon Litman 40. (be) the two young forces behind One Day on Earth. They met at the University of Southern California, where Ruddick studied film 41. Litman majored in business. Although both had worked on short-length 42. (commerce) and broadcast projects, they had never attempted anything like One Day on Earth, their first feature-length film, and neither had anyone else.

Ruddick and Litman came up with the idea for the film in 2008 at a world music festival, 43. they heard musicians who had never met before play together for the first time. After a few awkward attempts, the musicians soon discovered a way 44. (create) a beautiful fusion of music. In a similar way, "the editorial process was a process of discovery," said Ruddick. "You couldn't make this sort of film without being 45. (complete) open to what you receive."

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X#E"XtTechnology and Life"

1.
2.#\*T;
3..
180
2. iF.

Technology and Life

i(#25

Have you ever seen a real ostrich ($)? The adult ostrich will reach 2.5 meters tall and the male ostrich's weight will reach 150 kilograms. Although it is regarded as the largest bird in the world, it can't fly. Its feeding habits are very diverse, but the leaves and fruits of plants are the main ones.

In Sioux Falls at noon on Tuesday, a small truck was carrying a roughly 7-foot-tall ostrich and a container withthe leaves and fruits of plants. Just as the driver was driving on a busy four-lane () road, he parked his truck in the roadside and wanted to find a restaurant to eat.

When the driver left, the ostrich began to feel anxious, making some noise and pressing the truck's door with its body.

Just at that moment, the door was pushed open, and the ostrich escaped from the truck and walked around, feeling like looking for something. And then it walked into the busy fourlane road, which brought traffic to a stop.

In order to make the road smooth, all drivers tried to carefully attract and lead the towering bird off the busy four-lane road, but in vain.

Drivers called Sioux Falls police and explained what had happened.

As soon as the police came, they also tried to carefully attract the ostrich off the busy road, but still in vain. Luckily, the ostrich didn't run around.

"We can find out the driver's phone number and call him. He must know how to solve it," one of the policemen said.

"Good idea! If the ostrich stays on the road all the time, it will be very dangerous," a driver said.

On the one hand, the police immediately started to find the driver's phone number by the truck's information; on the other hand, they continued to keep the safety of both the bird and the traffic. All the drivers were excited when the police found out the driver's phone number.

1.150 2. .

The police contacted the driver immediately.
Feeling awkward, the driver thought of the leaves and fruits in the container.

B

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If you're eager to find a new place to explore, the following science museums and exhibitions will have you covered.

Robot & AI Museum

Seoul, South Korea

This museum is devoted tofurthering public knowledge of robotics, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning. The museum that houses the robots has a unique design. The circular (J J) building looks like a massive spaceship, and each of its four floors provides a variety of science displays and educational programs for visitors.

Grand Egyptian Museum

Cairo, Egypt

2024 marked the 100th anniversary of the discovery of King Tut's tomb. Now, thousands of artifacts from the tomb will go on display in the museum. Occupying an area of 120 acres, the Grand Egyptian Museum is the largest archaeological (#J) museum in the world.

Franklin Institute Science Museum

Philadelphia, America

To design this new two-story gallery devoted to the future of space exploration, exhibit planners metwith local students to find out what they wanted to learn. The result is an experience that will showcase the current and future technologies needed to live and work in space.

American Museum of Natural History

New York City, America

This multistory building will add tons of new exhibit space to the over-150-year-old museum. Visitors can explore one of the world's largest displays of live leaf-cutting ants and come face to face with dozens of butterfly species. Meanwhile, the inter-connectedness of life will be on display in the 360-degree "Invisible Worlds"' exhibition.

1. What can you do in Robot & AI Museum?

A. Have an interview with astronauts. B. Enjoy collections of paintings.
C. Learn the history of a king's tomB. D. See a spaceship-like building.

2. What is special about the design of Franklin Institute Science Museum?

A. It aims to make a circular building. B. It is based on local students' needs.
C. It features a 360-degree experience. D. It is a mixture of the ancient and modern.

3. Where will you go if you are a wildlife lover?

A. Robot \& AI Museum. B. Grand Egyptian Museum.
C. American Museum of Natural History. D. Franklin Institute Science Museum.

B

Maria Agnesi was the first woman to write a math textbook and the second woman to be appointed as a professor at a university. She was born in 1718 in Milan, Italy. Her father was Pietro Agnesi, a wealthy nobleman and a professor of math at the University of Bologna. He recognized the talents of his daughter Maria. Treated as a gifted child, she was taught by some tutors (#iti) to learn five languages, philosophy and science. She was better than other girls at school at her early age.

The father invited groups of his colleagues to gather at his home and had Maria present speeches. She didn't like performing, but she could not persuade her father to let her off the task until she was 20 years old.

Maria's greatest mathematical achievement was authoring the two-part textbook Analytical Institutions. Maria intended the textbook to make the new field of calculus ( 3) easier to be understood by more students (including her younger brothers) and mathematicians who were interested in the subject. That's also why she chose to write the books in Italian.

Maria fought to make math more available to people outside of the wealthy or academic circles. Many people, all over Europe, read her books in the 18th and 19th centuries. They were inspired to learn more and dive into math. In 1750, Maria was appointed to the chair of math, physics and natural sciences at the University of Bologna.

When her father died in 1752, Maria gave away all of her possessions and spent the rest of her life working with the church to help those less fortunate. In 1783, she founded a home for the elderly in Milan, where she also lived and worked.

4. What can we infer about Maria when she was a kid?

A. She often helped other children learn foreign languages.
B. She had a talent for inventing things.
C. She showed little interest in math.
D. She did quite well in school.

5. How did Maria feel about performing before her father's colleagues?

A. Excited. B. Calm. C. Uneasy. D. Proud.

6. What do we know about Analytical Institutions?

A. It enabled more people to learn math in a relatively easy way.
B. It was mainly intended for the University of Bologna.
C. It was translated into Italian and Chinese.
D. It was disliked by most wealthy people.

7. What did Maria do after her father died?

A. She gave away her father's money. B. She set up a university for the poor.
C. She devoted herself to the public good. D. She taught the elderly math in a church.

C

Electric Vehicles (#) in China

With the increasing focus on environmental protection and the need to reduce carbon emissions (#dt), electric vehicles have gained significant popularity in China. The Chinese government has been actively promoting the development and adoption of electric vehicles to address air pollution and dependency on fossil fuels. This article explores the current state and future prospects of electric vehicles in China.

One of the key advantages of electric vehicles is their zero-emission feature, which helps to improve air quality and reduce the negative impact on the environment. In addition, the government provides generous subsidies (+) and incentives (#Ub) to encourage consumers to choose electric vehicles, making them more affordable and attractive. The growing charging infrastructure (int) network also facilitates the widespread use of electric vehicles.

However, challenges such as range anxiety, high initial costs, and charging time remain. To overcome these obstacles, continuous technological advancements are necessary to improve battery technology and charging infrastructure. Additionally, raising public awareness and changing consumer perceptions are crucial for wider acceptance of electric vehicles.

Looking ahead, the future of electric vehicles in China appears promising. As technology progresses and costs decrease, electric vehicles are expected to become more mainstream. The government's determination to achieve a greener transportation sector and the increasing consumer demand for sustainable options will drive the further growth of the electric vehicle market in China.

8. Why have electric vehicles become popular in China?

A. To reduce air pollution. B. To increase carbon emissions. C. To depend more on fossil fuels. D. To make transportation more expensive

9. What helps the widespread use of electric vehicles?

A. The growing charging infrastructure. B. The lack of government subsidies.
C. The long charging time. D. The high initial costs.

10. What are the challenges of electric vehicles?

A. Zero-emission. B. Affordable prices.
C. Widespread acceptance. D. Range anxiety and charging time.

11. What is necessary for the wider acceptance of electric vehicles?

A. Improving battery technology. B. Decreasing charging infrastructure C. Lowering public awareness. D. Changing consumer preferences.

D

DeepSeek: Pioneering the Future of Intelligent Solutions

In the age of rapid technological development, DeepSeek has become a pioneer in artificial intelligence (AI) and data analytics. It was founded to help industries make intelligent decisions. DeepSeek focuses on creating advanced AI platforms to boost efficiency and productivity in fields like finance, healthcare, education, and logistics.

DeepSeek uses advanced technologies such as machine learning, natural language processing (NLP), and predictive analytics (#). Its main product, an AI data analysis platform, helps organizations handle large amounts of data in real-time. It can generate useful insights and automate decision-making. For example, in healthcare, DeepSeek's algorithms( ) can diagnose diseases more accurately. In finance, its tools can predict market trends and reduce risks.

What makes DeepSeek special is its focus on adaptability and ethical AI. The company tries to create transparent AI models that users can trust. Its "Adaptive Learning Framework" allows systems to change according to new data, staying useful in changing situations.

Since its start, DeepSeek has received much praise. Industry leaders like its ability to turn AI theory into practical uses. A CFO from a big company said it cut their operational costs by 30 % and improved forecasting. Healthcare workers alsolike how it reduces diagnostic errors. But DeepSeek's success has also started discussions about AI ethics and workforce changes.

In the future, DeepSeek plans to work with educational institutions to train AI talent and start community projects to solve problems like climate change. As its CEO said, they want AI to bring progress, not just profit. DeepSeek shows the bright future of AI, and it's ready to change the way industries work.

12. Why was DeepSeek founded?

A. To develop new video-game technologies.
B. To help industries make intelligent decisions.
C. To create a social media platform.
D. To build self-driving cars.

13. How does DeepSeek help in the finance field?

A. By providing free financial advice to all users.
B. By promoting high-risk investments.
C. By increasing the complexity of financial regulations.
D. By predicting market trends and reducing risks.

14. What makes DeepSeek special?

A. Its high-cost products that only large companies can afford.
B. Its focus on adaptability and ethical AI.
C. Its lack of interest in new technological developments.
D. Its preference for working alone rather than collaborating.

15. What are DeepSeek's future plans?

A. To close down its current business and start a new one.
B. To focus only on making more profit without any social contributions.
C. To work with educational firms to train AI talent and start community projects.
D. To stop using AI technologies and switch to traditional methods.

.52.512.5

Having a positive attitude is key to living a happy life.Below are five things you can do to stay positive.

Start your day in a positive way. _ 16 If you start your day by thinking about the future troubles, the negative thoughts will accumulate quickly. If you start your day by having a pleasant conversation with your family or friend, that can make a big difference to how your whole day will go.

Live in a positive environment. Who you choose to spend your time with and the input you get from the TV, the Internet and magazines affect your outlook (/xl) a lot._17

Go slowly. I have found that when I go too fast, things don't go too well. 18 But if I slow down just for a few minutes, my mind and body will calm down greatly.

Learn to take criticism in a healthy way. One of the most common fears is the fear of criticism. 19 The key is learning to handle it in a healthier way. By doing so, your fear will decrease and it will hurt less if you do get criticized.

20 What you send out matters a whole lot. What you give others and how you treat them are what you'll get back. And the way you treat others and how you think of them also tend to affect how you treat and think about yourself. So share your value and spread the positivity.

A. Slow down your steps.
B. Then stress can build up.
C. That will support you in going further. D. Add value and positivity to others' life.
E. Be careful about how you spend your mornings.
F. So carefully consider what you let into your mind.
G. It can hold people back from doing what they want in life.

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Ellie Goldstein, a 22-year-old woman, has achieved a lot. She has 21 as a model for big fashion brands, appeared on the covers of magazines and been an ambassador for a new Barbie doll. Now, she is 22 to publish her first children's book, Ellie.

23 , when Goldstein was born, her parents were_ 24 that she had Down syndrome (JiE) and that she wouldn't be able to walk or talk. _25 , from the minute her parents took her home from the _ 26, Ellie's determined personality began to shine through. She learned to walk and talk, and has been proving people _ 27 ever since.

In an interview with The Week Junior, Goldstein said her motto is to enjoy life, have fun and show her 28

In 2023, Goldstein was named the UK ambassador for Barbie's first doll with Down syndrome. Goldstein said, \*It's important to _29 stereotypes (3) and inspire young people, because having Down syndrome doesn't 30 you back. Goldstein's 31 makes young people, including those with Down syndrome, know \*you can achieve whatever you want." She is _ 32 to see young people believe in themselves.

She has always been determined to achieve her dreams, despite the _ 33 . Her role as an ambassador has 34 many young people. By sharing her own story, she encourages others to 35 their hearts.

21. A. competed B. worked C. graduated D. survived
22. A. ready B. free C. tired D. amazed
23. A. Obviously B. Similarly C. Unfortunately D. Equally
24. A. taught B. showed C. warned D. told
25. A. Besides B. However C. Therefore D. Instead
26. A. hospital B. school C. company D. bookstore
27. A. wrong B. responsible C. professional D. lazy
28. A. behavior B. talent C. personality D. purpose
29. A. fall into B. focus on C. take up D. break down
30. A. write B. hold C. call D. send
31. A. illness B. magazine C. story D. contribution
32. A. worried B. surprised C. confused D. excited
33. A. strategies B. difficulties C. solutions D. differences
34. A. inspired B. protected C. organized D. contacted
35. A. control B. break C. follow D. win

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Mount Tai, a towering peak in Shandong province, China, is famous 36. its steep terrain(# F, # #) with over 7, 000 steps. Climbing this mountain is challenging, especially for 37. elderly and those with mobility issues.

However, AI-powered exoskeletons (5F # # JL ) are making the journey simpler. These robotic legs, 38. (weigh) only 1.8 kilograms, are designed to wrap around users' waists () and thighs (), offering synchronized (J) assistance to ease the burden on legs. Developed by Taishan Cultural Tourism Group and Kenqing Technology, the exoskeletons debuted () during the Spring Festival, attracting over 200 users. Users reported feeling like someone was pulling them uphill, making the climb much easier. However, some noted 39. (inconvenient) in using the device for activities like tying shoelaces or using the bathroom. Despite these issues, the exoskeletons are seen 40. a "true blessing" for senior citizens and the mobility-impaired. This innovation not only aids mountain climbing 41. highlights potential applications in elderly care, a growing market in China, in which the population of seniors is rapidly increasing.

The smart elderly care market 42. (estimate) at 6.8 trillion yuan in 2024. Kenqing Technology, the co-developer, is eyeing this vast market now and has launched an exoskeleton 43. (specific) designed for elderly users.

44. (unlock) the potential of elderly care robots, industry insiders told Xinhua News Agency that stronger policy support is needed to scale up their production while keeping prices 45. (afford) for all.

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My Understanding of Success"E. #:

1.
2.;
3..
80.

My Understanding of Success

(#25 )

.

Difficult to know what one's first memory is. I remember distinctly my third birthday. A fancy cake had three candles in the middle. At that time, mom was home full-time taking care of me. Once a day, I would go for a walk with her, which I much disliked, especially buttoning up my coat. The only thing that got me through was mom's stories. She had only three stories, all centred on a little girl, me, helping animals who got lost find their way home, one concerning a fox, one about a monkey, and one about a rabbit. I was allowed to choose which I would hear. Mom repeated them endlessly and occasionally added more details to them at my request patiently.

Time flies. At the age of 72, mom suffered a minor stroke (l). She was sent to the hospital timely and went back home two weeks later. I thought the stroke didn't hit her hard. But one day, she and I were talking in her living room and she asked if I wanted to look at a new chair she just bought. We went to look at it and then came back. Within a few minutes, she asked again if I wanted to see her new chair.

I went home that night and cried, thinking she might get the Alzheimer's ( / # ). The second day, I brought her to a doctor. After a thorough exam, I was told that it was not the Alzheimer's. Her memory loss was the after-effect of last stroke, because it occurred in the inner part of the temporal lobe (Wit) of her brain. As it worsened, she might struggle to recognize even her own daughter. The good news, the doctor said, was that the memory, in my mom's case, could be regained. "She needs more exercises and more conversations," the doctor added.

1.150 2.

From then on, the routine of my life changed.
Her eyes lit up in the middle of my story.

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Tour Alajuela with Kids

This small Costa Rican (##r i f) town is one of the country's most well-known places. It provides a gateway to some of Costa Rica's best attractions. Be sure to stop here during your Costa Rica family vacation!

Where to Stay in Alajuela

Our families have listed their favorite kid-friendly hotels to help you find the perfect one! For a truly unique stay, check out Tree Houses Hotel. Your kids willike sleeping in the tree! Plus, you'll have three treehouse styles to choose from, including \*the family" one, a one-level treehouse and a one receiving up to six people.

Want to enjoy hot springs soon? Book your stay at The Springs Resort \& amp; Spa. Because of hot springs with different temperatures, your kids won't want to leave this wonderful place! Finally, the Peace Lodge offers a hotel experience within the famous La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park!

Things to Do in Alajuela with Kids

Here are some great things to add to your Alajuela tour list while exploring Costa Rica with kids. At Mistico Hanging Bridges Park, you can take your kids on a bird-watching tour or a hike through the forest with a known wildlife specialist. Or your kids can take a treetop adventure at Arenal Ecoglide Park. For families who have animal lovers, an afternoon at The Butterfly Conservatory (# # # ) is one well spent! The Arenal Volcano, which offers visitors a chance to familiarize themselves with the area, is within Arenal Volcano National Park.

Want local tips and personalized advice on your trip to Alajuela? You can also connect with Jorge fromGo Ask A Local! He works all over the country and offers trip planning services.

1. Why is Tree Houses Hotel recommended?

A. It allows kids to enjoy hot springs. B. It offers treehouses for kids to sleep. C. Its room temperature never changes. D. Its workers teach kids to do gardening

2. What can kids do at Mistico Hanging Bridges Park?

A. Watch birds. B. Climb trees.
C. Feed butterflies. D. Explore volcanoes.

3. What is Jorge possibly?

A. A parent. B. A guide.
C. A local official. D. A hotel manager.

B

UNESCO has added 26 new sites to its annual World Heritage List, which features diverse historical, cultural, and natural landmarks. UNEsCO is run by the United Nations (group of 193 nations) and designates places of "outstanding universal value to humanity" as World Heritage Sites. UNESCO provides financial and other support to the sites so they can be preserved, repaired, and protected for future generations to enjoy.

Among the sites listed for 2024 is Lencois Maranhenses National Park in Brazil. Known for its vast white sand dunes, the park covers nearly 600 square miles. During the rainy season, lagoons form in the dunes, creating a stunning landscape that draws visitors from around the globe.

Also added was Phu Phra Bat Historical Park in Thailand. The park is renowned for its unique rock formations, ancient art, and petroglyphs (rock engravings), which provide valuable insights into early human life and religion. Another addition, Via Appia Antica or the "Appian Way" in Rome, Italy, is the earliest and most significant road built by ancient Romans. The Cultural Landscape of Kenozero Lake, in Russia, includes 12th-century wooden churches and other buildings that symbolize a connection to nature.

There are now 1,223 World Heritage sites in 168 countries, including the Grand Canyon in the US, the pyramids of Egypt, and the Taj Mahalin India. When a place is added to the list, tourism and the economy in the area often get a boost. In a statement, UNESCO said the new additions will now "benefit from the highest level of heritage protection in the world."

4. How does UNESCO help protect universally valuable landmarks in a way?

A. By reporting to the UN. B. By listing their nationalities.
C. By providing financial support. D. By adding scenic spots to them.

5. What do we know about the newly-added site in Southeast Asia?

A. It covers nearly 600 square miles. B. It symbolizes a connection to nature.
C. It is the earliest and most significant road. D. It is famous for its unique rock formations.

6. What change might the World Heritage List bring about to a listed site?

A. Its people find more job opportunities.
B. The economy in the area will slow down.
C. Tourists see a sharp rise in their expenses.
D. Tourism in the area will face a tough time.

7. Which is the best title of the passage?

A. Places of Universal Value. B. New Heritage Sites Named.
C. Level of Heritage Protection. D. Outstanding Work of UNESCO.

C

()A new study predicts nearly 7 5 % of us will face extreme weather in 20 years. "In the best case, we predict that rapid changes will affect 1.5 billion people," says physicist Bjorn Samset from Norway. This lower estimate would only be reached by reducing greenhouse gas emissions (#it) in a large degree-something that is yet to occur.

Otherwise, climate scientist Carley Iles and her colleagues' modeling finds that if we continue on our current course, these dangerous changes will hit 70 percent of the Earth's population. Their modeling also suggests thatmuch of what's to come is already locked in. Samset advises preparing for unexpected extreme events in the next 1-2 decades.

We've already lived through examples of these extremes. Data from Europe's climate service Copernicus shows Earth just had its hottest Northern Hemisphere summer on record. The Southern Hemisphere has been experiencing a record-breaking warm winter too. This global temperature increase has brought with it fatal fires, floods, storms, and droughts that are destroying crops and leading to increasingly widespread hunger, creating favorable conditions for the spread of more diseases as well. \*Like people living in a war zone with the constant sounds of bombs and guns, we are becoming deaf to what should be alarm bells," says climate scientist Jennifer Francis.

With extreme emissions cuts we can reduce some of these impacts, but this will cause some regions more immediate issues too. "While cleaning the air is critical for health reasons, air pollution has also masked some of the effects ofglobal warming," explains professor Laura Wilcox from England. \*But not acting means these worsening weather extremes will likely impact most of us within the very near future."

"These conclusions emphasize the need for both continued mitigation ( #) and adaptation to potentially unexpected changes over the next 20 years even under a low-emissions condition," writes Iles.

8. What can help to reduce the impact of extreme weather changes?

A. Building more disaster prevention projects.
B. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions to a great extent.
C. Increasing the use of renewable energy sources.
D. Improving early warning systems for extreme weather.

9. Why are people getting deaf to extreme weather?

A. As a result of social and economic pressures.
B. Because of the media's over-reporting of extreme weather.
C. Because people have experienced so many weather extremes.
D. Due to improved technology that can better predict extreme weather.

10. What does the author imply in the last paragraph?

A. The side effects of emission cuts.
B. The benefits of global cooperation.
C. The serious situation of the future climate changes.
D. Other measures to slow down climate change.

11. Which of the following can be the best title?

A. What to do with disasters. B. Preparing for extreme weather. C. Measures to reduce emissions. D. How to fight against extreme events

D

A team of biologists from the University of Neuchatel, working with staff from multipl istitutions in South Africa, has found that removing horns () from black rhinos (4) t rotect them from hunters may have social implications for the rhinos.

Previous research has shown that rhinos are under threat by hunters that kill them illegally obtain their horns, which are a popular product. In this new effort, the research team focused on the black rhinos that live in Africa. There are currently about 6,200 black rhinos in Africa, which have been given protected status. Unfortunately, despite armed rangers (# H) watching over them, their numbers have dropped over the years.

To prevent further losses, animal management authorities have authorized park administrators to remove the horns of many of the rhinos, removing the motive for hunting. Such removals have proven to be effective--hunting has come to a stop gradually under the programs. However, these programs are not a simple solution-removing horns safely is costly and puts workers and rhinos at risk of harm. Also, the horns grow back, and must be removed every 18 to 24 months.

Less well understood is the impact on the rhinos after horn removal. To learn more, the researchers in this new effort studied the habits of black rhinos in the Manyoni Private Game Reserve in South Africa. The team started by making maps of the rhino range. They used data from sightings made before a dehorning (tJ) project began in 2016 and then for sightings made over the subsequent years.

They found that after the loss of a horn, male rhinos greatly reduced their range-some lost up to 80 % of their territory. For some females, the team reports, the reduced range was even greater. The group repeated their work in nine other reserves using 15 years of datagathering and found similar results. The researchers also found that the removal of horns made the black rhinos less social with one another-instead of interacting, they would intentionally avoid one another.

12. What is paragraph 2 mainly about concerning the rhinos?

A. The value of their horns.

B. The reduction in their population.
C. The consequence of dehorning them.
D. The role of armed rangers in protecting them.

13. Which aspect of the dehorned rhinos did the new study focus on?

A. Their survival risks. B. Their gender identities.
C. Their social behaviors. D. Their reproduction patterns.

14. What might be the researchers' attitude to dehorning rhinos?

A. Favorable. B. Tolerant.
C. Unconcerned. D. Disapproving.

15. What can be the best title for the text?

A. Time to Protect Rhinos.
B. The Endangered Rhinos.
C. Dehorning Rhinos Affecting Social Behaviors.
D. The Reasons of Removing Horns of Rhinos.

II.52.5#12.5

(# ##) A main goal of culturally responsive education is to help all students learn to respect various cultures and people with whom they'll interact (h). 16 Because the world is much more complex (J) and diverse than the environment in which the students live. How might educators help students become more respectful of cultures with different ideas?

There are a wide range of classroom activities that can help students recognize the essential humanity () and value of different types of people. For example, show students some everyday photographs of different people. _17 students to the same role models repeatedly. It is important to avoid exposing students to the same role models repeatedly.

In addition to classroom activities and lessons toward multicultural appreciation, it is critical that educators provide students with a culturally responsive learning environment. _18 students can mark the places which they come from on a map on the wall, and classroom signs can be hung in several languages. Such touches will help create an environment in which students from different backgrounds feel more comfortable being themselves.

19 By understanding and valuing their own culture, students can develop a sense of identity and belonging. This appreciation also enables them to contribute to the preservation and promotion of their culture.

Providing opportunities for students to investigate unique characters of their family community it is one effective way to help students gain a greater appreciation for their own culture. _ 20 They then write about important learning experiences that are gained in their community.

A. But it can be a difficult task for educators.
B. Wall space can be used to display posters about cultural groups. C. Learn to look at situations with fresh eyes, starting with their own culture.
D. This can give students some opportunities to interact with famous speakers.
E. Students can interview family members about cultural practices and traditions.
F. Another goal of the education is to teach students to appreciate their own culture.
G. This activity helps students learn about different people and understand rich diversity.

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When this mom started crying after a rough day, her small daughter knew exactly how to cheer her up. Brittany Christiana _ 21 the sweetest video about \*why I can't ever cry around Lily" on social media. Judging by the girl's reaction to her mom's bad mood, this little kid is truly wise 22 her years! Seeing how Lily attempted to 23 her mother's day will definitely _ 24 your heart.

In this precious clip, the 2-year-old child immediately 25 into the room when she heard her mom crying. Her first _ 26 was to ask the woman what was wrong. When Brittany explained that she was having a difficult day, Lily quickly _ 27 a gamed plan to help her feel better.

First of all, she gave her mother a big hug. "I'll get you a Popsicle and a cup of28 said the little girl. Before leaving the room, though, Lily made a few 29 faces to get her mom laughing _30 crying. This turned out to be pretty _31! Soon, Lily returned with the water, as promised, along with a candy bar. She eagerly told her mom that, as soon as she was done with her _ 32 , they would play together. Mom was totally _ 33 by the little girl's kindness.

"The sweetest most _ 34 soul I've ever met. I love her so much," Brittany wrote in her caption.

Brittany Christiana and her adorable kid have gone 35 on social media. There's clearly so much love and joy in this family!

21. A. positioned B. shared C. emailed D. downloaded
22. A. over B. throughout C. beyond D. within
23. A. start B. brighten C. see D. spend
24. A. melt B. steal C. open D. fill
25. A. wandered B. broke C. moved D. burst
26. A. problem B. method C. response D. resolution
27. A. carried out B. set out C. put together D. came up with
28. A. water B. drink C. lemonade D. soda
29. A. joking B. silly C. amused D. teasing
30. A. rather than B. regardless of C. aside from D. in spite of
31. A. lovely B. impressive C. operative D. effective
32. A. sorrow B. tears C. snack D. nutrition
33. A. moved away B. blown away C. taken away D. fallen away
34. A. innocent B. compassionate C. empathetic D. respectful
35. A. viral B. crazy C. fashionable D. best-selling

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The tadpole-shaped, half transparent snailfish (# # ), probably live 8, 336 meters below the surface, 36. (take) the world by surprise. Scientists 37. (astonish) to spot such creatures while exploring near Japan. 38. (photograph) the fish better, they sent down an underwater "lander" fully equipped to the seafloor. "Each trench (/#/4) has its own snailfish," Jamieson concluded, "Once they've evolved to cope in a trench, they cannot move at will."

"If anyone does find fish any 39. (deep), it will not be by much," said Alan Jamieson of the University of Western Australia, who 40. (lead) the team. The previous record holder filmed was at 8,178 meters deep down in 2017.

Fish can tolerate extreme pressures due to the cellular compounds called Osmolytes, 41. increase at greater depths to absorb such bone-crushing pressures but reach their maximum at about 8,400 meters, the theoretical limit of fish physiology. One 42. (research) was surprised that the fish could survive at 800 times the surface's water pressure. \*At that point everything 43. gas exchange for breathing to nearly every physiological function seems impossible," he commented.

Jamieson discovered the farthest spot of the trench reach about 1.7 degrees Celsius, slightly warmer compared with the neighboring Mariana Trench. Osmolytes( ) are figured to be less 44. (effect) at low temperatures, while these snailfish live near the edge of 45. is possible. "This little fraction of a degree," he added, "counts much to marine animals."

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- F15

#Giant Panda National Park) Peter

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Dear Peter,

Yours, Li Hua

(#25 )

(#t) In a quiet little town, there was a small park where children would laugh and play. In the center of this park stood a wooden swing set. Among the children, a nine-yearold girl named Lily had a special bond with this swing. Every day after school, she would rush to the park, her backpack bouncing against her back, and spend hours soaring through the air, her laughter mingling with the wind.

Lily's best friend, Ethan, was a boy who lived next door. They were inseparable, sharing secrets,dreams, and endless adventures. Often, you would find them on those swings,their feet barely touching the ground, their imaginations taking them far beyond the confines of the playground. They dreamed of becoming astronauts, traveling to outer space, and discovering new worlds together.

One sunny afternoon, Lily tested the limits of the swing. With a determined push, Ethan soared high, feeling the thrill as the swing reached its top. \*Look, Lily! I'm flying!" Ethan shouted, his laughter ringing through the air. But not far from the park, his parents watched them with great concerns. There was an uneasy tension growing. When Ethan came down from the swing, his parents rushed to the swing and took him home immediately.

Later that evening, Lily cried on the couch, her tears staining the fabric. "Mom, Ethan said he would not play with me anymore. Why?"she asked, worry pooling in her blue eyes. Her mother took a deep breath, but the words seemed to be trapped in her throat. "I'm not sure, sweetie. He ... He might be leaving for a while."

Days turned into weeks, and the park felt emptier without Ethan's laughter. Each swing back and forth felt like a reminder of their vanished adventures. With every passing day, Lily's heart sank deeper into confusion and sorrow. She hoped that he would return, refusing to accept that he might not come back again.

1.150 2. T.

Eventually, Lily decided to write a letter to him.

The next day, Ethan showed up in the park as expected.

B

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Investing in our planet for future generations

In this article, we spotlight three companies in Singapore that are using innovation to :ackle climate change and drive betterment for the world.

DHL Express

As a championing greener transportation company, DHL is committed to achieving zero emissions by 2050 through its sustainability roadmap. DHL is constantly looking for new and innovative ways, big and small, to green its operations at all levels for climate protection. DHL has the largest commercial fleet () of electric vehicles in Singapore, and will continue to electrify its fleet steadily through 2030.

NDR Medical Technology

Founded in Singapore in 2015, NDR combines AI and robotics to empower surgeons (5) F ) to conduct pioneer image-guided robotic procedures with improved accuracy, precision and safety for patients. NDR's software enables automatic lesion () detection, which allows for early diagnosis (itt) and treatment in lung cancer. Its technology has the potential to reduce the environmental footprint of the healthcare industry by minimizing the number of medical procedures, reducing time and resource usage and decreasing the need for transportation.

ScaleUp Bio

It is a new, home-grown, business-to-business company focused on empowering other global food-tech companies to succeed through our advanced facilities, and top technical and business assistance. Our facilities allow your company to produce new ingredients, flavors and proteins. ScaleUp Bio hopes that its innovations may have profound, positive and lasting benefit for our world tomorrow.

1. What does the business of DHL Express focus on?

A. Selling zero emission vehicles. B. Researching green energy. C. Building up the largest commercial fleet. D. Providing stable green transportation

2. Who is probably the target user of NDR Medical Technology?

A. Doctors. B. Robots.
C. Environmentalists. D. Deliverymen.

3. According to the text, what could ScaleUp Bio offer?

A. Producing food with new flayors. B. Growing products at home.
C. Providing facilities and technology. D. Bringing benefits to customers.

B

When I was four, my grandfather suddenly got lost in a park one day. It was the first instance that informed us that he had Alzheimer's disease (J/K/#). Over the past 12 years, his worsening condition and his wandering have been worrying us. My aunt struggled to stay awake at night to watch over him, but often failed. Concerned about my aunt's well-being and my grandfather's safety, I searched widely for a solution, but in vain.

Then two years ago, while looking after my grandfather, I was impressed by the moment when his foot landed on the floor. Why don't I put a pressure sensor on the bottom of his foot? Once he stepped onto the floor and out of the bed, the pressure sensor would detect an increase in pressure caused by body weight and then wirelessly send an alarm to the caregiver's smartphone. My desire to create a sensor-based technology was born.

When laying out my plan, I faced three main challenges. First, I had to create a wearable sensor. After testing different materials like rubber, which was too thick, I decided to print a film sensor with pressure-sensitive ink particles (i t). Next, I had to design a wearable wireless circuit. Thankfully, I was able to find out about the Bluetooth low energy technology, which produces little power and can be driven by a coin-sized battery. Lastly, I learnt to code (#) a smartphone app to turn the caregiver's smartphone into a remote monitor.

Integrating these components, I successfully created two models: a built-in sock sensor and a re-attachable one. Having tested it on my grandfather with 100 % success in detecting his wandering, I beta-tested it at California care facilities last summer. Now, I'm using response from tests to improve it into a marketable product.

One thing I'll never forget is when my device first caught my grandfather's wandering at night. At that moment, I was really struck by the power of technology to change lives for the better.

4. What drove the author to seek a solution?

A. His knowledge about Alzheimer's. B. The encouragement from his aunt.
C. His worries about treating patients. D. The struggle of tending his grandfather.

5. What is the purpose of detecting the pressure under a patient's feet?

A. To measure his weight. B. To monitor his motion.
C. To record his walking pace. D. To estimate his health status.

6. Why did the author choose a printed film sensor?

A. It's thin. B. It's energy-saving.
C. It's coin-sized. D. It's wireless.

7. What is the best title of the text?

A. Protecting Wandering Loved Ones B. How Technology Empowers Lives C. The Challenges of Alzheimer's Disease Care D. A Family's Struggle with Alzheimer's Disease

C

Every year, travelers head to South America to be amazed at the vast glaciers, huge open skies and high mountains. But at Omora Ethnobotanical Park on Tierra del Fuego, visitors are encouraged to think small.

Tierra del Fuego, a remote island at the tip of South America, might offer little in terms of animals and trees, but when it comes to bryophytes (# ), it is among the richest corners of the planet. In the area that covers less than 0 . 0 1 % of the Earth's land surface, more than 5 % of the world's bryophyte species is found.

On entering the park, you're given a magnifying lens (ht). Guided by plant experts, you are invited to get down on your hands and knees to explore the little-known world of Tierra del Fuego's "miniature forests"--the bryophytes that cover the rocks and trees. Focus is key: as you tiptoe through the park, it is easy to miss or even step on them.

I wondered how interesting mosses could be. But when I got up close, they started to come to life. Shapes and colours appeared that were not visible to the naked eye. One plant was bright yellow, while another was green with a bright red tip like a little hat.

One of the strangest plants is Old Man's Beard, which looks like thin noodles and hangs off the trees in webs. According to my guide Lily Lewis, it plays an important role in the growth of the forest, capturing nutrients (#) and salts blown in on the ocean wind.

Old Man's Beard is extremely vulnerable to pollution, and has all but disappeared across much of the planet. But in Tierra del Fuego, where the air and rain are among the cleanest on the planet, it grows wildly.

"The hand lens is your entry point into the world of the miniature forests," Lewis said. "Looking through a lens reminds you that there are other viewpoints from which we can see the world."

8. Which title best describes Tierra del Fuego?

A. A top destination for hiking lovers. B. A unique place for rare species.
C. A wonderland for tiny plants. D. A remote land with modern buildings.

9. What quality is highly valued while exploring Omora Ethnobotanical Park?

A. Curiosity and creativity. B. Calmness and attentiveness.
C. Quickness and confidence. D. Determination and courage.

10. Which can best replace the underlined word "vulnerable"?

A. Sensitive. B. Adaptable.
C. Beneficial. D. Resistant.

11. What does this passage mainly talk about?

A. The eco-tourism in Tierra del Fuego.
B. The disadvantages of bryophytes.
C. The smallest island in South America.
D. A tiny forest on the tip of the world.

D

Encouraging people to exercise outdoors could help to prevent several conditions including depression and type 2 diabetes, the first study of its kind has found. Physical activity in natural environments prevents almost 13, o00 cases of non-communicable (# 4 ) diseases (NCDs) a year in England and saves treatment costs of more than \pounds _ { 1 0 0 { m } } , researchers from the University of Exeter said.

NCDs are a group of conditions that cannot be spread between people and result in long. term health problems. The most common-including heart and lung disease, stroke, cancer and diabetes-cause 74 percent of global deaths and are on the rise, according to the World Health Organisation.

The Exeter study focused on places such as beaches and coasts, countryside and open spaces in towns andcities, such as parks. Using data including a survey of the English population, the research team estimated (1 it) how many cases of six NCDs-major depressive disorder (MDD), type 2 diabetes, ischaemic (# J) heart disease, ischaemic stroke, colon cancer, and breast cancer--are prevented through nature-based recreational exercise.

In 2019, 22 million adults in England aged 16 years or older visited natural environments at least once a week. Using reported exercise levels, the researchers estimated that this prevented 12,763 cases of NCDs-the vast majority being MDD--creating annual healthcare savings of { \bf \dot { \varepsilon } } _ { 1 0 8 . 7 { m } } .

Although it has been reported that exercising specifically in natural environments is more helpful for a lot of emotional outcomes compared withurban environments, this is the first such survey conducted on a national wide, the research team said.

"We have almost certainly underestimated the true value of nature-based physical activity in terms of disease prevention," Dr James Grellier from the University of Exeter Medical School, said. The team hope that their study, published in Environment International, encourages investment in spaces such as parks to make it easier for people to be physically active.

12. What does paragraph 2 mainly about?

A. The cause of NCDs. B. The general introduction of NCDs.
C. The treatment of NCDs. D. The prevention of NCDs.

13. What can we infer about outdoor exercise from paragraph 4?

A. It attracts people with MDD. B. It increases the cases of NCDs.
C. It has little effect on those under 16. D. It's very helpful for mental health.

14. What should be built more according to the researchers?

A. Parks. B. Gyms. C. Hospitals. D. Apartments.

15. What can be the best title of this text?

A. New Cures for NCDs Are Found B. City Residents Need More Exercise C. Exercise Outdoors to Prevent Disease D. NCDs Are a Major Threat to Humanity .52.512.5

Things to Do on the Weekend

Your time is valuable, especially when the weekend rolls around. It's a period when youcan step away from the routine and focus on what truly matters to you. _ 16 And we're here to help you do just that.

Visiting Local Festivals

17 Typing something like "festivals near me" in a Google search is a great way to find where and when local events are happening. Checking your local city's website is another great way to learn about the upcoming activities.

Hiking

Hiking is far more than your average walk. It's about immersing yourself in nature and appreciating all the surrounding wildlife and scenery._ 18 Head on over to your local park or hiking trail to add a beautiful snapshot to your weekend.

Gardening

First of all, you could get to enjoy the fruits of your labor, whether that's a beautiful array of flowers or delicious patches of fruits and vegetables. 19 Feel free to grow whatever you'd like in your garden.

Getting Indoor Plants

If you don't have a yard, try some indoor plants! When you choose the perfect houseplant, it's important to acknowledge multiple factors, like the amount of light your home gets, the desired climate of the plant, and so on. 20

Remember, the key to making the most of your weekend is to find activities that you genuinely enjoy and that help you recharge for the week ahead. By engaging in a mix of relaxation and personal growth, you can ensure that your weekends are both enjoy able and meaningful.

A. And getting a nice workout in the process! B. Still, it can be a fun way to spend your weekend! C. There are a lot more festivals out there than you may think. D. It's always more important to do things that are enjoy able to you.

E. It's only fair that you'd want to make the best use of your free time. F. It is the perfect way to enjoy nature while keeping your hands busy. G. Support your local festival scene by showing up to weekend performances

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When I was little, my family lived in my Nana's old house, surrounded by gardens and flowers. On the back porch Nana had dozens of potted plants hanging on hooks. She watered them, talked to them and _ 21 them. In winter, she brought them inside and placed them on shelves by the windows. With a little water and a lot of _ 22 , she kept them alive and green during the coldest months.

As a boy I was puzzled by all the 23 she put into them. I understood the vegetable gardens. They helped to _ 24 the family all winter long. I even understood the flowers around the house. They were pretty and _ 25 so sweet in the summer months. The reason she put so much effort into caring for those potted plants, however, 26 me. They didn't give us any food and they _ 27 had flowers on them. They remained a 28 to my child's mind.

Now as I've grown_29 I am beginning to understand why my Nana had those potted plants. It is the same reason I have so many pictures of _ 30 and forests hanging in my home. They _ 31 me during the dark, cold, winter months full of bare trees and yellow grass that light, love, and growth still _ 32 . They convey a message that _33 will come again.

Today I see Nana's potted plants in a new 34 . They were worth every bit of the love and care she put into them. Although she is in Heaven now, Nana 35 my greatest reminder in every stage of my life.

21. A. sold B. tended C. controlled D. described
22. A. interest B. curiosity C. love D. duty
23. A. efforts B. money C. stress D. skills
24. A. cheer B. unite C. feed D. organize
25. A. felt B. tasted C. looked D. smelled
26. A. frustrated B. excited C. reassured D. confused
27. A. always B. occasionally C. barely D. completely
28. A. mystery B. promise C. explanation D. burden
29. A. smarter B. older C. stronger D. happier
30. A. sunrises B. deserts C. buildings D. trains
31. A. warn B. confirm C. remind D. impress
32. A. change B. pass C. stop D. exist
33. A. spring B. summer C. autumn D. winter
34. A. world B. manner C. direction D. house
35. A. contributes to B. serves as C. agrees on D. sets up

IV.101.515

Summer vacationers have been pouring into Langfang, Hebei province, to have 36. one-of-a-kind experience of the past at the Dream of Red Mansion ($) theme park.

Setting foot in the park, visitors will be taken back in time by the characteristic scene settings and impressive theater performances, mainly 37. (adapt) from the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) novel Dream of the Red Chamber, also known as A Dream of Red Mansions, 38. tells about social life and folk customs of that time.

Since it opened in July last year, the park 39. (put) on more than 7,500 shows and attracted more than 1 million visitors, according to the park's administration.

40. (similar), in Xi'an, Shaanxi province, a vivid reproduction of Tang Dynasty (618907) city life can 41. (discover) in the Twelve Hours of Chang'an themed cultural street. It is also an 42. (attract) for people. Tourists can shop, watch performances, wine and dine in the historical setting, all within walking distance of the city's well-known historical landmark, the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda. According to the local government, the cultural street has received more than 4 million visitors by now.

The two places are among the many that have gained from the integrated (HtJ) development of culture and tourism. 43. present, the government suggests exploring effective 44. (approach) for integrating culture with science and technology, and stepping up efforts 45. (develop) new forms of cultural business.

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1iSelena

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J K J : Guangzhou Chimelong Wildlife Park

Dear Selena,

(#25 )

It's Sunday, a sunny Sunday, a rare Sunday, especially after a two-week preparation for a speech contest. I invited my best friend Jane to have a walk in the nearby park. We spent the whole morning happily, catching up on our stories and appreciating the refreshing scenery. To my amazement, she gave me an iron heart-shaped decoration and I hung it on the key fob (4 ) with my keys.

Time flew. We had to wave goodbye. At the front door, I dug around in my pockets for the keys. No luck. I returned to the paths we'd taken immediately.

I spent an hour looking, brushing aside tall grasses, but the keys remained lost. I was beginning to get upset as I thought of the consequences of losing them, so I continued to retrace our steps, but it was all in vain.

Yours, Li Hua

At home again, I pulled the backup key from its hiding place, let myself in the house, and fell on the couch in exhaustion. I began to think about my lost keys. The house key wasn't that important as I had an extra. The mail key was a big deal because getting a new one took a lot of time. I had a spare motorbike key, but it had no remote control. Now my iron heart! It was precious beyond measure. Just thinking of it being gone forever made tears come to my eyes.

That night, it turned colder and began to snow. The night was peaceful until I heard the horrific screech ( y) of my motorbike alarm blasting from the yard. I rushed to the motorbike, inserted the key and finally the alarm stopped. I felt my face burning as I thought of my angry neighbors.

I went back in the house but it alarmed again. I stopped it, went back inside, and the alarm rang again. I repeated the process.

1.150 2. .

Surprisingly, the next sound was the front doorbell.
Thrilled and amazed, I took the keys in my hands.

(4)

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On Saturday, Archaeological Ruins of Liangzhu City were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List as a cultural site, bringing the total number of sites in China on the list to 55. Here are some other sites in China on the list.

Classical Gardens of Suzhou

Category of site: Cultural site

Suzhou's classical gardens are noted for their delicate design. Landscape and buildings are perfectly integrated to create a great harmony between man and nature. Holding high value for the study of Chinese landscape gardening, architecture, culture, and philosophy, they were added onto the World Cultural Heritage List in 1997.

Huanglong Scenic and Historic Interest Area

Category of Site: Natural site

Situated in Songpan county, northwest of Sichuan province in the southern part of Minshan Mountains and southeast of the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau, the Huanglong valley consists of snow-capped peaks and the eastern-most Chinese glaciers. Its main targets for protection are natural scenery and rare wildlife. It was declared a World Natural Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1992.

Huangshan Mountain

Category of site: Mixed site

Huangshan Mountain lies in the south of Anhui province in eastern China. The scenic area is celebrated for its peaks, rocks, pines, clouds and springs. It holds great fascination for visitors, poets, painters and photographers. In 1990, Huangshan Mountain was added to the World Cultural and Natural Heritage lists.

The Grand Canal

Category of site: Cultural site

As the world's longest man-made canal, the Grand Canal is a vast waterway system in the north-eastern and central-eastern plains of China from Beijing to Zhejiang province, stretching 1,794 kilometers. The canal was a pillar for the economy, social stability and government functions and also enhanced communication between the south and the north in ancient China. It was added to the list of World Cultural Heritage sites in 2014.

1. Which of the following is true about Classical Gardens of Suzhou and The Grand Canal? A. They are famous for the natural beauty.

B. They boost harmony between man and nature.
C. They are on the same category of heritage site.
D. They enhanced communication between the south and north in ancient China.

2. What is special about Huangshan Mountain among the five sites?

A. It holds both cultural and natural value.
B. It is the only site on the list that lies in the south of China.
C. It mainly aims at protecting natural scenery and endangered animals.
D. It was the first site to be added to World Cultural Heritage Site in China.

3. Where is the text probably taken from?

A. A travel brochure. B. A history textbook.
C. A trade journal. D. A news report.

B

By the time Nalin Kamat was 13, the Toronto teen was well on his way to becoming a working artist. He had already had his first show at a local art center, showcasing his series titled "Dispositions", which illustrated his own growth during adolescence (#).

Yet he wanted more-specifically to start showing his work in a juried exhibition, where agroup of art experts would evaluate and select pieces in a competitive review process. That's when he hit an obstacle, discovering in the very last line of a multi-page application that the minimum age for submission was 18.

That rejection became a motivation for creation. "I thought it'd be really cool if I could provide the opportunity to more young artists," says Nalin, now 15. With the support of his parents, in January 2023, Nalin rented a storefront and founded Little EGG Gallery, which is now profitable enough to make ends meet by charging a small hanging fee for any displayed work. In turn, Little EGG helps promote young talent by showcasing their work.

Not long after opening, David Griffin, a professor and artist of Ontario College of Art and Design University stepped into the gallery and met Nalin. Griffin regards him as someone special: \*a strong young artist with a really excellent idea-creating a space for showing the natural genius of young people. It was a void () in the art world." There Nalin asked Griffin to help judge an upcoming competition. The first juried show was last spring, and fiveyear-old Jack Gamble won for his abstract painting titled Pokemon.

As Nalin was busy with school, life and his own art, Little EGG is mostly openby appointment only, but he's still committed to growing it with seasonal and themed shows scheduled a few times a year.

4. What do we know about Nalin Kamat from the first two paragraphs?

A. He drew teenagers' growth in his work.
B. He became a working artist when aged 13.
C. He was disqualified for a juried exhibition.
D. He showed his series at the capital art center.

5. Why did Nalin decide to set up Little EGG Gallery?

A. To promote artists by showcasing their work.
B. To form the connection between different galleries.
C. To expand his own business through themed shows.
D. To show young artists' talent by offering them a stage.

6. Which of the following can best describe Nalin's idea of opening the gallery?

A. Pioneering. B. Short-lived.
C. Popular. D. Unpromising.

7. What kind of person is Nalin Kamat according to the text?

A. Helpful and cautious. B. Devoted and creative.
C. Humorous and intelligent. D. Knowledgeable and ambitious.

C

"The failure to play is now a serious issue and it calls for action for change," says Sir Ken Robinson, a leading expert in education, creativity and human development. This is the driving force behind Outdoor Classroom Day-a global teacher-led campaign, supported by Dirt Is Good, a company producing daily chemical products.

Outdoor Classroom Day, taking place on 17th May and 1st November this year, will see schools around the world swap the inside for the outside and take learning into the playground and beyond to make playtime a key part of the school day. This might involve using natural objects like stones to do sums, or going on an insect hunt to encourage curiosity. By now, Outdoor Classroom Day has grown from a grassroots movement to a global campaign that is expected to benefit five million children and over 40, o00 schools from all around the world in 2018.

This is helping to change the trend that sees many schools selling up or building on their playgrounds and cutting back on playtime to make more room for academic studies while at home children's lives are increasingly filled with organised activities intended to help them learn. Today globally 61 % of parents surveyed in the Dirt is Good Qualitative Study said that children don't know how to play without using technology.

Outdoor Classroom Day is making playing time happen, with 22 % of participating schools having increased their playtime since joining the campaign. 93 % of teachers surveyed saw improvements in children's creativity after playing outside, and 9 7 % believe that time outdoors is necessary for children to reach their full potential.

Scientific studies show that real play-the active, physical, self-directed play-is essential for children to develop key life skills that are not taught elsewhere. Few would question the value of developing creativity, leadership, resourcefulness, and curiosity.

8. What do children do on Outdoor Classroom Day?

A. Have P. E. classes on the playgrounds.
B. Have a day off and go playing anywhere. C. Learn and play by using natural things outside.
D. Play on their own without the teachers' guidance.

9. Why do children spend less time outdoors?

A. Schools stop providing playgrounds.
B. The importance of playtime for children is ignored.
C. Parents prefer to homeschool their children.
D. Technology helps children learn better at home.

10. What's the school teachers' attitude towards the campaign?

A. Opposed. B. Cold. C. Enthusiastic. D. Favourable.

11. What's the passage mainly about?

A. To introduce an activity.
B. To advertise a product.
C. To entertain the public.
D. To persuade students to play.

D

(##)Is it easy for you to feel scared? Does art make you cry? Do you feel othe eople's feelings? On the other hand, do you tend to be overwhelmed by crowds, bright light. r strong perfume? Bad news-or maybe good. You could be an HSP, a highly sensitive person.

How can we understand what's happening inside an HSP? The term was coined in 1996 by psychologist Elaine Aron and she argued that sensitive brains are uniquely tired to process their environment at a deep level. Her theory's most striking claim is that physical and emotional sensitivity are one and the same. A complicated attention to body language strengthens empathy (#g) ; responsiveness to subtle physical signals creates rich sensations in HSPs, but can also overwhelm.

In the workplace, HSPs are usually the highest performers, yet the first to get tired out. They can struggle in relationships, as they tend to be people-pleasing. The ability to connect is of huge value and higher sensitivity is linked with creativity, brilliance and higher IQ. The trait is shared by pioneers across science, business and the arts--anyone who notices details others don't, makes connections they can't.

No matter what you call it, sensitivity is defined as the ability to sense, process, and respond deeply to one's environment. People who are sensitive naturally pick up more information from their environment, process it more deeply, and are ultimately more shaped by it. Much of this deep processing happens involuntarily and many sensitive people aren't even aware that they do it. A better word for sensitive might be responsive. If you are a highly sensitive person, your body and mind respond more to the world around you. You respond more to heartbreak, pain and loss, but you also respond more to beauty, new ideas and joy. You go deep where others only skim the surface. You keep thinking when others have given up and moved on to something else.

12. What does the first paragraph mainly talk about?

A. The definition of sensitivity.
B. The features of an HSP.
C. The ways of dealing with an HSP.
D. The cause of high sensitivity.

13. What do we know about an HSP?

A. An HSP often demonstrates low working efficiency. B. The term refers to a patient troubled by mental problems C. An HSP responds more to the negative than to the positive. D. The term was created by a female psychologist in the 1990s.

14. What is the writer's attitude towards high sensitivity?

A. Objective. B. Doubtful.
C. Disapproving. D. Concerned.

15. Where does this text probably come from?

A. A medical journal. B. A news report.
C. A scientific magazine. D. A health magazine.

I.52.512.5

Home automation is nothing new. It's been around for years now. _ 16 And when something is new, people have to be doubtful about it. So, here we are with tons of widespread myths around home automation. Let's check out what unbelievable myths we encouraged and why you need to stop believing them.

Myth 1: Home automation is too expensive

The most common misunderstanding is-I can't afford it! It is not your fault if you think it's too expensive. 17 Actually, home automation devices were quite pricey initially, but things have changed now. Smart home products nowadays are simple and programmable devices that are affordable to many homeowners.

Myth 2:_18

Most people think that home automation devices and systems are some devices out of a spy movie. It is a common myth that you must be a techie to use the devices or make changes. However, it is not true. 19 Even though it seems like a challenging task, all it takes is a simple touch to control your home.

Myth 3: Smart devices will become outdated after a few years of purchas

Another common myth is that smart home automation technology will become out of date after some time. Firstly, all efficient home automation devices are futuristically designed. Secondly, most home automation companies provide updates that are easy to install and keep them up-to-date.

Smart home automation is a new technology. 20 Thus, don't let the myths and technical terms about home automation scare you! The products that power the smart home are light years away from the myth around them.

A. After all, it's a new technology.
B. Home automation needs technical knowledge.
C. You don't have to be a tech-master to live in a smart home.
D. This powerful technology has many benefits for homeowners.
E. Home automation devices are for every home regardless of its size and shape.
F. You can reduce your power consumption, energy wastage and save money in the long run.
G. But smart homes with automation systems for efficient lighting, temperature, and security are new fields.

II.15115

(##) My mother, Fay, saw me as a kind of successful people due to my film career. In fact, she inspired my interest in filming and helped it grow, creating a blueprint for our close relationship. Despite a 35-year age _ 21, we were always close. Her efforts to stay 22 in my life kept her youthful until her passing. Fay was born in 1929 in Montreal. She grew up during the Depression (#) with little money but many _23 experiences.

She passed this appreciation for the arts to me, her second child, who did 24at school. From early visits to cultural events in Montreal to Broadway trips in New York, she brought me to a world that _ 25 my life and gave me confidence, protecting me from academic pressures. Her _ 26 approach to parenting not only kept us bonded but also paved the way for my filmmaking journey. What developed was an important life lesson on _27 generational divides.

Despite the common 28 of communication between parents and children, Fay did beyond _ 29. My career in show business involves making complex documentaries, directing and producing _ 30 television and working with key figures. While many parents might find this world 31 , she get stuck into my work, checking my contracts, and even joining me on shoots.

My mother's cultural curiosity continued right into her 80s. Despite her _ 32 health, her sharp mind stayed strong and she loved staying up to date with the arts world. But finally, our long midnight conversations 33

Children are under so much pressure to find their path and many parents, _ 34 , want them to have the education or life that wasn't available to _ 35 . But my mother understood that my life was not about her. My mother, like so many others, grew up with old-fashioned values, and yet she gave up all of them to close the generation gap. It served us well. I will miss her.

21. A. gap B. amount C. tap D. extent
22. A. addicted B. applied C. involved D. adaptable
23. A. annual B. physical C. musical D. cultural
24. A. nervously B. poorly C. flexibly D. formally
25. A. encouraged B. enriched C. enclosed D. enabled
26. A. nonstop B. nonverbal C. nonhuman D. nontraditional
27. A. bridging B. gathering C. occupying D. strengthening
28. A. targets B. guidelines C. benefits D. challenges
29. A. expectations B. customs C. efforts D. descriptions
30. A. live B. living C. lively D. alive
31. A. amazing B. strange C. achievable D. inspiring
32. A. increasing B. recovering C. worsening D. relieving
33. A. came to light B. came to nothing C. came to an end D. came to notice
34. A. fortunately B. understandably C. previously D. necessarily
35. A. them B. ourselves C. themselves D. us

IV.101.515

()Sydney Opera House, 36. (original) designed by Danish architect Jorn Utzon, is the symbol of modern Australia. It sits on Bennelong Point. Bennelong Point 37. (name) after Woollarawarre Bennelong, a senior Eora man at the time of the arrival of British colonizers (t) in Australia in 1788. The original cost estimate 38. (build) Sydney Opera House was $$ 7$ million. The final cost was $$ 102$ million.

Sydney Opera House is cooled using seawater taken directly from the harbour. Working with 39. (engine) Ove Arup, Utzon designed and carried out 40. cooling system which circulated seawater from the surrounding harbour through more than 20 miles of 41. (pipe), saving close to four million gallons of drinking water each year; in addition to naturally air-conditioning spaces, the system also sequestered () heat produced by cooling units to keep interiors warm during the cold months. Utzon, 42. resigned midway, never saw his design 43. (complete).

More than 10.9 million people visit the Opera House every year. It's the Country's number one tourist destination and its busiest arts centre 44. (host) more than 1,800 performances attended by more than 1.4 million people. The company Deloitte has estimated the total cultural value of the Sydney Opera House to Australia 45. 11.4$ billion.

V.140

- 15

lash of Views "Should we use AI in our learning.F.

1. X;
2. .
180 2.

(#25 )

Counting the votes only took a few minutes, but for me, it felt much longer, Being chosen as captain of the cheerleading team was something I had worked toward for years. I was sure my hard work would be recognized.

When Coach Mary walked in, the whole room went silent. "Girls," she began, \*I'm glad to announce that Terry Shaw has been elected captain of the cheerleading team." The gym was filled with cheers, but I barely heard them. My heart sank.

How could this be? I hadn't missed a practice, or a game, in the three years. Was everyone blind? Didn't they realize that I had worked three years to earn the title?

The next morning, I held my cheerleading uniform in my hands and considered quitting. But deep down, I knew I couldn't leave something I loved so much. Even though I was heartbroken, I decided to stay.

At the first practice with Terry as captain, I planned to keep my distance. But Terry surprised me by coming over to talk. She smiled and asked if I had any ideas to improve our routines, saying, "We'll make a great team." I wanted to dislike her, but she made it hard. She was kind and sincere, showing respect to everyone on the team. Slowly, I realized she wasn't my competition; she was a true teammate.

As the season continued, Terry always included me in decisions, especially when planning routines. My jealousy started to fade, and I began to respect her leadership. We grew closer and her kindness had changed my attitude.

Our school held the annual Sports Award Banquet at the end of the year. Together, Terry and I decorated the hall, laughing and talking about our best memories from the season. That night, I cheered as Terry received the captain's award, feeling happy for her.

Then, Coach Mary announced a final award-the "Spirit Award," which would go to the cheerleader who had shown the most dedication. When she called my name, I was shocked. Terry rushed over to hug me and whispered, "You truly deserve this."

1.150 2. FF.

As I stood there, holding my award, I remembered all the times I had wanted to quit.
In the months that followed, we spent countless hours together.

B

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A

Gold Coast Theme Parks come in all shapes and sizes and whether you like roller coaste. r petting furry animals, you're sure to find something.

Sea World

With an obvious emphasis on things that live in the water, Sea World has a fantastic range of fish, sharks, dolphins, seals, polar bears and other animals in the water. With a bunch of great rides, water slides and roller coasters, Sea World is known as the best all-round theme park on the Gold Coast.

Movie World

As the only movie-related theme park in Australia, Movie World features an outstanding coast and a good handful of movie-related rides, enabling you to experience an exciting adventure full of Hollywood's charm. Get behind-the-scenes movie information and stunt shows (## t) to keep the whole family entertained for the best part of a day.

Tropical Fruit World

Tropical Fruit World is a farm growing over 500 unusual tropical fruits from all over the world, with mini golf, an animal park and rides for the little ones. This farm has been a pioneer for eco-tourism since 1983. Admission is $$ 36$ for adults and $$ 17$ for kids and free for kids under 5.

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

Crocodiles, kangaroos, koalas and almost all of the other famous Australian native animals are living in Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. You can look at them, feed and play with some of them or just experience the fantastic 27-hectare bushland setting-an oasis () of wildlife among the Gold Coast bustle.

1. Which theme park should a Batman fan consider?

A. Sea World. B. Movie World.
C. Tropical Fruit World. D. Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary.

2. How much will you have to pay if you visit Tropical Fruit World with your ll-year-old twins?

A. $$ 36$ . B. $$ 53$ .
C. $$ 70$ D. $$ 89$ .

3. What can you do in Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary?

A. Ride water slides. B. Watch stunt shows.
C. Experience a jungle cruise. D. Interact with some animals.

B

After completing my first year of studies, I decided to relax by taking a trip through one of the most richly cultured countries in Asia: Nepal.

The first thing I noticed about Nepal was its people. Kind and friendly, ready to help someone in need. I'm saying so because of what I've witnessed between the citizens themselves, rather than how they treated me as a visitor. It is shown in the way bus conductors and passengers alike keep the bus waiting for that last passenger who is lagging behind (#). It is evident in how a motorist smiles and waves off a kid who runs onto the street after his ball. The people are like a hot bowl of soup on a rainy day.

The first place I visited in Nepal was the Sauraha village in the district of Chitwan. It is an amazingly peaceful place, where the people livelife at their own pace. It is a great area to see some of the wildlife, such as rhinos and elephants. The capital city of Kathmandu was where I spent most of my time. The city is usually very dusty, so make sure to wear a mask. Another great area in Kathmandu is the district of Thamel. Unlike most other districts, Thamel is very busy throughout the day. Out of all the places I've been to within Nepal, Pokhara is undoubtedly the best place to visit. There are a lot of fun things to try out. I've gone paragliding as well as boating in Fewa Lake, but you can also go rafting, zip flying and paramotoring.

Nepal is a very affordable destination to travel to. I travelled through the country for about two months and spent a little over 500 US dollars. Accommodation around Nepal is inexpensive, mostly varying from about 500 to 1,500 rupees per night per person. During my stay in Kathmandu, I stayed at a great hotel for two weeks, for 300 rupees per night, which is a great deal.

In a word, Nepal is a fantastic place. Whether you are looking to relax in the wildness and peace of nature, or for an exciting new adventure, Nepal has a variety of choices to offer.

4. Why does the author mention bus conductors in paragraph 2?

A. To thank them for all their hard work.
B. To introduce Nepal's public transportation.
C. To explain Nepalese people's sense of time.
D. To show the friendliness of Nepalese people.

5. What do we know about the Sauraha village?

A. It has a fast pace of life. B. It is home to many wild animals.
C. It offers visitors a lot of activities. D. It is a very dusty and noisy place.

6. What is paragraph 4 mainly about?

A. The costs of travel in Nepal. B. The interesting places in Nepal.
C. The working people in Kathmandu. D. The author's experiences in Kathmandu.

7. How does the author develop the text?

A. By following time order. B. By showing district differences.
C. By sharing his own experiences. D. By explaining people's behavior.

C

It's a truth universally acknowledged that kids are rarely fond of eating their greens. But fruits and vegetables are the foundation of a healthy diet, which makes parents come up with creative solutions to get their children to happily eat them. That's how food artist Sarah Beach came up with an idea-turn these ingredients into characters, animals, objects, and even inspiring messages. Her delicious creations, which she shares on her Facebook, are also a feast for the eyes.

Beach's adventure in the world of food art began in 2018, with a simple rabbit design. Her food artworks not only put a smile on her children's faces, but also keep them coming back for more. For the artist, food art has also provided her with a way to relax after work.

"Most of my designs start due to an event or idea I have. Then I look which fruits would work to make the design appealing to kids," she said. "Colors are key." Staying true to her purpose, Beach only uses fresh fruit and vegetables, along with seeds, nuts, and occasionally a touch of chocolate. Her art does not contain any food additives (sf\*J).

Sticking to her values around food has made her notice the versatility (rht) of each ingredient. For Beach, blueberries lend themselves perfectly for various elements. \*I love working with blueberries. You can use them for eyes, skin, lines and background. Very healthy and delicious as well."

Everyone has their own unique approach to creativity. Beach said, "I don't really have a creative process. The most basic of my creations take only around 30 minutes to create, while some more complex designs take up to two hours. I get ideas when I listen to the news, read books or surf the Internet. I have a deep-seated inner passion to develop novel, useful, and sometimes beautiful solutions to kids' healthy eating. So my fruit art illustrates my belief and passion."

8. Why did Sarah Beach start creating food art?

A. To develop a new hobby after work.
B. To become famous on social media.
C. To experiment with different food ingredients.
D. To get kids to eat fruits and vegetables happily.

9. What does Sarah say about the colors in her food art designs?

A. They are essential to her food art. B. They are selected by the children. C. They are optional for some designs. D. They are replaced by artificial colors

10. What can we know about Sarah from the last paragraph?

A. She uses natural ingredients for her designs.
B. She integrates love and creativity into her food art.
C. She cooperates with social media for inspiration.
D. She is unwilling to concentrate on the creative process.

11. What is the best title of the text?

A. Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Benefiting Children B. Practical Suggestions on Maintaining a Healthy Diet C. Turn Ordinary Ingredients into Delicious Works of Art D. Sarah Beach's Journey to Be a Professional Food Artist

D

Physical cash not only influences how much we spend but also facilitates an intense sense of psychological ownership that digital payments don't have, according to new research.

The study suggests as cash disappears from our wallets, so too does our awareness of spending, leading to unthinking and unnecessary buying. Maintaining a physical element in our payment systems may be vital for promoting responsible spending behaviors. Dr Jashim Khan, lead-author of the study said, \*The nature of cash-its smell, feel and the act of counting it-- creates an emotional connection that digital payments lack. When handling cash, we aren't just spending money; we're parting with a piece of ourselves."

The research team conducted their study in two distinct cultures, New Zealand and China, using focus groups and open-ended questionnairesto gather rich, detailed data about consumer experiences with cash and cashless payment methods. Participants were asked to describe their feelings and behaviors surrounding the use of different payment modes.

They found that cash promotes heightened awareness of spending, while cards and apps often lead to a disconnection from the money being spent. While 50 % of transactions in China are made through app-based payments, participants expressed a lessened sense of ownership over their funds. Plus, happy and secure as people feel using third-party payment apps, they at times struggle with a sense of loss when parting with cash.

In contrast, the ease of digital payments often results in mindless spending, as the credibility of cash is replaced by abstract numbers on a screen.

The research shows cash isn't just money--it's a way to stay connected to what we spend. Holding cash in our hands reminds us of its value, something that digital payments can make easy to forget. Moving to a cashless society means we need to understand how different payment choices affect us, not just financially but emotionally. Keeping this in mind enables us to make better decisions concerning money in a world where money often feels invisible.

12. What is paragraph 2 mainly about?

A. The emotional weight of cash. B. The popularity of digital payments. C. The reasons for currency exchange. D. The consequences of overconsumption

13. How did the researchers get the outcome of their study?

A. By interviewing high-income groups.
B. By studying existing theories on money.
C. By summarizing replies from respondents.
D. By observing consumers' behaviors firsthand.

14. What does the author imply in the last paragraph?

A. People should use money wisely.
B. Money makes the world go round.
C. Cash is inconvenient and outdated.
D. Cash payment is safer than digital payments.

15. In which publication is the text most likely to appear?

A. Motor Trend. B. Science Daily.
C. Art and Design. D. Muscle and Fitness.

I.52.512.5

If you've had a bad night's sleep, or you've just got too much to do, the last thing you want to be told is to "be positive" _16

Of course, developing a positive attitude is easier said than done-it doesn't come naturally to everyone. When you're feeling down, it is hard tobe optimistic. But a study has found that people who are optimists are more likely to live longer than those who have a more negative approach to life. So, maybe once you think of a longer life, _ 17

The study concluded that optimists may find it easier to control emotions and get less stressed. And as stress impacts on the immune system, _ 18 . Professor Lewina Lee from Boston University said: "Our findings speak to the possibility that raising levels of optimism may promote longevity and healthy aging."And she advises that pessimists could benefit from doing things like imagining a future where everything turns out well.

But if you're a 'glass half empty' type of person, could seeing the world through rosetinted glasses work for you? Every bean has its black. _19. Some people say it's best to celebrate the positives and ignore the negative parts of our lives.

20 . Vicki Siska says "Music feeds my soul, a sense of humour keeps things in perspective". Pippa Kennedy says "being grateful for what you have!" Other people recommend doing yoga and meditation as well as staying fit to help maintain a positive outlook on life.

A. Accepting this helps us control our emotions B. Accept it and make efforts to improve yourself C. it's possible that optimists better handle infections D. But having this mindset could have many benefits E. But it could help you have a positive outlook on life F. it might encourage you to have a more hopeful outlook on life G. People have their personal advice on keeping a positive approach to life

II.15115

Finding the Good

Days ago, my 91-year-old grandfather called me to test his new hearing aid. For the first time in years, he could hear my voice clearly again. It 21 us both.

I soon found out there was another reason 22 my grandfather being so happy-the new hearing aid service provider, Anna. As a senior, my grandfather became anxious easily whenever his device broke down. However, Anna gave time and attention and visited 23 to ensure that the new hearing aid 24 properly. She went beyond the call of 25 and refused to accept any reward but words as thanks.

Living in a world flooded with negative news, such kindness might sound 26 nowadays, and I wondered whether it's more common than we think. Then I came across a study suggesting people often underestimate the _ 27 of strangers to engage with, or even befriend them. It explains that news coverage of current affairs tends to 28 more on the negative because humans give negative events more attention and become more 29 of the world and less hopeful than we need to be.

From my grandfather's experience, I find sometimes what we hear, see or even know might not be the 30 picture. The truth might be hidden from us, requiring us to notice and 31 it. We could start by asking ourselves whether we're laying too much _ 32 on negative news and letting them _ 33 us. We're supposed to shift our attention and engage ourselves in sharing good news. So, why not 34 ourselves, for all of the bad in news, behind the scenes, in people's ordinary lives, lie untold stories of extraordinary _ 35?

21. A. terrified B. amused C. thrilled D. puzzled
22. A. accounting for B. pointing out C. making up D. taking up
23. A. regularly B. formally C. occasionally D. suddenly
24. A. played B. worked C. sounded D. developed
25. A. duty B. freedom C. spirit D. ability
26. A. reasonable B. normal C. rare D. widespread
27. A. complexity B. willingness C. necessity D. adventure
28. A. insist B. depend C. focus D. research
29. A. critical B. proud C. confident D. positive
30. A. ideal B. whole C. similar D. relevant
31. A. exchange B. acknowledge C. spot D. believe
32. A. burden B. doubt C. demand D. emphasis
33. A. embarrass B. serve C. trap D. surround
34. A. motivate B. remind C. warn D. challenge
35. A. bravery B. vision C. insight D. good

IN.101.515

Ban Ruiqi and her family recently took a trip to Harbin in Northeast China's Heilongjiang province. Although it is 36. (extreme) cold there, the 37. (tourist) from Beijing skied, shopped and generally had a good time during the three-day New Year holiday. "We went to the Chinese-Baroque Historic Block in the morning, and the Harbin Ice and Snow World in the afternoon, 38. I saw some fantastic ice statues. And some local souvenirs and specialties (#?) were available 39. visitors. I bought some for my friends and relatives back home. I especially liked the hand-drawn postcards," Ban said.

40. (know) as the "Ice City", Harbin has already been a popular winter tourism destination for many years. However, with the opening of various ice and snow-themed parks, it became 41. more popular city among tourists. The latest enhancement to the Harbin Ice-Snow World features an expansion from 8 to 14 ice slides (k # i), with the longest slide 42. (measure) an impressive 521 meters. The upgraded (JI ) attraction 43. (draw) tourists from various regions since then, eager to be absorbed in the winter wonderland experience.

In the two weeks since the opening of the Harbin Ice and Snow World on Dec 18, the city's 44. (popular) in searches on China's travel website Mafengwo suddenly increased 300 percent, making 45. an "Internet celebrity" city, data from the online platform showed.

V.140 - 15

i ,Smile for Your Life"

(#25 )

One sunny afternoon my elder brother Ricky and I were siting in the back seat of my dad's black truck. We were excited! Our first time to \operatorname { S i x } Flags! While backing out of our driveway, I rolled down the window.

The drive to Six Flags wasn't long since we lived near the freeway. As we passed the bridge, I knew we were getting close. As we sat in the car, I was wearing a pink blouse with leggings. I had tied my hair into a braid. My brother was wearing a black T-shirt with shorts on. Ricky was eleven and I was eight years old. "Liz, we're finally getting to \operatorname { S i x } Flags!" he told me.

1.
2. +;
3..
80

We got off the freeway and entered the parking lot. It took us about twenty minutes to find parking. As we walked to the park, I remembered that there wasa Christmas specially planned for that day. I could smell popcorn and hear people screaming on roller coasters. Also I saw an area with snow that looked like shaved ice.

My dad said, "Let's go to the gift shop first." Ricky and I looked at all the toys. Our eyes looked like giant snow balls. Our dad said we could only get one thing. We ran to the area with all the beautiful toys. I picked out my favorite, Tweety Bird. When Ricky and I turned back around, we couldn't see our dad anymore.

Ricky said, "Hold my hand and stay close." I was so scared that my face looked like a tomato. We had no phone to contact our dad, so we stayed where we were. Ten minutes later we saw a guy with the same clothing as our dad. We ran to him, but it turned out that his face looked nothing like our dad's.

1.150

2.

Smile for Your Life

"Shouldn't we go and try to find Dad?" I suggested.
Then we went to the roller coasters.

Ti.)

100 120

UNIT 5WORKING THE LAND

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A

Lexington High School summer session (June 12July 26)

Morning sessions:
Section A: 8:10-9:10 Section B: 9:20-10:20
Section C: 10:40-11:40 Section D: 11:50-12:50
Afternoon sports: 2:00-3:30

American Sign Language(ASL)

It is thrilling to introduce ASL to our Lexington community with the arrival of our instructor, Mr Wilson. In this course, students will learn the essential signs of alphabet( ) fingerspelling and various categories of vocabulary including family signs, WH-Questions and directional signs. Additionally, students will gain insights into the distinctions between the hearing and the deaf communities.

Grades: 910 Section C Cost: $260

Baseball Camp

The camp is designed to instruct campers in the fundamental skills of ball pitching, batting, catching, striking in a group setting. Campers will alsohave the opportunity to engage in competitive yet entertaining games that will improve skills and strategies. It will be scheduled for four Sundays: June 23, July 7, July 14, and July 21.

Grades: 911 Section A Cost: $160

English Skills for High School

This class is designed to enhance high school students' English proficiency with flexible instruction and different schedules. In this class, we will read Madeleine L'Engle' s fantastic novel A Wrinkle in Time, we will craft our own imaginative narratives, and we will strengthen the core English skills that are crucial for high school students.

Grades: 1012 Section B Cost: 230Book fee:20

Computer Skills Training

This course is an expansive exploration into the field of computer science, covering a variety of subjects including problem-solving, programming, physical computing, usercentered design and data analysis. Students will be motivated to create their own websites, apps, animations, games, and so on. Prior experience of block coding () is suggested for students enrolling in this course.

Grades: 1112 Section D Cost: 240 Book fee: 30

1. What will Mr Wilson instruct students to do?

A. Create websites, apps and games. B. Practice fundamental baseball skills.
C. Enhancing their core English skills. D. Learn a language for the deaf.

2. Which of the following is appropriate for those with a passion for literature?

A.8:10-9:10. B. 9:2010:20.
C. 10:4011:40. D. 11:5012:50.

I. What is the total cost for a student to enroll in a computer science course?

A. $$ 160$ B. $$ 250$ .
C. $$ 260$ . D. $$ 270$ .

B

I am not a patient woman, and the people in my local pharmacy (J) regularly feel the impact of that. With Type 1 diabetes (#R), I have multiple repeat prescriptions () to fill in order to stay alive. It's a teaching pharmacy so the service is a bit disorganized, as students try to learn their way around the systems.

Recently, it has been particularly bad. There was a nationwide shortage of one of myregular medicines, and so each time I went to pick up a prescription, it wasn't available. I asked my GP (F) if they could just change the prescription once and for all. They said they would, but then they changed the prescribed amount as well, so instead of getting a month's supply, I got a week's. I asked again--this time they just switched it back to my original medicine, the one that wasn't in supply. This continued for months, until one day I'd had enough.

I had gone back to my GP's clinic from the pharmacy as the prescription was wrong yet again. Why were they making things so difficult for me? Why couldn't they see how scared I was? I lost my temper. I was downright rude to the reception team and the GP. And when I finally got back to the pharmacy to correct prescription in hand, they told me the pharmacist was actually out for lunch and I'd have to wait for an hour. I started shouting.

When I think of that moment now, I feel uncomfortable. The reality is that by shouting, the situation was fixed--the pharmacist reappeared from their lunch break and I haven't had a problem getting my prescription quickly since. But every time I set foot in that pharmacy, I feel a sense of shame and I go out of my way to be nice to the staff in the desperate hope that it will undo the memory.

Sometimes we shout; sometimes we have to. And if you were on the receiving end, then I'm sorry. It probably wasn't anything to do with you: it was just a scared person at the bottom of their mental well trying to be heard.

4. Why does the author emphasize the pharmacy being a teaching one?

A. To explain the disorganization in service.
B. To explain why the service might be slower at times.
C. To suggest that students are learning to manage prescriptions.
D. To show that the staff are always learning and improving.

5. What was the problem with one of the medicines the writer needed?

A. The doctor wouldn't prescribe it.
B. The writer was given too much of it.
C. The pharmacy didn't have it in supply.
D. The writer didn't like the side effects.

6. What was the immediate result of the author's shouting at the pharmacy?

A. The pharmacist apologized for the mistake.
B. The author was asked to leave the pharmacy at once.
C. The pharmacist refused to fill the prescription.
D. The pharmacist returned, and her problem was solved.

7. What is the author's tone in the last paragraph?

A. Defensive and unapologetic. B. Regretful and reflective.
C. Angry and blaming. D. Hopeful and positive.

C

On March 20, the U. N. International Panel on Climate Change(IPCC) released the final volume in a series of reports outlining experts' latest understanding of climate science. It warned that even with urgent action we will face a dramatic increase in catastrophic events-- from droughts to floods-that have become signs of a rapidly warming world. But the most worrisome things are the "known unknowns"-potential outcomes scientists know could happen even if they don't know exactly when or how.

It's striking how little we know about them. Take the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation(AMOC) for example. This system of ocean currents is a key regulator (i# ) of Atlantic Ocean temperatures and, in turn, maintaining land temperatures, particularly in North America. If it collapsed, it would remake weather patterns and disturb "human activities".

Another known unknown is the scale of sea-level rise. It is estimated that global average sea levels are expected to rise up to { 1 m } (about 3 ft. ) by 2100. But because the science of rapidly melting ice sheets remains dificult for scientists to understand, that number could also end up being 2 { m } in the same time frame.

The more the planet warms, the more likely we are to experience unpredictable catastrophic changes. Climate events like these are referred to as tipping points: singular climatic events that can instantly reshape our understanding of climate systems. The new report also points out how the future becomes more difficult to predict as climate change continues. Impacts that scientists could forecast today will become more difficult to predict effectively when they are combined with other climate effects. Food insecurity, for example, could drive changes in agricultural practices, which would in turn affect the climate.

According to three decades of IPCC reports, it's easy to see how the science has become more certain and more urgent. The IPCC is not expected to publish another report for at least six years. In that time, the science will evolve, as will the human impacts. By then we should know more about these known unknowns, too. We can only hope that the knowledge brings relief, not the alternative.

. What do we know about the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation?

A. It is the biggest system of all the oceans.
B. It will still be working in the 22nd century.
C. It can adjust temperatures of its coasts.
D. It may raise sea-levels by 3 meters.

9. What can be inferred from paragraph 4?

A. Food security can have an impact on climate change.
B. Scientists know much about climate systems.
C. Combined climate effects can be predicted today.
D. Climate change makes no difference to our planet.

10. What's the scientists' attitude to the "known unknowns"?

A. Optimistic. B. Indifferent.
C. Pessimistic. D. Concerned.

11. Where is the passage probably taken from?

A. A medical lecture. B. A science magazine.
C. A technology report. D. A tour guidebook.

D

(# # ) The Earth's population is expected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050. Experts estimate food production will have to increase by 70 percent to keep pace with that growth. Previous methods of agriculture will soon no longer be an option. According to a 2018 study, we have to turn away from meat and dairy products.

U. S. customers have proved themselves willing to test the waters. Americans spent 1.4$ billion on plant-based meat in 2021, representing a market share of 2. 7 percent of all meat sales. The plant-based food companies claim their burgers use less land and water and produce less greenhouse gases. But, consider the possibility that we left our most promising resource behind in the ocean. Will you swap meat for seaweed?

"I think seaweed needs branding (h )," says Mark Kulsdom, co-founder of the memorably-named Dutch Weed Burger. As Kulsdom explained Dutch Weed Burgers are vegetarian but for meat eaters. A decade after launching their first product, he and his partners now sell about quarter of a million burgers each year.

Ultimately, Kulsdom is striving for a culture change. "I believe we need to raise interest sometimes by using a bit of an unorthodox (#iE3tJ) approach to things," he adds. "When people get what they already know, it's not that interesting. When their curiosity is awakened, that's when new things and ideas can enter their minds."

In 2008, researchers discovered 14,000-year-old seaweed fragments ( H) in southern Chile that had been pressed into cakes and clearly been cooked. As they wrote in Science, all seaweed recovered at the site are excellent sources of iodine, iron, zinc, protein, hormones and a wide range of elements. Though Mark Kulsdom's Dutch Weed Burger sounds futuristic, one could argue that they're revisiting one of the oldest stories we know.

12. How are plant-based burgers according to the companies?

A. They are healthy. B. They are nutritious.
C. They are delicious. D. They are environmentally friendly.

13. What does the underlined word "striving" in Paragraph 4 probably mean?

A. Leaving. B. Struggling.
C. Preparing. D. Waiting.

14. What can we learn from the last paragraph?

A. Chile is rich in seaweed.
B. Seaweed was the major food source in Chile.
C. People have long been using seaweed as food.
D. Mark Kulsdom's Dutch Weed Burger is too futuristic.

15. Where is the text most likely from?

A. A newspaper. B. A science fiction.
C. A travel guide. D. A textbook.

I.52.5#12.5

(#)In the Chinese lunar calendar, Sanfu refers to the three 10-day periods that are predicted to be the hottest days of the year, which are called Toufu, Zhongfu and Mofu. 16 Let's take a look at the traditional Chinese ways of spending the dog days of summer.

Receiving the Sanfutie

Sanfutie, or Sanfu medicinal patch, is a bandage made of traditional Chinese herbal medicine. Practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) believe that receiving Sanfutie during the hottest summer days is effective for coughs, asthma (#) and arthritis (# ); it is a patchwork solution for winter ills in summer. 17

Eating dumplings during Toufu

When the dog days come, people tend to lose their appetites. Jiaozi, or boiled dumplings, can refresh people's feelings toward food. Actually jiaozi is an all-time classic, with 2,o00 years of history. Besides Sanfu, people eat it at Liqiu, the start of autumn, and Dongzhi, the start of winter.

Eating noodles during Zhongfu

18 They are believed to help people sweat and relieve internal heat. Some timehonored noodle restaurants around China have increased their supply and launched new products.

Eating Chinese egg pancake during Mofu

As Mofu comes, the weather turns cool. And it is easy to get cold if a person keeps eating noodles drenched in sweat. People, especially those living in North China, customarily eat the Chinese egg pancake.

As the weather in Changsha, capital of Hunan province, is hot with heavy rainfall in summer, people there eat rooster during Sanfu, especially during Toufu. They believe that it can clear the damp. There is an old saying that goes "A rooster at the start of Sanfu, a healthy body the whole year."

Drinking mutton soup

There is a custom in Southern Shandong province where people drink mutton soup during Sanfu, _ 20 Many people go to local restaurants to drink mutton soup, which is called "summer mutton soup".

A. Eating rooster.
B. Clear the damp.
C. Sanfu usually comes between mid-July to mid-August.
D. Sanfutie is believed to be a supportive therapy to diseases.
E. The second phase of Sanfu is traditionally a time for consuming noodles.
F. People assume that mutton which is hot in nature can relieve internal cold.
G. It has enjoyed a revival in recent years as more patients turn to TCM treatment.

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(##) A floating store that sold beachgoing fare-sunglasses, food, umbrellashad been blown off its moorings (?b), by a storm and had floated 3 miles.

Jordan, a boat repairman, called his friend Chris, the store's owner, and offered to help 21 it back. Jordan borrowed a motorboat, while Chris manned a pontoon boat.

The skies were 22 with a light breeze when Jordan, his friend Tamara, and Chris and his wife, Sarah, reached the shop and dropped an anchor (#) to _ 23 it. Minutes later, an unexpected thunderstorm was moving in.

The shop was on the move again. The women went inside the store seeking 24 . The two men remained on their _ 25 boats, trying to hold the floating store steady.

Then came one sudden, destructive wind, and the shop moved onto its 26 with the women inside. The only way out was a sliding glass door _ 27

Jordan _ 28 the motorboat into the water, climbed up and pulled on the sliding door. It wouldn't move. The inside of the store was filling with water and had reached the women's 29 . They seemed to be in a state of shock.

Jordan 30 a loose two-by-four () attached to the dock. He gave it a hard pull and tore it off. The clock is ticking, as the water level inside rose. Jordan steadied himself and hit the door. The glass cracked but didn't break. Chris 31 and smashed the remaining pane.

The friends reached in and pulled the 32 carefully through the door frame before the shop eventually _33

It was the sort of _ 34 gesture Chris has come to expect from his friend. "I like to say he let me take that 35hit," says Chris, "so he wouldn't just be the sole hero."

21. A. buy B. pull C. put D. send

22. A. clear B. rainy C. stormy D. foggy

23. A. push B. track C. connect D. stabilize
24. A. help B. shelter C. advice D. fortune
25. A. expensive B. comfortable C. old D. separate
26. A. side B. wall C. edge D. floor
27. A. broken B. stuck C. destroyed D. repaired
28. A. got on B. leaped off C. switched off D. pulled up
29. A. heads B. mouths C. waists D. ankles
30. A. fixed B. lifted C. removed D. noticed
31. A. held on B. set off C. took over D. stepped out
32. A. store B. women C. two-by-four D. goods
33. A. sank B. appeared C. floated D. opened
34. A. rough B. gentle C. polite D. selfless
35. A. vital B. extra C. final D. violent

I.101.515

(# # ) When art meets science, the result can be dramatically explosive and revolutionary. This 36. (combine) lies at the heart of Cai Guo-Qiang: A Material Odyssey, an exhibition currently on at the University of Southern California Pacific Asia Museum.

37. makes the exhibition stand out is its gallery format that goes beyond traditional ones, integrating art with chemistry, physics and artificial intelligence to display the pioneering work of artist Cai Guo-Qiang.

A Material Odyssey 38. (feature) a series of gunpowder test pieces, highlights something 39. (rare) seen in exhibitions: science as a tool for understanding artistic techniques, and presents imagery that explores the molecular ( J) behavior of gunpowder. No matter how precisely a gunpowder drawing is planned, the results are still 40. (pradictable). "I am inspired by the calmness and the natural strength 41. (demonstrate) in the work after the vibrant colors fade. Changes in the gunpowder bring 42. uncontrollability and unpredictability, 43. is what makes working with gunpowder so fascinating." Cai says.

The exhibition will serve as 44. notable gesture of how the art world can mix the virtual and real in this new AI-driven era, while also 45. (stand) as a strong voice and decisive action in these unstable times.

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Fifteen-year-old Cameron and twelve-year-old Barton lived in a town in Taxco. Their parents worked tirelessly day in and day out, yet still struggled to make ends meet. Cameron and Barton, both in middle school, witnessed their parents' hard work and anxiety and decided to take action and offer their assistance.

As summer vacation began, while other children were enjoying their carefree time, Cameron and Barton had a different plan. They started the challenging journey of seeking parttime jobs. Their first attempt was at a local restaurant. Filled with hope, they stood before the manager with an eager expression. However, the manager looked at them critically and said, "You two are too young! Their hearts sank instantly. Cameron felt a sense of deep disappointment, thinking, "How can we prove ourselves if no one gives us a chance?" Barton's face fell as he asked his brother, "will we ever find a job?"

Not discouraged by the rejection, they then went to a store named Thompson's Grocery, hoping to become assistants. "Hello, you must be Mr Thompson. We're here to apply for the job," Cameron said. Barton stood on tiptoe and handed a card from their school's help-wanted board to Mr Thompson behind the counter, who was the owner and seemed to be a kind person. However, before they could say more, he shook his head.

"This job is too hard for you kids," he said. "I need someone big and strong." "Let us give it a try, and if you don't like our work, don't pay us," Cameron begged. He stared at the brothers, who were so sincere, then nodding. Next, he led them to the warehouse () of the store. The floor was piled with boxes of different sizes and all kinds of objects at random, filling every corner. The various items were mixed up chaotically. It seemed as if they had never been sorted or cleaned. Cameron and Barton were assigned to clear away the items.

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"It's a tough job. Just do as much as you can," Mr Thompson said.
Cameron and Barton asked Mr Thompson to come after they finished.

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A

Orlando offers a ton of exciting activities to engage in once the sun goes down. Whether you're looking for a night filled with music, dancing, or simply a place to relax, there's something for everyone in this city.

Dance & Dine at Mango's Tropical Cafe

Mango's Tropical Cafe offers an exciting and energetic atmosphere that guarantees a great time for all visitors. The club's energy, incredible performances, delicious food, and outstanding service all contribute to an unforgettable experience.

Address: 8126 International Drive

Experience a Pirate's Adventure Dinner Show

A great thing for families is to attend the Pirate's Adventure Dinner Show. It takes place in a specially designed theater, where guests are transported to a world of adventurous pirates (7) and hidden treasures. In addition to the exciting entertainment, the dinner show also offers a delicious meal that's sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.

Address: 6400 Carrier Drive

Boat at Night on Lake Ivanhoe

Whether you choose paddle ( ) boarding or boating, both options allow you to appreciate the beauty of Lake Ivanhoe in a whole new light. The LEDs not only increase your visibility but also add a touch of excitement and wonder to the adventure; you can even pick your own color to light up the water!

Address: 344 NE Ivanhoe Blvd

Ride on the Orlando Eye at Icon Park

One of the best things to do in Orlando at night for couplesis to take a ride on the Orlando Eye at Icon Park. From atop, the all-round view allows the chance to take in the breathtaking sights that make this region so special.

Address: 8375 International Drive

1. What can visitors expect at Mango's Tropical Cafe?

A. A lively setting. B. Global cuisines.
C. An open-air show. D. Parenting activities.

2. What's special about night boating on Lake Ivanhoe?

A. Recreations are enjoyable. B. Landmarks can be viewed.
C. LED colors can be selected. D. Water shows are available.

3. In which place can you enjoy a bird's-eye view of Orlando?

A. 6400 Carrier Drive. B. 344 NE Ivanhoe Blvd.
C. 8375 International Drive. D. 8126 International Drive.

B

On a full-moon night in 1988, a young park ranger () named Bruce Barnes paddled a canoe into the wetlands of Louisiana's Barataria Preserve. It was 2 a. m. when he pulled out his harmonica and played the instrument from his childhood. First, Barnes recalls, the frogs joined in. Then the alligators approached. Several gators stayed at the boat's edge as he serenaded (J#) them for the next two hours.

Barnes, now 61, is known today as a musician. He is also a naturalist who spent most of his career working for the National Park Service. But for Barnes, music and nature are inseparable; they are connected. Louisiana's rhythms, he says, are as place-specific as its marshes and forests. The wetlands even produce their own music. Barnes visited Barataria at night with a sound engineer, capturing wildlife sounds to weave into his recordings. He came to both passions early. As a child, Barnes sometimes went outside at 1 a. m. to watch flying squirrels glide.

His early interest in the natural world led Barnes to major in biology at Henderson State University and to start working at national parks as an undergraduate. He arrived at Barataria in 1987, when he was 23. Barnes surveyed the park's plants and animals and led daytime canoe trips. Hours after sunset, he returned to the water by himself.

Barnes retired from the National Park Service in 2015. He still plays music full time, and he remains a naturalist, leading walking tours and photographing medicinal plants and fungi. The exhibition, "Botanica: Gardens, Landscapes, and Plant Medicines in South Louisiana", which he also helped arrange, runs through May 2026.

Plants, fungi and music, to Barnes, all have magic power and they are never far from each Other. "When you roll into New Orleans, you can hear some of the world's greatest music," he says. "And you can get into your car and drive 25 minutes and be in the wetlands, completely surrounded by nature and water, and feel like you're 1,o0o miles from civilization."

4. What did Barnes do on a full-moon night in 1988?

A. He observed wildlife's behavior. B. He checked on the wetlands.
C. He played music for wildlife. D. He escaped from stress in the wetlands.

5. What can be learned about Barnes according to the passage?

A. His exhibition turns out to be a huge success.
B. His interest in nature has shaped his career.
C. He distances himself from civilization.
D. He led walking trips tours before retirement.

6. Which of the following words best describes Barnes?

A. Modest. B. Friendly. C. Diligent. D. Devoted.

7. What is the best title for the text?

A. A Naturalist's Music Heart B. A Musician's Growth Road C. A Conservationist's Art Passion D. A Park Ranger's Wetland Adventure

C

When animals are kept in farms and zoos, some species deal with it better than others. New research finds that the type of food they receive has an impact on how stressed they are.

"There are over 5 billion hoofed ( # J) animals kept in captivity () around the world, yet we know relatively little about why some adapt well in captivity while others become stressed," study co-author Leanne Proops says. "Given the vast numbers of hoofed animals under human care, we believed it was important that we understand more about what impacts their welfare." "In the past," she says, "often just one species was studied at a time, so many were not studied at all." This time around, they wanted to analyze risk factors for stress in all hoofed animals.

For their study, researchers collected data on 15,236 animals across 38 species from 95 sources such as farms, zoos, and wildlife reserves. They measured stress by observing repetitive behaviors that are often seen in captive animals, including pacing, licking (%) walls or biting enclosures. They also took note of the size of each animal's enclosure, how often they were fed with what type of food and each species' natural behavior such as the distance they travel every day. They used statistical models to determine how much of an impact each of these things had on whether an animal showed stress-related behaviors.

They found that species which naturally feed on trees and other high, woody vegetation, such as camels, are more likely to exhibit stress signs than those that mostly eat grass. "Animals who do not have constant access to feed, and are fed relatively little plant material in captivity, are also at higher risk of becoming stressed," says Proops.

Researchers hope that their results will be used to lower stress and improve the welfare of captive, hoofed animals. Caretakers can do that by offering feeding toys that encourage these animals to eat the same way they do in the wild. The study also recommends having constant access to food, especially plants.

8. What was wrong with previous studies on captive hoofed animals?

A. A limited sample size. B. Outdated research methods. C. A lack of concern for animal welfare. D. Poor categorization of animal specic

9. What might captive animals do when under stress?

A. Refuse to eat anything. B. Stand rooted to the spot.
C. Show some oral behaviors. D. Try to escape from their enclosures.

10. Which animals are most likely to be stressed when in captivity?

A. Those naturally living on grass.
B. Those naturally eating tree leaves.
C. Those having regular access to feed.
D. Those being fed with different feeds.

11. What do the researchers suggest caretakers of captive animals do?

A. Provide more space for them. B. Avoid toys while they are eating.
C. Improve their ability to find food. D. Offer them natural feeding experiences.

D

We already know that eating too much salt can lead to heart disease. But could it also affect our mind? Scientists found that a high-salt diet could cause cognitive impairments (iA #j) in mice, and it could produce the same effect on humans.

Dr Costantino ladecola, director of the Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, said they fed the mice eight to sixteen times their normal salt intake and then tested the mice. After about three months, the mice had a big change in their behaviour. Mice are very curious, and they like to look for new things. However, the tested mice lost the ability to identify a normal object. When the mice were put in their cage and asked to find a quiet spot, they did not remember where the quiet spot was. Then when the mice were building a nest, which is something the mice do daily, they were unable to do so. The research suggested humans would experience a similar response.

Studies have shown Australians eat around double the recommended amount of salt each day, most of it coming from processed food. Dr Iadecola said the estimated (Hi g) two teaspoons of salt the average Australian eats each day could affect the brain function in the long term. However, the decline might not be as obvious as in the mice, who were given extremely high levels of salt. "But probably over years and perhaps decades-as opposed to(\*) a few months for the mice--even lower levels of salt may have a terrible effect," Dr Iadecola said.

"High levels of salt cause serious immune (gtJ) changes in the organs () in and around the stomach, resulting in an almost autoimmune effect on the brain. It is part of a growing body of evidence that we really are what we eat," Bryce Vissel, director of the Centre for Neuroscience at the University of Technology Sydney, said. \*Those changes in turn cause all sorts of responses in the body, which over time certainly contribute to cognitive impairments."

12. Which can describe the tested mice?

A. They remained quiet all day. B. They became smarter than ever.
C. They forgot some routine things. D. They were quick at finding objects.

13. What do we know about Australians?

A. They ignore health advice. B. They have a higher-salt diet.
C. They dislike processed food. D. They value their brain health.

14. What does the last paragraph mainly focus on?

A. Studies carried out by Bryce Visse.
B. Immune changes brought about by salt.
C. Effects of daily diets on human behaviour.
D. Links between salt intake and brain damage.

15. What does the text suggest?

A. Brain health counts much. B. The body never tells a lie.
C. A low-salt diet is to be recommended. D. Heart disease can be prevented.

.52.512.5

Body language around the world

It is said that our body language exhibits information about our thoughts and feelings. But the implied meaning of these common signals we use every day can mean something wildly different in another culture. 16 From them, you can know how to integrate and what to avoid.

Greetings

17 Handshakes and hugs are common practices in Western societies in places like the US and UK, but in parts of Europe such as France and Italy, handshakes are a slightly more personal greeting. It's common to linger for longer, which some visitors may find uncomfortable.

Hand and arm gestures

As standard, Italians use their arms and hands to gesture constantly while talking, whereas in Japan, this is considered bad manners. If you're in Belgium or Northern Italy, be sure to avoid brushing your hand underneath your chin when speaking--it is a vivid way to tell someone to go away! 18 Well, hopefully you haven't visited Greece or Sardinia yet, where it is considered to be as rude as a middle finger signal in the West.

Head and movements

In many parts of Eastern Europe, the standard nodding and shaking signifying yes and no respectively are switched, which can, of course, get very confusing. In Japan, staring too long is considered rude, invasive or even an act of aggression. Ourspecial gesture, though, has to be this traditional signal from Tibet, China. If someone is sticking their tongue out at you in the street, all may not be as it seems! 19 But in Western cultures, it is considered playful, silly or even bad-mannered.

All in all, body language plays a significant role in communicating with people from other cultures. 20

A. It can send signals stronger than words.
B. My body utters when I try to hide something.
C. In fact, it's a way of demonstrating respect.
D. In the UK and Australia, the sign means victory.
E. Do you think the thumbs-up sign a universal gesture for "great"? F. Here is an introduction to the most unusual examples across the globe.
G. In various parts of India, it's common to greet one another by touching feet.

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Farming and Gardening

Agriculture has a long history in China. Much of the wisdom_ 21 by early Chinese scientists is still useful for farmers and gardeners today. One of China's early agricultural scientists was Jia Sixie, who lived in the sixth century AD. He spent his time doing _ 22 into agriculture.He collected information, did experiments and learnt from the _23 of farmers.

Around 540 AD, he wrote a book called Qimin Yaoshu. The book is about both farming and _24 . It includes advice on the following _25 :growing green vegetables and fruit trees, and keeping animals. Jia Sixie's book is a practical guide for farming. Firstly, as a farmer you should do things at the right time of the year. If you sow seeds and 26 young plants in the fields at the correct time of the year, your work will be less and 27 will be better. The _ 28 of the soil is also very important. Examine the soil on your farm _ 29. If the condition of your soil is not good, you should improve it. Before sowing or planting crops, you must clean rough ground and _ 30 weeds. The best harvest is reached when farmers 31 the crops in their fields. For example, do not plant rice _ 32 in the same field. But if you plant rice in a field one year and wheat in the field the next year, you will _ 33 good crops. Other scientists said that wheat should be planted with_ 34 between the plants, but Jia did experiments and _ 35 that planting wheat close together was better.

21. A. discovered B. recovered C. reported D. repeated
22. A. search B. research C. experiment D. statistics
23. A. adventures B. advantages C. tradition D. experience
24. A. nursing B. gardening C. produce D. trade
25. A. programs B. topics C. subjects D. events
26. A. drop B. increase C. grow D. throw
27. A. dreams B. ending C. hopes D. results
28. A. application B. situation C. condition D. addition
29. A. successfully B. carefully C. gradually D. frequently
30. A. remove B. disturb C. kill D. reduce
31. A. keep B. improve C. manage D. change
32. A. one after another B. here and there C. now and then D. year after year
33. A. win B. collect C. harvest D. export
34. A. holes B. lines C. space D. balance
35. A. showed B. meant C. intended D. decided

IN.101.515

A celebrated saying has been around in China for centuries: "36. (innovate) leads to success, while standing still leads to failure." The traditional Chinese opera successors' efforts to carve out their path with the help of high technology such as AI have certainly paid off 37. the ancient art form has achieved new life among the younger generation. More than 7 million netizens were fascinated by a live stream themed "When technology meets the 38. (beautiful) of traditional opera" in February 2024.

One of the 39. (appeal) parts of the live stream was how nearly 50 classic operas 40. (bring) to audiences in a brand-new way by relying on digital technologies, including AI and "six degrees of freedom", 41. refers to the six mechanical degrees of freedom of movement of a rigid body (dl).

After the show, the netizens were not stingy (#J) with their praise 42. the master's breathtaking artistry(# ), 43. (demonstrate) their deep admiration for Chinese traditional art.

This is just one of the representative 44. (example) of the growing influence of traditional opera today. In theaters, demand for brilliant operas that have been updated by VR technology and high-tech stage design has been increasing. You cannot buy a ticket if you hesitate for even 45. second.

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Ben and Laura were always proud of their son Johnny. 12-year-old Johnny was energetic and had a lot of friends. But he became different after he turned 13, he failed to control his mood occasionally, and led six other boys as his followers, who encouraged all his bad tricks.

One day after school, he decided to show his friends what more he was capable of, and his attention was finally drawn to Stanley, a 51-year-old park cleaner he regularly laughed at. Stanley had been cleaning the park for a living for almost half of his lifetime. As usual, that day, poor Stanley was anxious when he saw Johnny and his friends approaching him. "Hey, look, dirty Stanley is sweeping! Here, clean this... and this... AND THIS," Johnny began throwing garbage in different directions around him. Johnny and his friends gathered around Stanley, bursting into deep, loud laughter. The boy was so busy laughing at the man that he didn't notice his mother, who had come to pick him up, was watching everything.

Laura was beyond shocked. She didn't approach or stop Johnny because she knew hewould disobey or make a scene in front of his friends. So she left the spot to meet her husband. Ben was angry when Laura told him what she saw. He wanted to punish him. But Laura insisted that Johnny needed a little lesson to learn to respect everyone but not a severe punishment. They arranged something secretly to teach Johnny a good lesson.

The following day, Johnny and his followers marched to the park to make the poor guy's day uncomfortable. But that afternoon, Johnny was so embarrassed at seeing hisparents wearing cleaner jackets and holding a broom each, sweeping the park with Stanley. \*Mom, Dad? What are you doing here?" he shouted. "We are working, son. We need money to pay for your education and buy clothes and food for you. Actually, we are not different from Stanley now. Will you laugh at us?" said Laura.

1.150 2..

Hearing these words, Johnny lowered his head.
After a while, Johnny's parents came back and knocked softly on his door.

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(2024 #ik I )"I am not crazy," says Dr. William Farber, shortly after performing acupuncture ($) on a rabbit. "I am ahead of my time." If he seems a little defensive, it might be because even some of his coworkers occasionally laugh at his unusual methods. But Farber is certain he'll have the last laugh. He's one of a small but growing number of American veterinarians (# ) now practicing "holistic" medicine-combining traditional Western treatments with acupuncture, chiropractic (#) and herbal medicine.

Farber, a graduate of Colorado State University, started out as a more conventional veterinarian. He became interested in alternative treatments 20 years ago when he suffered from terrible back pain. He tried muscle-relaxing drugs but found little relief. Then he tried acupuncture, an ancient Chinese practice, and was amazed that he improved after two or three treatments. What worked on a veterinarian seemed likely to work on his patients. So, after studying the techniques for a couple of years, he began offering them to pets.

Leigh Tindale's dog Charlie had a serious heart condition. After Charlie had a heart attack, Tindale says, she was prepared to put him to sleep, but Farber's treatments eased her dog's suffering so much that she was able to keep him alive for an additional five months. And Priscilla Dewing reports that her horse, Nappy, "moves more easily and rides more comfortably" after a chiropractic adjustment.

Farber is certain that the holistic approach will grow more popular with time, and if the past is any indication, he may be right: Since 1982, membership in the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association has grown from 30 to over 700. \*Sometimes it surprises me that it works so well," he says. "I will do anything to help an animal. That's my job."

1. What do some of Farber's coworkers think of him?

A. He's odd. B. He's strict. C. He's brave. D. He's rude.

2. Why did Farber decide to try acupuncture on pets?

A. He was trained in it at university.
B. He was inspired by another veterinarian.
C. He benefited from it as a patient.
D. He wanted to save money for pet owners.

3. What does paragraph 3 mainly talk about?

A. Steps of a chiropractic treatment. B. The complexity of veterinarians' work.
C. Examples of rare animal diseases. D. The effectiveness of holistic medicine.

. Why does the author mention the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association

A. To prove Farber's point. B. To emphasize its importance.
C. To praise veterinarians. D. To advocate animal protection.

I.52.512.5

(2024 : #i#t I )Not all great writers are great spellers. If you want to be published, it's vital to submit a perfect, professionally presented manuscript (J#). 5 No editor is likely to tolerate a writer who does not take the trouble to spell words correctly.

I keep two reference books close-by on my desk: dictionary and thesaurus ( X tJJ#t). I don't trust my laptop's spellchecker. _6 Of course, these days there are plenty of online dictionaries and thesauruses, but I'm old-fashioned enough to prefer a hard cover and pages I can leaf through with my fingers. I use the Concise Oxford Dictionary and the Collins Thesaurus.

7 It should give you a precise definition of each word, thus differentiating it from other words whose meanings are similar, but not identical. It will also usually show how the word is pronounced.

In addition, I have an old two-volume copy of theShorter Oxford Dictionary, picked up a few years ago in a bookshop sale for just 99 pence. Of course, with its 2,672 pages, it's not exactly short. It contains around 163, o00 words, plus word combinations and idiomatic phrases. _8 However, if I need to check the origin of a word or to look up examples of its usage, there's nothing better.

For well over a hundred years the most influential English dictionary was Samuel Johnson's Dictionary of the English Language published in 1755. "To make dictionaries is dull () work," wrote Johnson, illustrating one definition of "dull". _9 A few minutes spent casting your eye over a page or two can be a rewarding experience.

A. I don't often use this dictionary.
B. It takes no account of the context.
C. But I still don't want to replace them.
D. But a dictionary can be a pleasure to read.
E. Of course, a dictionary is not only for spelling.
F. That means good grammar and no spelling mistakes.
G. Dictionaries don't always give you enough information.

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(2024 #i I )I've been motivated-and demotivated--by other folks' achievement s all my life.

When I was a teenager, a neighborhood friend 10 a marathon race. Feeling motivated, I started running _11, but then two things happened. First, a girl I met one day told me she was 12 for a "super," referring to a 52.4-mile double marathon. Then, the next day I went on my longest run-15 miles. To be honest, I 13 it! Between the girl making my _ 14 seem small and the pure boredom of jogging, I decided that the only _ 15 I'd ever run again is if a big dog was running after me!

So I _16 cycling. I got a good bike and rode a lot. I _17 of entering cycle races until I flew to San Diego to visit my sister. While she was at work one day, I 18 her bike and went for a ride. The _ 19 : The roads there went through large valleys where I'd be riding uphill for miles at a time. I'd never faced such _ 20 . That day, I got _ 21 by about 100 "local' bikers who were used to such roads. When I got back home, suddenly riding my bike didn't seem quite as _ 22

I've 23 a lot since then. I've come to accept that whatever 24 I set for myself, they just have to be my own.

10. A. knew B. held C. won D. quit
11. A. regularly B. silently C. proudly D. recently
12. A. asking B. looking C. waiting D. training
13. A. made B. believed C. hated D. deserved
14. A. advantage B. achievement C. contribution D. influence
15. A. way B. risk C. place D. reason
16. A. gave up B. went on C. turned to D. dealt with
17. A. heard B. dreamed C. complained D. approved
18. A. painted B. borrowed C. bought D. parked
19. A. problem B. secret C. principle D. advice
20. A. dangers B. events C. opponents D. challenges
21. A. passed B. convinced C. admired D. stopped
22. A. reliable B. convenient C. familiar D. appealing
23. A. traveled B. matured C. missed D. worried
24. A. limits B. dates C. goals D. tests

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(2024 # i II ) Chinese cultural elements commemorating () Tang Xianzu, 25. is known as "the Shakespeare of Asia," add an international character to Stratford-upon-Avon, William Shakespeare's hometown.

Tang and Shakespeare were contemporaries and both died in 1616. Although they could never have met, there are common 26. (theme) in their works, said Paul Edmondson, head of research for the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust. "Some of the things that Tang was writing about 27. (be) also Shakespeare's concerns. I happen to know that Tang's play The Peony Pavilion (<##>) is similar in some ways 28. Romeo and Juliet."

A statue commemorating Shakespeare and Tang was put up at Shakespeare's Birthplace Garden in 2017. Two years later, a six-meter-tall pavilion, 29. (inspire) by The Peony Pavilion, 30. (build) at the Firs Garden, just ten minutes' walk from

Shakespeare's birthplace.

Those cultural elements have increased Stratford's international 31. (visible), said Edmondson, adding that visitors walking through the Birthplace Garden were often amazed 32. (find)the connection between the two great writers.

33. (recall) watching a Chinese opera version of Shakespeare's play Richard III in Shanghai and meeting Chinese actors who came to Stratford a few years ago to perform parts of The Peony Pavilion, Edmondson said, \*It was very exciting to hear the Chinese language 34. see how Tang's play was being performed."

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I met Gunter on a cold, wet and unforgettable evening in September. I had planned to fly to Vienna and take a bus to Prague for a conference. Due to a big storm, my flight had been delayed by an hour and a half. I touched down in Vienna just 30 minutes before the departure of the last bus to Prague. The moment I got off the plane, I ran like crazy through the airport building and jumped into the first taxi on the rank without a second thought.

That was when I met Gunter. I told him where I was going, but he said he hadn't heard of the bus station. I thought my pronunciation was the problem, so I explained again more slowly, but he still looked confused. When I was about to give up, Gunter fished out his little phone and rang up a friend. After a heated discussion that lasted for what seemed like a century, Gunter put his phone down and started the car.

Finally, with just two minutes to spare we rolled into the bus station. Thankfully, there was a long queue (3J) still waiting to board the bus. Gunter parked the taxi behind the bus, turned around, and looked at me with a big smile on his face. "We made it," he said.

Just then I realised that I had zero cash in my wallet. I flashed him an apologetic smile as I pulled out my Portuguese bankcard. He tried it several times, but the card machine just did not play along. A feeling of helplessness washed over me as I saw the bus queue thinning out.

At this moment, Gunter pointed towards the waiting hall of the bus station. There, at the entrance, was a cash machine. I jumped out of the car, made a mad run for the machine, and popped my card in, only to read the message: "Out of order. Sorry."

1.150 2. T.

I ran back to Gunter and told him the bad news.
Four days later, when I was back in Vienna, I called Gunter as promised.

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The Future of Museums: Education Programmes

Museums have long enjoyed a fruitful relationship with primary and secondary schools, working with the education department to develop engaging content and vital resources. An event called The Future of Museums: Education Programmes that will be held from Monday to Thursday next month looks at the current landscape for school programmes, and explores how museums might adapt their programmes into the future. It's August now, and the event is coming soon. The programme includes group discussions, case studies and practice-led presentations on a diverse range of issues.

Event fees

VIP Member-35 Ordinary Member-45 Non-member-65 Not a member? Join today and pay a discounted price for this event as well as receiving lots of other great benefits.

Important booking information

Please sign in and check the email address on your profile before booking. Your confirmation and joining instruction emails will go to the email address you use to enter the website.

If you create a new record with a different email address, your membership will not be recognized and you will be charged the incorrectfee. You can check and change your email address before booking.

How attending this event helps your professional development

The Future of Museums: Education Programmes primarily relates to the developing self and others, the ability areas of sustaining () partnerships. It clearly shows different areas of ability and levels within those areas, which you should be aiming to achieve throughout your work. Our event will help you target your learning and create focus in the event. Finally, you will find that attending the event helps your professional development.

1. What is the right time for attending the event?

A. Tues. 26 August. B. Wed. 27 August.
C. Thur. 26 September. D. Fri. 27 September.

2. How much will a couple who aren't members pay for the event?

A. 35. B. 45. C. 65. D. 130.

3. What can the participants gain from the event?

A. The way of earning more money.
B. The support of their career development.
C. The sense of achievement in their work.
D. The strategy of starting a partnership.

B

Ernst Mach was a weak child, born in Moravia(now Czechia)in 1838. He didn't even go to school until the age of 14. Instead, his parents educated him at home. Like many genius children, his teachers criticized him, calling him " unteachable, absolutely talentless." Yet young Mach excelled at university in Vienna. He studied mathematics, physics and philosophy. He was also boundlessly curious. He conducted all kinds of experiments, believing that theories must be tried, tested, and proven in facts, but first formulated in the mind. He brought this rigorous (J)approach to his studies, believing that true science is based on what actually happens and can be observed.

In addition to hiswork in the sciences, Mach was also a well-rounded student, with interests in philosophy and even sports. He was an excellent boxer and fencer, which reflected the wide range of his abilities and interests.

As a teacher, Mach was serious and demanding. That was the model of pedagogy (#) of his time, and Mach followed this standard: tight collar, buttoned-down tie, waistcoat and jacket, and serious eyes behind wire-framed glasses. He expected exactness from his students. Among those he influenced was the young Albert Einstein. Mach's insistence on clarity and rigorous testing of ideas helped shape Einstein's thinking. Though Mach was doubtful about some of Einstein's later conclusions, such as { E } = { m c } ^ { 2 } , his doubt drove Einstein to prove his ideas further. He pushed the young Einstein to achieve excellence.

While Mach is credited with many theories of his own, including the aircraft velocity( J)measurement that bears his name, "Mach 1. Mach 2, etc.", his mentorship of Einstein is perhaps his greatest achievement. The best teachers in our lives also challenge us and see us as not yet complete but full of potential. They shine a light on the path that gets us to a successful reality. And through us, they live on.

4. What can we know about Ernst Mach from paragraph 1?

A. He attended university at the age of 14.
B. He was considered a genius by his teachers.
C. His early education was shaped by his parents.
D. His physical disability discouraged his studying.

5. How did Ernst Mach impact Albert Einstein?

A. He forced Einstein to give in.
B. He challenged Einstein to excel.
C. He introduced new theories to Einstein.
D. He inspired Einstein to focus on physics.

6. Which can best describe Ernst Mach?

A. Cautious and ambitious. B. Professional and influential.
C. Diligent and dependent. D. Incredible and accessible.

7. In which column of a magazine can we probably read this text?

A. Sports. B. Travel. C. Fashion. D. Education.

C

The Ig Nobel Prizes, established in 1991, are an amusing alternative to the distinguished Nobel Prizes, honoring research that "makes people laugh, then think." The name is a clever wordplay on "ignoble," meaning something lacking honor, reflecting the humorous and unconventional nature of the discoveries. However, beneath the foolishness often lies great scientific value, showing that curiosity can lead to significant understanding, even from seemingly insignificant questions.

The prizes draw attention to a range of odd but fascinating studies. In 2024, some researchers were awarded for demonstrating that real plants can copy the appearance of artificial ones they are planted alongside, revealing the remarkable adaptability of nature. Another 2024 study demonstrated that dead fish can swim upstream by using energy from fastmoving water currents, which could inspire energy-efficient designs in engineering. Additionally, a probability experiment involving more than 350,o00 coin throws revealed that a thrown coin is more likely to land on the side it started from, offering unexpected understanding into chance and probability.

In previous years, similarly quirky studies have been honored. In 2004, one of the Ig Nobel Prizes was awarded to Jillian Clarke. She investigated the scientific soundness of the "five-second rule," a popular belief that food dropped on the floor is still safe to eat if picked up within five seconds. Some 2 0 0 6 ~ { I g } Nobel Prize winners found that female malaria mosquitoes (#F) are equally attracted to the smell of human feet and Limburger cheese. This research, which won the Biology Prize, suggests that these odors could be used to develop innovative mosquito control methods.

Held annually in mid-September, around the time the real Nobel Prizes are announced, the Ig Nobel Prize ceremony is a unique mixture of humor and science, where real Nobel Prize winners present the awards. The event contains a number of running jokes, including Miss Sweetie Poo, a little girl who repeatedly cries out "Please stop, I'm bored', if speakers go on too long. Paper airplanes are traditionally thrown by the audience, adding to the funny nature Of the event.

8. What is the main purpose of the Ig Nobel Prizes?

A. To provide an alternative to the traditional Nobel Prizes.
B. To recognize research that is purely humorous.
C. To recognize humorous science research.
D. To award the smallest scientific studies.

9. What does the study of coin throwing reveal?

A. Possibility cannot be predicted with certainty.
B. Human belief influences the probability of a result.
C. The end result is always uncertain, with a 50/50 chance.
D. Coins tend to land on the side they start from.

10. What does the underlined word "quirky" in paragraph 3 probably mean?

A. Unusual or unconventional. B. Standard or typical.
C. Boring or uninteresting. D. Disordered or unstructured.

11. Who presents the Ig Nobel Prizes to the winners?

A. Scientists having a sense of humor. B. Political or social celebrities.
C. Real Nobel Prize winners. D. Ig Nobel Prize organizers.

D

On a chilly autumn morning in the Italian countryside near Larderello, Tuscany, the misty landscape reminded me why the area is nicknamed the Devil's Valley. The land here is a web of natural cracks in the rock that let a mix of steam and gases reach the surface.

Unlike the rolling hills and cypress-lined roads of other parts of Tuscany, the landscape here is covered with dozens of grey cooling towers puffing white vapors. The deafening roar of a turbine (## L) at the Valle Secolo geothermal (##J) plant breaks the quietness, but its violent spinning transforms steam rising from underground into energy for 150,o00 families in the region. About 30 % of Tuscany's electricity comes from this energy source. After producing electricity, the leftover steam heats water for nearby districts.

This underground energy has recently proved a vital resource. Italy greatly depended on Russian fossil fuels and in 2023 Italians bore the world's highest household electricity bills. Factories cut down production and households had to turn down their heaters. But residents of the Larderello area spent the winter in warm homes, thanks to the local geothermal plants working 2 4 / 7 .

Bruno Della Vedova, president of the Italian Geothermal Union, hopes that in the future other Italian regions could benefit from such a resource, which is extremely important when the whole world looks to transition to renewable energy.

While countries like Iceland and Kenya are taking advantage of their geothermal resources, the industry's growth has made slow progress in Italy. High set-up costs and difficultiesin extraction present significant barriers. And new plants often run into opposition from nearby communities over health concerns.

Italy sits on a geothermal sweet spot. Especially below Larderello, as Della Vedova says. A vast reservoir () of steam and water is trapped between Earth's inner heat and a layer of clay-heavy rocks. High temperatures lead to the formation of steam directly inside the reservoir, providing a significant source of energy.

But while heat from Earth's core is practically endless,the water it heats within the planet are not. So Della Vedova says restoring underground water supplies and using them sustainably is critical for the future. "We can't take advantage of a geothermal resource at will," he says.

12. What is the second paragraph mainly about?

A. The landscape in the countryside.
B. The introduction to a geothermal plant.
C. The application of geothermal energy in Tuscany.
D. The process of turning underground steam into heat.

13. Why has geothermal industry developed slowly in Italy?

A. People near new plants object to it.
B. Geothermal plants cut down their production.
C. There is very little underground water and steam.
D. People use less electricity by turning down heaters.

14. What is Della Vedova's attitude to the prospect of geothermal energy?

A. Unfavorable. B. Unclear.
C. Optimistic. D. Cautious.

15. What does the passage mainly talk about?

A. Where does geothermal energy lead Italy? B. Is the heat from Earth's core really limitless? C. Can energy from underground help power Italy? D. How can geothermal energy be used scientifically?

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How to Develop a Growth Mindset

There are two types of mindset: fixed mindset and growth mindset. A fixed mindset keeps you in a box of your own making. However, a growth mindset is that you believe in the possibility of change and you can learn, develop, and grow. _ 16

Welcome Challenges

Challenges are opportunities for growth. Welcome the challenges you face in life. _ 17 If you want to be a better badminton player, you need to play players who are better than you. There is no challenge in playing a player whose skill level is lower than yours.

18

It is natural to enjoy praise and be hurt by critical opinions. But you need to live your own life and do what is right for you rather than being pushed about by other people's views on what you should be doing. Always chasing other people's approval limits your choices to following what is best for you.

Love Your Critics

Not all criticism is helpful--you are clumsy, for example, labels the person without offering any hint for improvement. Constructive criticism contains suggestions for improved performance and is vital to your learning. For example-_19. It is critical, but it contains a

message for self-improvement. You can change what you do and get better results.

It's a Marathon, not a Sprint

Becoming an industry expert or a recognized specialist takes time. You invest the time in learning and growing as an ongoing process. You need time to seek out and try new approaches, work with your habits, take classes, and read. _ 20

A. I didn't like your writing
B. Be Mindful about Other People's Approval
C. Be Less Sensitive to Other People's Opinions
D. Here are some ways to develop a growth mindset
E. You need to work hard and patiently to be an overnight success
F. They move you out of your comfort zone and improve your skills
G. I didn't enjoy your presentation because I couldn't hear you at the back of the room

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Recently, a selfless act performed by a man on a flight to Washington has touched the hearts ofcountless individuals.

As passengers 21 the aircraft, a 94-year-old woman encountered difficulties in finding her seat. She appeared 22 and struggled to navigate the narrow aircraft passage. The flight attendant noticed her 23 and was about to assist when a man in _ 24 class spoke up. With a warm and gentle smile, he _ 25 , "Could you please bring her to my seat? I'd be happy to take hers 26

Without hesitation, the man rose to his feet and 27 the flight attendant to the back of the plane, where the elderly woman was seated. When he _ 28 her with his first-class seat, she was deeply moved. "In all my 94 years, no one has ever done something like this for me," she said, her voice trembling with gratitude. Tears 29 in her eyes as she hugged him tightly and whispered, "Thank you, young man." The flight attendant 30 that everyone on the plane was inspired after _ 31 the man's gesture. \*It was incredible how his simple act 32 the atmosphere on the flight," she said.

In times when life seems _ 33 , this story reminds us that even small acts of kindness can make an enormous 34 . The man's selflessness not only 35 the 94-year-old woman but also left a lasting impression on everyone who saw his act.

21. A. visited B. sought C. escaped D. boarded
22. A. discouraged B. embarrassed C. confused D. annoyed
23. A. struggle B. despair C. motivation D. anger
24. A. middle B. first C. ordinary D. third
25. A. demanded B. offered. C. refused D. replied
26. A. eventually B. absolutely C. instead D. though
27. A. confirmed B. ignored C. clarified D. accompanied
28. A. presented B. equipped C. lent D. shared
29. A. set off B. turned out C. welled up D. fade away
30. A. revealed B. suspected C. remarked D. complained
31. A. following B. witnessing C. admiring D. appreciating
32. A. deepened B. poisoned C. created D. transformed
33. A. colorful B. tough C. complex D. appealing
34. A. choice B. profit C. decision D. difference
35. A. infected B. rescued C. surprised D. attracted

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Honesty is the best policy. But in many situations, people do not want the truth. Whether it's a fact of life 36. a criticism of their behavior, everyone has truths they want to ignore. These truths 37. (call) truth bombs. This metaphor shows truth can cause damage if not 38. (handle) well, so caution should be exercised when pointing out difficult truths.

Sometimes we drop truth bombs out of anger. We may rationalize () our words by saying that we need to express our 39. (emotion) or to help change their ways. But often we use the truth as 40. weapon to make the other person feel bad and to repay them for what they did.

Truth bombs rarely lead to 41. (production) discussions because they trigger () a defensive reaction. Over time, truth bombs can increase conflict and weaken trust in relationships. Also, truth bombs often fail 42. (represent) the whole truth. Anger can make it difficult to see the big picture.

Sometimes people do need to hear hard truths. Pretending that problems do not exist can weaken trust just as much as 43. (drop) truth bombs can. And failing to address problems in relationships can lead to resentment (t) , which may eventually boil over into conflict. By presenting truth and addressing problems 44. a constructive way, you can strengthen relationships and avoid the emotional damage that comes from using 45. (over) blunt () words.

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Back around the turn of the 2020, I was working part-time in the library while I was at college. One afternoon, a man and his young son approached the counter, their presence breaking the silence. The man's accent suggested he was from Africa, and his eyes sparkled with warmth that immediately put me at ease.

They were returning lots of educational picture books, covering a wide range of topics from maps and geography to animals, history, and the wonders of space and the solar system. As I scanned the books, I couldn't help but notice the little boy's excitement.

"Wow! You must be hungry for knowledge!" I exclaimed, smiling at the boy.

"Yes! I love all the pictures!" he replied, his eyes shining with curiosity.

I turned to thefather, impressed by his son's enthusiasm."You must be proud! Not every boy of his age likes to read!"

The father's face lit up with a smile."When I was his age, I had none of this. No books, no pictures. I am learning with him. It is a blessing. Did you know there are eight planets in our solar system?"

"Yes, I did," I replied, nodding.

"Then you are so lucky!" he exclaimed. "Did you know there used to be nine planets? "

I smiled and said, "Haha, yes, I know that too. Poor Pluto was demoted ($?h)."

The father's eyes twinkled with humor."Small like I was, but now I am big and I can read any book I want! "

As he placed the son's library card on the counter, I noticed it was a typical children's card, easily obtainable at most elementary schools. I asked the father if he had a card as well.

"No, only for the children, yes?" he replied, uncertainty in his voice.

"Anyone can have a library card as long as you have some ID," I explained.

1150 2. .

His face brightened as he pulled out his passport and said, "Oh! ID! I have!" As they walked away, their arms were loaded with books.

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The Best National Parks to Visit in Winter

While most parks tend to draw families in the summer and fall, there are also ideal spots for adventurous winter trips.

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

The country's oldest and best-known national park takes on an almost otherworldly atmosphere in winter: the air filled with rolling steam, the strong colours of hot springs, the surrounding white landscapes, let alone the impressive wildlife during this time, like bison, wolves, and playful red foxes. Just book a guided hiking tour to get a ranger's perspective on the park and local people.

Joshua Tree National Park, California

With its giant red rocks and unique trees, you'll feel like stepping onto a foreign planet as you spend hours hiking the Panorama Loop or Maze Loop. The park is recognised as an International Dark Sky Park, featuring virtually zero light pollution and the country's best views of a starry sky.

Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

The significantly lower number of visitors in winter means you can take in unblocked views of the South Rim, and get to see the rare beauty of the Grand Canyon dusted with snow. For those adventurous and daring, it is recommended to hike the Bright Angel Trail and take the chance to see the canyon's wintertime wildlife, including mule deer, elk, and bald eagles.

Virgin Islands National Park, St. John

Surprise! Not all wintertime national park trips need to involve snow. Virgin Islands National Park is most famous for its white-sand beaches. You can also hike inland to visit old sugar plantations, or venture out to the water to swim along with sea turtles and manta rays. You will definitely enjoy a different winter here.

1. Which park will one choose if he/she is interested in stars?

A. Yellowstone National Park. B. Joshua Tree National Park.
C. Grand Canyon National Park. D. Virgin Islands National Park.

2. What do we know about the Grand Canyon National Park?

A. We can have a poor view of the South Rim there.
B. It lies in an area with rolling steam and hot springs.
C. There is a slight decline in visitor numbers in winter.
D. The Bright Angel Trail is challenging in cold weather.

3. Which activity is mentioned in all of the parks?

A. Hiking. B. Skiing.
C. Swimming. D. Hunting.

B

Madame Curie will always be remembered as the discoverer of the element radium.

A certain scientist had discovered that a metal called uranium gave off a kind of radiation, which Marie Curie was later to call radioactivity. But where did this radiation come from, and What was it like? This was what she set out to discover. She did experiment after experiment. All seemed to prove that in the mineral which she was examining there was some source of radiation which man knew nothing about.

At this time her husband left his own laboratory work, in which he had been very successful, and joined her in her research for this unknown radiation. In 1898 they declared that they believed there was something in nature which gave out radiation. To this something, still unseen, they gave the name radium.

There was an old building at the back of the university, where Pierre Curie had been working. Its walls and roof were made of wood and glass. There were some old tables, a blackboard, and an old stove. It was not much better than a shed, and no one else seemed to want it. The Curies moved in and set up their laboratory and workshops. Here for four difficult years they worked every moment that they could spare, weighing and boiling and measuring and calculating and thinking. They believed that radium was hidden somewhere in the mass of mineral dirt which was sent to them from far away. But where?

Then, one evening in 1902, as husband and wife sat together in their home, Marie Curie said: \*"Let's go down there for a moment." It was nine o'clock and they had been \*down there" only two hours before. But they put on their coats and were soon walking along the street to the shed. Pierre turned the key in the lock and opened the door. "Don't light the lamps," said Marie, and they stood there in the darkness. "Look! ... Look!"

And there, glowing with a faint blue light in the glass test tubes on the tables, was the mysterious something which they had worked so hard to find:radium.

4. What words can be used to describe Madame Curie according to the passage?

A. Rich and generous. B. Energetic but stubborn.
C. Committed and patient. D. Popular and confident.

5. What's the main idea of the text?

A. How Madame Curie discovered the element radium.
B. How Madame Curie fell in love with Pierre Curie.
C. What contributions Madame Curie made to help her country.
D. What sacrifice Pierre made to help Madame Curie achieve success.

6. What contributed most to the discovery of the element radium?

A. The advanced equipment in the laboratory.

B. The fund raised by the government for the experiment.
C. Madame Curie's four years of hard work with her husband.
D. The challenges and doubts from other scientists.

7. Where is the passage probably taken from?

A. A book review. B. A science film.
C. A history magazine. D. A biography.

C

In contrast to the often-heard views that robots will replace human workers, researchers from Gartner predict that artificial intelligence(AI) may actually create more jobs than it's expected to take away. By 2020, artificial intelligence had created 2. 3 million jobs, going beyond the 1. 8 million that it had replaced, the company said in a recent report. In the following five years to 2025, net (#1 J) new jobs created in relation to AI will reach 2 million, according to the report.

The number of jobs affected will be different from industry to industry. The public sector (##'J), health care and education are expected to get the most jobs, while manufacturing (## ) and transportation may be hit the hardest, said Gartner's research director, Manjunath Bhat.

"Robots are not here to take away our jobs; they're here to give us a promotion. I think that's the way we should start looking at AI," Bhat told reporters on Tuesday.

Gartner's positive predictions contrast with the warnings on the dangers of AI sounded by top technology industry voices such as Kai-Fu Lee, the founder of venture capital firm Sinovation Ventures. He said robots are likely to replace 50 percent of all jobs in the next decade.

Gartner acknowledged in its report that AI would cut millions of middle- and low-level positions. But it stressed that more new jobs would be created, including highly-skilled jobs, management positions and even low-skilled jobs.

"IT leaders should not only focus on the projected increase of jobs," the report said. "For the greatest value, focus on improving people with AI. Enrich people's jobs, reimagine old tasks and create new industries. Change your culture to make it rapidly adaptable to AI-related opportunities or threats."

8. What does research firm Gartner think of artificial intelligence?

A. Human workers will be out of work.
B. AI will create more jobs than it cuts.
C. AI will run out of human control.
D. New industries will replace old ones.

9. Who are most likely to lose their jobs according to Gartner?

A. Teachers. B. Dentists.
C. Bus drivers. D. Social workers.

10. What's Kai-Fu Lee's attitude towards the development of AI?

A. Uncertain. B. Hopeful.
C. Worried. D. Confused.

11. What does research firm Gartner suggest IT leaders do?

A. Take advantage of new industry opportunities.
B. Provide people with training programmes.
C. Stop the old business and turn to new business.
D. Welcome AI and adapt to changes brought by it.

D

Transport is undergoing a massive transformation so it can meet society's demands for a low-carbon economy. Introducing electric vehicles (EV) and declining gasoline use are helping, but zero-carbon hydrogen can speed up both the transition and long-term decarbonisation Cl W) of transport.

In the US, transportation produces the largest share of all greenhouse gas emissions in the economy at 29 % , according to the Environmental Protection Agency. More than 90 % of transport fuel is petrol based, but if more vehicles used hydrogen, emissions of this kind would plummet.

However, hydrogen is not considered an ideal replacement for gasoline as an engine fuel for cars because it is harder to store safely. And while fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) that turn hydrogen into electricity can compete with EV performance--and even out-compete them on range and refill time, extra energy is needed to produce the hydrogen needed for fuel. Also, finding investment for storage, pipelines and fuel stations is still a challenge for many nations.

Currently, governments worldwide are backing green hydrogen projects to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in heavy industries like freight (1i), steel, and energy storage. But hydrogen transport will need rapid production methods to create the fuel needed for the world's road fleet.

Thankfully, research is advancing all the time. Nanoscale ( \* J) thin films are applied to improving the chemical process to rapidly harvest hydrogen from the seawater. The same technology has been successfully used in solar power devices with higher efficiency-tocost rates. Since hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe and as seawater makes up about 96 % of all water on Earth, there is a virtually limitless supply.

Even wastewater and solid waste can create green hydrogen. Researchers at Princeton University are using sunlight to separate hydrogen from industrial wastewater. Chemical plants that currently face high costs for cleaning wastewater could transform it into clean hydrogen supplies.

12. What does the underlined word "plummet"' mean in Paragraph 2?

A. Stop. B. Decrease.
C. Continue. D. Disappear.

13. What is Paragraph 3 mainly about?

A. Ways of storing hydrogen safely.
B. Benefits of fuel cell electric vehicles.
C. Challenges of using hydrogen as car fuel.
D. Differences between gasoline and hydrogen.

14. What makes it more efficient to get hydrogen from the ocean?

A. The application of solar power devices.
B. The method of identifying water elements.
C. The invention of the water transport system.
D. The use of the nanoscale thin-film technology.

15. Which of the following can be a suitable title for the text?

A. Clean Energy Hydrogen Ready to Take Off B. Traditional Fuels Bound to Reach a Dead End C. How We Can Generate Energy from Hydrogen D. What the Future of Transportation May Be Like

II.52.512.5

Facial expressions are the primary way people exhibit emotions. Happiness, sadness, disgust, and surprise can be communicated through facial expressions alone. _ 16 Fortunately, you can regain some control over communication by working with what you have left.

17

If you want to increase understanding with a masked person, you should look directly at him, which may be easier said than done. But bear in mind, it can make you appear more intelligent and trustworthy.

Convey by the body itself.

For example, when someone is happy, they stand up straighter and lift their heads. When they are sad, they sit in a lazy way and drop their heads. _ 18 Learning how people use their bodies to convey emotions may help reduce the uncertainty you feel when communicating with someone in a mask.

Become aware of your own body language.

When engaged in a conversation, you can appear more attentive by turning your body towards the individual, leaning in or nodding. To let another person know you want to start speaking, straighten your body, or nod more frequently. Finally, be aware of imitating the gesture of another person. 19

Don't forget the effect of your voice.

20 Along with the actual words, you also use volume, tones and pauses to convey your message. For example, a lower-pitched whisper may represent sadness or insecurity, whereas a higher-pitched shout could show anger or intensity.

A. Look others in the eye.
B. But what if part of the face is masked?
C. It's not just what you say; it's how you say it.
D. When they are angry, their whole bodies tense up.
E. It can increase how much they like you and even agree with you.
F. Be aware that raising your voice can change the message you are trying to send.
G. Because when part of the face is masked, it becomes more difficult to recognise others' intention.

II.15115

There once was an ordinary street in the suburbs where no one cared much for their gardens. The lawns were overgrown, the weeds were _ 21 and the hedges (f ) desperately needed to be cut back. It looked very _ 22 . But when the neighbours saw their 23 , they just looked at each other and laughed.

It seemed too hard to 24 all the gardens and no one could be bothered to make them better because everyone's garden was. 25 terrible. No one felt it was urgent to _ 26 anything. Then a gardener named Bill moved in. Bill was a _ 27, hard-working and patient man who started working in the garden as soon as he _ 28 in the street. He took his lawn mower (## IL) out to cut back the grass and pulled out all of the weeds. Finally, he took up his gardening and started _ 29 his hedges, making them look like flowers, plants, stones, balls, etc.

Attracted by the 30 , the neighbours walked by and admired the newly manicured ( # J) garden. Over some time, something interesting happened. One by one, the neighbours started to put in more _ 31 in their own gardens and the sounds of lawn mowers could be heard again. After a few months, the street was 32 from a dirty, unappealing collection of houses to a beautiful avenue that wouldn't be out of place in a stylish magazine.

One person's action showed everyone what could be achieved with a little _ 33 work. It's easy for us to _ 34 the environment around us because no one else cares about it. Remember what you positively do not only _ 35 yourself, but also results in a change to the whole world.

21. A. taking over B. dying out C. giving in D. falling off
22. A. tidy B. delicate C. familiar D. awful
23. A. gardens B. doors C. roofs D. farms
24. A. purchase B. guard C. clear D. build
25. A. scarcely B. invisibly C. slightly D. equally
26. A. keep B. change C. reach D. defeat
27. A. proud B. casual C. neat D. selfless
28. A. settled B. stepped C. performed D. stood
29. A. planting B. picking C. watering D. shaping
30. A. office clerk B. fashion designer C. landscape gardener D. street cleaner
31. A. furniture B. staff C. effort D. heat
32. A. transformed B. moved C. enlarged D. passed
33. A. mental B. hard C. corporate D. optional
34. A. observe B. mind C. overlook D. pollute
35. A. traps B. benefits C. defends D. admires

IV.i101.515

One of the largest research libraries in the world, the British Library houses more than 170 million items. The library usually selects works based on 36. (they) popularity or by considering an item's value.

Recently, 16 Chinese online novels have been added to the 37. (collect) of the British Library, including Great Power, Heavy Industry, Good Spring Time, 38. The Wisdom of Great Song Dynasty.

39. (cover) themes of science fiction, history, reality and fantasy, these works are considered the classics of Chinese online literature from the past 20 years. Readers can check the information about the 16 books on the library's website, and borrow 40. (print) copies.

Good Spring Time 41. (focus) on Chinese porcelain culture, conveying a spirit that encourages people to fight against fate, and pictures women's independence, as well as the love and care among family members. Readers can see 42. splendid and elegant China through the tradition struggles and beauty described in the novel.

Great Power, Heavy Industry tells of how China's manufacturing industries have rapidly grown 43. (strong) in recent decades, and foreign readers can learn about the Chinese system and culture behind the country's swift 44. (economy) development. The author, 45. online pen name is Qicheng said, "I hope through this novel, overseas readers can experience the charm of Chinese culture."

V.40 - 15)

1nGeorge .

1.
2. #ri(City Park);
3.
1.80
2..

(#25 )

There I was stuck AGAIN. This was the same feeling that overwhelms me every year. But this year it was different, because if I failed this exam I would not graduate. I sat there, panicstricken, unable to move. Pressure crushed in on me. What if I could not go to high school? Would Dad and Mum kick me out of their house?

I took two deep breaths and looked up. I could see the teacher pacing up and down. The classroom was dead silent except for the clock. Tick Tock. Tick Tock. I checked the clock for the third time. Ten minutes left! I clenched (#'%) and unclenched my fist in an attempt to calm myself. Think! I told myself. I knew I could do this. My hand couldn't help trembling. Then I scribbled (tilF) the first few words that hit me.

"It isn't my fault ..'

I stared blankly at those words. At the corner of my eye, I could see my teacher walking towards me. She was checking on our progress! Dread built up within me. Then, I glanced at the four words again. Without any warning, my hand moved to write.

Hair on my arms stood as the teacher leaned in and started to read my work. I peered over to see my teacher's expression praying that my work had not brought in disappointment. To my astonishment, she displayed a clear satisfaction! That was good, wasn't it? I hurriedly looked down at my essay.

I skimmed it through. I felt proud. Now, there's something I was still worried about. I checked the clock. Two minutes left! I was still writing! I bit my lip, took a deep breath, and concentrated on writing. I heard the teacher leave. "There's one minute left. Please check your work," the teacher reminded us.

1.150 2. .

"One minute left?" I exclaimed.
A week later, the teacher handed the papers back to us.