1 . The Yellow River is the cradle (摇篮) of China’s civilization. And flood control and prevention have always been key to the well-being of the people living along it. Now, scientists can better work on these issues by giving the river a digital twin.
The digital twin of the Yellow River uses various technologies, including big data, artificial intelligence, and the internet of things. Devices set up along the river collect and transmit information to the command center. Based on the information, a 3D model of the river is presented on the computer screen. It’s like the Yellow River has a twin that reflects its real conditions.
One big breakthrough in the river’s digital governance (管理) is “smart stones”. According to Wang Qin, a lead researcher at the Information Center of Yellow River Henan Bureau, a smart stone is a water-proof stone-shaped device with chips, a battery, and a signal transmitter (尤指电台或电视信号的发射机). They are buried in important dike (堤坝) locations to record and report the movement of dike stones. “Upon feeling movement of the dike stones, the smart stone sends an alarm to the command center for quick response,” Wang said.
“In the past, researchers had to learn the conditions of the dike on the spot by themselves, putting their lives at risk,” said Zhao Xiaoxiong from the bureau. “Now the smart stones can do this for us, more safely, quickly, and accurately.”And in the sky, drones are flying. On the routes designed by engineers, the drones become expert patrollers (巡逻员) of the river, looking at its dikes and flood prevention projects. According to Shen Lin from the Yellow River Conservancy Commission, thanks to the drones, researchers at the command center can get first-hand photos and information. “Researchers then update the 3D model according to the changes the drones reported. The newly updated model helps us test our floodwater release plans (泄洪计划) in case we need to batten down the hatches,” said Shen.
Under the water and up in the sky, intelligent systems are helping to protect the Yellow River Basin on all fronts. According to the Ministry of Water Resources, in the future, we can expect to see the construction of an even more comprehensive digital system for this important river.
1. What is the main purpose of creating a digital twin of the Yellow River?| A．To study the wildlife in the Yellow River. |
| B．To raise public awareness of river protection. |
| C．To improve flood control and prevention efforts. |
| D．To provide a virtual reality experience of the river. |
| A．They record water quality. | B．They enhance the river’s beauty. |
| C．They monitor and report dike movements. | D．They serve as markets for important locations. |
| A．Providing entertainment for the people living along the river. |
| B．Collecting data to update a 3D model for flood management. |
| C．Transporting researchers to remote locations along the river |
| D．Patrolling and getting first-hand wildlife photos. |
| A．To update the 3D model for accuracy. | B．To prepare for a potential flood event. |
| C．To strengthen the riverbanks and dikes. | D．To increase drone monitoring over the river. |
| A．The cultural and historical importance of the Yellow River. |
| B．The future plans for improving the Yellow River’s construction. |
| C．The use of smart stones and drones for flood control and monitoring. |
| D．The development of a digital system for the Yellow River’s management. |
2 . Emily Bhatnagar’s love for books runs deep. “Growing up, I was really shy, so I always
In 2019, when Bhatnagar was in her second year of high school, her dad was diagnosed (诊断) with cancer. The news was
When her father recovered, she
ln her hometown, Gaithersburg, Maryland, Bhatnagar started a book drive (图书捐赠活动)
Bhatnagar had no idea how much
“I was
Bhatnagar has contributed books to several places, including The Children’s Inn at the National Institutes of Health, where Aisha Campbell serves as the director of resident services and family programs. Campbell notes, “
Bhatnagar continues to
| A．turned to | B．turned away | C．turned over | D．turned into |
| A．suitable | B．necessary | C．convenient | D．difficult |
| A．budget | B．comfort | C．prize | D．joke |
| A．opinions | B．destinations | C．functions | D．situations |
| A．lived up to | B．ran out of | C．came up with | D．spoke highly of |
| A．magic | B．effort | C．power | D．art |
| A．enjoying | B．moving | C．facing | D．accepting |
| A．painted | B．named | C．fixed | D．spoken |
| A．treated | B．behaved | C．considered | D．persuaded |
| A．devoted | B．quitted | C．released | D．desired |
| A．attention | B．fame | C．praise | D．signal |
| A．texting | B．posting | C．existing | D．attracting |
| A．life | B．area | C．bookstore | D．continent |
| A．engaging | B．requesting | C．admitting | D．expecting |
| A．regularly | B．worriedly | C．eagerly | D．originally |
| A．Discoveries | B．Instructions | C．Donations | D．Arrangements |
| A．instead of | B．due to | C．apart from | D．as for |
| A．live | B．take | C．catch | D．run |
| A．reach | B．interview | C．hurt | D．interpret |
| A．suggested | B．imagined | C．impressed | D．answered |
3 . In his senior year of high school, Wei Fangjie happened to see a poster for recruiting (招聘) PLA Air Force pilots. “The pilots on the poster looked really cool, and I got to know that a pilot is known as a profession of the brave. So, I decided to give it a try,” said Wei, 26, who now works as a flight instructor (教员) at the Air Force Aviation University (中国人民解放军空军航空大学).
In 2015, Wei was admitted into the Air Eorce Aviation University and became an Air Force pilot student.
According to Wei, pilots need to not only study aviation theory but also practise difficult aerobatics (飞行特技) like rolls and loops (筋斗). These moves require strong resistance to g-forces. “To do a loop, a pilot has to bear about 3g of, load, which feels like three times their bodyweight pressing down on them,” said Wei. To build this resistance, they often do strength training like weighted squats (负重深蹲). They also use special equipment like a spinning ladder (旋梯) to overcome dizziness (头晕).
Despite all the training, becoming a top PLA Air Force pilot remains a tough job. “During flight pilots must carefully decide how to land, especially at night, and maintain position during formation flight,” explained Wei. He added that the key to these skills lies in continuous practice.
In the world of aviation, a balanced mindset and quick thinking are very important. One of Wei’s most unforgettable experiences was dealing with illusions (错觉) during a formation flight up above the clouds. All he could see in front of him was the lead aircraft and clouds. “I felt like I was turning all the time, but my instruments showed that my flight was level (水平的),” said Wei. “In such situations, trusting instruments is key to making sound decisions.”
But what always remains constant is the great sense of freedom and pride that Wei feels a she flies his aircraft in the sky and looks down at Earth from above. Now as an experienced flight instructor, Wei hopes to channel (倾注) his passion for aviation into the “training and development of a new generation of skilled pilots so as to contribute to the PLA Air Force’s combat readiness.”
1. Why did Wei Fangjie decide to become a PLA Air Force pilot?| A．Because of his deep interest in aviation technology. |
| B．Because of the advice from a high school career advisor. |
| C．Because he met a flight instructor at school and talked with him. |
| D．Because he saw a poster featuring the pilots and admired their bravery. |
| A．By flying with a spinning ladder. | B．By practising aerobatics. |
| C．By doing strength-building exercises. | D．By getting rid of dizziness. |
| A．Frequent training. | B．Quick thinking. | C．A balanced mindset. | D．Overcoming illusions. |
| A．Always listening to his inner voice. | B．Keeping clear-headed while flying. |
| C．Trusting instruments when feeling uncertain. | D．Relying on his teammates in challenging situations. |
| A．Flying his aircraft with a sense of freedom. |
| B．Training a new generation of skilled pilots. |
| C．Encouraging more young people to become pilots. |
| D．Contributing to the development of aviation theory. |
4 . I have had a lifelong passion for sewing (缝, 做针线活). When I was 7, my mother showed me how to stitch with a needle and thread, and it was my favorite pastime (休闲活动) when it was too cold and snowy to play outside. As a teenager, I began to design and sew my own outfits. I cut out paper patterns to construct dresses and skirts, and I’d sit at the old sewing machine for hours.
In my late 20s, my focus shifted towards giving new life to used clothes. I began to buy used clothes to upcycle (升级改造) and refashion. My favorite places to buy used clothes are thrift shops (旧货店). This pursuit wasn’t just about fashion; it was about storytelling through clothing.
About 10 years ago, when I was ripping out the silk lining (内衬) from a beautiful long blue evening dress, I stopped. There was a hidden pocket in the front that I failed to notice as I merrily ripped at the scams (接缝). I pulled out an old photo of a young woman wearing the very same blue evening dress. A long silver chain necklace hung gracefully down the front of the dress, and she was holding a black purse. She had a soft smile, and she looked to be in her early 20s. This moment was an awakening for me; it connected me to the unknown histories of the clothes I worked with.
Somebody else wore this dress many years ago. Who was she? Did she wear it to the theater? To a fancy dinner party? And I was now tearing it apart. I felt guilty. I mentioned my concerns and guilt to my daughter. She said, “Mom, you should be proud of your upcycling and your sewing creations. You are keeping clothes out of the landfill (垃圾填埋场), and you’re creating new fashions. Consider it a bonus (意外收获) if you find objects in the pockets. The clothes are talking to you!” Her words helped me see the value in my hobby, not just as a creative means of expressing but as a means of preserving stories and preventing waste.
I decided to pay respect to this upcycling discovery—and the many others I’ve found over the years—by displaying them on a bulletin board in my sewing room. These discoveries have made me enjoy refashioning and upcycling clothes even more. And this evolution in my sewing practice has not only enhanced my appreciation for the art of upcycling but has also deepened my connection to the past, making each stitch a bridge between generations.
1. What are the first two paragraphs mainly about?| A．The author’s deep interest in design. | B．The author’s mom’s influence on her. |
| C．The author’s growing love for sewing. | D．The author’s preference for used clothes. |
| A．To earn lots of money. | B．To follow fashion trends. |
| C．To learn new sewing techniques. | D．To preserve stories and reduce waste. |
| A．Excited. | B．Ashamed. | C．Confused. | D．Surprised. |
| A．It made her feel guilty. | B．It led her to take sewing classes. |
| C．It caused her to give up on sewing. | D．It made her appreciate her upcycling more. |
| A．By giving them to her daughter as gifts | B．By displaying them on a bulletin board. |
| C．By donating them to thrift shops. | D．By selling them online. |
5 . In an era where digital innovation is reshaping every aspect of our lives. the world of reading has not been left behind. A large number of apps have appeared to meet the diverse preferences of readers, each with its unique features and large collections of content.
※ Media 365Media 365 is a free reading app for Android that lets you read all of the books in its library. Authors can self-publish on the Media 365 platform, but there are also a large number of popular published books available, like the Harry Potter book series.
※ Hoopla DigitalCheck out the Hoopla Digital app, another excellent app making use of your kid’s library card. It’s great for all ages, giving kids the ability to borrow free digital eBooks, audiobooks, plus music and other media available (可获得的) in your local public library. It’s no wonder it’s one of the top 15 book apps in the App Store.
※ ComiXologyComiXology is one of the oldest and most popular services for reading comic books digitally. The ComiXology online store, now owned by Amazon, offers thousands of new and classic comic books from major publishers like Marvel, DC Comics, and Image Comics.
※ Literal: An Addictive ReaderWhat makes ‘Literal: An Addictive Reader’ such a cool reading app for young people aged 10 to 19 is that it offers both classic titles along with new er books and turns the format into something Gen Z. knows well: Group Chats. Kids can read books together with their friends in a book group, which is easy to use through the Literal app.
These apps not only make reading more accessible and convenient but also enrich the reading experience with features that appeal to different people and interests. As digital technology continues to advance, these apps lead the way in changing how we find, get, and enjoy books and media. This ensures that the excitement of reading remains strong in the digital age.
1. What is special about Media 365?| A．It is owned by Amazon. | B．It features classic books. |
| C．It is only available on iPhones. | D．It allows writers to self-publish their works. |
| A．By using a library card for borrowing digital media. |
| B．By providing a platform for purchasing new books. |
| C．By offering professional book editing services. |
| D．By charging for each eBook and audiobook. |
| A．Media365. | B．ComiXology. | C．Hoopla Digital. | D．Literal: An Addictive Reader. |
| A．It is the No. 1 app in the App Store. | B．It has a wide collection of audiobooks. |
| C．It supports reading books through group chats. | D．It offers free digital content with a library card. |
| A．To make reading easier and suit different likes. |
| B．To provide a platform for playing video games. |
| C．To focus on publishing and selling physical books. |
| D．To create social media platforms for book discussions. |
6 . Have you ever wondered why people often catch themselves singing while having a shower or making dinner? Or why karaoke has been popular since it appeared in the 1980s? We still have to understand a lot about the effects of music on our brain, but many studies already show it is good for our mind and our body alike.
The first reason you feel like singing along when o you listen to a song is that it makes you feel less lonely. Whether you are cycling home; doing your homework or cheering at your favourite pop star’s concert, singing is communication. It is like sharing a moment with the singer or the people around you. This is why babies often stop crying when they hear music and all children enjoy singing.
All types of singing can make you feel better, but group singing has the best effects on people’s lives. Singing in a group in front of a crowd builds confidence, which explains why joining a choir can decrease anxiety in depressed patients. When you sing, it’s nearly impossible to think about other things. Since you must focus on what you are doing, singing stops you being worried about stressful situations.
Singing can also improve speech development. Children learn to speak faster if they regularly sing from an early age and they are often better at communicating through language. When you sing, you need to remember words and tunes, so this activity is also an excellent way to learn a foreign language and make your pronunciation sound more natural.
You can also improve your physical health when you sing. Since you need to breathe properly, when you sing, you breathe out more carbon dioxide and take in more oxygen, which makes your body fitter and stronger against illnesses. So if you decide to take up a new hobby, singing could be the best way for you to have fun, make new friends and improve your health at the same time.
1. The first paragraph mainly says that________.| A．people prefer singing when they have a meal |
| B．singing can help us understand the brain better |
| C．we can improve our health when we sing |
| D．karaoke isn’t as popular as in the 1980s |
| A．It’s like being at the concert of your favourite singer. |
| B．It makes you feel connected to others. |
| C．You can learn a foreign language. |
| D．You may feel like a pop star. |
| A．It bothers you when you perform in a crowded building. |
| B．It makes you feel depressed in front of the audience. |
| C．It helps you solve everyday problems. |
| D．It enables you to feel more relaxed |
| A．increase their communication skills |
| B．take in more carbon dioxide |
| C．meet famous pop stars |
| D．spell words properly |
| A．It describes when people sing. |
| B．It introduces the types of singing. |
| C．It talks about the benefits of singing. |
| D．It explains why children should join a choir. |
7 . “Anything is possible at any age.” I got a deeper understanding of it when in college. On the first day of school we were challenged to get to know a new classmate. I was looking around
She said “Hi, handsome! I’m Rose. I’m 87 years old. Can I give you a hug?” I laughed and
“Why are you in college
“I’m here to meet a rich husband, get married, have children, and then travel around.” She jokingly replied.
“Seriously?” I asked. I was
“I always
We became
Over the year, Rose became a campus icon (偶像) and she easily made friends
At the end of the term, we
“We do not stop playing because we are old; we grow old because we
“There is a huge
One week after
| A．where | B．when | C．how | D．what |
| A．man | B．doctor | C．lady | D．colleague |
| A．heartily | B．literally | C．coldly | D．passively |
| A．to | B．at | C．on | D．in |
| A．worried | B．impatient | C．curious | D．sure |
| A．relied on | B．heard from | C．maxed out | D．dreamed of |
| A．friends | B．cousins | C．relations | D．enemies |
| A．whatever | B．however | C．wherever | D．whichever |
| A．division | B．adaptation | C．sympathy | D．attention |
| A．ordered | B．invited | C．warned | D．forced |
| A．forget | B．remember | C．practise | D．recommend |
| A．begin | B．start | C．stop | D．forbid |
| A．fact | B．welfare | C．security | D．dream |
| A．why | B．which | C．who | D．where |
| A．difficulty | B．difference | C．diversity | D．devotion |
| A．take | B．form | C．make | D．lose |
| A．competes | B．requires | C．challenges | D．deserves |
| A．so | B．and | C．but | D．because |
| A．education | B．occupation | C．realization | D．graduation |
| A．never | B．ever | C．even | D．neither |
8 . We are seeking volunteers to join our program and make a difference in the lives of young children by sharing the joy of reading. As we know, in the field of education, the ability to read fluently and comprehend written text holds the key to unlocking a world of knowledge and opportunities. For children between the ages of 5 and 10, this skill is particularly crucial, as it forms the foundation for their academic and personal growth.
An Hour a Week from You
You’ll spend one hour a week reading stories with a child aged 5 to 10 years, on our secure online platform. The program involves two 30-minute sessions a week with the same child, spanning six weeks. Our online volunteering can fit around your schedule and there’s no need to travel. We ask all our volunteers to complete at least three programs a year, so we can continue to support as many children as possible.
A World of Opportunity for Them
With just one hour of your time each week, you can make a profound difference in a child’s life, nurturing their love for reading and fostering (促进) their ability to navigate the vast ocean of written communication. In essence, you help young readers make progress and open up a world of opportunity for their future.
Remember: YOUR TIME, THEIR FUTURE
As a bookmark volunteer, you’ll:
**help children gain the reading skills they need to progress at school and in life.
**help boost a child’s confidence by giving them one-to-one attention.
**show that learning to read can be fun! It’s amazing when you introduce a young reader to a book, comic, or poem that they love.
Join our community! Join us on this incredible journey! Volunteers can share tips and stories on our online forum and meet like-minded people at the online events. Enrich your week. Taking time out of your day to read with a child can support your own well-being as you enjoy a new experience. Together, we can create a world where every child has the opportunity to succeed both in school and beyond.
1. What is the impact of the reading program on children’s future?| A．Enhancing their future career in literature. |
| B．Guaranteeing academic success in higher education. |
| C．Developing children’s preference for online learning. |
| D．Creating a foundation for learning and future success. |
| A．To ensure stable support for children. |
| B．To enhance volunteer experience. |
| C．To meet educational guidelines. |
| D．To reduce administrative tasks. |
| A．People hoping to improve reading skills. |
| B．People preferring one-to-one interactions. |
| C．People having a heart for helping others. |
| D．People needing support from communities. |
| A．Boosting children’s literacy and passion for reading. |
| B．Enhancing children’s overall academic performance. |
| C．Providing a platform for online social interactions. |
| D．Training children to become professional writers. |
| A．Improvement in professional skills. | B．Joy in assisting a child’s growth. |
| C．Free books and comics. | D．Financial rewards. |
9 . On a cool autumn day in Minnesota, hundreds of runners gathered at the starting line for a challenging cross-country race. Among them was an athlete named Amelia Anderson who became known for her determination and
As the race progressed, Amelia, more than two-thirds of the way through her
As reported by a local newspaper, Amelia took Isabella’s arm, trying to support her in
Once there, Isabella was quickly
After this extraordinary act of kindness towards Isabella, Amelia remained modest. She was more
In a world where competition is common, Andersod’s kind act
| A．sympathy | B．grace | C．concern | D．indifference |
| A．edge | B．limit | C．boundary | D．extent |
| A．at hand | B．in vain | C．in store | D．on duty |
| A．race | B．school | C．town | D．training |
| A．returned | B．approached | C．agreed | D．promised |
| A．falling | B．walking | C．putting | D．leaning |
| A．went away | B．stood up | C．stepped aside | D．bent down |
| A．firm | B．delicate | C．soft | D．ambitious |
| A．traditional | B．professional | C．international | D．additional |
| A．public | B．constant | C．medical | D．equal |
| A．interrupted | B．appreciated | C．identified | D．assessed |
| A．obvious | B．abstract | C．controversial | D．practical |
| A．fought | B．suffered | C．enjoyed | D．defended |
| A．worried | B．ashamed | C．confused | D．discouraged |
| A．game | B．problem | C．lesson | D．deal |
| A．leave | B．cure | C．bother | D．understand |
| A．overlooks | B．absorbs | C．fades | D．shines |
| A．crawling | B．crossing | C．staying | D．standing |
| A．immediately | B．finally | C．initially | D．subsequently |
| A．secret | B．benefit | C．display | D．exchange |
10 . In today’s digital age, where a vast ocean of information is just a click away, the question arises: can one learn too much? Given that no individual can grasp the entirety of human knowledge. However, there exists a phenomenon where excessive learning can lead to inaction, a state of being overwhelmed by too much information.
Consider a scenario where you’re eager to achieve a particular goal. You begin by conducting extensive research, diving deep into the subject. As you absorb more information, it paradoxically (矛盾地) feels like your understanding diminishes. Each new concept or strategy reveals further layers, making the goal seem more complex and out of reach.
This situation is a common trap: the endless pursuit of more information. Although gaining comprehensive knowledge is valuable, that is to say there’s nothing wrong with learning a lot, issues arise when this pursuit obstructs practical application. If learning continuously prevents you from starting, you’ll find yourself stuck, unable to achieve your desired outcomes.
An alternative and more effective approach to achieving goals is to strike a balance between learning and doing. Gather essential information, then transition into action swiftly, even if you feel somewhat unprepared. This is often the best way to learn, as hands-on experience provides insights that theoretical knowledge alone cannot.
The comparison with a baby learning to walk is a good example here. A baby doesn’t learn to walk by sitting and analyzing the process. Instead, it learns by attempting to walk, falling, and then understanding from each fall what works and what doesn’t. Through repeated effort, walking is eventually mastered. This method is applicable to goal achievement too. By engaging in action, learning from the outcomes, and adjusting accordingly, you gradually move closer to your goals.
In summary, while the pursuit of knowledge is valuable, it’s crucial not to let it become a barrier to action. Learning should be a stepping stone to doing, not an end in itself. It’s through the interplay of gathering knowledge and applying it that we can truly progress towards our aspirations. This balanced approach is key to overcoming the paralysis of overlearning and actively moving towards realizing your ambitions.
1. What problem does the digital age present in learning?| A．Too much information. | B．Learning to inaction. |
| C．Online distractions. | D．Technical issues. |
| A．The distraction caused by unrelated tasks. |
| B．The inability to find relevant information. |
| C．The confusion caused by the information. |
| D．The desire to learn basic concept or strategy. |
| A．It replaces continuous learning. |
| B．It is irrelevant in gaining knowledge. |
| C．It holds back theoretical understanding. |
| D．It offers a comprehensive understanding. |
| A．compare different learning styles |
| B．show the importance of making mistakes |
| C．emphasize the need for parental guidance |
| D．explain learning through action and experience |
| A．The Paradox of Information Overload | B．The Harmony of Learning and Doing |
| C．The Pursuit of Balanced Knowledge | D．The Process of Learning to Walk |
