1 . I signed up to volunteer at a local hospital last year. I knew the ________ would look good on my college applications.

On my first day, having been given a tour of the ________ and a tablet with maps and basic information, I was ________ to answer questions that came my way. I sent a few visitors in the wrong direction, but I did my best. It wasn’t a big ________ , and my second day there was much the same.

But on the third day, everything ________. I was in the middle of my ________ when I noticed a wheelchair speeding in my direction. The young boy sitting in it asked, “Who are you? You’re in my hospital and I don’t even ________ you!”

I introduced myself and ________ that I was new. David’s parents told me that he was there for his weekly check-up. David began to tell me about his medical ________, his favourite football player and other ________ of his life.

After David had gone to his ________ , one of the administrators ________ me and said, “That was ________. You were a different person when you were talking to him!” “We needed volunteers to work in the children’s department. And I think you’d be ________ at it,” she added.

This ________ my becoming a regular in the children’s department, and also to my decision to study medicine at university and become a paediatrician (儿科医生).

1.

A．presentation

B．grade

C．invitation

D．experience

2.

A．community

B．fair

C．hospital

D．college

3.

A．reminded

B．assigned

C．predicted

D．promised

4.

A．deal

B．fight

C．voice

D．influence

5.

A．occurred

B．changed

C．mattered

D．failed

6.

A．road

B．shift

C．surgery

D．interview

7.

A．recognize

B．doubt

C．join

D．know

8.

A．complained

B．realized

C．explained

D．pretended

9.

A．history

B．team

C．research

D．skill

10.

A．trends

B．details

C．signals

D．excuses

11.

A．appointment

B．celebration

C．achievement

D．gathering

12.

A．understood

B．blamed

C．approached

D．monitored

13.

A．amusing

B．disturbing

C．embarrassing

D．amazing

14.

A．great

B．shocked

C．busy

D．annoyed

15.

A．belonged to

B．lived up to

C．gave way to

D．led to

2 . The Planting Hope Company Inc. has introduced a new kind of sesame (芝麻) milk to the market. The company has termed its new product as the world’s most planet-friendly and nutritious plant-based milk.

The milk is produced from sesame seeds, a development that has been made possible by the company. For over five years, Planting Hope has invested in the development of the product, which is now taking the vegan milk market by storm.

“Planting Hope has brought important breakthrough innovation to plant-based milk, opening a whole new category, sesame milk, that unlocks the good nutrition of the extremely sustainable and planet-friendly sesame seed,” said Julia Stamberger, CEO and cofounder of Planting Hope. “We’re very excited to bring our innovative sesame milk line, in our eye-grabbing, colorful new packaging, to Canadian consumers.”

Sesame milk is not the first plant-based milk product in the world. The plant-based milk market is currently worth $38.9 billion globally. According to Data Bridge, plant-based milk’s market value is 7.7 times larger than that of plant-based meat.

One of the main factors driving demand for plant-based milk is intolerance to dairy milk (牛奶). Almost 70% of the world’s population is intolerant to dairy proteins. Besides the concern about allergic (过敏的) proteins, there is concern about greenhouse pollution. Raising livestock (牲畜) contributes heavily to greenhouse gases like methane and CO₂. This has seen more people shifting to plant-based alternatives.

On the other hand, the journey to plant-based milk is not all plain sailing. Some types of plant-based milk such as almond (杏仁) milk have been found to be equally stressful to the planet. Almond farming uses plenty of water and harms bee populations. However, more friendly milk options such as sesame are now popping up.

With rising consumer awareness about climate change, the growth of the sesame milk market is unlikely to desist. In addition, it is important that the globe finds the type of plant-based milk that offers value without serious disadvantages.

1. What is one selling point of Planting Hope’s sesame milk?

A．It is incredibly rich in nutrition.	B．It is easily affordable to customers.
C．It is packaged with planet-friendly materials.	D．It is the world’s first plant-based milk product.

2. What is the fifth paragraph mainly about?

A．The popularity of dairy milk.	B．The huge market for plant-based milk.
C．The public concern about raising livestock.	D．The reasons behind the rise of plant-based milk.

3. What advantage does sesame milk have over almond milk?

A．It is easier to produce.	B．It is more eco-friendly.
C．It is more delicious.	D．It is less likely to cause allergies.

4. Which of the following best explains the word “desist” underlined in the last paragraph?

A．Delay.

B．Continue.

C．Stop.

D．Return.

3 . Upcoming Events in California

PAW Patrol

The heroic PAW Patrol dogs need your help in Adventure Bay! Based on the hit preschool series PAW Patrol, this interactive exhibit gives visitors an opportunity to run rescue missions and work together to overcome challenges. The hands-on exhibit is a fun way for the whole family to learn bravery and heroism with exciting stories.

Dates: January 28～May 14
Location: Discovery Cube Los Angeles
Cost: $10
Maya: the Exhibition

The exhibition features over 250 authentic artifacts (真品) highlighting the ancient Maya civilization. Through priceless artifacts and hands-on exhibits, visitors can discover how the ancient Maya built and sustained complex cities in the heart of the rainforest.

Dates: January 15～March 2
Location: California Science Center
Cost: $7
Centennial Farm Discovery Days

Centennial Farm Discovery Days is an unguided tour program and open to all grade levels and ages. During a discovery day, “farmers” are stationed around the farm available to answer questions and provide information. There are also opportunities for children to pet a chick, plant a seed and see a milking demonstration.

Dates: June 1～November 8
Location: Centennial Farm
Cost: $50
It’s Magic!

It’s Magic! features an all-new cast of award-winning performers from around the globe, ready to leave audiences speechless with excellent stage tricks, comedy and variety acts. “It’s the best magic show in town!” cheers the Los Angeles Times.

Date: May 21
Location: Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts
Cost: $75
1. Which event helps people understand courage?

A．PAW Patrol.	B．It’s Magic!
C．Maya: the Exhibition.	D．Centennial Farm Discovery Days.

2. Where should you go if you’re interested in ancient civilization?

A．Centennial Farm.	B．California Science Center.
C．Discovery Cube Los Angeles.	D．Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts.

3. What can people do in the most expensive event?

A．Watch a great magic show.	B．See a milking demonstration.
C．Learn some farming methods.	D．Carry out fun rescue missions.

4 . Dave Hall led Surprise Squad, an organization to bring surprise to those in need, on a mission to spread joy at a local Albertsons store. Their _________ was simple yet influential: to pay for the groceries of _________ customers. Among the customers was Stephanie, a disabled veteran(退伍军人)who relied on her wheelchair.

She _________ to Dave that she was shopping for food for herself and her dogs. She was down to her last $50,_________ of how she would manage after that. Dave, thrilled to help, paid for all her groceries, a _________ that left Stephanie extremely grateful.

Dave _________ a man standing beside Stephanie. _________ mistaken for her husband, Larry turned out to be a friend of Stephanie’s husband and a fellow veteran. Despite his own financial _________, Larry was determined to support Stephanie.

He stood in the checkout _________ with just a bottle of dish soap and a piece of candy—all he could afford. Dave, moved by Larry’s situation, __________ buying him groceries. Larry’s eyes were filled with tears as Dave accompanied Larry back into the shelves, filling a __________ with food and toiletries(洗漱用品), far more than Larry had __________that day. As they finished checking out, Larry __________ that he had never spent so much on groceries before. The gratitude and emotion on his face were __________.

He thanked Dave wholeheartedly and left the store, carrying not just groceries but a moment of __________ that would never fade.

1.

A．plan

B．experience

C．style

D．movement

2.

A．regular

B．unique

C．random

D．specific

3.

A．suggested

B．revealed

C．insisted

D．referred

4.

A．afraid

B．confident

C．full

D．uncertain

5.

A．schedule

B．solution

C．gesture

D．strategy

6.

A．felt

B．noticed

C．kept

D．left

7.

A．Initially

B．Hurriedly

C．Excitedly

D．Absolutely

8.

A．adventures

B．investments

C．hesitations

D．struggles

9.

A．path

B．point

C．line

D．corner

10.

A．cared for

B．insisted on

C．thought of

D．gave up

11.

A．basket

B．store

C．vehicle

D．hand

12.

A．needed

B．provided

C．expected

D．ignored

13.

A．remarked

B．regretted

C．judged

D．required

14.

A．creative

B．calm

C．positive

D．evident

15.

A．curiosity

B．kindness

C．generosity

D．ambition

5 . Compared to robots, human bodies are flexible, capable of fine movements, and can change energy efficiently into movement. Drawing inspiration from human gait, researchers from Japan crafted a two-legged biohybrid robot by combining muscle tissues and artificial materials. This method allows the robot to walk and pivot.

“Research on biohybrid robots, which are a mix of biology and mechanics, is recently attracting attention as a new field of robotics featuring biological function,” says corresponding author Shoji Takeuchi of the University of Tokyo, Japan. “Using muscles as actuators allows us to build a compact robot and achieve efficient, silent movements with a soft touch.”

The research team’s two-legged robot, an innovative bipedal design, builds on the legacy of biohybrid robots that take advantage of muscles. Muscle tissues have driven biohybrid robots to crawl and swim straight forward and make turns—but not sharp ones. Yet, being able to pivot and make sharp turns is an essential feature for robots to avoid obstacles.

To build a nimbler robot with fine and delicate movements, the researchers designed a biohybrid robot that copies human gait and operates in water. By alternating the electric stimulation between the left and right leg every 5 seconds, the biohybrid robot successfully “walked” at the speed of 5.4m m/min(0.002 mph). To turn, researchers repeatedly zapped the right leg every 5 seconds while the left leg served as an anchor.

The robot made a 90-degree left turn in 62 seconds. The findings showed that the muscle-driven bipedal robot can walk, stop, and make fine-tuned turning motions.

“Currently, we are manually moving a pair of electrodes to apply an electric field individually to the legs, which takes time,” says Takeuchi. “In the future, by integrating the electrodes into the robot, we expect to increase the speed more efficiently.

The team also plans to give joints and thicker muscle tissues to the bipedal robot to enable more complicated and powerful movements.

1. What is the weakness of a robot?

A．Awkward to move.	B．Complex to operate.
C．Tough to control.	D．Easy to lose energy.

2. What does the underlined word “nimbler” in paragraph 4 mean?

A．More stylish.

B．More flexible.

C．More intelligent.

D．More suitable.

3. What will the team do next?

A．Add more power to the bipedal robot.	B．Expand the use of the bipedal robot.
C．Better the bipedal robot’s movements.	D．Apply an electric field to the bipedal robot.

4. What is a suitable title for the text?

A．Biohybrid robots are a mix of biology and mechanics

B．Human bodies are flexible, capable of fine movements

C．Making sharp turns is essential for robots to avoid obstacles

D．Scientists designed a two-legged robot powered by muscle tissues

6 . Great whites, the largest predatory(捕食性的)sharks in the world with the most fatal attacks on humans, are tough to imagine as newborn babies. That is partially because no one has seen one in the wild, it seems, until now.

Wildlife filmmaker Carlos Gauna and UC Riverside biology doctoral student Phillip Sternes were scanning the waters for sharks on July 9, 2023, near Santa Barbara on California’s central coast. That day, something exciting appeared on the viewfinder of Gauna’s drone camera. It was a shark pup(幼崽)unlike any they’d ever seen.

“We enlarged the images, put them in slow motion, and realized the white layer was being shed(脱落)from the body as it was swimming,” Sternes said. “I believe it was a newborn white shark shedding its embryonic layer.”

These observations are documented in a new paper in the Environmental Biology of Fishes journal. What Gauna and Sternes observed could help solve the longstanding mystery of great white birthing habits. This may well be the first evidence we have of a pup in the wild. Great whites, referred to only as white sharks by scientists, are gray on the top and white on the bottom. But this roughly 5-foot-long shark was pure white.

Though the paper authors acknowledge it is possible that the white layer the shark shed could have been a skin condition, the two believe what they saw was in fact a newborn great white. First, great white females give birth to live pups. A second reason is the presence of large, likely pregnant great whites in this location. Finally, this location off the coast of central California has long been proposed as a birthing location for great whites. Many scholars believe great whites are born farther out at sea.

Great whites are listed as an international endangered species. “Further research is needed to confirm these waters are indeed a great white breeding ground. But if it does, we would want lawmakers to step in and protect these waters to help white sharks keep thriving,” Sternes said.

1. What do we know about what appeared on Carlo s Gauna’s camera?

A．It is rare in the world.	B．It is tough to identify.
C．It is not open to the public.	D．It is unbelievable to scientists.

2. What does the white shark pup look like?

A．Pure gray.	B．White only on the bottom.
C．Gray on the top.	D．Pure white.

3. What is paragraph 5 mainly about?

A．How great white females give birth to pups.

B．How the authors prove they saw a baby shark.

C．Why the authors believe they saw a newborn shark pup.

D．Why the authors think the white layer is a skin condition.

4. What does Sternes hope for if their assumption is confirmed?

A．Helping white sharks to stop breeding.

B．Using laws to protect shark pups and their habitats.

C．Listing white sharks as endangered species.

D．Further study to confirm white sharks breeding waters.

7 . It’s time to put your worries aside and pack your bags for some of the top most relaxing places for holidays for 2024.

Kos

Relaxing holidays in Kos are all about blending soft sand beaches, sparkling water, lush green interiors, and history hunting. The coast is perfect for long leisurely walks on the beach, sunbathing in the Greek sunshine, and wallowing in the warm water. History buffs are in for a treat with some of the best historic architecture in Greece. Kos is home to abundant Roman ruins and a 15th-century castle that is ideal for an afternoon of exploring.

Lanzarote

The vast untouched landscape has made Lanzarote one of the most popular holiday destinations because it is truly somewhere you can relax in peace, with nothing but soft sandy beaches and the ideal water for first-time ocean swimmers. Family holidays to Lanzarote are as accommodating as parents could wish for, offering a host of fantastic family-friendly fun for all ages.

Corfu

As the greenest of the Greek islands, you’re in for a treat with over two million olive trees, rolling green hills, and pine forests that blanket the island in emerald beauty. Finding the perfect mix of history hunting, nature exploration, and relaxation is all within reach on a luxury Corfu holiday. The old towns, harbours, and traditional hostels will have you relax and enjoy the best of the Greek islands in no time.

Rovinj

For a cultural holiday filled with exquisite architecture, national parks with untouched natural wonders, and long stretches of coastline, look no further than holidays in Rovinj. Located in the north of Croatia, Rovinj offers some of the best opportunities to explore the unique and moving culture. The town is home to narrow cobbled streets overlooking the ocean, with shops, galleries, and restaurants dotted throughout, bringing you the best of Croatia.

1. What can visitors do at Kos?

A．Visit art galleries.	B．Enjoy family-friendly fun.
C．Walk in national parks.	D．Admire historic architecture.

2. Which of the following is most suitable for parents with children?

A．Kos.	B．Lanzarote.
C．Corfu.	D．Rovinj.

3. What do the four destinations have in common?

A．They all have sea view.

B．They all have old castles.

C．They all belong to the same country.

D．They all have untouched landscape.

8 . For generations, Nafisa Bayniyazova and her family have made a living growing melons, pumpkins and tomatoes on farms around the Aral Sea. Bayniyazova, 50, has spent most of her life near Muynak, in northwestern Uzbekistan, tending the land. Farm life was sometimes difficult but generally reliable and productive.

Now, Bayniyazova and other residents say they’re facing a disaster they can’t beat: climate change, which is speeding up the decades-long disappearance of the Aral, once the lifeblood for the thousands living around it.

Decades ago, deep blue and filled with fish, the Aral was one of the world’s largest inland bodies of water. Thousands of migrants from across Asia and Europe moved to the Aral’s shores for jobs popping up everywhere from canning factories to luxury vacation resorts. Today, the few remaining towns sit quiet along the former seabed of the Aral—technically classified as a lake, due to its lack of a direct outlet to the ocean, though residents and officials call it a sea.

Much of its early disappearance is due to human engineering and agricultural projects gone wrong, now paired with climate change. Summers are hotter and longer; winters, shorter and bitterly cold.

Without the moderating influence of a large body of water to regulate the climate, dust storms began to blow through towns. Strong winds caused dunes (沙丘) to swallow entire towns, and abandoned buildings were filled with sand. A dozen fish species went extinct, and businesses closed down. “The fish factories closed, the ships were stuck in the harbor, and the workers all left,” said Madi Zhasekenov, former director of the Aral Sea Fisherman Museum in Aralsk, Kazakhstan. “It became only us locals.”

On her Uzbekistan farm, Bayniyazova’s family has dug an earthen well, hoping to hold on to the precious little water that’s left. “If there is no water, it will be very difficult for people to live,” Bayniyazova said. “Now people are barely surviving.” She doesn’t plan to leave her farm but yet knows more hardships are likely ahead.

1. How is paragraph 3 developed?

A．By reasoning.	B．By making comparison.
C．By experimenting.	D．By analyzing data.

2. What can be inferred from paragraph 5?

A．The number of fish in the Aral Sea is increasing.

B．Madi Zhasekenov feels hopeful about his future.

C．Local people around the Aral have lost their livelihoods.

D．Madi Zhasekenov has adapted to the changing climate.

3. How does Bayniyazova feel now?

A．Ashamed.

B．Worried.

C．Relieved.

D．Embarrassed.

4. What is the best title for the text?

A．The Importance of the Aral Sea

B．How to Deal With the Aral Sea Disaster

C．We Will Face the Challenge of Adapting to Climate Change

D．Climate Change Is Quickening the Disappearance of the Aral Sea

9 . With over 70% of the country blanketed in forest, Bhutan is rich in outdoor activities and charming villages that showcase a distinctive culture found nowhere else on the Earth. Here are our picks for the best places to add to your Bhutan traveling list.

Paro

Less than 10 minutes away from the airport, the historic riverside town of Paro is known for the National Museum, Rinpung Dzong and symbolic Tiger’s Nest Monastery. Wander along Paro’s streets and the Paro Weekend Market to explore shops and stands offering handmade souvenirs. When you’ve worked up an appetite, step into any restaurant for fresh, handmade momo dumplings.

Thimphu

In Bhutan’s capital city, spend the day creating your own stamps at the Bhutan Postal Museum, touring the massive Thimphu’s museums and watching policemen manually direct traffic(there are no traffic lights in the entire city). When the sun sets below the mountains, enjoy yourself at bars like Grey Area, a popular art bar with live music where you can shout “tashi delek!”, a Xizang’s expression for good luck and health.

Punakha

Beloved for riverside farms where cows eat among rice and pepper fields, Punakha is home to what is its most beautiful temple, which sits along the Punakha River. Punakha’s low altitude means it tends to be hotter and sunnier than nearby towns and districts, which means you’ll need to take precautions to avoid sunburn.

Khoma

Fashion lovers can expect to visit behind the curtain in Bhutan’s textile center, Khoma. In the eastern district of Lhuentse, this village is home to roughly 1,000 residents—and few cars. Khoma’s artisans spend their days weaving delicate patterns and designs on traditional Bhutanese looms (织布机), creating colors from the area’s minerals and plants.

1. What is recommended for visitors traveling in Thimphu?

A．Acting as a policeman.	B．Enjoying the nightlife.
C．Purchasing ancient stamps.	D．Trying handmade dumplings.

2. What should visitors carry while traveling in Punakha?

A．Food.

B．Life jackets.

C．Sunblock.

D．Warming clothing.

3. Which attraction best suits tourists who are interested in traditional crafts?

A．Paro.

B．Thimphu.

C．Punakha.

D．Khoma.

10 . On little Connor Crites’s very first day at elementary school, something unbelievable happened. The young boy, who has autism (孤独症), found the ________ school day unbearable. Connor, feeling distressed, curled up (蜷缩) in a ________, shedding tears instead of communicating with others. ________, the day took an unexpectedly heartwarming turn, making Connor ________ the school with confidence, all thanks to a newfound friend.

The friend was Christian Moore, a second-grade student with a ________ heart. Christian noticed Connor’s struggle, so he ________ the teary-eyed youngster and offered him ________. With his compassionate gesture, Christian took Connor’s hand and led the way into the ________. Right there and then, the bond between them formed ________ and turned them into best friends.

Christian’s mom, Courtney, witnessed the ________ scene and was deeply moved by her son’s act of kindness. She captured the heartwarming ________ in a photograph. Touched by the gesture, she shared the picture on the social media with high hopes of ________ others, especially kids.

This heartwarming incident is a perfect ________ that extends beyond Connor and Christian. It ________ a good lesson for everyone. The story of the two young friends is a perfect example of kindness, teaching us that compassion knows no ________.

1.

A．initial

B．special

C．regular

D．national

2.

A．shelter

B．room

C．corner

D．gym

3.

A．Otherwise

B．However

C．Therefore

D．Instead

4.

A．analyse

B．preserve

C．quit

D．enter

5.

A．delicate

B．strong

C．kind

D．normal

6.

A．adopted

B．approached

C．found

D．resisted

7.

A．comfort

B．confidence

C．generosity

D．solution

8.

A．avenue

B．street

C．future

D．school

9.

A．officially

B．frequently

C．instantly

D．creatively

10.

A．satisfying

B．touching

C．annoying

D．thrilling

11.

A．encounter

B．honour

C．effect

D．context

12.

A．striking

B．relating

C．inspiring

D．attracting

13.

A．lesson

B．behavior

C．judgement

D．chance

14.

A．points out

B．accounts for

C．refers to

D．serves as

15.

A．symbols

B．boundaries

C．factors

D．systems