1 . I signed up to volunteer at a local hospital last year. I knew the
On my first day, having been given a tour of the
But on the third day, everything
I introduced myself and
After David had gone to his
This
| A．presentation | B．grade | C．invitation | D．experience |
| A．community | B．fair | C．hospital | D．college |
| A．reminded | B．assigned | C．predicted | D．promised |
| A．deal | B．fight | C．voice | D．influence |
| A．occurred | B．changed | C．mattered | D．failed |
| A．road | B．shift | C．surgery | D．interview |
| A．recognize | B．doubt | C．join | D．know |
| A．complained | B．realized | C．explained | D．pretended |
| A．history | B．team | C．research | D．skill |
| A．trends | B．details | C．signals | D．excuses |
| A．appointment | B．celebration | C．achievement | D．gathering |
| A．understood | B．blamed | C．approached | D．monitored |
| A．amusing | B．disturbing | C．embarrassing | D．amazing |
| A．great | B．shocked | C．busy | D．annoyed |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| A．Delay. | B．Continue. | C．Stop. | D．Return. |
3 . When Alex Lin was 11 years old, he read an article about e-waste. The article said that people were dumping (倾倒) their e-waste in places it should never go. This was dangerous, the article said, because e-waste contains poisonous chemicals. These harmful substances can get into crops, animals, water supplies — and people.
“I was really worried,” Alex remembers. He showed the article to a few of his classmates. They were worried, too. “What if it’s happening here? We could be poisoning the environment and not even know it.”
“Maybe we can help,” Alex said. They made this their next project. First, they had to find out what the situation was in their town. So they sent out a survey. What they found amazed them: Of the people who answered the survey, only one in eight even knew what e-waste was, let alone how to properly dispose of (处理) it. One man had dug a huge hole in his backyard and dumped about 50 old Mac computers inside it.
Alex and his friends went into action. They advertised in the local newspaper, asking residents to bring their unwanted electronics to the school parking lot. The drive lasted two days, and they collected over 21,000 pounds of e-waste.
The next step was to set up a permanent e-waste drop-off center for the town and to find a company to recycle the waste. That was when Alex and his friends learned another scary fact about e-waste — some recycling companies don’t dispose of e-waste safely themselves. Instead, they ship it overseas to countries where local environmental laws are not enforced (施行) and kids their age work at picking apart and burning e-waste with no protection. After a while, these kids get very sick. “We checked carefully online to make sure the company we chose didn’t do this,” Alex says.
Because of the work of people like Alex and his team, more and more people are getting the message about safe disposal of e-waste.
1. What concerned Alex and his classmates?| A．Their town was polluted on purpose. |
| B．People were ignorant of e-waste in their town. |
| C．Many good electronic devices were thrown away. |
| D．There were many low-quality electronic devices. |
| A．Comforting. | B．Amusing. | C．Misleading. | D．Alarming. |
| A．To find a safe e-waste disposal method. | B．To learn more about the danger of e-waste. |
| C．To select a responsible recycling company. | D．To interpret international environmental laws. |
| A．We might make a difference if we care. | B．We can start small but should dream big. |
| C．We should respect the wisdom of crowds. | D．We should borrow nothing from tomorrow. |
4 . Upcoming Events in California
PAW PatrolThe 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 14Location: 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 2Location: 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 8Location: 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 21Location: 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. |
| A．Centennial Farm. | B．California Science Center. |
| C．Discovery Cube Los Angeles. | D．Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts. |
| A．Watch a great magic show. | B．See a milking demonstration. |
| C．Learn some farming methods. | D．Carry out fun rescue missions. |
5 . 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
She
Dave
He stood in the checkout
He thanked Dave wholeheartedly and left the store, carrying not just groceries but a moment of
| A．plan | B．experience | C．style | D．movement |
| A．regular | B．unique | C．random | D．specific |
| A．suggested | B．revealed | C．insisted | D．referred |
| A．afraid | B．confident | C．full | D．uncertain |
| A．schedule | B．solution | C．gesture | D．strategy |
| A．felt | B．noticed | C．kept | D．left |
| A．Initially | B．Hurriedly | C．Excitedly | D．Absolutely |
| A．adventures | B．investments | C．hesitations | D．struggles |
| A．path | B．point | C．line | D．corner |
| A．cared for | B．insisted on | C．thought of | D．gave up |
| A．basket | B．store | C．vehicle | D．hand |
| A．needed | B．provided | C．expected | D．ignored |
| A．remarked | B．regretted | C．judged | D．required |
| A．creative | B．calm | C．positive | D．evident |
| A．curiosity | B．kindness | C．generosity | D．ambition |
6 . 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. |
| A．More stylish. | B．More flexible. | C．More intelligent. | D．More suitable. |
| 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. |
| 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 |
7 . 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. |
| A．Pure gray. | B．White only on the bottom. |
| C．Gray on the top. | D．Pure white. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
8 . The morning commute(通勤)is never fun, but if you pass through Stevenage on your way to work, your morning might be a little brighter thanks to Nala the cat.
Dragging yourself out of bed in the morning and off to work is hard, especially on dark winter mornings. You might be a little more inclined to head out of the house with a spring in your step if your commute started at Stevenage Station, where you’d be greeted by a ginger cat called Nala.
Usually found sitting on a ticket gate, four-year-old Nala lives close to the station with her owner Natasha Ambler, and often heads to station at rush hour to enjoy attention from commuters. Ambler created a social media page called The Adventures of Nala where hundreds of people have shared photos of the adventurous cat.
Recent photos include Nala waiting in line for her “cat-purr-ccino” at Costa, snoozing(打盹)on newspaper stands and posing with commuters at the station barriers.
Nala wears a GPS tracking device so that her travels can be traced, and is usually found at the railway station or the next door leisure park. As well as the usual collar with her name and owner’s contact information, Nala wears a tag to let people know that she’s not lost.
Ambler reported that she’s not worried about Nala in the slightest: She’s obviously well-loved and she’s very happy doing what she does—I just hope one day she doesn’t actually try to get on a train.
Nala brings a ray of joy to Stevenage commuters with her playful antics. Her presence not only brightens mornings but also fosters a sense of community, as evidenced by the shared photos and interactions on social media. Her owner’s care and Nala’s adventurous spirit ensure that she’s a beloved and safe addition to the station environment.
1. What is morning commute usually like?| A．Anything but fun. | B．A little bit common. |
| C．Kind of pleasant. | D．Somewhat interesting. |
| A．Her owner’s love for her. |
| B．Her desire to entertain commuters. |
| C．The short distance from the station. |
| D．Her preference for the ticket gate. |
| A．By following Nala all the way. |
| B．By using a positioning device. |
| C．By attaching a tag to Nala’s neck. |
| D．By posting her contact information on line. |
| A．Concerned. | B．Contradictory. |
| C．Opposed. | D．Relieved. |
9 . It’s time to put your worries aside and pack your bags for some of the top most relaxing places for holidays for 2024.
KosRelaxing 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.
LanzaroteThe 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.
CorfuAs 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.
RovinjFor 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. |
| A．Kos. | B．Lanzarote. |
| C．Corfu. | D．Rovinj. |
| 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. |
10 . Family Vacations in Hawaii
Whether your interests are history, native cultures, hiking, water sports, or simply relaxing in the sun, Hawaii has abundant choices to keep you and your family entertained.
Waikiki BeachThis famous two-mile stretch of sand is home to scores of family-friendly beach hotels and all kinds of action-packed excitement. Waikiki Beach is the perfect place to go if you’re looking for warm ocean water and golden beaches. Kids will enjoy walking along the beach, stopping for shaved ice or an ice cream and taking a dip in a safe area of the ocean.
Oahu’s North ShoreSome of the tallest ocean waves in the world are found at Oahu, Hawaii’s North Shore coastline during the winter months. These crashing walls of water are born for surfing and offer one of the best free shows on the islands. The North Shore is home to world-class surf contests, attracting the world’s top surfers.
Polynesian Cultural CenterNothing appeals to the whole family like Hawaiian past coming alive. Besides, the colorful costumes, lively songs, and traditional dances in the Pacific region are presented here. You’ll see customs of Fiji, New Zealand, Marquesas, Samoa, Tahiti, Tonga, and Hawaii all represented in Polynesian Cultural Center’s re-created island villages, which is decorated with palm trees and tropical gardens.
Waimea Canyon (峡谷) State ParkMore than 3,500 feet deep, this landmark on Hawaii’s island of Kauai is the largest canyon in the Pacific. Unlike Grand Canyon, plentiful rain keeps Waimea Canyon and its surrounding area thick with vegetation (植被), and visitors are frequently treated to the sight of vivid rainbows. It offers a great canyon view and a covered picnic area.
1. What makes Oahu’s North Shore known to the world?| A．Its best free cultural shows. | B．Its family-friendly beach hotels. |
| C．Having the tallest coastline. | D．Being a perfect place for surfing. |
| A．Waikiki Beach. | B．Oahu’s North Shore. |
| C．Polynesian Cultural Center. | D．Waimea Canyon State Park. |
| A．It has a covered picnic area. | B．It has a depth of over 3,500 feet. |
| C．It’s rich in plants and rainfall. | D．It owns a unique kind of vegetation. |
