1 . Andrea Speranza wanted to be a firefighter long before she had the right word for her wish. After one childhood adventure at a construction site ended with an iron nail embedded (嵌入) in her leg and an emergency call to the fire department, she found herself in awe. “As they gave me the medical treatment, I thought they could help everybody and do anything,” says the now 52-year-old.
In 2000, Andréa Speranza achieved her dream of becoming a firefighter joining the Halifax Regional Fire Service. Her job was exactly as satisfying as she imagined it would be, except for one thing: she still hadn’t seen another woman in her role — not in a magazine, not on television, not in real life. Speranza decided that she wanted to help young women see that they, too, could have a career like hers.
The result was Camp Courage, a program for girls aged 15 to 19 who want to learn more about firefighting. In 2006, Speranza and about 20 volunteers welcomed their first 17 participants, recruiting (招募) attendees through advertising in schools. Over the course of eight days, the girls discovered the ins and outs of being first. responders: learning how to put out fires, deliver first aid and even use the jaws of life (救生钳) on a car.
Camp Courage now runs one session every year in Halifax and is free to attend. To offset costs, Speranza and her fellow campers fundraise by holding everything from car washes to comedy nights. Hopeful campers must also submit an essay describing how they plan to help their community, or a specific individual in need. And they have to deliver on the plan—from building a bench for a senior at a bus stop to launching a local chapter of the Kids Help Phone.
Hundreds of girls have passed through Camp Courage, and 36 percent are doing exactly what 52-year-old Speranza hoped they would: working as first responders across the country. This past summer, the camp held its first session for young women in Halifax, as well as its first national camp in Calgary with plans to roll out more in 2023.
1. What do we know about Speranza?| A．She became a firefighter in her fifties. |
| B．She suffered great pain due to an accident! |
| C．She helped many young girls attend school. |
| D．She found her job as a firefighter undesirable. |
| A．Her family members’ advice. | B．Her unrealized ambitions. |
| C．Growing social demands. | D．Great lack of female firefighters. |
| A．Intellectual and humorous. | B．Courageous and inspiring. |
| C．Creative and influential. | D．Knowledgeable and ambitious. |
| A．Custom makes all things easy. |
| B．The early bird catches the worm. |
| C．Nothing is impossible for a willing heart. |
| D．A bird in the hand is worth than two in the bush. |
2 . In 2019, Costa Rica was named “Champion of the Earth”by the United Nations for its direct role in protecting nature and fighting climate change.
Over 98% of Costa Rica’s energy has come from renewable sources since 2014 and 70% of all public transport is expected to turn electric by 2035. Through a combination of protected areas, ecosystem services programs, and ecotourism, Costa Rica has successfully restored its forest cover from 26% in 1983 to over 52% in 2021—proving to the rest of the world that reversing forest destruction is possible with the right approach.
“Our sustainable tourism model has allowed us to seek and attract groups of travelers that recognize our differences and the quality of experiences in the country,” Costa Rica’s Tourism Minister Gustavo Segura Sancho said.
The country contains more than 6% of the world’s biodiversity despite covering only about 0.03% of the surface of the globe. Housing so much biological variety doesn’t just make Costa Riea a dream location for nature lovers, it also makes the country especially vulnerable (易受伤害的) to climate change.
“Despite being a small developing country, Costa Rica has decades of sustainable tourism efforts underway,” says Segura Sancho.“Our work involves the efforts of individuals and organizations throughout Costa Rica.”
The country’s tourism model was developed with three primary factors in mind: sustainability, innovation, and inclusiveness. Costa Rica’s tourist attractions focus on activities that respect the environment and offer travelers opportunities to reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to conservation and cultural heritage (遗产).
Focusing on long-term sustainability within the tourism industry involved a few risks, for example by making the country a bit more expensive to visit. Luckily, there is a growing tendency among international tourists to choose to consider destinations making an effort to conserve and protect natural resources. The country’s decades-long investment in sustainable tourism was a good one.
1. What does the underlined word “reversing” probably mean in paragraph 2?| A．Protecting something endangered. |
| B．Considering something as possible. |
| C．Making a situation more unfavorable. |
| D．Turning a trend the opposite way around. |
| A．An ease seeker. | B．A nature lover. |
| C．An adventure fan. | D．A fantasy enthusiast. |
| A．Tourist attractions in Costa Rica, |
| B．Guidelines for Costa Rica tourism. |
| C．Opportunities to explore Costa Rica. |
| D．Ways to protect Costa Rica’s cultural heritage. |
| A．Funding from the United Nations, |
| B．Growing speed of the country’s economy. |
| C．Tourists’ awareness of sustainable tourism. |
| D．Long-term investment from the government. |
3 . Hansen and his 10-year-old son Chase search the streets of Salt Lake City every weekend for the homeless to take to lunch. They started Project Empathy(共情)four years ago to
“Just start with a smile, a hello. It really just starts with that. If you do it, you can make a connection. A small gesture can have a
Some of these shared meals have turned into stronger
Father and son’s
“My hope for the future is to
| A．buy | B．cook | C．share | D．eat |
| A．often | B．further | C．also | D．even |
| A．dramatic | B．different | C．minimum | D．decisive |
| A．remarked | B．praised | C．joked | D．quoted |
| A．desires | B．connections | C．motivations | D．opinions |
| A．provided | B．permitted | C．abandoned | D．housed |
| A．through | B．for | C．despite | D．to |
| A．surprised | B．relaxed | C．awesome | D．calm |
| A．dreams | B．influences | C．experiences | D．efforts |
| A．assesses | B．compares | C．highlights | D．respects |
| A．importance | B．task | C．chance | D．role |
| A．argument | B．problem | C．debt | D．conflict |
| A．go away | B．catch on | C．fade out | D．give off |
| A．establish | B．miss | C．exchange | D．maintain |
| A．before | B．if | C．until | D．so |
4 . Tai chi, a traditional, slow-moving form of Chinese martial art, is known to increase flexibility and improve balance. Now, new research suggests it’s better than more energetic aerobic exercises (有氧运动) for lowering blood pressure in people with prehypertension (高血压前期). Prehypertension is considered a warning sign that heart disease may be ahead, and it raises the risk of having a heart attack.
The new findings, published in the journal JAMA Network Open, add to a large body of research pointing to health benefits from tai chi.
In the study, researchers in China randomly assigned 342 adults with prehypertension to one of two interventions. The average age of participants was 49. Roughly half the people participated in aerobic exercises, including jogging, climbing stairs, brisk walking and cycling. The other half was trained to practice tai chi. Both groups got hour-long sessions four times a week.
After 12 months, those in the tai chi group saw bigger drops in their blood pressure than those in the aerobic exercise group. What’s more, nearly 22% of the people who practiced tai chi saw their blood pressure fall to within normal range, compared with nearly 16% of people in the aerobic exercise group. And fewer patients in the tai chi group went on to develop hypertension than in the aerobic exercise group.
How does tai chi help lower blood pressure? The practice tends to cause more of a response from the parasympathetic nervous system (副交感神经系统), says Ruth Taylor-Piliae, a professor at the University of Arizona’s College of Nursing, who was not involved in the study. The parasympathetic nervous system is the network of nerves that relaxes your body after periods of stress or danger.
“I think the beauty of tai chi is that you don’t have to have a special gym membership or special clothing,” Taylor-Piliae says. “Once you learn tai chi, you can do it anytime, anyplace, anywhere. And it does kind of provide that calming, relaxing effect.”
1. What is Paragraph 3 mainly about?| A．The result of the research. | B．The process of the research. |
| C．The purpose of the research. | D．The application of the research. |
| A．By giving a definition. | B．By providing examples. |
| C．By making comparisons. | D．By presenting different opinions. |
| A．Supportive. | B．Doubtful. | C．Negative. | D．Unclear. |
| A．Tai chi Helps Relax Nervous People |
| B．Tai chi Helps People Prevent Prehypertension |
| C．Tai chi Plays a Crucial Role in Treating Patients |
| D．Tai chi Reduces Blood Pressure Better than Aerobic Exercise |
5 . I will never forget the adventure I had last summer. It all started when my friends and I decided to go on a camping trip deep in the forest. We were excited to
As we set up our tents, we noticed a strange sound coming from the trees.
After running for several minutes, we
Just when we thought things couldn’t get any worse, we heard another sound. This time it was a group of wolves howling in the distance. We knew we had to stay
The next morning, we decided to
We were so
The adventure taught me the importance of being prepared and staying calm in
| A．destroy | B．explore | C．restore | D．cross |
| A．Suddenly | B．Unfortunately | C．Obviously | D．Basically |
| A．wandering | B．pacing | C．hiking | D．charging |
| A．threw | B．released | C．seized | D．hatched |
| A．realized | B．sustained | C．tolerated | D．resolved |
| A．shelter | B．fire | C．house | D．blanket |
| A．blank | B．sensitive | C．violent | D．alert |
| A．come | B．kick | C．let | D．scare |
| A．follow | B．bridge | C．approach | D．jolt |
| A．recreation | B．harmony | C．civilization | D．neighborhood |
| A．took over | B．broke into | C．came across | D．went through |
| A．committed | B．relieved | C．refreshed | D．qualified |
| A．opportunities | B．jungles | C．moods | D．hardships |
| A．temporary | B．unpredictable | C．miserable | D．complicated |
| A．accused | B．informed | C．reminded | D．cured |
6 . Mickey Mouse welcomed visitors to his new home in China on June 16, 2016 as Disney opened its first theme park in the country.
The park, located in the city of Shanghai, opened with fireworks.
Joe Schott, president and general manager of Shanghai Disney Resort, said, “I can promise you that there is still so much left to be revealed, and I cannot wait to share it all with you in the months and years to come.”
Tens of thousands streamed into Shanghai Disneyland for its debut(问世), an event that was nearly two decades in the making. The $ 5.5 billion resort(度假胜地) covers 963 acres, but Disney has already begun expansion.
Company officials said they tried to reflect Chinese preferences in the new park.
“We didn’t build Disneyland in China, we built China’s Disneyland,” said Bob Iger, Disney’s chairman.
There’s a traditional Chinese tea house featuring local food. The Lion King performed in Mandarin for the first time, features the Monkey King and characters dressed in Chinese opera garb(服装)to appeal to an Asian audience.
In the castle, guests not only walk through, as they do in other Disney parks, they can also eat and shop. When it was discovered that Chinese people didn’t have a favourite Disney princess, the company decided that the castle would feature all the princesses. Parks in California and France are based on the Sleeping Beauty story.
“The visitors can learn the princesses over time, and this gives them an opportunity to have an introduction to all of the princess stories,” said executive producer Ali Rubinstein.
However, China’s Disneyland sometimes are not closely related to China. Disney’s only animated film based on a Chinese story, Mulan, which tells the tale of a Chinese warrior woman, got neither its own ride nor stage show. The character appears only as a statue and afloat in the parade.
1. What’s Joe Schott’s attitude to Shanghai Disney Resort?| A．Disappointed. | B．Concerned. | C．Doubtful. | D．Confident. |
| A．They build the theme park in China. |
| B．The theme park belongs to China. |
| C．The theme park has Chinese elements. |
| D．The theme park has a long Chinese history. |
| A．Chinese people have no certain favourite Disney princess. |
| B．Chinese people don’t know any princess characters in Disney movies. |
| C．Chinese people believe “the more, the better”. |
| D．Parks in other countries are based on the Sleeping Beauty story. |
| A．To show the Chinese character of Disneyland. |
| B．To show Mulan is an important part of Chinese culture. |
| C．To show China’s Disneyland has not reflected enough Chinese culture. |
| D．To show Disneyland has too few Chinese character films. |
7 . When Thomas Panek lost his eyesight more than 25 years ago, he doubted whether he would ever follow his lifelong dream again. “I was too scared to run,” he told CBS this morning. Indeed, although Panek had been running since high school, the idea of running blind seemed too scared.
But he did manage to keep his dream alive—with help from human guides who assisted him on each run. Even so, the real joy of the run—the excitement of independence that comes from passing a course on your own terms—doesn’t exist. “When you’re tied to another person, it’s no longer your own race,” the 48yearold told CBS. “The independence isn’t quite there.”
But Panek found a friend—indeed, man’s best friend—who would help him regain that sense of purpose. He started running with a guide dog named Gus. Not only did Panek rediscover his love for running, but also found his best dog friend. Gus remained a great helper at Panek’s side for many races. And, last Sunday, the old dog ran across the finish line with Panek at the New York City Half Marathon. At that moment, they were both recorded in the history books. Panek, who finished the course in a little more than 2 hours and 20 minutes, became the first blind runner to complete the race led by dogs. Waving their medals, Panek and Gus—who retired (退休) after the race—shared a breathless embrace (拥抱). “It’s a little emotional for me because he’s been there with me the whole time,” Panek told CNN.
With retirement coming, it would be the faithful (忠诚的) yellow dog’s last race. But for Panek, the road ahead remains long and bright—not only for him, but for anyone with a disability who still hopes to run down a dream.
1. Why did Panek choose a dog instead of a human as his running guide?| A．Humans always make orders. |
| B．Dogs run faster than humans. |
| C．Dogs are the best friends of humans. |
| D．He wanted to be an independent runner. |
| A．Gus was about to retire. | B．He broke the record. |
| C．Gus ran with him all the way. | D．He stuck to his dream. |
| A．Trustworthy and helpful. | B．Independent and brave. |
| C．Determined and caring. | D．Polite and kind. |
| A．Animals Are Great Helpers of Humans |
| B．A Blind Runner Realize Dreams with a Dog’s Help |
| C．A Guide Dog Becomes the Best Friend of the Blind |
| D．A Blind Runner Overcame Difficulties to Realize Dreams |
8 . For many people, Christmas is a time to cozy up inside with yummy treats and pretty decorations while the snow falls outside. However, people living in nursing homes often have few family members to celebrate with.
In 2009, Patricia Gallagher in Philadelphia were aware of this so she decided to bring a Christmas book to different nursing homes and read for people. She said, “I just got this idea in my head to call two nursing homes at random and ask if my mother and I could come and read ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas.’” The nursing homes were more than happy to welcome her in and the residents of those homes were equally thrilled. Thus, her holiday tradition started.
To go along with the book reading, Patricia brought some of her kids’ stuffed animals so the senior residents could hold them while she read the story.
But, when it was time to pack up and go to the next nursing home, Patricia found that no one wanted to give the stuffed animals back! She said, “It was just a nursing home with a lot of elderly people sitting in wheelchairs. And all of a sudden, the whole room became alive with jingling bells and they really didn’t want to give them back because they thought we had given them a gift.”
Seeing the joy that a simple present can bring, Patricia had the idea to gather stuffed animals and dolls as a gift for senior citizens living in nursing homes. Then, she put an ad up for gently used stuffed animals on a website. It wasn’t long before the local communities and schools started hosting stuffed animal collections on her behalf. In just two years, she collected more than 11,000 stuffed animals to gift people!
With so many stuffed animals, Patricia started offering gifts to people living in homes for veterans (退伍军人) as well. She said, “These stuffed animals not only bring people joy, but bring back the memories of their childhood and give them some comfort.”
1. What did Patricia do in 2009 according to the passage?| A．She found a good job in a nursing home. |
| B．She spent her holiday reading for the elderly. |
| C．She visited her best friends in a nursing home. |
| D．She sent some cute animals to lonely strangers. |
| A．The stuffed animals were broken. |
| B．The stuffed animals were donated by others. |
| C．They wanted to purchase the stuffed animals. |
| D．They regarded the stuffed animals as their gifts. |
| A．Sympathetic and generous. | B．Influential and creative. |
| C．Enthusiastic and genuine. | D．Ambitious and. humble. |
| A．A Nursing Home Is Many People’s Home |
| B．The Elderly Deserve More Care And Love |
| C．A Woman Gifts Stuffed Animals to Senior Citizens |
| D．A Family Tradition Helps Hundreds of Lonely People |
9 . Australia is a fantastic country that boasts a variety of breathtaking natural attractions and cultural hot spots. Here are some of the best tourist destinations to visit in Australia.
The Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef is one of the most iconic natural wonders of the world, located off the coast of Queensland. It is the world’s largest coral reef system, home to over 1,500 species of fish and hundreds of different types of coral. Visitors can snorkel or scuba dive to explore the vibrant underwater ecosystem, or take a scenic flight above the reef for a bird’s eye view.
Ayers Rock
Ayers Rock is a large sandstone rock formation located in the heart of the Australian outback (内陆). It is sacred to native Australians, who have lived in the area for over 10,000 years. Visitors can take guided tours to learn about the history and cultural significance of Ayers Rock, or hike around the base of the rock to see its impressive size up close.
Sydney Opera House
Sydney Opera House is undoubtedly one of Australia’s most recognizable landmarks. Completed in 1973, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a masterpiece of modern architecture. Visitors can take a guided tour to learn about the building’s history and design, or attend a performance in one of its many theaters.
The Great Ocean Road
The Great Ocean Road is a scenic coastal drive that stretches over 240 kilometers along the southern coast of Victoria. It offers stunning views of rough cliffs, primitive beaches, and towering rock formations like the twelve apostles (使徒). Visitors can stop at lookout points along the way, or take a helicopter ride for a truly unforgettable experience.
1. Where can people go to see diverse marine life?| A．Ayers Rock. | B．The Great Ocean Road. |
| C．Sydney Opera House. | D．The Great Barrier Reef. |
| A．Its landscape was made by hand. |
| B．It has a history of over 10,000 years. |
| C．Guided tours are available at Ayers Rock. |
| D．UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Site. |
| A．Taking a flight above the road. | B．Attending a theater performance. |
| C．Driving along the coast. | D．Diving into the deep sea. |
10 . Online Bachelor's Degrees and Programs
The overview
Colleges offer online degrees in a range of fields. Click on a degree program to explore what courses you take, how long the program takes to complete, career options and average salary. For example, to earn an online health science bachelor's degree, you would take courses in public health, health communications and epidemiology(流行病学).
The benefits
Pursuing an accredited(官方认可的)online bachelor's degree can help you take the next step in your career. Through your program, you'll attend online lectures, study from home manage a busy schedule and interact virtually with professors and classmates.
The applicants
An online college degree may appeal to those who want more flexibility in completing their education, or who want to take classes while working full time or parenting. Choosing where to register online will likely be challenging, but below you'll find tools, advice and other resources to make your search easier.
Best online bachelor's programs
U. S. News evaluated several factors to rank the best online bachelor's degree programs, including graduation rates and support services available remotely.
| School name | Tuition per credit | Application deadline | Financial aid available |
| University of Georgia | $ 326 | May 1 | Yes |
| Georgia Washington University | $ 615 | June 10 | No |
| University of Arizona | $ 525 | July 12 | Yes |
| North Carolina University | $ 900 | February 15 | Yes |
To see the full ranking list, please click here.
1. What will you do after attending online degree programs?| A．Get a degree for free. | B．Attend lectures in a hall. |
| C．Take some related courses | D．Talk with teachers face to face. |
| A．Georgia Washington University. | B．University of Georgia. |
| C．North Carolina University. | D．University of Arizona. |
| A．On the Internet. | B．In a magazine. |
| C．In a textbook. | D．In a newspaper. |
