1 . When John asked his daughters which sculptures they like best, they shouted excitedly, “The Story birds!”. These birds are the _______ of Robin and John. Robin explains, “Made from plain clay (黏土), the colorful ceramic birds stand on metal legs. There is a little _______ in it. Together, we make something better.”

At John’s house, art is a family _______. Robin brings style to their ceramics. John crafts the metal elements of the sculptures, Their daughters, Ruby, Eliza and Carmella, help too. “The girls _______ into bodies,” says John, “Everyone contributes to the works, so every sculpture is a symbol of our _______ effort.”

There are lots of _______ to turn a clay into a bird. First, John breaks the clay and _______ it until about one-quarter inch thick. He covers it so that it won’t dry out and _______. Then, Robin _______. She thins the clay here and there, pushing in and out to make the bird’s body. John adds fresh clay on the drier clay and Robin ________ the body with bright colors. Then it is Ruby’s turn. She sculpts it. Eventually, the bird will go into an oven for firing-baking and ________. Robin programs the oven so that the temperature ________ bit by bit. Total oven time can be 20 hours. “That may be a long time.but the ________ you heat the clay, the more likely it is to crack.” Robin says.

Soon, the bird stands ________ on its feet, John shows it to his families. “I did the carving!” Ruby says excitedly. The girls gather for a closer look. The________expressions on their faces tell a story — they love making art together.

1.

A．memories

B．creations

C．copies

D．reforms

2.

A．magic

B．challenge

C．reward

D．effort

3.

A．regulation

B．guidance

C．affair

D．decision

4.

A．look

B．move

C．come

D．carve

5.

A．joint

B．real

C．final

D．serious

6.

A．highlights

B．steps

C．ideas

D．benefits

7.

A．rolls

B．fires

C．paints

D．brushes

8.

A．disappear

B．enlarge

C．crack

D．explode

9.

A．takes over

B．runs out

C．tests out

D．turns over

10.

A．washes

B．decorates

C．refreshes

D．strengthens

11.

A．resting

B．cycling

C．striking

D．hardening

12.

A．drops

B．changes

C．stabilizes

D．rises

13.

A．hotter

B．tougher

C．faster

D．deeper

14.

A．quietly

B．closely

C．temporarily

D．firmly

15.

A．sensitive

B．innocent

C．enthusiastic

D．gentle

2 . During the Gold Rush, merchants needed a faster way to ship their goods to the West, turning every voyage into a race. The current record holder was the Surprise, which had made the New York to San Francisco trip in ninety-six days. Ellen planned to break that record with her ship, the Flying Cloud.

To achieve the goal, Ellen learned to use navigation (航海) instruments and do the complicated math calculations from her captain father. She also studied positioning charts made by Lieutenant Marthew, Ellen’s race against time began on June 2, 1851. It was her responsibility to keep track of the ship’s progress and current position and to plan the best course for it to follow. She chose a course different from the ones ships normally used and the Flying Cloud passed the equator two days less than ever before.

Heading south, when Ellen and the Flying Cloud was about to reach the Cape Horn, powerful wind slammed into the ship, tipping it sideways. Thirty-foot waves crashed over the deck. Ellen knew that the fastest way to get there was through the Strait of Le Maire. But it was risky. The narrow strip of water was only fourteen miles wide with rocky coasts on both sides. It would not be a problem on a clear day. But Flying Cloud was hit with their worst storm yet. Between the blinding snow and the lack of daylight, visibility was cut to almost nothing. Ellen used dead reckoning to plot a course she hoped would take the Flying Cloud toward the entrance to the strait.Finally, when the skies cleared, Ellen was relieved to see that she were right and everyone were safe on board. On July 22, lucky winds pushed the ship through the strait.Finally, at eleven-thirty the morning of August 3l, 185l, Flying Cloud had completed its voyage in eighty-nine days and twenty-one hours, beating Surprise’s record by an entire week.Crowds gathered on the beach to watch Flying Cloud’s arrival. News of the broken record spread quickly, making Ellen an instant celebrity. Her achievements were recognized in newspapers across the country, The success of her voyage required a combination of skill, experience and courage. Luckily, Ellen had them all.

1. What was Ellen’s main job on the Flying Cloud?

A．Doing math calculation and making charts.

B．Analyzing the data and predicting the weather.

C．Locating the ship’s position and deciding the course.

D．Following the captain’s instructions and drawing maps.

2. Which of the following words can best describe Ellen?

A．Intelligent and generous.	B．Brave and straightforward.
C．Adventurous and sensitive.	D．Ambitious and committed.

3. Which rhetorical device is used in the underlined sentence in paragraph 3?

A．Personification.

B．Simile.

C．Metaphor.

D．Repetition.

4. What was the biggest challenge when Ellen crossed the Strait of Le Maire?

A．The powerful waves.	B．The rocky coasts.
C．The narrow strip of water.	D．The low visibility

3 . ChatGPT has been banned by schools in New York and Los Angeles, out of concern that students may use it to cheat on assignments. Despite these concerns, educators needn’t fear Al technology will transform education. Instead, it will help students take ownership of their studies and learn real-life skills. Today’s students need instruction that equips them with the skills of reasoning, analysis and argumentation rather than memorizing basic information. And Al may be a useful tool that promotes these skills.

Our experience with Al is perhaps best understood when compared with previous disturbances in education. When printed books, for example, began to occur in the mid-1400s, university professors were filled with panic. At that time, lectures depended on a specific model: Professors read from their hand-written texts, while students hurriedly copied whatever they heard. If students could simply buy the books, teachers likely thought that they wouldn’t need to come to class. Yet in practice, printing had the opposite effect: The number of universities exploded along with the total number of books. The new technology disturbed the mechanical aspect of education, but in doing so it allowed educators to refocus on higher-level skills.

Similarly, ChatGPT will replace the mechanical production of text, but it won’t decrease the need for higher-level skills. Possessing the skills to ask the right questions or state the right opinions will become crucial as the production of a logical essay becomes a simple task for a machine. Al will serve as a tool for information gathering and mechanical organization, but it won’t remove the fundamental need for critical thinking.Schools must remember that education’s value isn’t a head full of facts but a person with the skill to use these facts with the available tools to enhance their impact on the world. Al is one of these tools and, when used strategically, can improve students’ learning and performance in ways not yet seen. Therefore, it is essential for schools to provide an education that trains students in how to use the available tools for information. Unless they adapt quickly to the changing trends of education, they will be left behind by rapid innovation and change.

1. What is the educators’ major concern about Al technology?

A．The possible changes in education.

B．Students’ grades of the assignments.

C．Students’ fear of technological reform.

D．The lack of instructions and equipment.

2. Why does the author mention the invention of printing technology?

A．To justify the concern of the professors.

B．To show the similar value of Al technology.

C．To clarify previous disturbances in education.

D．To highlight the influence of printing technology.

3. What is the author’s attitude toward the use of Al technology?

A．Doubtful.

B．Concerned.

C．Critical.

D．Supportive.

4. What does the author recommend schools to do in the last paragraph?

A．Replace the mechanical production of text.

B．Design their courses based on Al technology.

C．Catch up with the quick evolution of education.

D．Provide a course focusing on information gathering.

4 . Twelve grams of moon arrived at Ferl’s laboratory in an undecorated delivery box. Ferl, a gardening expert at the University of Florida, had waited more than a decade for that moment. The small box of dirt held some of the last remaining unopened samples of moon dust, called regolith, collected by astronauts on the lunar missions. Despite months of practice, he lifted the sample with trembling hands. “It’s freaky, scary stuff,” he says, “mean, what happens if you drop that?” Ferland his team were about to become the first researchers to grow plants in actual lunar soil.

The experiment was part of a lunar research which aims to send humans back to the moon later this decade in a more sustainable way. Longer duration stays require astronauts to have a source of food. “All of human exploration has been driven by the ability to keep crews fed,” says Gil, a researcher not involved in the study. And Ferl’s experiment offers a significant first step in this journey.

To test the moon soil, Ferl’s team divided the samples into 12 pots of 900 milligrams a piece and planted seeds in them. The seeds developed successfully, but the plants had trouble growing healthy roots. The moon soil lacks important microbes, which play a significant role in regulating plant growth hormones (激素), reducing environmental stress, and absorbing essential nutrients. Without natural microbes, the plants struggled to absorb nutrients and manage stress. Additionally, the lack of water can cause the soil to become difficult to work with.

The seedlings failed to grow strongly in regolith alone, but Ferl hopes to continue studying how life might take hold in otherwise low-yield soil, with an eye toward both boosting humanity’s prospects off the planet and improving agriculture in low-yield soils here at home. “Most of us are not going to go to space,” he says, “But if we can engineer a way to produce these kinds of crops in such an unforgiving environment — like the lunar surface — we can apply that to meet our food challenges in areas that just can’t grow food anymore.”

1. How did Ferl feel when receiving the box?

A．moved and surprised.	B．scared but curious.
C．worried but relieved.	D．cautious and nervous.

2. Why did Ferl carry out the experiment?

A．To feed the crew of his research team.

B．To ensure food supply for space exploration.

C．To provide sustainable energy for lunar missions.

D．To send the astronauts back to the moon in a shorter time.

3. What can be done to improve lunar crops production?

A．Adding microbes and watering it properly.

B．Dividing regolith equally and managing stress.

C．Growing healthy roots and making regolith dry.

D．Choosing suitable seeds and regulating hormones.

4. What is the last paragraph mainly about?

A．The original goal of the study.	B．The limitation of space farming
C．The application of the experiment result.	D．The factors causing the experiment failure.

5 . Having a quality first aid kit allows you to treat minor injuries, prevent infections, and even increase the chances of keeping an accident victim alive until proper medical help arrives. We tested dozens of the top-rated first aid kits in lab. Based on our testing, here are the best ones available online.

Adventure Medical Kit
Recommended uses: Picnics
Item Feature:

Kit measures approximately 6x8.5x3 inches. It provides critical information on wound care,stabilizing sprains, and medications for children. It contains a wide range of medications to treat pain, and common allergies (过敏), packed in nylon outer bag with a waterproof inner plastic storage bags.

Protect Life Kit
Recommended uses: Traveling
Item Feature:

Designed by doctors and EM’Ts & CPR instructors, the first aid medical kit is packed full of first aid supplies. It is packed in a hardshell case with lightweight. The bag can be refilled, so it is an ideal mini first aid kit for businesses.

Disaster Zone Kit
Recommended uses: Emergencies
Item Feature:

The pack is designed for first responders in disaster zones, with all emergency necessities.Whatever adventures you engage in, take our tactical first aid kit. Should you have any issues without first aid kit, contact us immediately and our medical team will be in touch.

Outdoor Emergency Kit
Recommended uses: Emergencies
Item Feature:

Designed by survivalists, it contains essential first aid supplies and survival tools required for emergencies. Weighing only 2 pounds, the waterproof kit is a must-have for your adventures. It is stuffed with blanket, flashlight, multi-function bracelet (compass, whistle), knife, two 12-hour glow sticks and emergency raincoats.

1. What is the purpose of the text?

A．To introduce the best first aid kits.	B．To ask the readers to buy first aid kits.
C．To advocate the importance of first aid.	D．To inform the readers of online first aid.

2. Which kit promises medical team support?

A．Adventure Medical Kit.	B．Protect Life Kit.
C．Disaster Zone Kit.	D．Outdoor Emergency Kit.

3. What do Adventure Medical Kit and Outdoor Emergency Kit have in common?

A．They are light-weighted.

B．They are water-resistant.

C．They are intended for children.

D．They are designed by rescuers.

6 . More than 200 people were killed and 900 others injured in a major accident Friday evening involving three trains in the eastern Indian state of Odisha, officials said on Saturday.

At least 233 people ____ and about 900 were injured in the ____, and the number of death is ____ to increase further.

According to officials, the Coromandel Express, which runs from Kolkata to Chennai, hit the Yashwantpur-Howrah Express, which derailed (脱轨). A cargo train was also said to be ____ in the accident.

Officials said the ____ of the collision was so ____ that carriages of the two trains climbed atop each other, ____ deaths and injuries to passengers. A large number of passengers were ____ inside the derailed coaches.

____ after the accident, rescue teams, health officials, police, and fire services rushed to the ____. A large crowd of locals ____ reached the spot to help the injured.

All the health facilities nearby were ____ alert. Meanwhile, the injured were ____ to the hospital throughout the night.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has ____ grief over the ____ of lives in the accident and condolences (吊唁) are pouring in from various quarters.

1.

A．recovered

B．died

C．attended

D．failed

2.

A．content

B．course

C．accident

D．position

3.

A．pleasant

B．proud

C．likely

D．similar

4.

A．involved

B．visited

C．interested

D．required

5.

A．solution

B．impact

C．expression

D．struggle

6.

A．lucky

B．large

C．words

D．severe

7.

A．cloning

B．saving

C．raising

D．causing

8.

A．belief

B．trapped

C．luck

D．concern

9.

A．Undoubtedly

B．Gradually

C．Immediately

D．Secretly

10.

A．spot

B．location

C．station

D．hospital

11.

A．besides

B．also

C．however

D．therefore

12.

A．put on

B．put up

C．put out

D．put off

13.

A．admitted

B．addicted

C．devoted

D．applied

14.

A．reward

B．persuade

C．expressed

D．inspire

15.

A．motto

B．remark

C．lesson

D．loss

8 . You will have a fantastic experience in Quebec. It is full of great festivals for you to enjoy.

Carnaval de Québec

Carnaval de Quebec is one of the largest winter festivals in the world and welcomes celebrators every February. Its week-long programme is packed with a wide range of activities and attractions to delight all ages, which includes countless shows and a host of winter activities like skating and the classic ice boat race.

Festival d’été de Quebec

This huge July festival packs in the crowds — and it’s easy to see why. The festival’s 10-day length means it features an extensive programme that ensures there’s something to suit most musical tastes — with acts ranging from rock and pop to hip-hop and rap. As it matches the Quebéc setting, the festival also features a playlist of top French-speaking acts too.

ComediHa! Fest-Quebec

You’ll have great fun if your visit coincides with (恰逢) this 12-day festival, which brings the laughs every August. Its packed programme of indoor and outdoor shows features everything from top local talent to international acts. The festival, which takes place in Montreal as well as Quebéc City, features no fewer than 500 artists, split between some 350 shows at 15 different venues. So you’ll have every opportunity to slot a show or two during your travels.

Festival d’Opera De Québec

Those who prefer cultural charms won’t miss out during their Quebec visit. The Festival d’Opera de Quebec is held every July to August — two weeks of concerts and musical performances featuring some big-name artists and shows. Since its launch in 2011, it has marked some major milestones.

For further information please click here.

1. Which festival suits a fan for ice sport best?

A．Carnaval de Quebec.	B．Festival d’été de Quebec.
C．ComediHa! Fest-Quebec.	D．Festival d’Opera De Quebec.

2. What is special about ComédiHa! Fest-Quebec?

A．It lasts the longest.	B．It takes place in different cities.
C．It is held in early summer.	D．It offers wonderful performances.

3. Where is the text most probably taken from?

A．A travel website.	B．A tour guidebook.
C．A geography textbook.	D．An entertainment magazine.

9 . “If knowledge is power, then learning is a Super Power.” That’s the motto of Jim Kwik, a world leader in speed learning and best brain performance whose cutting-edge techniques and impressive mental achievements have made him a rock star of the personal transformation world.

At the age of five, Jim was sitting on a chair in his classroom. Suddenly, hearing a fire engine alarm, Jim Kwik who saw firemen as superheroes lifted his chair and moved to the corridor to watch them. Standing over the chair to watch the firemen, Jim Kwik was late to react as his fellow mate pulled his chair and he got his head severely injured.

After that accident, he was never back to normal. He couldn’t remember and understand things, struggling to cope with schooling as he said once that his heart would beat out of his chest whenever his teacher asked him to read aloud a book in front of his classmates. He still remembered a teacher talking to other teachers pointing him out and naming him as “a boy with the broken brain”.

His parents were very protective. But Jim never gave up! He taught himself by reading comic books every night under the blankets with the flashlight. By doing this every day he taught himself how to read in three years. Finally, Jim got a chance to have some success in school.

Today, he is a highly sought-out brain trainer for top companies and organizations, with some of his videos reaching over 20 million views, and he’s known for having coached Hollywood stars like Will Smith and Hugh Jackman along with the cast of the movie X-Men.

1. What do we know about Jim Kwik?

A．He heals brain and mental diseases.	B．He is a world famous learning expert.
C．He was injured by his classmate on purpose.	D．He got injured when taking part in a fire fighting.

2. What happened to Jim after the accident?

A．He never went back to school.	B．He felt nervous to talk with classmates.
C．He found it difficult to handle school tasks.	D．He was called ”broken brain"by his classmates.

3. Which word can best describe the story of Jim Kwik?

A．Tragic.

B．Embarrassing.

C．Inspiring.

D．Entertaining.

4. Which would be the best title for the text?

A．Knowledge Is a Super Power	B．Learning Makes a Brain Change
C．A Super Brain Guarantees Success	D．An Accident Turned Out a Blessing

10 . There is nothing quite like stepping into the shower at any time of the day. A warm shower certainly sounds more comfortable, but a number of influential people have recently said that for them, taking a freezing cold shower every morning is the best thing they have ever started to do. Take Jack Dorsey, the co-founder and CEO of Twitter, for example. He said in an interview, “Nothing has given me more mental confidence than being able to go straight from room temperature into the cold.” For us, starting the day in the freezing cold is the worst thing anyone can suggest!

Recently in Holland, 3,000 people volunteered to take part in an experiment. They were all instructed to take a warm shower every day. When they were about to finish, they were told to reduce the temperature for a 30-second burst of freezing water. Following the experiment, most of them said that the cold shower had given them a surge in energy that felt similar to drinking strong coffee. Compared with others who had not taken the cold shower, they said they were less likely to call their office and say they were sick. What’s more, 64 percent thought they would continue with the cold showers even though the experiment had come to an end.

This change in energy has been explained by Professor Andreas Michalsen from Berlin. “Cells in our skin that respond to light and heat react when coming into freezing water. These cells, called receptors, send a message to the brain which releases endorphins (内啡肽) into the bloodstream. Endorphins are chemicals that help reduce body pain or can help you feel more relaxed or full of energy.”

Cold water arouses blood flow which can reduce the itching (瘙痒) and bleeding caused by a skin condition called eczema (湿疹). Eczema can make your skin itch. This is good news for people suffering from eczema. So would you take a freezing cold shower every day?

1. What is Jack Dorsey’s attitude towards cold showers?

A．Intolerant.

B．Favorable.

C．Doubtful.

D．Unclear.

2. What can we learn about the participants in the experiment?

A．They began with warm showers.

B．They had taken cold showers for years.

C．They took cold showers every two days.

D．They drank strong coffee before taking cold showers.

3. What does the underlined word “surge” in paragraph 2 mean?

A．Balance.

B．Saving.

C．Rise.

D．Loss.

4. What does the last paragraph mainly talk about?

A．A cause of a skin disease.

B．The seriousness of eczema.

C．An advantage of taking cold showers.

D．The explanation of the experiment result.