1 . The food we eat seems to have profound effects on our health. Although science has made enormous steps in making food more fit to eat, it has, at the same time, made many foods unfit to eat.
Some research has shown that perhaps eighty percent of all human illnesses are related to diet and forty percent of cancer is related to the diet as well, especially cancer of the colon. Different cultures are more likely to cause certain different illnesses because of the food that is characteristic in these cultures. That food is related to illness is not a new discovery. In 1945, about 35 years ago, government researchers realized that nitrates, commonly used to preserve color in meats, and other food additives, caused cancer. Yet, these carcinogenic additives remain in our food, and it becomes more difficult all the time to know which things on the packaging labels of processed food are helpful or harmful. The additives which we eat are not all so direct. Farmers often give penicillin to beef and living animals, and because of this, penicillin has been found in the milk of treated cow. Sometimes similar drugs are given to animals not for medical purposes, but for financial reasons. The farmers are simply trying to fatten the animals in order to obtain a higher price on the market. Although the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has tried repeatedly to control these procedures, the practices continue.
1. What is the best possible title of the passage?| A．Drug and Food | B．Cancer and Health |
| C．Food and Health | D．Health and Drug |
| A．Drugs are always given to animals for medical reasons |
| B．Some of the additives in our food are added to the food itself and some are given to the living animals. |
| C．Researchers have known about the potential dangers of food additives for over thirty-five years. |
| D．Food may cause forty percent of cancer in world. |
| A．Because of science, diseases caused by polluted food haven been virtually eliminated. |
| B．It has caused a lack of information concerning the value of food. |
| C．Because of the application of science, some potentially harmful substances have been added to food. |
| D．The scientists have preserved the color of meats, but not of vegetables. |
| A．trouble-making | B．color-retaining |
| C．money-making | D．cancer-causing |
2 . On a cold morning in May, I received a fascinating email from a high school friend. inviting me to a 10-day all-female surfing adventure in Portugal. The offer was irresistible, and I instantly knew my answer was yes.
The trip seemed simple enough. Ten women, ranging from 30 to 45 years old, all strangers, will gather on the Portuguese coast to embrace the challenge of surfing the Atlantic waves.
As a travel enthusiast, I quickly sought permission from my boss for this once-in-a- lifetime journey.
Through my 33 years, I’ve observed a common adult tendency: we often limit ourselves to refining skills we already possess. There’s a certain pride in improving our expertise, becoming increasingly knowledgeable in our chosen fields, yet unintentionally, this focus often leaves other skills undeveloped and leads to neglecting other areas of potential growth.
Two days later, I arrived in Ericeira, a charming surf town, where I met my surfing group. Despite our different personalities and backgrounds, we were all united in a persistent desire to challenge ourselves, learn, tackle and grow.
The shores at Ericeira, where the beginners learn to surf, are shallow and covered with slippery rocks. They make for softer waves but are difficult to navigate (驾驭).
Guided by our amazing coaches, together, we faced the waves. Sometimes, it poured with rain, and the waves crashed around us, but we were still out there. And with every slip and fall, words of encouragement filled the air.
Honestly, I probably spent most of my days frozen to the bone, but that didn’t matter because a new level of genuine joy and personal achievement had been unlocked.
Learning a new skill taught me the humbleness that can come from doing badly at something new, and the pride that develops when you finally manage to grasp something you’ve been working on.
While surfing might not be my calling, trying it out inspired me to take more risks in life, to step outside of my comfort zone and to never stop believing in myself. You never know what you’re capable of if you don’t go out there and try.
1. What motivated the author to join the surf trip to Portugal?| A．The opportunity to improve existing skills. |
| B．The need to reconnect with a high school friend. |
| C．The chance to undertake work duties in Portugal. |
| D．The desire to embrace a challenge and learn a new skill. |
| A．Tough but rewarding. | B．Boring and uneventful. |
| C．Difficult and frustrating. | D．Relaxing but unpredictable. |
| A．She used to lack confidence in herself. |
| B．She became more willing to take risks. |
| C．She went on to become an expert surfer. |
| D．She discovered the surfing was her true calling. |
| A．The value of pushing your limits and trying new things. |
| B．The need to seek professional training in all new skills. |
| C．The benefit of traveling with unknown companions. |
| D．The importance of being an expert in one field. |
3 . This morning, before I left for the airport, I had hurt my back. And I could
At that time, a man
A lady walking beside me carried my other case full of things for me. It was obviously
I would have managed to do all of these things on my own, but these well-meaning humans sensed that I needed help and just
| A．exactly | B．eventually | C．rarely | D．regularly |
| A．divided | B．placed | C．slipped | D．turned |
| A．sitting | B．talking | C．walking | D．standing |
| A．assistance | B．money | C．reputation | D．food |
| A．started | B．flew | C．delayed | D．landed |
| A．preferred | B．offered | C．declined | D．failed |
| A．courts | B．doors | C．floors | D．stairs |
| A．get off | B．watch out | C．watch over | D．get back |
| A．luxurious | B．crucial | C．weighty | D．representative |
| A．requested | B．remarked | C．denied | D．kept |
| A．airport | B．plane | C．pump | D．belt |
| A．checked | B．stepped | C．gave | D．cut |
| A．common | B．splendid | C．ambitious | D．difficult |
| A．proud | B．ashamed | C．suspicious | D．grateful |
| A．stranger | B．partner | C．attendant | D．applicant |
4 . Traveling on foot in Thailand is an amazing experience. While you get ready for a thrilling experience of a lifetime, take a look at some of the best places for your adventure.
Chiang Mai
The trails in Chiang Mai are perfect for amateur hikers. Hiking here is a superb choice as there are beautiful forests, valleys and rivers as well as various tribal (部落的) villages with ethnic minorities that you can explore.
Tips: Pick up a hiking option from an experienced operator that has in-depth knowledge of the area because it is a fairly large one.
Doi Inthanon
Doi Inthanon is the highest mountain in Thailand. It is also one of the most beautiful places with three impressive waterfalls that flow down quickly. As you travel along the 47-kilometre road to the top, you will pass a few small villages of the Karen Hill Tribes and rice fields.
Tips: Make sure to have an experienced guide.
Hua Hin
One of the most incredible things to do is hiking in Hua Hin. The area features its elephant camps. You can care for the elephants, like feeding and bathing them. It must be a special experience to ride on the back of a tall elephant while exploring this beautiful region.
Tips: Make sure to pack extra clothes if you plan to bathe the elephants.
Kamphaeng Phet
As a historically significant part of Thailand, Kamphaeng Phet is a quiet and charming province with many cultural and natural attractions. You can explore the ancient ruins that are scattered throughout the province.
Tips: Be respectful of the statues and other religious monuments.
1. What do Chiang Mai and Doi Inthanon have in common?| A．They are suitable for professional hikers. |
| B．They have 3, 000-meter waterfalls. |
| C．They are located in the urban areas. |
| D．They have some tribal villages. |
| A．Look after the elephants. | B．Set up the animal camps. |
| C．Design minority clothing. | D．Visit religious monuments. |
| A．Chiang Mai. | B．Doi Inthanon. |
| C．Hua Hin. | D．Kamphaeng Phet. |
5 . The year 2023 saw a wide variety of TV and internet variety shows in China, offering amazing entertainment to audiences. Here are 4 popular variety shows of the year. It’s never too late to start enjoying them.
Become a Farmer (Feb. -Jul., iQIYI)
The farming-themed reality show took Chinese social media by storm, shining a spotlight on agriculture. In an effort to connect young urban Chinese with the agricultural industry, the show invites 10 young men from various fields to experience life on the farmland.
Great Escape Season 5 (May-Sept., Mango TV)
This reality show has taken viewers on an immersive journey. It enlisted well-known celebrities, who faced challenges within intricately designed escape rooms. They had to search for hidden clues, solve puzzles and decipher codes to. unlock the rooms in which they are trapped.
The Big Band 3 (Aug. -Oct., iQIYI)
The Big Band 3 showcases various musical genres with 27 bands from China. In the 2023edition, folk Chinese musicians took center stage, with notable performances by Wayina from Guangxi and Anda Union from Inner Mongolia.
Call Me By Fire, Season 3 (Aug. -Nov., Mango TV)
Featuring a lineup of 32 male entertainers, this season showcased performances in both group and solo formats, with participants ranging in age from 27 to 55. Throughout the season, the participants showcased their versatility by exploring various forms of artistic expression, including singing, dancing and acting.
1. Which show will make audiences feel immersive?| A．Become a Farmer. | B．The Big Band 3. |
| C．Call Me By Fire, Season 3. | D．Great Escape Season 5. |
| A．They centre on farming. | B．They were produced by iQIYI. |
| C．Their participants are male. | D．They showcase various musical genres. |
| A．They made a hit in 2023. | B．They featured well-known celebrities. |
| C．They were aired in the first half of 2023. | D．They showcased various musical performances. |
6 . I am a product of mixed cultures ( dad is Arab , mom is American ), and I have grown up with cultural differences all my life . This has made me very conscious of watching what people do in different cultures around the world . Cross cultural understanding is really necessary if you want to get along with people from other places .
It is very common , and not considered rude to ask a person’ s age in Japan when you meet them for the first time . The Japanese language is a rich and complex language that has different words to use depending on the age or the person you are talking to . Therefore , it’s important for people to know your age range so as not to offend (冒犯) you by showing you less respect than you are due .
Hand gestures and signals are always better to use only in your home country where you understand what they mean . In Turkey , for example , allowing your thumb to protrude ( between your first and second finger in a fist is extremely rude. Also , don’t make an “OK” gesture , unless you mean to call someone a fool .
Don’t touch anyone’s head in Malaysia , especially babies . Pointing is also considered rude in Malaysia , where directions are normally given with an open hand .
Giving gifts in China can get you into trouble . Certain gifts in China can cause great offence, such as giving cut flowers , which is only done at funerals . Giving a clock is seen as bad luck since the words “giving a clock” sound just like the words “attending a funeral”. A gift of shoes would be interpreted as giving a gift of evil (邪恶). Nothing is expected to be associated with the word “four” because it sounds like the word “death”.
1. Why do Japanese like to ask others’ ages ?| A．To express their respect . | B．To satisfy their curiosity . |
| C．To avoid offending others . | D．To appear more friendly . |
| A．A smile . | B．A fight . | C．Some help . | D．An agreement . |
| A．Sending cut flowers to others . |
| B．Opening your hands in the street . |
| C．Putting your hand on a child’s head . |
| D．Purchasing a clock for your friend . |
| A．Cultural Differences Around the World |
| B．The Meaning of Culture in the Author’s Eyes |
| C．Communication Is Important in Modern Society |
| D．Living Abroad Helps to Learn Different Cultures |
| A．Floor 8 | B．Floor 6 | C．Floor 9 | D．Floor 4 |
7 . A study of 3,884 students from primary schools to colleges found that examinations made 83.1 percent of primary students anxious, and more than 40 percent of high school children were out of sorts (身体不适) because of stress and anxiety.
Moreover,75 percent of the high school respondents admitted, that they had problems talking to their parents and more than 55 percent of them found it hard to associate with other people, according to the study.
It is not difficult to conclude that our children are not happy.
Today’s kids are coming home from school weighed down with backpacks full of books and worksheets. They are spending hours at desk at night, seldom going outside to play and getting to bed late.
How can this be a good thing? Homework is eating away children’s time to play freely with neighborhood kids-and more importantly, their time to sleep.
Homework can enrich the education process. But like all things, too much of it may dampen (减少) a student’s enthusiasm for learning. To raise cheerful, contented and well-mannered children, parents need to put in a lot of time and effort. Their eyes should go beyond their children’s preparations for tests. Children need a break too. So let them be in control of parts of the day.
1. What does the passage mainly talk about?| A．High school students suffer more than primary school students. |
| B．Most of the students have no problem talking to their parents. |
| C．The teenagers suffer from heavy workload. |
| D．The students are not happy at home. |
| A．They have to take their backpacks. | B．They have to stay up late. |
| C．They have to eat more. | D．They have more time to play outdoors. |
| A．They should spend more time with their children. | B．They need to ask their children to work hard? |
| C．They should not care about their children’s test results. | D．They need to give children more free time. |
| A．Negative. | B．Supportive. | C．Unconcerned. | D．Uncertain |
| A．电脑 | B．书包 | C．药物 | D．衣服 |
8 . I used to be fit. But
I choose a chair yoga video on YouTube. The 10-minute
Chair yoga probably isn’t going to turn me into a
| A．apart from | B．instead of | C．as for | D．thanks to |
| A．sleeping | B．jogging | C．lying | D．stretching |
| A．carried out | B．came across | C．began with | D．turned to |
| A．involves | B．indicates | C．performs | D．handles |
| A．challenge | B．effect | C．routine | D．treatment |
| A．position | B．matter | C．method | D．habit |
| A．announce | B．say | C．mention | D．expect |
| A．while | B．before | C．since | D．if |
| A．belonging | B．possession | C．accomplishment | D．safety |
| A．knowledge | B．energy | C．fun | D．focus |
| A．amazing | B．frightening | C．puzzling | D．annoying |
| A．stone-hearted | B．fresh-faced | C．single-minded | D．good-shaped |
| A．constantly | B．rarely | C．suddenly | D．merely |
| A．situation | B．behavior | C．mood | D．brain |
| A．affects | B．resets | C．controls | D．defends |
9 . About 12% of the total global energy demand comes from heating and cooling homes and businesses. A new study suggests that using underground water to maintain comfortable temperatures could reduce consumption of natural gas and electricity in this section by 40% in the US. The approach is called ATES, short for aquifer thermal energy storage (含水层热能储存).
“We need storage to absorb energy from the sun and wind. It’s crucial to creating affordable, reliable, and deeply environmental-friendly electricity systems. Most people are interested in batteries and other kinds of electrical storage. But we were wondering whether there was any opportunity to use geothermal (地热的) energy storage,” said first author A.T.D Perera. “With ATES, energy can be stored for a long period of time, without adding an additional burden to the grid (输电网).”
ATES is a pleasantly simple concept that takes advantage of the heat-absorbing property of water and the natural geological features of the planet. You simply pull existing underground water up and heat it at the surface in the summer with environmental heat or energy. Then you send it back down. It stays fairly hot because the Earth is a good insulator (绝热体).
“Unlike above-ground tank-based water or ice storage systems, ATES will not need space. It’s also more efficient and can support larger communities in cooling or heating than traditional geothermal heat pump systems that rely on heat moving with the underground soil,” added co-author Hong Tianzhen.
A major beneft of ATES is that it will become more efficient as weather becomes more extreme in the coming years due to climate change. The hotter summers and severer winters could increase the amount of free thermal energy that can be stored with ATES. “It’s very much a realistic thing to do and this work is really about showing its value,” said Perera. “This technology is ready to go, so to speak. We just need to do it.”
1. What do we know about ATES?| A．It is technologically demanding. |
| B．It is aimed at replacing natural energy. |
| C．It mainly relies on batteries to function. |
| D．It helps achieve an environmentally friendly society |
| A．By giving examples. | B．By discussing results. |
| C．By making comparisons. | D．By analyzing principles. |
| A．Temperature variations. | B．Insulated materials. |
| C．The duration of storage. | D．The category of energy. |
| A．A Turning Point in Energy Usage |
| B．A Solution to Green Cooling and Heating |
| C．A Transformation in the US Electricity System |
| D．A Discovery About Geothermal Energy Storage |
10 . What’s the difference between having a dream and making the dream come true? Hard work and perseverance. Wanda Smith always wanted to be a
Smith, a mother of three, had to care for her mom,
Smith’s story came full circle when she was
During the pandemic, as some of her students
Smith’s life is an example as well as a(n)
| A．driver | B．teacher | C．doctor | D．manager |
| A．delayed | B．broken | C．awoken | D．activated |
| A．denying | B．shouldering | C．claiming | D．avoiding |
| A．meaningless | B．hopeless | C．unfair | D．tough |
| A．support | B．complaint | C．appreciation | D．permission |
| A．occupation | B．hobby | C．schedule | D．exercise |
| A．unwillingly | B．successfully | C．unexpectedly | D．secretly |
| A．considered | B．treated | C．named | D．hired |
| A．telling | B．sharing | C．passing | D．living |
| A．remembered | B．struggled | C．pretended | D．regretted |
| A．checked out | B．handed up | C．carried out | D．given up |
| A．moved | B．worried | C．attracted | D．saved |
| A．inspiration | B．trouble | C．failure | D．luck |
| A．kindness | B．imagination | C．determination | D．understanding |
| A．helping | B．uniting | C．building | D．leading |
