1 . Did you know that the color of uniforms can influence the performance of an athlete? It may sound strange, but a study suggests this might be true.

Two British scientists studied the results of four sports in the 2004 Athens Olympic Games where the athletes had been given either a red or a blue uniform. They discovered that when there was a big difference in the score, color had no influence on the result. But if it was a close match, the athlete in a red uniform was more likely to win. Then they looked at the uniforms of the soccer teams at the Euro 2004 tournament. Again, teams wearing red won more games.

The two scientists got their idea from earlier studies of wild animals. It had been discovered that when a male show red on its body, it sends a signal of its power and strength. For example, in many kinds of monkey, the more the male shows off its red scars, the more females it can attract.

Based on this fact, the British scientists thought that the idea might work for humans, too. According to them, when an athlete sees a competitor in a red uniform, he gets a feeling that his competitor could be stronger than him. And that kind of feeling may have a bad influence on the player’s performance in the actual game.

Although the idea is Interesting, most people don’t accept that color signals in the animals world can really be useful to humans in sports. They think that it is unreasonable to develop an idea based on such a small number of examples. Much more research has to be done to prove the influence of uniform colors on the performance of athletes.

1. What did the scientists find out about the 2004 Athens Olympic Games?

A．Athletes played equally well in four sports.

B．Game results had a big influence on the athletes.

C．Athletes dressed in red scored more in a close match.

D．There was a big difference in red and blue team’s scores.

2. What may the red scars of a male animal suggest?

A．It is quite strong.	B．It is a failure.
C．It has power over other males.	D．It has attracted a lot of females.

3. The underlined part “that kind of feeling” in the text refers to a feeling of ________.

A．weakness

B．pride

C．danger

D．shame

4. What is most people’s opinion to the scientists’ idea?

A．Interested.

B．Satisfied.

C．Doubtful.

D．Thankful.

2 . Former pro basketball player Kobe Bryant won five NBA titles with the Los Angeles Lakers while making himself as one of the game’s all-time greats. He died tragically in a helicopter crash on January 26, 2020.

Kobe Bryant was born with basketball already in his blood. His dad was a former NBA star Joe “Jellybean” Bryant. Born on August 23, 1978, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Kobe spent his early years in Italy, because his dad started playing basketball in Europe and his family moved there. The family moved back to the United States when Kobe was 13 and he started playing high school basketball.

Kobe knew he was already good enough to play in the NBA, so he skipped college and was selected right after high school. He played in the NBA All-Star Game for the first time in 1998 and by 2000, Kobe had developed into one of the best basketballs players. Kobe and Shaquille O’Neal teamed up to lead the LA Lakers to three straight NBA Championship (冠军) Titles from 2000 to 2002.

In 2003, Kobe was caught by the police. In 2004, the case against Kobe was dropped, but Kobe still had to live with a damaged reputation. In 2004, Kobe tried to prove that he could lead the LA Lakers without Shaq. After Kobe told the Lakers he wouldn’t be wearing the purple and gold if Shaq was in the team, O’Neal was traded to the Miami Heat before the 2004-2005 season.

In 2008, Bryant was named Most Valuable Player and carried his team to the NBA Finals, where they lost to the Boston Celtics. In the 2009 NBA Finals, the Lakers beat the Orlando Magic to win the championship.

Although later seasons were affected by injuries, he surpassed (超越) Michael Jordan for third place on the NBA all-time scoring list in December 2014 and retired in 2016 after scoring 60 points in his final game.

1. Kobe Bryant passed away at the age of _______.

A．37

B．40

C．42

D．45

2. What does the underlined sentence in paragraph 2 mean?

A．Kobe’s blood was special when he was born.

B．All of Kobe’s family members are basketball players.

C．Kobe got a basketball when he was born.

D．Kobe was born to be a basketball player.

3. We can infer from the passage that Kobe was _________ about his own ability to play basketball.

A．upset

B．confident

C．doubtful

D．not confident

4. What is the best title for the passage?

A．A Brief Introduction of Kobe	B．How to Become A Basketball Star
C．The NBA All-Star Game	D．The LA Lakers

3 . Walking with a purpose

Humans were made for walking. With our strong leg muscles, our bodies were literally designed with walking in mind — which is what makes it such perfect exercise.     1     And best of all: it’s a great way to see new things and meet new people!

This month, why not focus on walking with a purpose? Wherever you are, in the city or at the campground, you’ll find plenty of walking going on. Maybe you already love to walk, but you’re getting tired of going your same old route day after day. Or maybe you’re new to walking and aren’t sure how to get started.     2     To get started, sit down with a map and make a plan. Ask yourself, what do you want to get out of walking aside from the health benefits? Do you want to meet other people?     3     Get out into the wild or explore a city? Knowing your priorities will help you decide on the type of walking you want.

If making trends and socializing is your goal, call up your friends and schedule walks with them.     4     Go online and look up your local mall or shopping center. Many malls have groups that come every day, or every weekend, to “walk the mall”. These groups are always happy to include one more walker!

    5     Then tie up your shoelaces and prepare to get to know the place from the ground up! Many of our great historic cities offer detailed and well-planned walking tours. Nearly any city you can think of offers a walking tour with maps provided by the tourist bureau. And small towns generally have a special route that will carry you past its best boutiques, shops, and cafes.

A．See new places?

B．Head for a new city.

C．It’s good for our health.

D．Everyone loves walking and you’re no exception.

E．Ask your friends where they like to walk and go there.

F．Either way, it’s time to embrace the idea of walking with a purpose.

G．Ask local people to get you out of town and into the wild or countryside.

4 . Being highly successful in any field is pretty rare. It takes a combination of natural talent, luck, determination, and plenty of outside support for someone to make it big in sports, entertainment, or business. But what if competing is all that matters to you, whether you are likely to succeed or not? This was the goal of Michael Eddie the Eagle Edwards, and that he reached that goal was an amazing achievement.

Born in the U.K. in 1963, Michael was an enthusiastic downhill skier whose dream was to compete for Britain in world-class competitions. He would have liked to represent his country in the 1984 Winter Olympics, but there were a large number of downhill competitors, and Edwards didn't qualify. Seeing his chance elsewhere, he switched to ski jumping. Ski jumping didn't cost nearly as much, and there was almost no competition for a place on the Britain team.

But number of hurdles (障碍)could have meant the end of Edwards' dream. He weighed more than most competitors, which put him at a disadvantage. He had no financial support for his training. Poor eyesight meant that he had to wear glasses under his goggles (护目镜)- not a good thing when they steamed up at high altitudes. But he couldn't let any of this discourage him. He saw himself as a true lover of the sport who simply wanted the chance to compete. Winning wasn't the point. Having the opportunity to try was all he cared about. And nothing could stop him from trying.

In the end, Edwards took 55th place in the 1987 World Championships. He then went on to the Calgary Olympics in 1988, where he finished last in both of his events. Many athletes would have been embarrassed by this result, but he is proud of his achievement to this day. His determination to fight against all the odds made him a global hero, and in 2016, the inspiring film Eddie the Eagle was made about his life.

1. What is the purpose of the first paragraph?

A．To add some background information.

B．To uncover the secret of success.

C．To expect an answer from readers.

D．To introduce the topic.

2. Why did Michael Edwards choose ski jumping?

A．It took less skill.

B．The equipment was cheaper.

C．There was little competition.

D．It was easy to win the championship.

3. After the Calgary Olympics, Edwards _________.

A．felt he had reached his goal

B．was embarrassed by his results

C．switched to film making

D．was glad it was over

4. What made Michael Edwards outstanding?

A．His determination to win.

B．His enthusiasm for the sport.

C．His attitude towards the Olympics.

D．His ability to overcome physical disabilities.

5 . 假设你是红星中学高三学生李华。你的美国笔友 Jim 对中国文化十分感兴趣，你在英文报纸 China Daily 上看到“中华文化表情包设计大赛 (The China Daily Emoji Design Contest of Chinese Cultural Symbols) ”征集来自世界各地参赛作品的活动，请给他写一封邮件，邀请他参加投稿，内容包括：
1.   介绍稿件要求；
2. 告知投稿时间和方式；
3.   询问对方意向。
注意: 1. 词数不少于 50；
2.   可适当增加细节，以使行文连贯；
3.   开头和结尾已给出，不计入总词数。
Dear Jim,
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Yours,

Li Hua

6 . Benefits of Cross-Country Skiing

Cross-country skiing can be enjoyed by a wide range of students, from the youngest kindergartners to those secondary students. It is really a fun activity, providing students a gentle workout outside in winter. While having fun, students can gain physical and mental benefits .

The physical benefits of cross-country skiing are well known. If we look at Olympic cross- country skiers, we can see the positive effects on the body that result from training for cross-country skiing. The average best female cross-country skier carries 11 percent body fat, and best male skiers carry 5 percent. These percentages are well below the average for people who are considered to be athletic-17 percent for females and 10 percent for males. The high number of calories burned while skiing helps to keep skiers slim in a healthy and attractive way.

Cross-country skiing is also an efficient way to exercise a large number of muscles at once. Because skiers use ski poles as a means of propulsion, the force that drives skiers forward, the upper body gets much more of workout. Of course, the leg muscles also do their fair share. People who use cross-country skiing as a workout over several weeks will discover that the muscles of their entire body increase in strength.

Cross-country skiing on a regular basis has a tremendous effect on a person’s cardiovascular system. In addition to gaining strength in the muscles of the upper and lower body, people who use cross-country skiing as a workout method over several weeks will also discover that their heart is stronger. A strong heart pumps more efficiently, sending out more blood to the muscles with each contraction. Through weeks of skiing, people often discover that their resting heart rate has decreased. Highly trained Olympic cross-country skiers have resting heart rates between 28 and 40 beats per minute. Compare that to the resting heart rate of the average person, which is 60 to 80 beats per minute!

The benefits of cross-country skiing extend beyond overall general health. A lot of evidence exists indicating that regular physical activity increases the release of mood-lifting endorphins in the body. After one of the energetic and fun skiing lessons, students will be smiling and laughing; they will be relaxed and in a better mood than when they started class. Students will leave class with a sense of accomplishment, knowing that they have developed new skills in a fun activity.

Cross-country skiing is a great way to work the total body. Now more and more students are taking part in this exercise outside during the winter months. They are enjoying it and benefiting from it!

1. The underlined word “workout” means ______.

A．manner

B．exercise

C．application

D．opportunity

2. According to the passage, we can learn that cross-country skiing ______.

A．requires the use of most muscle groups	B．offers students a unique way to keep fit
C．can increase the athletes’ resting heart rates	D．can balance out the skiers’ increased calories

3. How does the author prove the benefits of skiing in the fifth paragraph?

A．By making comments.	B．By giving examples.
C．By making comparisons.	D．By giving explanations.

4. Which of the following shows the development of ideas in the passage?
CP: Central point P: Point Sp: Sub-point (次要点) C: Conclusion

A．	B．
C．	D．

8 . Cali Scores a Goal

It was the last game of the season. Cali had been playing soccer all summer. She really enjoyed __________ around with the other players in her blue uniform, chasing the black and white ball across the grassy field. As much as she tried, __________, Cali still had not scored one single goal.

“Don’t give up,” said her coach. He showed Cali and her team how to pass the ball to each other and take shots at the goal. Cali was pretty good at passing the ball, but she couldn’t kick the ball __________ the goalkeeper. She wondered if she should __________ soccer.

“Don’t give up,” said her teammates. ”You just need to keep trying and you will get __________ .” So Cali stayed on the team and did her best.

“Don’t give up,” said Aunt Lisa. But it was half-time, and Cali was feeling __________ . She was trying! Every time she got a(an) __________ to kick the ball, it would go in the __________ direction or a player from the other team would take control of it.

The break was over and the referee(裁判) blew her whistle to __________ the game again. The two __________ walked back onto the field, both __________ to win. Cali heard her aunt whisper in her ear. “Look for an opportunity to get the ball. You can do it.”

Cali took a deep breath. __________ she didn’t get one goal all summer, she knew that she had tried her best. She dreamed she’d leave her team after the game was over. Suddenly, she was woken by some __________ that was the sweet, happy jingle of the ice cream truck. It was driving right beside the soccer field, playing its music loudly to attract __________ .

The players on both teams turned to __________ at it. A few girls pointed to it and cheered. The soccer game had nearly stopped. Cali looked around and saw the soccer ball close by, __________ by the nearest player from the other team. Cali dashed over to the ball. She dribbled(带球) it between her feet, moving forward toward the net of the yellow team. By the time the other girls had __________ , Cali was positioned right in front of the net. The goalkeeper was __________ to one side, looking at the ice cream truck. She turned back __________ to guard the net as Cali kicked the ball hard.

The keeper __________ out her gloved hand. The ball touched the tips of her fingers as it swooshed past, right into the net. “Goal!”

1.

A．running

B．walking

C．jumping

D．hiking

2.

A．therefore

B．otherwise

C．though

D．meanwhile

3.

A．with

B．over

C．for

D．past

4.

A．quit

B．remember

C．change

D．respect

5.

A．harder

B．better

C．faster

D．easier

6.

A．normal

B．hopeful

C．calm

D．upset

7.

A．award

B．idea

C．chance

D．order

8.

A．safe

B．wrong

C．clear

D．positive

9.

A．pause

B．start

C．cancel

D．end

10.

A．players

B．girls

C．teams

D．coaches

11.

A．satisfied

B．frightened

C．pleased

D．determined

12.

A．Even if

B．As if

C．Because

D．When

13.

A．noise

B．music

C．whistle

D．cheer

14.

A．customers

B．teachers

C．audiences

D．reporters

15.

A．fire

B．laugh

C．knock

D．look

16.

A．found

B．ignored

C．protected

D．pushed

17.

A．discussed

B．recalled

C．noticed

D．permitted

18.

A．hiding

B．rushing

C．standing

D．waiting

19.

A．quickly

B．secretly

C．bravely

D．silently

20.

A．threw

B．carried

C．dragged

D．reached

9 . When my dad finally finished the triathlon（铁人三项）in Montauk, the crowd cheered. It showed me how his hard work paid off and it_______my curiosity. I wondered whether a small boy of my size could_______something like that. I found myself_______this out loud and my father overheard me. He_______me and said I could train with him.

Training with my dad turned out to be very______.We would get up early for a morning jog, or go for a swim in the pool after school. After a few weeks of_______, I signed up for my first triathlon. Before the competition, I nervously waited for the_______.When someone fired the gun, I was_______, swimming towards the distant buoy（浮标）that marked my turn. I_______the half-mile swim and ran towards my bike. I was dripping wet, trying to________it. Once on my bike, I experienced an excitement specific to________. I went through the transition zone（转换区）again and________my running shoes. At the start of the run part of the triathlon, my________already felt like they were made of cement（水泥）.

For me, the real competition began during the run,________now I could see each competitor as a target. No matter my________in the field, each racer was either following me or being followed. The run part of the race boiled down to________tolerance. "Shut up, legs", one of my favorite quotes, kept me from________the burning feeling. Then I crossed the finish line. I took a breath and then began a(n)________with the other finishers. The sense of accomplishment was there for all of us.

Looking back, I________the small boy on that day in Montauk who thought he couldn't________it. Now, that same boy is not only a huge fan, but also a training partner.

1.

A．showed

B．excited

C．tested

D．controlled

2.

A．preview

B．deserve

C．achieve

D．benefit

3.

A．saying

B．taking

C．trying

D．giving

4.

A．satisfied

B．encouraged

C．puzzled

D．embarrassed

5.

A．disappointing

B．frightening

C．relaxing

D．challenging

6.

A．performing

B．fighting

C．meeting

D．Training

7.

A．result

B．seat

C．gun

D．audience

8.

A．up

B．round

C．off

D．along

9.

A．finished

B．considered

C．assessed

D．arranged

10.

A．point at

B．get on

C．get back

D．find out

11.

A．running

B．traveling

C．cycling

D．swimming

12.

A．took off

B．switched to

C．cleaned

D．repaired

13.

A．arms

B．hands

C．shoulders

D．legs

14.

A．because

B．although

C．until

D．unless

15.

A．status

B．position

C．task

D．function

16.

A．risk

B．drug

C．stress

D．pain

17.

A．showing off

B．bringing in

C．thinking about

D．carrying out

18.

A．experiment

B．celebration

C．argument

D．cooperation

19.

A．remember

B．believe

C．discover

D．respect

20.

A．use

B．move

C．do

D．prove

10 . Last summer over 12,000 fans were at Wembley Arena in London, shouting and cheering. Thousands more were watching online.     1     It was e-sports, or competitive computer gaming.

Millions of people in the UK play computer games for fun. Some of them have become professional gamers, playing games as their full-time job.     2     They practice for ten or more hours a day, five or six days a week. They do exercises like typing something and trying to type it faster and faster. They also study videos of other players and plan ways to beat them.

    3     Are players athletes? Some say no. E-sports players don’t need to run, jump, throw or do big physical actions. At the moment, the UK government classifies e-sports as kinds of games, not as sports.

But others say yes: e-sports are sports. Players do need some physical skills, especially hand-eye coordination, reflexes, accuracy and timing. If darts, snooker and shooting are classified as sports, then perhaps e-sports should be too.

    4     And they will be an official medal sport in the Asian Games starting from 2022. Next step: the Olympics?

For many e-sports fans and players, though, the most important thing is that e-sports are growing in popularity and importance.     5    

A．But are e-sports really sports?

B．All like playing computer games.

C．It’s not easy being a professional gamer, though.

D．But this wasn’t a football, basketball or tennis match.

E．It is certain that e-sports will come into the 2024 Olympics.

F．In fact, China and South Korea do classify e-sports as sports.

G．If e-sports are not as important as sports now, they definitely will be in the near future.