Twenty eight years after winning     1     silver medal at the world championship for the first time, Team China did it again last week, yet in a more convincing way. Despite the 83-6l loss to the world No. 1 team, Team China’s     2     (determine) earned respect from home and abroad while lifting the whole nation’s spirit     3     National Day. When the players put the silver     4     (medal) around their necks at the medal-awarding ceremony, they might remember a photo on the wall of their training hall in Beijing. It was a photo of the Japanese women’s team     5     (celebrate) its victory. The photo     6     (take)in 2015, when the Japanese team won the FIBA Asia Women’s Championship, beating the Chinese hosts with an advantage of 35 points and the Chinese women’s basketball team was at its     7     (low) point of its history. Eventually it worked. “We could learn more from the problems     8     (find) in the match.” said China’s head coach Zheng Wei after the final on Saturday. She remained clear-minded about the latest achievement     9     expected her team to continue to grow. “We are not good enough in confrontation under high pressure, especially in attacking. After accomplishing one goal, one team needs another. Up to now we     10     (set) up our next goal. I expect our girls to realize it the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.”

5 . At 21, Chris Nikic became the first-ever person with Down syndrome (唐氏综合征) to complete the Ironman triathlon (铁人三项 ). The very thought would be enough to_________ people in good physical condition. But by finishing it, Nikic set a Guinness World Record.

This remarkable achievement was made possible_________the loving guidance of Nikic’s dad, Nik. Nik was_________about his son’s sedentary (久坐不动的) lifestyle, so he gave him the_________of becoming 1% fitter every day. And the first step was_________with a single push-up. Now, three years later, Nikic has_________up the strength to really push his body to the_________. Considering those with Down syndrome already have to_________with varying physical and learning disabilities, Nikic’s achievement is a typical_________of how people with this condition continue to cross barriers.

In fact, during the competition Nikic had a slight_________. While it resulted in cuts on his legs, this didn’t_________Nikic from continuing the race. As Nik_________, the achievement symbolized something more_________than an impressive medal. “The triathlon has served as a _________for Nikic to become one step closer to his_________of living a normal life. It’s also about being a role model for other kids and families that face similar barriers, _________no dream or goal is too high.”

Nikic isn’t_________there. “Goal set and achieved. Time to set a new and bigger goal for 2023!” the_________public speaker shared with his followers on social media. _________, with his family and friends, Nikic will continue to create_________.

6 . Sports play an important role in teenagers’ lives. They help teenagers keep fit and teach them teamwork. Four teenagers from different countries talk about their sports.

Li Yue, China

I do many sports, but my favourite is table tennis. I play table tennis in a club at the weekend and I’m quite good at it. On Saturday I teach some younger children to play table tennis, and that’s really fun.

Sophie, Britain

My sport is rugby. I play for the U15s, the team for players under the age of 15. My team always plays a match on Saturday or Sunday, and I usually go to practice games three times on weekdays. It’s hard work, but it’s never boring!

Ben, Canada

I love the snow and the mountains. In the holidays, I always go to the mountains with my family. I go snowboarding with my sister and other young people every day, and I’m getting really good. I want to be a famous snowboarder one day.

Laura, America

I started running when I was really young. When I was 13, I joined a club and started taking part in competitions. I have never won a race, but I’m improving all the time. That’s the most important thing for me. I’ve also made many friends since joining the club.

8 . The Growing Popularity of Cycling

They say once you learn how to ride a bike, you never forget. Most of us learnt when we were kids, and many still strap (系好) on our helmets, put our feet on the pedals , and shoot off for a ride around the streets. In recent times, cycling has seen a boost in popularity.     1    

First, let’s look at the health benefits. Cycling can improve your cardiovascular (心血管的) health and burm excess body fat. Strengthening your leg muscles in your calves (小腿肚) and thighs (大腿).     2     A long ride in the countryside could help you to clear your mind, or de-stress. But it’s not only about your body and mind— there are also some plus sides for your wallet’s health.

Cycling can be a great way to commute (通勤) or get about town.     3     If you do drive into work, sometimes finding somewhere to park can be a nightmare, whereas finding somewhere to chain your bike up can be much simpler. Then, on the train, there are changes at stations and other commuters speaking loudly on their phones to deal with. And if you’re worried about safety, there are designated cycle lanes in many major cities. Wearing high-visibility clothing is another way to improve your safety when cycling on the roads.

    4     It can help you to reduce your carbon footprint. Not pumping out fumes into the atmosphere is better for the planet and your own environment.

So, whether people want to cycle for their health, getting about town, their wallet, the environment, or a combination of all of them—    5