1 . The Olympic Games are old and so are the fans. The median age (中位年龄) of American viewers of the games in Barcelona in 1992 was 39. That increased to 53 for the Rio de Janeiro games of 2016. Overall viewing figures are sinking, too. At the most recent games in Tokyo in 2021, they were a third lower than in 2008.

Thomas Bach, president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), has admitted that the games risk losing connection. To keep connected with society, the Olympics are expanding, adding what Mr Bach described as “youth-based” sports. In Tokyo, climbing, skateboarding and surfing were put on the schedule. In Paris this year, breakdancing will feature for the first time. Undoubtedly the youth will be excited. But if Mr. Bach wants the Olympics to become more relevant to more people, the best idea would be to include e-sports.

So far the IOC has approached e-sports like an uncool dad. An inaugural (首次的) Olympic E-sports Week took place in Singapore in June. But the choice of events puzzled fans. The archery game, for instance, had been downloaded only 100 times before the tournament was announced. The most recognisable event, ”Just Dance“, is not considered an e-sport by fans. The experiment resulted in widespread doubt. Peak viewership was only more than 22,000.

E-sports command a huge audience. Attracting a big audience matters for the Olympics, which have seen the costs of infrastructure (基础设施) in recent years. The inclusion of e-sports would add income from media rights and sponsorship. Besides, the IOC has other reasons for changing its stand. For one, e-sports may bring Olympic glory to a more diverse group of countries and just like traditional sports, it can show three of the Olympic values: excellence, friendship and respect.

1. What can we know from Paragraph 1?

A．The viewing number of the Olympics is reducing.

B．The Olympic Games are always popular in America.

C．The IOC didn’t realize the problems of the Olympics.

D．The median age of Olympic viewers remained the same.

2. How do the Olympics keep connected with society?

A．By focusing on more popular and contemporary events.

B．By adding more sports attracting the younger generation.

C．By cutting down the number of traditional sports in the Games.

D．By hosting the Olympics in more countries with diverse cultures.

3. What was viewers’ attitude toward the inaugural Olympic E-sports Week?

A．Unclear.

B．Satisfied.

C．Tolerant.

D．Uninterested.

4. What is the last paragraph mainly about?

A．Differences between traditional sports and e-sports.

B．Advantages of culturally diverse nations in e-sports.

C．Potential benefits of including e-sports in the Olympics.

D．Suggestions on building a safe gaming environment for e-sports.

2 . Clothes Upcycling (升级改造) Contest 2024

Are you passionate about fashion and the environment? Do you have a creative mind and want to make a positive impact on the planet? Then we have a contest for you!

We are excited to launch the Love Your Chelmsford Upcycling Clothes Contest for secondary school ages(11-18 years), to promote extending the life of our clothes and save them from going to landfills! Upcycling clothes has many benefits including reducing the impact of buying new on natural resources and reducing your carbon footprint.

You have to create clothes from used materials, and transform them into something new and exciting. Each applicant can be one individual person or one group. Applicants can apply multiple times, but only be qualified to win with one submission (提交).

How to Participate:

To enter, you must be a resident of Chelmsford and aged 11-18. We will require a before and after picture of your shoes or clothes upcycling project along with a description of the materials and techniques that you used to create your masterpiece (作品). Please send your submission to loveyourchelmsford@chelmsford.gov.uk by June 30, 2024.

Recommended:

Show the creation process of your masterpiece and share where everything came from.

Prizes:

*Up to 100 applicants will have the option to be listed on our website to sell their upcycled work.

*The most impressive upcycled masterpiece will win a £100 Gift Voucher (礼品券) to shop at Glass Onion, plus there are 5 runner-up prizes of a 183-piece sewing kit.

1. What do we know about the contest?

A．Group work will not be accepted.

B．The participants can apply more than once.

C．One participant can win more than one prize.

D．Winning pieces will be selected on June 30, 2024.

2. What do the participants have to provide along with their work?

A．A picture of the remaining materials.	B．A list of tools involved.
C．A description of the techniques used.	D．A video of the making process.

3. What will the first prize winner get?

A．A £100 Gift Voucher.	B．An amount of cash.
C．A free trip to Glass Onion.	D．A 183-piece sewing kit.

3 . 6-year-old Qixian Cao set the new women’s world record for solving a 3×3×3 Rubik’s cube (魔方) in 5.97 seconds (average). _______ by a cousin, a Rubik’s cube player, the Chinese girl started _______ a Rubik’s cube only at 3. The woman taught her the art of “speed-cubing”, solving the world-famous puzzle as _______ as possible. However, after about a year, the girl got so _______ it that her cousin couldn’t teach her anymore and her parents got her a speed-cubing _______. Under the professional guidance she kept _______ for two to three hours every day, and her time was getting better and better. However, there was a point where she hit a wall and needed all of her family’s help to _______ it.

“She was _______ at 12 seconds when she tried to speed to 10 seconds for three months,” Qixian’s mother _______. “She practiced a lot but made no ________ and almost gave up.”

To motivate her, the entire family took up the game and even participated in adult ________. However, no one dared to dream that the ________ speed-cuber could set a new world record at the tender age of six.

Cao’s average time of 5.97 seconds after five ________ of speed-cubing won her the title of world record holder. Encouraged by her recent ________, Qixian has no plans of slowing down and is now ________ the women’s single-time record, which currently stands at 4.44 seconds.

1.

A．Invited

B．Inspired

C．Praised

D．Fascinated

2.

A．playing with

B．making up

C．participating in

D．researching on

3.

A．easily

B．early

C．accurately

D．quickly

4.

A．crazy about

B．tired of

C．good at

D．addicted to

5.

A．partner

B．machine

C．toy

D．coach

6.

A．sitting

B．thinking

C．practicing

D．sleeping

7.

A．overcome

B．push

C．remove

D．break

8.

A．leveled

B．limited

C．left

D．stuck

9.

A．reported

B．recalled

C．complained

D．added

10.

A．progress

B．difference

C．money

D．promise

11.

A．parties

B．activities

C．competitions

D．clubs

12.

A．devoted

B．gifted

C．stressed

D．discouraged

13.

A．turns

B．rounds

C．periods

D．minutes

14.

A．idea

B．decision

C．failure

D．performance

15.

A．challenging

B．making

C．keeping

D．renewing

4 . 听下面一段较长对话，回答以下小题。
1. How did Blayne first learn to skateboard?

A．He had a few lessons.

B．He practiced by videos.

C．He learned from his cousin.

2. Where does Blayne like to skateboard most right now?

A．The path by the beach.

B．The school playground.

C．The basketball court.

3. How does Blayne keep fit?

A．By joining a health club.

B．By working out in a home gym.

C．By lengthening skateboarding time.

4. What advice does Blayne give to the young taking up skateboarding?

A．Spending time practicing.

B．Learning it at an early age.

C．Beginning with a cheap board.

5 . 听下面一段较长对话，回答以下小题。
1. When is the deadline for the poetry contest?

A．January 30.

B．February 18.

C．February 28.

2. How old is Jennifer?

A．10 years old.

B．13 years old.

C．15 years old.

3. What prize will the winner get this year?

A．A golden cup.

B．Their poem published on the website.

C．A signed book of poetry by a famous poet.

6 . In a world ruled by hard exercise and complex fitness programs, the simple act of walking is often ignored(忽略).     1     It offers physical and mental benefits that lead to total happiness.

Heart Health and Weight Management

Walking is light heart exercise that helps improve heart health by increasing blood circulation(循环).     2     Besides, regular quick walking supports in weight management by burning calories and improving digestion(消化), making it an excellent choice for those looking to throw away pounds or keep a healthy weight.

Pressure Drop and Clear Mind

Taking a relaxing walk or quick walk has been shown to give off endorphins, the body’s natural ”feel-good” materials. This leads to lower pressure levels, improved feelings, and improved mental health. Walking outdoors in nature or in a peaceful environment can provide a refreshing escape from the daily tasks.     3    

Joint(关节)Health and Free Movement

Unlike active sports, walking is soft on the joints, making it a perfect choice for people of all ages and fitness levels.     4     At the same time, it also raises the ability to move freely and easily. Walking regularly can be particularly beneficial to those recovering from pain or looking to prevent problems with joints.

Social Communication and Connection

    5     Walking clubs, group climbs, or even simple walking with a friend or family member can provide an opportunity to connect, share experiences, and create lasting memories while at the same time bringing the physical benefits.

A．It helps oil joints and make them stronger.

B．It’s a cheap way to lead a healthier lifestyle.

C．So taking a walk can make your mind relaxed and fresh.

D．A quick walk after meals has been shown to benefit the stomach.

E．It cuts down the risk of heart disease and brings down blood pressure.

F．Walking is useful exercise that can easily be turned into a social activity.

G．However, walking remains one of the easiest and most useful forms of exercise.

7 . Over the years, I've found some easy tricks to get myself more active daily. Going to the gym and doing a weight workout isn't required.     1     Here's my secret sauce.

1.Start small

A lot of people assume they need to run themselves tired in the gym to get more fit, but that's really not true. Experts recommend a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity a week—that breaks down to a little more than 20 minutes each day. They also recommend strength-training at least two times a week.     2    

2.Get active at work

    3     Rather than using your full lunch hour to eat, take some time to go to the gym, speed walk around the office or run errands. You can also break up the boring work of the day by taking a walk during one-on-one meetings instead of sitting at a desk or conference room — anything to get up and get moving.

3.Do exercises you actually like

This is a big one. If you hate exercising, it might be because you aren't doing workouts you enjoy. Very few people actually enjoy running around in circles for miles. So don't. Branch out and try different kinds of workouts until you find one you genuinely enjoy.     4     But it'll be worth it when working out no longer feels like a chore.

4.Make it social

Exercise doesn't need to be alone. In fact, having a workout partner can help keep you motivated and hold you accountable in your routine.     5     The structure of working out in a group can push you to work harder while also introducing you to new people.

A．Your work day doesn't have to involve totally sitting long.

B．There are actually effective ways to get more exercise day-to-day.

C．Thirty minutes is an ideal place to start to fulfill your weekly needs.

D．If you don't have one buddy to join you, sign up for a workout class.

E．Exercise isn't just about running as fast or lifting as much as possible.

F．It'll help improve your flexibility and do wonders for your mental health.

G．This requires you to go out of your comfort zone and to be patient as you try things out.

8 . 听下面一段较长对话，回答以下小题。
1. What happened to the boy in the basketball match?

A．He injured his leg.

B．He failed to score the ball.

C．He left the match half way.

2. Why was the boy disappointed?

A．His team lost the match.

B．He performed badly in the match.

C．His teammates didn’t treat him as a hero.

9 . 假定你是李华，对足球很感兴趣。请你写一篇关于足球运动的短文向校报“英语园地”投稿，呼吁更多人参与足球运动。内容包括：
1. 你校足球运动现状；
2. 踢足球的好处；
3. 你的呼吁。
注意，1. 词数100左右；
2. 短文的题目和首句已为你写好。

Let’s Play Soccer

As we all know, soccer is the most popular sport in the world.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

10 . The Most Popular Sports In The World

Sports are popular for a number of reasons, varying from keeping healthy to recreational purposes. Sports are even more popular with people who do not necessarily participate in them, but love being spectators. Here is a brief discussion of the most popular sports in the world.

Football (Soccer)—4 Billion Fans

Football, better known as soccer in the US and Canada, is the most popular sport in the world. The origins of modern football are in England in the 19th century, though history points to people playing similar games as far back as 2,000 years ago in China. It is played all over the world, but is particularly popular in Europe, Central and South America, and Africa.

Cricket—2.5 Billion Fans

The game is most popular in the UK and some former British colonies, especially India, Pakistan and Australia. Like baseball, it involves two teams, a bat, a large field, and scoring runs. There are obvious differences, however, including a long rectangular pitch at the center of a cricket field.

Hockey—2 Billion Fans

Hockey takes place both on ice and in a field. Field hockey is mainly played in Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia, while ice hockey is particularly popular in Canada, the US, and Northern Europe. The game involves two teams trying to put a ball into the opposing team's net with a hockey stick. Unlike ice hockey, field hockey usually does not involve body contact in the form of checking.

Tennis —1 Billion Fans

In tennis, players on both sides of a lengthened net try to hit a ball with a racket so that it either goes past their opponents or bounces on their opponents' side twice to score points. Pro tennis players, like Roger Federer and Serena Williams, are now household names around the world.

1. Of the following sports, which has the least followers?

A．Soccer.

B．Cricket.

C．Hockey.

D．Tennis.

2. Where did modern soccer appear for the first time?

A．In China.	B．In Africa.
C．In England.	D．In North America.

3. What do cricket and hockey have in common?

A．They involve a field and a stick.	B．They involve two teams.
C．They are most popular in the UK.	D．They are played on ice and in a field.