1 . He had run for 208 hours and 35 minutes in ten days. So, when Pan Junfan managed to cross the finish line in Guazhou, Gansu Province, on Sept. 18, the tears began to flow.

The 513 kilometers he had completed over rough terrain (地形)in northwestern China would challenge the greatest athletes in the world. The challenge was all the greater for Pan, who pulled off the remarkable feat (功绩) after having part of his right leg amputated (截肢) following a car accident in 2015.

Pan’s challenge was originally the Ultra Gobi, which is considered a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many marathon runners. Unfortunately, the 400-km race was canceled due to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. After careful consideration, Pan contacted the race’s organizers and they agreed to reschedule the route and allow him to undertake solo challenge.

During the challenge through the Gobi Desert and the Altun Mountains, the 40-year-ad faced temperatures ranging from—20℃ at right to 30°C by day, wild animals and even a hurricane. Carrying a backpack containing the hare minimum of equipment he would need, Pan battled sleep deprivation(缺乏) and very low body temperature during the journey.

Beginning from the “Mars Camp”in Qinghai Province, the ultra extreme course was expanded to more than 500 km over sand dunes (沙丘), dry valleys, stony plateaus and snowy mountains, finishing in Guazhou.

“I hope that by completing the challenge I can inspire people and tell them that life has limitless possibilities and not to stop trying,” Pan said.

In the last few years, Pan has established a dozen firsts for below-the-knee amputees (被截肢者). These included completing the 2018Ironman 70. 3 Xiamen’s 113 km triathlon (铁人三项) in 7 hours and 26 minutes, finishing the Gangshika Xtrial’s 100 km race in 27 hours and 40 minutes, and successfully conquering the Ironman Western Australia in 2019 which involves swimming for 3. 8 km, cycling for180 km and running for 42. 2 km.   As a result, he has been dubbed “the Chinese blade runner”.

1. When did Pan Junfan start his 513-kilometer challenging race?

A．On Sept. 3.

B．On Sept. 9.

C．On Sept. 15.

D．On Sept. 19.

2. What happened to Pan Junfan in 2015?

A．He had part of his left leg removed.	B．He established a hi-tech company.
C．He was involved in a traffic accident	D．He participated in the Ironman Australia.

3. Which of the following difficulties did Pan Junfan meet during the journey?

A．Losing touch with his team.	B．Getting lost in the desert.
C．Having a high fever.	D．Lacking enough sleep.

4. Which of the words can be used to best describe Pan Junfan?

A．Strong-willed.

B．Warm-hearted.

C．Quick-minded.

D．Cold-blooded.

2 . 听下面一段较长对话，回答以下小题。
1. How does the man feel about the American football match?

A．Confused.

B．Disappointed.

C．Interested.

2. Why did the woman come to watch the game?

A．She thought it was a soccer game.

B．She’d like to share the man’s hobby.

C．She wanted to see how exciting it was.

3 . 听下面一段对话，回答以下小题。
1. When does Gomez watch a football game on TV?

A．When he fails to get a ticket.

B．When the stadium is crowded.

C．When his friends are too busy.

2. How much did Gomez pay for the football game last time?

A．$20.

B．$25.

C．$50.

4 . 为了让学生全面发展，你校在课外活动中，举办了主题为“Life Skills Show”比赛，你赢得了一等奖。请你就你的参赛经历写一篇短文向校英文报投稿，内容包括：
1. 活动目的；
2. 介绍你参赛的生活技能（烹饪或手工等）；
3. 个人感受。
注意：1. 写作词数应为80左右；
2. 可以适当增加细节，以使行文连贯。

Life Skills Show

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5 . Common Mistakes New Runners Make

Running is a great way to get in shape and just about everyone can do it. However, many make a number of common mistakes, which can interfere (妨碍) with training or lead to injury.     1     , keep these things in mind to help you increase your chances of running success.

·Doing too much too soon

One of the biggest mistakes new runners make is doing too much too soon. Slowly easing into a training program will help reduce the risk of injury, so you can continue on with your new running routine     2     .

·     3    

Beginners might think they need to run every day (or nearly every day) to meet their fitness or weight-loss goals, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Running is a high-impact activity which can be really hard on your body. So it’s important to give your body a rest between workouts.

·Not wearing the right equipment

    4    , it’s important that you wear properly for your workouts. The most important piece of equipment for running is a good pair of running shoes, so be sure to do some research before you purchase a pair. Visit a running specialty store and ask an employee to fit you for a shoe.

•Running through pain

    5     If something hurts when you run, you need to stop and treat the pain. Remember: It doesn’t make you less of a runner if you listen to your body to keep it healthy.

A．Not taking rest days

B．If you’re just starting out

C．Comparing yourself to others

D．Running can be uncomfortable at times

E．It’s important not to use the same muscles

F．While it may be true that you don’t need expensive equipment to take up running

G．Experts suggest increasing your running distance by no more than 10% each week

6 . Our much-loved 100-Word-Story Competition is back!

Our 100-word-story competition is your chance to show the world your storytelling talents!

Your stories should be original, unpublished and exactly 100 words — not a single word shorter or longer! Entries are now open and the submission deadline is January 5, 2024. Multiple entries are allowed per person. We are unfortunately only able to consider UK-based entries.

Rules

Please ensure that submissions are original, not previously published and exactly 100 words long (not including title). Don’t forget to include your full name, address, email and phone number when filling in the form. We may use entries in all print and electronic media.

There are three categories — one for adults and two categories for schools: one for children aged 12-18 and one for children under 12.

Submission

Please submit your stories by 5pm on January 5, 2024 either online or by post addressed to:

Reader’s Digest

100 Word Story Competition

Warners Group Publications

West Street

Bourne

PE109PH

Prizes

The editorial team will pick a short list of entries, and the three best stories in each category will be posted online at readersdigest. co. uk on February1, 2024. You can vote for your favourite, and the one with the most votes will win the top prize and receive ￡1,000. Voting will close on February 29, 2024 and the winning entries will be posted online on April 16, and published in our May 2024 issue.

PS: Reader’s Digest is a member of the Independent Press Standards Organisation (which regulates the UK’s magazine and newspaper industry). We abide by the Editors’ Code of Practice and are committed to upholding the highest standards of journalism.

1. Who is likely to qualify for the competition?

A．An Indian primary student.	B．A well-known Chinese writer.
C．A British writing lover.	D．An American chief editor.

2. When will the readers appreciate the best winning works in Reader’s Digest magazine?

A．January, 2024.	B．June, 2024.
C．February, 2024.	D．December, 2023.

3. What can we learn about the competition?

A．You have to submit your work before February 1, 2024.

B．Only one story of yours is allowed to be in the competition.

C．Buying one copy of Reader’s Digest is a must to be in the competition.

D．Both preschool children and in-school students can participate in the contest.

7 . Winter sports have lots of fun! But you have to know how to be safe.

Keeping toasty warm

You are going skating. You want to prepare your snowballing for the next big fight. But you have to remember to wear warm gloves and boots.

Fun in the sun

Sunscreen (防晒霜) may look funny in wintertime, but don’ t forget to put it on. Sunlight re - flects off all that bright white snow and ice and back onto your face. That’ s why you need to cover up with sunscreen, and lip balm (润唇膏) even if it’ s cloudy outside.

Sled safety

Going down a hill at an amazing speed can be great. But you must be safe when you’ re sledding. When you choose your sled (雪橇), make sure it’ s strong and safe. Never use things from home like garbage - can lids, plastic bags or pool floats for sleighs (雪橇). These are dangerous while you’ re sledding. Also, never use a sled that has any sharp, jagged edges or broken parts.

Also, a bike helmet (头盔) can protect your head.

Make sure the bottom of the hill must not be anywhere near cars or roads. This is important.

1. If you want to go skating or have a snowball fight, you have to wear warm ________ and boots.

A．T – shirts

B．blankets

C．gloves

D．socks

2. It ‘ s suggested that using sunscreen and lip balm can ________.

A．make sure you are interested	B．keep you warm
C．make you look cool	D．protect you from strong sunlight

3. Which of the following is NOT TRUE?

A．Sunlight may hurt even when it’ s cloudy.

B．We should always be careful while having fun.

C．We needn’ t avoid cars and roads while sledding.

D．We must wear warm gloves and boots when going skating.

4. What is the passage mainly about?

A．How to have fun while sledding.	B．Why we keep warm.
C．How to keep safe in winter sports.	D．Why we should keep safe.

8 . Thanks For Giving 4 Miler

Thurs. November 23, 2023

The Event

Sign up today for the 2023 Thanks For Giving 4 Miler and Kids Dash that will take place this Thanksgiving in New Albany! Come out and join us for a fun kick off to Thanksgiving Day festivities! As always, 100% of our net proceeds go to help those in need.

All are welcome, including competitive runners, joggers, and walkers wanting to enjoy time with friends and loved ones. Registration ends on November 22, 2023.

The Fee

There is no official race fee. You can give as much or as little as you want. However-a $40 minimum donation is required to get our soft T-shirt. Our goal is to feed as many families in Central Ohio as we can. You can help by running our race, spreading the word, or making a donation. You may bring any donation you want, from a can of soup to cash. Let’s make a difference.

Event Day Timeline

6:30 am: Race day check-in begins.

8:00 am: Opening ceremony (仪式) begins!

8:15 am: Kids Dash begins!

8:30 am: The Thanks For Giving 4 Miler kicks off!

Awards

The top three overall male and female finishers will receive a gift certificate. The top three male and female finishers in each of the following age groups will receive a pumpkin (南瓜) pie: 14 and under, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70 and above. Every participant of the kids race receives a finisher’s medal!

Safety

For safety, please no bicycles, skateboards, inline skates, or participation with pets.

1. What is Thanks For Giving 4 Miler and Kids Run?

A．A marathon race.	B．A charity event.
C．A kid-targeted activity.	D．A holiday get-together.

2. What will a man ranking second in his age group be sure to win?

A．A soft T-shirt.	B．A pumpkin pie.
C．A gift certificate.	D．A finisher’s medal.

3. What is required for participation?

A．Bringing a donation.

B．Reaching a certain age.

C．Registering in advance.

D．Wearing safety equipment.

9 . 听下面一段较长对话，回答以下小题。
1. What will the man do this weekend?

A．Accompany his sister to the dentist’s.

B．Go to hospital to visit his sister.

C．Watch a game with his sister.

2. What is the man’s favorite sport?

A．Baseball.

B．Football.

C．Ice hockey.

3. Who is the woman?

A．A player.

B．A dentist.

C．A student.

10 . 听下面一段较长对话，回答以下小题。
1. What color of motorcycle does the man want?

A．A blue one.

B．A yellow one.

C．A black one.

2. When did the basketball match start?

A．One year ago.

B．Two years ago.

C．Five years ago.

3. What will the speakers do next?

A．Buy tickets.

B．Buy snacks.

C．Buy a motorcycle.