1 . 阅读下面材料，根据其内容和所给段落开头语续写两段，使之构成一篇完整的短文。

I grew up in southeastern Michigan. I was a fan of Detroit Tigers, a famous baseball team, as a young boy.

My childhood dream was to be like my hero, Al Kaline, and someday play for the Tigers. My Dad would take me to Tiger Stadium several times a year and my hero Al Kaline would never let me down. We never attended a game that he didn’t get at least one hit.

I was crazy about baseball. If there was a game in my high school, I was never absent. I kept practising so that I could achieve my dream of playing for the Tigers, and I was doing well at each level of play. Later, I got a chance to sign up for a strong American Legion baseball program. There I met our coach, Bob Ohm, who knew a lot of baseball and taught each of us the basics as well as more advanced baseball skills. With Bob Ohm’s help and my hard work, I had set new records in many baseball championships.

My dream to be like my hero seemed to draw near. One summer, I went up to play the final season in Marinette. There were scouts who came to find the best players. This was it! My big chance!

Well, as the game progressed I hit the ball very well getting five hits in the game. Unfortunately, I also made four mistakes. The final mistake actually drew laughter from the crowd.

注意：

1. 续写词数应为150个左右；

2. 请按如下格式在答题卡的相应位置作答。

After the game, I knew my dream of playing professional baseball was lost.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Today, I teach baseball in a high school.

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3 . Benefits of Walking in Cold Weather

As winter blankets the world in a coat of ice and fresh cold air, the idea of going outdoors fora walk might seem less attractive.     1     Walking in cold weather comes with a lot of health benefits that might just make it the perfect season to put on your shoes and hit the roadway.

Strengthened Immune System

Remaining in colder temperatures can actually improve your immune (免疫的) system. As your body adapts to the cold, it produces more white blood cells.     2     Regular cold-weather walks might help make a strong er immune reaction, letting you stay healthier throughout the winter season.

High Spirits

The winter blues, also known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), can affect many individuals during the colder months. Fortunately, walking in cold weather has been linked to improved emotion and reduced signs of sadness. The fresh air and physical activity inspire the production of endorphins, the body’s natural emotion enhancers (增强剂).     3    

Improved health and energy level

Cold-weather walking can provide an excellent heart workout. The combination of light movement and the body’s reaction to the cold increases heart health by improving circulation (血液循环) and lowering blood pressure. Over time, this can make your blood system healthier.

    4     Instead, walking in the fresh air can make your senses energetic and increase overall energy levels. The physical activity and stay in natural light work together to reduce feelings of tiredness, leaving you feeling more active and ready to deal with the day.

So, as the winter winds blow and snowflakes fall, consider wearing your warm clothes and taking a walk outside.     5     It is also helpful to mental wellbeing and overall energy.

A．The cold weather does not cost energy.

B．They play a key role in fighting off diseases.

C．Winter, especially, is an opportunity to go slowly.

D．They leave you feeling more positive and excited.

E．However, don’t let the cold temperatures prevent you.

F．Let each walk be a big step towards a healthier, happier you.

G．The benefits of walking in cold weather go beyond physical health.

4 . The Best Writing Contests of 2024

Kentucky Visions Short Story Contest

The Kentucky Visions Short Story Contest, an annual contest, is designed to highlight Kentucky’s rich literary talent and celebrate the best in short fiction written by Kentuckians or about our beloved Bluegrass State.

Top prize                         Best entry: $500
Entry requirements            Fee: FREE
Deadline                           March 31, 2024
Fiction Factory Flash Fiction

This is an international competition—we welcome entries from around the world. Maximum word count: 1,000, Stories may be on any theme. Entries must be previously unpublished. Results will be announced by April 2024. Minimum age: 16 years. Children’s compositions cannot be accepted sadly.

Top prize                       Best entry: £500
Entry requirements          Fee: FREE
Deadline                       March 31, 2024
Journalism Competition 2024

What are the most important issues taking place close to home? Perhaps a rare bird sighting near your town? Or a band of young people in your province fighting for access to higher education? This month, involve yourself in a newsworthy event inside the borders of your own country, and invite us there through your written reporting.

Top prize                       Best entry: $100
Entry requirements          Fee: FREE
Deadline                         July 22, 2024
Poetry & Spoken Word Competition 2024

“Poetry lays the foundations for a future of change,” wrote Audre Lorde. This month, sow your own seeds of change into poetry, or else write and perform an original piece of spoken word(poetry performed aloud). We’ll award two top prizes-one for a written poem, and one for a recorded performance.

Top prize                           Best entry: $100
Entry requirements             Fee: FREE
Deadline                            May 27, 2024
1. Which contest accepts entries both at home and abroad?

A．Kentucky Visions Short Story Contest.	B．Fiction Factory Flash Fiction.
C．Journalism Competition 2024.	D．Poetry&-Spoken Word Competition 2024.

2. What do we know about Poetry&-Spoken Word Competition 2024?

A．It offers two first prizes.	B．It only requests written compositions.
C．It provides the highest awards.	D．It inspires students to perform actively.

3. What is the author’s purpose of writing the text?

A．To compare some writing contests.	B．To recommend good writing contests.
C．To share tips on winning writing contests.	D．To remind students to enter writing contests.

5 . 阅读下面材料，根据其内容和所给段落开头语续写两段，使之构成一篇完整的短文。

One day, Alex, a 12-year-old school boy in a small town, got the news that the World Chess Championship was taking place in the neighboring city of Grandington. Fueled by his deep passion for chess, Alex decided to enter the competition, even though he was not officially invited. He had a feeling that he could stand a chance against some of the world’s most skilled chess players.

The following morning, Alex packed his chessboard and chess pieces. With a mix of nervousness and determination, he boarded the train to Grandington. Once he arrived, the big city overwhelmed him with its tall buildings, bright lights, and the energy of chess enthusiasts from around the world.

With the help of a friendly stranger, Alex managed to find the tournament venue (比赛场地). The hall was enormous, filled with rows of chess tables and players engaged in intense matches.

As Alex glanced around, he noticed how small he felt compared to the chess celebrities surrounding him. Taking a deep breath, Alex approached the registration desk. The tournament organizers were surprised to see such a young boy standing before them, but they couldn’t turn him away. Sensing his determination, they allowed him to participate, considering it a good opportunity for the other players to show their skills against a young talent.

As the championship progressed, Alex’s opponents thought nothing of him due to his age. They saw him as an easy win, but little did they know that Alex possessed a strategic mind and a skill of unconventional moves. With each round, Alex astonished the players with his brilliant plays. Word quickly spread about the young talent who had accidentally entered the championship. The media became excited by Alex’s story, and soon cameras and reporters flocked to capture his journey. Despite facing experienced opponents, Alex’s passion for the game and his unwavering focus helped him advance through the ranks. His victories grew more remarkable with each passing day. People from all corners of the world began cheering for him, sending messages of support and admiration.

注意：1.续写词数应为150个左右；
2.请按如下格式在答题卡的相应位置作答。

In the final round, Alex found himself facing the world chess champion.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Alex’s unexpected victory made him a household name.

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6 . Courtney Rich of Utah, was running in the Salt Lake City marathon. But as she headed into Mile 24, she began to feel the one thing that she didn’t want to do: collapse. It began creeping up on her and then suddenly overtook her.

“I wanted them to see Mom finish strongly. Those are things I tell my kids as often as I can when things are hard or they’re playing in their own sports. ‘Just do your best and that best is going to be a little different every day,’” she said. But at that moment, she knew she wasn’t going to be able to finish the race. “When I can feel my legs slowing down and I know I’m going to disappoint my kids,” Rich said. “By Mile 24… I looked at my watch and that’s when I called my husband and was in tears,” she said. “I was just having a little pity party for myself for a minute.”

“Next thing I knew, my daughter ran out,” Rich recounted. “I kind of saw her out of the corner of my left eye and I realized it was Avery. I just put a huge smile on my face. I stuck out my hand, she grabbed it and all of a sudden, my legs that were hurting and the heaviness of my body just felt lighter and we just ran to the finish line hand in hand.”

The proud mom said Avery told her that she did what she knew her mom needed at that moment. “That is absolutely Avery’s character. She sees people. She has sympathy. She notices people and is aware of just feelings and needs,” Rich said.

“Don’t ever brush aside the inspiration to do a small act of kindness for someone because you just never know what impact that will have on people,” Rich added.

1. What happened to Rich on Mile 24?

A．She was disturbed by a party.	B．She was overcome by tiredness.
C．She was struggling to cross the finish line.	D．She received an unexpected call from her husband.

2. How did Rich feel when Avery ran out?

A．Confused.

B．Refreshed.

C．Astonished.

D．Worried.

3. What does Rich think of Avery?

A．She is reliable and creative.	B．She is energetic and friendly.
C．She is sympathetic and considerate.	D．She is ambitious and intelligent.

4. What can we learn from the story?

A．Failure is often the case in our life.

B．Inspiration is more important to a successful mother.

C．We should hope for the best, but prepare for the worst.

D．The smallest moment of kindness can have a huge impact.

7 . After winning the 100-meter dash at the 2023 World Athletics Championships in August, 26-year-old sprinter (短跑运动员) Noah Lyles was named “World’s Fastest Man”. Now he has his ____ set on winning more medals at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Lyles, the son of two former runners, grew up in Alexandria, Virginia. He began ______ as a sprinter when he was a teenager and dreamed of going to the Olympics. He ______ for a spot (排名位置) on the US Olympic team in 2016 but did not ______. Fortunately, in 2021, he ______ the US team for the Tokyo Games and won a bronze medal in the 200-meter race.

Lyles has been ______ with legendary Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt, who has held the same ____   “World’s Fastest Man”. Bolt won the 100 meter and 200 meter races at the World Championships and still holds the ___in the 200 meter with a time of 19. 19 seconds, set in 2009. Lyles’ best time for that race is 19.31, and he said his _____ is to run it in 19.10 seconds, which would break Bolt’s record. Lyles said that he did not ______ top runners like Bolt as idols (偶像) while growing up. “I believed in myself and in learning something from _____people, because everyone has their own advantage,” he said.

After his win, Lyles said he felt that his years of training and patience have finally ______. In Paris next year, Lyles hopes to win more golds.   “If I got three gold medals at the World Championships, maybe I have the ______ to get three gold medals at the Olympics,” he said. His another expectation is to make track and field more _____ and accessible to a large number of people. “I’m trying to make sure that everybody comes and ______ the sport,” he said.

1.

A．sights

B．opinions

C．predictions

D．demands

2.

A．advertising

B．competing

C．defending

D．debating

3.

A．looked

B．answered

C．accounted

D．tried

4.

A．quit

B．respond

C．qualify

D．regret

5.

A．made

B．created

C．refused

D．recommended

6.

A．combined

B．replaced

C．blessed

D．compared

7.

A．dream

B．standard

C．title

D．talent

8.

A．passion

B．record

C．feature

D．belief

9.

A．responsibility

B．suggestion

C．solution

D．goal

10.

A．copy

B．view

C．recall

D．serve

11.

A．different

B．famous

C．gifted

D．determined.

12.

A．ran out

B．paid off

C．came back

D．sped up

13.

A．potential

B．honor

C．pressure

D．option

14.

A．flexible

B．stable

C．formal

D．popular

15.

A．reports

B．evaluates

C．enjoys

D．improves

8 . A study led by the University of Granada has made sure for the first time the number of steps at which most people can get health benefits. The study has provided the first scientific evidence for how many steps you need to take per day to reduce the risk of premature (过早的) death: about 8,000 steps. Given the length of a human step, taking 8,000 steps is just like walking about 6.4 kilometers a day.

The researchers conducted a systematic literature review and analysis of data from twelve international studies involving more than 110,000 participants. The results are in line with other recent studies, which show that health benefits are got at about 8,000 steps.

“What makes our study different is that, for the first time, we set clear step aims. It shows that measurable benefits can be got with small increases in the number of steps per day, and that for people with low levels of physical activity, every additional 500 steps improves their health. This is good news because not everyone can walk almost 8,000 steps a day, at least not at first, so you can set small, reachable goals and gradually make progress and increase the number of steps per day,” explains Esmée Bakker, one of the lead authors of the study.

So, should we stop walking when we reach around nine thousand steps? “Absolutely not,”   Francisco B. Ortega, another lead author of the study, said firmly. “More steps are never bad. Our study showed that even as many as 16.000 steps a day does not pose a risk; on the contrary, there are additional benefits compared to walking 7,000-9,000 steps a day.”

The study gives people clear and easily measurable goals. Here lies the importance of the study—to provide simple and concrete (具体的) aims for the number of daily steps that people can easily measure with their phones or smartwatches, and thereby contribute to people’s health.

1. What can we learn about the study according to paragraph 1?

A．Its findings were based on scientific evidence.

B．It explored the length of a human step.

C．It proved the benefits of walking.

D．It found a new way to prevent premature death.

2. What does the underlined word “This”   in paragraph 3 refer to?

A．The number of steps is becoming larger.

B．The number of steps is about 8,000 steps a day.

C．The number of the whole steps is about 500 steps.

D．The number of steps with a small increase can get benefits.

3. What is the purpose of the last paragraph?

A．To recommend a way to keep healthy.

B．To show the significance of the study.

C．To encourage people to walk more steps.

D．To prove the contribution of modern technology.

4. In which section of a newspaper may this text appear?

A．Education.

B．Sports.

C．Health.

D．Environment.

10 . Including a healthy diet and exercise in one’s busy schedule isn’t that easy. Yet Martina Laird, 31, managed to do so.

I’ve always loved power walking. I was in theatre in Stratford a few years ago and used to walk along a disused railway line. The sights are beautiful and it was so relaxing a type of walking meditation (沉思) with headphones on. I find gyms terrible and boring. I can’t see the point in getting a personal trainer. I don’t like the idea of having someone beside me while I exercise.

I don’t own a car, which means I walk everywhere. It really keeps me fit. I’d love to get a mountain bike. Bristol, where we film, has so many hills that cycling back from work each day would be an amazing exercise on its own.

I love fine food, but I don’t eat red meat or dairy products (奶制品). Cutting out bread has also made an amazing difference to my health. I have so much more energy. I always stick to healthy food and make my own juices for breakfast. When it’s freezing cold, I make my soups and take them to work. But I’m not perfect. I have my days of reaching for the biscuits. I also like to eat candies in the evening. They have left a bad influence on my teeth. I really want to stop and I’m giving it a try.

I’m really happy with my health and I’m about 75% happy with myself. But like any woman, I still a little admire that other 25%. As a woman in this profession, you can’t help comparing yourself to your workmates. There’s some pressure to be thin on TV, but I’m a role model and I don’t want to put out the message to young viewers that being underweight is healthy. You can only make the most of what you’ve got.

1. What exercise does Martina dream of?

A．Power walking.	B．Riding bicycles.
C．Training in the gym.	D．Climbing mountains.

2. Which of the following does Martina mean to quit?

A．Red meat.

B．Dairy products.

C．Candies.

D．Juices.

3. What is Martina’s profession?

A．She is an athlete.	B．She is an actress.
C．She is a personal trainer.	D．She is a fashion designer.

4. What may be the text?

A．An advertisement.	B．A health instruction.
C．A self-introduction.	D．An interview report.