1 . Have you ever felt the need to grab a pen and start writing your thoughts on paper? Words—beautiful and fascinating. But you know what is better than putting your imagination somewhere? In my case, to win the competition for the best novelist.

That was a small tournament organized by my school annually to _______ our creative writing and vivid imagination. Since I had a burning passion for _______, I decided to show my power. I thought no one could _______ me.

I finished a long story and e-mailed it. As I _______ the email every day, my eyes were wandering to _______ the line “Congratulations! It is a great pleasure to inform you that…” _______, no such thing came.

I was not accepted. I _______ my abilities. The next day at school, I tried my best to be _______, avoiding the usual contact. But in the corridor, I _______ Stacy Williams, my school rival. Could she be the ________? I started walking sneakily. In class, I was just looking out of the window at the ________ clouds which were a reflection of my soul.

Thankfully, a film that night—Forrest Gump lifted my ________. I wouldn’t let a stupid competition ________ my future. I could win on the next one or even at a better tournament. The important thing was to ________ my head and face my challenges without losing hope when everything seemed ________.

1.

A．advertise

B．demonstrate

C．defend

D．distinguish

2.

A．speaking

B．acting

C．dancing

D．writing

3.

A．beat

B．touch

C．contradict

D．dominate

4.

A．answered

B．sent

C．checked

D．shared

5.

A．notice

B．smell

C．taste

D．feel

6.

A．Moreover

B．Otherwise

C．However

D．Hence

7.

A．abused

B．overestimated

C．enhanced

D．proved

8.

A．moody

B．normal

C．natural

D．invisible

9.

A．encountered

B．shadowed

C．greeted

D．congratulated

10.

A．sponsor

B．organizer

C．reporter

D．winner

11.

A．clean

B．dark

C．soft

D．light

12.

A．spirits

B．eyes

C．boundary

D．restriction

13.

A．promote

B．decide

C．sustain

D．safeguard

14.

A．lower

B．position

C．straighten

D．shake

15.

A．never-ending

B．abstract

C．contradictory

D．hopeless

2 . Best of Nashville TN Vacation

Enjoy the best of this unique city with the Best of Nashville TN Vacation package. This package allows you to experience hand-picked activities that will help you to have a truly memorable Music City adventure.

Package Includes

● 5 Nights’ Accommodations in your choice of over 46 hotels

● Discover Nashville Tour

● Grand Ole Opry at Opry House Preferred Seating

● General Jackson Showboat Evening Dinner Cruise

About the Included Discover Nashville Tour

See all of the most exciting attractions in Nashville with the incredible Discover Nashville Tour. This tour will give you views of historic downtown, the Tennessee state capital, the Parthenon and many other wonderful attractions. This tour also includes admission to the legendary Ryman Auditorium where the tradition of the Grand Ole Opry began as well as admission to the huge Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.

About the Included Grand Ole Opry at Opry House

Guests will also be able to attend the most famous country music show in the world with Grand Ole Opry Tickets! Head to the Opry House to see some of legendary stars in the country. You never know who you may get to see! This package includes Preferred Seating.

About the Included General Jackson Showboat Cruise

Experience one of the most beloved activities in Nashville, TN with tickets on the General Jackson. Climb aboard this fantastic showboat and set off for an evening of great entertainment, sightseeing, and delicious food. Enjoy some of the most beautiful landmarks in Nashville and glimpse the skyline from the water. It’s sure to be an awesome addition to your journey!

About the Included Lodging

Visitors on this vacation will also be able to choose which lodging option best suits their needs. Whether they wish to stay in a budget-friendly hotel that will fit the entire family or would like a more peaceful suite in a resort hotel, there are options for everyone. The package includes five nights of lodging.

Experience the best of the best of Nashville’s finest attractions, cruises, and more! You and your loved ones are bound to have an awesome time with these fun activities and five nights of lodging.

1. What is NOT included in the Best of Nashville TN Vacation package?

A．Meeting superstars of the country.	B．Learning the history of the state capital.
C．Appreciating the scenery on the showboat.	D．Enjoying the most famous country music show.

2. What is true about the included lodging according to the passage?

A．The lodging option is fixed.	B．A wide choice of hotels are offered.
C．The hotels to be selected are luxurious.	D．Extra expenses are needed for accommodations.

3. What is the passage probably taken from?

A．A travel journal.	B．A textbook.
C．An advertising page.	D．A news report.

3 . BEST FORENSIC SCIENCE SUMMER CAMPS 2024

If your child is fascinated by true crime investigations and all things forensics, then consider enrolling them in a forensics summer camp. Check out these top-rated forensic summer camps for your future scientist.

Embry-Riddle Forensic Science Summer Camp

This summer camp by Embry-Riddle lasts a week and is open to 14 to 18 year olds. There are many activities, including a simulated crime scene investigation. Topics like DNA analysis, psychological profiling, computer and phone hacking, ethics, and evidence collection are covered. Your tuition includes housing, meals, and materials used throughout the program. The Forensic Science Camp takes place at the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott, Arizona.

National Online Forensis

Looking for an online forensics program? National Online Forensis serves elementary to college students. They have summer programs mainly geared towards kids with some previous experience. Kids can receive one on one coaching, listen to lectures, and participate in labs from Monday to Thursday in preparation for a tournament on Friday. On Friday, they will join an online tournament with judges and awards for the top performances. National Forensis holds events throughout the year for different age groups and levels. They make it possible for kids to compete nationally without the expense of traveling. There is a limit for each session to 15 students that are overseen by 2 lab instructors.

Stockton University CSI Summer Camp

This five-day CSI camp gives teens a chance to solve a murder mystery from start to finish. They search for evidence at the scene of the “crime”, interview witnesses, and prepare and try a case. Students will work alongside university professors and police and take field trips to an autopsy room, county jail, and more. They stay on the Stockton University campus, which is located in Stockton, New Jersey. All costs are covered by the registration fee and students from all over the country are welcome to attend. Pick-up is available from the airport. They get insights into everything it takes to solve a case and see if this is the right career path for them.

1. Who are the intended readers of the passage?

A．Children.

B．Future scientists.

C．Parents.

D．Investigators.

2. What do the three summer camps have in common?

A．Campers will get to participate in hands-on activities.

B．They are open to students from elementary to college.

C．They are free of charge except the housing and meal fees.

D．Campers are required to have previous forensics experience.

3. Which column is the passage probably taken from?

A．Business.

B．Technology.

C．Health.

D．Education.

4 . A project called “I Am A Scientist” is giving middle and high school students the opportunity to interact with modern-day researchers. Below are stories from some of the scientists who are involved in the program.

Noor Al-Alusi, Epidemiologist (流行病学家)

“I have a black belt in Taekwondo (跆拳道). I am driven by a deep desire to help others. I believe that all people have a fundamental right to health care.”

Her work: During the Zika epidemic, Al-Alusi met with the communities that had been hardest hit by the virus, using data and mathematical models to keep them safe and healthy.

Background: Al-Alusi was born in California but her parents emigrated from Iraq. This experience provided her with an understanding of the health needs of the immigrant community.

Ryoji Amamoto, Neurobiologist (神经生物学家)

“I’m a huge sports fan. I’ve traveled to more than 40 countries. I’m a licensed scuba diver but a terrible swimmer. I hated science in high school.”

His work: Amamoto studies the tiny but amazing brains of animals that have a superpower — the ability to regenerate. He learns what factors help these special brains regrow, so that we can try to treat diseases like Parkinson’s.

Background: Amamoto lived in Japan until the age of eight, when his family moved to Chicago. He had to overcome major language barriers which saw him shift between speaking English at school and Japanese at home.

Yamicia Connor, Physician Scientist

“I once competed in a robot competition. I love Beyonce. I love cooking. I’m a doctor who studies ways to improve women’s health.”

Her work: Connor is a doctor at a hospital in Boston where she studies cancer cells in a lab using microscopes and computers, but she also works directly with patients who are undergoing tests for new cancer treatments.

Background: Growing up in Florida, Connor was a serious kid who stressed about the little things. She was into her schoolwork and loved to put on plays with her friends in which she would organize the whole thing and assign everyone a role.

1. What can the students know about the scientists through the program?

A．Their education experience.	B．Their gender and religion.
C．Their personal interests.	D．Their career planning.

2. What is Noor Al-Alusi’s job?

A．Studying amazing brains which can regrow.

B．Using data and mathematical models to fight against viruses.

C．Understanding the health needs of the immigrant community.

D．Working with patients who are undergoing tests for new cancer treatments.

3. Where is the passage probably from?

A．A magazine.	B．Award words.
C．A science paper.	D．A health website.

5 . Earlier this year I made a decision to remove all Internet service from my home. It ended up being the best decision I’ve ever made.

I was not content with the time I was wasting —I felt I could do more purposeful things with my time than spend it on the Internet. This doesn’t mean I think the Internet is bad or wrong —it’s not. It is an amazing tool, one that changed my life for the better.

How can I go without Internet service at home? The answer is easy: I plan my Internet use. I don’t do so in a strictly controlled way—it’s not like I say, “OK, I’ll be on Twitter from 2: 00 p. m. to 4: 00 p. m. next Thursday.” If I see something I want to research on the Internet, I write it down and use that list when I have Internet access.

Now I’m forced to leave the house to access the Internet. I’ll go to the library, the coffee shop, or some other place with free public Wi-Fi to work on all the things I need to do online (post writing, check email, read blogs, etc.).

No longer am I taking unconscious (无意识的) breaks from my life to surf the Internet. Now when I’m on the Internet, it has a purpose—it is a tool I use to improve my life. Sure, sometimes I watch some funny videos or laugh at funny pictures, but I go to the Internet with the intention of doing these things.

When I got rid of the Internet at home, I did it mostly so I could focus on writing--but I have found so many extra benefits. I have more time for friends. I have more time to exercise. I no longer want the Internet badly like I once did. My mind is more focused on important things. And I don’t have a monthly Internet bill.

1. Why did the author remove all Internet service from his home?

A．To reduce the cost of living.	B．To make good use of his time.
C．To enjoy his own company.	D．To stay away from technology.

2. What can be learned about the author’s new way of using the Internet?

A．He surfs the Internet at a fxed time.

B．He watches funny videos more often.

C．He has to pay to access public Wi-Fi.

D．He uses the Internet more purposefully.

3. How does the author feel about the result of his decision?

A．It is upsetting.	B．It is satisfying.
C．It is discouraging.	D．It is embarrassing.

4. What can we infer about the author from the text?

A．He is a writer.	B．He is short of money.
C．He lives alone.	D．He likes to stay home.

6 . Top Sunny Christmas Destinations

You’re imagining what your dream Christmas will be like, walking on a perfect beach with your toes sinking into the warm, soft sand instead of wearing layers of winter clothes. If you prefer summer, now is the time to visit NH Hotels web and plan your ideal warm holiday for Christmas. Here, we’ve selected a list of some of the most attractive sunny Christmas destinations around the world.

Buenos Aires, Argentina — Sizzling Summer Celebrations

At the heart of Argentina’s summer season, Buenos Aires comes alive with Christmas festivities. As the city sizzles under the South American sun, you’ll find locals celebrating with all the passion and their talents that define their culture. Christmas Eve, known as “Nochebuena,” is the highlight, and Argentines gather with friends and family for a grand feast that often includes asado (barbecue) and traditional holiday desserts. One of the most unique aspects of a Buenos Aires Christmas is the lively street celebrations, with fireworks lighting the night sky and tango dancers rushing to the streets.

Sydney, Australia — Beachfront Bliss

Down under, Christmas falls in the middle of summer, making Sydney an ideal destination for sun-seekers. The city is famous for its dazzling Christmas lights displays, including the iconic lighting of the Christmas tree in Martin Place. Bondi Beach is a popular spot for beachgoers, where you can spend Christmas Day enjoying the sun, surf, and a picnic on the sand.

Bali, Indonesia — Tropical Paradise

Bali, with its lush landscapes, pristine beaches, and rich cultural heritage, offers a unique tropical Christmas experience. While Christmas isn’t a traditional Balinese holiday, many resorts and restaurants embrace the festive season with special events, dinners, and decorations. You can enjoy a beachfront Christmas dinner, explore ancient temples, or simply relax under the sun.

Cancún, Mexico — Mexican Christmas Magic

Cancún, on the eastern coast of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, is a hotspot for those seeking a festive Christmas. The holiday season here is marked by exciting Mexican traditions. Cancún’s amazing beaches and crystal-clear waters provide the perfect backdrop for a tropical Christmas celebration.

1. What’s special about a Buenos Aires Christmas?

A．A grand feast is provided for visitors.	B．Lively celebrations are held in the streets.
C．The locals celebrate Christmas with passion.	D．Families get together to enjoy traditional food.

2. If you’re interested in local cultural heritage, which destination will you most probably explore?

A．Buenos Aires, Argentina.

B．Sydney, Australia.

C．Bali, Indonesia.

D．Cancún, Mexico.

3. Where is the text most probably taken from?

A．A web page.

B．An encyclopedia.

C．A travel journal.

D．A geography textbook.

7 . Four villages in China were named Best Tourism Villages 2023, an award by the World Tourism Organization(UNWTO). They are Xiajiang village from Zhejiang province, Huangling village from Jiangxi province, Zhagana village from Gansu province and Zhujiawan village from Shanxi province. The decision was announced at the 25th session of the UNWTO General Assembly in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, on Thursday local time.

Xiajiang village

Located in East China’s Zhejiang province, it has earned a striking spot for its unspoiled natural beauty and a unique cultural heritage that spans from traditional folk culture to historical “red culture”. This picturesque corner of East China is now witnessing waves of tourists. A 140-kilometer lakeside track weaves through the amazing setting, giving riders the chance to bury themselves in the natural beauty of the Qiandao Lake area. This inviting experience attracts cycling enthusiasts from all over the world.

Huangling village

Set in a mountainous region with terraced fields(梯田), forests, and rivers, Huangling village is famous for its breathtaking natural scenery, traditional architecture, and the preservation of ancient customs. Its ancient houses are characterized by whitewashed walls, black-tiled roofs, and carefully carved wooden elements. These architectural features provide a glimpse into China’s rich history and cultural heritage.

Zhagana village

The village has also been named as a globally important agricultural and cultural heritage site by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Zhagana is located at an altitude of 3,000 to 3,300 meters and is surrounded by mountains, with the highest peak reaching 4,500 meters. The steep mountains and old Tibetan-style houses make up a “grand stone palace” or an ancient city built by natural rock walls. It has changed from a closed mountainous village to a scenic spot where tourists can enjoy a slow and leisurely life.

Zhujiawan village

Zhujiawan village covers an area of 126 square kilometers with over 1,200 species of animals and plants. The village has 25 intangible cultural treasures, including the Zhashui Fish Drum and traditional brewing(酿造)practices. Additionally, it is home to 17 tangible cultural relics, such as ancient Qinling Mountain houses, time-worn road remains and the historic Xiaoyi Hall site. In recent years, Zhujiawan village has made full use of its ecological strengths to develop tourism. During this year’s tourist peak season, Zhujiawan Village is receiving over 15,000 visitors daily.

1. Which village would cyclists prefer?

A．Huangling village.	B．Xiajiang village.
C．Zhagana village.	D．Zhujiawan village.

2. What do Huangling village and Zhagana village have in common?

A．They are located at the riverside.

B．They are surrounded by high peaks.

C．They have houses in ancient styles.

D．They have won another global award.

3. What can visitors do in Zhujiawan village?

A．Observe a variety of living species.

B．Explore the remains of a lakeside track.

C．Experience traditional farming practices.

D．Visit ancient farms in Qinling Mountain.

4. Where can we most probably read this passage?

A．An art magazine.	B．A travel brochure.
C．A history textbook.	D．A news report.

8 . Most of us have heard of the 3Rs: reduce, reuse and recycle. It is the core principle of a sustainable (可持续的) life, but few of us can apply it in our own lives. Now, there’s a “lab” you can explore and discover a way toward living sustainably.

3R Lab is located in Xuhui district, Shanghai. It offers exhibitions, activities and goods that showcase the 3R principle. The key to a sustainable life, according to Vincent T. M. Fong, the 32-year-old from Hong Kong who created the lab, is to make it a long-term promise. “A sustainable life should be sustainable itself in the first place. You can’t lead a sustainable life on a whim. Small and comfortable changes are exactly what you need,” Fong said.

The lab regularly hosts ugly fruit markets, offering these strange fruits which are often thrown away by traditional markets and consumers at a quite attractive price. “They’re thrown away simply because of their appearance. Buying fruit regardless of how they look reduces food waste significantly in our daily life,” Fong commented.

A water tank with two types of straws is another equipment in the lab. “One type is made from normal plastics widely used in our daily life while the other is from PHA, a new replacement for plastics, and the water is sourced from the Suzhou River,” explained Ni Li, an employee of the lab. Visitors can see how the PHA straws degrade (降解) into a thin layer in just one month, while the others remain unchanged.

“Leading a sustainable life does not necessarily mean sacrifice,” said Fong. Consuming ugly fruit and using degradable plastics are small changes that are good for the environment and easy to stick to. Only in this way can the 3R principle become part of our lives, he added.

After working there for six months, Ni, who wasn’t mindful of the 3R principle before arriving at the lab, now uses her cup every time she buys a coffee. “The job has reshaped my life,” Ni said.

1. What does the-underlined phrase “on a whim” in the second paragraph probably mean?

A．In a rush.	B．On a regular basis.
C．Without any reason.	D．As a common practice.

2. What is the purpose of the ugly fruit market at 3R Lab?

A．To reduce food waste.	B．To promote healthy eating.
C．To sell new kinds of fruit.	D．To provide more affordable fruit,

3. What can the water tank at 3R Lab show to its visitors?

A．The water pollution caused by plastics.	B．The degradation of PHA straws.
C．The interaction between two types of straws.	D．The disappearance of normal plastic straws.

4. What can we infer from the last paragraph about Ni?

A．She avoids going to traditional markets.	B．She has devoted less time to her hobbies.
C．She has got rid of a few bad habits.	D．She is leading a low carbon life now.

9 . New York Times best-selling author Susan Casey travelled globally, joining scientists and explorers on dives to the deepest places on the planet. She takes us on an interesting journey through the history of deep-sea exploration, from the legends of the ancient world to storied shipwrecks we can now reach on the bottom. Throughout this journey, she learned how important the deep is to the future of the planet, and how necessary it is that we understand and protect it. The Underworld is Susan Casey’s most beautiful and thrilling book, a wonderful show of the natural world.

Event location: The lecture and book signing (签名) will be held at the Linda Hall Library,5109 Cherry Street, Kansas City, Missouri.

Event time: Thursday, January 14th,7:00 pm-8:00 pm

Book signing: Hard copies of the book will be available for purchase at the event courtesy of Rainy Day Books. A book signing will immediately follow the lecture.

Admission package (admits one)

Click to order tickets through the Kauffman Center. Admission is $40.00 plus Kauffman ticket fee and includes one hardcover of the book and one admission ticket. Reserved seating.

Please note: Attendees (参与者) will receive their books as they arrive at this event. Your electronic ticket will be needed for event entry and to receive your hardcover of the book as you arrive.

Disclaimer (免责声明): All Rainy Day Books Author Event sales are final and non-refundable.

1. What is the topic of Susan Casey’s book?

A．A show of the heights of the earth.	B．Some discoveries made by explorers.
C．Some measures to protect the ocean.	D．Journey s to the depths of the ocean.

2. What kind of event is it?

A．A lecture and book signing.	B．A discussion between readers.
C．A sales meeting of a new book.	D．A party of celebrating the success.

3. What should attendees do with their electronic tickets?

A．Return them to the Kauffman Center.	B．Get a discount of the book with them.
C．Get hardcovers of the book with them.	D．Exchange them with other book lovers.

10 . USA TODAY’S Best-selling Booklist

USA TODAY collects sales data from booksellers representing a variety of outlets: bookstore chains, independent bookstores, mass sellers, and online retailers. Using that data, we determine the 150 top-selling titles of the week. The top 150 are published online Wednesdays at 6 a.m. The rankings reflect sales from the previous Monday through Sunday.

Fourth Wing by Yarros, Rebecca

“Suspenseful and with incredibly entertaining storytelling, the first in Yarros’ Empyrean series will delight fans of romantic, adventure-filled fantasy.” — Booklist, starred review

“Fourth Wing will have your heart pounding from beginning to end... A fantasy like you’ve never read before.” ― #1 New York Times bestselling author Jennifer L.

●   Genre: Fantasy - Epic, Fantasy - Romantic
●   Published: May 02, 2023
●   Previous Rank: 1
Tom Lake by Patchett, Ann

In this beautiful and moving novel about family, love, and growing up, Ann Patchett once again proves herself one of America’s finest writers.

“Ann Patchett leads us to a truth that feels like life rather than literature.” — The Guardian

●   Genre: Literary, Family Life - General, Coming of Age
●   Published: August 01, 2023
●   Previous Rank: 2
Safe and Sound: A Renter-Friendly Guide to Home Repair by Stardust, Mercury

Don’t panic — Mercury Stardust, AKA The Trans Handy Ma’am is here to help! For too many people, the simple act of contacting a repair person can feel like a game of chance. If you’ve ever felt panicked about opening your home to strangers in order to fix a maintenance issue, this book is for you.

●   Genre: Maintenance & Repair, Reference
●   Published: August 22, 2023
●   Previous Rank: n/a
1. What does USA Today do to ensure the reliability of its bestselling booklist?

A．Taking the readers’ reviews into account.

B．Laying emphasis on the books’ previous ranks.

C．Making the list based on the books’ monthly sales.

D．Obtaining sales data from different distribution channels.

2. What do Fourth Wing and Tom Lake have in common according to the reviews?

A．Both came out in the August of 2023.

B．Both are connected with the future of family life.

C．Both appeared in the previous rank of the Booklist.

D．Both writers are bestselling authors of New York Times.

3. Which book is probably the most popular with DIY lovers?

A．Fourth Wing	B．Safe and Sound: A Renter-Friendly Guide to Home Repair
C．Tom Lake	D．The Guardian