1 . In a recent email to an old friend, I mentioned that our family planned on taking our four­week road trip in our motor home. My friend emailed back and said he thought I was very “brave” to set out on such an adventure with two young children (aged two and five). I laughed when I read his email and wondered if he knew how much he was missing out on by giving up the idea of such a fun RV trip (房车旅) with one’s family.

My husband and I have been “RVing” for over ten years. When we first started traveling, we certainly had some troubles that were not so funny at the time but seem to be funny now. We forgot our pillows and failed to cook dinner on an outdoor grill (烤架) for lack of a flashlight. Then we decided to make our dinner in the motor home but could not get the oven lit! So we went to bed a little hungrier than we had planned!

However, that's nothing compared with the amazing geological and natural wonders we experienced during our RV trips. In addition, we have discovered a new world of family fun and family bonding. We saw the Grand Canyon when our son was only six months old. We play games inside and out, walk together, talk together, read, solve puzzles, and enjoy music and movies. We have got used to doing things with one another. Our kids love to pick out good, old­fashioned postcards to send off via “snail mail” to different family members on every trip.

As our world gets more and more overloaded with cell phones, texting, emails and video games, our family sticks more and more tightly to the wonderfully simple idea of unplugging for a while and jumping into the seat to take a trip in our motor home. Then we come home with fun pictures of our wanderings, and we're able to build special memories for our kids. Now we want to spread the word and tell families of all kinds what enjoyment can be had from packing the family up for a trip in the RV.

1. What did the author’s friend think of her travel plan?

A．A family trip should not last four weeks.

B．It was wise of her to take children on RV trips.

C．A family RV trip might bring unexpected troubles.

D．It was an opportunity to teach children to be brave.

2. What can we learn about the first RV trip of the author’s family?

A．They found many things lost.

B．It was ruined by bad weather.

C．They didn’t prepare well for it.

D．It was quite a scary experience.

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

A．To appeal families to take RV trips together.

B．To show how to make RV trips interesting.

C．To encourage kids to take part in RV trips.

D．To share an unforgettable traveling experience.

2 . Four Future Technologies to Change the World in the Next Decade

Underwater gloves

Researchers have developed “octa gloves” that copy the suction (吸力) properties of an octopus (章鱼). Using a network of microsensors, the suction cups on the gloves can tighten and relax to grab underwater items without breaking them.

This technology could potentially be employed by underwater archaeologists, rescue divers, bridge architects, and other similar professionals.

Health-monitoring “Digital Twins”

A scanner has been developed, which can test hundreds of indicators within an hour. The information about these indicators can be used to create a 3D digital twin of a patient’s body, which can be monitored over time and changed with each new examination.

It is predicted that with this new technology, we will enter a new era of preventative and individualized medicine.

3D-printed bones

One of the most interesting applications of 3D printing technology is the creation of 3D-printed bones. A substance similar to human bones’ can be used to create a 3D model of the required patient-specific implantation (移植) according to the images and be used in an operation.

Due to the use of the special substance, the muscle will change these 3D-printed implants into real bones, allowing for the complete healing of bones’ functions.

Hydrogen planes

A team has put forward a proposal for a mid-sized plane powered by liquid hydrogen. It would be capable of carrying about 279 persons around the globe nonstop.

If this innovation could occur, a nonstop , zero-carbon flight connecting any two places in the world would be possible.

1. Which innovation is inspired by the feature of an animal?

A．Digital Twins.	B．3D-printed bones.
C．Octa gloves.	D．Hydrogen planes.

2. Who might be most interested in 3D-printed bones?

A．A frogman in search of sunken treasures.

B．An athlete in need of ankle replacement.

C．A student majoring in preventative medicine.

D．A navigator promoting environmental protection.

3. How will the four technologies impact us?

A．They will improve our life and work.

B．They will better our environment.

C．They will boost our work efficiency.

D．They will help prolong our life.

3 . For the last five years, Saroyan Matthew Lee has pricked his fingertips at least once a day to test a drop of blood. If the amount of glucose, a simple sugar, is too high, he must get a shot of insulin (胰岛素) to lower it. These daily finger pricks are “really lifestyle-hampering and invasive,” Matthew says. So he developed an alternative - a wearable patch. It turns yellow when glucose levels are too high.

The body normally makes insulin to even out blood-sugar levels. But having type 1 diabetes, Matthew cannot make this hormone. That’s important because highly elevated blood sugar can put someone’s life in danger. After seeing younger kids struggle to interpret their blood-sugar levels, he thought a color-changing device might be easier to understand. “As a diabetic,” he explains, “What I recognize is that the precise blood glucose number is not really important to us.” Instead, he notes, people with disease must simple know when throughout the day they will need a shot of insulin.

The body releases chemicals through many routes. The new single-use patch works by detecting glucose in one of them: sweat. Past research shows that you can estimate blood-sugar levels based on how much glucose sweat has.

Two sheets of hydrogel- a jingly, water-based gel- make up Matthew’s small patch. It’s only 1 centimeter (about 0.4 inch) square. The layer closest to the skin contains a chemical that reacts with glucose. This interaction produces a second chemical called hydrogen peroxide. The more sugar there is, the more hydrogen peroxide will be made. Hydrogen peroxide triggers a reaction in the patch’s upper layer. It causes a protein called papain - to react with a color-changing chemical. The more glucose in sweat, the yellower the patch will become.

Matthew’s patch is painless and easy to understand. And it shouldn’t be very costly. Material costs of his patch are just one-fifth as much as those of existing glucose-measuring devices, because current gadgets require electrical components but Matthew’s patch relies on far less expensive chemicals.

1. What do we know about Matthew?

A．He has the ability to make insulin regularly.

B．He considers it harmless to prick his fingertips.

C．He invents a convenient device to test blood sugar.

D．He thinks it vital to know the blood sugar level accurately.

2. What can be inferred from Paragraph 4?

A．The patch functions on the basis of three reactions.

B．Papain reacts in the second layer, causing hydrogen peroxide.

C．A color-changing chemical is located in the layer closest to the skin.

D．The patch relies on detecting glucose in various chemicals released by body.

3. Which is the advantage of Matthew’s patch?

A．It is more economical.

B．It uses less electricity.

C．It can be used for several times.

D．It shows the exact blood sugar number.

4. Which is the best title for the text?

A．A Novel Way to Treat Diabetes.

B．Painless Patch to Test Blood Sugar.

C．A New Device to Stabilize Blood Sugar.

D．A Chain of Insulin-Producing Reactions.

4 . You Can Make Working from Home Much More Pleasant with These Gadgets

Standing Desk Converter

Sitting all day can be harmful to our health. A standing desk converter allows you to easily transform your traditional desk into a standing desk, giving you the option to stand or sit throughout the day. This gadget can help reduce back pain, improve posture, and increase energy levels.

Wireless Keyboard and Mouse

Tired of being tied to your computer by a tangled mess of wires? A wireless keyboard and mouse can provide the freedom to work from anywhere within a certain range of your computer. These gadgets can improve comfort, flexibility, and reduce clutter.

Noise-cancelling Headphones

With more people working from home, the noise level in your home office can be distracting. Noise-cancelling headphones can help reduce outside noise and increase focus. They’re also great for taking video calls or listening to music without disturbing others in your home.

Smart Lighting
       Smart lighting allows you to adjust the brightness and color of your workspace lighting using a mobile app. This can improve productivity and comfort, as proper lighting can reduce eye strain and improve focus.
Foot Rest

A foot rest can help improve posture and reduce back pain. It’s a simple gadget that can make a big difference in comfort during long workdays.

Smart Thermostat

A smart thermostat allows you to control the temperature of your home office using a mobile app. This gadget can help you stay comfortable throughout the day without constantly adjusting the thermostat. It can also help save money on energy bills.

1. Which gadget can free you from a mess of wires?

A．Smart Lighting.	B．Noise-Cancelling Headphones.
C．Smart Thermostat.	D．Wireless Keyboard and Mouse.

2. What can be controlled in a certain range?

A．Foot Rest and Smart Thermostat.

B．Smart Lighting and Smart Thermostat.

C．Noise-Cancelling Headphones and Smart Lighting.

D．Wireless Keyboard and Mouse and Smart Thermostat.

3. What do Standing Desk Converter and Foot Rest have in common?

A．They can help focus.

B．They can increase flexibility.

C．They can ease backache.

D．They can turn into another form.

5 . A new study by the Zoological Society of London has found that nearly one in five of the world’s 10,000 species of reptiles (爬行动物) are threatened with extinction. The study, which has been printed in the journal Biological Conservation, was carried out by more than 200 experts who assessed the risk of extinction of 1,500 reptiles selected at random from around the globe.

The primary author of the paper, Monika Bohm, explained to the Zoological Society:” Reptiles are often associated with extreme habitats and tough environmental conditions, so it is easy to assume that they will be fine in our changing world. “However, that’s far from the truth:” Many species are very high specialized in terms of habitat use and the climatic conditions they require for day to day functioning, “Bohm said.” This makes them particularly sensitive to environmental changes. “The paper highlights three critically endangered species in its research, including the jungle runner lizard Ameiva vittata, which has only ever been spotted in the Cochabamba region of the Bolivian jungle—an area under threat from the growth of agriculture and logging. The two most recent searches for the species have been unsuccessful. Meanwhile in Haiti, six of the nine species of Anolis lizard in the country risk extinction due to increasing deforestation (毁林).

Also at risk are freshwater turtles, with 50% of all species at risk of extinction from hunting; turtle parts are in high demand as ingredients in traditional medicine. According to the study 30% of freshwater reptile species are also in danger of completely disappearing.

Reptiles have a long evolutionary history: snakes, lizards, crocodiles and tuataras first appeared on earth around 300 million years ago. They are an important part of many ecosystems. ”This is a very important step towards assessing the conservation status of reptiles globally, “Philip Bowles from the IUCN Species Survival Commission said in response to the study.” Tackling the identified habitat loss is key conservation priorities in order to transfer declines in these reptiles.”

1. How many species of reptiles are endangered?

A．1,000.

B．1,500.

C．2,000.

D．5,000.

2. What can we infer from paragraph 2?

A．Environmental changes cause species variation.

B．More trees are being cut down in the Bolivian jungle.

C．Reptiles can easily adapt to extreme habitats and climate.

D．Species extinction results from tough environment conditions.

3. Why are freshwater turtles at risk?

A．Because local people hunt them for fun.	B．Because their parts have medical value.
C．Because they struggle to survive in the wild.	D．Because they can be cooking ingredients.

4. How can we conserve these reptiles according to the last paragraph?

A．To reduce habitat destruction.	B．To increase the harvest of forest trees.
C．To assess the current conditions of reptiles.	D．To further the study on the evolutionary history.

6 . Phuket FantaSea

Located on Kamala Beach, just 9km from Patong, Phuket FantaSea offers a one-of-a-kind experience of culture and fun that no visitor to Phuket should miss. Phuket FantaSea is Phuket’s most popular nighttime attraction that can be visited all year around, rain or shine.

Coach/van transfer and rental service, facilities for seminars, corporate meetings, theme parties and exhibitions are also available.

Reservation Hotline: 076 385 111
Reservation Email: ticket@phuketfantasea.fun
Reservation website: www.phuketfantasea.fun
The Golden Kinnaree Buffet Restaurant

Begin your journey of magic with the world’s grandest buffet! In the mystical Himmaphan forest setting, visitors can enjoy a fantastic feast of Royal Thai dishes and International delicacies, prepared by some of Thailand’s finest chefs. (Buffet time: 17:30-21:00)

Designated Halal zone is provided in this restaurant.

Vegetarian Buffet line is also available.

Jungle Adventure

Take a magical adventure into an ancient kingdom of primitive Tiger Jungle where you can catch a glimpse of the gentle, magnificent creatures that live in Kingdom of Kamala. Tiger Jungle Adventure is a Theatrical Safari, an original concept that takes you on a journey through a theatrical environment of 12 mythical scenes inspired by timeless legends, starring many local animals. It is absolutely a feast for eyes and ears.

Operating time: 17:30-21:00
Animal exhibits are subject to change or closure without notice.
Similan (Entertainment Center)

Come join in the fun and games with our friendly sea creatures at Phuket FantaSea’s one-of-a-kind undersea entertainment center and shopping attraction -- Similan Entertainment Center. Fun-lovers of all ages are invited to test their skills with exciting games specifically designed to celebrate the splendid beauty of sea creatures in the Similan Island!

1. What can we do in Phuket FantaSea?

A．Have a brunch.	B．Go diving.
C．Go hunting for tigers.	D．Enjoy an animal show.

2. Which of the following will the dolphin lovers choose?

A．Patong.	B．Jungle Adventure.
C．Similan (Entertainment Center).	D．The Golden Kinnaree Buffet Restaurant.

3. What’s the purpose of the text?

A．To inform.

B．To advertise.

C．To contrast.

D．To explain.

7 . As a public research university in the USA, our mission is the creation, dissemination (传播), preservation and application of knowledge for the betterment of our global society. Here is something that you need to know to have a clearer understanding about University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).

Awards and Honors

With 16 Nobel laureates, 15 MacArthur fellows, 120 National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) championships and more Olympic medals than most universities, our university has become a household name with academic and athletic brilliance. Because of this storied history, it’s easy to imagine that we’ve been around forever, when in fact, our university turned its 100th anniversary in 2019. We are just getting started the beginning of the story.

Community Engagement and Impact

The global city of Los Angeles is a dynamic environment for building and testing dreams. People come here because they want to make the world a better place and they find support in our mission, values and community. Their passion becomes a public service to the city, the state and the world.

Experience Major and Minor Discoveries

If you’re not sure of a major yet, don’t worry. Many freshmen change their major while at our university. Thanks to the width of our top-ranked academic program and our cross-disciplinary (跨学科的) approach, you’ll have endless opportunities to find your path. And our 10-week quarter system lets you sample a multitude of subjects and classes.

Freshmen generally decide on a major by the end of their sophomore year (大二学年). Transfer students who declare a major when applying must satisfy lower-level course requirements. You may be able to add a minor in an area that interests you.

1. How many years does UCLA have by 2023?

A．102.

B．103.

C．104.

D．105.

2. What is the benefit from community engagement of UCLA?

A．Getting support from community engagement.	B．Strengthening family connections.
C．Improving the city’s reputation.	D．Developing leadership.

3. What can we learn from the last two paragraphs?

A．Sophomores can choose their major.

B．The university has few majors to choose.

C．The students are not allowed to add any minor.

D．The freshmen have no options to choose their major.

8 . You may have heard of white and black sand beaches, but what about shores with pink sands? Now let’s take a look.

Horseshoe Bay Beach, Bermuda

One of the most famous and photographed beaches in Bermuda is Horseshoe Bay Beach. Located in South Shore Park, this pink beach features a coastal trail that connects it to other area beaches, plus limestone rocks and cliffs that add to its beauty. Beachgoers can play a game of volleyball or attend one of several annual festivals hosted on-site.

Budelli Island, Italy

Known locally as “Spiaggia Rosa,” this beach gets its pink color from a mixture of coral (珊瑚) and shells. The pink shore sits on Budelli Island, an isle north of Sardinia in the Maddalena Archipelago. The beach offers a variety of services, such as stands, lifeguards and beach and water sports equipment rentals like surfboards.

Crane Beach, Barbados

At The Crane Resort, visitors can directly access the pink sand beach by riding in the glass-front beach elevator. To keep beachgoers safe, there are two lifeguards on duty most days. Resort visitors also have access to free beach umbrellas, towels and chairs, plus several pools, a hot spring and a fitness center.

Great Santa Cruz Island, Philippines

The pink sand beach on Great Santa Cruz Island gets its color from red organ pipe coral. Many divers gather here to take advantage of the beach’s clear water and excellent visibility, though much of the area’s sea life has been destroyed due to illegal coral mining. You’ll also find a small village on the island.

1. What can you do on Horseshoe Bay Beach?

A．Ride on a horse.	B．Surf on the sea.
C．Climb up a rock.	D．Play beach volleyball.

2. Which beach offers some free services to specific visitors?

A．Horseshoe Bay Beach.	B．Budelli Island.
C．Crane Beach.	D．Great Santa Cruz Island.

3. What do the four beaches have in common?

A．They provide water sports.	B．They have beautiful pink sands.
C．They’re equipped with lifeguards.	D．They are located on big islands.

9 . Boston Marathon runners in recent years may have seen a smiling furry face around the two-mile mark. It’s Spencer, the therapy (治疗) dog, who became known as an unofficial mascot (吉祥物) for the marathon, He’s shown up on the sidelines every year since 2015—rain or shine.

One particularly rainy marathon catapulted Spencer’s fame, In 2018, his owner, Richard Powers, decided to put a bright yellow rain coat on the dog, making him stand out even more than he usually does. Photos of Spencer, who holds a “Boston Strong” flag in his mouth, went viral, and he became an inspiration to runners and onlookers alike, During the marathon, some runners stop in their tracks to take selfies with the dog-the line sometimes growing to 20 runners long.

But in 2020, Spencer was diagnosed with a tumor (肿瘤). His owner was worried, but Spencer is a fighter. He got the care he needed and survived. In 2021, he was back on the course and it was really kind of a miracle and that really hit home to a lot of people.

Unfortunately, Spencer caught another tumor—this one cancerous—and Spencer began chemotherapy. Powers didn’t think his beloved dog would make it out to the marathon of 2022. “Miraculously, he’s still here with us and an even bigger miracle, he was strong enough to go to the marathon,” he said.

After recovering, Spencer was back to work—not just at the marathon—but as a therapy dog, alongside his companion, Penny, who is also a golden therapy dog. Powers takes his two therapy dogs around to schools, hospitals and senior living centers.

“He’s a gift to us and we’re very lucky to have him. He’s too good so we want to share him with as many people as we possibly can. He does make a difference,” Powers said.

1. Why is Spencer referred to as a mascot for Boston Marathon?

A．He has a smiling furry face.	B．He appears at the event annually.
C．He is not recognized officially.	D．He works as a therapy dog for runners.

2. What does Spencer bring to runners?

A．Motivation.

B．Satisfaction.

C．Fantasy.

D．Barrier.

3. What did Spencer go through in 2020?

A．A failure in the marathon.

B．Caring for his owner.

C．Fighting against a disease.

D．Going viral.

4. What was Powers’ initial attitude towards Spence’s appearing at the marathon of 2022?

A．Confident,

B．Supportive.

C．Objective.

D．Negative.

10 . Where to Cut Your Own Christmas Tree

Here are some local Christmas tree farms in America that offer you an opportunity to get your own Christmas tree safely, without sacrificing (牺牲) any holiday spirit.

Peltzer Pines (松树) Farm

Peltzer Pines Farm grows acres of Monterey pine and Leyland cypress trees in two Orange County locations, Brea and Silverado. Because of COVID-19, visitors are not allowed to cut the trees on their own. Still, you can choose the perfect tree and the staff will cut it for you. Cash or check only, no credit cards. No photos as group photos make it hard to keep social distancing. Trees start at $49.

When: Through Dec. 23. Closed on Thanksgiving Day.

Where: 7581 Blackstar Canyon Road, Silverado or 3400 Rose Drive, Brea

Sand Haven Pines Farm

Choose and cut your own pines with assistance provided if necessary. Especially, a variety of potted trees are also available. Masks are required. Some activities, including visits with Santa Claus, are canceled.

When: Now open. Closed on Thanksgiving Day.

Where: 19255 Wood Road, Perris

Chamberlain Choose and Cut Christmas Tree Farm

The staff at this small family-run tree farm in Claremont will help you cut and clean your tree. Because of COVID-19, the farm is capping occupancy to 50 people at a time and requiring masks and social distancing.

When: Open on Nov. 28. Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Where: 3436 Padua Ave., Claremont

Richfield Pines Christmas Tree Farm

After selecting the pine of your choice on this 10-acre farm, staff will cut it down for you. You can also reserve it and pick it up another day. Trees range from 15 to 20 feet and are priced at $10 per foot.

When: Now open. Closed on Thanksgiving Day.

Where: 5392 Richfield Road, Yorba Linda

1. What can people do at Peltzer Pines Farm?

A．Cut a perfect tree by themselves.	B．Take some photos with Santa Claus.
C．Pay a visit in groups on Thanksgiving Day.	D．Buy Christmas trees by cash or check.

2. Where can you go if you want potted trees?

A．7581 Blackstar Canyon Road, Silverado.	B．19255 Wood Road, Perris.
C．3436 Padua Ave., Claremont.	D．5392 Richfield Road, Yorba Linda.

3. How much should you pay for a 15-foot pine on the 10-acre farm?

A．$10.

B．$49.

C．$150.

D．$200