1 . It was a September day. Today was the first day of high school for a freshman, Kayla. Kayla had always been a bit of a shy kid, but she had always
As she walked down the hallways, Kayla couldn’t help but feel
It wasn’t long before Kayla’s determination was put to the
Kayla’s classmates began to notice how
From that day on, Kayla
| A．feared | B．loved | C．missed | D．forgot |
| A．bored | B．excited | C．worried | D．interested |
| A．difficulties | B．honours | C．reasons | D．dangers |
| A．use | B．side | C．trouble | D．test |
| A．simple | B．challenging | C．suitable | D．amazing |
| A．part | B．share | C．best | D．duty |
| A．teach | B．doubt | C．enjoy | D．believe |
| A．great | B．strange | C．confusing | D．secret |
| A．fast | B．bravely | C．fluently | D．hard |
| A．flash | B．news | C．support | D．service |
| A．manage | B．find | C．fill | D．waste |
| A．thinking about | B．getting through | C．giving up | D．asking for |
| A．freedom | B．creation | C．success | D．trust |
| A．realized | B．argued | C．stressed | D．recommended |
| A．families | B．customers | C．teammates | D．classmates |
2 . It is reported that about 14 percent of Americans aged over 12 have trouble in hearing. And hearing loss increases dramatically to 50 percent or more for those aged over 70. It often comes on so gradually that many ignore it. Only an estimated 15 to 25 percent of adults would use hearing aids, and the use is lowest among people who have less access to health care.
However, recent research has revealed that even mild or moderate hearing loss in older adults is associated with cognitive (认知的) decline. Older adults with hearing loss are more likely to develop dementia (痴呆), and the likelihood increases with the severity of the loss.
In July, Frank R. Lin, a professor from Johns Hopkins University, presented results from a first-of-its-kind randomized clinical trial. Participants are 977 adults aged between 70 and 84, including those who have more risk factors for developing dementia and those who are relatively healthy. They received best-practice hearing care, including hearing aids. Three years later, hearing aids did make a difference to the participants in cognitive decline. Especially for those who were at the higher risk for dementia, a 48 percent cut in risk of cognitive decline could be made if they got hearing aids.
When hearing loss is untreated, the brain’s organization changes, says Anu Sharma, an auditory neuroscientist of the University of Colorado Boulder. In adults with mild hearing loss, studies show a decrease in gray matter (灰质) in brain. Sharma found early signs that vision and touch areas of the brain cover and change underused hearing areas. Adults with hearing loss also show more activity in working memory areas. They need to make extra efforts just to listen, Sharma says, which may exhaust cognitive reserves.
Hearing loss is also associated with more falls, higher health-care costs, and increased loneliness and social isolation. “Hearing is fundamental to healthy aging,” says Nicholas Reed, who worked with Frank R. Lin on the cognitive-decline study.
1. What can we learn from the figures in the first paragraph?| A．Americans pay special attention to their hearing. |
| B．Americans are unaware of danger of hearing loss. |
| C．Many Americans with hearing loss stay untreated. |
| D．Most Americans are suffering serious hearing loss. |
| A．Hearing aids helped reduce cognitive decline. |
| B．Hearing aids worked on healthy people. |
| C．Cognitive decline could result in hearing loss. |
| D．Cognitive decline was unrelated to age. |
| A．What sign will appear before losing hearing. |
| B．How hearing loss impacts cognitive decline. |
| C．Why hearing loss is left untreated by people. |
| D．How our brain discourages cognitive decline. |
| A．Hearing loss—a new factor connected with dementia |
| B．Cognitive decline, caused by more than hearing loss |
| C．Dementia—an incurable but preventable disease |
| D．Hearing loss, having limited access to healthcare |
3 . China is looking forward to and welcomes the participation of foreign astronauts in the country's space station flight missions, said the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA).
Lin Xiqiang, deputy director of the CMSA, made the remarks ahead of the launch of the Shenzhou XVI crewed spaceship, which is scheduled for 9:31 am (Beijing Time) on Tuesday, and will take place at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in Northwest China.
During the development and construction of China's space station, the country has carried out various forms of exchanges and cooperation with many foreign space agencies and international organizations.
"On the one hand, China is steadily pushing forward the planned cooperation projects with the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs, the European Space Agency and other organizations. On the other hand, China has actively expanded exchanges with emerging space nations, focusing on in-orbit scientific experiments and applications, and joint flights for astronauts to the space station," Lin said.
In addition, China has been actively engaged in discussions and the making of regulations pertaining to issues like space environment governance, space traffic management, and the development and utilization of space resources. These efforts have contributed to addressing common challenges of humankind in outer space, the CMSA spokesperson said.
With a complete near-Earth manned space station, a manned shuttle transportation system, and a comprehensive framework for selecting, training and supporting taikonauts, China is now able to carry out crewed missions on a regular basis with a frequency of twice a year.
1. What is Lin Xiqiang's attitude towards foreign astronauts participating in the Chinese space station?| A．Quite cautious. |
| B．Warmly welcomed. |
| C．Strongly opposed. |
| D．A bit numb. |
| A．To share China's technological achievements. |
| B．To learn advanced technology from other countries. |
| C．To address the common challenges of humanity . |
| D．To achieve manned flight missions as soon as possible. |
| A．China has made great progress in space exploration. |
| B．China has carried out crewed missions every month. |
| C．China has completed only a manned space station. |
| D．China is the first country to carry out crewed missions. |
| A．Technological innovation. |
| B．Science fiction. |
| C．Scientific inventions. |
| D．Space exploration. |
4 . In January 2022, when Luigi Quintos, 54, held his newborn grandson, Ayden, for the first time, the baby weighed just over a pound. Ayden had been born two
This time, Luigi drew a graphite portrait of Ayden with his parents-Luigi’s son and daughter- in-law-
After five months in intensive care, Ayden
Within days, requests filled his inbox. Often, parents e mail Luigi a photo of their child along with a(n)
Each drawing takes Luigi a few hours. When he’s
To date, Luigi has completed 450 portraits, with another 350 on the waiting list. But Luigi doesn’t mind the hard work. “The drawings give families something they can
| A．days | B．weeks | C．months | D．years |
| A．do it | B．make it | C．say it | D．take it |
| A．calm | B．help | C．remind | D．forget |
| A．back and forth | B．off and on | C．in and out | D．up and down |
| A．gazing | B．admiring | C．glancing | D．glaring |
| A．sometimes | B．occasionally | C．frequently | D．always |
| A．pulled up | B．pulled over | C．pulled through | D．pulled on |
| A．had survived | B．had died | C．had been treated | D．had been cured |
| A．expectation | B．luck | C．comfort | D．desire |
| A．direction | B．instruction | C．explanation | D．description |
| A．appear | B．stick | C．strike | D．fade |
| A．clear | B．open | C．clean | D．near |
| A．excited | B．worn | C．fascinated | D．done |
| A．version | B．book | C．paper | D．situation |
| A．get rid of | B．catch up with | C．hold on to | D．take interest in |
5 . Luxury Vacation in Greece—A Unique Guide to Exquisite Destinations
Greece is a land of captivating beauty and rich cultural heritage. From pristine beaches to historic landmarks, Greek islands have it all.
In this guide, we will explore three extraordinary luxury destinations in Greece, each with its own distinctive appeal, ensuring a truly unforgettable experience.
Santorini:A paradise for the senses
Santorini, with its iconic white-washed buildings, is a world-renowned luxury destination. This volcanic island is celebrated for its dramatic sunsets and breathtaking landscapes, making it a top choice for discerning travelers. For a more exclusive experience, consider indulging (沉溺) in a luxury villa, where you can enjoy utmost privacy and personalized attention.
No luxury vacation in Greece is complete without tasting the culinary (烹饪的) delights the country has to offer.Santorini boasts a remarkable dining scene, featuring world-class restaurants that showcase the freshest local ingredients.
Mykonos:Where charms meets relaxation
Mykonos, known as the “Island of the Winds”, provides all pleasures that you can imagine, including infinity pools, private beach access, and exclusive spa facilities.
Mykonos boasts a reputation for its lively nightlife scene. From iconic beach clubs where you can dance to the hottest beats under the sun to sophisticated cocktail bars that offer panoramic views of the Aegean Sea, the island caters to those seeking an unforgettable party experience.
Crete:A painting of natural beauty and cultural heritage
Crete, the largest of the Greek islands, offers a diverse and captivating luxury vacation experience. With its rugged mountains, stunning beaches, and ancient ruins, Crete seamlessly blends natural beauty with rich history.
Immerse yourself in the island’s cultural heritage by visiting archaeological sites such as the Palace of Knossos or exploring charming villages where time seems to stand still. For the adventurous souls, indulge in thrilling outdoor activities, including hiking through the Samaria Gorge or boarding a yachting excursion along the coastline.
1. From which section of a magazine can you most probably read this passage?| A．Health. | B．Environment. |
| C．Travel. | D．Entertainment. |
| A．It is not a luxury destination. | B．It is the best place for food enthusiasts. |
| C．It offers various outdoor activities. | D．It is famous for its lively nightlife. |
| A．Santorini is the largest of these three islands. |
| B．Crete may hold a particular appeal for history lovers. |
| C．Mykonos features white-washed buildings. |
| D．Boat trips are offered in all these three destinations. |
6 . Dry lightning(雷电)can still be harmful even when conditions aren’t so dry, said a study published in Geophysical Research Letters last month. Dry lightning during little to no rainfall was previously thought to cause wildfire danger only with less than 2.5mm of rain in a day. A Washington State University-led study of wildfires in the US West found dry lightning caused wildfires despite up to 7.7 mm of rain.
“The rainfall amounts we recorded should help provide a better understanding of just how much rain can cause a fire risk,” said Dmitri Kalashnikov, lead author of the study.
The researchers analyzed(分析)cases on more than 4,600 naturally caused fires from 2015 to 2020. They matched 3,726 of those to the lightning strikes that likely started them with the help of National Lightning Detection Network.
The study found that 15.3% of those were holdover fires which burn without smoke, bringing about over a hundred fires each year. Analyzing the rainfall amounts around the time of the lightning strikes showed greater rainfall than previously thought among the earlier found fires ranging from 1.7 mm to 4.6 mm.
While humans still cause most fires either by accident or on purpose, lightning-caused wildfires burn the most areas. Nearly 70% of the wildfire-burned land in the West was from lightning-caused fires according to the study. For example, the largest wildfire burn area in California history took place in August 2020 after dry lightning caused many wildfires at once.
Dry lightning can also start wildfires in places that are hard for firefighters to reach. This study found the places where holdover fires happened repeatedly were in the forested mountains of the Southwest as well as the middle and southern Rocky Mountains. Holdover fires cause the problem because they are so hard to notice.
1. The new study found dry lightning can still cause wildfires with a daily rainfall of __________.| A．7.7 mm | B．8.0mm | C．9.4mm | D．10.2mm |
| A．The finding of the research. | B．The number of the cases. |
| C．The process of the study. | D．The designers of the test. |
| A．They are difficult to notice. | B．The fire service is short-handed. |
| C．Campers often smoke there. | D．The locals fail to call firefighters. |
| A．A history textbook. | B．A science magazine. |
| C．A course plan. | D．A book review. |
7 . When I first read the wonderful book The Secret by Rhonda Byrne, I was in Grade 9. I came to know about it from my sister. When I came to Grade 10, I started
Then the day came that my first round to
After six months, the second round was
From my
| A．writing | B．applying | C．comparing | D．limiting |
| A．book | B．family | C．news | D．movie |
| A．worries | B．troubles | C．chances | D．dreams |
| A．accepting | B．recording | C．imagining | D．covering |
| A．school | B．office | C．library | D．team |
| A．try out for | B．stand by | C．catch up with | D．cheer for |
| A．anxiously | B．luckily | C．sadly | D．actively |
| A．solution | B．excuse | C．result | D．difference |
| A．coach | B．winner | C．singer | D．reader |
| A．forgotten | B．designed | C．explored | D．trusted |
| A．humorous | B．strange | C．good | D．dangerous |
| A．advanced | B．announced | C．improved | D．canceled |
| A．achieved | B．kept | C．stopped | D．started |
| A．comment | B．experience | C．strength | D．failure |
| A．difficulty | B．interest | C．confidence | D．success |
8 . The New Nordic Diet (NND) is a new food project with key focus on gastronomy (烹饪法)，health, and environment, which will give you a direction for a healthier lifestyle.
Developing a New Meal System
In this first module (模块), you will be introduced to the NND project. You will hear about the background for the project, and the rules behind which are considered to be important to this new meal system.
The OPUS School Meal Study
In the second module, we will study how the OPUS School Meal Study was designed and how the researchers examined the effect of the NND school meals on health, as well as their risk factors for developing lifestyle diseases such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. The study compared the NND with the present situation in schools.
The OPUS Supermarket Intervention
In the third module, we will be looking at the effect of the NND on adults. We will study the effect of eating the NND and the Avenge Danish Diet (ADD), respectively, in terms of body weight, body fat and risk factors for cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes. You will learn about problems and advantages associated with (与……有关) two types of diet, focusing in particular on shopping, cooking and meal structure.
Study the NND - From Food to Health
In the last module we will focus on the health of the NND, the effects published so far from different studies and on the possible factors and foods affecting the results.
1. What do modules 2&3 have in common?| A．They try to find out the NND’ s designers. |
| B．They focus on foods affecting the students. |
| C．They study factors for developing diseases. |
| D．They introduce the background of the project. |
| A．Module 1. | B．Module 2. | C．Module 3. | D．Module 4. |
| A．A course plan. | B．A news report. |
| C．A research paper. | D．A short story. |
9 . Trees take carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and store it in complex molecules (分子), releasing oxygen. The more photosynthesis (光合作用), the more carbon is locked away.
Carbon dioxide is a major driver of climate change, so the more that can be taken out of the atmosphere by plants, the better. With the warmer climate leading to a longer growing season, some researchers have suggested that more carbon dioxide would be absorbed by trees and other plants than in previous times. But a new study has changed this theory and could have profound effects on how we adapt to climate change.
The researchers at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology studied the degree to which the timing of colour changes in autumn tree leaves was determined by the growth of the plants in the previous spring and summer.
Using data from the Pan European Phenology Project, which has tracked some trees for as long as 65 years, the researchers found in their long-term observational study that as the rate of photosynthesis increased, leaves changed colour and fell earlier in the year. For every 10%d increase in photosynthetic activity over the spring and summer growing season, trees shed their leaves, on average, eight days earlier.
This research shows that deciduous (每年落叶的) trees can only absorb a set amount of carbon each year and once that limit is reached, no more can be absorbed. At that point, leaves begin to change colour. This limit is set by the availability of nutrients, particularly nitrogen (氮气), and the physical structure of the plant itself, particularly the inner vessels which move water and dissolved nutrients around. Nitrogen is a key nutrient which plants need in order to grow, and it’s often the amount of available nitrogen that limits total growth. This is why farmers and gardeners use nitrogen fertilisers (肥料) to overcome this limitation.
It suggests that by 2100, when tree growing seasons are expected to be between 22 and 34 days longer, leaves will fall from trees between three and six days earlier than they do now.
1. What can we know from the first two paragraphs?| A．More carbon dioxide has been absorbed by plants than before. |
| B．Higher temperature has an influence on plants’ growing season. |
| C．Climate change can be solved naturally through photosynthesis. |
| D．Plants can give off oxygen and molecules through photosynthesis. |
| A．Eight days. | B．Sixteen days. |
| C．Twenty-eight days. | D．Thirty-four days. |
| A．Basins. | B．Wells. | C．Containers | D．Channels. |
| A．Nitrogen is an essential nutrient for plant growing. |
| B．Warmer climate contributes to longer growing season. |
| C．Farmers use fertilizers to increase the growth of plants. |
| D．The amount of carbon plants absorb is limited in a year. |
10 . Lian Yang, a young Chinese artist, has made numerous efforts to promote the development of rock paintings during the past several years.
Lian, who developed a deep affection for the exquisite paintings at first sight, was deeply impressed by the rock paintings’ rich colors and mysterious atmosphere. In 2008, Lian graduated from Central Academy of Fine Arts in China. Before she began studying rock paintings, Lian devoted her time to creating Chinese wash paintings. As she was good at painting dragons, she was referred to as “the youngest dragon painter in China”. Despite her outstanding achievements, Lian, with an ambition to achieve greater career success, felt a strong need to find another type of painting to understand the essence of traditional Chinese culture more deeply.
During her visit to a temple in Tibet in 2015, she was amazed by the unique beauty of the rock painting in the temple. At that moment, she made up her mind to study rock paintings. Her families suggested that she weigh up her decision, as they believed she was almost past the best age to learn the difficult art of painting. Lian, however, had no second thoughts about it. She was determined to step out of her comfort zone. When she was 28 years old, Lian went to Japan to study the skills needed to create rock paintings. In 2019, Lian studied rock paintings in several grottoes (石窟) in China. As she appreciated the paintings in the grottoes, Lian thought carefully about how she could integrate elements of other art forms into rock paintings, so that people worldwide could better understand the artworks’ unique beauty.
Lian has witnessed the rapid development of both the art form and the revival of traditional Chinese culture. Lian sincerely hopes that the younger generation will show more interest in rock paintings as well as other traditional Chinese art forms.
1. What made Lian decide to study rock paintings?| A．A visit to a temple. | B．Her curiosity about paint. |
| C．A dragon painter’s persuasion. | D．Her ambition to become a career painter. |
| A．Supportive. | B．Negative. | C．Unconcerned. | D．Enthusiastic. |
| A．She went to Japan in her thirties. |
| B．She was expert at painting dragons. |
| C．She contributed many paintings to grottoes. |
| D．She has devoted herself to rock painting since 2008. |
| A．Ambitious and determined. | B．Creative and sincere. |
| C．Responsible and thoughtful. | D．Intelligent and patient. |
