1 . Giving thanks is very important in our daily life — and it turns out humans have been doing it for a long, long time. As more researchers dig into the science of gratitude, they’ve found the feeling likely played a key role in helping our ancestors band together and survive.

Humans are social animals. That’s how we’ve lasted so long; not by being the biggest or the strongest, but by figuring out how to work together. A key part of building relationships is the idea of give-and-take. The animal kingdom has some similar behaviors, said Malini Suchak, an animal behavior researcher at Canisius University. In experiments with capuchin monkeys (卷尾猴) and chimpanzees (黑猩猩), Suchak found the primates (灵长类动物) became more willing to help out a partner if that individual had helped them in the past.

Thousands of years later, gratitude has taken root in humans. Studies have found gratitude may show up in a few spots in our genes and brains. And the feeling comes out early on during growth. Children as young as 2 and 3demonstrate they want to return favors.

In a study, Vaish found that when kids got help completing a task — in this case, finding a key to unlock a box of stickers — they were more likely to share their sticker reward with a new person. It’s that kind of behavior that shows gratitude is more than simple exchange. Schnitker said. It can make us more generous with other people in general — even if they didn’t help us first.

Giving thanks might be good for you, too: A 2016 study found that people who wrote letters of gratitude reported better mental health and saw changes in their brain activity. But Nelson pointed out that recognizing the giver, not just the gift, is key. So, if thanksgiving has you in a mood for gratitude, she suggested focusing on thanking the people in your life, rather than just making “gratitude lists” of the stuff you have. This is more in line with why the feeling evolved in the first place, she said. “It’s not just about stuff and materialism,” Nelson said. “It’s about relationships and the things that people do for you, and then the things that you can in turn do back for other people.”

1. What is crucial in strengthening human connection according to the passage?

A．Being grateful.	B．Being creative.
C．Being social.	D．Being intelligent.

2. Why is the behavior of sticker sharing mentioned in Paragraph 4?

A．To show kids like to play with stickers.

B．To prove humans like to share with others.

C．To demonstrate kids are willing to help others.

D．To stress gratitude extends beyond give-and-take.

3. What does Nelson suggest people do about gratitude?

A．Cherish the gifts you receive.	B．Write more letters of gratitude.
C．Offer more help to people around you.	D．Value the giver and express appreciation.

4. Which can be a suitable title for the text?

A．Gratitude: Part of How We Evolved	B．Gratitude: Children’s Inborn Nature
C．Gratitude: A Significant Human Virtue	D．Gratitude: Way to Develop Relationships

2 . Effective Tips to Help You Stay Motivated

Staying motivated is crucial for achieving success.     1     To maintain high level motivation, we give you some tips to help you stay on track and achieve you goals.

Set clear and specific goals — Having clear and specific goals is essential for maintaining motivation.     2     This way, you'll have a clear roadmap, which can fuel your motivation as you achieve each milestone.

    3     — Identify individuals who have achieved what you long to accomplish and learn from their journeys. Read their stories, watch interviews, or follow their work. Seeing the success of others can provide a powerful source of inspiration and motivate you to keep pushing forward.

Celebrate milestones and progress — Acknowledging your achievements, no matter how small, is crucial for staying motivated. Observe each milestone and progress along the way. It could be treating yourself to something you enjoy or taking a moment to reflect on how far you've come.     4    

Visualize success — Visualization is a powerful tool for maintaining motivation. Take a few moments each day to visualize yourself successfully achieving your goals.     5     This will enhance your motivation and help you stay focused on the desired outcome.

Staying motivated is a continuous process. I’m sure by following these tips, you can create a solid foundation for staying motivated and achieving your goals.

A．Stay inspired with role models.

B．Stay hungry and keep learning.

C．Imagine the positive emotions and a sense of accomplishment.

D．It can provide valuable insights and help you face challenges.

E．However, it’s common to experience change in motivation levels

F．These positive enhancements will keep your motivation levels high.

G．Define what you want to achieve and break it down into smaller tasks.

3 . Into Film is a UK film education charity, which puts film at the heart of young people’s learning, contributing to their cultural, creative and personal development. Among all its most popular courses, this filmmaking and animation course will teach you how to use simple filmmaking techniques to aid assessment and attainment across the curriculum for young people aged 5-19. You’ll discover how film can be used as powerful tools to encourage active learning and enable your pupils to establish strong connections with any area of the subjects.

How is the class arranged?

Duration 3 weeks

Weekly study 3 hours

100% online

Unlimited subscription $349.99 $244.99 for one whole year

What topics will the course cover?

·Explore how to make simple films with your pupils

·Consider how to use filmmaking as a tool for assessment

·Learn how to evaluate the filmmaking process ensuring progression

·Design a range of filmmaking briefs that can ensure filmmaking projects are class-focused

·Plan how to run in-class and remote filmmaking projects efficiently

·Learn how to use filmmaking software

At every step of the course, you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments. Lola C., a course learner, says, “This course is a very useful guide to introducing the magic of films to class. It’s a very funny way for students to learn any subject.”

So if you have any interest, don’t hesitate to come and join us. You’ll be amazed by the resources shared!

1. What do we know about the course?

A．It targets specifically educators.	B．It is operated both online and offline.
C．It is the most popular course of Into Film.	D．It focuses on young pupils’ development.

2. What might a person be able to do at the end of the course?

A．Evaluate films professionally.	B．Create class-based filmmaking projects.
C．Develop filmmaking software for class use.	D．Have greater familiarity with famous films.

3. Why does the author write this text?

A．To show the magic power of films.	B．To stress the popularity of the course.
C．To promote the use of films in class.	D．To attract readers to apply for the course.

4 . I have always been a design enthusiast and painting something never fails to fill me up with joy. Once I took my brother’s old shoes and started my creation on them on a casual afternoon. He had almost decided to throw them away, but that was when I picked them up, thinking to give it a shot with the pictures. When my brother saw the final piece, he decided to wear the shoes again.

The concept, Upcycling Is A Fun Process, occurred to me that day. I understood that if I can give a makeover to certain things, they’ll be of use again and there is nothing better than returning the use to something while protecting nature.

I shared my work online and started making notebooks, bookmarks, and name signs. Gradually I sharpened my skills. For almost a year, I have been trying my hand at upcycling things such as shoes, bags, T-shirts and so on, for many people. I make over things in different ways to suit the needs of their future owners; that is what I put before everything else in most of my works.

I see upcycling as an opportunity to give a makeover to old stuff, restore its value, reduce waste and have lots of fun. I want to normalize upcycling, especially in a world where “ring out the old, ring in the new” is so common with fast fashion trends, fast food, and our boredom with most material things.

With respect to art and upcycling, I soon start working on jeans to give them a new look. Most of us throw away our old jeans just because they’re behind the times. But they can be something that is all the rage. I’m aiming to take those pitiful pairs of pants and turn them into something worth keeping and in style. Such practices are always beneficial as they help with sustainable development. After all, we have limited resources and must use them wisely.

1. What gave the author the idea of upcycling old things?

A．Her design talent.	B．A cheer from her brother.
C．A painting experience.	D．Her concern over the environment.

2. What does the author think most important in the upcycling process?

A．Improving her skill.	B．Tailoring every object.
C．Keeping original value.	D．Avoiding material waste.

3. Why does the author mention “ring out the old, ring in the new”?

A．To stress the value of old things.	B．To criticize the craze for new trends.
C．To show difficulties with her work.	D．To explain the necessity of upcycling.

4. What does the underlined phrase “all the rage” mean in the last paragraph?

A．On-trend.

B．Wear-resistant.

C．Eco-friendly.

D．Good-looking.

5 . Watering my plants and watching my grandkids run around my vegetable garden, I was filled with joy. They are my _________ to save the earth, I thought.

Six years ago, though, I _________ gave the environment a second thought. Busily working in family day care, and a mum of three, I _________ products without hesitation. Things like throwing out leftover vegetables without care and shopping for fast fashion were part of my everyday _________. Then, one day in January, I _________ an article online about palm oil (棕榈油) , and its _________ effects on our rainforests and wildlife.

My husband and I had just changed our _________ then, becoming grandparents. “We need to _________the world,” I told him. It was not going to be easy, but we _________ to start somewhere. So while doing the shopping, I __________ every label to make sure the product was __________ from palm oil, a leading cause of deforestation. I even started my own vegetable garden and raised chicks. Soon, I became known as Eco Granny!

I love walking through my garden, with my little __________ closely following me. It is also __________ to teach my grandkids to do what I do. They all offer to help pick vegetables. And __________ one lady’s message of “Your post motivated me to make a change”, I more firmly believe if I can go __________ and be an inspiration, anyone can!

1.

A．way

B．chance

C．reason

D．attempt

2.

A．specifically

B．barely

C．carefully

D．seriously

3.

A．wasted

B．stored

C．selected

D．consumed

4.

A．practices

B．struggles

C．preferences

D．tasks

5.

A．wrote down

B．came across

C．went over

D．figured out

6.

A．decisive

B．immediate

C．potential

D．destructive

7.

A．mind

B．focus

C．identity

D．position

8.

A．rebuild

B．better

C．understand

D．refresh

9.

A．arranged

B．applied

C．determined

D．demanded

10.

A．checked

B．translated

C．recorded

D．attached

11.

A．distinct

B．safe

C．free

D．separate

12.

A．customers

B．tracks

C．servants

D．shadows

13.

A．rewarding

B．necessary

C．challenging

D．reasonable

14.

A．regardless of

B．apart from

C．but for

D．thanks to

15.

A．green

B．healthy

C．well

D．forward

6 . Travel always gives me much energy. As a new travel writer, I was _________ for a solo (单独的) visit. When I was going to leave finally, my three-year-old Maia didn’t _________ her sadness. I tried to comfort her and told her someday she’d understand the _________ of travel. Returning home after a few days away, I was _________ and inspired. Maia told me I could keep going on trips for work, but I needed to take her with me.

Then, a year after that trip, an _________ came to experience the train Rocky Mountaineer on a parent-child journey. The trip sounded too good to pass up. _________ me taking notes about the local scenery, Mai a wanted to _________ her worth as an assistant. She began _________ a local couple across the row from us, who chatted with her happily. Too young and _________ to spell more than a few words, she got their answers drawn. I was surprised when Maia ended up being such an easy traveling __________ .

When she was six, we flew to the Riviera Maya in Mexico. I was impressed by how __________ she was when we swam in deep underground caves in water. On the __________ home, my sticking-to-me-like-glue kid said it was okay that the air line didn’t __________ us together. It was then that I realized how much travel was __________ her and helping her become more independent and __________.

1.

A．suitable

B．grateful

C．concerned

D．anxious

2.

A．give up

B．hold back

C．talk about

D．fall into

3.

A．appeal

B．popularity

C．nature

D．necessity

4.

A．prepared

B．convinced

C．promoted

D．energized

5.

A．advertisement

B．effort

C．invitation

D．order

6.

A．Stopping

B．Keeping

C．Watching

D．Leaving

7.

A．appreciate

B．prove

C．estimate

D．applaud

8.

A．interviewing

B．challenging

C．testing

D．entertaining

9.

A．eager

B．ready

C．likely

D．unable

10.

A．agent

B．companion

C．manager

D．guide

11.

A．hopeless

B．selfless

C．fearless

D．aimless

12.

A．flight

B．train

C．ship

D．taxi

13.

A．lead

B．bring

C．greet

D．seat

14.

A．confirming

B．presenting

C．shaping

D．reminding

15.

A．adaptable

B．innovative

C．knowledgeable

D．sensitive

7 . Many people think that courage is equal to fearlessness, but that’s a faulty interpretation.     1     If you have been struggling with fear and want to feel more courageous in your life, I have some experience that might help you gain courage.

Building your courage muscles requires that you push yourself to step outside of your comfort zone. Therefore, practice being courageous by overcoming little fears like meeting new people or eating alone in a restaurant before you deal with something like taking the lead on a project.     2    

Sometimes people experience fear or feel like they lack courage simply because they are worn out and the thought of doing anything more makes them at a complete loss. It’s hard to feel courageous when you are feeling tense.     3     In some instances, that might mean taking a short vacation or some much-needed time off work.

Every courageous act should be celebrated — especially if living courageously is something new for you. So, it’s important to pa t yourself on the back and recognize the effort it took to overcome your fear.     4     Instead, make a mental note of what you accomplished and allow yourself to feel good about that.

    5     People tend to avoid embarrassment or shame that comes with failure, but failure is an experience that should be accepted. Remind yourself that failure is not a bad thing. It allows you to learn something new, change directions, and see what you’re made of. And if viewed as a joyful experience, it inspires you to try new things in spite of the risks involved.

A．You should also learn to welcome failure.

B．Fear doesn’t stop you from moving forward.

C．Consequently, look for ways to relax and release stress.

D．In fact, courage is taking action in spite of the fear you feel.

E．Of course, you don’t have to shout it from the rooftops or post it online.

F．Additionally, knowing what you’re good at helps you find your courage.

G．By starting small, you can get used to being courageous without many risks at first.

8 . Public Invited to Volunteer for National Public Lands Day Projects

The National Park Service is seeking volunteers for a work project that will occur in the Mammoth (猛犸) area of Yellowstone National Park on Saturday, September 28th. On the National Public Lands Daywith the largest single-day volunteer effort on public lands, the park’s entrance fees won’t be charged for all visitors.

Volunteers will participate in trail (路径) restoration work across the main road from the Mammoth Campground. Work will take place from 9 a.m.-4 p.m., including removing social trails, planting native vegetation, defining a trail, etc. This work requires the use of hand tools, lifting heavy rocks or bags of rocks, and working in variable weather conditions.

Space is limited to 30 volunteers. Volunteers are asked to register by September 23rd. Please email us your name and phone number or call 307-344-2729 and leave a voice mail with your name and phone number.

Drinks and snacks will be provided. All volunteers should bring lunch, sunscreen, and footwear. Weather is unpredictable and can be cold and very windy in late September, so bring clothing suitable for a range of conditions.

We give a special thank you to volunteers who participate in a National Public Lands Day activity — a coupon (礼券) good for a one-time free entrance to the federal public lands day area of their choice. If you are interested, you can click here to learn more about all of the volunteer opportunities on public lands throughout the region.

1. What do we know about the work project?

A．It is the largest in the Yellowstone.	B．It is a seven-hour demanding effort.
C．It is aimed at the protection of vegetation.	D．It is centered in the Mammoth Campground.

2. What should volunteers do according to the text?

A．Apply by email or by phone.	B．Prepare enough food and water.
C．Register before September 28th.	D．Bring necessary hand tools.

3. Where can the text be found?

A．On a poster.	B．In a travel guide.
C．In a local newspaper.	D．On a public service website.

9 . With disastrous global warming already part of the climate system, today’s children face a future entirely unlike that of their parents. Unsurprisingly, children can have many feelings about climate change, such as being anxious, frightened, sad and angry. In a recent survey of American teenagers, 57 percent said that climate change made them feel scared and 52 percent said it made them feel angry.     1    .

The most important thing parents can give children is hope: there are solutions, and everyone has something to contribute, whatever their age. Parents can help them discover the facts, know that they are not alone and find ways to take action.     2    , which will help them manage their anxiety. It can also inspire constructive conversations that lead to collective action. However, that can feel hard for many parents.

    3    . But learning about the basics is “a critical first step in being able to talk”, according to Harriet Shugarman, who is the author of How to Talk to Your Kids About Climate Change. She is a nationally recognized influencer and trusted advisor to parents.     4    . Understanding the science equips them to make informed decisions.

Coverage includes:

·The realities of the climate emergency, where we are, and how we got here. It casts light on the historical progression of climate change.

·Strategies for talking to kids of different ages about the climate crisis. These include advice from experienced parents.

·How to keep our own hope and that of our children.

·A list of practical actions.     5    .

A．They tell families what they can do to deal with climate crisis

B．Use it as a chance to listen to their fears and hopes for the planet

C．Talking about climate change is key to preparing them for the future

D．Children can learn what a livable as well as green world looks like

E．These are very natural reactions to something uncertain and destructive

F．Parents needn’t be experts on climate science to explore the topic with children

G．This book offers both hope and practical ways to involve children in making a better world

10 . When the Zimbabwean editor Irene Staunton and her husband Murray McCartney set up their publishing business in 1998, it seemed natural to call it Weaver Press. Their modest headquarters in the back garden of their home looked out on the landscape that was peppered with many complex nests of the weaver birds (织布鸟).

For more than 25 years, the company’s location has not changed and the number of the team member has rarely been more than two. But in the words of one distinguished Zimbabwean scholar, Weaver Press has “quietly shaped post-independence Zimbabwean literature”. “Publishing in Zimbabwe has always mainly focused on textbooks, with very few exceptions,” McCartney says. “Weaver was one of those exceptions. We focused on literary fiction and academic nonfiction and in doing so, we tried to put Zimbabwe on the map — not because we’ve published hundreds of books, but because we presented a complex and sweeping picture of Zimbabwe that may otherwise not have existed to the outside world.”

One of the first books Weaver published was The Stone Virgins, a novel by Yvonne Vera that won the Macmillan Prize for African Adult Fiction in 2002. “Fiction is an important form of truth-telling, because a good writer will look at a situation from many different points of view — you don’t want the social history of a country to come out of a single description,” Staunton says.

Among the most successful writers Weaver has worked with is No Violet Bulawayo, author of Glory, shortlisted for the Booker Prize in 2022. Bulawayo stresses Staunton’s editing skill. “Her sharp eye, intelligence and honesty helped me define my own ethics (道德标准) around reading and editing mine and the work of others, which I especially needed when I was a young writer,”she says. Despite the praise, Staunton says she doesn’t want to be center stage. “Editors are backroom people, like stagehands, doing everything they can to push the author to be front and center.”

1. Where did the inspiration for the name of Weaver Press come from?

A．A kind of bird.	B．A natural nest site.
C．The complex landscape.	D．The modest back garden.

2. Why does Weaver Press focus on literary fiction and academic nonfiction?

A．To expand its publishing business.	B．To establish its reputation as a publisher.
C．To extend Zimbabwe’s international influence.	D．To get the world fully informed of Zimbabwe.

3. What is a good writer like according to Staunton?

A．Familiar with the country’s history.	B．Able to see things multidimensionally.
C．Experienced in single-event descriptions.	D．Expert at uncovering and telling the truth.

4. What can we learn about Staunton from the last paragraph?

A．She has an inborn gift for editing.	B．She deserves praise for all her efforts.
C．She assists writers in the background.	D．She trained many successful writers.