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

I was never “that girl” — the one who had charming appearance, and who enjoyed a colorful social life. I was another girl entirely, one who was considered “nice girls”, and the top student in class. Not that I didn’t care about friends or fun, I just didn’t think it was worth putting lots of time and effort into changing how I looked, how I acted, even as I started high school.

Marissa was “that girl” — fun to be around, good to know. We are different, but our friendship began the first time we met at an exciting soccer match, on the second day of freshmen year. The excitement of the game and our shared interest in soccer connected us, I was deeply impressed with her enthusiasm, while she admired my calm. Our conversations went smoothly, and our relationship quickly turned into a close bond.

However, as the school year progressed, Marissa’s outgoing personality began to conflict with my reserved nature. She stood out in social situations, constantly asking me to attend parties and social events. While I appreciated her efforts to include me, I felt awkward and uncomfortable to be forced into unfamiliar surroundings. Our once harmonious friendship started to crack, I tried to turn down her invitations, but in vain.

One evening, Marissa persuaded me to attend a large party at a classmate’s house. Surrounded by loud music and strange faces, I felt uneasy and upset. Marissa was the queen of the party, leaving me feeling extremely lonely. Her personality attracted others to her, creating a barrier between us.

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

At that moment, I realized the growing divide between us.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Paragraph 2:

Since then, we worked together to find a balance of our personalities.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2 . Shrewsbury is an ideal getaway with visitors.

Shrewsbury eBike Hire
BEST FOR: SEEING THE SIGHTS AT A GENTLE PACE

Set off on a self-guided tour of Shrewsbury on one of the town’s new e-bikes. The route is easy to follow with lots of stops along the way, including the Welsh Bridge, Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery and the Victorian-era Shrewsbury Prison. It’s most suitable for ages 14-plus.

Shrewsbury Flaxmill Maltings
BEST FOR: INSPIRING ARCHITECTS

This was the world’s first iron-shaped building when it was built in 1797-a forerunner of the modern skyscraper (摩天大楼). A new visitor centre opened in September-it’s also the end point of the Heritage Trail e-bike tour. An exhibition explores how the building has grown and been repurposed over the years.

Shrewsbury Market Hall
BEST FOR: FOOD AND SHOPPING

Situated in the centre of town, this was an innovative example of modern architecture when it opened in 1965. Recent upgrades mean it’s now home to more than 70 independent businesses, including traditional market stands, artisan producers, craft shops and antique dealers.

Riverside Cabins
BEST FOR: QUIET STAYS

Opened in 2020, Riverside Cabins is a rural collection of wooden cottages built in18th century, a 20-minute drive from Shrewsbury. Cabins sleep between two and six guests and each come with their own hot baths, as well as Wi-Fi and smart TVs. Try your hand at boating along the river, with equipment available to borrow on site. From £ 135 for a minimum of two nights for a family of four.

1. What is an advantage of e-bike tours?

A．They organize architecture lessons.

B．They provide professional guides.

C．They offer a relaxing way of travelling.

D．They are accessible to all ages.

2. Which best suits a family tour?

A．Shrewsbury eBike Hire.	B．Riverside Cabins.
C．Shrewsbury Flaxmill Maltings.	D．Shrewsbury Market Hall.

3. Shrewsbury is made an attraction probably because of its_________________.

A．history

B．food

C．transport

D．fashion

3 . In the town of Riverbridge, life was simple. The townsfolk knew each other, and the most exciting event was the weekly _________ written by a 15-year-old boy named Kally Mahzoo.

One day, a hobo (流浪汉) arrived and _________ a camp under the bridge. Before long, local stores began reporting _________. The townsfolk were quick to point fingers at the stranger. Kally, however, was not _______. He decided to investigate, visiting the stores. He noted the items stolen — _______ food and necessities. He then went to the hobo’s _________ and asked him about the thefts. The hobo   _______ any involvement, his eyes reflecting sincerity. Kally believed him but needed _______.

Over the next few days, Kally kept a close eye on the stores. He noticed the stolen items were always from the _______ shelves, easily accessible to a child. Hiding behind a barrel, he watched as a group of children entered the store. As the store owner was busy __________ to customers, one of the children slipped a loaf of bread into his bag. Kally had found the suspects. The children, ________ red-handed, confessed to the thefts. Their families were too poor to afford even the __________. Kally wrote about his findings in his column, clearing the hobo’s name. The townsfolk, __________ of their quick judgement, apologized to the hobo. The store owners, __________ the children’s dilemma, decided to help their families.

Life returned to its simple rhythm, but with a newfound respect for the young boy. And under the bridge, a sign was fixed that read, “Never __________ a book by its cover.”

1.

A．column

B．figure

C．schedule

D．novel

2.

A．took down

B．put away

C．set up

D．pulled over

3.

A．challenges

B．thefts

C．discounts

D．courses

4.

A．relieved

B．frightened

C．satisfied

D．convinced

5.

A．hardly

B．mostly

C．seriously

D．narrowly

6.

A．town

B．store

C．rescue

D．camp

7.

A．broke

B．denied

C．witnessed

D．forgot

8.

A．experience

B．service

C．evidence

D．honesty

9.

A．lower

B．cheaper

C．stronger

D．cleaner

10.

A．attending

B．adapting

C．contributing

D．pointing

11.

A．scared

B．criticized

C．caught

D．beaten

12.

A．services

B．educations

C．facilities

D．basics

13.

A．fond

B．ashamed

C．capable

D．tired

14.

A．realizing

B．solving

C．doubting

D．proving

15.

A．doubt

B．write

C．judge

D．promote

4 . 阅读下面短文，在空白处填入1个适当的单词或括号内单词的正确形式。

Chinese scientists have started a scientific expedition to the Mount Qomolangma.     1     total of 170 scientists have begun to do research on water, ecology and human activity, aiming     2     (reveal) the mechanism of environmental change and optimize the ecological security barrier system on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.

    3     (label) as the roof of the world and water tower of Asia, the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau is an essential ecological security barrier in China. It is also a natural laboratory for     4     (conduct) research on the evolution of Earth and life, and the relationship between man and Earth.     5     an important part of the research, the ongoing expedition is     6     (particular) important to the study of the impact of climatic and environmental changes in the Mount Qomolangma region on other parts of the world.

The expedition focuses on major scientific     7     (issue), such as how the extreme high-altitude environment of the Mount Qomolangma changes under the influence of global warming, according to Yao Tandong,     8     is the team leader. “The expedition has realized the     9     (transform) from ‘I want to conquer you’ to ‘I want to understand you’, achieved the application of new technologies and resulted in important international influence,” he said. So far, many scientific achievements     10     (make).

5 . In a small village, a special knitting (编织) club has become a symbol of community and warmth. _________ by Abby, the club has turned the simple craft of knitting into the powerful force for _________.

Back to 2018, Abby, a knitting enthusiast, _________ brought together like-minded villagers. And later, their shared _________ blossomed into the club with a mission. The club welcomed all, with the belief that anyone could _________ to knit, and soon it became a place where a sense of community was woven into every stitch (一针).

Attracting a steady stream of people, the club members weekly gather to work on knitting _________, like casting on and off, under Abby’s guidance. Their hands are hurt by needles, but their hearts are full of _________, because every little scar is a mark of care for others. The club’s true essence lies in its devotion to _________. Each hand-knit hat and glove is a symbol of love, donated to local _________ institutions that help the homeless.

__________ on their purpose, Abby says, “Our knitting is more than a small craft. It’s a way to __________ out and support those in need. The club’s creations are not just items. They are the result of hours spent choosing the right materials and patterns, and the love __________ into every stitch.”

The knitting club is a living narrative of a(n) __________ story of neighbors assisting neighbors and strangers becoming friends. Through knitting, they’ve created a __________ that warms not only the body, but also the heart. The club stands as a reminder of the impact that __________ acts, like giving a hat or a pair of gloves, can have on the human spirit.

1.

A．Restricted

B．Purchased

C．Canceled

D．Sponsored

2.

A．unity

B．dignity

C．politeness

D．profit

3.

A．barely

B．blindly

C．initially

D．passively

4.

A．space

B．passion

C．major

D．house

5.

A．regret

B．fail

C．learn

D．agree

6.

A．techniques

B．materials

C．stories

D．patterns

7.

A．terror

B．advice

C．possession

D．contentment

8.

A．speaking up

B．dropping in

C．giving back

D．showing off

9.

A．political

B．charitable

C．architectural

D．financial

10.

A．Bringing

B．Looking

C．Reflecting

D．Counting

11.

A．reach

B．act

C．look

D．stand

12.

A．persuaded

B．tricked

C．broken

D．sewn

13.

A．continuous

B．economical

C．ridiculous

D．conventional

14.

A．strategy

B．bond

C．category

D．principle

15.

A．self-made

B．small-minded

C．easy-going

D．well-meaning

6 . 阅读下面短文，在空白处填入1个适当的单词或括号内单词的正确形式。

In the center of Reykjavik, Iceland, stands a museum     1     (create) by Lillian Hopps, which symbolizes the friendship between Icelandic and Chinese people. A passionate admirer of Chinese heritage, Lillian began her journey to learn about China in the 1990s, a time     2     she deeply engaged herself in exploring China’s rich culture. Her passion transformed her home into a place filled with Chinese artifacts, which     3     (eventual) led to the establishment of a museum in Reykjavik.

The museum     4     (house) an extensive collection of cultural relics, from ancient clothing     5     contemporary art, displaying thousands of years of Chinese civilization. Lillian’s work goes beyond just     6     (exhibit) these items; she brings the culture alive through highly     7     (interact) activities like tea performances, calligraphy classes, and traditional medicine talks, promoting the Icelandic understanding of China’s rich traditions.

Lilian’s museum, attracting thousands of visitors annually from around the world,     8     (recognize) by the Icelandic government in 2021 for its impact. As Marta Jonsdottir, a director at Iceland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, put it in an interview, “Lillian, with her enthusiasm and expertise, has developed diverse cultural     9     (link) between Iceland and China. Her museum has not just enabled both peoples to better understand each other     10     strengthened our relations.”

7 . For foreign visitors, Morocco in Africa holds an immediate and enduring fascination. Here are some picks to visit.

The Anti-Atlas

In the mountain playground of the Anti-Atlas, travelers can exercise by trying new hiking routes and connect with locals who share their timeless valleys with generosity and warmth. Take some time to connect with the local people living in the region. A glimpse into their simple life and down-to-earth way of being is good for your heart.

Marrakesh

The “pink city” is one of Morocco’s must-sees—all your senses come to life here. Feel the city’s charm with the rosy colors of the media wall at sunset and the sweet smell of trees in season. For a touch of desert romance, the Agafay Desert and its luxury camping options are within easy reach of Marrakesh, pertect for a night under the stars.

The Sahara Desert

The drive to the Sahara Desert is long, but the emptiness of the Sahara Desert can bring a sense of remoteness that is rare to find these days. Visiting the Moroccan Sahara Desert is an opportunity to disconnect, empty your mind and enjoy being in the middle of nowhere. The wild environment comes to life with a good guide, especially at might when the night sky free of light pollution is filled with stars.

Fez

As the oldest city and study center in Morocco, Fez proudly keeps one foot firmly planted in the past where you will get lost making your way through workshops and market stalls. The fantastically preserved ancient ruins and the Kairaouine Library that is among the world’s oldest libraries are worth a visit.

1. What does the trip to the Anti-Atlas feature?

A．The foreign too a and drınk.

B．The enjoyment of the urban life.

C．The physical and spiritual experience.

D．The gift-sharing events in the mountain playground.

2. What can travelers do both in Marrakesh and the Sahara Desert?

A．Feel the city’s romance.

B．Enjoy the mountainous lifestyle.

C．Sec the scenery of plentiful valleys and runs.

D．Get the chance to spend starry nights outdoors.

3. Which is the best place for history lovers?

A．The Anti-Atlas.	B．Marrakesh.
C．The Sahara Desert.	D．Fez.

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

A powerful storm erupted in North Carolina, causing many roads to be severely damaged and some houses to collapse. In the aftermath of the terrible storm, an animal protection society discovered a surprise at their booster that both broke and warmed their hearts.

The surprise was that a group of baby dogs were left with a sad note, revealing a tale of sympathy in the hardship. The note, written by a homeless man, explained that the heartbreaking circumstances led him to adopt the baby dogs. He regularly fed their mother dog, but he discovered that she had unfortunately been hit by a car. Despite his own homelessness, he had provided the baby dogs with a chance to have a better life. However, the storm destroyed his temporary residence, and he had to leave them at the animal protection society’s doorstep with a heartfelt request for help.

The note read, “Please help! I was sad to find a local homeless dog that I used to feed when I could, dead by the road. What made me sadder was that her babies were left homeless. I’m sorry for leaving them like this, but I am also homeless and cannot afford to look after them. My heart breaks for them and their mother. I just want them to be taken good care of. I know that it’s wrong to abandon them. But please don’t think poorly of me. I really don t have any other choice. Sincerely, a homeless man, George.”

David, who was in charge of the animal protection society, posted the story, on the social media pages, expressing gratitude to the homeless man and admiration for his selfless act. David assured nim that his kindness, had not gone unnoticed and promised to honor his gesture by offering the baby dogs the love and care they would deserve. David also gave an invitation to him which read, “If you would like, please come to the animal protection society to see how the baby dogs will live, and I think that they will be glad to see you again!”

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

A few days later, George, the homeless man, walked into the animal protection society.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Then George and David started looking for new homes for the baby dogs.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

9 . Hundreds or even thousands of jackdaws (寒鸦) are known to launch into the winter sky at once from the treetops at sunrise, and then split into smaller groups to feed throughout the day. Now, ecologists know that this synchronized (同步的) departure is timed with a complicated behavior called “consensus decision-making”, where the majority agree to take action.

To figure it out, researchers in the United Kingdom recorded hundreds of hours of their bird calls in Cornwall over several months. They measured when the first jackdaws began their calls, how loud the birds were, and how quickly the swell (增强) of calls rose, and then compared these sounds to footage (镜头) of those birds’ departures. The team found that the jackdaw group left together once the chorus of calls reached a critical mass--the more rapidly the chorus swelled, the earlier the birds left.

“They all leave together in a few seconds. The sky just fills with black birds forthwith. It is just like a black snowstorm,” Alex Thornton, an ecologist at the University of Exeter, UK, told New Scientist. Every call is a jackdaw casting its vote to leave. “At first you just get a few calls, then more and more birds join in and it builds and builds. And the steeper the increase, the earlier they leave,” Thornton added. On rare occasions, when the intensity of the chorus doesn’t build enough and the jackdaws don’t agree, the birds instead launch off in small numbers.

The team also found that once jackdaws reached a consensus they departed almost immediately, with hundreds of individuals flying in less than five seconds. When scientists played past recordings of calls back to the jackdaws, getting in the way of the group’s natural crescendo (渐强的声音), they were able to push forward the birds’ launching by more than six minutes. The birds did not, however, change their launch times in response to other noises.

“The gregarious (群居的) birds prefer to leave as a group, although each jackdaw will have a slightly different preference as to when they want to leave, based on factors like their size and hunger,” Alex Dibnah, a University of Exeter graduate student and lead author of the study, said in a statement. “Leaving the roost (栖息处) together has various benefits, including safety from predators and access to information such as where to find food.”

This research shows the critical role vocalizations (发声) play in group decision-making for this species. One next step for this research, according to the authors, is to figure out how human-created noises might affect this process and the spread of information throughout these communities.

“Imagine a big roost near a town or busy road,” Thornton said. “If the birds can’t hear each other and can’t form a consensus to leave together, it could have big impacts on their population.”

1. What is the purpose of the research in Cornwall?

A．To understand how jackdaws reach an agreement.

B．To study what makes jackdaws’ departure time unique.

C．To make a comparison of jackdaws’ calls with other birds’.

D．To assess the importance of jackdaws’ complicated behaviors.

2. What does the underlined “forthwith” in Paragraph 3 mean?

A．Frequently.

B．Gradually.

C．Traditionally.

D．Immediately.

3. What can be inferred about the jackdaw group from Paragraph 4?

A．It can reach an agreement within seconds.

B．Its launch times vary little from season to season.

C．It can distinguish its natural calls from other noises.

D．It makes no response to the past recordings of calls.

4. What do the researchers plan to study next?

A．The impacts of human hunting on jackdaws’ population.

B．The effects of noises on jackdaws’ group decision-making.

C．The way jackdaws spread information in their communities.

D．The role of jackdaws’ vocalizations in group decision-making.

10 . Language gives us the power to describe countless actions, properties and relations that compose our experiences, real or imagined. As for how languages were created, scientists found iconicity might play a key role.

People can’t bridge language gap and understand each other without iconicity. When playing a game of charades (猜字谜) , we act out our meaning, using our hands and bodies to describe the sizes and shapes of objects. The key to this process of forming new symbols is the use of iconicity. Not limited to gesturing, iconicity appears in our visual communication too. Traffic signs, food packaging, maps. . . wherever there are people communicating, you will find iconicity.

According to our research, iconicity might also exist in our voices. We organized a contest in which we invited contestants to record a set of sounds to express different meanings. The winner of the contest was determined by how well listeners could guess the intended meanings of the sounds based on a set of written options. Critically, the sounds that contestants submitted couldn’t include actual words or onomatopoeias (拟声词) .

Listeners were remarkably good at interpreting the meanings of the sounds. Yet, all of the contestants and listeners were speakers of English. Thus, it was possible that listeners’ success relied on some cultural knowledge that they shared with the speakers. Did the listeners also understand the speakers from completely different cultural backgrounds?

Later, an Internet survey translated into 25 different languages was carried out. Participants listened to each sound from the English speakers and guessed the meaning by choosing from six written words. Guessing accuracy for the different groups ranged from 74 percent for English speakers to 34 percent for Portuguese speakers. It is far from perfect, but well above the chance rate of eight percent expected by us.

Taken together, these studies show that our capacity for iconic communication has played a critical role. Without this special talent, language would likely never have gotten off the ground.

1. Which of the following can explain “iconicity” ?

A．A skill in foreign language learning.	B．The process of acting out our meanings.
C．The connection between form and meaning.	D．A barrier between different language speakers.

2. What can we know about the contest?

A．It required sounds containing meanings.	B．Its winners were creative in recordings.
C．It aimed to prove iconicity in words.	D．Its entries were familiar to listeners.

3. What can be inferred from Paragraph 4?

A．English pronunciations differ.	B．The research has a limitation.
C．The cultural gap is narrowing.	D．Listening skills vary in cultures.

4. What is the significance of the research?

A．Clarifying the influence of sounds.	B．Proving the necessity of exchanges.
C．Uncovering the origin of languages.	D．Identifying the function of gestures.