1 . For more than 50 years, seawater has flowed through the Hong Kong’s toilets. And in 2013, Hong Kong built a system that used seawater to cool part of the city. The system sends cold seawater to a factory with heat exchangers. The seawater takes in heat to cool pipes full of circulating (循环的) water. That cooled water then flows into buildings to cool rooms. The slightly warmed seawater is sent back to the ocean. Known as district cooling, this type of system tends to use far less energy than typical air conditioners.

How much water and energy had this strategy saved Hong Kong? And why weren’t other coastal cities doing this? A team at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology set out for answers. They focused on Hong Kong and two other big coastal cities: Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and Miami, Fla. The idea was to see what it might look like if all three adopted city-wide saltwater systems.

All three places would save lots of fresh water and energy, the researchers found. These savings came from the more efficient saltwater air conditioning. Though costly to build, saltwater-cooling systems could pay off in the long run for many cities.

The researchers figured out how emissions (排放) of greenhouse gases would drop if each city instead used seawater for cooling and flushing (冲刷). Next, they studied how much pollution would be created to build the new system. They compared these results to see how emissions of climate-warming gases would change for each city.

Hong Kong would see the biggest cut in greenhouse gases if the system were expanded to the whole city. It could drop by some 250,000 tons each year. Miami could see a drop of around 7,700 tons of carbon pollution per year. Saltwater cooling would cause more planet-warming gases in Jeddah than it would save. The reason: Jeddah’s unplanned urban expansion and all the pipes that would be needed to service it. The pollution coming from building such a large system would be higher than what the system would save.

1. What can seawater do in Hong Kong’s district cooling system?

A．It is used to flush all of the toilets.	B．It runs into buildings to cool rooms.
C．It circulates in pipes to warm the air.	D．It absorbs heat to cool the water in pipes.

2. What was the main purpose of the research?

A．To test if saltwater-cooling systems are fit for all coastal cities.

B．To find ways to build more efficient saltwater-cooling systems.

C．To popularize Hong Kong’s energy reduction measures.

D．To apply Hong Kong’s experience to Jeddah and Miami.

3. What are the researchers’ attitude to building a saltwater-cooling system in Jeddah?

A．Supportive.	B．Unclear.
C．Mixed.	D．Opposed.

4. What can we know about saltwater-cooling systems for different cities?

A．Kill two birds with one stone.	B．There is no one-size-fits-all way.
C．Two wrongs don’t make a right.	D．One man’s fault is another man’s lesson.

2 . Many previous studies have indicated that frequent walking was associated with a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes (糖尿病) in the general population, in a way that those with more time spent walking per day were at a lower risk. But their findings haven’t offered much guidance on the best habitual walking speed needed to lower diabetes risk.

A new study’s authors reviewed 10 previous studies conducted between 1999 and 2022, which assessed (评估) the links between walking speed and the development of type 2 diabetes among adults from the United States, the United Kingdom and Japan. After a follow-up period of eight years on average, compared with those who took easy or casual (休闲的) walking(less than 2 miles per hour), those who walked at an average or normal pace (2 to 3 miles per hour)had a 15% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes, the researchers found. Walking at a “fairly quick” pace (3 to 4 miles per hour)meant a 24% lower risk than those who easily or casually walked. And quick walking(more than 4 miles per hour)had the biggest benefit: a 39%reduction in risk.

The overall message is that walking is an important way to improve your health. It may be true that walking faster is even better. But given the fact that most Americans do not get sufficient walking in the first place, it is most important to encourage people to walk more as they’re able to.

If you want to challenge yourself, however, using a fitness tracker—via a watch or smartphone app—can help you measure and maintain your walking pace, experts said. If you can’t get a fitness tracker, an easy alternative for tracking exercise intensity (强度) is the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s “talk test”, which relies on understanding how physical activity affects heart rate and breathing. If, while walking, you’re able to talk in a labored voice but not sing, your pace is probably quick.

1. How did the researchers get the new findings?

A．By studying former research.	B．By interviewing volunteers.
C．By carrying out an experiment.	D．By conducting an online survey.

2. Which type of walking is the best for reducing diabetes risk?

A．Easy walking.	B．Quick walking.
C．Average walking.	D．Casual walking.

3. What matters most to Americans in diabetes prevention?

A．Buying a fitness tracker.	B．Avoiding eating too much.
C．Following the “talk test” rule.	D．Walking as much as possible.

4. What is the best title for the text?

A．Walking: the Secret to Physical Health

B．Walking: the End of Diabetic Patients’ Worries

C．Walking: a Simple Way to Reduce Diabetes Risk

D．Walking: an Effective Treatment for Diabetes

3 . 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 fifteen when my world took a hopeless turn for the worst. My mom was diagnosed with cancer again. She had undergone surgery and beaten the cancer. Then the cancer came back. However, there was more to worry about than the disease that my mom was battling. My dad had left us years before. Besides, because of the mounting medical bills she was paying for her previous cancer, we were on the edge of financial ruin. I was too young to get a job.

That winter was the worst. We didn’t have money to pay for electricity. Our neighbor, Sophia, allowed us to use her electricity so that we could have one lamp on in our home. The gas stove in the living room was the only heat in our house. My mom slept in her cold room, with as many blankets as we could pile on her.

Thanksgiving Day came. I searched our cupboards for food and there wasn’t much. I started slamming doors as I looked through the cabinets for a can of food we might have missed. The more I searched, the angrier I became. The noise must have woken my mom, because she came to the kitchen wrapped in a blanket. She looked worried at me and asked, “Baby, what’s wrong,” I retorted, “I’m hungry. I’m freezing to death in our own house,” I wasn’t angry at her. I was angry at our situation.

She opened her arms toward me and said, “Come here. Right now things are hard, but hope is always there. Whatever difficulties we meet, we should be strong. All you have to do is have faith. Why not believe we can be better by using our own hands?”

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。

I was deeply ashamed of what I had done and said.

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Just as I wondered what to do to spend the night, Sophia knocked at our door.

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4 . When we think of a grocery store, we usually picture aisles of food and everyday necessities. But sometimes, it’s also where unexpected ________ are formed, turning a simple store into a backdrop for heartwarming human connections.

Ellie Walker, ________ at a British grocery store, was known for her friendly demeanor. Ellie enjoyed the daily chat with customers but never ________ how deeply these interactions could impact her life.

It was during one of these ________ conversations that Ellie encountered Edwin Holmes, an elderly regular customer, who ________ that he had no one to spend Christmas with.

This revelation ________ a chord in Ellie’s heart, as she couldn’t bear the thought of Edwin spending the festive season alone.

Edwin had lost his wife in 2006 after 45 years of marriage. His family, including a daughter and grandchildren, lived in Australia, making it ________ for them to be together during the holidays. This left Edwin facing the prospect of a ________ Christmas.

Upset about Edwin’s situation. Ellie decided to ________ a gesture of kindness. She invited him to join her for a Christmas meal, hoping to ________ a memorable and joyous experience for both of them.

“I thought, if it was my granddad and he was alone, I would want someone to talk to him.” Ellie’s invitation to Edwin was more than just a kind ________ it was a start of their friendship.

From that memorable Christmas dinner, a beautiful friendship ________. Ellie and Edwin began meeting regularly for coffee, sharing stories and enjoying each other’s ________.

Their relationship, which started with ________ conversations in a grocery store, had ________ a meaningful and enduring friendship.

1.

A．techniques

B．bonds

C．ideas

D．steps

2.

A．candidate

B．participant

C．employee

D．volunteer

3.

A．planned

B．meant

C．argued

D．anticipated

4.

A．routine

B．positive

C．bitter

D．amusing

5.

A．agreed

B．revealed

C．requested

D．debated

6.

A．charged

B．outgrew

C．struck

D．overlooked

7.

A．cautious

B．impossible

C．competitive

D．sympathetic

8.

A．lonely

B．warm

C．shared

D．delightful

9.

A．extend

B．command

C．discipline

D．assign

10.

A．allow

B．beg

C．remind

D．create

11.

A．fear

B．prejudice

C．gesture

D．temptation

12.

A．conducted

B．stressed

C．blossomed

D．remembered

13.

A．company

B．comfort

C．entertainment

D．leisure

14.

A．delicate

B．casual

C．difficult

D．potential

15.

A．put about

B．taken in

C．struggled for

D．grown into

6 . Explore the wonders of San Francisco’s landmarks as you visit Coit Tower, Crissy Field, Fort Point and Lands End, each offering unique views of the Golden Gate Bridge.

Coit Tower

Coit Tower offers breathtaking 360-degree views of San Francisco and the bay, including the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. The best views are enjoyed from the observation deck, which is easily accessible by elevator. To access the elevator, there is a fee of $ 7.

Crissy Field

Crissy Field, south of the Golden Gate Bridge in the Presidio, is a beautiful spot with walking and cycling trails, Rebuilt in 2001, it offers wonderful views of the bridge, picnic areas and a small sandy beach loved by families. Visitors can enjoy lunch at the Warming Hut, Beach Hut Cafe or House of Air.

Fort Point

To get a close view of the Golden Gate Bridge, visit Fort Point. Near Crissy Field, this brick fort from the Civil War era can be accessed through Marine Drive park. Even though Fort Point didn’t see any military action, the bridge’s chief engineer, Joseph Strauss, redesigned it to ensure the fort’s preservation as a “fine example of the mason’s art”.

Lands End

Lands End, near Lincoln Park, provides a perfect view of the Golden Gate Bridge Visitors can walk along a paved sidewalk near the 17th hole of the Lincoln Park Municipal Golf Course. Along the way, you’ll find benches and great photo spots to enjoy the bridge’s beauty.

1. Which one is redesigned by an engineer?

A．Coit Tower.

B． Crissy Field.

C．Fort Point.

D．Lands End.

2. What do the four places have in common?

A．They save the fort as an art.	B．They are suitable to see the whole city.
C．They offer wide sidewalks and cycling paths	D．They are suitable to view the Golden Gate Bridge.

3. In which section of a newspaper may this text appear?

A．Sports.

B．Entertainment.

C．Tour.

D．Education.

7 . 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 spent almost three years in food service doing everything from washing dishes to working as a service director at a country club, Firstly, I waited tables, and it was actually one of my favorite jobs, mostly because of the people, One thing I learned is doing your job right .and focusing on ensuring that your customers have the best dining experience.

During college, I worked at a place called O’Malleys. It’s not open anymore so I don’t have to worry about getting anybody in trouble, and besides, this isn’t that kind of story.Every Sunday, these two ladies and a little girl would come in, and nobody wanted to wait on them because they were super cheap and never tipped, so I volunteered, and they became my regulars, I quickly learned that it was a mom, her young daughter, and her mother. They always ordered the same thing. They’d each get water, The two women would split an entree (主菜), and the young girl would get something off the child’s menu. And they’d leave no tip. I didn’t really care because Sunday lunch was always busy with the crowd, and their check was so small that even a 20% tip would have been just a few dollars. Besides, they were super nice, and I understood that this was their special time out. Going out just wasn’t something they could do. I did my best to treat them just like everybody else，which they appreciated.

This went on for over a year, Every Sunday, they would come in their pretty dresses, sit in my section, order the same thing they always did, and not leave me a tip... until one day,they did.

That day, they came in and ordered iced tea and a soda for the girl, I knew something was up. The two ladies each got their own entree nothing share, The little girl got a full order of chicken strips. I’m not sure why I remember exactly what she ordered.

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。

Of course, I asked what the celebration was.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The mother said they were moving to Dallas the next week.

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8 . 阅读下面短文，在空白处填入1个适当的单闻或括号内单词的正确形式。       

Qingdao is a beautiful city, which is famous for the sea, and you can spend a happy time by     1     (lose) yourself in this wonderful city. Lying across the Shandong Peninsula while looking out to the Yellow Sea, Qingdao today     2     (consider) as a major seaport, naval base,and industrial center.

Together with the professional guide, you will visit the most     3     (attract) places in the city. From skyscrapers to parks and    4     (bench), you will have a great time. Qingdao has the second     5    (large) brewery (啤酒厂) in China. You will have a chance     6     (explore) the city of fascinating facts and legends,     7    (especial) great buildings full of much history. Some of them are Guest House, Pichaiyuan， Signal Hill, Qingdao Railway Station and Badaguan Scenie Area. You will be surprised at stories behind the streets, buildings, and corners. Your guide will tell you     8     is special and unique about living in this city. It is perfect for those     9     are visiting the city for the first time and want to get the most     10     it!

9 . 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 history of Chinese painting, the Wei, Jin, Northern and Southern Dynasties was a very important period. Gu Kaizhi, a painter of the Eastern Jin Dynasty, was     1     figure that had to be mentioned during this period.

Gu kaizhi was born in Wuxi, Jiangsu province in the year 344 and     2    (occupy) an important place in the history of Chinese literature. He was also a talented poet and calligrapher. Meanwhile,     3    (extreme) uninterested in fame and wealth, he made his living on the philosophy of “being half sly (狡黠) and half silly”     4     was given the title of “three excellences”, namely “excellence in poems”, “excellence in painting” and “excellence in stupidity”.

As the first painter     5     (maintain) influence on the development of Chinese painting, Gu Kaizhi not only created the basic model of figure painting, leaving     6     his most famous work, Nymph of the Luo River (《洛神赋图》 ), but also proposed the principles of painting     7     influence has lasted a thousand years, such as “realizing perfection through empathy”, “exposing spirit with form”, as well as his “six methods”.

The story of Nymph of the Luo River     8     (root) in historical records and the poetry of Cao Zhi, a prince and poet from the Three Kingdoms period. According to accounts, Cao Zhi wrote a poem called “Rhapsody of the Goddess of Luo” which described a goddess of extraordinary     9     (attractive).

Inspired by Cao Zhi’s poem, Gu Kaizhi set out to illustrate the charming nymph. His painting exhibits the soul of the poem,     10     (display) the nymph’s unique elegance and appealing charm. The work exemplifies Gu Kaizhi’s skill in bringing literary inspiration to life through art.

10 . The sunmao (榫卯) method of joinery was commonly used in ancient Chinese architecture and furniture. But when modern technology discourages many in mastering this ancient skill, Jia Jing, a junior student at Hubei Ecology Polytechnic College, offers his answer.

“It is essential to train young people in this craft,” said the 20-year-old. “Not only does it ensure the preservation of carpentry (木工) skills, but there exist delicate wooden artifacts from ancient times that machines still cannot repeat.”

Growing up in a family with a carpenter father, Jia would constantly observe his father doing woodwork and sometimes assist him. This early exposure ignited (点燃) his passion and talent for carpentry. But as a child, he couldn’t build furniture on his own. So, he conveyed this passion into building with Lego bricks at the age of 8.

“At that time, I would think before going to bed about what I would build tomorrow,” Jia recalled. “I brainstormed a framework in my mind, and the next day I would start building it.”

This hobby significantly benefited Jia’s future furniture-making skills. Before making any piece, Jia can quickly sketch a draft in his mind, which proves useful during the carving process.

When the moment arrived for Jia to head to college, he chose interior design at the suggestion of his father. Beyond his theoretical studies, Jia also signed up for school furniture-making training center. Sawing, planning, and carving wood repeatedly every day can be an extremely dull job for most young people. While other students were enjoying their college life, Jia had already learned to bear loneliness and focus on achieving excellence. “This experience not only improved my skills but also tested my character,” Jia said.

Recently, Jia’s commitment to this craft achieved a significant milestone. He was chosen as one of the candidates to compete on behalf of China at the 47th World Skills Competition in Lyon, France next year.

“If I can represent China on the global stage, I will exert all my efforts to become the winner,” Jia said.

1. Why should young people learn the sunmao method according to Jia Jing?

A．It is key to making Chinese furniture.	B．It is better than modern technology.
C．It exhibits traditional Chinese culture.	D．It exhibits ancient carpentry wisdom.

2. How did Lego benefit Jia Jing?

A．Arousing his interest in carpentry.	B．Assisting his father in furniture making.
C．Improving his carpentry skills.	D．Preparing him for his ideal university.

3. What did Jia sacrifice during his college time?

A．His leisure time.	B．His practical skills.
C．His theoretical studies.	D．His original character.

4. What can be the best title of this text?

A．Making furniture against technology.	B．Preserving carpentry inside Lego.
C．Carving dreams in wood.	D．Continuing passion on global stage.