1 . Billions of people deal with a nail-biting habit at some point in their lives. Many will go to great lengths to try to stop. And while not all of us are nail-biters, most of us do have a habit we’d like to kick. So what’s the best way to break one?

Research shows that intentions alone often fail to lead to long-term behavior change. This isn’t to say you can’t break a habit. Rather, by understanding the basis of habits, you can create better plans for changing them. For example, we know habits are often affected by environments and routines. Lying in bed may cause you to endlessly scroll through your phone, or watching TV on the couch may lead you to grab a sugary snack.

One of the most effective ways to manage behavior is to identify these locations or times of day. Then try to modify them by changing your routine or creating obstacles that make it more difficult to perform the habit in that space. Moving, switching jobs, or even starting a new schedule, are particularly great times to break a habit or build a new one.

One 2005 study tracked university students’ exercising, reading, and TV-watching habits before and after they transferred schools. When students were no longer around old environments and routines, their habits, even the strong ones, significantly changed.

For behaviors like nail-biting, a practice called habit reversal training can be helpful. Developed by psychologists in the 1970s, the aim is to change a habit by replacing it with another one that’s less detrimental. The training requires you to analyze and understand your habit cues, so you can effectively step in at the right times. For example, if you tend to bite your nails at work, keep a fidget toy at your desk in advance. Then, if a stressful email comes in, use the toy when you feel the urge to bite your nails.

Breaking a habit takes time, so remember to give yourself grace and have patience through the process.

1. Why does the author mention “a nail-biting habit” in Para. 1?

A．To make a comparison.	B．To make a conclusion.
C．To introduce the topic.	D．To attract readers’ attention.

2. What is the best way to help us control our action?

A．Having intentions alone.	B．Understanding the basis of habits.
C．Making practical plans.	D．Adapting the environments or times.

3. What does the underlined word “detrimental” in Para.5 probably mean?

A．Harmful.	B．Helpful.
C．Annoying.	D．Time-consuming.

4. Which of the following is the best title for the text?

A．Difficulties in dealing with nail-biting.	B．Significance of habit reversal training.
C．Useful tips on getting rid of a habit.	D．Necessity of having grace and patience.

3 . Predicting extreme weather events is a tricky business. Changing climate conditions have increased the frequency of severe storms, floods, and heatwaves, along with larger wildfires. As a result, scientists are using artificial intelligence (AI) techniques for more accurate forecasts that help to minimize damage and save lives.

Researchers at Pennsylvania State University have worked together with meteorologists (气象学家) to analyze more than 50,000 weather satellite images to quickly identify storms. They found comma-shaped cloud formations that often lead to severe weather such as hail, blizzards, high winds, and thunderstorms.

Computers were then taught using computer vision and machine learning to automatically detect these clouds from satellite images, with almost 100 percent accuracy, in less than a minute. By refocusing meteorologists’ attention on potential storm cloud formation the AI tool helped predict 64 percent of severe weather events and beat established detection systems.

Expensive supercomputers are often used to process vast amounts of data needed for accurate weather prediction. But powerful Al methods can run on smaller computers. Climate risk and planning company ClimateAI uses a technique to downscale global weather forecasts to a local scale, cutting down on costs and computing power.

It uses a machine learning technique that pits two neural networks against each other. The neural networks - designed to work like neurons connected in the brain-fight and train each other using global weather data until they get a result.

Using this method ClimateAI researchers generate highly accurate and inexpensive local forecasts for hours or days ahead. And because it is not as costly, it allows poorer countries affected by climate change to use forecasts to change the way they farm, build bridges, roads, or homes, and adapt to extreme weather.

Average costs associated with extreme weather events in the United States have increased steadily since 1980. These have costly impacts on cities’ basic services, infrastructure, housing, human livelihoods, and health. AI helps us to calculate that risk and can be used as a preventive measure.

1. What can be inferred from Para.1?

A．Inaccurate forecasts minimize the destruction.

B．AI enhances accuracy in making weather prediction.

C．Less natural disasters are caused by climate change.

D．Changeable climate decreased the frequency of serious storms.

2. Which is NOT an advantage of AI tool?

A．Being steadier.	B．Being cheaper.
C．Being quicker.	D．Being more precise.

3. What is the function of Para.5?

A．To explain how ClimateAI works.

B．To introduce why AI methods are used.

C．To show where ClimateAI can be applied.

D．To identify what effects of the AI tool has.

4. What is the author’s attitude towards AI techniques in predicting extreme weather?

A．Critical.	B．Approving.
C．Objective.	D．Indifferent.

4 . Many years ago, a teenage boy named David arrived at a children’s institution in England. He was referred to me, a (an)_________, by his head teacher. David had lost both his parents and was understandably sad and_________. I met with him twice, but he _________ silent.

I recognized the limitations of psychology in _________ his deep pain but found that empathetic listening and shared activities like chess provided a safe space for David to _________. So we played every Wednesday afternoon in _________ and without any eye contact. I _________ to ensure he won once or twice, providing a sense of _________ and success.

Gradually, David began to _________. He arrived early and __________ participated in setting up the chessboard. It seemed as if he enjoyed my __________. I thought David needed someone to share his pain with, and he sensed my respect for his __________. Months later, I watched David __________ over the chessboard. Suddenly, he looked up at me and said, “Your __________.” After that, he started talking and making friends. He wrote to me about his bike rides and plans to get into university. Later, he really started living his own life.

David showed me how one can reach out to another person without __________, just with a hug, a shoulder to cry on, or an ear that listens.

1.

A．doctor

B．tutor

C．adviser

D．psychologist

2.

A．ashamed

B．depressed

C．disappointed

D．annoyed

3.

A．remained

B．seemed

C．fell

D．became

4.

A．feeling

B．understanding

C．addressing

D．causing

5.

A．relax

B．heal

C．speak

D．play

6.

A．peace

B．chaos

C．silence

D．pain

7.

A．backed

B．expected

C．struggled

D．cheated

8.

A．comfort

B．security

C．direction

D．belief

9.

A．open up

B．show off

C．break down

D．fit in

10.

A．regularly

B．slowly

C．actively

D．curiously

11.

A．communication

B．company

C．contact

D．recognition

12.

A．suffering

B．loss

C．participation

D．progress

13.

A．thinking

B．turning

C．bending

D．tripping

14.

A．chance

B．favor

C．duty

D．turn

15.

A．limitation

B．hesitation

C．regret

D．words

5 . Tai chi, a traditional, slow-moving form of Chinese physical exercise, is known to increase flexibility and improve balance. New research has been conducted to determine whether tai chi has an influence on lowering blood pressure in people with prehypertension (高血压前期).

In the study, Chinese scientists put 342 adults with prehypertension into two groups. The average age of people taking part in the study was 49. About half the participants (参与者) took part in aerobic exercise, including jogging, climbing stairs and cycling. The other half was trained to practice tai chi. Both groups got hour-long exercises four times a week.

Nearly 22% of the people who practiced tai chi saw their blood pressure fall to be normal, compared with nearly 16% of people in the aerobic exercise group. And fewer patients in the tai chi group went on to develop high blood pressure than patients in the aerobic exercise group.

So what is it about tai chi that helps lower blood pressure? “The practice tends to get more of a response from the parasympathetic (副交感的) nervous system, which is the network of nerves that relaxes your body after periods of stress or danger,” says Ruth Taylor-Piliae, a professor at the University of Arizona’s College of Nursing.

“I think the beauty of tai chi is that you don’t have to have a special gym membership, you don’t have to have special clothing,” Taylor-Piliae says. “Once you learn tai chi, you can do it anytime and anyplace. And it does provide a calming and relaxing effect.”

Evidence suggests it can also help protect against cognitive fall and even improve memory. But you have to practice it continually to get the most benefit.

1. What is the function of paragraph 1?

A．To offer some examples.	B．To explain a definition.
C．To introduce the topic.	D．To give people suggestions.

2. What can we know about the participants in the study?

A．They were divided into two groups.	B．They suffered from heart disease.
C．They were 49 years old.	D．They got exercises five times a week.

3. What might Taylor-Piliae agree with about tai chi?

A．It can make people calm down.

B．It requires training and specialized equipment.

C．It has no influence on the parasympathetic nervous system.

D．It is suitable for individuals with aerobic exercise experience.

4. Which is the most suitable title for the text?

A．A Traditional Sport	B．The Benefits of Aerobic Exercise
C．Exploring Chinese Physical Exercise	D．Managing Blood Pressure with Tai Chi

7 . Jonathan Tiong came into the world with a rare disease that gradually damages muscles over time. A doctor _________ a prediction to his parents that he wouldn’t live beyond his second birthday.

Yet, Tiong not only surpassed (超出) the doctor’s _________ but also made great achievements. On the day of his 24th birthday in October, he gave a speech _________ at his graduation ceremony. What’s more, Tiong got a(n) _________ as an editorial writer at a famous wealth fund. However, all these amazing honors were not easily _________, for which Tiong went all out.

Beginning his _________ journey during the rise of remote work has also _________ the effect of his disability. Tiong finds _________ in the virtual field, stating, “Having everyone work online feels really great. Because when everyone is together online, I don’t feel like there’s actually much of a _________.”

Despite the __________ he has earned, Tiong remains a supporter for reshaping society’s opinion of success. “We must admit that living with a disability is a (n) __________ challenge in itself. Every day, countless individuals with disabilities __________ difficulties all over the world without media coverage, fighting their battles __________,” Tiong stresses.

His goal is not to lower expectations for individuals with disabilities but to __________ the traditional idea about success. “If we reconsider what it means to succeed, you’ll find that everyone out there who is doing their jobs quietly is __________.”

1.

A．required

B．organized

C．delivered

D．explored

2.

A．operation

B．prediction

C．dream

D．experience

3.

A．proudly

B．sadly

C．creatively

D．secretly

4.

A．joke

B．team

C．idea

D．position

5.

A．fought against

B．come by

C．shown off

D．figured out

6.

A．struggling

B．professional

C．unique

D．uncertain

7.

A．beat

B．meant

C．reduced

D．ended

8.

A．relief

B．fear

C．wisdom

D．anxiety

9.

A．responsibility

B．comparison

C．burden

D．difference

10.

A．loneliness

B．treatment

C．recognition

D．honesty

11.

A．unexpected

B．inspiring

C．terrible

D．amazing

12.

A．survive

B．overcome

C．observe

D．discover

13.

A．quietly

B．obviously

C．originally

D．regularly

14.

A．challenge

B．spread

C．define

D．confirm

15.

A．advancing

B．contributing

C．battling

D．succeeding

8 . Spring breakers don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy life in the sunshine for a week. U. S. News carefully considered everything to bring you the best inexpensive spring break destinations.

Key West

This small island in the Florida Keys is known for its odd residents and best snorkeling (浮潜) opportunities. While you’ll find plenty of spots for partying along rowdy Duval Street, you can also soak up some culture at the Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum. Plus, Key West offers several budget-friendly vacation rentals, so you can save your cash for bars and boat tours.

Panama City Beach

Panama City Beach is a tried-and-true Florida spring break location that is sure to please the masses. Scope out a spot across the town’s 27 miles of white sand beaches to sunbathe, play volleyball or scan the horizon for bottlenose dolphins. Hotel prices are reasonable if you book your accommodations in advance. Just note: This town bans alcohol consumption on the beach during March, so you’ll have to enjoy your adult beverages elsewhere.

South Padre Island

With hotels offering nightly rates around $200 or less and DJs and celebrities holding court at nightclubs, South Padre Island, Texas, is a hot spring break destination for college students. This South Texas local e is only about 30 miles north of the U. S.-Mexico border, meaning you’ll get to enjoy warm weather without having to leave the country. As an added bonus, the island offers a free public shuttle system, so budget-conscious travelers won’t have to worry about spending money on a rental car.

1. What can tourists do in Key West?

A．Have a good surfing.

B．Bath e in the sun on the beach.

C．Throw a party anywhere on the island.

D．Visit the Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum.

2. What is special about Panama City Beach?

A．The hotel prices are low whenever you go.

B．It is a perfect destination for spring vacation.

C．You can drink some wine on the beach in March.

D．You can see the bottlenose dolphins in person.

3. What do the three travel destinations have in common?

A．They are budget-friendly.	B．They are alive with wildlife.
C．They offer a taste of culture.	D．They offer free public shuttle system.

10 . “What beautiful music!”I shout loudly as my 9-year-old son practices playing the violin. He’s used to this praise; I give rewards like that most days. But every once in a while, I skip it, and when I do, I can see the disappointment on his face when he’s finished.

Am I a bad mom? Conventional wisdom says that consistency is key to parenting since it enables your child to predict how you’ll react, leading to good behavior. And it’s true that children need some level of predictability in their lives, particularly when it comes to discipline.

But research suggests that inconsistent gifts and praise can have a greater effect on motivation. While we all like to live in a predictable world, we often respond more strongly to unpredictable rewards.

In one experiment, my colleagues and I told participants they’d be paid if they could drink about one-and-a-half quarts of water in two minutes or less. In one condition, we offered people a $2 fixed reward. In another, there was an uncertain reward of either $2 or $1. The certain reward was a better deal, yet many more people successfully met the challenge when assigned an uncertain reward. Resolving the uncertainty — whether they would win $1 or $2 — was significantly more motivating than winning $2 for sure.

Here is one of the reasons why uncertainty is motivating. What scientists call “intermittent (间歇性) reinforcement” — rewarding behavior on some but not all occasions — makes it more arduous to know when rewards will show up. If you very often, but don’t always, praise your child for completing their chores, they’ll keep up the good behavior in the hope of receiving praise the next time.

So don’t assume that if kids are always praised for finishing their homework, they’ll be more likely to do it. Do praise young people for a job well done, just not every time. And pick rewards out of a hat when they complete chores—the surprise prize might keep everyone motivated to get things done.

1. Why does the author mention her kid’s story in the first paragraph?

A．To display the conclusion of her research.

B．To show that her kid is very smart.

C．To explain that she is a good mom.

D．To lead in the topic.

2. Why did more participants choose an uncertain reward in the experiment?

A．It was more inspiring.	B．It was more demanding.
C．It was fair to all participants.	D．It was easy to get more rewards.

3. What does the underlined word “arduous” in paragraph 5 mean?

A．Convenient.

B．Popular.

C．Flexible.

D．Difficult.

4. What is the best title for the text?

A．Why Consistency Is Critical to Parenting

B．Why Resolving Uncertainty Is Rewarding

C．How Inconsistent Praise Affects Motivation

D．How Parents’ Behaviors Affect Their Children