1 . One sunny afternoon, Lily found a lost kitten hiding behind a bush. It was mewing with tears. Lily’s heart melted (融化) at the ________. Without hesitation, she picked it up and held it in her ________. From that moment on, Lily and the kitten, whom she named Whiskers, became ________. They spent their days exploring the woods, running after butterflies, and even ________ secrets. Lily would often read her favorite books aloud to Whiskers, who seemed to ________ happily by her side.

As the seasons ________ and years passed, their bond only grew ________. Whiskers grew into a big cat, but his love for Lily remained firm. He was her constant friend, offering ________ during her challenging times.

One winter’s day, a heavy snowstorm swept through the town, leaving everything ________ in white. Lily, worried about Whiskers being out in the cold, searched ________ for him. After hours of searching, she found him huddled (蜷缩) beneath a tree, his fur was ________ in frost. With tears in her eyes, Lily gently picked up Whiskers and rushed him home. She ________ him in a warm blanket, nestled him by the fireplace, and held him close. As they sat together, lying in the ________, Lily realized just how much Whiskers meant to her.

From that day forward, Lily promised to always value the special ________ they shared. Through thick and thin, they would stand by each other’s ________, their hearts forever intertwined in a bond of unconditional love and friendship.

1.

A．cost

B．sight

C．thought

D．event

2.

A．pocket

B．arms

C．fingers

D．bag

3.

A．strange

B．dangerous

C．inseparable

D．funny

4.

A．revealing

B．hiding

C．inquiring

D．sharing

5.

A．listen

B．laugh

C．smell

D．sleep

6.

A．maintained

B．ignored

C．escaped

D．changed

7.

A．unsafer

B．farther

C．looser

D．stronger

8.

A．comfort

B．fun

C．chance

D．aid

9.

A．colored

B．heated

C．blanketed

D．protected

10.

A．pessimistically

B．anxiously

C．aimlessly

D．sincerely

11.

A．coated

B．dried

C．washed

D．painted

12.

A．wrapped

B．grasped

C．threw

D．pressed

13.

A．dream

B．rain

C．shelter

D．warmth

14.

A．information

B．food

C．bond

D．duty

15.

A．tendency

B．side

C．head

D．life

2 . If you’re lucky enough to live near forests, you’ll know that it’s cooler under the trees during hot mid-days. Even if you live in a city with more buildings than trees, visiting a local park or garden can help you stay cool.

A study from the University of Surrey in the UK found that botanical gardens can make city air cooler by up to 5 degrees Celsius. Wetlands and rain gardens aren’t far behind, cooling the air by about 4.7 and 4.5 degrees Celsius. Trees along streets also help, lowering air temperatures by 3.8 degrees Celsius, while city parks can make it 3.2 degrees Celsius cooler.

The paper notes that an air temperature of 40.3℃ (104.5℉) broke records in the UK on July 19, 2022. Some 62, 862 deaths were linked to summer heat across Europe in the same year, while the 2003 heatwave in Europe led to an economic loss of €16 billion due to drought and crop failures. According to the IPCC, “green and blue urban infrastructure (基础设施) elements, including parks, engineered greening projects, wetlands, green walls, and botanical gardens, are particularly effective in reducing air temperatures in cities”.

We’ve already seen a number of architecture projects around the world employ large amounts of greenery to promote local cooling, along with beneficial landscaping. However, it’s important to recognize that there isn’t one simple solution to suit every site, and much will depend on effective planning.

“Our paper confirms just how many ways there are to keep cool,” added Professor Maria de Fatima Andrade at the University of Sao Paulo, Brazil. "But it also reveals how much work is left to do. Institutions around the world need to invest in the right research-because what’s very clear from our study is that there is no universal solution. It depends on what works for your community.”

1. What can we conclude from the first two paragraphs?

A．Green spaces help keep people cool.

B．Wetlands and rain gardens are less effective.

C．Botanical gardens are the best way to stay cool.

D．More trees in urban areas mean cooler temperatures.

2. Why does the author mention “Europe” in paragraph 3?

A．To discuss specific consequences of heatwaves.

B．To emphasize the widespread impact of urban heat.

C．To illustrate the seriousness of heatwaves with examples.

D．To provide context for temperature records and their impacts.

3. What does Professor Andrade emphasize about cooling solutions?

A．The significance of global research support.

B．The variety of cooling methods available.

C．The requirement for universal cooling solutions.

D．The importance of tailoring solutions to fit local needs.

4. What might be a suitable title for the passage?

A．The Cooling Power of Urban Green Spaces

B．The Economic and Health Impacts of Heatwaves

C．Innovative Architectural Solutions for Urban Cooling

D．The Role of Botanical Gardens in Urban Temperature Regulation

5 . 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。

Twenty-five years ago,our neighborhood had a new family: a six-year-old boy called Tim, his little sister Cassie and his mother. They lived in a tiny house next door to us. They wouldn’t live there long — perhaps four or five months, extending through the up coming Christmas that year.

Things were difficult for the family. They were struggling to make ends meet, and it was usual to find them without electricity because of unpaid power bills. I tried to do what I could, but it wasn’t much because I was on a tight budget myself.

That Christmas, like others, my children Lily and her little brother Tom were up early opening gifts, running around the neighborhood, and showing off their gifts. As I handed my neighbors my usual spread of Christmas baked treats over the fence, Cassie walked by with her new baby doll.

Tim,smiling proudly, waved his only Christmas gift — a race car he had been dreaming of. These two kids spent hours on that Christmas day playing with their beloved toys. I was surprised when Lily noticed and said sadly, “Mom,they both only got one toy.”

The following morning, after breakfast, I prepared to go to the cinema with my kids, who had looked forward to it for a very long time. I had been saving money for the movie tickets, and finally I could afford them.

When I was preparing for the trip, I saw Tim’s mother put a box in the backseat of the car. Tim stood there crying as the car pulled away. I wasn’t sure what had happened until Lily told me the truth later.

“Mom, Tim told me his mom took his race car back to the store. His mom said they needed the money,” Lily said, taking pity on Tim. “Did his mom take Cassie’s doll back, too?” I asked. “No,just Tim’s,” Lily answered again. I felt upset but helpless.

Later, when I asked my kids to catch the bus to the cinema, I found Tim sitting before their door.

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。

With empty hands, he looked down at the ground.

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I was struck by my children’s big hearts.

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6 . Wildlife conservation volunteer programs are a great way to join in the protection of endangered animals, as well as learn how you can help protect them.

Elephant Camp Volunteering Program, Thailand

As a volunteer, you will have the opportunity to spend quality time with the elephants and their trainers. This period allows volunteers to form a deep connection with these lovable creatures. The program is particularly well-suited for animal-loving volunteers willing to engage in outdoor work.

Duration: 1 Week

Cost: $800

Wildlife Conservation Volunteer Program, Australia

Be a part of the Wildlife Conservation Volunteer Program in Australia and work alongside the beautiful Australian animals. Volunteers will be engaged in activities such as animal feeding, cleaning, and food enrichment. This program provides a wonderful opportunity to get firsthand international work experience while making a meaningful contribution to the well-being of native animals.

Duration: 2 Weeks

Cost: $1,050

Wild Elephant Conservation &Research Program, Sri Lanka

Whether you’re a high school student with a love for animals, a gap year traveler looking for meaningful work experience, or a family looking for an engaging volunteering opportunity, this project fits you all. Explore the wonders of this South Asian island, and make a difference here!

Duration: 1 Week

Cost: $1,075

Sun Bear Conservation Volunteering Project, Malaysia

Volunteers’roles involve hands-on care for sun bears, the world’s smallest bears, such as cleaning their homes and making environmental and food enrichment. Beyond improving the living conditions of sun bears, you’ll understand how to send them back into the wild.

Duration: 2 Weeks

Cost: $1,226

1. What can be known about the volunteers working in Australia?

A．They help to keep the environment clean.

B．They have a wonderful time with the animals’trainers.

C．They are taught how to care for the animals after arrival.

D．They always explore the lovely creatures on a family basis.

2. Which program is involved in setting the animals free?

A．Elephant Camp Volunteering Program.

B．Wildlife Conservation Volunteer Program.

C．Wild Elephant Conservation &. Research Program.

D．Sun Bear Conservation Volunteering Project.

3. What’s the author’s purpose of writing the text?

A．To tell the roles of volunteer work.

B．To explain the points of volunteer work.

C．To emphasize the importance of volunteer work.

D．To call on readers to take part in volunteer work.

7 . 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。

Grain Rain marks a significant period in the traditional Chinese calendar. As the     1     (six) of the 24 Solar Terms, Grain Rain usually falls around April 20 and lasts until the beginning of May. This period is     2     (traditional) associated with the onset of the rainy season, providing much-needed water that helps crops grow.

Grain Rain symbolizes the end of spring and marks the time     3     (begin) preparations for summer, making it crucial for farmers to ensure that their crops     4     (plant) in time to take full advantage of the growing season. During this time, activities like planting rice, corn, and beans are common due     5     the favorable conditions of warmer temperatures and increased rainfall. Grain Rain’s significance extends beyond just agriculture. It represents     6     time of growth, both in nature and within communities.

Grain Rain is a period rich with festivals, cultural events and communal gatherings. Communities often celebrate with various festivities,     7     (appreciate) nature’s renewal. It’s common to see people engaging in outdoor activities, celebrating with traditional performances, and enjoying the blooming of spring flowers,     8     are especially significant during Grain Rain.

Grain Rain not only highlights the practical aspects of agricultural planning but also embodies a deeper connection to the cycles of nature and the community’s cultural practices. It is a     9     (reflect) of the wisdom embedded in the traditional Chinese way of life, where observing natural phenomena guides daily activities and     10     (season) preparations.

8 . 听下面一段较长对话，回答以下小题。
1. What does the competition try to find this year?

A．The best dancer.

B．The best actor.

C．The best singer.

2. How should a person sign up for the competition?

A．By mail.

B．By phone.

C．Through the Internet.

3. What can we know about the new swimming pool?

A．It is bigger than the old one.

B．It will be open earlier than planned.

C．It will be free for the first week.

9 . In a heart-pounding display of courage and quick thinking, a 65-year-old crane operator became an unexpected hero as he rescued a man trapped on top of a towering building engulfed in flames.

Glen Edwards, a crane operator from Egham, was expressing his gratitude after a tense rescue operation in Reading last Thursday. Edwards found himself in a challenging situation as he navigated circling winds to save a man trapped by smoke and flames on a building. The dramatic rescue unfolded amid thick black smoke, making visibility nearly impossible

When the alarm sounded, Edwards, who had a concrete skip on his crane, wasted no time the moment he spotted the distressed man waving his coat. Employing his experience and knowledge of the area, Edwards attached a metal cage to the crane, carefully considering his options for the rescue. However, the challenging conditions, with smoke sheltering his view, added an extra layer of difficulty to the operation.

With a colleague providing guidance and a concerned crowd watching from below, Edwards skillfully operated the crane to rescue the man. The onlookers erupted in cheers and applause as the man was safely lifted to the ground.

Reflecting on the intense experience, Edwards remarked, “It seemed to pass a long time until the man got inside. The adrenaline (肾上腺素) was pumping.” He admitted to experiencing shaking after the rescue, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.

Despite the successful operation, Edwards is yet to meet the man he saved, humorously noting, “He’s got to take me across the road for a drink!”

The heartwarming part of this story is the overwhelming support Edwards has received from well-wishers. A fund-raising page was set up to “buy Edwards a beer as a sign of gratitude,” initially aiming for £5,000 but now standing at an impressive ₤9,100. The community’s response has left Edwards deeply moved. He stated, “It means a lot; some of the comments have been absolutely fantastic.”

1. What does the underlined word “distressed” in paragraph 3 probably mean?

A．Brave.

B．Painful.

C．Enthusiastic.

D．Disappointed.

2. Which of the following can best describe Edwards?

A．Warm and Curious.	B．Caring and ambitious.
C．Professional and humorous.	D．Gifted and generous.

3. What can we conclude from the last paragraph?

A．Sharp tools make good work.

B．One good turn descries another.

C．Actions speak louder than words.

D．Hope for the best,but prepare for the worst.

4. What is the text probably taken from?

A．A diary entry.

B．A medical magazine.

C．A news report.

D．A first-aid essay.

10 . 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。

As an educator, I have discovered that the life lessons that students bring with them to school are the ones that I truly need to learn.

One story that describes this awesome responsibility starts with a second year college student. Every day, he would come into my math class, sit in the very back and avoid eye contact. When I would ask the class questions, I could hear a deep voice coming from his direction saying the correct answer every single time. I immediately began to investigate and found that he had high standardized test scores but his report card in school did not match his performances. I knew something had to change.

Through our school mentoring (辅导制) program, I asked him if he would like to be a part of a support team that was specifically designed to help him graduate on time with his classmates. This program required me to visit all of his classroom teachers, help him complete every assignment, provide him with materials to finish projects, and constantly remind him that success could be achieved if he stayed on this path. In his senior, he was able to make the Honor Roll (光荣榜).

This student had been living with his great-grandfather instead of living with his mother and six siblings (姊妹). The concept of family had not been demonstrated in his life. However, at school, this program provided him with a team that focused on his academic needs as well as celebrated his successes. The idea of family, where he was cared for and was seen as important, was able to become a reality.

Unfortunately, during his senior year, his great-grandfather passed away, which terribly influenced his newly positive view of life. But because of the bond that was established over the past two years through the program, I was able to keep him focused on what he could control to achieve his goal. He showed determination and perseverance, and he became a senior with his original class and had the opportunity to graduate with his friends.

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

Sadly, when graduation day approached, he refused to attend the ceremony.

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I can still remember his smile face as he walked across that stage to receive his diploma.

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