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

I jumped into my mother’s car, shut the door and poured out my recent trouble. “Jenny is playing her mind games again. Training is less tiring than dealing with her and her feelings,” I complained.

Jenny and I were co-captains of our cross-country team. We’d been training for the coming tournament (锦标赛) for weeks: stretching, running, and making the seven of us into a team. Jenny, with exceptional running talent, always had a way to get ahead of her competitors on the course. She also helped all of us run faster and cheered us on. It seemed that she was anticipating the final show.

However, this week, her attitude shifted. She kept making excuses not to run with the team, from aching legs to headaches. I had to beg her, telling her repeatedly that the team couldn’t do without her. It went on all day and I was worn out. What’s her deal?

Mom pulled into our driveway, and turned toward me, “Well, I know a little about Jenny. She and her   little brother have been together in foster care (寄养家庭). So close were they that every time they moved, Jenny would say that as long as they were together, they had a family.” My heart sank as Mom continued, “Jenny’s stepfather (继父) came for her brother this week, with gifts, hugs and big plans for their future. But Jenny wasn’t even part of his big plans.” My chest felt tight. “Poor Jenny, not to have a family.” I was close to tears. My mother patted my knee. “That’s it, honey. You got it.” And I did.

I decided that I should do something. I proposed that we organize a team gathering before the tournament.   Each member was to write a heartfelt message for every teammate and prepare a special gift for the one they felt most connected to. I made sure that Jenny would come. It took some persuading, though.

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。

As the team gathering began, there was tension in the air.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The day of the tournament arrived.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2 . Robots have long been drawing inspiration from animals, with the creation of robot dogs or snake-shaped robots. And yet, the field of robotics is far less enthusiastic about the other kind of living things—plants. Barbara Mazzolai, an Italian roboticist owes this to a misconception about plant behavior: that they cannot move or think. “It’s not true at all,” she says. To challenge this view, Dr Mazzolai and her team recently launched a machine called “FiloBot”, a robot based on a climbing species.

To survive, a climbing plant must switch between several different behaviors. In forest environments, it must first grow out of the soil and travel along the ground in search of a support to hold onto, such as a nearby tree. Once a support is located, though, the plant fixes itself around the object and then growing towards the light. To choose the best angle to grow upwards, a climbing plant uses its shoots(芽) to receive information about light and gravity.

FiloBot has sensors on its main shoot. It can 3D-print its body with plastic and grow at a controllable rate. These functions, researchers found, enabled FiloBot to cross gaps, and find things to attach to. The lack of heavy on-board computing device means that it is light and requires minimal care, while its slow pace means that it doesn’t disturb things around it, making it possible to move through a complex, unseen environment, or monitoring disaster sites.

For now, FiloBot is still being tested. Its tendrils(卷须) have not left the laboratory. Still, it has already been employed in deconstructing plant behaviour. For example, it was long assumed that climbing plants find their supports by growing towards shade, though the exact mechanism was unclear. FiloBot could imitate this behaviour by detecting far-red light, which is typical of shaded areas, providing clues to how plants do it.

Dr Mazzolai hopes that such projects will inspire other roboticists to take their cues from plants and develop completely new technologies.

1. What does the misconception about plants in the field of robotics focus on?

A．Their shapes.	B．Their diversity.
C．Their body language.	D．Their capabilities.

2. What is an advantage of FiloBot?

A．It moves quickly.	B．It has a solid metal body.
C．It adapts to different environment.	D．It is attached to huge computers.

3. What is paragraph 4 mainly about?

A．The limitations of FiloBot.	B．The current use of FiloBot.
C．The components of FiloBot.	D．The unique feature of FiloBot’s design.

4. Which of the following is a suitable title for this text?

A．A Role Model for Robotics Research

B．A Glimpse into the World of Robotics

C．A Plant-Inspired Innovation in Robotics

D．A Misunderstanding of the Plant Kingdom

3 . 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。

90 percent of the world’s fireworks are produced in China. The biggest importer is the US, which     1     (ship) in more than US $650 million worth in 2021.

The details of fireworks’ invention are lost to history, but     2     folk tale tries to fill in the gap. It goes that monk named Li Tian created fireworks around 1400 years ago by packing gunpowder into bamboo tubes     3     (scare) off evil spirits.

An explosive mixture of gun-powder and chemical compounds (化合物) is     4     makes fireworks flash in pretty colours and fun shapes. The images they make depend on the placement of these compounds inside the shell of the firework. Crowd     5    (favorite) include “comet”, featuring a long trail of sparks; “peony”, a flower-like burst; and “strobe”, which produces a blinking effect.

The single biggest firework shell ever shot was part of a 2020 winter-carnival display in Colorado, US.     6     (weigh) 1268 kilograms, it rose more than a kilometre into the sky     7     bursting, turning the night sky red.

For centuries we had to light firework     8     hand, but since the 1980s, there’s been another option: computer-controlled lighters, which made music at displays more     9     (precise) timed and safer. An even greener alternative recently     10     (adopt) is using drones to trace flashy patterns in the sky. The future of fireworks, like so much else, may be robotic.

4 . Sargassum is the smelly seaweed piling up on beaches across the Caribbean. It isn’t something most people ________ kindly. But for Omar de Vazquez, a gardener, it was something like a(an) ________.

Years ago, as part of his gardening business, Omar launched a beach cleanup service to ________ the leafy seaweed. But, as its ________ intensified, he started considering how to turn it into something useful, and in 2018 he ________ a way to use it in building blocks. He started his company—SargaBlock to market the bricks which are being ________ by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) as a sustainable solution to a current environmental problem.

“When I look at SargaBlock, it’s like looking in a ________,” he says, comparing his company to overcoming his personal ________, including drug and alcohol addiction. “That was a time when I felt unwanted and ________, like the sargassum people complained about.”

Luckily, Omar grew up in nature and poverty, which ________ his character and turned him into someone who takes action. He wanted to make something good out of something everyone saw as bad. Omar then put his idea into ________, mixing 40% sargassum with other organic materials, like clay, which he then puts into a block-forming machine. The process was ________.

The UNDP selected Omar’s work for their Accelerator Lab, which ________ and recognizes innovative solutions to environmental challenges globally. The idea is that some of the most timely and creative ________ come from locals suffering from environmental dilemmas ________.

1.

A．look upon

B．bring in

C．give up

D．come across

2.

A．game

B．gift

C．race

D．trouble

3.

A．access

B．harvest

C．remove

D．process

4.

A．heat

B．image

C．presence

D．movement

5.

A．worked out

B．called for

C．showed off

D．turned down

6.

A．highlighted

B．undervalued

C．overemphasized

D．withdrawn

7.

A．window

B．mirror

C．dictionary

D．puzzle

8.

A．struggles

B．fears

C．desires

D．opinions

9.

A．appreciated

B．infected

C．interrupted

D．rejected

10.

A．fitted

B．shaped

C．revealed

D．described

11.

A．operation

B．words

C．bills

D．profit

12.

A．straightforward

B．transforming

C．natural

D．consuming

13.

A．combines

B．provides

C．identifies

D．drafts

14.

A．responses

B．reminder

C．appeal

D．issues

15.

A．alongside

B．offshore

C．underneath

D．firsthand

5 . It is William Shakespeare, the great coiner, who is given credit for the word. Coriolanus, one of his characters, compares going into exile (流放) to a “lonely dragon” retiring to his cave. He was talking about a physical state: someone who was lonely was simply alone. Then, thanks to the Romantic poets, the word took on emotional meanings. Loneliness became a condition of the soul. For William Wordsworth, who famously “wandered lonely as a cloud”, the natural world offered an escape from negative feelings of loneliness—a host of flowers could provide “cheerful company”. Today, loneliness is often seen as a serious public-health problem, creating the feeling of disconnection.

In his book Solitude, Netta Weinstein, a psychology professor wonders the rewards of time spent alone. He begins with an account of stories of solitude created by figures such as Michel Montaigne, a writer, and Edward Hopper, a painter. Netta then draw on laboratory work, interviews and surveys to clarify how being alone really affects the human mind.

It is common to treat loneliness and solitude as synonyms (同义词), but they are not. The author suggests that what is negatively described as one state can be positively expressed as the other. Loneliness, often perceived as negative, can potentially be transformed into a positive experience of solitude. To this end he emphasizes how being alone can help restore people and offers practical advice. In a noisy world, he argues, people should make time to be alone, away from attention-grabbing motives.

The book’s interviewees mostly regard a lack of company as a contributor to autonomy. But this depends on whether solitude is desirable or not. Enforced solitude, such as that experienced by prisoners, typically leads to nothing but suffering. Elective solitude, by contrast, affords space for self-reflection. It can open the door to “peak experiences” such as wonder, harmony, and happiness. In a highly-connected digital age, however, many readers do not fancy their chances of ever taking a long enough break to have such experiences.

1. How does paragraph 1 introduce the concept of loneliness?

A．By tracing its development.	B．By analyzing causes.
C．By making a point to be argued.	D．By sharing a romantic story.

2. What does Netta Weinstein’s book Solitude focus on?

A．The various terms of solitude.

B．The societal impact of solitude.

C．The long-standing history of solitude.

D．The psychological benefits of solitude.

3. Netta describes the state of loneliness as __________.

A．stressful

B．essential

C．changeable

D．never beneficial

4. What does Netta most probably agree with according to the last paragraph?

A．Enforced solitude is a matter of choice.

B．Enforced solitude contributes to autonomy.

C．Elective solitude is rare in the digital world.

D．Elective solitude interrupts peak experiences.

6 . Aptitude Tests Recommendations

Aptitude tests are helpful to job seekers of all ages. While career quizzes explore your values and work style, aptitude tests provide a more objective evaluation of your skills, helping you select a career you’re most likely to succeed in. Below are some of the best aptitude tests out there.

Clifton Strengths

The Clifton Strengths program was created based on research around leadership. The research in question pointed to common strengths among successful leaders, like strategic thinking, adaptability and communication. To complete the test, you must answer around 150 questions, each within 20 seconds. Allen Cheung, a tech blogger, notes that CliftonStrengths is more valuable than your average career test because it includes “tricky questions which aren’t as easily gamed”.

Red Bull Wingfinder

Developed and tested out by psychology experts, the Red Bull Wingfinder assesses your thinking under pressure. Questions include image sorting, logic puzzles and leadership-related questions. Once you complete the test, you’ll receive a nine-page report and career coaching tailored to your results.

SEI Development Report

The SEI Development Report is an extensive EQ aptitude test that has timed right-and-wrong answers that assess eight fundamentals, including emotional literacy, emotional management and empathy. At the end, you’ll receive a 20-page report with recommended courses on workplace EQ development.

CareerOneStop

While it only takes a few minutes to complete, the CareerOneStop Skills Assessment will help you rank both your technical and soft skills. The career suggestions at the end can be sorted by relevance, annual wages, and job outlook, coupled with with professional coaching or consultation improve your skills.

1. What do aptitude tests mainly assess for job seekers?

A．Their work ethics.	B．Their career interest.
C．Their preferred work style.	D．Their professional competence.

2. What is a unique feature of Clifton Strengths?

A．It evaluates leadership skills.	B．It is developed by experts.
C．It includes challenging questions.	D．It offers a comprehensive report.

3. Which test suits a job seeker who prefers categorized suggestions and career coaching?

A．Clift on Strengths	B．Red Bull Wingfinder
C．SEI Development Report	D．CareerOneStop

7 . What time is it on the moon?

Since the dawn of the space age, the answer has been: It depends. For decades, lunar missions have operated on the time of the country that launched them. But with several lunar explorations heading for the launchpad (发射台), the European Space Agency (ESA) has believed the current system unsustainable and is considering giving the moon its very own time zone.

The main objective of establishing a universal timekeeping system for the moon is to streamline contact among the various countries and entities, public and private, which are coordinating trip s to and around the moon.

The M1 lunar lander built by the Japanese company Ispace is set to arrive on the moon in April. Last year, China completed construction of its own space station and previously suggested that Chinese astronauts would be on the moon by 2030. These missions will not only be on or around the moon at the same time, but they will often be interacting as well. For all those interactions to happen smoothly, the missions will need to operate on a standardized time.

At the same time, the international team looking at establishing a lunar time zone is debating whether a single organization should set and keep time on the moon. Clocks run faster on the moon than on Earth, gaining about 56 microseconds each day. The exact difference depends on the position of the clock and whether it is in orbit or on the lunar surface.

Anyhow, efforts are being made to develop a base and support human habitation on the moon. The goal of setting a universal timekeeping system is to improve cooperation across all space agencies. The effort is part of a larger project to create a complete communication and navigation system for the moon. The international space agencies will need to be prepared to settle on a time zone before the proper time zone can be identified, and a thorough research study is required for this.

1. Why is the ESA considering giving the moon its own time zone?

A．The present time system is regarded as ineffective.

B．The time on the moon is changing with the space age.

C．The M1 lunar lander is set to arrive on the moon in April.

D．Lunar missions have operated on the moon’s own time zone.

2. How does the writer develop Paragraph 4?

A．By quoting experts.	B．By giving examples.
C．By listing statistics.	D．By making comparisons.

3. What is presented about setting a time zone in Paragraph 5?

A．The plan.

B．The cause.

C．The future.

D．The challenges.

4. What is the probable attitude of the author towards setting a standardized time zone?

A．Indifferent.

B．Doubtful.

C．Objective.

D．Critical.

8 . Officials in San Francisco are asking the public to help choose a waste container among several models proposed for mass deployment (部署)in the California city. It is proving to be a costly project. One of the trash cans under consideration cost more than $20.000 and took four years to make.

San Francisco began its search for the perfect public trash can in 2018. Officials decided it was time to replace the more than 3,000 cans that have served the city’s streets for almost 20 years. The current trash cans open too widely, they say, permitting people to reach in. The cans also break a lot, requiring repairs. Sometimes people push them over or mark them with words and pictures. Sometimes, the cans are set on fire.

Last month, the city deployed 15 made-to-order trash cans and 11 off-the-shelf trash cans. Attached to each was a QR code from which people could answer questions about the individual can. The city government project also created interactive maps so people can find the different models to consider. The so-called Soft Square model trash can was priced at $20,900, making it the most expensive model on the streets. It is made of light steel. A press of a pedal opens the can for hands-free operation. It has dividers so waste can be separated from materials for recycling, like aluminum and glass.

City officials say, however, that the government will not pay more than three-thousand per can once a model is chosen for mass production. Beth Rubenstein is a spokeswoman for San Francisco’s Department of Publie Works. “We live in a beautiful city, and we want(the trash can)to be functional and cost-effective, but it needs to be beautiful,” she said.

But the good looks of the shiny new trash cans have not protected them from vandalism and other disrespect. Three weeks after being deployed, several are overflowing, or covered in orange and white graffiti or dirty from coffee spills. Diane Torkelson volunteers on a team that removes trash from the streets near her home. She recently visited three of the proposed trash cans. Two were already full when the group arrived to inspect them, she said. “If the trash can is full, it’s of no use, no matter how well it was designed,” she said.

1. Why did San Francisco decide to replace the existing trash cans?

A．They are damaged beyond repair.	B．They are too small to hold the city's waste.
C．They have outlived their useful life.	D．They are difficult to clean and maintain.

2. What is paragraph 3 mainly about?

A．The urban can replacement project.	B．The trash can QR code campaign.
C．The city-wide mapping initiative.	D．The pedal-operated container program.

3. What does the underlined word “vandalism” in the last paragraph mean?

A．Destruction of property.	B．Theft.
C．Illegal invasion.	D．Tagging.

4. What is Diane’s attitude towards the new trash cans?

A．Positive.	B．Negative.
C．Neutral.	D．Indifferent.

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。

Six decades ago, China and France established diplomatic ties.     1     their differences and multiple challenges, Chinese and French people have shown mutual respect and worked together towards achieving many common goals.

Over the past six decades, this dynamic relationship     2     (witness) numerous historic milestones and tangible accomplishments. China is now France’s largest trading partner in Asia, while France ranks as China’s third-largest trading partner     3     the third-largest source of investment in real terms within the European Union (EU).

Former French Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin believes that it is the love for peace that brings them together. As a     4     (culture) ferryman between China and France, he hopes more young people from both nations will venture to the “other side” and know each other better.

Lefevre Michele,     5     18-year-old pre-college student at Fudan University, found that Chinese TV dramas, like Meteor Garden, have been well-received in France,     6     (particular) among many female French viewers. It was her love for these dramas that sparked her initial interest in Chinese culture, leading her to     7     (far) her studies in China.

Oceane Rivoire, now a student     8     (major) in Chinese language and literature at Tongji University in Shanghai, found the homonyms in Chinese extremely interesting, such as the word “bat”,     9     has the same pronunciation as the word “fortune”, and “red dates and peanuts” are usually used     10     (extend) good wishes for the newlyweds to have a baby soon.

10 . Three years after getting lost in an unexpected snowstorm in Sheffield, a cat named Oscar has been reunited with his family.

After Oscar’s _______ in January 2020, his owner Katie Salt checked CCTV (监控) put posters up around the area and _______ the word on social media. They also reported him _______ to Petlog with whom he is microchipped, and contacted various shelters and vets in vain. In a press _______ from the Kennel Club, Katie said, “We _______ concluded he must have died during the snowstorm, but we still scanned our _______ everywhere, whenever we were out driving, and to be honest this never _______ .”

Three years later, Katie received a _______ from a vet to say that they had Oscar—he had been living in a garden just six miles away! The garden’s _______ had been looking after Oscar and when Oscar was ill, this kind man, who possessed the garden, took him to a vet for ________ , where they found a microchip and were able to finally ________ Katie. Now ________ , he has been enjoying warm cuddles with his long lost family.

Bill Lambert, a spokesperson for Petlog, said, “We’re so ________ that Oscar and Katie have been reunited. Their story shows just how important it is for owners to ________ their pets, keep their contact details up-to-date with their microchip database, and to ________ hope no matter how much time has passed.”

1.

A．operation

B．disappearance

C．growth

D．emergence

2.

A．spread

B．downloaded

C．expanded

D．mentioned

3.

A．escaping

B．missing

C．dying

D．falling

4.

A．questionnaire

B．advertisement

C．release

D．database

5.

A．fortunately

B．explicitly

C．tentatively

D．eventually

6.

A．eyes

B．minds

C．monitors

D．cars

7.

A．arose

B．stopped

C．compromised

D．occurred

8.

A．call

B．contribution

C．charge

D．contract

9.

A．secretary

B．worker

C．manager

D．owner

10.

A．memorial service

B．spiritual experience

C．medical care

D．local support

11.

A．tend

B．bother

C．contact

D．motivate

12.

A．associated

B．accomplished

C．mistaken

D．reunited

13.

A．pleased

B．astonished

C．disappointed

D．puzzled

14.

A．guard

B．chip

C．raise

D．track

15.

A．hold back

B．blow up

C．blow out

D．hold out