2 . When I was growing up, my dad spoke to me of Mr. Kosuge, as “your Japanese uncle”. My dad got to know him in 1991 in Beijing. They became fast friends, bonding over a curiosity about the other’s culture.

After my dad moved to Tennessee in 1993, Mr. Kosuge sent a holiday package to wish my parents a good next chapter. My parents returned the gesture, and since then, two distant families have established an annual tradition. Even as my parents and I relocated every few years throughout my growth, the arrival of a package from Japan was one of the few lasting constants in our lives.

This summer, I traveled to Tokyo for some reporting. I told my dad, who was planting a persimmon (柿子) tree in the backyard in California. If he was in town and available, my dad suggested, I could pay Mr. Kosuge a visit.

I walked out of Tokyo’s Haneda Airport and spotted Mr. Kosuge immediately. He held a handwritten sign with my Chinese name. On the train ride into the city, Mr. Kosuge pulled out a small photo album. I opened it to see a picture of my dad, with more hair and fewer wrinkles, holding me as a preschooler. On the next page I was in my middle school graduation dress. Then came my first high school singing performance, and I left the nest for college.

Mr. Kosuge and I discovered that we share a love for persimmons, a fruit enjoyed in both Japan and China. After leaving Tokyo, I traveled around the Kansai region, where persimmons flourish, to learn the art of making dried persimmon.

Before saying goodbye to the Kosuges, I invited them to visit my family in California, where they can help themselves to the persimmon tree anytime. Until then, I’ll be practicing the art of making dried persimmon with persimmons harvested by my parents, and perhaps we’ll include some in our annual Christmas package to the Kosuges. My Japanese uncle has been sharing with us a taste of Japan for more than two decades, and it’s about time we did it.

1. What tradition did the two families develop?

A．Traveling together around the world.

B．Planting persimmon trees in the backyard.

C．Sending a gift package to each other every year.

D．Settling down in a different place every few years.

2. What did the author find from Mr. Kosuge’s photo album?

A．A handwritten sign with her Chinese name.	B．The endless love of her parents.
C．Her constant pursuit of knowledge.	D．The memorable moments throughout her growth.

3. Why did the author plan to send some dried persimmon to Mr. Kosuge?

A．To pay back his favor.

B．To indicate her dad’s good harvest.

C．To stress the popularity of persimmons.

D．To satisfy Mr. Kosuge’s love for persimmons.

4. What is the main idea of the text?

A．A gift coming from a remote country.	B．A return favor for a lasting relationship.
C．A family friendship across continents.	D．A visit to a friend in a distant country.

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。

Sam Hensen was celebrating his ninth birthday at summer camp. The counselors and fellow campers came together to throw a party for him, complete with cake and gifts thoughtfully sent by his parents. But Sam was not a popular boy. He was mentally disabled and couldn’t move around like the other children, setting him apart from his peers and causing unease among parents. But things were about to change on his ninth birthday. At camp, he was about to discover that there were people who genuinely cared about him.

One boy reached out to Sam and extended a warm hand of friendship. His name was Bobby, an eleven-year-old, and he had a younger brother who was mentally challenged. Sam’s presence reminded Bobby of his beloved brother, and their bond was unique, unlike any other.

Bobby’s kindness didn’t stop at a friendly gesture; every morning, he went to Sam’s cabin to help him prepare for the day. Their friendship extended to sports, especially baseball, which Sam adored. Bobby, with strong determination, took on the incredible challenge of teaching Sam how to bat.

The hours and days they spent practicing seemed to point to an impossible task. The camp counselors had also tried their best to teach Sam, but progress had appeared to be hopeless. But Bobby was not ready to give up on his friend, but Sam began to feel anxious.

One restless night, Sam couldn’t sleep as he thought of Bobby’s kindness and the counselors’ tireless efforts to help him. He felt the burning desire to practice more, despite the late hour. He decided to take action. With determination, he made his way to Bobby’s cabin and woke him up, whispering, “Come on, Bobby! Wake up! I need you to pitch (投掷) the ball.” Bobby, rubbing his eyes, was initially puzzled by Sam’s late-night visit. But as Sam   pulled him out of bed, he realized the importance of this moment. Sam assured him, “It will only take a moment, and we’ll be right back.”

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 their counselors sound asleep, the two friends sneaked out, making their way to a poorly lit parking lot.

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Sam fell asleep that night with a smile of accomplishment on his face.

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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。

Winters can be harsh in Heilongjiang, China’s northeastern province     1     (border) Russia.

The residents of Harbin, Heilongjiang’s capital, brighten the winter     2     (month) by carving fantastic frozen sculptures for the International Ice and Snow Festival that takes place in January and February every year. Once a     3     (region) affair, the festival has grown to be a major international event.

“It’s quite surreal (梦幻般的), due to both the scale (规模)     4     all the beautiful lighting—like being     5     a fantasy movie,” says Christian Stanley of the China Travel Company. “It’s so big that you can’t help wondering     6     they managed to build all of this so quickly.”

It’s also a good choice to take a break from Harbin’s winter wonderland with a visit to the Siberian Tiger Park.     7     (locate) a few miles northwest of the city on the Songhua River, the park     8     (establish) in 1996 to help protect these animals, the largest felines (猫科动物) in the world. Hundreds of Siberian tigers—accustomed (适应) to the winter cold—     9     (free) walk around the nature reserve, along with leopards and black puma. Visitors must ride in special buses to get protected from the tigers as the animals gather around out of     10     (curious).

5 . Humans have sailed the oceans’ surfaces for thousands of years, but their depths remain effectively uncharted. Only about a quarter of the seafloor has been mapped at high resolution (清晰度). Maps of most regions display only estimated depths and often miss entire underwater mountains or canyons (峡谷). So a group of researchers have turned to some deep-diving experts: Elephant Seals and Weddell Seals. Scientists have been placing trackers on these blubber y marine mammals around Antarctica for years, gathering data on ocean temperature and salinity (盐度).

For a new study, the researchers compared these dives’ location and depth data with some of the less detailed seafloor maps. They spotted places where the seals dove deeper than should have been possible according to the maps.

In eastern Antarctica’s Vincennes Bay, the diving seals helped the scientists find a large, hidden underwater canyon suddenly descending (下降) to depths of more than a mile. “The seals discovered the canyon, and the ship confirmed it,” says Clive McMahon, a researcher at the Integrated Marine Observing System in Australia and a co-author of the new study.

But seals can’t map the entire ocean floor. The trackers used in the study could pinpoint (为……准确定位) a seal’s geographical location only within about 1.5 miles, which allows for useful but not exactly high-resolution data. Plus, because the seals don’t always dive to the bottom of the ocean, they can reveal only where the bottom is deeper than in existing maps — not shallower. McMahon notes that scientists could improve on these data by using more precise GPS trackers and analyzing the seals’ diving patterns to determine whether they have reached the seafloor or simply stopped descending.

The current seal-dive data can still be valuable for an important task, says Anna Wåhlin, an oceanographer at the University of Gothenburg in Sweden. The deep ocean around Antarctica is warmer than the extremely cold waters at the surface, and seafloor canyons can allow that warmer water to flow to the ice along the continent’s coast, Wåhlin explains. To predict how Antarctica’s ice will melt, scientists will need to know where those canyons are and how deep they go.

1. What’s the initial function of the device carried by the seals?

A．Collecting data about seawater.

B．Filming the images of the seafloor.

C．Recording the seals’ travelling routes.

D．Leading researchers to some remote areas.

2. What does the new study’s discovery prove?

A．It is impossible to fully uncover the secrets of the sea.

B．The existing depth estimates for the sea are inaccurate.

C．Seals’ ability to dive is worth further scientific studies.

D．It is urgent for scientists to map detailed seafloor maps.

3. What does paragraph 4 mainly talk about?

A．The creative methods adopted in the study.

B．Major technical challenges faced by scientists.

C．New research directions inspired by the study.

D．The shortcomings of the approaches to the study.

4. Which of the following will Anna Wåhlin most probably agree with?

A．The new study is potentially beneficial to other scientific fields.

B．The deep waters of Antarctica are colder than the surface waters.

C．Seafloor canyons slow down the speed of ice melting in Antarctica.

D．The seal-dive practice is valuable for mapping the entire ocean floor.

6 . From camping to Frisbee (飞盘游戏), China’s urban residents are always on the lookout for the next outdoor activity in fashion. Over the last few months, farming vegetables has become the most popular one as more and more people seek to break away from urban routines for a short break back with nature.

Completely different from traditional farming, the pieces of land are divided into smaller parts so they can be rented out to families with kids, the elderly, and white-collar residents. They are usually located on the suburbs of cities, and promise potential tenants(租户)hours of peaceful gardening and beautiful scenery.

As their own “landlords,” inexperienced city residents get to experience the whole process—from sowing vegetable seeds and watering them to eventually harvesting the fruits of their labor. Shanghai resident Tai Xin rented a 100-square-meter plot of land on Shanghai’s suburbs that costs 1,000 yuan annually. She says, “I initially thought my seven-year-old son would be able to better understand crops, planting, picking, and agricultural science.” But her parents, who have been helping with babysitting, are now also engaged on the “farm”. “We’re pleased to be here,” she added. Tai says she visits the plot of land, around two kilometers away from her home, once in a while but only on weekends. She spends a couple of hours watering the crops, removing weeds, and sometimes just organizing a picnic with her family.

But like other outdoor activities, vegetable gardening, as an emerging trend, is not without its complications. Most of the land for such vegetable gardens are agricultural tracts (大片土地) rented from the local government, says Zhang Ling, who operates the Shanghai Shanxi Fruit &Vegetable Cooperative.

“The regulator wants to keep track of the kind of vegetables planted as well as the yield to guarantee the city’s food supply,” says Zhang. “It’s very difficult for us to track that since our customers are mostly amateur farmers and they could be very spontaneous(自发的)in what they want to plant. A failure to meet the regulatory requirements, however, may lead to the land rental contract being canceled.”

1. What is the latest trend among urban residents in China?

A．Camping in the wilderness.

B．Playing Frisbee in city parks.

C．Seeking adventurous urban routines.

D．Engaging in outdoor farming activities.

2. What distinguishes the vegetable farming experience in urban areas from traditional farming?

A．It is carried out by various tenants on smaller lands.

B．It involves planting crops for commercial purposes.

C．It focuses on large-scale agricultural methods.

D．It is primarily promoted by local gardeners.

3. How does Tai Xin view the vegetable farming experience for her family?

A．She thinks it’s a little expensive.	B．She finds it quite time-consuming.
C．She considers it a good family activity.	D．She believes it aims for health education.

4. What’s Zhang Ling’s attitude toward the future of vegetable gardening in urban areas?

A．Concerned.

B．Positive.

C．Carefree.

D．Unclear.

7 . NLB Mobile app — a library in your pocket

The National Library Board (NLB) Mobile app is your personal library, anywhere. anytime. By signing in, you will be able to enjoy the full suite of services available to library members such as borrowing items and reading emagazines and enewspapers. But even if you don’t sign in, you can still:

●Search the library catalogue (目录) and share the title
●Locate nearby libraries based on your current location
●View highlights of library happenings
What do I need to sign in?

You will need a myLibrary ID. If you do not have it, you may create one online or using the app’s login page — tap on the+ button on the top right of the app’s screen.

What if I forget my myLibrary ID or password?

You can retrieve (恢复) your myLibrary ID and password:

●Online with your Singpass or NRIC/FIN number. Once you have signed in, the system will automatically detect if you have a myLibrary ID and display it. It will also let you reset your password if you have forgotten it.
●Via the NLB Mobile app, with your Singpass or NRIC/FIN number. Tap on the+ button on the top right of the app’s screen, then tap on “Forgot your myLibrary ID or password”.
When I try to log in, the app says “Profile already exists”. What do I do?

We are sorry that you are encountering this problem! Here are the steps.

●Go to your phone’s Settings menu.
●Select “Apps” or “Application manager” or “Applications”.
●Tap on“NLB Mobile”.
●Tap on “Storage”.
●Select “Clear Data”.
●Select “Clear Cache”
●Try signing in again. It should work this time. If not, please take a screenshot of the error message and email it to enquiry@nlb.gov.sg.
1. What can users do via NLB Mobile app without signing in?

A．Reading emagazines.

B．Borrowing enewspapers.

C．Sharing the title of the items in the library.

D．Previewing the books available to borrow.

2. Which of the following is necessary for users to sign in the app?

A．Singpass.	B．MyLibrary ID.
C．NRIC/FIN number.	D．The physical NLB card.

3. Users are advised to email enquiry@nlb.gov.sg when they _______.

A．decide to voice complaints about the service

B．have any questions about the NLB Mobile app

C．are unable to clear NLB Mobile data on the phone

D．fail to solve the “log in” problem following the instructions

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。

The scene of firefighters in Hulunbuir, Inner Mongolia being frozen into “icemen” while braving the fierce snowstorm to rescue people moved many to tears.

On March 12, Qi Yuehua, head of the Baerhu Road Station of the New Baerhu Zuoqi Fire and Rescue Brigade in Hulunbuir, said in an interview that the team members worked continuously for nearly five hours two days ago, saving 8 people trapped in 3 cars. The temperature at the time was around minus 30 degrees Celsius, so there was later a scene of firefighters being frozen into “icemen”.

“At 12:46 on March 10, we received a call for help, saying that a vehicle was trapped in the snow 35 kilometers away in the direction of National Highway 332. A driver was trapped in the car waiting for rescue” said Qi Yuehua. “By noon, a fierce snowstorm had formed, and it was blowing strongly and the temperature was very low. Obviously, it was dangerous to drive out, but everyone must immediately go to the scene.”

The two rescue vehicles with 12 firefighters set out at 12:50. The visibility was less than 5 meters that day, and the snowy road was slippery, making driving very difficult. It was hard to tell which way it was to the rescue site, and the rescue team could only move slowly based on previous driving experience. Consequently, it took more than an hour that day to drive for a journey that usually takes only ten minutes.

At 14:18, the rescue team eventually arrived at the scene and found the location of the trapped driver. Due to the heavy wind and snow, the door of the vehicle could not be completely closed. The driver hid in the car, trembling violently with cold. The firefighters found that two other vehicles with seven people were also trapped there. They were involved in a traffic accident due to slippery roads and poor visibility.

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。

Without any delay, the firefighters started their rescue effort.

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When asked if it was too hard and too risky to be firefighters, Qi smiled.

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10 . Phone call anxiety is on the rise, with a quarter of 18-24 year olds avoiding picking up the phone.     1     The avoidance of phone calls isn’t just a preference; it’s a reflection of anxiety. The immediacy and directness of a phone call, without the ability to carefully respond as in text-based communication, can be discouraging.

    2     Even traditional forms of speaking can set off a release of oxytocin, which helps reduce social anxiety symptoms. However, in the absence of physical cues (提示) and the comfort of a known audience, phone calls can worsen these anxieties, making the experience feel more intense.

In face-to-face interactions, we rely heavily on gestures, facial expressions, and body language to interpret messages, which are absent in phone conversations.     3    

The fear of making and receiving phone calls can have negative effects on both your personal and professional lives.     4     Although answering the phone and making calls may seem like a simple task that everyone should be able to do, suffering from phone call anxiety can be terrifying and real.

While it’s understandable why phone calls can feel awkward in today’s digital age, it’s essential to recognize the value they hold in effective communication and relationship building. As we navigate this “phone anxiety pandemic”, it is crucial to encourage and relearn the art of phone conversation, balancing the ease of texting with the depth and authenticity of a real-time voice call.     5    

A．This anxiety is not entirely new.

B．Who are reluctant to pick up phones?

C．Why are we making fewer phone calls?

D．It represents a sense of being separated.

E．Therefore, it is important to take phone anxiety seriously.

F．This can lead to misunderstandings and a feeling of disconnect.

G．This balance is key to establishing good relationships in in increasingly digital world.