1 . Boomerang kids refer to adult children who return to their parents’ homes after moving out. In July 2020, 52% of young adults in the US lived with one or both of their parents — the highest percentage the US has seen since 1940. In the UK, the number of single, 20-to-34-year-olds living with their parents went up by 55% from 2008 to 2017.

There are many reasons for young people to move back home, says Hipplewith, a family expert. The primary reason is the high cost of living. Everything is so expensive. Staying home means financial support from family as they prepare for starting a career. Usually being a boomeranger is just a transitional period. But it still may last many months or even years to enable boomerangers to establish themselves in a career without worrying about things like rents.

For many, a return to home after living away can feel like a regression (倒退) and loss of recently won independence. “For example, you learn to become an adult in university,” says Hipplewith. “You have friends. You can do what you want to do. But now you’re coming back under someone else’s rule.” This can come with anxiety. Still, there are benefits to the boomerangers, say experts. Many of these adults are finding the increased ability to do work they find meaningful, rather than take a job that simply pays the bills. Socially, boomerang kids also have a good opportunity to strengthen relationships with their parents.

In many cultures, moving away from home has traditionally been considered a crucial step in becoming an adult. Now it’s time to change the idea. Adulthood is really just being old enough to take responsibilities; that doesn’t go away if you move in with parents again. Hipplewith hopes that as being a boomeranger becomes more common, young adults will feel less pressure to follow traditional expectations of moving out. He encourages young people to view a return to home as “sane decision-making”.

1. How does the author lead in the topic of the text?

A．By analyzing reasons.	B．By raising a viewpoint.
C．By telling the difference.	D．By presenting a phenomenon.

2. What is the basic cause of young adults’ living at home?

A．To buy something expensive.	B．To look after family members.
C．To hunt for the right career easily.	D．To reduce economic pressure.

3. Why do young people probably feel anxious about returning home?

A．Because of the limit of keeping in with friends.	B．Because of the loss of independence.
C．Because of many years of staying at home.	D．Because of the anxiety about the future life.

4. What does the underlined word “sane” mean in the last paragraph?

A．Stupid.

B．Rapid.

C．Reasonable.

D．Independent.

2 . Caring 17-year-old Lauren Schroeder was inspired to help bring healthy food to needy families in her community. Volunteering at a food shelter when she was 14 , and tasked with helping fill boxes for households in need with canned and packaged food, this Iowa teen felt that something was missing from the donated groceries: fresh vegetables. So she shared with her parents her desire to start a garden on their own farm to supply local families in need with fresh produce.

Coming from a farming family, Lauren had some familiarity with agriculture, and had helped raise rabbits and lambs, but had never tried vegetable cultivation at scale, though the Schroeders plant soybeans and corn each year on their 150-acre farm.

The work involved in realizing Lauren’s plan was no walk in the park. Initially, while proud of her daughter’s vision, her mother, Katie Schroeder, admitted to some foreboding about the work involved: “I was wondering, ‘Oh my gosh, how much work is this going to be?’ I wasn’t sure whether this would work.” This was one young change-maker, however! Lauren researched plants online, checking which species needed more shade, how much water was required, and when to harvest each crop. During Iowa’s hot summers, she had to water her crops by hand for around 2 — 3 hours daily. She also checked daily for weeds, and bent down to pick her green bean crop. Thanks to her diligence, Lauren planted half an acre of land, with 15 varieties of vegetables in 2022, harvesting her first crops.

In an interview with a local media channel, Lauren says, “I wanted to have something that’d impact people. I want to impact community members. Many people help you out, but it makes more difference when you help others out. That’s what makes me most happy.”

1. What inspired Lauren to start a garden on her family’s farm?

A．Her parents’ encouragement.

B．Her interest in farming and agriculture.

C．Her desire to become a professional gardener.

D．Her experience volunteering at a food shelter.

2. Which of the following words can replace the underlined word “foreboding” in paragraph 3?

A．Satisfaction.

B．Concern.

C．Anger.

D．Pride.

3. How did Lauren research the plants for her garden?

A．She consulted professional gardeners.

B．She studied books and manuals on gardening.

C．She conducted online research on plant species.

D．She attended agricultural courses and workshops.

4. What is the central theme of the article?

A．The Schroeders’ family farming traditions.

B．The importance of volunteering at a food shelter.

C．The challenges of starting a vegetable garden on a large scale.

D．Lauren Schroeder’s project to provide fresh vegetables to needy families.

3 . The snowstorm wasn’t supposed to hit until night. I decided to go home from work, snowstorm or not. I wasn’t ________. It was just past 4:30 p. m. I ________ I had more than enough time to make it home.

________, 15 minutes after I got on the road, the snow started — and it was coming down fast. The windows were ________ up and getting covered with snow, so I stopped and called 911, only to be told nobody was coming to my ________ until morning at the earliest.

Breathe, I told myself. Panicking won’t ________.

I pinned my location on the Google Map app, took a screenshot, and ________ this information to my Facebook community group, ________ for anyone who knew who lived nearby to help me. But I was wondering ________ someone did figure out where I was, would help be able to ________ the swirling snow and shrieking wind?

About 45 minutes later, I saw a tall figure in a yellow raincoat walking hurriedly toward me in the dark, carrying a flashlight. It was André Bouvier, who’d walked about 550 yards through the snowstorm, fighting the ________ and snow each step of the way. “I want you to follow me in your car. You’ll be OK.” he said, his voice ________.

He ________ and started to trudge (跋涉) through the snow. I drove slowly behind him, feeling my heart begin to beat more slowly. When we reached the house, I burst into tears, all my fears turning into ________ and gratitude.

The experience has been a game changer for me. I now approach ________ with a sense of calm I’d not known before.

1.

A．annoyed

B．worried

C．amazed

D．disappointed

2.

A．meant

B．doubted

C．promised

D．figured

3.

A．Interestingly

B．Unexpectedly

C．Absolutely

D．Suddenly

4.

A．fogging

B．clearing

C．showing

D．picking

5.

A．way

B．situation

C．rescue

D．mind

6.

A．help

B．remain

C．matter

D．disappear

7.

A．searched

B．collected

C．attached

D．posted

8.

A．begging

B．accounting

C．caring

D．applying

9.

A．in case

B．even if

C．as though

D．now that

10.

A．go over

B．hold back

C．come through

D．count on

11.

A．noise

B．temperature

C．wind

D．frost

12.

A．shaky

B．quiet

C．deafening

D．steady

13.

A．broke down

B．turned around

C．set off

D．checked out

14.

A．relief

B．pride

C．duty

D．surprise

15.

A．freedom

B．appointment

C．excitement

D．challenges

4 . 阅读下面材料，在空白处填入适当的内容(1个单词)或括号内单词的正确形式。

Weiqi, an ancient strategic game,     1     (date) back over 4,000 years. It involves black and white stones     2     (place) on a board, with the aim of surrounding the opponent’s pieces. During the Southern and Northern Dynasties, the game     3     (spread) to Korea and Japan, where it gained great popularity. In Korea, it was known as baduk,     4     in Japan it was called igo or go. Despite its popularity     5     East Asia, it was only introduced to the West in the late 19th century through Japan. Accordingly, most non-Chinese know the game by its Japanese name and use Japanese terms to play it.     6     (distinguish) it from the English verb “go”, the game is often capitalized as “Go”.

Though Go looks quite simple, it is actually one of the most complicated games. In fact, there are so many possible moves in Go     7     a whole new field of mathematics has been created just to describe the game. While this shows     8     level of thinking skills that Go players must have to become champions, it also shows the difficulties involved in creating a computer program that can play the game well. Meanwhile, top Go players like Ke Jie have been excited by AlphaGo’s     9     (innovate) strategies, opening up whole new worlds of     10     (possibility) in the game of Go. Nowadays, many Go players now use AI programs like AlphaGo to help them improve their playing skills.

5 . Many actors have famously remarked that they have, time and again, lost themselves in their performances. Now, researchers at University College London (UCL) have found some truth to this statement. A new study suggests actors may suppress (抑制) their sense of self when they take on a new character, hinting at the massive impact theater training may have on fundamental mechanisms of the human brain.

“Our findings indicate that cooperating with the theater industry could be helpful in producing theories about social interaction that could also be investigated in the real world,” said Dwaynica Gteaves, lead author of the study. In particular, the researchers are hoping that future work in this space can focus on how participation in theatrical activities might help people with autism (自闭症).

The actors in the study were fitted with brain imaging technology while they rehearsed scenes from Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night s Dream. When they heard their names while performing, their response was suppressed in the brain region associated with self-awareness. While they were not performing, the actors responded normally when called by name. The study also looked at interpersonal coordination between pairs of actors. The researchers noticed that two actors rehearsing together had similar brain activity in the regions of the brain associated with social interaction and action planning, revealing “specific brain systems that are coordinated during complex social interactions”.

In fact, drama therapy has been considered a beneficial practical strategy for improving social communication in children with developmental or learning disabilities. A preliminary (初步的) study found students with autism who underwent theater experiences showed significant positive changes in the development of social and language skills.

In the future, researchers at UCL aim to include both trained and untrained actors as subjects. The recent study, admittedly, lacked a control group of people without theater training and had a small sample size of only 6 actors. But the researchers remain hopeful of the possible future applications of their findings in aiding social communication, including in individuals with autism.

1. What effect may taking on a new character have on actors, as suggested by the study?

A．They may forget their identities.	B．Their self-awareness may weaken.
C．They may lose themselves completely.	D．Their brain mechanisms may be damaged.

2. How did the researchers conduct the study?

A．By interacting with the actors.	B．By observing the actors’ behavior.
C．By surveying the actors’ responses.	D．By monitoring the actors’ brain activity.

3. What positive changes were seen in students with autism who engaged in theater experiences?

A．Improved physical health.	B．Enhanced cognitive abilities.
C．Strengthened interpersonal skills.	D．Increased academic performance.

4. What can be inferred about the study?

A．The researchers lacked expertise.	B．It can be used to train child actors.
C．It is a major breakthrough in medicine.	D．It is promising despite its limitations.

6 . The US economy seems strong with high employment, falling inflation (通货膨胀), and growth. However, the reality is far less optimistic for ordinary American workers.

A March 6 survey by the Savings website showed that 47% of US parents financially support their adult children to cope with rising living costs. Gen Zers (18-27) are the most likely to receive such aid, averaging $1,515 per month. Still, even older parents assist their Millennial and Generation X adult children, accounting for 21% of support. Common expenses include groceries, tuition, and health insurance.

Why are so many US adults struggling? Soaring food prices are a major factor. The US Department of Agriculture predicts a 2.5% increase in food prices in 2024. Meanwhile, stable housing remains an elusive dream for many, with the average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (抵押贷款) reaching at almost 8% in October 2023, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association. This high cost prices many Americans out of homeownership.

The final piece of the puzzle is falling salaries. Previous generations were able to count on graduating from college as the key to landing a job that paid well. But now, young US graduates have found that they earn less than their parents. According to a CNBC analysis, college graduate salaries have decreased more than 10 percent in four decades after adjusting for inflation. In other words, steadily declining salaries make it even harder for young Americans to cope with steadily rising costs.

With Gen Zers in the US struggling under financial pressures, so do the older generations supporting them, as their generosity puts their prospects for retirement at risk. The Savings website discovered that working parents were found to contribute 2.4 times more to support adult children than they contribute to their retirement accounts each month.

Essentially, while the US economy remains floating, we might witness multiple generations of Americans sinking in their own lifeboats in the years ahead.

1. What did the March 6 survey find out about adult children in the US?

A．Nearly half of them are financially dependent.

B．Over half of Gen Zers are financially struggling.

C．21 percent of Generation X receive parental help.

D．A majority of them rely on their parents for education.

2. What does the underlined word “elusive” in paragraph 3 most probably mean?

A．Readily accessible.	B．Difficult to achieve.
C．Often misunderstood.	D．Commonly sought after.

3. What can be inferred from the article about people in the US?

A．Graduates’ financial struggles are temporary.

B．Government policies favor older generations.

C．Financial pressures affect both the young and the old.

D．Salaries for graduates tend to keep pace with inflation.

4. What is the author’s attitude toward the future prospects of Americans?

A．Negative.

B．Positive.

C．Reserved.

D．Ambiguous.

7 . Grant Village and West Thumb

Yellowstone National Park offers a range of engaging activities for families, nature lovers, and wildlife enthusiasts alike. From exploring the Grant Village and West Thumb regions to participating in interactive programs, visitors can immerse themselves in the park’s natural wonders and learn about its diverse wildlife and geological features.

Experiencing Wildlife in Yellowstone (May 26 to September 2).

Whether you’re hiking a backcountry trail, camping, or just enjoying the park’s amazing wildlife from the road, this quick workshop is for you and your family. Learn where to look for animals and how to safely enjoy your wildlife watching experience. Meet on the back porch of the Grant Visitor Center.

West Thumb Geyser Basin Walk (June 9 to September 2)

Take a guided walk along the beautiful shores of Yellowstone Lake while exploring the origins of glittering geysers, belching mud pots, and emerald hot spring s in West Thumb’s dynamic geyser basin. Meet at the West Thumb Visitor Information Station. Round-trip distance is 1/2 mile. Easy.

Junior Ranger Discovery Program (June 16 to September 2)

Investigate and discover the many curiosities of Yellowstone during this interactive program geared towards kids 4-13 years and up. Meet at the Grant Village Pavilion, located behind the visitor center along the edge of the lake.

Grant Village Evening Program (June 23 to September 2).

Learn more about Yellowstone’s natural and cultural history in this presentation highlighting one of Yellowstone’s wonders. Inquire locally and on bulletin boards for program descriptions. Meet at the Grant Visitor Center Amphitheater. Dress warmly and bring a flashlight.

1. Which program is suitable for a family to learn about safely watching wildlife in Yellowstone?

A．Experiencing Wildlife in Yellowstone.	B．Grant Village Evening Program.
C．West Thumb Geyser Basin Walk.	D．Junior Ranger Discovery Program.

2. Which program lasts for the shortest time?

A．Experiencing Wildlife in Yellowstone.	B．Grant Village Evening Program.
C．West Thumb Geyser Basin Walk.	D．Junior Ranger Discovery Program.

3. What should you do if you are interested in the origin of geysers and mud pots?

A．attend the Grant Village Evening Program.

B．join the Junior Ranger Discovery Program.

C．take a guided walk along Yellowstone Lake.

D．meet at the Grant Visitor Center Amphitheater.

8 . Madison Baloy was a normal twenty-something a year ago, with a positive attitude on life. However, a _________ colon cancer completely changed her life course.

A year later, her health condition became worse, and she _________ 50 pounds over nine months. During the _________ diagnosis, Baloy tried the social media platform for help. She couldn’t find people like her, and she started filming her own journey. It makes sense people with terminal illnesses would _________ social media to express themselves or share their _________ wishes. It is because social networking sites _________ the fundamental human need of social connection and _________. Just as it makes sense for Baloy to live life in her own _________ while she still can.

Even though it was hard, Baloy _________ shares her journey on social media, aiming to change perceptions about cancer patients and __________ that she is more than her illness. __________, one of her videos got more than 1 million likes. Baloy __________ that’s because people were really __________ to the fact that she looks and seems like a very average woman in her 20s. Yes, Baloy has terminal cancer, but she also is a person in her 20s trying to figure out her life. She is old enough to __________ her own choices, and still __________ enough that she doesn’t need to just stay in bed all day.

Before Baloy dies, she has many __________ on her bucket list (遗愿清单). __________ the bucket lists of terminal people on social media gives us some insight into what __________ to someone at the end of their lives. It’s a way for us to learn about life __________ having to face our own mortality (死亡). Madison Baloy was a(n) __________ twenty-something a year ago. And she still is.

1.

A．doubtful

B．critical

C．curable

D．mild

2.

A．lost

B．carried

C．weighed

D．spent

3.

A．amazing

B．remaining

C．frightening

D．exciting

4.

A．keep up

B．take up

C．bring in

D．turn to

5.

A．secret

B．appropriate

C．final

D．sincere

6.

A．combine

B．absorb

C．sense

D．satisfy

7.

A．expression

B．inspiration

C．commitment

D．contribution

8.

A．space

B．way

C．occasion

D．state

9.

A．happily

B．barely

C．bravely

D．deliberately

10.

A．maintain

B．demonstrate

C．recognize

D．comfort

11.

A．Naturally

B．Particularly

C．Regularly

D．Surprisingly

12.

A．assumed

B．recalled

C．approved

D．convinced

13.

A．driven

B．drawn

C．attached

D．opposed

14.

A．use

B．give

C．make

D．change

15.

A．proud

B．generous

C．curious

D．lively

16.

A．items

B．alternatives

C．restrictions

D．definitions

17.

A．Keeping

B．Passing

C．Adopting

D．Viewing

18.

A．belongs

B．matters

C．applies

D．relates

19.

A．without

B．except

C．through

D．despite

20.

A．energetic

B．ambitious

C．typical

D．humble

9 . Rapid advancements in generative artificial intelligence (AI) have sparked concerns regarding the future of work and human creativity. As AI technologies exhibit remarkable capabilities in tasks requiring originality, there is a growing apprehension about potential job displacement and the redefinition of creativity.

In a recent study published in Scientific Reports, AI programs outperformed the average human in tasks demanding imagination. Participants were tasked with generating imaginative uses for commonplace objects, with AI responses often judged as more creative than those from humans. Although human ideas scored higher in terms of originality, the average scores of AI responses surpassed those of humans, leading to headlines discussing AI’s creativity surpassing human capabilities.

This research has increased anxieties among professionals, particularly those in creative industries. For individuals like Kat Lyons, a background artist in animation, the ascent of AI-generated content poses a risk to their livelihood and prompts concerns about the future of artistry. The adoption of AI tools by entertainment giants such as Marvel and Disney increases these fears, fostering uncertainties regarding the authenticity and sustainability of artistic professions.

The widespread apprehension surrounding AI’s progress extends beyond job displacement to include broader social influences. Mary Alvord, a psychologist, observes that concerns about data privacy, job security, and human out of style contribute to a widespread sense of unease. However, managing AI anxiety necessitates a balanced approach, acknowledging both the potential benefits of AI and addressing its potential dangers.

Experts stress the importance of contextualizing AI advancements within historical and technological frameworks. Sanae Okamoto, a psychologist, points to past instances of technological anxiety, suggesting that understanding AI’s benefits and limitations can lessen fears. By becoming familiar with AI tools and advocating regulatory measures, individuals can transform apprehension into authorization.

1. What does the underlined word “apprehension” in Paragraph 1 probably mean?

A．Excitement.

B．Depression.

C．Amusement.

D．Anxiety.

2. How does AI perform in tasks according to the second paragraph?

A．Human creativity surpasses AI in all tasks.

B．AI scores higher as it creates more original ideas.

C．AI performs better in tasks calling for creativity.

D．The average score of AI is lower than that of humans.

3. Which of the concerns is Not raised in creative industries, according to the passage?

A．The lack of innovation in creative industries.	B．The unstable employment in creative industries.
C．The vague prospects for artistic professionals.	D．The threat to the livelihood of artistic professionals.

4. According to the article, what is Sanae Okamoto’s advice to common people?

A．Knowing the history of AI.	B．Ignoring the existence of AI.
C．Understanding AI’s limitations.	D．Understanding AI in a comprehensive way.

10 . Home to 40 museums, Basel has the highest concentration of museums in the country. It also has a beautiful Old Town, modern architecture, and the Rhine — an inviting spot to rest a while.

Description

Basel is Switzerland’s oldest university city. Historic landmarks of the city include the large market square with its richly decorated red sandstone town hall and the late Romanesque-Gothic cathedral. During a walk through the old town, a visit to the “Läckerli Huus” to try the traditional Basel honey cake is well worth your while. Basel is tradition-conscious and open-minded at the same time, a fact born out by several modern buildings designed by renowned architects such as Herzog & de Meuron, Mario Botta, and Richard Meyer.

Almost 40 museums make Basel the city with the highest density of museums in the country. Internationally known museums, such as the Basel Art Museum, the museum devoted to the iron sculptor Jean Tinguely, the Fondation Beyeler and the Museum of Cultures attract a great many visitors, as do several galleries and playhouses. Basel is among other things home to the symphony orchestra and the chamber orchestra.

Basel is a green city. The Botanical Gardens, the Merian Gärten and the banks of the Rhine are perfect places to relax and stay for a while. You can easily explore Basel on foot or by bike. There are four Rhine ferries that connect Grossbasel with Kleinbasel.

Winter

Basel is widely regarded as Switzerland’s cultural capital, and with good reason: in this city you will encounter art at every turn, whether you stroll through the beautiful Old Town or visit one of almost 40 museums. What’s more, Basel also features top-class modern architecture just waiting to be discovered on a city tour.

Basel’s Christmas market on Barfüsserplatz and Münsterplatz is considered one of the most beautiful and largest in Switzerland. During the pre-Christmas period, many events and spectacular special exhibitions in the museums also enrich the city’s cultural offerings.

Summer

Basel’s secret landmark is the Rhine. People relax in the charming buvettes — the lovingly designed, small open-air gastronomic establishments — or let themselves be carried along by the gentle flow in the river. On a hot summer day, there is hardly anything more beautiful than cooling off by swimming in the Rhine while watching the backdrop of the city pass by.

1. What can be inferred about Basel’s cultural scene from the passage?

A．It is limited to museums and galleries.

B．It primarily focuses on traditional forms of art.

C．It is not well-developed compared to other Swiss cities.

D．It is diverse, including both traditional and modern forms of art.

2. Why is Basel considered Switzerland’s cultural capital according to the passage?

A．Because it is very likely to come across art around in Basel.

B．Because it has the most modern architecture in Switzerland.

C．Because it hosts the largest Christmas market in Switzerland.

D．Because it is home to the largest botanical garden in the country.

3. Where can visitors experience the cool current in Basel?

A．The Rhine.	B．The Old Town.
C．The Botanical Gardens.	D．The Basel Art Museum.