1 . Xie Zhiyu arrived at the stadium alone as he prepared to make his debut CEHD at the World Atletics Championships in Budapest. It was a busy summer of competition for Xie, who also made his debut at the Asian Athletics Championships 2023 and the FISU World University Games in Chengdu.

The 23-year-old hurdler (跨栏运动员) resembles more a backpacking student than a professional athlete. Indeed, he only graduated from Peking University’s School of Journalism and Communication in July, and will continue to pursue his master’s degree at the university’s Department of Physical Education. Balancing training and coursework has proved challenging, but he did it. Similar to his high school days, track time is often limited to between just over an hour and three hours on weekdays.

Xie fell short of qualifying for the men’s 400m hurdles final at the World Athletics Championships. However, this marked the first time in eight years that a Chinese athlete had advanced this far in the event. Although disappointed not to reach the final. Xie stressed that his first world championships were about more than the results. “I’m absorbing, learning and enjoying the competition. It’s been an amazing experience,” he said.

At the FISU World University Games in Chengdu, he secured his first medal at a global champion ship, earning a bronze in the 400m hurdles with a personal best of 48.78 seconds, a mere 0.08 seconds away from qualifying for the Paris Olympics. “It’s been an unforgettable summer of highs and lows,” he reflected. With Paris 2024 within touching distance, he is determined to continue his upward curve on the track. “I will work even harder back home. Hopefully, I can qualify for the Olympics,” he said.

1. What can we learn about Xie?

A．He gained his master’s degree in PE,	B．He balanced training and coursework.
C．He lacked training time on weekends.	D．He attended four competitions this summer.

2. What does the underlined phrase “fell short of” in paragraph 3 mean?

A．Failed in.

B．Engaged in.

C．Competed in.

D．Succeeded in.

3. What is the standard for the men’s 400m hurdles in the Paris Olympics?

A．48. 62 seconds.	B．48.70 seconds.
C．48. 78 seconds.	D．48. 86 seconds.

4. which of the following words best describe Xie?

A．Independent and brave.	B．Considerate and modest.
C．Confident and outgoing.	D．Optimistic and determined.

2 . 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。

Figure skating (花样滑冰) is known for its graceful moves. There is one     1    (call) the “quad Axel,” or “4A,” that is     2    (wide) considered to be the hardest jump in figure skating. It is a type of “edge jump”,     3    (mean) skaters have to skate on one side of the blade (刀片) when a lifting of the ice.

Although no one skater     4    (conquer) the move so far at any competitions, the world’s top Japanese skater Yuzuru Hanyu (羽生结弦) gave it the closest go during the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games. At 53 kilograms, he’s thin. But Hanyu is very strong and able to perfectly perform     5    (jump) and moves on the ice that others can only attempt. He noted that it’s very nice to compete in such     6     atmosphere with love and welcome from Chinese. He sometimes looks more like a ballet dancer     7     a figure skater. When people watch Hanyu perform, it’s immediately clear how much he enjoys     8    (he), and the audiences love him in return. The little boy     9     started out at his neighborhood rink (溜冰场) is now     10    (love) by people from around the globe.

3 . The UMass program Brown is taking over presents different challenges from the one he helped rebuild in 2018. The Minutemen are 2-23 over the past three seasons.

As an independent program, UMass has to work on its own to put together schedules and negotiate television contracts. But Brown doesn't like to look at the past, bad or good. He says he doesn't even watch film of previous games. “I haven't worried about what's happened behind me but what's in front of me, ”Brown says.

He emphasizes the importance of a well-conditioned team. He's already looking forward to winter workouts. “When I'm chasing guys around the mat room, I feel pretty good,” Brown says. Brown also emphasizes playing fundamental football, preferring to keep his focus on the immediate future.

Brown, 66, will be one of the oldest head coaches next season. He signed a five-year deal with UMass. “You can see his passion. He's got a lot of energy to build our program and a lot of pride in it,” Scott, president of UMass says. “We're gonna take advantage of that to build back a winning program that we all want.” Brown knows what UMass looks like as a winning program. He's made it his mission to get the Minutemen back there.

“It will mean a lot. I'm going to work tirelessly to make it happen. I have no doubt that we're going to get there,” Brown says. “Won't it be nice to be playing in a bowl game? That's the beauty there. We will get ourselves into a bowl game and bring our first bowl cup home at this level. It will be a special moment.”

1. What do we know about Brown?

A．He is a football coach.	B．He used to be a teacher.
C．He likes recalling the past.	D．He came to Umass in 2018.

2. Which of the following can best describe Brown?

A．Sensitive.

B．Cooperative.

C．Ambitious.

D．Generous.

3. How does Brown feel about the UMass program's future?

A．It's tough.

B．It's uncertain.

C．It's hopeless.

D．It's bright.

4. What may be the best title for the text?

A．The UMass program will be famous

B．The UMass has abandoned the past

C．Brown still believes in the future

D．Brown takes over a winning program