1 . Pawn shops (典当行) have long been known as treasure banks of unexpected finds. From musical instruments to electronics, these establishments offer a diverse range of items that motivate the imaginations of both buyers and sellers. In this article, we explore the fascinating world of popular items frequently pawned at shops. Now, fasten your seatbelts and get ready for a journey through the fascinating stock of pawn shops.

In today’s digital age, electronics have become an essential part of our lives. From smartphones and laptops to gaming devices and home entertainment systems, pawn shops have become hotspots for tech enthusiasts seeking bargains and unique finds. These shops are packed with the items that have bridged distances, captured memories, and entertained us in various ways.

Guitars have a magnetic charm, attracting musicians and enthusiasts alike. From vintage classics to contemporary models, pawned guitars arouse a sense of nostalgia and craftsmanship. They have been the backbone of countless melodies and the catalyst (催化剂) for musical dreams. Whether it’s a legendary electric guitar that once rocked a stadium or a humble acoustic (原声吉他) that accompanied close and friendly performances, each guitar carries a unique tale of passion and creativity.

Pawn shops are also renowned for their dazzling arrays of jewelry. Rings, necklaces, bracelets, and watches — these delicate pieces hold sentimental value and timeless beauty, carrying stories of love, milestones, and cherished memories. From vintage heirlooms to modern designs, the jewelry section of a pawn shop offers a remarkable mixture, where you can find unique and eye-catching pieces and appreciate the charm and craftsmanship of fine decoration.

So, the next time you find yourself near a pawn shop, step inside, explore the aisles, and let your imagination roam. You never know what hidden treasures you might uncover, or what remarkable tales you might encounter in the attractive world of pawned items.

1. Who would most probably enter a pawn shop?

A．A research chemist.	B．A travel planner.
C．A wedding food provider.	D．A family party organizer.

2. What can we do in pawn shops?

A．Conserve the antiques.	B．Appreciate fairy tales.
C．Practice with the craftsman.	D．Experience the history and love.

3. What does the underlined word “sentimental” mean in Paragraph 4?

A．Emotional.	B．Social.
C．Economic.	D．Decorative.

4. What is the best title for the text?

A．Legends behind Pawned Items Never Disappear

B．Hidden Treasures in Pawn Shops Speak

C．Try Various Pawn Shops to Meet Your Beloved

D．Borrow Attractive Old Things from Pawn Shops

2 . Tilly Williams, a Parkside primary student, has broken a world distance running record, beating other girls who were eight years older than her to run 5,000m in just 17 minutes and 22. 7 seconds.

Tilly started running just three years ago and has already shot straight to the top. When some of her friends told her about the international record, she decided to give it a go while competing at the SA State Championships.

“Some of my running friends told me about it and I was like, wow, it would be crazy if I got that and here I am,” Tilly said. “I am the kind of person who really enjoys the challenge,” she added, “I really love surfing and I love bike riding and hiking - all different kinds of adventures and sports.”

She started running in 2021 when she joined her school’s cross-country team. Since then, she has run two to three times a week with her dad, Mark Williams, or at the Adelaide Harriers Athletics Club.

Tilly said, “It’s good knowing that my family’s on my side and my friends are on my side as well. Usually I just go out and run with my running group and with my dad as well because it is like a bond.”

Tilly doesn’t follow a strict diet, so her favourite food is still on the menu - her dad’s home-cooked pizza. “I do love pepperoni pizza,” she said.

“You never think that anyone’s going to get a world record at this age, at any age really. It’s just surreal,” Mr. Williams said, “It’s very important to recognise these achievements, but also to stay very much grounded and just enjoy the other pursuits that she likes. She loves her running, but she does so many other things as well and I think it’s really important that the focus is on life rather than just one thing.”

1. What do we know about Tilly?

A．She prefers surfing to bike riding.

B．She failed at the SA State Championships.

C．She holds the 5000m record of her age.

D．She’s lucky to have her dad as her coach.

2. What might Williams agree?

A．We’d better concentrate on a single thing.

B．Tilly deserves the reputation and praise.

C．Tilly should make efforts to keep her record.

D．People should consider needs more than hobbies.

3. Which of the following can best describe Tilly?

A．Gifted and persevering.	B．Optimistic and careful.
C．Determined and humorous.	D．Dynamic and warm-hearted.

4. Where can we find this text?

A．www. naturewatch. com.	B．www.thecookinghouse.com.
C．www. kidsnews. com.	D．www.adventuretours.com.

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。

An old man called Li Yubao living in a remote rural area asked his grandson on the phone what gifts he wanted for     1     Spring Festival. His grandson said a word. He     2     (hear) the word “Pegga” for the first time, when he talked with his grandson through the cellphone. He didn’t know what Pegga was. So grandpa Li began an interesting journey     3     (discover) what Pegga was.

Grandpa Li asked his neighbors,     4     nobody around knew the answer. Grandpa Li didn’t give up. He continued     5     (ask) more people in the village     6     (patient). He got a brief answer from a local woman,     7     used to work in the city. She explained to him that “Pegga” was a pink pig in the cartoon. With     8     (imagine), he created a pink “Pegga” model made     9     irons and steels. It amazed his grandson. Although the Pegga made by grandpa Li was not the exact one, his family     10     (member) were moved deeply. They all loved the gift “Pegga”.

4 . Abeid was born in a village of Tanzania and dreamt of flying a plane, soaring (翱翔) through the sky. Due to financial difficulties, he became a wildlife guide instead.

Abeid didn’t give up. He became a chief pilot of hot air ballooning at the age of 20. His passion for flying was matched by his skill both as a pilot and as a guide. Then, he came up with the idea of flying across the Serengeti from east to west, which would take four flights on successive days, taking off and landing where no one had ever seen a balloon before.

As a journalist, I was so lucky to make a journey with Abeid. We were up at 3 am. Abeid walked into the basket and checked the lines and the fastenings. Moments later, he was instructing me to get into it. With barely time to catch my breath, he gave a long blast (猛吹) on the burners and the basket tipped upright.

Over the following days, we gasped at the joy and wonder of the sky; at the beauty and complexity of the land beneath us. There was no fear, just a sense of being part of something fantastic as we floated in the silence of the African sky.

But not everything went entirely to Abeid’s carefully worked-out plan. The rains that had started to fall every afternoon slowed the air. On the final day, we landed 20km short of the destination. Luckily, we finally made the crossing the next morning.

When we were returning to the land, crowds of people shouted and waved. Many children looked up as we flew over them, and started to run. As Abeid brought the balloon down, people gathered around the balloon, pressing against the basket. Those children were also there, flushed and breathless, eyes wide with amazement. Abeid and I both looked at each other in silent agreement. Suddenly we were helping some children into the basket. Abeid lifted off and we flew just a few hundred metres with the excited crowd running alongside.

I realized that Abeid’s journey was more than just about flying. It was about hope, inspiration, and the joy of sharing one’s passion. And as I penned down the last words of this extraordinary experience, I knew that Abeid’s story would resonate (回荡) far beyond the Serengeti.

1. What did Abeid dream of?

A．Being a wildlife guide.	B．Being a journalist.
C．Flying a hot air balloon.	D．Flying a plane.

2. Which of the following best describes the journey across the Serengeti?

A．Smooth.

B．Pioneering.

C．Painful.

D．Eco-friendly.

3. What agreement did Abeid and the author reach?

A．Showing their technical skills.	B．Teaching the children to be a pilot.
C．Taking the children for a ride.	D．Attracting people to their show.

4. What would be the best title for the passage?

A．A Beautiful View: from East to West

B．A Balloon Adventure: the Dream Soaring High

C．Different Job Experiences: from a Guide to a Pilot

D．A Wildlife Exploration: the Unforgettable Experience

5 . It was nearly midnight when my wife Rita and I were driving home from the University of Illinois, where our son Randy was a freshman. Rita was asleep in the passenger seat. I headed north, wondering what on earth had made us take the afternoon off to drive to the university and back, a six-hour round trip. All for nothing.

For weeks Randy had been telling me how much fun he was having in football matches. I suddenly got the idea to show up and cheer my son, like we did in high school.

Just several hours earlier, Rita and I had met him on the field. We watched the young go on to the field, warm up, and then…there was something wrong. Randy ran over. “We cannot hold a competition today. The other team doesn't have enough players,” he said. It was not a big deal. I tried to comfort myself. But I'd just driven three hours to get here and I'd had my heart set on seeing my son in action. Instead, we took Randy out for pie and coffee.

As I was driving on the road, a memory rushed back to me when I was a Boy Scout (童子军). Our team made a canoe (独木舟)   journey down the Fox River. My dad drove miles to see me. About a mile downriver we came to a bridge. I looked up and there he was. Dad was standing right on the bridge. He didn't shout like others. He simply waved until we passed underneath. But several miles later, on the next bridge, there he was again. And the one after that. And the next. My dad had taken the chance to show he was always with me.

At last I understood the most important thing I could do for my son — just be there, even if it meant driving a long way.

1. How did the author feel at first when he was driving home with his wife?

A．Hopeless.

B．Shocked.

C．Unhappy.

D．Worried.

2. Why did the author and his wife make the trip to the University of Illinois?

A．To cheer their son on.	B．To watch a football match.
C．To have a meal with their son.	D．To encourage their son to study hard.

3. Why did the author mention his experience of being a Boy Scout?

A．To show how his dad cheered him on.	B．To show he missed his dad very much.
C．To show he lived a happy life when young.	D．To show how his dad showed his love to him.

4. What did the author learn from his father?

A．Be strict with his children.	B．Just be there with his children.
C．Have more patience with his children.	D．Do what he could to help his children.

6 . Martin, Tom and Paul were brothers. They were very different, but they were consistent (一致的) about two things. They couldn't succeed in business. And they never _________ about anything. Martin was a hardworking farmer, growing organic vegetables and raising chickens. But he was _________ and forgot to pay his bills. Paul owned a textile factory that produced clothes. He was organized, but he was greedy and took too much clothing. His closet was _________ with his own products. Tom was once a sergeant in the army. He ran a martial arts school, but his attitude on discipline was too strong. He had almost no _________ .

One day, they received a _________ saying that their father had died. They were heirs to his old farm. They planned to sell it as soon as possible, so they went to see it even though there was a terrible storm. The house didn't look great, but there was a lot of land. There was so much, in fact, that they could hardly see its _________ .

_________ , the storm got worse. The sheer force of the wind almost knocked them _________ . Martin said, "Look, it's a typhoon!" Paul said, "No, it's a cyclone." Tom said, "No, it's a tornado!" They argued _________ Paul began to wail and said, "Whatever it is, it's coming __________ at us! We're doomed!" The three brothers scrambled inside the old house. Martin said, "If we survive, we must stop fighting. This farm could be great if we __________ it up. With my hard work, Paul's organization and Tom's __________, we could run a great business together!" The storm finally ended. And luckily, it didn't __________ the farm.

"Just think," Martin said, "it took the chaos of a typhoon to bring us together" Paul replied," You mean a cyclone brought us together." Tom said "Didn't I tell you both that it was a tornado?" The brothers never agreed on what kind of __________ it was, but by combining their __________ , they started a successful farm.

1.

A．agreed

B．argued

C．talked

D．figured

2.

A．disabled

B．distracted

C．disorganized

D．disordered

3.

A．decorated

B．equipped

C．fitted

D．filled

4.

A．soldiers

B．students

C．visitors

D．teachers

5.

A．telegraph

B．telescope

C．television

D．teleplay

6.

A．outline

B．branch

C．boundary

D．distance

7.

A．Suddenly

B．Eventually

C．Obviously

D．Occasionally

8.

A．off

B．up

C．at

D．over

9.

A．unless

B．until

C．when

D．since

10.

A．right

B．left

C．before

D．after

11.

A．picked

B．got

C．set

D．fixed

12.

A．greed

B．discipline

C．strength

D．attitude

13.

A．evacuate

B．affect

C．destroy

D．strike

14.

A．disaster

B．storm

C．wind

D．type

15.

A．skills

B．ideas

C．performance

D．reference

7 . I first saw a real durian (榴莲) in an Asian supermarket in Queens. That strange-looking fruit was big, heavy, and covered with sharp pricks (刺). I decided to buy one. The Chinese checkout girl carefully wrapped it thickly in a newspaper before putting it into a shopping bag.

On the train home, I cautiously opened the Chinese newspaper and lifted it out. Its strangeness made me think of kung fu, yoga and Taijiquan.

Upon arriving home, I dug out the biggest knife and cut through the tough prickly husk (壳). I tasted the pale-yellow flesh, delicious!

After that, durian was my favourite fruit. My skill at cutting durian open was improving. I showed the skill to my girlfriend.

A few years later, we moved to Taiwan. One day I noticed some durians had begun to open by themselves. The owner tried to get me to buy one but I shook my head, thinking it was far-gone. Instead I selected one whose outer husk wasn’t open.

The next morning I woke up to a strong durian smell. I found a small crack (裂缝) had appeared all on its own. I used the smallest pressure and tasted a more delicious durian. Suddenly, I realized something. I ha felt so satisfied with my own skill in opening the durian that I never thought about letting the durian open itself. The higher art was not in doing but in not doing — letting the thing happen on its own in the way it happens best.

1. Why did the Chinese checkout girl wrap the durian thickly in a newspaper?

A．To decorate the durian.	B．To stop the durian from falling apart.
C．To prevent the author from being hurt.	D．To encourage the author to read Chinese.

2. What came to the author’s mind when he looked at the durian on the way home?

A．A strange fruit.	B．A delicious dinner.
C．Other passengers’ attention.	D．Some symbols of Asian culture.

3. Why didn’t the author take the recommended durian?

A．He thought it was too ripe.	B．He enjoyed the selection of durian.
C．He wanted a chance to show his skill.	D．He preferred the durian with open husk.

4. What message did the author want to share?

A．Practice makes perfect.	B．Let nature take its course.
C．Interest is the best teacher.	D．Kill two birds with one stone.

8 . It all began in Everett, Washington, where my project team was in the process of conducting one of our business systems. So tough was the project that we often stayed up completing the tasks assigned. All of us were worn out. One night, as I walked through the parking lot with one of my employees. I found a cent and picked it up. Glancing at my exhausted employee. I suddenly had an idea to delight him. Playfully, I presented the cent to the employee and said, “This is an informal award for your efforts.” He put the cent in his pocket. “Thank you,” he said, a wave of joy sweeping across his face.

About six months later, I was walking with the same employee、this time in Los Alamitos, California, when I again found a cent and gave it to him with the same words.

Later, I got into his office and there, taped on a piece of paper were the two cents, which made me surprised. He said he was displaying them as his recognition for a job well done.

Other employees noticed the cents proudly displayed and began asking why they hadn’t received any. They were also longing for the “reward”. It was then that I started handing out cents, explaining that they were for recognition, not for reward. Soon, so many people wanted them that I designed a cent holder. The front features a place for a cent and beside it the phrase, “Your work is recognized!” The back has room for 30 more cents and the phrase, “Your achievements count!”

One time, I spotted an employee, Mia, doing something right and wanted to recognize her, but I didn’t have a cent, so I gave her a quarter. Later the same day she stopped by and returned 24 cents.

That’s how the “One Cent Award” was born. It’s become a significant source of recognition in our organization.

1. Why did the author give a cent to the employee initially?

A．To praise him.	B．To amuse him.
C．To reward him.	D．To surprise him.

2. What inspired the author to hand out cents?

A．The design of a cent holder.	B．The shared beliefs in his team.
C．The eagerness of fellow employees.	D．The expectation for better achievements.

3. Why did Mia return the author 24 cents?

A．One cent stood for recognition.	B．She was advised to do so.
C．The author was mean with money.	D．It is the company’s strict regulation.

4. Which can best describe the employees?

A．Greedy.

B．Motivated.

C．Aggressive.

D．Talented.

9 . A talented teen painter in Waterbury is helping her very sick father with her love of art. The 15-year-old girl from Waterbury could become a well-known artist one day. For now, though, part of her love for painting is the chance to help her dad, who’s ill. “It’s kind of like an ache-a heartbreak,” she said. “You never want to see one of your loved ones get hurt. ”

Her father is suffering from type-one diabetes (糖尿病) and is having trouble affording his mounting medical bills. “I’m suffering from heart disease, and blindness from my diabetes,” her father said. Angie has decided to put her talent as an artist to good use.

On Saturday, Sept. 23 from noon to 4 p. m., she’s hosting her own one day art exhibition (展览) to sell her paintings and raise money mainly for her father’s medical bills. “Angie’s Art Exhibition” will be at the North End Recreation Centre, located at 262 North Main Street in Waterbury. She’s also using it to help the Fairfield Animal Shelter. Angie loves animals—you see that on many of her paintings.

This isn’t the first time Angie has put her paintbrush to good use helping others. Her mother tells News 8 that Angie has also used her work to help her community: a local family who lost their father, and children who needed school supplies.

“She has an angelic heart. If there were more people like her in the world, there wouldn’t be so much chaos (混乱) and hate. I just look up to her and say ‘I’m very proud of you,’ ”her father said.

“My dad’s a great person. Though he goes through this, he still loves me and supports me in any way he can. It makes me feel important, “she said.

1. What is the main reason why Angie is hosting her own art exhibition?

A．To show her talent as an artist.	B．To raise money to treat her father.
C．To sell her paintings to art collectors.	D．To support the Fairfield Animal Shelter.

2. What is Angie’s father’s opinion of her?

A．He expects her to become a world-famous artist.

B．He takes pride in her and considers her to be an angel.

C．He is disappointed in her for not concentrating on study.

D．He thinks she should focus on helping him instead of others.

3. Which of the following words can best describe Angie?

A．Artistic and caring.	B．Humorous and kind.
C．Independent and proud.	D．Knowledgeable and helpful.

4. What does the story intend to tell us?

A．It’s never too late to learn.

B．Study first and play afterwards.

C．The company of parents is important to children’s development.

D．Determination and creativity can be powerful tools to help those in need.

10 . While sorting out my son’s bedroom, I caught sight of his exercise books calling up mixed memories. Josh, when in his junior year of middle school, had to receive _________ at home because of his physical condition. I just _________ from a job and was free, and my husband’s full-time work _________ me to jump in with both feet.

At first, I was quite _________ since I didn’t _________ any teaching experience. But my husband comforted me and said that I was great at tapping into (发掘) _________. I collected myself, dug out lots of books on the topic and _________ other parents for guidance.

The schedule of home-schooling was not _________ compared to a completely structured one at school. During the first few months, I made _________ adjustments and over time I made teaching move forward as __________. Meanwhile, I had the acquisition of life skills included for his growth. For example, he helped __________ my little nephew and developed essential childcare skills. Math was originally his least favorite subject, which in turn created much __________ for him. Instead of pushing traditional math lessons, I advocated the __________ of mathematical concepts in daily projects, such as planning a budget, or making a grocery list.

Encouragingly, with his health condition __________, Josh studied harder and eventually entered a top-class high school. The time with my son was __________. He danced to the beat of his own drum and now I’m grateful we both had the unforgettable experience.

1.

A．construction

B．cure

C．fund

D．instruction

2.

A．resisted

B．resigned

C．collapsed

D．created

3.

A．discouraged

B．promised

C．enabled

D．forbade

4.

A．courageous

B．annoyed

C．curious

D．anxious

5.

A．possess

B．value

C．lack

D．facilitate

6.

A．resources

B．target

C．patience

D．confidence

7.

A．contracted

B．consulted

C．admired

D．envied

8.

A．flexible

B．unique

C．strict

D．appropriate

9.

A．initial

B．instant

C．conservative

D．constant

10.

A．expected

B．assigned

C．requested

D．convinced

11.

A．teach

B．tend

C．save

D．observe

12.

A．convenience

B．promotion

C．pressure

D．capacity

13.

A．application

B．postponement

C．search

D．creation

14.

A．rising up

B．bringing up

C．picking up

D．taking up

15.

A．hopeless

B．desperate

C．invisible

D．invaluable