1 . About four weeks ago, our dear little Persian cat Ashleigh Faith died at the age of 16, for which we felt sad. We _________ her when she was five weeks old and bottle-fed her until she was able to _________ on her own. She was _________, weighing only six pounds at her heaviest weight. She was our baby, _________ all over the USA with us in our motorhome, then _________ at our home in Custer. She left a huge hole in our _________, and she had been my constant companion during the _________months of my stay in hospital.

Recently, our neighbor called and _________ asked if we knew anyone who did cat-sitting, as her mother was ill and she had to _________ her. She couldn’t __________ her cat Bella with her. My husband __________ said, “We’d love to take care of Bella.” We visit Bella each morning and afternoon, and she has been so __________ for us after our loss. Bella is ten months old, and very __________. We take Ashleigh’s laser light toy and Bella loves chasing(追逐)the red dot all over the house. She now __________ us at the window, and then races to the door to __________ us. Spending time with Bella is just what we need, and it helps our neighbor know that we take good care of her cat.

1.

A．adored

B．adopted

C．comforted

D．recognized

2.

A．eat

B．play

C．bark

D．sleep

3.

A．shy

B．smart

C．tiny

D．cute

4.

A．flying

B．pacing

C．rolling

D．travelling

5.

A．turning around

B．cheering up

C．settling in

D．dropping on

6.

A．eyes

B．hearts

C．clothes

D．walls

7.

A．tough

B．cold

C．embarrassing

D．relaxing

8.

A．secretly

B．anxiously

C．calmly

D．enthusiastically

9.

A．care for

B．rely on

C．come across

D．stare at

10.

A．shelter

B．mail

C．hide

D．carry

11.

A．amazingly

B．strangely

C．eventually

D．instantly

12.

A．disappointing

B．depressing

C．appealing

D．promising

13.

A．reliable

B．active

C．discouraged

D．disconnected

14.

A．watches

B．helps

C．fancies

D．approaches

15.

A．protect

B．drive

C．disturb

D．greet

2 . A few years ago, Ben Gomes received a worrying call at work. The caller told him that his 92-year-old mother, Thomasinha, was being _______ to the hospital after she had been dragged (拖拽) by a car in the street. He raced to the _______ to see her.

“I was _______ at the time, I couldn’t picture what it would be like,” Gomes recalls. Gomes soon learned the _______ of what, had happened. Thomasinha sometimes received _______ from volunteer drivers to her local senior center. On that day, when she got out of the car, one of the long drawstring cords (拉带) on her jacket got _______ in the door as she closed it. The driver didn’t see her, and began to _______ , dragging Thomasinha along.

She _______ alongside the car, _______ the window of the car to get the driver’s ________ . That’s when a passer-by saw her from across the street and got in front of the car to ________ the driver. At that point, Thomasinha ________ , and she had a serious injury.

“I’m so grateful that I was not greeted by the sight that I feared when I went to the hospital,” Gomes says. Today, when Gomes reflects back on the kindness of this ________ , he says it’s hard to express his ________ . “I don’t know if I’d have ________ words to say than ‘Thank you’ for what you did for my mother and for what you did for me,” he adds.

1.

A．rushed

B．trained

C．applied

D．referred

2.

A．school

B．hospital

C．station

D．house

3.

A．honored

B．generous

C．frightened

D．faithful

4.

A．details

B．effects

C．costs

D．views

5.

A．prizes

B．rides

C．letters

D．tickets

6.

A．burned

B．stolen

C．lost

D．caught

7.

A．blow away

B．drive away

C．drop out

D．hang out

8.

A．sang

B．pushed

C．ran

D．nodded

9.

A．smiling at

B．turning on

C．pointing at

D．knocking on

10.

A．attention

B．memory

C．advice

D．money

11.

A．call

B．see

C．stop

D．beat

12.

A．joked

B．arrived

C．stood

D．fell

13.

A．passenger

B．stranger

C．student

D．doctor

14.

A．concern

B．sadness

C．interest

D．appreciation

15.

A．kinder

B．shorter

C．better

D．fewer

3 . It was February 24, 2017, and my husband, David, and I were both at work. It was a day like any other. Our 15-year-old son, Justin, his sister and his friend Mike were playing with a ball in our backyard. Completely a common day!

What happened next was exactly a storm. Justin suddenly suffered cardiac arrest (心脏停搏) caused by a hit to the chest, and his heart just stopped. No pulse, no heartbeat. There are only about 10 to 20 cases a year. And it was almost always deadly until recently, when CPR (心肺复苏) has worked in up to one-third of cases.

Thankfully, the other children acted immediately instead of freezing in fear. Mike called 911 while my daughter called my husband. That second call proved vitally important, as my husband was able to get in touch with a neighbor who ran over and started CPR. And later, the doctors arrived and quickly shocked Justin’s heartbeat rhythm (节奏) back to normal.

Since then, I’ve found myself changed as a parent. There is more worry now. This unexpected incident has made me realize that anything can happen to my children. So, we’re doing what we can to be prepared. Earlier this year, Justin took part in a community education event with our fire department teaching Hands-Only CPR to the public. At least 100 participants showed up, and Justin shared his story to show why CPR is so important. At a local university where I work as a nurse lecturer, I’ve volunteered to join the CPR and AED first aid training for incoming freshmen.

David and I feel very fortunate to still have our son with us. If the kids hadn’t known to call 911, he wouldn’t be here. If our neighbor hadn’t known CPR, Justin wouldn’t be here. I think everyone should take the time to learn CPR. You could save a life — maybe the life of someone you love. Cardiac arrest often comes without warning. Everything will be normal right up until the point it isn’t. You have to know what to do.

1. Why does the author say the incident was a storm?

A．Her son played dangerous sports.	B．Her son had a close encounter with death.
C．Her children made a real mess when playing.	D．Her neighbor complained of the children's noise.

2. How did the author feel about the other children’s responses?

A．Curious.

B．Grateful.

C．Surprised.

D．Puzzled.

3. What did the author and Justin do after the incident?

A．They worked as medical workers.	B．They shared their stories on speaking tours.
C．They trained others in first aid skills.	D．They introduced first aid courses to schools.

4. What does the last paragraph mainly highlight?

A．The theory behind CPR.	B．The ways of ensuring child safety.
C．The causes of cardiac arrest.	D．The importance of learning first aid.

4 . 阅读下列短文，根据短文内容填空。在未给提示词的空白处仅填写1个适当的单词，在给出提示词的空白处用括号内所给词的正确形式填空。

A fire completely destroyed my mobile home last year, just four months after I had paid it off! I had to rebuild it with what little I had saved. Because     1     I had would not be enough , I began to rent out my RV (娱乐车) as a way to help ends meet. I was sure it was     2     (attract) to some people. One woman     3     had booked a week in the RV called and told me that her husband had just lost his job. He felt that they should cancel the trip as an amusement.

5 . Every weekend my parents give me $100. I bet you think I’m really spoiled (宠坏的). Think again!

It all started when I wanted a really cool _________. I asked my parents to buy it for me but they said I would have to buy with my own money. “But it’s only $100!” I _________. An hour later, my parents _________ there would be a family meeting at dinner.

They _________ the meeting with the words, “We’ve been thinking about how to give you more _________ in our family.” They brought up several “new ways” I could “have more say.” One way was to allow me to _________ for the family. Each Saturday, I was to be given $100 — along with a shopping _________. It was up to me to buy everything on it. Whatever money was _________, whether two dollars or thirty, was mine and I could _________ however I wanted — whether to buy toys, books, jackets, or even a bicycle. My parents’ $100-a-week plan gives me real __________ to shop for the best bargains (特价商品). I __________ prices on every single item on my list before I __________ what to put in my basket.

My parents’ clever plan has turned me into a __________ shopper. Now, when I finally save enough money, that cool bicycle doesn’t just ________ a mere purchase; it stands as a symbol of my __________ success.

1.

A．bar

B．slide

C．bicycle

D．band

2.

A．complained

B．apologized

C．confirmed

D．informed

3.

A．indicated

B．proposed

C．announced

D．admitted

4.

A．arranged

B．concluded

C．attended

D．opened

5.

A．freedom

B．say

C．trust

D．support

6.

A．cook

B．pay

C．care

D．shop

7.

A．list

B．basket

C．center

D．guide

8.

A．brought up

B．passed down

C．left over

D．handed over

9.

A．exchange

B．spend

C．donate

D．save

10.

A．excuse

B．challenge

C．motivation

D．advantage

11.

A．compare

B．charge

C．reduce

D．recall

12.

A．agree

B．decide

C．explain

D．recognize

13.

A．modest

B．wise

C．creative

D．mean

14.

A．represent

B．relieve

C．request

D．replace

15.

A．ready-made

B．last-minute

C．short-term

D．hard-earned

6 . Every Thursday afternoon, the food pantry (食品储藏室) at the local high school opens up to provide fresh food bags for families who can hardly make both ends meet to get their meals to last through the weekend. Nearly a hundred families rely on the extra food. Some are between jobs, some got hit hard with medical bills for a few months, and some are new to the neighborhood, placed there by refugee services.

On one breezy afternoon, two young mothers walked in together, each accompanied by a young child. There was nothing different about their dress, but their manner revealed a shyness that they struggled to overcome. When they spoke, it was clear why: Their accents were thick, even though they were trying hard to make their English sound American. They were uncertain of being understood. But the pantry is run by grandmothers who are never pressed for time when it comes to conversations. So they sat for a moment and told their story while the little ones were held in arms so very familiar with children.

The two lived in apartments in the basement of the Methodist Church. They had been in the United States for one month. Their husbands were well-educated but working labor jobs to pay for food and save for more typical apartments.

Both had fled the war in Eastern Europe, one family from Ukraine and one from Russia. They ended up in the same church basement and discovered that they needed each other. They became fast friends. Their children played together. They shared meals and navigated their new world together.

There were no bombs or soldiers or rations in their new neighborhood, only a chance to start over. Friendships are sometimes hard to come by, yet matter so much to each of us. A good friend gives us strength, love, laughter and the courage to keep trying.

These two families — worn down by uncertainty and war, thrown together in a new country, a new community with a new language — found so much in common. And isn’t that what we all need? A friend who faces the same life challenges, even if the forces above them have different political views. We are, after all, just mothers and fathers, friends and neighbors.

1. In the article, who primarily benefits from the services provided by the food pantry?

A．High school students.	B．People with disabilities.
C．Families with tight budgets.	D．Underpaid individuals.

2. What was the most noticeable characteristic of the two young mothers when they entered the food pantry?

A．Their clothing.	B．Their language.
C．Their children.	D．Their ID documents.

3. What is one of the reasons why these two families became friends?

A．They both live in the basement of the same church.

B．They met at the same restaurant.

C．They are from the same country.

D．They both have similar professions.

4. Which title best fits the article?

A．Challenges of Life and New Friendship	B．The Story of the Food Pantry
C．New Life in America	D．From War to Peace

7 . 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

8 . 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.

9 . In 2019, a white-haired senior was awarded the Friendship Medal, the highest order of honor of China for foreigners. It was Isabel Crook. In her more than a century of life, she spent more than 90 years in China and cultivated (培养) a large number of foreign language talents for China.

In 1915, Isabel was born in Chengdu, Sichuan Province. After graduating from the University of Toronto in 1938, Isabel couldn’t wait to return to China. With hard work, she and her colleague completed the survey of over 1,500 families in some villages in Bishan County. She recorded the daily life of the villagers in Xinglongchang with detailed field notes, which give the young people today some idea of the state of affairs in villages at that time.             

In 1947, Isabel and her husband David Crook came to China to observe and study the ongoing land reform. A year later, they completed the study and accepted the invitation to stay in China for language teaching.

One could hardly imagine the teaching conditions in the midst of a war. They asked their students to take small stools (凳子) with them so that they could give class everywhere. They tailored (定制) teaching approaches to suit students’ different language proficiency levels. Without handy teaching materials, they collected articles from English newspapers and magazines. In oral English teaching, Isabel asked students to watch their teachers in a given conversation first. Since there were no tape recorders at school, she had to perform the conversation again and again.

Isabel retired in 1981, but she returned to Southwest China many times to set up scholarship for children from poor families. She also went to Inner Mongolia, Ningxia and other places to help with foreign language teaching. Isabel died in 2023 in Beijing.

1. What do we know about Isabel according to the text?

A．She got China’s highest honor for foreigners.

B．She received her college education in China.

C．She returned to China as a teacher at age 23.

D．She helped children in need all over China.

2. When did Isabel start the journey of education in China?

A．In 1915.

B．In 1938.

C．In 1948.

D．In 1981.

3. Which of the following best describes the couple’s teaching?

A．Boring but helpful.	B．Simple and modern.
C．Traditional but attractive.	D．Flexible and personalized.

4. What does the author want to illustrate by mentioning Isabel’s experiences?

A．Her working experiences were rich.

B．Her life in China was quite colorful.

C．She devoted herself to teaching in China.

D．She showed great interest in Chinese history.

10 . One day, hundreds of people were stuck in traffic on the highway in below-freezing temperatures due to a snowstorm. With the conditions making it _________ for rescue workers to help, many were trapped overnight with no access to _________.

But one stuck driver found a _________ spot in the despair. As she was sitting in her car fearing the _________, Casey Holihan and her husband, John Noe, _________ a bread truck just ahead of them in the jam. Willing to try just about anything, they called the customer service number listed on the back of the truck and left a _________ begging for the driver to open the back and _________ bread to the hungry passengers around them. It was a last-ditch effort, and the couple wasn’t very _________ about getting a response. But to their _________ they soon received a phone call from the company’s owner, Chuck Paterakis, with the news that he was __________ the truck’s driver to open up and pass out loaves of bread from his cargo. Overjoyed by the news, Holihan and Noe __________ the truck’s driver to bring much-needed things to the cars around them.

The simple loaves of bread were surely a ray of __________ in an impossibly disturbing situation. Holihan herself calls it “one of the __________ moments” she’s ever witnessed. This company could have made a(n) __________ from the bread but instead chose to help the people around them. That is just so incredible that someone chose __________ over profit, especially in a situation where people were so desperate.

1.

A．stressful

B．effortless

C．practical

D．difficult

2.

A．water

B．necessities

C．bread

D．blankets

3.

A．new

B．familiar

C．bright

D．strange

4.

A．least

B．best

C．most

D．worst

5.

A．spotted

B．realized

C．stared

D．knew

6.

A．number

B．message

C．note

D．clue

7.

A．lend

B．sell

C． distribute

D．send

8.

A．upset

B．optimistic

C．excited

D．anxious

9.

A．relief

B．regret

C．surprise

D．credit

10.

A．consulting

B．guiding

C．begging

D．instructing

11.

A．kept up with

B．teamed up with

C．met up with

D．put up with

12.

A．hope

B．truth

C．inspiration

D．faith

13.

A．happiest

B．bravest

C．kindest

D．friendliest

14.

A．profit

B．difference

C．living

D．contribution

15.

A．welfare

B．fame

C．award

D．humanity