1 . It’s always exciting to receive a letter in the mail. Even today, when the world is digitally connected, receiving an actual letter in your mailbox from a distant land is a great way for children to make new friends.

The Peaceful Pen Pals Project is a beautiful project that blends together global connection and self-expression. The project is part of the nonprofit Kids for Peace, founded by Jill McManigal and Danielle Gram in California in 2006. It is open to all children, ages two through seventeen. To date, there are 1,500 children from 17 countries participating in the program according to the organization. Currently, all letters are written in English. When children sign up, they can select if they would rather be matched with a USA Peaceful Pen Pal or an international one.

Each child is then matched to a pen pal of similar age. This establishes a point of connection quickly for the children and facilitates (促进) a stronger bond. If the letter writers are in the same grade, they can chat about school, their teachers, and what they are studying. They can also compare what different states or countries learn about and how the atmosphere of the classroom are, whether socially or academically. Children may also be more likely to write about problems they are having if they feel like they are speaking to a peer in a similar situation. Although pen pals may live in different countries, they may find common ground. The writer lists their favorite activities to do outside, plus what they like best and least about school. This gives the writer an opportunity to express and receive advice or feedback (反馈) from the pen pal.

“Hearing first-hand stories from an international pen pal can encourage teens to take someone else’s viewpoint and to think outside of themselves,” writes Rebecca Fraser-Thill on Very Well Family. “Having a foreign pen pal can also encourage interest in geography, history and culture.”

1. What can we know about the Peaceful Pen Pals Project?

A．It helps strengthen links between kids.

B．It is aimed at improving children’s English.

C．It encourages children to help people in need.

D．It is created for teenagers to take online lessons.

2. What is Paragraph 3 mainly talking about?

A．The necessity of discussion in study.

B．The approaches to making new friends.

C．The purpose of the Peaceful Pen Pals Project.

D．The benefits of having friends of similar ages.

3. What is Rebecca Fraser-Thill’s attitude towards the project?

A．Careful.

B．Supportive.

C．Uninterested.

D．Disappointed.

4. What is the best title of this text?

A．Writing Enriches Kids’ Life	B．Friendship Teaches Kids a Lesson
C．The Pen Pal Project Connects Kids	D．Communication Skills Better the World

2 . 阅读下面的短文和问题, 根据短文内容, 在相应题号后的横线上写下相关信息, 完成对该问题的回答。答语要结构正确，书写工整，字迹清楚。

The Land of Smiles: A Beginners Guide to Etiquette (礼仪) in Thailand

To: JohnnyBoy0303@hotmail.com
Sender: Farang555@gmail.com
Subject: RE: I’m coming to Thailand! ! !
Hey Johnny!

Great news about your visit to Thailand. I shall roll out the red carpet for your arrival! I’m still having a great time here. It’s difficult to work in this heat, but the people here are so kind, and life is generally quite relaxed, so it beats another rainy winter in Scotland. About your questions:

1. Yes, you should learn a little bit of Thai if you can! It’s not an easy language to speak or read, but a little effort will go a long way. Thais are really respectful people. When they greet you, they’ll usually put both of their hands together, and bow their head a little bit. If anyone does it to you, it’s very important that you do it back.

2. Yes, the food is spicy! But it’s so delicious. Thais use a lot of exotic ingredients like coconut, lemongrass, and lime leaves when they’re cooking, so you get some really rich flavours. Actually, I think I never want to eat British food again after living here! Don’t worry—you’re going to love it, and it’s cheap too!

3. Yes, there are a few things to be aware of. Firstly, Thais look at the head as being sacred, so don’t go around patting people on the head, not even kids. The head is the highest part of the body, and the feet are the lowest, so guess what? Don’t do things with your feet. I know it sounds stupid, but just be careful that you’re not pointing your feet at people or kicking them to get their attention or anything like that, and definitely do not put your feet up on tables or chairs—it will be considered very rude.

I think it’s very important to remember that Thais love their royal family too, so you should be respectful towards that. Once, my friend and I were visiting Bangkok, and he dropped a coin, I stamped on it to stop it rolling, and some people seemed quite angry, and we couldn’t work out why. A hotel staff explained to us: Putting my foot on the coin was like stamping on a picture of the king! We told the hotel staff how sorry we were. I think it’s really important to be aware of these things that might mean a lot to other people even though you would never think of them yourself.

Anyway, don’t worry too much. Just be polite and respectful. You’ll have a great time here.

Looking forward to seeing you in the Land of Smiles!

Archie

1. What does the writer feel about Thailand?
________________________________________________________________________
2. According to the third answer in Archie’s email, please write down the question that Johnny might ask.
________________________________________________________________________
3. Please decide which part is false in the following statement, then underline it and explain why.
Some Thais seemed quite angry when seeing the writer use his foot to stop the coin rolling because it wouldn’t work.
________________________________________________________________________
4. Suppose Johnny is coming to China. He is curious about etiquette in China and asks you for help. Please write 1 or 2 tips for him. (In about 40 words)
________________________________________________________________________

3 . Is Space Exploration Necessary?

We see space exploration updates in the news almost every week now. This is great for those who want a future like in science fiction movies. On the other hand, some believe space exploration is not necessary because there are a few reasonable cons to it. So, read further to see what the space exploration pros and cons are.

It’s true that space exploration technologies are costly and consume many resources. Only launching space exploration satellites takes at least $ 40 million per launch and can go for as much as $ 400 million. Analyzing some space exploration facts, we are aware that space exploring costs a lot. While the UN says $ 30 billion could end world hunger, NASA is being offered a lot every year. And this is a good argument for those who are against space exploration.

While space exploration is highly important for learning about who we are, some are worried about what it can do to humanity. Countries can use their space crafts and satellites to collect information about other countries they’re in conflict with. Obviously, this can lead to tensions between countries and eventually to wars.

Another issue that space exploration brings is that it poses a great danger for astronauts involved in it. Nasa mentions in an article how damaging cosmic (外太空的) radiation is for the human body because it can damage the nervous system both severely and in the long run. Besides, cosmic radiation sickness causes extreme tiredness, nausea (呕吐感), anorexia, and vomiting. From this point of view, space exploration does put our astronauts at great risks. However, preventive measures are taken, and their health is kept in check through intensive training and daily checkups.

While all previously mentioned observations are very good and make great points, space exploration still has more benefits than negative effects. It allows us to develop our technologies, which are already advanced thanks to space exploration. Moreover, by exploring space, we can discover new resources that we could use to better our lives here on Earth. And another thing is certain as well: we couldn’t build a better future for our children without space exploration.

1. Why does the author show the amount of money spent on Space exploration in Paragraph 2?

A．To show the disadvantage of space exploration.

B．To prove space exploration is highly important.

C．To criticize NASA for spending too much money.

D．To call on more money to be spent to stop world hunger.

2. What does the underlined word “poses” in Paragraph 4 mean?

A．Avoids.

B．Provides.

C．Causes.

D．Prevents.

3. What is the writer’s attitude towards “space exploration”?

A．Doubtful.

B．Supportive.

C．Opposed.

D．Neutral.

4. What is the purpose of the passage?

A．To stress the importance of space exploration.

B．To argue against the advance of space exploration.

C．To show people’s concern about the astronauts’ health.

D．To introduce the problems that space exploration brings to people.

4 . 从方框中选择合适的词语并用其适当的形式完成下列句子。

run out, make an attempt to, crash into, bring about, earn a living, carry on, figure out

1. I think we should ________ some ways to stop people from polluting the river and call on them to fight against pollution.
2. Don’t brake suddenly, the car behind might ________ you.
3. First you should consider how to equip yourself to ________.
4. Only actions can ________ changes.
5. Her bravery has given him the will to ________ with his life and his work.
6. You should ________ resolve this problem, otherwise you would regret.
7. Soon, the money began to ________ and they couldn’t afford the lessons anymore.

5 . 阅读下面短文, 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。

In the afternoon, I headed to a local museum     1     showed the historical changes in California. I learnt that America got California from Mexico in 1848. In the same year, gold was discovered near San Francisco, which started a gold rush. Over 300, 000 people came from all over the world     2     (seek) their fortune, and San Francisco quickly became a big city. Many Chinese arrived during this period. To earn a living, some opened up shops and restaurants in Chinatown. Many others found jobs on farms, joined the gold rush, or went to build the railway that joined California to the eastern region of the country. The museum did a really good job of     3     (show) how America was built by immigrants from different countries and cultures.     4     these immigrants left their countries, they carried a bit of home in their hearts and built a new home here.

6 . 假设你是红星中学的学生李华。你校交换生Jim对中国的非物质文化遗产非常感兴趣，这个周末在国家博物馆将举办一场非遗文化展。请你给Jim写一封电子邮件，邀请他一同前往。邮件内容包括：
1．介绍活动；
2．发出邀请。
注意：1．词数100左右，开头和结尾已经给出，不计入总词数；
2．可以适当增加细节，以使行文连贯。
提示词：国家博物馆 National Museum of China
非物质文化遗产展览 intangible cultural heritage exhibition
Dear Jim,
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Yours,

Li Hua

7 . Whether it is in a family board game, or during competitive sports, it can be easy to spot sore losers. During those times when we are faced with loss, sore losers struggle more than others.

When sore losers notice that they are lowering in the rankings, they may try to win at all costs.    1     Therefore, they’re prepared to do anything in their power to avoid them even if that involves immoral behaviours.

    2    They constantly calculate their unlikelihood of a win in the competitions. And when the risk of losing is very high, they will immediately withdraw from the game. That’s because quitting is the last way to ensure losing doesn’t happen.

Perhaps the biggest revealing of sore losers is their attitude.    3    This can be linked back to evolutionary benefits, as channeling this frustration helped our ancestors succeed. After losing a hunt, for example, these feelings made them try harder until they were successful.

What can we do to avoid becoming sore losers? One way in the first place is to play and explore what you’re good at without any success criteria. Then when it does come to losing, identify what was within your control and whether it was down to luck, talent, or practice.     4    Winning feels essential now, but how will the result affect you tomorrow? Chances are, it-won’t be as significant then.     5    

A．These thought processes can help you to gain insight.

B．The strategy may involve the participant becoming angry beforehand.

C．Giving up before the results are finalized is another sign of sore losers.

D．This is because the loss will bring about some unwanted negative feelings.

E．For many people, controlling anger is impossible as their loss is announced.

F．Most of us can accept the negative consequences of losing a fierce competition.

G．Another way is to consider the consequences of winning or losing in your future.

8 . You may have heard of the Tasmanian tiger — but you most certainly have never seen one. Along with many other species over the past hundred years, this creature became extinct because of humans. Now, scientists in Australia and the US are trying to bring it back to life.

Bringing species back from the dead is known as de extinction. Though it sounds like something from a science fiction movie, new technologies have made de-extinction a very real possibility. To “bring back” an extinct species, scientists take stem cells from a closely related living animal and edit the genes. Then, the cells grow into a new animal. This new animal is not an exact copy of the extinct one, but it’s very close. In theory, scientists could create entire populations of animals and set them free in the wild.

If successful, the de-extinction project in Australia could have a favorable impact on the environment. Tasmanian tigers could help bring balance to Australia’s remaining forests by hunting and killing animals that are harming the trees. Indeed, something similar happened when wolves were reintroduced to Yellowstone Park in 1995, with deer and plant populations rebalanced as a result.

De-extinction is not a perfect solution, however. For one thing, it won’t change the human behaviors that cause animals to become extinct in the first place. If we continue polluting and destroying the environment, animals will continue to die out. The only way we can truly protect them is by changing our habits. Bringing extinct species back to life won’t magically make us respect nature more.

Also, the money that we spend on de-extinction would probably be better spent on other conservation projects. Or, as those against de-extinction would put it, it’s better to spend money on the living rather than the dead. The reason for this is that, compared to other efforts, de-extinction is extremely expensive. In fact, for the cost of bringing one extinct species back to life, traditional conservation efforts could save up to eight threatened ones.

The power of science is amazing, but it might be time for us to stop and decide whether de-extinction is something we really want to achieve. With the technology we currently have, the question is no longer “can we?” but “should we?”

1. Why does the writer mention “wolves introduced to Yellowstone Park”?

A．To test the effect of de-extinction.	B．To discuss the importance of de extinction.
C．To illustrate the possible effect of de-extinction.	D．To present a successful example of de-extinction.

2. What can we learn about de-extinction in the passage?

A．It demands large expenses.	B．It helps adjust human behaviours.
C．It threatens the current ecosystem.	D．It restores the balance between humans and nature.

3. What is the author’s view on de-extinction?

A．Neutral.

B．Opposed.

C．Supportive.

D．Unconcerned.

9 . I still remember how a pet mouse was popular among my classmates in Broadbeach State School. One day, my friends and I decided to buy a pet mouse. The pet shopkeeper wouldn’t sell us one until he got our parents’ letter that could show their permission for us to get a pet. So, having the neatest handwriting, I faked one. The store owner quickly saw through my handwriting and asked me to contact my mother to confirm the situation. My trick quickly failed, and it was all messed up.

My mum got very angry and felt that the punishment should fit the crime. Knowing that my writing was poor and always in need of improvement, she made me write letters to a few randomly selected relatives. One of them was my uncle whom I’d only met a few times when I was a kindergartner. I wrote a long letter detailing my life and listing my interests.

My punishment was complete. I forgot about this until I suddenly got a reply from my uncle.   “How lovely to hear from you,” he said, and went on to tell me all about his life. He’d love to hear about what subjects at school I enjoyed. And so started a correspondence(信件往来)that went on for several years. He turned out to be the most fascinating man.

Then out of the blue, he died. My mum took the phone call and she was shocked. She deeply regretted it as they had not really spoken for years because of their busy life and workload. I went upstairs and produced a box of letters, the last one being from just a few days before he had passed away. My mum began to read them and knew that although she hadn’t been in touch, I had grown close to him by writing to him, which relieved and calmed her. In fact, I then became close to his wife, whom I also wrote to for many years.

I often think about how that one naughty childhood crime led to such an enriching correspondence that stretched on for many years. It encouraged me to write to lots of other people in fact, and it’s something I keep up with to this day. Besides, receiving a letter is such a lovely surprise. Be bold and write to someone you maybe don’t know that well. Who knows where it will lead?

1. Why did the author’s mum ask him to write a letter to his uncle?

A．Because he did something wrong.

B．Because they hadn’t spoken for years.

C．Because his uncle wanted to hear from them.

D．Because he wanted to share his joy of owning a pet.

2. What can we learn about the author?

A．He ended the correspondence after his uncle passed away.

B．He found his uncle extremely interesting and attractive.

C．He was not interested in keeping in contact with his uncle.

D．His mum kept close contact with his uncle through letters.

3. How did the author’s mother feel when reading the letters?

A．Comforted.

B．Regretful.

C．Astonished.

D．Pleased.

4. What main message does the writer express in the passage?

A．We should appreciate something before it’s gone.

B．Writing letters can be a way to make up for past mistakes.

C．It’s important to tell the truth and be honest in your writing.

D．Writing letters has the power of strengthening bonds with others.

10 . Through interacting with people and the outdoors, a cycling holiday can boost both your physical and mental well-being. We have researched the best routes for the perfect cycling holiday here in the UK. With locations across the UK, you’ll be sure to find your next cycling destination here.

Camel Trail

The best cycling route here in the UK is the Camel Trail in North Cornwall. Stretching 27.8 km from Padstow to Wenfordbridge, this cycling route is not only a fairly flat cycle, but is also home to some breathtaking views of the coast and family-friendly camping spots. Perfect for families, the Camel Trail follows alongside sandy beaches and villages along the way, meaning there’s more to discover.

Tissington Trail

The Tissington Trail takes you from Ashbourne in the Derbyshire Dales, all the way up to Parsley Hay. Taking you through the south of the beautiful Peak District, the Tissington Trail follows an old railway line which still has the former station platforms. Filled with lots of history and nature, and only a 25-minute drive to Alton Towers for a bit of added fun, this holiday is jam-packed with plenty to do for the whole family.

Derby Canal Path and Cloud Trail

The Derby Canal Path and Cloud Trail stretches 21.4 km from Derby to the market town of Loughborough. Taking you along the picturesque countryside, and waterside sections, this cycling route has it all. Local attractions on the route include Melboume Hall and Gardens, and Melboume Animal Farm.

Marriott’s Way

The Marriott’s Way is another long distance cycle and footpath that starts in Norwich and finishes in Reepham. Perfect for cycling through Norfolk’s picturesque woodlands, the Marriott’s Way also passes through picturesque small towns and villages including Attlebridge, Whitwell, and Theme Thorpe. The Marriott’s Way cycling trail has the steepest ascent out of the four best cycling holidays, so may be the best for those who are keen riders.

If you choose to venture out on a cycling holiday this year, you’ll feel the benefit of spending time with family and friends while exploring some of the UK’s most scenic and enjoyable cycling routes. Take your pick from our best cycling holidays in the UK for your next staycation, whether you’re a novice rider or looking for a challenge.

1. What can people gain from a cycling holiday?

A．Improved cycling skills.

B．Better mood and stronger body.

C．Increased knowledge of the ocean.

D．Deepened understanding of green travelling.

2. If you are interested in the beautiful scenery and history, you can choose________.

A．Camel Trail

B．Tissington Trail

C．Derby Canal Path and Cloud Trail

D．Marriott’s Way

3. What is the main purpose of this passage?

A．To discuss the benefits of cycling.

B．To encourage people to go cycling.

C．To introduce some cycling holiday tracks.

D．To analyze the differences among the four routes.