1 . Winter vacations don’t have to be about snow. From scenic coastal journeys to wildlife watching, we have found a trip for every type of winter wanderer. Here’re some hot spots.

Road-trip down Oregon’s scenic coast

One of Oregon’s Seven Wonders, this 363-mile stretch of coastline is filled with landscapes, waves, headlands, and winter storms. There’s no shortage of stops on the scenic route from Astoria to Brookıngs. Visit coastal communities, spot sea lions at Shore Acres State Park, watch dancing lellyfish at the Oregon Coast Aquarıum, and explore 79 state parks.

Enjoy the light show in San Antonio, Texas

From late November to early January, millions of twinkling lights decorate the San Antonio River Walk in an eye-catching display. Riverboats carrying diverse mix of bell choirs, folk groups, and Latino bands fill the air with carols on evenings through late December.

Soak in New Mexico’s natural hot springs

With more than 300 days of sunshine a year, five national forests, and 17 national parks and monuments, New Mexico is a paradise(乐园) of outdoor adventure. After an active day, loosen up your muscles in comfortable mineral springs.

Celebrate New Year’s Day with the mummers in Philadelphia

On New Year’s Day, thousands of brightly costumed people take to the streets of Philadelphia for the annual Mummers Parade, the oldest continuous folk parade in the U. S. The people line the streets of the City of Brotherly Love from JFK Boulevard down Broad Street to watch the mummers (哑剧演员) flood the city in an explosion of color, music, and dance.

1. Where should visitors go if they want to explore coastal life?

A．Oregon.

B．San Antonio.

C．New Mexico.

D．Philadelphia.

2. What is the right time for enjoying the light show?

A．October 26.

B．November 1.

C．December 16.

D．February 4.

3. Where is the text most probably taken from?

A．A history book.

B．A travel brochure.

C．A course plan.

D．An art journal.

2 . 阅读下面材料, 根据其内容和所给段落开头语续写两段, 使之构成一篇完整的短文。

Sometimes, making a decision is hard for adults while easy for kids. The Jackson family had been meaning to buy some new furniture (家具) for ages, but somehow they never got round to it. There were always so many other things to do. Then one day there was a big shout from the room of Jason, 12. The rest of the family ran to see what happened.

Jason’s desk had broken. There were bits of wood and pens and papers all over the floor. And in the middle was Jason! “I was just doing my homework.” he said, “and then -bang! The desk broke. Everything fell over. I was so surprised that I fell over too!” Laughed Jane, 5. “That decides it.” said Mum. “We need to buy some new furniture before anything else breaks. Jane needs a new bed. And Jason needs a desk, so that he can do his homework. ”

So that weekend, the family got up early, and set off for the big furniture store outside town. It was huge. There was so much furniture, some of it was arranged like in a real house.

“Look, I’m playing houses (过家家),” said Jane, crawling ( 爬 ) under a table. Jane loved playing houses. “That’s enough,” Mum said, taking tight hold of Jane’s hand. Jane didn’t like it, but she had to stay close. The family chose a new bed for Jane, who was bored now, and tired. She didn’t say much, while the rest of the family discussed which desk to get. Jason had found one he liked but Mum and Dad couldn’t agree.

“It’s too big.” said Mum. “There’s not enough space in his room.”

“It’s too small,” said Dad. “There’s not enough space for his homework. ”

“I think it’s just right!” said Jason.

“Let’s get a cup of tea while we try and decide,” said Mum.“There’s a cafe in the store.” Dad thought this was a good idea. He needed a sit down, he said, and Jason really wanted a milkshake (奶昔). “What do you think, Jane?” asked Mum. Then she looked round. “Where is she? I think she’s jumping on the sofa!”

But there was no sign of Jane on the sofa. Then Jason wondered if she could be lying on her new bed!

注意：
1.续写词数应为150左右;
2.请按如下格式在答题卡的相应位置作答。

But there was no Jane on the bed. Mum and Dad were really worried now.          

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

When Jason pushed Jane softly, she woke up and came crawling out. “What were you doing?” Jason asked.

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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。

Besides water, tea is the most popular drink in the world. It is said that tea was invented accidentally by a Chinese ruler,     1     was called Shen Nong. Lu Yu, “the sage of tea (茶圣)”,     2    (write) the first book about tea. It is believed that tea     3     (send) to Korea and Japan during the 6th and 7th centuries. In the 17th century, tea was introduced to Europe. The tea trade from China     4     Western countries took place in the 19th century.

There are many     5     (type) of Chinese tea, such as green tea, white tea, oolong tea, yellow tea, dark tea and black tea, each of which has     6     (it) own different color, scent, and taste. Many provinces have their special types of tea,     7     (actual), such as the West Lake Longjing Tea in Zhejiang Province, the Wuyi Rock Tea in Fujian Province and the Pu’er Tea in Yunnan Province.

It is a     8     (tradition) etiquette (礼节) to serve guests with tea. The gongfu tea is perhaps the most representative tea ceremony in China. The preparation can involve over 10 different tools, containing more than 20 steps.

Do you enjoy     9    (drink) tea? Choose a type of Chinese tea     10     enjoy it with your friends.

4 . Scientists have developed a flying dragon, called the Dragon Firefighter that will be able to fight fire - by shooting water out of its mouth.

The Dragon, invented by Japanese researchers, is expected to join firefighter teams to put out fires that are too large and dangerous for humans to fight. “We here present a prototype (原型) of a four-meter-long, remotely controllable flying firehose (消防水带) robot, designed to safely and quickly put out fires in buildings by directly getting close to the fire sources,” said Dr Yuichi Ambe, from Osaka University. Researchers also worked closely with Japanese firefighters to understand the type of help they may need when fighting bigger fires.

This is not the first time the robot has shown its potential to the world, however. The Dragon Firefighter was introduced at the World Robot Summit in 2021, where it managed to put out a fire around 4 meters away. “Since the show at the World Robot Summit, we have continued to work on improving our Dragon and have learned many new things,” said Dr Yu Yamauchi, from Akia Prefectural University.

“For example, we found that the original passive dampening mechanism (洒水机制) had its problem: it took too long to prepare for flight. We also found that heat from fires can greatly influence the outdoor applications of the corrugated tube (波纹管) that holds the water hose and electric cables (电缆).”

Since its first show, improvements have been made to improve the mouth it uses to shoot out water. Despite this, it could be a long time before you see the Dragon Firefighter out in the real world. “We believe that it will take about 10 more years to offer our robot in real-world firefighting situations,” said Ambe. “The primary challenge will be to increase its reach to beyond 10 meters. Developing useful firefighting methods for this robot’s unique potential will be a key part of further development.”

1. Why is the Dragon Firefighter designed?

A．To help firefighters put out big fires.

B．To find out the causes of fire.

C．To direct firefighters in the future.

D．To check the progress of fire.

2. What is the author’s purpose in mentioning the World Robot Summit in 2021?

A．To stress the wide interest in the Dragon.

B．To introduce the Dragon’s second show.

C．To prove the Dragon’s potential.

D．To show the Dragon’s improvement.

3. What does paragraph 4 mainly tell us about the Dragon Firefighter?

A．Its wide applications.	B．Its original problems.
C．Its working conditions.	D．Its recent developments.

4. What does Ambe think of the Dragon Firefighter?

A．It is far from useful in the real world.

B．It should be tested in the show.

C．It has solved the primary challenge.

D．It needs time before application.

5 . When Joseph Novetske finished raking (清理) leaves in his backyard a few weeks ago, he suddenly stopped. “I happened to look at my hand. No ring,” said Novetske, 80, who lives in Charlotte, Michigan, with his wife, Mary Ann. His handmade gold wedding ring, which he wore for 42 years, had gone missing. Worried, he began to look for it.

The couple searched the yard with no luck and it was getting dark. “I was feeling a little hopeless,” said Mary Ann Novetske, 71.

The following morning on Nov. 5, she posted in a private Facebook group called “What’s happening in Charlotte, Michigan now.” “Does anyone have a metal detector (探测器)?” she wrote in a post, explaining what had happened.

Shortly after sharing the post, Mary Ann Novetske had dozens of responses on her post. That afternoon, eight people showed up at their home, five of whom were strangers, and the other three were neighbors, to look for the ring. A few of them had brought metal detectors.

They searched the large backyard. It was filled with several tall piles (堆) of leaves Joseph Novetske had raked the day before. “They didn’t know us, but here they were,” said Mary Ann Novetske. “It was exciting to see so many people care about this.” Her husband was also touched. “We love community,” he said.

When the search had hit hour three, the group collectively began working on a pile of leaves at the back of the yard. Then Joseph Novetske saw something shiny. “I saw the ring shining because it was a beautiful sunny day,” he said. “There it was!” The searchers were overjoyed. While losing the ring was stressful, the couple said that finding it filled them with hope.

“It was a community hunt,” said Lisa Delcamp, who lives next door to the Novetskes. “We should lend a hand and be willing to step in when our neighbors are in need.”

1. What happened to Joseph a few weeks ago?

A．He lost his gold ring.	B．He fell in his backyard.
C．He couldn’t find his home.	D．He couldn’t contact his wife.

2. Why did Mary Ann write a post on Facebook?

A．To start a group discussion.	B．To show her experiences.
C．To ask for a special tool.	D．To share happy moments.

3. What can we learn about the couple after they saw the eight people show up?

A．They invited neighbors over.	B．They cleaned the leaves.
C．They were stressful.	D．They were moved.

4. What do the words “step in” in the last paragraph mean?

A．Attend.

B．Help

C．Change

D．Challenge

6 . Two years ago, from February 2016 to January 2017, I went on a student exchange program to Auckland in New Zealand. I chose to go to New Zealand because firstly, it is a safe country and secondly, I wanted to go to a country that is culturally different from my own.

I started considering going on a student exchange program after making a backpack trip around the world when I was a freshman (大一新生) at Waseda University. I met so many people of different backgrounds during my trip. When I was travelling, I realized the importance of speaking English. I felt that if I knew English, I could communicate and make friends with a lot of people around the world. Then, I made up my mind to work hard after coming back from the trip.

When I was at Auckland University of Technology, I mainly took classes related to language pedagogy (教学法). Unlike at Waseda University, many of the classes at Auckland University of Technology were held in small class size, usually a class size of 15 students to a teacher. In addition, rather than one-way passive learning, students were required to actively raise their opinions and take part in group discussions in class. The classes were also practical in nature and required a lot of preparation.

Spending a year studying abroad has made me feel more confident in communicating in English. I was also able to meet people of different backgrounds thanks to the exchange program. Comparing to the past, I am now a better listener and also better at voicing my opinions. Studying abroad does not only improve my language skills, but also makes me grow as a person.

1. Why did the author choose to go to New Zealand?

A．To do his research program.

B．To experience its culture.

C．To volunteer in a safe country.

D．To start his trips around the world.

2. What did the author decide to do after traveling abroad?

A．Avoid people from different backgrounds.

B．Further his study during his trip.

C．Make more friends in his new university.

D．Make efforts to learn English well.

3. How do the classes at Auckland differ from those at Waseda?

A．They are smaller.

B．They have fewer discussions.

C．They are quieter.

D．They call for fewer efforts.

4. What can we say about the author from the last paragraph?

A．He wants to teach language skills.

B．He decides to study abroad again.

C．He feels thankful for the program.

D．He listens more than he speaks.

7 . This year’s best books for children address sadness and fear while celebrating love, strength, hope and joy.

The Big Dreaming

Michael Rosen and Daniel Egneus

Two bears are preparing for the Big Sleep, but Little Bear worries they won’t have enough dreams to last the winter. He sets out on a dangerous journey, from which he returns with stored visions of happiness, homecoming and hope.

A Way to the Stars

David Almond and Gill Smith

This is a story of the love between parent and child. When Joe is eager to reach the stars, his dad is fully on board. Together they build a tower, even a rocket(火箭), without success. But every time they laugh and try again, until Joe finally achieves his dream.

A Really Short Journey Through the Body

Bill Bryson

For children over 8 who love science, it is adapted for children by science journalist Emma Young. It is a sure-fire winner, especially among those who enjoy humorous writings.

Oscar’s Lion

Adam Baron

In this story illustrated(插图) by Benji Davies, Oscar is alarmed to discover that his parents have disappeared and that a large lion appears. But has he really eaten Oscar’s parents? This unusual story of love, sadness and family ties will particularly attract children who are coming to terns with loss.

1. What does Joe want to do?

A．Build a small tower.	B．Set foot on stars.
C．Have a sound sleep.	D．Take part in winter games.

2. Who provides Oscars Lion with pictures?

A．Bill Bryson.	B．Emma Young.
C．Adam Baron.	D．Benji Davies.

3. What do the four books have in common?

A．They deal with sadness.	B．They are about a journey.
C．They are for children.	D．They are from one writer.

8 . A 40-minute taxi drive has, unexpectedly but luckily, become a ride for a lifetime. One day in October 2021, Bill Sumiel, 71, who had dealt with kidney failure(肾衰竭)for 2 years, was _________ outside a hospital for the taxi called online. Though he was on the transplant(移植)list, no _________ had yet appeared.

Timothy Letts, 31, the driver who took the _________ arrived on time. During the 40-minute _________, Sumiel said that he was looking for a kidney donor(捐赠者). Letts _________ that he’d be a good one, given that he didn’t drink or _________. Sumiel agreed, though he didn’t think much of it as they kept driving. Letts, _________, couldn’t stop thinking about it.

Letts believes in helping others, so donating a kidney “was something that was always on my _________,”he says. So, about a quarter-mile away from Sumiel’s house, Letts said, “I’d like to see if I could be a match to _________ you a kidney. ”

“I was __________,”Sumiel recalled. Shaking so hard, he could hardly write his name when they __________ contact information.

Letts got in touch with Sumiel just a few hours later, and by the next week, Letts had __________ the hospital. The result was that they were a __________ match.

Months after they ended up in the same car by ___________ Sumeil and Letts had their surgeries. It was a __________. Today Sumiel is doing well —thanks to Letts.

1.

A．paying

B．preparing

C．hoping

D．waiting

2.

A．matches

B．plans

C．ideas

D．suggestions

3.

A．advice

B．action

C．order

D．lead

4.

A．operation

B．meeting

C．class

D．drive

5.

A．joked

B．argued

C．remembered

D．forgot

6.

A．sleep

B．cry

C．smell

D．smoke

7.

A．moreover

B．however

C．in addition

D．as well

8.

A．back

B．schedule

C．side

D．mind

9.

A．lend

B．bring

C．give

D．buy

10.

A．surprised

B．frightened

C．relaxed

D．tired

11.

A．reviewed

B．exchanged

C．protected

D．published

12.

A．built

B．designed

C．contacted

D．managed

13.

A．popular

B．perfect

C．polite

D．practical

14.

A．chance

B．choice

C．force

D．mistake

15.

A．survey

B．focus

C．success

D．support

9 . It is believed that it’s dangerous to have plants in the bedroom. Plants take in carbon dioxide (CO₂) and produce oxygen (氧气) in the day.     1    . The build-up of CO₂ is a real problem for indoor air quality, which has been shown to influence health, so it is easy to see where the concern comes from. But to consider whether sharing our bedroom with our plants can harm health, we should consider three things.

Firstly, how much CO₂ do plants produce at night compared with what they take in during the day?     2     For the answer depends on everything from species to light levels and even room temperature.

Thankfully, in 2015, researchers at Turkey’s Kastamonu University found that large houseplants take in between six and eight times as much CO2 in the day as they produce at night.

    3     A single human breath contains around 40, 000 ppm of CO2, more than 10 times the effect a plant could have in 8 hours, so you might want to throw your partner out before your plants.

Finally, we don’t live in the sealed (密封的) boxes in which these studies are carried out.     4     The air is even exchanged when we move around. According to one recent review, we need houseplants to keep indoor air fresh, and to fight some pollution.     5    

Let’s enjoy houseplants whenever we like, because if sleeping near plants were bad for our health, camping in a forest would be deadly.

A．This is hard to answer.

B．So, they are quite necessary.

C．The question has more than one answer.

D．Besides, we often share a room with someone else.

E．Indoor air is being exchanged through doors and windows.

F．At night they compete with us for the air we breathe while asleep.

G．Secondly, compare the influence of a plant with that of a person sharing a room.

10 . 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。

Rose Flower Cake, one of Yunnan’s classic snacks, is a delicious dessert in Yunnan. According to historical     1     (record), flower cakes were invented by a cake maker during the Qing Dynasty more than 300 years ago.     2     (traditional), flower cakes were eaten at breakfast and as snacks.

As Yunnan’s typical dessert, rose cakes     3     (make) using Rosa rugosa, a kind of rose native to eastern Asia. However, the best quality Rosa rugosa is grown in Yunnan. With     4     (it) spring like weather year round, Yunnan is     5     ideal environment for plants in general, and roses in particular.

Rose Flower Cake is only available for part of the year because it’s made using the petals (花瓣) of roses,     6     have a limited flowering period. April and May are the     7     (good) time of the year to pick roses. After they are picked, they are frozen and taken in refrigerated trucks to factories for processing.

There     8     (be) more than a dozen varieties of flower cakes being offered now. The shelf life of flower cakes is from 7 to 45 days, depending     9     the ingredients (原料). In April, people wait in line     10       (buy) fresh flower cakes.

If possible, have a taste for the very traditional local dessert.