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

Finding happiness in life

When John walked into the dining room in the morning, his wife Jenny and his two children, Kevin and Sophie, were sitting at the table. The atmosphere was frosty as John sat down. Sophie, who was only five years old, gave her father a weak smile. Kevin, his teenage son, didn’t look up from his food. Jenny looked at him silently with her arms folded across her chest.

“OK,” John began, “I’m sorry. I know I let everyone down yesterday.”

Kevin looked accusingly at his father. “You missed my music performance at school again! You’ve never come to see me do anything,” he said angrily.

Jenny placed a hand on John’s shoulder. “That’s true! John, you always miss family activities. The last time we had a family outing was five months ago! And I’m exhausted from all the housework.”

As he drank his coffee, John reflected on his life. He had so much to be thankful for: a successful business, a harmonious family and a lovely home. In fact, he had everything he had ever wanted, but he knew something was wrong. He had always believed that with hard work, he could make his family happy. But he realized he was failing. He was spending more time at work and less time at home. He was working in the office until late in the evening and even during weekends. When at home, he was talking on the phone with his clients or sitting in front of the computer reading or writing emails. He was neglecting his family. He hadn’t taken his wife to a nice restaurant for months. Kevin was passionate about music, but John couldn’t remember the last time he saw Kevin perform at a school concert. Sophie was growing up so fast and John had even missed her last birthday party. John realized he had become an absent husband and an absent father.

注意：
1.所续写短文的词数应为150左右；
2.请按如下格式在答题卡的相应位置作答。
Later that day, John went to work, determined to make some changes.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Soon, John felt a big improvement in his life and work.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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。

Anji, a small county in East China’s Zhejiang Province,     1     (receive) over 28 million tourists every year. There are more than 300 coffee shops there,     2     in terms of population density has surpassed that of Shanghai. “A cup of coffee bridges the gap between the big city and the small county,” said Han Jie, a Shanghai tourist who     3     (temporary) escaped the large city and came to Anji over the weekend. In Zhejiang,     4     increasing number of coffeehouse owners are venturing into rural areas to meet the demands of a growing population of young and adventurous coffee enthusiasts.

    5     (locate) in the bamboo forests of Penghu Village in Anji , a café called Waterfall Coffee has gained popularity     6     social media influencers. Visitors can not only taste coffee on the cliff halfway up the mountain, admiring waterfalls in the distance,     7     enjoy boating on the lake with an excellent view.

The outdoor café, the Deep Blue Coffeehouse, has received 350,000 tourists in less than a year, with the highest daily number of visitors     8     (reach) 8,000 people. By far, the small coffee shop has fueled the rural economy of Hongmiao Village in some way, causing university students     9     (cooperate) with the local government in organizing a start-up fair, with the aim of attracting more university     10     (graduate) to start business in the village.

3 . In a new study of more than 50,000 Korean adolescents, those who used a smartphone for more than 4 hours per day had higher rates of adverse mental health and substance use. Jin Hwa Moon and Jong Ho Cha of Hanyang University Medical Center, Korea, and colleagues presented these findings in the open-access journal PLOS ONE on December 6, 2023.

Previous research has shown that smartphone use among adolescents has increased in recent years, and that this usage may be associated with higher risk of adverse health, such as psychiatric disorders (精神紊乱), sleep issues, and eye-related problems.

However, growing evidence suggests that at least some daily internet usage may be associated with better physical and mental health for adolescents.

To deepen understanding of the relationship between adolescents ‘use of smartphones and health, Moon, Cha and colleagues analyzed data on more than 50,000 adolescent participants in 2017 and in 2020. The data included the approximate number of daily hours each participant spent on a smartphone as well as various health measures.

The researchers found that in 2020, the percentage of adolescents in the study who used a smartphone more than 2 hours per day was 85.7 percent — up from 64.3 percent in 2017. Adolescents who used a smartphone for more than 4 hours per day had higher rates of stress, thoughts of suicide, and substance use than those with usage below 4 hours per day. However, adolescents that used a smartphone 1-2 hours per day encountered fewer problems than adolescents who did not use a smartphone at all.

The authors note that this study does not confirm a causal relationship between smartphone use and adverse health outcomes. However, the findings could help inform usage guidelines for adolescents—especially if daily usage continues to rise.

1. What does the underlined word “adverse” in paragraph 1 probably mean?

A．Related.

B．Negative.

C．Favorable.

D．Positive.

2. What can be inferred about the results of the new study?

A．Smartphone use is harmful to teenagers.

B．A growing number of teenagers use smartphones.

C．A proper amount of smartphone use is beneficial.

D．The more use of smartphones, the higher risks of men tal health.

3. How did researchers carry out the study?

A．By comparing different studies.	B．By studying adolescents’ health.
C．By analyzing previous information.	D．By collecting data from participants.

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

A．Smartphone use among teenagers on the rise.

B．Smartphone use accounting for poor mental health.

C．Right smartphone use leading to fewer problems in teenagers.

D．Overuse of smartphones linked to mental health risks in teenagers.

4 . We love the idea of writing contests, but we hate con test fees. That’s why we’ve rounded up these 4 writing contests that all have no entry or reading fees. Some end soon, so be sure to apply for those right away if you’re interested.

The Lindquist & Vennum Prize for Poetry is currently open for submissions. Poets can submit a book-length manuscript, but there is no page requirement. The winner will receive $10,000 and publication by Milkweed Editions. Deadline is March 1. To learn more, click the prize submission guidelines.

The Eugene & Marilyn Glick Indiana Authors Award is currently accepting nominations (提名，推荐). Indiana-born or Indiana-based Authors may nominate themselves or be nominated. There are several award categories. The cash awards range from $6,000 to $10,000. Deadline for nominations is March 18. To learn more, click the award guidelines.

Winning Writers is currently hosting its Wergle Flomp Humor Poetry Contest. Poets can submit one humorous poem for consideration. The first place winner will receive $1,000; second place will receive $250; and 10 honorable mentions will receive $100 each. All winners will be published online. Deadline is April 1. To learn more, click the contest guidelines.

The Griffin Poetry Prize welcomes poets and translators to submit their work. Two prizes will be awarded. The Canadian Prize will go to a Canadian poet or translator who has published or translated a work. The International Prize will go to a poet or translator from any part of the world. Each prize winner will receive $65,000 CAD. Deadline is June 30, with a second deadline of December 31. To learn more, click the prize guidelines.

1. What do the four contests have in common?

A．All of them are for poetry only.	B．The winners’ works will be published.
C．Everyone is welcome to submit their works.	D．Application for the contests is free of charge.

2. If Alice accomplishes several poems in May, which contest can she apply for?

A．The Griffin Poetry Prize.	B．Wergle Flomp Humor Poetry Contest.
C．The Lindquist & Vennum Prize for Poetry.	D．The Eugene & Marilyn Glick Indiana Authors Award.

3. Where can we probably get more detailed information about the contests?

A．In a magazine.

B．On a website.

C．In an advertisement.

D．On a poster.

6 . At 20 years old, I was a confident and handsome student at the University of California at Berkey.

But that year, I ________ a bump (肿块) in my right nostril (鼻孔), and when it didn’t go away, I made an ________ with a doctor. It turned out to be a tumor (肿瘤). Then I underwent surgery. Fortunately, the procedure was ________, and I returned to classes soon.

But six months later, a new bump appeared. Numerous ________ confirmed it had reproduced a horrible, life—threatening tumor. I was advised to have another operation and ________ that I might lose part of my nose. I was too young to think about death then, but the thought of disfigurement (毁容) made me feel ________.

I awoke from the surgery with a scarred, disfigured face. As I re-entered the real world, I noticed adults ________ and children pointing—and sometimes laughing—at me. The occasional and ________ negative reactions from my friends also hurt me. My self-respect sank increasingly lower, and I constantly asked others, “Do my looks ________ you?”

Five years and 20 reconstructive surgeries later, I ________ a man receiving treatment. After hearing my question, he criticized me. My problem, he ________ me, was not my physical appearance, but my emotional insecurity. His ________ helped me realize my mental scars were far more disfiguring than my physical ones.

I began examining myself from the inside out. Later, I volunteered at a cancer support organization to offer inspiration and hope to those ________ cancer

Now, I am ________ for who I am—a much stronger person than before. To you, I offer this message: Avoid making judgements about people at ________.

1.

A．took charge of

B．took care of

C．took control of

D．took notice of

2.

A．appointment

B．arrangement

C．commitment

D．placement

3.

A．severe

B．minor

C．apparent

D．complicated

4.

A．novelists

B．specialists

C．impressionists

D．journalists

5.

A．advocated

B．predicted

C．warned

D．witnessed

6.

A．desperate

B．enthusiastic

C．delicate

D．optimistic

7.

A．smiling

B．glaring

C．glancing

D．staring

8.

A．unusually

B．unintentionally.

C．unconventionally

D．unselfishly

9.

A．bother

B．impress

C．annoy

D．restrict

10.

A．greeted

B．persuaded

C．encountered

D．grasped

11.

A．abused

B．defended

C．informed

D．motivated

12.

A．relief

B．security

C．defence

D．honesty

13.

A．going about

B．relating to

C．wrestling with

D．breaking with

14.

A．greedy

B．grateful

C．suitable

D．tolerant

15.

A．mental vitality

B．physical fitness

C．social acceptance

D．face value

7 . Minor Cold: A sugary feast to get through the freezing winter

Minor Cold, or “Xiaohan” in Chinese, is the 23rd of the 24 solar terms in the Chinese lunar calendar     1       We’ve outlined below how people deal with the Minor Cold and its significance in Chinese culture.

Why do people eat eight treasures rice pudding?

Eight treasures rice pudding or “babaofan” in Mandarin is a special sweet rice dish enjoyed during Minor Cold and Chinese New Year dinner. In Chinese, the number eight is pronounced as “ba”, which is similar to another Chinese word “fa”.     2    . Because of its pronunciation, this traditional Chinese dim sum is regarded as a symbol of wealth and health.

What else do people eat?

    3    . Different regions in China have different eating habits. People in Nanjing and Shanghai usually cook vegetable rice while in Guangzhou, it is a tradition to eat sticky rice on the morning of Minor Cold.

Nationwide: Preparing for the Spring Festival

For Chinese people, this time of year also sees preparation for the most important festival of the year: the Spring Festival.     4    . In the old days, Chinese families would usually start to purchase the necessities for the Spring Festival, write couplets and make paper cuts by themselves.

Forecasts from animals

The ancient Chinese noticed the slight changes in seasons by observing the movements of the birds. Wild geese would usually start to fly back to the north while the magpies (喜鹊) make their nests. These animals remind people of the beginning of the suitable farming and life for Minor Cold.     5    . Therefore, more attention should be paid to domestic animals’ warmth.

A．It means getting rich or booming in business.

B．However, “babaofan” is not the only traditional food for Minor Cold.

C．For most areas of China, Minor Cold is the beginning of the coldest period.

D．Even though temperatures drop suddenly at this time, spring is not far away.

E．The last lunar month, known as “Layue”, usually begins around Minor Cold.

F．Cabbage is easy to preserve in the winter and tastes better after being preserved.

G．With each solar term, there comes a set of customs that are related to the time of a year.

8 . A community canteen at the Zhanongkou Community in Shangcheng, Hangzhou recently launched “happiness blind boxes”, which cost just 6 yuan per box. Sales start at 7 p. m. each evening.

The dishes are packaged in transparent (透明的) containers, but to maintain an element of surprise, stickers are placed over the lid (盖子) of the “main dish” section of each box. The “blind boxes” have become popular since being introduced, and on some nights they sell out by about 8 p. m.

A meal assistance program introduced in Zhanongkou subdistrict ensures the elderly can access meals within a 10-minute walk of their homes or have them delivered within five minutes. The service has also been welcomed by younger people living and working in the area.

Yan Xuyang, a professor at Beijing Union University’s Tourism College, predicts that by 2035, those born from the 1970s to the 2000s will comprise the main group of customers for such canteens. “This generation has a reasonable level of disposable (可自由支配的) income, and many of its members may also lack the willingness to prepare meals for themselves,” Yan said.

The successful operation of community canteens depends on their ability to integrate into the daily lives and culture of local residents. In addition to serving dishes to suit local tastes and fostering a welcoming environment for diners, it is important to widen the functions of these canteens. They have been used for cultural activities and other events, which helps raise awareness and foster a positive perspective on these canteens among local communities.

In the latter part of last year, the Weikang community canteen in Ziyang subdistrict, Hangzhou, experienced a significant transformation from being a canteen for seniors to catering for the whole community. Its services have been broadened beyond regular operations to include services for hospitals and businesses, complete with home delivery options. Some other community canteens have also made efforts to appeal to more residents.

1. What can we know about the “happiness blind boxes” from the passage?

A．They are sold out every night before 8 p. m.

B．They are beautifully decorated with stickers.

C．They offer a sense of mystery with the unknown main dishes.

D．They are only offered to the residents in the Zhanongkou Community.

2. What’s Yan Xuyang’s attitude towards the future of the community canteen?

A．Promising.

B．Cautious.

C．Unclear.

D．Objective.

3. What might contribute most to the success of community canteens?

A．Reasonable prices.

B．Fast delivery service.

C．Various functions.

D．Unexpected surprises.

4. Why is the Weikang community canteen mentioned in the last paragraph?

A．To highlight the popularity of community canteens.

B．To emphasize the importance of community canteens.

C．To discuss the wide functions of community canteens.

D．To show the innovative reform of community canteens.

9 . Torbjorn Pedersen is a Danish traveler who recently finished a trip around the world. But this wasn’t just any trip.

In 2013, Mr. Pedersen read an article about someone who had visited all the countries of the world. It made him realize he could set a record by doing the same thing, but without flying.

He hoped that he could live on a budget of about $20 a day. He had originally anticipated it would take four years to reach countries, but the world had other plans.

Though he did have to quit his job and leave his parents and girlfriend behind, the first part of his trip was pretty easy, but as he moved on to other parts of the world, things began to get hard.

To cross large bodies of water, Mr. Pedersen took boats. Sometimes it was hard to find a boat. At other times, Mr. Pedersen was on a boat for days, being tossed (摇摆颠簸) by strong waves during a storm. He traveled by taxi, bus, train, and even walking. With a limited budget, sometimes people invited him into their homes. At other times, he had to sleep outside. Mr. Pedersen says he had many difficult experiences. He was once held at gunpoint and thought he might be killed. He also became severely ill with a serious disease.

But he also had many good experiences. Mr. Pedersen says that one reason why he didn’t give up was the help he got from people all over the world. On July 26, Mr. Pedersen arrived back in Denmark after a 33-day boat ride. He was met by about 150 people, including friends and family members.

In the last 10 years, he’s covered around 260,000 miles — roughly 10 times the distance around the Earth. Mr. Pedersen says he’s looking forward to some quiet time to think about his trip. After that, he plans to write a book and share what he learned in his travels around the world.

1. What inspired Torbjorn Pedersen to start the trip around the world?

A．The dream of setting a world record.	B．The knowledge of a stranger’s experience.
C．The desire to experience different cultures.	D．The encouragement of his parents and girlfriend.

2. How can we understand the underlined sentence in paragraph 3?

A．He failed to carry out his plan.

B．He finished his trip smoothly as expected.

C．He spent more than four years travelling around the world.

D．He changed his plans over the course of the trip intentionally.

3. What’s the main idea of the fifth paragraph?

A．The help Mr. Pedersen got from others.

B．The challenges Mr. Pedersen met on the way.

C．The efforts Mr. Pedersen made to achieve his goal.

D．The inconvenient transportation Mr. Pedersen underwent.

4. Which of the following words can best describe Mr. Pedersen?

A．Courageous and determined.	B．Ambitious and helpful.
C．Sincere and independent.	D．Amusing and strong-willed.