1 . 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。

Acupuncture (针灸), an ancient Chinese medical practice, has given countless patients     1     (relieve) of suffering and pain for thousands of years.

    2     treatment aims to promote the body’s self-regulating functions. Evolving from the discovery     3     using stone needles to stick specific points into the skin and underlying tissues could ease pain, acupuncture has become an essential part of traditional Chinese medicine, the philosophical concepts of     4     emphasize balance of bodily functions and overall physiological well-being. Acupuncture is also in line with the philosophy that promotes the     5     (harmony) coexistence of humans with nature.

In the book Records of the Grand Historian, which Sima Qian     6     (write) about 2,100 years ago, Bian Que, a     7     (true) skilled physician during the Warring States Period, was well known for having saved a prince     8     “death” by using needles to stimulate the Baihui acupoint (穴位) on the head of the unconscious man.

Over the years, acupuncture     9     (see) many advancements in scientific research and become a global and mainstream alternative treatment for various illnesses. According to a WHO report     10     (issue) in 2019, acupuncture is widely used in 113 of its 120 member countries, illustrating its increasing recognition and application.

2 . Leigh Ann Sondrup, a devoted nurse at Valleywise, earned the title of a hero after a remarkable off-duty rescue.

The extraordinary chain of events unfolded as Sondrup was heading home from _________ one morning. Having just completed her fourth straight night shift, she was _________. Driving on State Route 143 near Sky Harbor, Sondrup suddenly noticed a horrible situation in the distance. As she _________, she found a concrete truck had overturned, with a man _________ inside.

Emergency first responders had not yet made it to the _________. Despite her tiredness, Sondrup didn’t _________ to make a decision to intervene.

She _________ her car. No other cars were moving on the road, _________ her to safely walk across the usually busy highway. She got closer to the truck and then quickly _________ the situation. She discovered the driver was still conscious, but severely injured and losing __________ at an alarming rate. Every second counted. She __________ crawled (爬) underneath the overturned truck. In a display of resourcefulness, she __________ the man’s belt to stop the bleeding.

Months later, the man who had suffered a life-threatening injury reached out to Sondrup to express his gratitude for a second __________ at life. The Phoenix Fire Department recognized Sondrup for her __________ actions. When interviewed, Sondrup said she maintained a strong __________ that everyone serves a purpose in life and that she was glad to have done her part when duty called.

1.

A．exercise

B．work

C．vacation

D．school

2.

A．high-spirited

B．cut-off

C．worn-out

D．heart-broken

3.

A．awoke

B．wandered

C．departed

D．approached

4.

A．trapped

B．transported

C．questioned

D．laid

5.

A．office

B．scene

C．hospital

D．base

6.

A．continue

B．attempt

C．offer

D．hesitate

7.

A．held onto

B．warmed up

C．pulled over

D．backed up

8.

A．forcing

B．allowing

C．reminding

D．requiring

9.

A．controlled

B．pictured

C．assessed

D．revealed

10.

A．blood

B．heart

C．balance

D．strength

11.

A．accidentally

B．secretly

C．curiously

D．quickly

12.

A．marked

B．employed

C．swung

D．fetched

13.

A．encounter

B．choice

C．lesson

D．chance

14.

A．courageous

B．optimistic

C．amusing

D．effortless

15.

A．assumption

B．proposal

C．belief

D．character

3 . Culture shock is the experience that often accompanies moving to an unfamiliar place. It could be marked by feeling lost, anxious or hesitant.     1     You’ll become accustomed to the same things that initially “shocked” you! Read on for tips for overcoming culture shock in a short time.

When deciding to visit an entirely new place, don’t expect the traditions and cultures followed by your current home to be followed by the new land.     2     So keep your expectations low.

Even though it is an unfamiliar environment hosting different cultures and traditions from the one you’re used to, it’s vital to broaden your mind and be willing to try new things. Don’t be quick to form discriminatory judgments just because it is “odd”. Have a go at something different, like a food or clothing — different isn’t necessarily bad.     3    

Social psychologists claim that lack of information is the biggest contributor to prejudices. Talk to the local population and ask them about how their culture works instead of assuming the worst.     4     Plus, you’ll make some friends who can ease your transformation.

Keep yourself open-minded, await new experiences and familiarize yourself with the conduct of the people.     5     Go out there and have fun!

A．Integrity breaks down barriers.

B．You can gain insight into your surroundings.

C．Culture shock will eventually disappear, though.

D．Every city or country has its own values and beliefs.

E．Never do you know where you might find an interest.

F．Consequently, such memories are what you should treasure.

G．As long as you stick to that, you’ll soon adjust to the new culture.

4 . Do you have a favorite sport? Are you passionate about sewing or reading? Typically, you engage in these activities simply because you enjoy them. Would you be taken aback to know the overjustification effect that when you are rewarded for your beloved activities, your desire to participate in them diminishes?

Edward Deci, a psychology professor, conducted a series of experiments, in one of which Deci divided the participants into two groups: one was paid to complete a puzzle, and the other was not paid to. After money was removed, the group that was previously paid to play showed less motivation to complete the task than the group that was never paid and only did the puzzle for enjoyment. The outcome demonstrated the overjustification effect, which occurs when an external stimulation decreases a person’s internal motivation to perform a behavior or engage in an activity.

According to the self-determination theory, three conditions are essential for people to feel internally motivated and perform at their best: autonomy, freedom from external restrictions; competence, the need to feel capable, and relatedness, the need to feel connected with others. In Deci’s experiment, money acted as a tie, which reduced participants’ autonomy, a crucial component of internal motivation, discouraging them from experiencing the freedom of external restrictions. The pressure to perform for the money lessened the pleasure and freedom felt by those who were doing the puzzle merely for fun.

But if external stimulation is tied to performance, the overjustification effect is less influential. For example, being rewarded for studying is unlikely to decrease internal motivation because the grade depends upon actually doing well rather than just going through the motions.

While the overjustification effect can reduce motivation, some strategies can lower its impact. One is to focus on providing feedback and recognition rather than concrete rewards. For instance, praising an individual’s effort or acknowledging their accomplishments can maintain their internal motivation. Additionally, allowing individuals to have autonomy and control over their tasks also works. By giving them the freedom to choose how they complete tasks, individuals are more likely to be internally motivated and experience a greater sense of satisfaction and engagement.

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

A．Remains.

B．Weakens.

C．Ceases.

D．Solidifies.

2. How did Deci prove the overjustification effect in the experiment?

A．By interpreting a concept.

B．By presenting an argument.

C．By making a comparison.

D．By describing a phenomenon.

3. What is mainly illustrated in paragraph 3?

A．The skills needed for a puzzle.

B．The core elements of inner drives.

C．The impact of autonomy on competence.

D．The theoretical basis for the overjustification effect.

4. Which serves as an example of preventing the overjustification effect?

A．Speaking highly of a pupil’s hard work.

B．Rewarding a kid with candy for playing the violin.

C．Offering a clerk financial bonuses for daily routines.

D．Promising an employee a decent position for doing his duty.

5 . Andrea Lankford quit her job after spending 12 years as a National Park Service forester specializing in search and rescue missions in scenic and remote American landscapes. However, decades later, three young hikers went missing on the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). She found herself unable to turn away from the three separate cases despite challenges in the inquiry into them.

Trail of the Lost was her answer.

It’s an absorbing nonfiction narrative (叙事) about the three hikers, including their lives and those of the people looking for them. It also explores the history of the PCT and the rich subculture, practices and even literature that surround it and those who undertake the 2,650-mile journey.

The book is a rich multilayered narrative that works on three different levels. The first is the story of each of the three hikers. Lankford offers a biography (传记) of each of the missing men and shows them through the eyes of those who knew them well and those who joined the search.

Right underneath the narratives about the three hikers are the stories of everyone looking for them. Lankford played a role in each search but she allowed friends, family and even strangers to occupy center stage throughout most of the narrative. The story looks at the role of missing person Facebook groups in the searches and how crucial word of mouth can be. Many warm-hearted individuals came forth and became instrumental in the searches or provided valuable information. But Lankford also writes of the many who lied for no apparent reason and confused the investigations.

The narrative also shines a light on diverse aspects of the PCT. Lankford, who has hiked the entire Appalachian Trail and was the first person to mountain bike the 800-mile Arizona Trail, knows just how the PCT is physically and mentally demanding. Besides, the book explores threats from mountain lions to people with bad intentions who don’t observe the PCT’s unspoken moral rules, serving as a revelation of the well-known, hidden or ignored dangers of the PCT.

Written with a clear, fast-paced, straightforward style, Trail of the Lost is as full of hope and humanity as it is packed with pain, sorrow, danger and tension. Read it and you’ll find more than you seek.

1. What led Lankford to write Trail of the Lost?

A．Her love for her prior career.

B．Her strong attachment to the PCT.

C．The stress from the missing families.

D．Her investigation into hikers’ disappearance.

2. What is presented on the second level of the book?

A．Efforts by different people in searches.

B．A string of wilderness survival tips.

C．Approaches to information classification.

D．Respective stories of the three hikers.

3. What’s the purpose of mentioning Lankford’s previous adventures?

A．To promote her book.

B．To make her a celebrity.

C．To motivate hikers to challenge themselves.

D．To stress the difficulty of hiking the PCT.

4. What can we say about the book?

A．It targets single youth.

B．It’s a romantic novel.

C．It’s based on actual events.

D．It’s a detailed account of a journey.

6 . Literary festivals all over the USA offer opportunities for readers to meet their favorite authors and learn about their new projects. You can start planning your next literary vacation!

Summer Words
Dates: June 19-22
Price: Free

It’s one of America’s most respected literary festivals and writing conferences. Authors are able to attend advanced workshops in order to improve the craft of writing. Besides, they can meet editors and literary agents and attend public panel discussions to gain inspiration and insight.

Book Bonanza
Dates: June 23-24
Price: $250

It is a celebration of books covering multiple styles and always nets a huge list of incredible author attendees. What makes it stand out, however, is not just its impressive list of attendees: it’s the charitable focus. All proceeds are donated to charitable causes, including those that benefit women and children.

Los Angeles Times Festival of Books
Dates: April 22-23
Price: Free, although indoor panels will require tickets

It is a massive celebration of books and the bookish community, with book signings, panel discussions with distinguished professors and experts, art performances and book giveaways. The two-day event has grown to become an essential element of the L.A. cultural scene.

Imaginarium Book Festival
Dates: May 20-21
Price: Free, but VIP tickets for early entry to signing rooms ($45), tickets for the brunch ($50)

It celebrates all things about fantasy and science fiction. In addition to panels where authors will answer your questions, you’ll get to meet and acquire signed books from your favorite authors and have the option of brunching with them at the cosmic (宇宙的) brunch buffet.

1. In which literary festival can you catch a show?

A．Summer Words.

B．Book Bonanza.

C．Los Angeles Times Festival of Books.

D．Imaginarium Book Festival.

2. What is special about Book Bonanza?

A．Its profits go to charity.

B．It’s meant for women and children.

C．It doesn’t charge admission fee.

D．It features workshops for notable writers.

3. What can you do in Imaginarium Book Festival?

A．Get an author-signed photograph.

B．Dine with your admiring writers.

C．Interact with science fiction supermen.

D．Obtain one-on-one reading training.

7 . 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。

The craft of Shao Lujie, a 28-year-old Chinese craftsman from Jinhua, Zhejiang Province, is known     1     quilling — a form of art that involves the use of paper strips (纸条) that are rolled, shaped and glued together to form complex designs.

Shao’s works mainly feature flowers and other plants. He created multiple works for the 19th Asian Games, featuring the event’s three mascots (吉祥物) and logo. In the past few years, Shao     2     (develop) cultural and creative products with local characteristics. His another     3     (improve) is that techniques and equipment have been simplified, making it easier for people to try.

Since childhood, Shao has enjoyed painting and handicrafts.     4     (finish) the learning of quilling in 2016 from a master of the art, Shao began to devote himself     5     (entire) to the craft. Later, by imitating the works of his instructors, he learned how     6     (integrate) new methods into his own works, combining this paper art handicraft with painting and different design elements.

In an age     7     AI-generated art works are entering the art market, Shao still sticks to this ancient craft. Every step — weaving, cutting, rubbing, folding, and pressing —     8     (do) by hand.

To get youngsters interested in the craft, Shao has gone online, sharing articles     9     (write) by himself and posting pictures of his latest works. Shao is considering     10     (open) an exhibition hall so that more people can learn about this craft and, ideally, pass it down, to future generations.

8 . 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。

In a house far from the city lived John and his mother. John’s only hobby was wandering in the nearby picturesque forest. In its center was a shiny clear lake with schools of fish dancing in it. Lovely animals such as deer or rabbits were playing around and cute birds were singing in trees. Fascinated by the beauty and liveliness of nature, he desired to become a great artist and present all the breath-taking scenes to the world.

John studied in the local primary school. Life was not easy for John and his mom after his father died. Knowing what hard work his mother did to make ends meet, John really didn’t want his mother to worry. His mother knew the significance of education in life but she was against his dream of becoming an artist. “The profession of artist can’t aid a person in meeting his daily expenses,” she would say. But as each day passed, John’s dream became more passionate.

Due to the living circumstances, even buying some new colors would be a luxury. John only used the worn drawing file and limited colors for his daily practice. Though lacking fine painting materials, he never gave up drawing. He spent a significant amount of time staying in the forest, secretly perfecting his craft. With continuous hard work and a distinct gift for art, he drew beautifully.

One day John read about a competition being held in the town, whose deadline was only two days away. He got the perfect opportunity to fulfill his desire but he was in a dilemma (两难境地) as for the competition he needed special paints and some brushes. He didn’t have the courage to ask his mother for money as he knew her prejudice against art.

That evening his mom returned from work and handed him a few paper notes, saying, “This is for your lunch at school next month.” The money was enough for his desired materials! John’s face lit up.

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。

Early the next morning, John secretly left home with the money.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

A week later, a phone call came to John’s home.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

9 . White dressed up as Captain America for the annual Anti-Bullying (反霸凌) Superhero Day. But when spotting ________ one afternoon, he couldn’t ________ any superpowers.

It was rush hour. White was ________ home when he noticed a pickup on the opposite side of the two-way street. It was hard to ________, for it was crashing into the curb (马路牙子) before course-correcting, only to hit it again. As the car drew closer, White got a good look at the ________: The driver appeared to be asleep. He had to ________ that vehicle.

________, White made a U-turn, facing in the same direction as the pickup, but there were four cars ________ them. White pressed his horn, hoping the cars in front would move aside. They didn’t. Trapped, White pulled his car over. He ________ up the sidewalk, cut into the road and ran around to the driver’s side. White ________ the frame (框) of the open window, his legs moving in step with the pickup, and with a mighty ________, jumped in.

DeAngelis, the man behind the ________, had unexpectedly faced dangerously low blood sugar, and just come to. He was ________ by the odd sight of a stranger lying across his stomach. White immediately brought the pickup to a stop. DeAngelis was rushed to a hospital, where it was determined that had his blood sugar gone lower, his life could have been endangered.

White ________ a superhero, but his quick thinking and daring ________ made him a real-life hero.

1.

A．barrier

B．unfairness

C．violence

D．trouble

2.

A．give way to

B．fall back on

C．get around

D．forget about

3.

A．cycling

B．running

C．driving

D．walking

4.

A．locate

B．miss

C．search

D．contact

5.

A．outcome

B．tendency

C．process

D．problem

6.

A．stop

B．move

C．report

D．disable

7.

A．Mistakenly

B．Sincerely

C．Decidedly

D．Hesitantly

8.

A．following

B．separating

C．threatening

D．approaching

9.

A．waved

B．escaped

C．wandered

D．raced

10.

A．struck

B．measured

C．grabbed

D．broke

11.

A．bug

B．lift

C．blow

D．kick

12.

A．scene

B．pickup

C．wheel

D．seat

13.

A．shocked

B．ashamed

C．discouraged

D．amused

14.

A．protected

B．encountered

C．created

D．played

15.

A．rescue

B．visit

C．guidance

D．comment

10 . Your neighbors are probably the first line of defense in case of any problematic situation.     1     It gives you an assurance that you have people close by looking out for you. Here are easily applicable tips on creating stronger neighbor relationships.

The first step is introducing yourself when you move to a new neighborhood or when a newcomer moves in. Leave them a note under their door to introduce yourself.     2     It doesn’t have to cost you a fortune and opting for a potted plant or baked biscuits will do. These actions present excellent opportunities to connect with them.

Be respectful of your neighbors. It’s in poor taste to have regular insensitive parties at your place causing disturbances. Before your party, it’s good practice to notify your neighbors. Besides, avoid chatting them up for hours on end, which may be inconvenient, especially if you don’t know their schedules.     3     When you borrow anything, return it in due time. If you accidentally break their things, replace them without being asked to.

    4     You could offer to babysit your neighbors’ kids, help with snow removals or even keep an eye on their home when they’re away. Such acts of reaching out to your neighbors make for stronger relationships.

As Emma Seppälä put it, “social connectedness generates a positive feedback loop (圈) of social, emotional and physical well-being.” It feels so easy to just stay home without having to engage with your neighbors but connecting with them is worth the effort.     5    

A．Remember every small gesture counts.

B．A crisis is a test of communication skills.

C．It can actually boost your mood in the long run.

D．Slipping it in their mailbox further solidifies friendship.

E．It’s essential to ensure you maintain decent relationships with them.

F．Alternatively, you can give them a gift while making yourself known to them.

G．Only by establishing healthy boundaries will you achieve peaceful coexistence.