1 . The maleo (塚雉), a bird with black feathers and a pink chest, is native to Indonesia’s Sulawesi island and a few neighboring ones. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), which identifies wildlife across the world currently facing threats, estimates only 800 to 1,400 adult maleos remain in the wild. Experts do not know how many maleos still live across West Sulawesi island. They were only able to record the presence of nesting grounds in 23 villages based on reports from locals in the area. But of those, only 18 are considered active nesting areas.

Recently, the birds have been faced with new threats, which accelerate their decline. The Indonesian government plans to move the nation’s capital from Jakarta to a new city on Borneo island, which is just a six-hour boat trip apart from Sulawesi island. The island takes on the building of new roads and seaports to be used to transport materials to the new capital. Activities also include tree clearing, digging, and removing stones. The process already has changed the forest environment on West Sulawesi and is harming maleo nesting areas near the beach. These changes have made the trip for maleos to lay their eggs increasingly difficult.

Another problem has been poachers. The Associated Press reports that, regardless of official ban, they steal maleo eggs that the males’ parents have hidden in the sand, and sell the eggs for about $1 to people as food. The eggs are a traditional gift for many people in Mamuju and other parts of Sulawesi.

“As far as I know, maleo birds are in decline,” said Andi Aco Takdir, chief of the West Sulawesi Forestry Agency. He pointed to several reasons for the decline, including destruction of beach areas, and expanding human development activities. He added that government officials there are prepared to take steps to protect the maleos even with the new capital development. Andi said, “Nature conservation must be used as an achievement and must not be built leaving behind problems.”

1. Which word can be used to describe the maleos?

A．Endangered.	B．Adaptable.
C．Widespread.	D．Extinct.

2. What causes a further drop of the maleo population?

A．The sudden changes of climate.

B．The disappearance of the forests.

C．The development of Sulawesi island.

D．The supporting work for the new capital.

3. What does the underlined word “poachers” in paragraph 3 refer to?

A．People who hunt maleos for their meat.

B．People who live by selling maleo eggs.

C．People who engage in illegal hunting.

D．People who regard maleo eggs as gifts.

4. What can we infer from Andi’s words?

A．The new capital development might be stopped at once.

B．The government will balance conservation and development.

C．There seems to be a tough way for the new capital to develop.

D．The government will concentrate on solving urban problems.

2 . I am Nasilele, from Zambia, working as a UN Peacekeeper for the past two years. Though Zambia is a very ______ country I was aware that there are other countries in Africa, where there has been a lot of violent ______. I felt it was my ______ to help innocent people who are caught in the middle of these conflicts, so I ______ the United Nations.

My ______ are from many different countries, which is a good thing as it ensures that there are many different cultures and ______ all working towards the same goals. Our ______ vary with many different tasks from one day to the next. We ______ cities and villages to ensure that no conflict is occurring, help bring ______ of food and medicine to those who need it and write reports on everything we do and see.

As a woman, I am particularly ______ by the United Nations Peacekeepers as I can act as a role model for many women and girls in the country, helping them feel that they also ______ to be respected and treated ______.

My life as a peacekeeper is all about long hours in a very ______ environment. I have basic ______ with just a bed in a shared room and a small kitchen and bathroom. However, I know that what I do is ______.

1.

A．appealing

B．beautiful

C．peaceful

D．historical

2.

A．bond

B．friction

C．border

D．relation

3.

A．debt

B．determination

C．pleasure

D．obligation

4.

A．sign off

B．look for

C．signed up with

D．turn to

5.

A．colleagues

B．staff

C．soldiers

D．workers

6.

A．backgrounds

B．regions

C．groups

D．situations

7.

A．requests

B．beliefs

C．roles

D．choices

8.

A．investigate

B．monitor

C．resolve

D．urge

9.

A．orders

B．discoveries

C．offers

D．supplies

10.

A．valued

B．understood

C．agreed

D．helped

11.

A．require

B．deserve

C．tend

D．like

12.

A．differently

B．cautiously

C．rudely

D．equally

13.

A．harmonious

B．tough

C．attractive

D．boring

14.

A．adaptation

B．dedication

C．recommendation

D．accommodation

15.

A．valueless

B．affordable

C．worthwhile

D．successful

3 . As the movie Nomadland revealed to the world, ever since the 2008 financial collapse, people have mowed into vehicles as a way of surviving the high cost of living. The pandemic also fuelled an increase in the nomadic (流浪的) lifestyle.

In 2020, my co-researcher Scott Rankin and I looked at how people who live in vehicles balance work and life. This year, I continued my research to better understand why people live this way.

People of all ages and genders take part in van (面包车) living. The average age of van dwellers (居住者) was 42. After asking respondents to rank the reasons why they chose to live in a vehicle, ranked from top to bottom are: 1) freedom, 2) low cost of living, 3) adventure, 4)connection to nature,5)minimalism,6)avoiding undesirable weather,7)starting a new life, 8)pursuing work in different places, 9)working remotely, 10)to be on their own, 11)to join a partner, 12)to leave a partner.

Above all else, vehicle dwellers sought to be free. Whether they were a re tire n in a $100,000 Mercedes van, or young Canadians working from a $5 ,000 van, respondents wanted to be able to move their home to any place that was best for them. For others, living in a vehicle minimized their costs, allowing them to work less or make the most of their income without paying rent.

As it turns out, van living is not a fad. While many respondents were new to van living, on average, respondents indicated they had been living in a vehicle for an average of 2.5 years. Seventy-eight per cent of respondents permanently lived in a vehicle.

As the housing crisis deepens, we may see more people consider van living as a means of surviving the high cost of living. It will be up to the government to accept this alternative living arrangement, and consider having parking and facilities to support those who choose to live this way.

1. What’s the purpose of the author’s research?

A．To advocate a new lifestyle.	B．To produce a scientific theory.
C．To understand a social phenomenon.	D．To improve some people’s living conditions.

2. What do we learn about van dwellers?

A．Their top concern is money.	B．They have different motives.
C．They value family more than work.	D．They are mainly adventurous people.

3. What does the underlined word “fad” in paragraph 5probably mean?

A．Something that isn’t suitable for all.	B．Something that isn’t likely to last.
C．Something that is popular for long.	D．Something that attracts old people.

4. What’s the author’s attitude to van living?

A．Uncaring.

B．Tolerant.

C．Approving.

D．Opposed.

4 . My 13-year-old daughter sent a postcard to us while we were still away on our most recent trip to California. It ______ our house about a week later. The touching ______ nearly brought me to tears.

“Even though we ______ have two days of adventures ahead of us, I am just so ______ for everything we have experienced together on this trip,” she writes.

Our youngest daughter is just about to ______ 11 years old. In those years, we have never taken a true ______ as a family of four to a place we’ve never been. Like most ______, I have no idea where the time has gone. But I also think these are some of the best ages to ______ with kids.

This vacation to California was our very first ______, long-distance trip together. The kids helped ______ the trip with input on things they might like to see and do. They reached for our hands in crowds. I can’t remember the last time they held our hands ______.

One of our family bonding moments came when we took a family surfing lesson. It was the first time any of us had tried surfing, although it was something the girls had been ______. The smiles on the girls’ faces were everything. They were so ______ when they stood up on the board and rode the waves one by one.

Those are memories I’m going to ______. And yes, I will remind them of these times the next time I reach for their ______.

1.

A．left

B．mentioned

C．passed

D．reached

2.

A．note

B．diary

C．journal

D．report

3.

A．never

B．already

C．ever

D．still

4.

A．inspired

B．sorry

C．grateful

D．nervous

5.

A．dislike

B．match

C．turn

D．remain

6.

A．vacation

B．picture

C．walk

D．look

7.

A．visitors

B．parents

C．writers

D．educators

8.

A．discuss

B．work

C．travel

D．celebrate

9.

A．extended

B．unexpected

C．busy

D．temporary

10.

A．plan

B．recall

C．imagine

D．judge

11.

A．hopefully

B．willingly

C．peacefully

D．curiously

12.

A．tired of

B．interested in

C．involved in

D．good at

13.

A．terrified

B．sad

C．proud

D．careful

14.

A．take up

B．hold onto

C．carry out

D．know about

15.

A．faces

B．souls

C．hands

D．letters

5 . “The era of global warming has ended and the era of global boiling has arrived,” the UN secretary general, Antonio Guterres, said after scientists confirmed July 2023 was the world’s hottest month on record.

“Humanity is in the hot seat,” Guterres told a press conference on Thursday. “For vast parts of North America, Asia, Africa and Europe, it is a cruel summer. For the entire planet, it is a disaster. And for scientists, it is clear that humans are to blame. Climate change is here, it is terrifying, and it is just the beginning. The era of global warming has ended; the era of global boiling has arrived.”

Guterres urged politicians to take swift action. “The air is unbreathable, the heat is unbearable, and the level of fossil fuel profits and climate inaction is unacceptable. Leaders must lead. No more hesitancy, no more excuses, and no more waiting for others to move first. There is simply no more time for that.”

“It is still possible to limit global temperature rise to 1.5℃and avoid the very worst of climate change but only with dramatic, immediate climate action. We have seen some progress, but none of this is going far enough or fast enough. Accelerating temperatures demand accelerated action.”

The WMO secretary general, Petteri Taalas, said, “The need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is more urgent than ever before. Climate action is not a luxury but a must.”

Other climate scientists confirmed the findings. Karsten Haustein at Leipzig University found the world was 1.5℃ hotter in July 2023 than in the average July before industrialisation.

Marina Romanello, a climate and health researcher at University College London, said, “We have data showing how the very foundations of health are being undermined by climate change. But we still have time today to turn the tide and to ensure a liveable future for us and our children.”

1. What made Guterres feel worried?

A．Global economy.	B．Natural disasters.
C．Serious pollution.	D．Rising temperatures.

2. Why did Gutemes use the phrase “global boiling”?

A．To appeal to quick action.	B．To change people’s concept.
C．To frighten the general public.	D．To make his report vivid.

3. How does the author develop the text?

A．By analyzing some facts.	B．By quoting some experts.
C．By offering statistics.	D．By giving explanations.

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

A．Global Bailing: It Is Time to Act.

B．Global Boiling: Who Is to Blame?

C．Global Boiling: It Isn’t That Serious

D．Global Boling: What Measure Should Be Taken?

6 . Getting around Valencia can be exhausting on foot if you want to see it all, but luckily, the city is very bike-friendly.

Valencia Bike Tour From The City To The Beach
Duration: 3 Hours

This 3-hour Valencia bike tour takes you on a lovely journey from the historic center to the beach where you’ll enjoy a drink at the end. If you’re looking for a truly personalized experience, this is it. The guide is super knowledgeable and gives lots of inside information about the sites you pass and local culture along the way.

Valencia By Night Bike Tour
Duration: 2 Hours

With the warm lights of the historic center’s cobbled streets, cycling around Valencia is so different than in the day. The tour takes you through Turia Park to the City of Arts and Sciences which is impressively lit up at night. As you cycle past different tourist attractions, the guide will let you in on the history and culture of the city.

Valencia Bike Tour
Duration: 3 Hours

Being one of the classical guided bike tours Valencia offers, this takes you to the main tourist attractions in the old town like the Valencia Cathedral, the Silk Exchange, and the Serranos Towers. You’ll bike in Valencia’s longest park, Turia Park, which leads to the City of Arts and Sciences and a must-visit on any trip to the city. On different stops, the guide will fill in with history and anecdotes about the places you pass.

Valencia Group Half-Day Bike Tour
Duration: 3 Hours

This tour takes you through the old town of Valencia where you’ll see the top tourist spots like the Valencia Cathedral and the Silk Exchange along the way on your own. You’ll pass the City Hall and the complex on your way to Turia Park where Valencia’s bike paths are at their best. Eventually, you’ll reach the City of Arts and Sciences where you can admire the modern architecture and learn more about the impressive complex.

1. What can we know about Valencia?

A．It is a city where you’ll feel tired.

B．It has the longest park in the world.

C．Its public transport needs improving.

D．It is well equipped with bicycle roads.

2. Which tour is a night owl likely to choose?

A．Valencia Bike Tour.

B．Valencia Group Half-Day Bike Tour.

C．Valencia By Night Bike Tour.

D．Valencia Bike Tour From The City To The Beach.

3. How does Valencia Group Half-Day Bike Tour differ from the other three tours?

A．It leads to the Silk Exchange.

B．It is a tour without a guide.

C．It offers a drink at the end.

D．It takes longer to finish the tour.

7 . With the winter holiday on the way and time on your hands, you might be looking for something to read. The following are four great books for you.

The Bright Side

Chad Otis is an author and illustrator. His new book, The Bright Side, is about finding hope in desperate situations. Its hero is a boy who lives with his family in an old school bus because they can’t afford to live anywhere else. This is something Otis experienced when he was a kid. He wants kids who are going through similar struggles to know, “You are not alone. Stay strong. Stay optimistic.”

Bunheads

In Bunheads, Misty Copeland tells the story of how she fell in love with dance. As a girl. Copeland was shy and afraid of talking in front of people. Dance helped her get past her fears. “Ballet gave me a language to communicate in a way that worked for me,” she told TFK. “Ballet allowed me to speak... through my body.”

Little Daymond Learns to Earn

Linle Daymond Learns to Ear n teaches kids about money. It’s by Daymond John, who is one of the stars of Shark Tank. With a little creativity and the help of his friends, little Daymond starts a small business. “Every single business that you create does one thing — it finds solutions to problems in life,” he says.

Facts vs. Opinions vs. Robots

What’s the difference between a fact and an opinion? Sometimes, it can be hard to tell them apart. Facts vs. Opinions vs. Robots is a new picture book. It teaches kids about facts and opinions. The book uses robots to show the difference between the two. Michael Rex wrote and illustrated the book, in which he asks questions of the reader.

1. What is Chad Otis’s purpose in writing The Bright Side?

A．To teach some life skills.	B．To share his life story.
C．To inspire kids in difficulty.	D．To help kids to make money.

2. What does Daymond John think all companies have in common?

A．They put profit first.	B．They launch new products.
C．They make discoveries.	D．They focus on solving problems.

3. Who overcame fear with the help of art?

A．Chad Otis.

B．Michael Rex.

C．Daymond John.

D．Misty Copeland.

8 . These days, there’s barely a world leader who doesn’t talk up science. For example, the India’s Prime Minister was the main performer at the annual Indian Science Congress, held in Nagpur, where he encouraged the nation’s researchers to do the science needed to make India self-reliant.

The message to researchers is crystal clear: leaders see science as essential to national prosperity, well-being and, of course, competitiveness. So, is research fit for the challenge of advancing, refining or critiquing these goals? Not exactly. And it won’t be until there is fundamental reform to the gateway to a research career: PhD training.

As Nature and other publications have frequently reported, PhD training worldwide has been in trouble for some time. Students’ stipends (生活津贴) are not enough in most countries, creating a cost-of-living crisis. Early-career researchers constantly report concerns about a constant lack of support and poor-quality supervision, with senior researchers rarely trained in mentorship (指导).

Furthermore, PhD candidates are inadequately prepared for the cross-disciplinary working and large teams that characterize cutting-edge science today. This is especially true for careers outside academic research, where the overwhelming majority of PhD candidates will be heading.

It is not all bad. Universities in a small number of high-income countries have reformed, or are reforming, PhD assessment. But in most places, and especially in low- and middle-income countries, a candidate’s work is still evaluated using a single-authored paper. In many countries, candidates must publish in a journal before they get a PhD, something that critics say could fuel profitable publishing.

The system’s strains have become more obvious because the number of people doing PhD training has been rising sharply. According to the 2022 book Towards a Global Core Value System in Doctoral Education, the number of PhDs awarded in India increased from 17,850 in 2004 to 25,095 in 2016; US figures climbed from 48,500 to 69,525 over the same period. If researchers are to meet society’s expectations, their training and mentoring must escape the nineteenth century.

1. Why is the India’s Prime Minister mentioned in the first paragraph?

A．To indicate India’s serious scientific landscape.

B．To imply more researchers are in great demand in India.

C．To show leaders’ emphasis on scientific research.

D．To demonstrate more and more people take an interest in science.

2. What does paragraph 3 mainly talk about?

A．The reforms in science.	B．The significance of mentorship.
C．The creation of academic culture.	D．The issues early-career researchers face.

3. Which of the following best describes the author’s opinion on PhD training?

A．Disappointed.

B．Satisfied.

C．Indifferent.

D．Enthusiastic.

4. What does the author mainly intend to express in the last paragraph?

A．PhD education is developing gradually.

B．The reforms in PhD training admit of no delay.

C．The number of PhDs awarded has increased in India and the US.

D．The demand for researchers’ meeting society’s expectations is pressing.

9 . Artist Jess Smith loves stopping by her local thrift (旧货) shop. When she walks into the store, she ________ right to the jewelry shelf to search for ________.

Early in June, Jess found something she couldn’t ________ skip over. “It was a very large translucent pendant necklace (半透明的吊坠项链),” Jess described. “I saw a ________ and what seemed to be the year 1973.” For $2, the ________was hers. Jess took it home and used technology to help her ________ the story behind the piece.

She remembered seeing a ________ necklace with the artist’s name, Aaronel deRoy Gruber and began digging into her work and ________ that Gruber was an artist who worked in a huge variety of mediums. In the 1960s and 70s, she was devoted to plexiglass (有机玻璃) and ________ a bunch of these pendant necklaces. She found some ________ for over $1,000. Each necklace was different, and Jess knew she had something ________.

Jess contacted the Aaronel deRoy Gruber Foundation. After a ________ exchange and quick phone call, the group determined Jess had a ________ Gruber piece. Because of the high ________ of the necklace, the value was quoted to be between 2,800 and 3,200.

Realizing it was an art piece, Jess didn’t choose to sell it. ________, she sent it on a special loan to the foundation for them to display.

1.

A．adapts

B．applies

C．heads

D．agrees

2.

A．books

B．donations

C．foods

D．treasures

3.

A．possibly

B．hardly

C．gradually

D．carefully

4.

A．goal

B．signature

C．design

D．strategy

5.

A．loan

B．foundation

C．store

D．item

6.

A．figure out

B．make up

C．come across

D．listen to

7.

A．cheap

B．common

C．similar

D．suitable

8.

A．pretended

B．learned

C．imagined

D．doubted

9.

A．created

B．collected

C．delivered

D．admired

10.

A．lent

B．owed

C．valued

D．stolen

11.

A．alarming

B．available

C．new

D．special

12.

A．message

B．rank

C．greeting

D．plan

13.

A．false

B．real

C．beautiful

D．legal

14.

A．popularity

B．request

C．quality

D．fantasy

15.

A．Otherwise

B．Therefore

C．However

D．Instead

10 . It’s January and time to go back to school. For some, that might be a gloomy prospect after the joys of the post Christmas festive period. For me, though, it’s as exciting as a trip to Antarctica, also as scary as starting a job for which I’m not sure whether I’m qualified.

To be embarking on a master’s degree in Psychotherapy and Counselling at Regent’s University at 71 is perhaps an unlikely route for someone who dropped out of school at 17. But now I’ve come full circle to the conclusion that nothing, for me, feels more stimulating at this point in my life than learning new things. That studying, far from being the bore and the chore it used to be, is a treat.

Turning 70 came as something of a shock. I started to feel I was drifting (飘). Without a big project, and without any major family responsibilities, I was starting to feel I was lying on a bed of thorns. Friends of similar age were lapping up their lives, socializing and travelling. However, I longed for something more. Or perhaps not more, but different.

As the gloom grew, I thought perhaps I needed to see a therapist. A friend, a psychotherapist, suggested that while therapy might be useful, doing a course on the basics of psychotherapy and counselling might be more up my street. Without too much thinking, I decided to give it a shot.

So that’s how every weekday I beep (发出哔哔声) myself through the gate with my student pass, which makes me smile every time. I felt privileged to be exposed to a group of my fellow students who were willing to be open to me.

While ageing is an inevitable process, we can get rid of a lot of the rules about what’s age-appropriate. Studying for a master’s degree in old age is a challenge, but it has provided me with a new perspective on life. Hence, ageing should never limit your ambitions.

1. How did the author feel when going back to school?

A．Unrealistic.	B．Resistant.
C．Awkward.	D．Expectant.

2. Why did turning 70 come as a shock to the author?

A．She achieved nothing before.	B．She lived without a purpose.
C．She had to support her family.	D．She was separated by her fellows.

3. What is the author’s suggestion when facing ageing?

A．Keeping your passions alive.	B．Seeking support if needed.
C．Behaving age-appropriately.	D．Socializing with young students.

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

A．Returning To School — My Dream Since Childhood

B．My Efforts To Learn At An unlikely Age Paying Off

C．Learning — My Way To Overcome The Ageing Crisis

D．My Tough Journey To Pursuing A Master’s Degree