1 . How to Feel Connected

It's easy to feel disconnected from what is going on around you in today's fast-paced world.     1     You can get in touch and feel connected, however, by following the tips below:

Consider why you feel disconnected. Knowing what is making you feel disconnected can help you choose the best ways to address it.     2     Ask yourself these questions: Are you keeping yourself occupied with work too much? Do you rely on electronic communication instead of face to face communication? Do you lack friendships that are satisfying?

Interact with people in person. Technology is a great way to stay in touch, but sometimes you need to spend time with other people in person.     3     You can also take steps to feel more connected by making small-talk with strangers who are sharing parts of your day.

    4    

Your loved ones could feel shy, so you may never know how to improve your relationship unless you ask the right questions. Asking them to open the doors can give you some insight on what you can do. Learning this information can help to strengthen your bond.

Show your commitment to them. Simply showing up and being there for your loved ones says a lot about how much you value your relationships. Putting in the time shows them that you are committed and want to stay connected.     5    

Show appreciation. A simple “thank you” goes a very long way. Unfortunately, it is something that people who are close often take for granted. Telling someone you appreciate their time, love, and efforts can strengthen your bond and help you to become more connected.

A．Ask others what they need from you.

B．Sometimes you can feel isolated and distant from the ones you love.

C．Be brave to express your love.

D．Reach out to people to schedule a time to get together.

E．Attending family events, or simply visiting someone once a week can help to strengthen your relationship and keep it strong.

F．Targeting your efforts toward those issues allows you to close that distance more effectively.

G．You can have a gift delivered to friends on special occasions.

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。

At the age of 17, I formed a band with three classmates. After we won the first prize at our school’s talent show, we decided to see if we could get some local performances. When we found out we’d gotten booked for a charitable event at a large hospital, we were excited. For two weeks, we practiced hard, getting together every day after school to sharpen our skills and learn enough songs to fill a one-hour show.

On the day of the concert, we showed up early to check out the stage. We set up and did a quick sound check, then went backstage to have a soda and rest. While we were back there, the hospital’s entertainment director came over to talk to us.

“Okay, boys, I just want to fill you in on a couple of important details,” she told us. “A lot of the people in the audience are suffering from severe physical or mental disabilities. Also, many of them are very old. Don’t let that alarm you. They have very few chances to see live entertainment of any kind, so they enjoy any kind of musical talent. Just play your regular show, and you’ll do fine.” With that, she left, going to help the volunteers and staff that were assisting the patients to their seats.

Soon enough, it was showtime. Everything was perfect, and we played probably the best show of our lives. We hardly missed a note on any of our songs. Unfortunately, we couldn’t enjoy our performance. As each song finished, there was a short pause. This was the time when the audience would normally applaud. Now, we were getting nothing. Zero. The deafening silence only made us more determined to win the audience over. We tried harder. Loud songs, soft songs, it made no difference. After forty-five minutes, we decided to end our set early. Why bother finishing when no one was appreciating us anyway? We unplugged (拔去) our instruments and went backstage.

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。

A moment later, the entertainment director ran back to us.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Returning to the stage, we played our final three songs.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

3 . I had never been more anxious in my life. I had just arrived at the airport to travel home. As I watched the bus driver set my luggage on the airport sidewalk, I realized my _________ had just begun.

This was my first visit alone to the international terminal (航站楼) of the airport, and nothing was _________. I couldn’t make sense of any of the _________. Where was the check-in counter? I felt as if I were deaf and blind and stupid. I began to _________. I had to find help!

I tried to ask a passing businessman for help, but my _________ came out wrong. He frowned and walked away. I had been in this country for a semester, but could not even remember how to ask for directions. Awful! Another _________ arrived at the terminal, and the passengers came out carrying lots of luggage. Right! I could _________ them to the right place.

I dragged my enormous suitcase, went after them and reached the elevators. Oh, no! They all fit in it, but not enough room for me. I watched _________ as the elevator doors closed. I was abandoned again! I got on the elevator when it returned and _________ all the buttons. Which one could it be? I pressed button 3 because I thought I saw those passengers pressed 3, though only a quick glance. The elevator climbed up to the third floor and stopped. A high, unpleasant noise __________ the opening of the doors, and I looked around __________.

Tears formed as I saw the empty hall and realized I would __________ my plane. Just then an elderly airport employee walked towards me. He guessed I was __________ and offered to help. He patted my shoulder to ease my anxiety. We walked up some stairs, turned a corner, and reached the check-in counter!

When I turned to thank him, he was gone. I never got an opportunity to know that man’s name, but I would always remember his unexpected __________. Without his timely help, I would have missed my plane. I hope I will be able to do the same for another traveler experiencing a(n) __________ journey.

1.

A．anxiety

B．excitement

C．curiosity

D．liberty

2.

A．special

B．wrong

C．familiar

D．perfect

3.

A．counters

B．destinations

C．regulations

D．signs

4.

A．doubt

B．panic

C．weep

D．inquire

5.

A．manners

B．instructions

C．words

D．tones

6.

A．bus

B．plane

C．businessman

D．employee

7.

A．lead

B．follow

C．guide

D．direct

8.

A．in surprise

B．in relief

C．in delight

D．in despair

9.

A．tried out

B．clicked on

C．stared at

D．sorted out

10.

A．announced

B．stressed

C．suggested

D．promised

11.

A．joyfully

B．firmly

C．calmly

D．cautiously

12.

A．aboard

B．miss

C．catch

D．abandon

13.

A．lost

B．upset

C．disturbed

D．embarrassed

14.

A．encounter

B．disappearance

C．kindness

D．guidance

15.

A．awesome

B．unforgettable

C．tiring

D．terrible

4 . Tima Abudhi is a 55-year-old mother of five. When growing up, she remembers watching her neighbors _________ at the mangrove forests (红树林) around her village on Pate Island, on Kenya’s east coast, to build houses or to sell as wood.

As the mangroves _________, so did the fish that live among their roots --- a _________ for the fishing village of Kizingitini. The threat to their livelihoods and homes _________ Abudhi and other women to start replanting the mangroves, often spending all day at the _________, taking time away from caring for their families and _________ their small businesses. Protecting the mangroves over the past few decades has _________ their incomes, but they felt it was a matter of urgency, Abudhi said.

“Replanting the mangroves is not _________. We have to go early in the morning to get the seedlings (幼苗) and then come to the beach and plant them until evening, just before the tides _________ again. We couldn't make __________ time for our businesses,” she said.

Today, the women of Kizingitini no longer have to __________ to both make a living and conserve the mangroves, thanks to a loan scheme that helps them keep food on the table so they can __________ to continue planting. “This has led to increased __________ of women in conservation and community development, as well as reduced __________ inequality,” said Abudhi.

Mangrove forests can __________ flooding and are considered key to controlling climate change and protecting people against warming-linked disasters.

1.

A．cut away

B．settle down

C．set out

D．get up

2.

A．moved

B．disappeared

C．died

D．rose

3.

A．contribution

B．choice

C．disaster

D．luck

4.

A．encouraged

B．motivated

C．forbade

D．persuaded

5.

A．neighbor

B．community

C．beach

D．village

6.

A．selling

B．assessing

C．closing

D．running

7.

A．increased

B．gained

C．produced

D．decreased

8.

A．difficult

B．easy

C．worthwhile

D．suitable

9.

A．return

B．calm

C．withdraw

D．remove

10.

A．hard

B．enough

C．long

D．cheap

11.

A．struggle

B．stop

C．prepare

D．determine

12.

A．attempt

B．witness

C．afford

D．refuse

13.

A．unemployment

B．resignation

C．participation

D．ignorance

14.

A．gender

B．wealth

C．income

D．age

15.

A．cancel

B．keep

C．accelerate

D．slow

5 . Borneo is home to some of the most extraordinary wildlife. Several years ago, I decided to go there for a visit. A local person offered to be my guide, which was a great bonus for me.

One day, my guide turned off the smooth road and took me across a ________ hillside instead. We picked our way carefully when ________, a Rafflesia (大王花) popped into my view among those stones. Oh, dear! More than ________, I bent down and put my nose practically inside the flower’s core.

________, to my surprise, it was only one of the ________ during the trip.

As I ________ the end of my trip, there was still something I had yet to see. We planned to ________ most feared creature there, the saltwater crocodile, which can grow to a ________ of 6 meters or more. When we shone a flashlight towards the muddy shore, little sounds ________ in the darkness as if something unseen underwater had broken the ________ Taking a second look, we spotted two greedy ________ just above the water line. As we drew near, it ________ and we saw clearly it was a crocodile. With great caution, we neared it and finally could ________ its true dimensions. It was a baby-no more than 0. 6 meter long. Aha, whatever, I could now report to the ________ back home, who had never been to Borneo, that I had ________ a hungry crocodile in the wild and lived to tell the tale.

The world out there is so fascinating. Don’t let work run your life. Why not step outdoors and enjoy the wonders nature offers to you?

1.

A．rolling

B．spectacular

C．rough

D．breathtaking

2.

A．suddenly

B．literally

C．definitely

D．ultimately

3.

A．alarmed

B．pleased

C．concerned

D．upset

4.

A．Nevertheless

B．Besides

C．Instead

D．Therefore

5.

A．desires

B．motivations

C．destinations

D．highlights

6.

A．suspended

B．suspected

C．approached

D．valued

7.

A．hold onto

B．pick up

C．reflect on

D．hunt for

8.

A．width

B．length

C．height

D．size

9.

A．emerged

B．paused

C．continued

D．declined

10.

A．mud

B．surface

C．ground

D．shore

11.

A．crocodiles

B．mouths

C．eyes

D．teeth

12.

A．moved

B．sank

C．hid

D．escaped

13.

A．work out

B．let out

C．figure out

D．make out

14.

A．victims

B．opponents

C．folks

D．guides

15.

A．challenged

B．encountered

C．terrified

D．chased

6 . 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。

Terry Townshend is an ecologist from the UK. In late October, he climbed to the roof of a building to check out a hand-sized recording device     1    (lay) there to catch the sounds of migratory birds (候鸟) at Beijing’s Olympic Park. Every two weeks, he came here to collect data and share it     2     universities’ research centres for this year’s bird tracking study.

As a birdwatcher     3     has lived in Beijing for over a decade, Townshend founded a website     4     formed a group for fellow enthusiasts. He works to raise environmental     5    (aware) among people to help save some of China’s most endangered birds, initiating projects to track some of Beijing’s celebrated birds.

Though observing the migratory birds in Beijing    6    (be) one of Townshend’s main activities now, his bond with China was established twelve years ago. At that time, the non-governmental organization Townshend once worked with was invited by the Chinese government     7    (cooperate) in boosting support for China’s general environmental laws on climate change. As the project leader, Townshend came to-China for the first time. After getting to know the country, he decided to stay here for     8    (far) research.

“China     9    (value) the recovery of nature in past decades. With the efforts to carry out various targeted protections toward nature,     10     future looks bright for China’s biodiversity. ”Townshend said.

7 . About three years ago, a tornado attacked our town. My father and I _________ to visit my grandparents to make sure they were okay. Upon arrival, I took my regular seat and _________ with Grandma about what was on our mind to pass the time. _________, the power was out and it got dark in what seemed like a matter of minutes.

Then, Grandma turned to me and asked with _________ eyes that stared right past me, “Now you’re graduating this year, aren’t you?” As a freshman, I was _________, about this strange question. Actually, Grandma could exactly _________ you when every one of her grandchildren was born. _________, I assured her that I was not yet a(n) _________, and still had a few years until graduation.

Soon, my father asked if I was ready to go home. I silently _________ my head—yes. Into the car, I __________ and couldn’t stop weeping. My father asked me what was wrong. “Is Grandma going to __________ my graduation?” I asked.

It took him a long time to respond, “Yes. She may not know where she is, but she will be there, no matter what.” The rest of the car ride home was __________. When we eventually arrived home, I rushed to my room and cried for hours. That night, I could picture that Grandma’s __________ would be changed from the care giver to care receiver.

Ever since that talk with my Grandma, I have matured and __________. Her Alzheimer (阿尔茨海默症) has progressed to about stage 3 now. At my graduation, I was sitting on the stage seeing Grandma there sitting with the rest of my family. “She may not know where she is, but she will be there”. My father’s words __________ in my ears.

1.

A．flew

B．cycled

C．drove

D．walked

2.

A．chatted

B．argued

C．consulted

D．whispered

3.

A．Finally

B．Suddenly

C．Immediately

D．Constantly

4.

A．loving

B．bright

C．watery

D．empty

5.

A．concerned

B．confused

C．cautious

D．curious

6.

A．identify

B．remind

C．persuade

D．tell

7.

A．Shocked

B．Amazed

C．Disappointed

D．Excited

8.

A．assistant

B．freshman

C．senior

D．genius

9.

A．shook

B．nodded

C．raised

D．lowered

10.

A．calmed down

B．cut in

C．called out

D．broke down

11.

A．attend

B．forget

C．celebrate

D．cancel

12.

A．dull

B．smooth

C．silent

D．uneasy

13.

A．character

B．status

C．power

D．role

14.

A．grown up

B．given up

C．cheered up

D．kept up

15.

A．exploded

B．burst

C．rang

D．flashed

8 . There are a number of ways to help improve final exam test scores without staying up all night and cramming (临时死记硬背), for instance, taking advantage of the resources available and taking care of your body.

Stay on top of your work. Completing all of your work by its due date will help you stay on top of the content, minimizing the time needed to prepare for finals.     1     For instance, attending class is a guarantee not to fall behind in your work.

    2     Don’t feel like you need to give equal study time to each course. Look back at your progress throughout the semester. If your grade is borderline, between a ‘C’ and a ‘B’, for example, or you’re hoping to raise your grade, you’ll want to put in a bit more effort.

Find a study partner or a tutor. It is advisable to find a tutor or a study partner at the beginning of the semester as you can bounce around ideas and ask questions while studying. However, stay away from good friends when struggling with the material.     3    

Select your studying environment strategically. You need a quiet studying location free of distractions.     4    . Sometimes colleges open up conference rooms or other spaces to allow additional room for studying during exam week.

Maintain your health in the finals week. Finals can be a stressful time, so make sure you are taking care of your physical self. Exercise is an effective tool in helping your body reduce stress.     5    

A．Keep track of your progress.

B．Figure out which courses to prioritize.

C．But don’t overdo it this week to avoid a muscle injury over finals.

D．If the library, study area, or outdoors does not work for you, keep looking.

E．Reviewing in the finals week is a lot easier if you’ve been keeping up all along.

F．Plus, you will assess time needed for better academic performance prior to the finals.

G．The best study partner is often someone you don’t know well and less likely hang out with.

9 . Want to know what is coming soon to a cinema near you? Probably not a 1.5-hour-long movie, as in the old days. On October 20th comes Killers of the Flower Moon. At nearly three and a half hours, its length is nearly double that of the average film last year. Even movie fans struggle to concentrate for that long and some viewers even nod off. Afterwards there is a mad dash for the toilets. When does watching a film become such a slog?

The Economist analyzed over 100,000 feature films released internationally since the 1930s, the start of Hollywood’s golden age, using data from IMDb, a movie database. The average length of productions rose by around 24%, from one hour and 21 minutes in the 1930s to one hour and 47 minutes in 2022. For the ten most-popular titles, the average length grew to around two and a half hours in 2022, nearly 50% higher than in the 1930s.

One driver of this trend is that studios want to squeeze the most out of their costly intellectual property (知识产权), but they are competing with streaming platforms for eyeballs. The hope is that a spectacular, drawn-out “event” movie will draw audiences away from the small screen and into cinemas. This approach has often paid off: Avengers: Endgame Marvel’s three-hour superhero masterpieces, was the highest-grossing (票房最高的) film in 2019. Last year long movies series made up most of the highest-grossing films in America.

Another explanation for longer films has to do with directors’ growing influence. Who would dare tell the likes of Mr. Nolan to cut out his masterpieces? Moreover, streaming platforms, which do not have to worry as much about the length because viewers can pause whenever they like, may attract big names by promising them sufficient fund and creative freedom. Netflix funded and released three-hour The Irishman in 2019, a film that would have benefited from a decisive editor, Irish or otherwise.

1. The underlined part “a slog” in paragraph 1 refers to a(n)___.

A．pleasure

B．effort

C．conflict

D．feast

2. What can be inferred from paragraph 2?

A．The average length affects the popularity of films.

B．Great advances have been made in film industry.

C．Hollywood starts a golden age of feature films.

D．The average duration of movies has stretched.

3. What sets the trend of longer movies?

A．Competition for the target audience.	B．Thirst for more classic productions.
C．Influence of streaming platforms.	D．Preference for decisive editors.

4. What is probably the best title for the passage?

A．Movie Enthusiasts	B．Movie Marathons
C．Movie Production	D．Movie Influence

10 . At 111, Dr Edith Kaufmann was the second oldest person in the UK. I met her when I ________ at a care home for the elderly in London six years ago. I didn’t realize it would be the start of a close ________, where the age gap spanned eight decade.

At first sight, I was ________ by her self-confidence. Her doctorate (博士学位) told me she was intelligent and ________. From the beginning, I never felt as if Edith and I ________ conversation. Edith could have a full conversation with me about anything, and that her memory stretched back so easily, ________ even small things which took place 100 years ago.

She was also ________. She loved dancing as a child and I recall, only a few weeks before her death, ________ she smiled when I played the waltz and we ________ hands and danced along to the music. Although towards her later years she was ________ to a wheelchair, she still participated in the exercise classes.

As I ________ Edith each week, I realized that I was going as much for me as I was for her. I learnt to take the words of ________ when I could get them. When I have ________ over the years, and small decisions have weighed on my mind, I have ________ nothing more than the opportunity to regain my perspective (视角) on life and what actually ________.

1.

A．studied

B．relaxed

C．volunteered

D．lectured

2.

A．cooperation

B．friendship

C．attention

D．encounter

3.

A．upset

B．embarrassed

C．stressed

D．struck

4.

A．helpful

B．kind

C．bossy

D．sharp

5.

A．lacked

B．enjoyed

C．needed

D．started

6.

A．explaining

B．confusing

C．forgetting

D．recalling

7.

A．artistic

B．literary

C．active

D．capable

8.

A．how

B．why

C．what

D．when

9.

A．shook

B．held

C．raised

D．clapped

10.

A．restricted

B．devoted

C．addicted

D．introduced

11.

A．missed

B．visited

C．called

D．pushed

12.

A．praise

B．greeting

C．wisdom

D．thanks

13.

A．succeeded

B．failed

C．dreamed

D．progressed

14.

A．appreciated

B．provided

C．expected

D．created

15.

A．differs

B．matters

C．exists

D．happens