1 . Your guide to a no-spend challenge

A no-spend challenge isn’t about total deprivation (剥夺) or freezing your bank account.     1    . The most common form of the challenge is to purchase only necessities and restrain from buying wants and impulse desires.

Assessing and prioritising needs

Before delving (深入探究) into the no-spend challenge, take the time to assess and differentiate your essential needs from your wants. Identify recurring bills, necessary expenditures and essential items. Distinguish them from free spending on non-essential products and services. This initial step lays the foundation for a realistic and sustainable challenge.     2    .

Creating a realistic budget

A successful no-spend challenge is rooted in the development of a well-crafted budget that reflects your financial reality.     3    . Allocate specific amounts for variable expenses such as groceries and bills, enhancing accountability and providing a clear roadmap for responsible spending during the challenge.

Support system

    4    . A firm support system that understands and respects your financial goals creates a positive environment, fostering motivation and solidarity. Share tips, experiences and celebrate milestones together, turning the challenge into a shared journey towards financial consciousness.

    5    

As your challenge concludes, take enough time to reflect on the entire experience. What insights did you gain into your spending habits and priorities? Identify positive changes you want to maintain and integrate them into your long-term financial strategy.

The no-spend challenge is not merely a temporary exercise; it serves as a catalyst for enduring financial wellness. Embrace the journey, learn from the experience and watch as your financial goals transform into realities.

A．Establishing long-term habits

B．Understanding the no-spend challenge

C．It ensures that crucial aspects of your life remain unaffected

D．Begin by outlining your income, fixed expenses and any upcoming financial goals

E．Share your commitment with friends and family, encouraging them to support your effort

F．The no-spend challenge serves as an opportune moment to cultivate mindful spending habits

G．It represents a conscious decision to redirect your financial focus and control your spending habits

2 . With a fragrance (芳香) through the bedrooms of older adults for two hours every night for six months, memories skyrocketed. Participants in this study by University of California, Irvine (UCI)neuroscientists gained a 226% increase in cognitive capacity compared to the control group. The researchers say the finding transforms the long-known tie between smell and memory into an easy, non-invasive technique for strengthening memory and potentially preventing dementia (痴呆).

The project was conducted through the UCI Center for the Neurobiology of Learning & Memory. It involved men and women aged 60 to 85 without memory impairment. All were given seven small containers, each containing a single and different natural oil. People in the enriched group received full-strength oils. Control group participants were given the oils in tiny amounts. Participants put a different container into their room each evening prior to going to bed, and it activated for two hours as they slept.

People in the enriched group showed a 226% increase in cognitive performance compared to the control group, as measured by a word list test commonly used to evaluate memory. Participants also reported sleeping more soundly. The researchers say the results from their study bear out what scientists learned about the connection between smell and memory.

Scientists have long known that the loss of ability to smell, can predict development of nearly 70 neurological and psychiatric diseases. These include Alzheimer’s and other dementias, Parkinson’s and alcoholism. Researchers have previously found that exposing people with moderate dementia to up to 40 different smells twice a day over a period of time improved their memories and language skills, eased depression and improved their sense of smell.

The team would next like to study the technique’s impact on people with diagnosed cognitive loss. A product based on their study and designed for people to use at home is expected to come onto the market this fall.

1. What field may the findings be applied to?

A．Controlling sleep.	B．Exploring smells.
C．Developing skills.	D．Promoting memory.

2. What is paragraph 2 mainly about?

A．Research results.	B．Research process.
C．Research methods.	D．Research purpose.

3. How did researchers assess the performance of the participants?

A．By giving the participants a test.

B．By scanning the participants’ brain.

C．By observing the participants’ actions.

D．By asking about the participants’ feeling.

4. What will the researchers focus on in future?

A．Developing a smell product.

B．The impact of cognitive loss.

C．Application of research results.

D．Doing market research for their product.

4 . 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。

A collection of tombs dating from the Han Dynasty to the Six Dynasties period were discovered in Wulong District of Southwest China’s Chongqing. The tomb dating back     1     the Western Han Dynasty was the most important among them, and more than 600 precious     2     (culture) relics such as lacquerware (漆器), wood ware, bamboo ware, pottery and bronze ware were unearthed from it. Due to     3     (fill) with water, the tomb remained undisturbed and unharmed, and the funerary objects were well-preserved.

What is exciting about this     4     (discover) is not just the large number of unearthed artifacts but also the list of burial items that indicate a precise record of burial,     5     has been verified as 193 BC,     6     (provide) clarity on the tomb’s date. A piece of unearthed jade ware shows the important position of the tomb owner. The list of burial items found in the tomb is complete and     7     (clear) records the name, quantity and size of the funerary objects.

The tomb     8     (contain) the largest quantity of lacquered wood and bamboo ware ever found at one time in the upper     9     (reach) of the Yangtze River. Based on publicly available information, it is also the earliest tomb of the Western Han Dynasty found in China with     10     clear recorded year.

5 . I was on my way to go to a job interview when I was stopped by Officer Jenkins. When I ________, both of the brake lights went out. Thinking that I was stopped for a(n) ________ traffic check, I reached for my driving license and registration. I was even ready for a(n) ________.

As he ________ the car and saw I was pulling out my stuff, he ________ said, “Don’t worry about pulling anything out. I just want you to be ________ that your brake lights are out.” I was immediately ________ because I had just got them replaced last month. I explained to him how the garage mechanic wanted to ________ me $600 just to run a test on the wiring of the car.

He looked at me with a ________ and told me to pop the trunk. With a simple tap here and a tap there, Jenkins managed to get the brake lights ________ again.

I was moved by his ________. He could have easily given me a ticket, but he stepped out of ________ role and into mechanic role to make sure I was straight. His action reminded me of the profound impact a ________ act of kindness can have. It’s a call to recognize those who go the ________ mile, who do more than what’s ________ of them.

1.

A．pushed forward

B．pulled over

C．counted down

D．choked up

2.

A．routine

B．legal

C．criminal

D．urgent

3.

A．quarrel

B．eruption

C．ticket

D．excuse

4.

A．tackled

B．suspended

C．inspected

D．approached

5.

A．immediately

B．awfully

C．subsequently

D．deliberately

6.

A．informed

B．aware

C．inferred

D．sure

7.

A．thrilled

B．delighted

C．upset

D．panicky

8.

A．charge

B．pay

C．fine

D．award

9.

A．style

B．flash

C．smile

D．symbol

10.

A．contracting

B．competing

C．cooperating

D．working

11.

A．generosity

B．kindness

C．guidance

D．discovery

12.

A．engineer

B．designer

C．officer

D．citizen

13.

A．fluent

B．challenging

C．suitable

D．small

14.

A．extra

B．ideal

C．amazing

D．hard

15.

A．convinced

B．required

C．reminded

D．expected

6 . When trash sculptor Stephanie Hongo meets friends for drinks or dinner, it’s not unusual for one of them to hand her shopping bags full of lids, empty soap bottles, and even a Barbie leg or two. By now, she’s used to neighbors, friends and even strangers giving her their recyclable rejects.

But Hongo doesn’t need any more garbage. She has a large collection of her own at home. “You don’t need to be a trash picker to do this,” she says. “Trash is everywhere.” And for Hongo, where there is trash, there is art. Since 2017, Hongo has crafted complex sea creatures, realistic-looking jungle animals and other creatures out of everything from plastic forks to plastic tubing as well as a hair dryer, a purse, a tooth brush, and even a hair straightener.

Starting with her first piece—a blue deer named Yandoo that she fashioned out of odds and ends laying around her flat, which she screwed together and spray painted in a makeshift basement art studio—she’s gone on to create more than 160 trash sculptures.

“I feel very fortunate,” says Hongo, who loves making a living as an artist. “I care about our environment. The upcycling aspect of it is a lovely byproduct.” Though she doesn’t consider herself a true eco-artist, she hopes she’s inspiring others to reuse items that usually end up in landfills. But for her, she says, “The art comes first.”

Before starting each project, Hongo figures out exactly what pieces of scrap (废旧的) metal, tubing and plastics she’ll need to transform the pile of junk on her worktable into something fantastic, like a majestic octopus (章鱼) rocketing through the coral or a cute koala hugging a tree.

Since her funky creations sell on line at prices starting at $400, she’s been fortunate enough to make trash sculpting her full-time career. “It’s so much more than I ever expected,” she says.

1. Why does Hongo say “You don’t need to be a trash picker to do this”?

A．Because it is hard to pick trash.

B．Because there is trash everywhere.

C．Because her friends give her enough.

D．Because she has a large collection of trash.

2. What does Hongo expect others to learn from her art form?

A．To enjoy art.	B．To collect trash.
C．To trash sculptures.	D．To recycle waste.

3. What does Hongo do before starting each project?

A．Find enough fantastic shapes to copy.

B．Put away the things on her works.

C．Make out what materials suit her works.

D．Figure out what her pile of junk is made of.

4. Which of the following can best describe Hongo?

A．Creative and inspiring.	B．Diligent and practical.
C．Helpful and generous.	D．Humorous and determined.

7 . Successful wildlife conservation goes hand in hand with community education and engagement. Volunteers work with community leaders and schools to share their passion for conservation and the environment.

Rhino Conservation in Zimbabwe

The project is home to an internationally renowned Black Rhino Breeding and Release Programme which has supported Zimbabwe’s rhino population since the mid 1980s. To date, 20 rhinos have been born at the conservancy, with 12 rhinos successfully released back into the wild. Volunteers play a role in securing the future of this once-again endangered animal, working alongside anti-poaching rangers (反偷猎护林员), working on rhino research projects and getting involved in the daily care of both black and white rhino.

Our Rhino Conservation Programme is a unique hands-on opportunity to get behind the scenes and experience day-to-day life on a private conservancy, and be involved with the protection and conservation of Zimbabwe’s endangered black rhino.

The aim of the programme is to assist the reserve’s established Black Rhino Breeding and Release Programme, collect meaningful data and information relating to rhino and wildlife conservation and animal behaviour, and engage with the local community about wildlife conservation.

Cheetah (猎豹) Conservation

In 2021, two captive-born male cheetah were introduced to the conservancy as part of an international rewilding programme. The cheetah are now free-wandering in the reserve, and volunteers play an important role in monitoring and observing their behaviour, tracking their movements and recording their hunting rate.

Volunteer Work

Volunteers contribute to a long-term conservation project and get involved with a variety of conservation activities:

·Work alongside rhinos, cheetah and elephants

·Conservancy management

·Wildlife monitoring

·Anti-poaching patrols and snare sweeps

·Educate school-children about conservation, wildlife and the environment

·Learn about what is involved in running a conservancy

1. What can we say about Black Rhino Breeding and Release Programme?

A．Its work pays off.	B．It is limited to Zimbabwe.
C．It is home to two cheetah.	D．It has a history of 50 years.

2. What should be recorded about the cheetah?

A．Their birth rate.	B．Their hunting rate.
C．Their area of activity.	D．Their sleep schedule.

3. Who are likely to apply for the volunteer work?

A．Those who live outside Zimbabwe.

B．Those who prefer to work at home.

C．Those who like engaging with animals.

D．Those who would like to make a fortune.

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。

As The Jungle Book song Bear Necessities goes, “forget about your worries and your conflict” can be a little bit difficult when you find yourself face to face with a real bear.

Bears are common in the Northern Hemisphere. As human habitats stretch toward the wilderness, more and more animals cross their paths with those of humans. This can lead to dangerous encounters especially when precautions are not in place. In these situations, keeping your distance is still the best advice.

According to the National Park Service, one should also remain calm as bears, more often than not, are not really willing to attack you. Once in a standoff (对峙), avoid making sudden moves or loud noises as these can trigger aggression. 7-year-old Huxley did exactly what he was told when he encountered a massive bear.

It was a Sunny morning. Huxley was wandering on his way home when a big hulking (笨重的) figure emerges from behind him. A hurried glance backward, he knew it was a black bear. The bear approached cautiously at first, probably sizing up the figure in front of him. A second later, perhaps judging that Huxley was no match for it, the bear burst into a full sprint (冲刺) and ran its way toward the boy.

At first, Huxley was really frightened. However, he knew it was impossible to run or fight with the big beast. In the moment of crisis, he remembered his mother reminds him regularly about these possible encounters. She tells him that if Huxley finds himself face to face with a bear and there are no adults around, he should remain calm.

Huxley calmed down at thinking of this. He stared at the bear down without any movement. This might have been the reason why the young bear stopped dead in its tracks. They faced each other motionless, and there was only a foot distance between them.

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。

From around the corner, a neighbor hurriedly walked to the scene.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The neighbor continued to pressure the bear while the animal tried its best to find an escape route.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

9 . Researchers have proposed a novel method for counting and tracking vehicles on public roads, a development that could improve current traffic systems and help travelers get to their destinations faster.

Using the cameras already installed on campus buses at the Ohio State University, researchers proved that they could automatically and accurately measure counts of vehicles on urban roadways, detect objects in the road and distinguish parked vehicles from those that are moving.

In previous studies, Ohio State researchers found that using these mobile cameras provides much better spatial and temporal (时间的) coverage than relying on often temporarily placed sensors that don’t provide a view of many streets and roads in a city.

“If we collect and process more high-resolution (高清) spatial information about what’s happening on the roads, then planners could better understand changes in demand, effectively improving efficiency in the broader transportation system,” said Keith Redmill, lead author of the study.

“If we can measure traffic in a way that is as good or better than what is conventionally done with fixed sensors, then we will have created something incredibly useful extremely cheaply,” he said. “Our goal is to start building a system that could do this without much manual intervention because if you want to collect this information over lots of potential vehicles and lots of time, it’s worth fully automating that process.”

While still a long way from total implementation (实施), the study suggests the system’s results bear promise for the future of intelligent traffic surveillance. Transportation planners, engineers and operators make vital decisions about the future of our roadways, so when designing transportation systems to work over the next 30 to 50 years, it’s necessary that we give them data that allows them to improve the efficiency of the system and the level of service provided to travelers.

1. How can cameras on buses benefit travelers?

A．By shortening their travel time.

B．By making their schedules tight.

C．By decreasing their transport cost.

D．By improving their safety awareness.

2. What can we know about the sensors placed on buses?

A．They provide more spatial coverage.

B．They can’t detect objects on the road.

C．They cover less view of the urban traffic.

D．They accurately record the flow of traffic.

3. What does the underlined word “surveillance” in paragraph 6 mean?

A．Operation.

B．Monitoring.

C．Protection.

D．Arrangement.

4. What is a suitable title for the text?

A．Transportation automation is on its way

B．It is time to improve the efficiency of traffic system

C．Transportation planners use cameras to make policies

D．Cameras installed on buses can better measure traffic

10 . Many Silicon Valley parents are becoming more concerned about preventing their children from using screens. Some parents think that even a little screen time can be extremely addictive, so it is better if their children avoid using or seeing these devices completely. However, it is difficult for working adults in the 21st century to give up using a phone at home. So, it’s simpler to employ someone to do this.

“Silicon Valley nanny (保姆)”, who takes children back to a time without screens every day is widely needed. From Cupertino to San Francisco, it’s widely agreed that screen time is harmful to youngsters. Therefore, parents are requesting nannies to keep phones, tablets and computers in a hidden place. Others even offer no-phone agreements.

Research shows that spending too much time on technology can harm young minds. For example, teenagers who use social media frequently are more likely to feel depressed and anxious. Insomnia (失眠) rates have also increased amongst this age group, and an increasing number of children display the signs that they can’t focus attention. These seemingly minor (轻微的) problems could become significant challenges for future generations.

“Many parents come back home and focus on their smartphones, ignoring whatever their children are trying to say,” said Shannon Zimmerman, who works as a nanny in San Jose for families that forbid screen time. “As a nanny, I also call on more parents to spend more time with their kids.”

1. Why are the Silicon Valley nannies greatly needed according to the text?

A．To help parents and children balance work and life.

B．To teach children how to use technology responsibly.

C．To keep children away from screens.

D．To encourage children to exercise.

2. What is the result of spending too much time on screens for teenagers?

A．Feeling confused.

B．Feeling anxious.

C．Feeling bored.

D．Feeling nervous.

3. What does Shannon suggest parents do?

A．Encourage their children more.	B．Play games with their children.
C．Stop using smartphones at home.	D．Spend more time with their children.

4. What is the text about?

A．Parents concern about screen time for children.	B．Children are addicted to screen time.
C．All parents limit children to phones.	D．Science has no effects on young minds.