1 . Travel the World Virtually-Leave home without leaving home

Have you ever longed to take a trip, but you just don’t have the time or the financial resources? If so, consider touring via virtual reality (VR), which has embraced tourism with open arms. This innovative technology is reshaping the way people experience destinations by breaking down geographical barriers and providing unique journeys. An AI tour is cost-effective and allows you to see the world without leaving the comfort of your living room.

You might argue that you don’t have a VR headset, but no matter. Two travel styles are available: monoscopic and stereoscopic. Monoscopic VR videos can be viewed on a mobile phone or a computer. By clicking on or dragging across the screen to rotate (旋转) the field of view, you are able to explore an entire area. Stereoscopic VR videos use VR headsets that make you feel as if you were actually present at a destination. The software in the headsets tracks your head movement, so by just turning your head, you can explore each new scene in a more realistic way. No matter which method you choose to “travel,” these virtual travel experiences aim to give you a credible experience.

Besides inspecting an area that you might want to visit but can’t, you can virtually preview a place and make more informed decisions about it. You’re able to clearly see the exact location of a hotel or the distance from it to surrounding attractions. Make no mistake, travel agencies, hotels and destination marketing organizations are using this tool to their advantage. By creating virtual experiences, businesses can amaze their audience and arouse interest in specific destinations or accommodations.

VR in tourism goes beyond leisure; it also plays a vital role in education and cultural preservation. By digitally documenting, archiving (把……归档) and sharing its information, the nonprofit CyArk is aiding in the preservation of endangered cultural heritage sites through VR exploration. To foster a broader understanding of the world, students can now take virtual field trips to formerly inaccessible historical sites and cultural landmarks.

1. Which of the following is NOT the advantage of touring via virtual reality?

A．reasonable expenses	B．geographical limits
C．pre-trip decisions	D．cultural awareness

2. Which one of the following is the characteristic of stereoscopic?

A．You can explore the entire area on your phone.

B．You can actually be present at your destination.

C．You can explore each new scene by dragging across the screen.

D．The software in the headsets is necessary and helpful.

3. VR in tourism can benefit the following except ______?

A．travel enthusiasts with a tight schedule	B．disabled people with accessibility challenges
C．tourism-related businesses	D．students eager to experience practical field trips

4. Where can you probably find the passage?

A．a geography text book	B．a tourist advertisement
C．a scientific website	D．a health guide handbook

2 . Florida is a desirable place to retire because of the suitable cost of living and location close to the beach. In addition, it has provided different kinds of services to support the retirement community. Here are some best Florida cities for retirement.

Miami

Population: about 605,800

Share of population age 65+: 18.2%

Median monthly rent: about $1,500

Miami has higher housing and costly health care, so seniors retiring in Miami need to face the higher cost of living. However, it offers retirees plenty of activities. It’s more expensive, but the rich cultural experience, dining, shopping, and health care services are top-tier.

Fort Myers
Population: about 752,200
Share of population age 65+: 28.4%
Median monthly rent: about $1,300

Fort Myers scored well on the desirability and happiness metrics (指标). Many retirees are able to comfortably afford a home, which frees up retirement income for other important expenses. Seniors in Fort Myers can create a relaxing beach retirement lifestyle, even on a limited budget.

Tallahassee
Population: about 382,700
Share of population age 65+: 14.6%
Median monthly rent: about $1,000

Tallahassee has four clear seasons, and its short winters are colder than the state’s coastal areas. Housing is more affordable here than in other Florida cities. Retirees can take classes at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Florida, or enjoy one of Tallahassee’s many museums, historic sites and parks.

Ocala
Population: about 370,000
Share of population age 65+: 28.5%
Median monthly rent: about $990

This equestrian (马术) town is best known for award-winning horses. Retirees can attend horse shows and equestrian events and enjoy regular horseback rides. Ocala’s inexpensive housing makes it easy to relocate to the area. The Ocala National Forest has hundreds of lakes, rivers and springs where you can swim and fish.

1. What is an advantage of Miami?

A．It offers services in a wide variety.	B．It gives the suitable cost of living.
C．It provides discount housing.	D．It organizes volunteer activities.

2. Which is the best if retirees want to get education after retiring?

A．Miami.

B．Fort Myers.

C．Tallahassee.

D．Ocala.

3. What can retirees do in Ocala?

A．Create a beach retirement lifestyle.	B．Explore the depth of the forest.
C．Visit many historic sites.	D．Take part in equestrian events.

3 . Challenges are part of life and something we can all expect to encounter at one point or another during our lifetime. We handle challenges differently;some of us choose to face them head-on, while others flee in uncertainty.     1    The following are simple methods and strategies we can all employ to overcome challenges more effectively.

    2     Nike couldn’t have said it any better with their slogan, "Just do it! "Some challenges require us to do just that. Grab the bull by its horns and have the courage to conquer it, no matter how unsure we might feel. Some challenges are urgent and require immediate attention, leaving us with no option but to go ahead full-steam.

Educate ourselves. The reason why some issues prove challenging for us is that we aren’t familiar with them.     3     The internet, books, forums, etc. , offer platforms where we can research and learn about our challenges to find strategies against them. Knowledge is definitely powerful and essential in conquering anything.

Be persistent. This is what is required to accomplish anything, especially when it comes to overcoming challenges. No matter how difficult our challenges might be, we must be willing to push through and try again and again until we achieve victory over them.     4    

Ask for help. There are times when we can’t go it alone and need others to help us conquer whatever challenges we face.     5     Networking with like-minded individuals who can offer us support, suggestions, and solutions is useful in helping us overcome challenges.

A．Meet them head-on.

B．Adapt a different strategy.

C．It is said that two heads are better than one.

D．If we give up, we allow the challenges to conquer us instead.

E．Therefore, our knowledge and ability to conquer them is limited.

F．Whatever our positions, we all wish to conquer them and move on.

G．Some challenges can be overwhelming, making us question our ability to overcome them.

4 . 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.

5 . Resilience (适应力) is the ability to renew from hardship and possibly also grow stronger in the process.     1     When we face difficulties, instead of giving in to desperation, we can choose, as hard as it may seem in the moment, to accept resilience. This means recognizing our own inner strength and determination to overcome challenges.

    2     Of course it forces us to face our fears and doubts. Each time we tolerate a difficult experience, we build resilience, making us better equipped to handle future challenges.

Turning hardest moments into learning opportunities requires self-reflection. When we encounter difficulties, it’s essential to take a step back and ask ourselves tough questions.     3     What can we learn from it? Reflecting on our experiences allows us to gain valuable insights and wisdom. As long as we obtain learning, understanding, and insight from it, they can become gifts and sources of strength and wisdom over time.

Life’s challenges often bring us into contact with the suffering of others. Experiencing hardship can promote empathy for those with similar difficulties. This newfound empathy can lead to a desire to help and support others. Turning our pain into an opportunity to connect with others on a deeper level can be incredibly rewarding.     4    

As irony as this may sound, life would be incredibly boring and possibly meaningless if we had no problems to solve. Difficult moments often require us to think critically and find solutions to complex problems in ways we wouldn’t otherwise.     5     When we encounter obstacles (障碍)”, we are pushed to explore new views, seek creative solutions. Without obstacles, we wouldn’t ever discover what we’re truly capable of and a lot of our potential would be wasted.

A．Where was I from?

B．What led to this situation?

C．Hardship often reveals our true resilience.

D．By dealing with challenges, we learn how to face hardship.

E．It is a quality to turn hardest moments into learning opportunities.

F．By offering support, we not only help others but also create satisfaction.

G．These challenges can be seen as opportunities to develop problem-solving skills.

6 . Peter worked at a grocery store. Recently, he _______ a second job to help pay for his sick friend Dan and his own son’s _______.

Although the job was boring, there were times Peter especially _______. At that time the supermarket was _______, being full of customers. One day, a young woman named Angela caught Peter’s _______ when she turned to her two children, “Sorry, babies. Mommy can’t _______ to get your sweets and snacks, so please put them back, okay?”

The children began to cry and Angela tried to _______ them. Then Peter quickly swooped (接近) in, _______ to help her to pay for the _______. Peter was glad to see the children happy and Angela a little at ease.

The next day Angela returned to the store and explained to Peter, “Thanks for your kindness. It really ________ a lot. I’m a single mother and lost my job, so things are a bit ________.”

“Well, I am ________ aware of your situation. I need help with my friend’s medical bills and my kid’s college. Nothing comes cheap.”

Angela was grateful for Peter’s help. Peter’s actions and ________ touched Angela, and she thought to herself, “This man had his share of ________, yet he was still kind enough to________ and help me. I should pass this kindness on.”

1.

A．watched over

B．put aside

C．took up

D．gave up

2.

A．shopping

B．schooling

C．travelling

D．housing

3.

A．enjoyed

B．expected

C．deserved

D．imagined

4.

A．quiet

B．noisy

C．dirty

D．crowded

5.

A．interest

B．impression

C．attention

D．feelings

6.

A．decide

B．afford

C．promise

D．expect

7.

A．calm

B．save

C．encourage

D．protect

8.

A．continuing

B．preferring

C．offering

D．preparing

9.

A．toys

B．food

C．clothes

D．drinks

10.

A．improves

B．wastes

C．changes

D．means

11.

A．tough

B．positive

C．unique

D．natural

12.

A．hardly

B．basically

C．slightly

D．completely

13.

A．efforts

B．words

C．requests

D．suggestions

14.

A．troubles

B．rights

C．styles

D．choices

15.

A．impress

B．rescue

C．remind

D．comfort

7 . Why is it important to learn a foreign language? Basically, the advantages of learning foreign languages have the ability to set you up for success in many aspects of your life.     1    .

It opens up a world of job opportunities

We all know the business world is developing fast.     2    . They can’t do it without hiring people who have a grasp on at least one foreign language. Even in small and local companies, chances are that the ability to speak a second language will set you apart from other applicants.

It grows your brain

Studies have proved the cognitive (认知的) benefits of learning another language, no matter how old you are. They have shown that people who can speak two languages tend to have bigger brains and better memories.     3    . Not only do these advantages make it easier to learn yet more languages, they also make it easier to learn something well.

It makes you more open-minded

    4    . To educate is to lead out of confinement (禁闭), narrowness and darkness. Learning a foreign language and getting into an entirely new culture and worldview is a great way to become an open-minded, understanding and tolerant individual.

It helps you better understand your own language and culture

Learning a foreign language can actually bring you an opposite psychology. You will have a better understanding of your cultural customs. Besides, you’ll pay more attention to the grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation patterns of your first language.     5    .

A．Check out these reasons to study a foreign language

B．It is all about learning how to truly connect with others

C．Foreign language study is simply part of a very basic education

D．More companies than ever are doing business in many countries

E．Those people are usually more creative and better problem solvers

F．Speaking a foreign language can open up a number of probable friends

G．This possibly explains the reasons of your improvements in language skills

8 . Poetry has a place in the curriculum of primary schools. It can be taught as part of reading, writing, and language lessons, and it fits easily into classroom themes, projects, and celebrations.     1    . Here are four reasons to teach poetry in the classroom.

Build Reading, Speaking & Listening Skills

The unique thing about poetry is that we often read aloud, repeat often, and share in groups. When children are listening to poems orally, they are building their listening skills     2    . When sharing poems in a classroom, look at, and read them together. Children are strengthening their reading skills and building reading fluency through repeated reading.

Explore Language & Vocabulary

    3    . Children can learn about phonics and letter sounds by listening for and locating rhyming words. A poem can be used to teach vocabulary, sentence structure, parts of speech, and many grammar skills. Poetry also builds vocabulary. Children get exposed to words they have not heard before, and they listen to them in context.

Inspire Writing

Learn about how poems are created and the words they contain. It is the first step in writing.     4    . In poetry, we learn how to put words together to form meaning and context. We learn how to choose the right words to create imagery and effect. Writing poetry is a transferable skill that will help children write in other ways and styles.

    5    

Poetry is a form of expression. Writing it lets us get out our feelings and thoughts on a subject while reading it encourages us to connect and find meaning in our experiences. Poetry can have a positive impact on the social and emotional learning of children. It may offer them a new way of thinking about something. It can put things into words that children may not know how to express otherwise.

A．Build a Love for Reading

B．Encourage Creative Thinking

C．It can add additional value to our studies

D．Poetry often contains words that rhyme for effect

E．Different types of poems have various components

F．Children have a natural curiosity to foster and encourage with poetry

G．They learn to attend to the words they hear and think about what those words mean

9 . It’s no secret that sleep is important to your overall health, but a lack of sleep could have great effects on your heart, a new study shows. The researchers said people with insomnia(失眠症)are more likely to have a heart attack.

Insomnia is the most common sleep disorder in the US, the researchers wrote in their report, noting that 10% to 15% of people in the US struggle with it. The meta-analysis of previously published research suggests that the potential association between insomnia and heart attack risk is strongest in women.

Dr. Martha Gulati, director of prevention at the Cedars-Sinai Smidt Heart Institute, said that most of her patients are women and that insomnia is a noted risk factor for women who have had any form of ischemic heart disease. “We see it probably in 1 in 10 patients in the United States,” said Gulati, who was not involved in the new research. “It is my impression that almost everyone experiences insomnia at some point in their life. The estimate is that 1 in 2 adults experience it at some point in their life, maybe in the short term because of stressful moments.”

For their analysis, the researchers defined insomnia as a sleep disorder with three main symptoms(症状): Difficulty falling asleep, difficulty staying asleep and waking early and being unable to fall back asleep.

The study also found an association between increased heart attack risk and how long a participant slept each night. Those who slept five hours or less had the highest association with heart attack risk and were 1.56 times more likely to have a heart attack than people who slept seven or eight hours. Longer sleep duration wasn’t always more protective. The study found that people who slept six hours a night had a lower risk of a heart attack than those who slept nine hours or more. “A lot of studies have pointed somewhere between seven and eight hours of sleep being the magic number for us,” another researcher said. “There is obviously variability for everyone, but too much sleep is rarely the issue.”

1. What’s the function of the first paragraph?

A．To list a fact.	B．To warn the readers.
C．To introduce the topic.	D．To draw the readers’ interest.

2. What can we infer from Gulati words?

A．Insomnia is unavoidable in the short term.

B．Insomnia is a common phenomenon in life.

C．Heart attack often happens during insomnia.

D．Women are less experienced in dealing with insomnia.

3. What inspiration can we get according to the sleeping time?

A．Put quality before quantity.	B．Too much is as bad as too little.
C．Bite off more than one can chew.	D．Hope for the best, but prepare for the worst.

4. What’s the author’s attitude to the relationship between insomnia and heart attack?

A．Pessimistic.

B．Indifferent.

C．Objective.

D．Positive.

10 . Njobati, a young woman from Cameroon, faced a challenging journey when she moved from her English-speaking area to a French-speaking area of the country to attend university. The sharp differences between these areas, once part of the British and French empires, made it difficult for her to fit in, which led her to examine her own identity—who she truly was.

Seeking guidance, she turned to her grandfather who also felt disconnected from his own culture. He expressed sadness about what the Nso had lost both culturally and materially, including Ngonnso statue. Ngonnso was the founder of Nso dating back to the 14th Century, whose statue was an important cultural symbol for the Nso. However, it was taken by the Germans in 1902 and has been housed in Berlin’s Ethnological Museum ever since.

Inspired by her grandfather’s desire and saddened by the loss of culture, Njobati made a promise to bring back the statue. She believed it would not only achieve her grandfather’s wish but connect her with her Nso heritage again.

Njobati did many researches about the statue and former unsuccessful attempts. She realized that restitution (归还) was actually about facing the colonial ( 殖民主义的) past. Njobati decided to try differently. To gather support online and offline, Njobati began a grassroots campaign. She organized meetings in community halls and churches, met people one-on-one, and used the power of social media.Through Twitter, she established contact with the Ethnological Museum.

Njobati’s tireless efforts paid off. She was told that a decision about Ngonnso statue was coming, which was an important moment for her.

“Finally, this is happening. Not just for me, but for the Nso people, and for Cameroon,” She cried. “This also lends a hand to other communities that are seeking justice for stolen culture relics.”

1. What made Njobati decide to bring back the Ngonnso statue?

A．Her interest in colonial history.

B．Her grandfather’s identity problem.

C．Her desire to reconnect with Nso culture.

D．Her experience in attending university.

2. What did Njobati do to gain support for her campaign?

A．She did wide and complete researches.

B．She turned to her grandfather for guidance.

C．She contacted the Ethnological Museum directly.

D．She organized meetings and using social media.

3. What does “this” refer to in the last paragraph?

A．The fight for the statue.	B．The promise she made.
C．The grassroots campaign.	D．The return of the statue.

4. What can be a suitable title for the passage?

A．A fight against colonialism.	B．A cultural fighter.
C．A promise for grandpa.	D．A stolen cultural symbol.