1 . Houses covered in ivy are an attractive sight to see. But many gardeners fear that ivy causes major structural damage to buildings and long to remove it whenever they can, right? Not so, says James Wong, a botanist and science writer.

“I am always surprised by how often gardening can be so driven by fear.” he says. “The thinking behind this is that climbers harm brickwork and can cause structural damage to buildings.” But few fears are based on any scientific evidence. And frequently, the exact opposite is true.

In a 2020 study from the Royal Horticultural Society, climbing plants like ivy were found to have a protective effect on model brick buildings constructed for the experiment. The shade by the plants’ leaves cooled the surface of the buildings in summer by as much as 5.7°C. What’s more, ivy didn’t significantly raise humidity levels (湿度) －rather, it helped stabilize them, minimizing the damage to the buildings’ surfaces. The living coating also lowered summer temperatures inside the buildings by up to 7.2°C and reduced heating bills by as much as 20 percent in winter.

What about real-world, well-used buildings, whose outside may have experienced centuries of environmental damage? Another study from 2011 found that in five historic buildings across England, bare walls experienced average maximum temperatures 36 percent higher and minimum temperatures 15 percent lower compared with those coated in ivy. The researchers concluded that the living insulation (隔热) provided by ivy would “reduce the likelihood of frost and salt damage to the building materials, thus contributing to their conservation”. They also found in another study that the leaves’ ability to trap pollution could reduce the damage to historical walls.

Imagine if there was a new material that could cool cities and cut energy bills. The truth is that we have had this miracle material all along, but rather than appreciating it, we have spent huge amounts of time worrying about how to get rid of it.

1. Why do gardeners want to remove the ivy?

A．To get rid of their fear of ivy.

B．To make the houses more attractive.

C．To confirm previous scientific evidence.

D．To protect the brickwork and structure of the building.

2. What can we learn from the 2020 study?

A．Climbing plants increase heating bills in winter.

B．Climbing plants can severely damage brickwork.

C．Climbing plants raise humidity levels against brickwork.

D．Climbing plants reduce the temperature of buildings in summer.

3. How can ivy benefit historical buildings?

A．It improves the visual appeal of old buildings.

B．It removes pollutants from the surroundings.

C．It protects building materials from frost and salt damage.

D．It promotes the energy efficiency of historical structures.

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

A．Ivy: a troublemaker of preserving the old building

B．Ivy: an unexpected helper in buildings conservation

C．The environmental impact of ivy on modern architecture

D．The need for a new material to cool cities and cut energy bills

2 . My life is full and active taking care of my grandson. But weeks ago, he headed for an overseas holiday, I was left feeling _______ and lost. I needed something extraordinary to lift my _______.

Then one day, I entered the Coffee Club near my home and _______ a cup of coffee. I settled into a comfortable sofa, _______ tasting the delicious drink. After a while, I approached the waitress and handed her my _______. She smiled and said, “That’s already been paid for.”

I looked at her in _______. “Really?” Then she said the words I’ll never forget. “It was a _______ of kindness, and it happens a lot.”

I was shocked. I never really _______ these things though I had heard about them. Today, I _______ it firsthand. Good, kind people are out there in the world. And they ________ when you need them most. I left home this morning feeling, somewhat lost. I returned with a ________ in my step, excited about sharing my story and ________ the kindness.

Two weeks later, I paid for a girl in the Coffee Club. The only thing is, this time, the Coffee Club did it ________. The waiter pointed me out. She couldn’t believe it and ________ me. I simply smiled, explaining that I was passing on the ________ I’d received not long ago.

1.

A．embarrassed

B．flat

C．patient

D．content

2.

A．sights

B．fortunes

C．spirits

D．voices

3.

A．mixed

B．ordered

C．prepared

D．served

4.

A．awkwardly

B．confidently

C．restlessly

D．leisurely

5.

A．bill

B．receipt

C．drink

D．license

6.

A．desperation

B．relief

C．surprise

D．shame

7.

A．test

B．gesture

C．feeling

D．power

8.

A．believed

B．enjoyed

C．refused

D．inquired

9.

A．pursued

B．avoided

C．confirmed

D．experienced

10.

A．hang around

B．break in

C．show up

D．move on

11.

A．pain

B．load

C．drag

D．spring

12.

A．repaying

B．evaluating

C．shaping

D．delaying

13.

A．secretly

B．regularly

C．differently

D．casually

14.

A．puzzled

B．rejected

C．comforted

D．thanked

15.

A．courage

B．kindness

C．respect

D．honor

3 . Oxford’s world-class museums house rare treasures from the natural world as well as amazing art and handicrafts. The museums are also a valuable study resource for students and academics.

Ashmolean Museum

Where: Beaumont Street, OX12PH

When: 10:00-17:00

The Ashmolean Museum is home to the university’s collection of art and archaeology. Founded in 1683, it was the first public museum in the UK and is one of the oldest in the world. Particularly relevant to: Ancient and Modern History.

www.ashmolean.org

History of Science Museum

Where: Broad Street,OX13AZ

When: 12:00-17:00

This museum houses an unequaled collection of historic scientific instruments, including Einstein’s blackboard and the first cultures of the lifesaving antibiotic Penicillin.

Particularly relevant to all science and history courses.

www.hsm.ox.ac.uk

Oxford University Museum of Natural History

Where: Parks Road, OX13PW

When: 10:00-17:00

The museum houses an impressive range of scientific collections of zoological and geologicalsamples in a spectacular Victorian building.

Particularly relevant to: Biology; Earth Sciences.

www.oum.ox.ac.uk

Pitt Rivers Museum

Where: Parks Road, OX13PW

When: 10:00-14:00

The Pitt Rivers Museum is home to a remarkable collection of man-made objects from all partsof the world, famous for its celebrated displays and its leading role in contemporary research.

Particularly relevant to: Archaeology and Anthropology; History of Art.

www.prm.ox.ac.uk

1. If you want to know more about Penicillin, which website should you surf?

A．www.hsm.ox.ac.uk.	B．www.oum.ox.ac.uk.
C．www.ashmolean.org.	D．www.prm.ox.ac.uk

2. What is Pitt Rivers Museum especially related to?

A．Art and archaeology	B．Undergraduates studying.
C．Historic scientific instruments.	D．Collections of man-made objects.

3. The purpose of the text is to get people to ______.

A．study history	B．preserve heritage
C．visit museums	D．appreciate handicrafts

4 . The backpack you take can make or break your trip when you go traveling. Here are the four best travel backpacks on the market.

Amazon Basics 70L

It’s much cheaper than many travel bags on the market and does not sacrifice any of the practical uses or space that comes with more expensive bags. The bag may not be as luxury as some of the more high-end bags, but its simple style lets you focus on the main thing you need to focus on when traveling: the moment.

Eurohike Nepal 65L

The Eurohike Backpack is a great choice because of how adaptable it is. Besides having a great amount of storage, it comes with an internal security pocket. It weighs just 1.38kg as opposed to other backpacks, which can weigh up to nearly 2kg. If you’re going to go hiking when you travel, then it is perfect.

Mountain Warehouse Tor 65L

First, its brand is one of the most trusted in the industry, so quality is guaranteed. Second, the backpack’s adjustable back allows you to change how the bag fits according to your needs. Available in both blue and green, this is a great choice if you want a bag that you can depend on.

Osprey Europe Farpoint 70L

Osprey is one of the best brands for backpacks. Its frame (框架) suspension, which can be adjusted to different needs, allows you to travel more comfortably. Whether you’re visiting Switzerland in a thick, wool coat or the south of France in shorts and a T-shirt, the bag will match your look. This bag does say it is marketed for men, but, of course, it can be unisex.

1. What is the selling point of the Amazon Basics?

A．Its luxury style.	B．Its fashionable design.
C．Its huge space for use.	D．Its good value for money.

2. What do Mountain Warehouse Tor 65L and Osprey Europe Farpoint 70L have in common?

A．They are rich in color.	B．They have the same capacity.
C．They can be adjusted as needed.	D．They are targeted for male customers.

3. Which will you choose if anti-theft function is a concern?

A．Amazon Basics 70L.	B．Eurohike Nepal 65L.
C．Mountain Warehouse Tor 65L.	D．Osprey Europe Farpoint 70L.

5 . 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。

Volha Halpyarovich, from Belarus,     1     (experience) the healing power of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) as a child. “When I caught a cold or had a cough, my mom used to make a cupping, a technique that involves placing cups on the skin     2     (create) suction (吸力),” said Halpyarovich.

After she moved to China over 12 years ago, she became even more crazy about Chinese medicine. Living in a community with a drugstore     3     Chinese traditional herbs and medicine were sold, Halpyarovich met an experienced doctor. The wise old gentleman began with a thorough diagnosis, checking her pulse, examining her tongue, and observing her eyes. To her surprise, he accurately pointed out her health issues     4     talking too much.

TCM views the body as     5     universe connected with nature. It focuses on improving blood circulation and removing blocks,     6     (lead) to enhanced well-being. After following the treatment, Halpyarovich felt     7     (good). She believes that traditional Chinese medicine is not only a kind of treatment, but it’s a lifestyle.

As more people seek harmony with nature and within     8     (they), Halpyarovich recommends traditional Chinese medicine. “I find it to be a complex and     9     (benefit) method that is in agreement with the goal of living in harmony,” she said. From cupping to personalized herbal treatment, she encourages others to explore the diverse and useful       10     (approach) that Chinese traditional medicine has to offer.

6 . The Ladakh region, the northernmost plateau of India, sits more than 3,000m above sea level. The tall Himalayan mountains stop the _________ rains from coming there. So Ladakh has usually been _________ in the sun for 300 days per year. Floods were _________ unheard of before. However, floods have _________ four times since 2010 owing to climate change.

A decade and a half ago, the Ladakhi land provided villagers with a _________ water supply. Winter snow melted (融化) to _________ rivers and provided water for agriculture in the spring. But climate change has seen average winter _________ in Ladakhi rise. The snow melts faster, _________ villagers with little or no water in the spring. More and more _________ are leaving.

Despite that, there is __________ for this region. In 2019, engineer Sonam Wangchuk __________ unmelted ice under a bridge, sheltered from the sun. __________, he had an idea. Wangchuk wanted to help villagers __________ water in winter which could be saved for use in the spring. Freezing it in the shape of a cone (圆锥体) could maximize the volume of ice per surface area exposed to the sun and __________ the amount of time it would take to melt.

The engineer and a team of local people began looking for the best way of creating cones of ice. Eventually, they did it. Now named ice towers, they have gained __________ all across Ladakh.

1.

A．heavy

B．cold

C．daily

D．annual

2.

A．lost

B．bathed

C．trapped

D．hidden

3.

A．virtually

B．eventually

C．frequently

D．accidentally

4.

A．decreased

B．risen

C．occurred

D．escaped

5.

A．limited

B．stable

C．unique

D．changeable

6.

A．slow down

B．clean up

C．divide

D．feed

7.

A．temperatures

B．snowfalls

C．fogs

D．rivers

8.

A．surrounding

B．helping

C．leaving

D．equipping

9.

A．hikers

B．farmers

C．engineers

D．businessmen

10.

A．doubt

B．fear

C．peace

D．hope

11.

A．remembered

B．searched

C．noticed

D．measured

12.

A．Then

B．Besides

C．However

D．Instead

13.

A．carry

B．produce

C．freeze

D．purify

14.

A．lengthen

B．save

C．display

D．reduce

15.

A．fame

B．strength

C．victory

D．popularity

7 . If you’re traveling with your family and looking for great fun in Iceland, check this list of family-friendly tours. These tours help you make the best of your family vacation.

Ice caving tour on Langjokull Glacier (冰川)

On this Langjokull Glacier tour, explore the world’s largest man-made ice cave. A 20-ton monster truck will take you to the entrance of the cave, located close to the top of the glacier. Then hike through the 500m long ice tunnel with separate frozen halls and admire brilliant blue ice formations. You’ll dream about this ice cave experience for years to come!

Whale watching tour from Reykjavik

Hit the high seas on a Dalvik whale watching tour. Witness humpback whales, blue whales, minke whales and even dolphins! In true Icelandic fashion, you will get the chance to try your hand at sea fishing. Your fresh catch will be barbequed Icelandic-style when the tour ends, the perfect way to wrap up the day.

River rafting (漂流) down Gullfoss Canyon.

Whether you’re an expert or beginner, Iceland’s white waters attract people of all skill levels. Your tour begins at Drumboddsstadir, continues down the Hvita River and ends in Bruarhlod Canyon, located at the foothills of Gullfoss Waterfall. The waters will lead you past a water-carved gorge and over a few steep rapids on an unforgettable adventure of a lifetime.

Old farm hike

On this tour we’ll be aiming for the old abandoned farm at Kleif — watching out for the Arctic wildlife that lives in the area, including reindeer and plenty of birds. Upon arrival, we’ll go on a fully guided tour of the farm and hear stories of how Icelanders managed to survive in this unfriendly place. Finally, we’ll enjoy some warming refreshments at the farm after an educational day in the wilderness.

1. What do we know about the ice cave?

A．It is artificial.	B．It has a secret entrance.
C．It lies under a glacier.	D．It is the deepest in the world.

2. Which tour might appeal to adventurers most?

A．Ice caving tour.

B．Whale watching tour.

C．River rafting.

D．Old farm hike.

3. What can you do on the old farm hike tour?

A．Have a barbecue in the wilderness.	B．Learn farming from local people.
C．Practice hunting Arctic animals.	D．Explore the history of the farm.

8 . Over the past few months, the Let Them Theory has been making waves online. It started when Mel Robbins, a popular motivational speaker, shared it on Instagram. In her video, Robbins talks about the importance of letting go of control in certain situations, advocating for a model shift in how we interact with others.

Robbins insists that too often, we waste time and energy trying to push others into meeting our expectations. Instead, she proposes a simpler, more liberating approach: “letting them” be themselves. “Let them be themselves because they are revealing who they are to you. Just let them. Then, you get to choose what you do next.” she said.

Dr. Sophie Mort, a clinical psychologist and mental health expert, offers deeper insights into the psychological foundation of this Theory. She said that our natural desire to control others often originates from a need to relieve our own anxieties and uncertainties. However, such attempts often result in disappointment and exhaustion as we realize the uselessness of our efforts. Basically, the theory emphasizes the acknowledgment that we cannot control the actions or decisions of others. It urges us to give up the burden of forcing our desires onto those closest to us and accept the mindset of acceptance.

While the theory may not be formally recognized in clinical settings, its principles connect with established concepts such as acceptance and mindfulness. It shows the essence of acceptance and commitment therapy, emphasizing the importance of accepting our thoughts and feelings without judgment. Meanwhile, marriage and family therapist Chapell Marsh further explains the resemblance between the theory and the psychological concept of “locus of control.”

The theory received a lot of positive responses. Many claim that adopting this approach has fostered harmony and minimized conflicts in their interactions. However, it’s urgent to recognize the limitations of the theory. While it promotes acceptance and nonjudgmental attitudes, it must not be employed in situations where safety is compromised or where necessary conversations are avoided. “Avoiding difficult conversations can lead to problems,” said Chapell Marsh.

1. What’s the core of the Let Them Theory?

A．Taking control of others in every situation.

B．Letting others expose their true self to us.

C．Pushing others into meeting our expectations.

D．Insisting on our way of interacting with others.

2. Why do people want to control others according to Dr. Sophie?

A．To be satisfied with themselves.

B．To make others accept their mindset.

C．To ease their own worries and doubts.

D．To force their desires onto the closest ones.

3. What does the author convey in paragraph 4?

A．The Let Them Theory should be recognized clinically.

B．We should accept our thoughts and feelings without judgement.

C．Marriage and family relationships need psychological concepts.

D．The Let Them Theory is consistent with the existing accepted theories.

4. In which situation should the Let Them Theory be avoided?

A．Your friend’s safety is being threatened.

B．Someone says something mean behind your back.

C．Your kids don’t want to get up and go shopping with you.

D．Your friends are not inviting you out to brunch this weekend.

9 . I was filled with doubts and worries until my grandfather told me to stand tall.

For me, height was my trouble. I was much taller than other girls, so I often bent (弯曲) my body at the back of the line. I had always felt unsafe as the tallest student of my class in Bala Cynwyd. And I wasn’t looking forward to entering the ninth grade.

My grandfather didn’t laugh at me. Instead, whenever I tried to bend myself in order to appear shorter, he would tell me “Stand straight and tall, Alisa”. I trusted my grandfather more than anyone else in my childhood. And whenever I was afraid of something, he always told me stories of his life.

My grandfather grew up in war-torn (战乱的) Europe. “Stand straight, stand tall” meant something else then. After the war, he went to America. He lived a hard life. “If they could do it, why couldn’t I?” “Stand straight, stand tall,” he often reminded himself. Thanks to the help of a friend, my grandfather got a job. He once told me that he was very nervous at first. He was not only trying to learn this hard new job but also a new language.

“Stand straight, stand tall,” he would always tell himself. I am so proud of my grandfather. After listening to my grandfather’s unusual experiences, I have changed the way I look at my own life.

“Stand straight, stand tall” has become not only a piece of advice to improve my posture (身姿). It also tells me to be proud of who I am.

And I do.

1. Why did Alisa often bend her body?

A．She lived hard with her grandfather.

B．She was much taller than other girls.

C．She always stood at the back of the line.

D．She didn’t want to enter the 9th grade.

2. Where did Alisa’s grandfather go after the war?

A．Europe.

B．Asia.

C．America.

D．Africa.

3. What did Alisa’s grandfather’s experiences affect her?

A．They made her feel unsafe.

B．They taught her to accept herself.

C．They changed her attitude to her grandfather.

D．They told her his success completely depended on friends.

4. What does “Stand straight, stand tall” mean in the passage?

A．Making yourself look beautiful.	B．Taking care of yourself.
C．Being proud of yourself.	D．Reminding yourself.

5. What’s the best title for this passage?

A．Stand Straight, Stand Tall	B．My Grandfather’s Life Stories
C．My Colorful Experiences	D．The Help of a Friend

10 . LEM NADE

LUCKY DRAW

WIN a brand new car.

WIN a free trip to BANGKOK (曼谷) for 3 days/3 nights.

WIN a wonderful LEMONADE T-shirt!

1st Draw (抽奖): 100 wonderful “Lemonade” T-shirts to be given away.

Date/Place: 25 June 2023 Score Villa.

LEMONADE LUCBY DRAW Name: ______ Address: ______ Tel: ______ Age: ______ Occupation: ______ Closing date: 23 June 2023

2nd Draw: 2 free trips to Bangkok to be won.

Date/place: 27 June 2023 Mode Shopping Center.

3rd Draw: 1 brand new car to be won.

Date/Place: 29 June 2023 Rose City.

To enter, just buy $10 worth of “Lemonade” products and e-mail your completed entry form and receipt to: whluckydraw@qq.com.

All unclaimed prizes will be given away to Children’s home. (All prizes to be claimed by 30 July 2023)

1. How many times can you draw?

A．Two.

B．Three.

C．Twenty-five.

D．One hundred.

2. When is the last day to enter the “Lemonade Lucky Draw”?

A．23 June, 2023.

B．25 June, 2023.

C．29 June, 2023.

D．30 July, 2023.

3. Where will the draw for the car take place?

A．Score Villa.

B．Charity.

C．Rose City.

D．Mode Shopping Center.

4. Which one is the most possible to win?

A．A free trip to Bangkok.	B．A brand new car.
C．A lemonade T-shirt.	D．A wonderful card.

5. Which is NOT true according to the information above?

A．If you get a brand new car, you must claim it in a month.

B．To enter the draw, your entry form and receipt should be e-mailed.

C．You should buy $10 worth of “Lemonade” products to enter the draw.

D．If the prize is not claimed, it will belong to the Lemonade company.