1 . I was standing in front of a stranger’s house, rescue box in hand, my head full of instructions to follow. It would be my first test as a volunteer wildlife rescuer. A call had come through that afternoon from a man: an unknown bird was attacked by other birds. He saved the victim. Could someone please help to transfer it?

I was anxious even at the door: would I be able to transfer it neatly into my rescue box? I entered the house, lifted a shoebox and saw a bird standing on thin legs, shaking. Hesitating for quite a while, I decided to transfer the whole shoebox into my rescue box.

Back home, I could see no obvious sign of injury, but it refused to eat the bird food I provided. I phoned a specialist. She told me this species hunts insects on the wing, so keeping it longer than overnight would make it starve. I released it and it flew high immediately. “What would be different for this delicate creature this time around?” I wondered. Nothing. But at least it would win its life again.

That was in 2009. My first rescue was a second chance for the bird as well as for me. Five months earlier, I’d received a cancer diagnosis. After the treatment, I recovered but was told I couldn’t take on my former work, which would worsen my physical condition. I was at the point where I didn’t know how to schedule my days. Then I heard about a wildlife rescue group that was seeking volunteers and holding a course. I’d been attracted by animals ever since I was a young girl but had always thought that I’d missed that boat. Then I found the boat again.

I did the course and acquired qualifications. All I had to do was wait for a rescue call. And it came: it was in a box waiting, just for me.

1. What can we learn about the author in her first wildlife rescue?

A．She forgot rescue instructions.	B．She experienced high pressure.
C．She lacked proper tools for rescue.	D．She was skilled in doing the rescue.

2. What would probably happen to the bird after the release?

A．It would die from the injuries.	B．It would find the food it desired.
C．It would seek someone for adoption.	D．It would be too weak and get starved.

3. Why did the author take on bird rescue?

A．To try a new hobby.	B．To relieve her work stress.
C．To find life’s meaning again.	D．To cure her disease completely.

4. Which is the most suitable title for the text?

A．The Skills of Rescue	B．Wildlife Protection
C．Our Second Chance	D．Thoughts after Cancer

2 . 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.

3 . Most Popular UK Destinations for a Staycation

Looking for a cheap stay cation to brighten up your winter? Here are the most popular destinations in the UK.

Blackpool

Whether you’re seeking the thrills of Blackpool Pleasure Beach or are keen to catch a glimpse of Blackpool Tower, the city’s most appealing attraction, the seaside town offers various amazing views. It’s no wonder the town has gained 980.8 million views on TikTok. With accommodation price £75 for a night, you’ll have a golden opportunity to enjoy Blackpool's Illuminations (彩灯) display and the Seaside Trail.

Searborough

North Yorkshire’s Scarborough sees 49,500 monthly searches and 686.4 million views on TikTok. One of the local highlights is the annual St Nicholas Fair. While a one-night stay in Scarborough costs £85, the town offers holiday-makers opportunities to experience ancient British culture at the 12th-century castle ruins.

Swansea

The Welsh town sees 27,100 monthly searches and has 622.4 million views on TikTok. Swansea’s Waterfront Wonderland brings with it the Alpine Village and various amusement attractions. Spending a night here costs just 10 pounds more than in Scarborough. But if you book a week earlier, you can get a 5 percent discount in total. With Cardiff only being an hour’s drive from Swansea, you have the perfect opportunity to catch a game of ice hockey.

Bournemouth

Bournemouth isn’t called Sunny Bournemouth for nothing, as holiday-makers can enjoy breathtaking views along the Jurassic Coast. With a World Heritage Site within its borders, it’s no surprise to see this town with the high number of views on TikTok (868.3 million). A one-night stay will cost you £105, giving you the perfect opportunity to get relaxed.

1. What is the most attractive in Blackpool?

A．Blackpool Pleasure Beach.	B．Blackpool Tower.
C．The Illuminations display.	D．The Seaside Trail.

2. How much will a tourist at least pay for a night in Swansea?

A．£ 70.

B．£ 85.

C．£ 85.75.

D．£ 90.25.

3. Which of the following has the second-highest number of views on TikTok?

A．Blackpool.

B．Swansea.

C．Scarborough.

D．Boumemouth.

4 . Summer Vacation Package in Iceland

Explore the best of Iceland with this five-day summer package. See Iceland’s main attractions, taking in the wonders of Iceland’s South Coast as you go. Let us take care of the details of planning your perfect trip to Iceland while you focus on the adventure.

What the package offers   

This tour package is all-inclusive, making the most of your stay in Iceland. It includes four-night accommodation, all transportation, and tours of all the best locations. With this package, you’ll avoid spending weeks planning that perfect Iceland journey. We’ve already covered the planning part to save you from all the trouble. We also made this tour available for a reasonable price.

What you can do here

You can choose to hike on a glacier with an excellent view of the South Coast before you reach Jokulsarlon and Diamond Beach. You’ll see the most impressive waterfalls, an other-worldly black sand beach, grand glaciers, and active volcanoes. You can go horseback riding, exploring Iceland’s wondrous regions. You could also go snowmobiling on Langjokull glacier. You might even spot a polar bear paying a visit from Greenland.

Precautions for tourists

●Book now to save on costs and choose a date to check availability.

●You can add extra options during your day if sightseeing at some of the most popular places in the nation isn’t exciting enough.

●Though you travel there in summer, warm clothing and waterproof equipment should be prepared as the weather is changeable.

1. What impresses you most about this tour package?

A．Free accommodation.	B．Thoughtful arrangement.
C．Public transportation.	D．Extremely low price.

2. What can you do during your 5-day stay here?

A．Surf near the black sand beach.	B．Go to see polar bears in Greenland.
C．Get a good view of active volcanoes.	D．Ride a snowmobile pulled by horses.

3. How can you save your travelling charges?

A．By choosing a proper date.	B．By preparing warm clothing.
C．By adding extra tour options.	D．By reserving tickets in advance.

5 . Don’t worry, for you are all responsible young people, well ________ (prepare) and well equipped to successfully manage the challenges of the years ahead. (所给词的适当形式填空)

6 . It has given me everything I asked it for. You’ve changed lots, Jimmy. I never ________ (think) you were tall by two or three inches. (所给词的适当形式填空)

7 . Literary festivals all over the USA offer opportunities for readers to meet their favorite authors and learn about their new projects. You can start planning your next literary vacation!

Summer Words
Dates: June 19-22
Price: Free

It’s one of America’s most respected literary festivals and writing conferences. Authors are able to attend advanced workshops in order to improve the craft of writing. Besides, they can meet editors and literary agents and attend public panel discussions to gain inspiration and insight.

Book Bonanza
Dates: June 23-24
Price: $250

It is a celebration of books covering multiple styles and always nets a huge list of incredible author attendees. What makes it stand out, however, is not just its impressive list of attendees: it’s the charitable focus. All proceeds are donated to charitable causes, including those that benefit women and children.

Los Angeles Times Festival of Books
Dates: April 22-23
Price: Free, although indoor panels will require tickets

It is a massive celebration of books and the bookish community, with book signings, panel discussions with distinguished professors and experts, art performances and book giveaways. The two-day event has grown to become an essential element of the L.A. cultural scene.

Imaginarium Book Festival
Dates: May 20-21
Price: Free, but VIP tickets for early entry to signing rooms ($45), tickets for the brunch ($50)

It celebrates all things about fantasy and science fiction. In addition to panels where authors will answer your questions, you’ll get to meet and acquire signed books from your favorite authors and have the option of brunching with them at the cosmic (宇宙的) brunch buffet.

1. In which literary festival can you catch a show?

A．Summer Words.

B．Book Bonanza.

C．Los Angeles Times Festival of Books.

D．Imaginarium Book Festival.

2. What is special about Book Bonanza?

A．Its profits go to charity.

B．It’s meant for women and children.

C．It doesn’t charge admission fee.

D．It features workshops for notable writers.

3. What can you do in Imaginarium Book Festival?

A．Get an author-signed photograph.

B．Dine with your admiring writers.

C．Interact with science fiction supermen.

D．Obtain one-on-one reading training.

8 . The Guilford County Department of Public Health is hosting two rabies (狂犬病) clinics this month in honor of World Rabies Day on Sept. 28. The rabies vaccination (接种疫苗) will cost $5 per shot and will protect your pet for one calendar year. Dogs mustn’t get loose and cats must be kept in cages.

The State of North Carolina requires dogs and cats to be vaccinated. The health department recommends that other animals that have regular contact with humans, such as horses, should be vaccinated as well. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the rabies virus causes approximately 55,000 human deaths worldwide each year, with most of the deaths occurring in children under 15.

The rabies virus is transmitted through the bite of an infected animal. When an animal has rabies(or is rabid), the virus circulates throughout its body and is transmitted to other animals or humans through its saliva. The most commonly infected animals are raccoons (浣熊), bats, skunks, and foxes.

The best ways to keep your pet from becoming rabid are to keep it tied when in public, as unchained pets are easily exposed to wild animals. Feed your pet indoors if possible. Wild animals will break into your basement, outbuildings, or garage to seek food, so be sure the storage location you select for your pet food is secure. Moreover, do not try to touch, feed, or rescue wild animals. Do not pick up dead animals as the virus could still be present.

This year in Guilford County, the majority of the animal rabies cases have involved raccoons, with foxes in a very close second place. Guilford County has recorded fifteen cases of animal rabies thus far this year.

1. Which of the following is required to have a pet vaccinated for rabies in Guilford County?

A．Food for pets.	B．A cage for dog.
C．Fee of five dollars.	D．A permit for pets.

2. What does the underlined word “circulate” in paragraph 3 mean?

A．Spread.

B．Cycle.

C．Move.

D．Pass.

3. Which of the following animals would most likely be a carrier of rabies?

A．A raccoon.

B．A shark.

C．A squirrel.

D．A fox.

4. Which is a good recommendation for people to keep their animals free from rabies?

A．Feed your cat in the kitchen.

B．Allow your pets to go outdoors alone.

C．Let your dog run free at the local pavement.

D．Store your dog food in a container without lid.

9 . If you’re feeling in the mood for grilled food but don’t have a barbecue, then deciding what product to purchase can be a bit difficult. So to help you get a better understanding of just some of the choices available, here’s our guide to buying a new BBQ.

Charcoal vs Gas

The first decision is how your BBQ is going to be powered. There are essentially two main choices: the traditional way with charcoal, or the quick and convenient way with gas. For those who get frustrated with the process of lighting coals and waiting for them to reach the desired temperature, then gas is the easy option. It’s clean and gets up to temperature in an instant. But for many, the main fun of a barbecue lies in the back-to-basics cooking that hot coal brings natural barbecue fire. You’ll also find a far greater range of charcoal barbecues.

Size

For anyone who likes to throw a garden party with a busy barbecue at the centre of the action, there are some vast grills (烤架) available. But unless you’re regularly feeding the masses, then these BBQ beasts can be impractical. Smaller meals are better suited to smaller equipment, so be realistic about the size that best suits you.

Open grill or lid

While facing the barbecue selection of your nearest retailer, you’ll notice that some of them have lids. These will usually be round and will make you pay more than the lidless options. But if you want the benefit of being able to cook larger items over a longer period of time, such as a whole chicken, then a lid will be essential.

1. Which BBQ is suitable for Jack, who likes back-to-basics cooking and often invites friends to the garden party?

A．Gas barbecue in small size.	B．Gas barbecue in big size.
C．Charcoal barbecue with big grills.	D．Charcoal barbecue with small grills.

2. What is the difference between the open grill and the one with a lid?

A．The open grill costs more.	B．The open grill looks superior.
C．The open grill is more reliable.	D．The open grill is less suitable for larger items.

3. Which column of the magazine is the passage most likely selected from?

A．Lifestyle.

B．Business.

C．Culture.

D．Sports.

10 . Outdoor Observations: K-5th Grade Student Competition

CALLING ALL OUTDOOR EXPLORERS! The Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) wants you to go outside and observe the world around you! You are asked to find something in the outdoors that you think is interesting and discover more about it! Take the chance to win one of our outdoor explorer bundles(包)! Four prizes will be awarded to two winners per grade band —— two for K-2nd grade and two for 3rd-5th.

A completed project should include:

·A photo or drawing of the interesting thing you observed outdoors.

·A question that you have about the interesting thing.

·What you think the answer to your question is.

·An investigation into whether your answer is correct or not.

Please note:

·You must be a student in a U.S. school.

·If your submission is a link, make sure the privacy and sharing settings allow reviewers to access it. If it is not accessible, it may not be scored.

·Do not include your last name on your presentation——just first name and state. You can put your personal information on the submission form, but for your privacy when we upload, we

will need your presentation without personal identification.

·Make sure you include your parent’s contact information so we can get their permission to post your file on our website.

·The contest opens on May 1, 2024. The deadline for submissions is 11:59 pm. EST on May 31, 2024.

·Winners will be announced in late June.

If you have any questions, please contact STEMEd@orau.org.

1. What is the purpose of ORISE’s competition?

A．To test students’ observation ability.

B．To promote outdoor explorer bundles.

C．To encourage students to explore the outdoors.

D．To compare outdoor education in U.S. schools.

2. What should be included in a completed project?

A．The links you have referenced.

B．The reason you choose the thing.

C．The facts you know about the thing.

D．The picture of the thing you choose.

3. What is required of the contestants?

A．Including a parent’s contact information.

B．Making submissions before May 1, 2024.

C．Emailing projects to STEMEd@orau.org.

D．Writing their full name on the presentation.