1 . Is there any such thing as a “salt tooth”? We are familiar with a sweet tooth, and sugar cravings (热望), along with the negative effects of them. We are broadly aware of the disadvantages of too much salt, including high blood pressure, which puts pressure on the blood vessels, the heart and the kidneys. It can also lead to water retention (阻滞). But we don’t tend to police how much salt we eat — at least, not as rigorously as with sugar — or question whether we are listening to our body, which needs some salt for basic muscle function, or is in the control of a desire.

A salt tooth is quite unlike a sweet tooth in that it doesn’t create an appetite for itself at the hormone level. But the more salt you eat, the more you need to get the same satisfaction. This is why chefs can get heavy-handed with it.

As Sam Bloom, a nutritional therapist, explains, “With salt what is generally more concerning is the fat that is used together with it, like salty crisps, fries and fast food. Ready meals are often the worst for hidden salts. Anything that adds flavor that isn’t a herb will probably have salt added to it and is likely to cause cravings... as its flavoring makes you want to cat more. The salt and fat combination in these foods is what causes problems with cholesterol (胆固醇).” She adds, “The salt that people add to a meal is much less concerning.”

Nutritionists’ suggestion is: “When a salt craving hits, avoid going straight for salty snack foods such as crisps and instead ensure you are well hydrated. Seek out whole foods, such as olives and leafy greens. These foods will help you reduce salt cravings, which may often be due to a desire for nutrient-rich food.”

1. What does the underlined word “rigorously” in paragraph 1 probably mean?

A．Strictly.

B．Professionally.

C．Secretly.

D．Carelessly.

2. How is a salt tooth different from a sweet tooth according to paragraph 2?

A．It leads to addiction.	B．It changes the hormone level.
C．It poses challenges to chefs.	D．It makes one’s sense of taste decline.

3. Why does Sam Bloom hold a negative attitude towards ready meals?

A．They make people become lazy and gain weight.

B．They have hidden salt and combine salt with fat.

C．They cost much but have little nutrition.

D．They contain too much herb.

4. What is the last paragraph mainly about?

A．The benefits of nutrient foods.	B．The reason for getting salt cravings.
C．The categories of whole foods.	D．The approach to reducing salt cravings.

2 . 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，并将答案填写在答题卡上。

The traditional Chinese solar calendar divides the year into 24 solar terms. Minor Snow, the 20th solar term of the year begins this year on Nov 22 and ends on Dec 5.

Minor Snow refers     1     the time when it starts to snow, mostly in China’s northern     2    (region), and the temperature continues to drop.

In China,     3    (start) in Minor Snow, the wind blows from     4     northeast a lot. Meanwhile, in the lower and middle reaches of the Yellow River, the average time of the first snow     5    (fall) during the Minor Snow solar term. But because it’s still not very cold, many people do not wear hats yet.

After Minor Snow, the temperature drops     6    (dramatic) and the air becomes dry. It is the best time to start making preserved pork,     7     by the Chinese Spring Festival would be ready to be enjoyed. In the past，when storage conditions     8    (be) poor, people developed many ways to store food and preserved pork is one such example. So even in the bitter winter, the whole family could enjoy meat. Some even say preserved pork is     9    (tasty) than fresh meat.

    10    (keep) warm, people may make some hot and spicy(辣的) food on cold days. Experts say it’s wise not to eat overly spicy food, since that will increase your inner heat.

3 . Shivani Bhalla feels a strong sense of duty towards wildlife, and she wants others to feel it too.

Now based in Samburu in northern Kenya, the conservationist has worked for over 17 years with lions in the region. As lion habitats have become smaller due to land-use change, conflict between lions and humans has increased. Bhalla and her team aim to relieve these conflicts and seek solutions that benefit both sides.

Bhalla has seen firsthand the challenges facing the lions. Kenya’s recent economic growth has also included agricultural and industrial expansion into lion habitats. Habitat loss from agricultural and industrial expansion has created tension between lions and communities. As lions struggle to find enough of their natural prey(猎物), they target livestock. Impacted communities sometimes defend their livestock and livelihoods via killings of the lions.

Habitat changes have also changed the lions’ social structure. “In Samburu,” Bhalla says, “we don’t have prides(狮群). We actually have lions that live alone or live in small groups. Lions adapt to their environment and they learn how to survive with what they have.”

Lions have also changed their behavior in an apparent attempt at self-protection. As soon as they leave protected land and enter more populated areas, they tend to become noctumal—active at night, and hiding in thick bush during the day.

Bhalla and her team have developed a number of successful programs designed to respond to the new reality of increased human-lion encounters. Looking to the future, a Lion Kids camp program provides conservation education and experiences to children. Bhalla says she hopes to inspire these young conservationists to do work in Kenya.

“People talk about children as the next generation of conservationists,” she says. “I like to call them a ‘new’ generation because children can be conservationists today.”

For Bhalla, it’s about more than just saving the species; she’s working to protect something key to national identity.

1. What is Shivani Bhalla’s primary goal in her conservation work?

A．To protect endangered species.	B．To promote agricultural practices.
C．To expand industrial development.	D．To protect lion populations and reduce conflicts.

2. How do lions in Samburu adapt to changes in their habitat?

A．They fight for what they need.	B．They form small groups.
C．They treat humans as friends.	D．They become more active during the day.

3. What can be learned about the Lion Kids camp program?

A．It improves children’s hunting skills.

B．It raises children’s awareness of conservation.

C．It trains children to be professional researchers.

D．It encourages children to become industrialists.

4. What is Shivani Bhalla’s attitude towards children’s potential as conservationists?

A．Uncaring.

B．Doubtful.

C．Confident.

D．Unclear.

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，并将答案填写在答题卡上。

The Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, has     1     （official） been included in the UN’s calendar of conferences and meetings from 2024.

In a unanimous resolution, the UN General Assembly recognized the significance of the Lunar New Year,     2     is celebrated in numerous UN member states. The resolution further urges UN bodies at headquarters and other duty stations     3     （avoid） holding meetings on the Lunar New Year.

The resolution,     4     （adopt） on Friday without a vote, encourages the consideration of this arrangement when drafting future calendars of conferences and meetings.

As a traditional Chinese holiday, the Spring Festival     5     （characterize） by family reunions and wishes for prosperity in the upcoming year. It not only embodies the ideals of Chinese civilization, which emphasizes peace and harmony, but also upholds universal values such as familial harmony, social inclusivity, and a     6     （harmony） relationship between man and nature. Many countries have designated the Spring Festival as a national holiday, and approximately one     7     （five） of the global population celebrates this festival in diverse ways.

The resolution can serve as a testament（证明） to the influence of Chinese civilization     8     strengthen interactions among diverse civilizations worldwide. It also reflects the United Nations’devotion to     9     （promote） values of diversity. The inclusion of the Spring Festival     10     a UN holiday has been met with widespread approval among member states and staff members of the UN Secretariat.

10 . 听下面一段较长对话，回答以下小题。
1. What happened to the woman’s story?

A．It was copied.

B．It was lost.

C．It was stolen.

2. Why is the woman advised to eat something?

A．To avoid her misfortune.

B．To cheer herself up.

C．To kill her time.