1 . A team from Newcastle University and Northumbria University in the UK has found that the thin, root-like threads produced by many fungi (真菌) can potentially be used as a biodegradable, wearable material that’s also able to repair itself.
In their tests, the researchers focused on the Ganoderma lucidum fungus, producing a skin from branching thin threads, which together weave into a structure called a mycelium (菌丝体). With a little more work, the fragile skins could serve as a substitute for leather, satisfying environmental and fashion tastes.
“The results suggest that mycelium materials can survive in dry and unfavourable environments, and self-repairing is possible with minimal intervention after a two-day recovery period, ” write the researchers in their published paper. However, the process used to produce these materials tends to kill off the fungal spores (孢子) that help the organism regenerate itself.
A new approach involving a mix of mycelia, proteins, and other nutrients in a liquid encouraged the growth of a skin. The results are currently too thin and delicate to be turned into a jacket. However, the researchers are confident that it’s possible that future innovations could turn it into a tougher skin, possibly by combining layers or plasticizing in glycerol. Crucially, the production process didn’t kill off the fungal spores. Tests on the material showed that it was indeed able to replace holes made in it. The material was as strong as before, though it was still possible to see where the holes had been.
“Due to their functional properties, the ability of this regenerative mycelium material to heal micro and macro defects opens interesting future prospects for unique product applications in leather-goods replacements such as furniture, automotive seals, and fashion wear,” write the researchers.
There’s a long way to go here before you’ll be wearing clothes made out of fungus. The growing and healing processes take several days to happen at the moment for example, something which could be sped up over time.
1. What did the team find in their tests?| A．An alternative to fungal spores. | B．Thin threads shaped like roots. |
| C．Many different fungi. | D．Mycelium materials with self-healing function. |
| A．The recovery period of fungal spores. |
| B．Crises of mycelium materials’ survival. |
| C．Imperfection in producing mycelium materials. |
| D．The method of intervening organisms’ regeneration. |
| A．It speeds up the creation of mycelia. | B．It keeps fungal spores from destruction. |
| C．It makes the holes in materials invisible. | D．It combines the liquid with layers of skin. |
| A．A flash in the pan. | B．Promising but challenging. |
| C．Inspiring but unachievable. | D．A growth and decline cycle. |
2 . The magic of baseball is its fluid connection between players, each in the right position at the right time, playing their part to perfection. When a team is on the site of competition, there is nothing more breathtaking than baseball. But it takes a lot of practice to look effortless.
That’s what was happening —practice —one afternoon when the Valley High School team was distracted by a scream for help. Coach Brett Sawyer heard the noise and saw the en-tire team rushing towards the parking lot, jumping over fences.
One of their schoolmates was stuck under a car that had accidentally backed over her. One of the players, Chas Roberts, remembered afterward, “You had to do what you had to do to save someone’s life.” The players quickly surrounded the car, each taking a hold, and lifted the car. An assistant coach was then able to pull the girl out from underneath the car. She is expected to make a full recovery.
Maybe it’s the connection human beings have with each other, rushing in to help when it’s needed. And maybe playing together as a team became natural because each knew what to do. Or maybe it’s both. Maybe, deep inside, we all know that we are on the same team.
The next day, the varsity team lost their last game of the year. But winning was a little less important to them that day. The coach was proud of them for what they accomplished and said, “To be honest, we might not have the best baseball team around, but we do have a great group of guys.”
The magic of life is the fluid connection between people: how they love, how they share, how they help. There is nothing more breathtaking than the game of life well played.
1. What is the magic of baseball?| A．Right position and right time. |
| B．Strong team members and coaches. |
| C．Catching the ball wholly every time. |
| D．Collaboration among team members. |
| A．To save a girl’s life. | B．To solve the problem of noise. |
| C．To practice jumping over fences. | D．To run out and scream for help. |
| A．One schoolmate was stuck under a car. |
| B．Helping others is everyone’s born ability. |
| C．Lifting the car is not hard for their team. |
| D．An assistant coach led the whole process. |
| A．The magic of baseball | B．An unforgettable match |
| C．Teamwork that saves lives | D．Fluid connection between people |
3 . In a heart-pounding display of courage and quick thinking, a 65-year-old crane operator became an unexpected hero as he rescued a man trapped on top of a towering building engulfed in flames.
Glen Edwards, a crane operator from Egham, was expressing his gratitude after a tense rescue operation in Reading last Thursday. Edwards found himself in a challenging situation as he navigated circling winds to save a man trapped by smoke and flames on a building. The dramatic rescue unfolded amid thick black smoke, making visibility nearly impossible
When the alarm sounded, Edwards, who had a concrete skip on his crane, wasted no time the moment he spotted the distressed man waving his coat. Employing his experience and knowledge of the area, Edwards attached a metal cage to the crane, carefully considering his options for the rescue. However, the challenging conditions, with smoke sheltering his view, added an extra layer of difficulty to the operation.
With a colleague providing guidance and a concerned crowd watching from below, Edwards skillfully operated the crane to rescue the man. The onlookers erupted in cheers and applause as the man was safely lifted to the ground.
Reflecting on the intense experience, Edwards remarked, “It seemed to pass a long time until the man got inside. The adrenaline (肾上腺素) was pumping.” He admitted to experiencing shaking after the rescue, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.
Despite the successful operation, Edwards is yet to meet the man he saved, humorously noting, “He’s got to take me across the road for a drink!”
The heartwarming part of this story is the overwhelming support Edwards has received from well-wishers. A fund-raising page was set up to “buy Edwards a beer as a sign of gratitude,” initially aiming for £5,000 but now standing at an impressive ₤9,100. The community’s response has left Edwards deeply moved. He stated, “It means a lot; some of the comments have been absolutely fantastic.”
1. What does the underlined word “distressed” in paragraph 3 probably mean?| A．Brave. |
| B．Painful. |
| C．Enthusiastic. |
| D．Disappointed. |
| A．Warm and Curious. | B．Caring and ambitious. |
| C．Professional and humorous. | D．Gifted and generous. |
| A．Sharp tools make good work. |
| B．One good turn descries another. |
| C．Actions speak louder than words. |
| D．Hope for the best,but prepare for the worst. |
| A．A diary entry. |
| B．A medical magazine. |
| C．A news report. |
| D．A first-aid essay. |
4 . The horse-face skirt, or mamianqun in Chinese, is receiving renewed attention on the fashion stage.
Far from being photoshoot prop, wearing the horse-face skirt has become almost trend among many Chinese celebrities and influencers for various international social occasions. On Douyin, China’s TikTok, individuals who sport the horse-face skirt on city streets in Paris and other international cities can easily gain millions of likes. A popular blogger on Xiaohongshu appeared on a British television program to discuss the development of the English Premier League in China while wearing a horse-face skirt.
From its first appearance during the Song Dynasty to becoming a standout representation of Chinese clothing, mamianqun has crossed nearly a millennium of history. In the current trend of traditional Chinese clothing reconstruction, how has the horse-face skirt stood out to become the most famous clothing?
Mao Zhaoxi, who is a hanfu enthusiast, told the Global Times that Hanfu is the external demonstration of culture, integrating the life philosophies, values, and aesthetic (美学) views formed and inherited (继承) by the Chinese people generation after generation. She said, “Many young people believe that the horse-face skirt is not just a fashion item, but also a cultural symbol. This shows the awakening of traditional aesthetic genes among the younger generations, indicating that the confidence in our own culture is constantly increasing.”
Moreover, Hu Xiao, one of the founders of the ancient Chinese costumes restoration team, analyzed one main reason of this phenomenon lies in the fact that the horse-face skirt has managed to remain relevant, never falling out of fashion. “Many people thought the horse-face skirt had disappeared for a while, but in fact, Chinese brides can always be seen in the costume of mamianqun.” The horse-face skirt possesses a strong sense of inheritance while also possessing fashionable features. This perhaps is the cultural DNA that enables it to become a fashion item.
The momentum (潮流) of Chinese-style clothing has begun, and how to lead the trend of Chinese-style clothing through design and how to stay at the forefront of the national trend is an issue that will not disappear in a short time.
1. What does the underlined word “sport” mean in paragraph 2?| A．Compete. | B．Display. | C．Exercise. | D．Decorate. |
| A．Horse-face skirts are Chinese clothing with a long history. |
| B．Horse-face skirts had become fashionable in Song Dynasty. |
| C．Horse-face skirts have been the main clothing for a millennium. |
| D．Horse-face skirts are leading the clothing design around the world. |
| A．It develops everyone’s aesthetic and philosophy view. |
| B．It represents the ancient Chinese costumes and life. |
| C．It wakens the young to love their own traditional culture. |
| D．It demonstrates the importance of Chinese-style clothing. |
| A．Good beginning and it will lead the world fashion. |
| B．Good beginning and it will fall into the disfavors. |
| C．Good beginning and it will own fashionable DNA. |
| D．Good beginning and it will have a long way to go. |
Peter sat at the kitchen table, having breakfast. It had been another bad night for his baby sister, Lily, and his parents were arguing in the sitting room. He heard his mother mention Tom, an old man who lived in the forest. Peter often explored the forest and knew Mr. Tom was a kind herbalist (草药医生). Was it true that he could help Lily? Peter wouldn’t rest until he found it out.
After breakfast, Peter immediately set off. It was a short walk from his home to the forest’s edge. Peter was so focused on his thoughts of his sister that he didn’t notice the strange crying sounds in the distance until he got close enough. He followed the sounds until they led him to a cave.
A flashlight lit up suddenly in the cave, and Peter saw a little boy lying on the dirt-covered stone. Peter learned that the boy called Cliff came to this forest with his mother but ran off by himself. Cliff was injured and didn’t see his mother. Peter decided to take Cliff to Mr. Tom. When they saw Mr. Tom and told him everything, Mr. Tom treated the injury with a bandage (绷带) and helped contact Cliff’s mother over the radio.
Peter moved closer to look at Cliff’s bandaged ankle and felt a sense of relief. Then Peter turned to Mr. Tom and said, “Mr. Tom, my baby sister is very sick. I overheard Mom mention you, so I came out here today to ask you for help...” Before Peter finished his words, Mr. Tom said, “I had tried to help, but your sister needed to be sent to a big hospital and a lot of money...” Peter realized his parents had argued because they couldn’t afford Lily’s treatment.
Mr. Tom was trying to comfort Peter when someone knocked on the door. Mr. Tom opened it and saw a lady, who claimed herself as Cliff’s mother.
“It’s you!” Mr. Tom shouted excitedly.
“You’re a fan?” the lady said. “I came to this area to spend a holiday with my son. Thankfully, you have saved him. Where is he?”
注意：1. 续写词数应为150个左右；2. 请按如下格式在答题卡的相应位置作答。
Mr. Tom nodded and led the lady to her son.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________The next morning, in his bedroom, Peter was woken up by a joyful scream.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________1. 推荐一种活动形式；
2. 说明理由。
注意：1. 写作词数应为80个左右；
2. 请按如下格式在答题卡的相应位置作答。
Dear Jack,
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Yours,
Li Hua
Seated by the Tonghui River that runs across southern Beijing, Banbidian village
A major reason is that Banbidian used to have factories which
Now, people in the village and from art universities are working together
In cooperation with famous art schools in and outside Beijing, the village committee recently sent out an
Art BBD was a cultural brand jointly
8 . Living in a city, you often see a group of runners emerge around a corner. They laugh and chat together as their running shoes rhythmically touch the pavement.
Get more motivation
When you run alone, it is harder to get out of the door and onto the pavement. There is often a convincing inner voice that whispers to you to simply stay at home!
Become a better runner
When you are part of a club, you can make friends with those sharing the same passion. According to a fitness magazine, runners are known to be a friendly bunch! This offers a sense of belonging, and after a while, these new partners feel like a warm family and can become lifelong friends.
Feel safe
Most runners choose to run in fall or winter and this may mean going out on a dark evening. When running alone, it is harder to see the road and you may easily trip or fall due to the darkness. When in a group, you will be reminded of possible dangers and if there is an accident, people are there to help you.
| A．Develop friendship |
| B．Become more friendly |
| C．These runners are often part of a running club |
| D．This can definitely give you a sense of security |
| E．When running in a group, you may hit your personal goals more quickly |
| F．However, being part of a group pushes you to participate in a running event |
| G．You get encouragement and protection from this group of runners that passed by |
9 . While growing up in California in the 1980s, Winifred Frick never saw a condor(秃鹰) in the wild. The population of North America’s largest bird, Gymnogyps californianus, had declined to nearly zero by 1987 because so many were shot, poisoned or captured.
The few remaining wild condors were brought into zoos in the early 1980s as part of a captive breeding(圈养)program. Gradually, a small group of the birds reproduced, and eventually many of the condors were released back into the wild.
Today, Frick, a conservation biologist, and her 14-year-old son can admire condors flying in the sky while hiking along the Pacific coast. Nearly 350 of the species, whose wings can span nearly 3 meters, once again fly over parts of California and Arizona.
The condors’ happy ending is thanks in large part to the U. S. Endangered Species Act, or ESA, enacted on December 28, 1973. The act currently protects more than 2,300 species. These include more than 900 plants and at least 160 marine species.
“When it comes to preventing plants and animals from going extinct, the ESA is one of the most powerful laws we have,” says Frick. “The ESA is about protecting wildlife for our future generations.”
If a species is thought to be threatened or endangered with going extinct, it goes through a strict process to determine whether it should be added to the endangered species list. Once a species makes the list, government agencies create a plan to help it recover. This might mean describing ways to restore its habitat or identifying ways to halt threats to a species. For instance, being listed under the act makes it illegal to use, kill or catch any of these organisms. It also bans the import of any endangered foreign animals, as well as any meat or products made from them.
The ESA has written plenty of success stories over the past half-century. So far, the act has helped keep 99 percent of species under its protection from extinction.
1. Why did the zoos keep wild condors captive in the 1980s?| A．To relocate their natural habitat. | B．To restore the condor population. |
| C．To make way for hiking activities. | D．To honor a conservation biologist. |
| A．The survival rate of the condors is high. | B．Many species are faced with extinction. |
| C．The ESA has been recognized by the public. | D．The ESA contributes a lot to species protection. |
| A．Stop. | B．Track. | C．Transform. | D．Replace. |
| A．The ESA Has Saved Many Species | B．Quantities of Species Are Dying Out |
| C．The ESA Shares the Story of Condors | D．Wild Animals Are in Need of Protection |
10 . 29-year-old Dim Nang Lao is a mother of a six-year-old boy in a mountainous and remote region in northeastern Cambodia. Like many other parents in her village who marry and have children at a young age, she used to have little knowledge about how she should look after her child to ensure he can grow healthy and strong and reach his full potential.
But everything changed when she received Nurturing Care Parenting training from village volunteers. Nurturing Care Parenting aims to help every child get the best possible start in life, including through healthcare, early education and play. It also helps parents avoid violence or punishment to discipline their children.
“I learned a lot from Nurturing Care Parenting,” Dim Nang Lao says. “I learned how to care for my child’s health, nutrition and education. I learned how to talk to him when he is wrong and comfort him when he is sad. I learned that a child is a white paper. If I hit him, he will learn those actions from me.”
Dim Nang Lao is one of many who have benefited from the training. According to a local official named Ang Chenda, the training has reached five villages and has improved the lives of many families. She says she welcomes the training as many parents in the area did not fully understand what they needed to do to fully support their children’s needs and development and often spent most of their time earning an income through farm work.
“After the training, their understanding of raising young children is far different,” Ang Chenda says. “They are more aware of the importance of caring for their children. They take their children to the health center for check-ups, issue birth certificates for their children and send their children to school. They also reduce violence and use positive discipline instead.”
Dim Nang Lao says she is grateful for the opportunity to learn about positive parenting and apply it in her daily life. “I hope that more parents in our country can receive this training and benefit from it as I do,” she adds.
1. What can we learn about many parents in Dim Nang Lao’s village?| A．They cared little about their kids’ physical health. |
| B．They got married and had children at an old age. |
| C．They couldn’t make a living through farm work. |
| D．They didn’t know how to care for their kids well. |
| A．What she learned from her son. | B．Her son’s change over the time. |
| C．What she gained from the training. | D．The goal of the parenting program. |
| A．To speak highly of Nurturing Care Parenting. |
| B．To introduce a harmonious parent-child relationship. |
| C．To show the popularity of the training outside villages. |
| D．To highlight the positive influence of parenting on kids. |
| A．It will train more than parents. | B．It will be promoted extensively. |
| C．It will offer jobs to more parents. | D．It will be well received worldwide. |
