1 . 阅读下面材料，在空白处填入适当的内容（1个单词）或括号内单词的正确形式。

China ramps up space ambitions with record launch schedule

China has ambitious plans for its space industry in 2024, with     1     (approximate) 100 launch missions scheduled, according to the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corp (CASC), the nation’s leading space contractor. The announcement of this record-high number of launch plans     2     (make) during a news conference in Beijing on Monday.

CASC will be responsible for nearly 70% of the planned missions,     3     (arrange) over 290 spacecrafts into orbit, said Ma Tao, deputy head of the company’s space program planning department. Notable spaceflights for the year include two     4     (crew) journeys and two unmanned missions to the Tiangong space station.

Experts highlight that     5     (significant) mission in 2024 will be Chang’e 6, tasked with bringing back     6     first-ever samples from the little-known far side of the moon. The majority of planned     7     (launch) will be conducted by CASC’s Long March rocket family, with additional ones by the company’s secondary rocket series named Smart Dragon, China Aerospace Science and Industry Corp’s Kuaizhou fleet, and several models from private companies.

In 2023, China was the second-ranking country in terms of launch numbers, having carried     8     67 rocket launching missions, with 47 conducted by the Long March rocket family, all of     9     were successful.

The company laid     10     (emphasize) on its contionuous efforts in the research, development and construction of over 200 spacecrafts to be launched in the coming years.

2 . Madison Baloy was a normal twenty-something a year ago, with a positive attitude on life. However, a _________ colon cancer completely changed her life course.

A year later, her health condition became worse, and she _________ 50 pounds over nine months. During the _________ diagnosis, Baloy tried the social media platform for help. She couldn’t find people like her, and she started filming her own journey. It makes sense people with terminal illnesses would _________ social media to express themselves or share their _________ wishes. It is because social networking sites _________ the fundamental human need of social connection and _________. Just as it makes sense for Baloy to live life in her own _________ while she still can.

Even though it was hard, Baloy _________ shares her journey on social media, aiming to change perceptions about cancer patients and __________ that she is more than her illness. __________, one of her videos got more than 1 million likes. Baloy __________ that’s because people were really __________ to the fact that she looks and seems like a very average woman in her 20s. Yes, Baloy has terminal cancer, but she also is a person in her 20s trying to figure out her life. She is old enough to __________ her own choices, and still __________ enough that she doesn’t need to just stay in bed all day.

Before Baloy dies, she has many __________ on her bucket list (遗愿清单). __________ the bucket lists of terminal people on social media gives us some insight into what __________ to someone at the end of their lives. It’s a way for us to learn about life __________ having to face our own mortality (死亡). Madison Baloy was a(n) __________ twenty-something a year ago. And she still is.

1.

A．doubtful

B．critical

C．curable

D．mild

2.

A．lost

B．carried

C．weighed

D．spent

3.

A．amazing

B．remaining

C．frightening

D．exciting

4.

A．keep up

B．take up

C．bring in

D．turn to

5.

A．secret

B．appropriate

C．final

D．sincere

6.

A．combine

B．absorb

C．sense

D．satisfy

7.

A．expression

B．inspiration

C．commitment

D．contribution

8.

A．space

B．way

C．occasion

D．state

9.

A．happily

B．barely

C．bravely

D．deliberately

10.

A．maintain

B．demonstrate

C．recognize

D．comfort

11.

A．Naturally

B．Particularly

C．Regularly

D．Surprisingly

12.

A．assumed

B．recalled

C．approved

D．convinced

13.

A．driven

B．drawn

C．attached

D．opposed

14.

A．use

B．give

C．make

D．change

15.

A．proud

B．generous

C．curious

D．lively

16.

A．items

B．alternatives

C．restrictions

D．definitions

17.

A．Keeping

B．Passing

C．Adopting

D．Viewing

18.

A．belongs

B．matters

C．applies

D．relates

19.

A．without

B．except

C．through

D．despite

20.

A．energetic

B．ambitious

C．typical

D．humble

3 . Rapid advancements in generative artificial intelligence (AI) have sparked concerns regarding the future of work and human creativity. As AI technologies exhibit remarkable capabilities in tasks requiring originality, there is a growing apprehension about potential job displacement and the redefinition of creativity.

In a recent study published in Scientific Reports, AI programs outperformed the average human in tasks demanding imagination. Participants were tasked with generating imaginative uses for commonplace objects, with AI responses often judged as more creative than those from humans. Although human ideas scored higher in terms of originality, the average scores of AI responses surpassed those of humans, leading to headlines discussing AI’s creativity surpassing human capabilities.

This research has increased anxieties among professionals, particularly those in creative industries. For individuals like Kat Lyons, a background artist in animation, the ascent of AI-generated content poses a risk to their livelihood and prompts concerns about the future of artistry. The adoption of AI tools by entertainment giants such as Marvel and Disney increases these fears, fostering uncertainties regarding the authenticity and sustainability of artistic professions.

The widespread apprehension surrounding AI’s progress extends beyond job displacement to include broader social influences. Mary Alvord, a psychologist, observes that concerns about data privacy, job security, and human out of style contribute to a widespread sense of unease. However, managing AI anxiety necessitates a balanced approach, acknowledging both the potential benefits of AI and addressing its potential dangers.

Experts stress the importance of contextualizing AI advancements within historical and technological frameworks. Sanae Okamoto, a psychologist, points to past instances of technological anxiety, suggesting that understanding AI’s benefits and limitations can lessen fears. By becoming familiar with AI tools and advocating regulatory measures, individuals can transform apprehension into authorization.

1. What does the underlined word “apprehension” in Paragraph 1 probably mean?

A．Excitement.

B．Depression.

C．Amusement.

D．Anxiety.

2. How does AI perform in tasks according to the second paragraph?

A．Human creativity surpasses AI in all tasks.

B．AI scores higher as it creates more original ideas.

C．AI performs better in tasks calling for creativity.

D．The average score of AI is lower than that of humans.

3. Which of the concerns is Not raised in creative industries, according to the passage?

A．The lack of innovation in creative industries.	B．The unstable employment in creative industries.
C．The vague prospects for artistic professionals.	D．The threat to the livelihood of artistic professionals.

4. According to the article, what is Sanae Okamoto’s advice to common people?

A．Knowing the history of AI.	B．Ignoring the existence of AI.
C．Understanding AI’s limitations.	D．Understanding AI in a comprehensive way.

4 . My 10-year-old son and two friends attended a 2-hour fantastic basketball camp on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. A few minutes before the session ended, there was a shooting contest. Only a few kids were chosen to compete, and my son was not one of them. The contest winners received prizes and recognition, as did a few kids chosen as “all-stars” for effort, skill and participation. Again, my son was not selected.

My son was struggling to deal with his disappointment.

At the camp, he played a basketball game with kids he had never met, guarded them fiercely and took shots easily against them. As his mom, I was thrilled that he spent the day without his iPad. All in all, the day felt wonderful. The last thing I wanted was for these awards to ruin the experience.

I decided to simplify it for him. I did the math and figured out the shooting contest and awards were about 6% of the total camp. The rest of the camp, the parts that he enjoyed, were 94% of the day. Even though the kid loves math, it was hard for him to see the contests and awards as a small part of his day.

My son once told me about a negative situation that played out at recess (课间休息). The way he explained it felt like the disagreement lasted hours, but it turns out it was only the last few minutes of recess.

Now is the time for me as the parent to help my kids think more positively. If my son leaves a half-day camp and most of the day was great — that’s a win. If our family is able to go to Florida over winter break and enjoy time together, away from the everyday headaches, that’s also a win. We can acknowledge the aspects that disappoint us, as long as we are willing to then focus on the bigger picture.

It starts with me and my husband. Our kids will model the behavior we show. They need to see us thinking positively and not hyper-focusing on the negative 6%.

1. Why did the author’s son become so disappointed?

A．He spent the day without his iPad.	B．He missed out on a basketball contest.
C．His mother didn’t turn up in a contest.	D．He didn’t gain awards in a shooting contest.

2. What is the author’s purpose in citing those figures in Paragraph 4?

A．To help her son to think positively.	B．To arouse her son’s interest in math.
C．To emphasize the disappointing aspects.	D．To simplify the process of the shooting contest.

3. What will the author do next probably?

A．Do the math.	B．Set an example.
C．Start a project.	D．Learn from other parents.

4. What can be concluded from the text according to the author?

A．Practice makes perfect.	B．Every coin has two sides.
C．The bigger picture matters.	D．Adversity makes a wise man.

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。

Chengde Mountain Resort

Chengde Mountain Resort lies in the north of Chengde City, Hebei Province in the north of China and covers an area of 5,640,000 square meters. First     1     (build) in the 42nd year during the reign of Emperor Kangxi in the Qing Dynasty, the whole construction of Chengde Mountain Resort     2     (last) a total of about 90 years. The resort is mainly composed of Palace Zone and Garden Scenery Zone.

Located in the south part of the resort, Palace Zone comprises rows of buildings in a perfect layout,     3     look like those in the Forbidden City in Beijing.     4     buildings fall into four groups: Central Palace, Pine and Crane Studio, Valleys and Pines, and East Palace.

Garden Scenery Zone is divided into the lake area, the plain area and the mountain area.     5     (lie) in the west and north of the plain area, the mountain area has an area of 4,435,000 square meters, accounting for four     6     (five) of the total area of the resort. The towering peaks seem as if they are natural blockades preventing the bitter wind from entering the zone and that seems to be     7     the weather here is regulated.

Unlike other royal gardens, Chengde Mountain Resort is a perfect     8     (combine) of quintessence of both the south and north gardens that follow the natural terrain and suit measures to conditions of mountains and waters for construction. It is an outcome of inheriting (继承) and     9     (far) expanding the architectural philosophy of Chinese classical gardens. It is a milestone of pride in Chinese garden history and a masterwork of Chinese classical garden art, claimed     10     the largest existing royal garden in the world.

6 . 阅读下面材料，根据其内容和所给段落开头语续写两段，使之构成一篇完整的短文。

“Dear Jenny, I am really sorry to tell you that you didn’t get the position this time. The interviewers had a discussion about you. You have a very good experience, but you are not qualified for this position. The journalist we want is to communicate with people from walks of life, so you should be more sociable and more energetic. So, sorry.” Actually, such was not quite new to Jenny and this was the third time that she had been rejected for a job position after her graduation from university as a top student.

Overwhelmed (淹没) with sadness, she lifted her hands to cover her face. Her heart was broken with self-doubt whether she was never good enough to fit in with the highly competitive adult world. It seemed that the excellence she displayed at school was nothing but illusion. “Maybe I should quit applying for that demanding job,” Jenny whispered to herself.

Sensing something wrong, Jenny’s father, James, said to his daughter, “Congratulations on your graduation, and time to enjoy your youth. In celebration of your new life, I’d like to give you something special. Here is a car that I acquired many years ago. But before I give it to you, take it to the used car lot downtown and tell them you want to sell it and see how much they offer you.”

Unwilling as Jenny was, she went to the used car lot and they offered her only one thousand dollars because the car looked very worn out. With that offer, she returned back to her father and out of her expectation, this time her father told her to take this car to a pawnshop (当铺). Confused, Jenny went to the pawnshop where they should have offered her ten thousand dollars as her father’s car looked a little bit old to them. “Maybe it is a perfect deal!” thought Jenny. But then, the father advised his daughter to keep trying and go to a car club and show them the car. The daughter took the car to the club, and then, breathtakingly, something magic happened.

注意：
1. 续写词数应为150左右；
2. 请按如下格式在答题卡的相应位置作答。

People there willingly offered one hundred thousand dollars for the same car.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Wearing a satisfied smile, James said, “They identified it as an expensive car.”

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

8 . Writing a successful English speech can be a challenging task, but with the following tips, you can create a powerful and engaging speech.

    1    

The first step in crafting a convincing speech is to know who will be listening. Consider the interests and knowledge level of them. Tailor your language, examples and tone to resonate with them and make a connection.

Organize your speeches

    2    . Start with a strong opening that grabs the audience’s attention, introduce your main points in the body of the speech, and end with a memorable conclusion that strengthens your message. Use transitions to smoothly guide your audience from one point to the next.

Make your speeches persuasive

To make your speeches persuasive, use powerful and convincing language. Choose words that evoke (唤起) emotion, imagery or action. Use rhetorical devices (修辞手法) like repetition, parallelism and metaphors to enhance your message and make it memorable.     3    .

Practice and get feedback

The key to delivering a successful speech is practice. Rehearse your speeches multiple times to improve your delivery, timing and confidence.     4    . Seek feedback from peers or teachers to get different perspectives and identify areas for improvement.

With these tips, you can deliver a wonderful speech.     5    . Remember, the more you improve your skills, the better you will become at delivering attractive speeches.

A．Understand your audience

B．Collect relevant information

C．Persuade your audience to listen carefully

D．It will leave a lasting impression on your audience

E．A well-structured speech has a clear beginning, middle and end

F．Consider recording yourself in front of a mirror to observe your gestures

G．Support your arguments with examples to add credibility to your speeches

9 . Since the African Union first launched Great Green Wall in 2007, the initiative has struggled to make headway. Made up of local efforts across 11 countries, it has reached just 16% of its overall goal. But last month, the project, which analysts estimate will cost at least $30 billion, got a major boost: a total of $14 billion in funding over the next 5 years from a union of international development banks and governments.

Environmental restoration and community development specialists welcomed the news. But many are also apprehensive. In recent years, research by ecologists and social scientists has shown that many forestry projects in Africa have failed because they didn’t adequately address fundamental social and ecological issues.

The project leaders often planted species in places where they didn’t belong, and did little to help the young trees survive. “Tree planting is often viewed as the simple act of digging a hole,” forest scientist Karen Holl said. “But this short-term view has resulted in large quantities of money being spent on efforts that have failed almost entirely.”

In Africa, the adoption of one approach called Farmer-Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR), is credited with regreening a notable portion of the Sahel. The low-cost restoration technique took off in Niger in the 1980s and has since spread to other nations. It relies on farmers to protect and nurture trees that grow from existing root systems and seeds in the soil. Over decades, FMNR has led to greater tree cover and other ecological benefits, such as higher soil carbon content, researchers have found.

But many efforts, particularly those not led by local communities, stumble (蹒跚而行). Newly planted trees can die of neglect when planners don’t engage communities from the start in discussions about which species to plant, as well as whether residents are willing and able to provide the water, fertilizer, and protection from grazing animals that trees need. “The farmers are often busy and have their own priorities; they will not manage trees that they do not value,” forest specialist Abayneh Derero wrote in a study.

1. What is the good news for Great Green Wall?

A．It will get more funds.	B．It will be completed soon.
C．More countries will build it.	D．More scientists will study it.

2. What should the forestry project leaders do to get success?

A．Address their own issues properly.

B．Help young African people survive.

C．Act according to the local conditions.

D．Learn how to dig holes and plant trees.

3. Why is FMNR mentioned in the text?

A．To analyse a different reason	B．To offer a practicable solution.
C．To present a social background.	D．To explain a similar phenomenon.

4. What does the last paragraph stress about the forestry project?

A．It’s vital to protect trees from animals.

B．The farmers have their own priorities.

C．The residents’ abilities need developing.

D．Local people’s involvement is important.

10 . 听下面一段较长对话，回答以下小题。
1. Where are the speakers?

A．In a car.

B．In an airport.

C．In a hotel.

2. What is the man like?

A．Old and beardless.

B．Young and black-haired.

C．White-haired and bearded.

3. What does the man always carry on business trips?

A．A big bag.

B．A backpack.

C．A suitcase.

4. What is the man allowed to do according to the woman?

A．Drive the car.

B．Change the room.

C．Move to another hotel.