1 . 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。

A few weeks ago, my sister was going through her old coats and vests（背心）, seeing what was no longer needed. Although she was still in junior high school. she found ways here and there to make some extra money for her holiday shopping.

She found two vests in like-new condition and asked if I would list them in our local Facebook yard sale group. She set the price at $7 each and it wasn’t long before someone replied, wanting to buy them.

The buyer replied in a short message with broken English; it was obvious that Spanish was her native language. After a few messages back and forth, she revealed that she couldn’t drive to my house to pick up the vests because she lived on the other side of town, but asked if I would be willing to ship the vests to her instead.

I hesitated. The last week of school was so crazy busy. I barely had enough time to get from place to place, much less figure out how to wrap up these heavy vests and ship them out. I was feeling overwhelmed trying to get everything accomplished and this one extra task seemed like that straw that would break the camel’s back.

She must have sensed. my hesitation as she sent another message offering to send me a money order（汇票）to pay for the vests and the shipping costs.

A money order.

I literally froze when I read her message. It was obvious this woman wanted these items, probably for a Christmas gift for a child or grandchild. I knew if she took the time to get a money order, then mailed it to me and if I waited to get the money order then shipped the vests to her, there was a really good chance they would not arrive in time for Christmas morning.

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。

That’s when I heard the whisper on my heart: “Give her the vests for free.”

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Knowing the vests were for her disabled daughter, I decided to ship more Christmas gifts.

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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。

The third season of the music show Infinite and Beyond concluded recently on a video-streaming platform. The program brought together a diverse group of singers, involving various age groups,     1    （perform）classic Chinese pop music pieces.

These classic pop songs     2    （recognize）as the peak of creative achievement     3     their respective eras. They not only reflect the     4    （high）level of musical craftsmanship at the time but also leave an enduring impact, becoming     5    （influence）pieces of Chinese pop music.     6     is evident that the decision to reinterpret these songs on a music show is an intentional effort to show the history of Chinese pop music.

From December 2023 to February 2024, the program     7    （present） six concerts and six themed singing competitions.     8    （cover）a range of topics including self-discovery, love and daily life, the music show aimed to exhibit different     9    （aspect）of Chinese pop music. Through this exploration, it sought to arouse the shared memories and emotions of the Chinese people, creating collective experiences     10     produced everlasting memories with audiences.

3 . “Medicine and technology may fail us at times, but human connection grounded in love and compassion always heals（治愈）.” Those words from Dr. Vivek Murthy are relatable to many of us in the medical community who increasingly encounter individuals suffering from loneliness. There are many complex factors driving loneliness, but it is clear that positive social connections do in fact “heal”.     1     They may even prolong our life span. Here are several actions you can take to improve your social connections and support your health.

    2     For instance, a simple smile to a stranger, a friendly exchange with a store clerk, or a curious question about a pin or piece of jewelry on a colleague can enrich your daily life.

For more substantial connections, explore activities. with shared interests. Community centers, libraries and online groups are great resources. Community centers organize a wide range of activities for social connections.     3     Joining a walking group, volunteering at a food bank, or simply calling a long-lost friend can provide a sense of community and purpose.

Our deepest social connections are provided by those closest to us.     4     By engaging in open-ended conversations, we can build even more profound and supportive bonds. Such relationships are not only about the easy times; they also involve navigating challenging discussions, which should be approached as chances to learn and grow together.

    5     But by taking steps now to start to build a foundation for strong positive social connections in our future, we can make ourselves and our country as a whole healthier.

A．Deep social connections can also come with some drawbacks.

B．There may be no quick fixes to a desperate state of loneliness.

C．Loneliness ea n lead to feelings of sadness and a lack of purpose.

D．Even short, positive interactions may positively impact our health.

E．These connections greatly improve our physical and mental well-being.

F．Libraries often host book signings and lectures that encourage engagement.

G．Intentionally developing these relationships is crucial for strong social support.

4 . A starfish has five identical arms with a layer of “tube feet” beneath them. Have you ever wondered whether starfish have defined front and back ends—and if they have no heads at all? The answer, suggests new genetic（基因的）research, is the opposite. “It’s as if the starfish is completely missing a trunk,” said Laurent Formery at Stanford University. “And it’s best described as just a head crawling along the seafloor.”

Starfish belong to echinoderms with lines of symmetry（对称）radiating out from a center point, like spokes on a wheel. So the unusual animals have unique body plans（结构）arranged in five equal sections that greatly differ from the bodies of bilateral animals, which have left and right sides mirroring each other.

Starfish begin as fertilized eggs that hatch and become larvae（幼虫）that float in the ocean for weeks to months before settling on the ocean floor. There, they go through a process that transforms a bilateral body into a star shape. “This has been a mystery for centuries,” said Christopher Lowe at Stanford University.

Researchers used new methods of genetic sequencing to create an unprecedented 3D map to determine where genes were expressed as starfish developed and grew. They found that genetic features associated with the development of a head were detected all-over the starfish especially concentrated in the center of the star and the center of each “arm”. Meanwhile, gene expression for trunk sections was largely absent. This suggested that starfish “have the most dramatic example of decoupling of the head and the trunk regions that we are aware of today,” said Formery.

Studying groups like echinoderms could solve some of the most complex mysteries about the evolution of life on Earth. “People are generally not drawn to these animals, and yet they probably represent how much of life got started,” Lowe said. Understanding how animals like starfish have developed could also allow insights into the varied ways that different species remain healthy. Daniel Rokhsar at the University of California said, “If we explore unusual animals that are operating in unusual ways, that means we are broadening our perspective of biology. This is eventually going to help us solve both ecological and biomedical problems.”

1. In what aspect are starfish different?

A．They have no trunks at all.

B．They have left and right sides.

C．They have a star shape from birth.

D．They have unequally stretching arms.

2. How did researchers explore the mystery of starfish?

A．By creating a seabed map.

B．By comparing body plans.

C．By locating their gene expressions.

D．By tracking their development and growth.

3. What does the underlined word “decoupling” in Paragraph 4 mean?

A．Forming.

B．Separating.

C．Exchanging.

D．Expanding.

4. Why do scientists study unusual animals?

A．To reveal the origin of life.

B．To improve health of diverse species.

C．To promote the research in related fields.

D．To raise people’s concern about marine animals.

5 . It is very likely that you eat three meals a day. Modern life is designed around this way of eating. However, is this the healthiest way to eat? Before considering how frequently we should eat, scientists urge us to consider when we shouldn’t.

Intermittent fasting (间歇性断食), where you restrict your food intake to an eight-hour window, has become a popular area of research. “It allows our digestive system to rest,” says Emily Manoogian at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies. Rozalyn Anderson at the University of Wisconsin explains, “Fasting puts the body in a different state, where it’s more ready to clear misfolded proteins.” Misfolded proteins are faulty versions of ordinary proteins, which have been associated with a number of diseases.

But if intermittent fasting is a healthy way to eat, how many meals does this leave room for? Some experts argue that it is best to have one meal a day. Manoogian does not recommend doing this, since it can increase the level of glucose (葡萄糖) in our blood when we are not eating. Keeping blood glucose levels down requires eating more regularly than once a day, as this prevents the body from thinking that it is starving and releasing more glucose when you do eventually eat in response. Instead, she says, two to three meals a day is best — with most of your calories consumed earlier in the day.“ So, your body can use the energy you feed it throughout the day, rather than it being stored in your system as fat.” But eating too early in the morning should be avoided, as this would not give you sufficient time to fast. This does not mean we should skip breakfast altogether, either, but some evidence suggests we should wait an hour or two after waking up before cracking open the eggs.

Is intermittent fasting realistic? Manoogian thinks that it is best not to specify the best time to eat, as this can be difficult for people with responsibilities and irregular time commitments, such as those working night shifts. But whatever changes you make, researchers agree that consistency is crucial.

1. What can we know about intermittent fasting?

A．It focuses on what to eat.

B．It cures a number of diseases.

C．It keeps the digestive system clean.

D．It limits food intake to a fixed duration.

2. What does Manoogian agree with?

A．Calories can be hardly consumed in the evening.

B．Frequent meals bring about steady blood glucose.

C．Two to three meals in the day reduces storage of fat.

D．Early eating is recommended for intermittent fasting.

3. What does Paragraph 3 mainly talk about?

A．How intermittent fasting is tested.

B．Whether intermittent fasting is safe.

C．How intermittent fasting is practiced.

D．When people eat during intermittent fasting.

4. What’s the basic principle of intermittent fasting?

A．Sticking to a routine.

B．Defining a best meal time.

C．Having regular working hours.

D．Maintaining consistent menus.

6 . Raised in Jacksonville, a small town in North Carolina, Christina Koch always knew she wanted to be an astronaut. This dream began as early as kindergarten, during a time when spaceflight was dominated by men. “Fortunately, when I told my kindergarten teachers that I wanted to be an astronaut they supported me. No one told me that it was unattainable. And whether it was my own hard-headedness or that encouragement, I did go full forward into pursuing my dream to become an astronaut,” she says.

Koch found inspiration in pioneers like Sally Ride and Mae Jemison, but also in everyday heroes — from civil rights activists to her independent grandmother. These examples, along with her family’s emphasis on hard work, instilled in her the courage to chase her dreams.

Koch studied physics and electrical engineering before joining NASA at the Goddard Space Flight Center, where she contributed to the development of scientific instruments on several space missions. Driven by a thirst for adventure, she spent a year in Antarctica’s tough environment and then in other remote locations like Greenland. Unsurprisingly, she cited photography, travel, camping and climbing among her hobbies.

The ultimate fulfillment (实现) of her dream came in 2013, when she was selected as an astronaut, joining a groundbreaking class with an equal number of men and women. Previously, women comprised only 17% of NASA’s astronauts. After completing training in 2015, she was assigned her first long-stay mission on the International Space Station (ISS). Her success is undeniable. As part of the Artemis II mission, scheduled for 2025, she’ll travel further than any human since Apollo, an evidence of her constant ambition.

Koch advocates following passions and embracing challenges. “Do what scares you,” she advises, “because those things often lead to the greatest fulfillment and contributions.”Besides, Koch also says that there’s one that should never be forgotten: “Support the people around you. Make sure that you’re thinking about the success of those around you, that you’re helping them, and together we all will achieve as much as we possibly can.”

1. What initially motivated Koch to become an astronaut?

A．Her desire to push herself to the limit.

B．Her early enthusiasm in space exploration.

C．Her wish to reward her kindergarten teachers.

D．Her ambition to change the position of women astronauts.

2. What can we infer from the passage?

A．Koch invented some scientific devices.

B．Koch set a record for the longest spaceflight.

C．Various hobbies prepared Koch for adventure.

D．Role models impacted Koch greatly in her life journey.

3. What does Koch’s advice indicate?

A．Seeking support is crucial for dream chasers.

B．Being kind to others is the stepstone to success.

C．Welcoming challenges leads to personal growth.

D．Working tirelessly is key to overcoming barriers.

4. What is the best title of the passage?

A．Christina Koch: An Explorer of Nature

B．Christina Koch: A Dream Pursuer to Space

C．Christina Koch: A Role Model from Jacksonville

D．Christina Koch: A Distinguished Female Scientist

7 . Mosquitoes can carry various diseases and one of the most popular is dengue (登革热). Dengue is caused by any one of the four related viruses spread by mosquitoes, because of which numerous Filipinos died. One of the easiest ways to prevent mosquitoes is to use repellents. In the market, there are many commercial mosquito repellents available. The commonly used repellent in the Philippines is quite unaffordable. Meanwhile, it contains chemicals that may cause irritation (刺激). These account for why researchers seek to develop an alternative mosquito repellent.

The researchers plan to use natural components. Since the component is natural, the new mosquito repellent to be made from it is effective yet inexpensive and poses no risks to health or environment. One of the major components being explored is from lemongrass.

Lemongrass has natural anti-microbial features, suitable for use on various types of skin infections, usually as a wash, and is especially effective on skin diseases. It has mosquito repelling effects and is used to make a mosquito repellent. In using this product, you will spray it over all exposed skin areas. Contact with eyes should be avoided. If irritation occurs, wash off immediately and discontinue using. The very importance of this product is to prevent the spread of multiple diseases caused by mosquito bites. The new mosquito repellent containing lemongrass extract (提取物) also helps control the outbreak of other insect-borne diseases such as Malaria, Lyme Disease and West Nile Fever. After all, lemongrass is a popular plant found commonly in the country and its extract is used for medicinal and food products.

The new study is significant because there’s an increasing number of deaths concerning mosquitoes. While there are alternative solutions, Filipinos cannot deny their brothers and sisters living in poverty cannot afford to buy repellents. Yet, currently the researchers aim to test how effective their natural product is in repelling mosquitoes within households. This initial study will evaluate the product’s effectiveness before further trials in broader applications.

1. Why do the researchers want to create an alternative repellent?

A．The effect of original products is doubted.

B．There are too many mosquitoes to get rid of.

C．The providers fail to meet the market demands.

D．The existing products are costly and harmful.

2. What makes lemongrass extract an ideal choice for the mosquito repellent?

A．Its unique property.	B．Its distributing style.
C．Its easy extracting.	D．Its lower risk on eyes.

3. What can be inferred about the mosquito repellent from the last paragraph?

A．It will be long before being evaluated.

B．It is a popular mosquito-proof product.

C．Its cheapness is its crucial selling point.

D．Its natural makeup often appeal to its users.

4. What can be a suitable title for the text?

A．A Therapy Fighting back Mosquitoes

B．A Cost-Effective Natural Mosquito Repellent

C．Dengue: A common Disease from Mosquitoes

D．Lemongrass: A Compound Extract from Nature

8 . Will Gladstone, an amateur birder, was in his 5th-grade science class when he first heard of the blue-footed booby, a beautiful, eye-catching bird. He learned that the population of this particular bird was in decline. Will decided to raise money to support conservation efforts. As he was brainstorming ideas, he looked down at his feet, and suddenly he had an idea. Feet, he thought, blue feet! He decided to sell bright blue socks and donate the money to environmental organizations trying to help the birds. His younger brother Matty joined him in his effort as his partner. The boys started the Blue Feet Foundation (BFF) in 2016.

In the beginning, it was a challenge for the boys to gather support for their cause. They decided to ask a better-known conservation organization to sponsor them. However, none were willing to do so. “They didn’t agree to it because we were just kids,” says Will.

Although this was discouraging, the two persevered. Finally, they came across an organization they hadn’t heard of before: the Galapagos Conservancy (GC). Its mission was to support conservation in the Galapagos Islands. These islands are home to about half of the world’s blue-footed boobies. They offered to highlight the foundation in the protection’s newsletter. It boosted the BFF’s credibility.

Four years later, their hard work paid off. They amassed over 18,000 Instagram followers and 10,000 Facebook followers. They sold 18,000 pairs of socks, sending them all across the globe. Orders have come from 50 different countries. If you visit the picture gallery on their website, you’ll also see blue socks being modeled by a few famous people, including members of the Blue Man Group and a Boston Bruins hockey player.

Although the population of these birds in the Galapagos has declined significantly over the past 20 years, we have seen some hopeful signs. These include an increase in young birds. However, there is still work to be done. Although the decline in population is slowing, it’s not reversing. Elderly birds are dying faster than chicks are being born.

1. Which of the following can best define the boys?

A．Ambitious daydreamers.	B．Active bird researchers.
C．Good problem solvers.	D．Passionate science fans.

2. What contributed to Conservancy’s decision to help the boys?

A．Their consistent goals.

B．Their accidental meet.

C．Their equal credibility.

D．Their financial strength.

3. What’s the purpose of listing the numbers in Paragraph 4?

A．To promote the fame of the Foundation.

B．To show the popularity of the boys’ socks.

C．To highlight the impact of the Foundation.

D．To demonstrate the diversity of the customer base.

4. What can be learned about the bird population from the last paragraph?

A．It remains stable.	B．It remains declining.
C．It is increasing shockingly.	D．It is undergoing ups and downs.

9 . 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。

Kiss marks on the mirror

Jessica, a clever cleaner, worked in an all-girls university.

One day, she was quietly doing one of her jobs—cleaning the bathroom—when she noticed a bunch of kiss marks on the mirror.

She got angry at the sight of it. But she decided not to dwell on her negative emotion and do something actionable instead. She was hopeful for the girls seemed smart and reasonable.She wiped away the kiss marks with cleaning cloth and a sponge and left instructions on a piece of paper: Please don’t leave kiss marks on the mirror. Lipstick stains(口红印) are difficult to clean.

The next day, Jessica went inside the bathroom to clean. But much to her disappointment,she saw a bunch of kiss marks on the mirror again. She got angry and went running to the principal’s office to report the incident. Upon learning of the incident, the principal got angry at the students. He gave them a strong warning to not leave kiss marks on the bathroom’s mirror. Jessica overheard the principal when he scolded the students. She felt relieved. She figured the girls wouldn’t leave kiss marks on the mirror again. She was wrong.

The next day, it was as if nothing had happened. When she went inside the bathroom,she found kiss marks on the mirror. Worse, there were more of them compared to the ones she found during the previous days. Angrily, she stormed out of the bathroom and went straight to the principal’s office. She was mad at the girls for their stubbornness and also at the principal for not punishing the girls’actions.“The girls are hard-headed. Based on experience, they don’t easily follow my orders. Wait it out. They’ll grow out of this,” said the principal.

Rather than say things out of anger and things that would probably get her fired, Jessica walked out to get some fresh air, and then back to the bathroom, staring at the cleaning tools. She was sick and tired of the situation.

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。
She needed to think.
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It worked!
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