1 . A man got depressed about life. In spite of all his ________, he got nothing but failure. Feeling ________, he left everything and relaxed himself in the woods, where he met a farmer. The man shared his ________ with the farmer.

“Do you see that fern (蕨类植物) and bamboo there?” the farmer said, pointing towards two ________. He told the man that when he planted the fern and the bamboo seeds, he took very good care of them. Within a short period of time, the fern ________ grew from the earth. However, ________ the bamboo seed had been watered for years, it did not outwardly grow as much as an inch. But the farmer did not ________ the bamboo seed and continued to ________ it. By the fifth year, a tiny sprout (嫩芽) grew out of the ________. And within six months, the tree grew a hundred feet tall.

“So, did the bamboo tree lie quietly for four years only to grow rapidly in the ________?” the farmer asked. The answer is quite ________. The little tree was growing underground, developing a root system which was ________ enough to support its potential for outward ________ in the fifth year and beyond.

“Did you know that you had been ________ all the time and that you were growing strong roots?” said the farmer. Hearing the farmer’s words, the man ________ the value of hard work.

1.

A．advice

B．effort

C．fear

D．evidence

2.

A．surprised

B．motivated

C．defeated

D．relieved

3.

A．excitement

B．failure

C．knowledge

D．food

4.

A．farms

B．seeds

C．gardens

D．plants

5.

A．quickly

B．immediately

C．hardly

D．likely

6.

A．since

B．if

C．unless

D．although

7.

A．get down to

B．look forward to

C．give up on

D．go away with

8.

A．show

B．control

C．cut

D．water

9.

A．ground

B．imbalance

C．tree

D．disorder

10.

A．third

B．fourth

C．fifth

D．sixth

11.

A．obvious

B．right

C．wrong

D．complex

12.

A．clear

B．strong

C．early

D．close

13.

A．information

B．calmness

C．success

D．growth

14.

A．resting

B．waiting

C．struggling

D．smiling

15.

A．reported

B．realized

C．ignored

D．assessed

2 . In a migrant camp in Tijuana, Mexico, packed with hundreds of people, a three-year-old girl wandered alone toward the exit. She was steps from a busy road and a crowded market.

Estefania Rebellón seemed to be the only person who ________ her. The actor, producer and writer had just made the two-and-a-half-hour ________ from Los Angeles with a group of friends to drop off food, clothing and hygiene kits (卫生用品) to a ________ organization.

It was December 2018, a time when the United States Mexico border was seeing a ________ of migrants from Central American ________ violence and poverty. Rebellón could not believe what she saw: families lacking even the most ________ supplies. The children, sometimes shoeless and often dirty, ________ had no place to go.

Rebellón ________ to the child and took her hand. “Where are you going? Where are your parents?” she asked.

________, she and her friends found the girl’s panicked father, who had stepped away to _________ food distributed by others.
       Back at home, Rebellón could think of nothing else. “We have to do ________,” she told her partner. Kyle Thomas Schmidt. A school, a safe place for the children to ________ and learn, seemed much-needed. So, Rebellón and Schmidt recruited (招募) volunteer ________ via social media, and using a thousand dollars from their savings, ________ a school at the Tijuana border. From then on, these ________ children could not only have enough supplies, but also have access to education.1.

A．knew

B．missed

C．heard

D．noticed

2.

A．drive

B．hike

C．jump

D．run

3.

A．research

B．business

C．relief

D．health

4.

A．team

B．crowd

C．series

D．pair

5.

A．hiding

B．escaping

C．defending

D．ignoring

6.

A．adequate

B．useful

C．basic

D．proper

7.

A．frequently

B．eagerly

C．precisely

D．obviously

8.

A．rushed

B．skipped

C．marched

D．returned

9.

A．Particularly

B．Repeatedly

C．Subsequently

D．Miserably

10.

A．sign up for

B．line up for

C．stand out for

D．look out for

11.

A．everything

B．anything

C．nothing

D．something

12.

A．broadcast

B．gather

C．examine

D．compete

13.

A．teachers

B．doctors

C．students

D．conductors

14.

A．dominated

B．attended

C．advertised

D．established

15.

A．disadvantaged

B．exhausted

C．distinguished

D．educated

3 . I signed up to volunteer at a local hospital last year. I knew the ________ would look good on my college applications.

On my first day, having been given a tour of the ________ and a tablet with maps and basic information, I was ________ to answer questions that came my way. I sent a few visitors in the wrong direction, but I did my best. It wasn’t a big ________ , and my second day there was much the same.

But on the third day, everything ________. I was in the middle of my ________ when I noticed a wheelchair speeding in my direction. The young boy sitting in it asked, “Who are you? You’re in my hospital and I don’t even ________ you!”

I introduced myself and ________ that I was new. David’s parents told me that he was there for his weekly check-up. David began to tell me about his medical ________, his favourite football player and other ________ of his life.

After David had gone to his ________ , one of the administrators ________ me and said, “That was ________. You were a different person when you were talking to him!” “We needed volunteers to work in the children’s department. And I think you’d be ________ at it,” she added.

This ________ my becoming a regular in the children’s department, and also to my decision to study medicine at university and become a paediatrician (儿科医生).

1.

A．presentation

B．grade

C．invitation

D．experience

2.

A．community

B．fair

C．hospital

D．college

3.

A．reminded

B．assigned

C．predicted

D．promised

4.

A．deal

B．fight

C．voice

D．influence

5.

A．occurred

B．changed

C．mattered

D．failed

6.

A．road

B．shift

C．surgery

D．interview

7.

A．recognize

B．doubt

C．join

D．know

8.

A．complained

B．realized

C．explained

D．pretended

9.

A．history

B．team

C．research

D．skill

10.

A．trends

B．details

C．signals

D．excuses

11.

A．appointment

B．celebration

C．achievement

D．gathering

12.

A．understood

B．blamed

C．approached

D．monitored

13.

A．amusing

B．disturbing

C．embarrassing

D．amazing

14.

A．great

B．shocked

C．busy

D．annoyed

15.

A．belonged to

B．lived up to

C．gave way to

D．led to

4 . The pain we feel may be nature’s way of telling us it’s time to take notice of our inner selves. Should you be facing painful times, we urge you to reach out to get the help and support you need.     1     Maybe you feel you shouldn’t expose your pain since you’re supposed to be cool and act like you can handle things. Even though you may feel that no one can help you get over your pain, the important thing is to reach out. Here are some positive ways to deal with pain.

●    2     Talking about what hurts is an important first step. Even if you feel that no one can do anything to make the hurt go away, talking to someone you trust can ease the weight of painful feelings.

●Keep a journal. This is a good way to measure your progress in “getting to the other side” of things.     3     That way when you read how you felt about something a week or a month ago, and then read how you feel about it today, you’ll see how you are progressing. Should you feel things aren’t getting better, that is good information, too.     4    

●Be extra good to yourself. Especially when life hurts, it’s time to take extra good care of yourself. Get enough rest, eat properly, get the exercise your body needs to burn off the tension, listen to soft music, and don’t forget those extra hugs for your pet.     5     Be sure to be that for yourself, as well.

●See a professional counselor (咨询师). Seeing a trained professional is an excellent way to work through painful times. Ask your parents or school counselor to help you find one.

A．Try to bear your pain.

B．Don’t keep it all inside.

C．Be sure to date each entry.

D．Maybe you believe that no one will understand you.

E．You know what a source of comfort you are to others.

F．It is also a good way to improve your writing skills gradually.

G．It means you may need more outside support than you’re getting.

5 . The Planting Hope Company Inc. has introduced a new kind of sesame (芝麻) milk to the market. The company has termed its new product as the world’s most planet-friendly and nutritious plant-based milk.

The milk is produced from sesame seeds, a development that has been made possible by the company. For over five years, Planting Hope has invested in the development of the product, which is now taking the vegan milk market by storm.

“Planting Hope has brought important breakthrough innovation to plant-based milk, opening a whole new category, sesame milk, that unlocks the good nutrition of the extremely sustainable and planet-friendly sesame seed,” said Julia Stamberger, CEO and cofounder of Planting Hope. “We’re very excited to bring our innovative sesame milk line, in our eye-grabbing, colorful new packaging, to Canadian consumers.”

Sesame milk is not the first plant-based milk product in the world. The plant-based milk market is currently worth $38.9 billion globally. According to Data Bridge, plant-based milk’s market value is 7.7 times larger than that of plant-based meat.

One of the main factors driving demand for plant-based milk is intolerance to dairy milk (牛奶). Almost 70% of the world’s population is intolerant to dairy proteins. Besides the concern about allergic (过敏的) proteins, there is concern about greenhouse pollution. Raising livestock (牲畜) contributes heavily to greenhouse gases like methane and CO₂. This has seen more people shifting to plant-based alternatives.

On the other hand, the journey to plant-based milk is not all plain sailing. Some types of plant-based milk such as almond (杏仁) milk have been found to be equally stressful to the planet. Almond farming uses plenty of water and harms bee populations. However, more friendly milk options such as sesame are now popping up.

With rising consumer awareness about climate change, the growth of the sesame milk market is unlikely to desist. In addition, it is important that the globe finds the type of plant-based milk that offers value without serious disadvantages.

1. What is one selling point of Planting Hope’s sesame milk?

A．It is incredibly rich in nutrition.	B．It is easily affordable to customers.
C．It is packaged with planet-friendly materials.	D．It is the world’s first plant-based milk product.

2. What is the fifth paragraph mainly about?

A．The popularity of dairy milk.	B．The huge market for plant-based milk.
C．The public concern about raising livestock.	D．The reasons behind the rise of plant-based milk.

3. What advantage does sesame milk have over almond milk?

A．It is easier to produce.	B．It is more eco-friendly.
C．It is more delicious.	D．It is less likely to cause allergies.

4. Which of the following best explains the word “desist” underlined in the last paragraph?

A．Delay.

B．Continue.

C．Stop.

D．Return.

6 . Upcoming Events in California

PAW Patrol

The heroic PAW Patrol dogs need your help in Adventure Bay! Based on the hit preschool series PAW Patrol, this interactive exhibit gives visitors an opportunity to run rescue missions and work together to overcome challenges. The hands-on exhibit is a fun way for the whole family to learn bravery and heroism with exciting stories.

Dates: January 28～May 14
Location: Discovery Cube Los Angeles
Cost: $10
Maya: the Exhibition

The exhibition features over 250 authentic artifacts (真品) highlighting the ancient Maya civilization. Through priceless artifacts and hands-on exhibits, visitors can discover how the ancient Maya built and sustained complex cities in the heart of the rainforest.

Dates: January 15～March 2
Location: California Science Center
Cost: $7
Centennial Farm Discovery Days

Centennial Farm Discovery Days is an unguided tour program and open to all grade levels and ages. During a discovery day, “farmers” are stationed around the farm available to answer questions and provide information. There are also opportunities for children to pet a chick, plant a seed and see a milking demonstration.

Dates: June 1～November 8
Location: Centennial Farm
Cost: $50
It’s Magic!

It’s Magic! features an all-new cast of award-winning performers from around the globe, ready to leave audiences speechless with excellent stage tricks, comedy and variety acts. “It’s the best magic show in town!” cheers the Los Angeles Times.

Date: May 21
Location: Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts
Cost: $75
1. Which event helps people understand courage?

A．PAW Patrol.	B．It’s Magic!
C．Maya: the Exhibition.	D．Centennial Farm Discovery Days.

2. Where should you go if you’re interested in ancient civilization?

A．Centennial Farm.	B．California Science Center.
C．Discovery Cube Los Angeles.	D．Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts.

3. What can people do in the most expensive event?

A．Watch a great magic show.	B．See a milking demonstration.
C．Learn some farming methods.	D．Carry out fun rescue missions.

7 . 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。

“And that’s ‘The Ray of Hope’ for you!” Asta said as she ended her book review. She took a deep bow and was given thundering applause. I, too, gave applause. I was happy for my friend. Well, I was pretending to be happy for her. Deep down inside, I was rather feeling envious of Asta. She was always the one who makes speeches, debates and tells stories to others. Me? No! I had stage fright and was always the shy, quiet one who was never courageous to speak in front of others. I had never managed to do a presentation without stammering(结巴). Every time I saw someone making a speech, I would imagine myself in his or her place, receiving the applause and praise.

I was walking to the canteen with Asta. She, as usual, was looking at the script. She had been chosen to be the presenter for the National Day Celebration. I sighed to myself. Why could I not be like her, always loud and brave? If only there was a way to prove myself...

Just then, I caught a glimpse of a poster on the noticeboard.

“Minute to say it?” I read the poster out loud.

It was a competition where one has to prepare a speech about a particular topic and summarize it on the stage within one minute. This could be my big chance to overcome my stage fright! And the best part was, if I won the competition, I would receive a mini-trophy (小奖杯).

Without thinking twice, I grabbed a form and filled in it. I took a seat in the canteen with Asta and told her what I had done, after which she said that she had also signed up for the competition. Suddenly, regret hit me like a 20-pound hammer. I was competing against Asta who was the best speaker in the school! I was bound to lose! Why was I so ill-fated? I just wanted a chance to prove myself that I could overcome my stage fright.

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。

The big day finally arrived.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Next, it was Asta’s turn.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

8 . 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。

A pair of scissors, a piece of paper, and a pair of dexterous (灵巧的) hands. That’s     1     is needed to create delicate works of paper-cuttings.

    2    (originate) in the Southern and Northern Dynasties, this ancient form of art has not only survived through generations but has also become     3     important part of Chinese culture. It is often associated with the     4     (celebrate) of the Spring Festival, where complex patterns of the 12 Chinese zodiac animals     5     (create) to bring good luck and fortune for the new year.

The art of paper-cuttings goes beyond mere craftsmanship. It is a form of expression deeply     6    (root) in Chinese history and tradition. Artists, without the need for any drawn draft, use their imagination to create     7    (variety) patterns and images with scissors and burins. Animals, flowers, mythological and historical figures are meticulously (细致地) cut and carved, each carrying its own symbolism and meanings.

Today, paper-cuttings continue to decorate Chinese homes,     8    (especial) during the Spring Festival. The windows and walls come alive with vibrant patterns and scenes of family reunions and temple fairs. It serves     9     a reminder of the rich cultural heritage that the Chinese people cherish     10     pass down from one generation to another.

9 . Dave Hall led Surprise Squad, an organization to bring surprise to those in need, on a mission to spread joy at a local Albertsons store. Their _________ was simple yet influential: to pay for the groceries of _________ customers. Among the customers was Stephanie, a disabled veteran(退伍军人)who relied on her wheelchair.

She _________ to Dave that she was shopping for food for herself and her dogs. She was down to her last $50,_________ of how she would manage after that. Dave, thrilled to help, paid for all her groceries, a _________ that left Stephanie extremely grateful.

Dave _________ a man standing beside Stephanie. _________ mistaken for her husband, Larry turned out to be a friend of Stephanie’s husband and a fellow veteran. Despite his own financial _________, Larry was determined to support Stephanie.

He stood in the checkout _________ with just a bottle of dish soap and a piece of candy—all he could afford. Dave, moved by Larry’s situation, __________ buying him groceries. Larry’s eyes were filled with tears as Dave accompanied Larry back into the shelves, filling a __________ with food and toiletries(洗漱用品), far more than Larry had __________that day. As they finished checking out, Larry __________ that he had never spent so much on groceries before. The gratitude and emotion on his face were __________.

He thanked Dave wholeheartedly and left the store, carrying not just groceries but a moment of __________ that would never fade.

1.

A．plan

B．experience

C．style

D．movement

2.

A．regular

B．unique

C．random

D．specific

3.

A．suggested

B．revealed

C．insisted

D．referred

4.

A．afraid

B．confident

C．full

D．uncertain

5.

A．schedule

B．solution

C．gesture

D．strategy

6.

A．felt

B．noticed

C．kept

D．left

7.

A．Initially

B．Hurriedly

C．Excitedly

D．Absolutely

8.

A．adventures

B．investments

C．hesitations

D．struggles

9.

A．path

B．point

C．line

D．corner

10.

A．cared for

B．insisted on

C．thought of

D．gave up

11.

A．basket

B．store

C．vehicle

D．hand

12.

A．needed

B．provided

C．expected

D．ignored

13.

A．remarked

B．regretted

C．judged

D．required

14.

A．creative

B．calm

C．positive

D．evident

15.

A．curiosity

B．kindness

C．generosity

D．ambition

10 . Some children love reading, some dislike it, and many are in between. Most children and adults are drawn to reading materials that are engaging and understandable.     1     So building reading abilities is always a good idea. As a parent, you can help your child develop reading skills with enjoyable activities, some of which you might not have thought of as reading enrichment. Here are some easy reading strategies for parents to use at home.

    2     When your child creates a story out loud or in written form, you can prompt more specific vocabulary and encourage your child to div e into descriptive details. This activity provides practice for thinking through logical sequences(顺序)and may motivate curiosity as a child looks for books in similar settings.

Compare books to films.     3     Talk about the similarities and differences between the two mediums. What did you each like or dislike about each form? Did your child prefer the book or the movie, and why?

Encourage curiosity about vocabulary. As your child reads books, suggest that you look up difficult or unfamiliar words in the dictionary together.     4     This builds the skill of inference (推理), which is thinking through the possible answers based on the context.

Strengthen spelling skills. If you are making flashcards with difficult words, have your child practice spelling the words out loud or on paper. Give your child the opportunity to double-check spelling and find mistakes independently. This is a great strategy to use throughout the year.     5    

A．Create literature with your child.

B．Ask your child to make up stories.

C．Compare how they are similar and how they are different.

D．Have your child read a book and then check out the video version of the book.

E．But, your child will eventually have to read uninteresting or complicated materials.

F．It teaches your child to self-correct and also reduces their fear of dealing with difficult words.

G．Consider making flashcards of these words and guessing the meanings before finding the definition.