1 . As a little kid, I was addicted to math. Since my father was often doing math with my elder sister, I ________ some things by listening in on them. One of those things I learned ________ was adding a whole three numbers at once!

When it came time for the ________ to learn the same thing, our teacher ________ us to add all numbers in the ones column (个位数), then the tens, etc. However, I always added the numbers by adding the first two, then writing the third number under the sum (总和) of the first two and adding those. The ________ worked fine. So I chose to keep doing things the way my ________ had taught me.

One day, the teacher had ________ written on the board and she called four students up to ________ the problems at the same time in front of the class. I was on the far end, away from the teacher, but I felt ________ as she would catch me doing things the “wrong” way. So I did things my way, put the answer, and ________ erased my work.

She ________ nothing unusual. When she got to me she agreed that the answer was right, but I needed to do my work again in front of the class with her watching me. ________, I honestly expected a scolding (责骂) for my wrongdoing. Instead, she seemed ________ and asked me to ________ my way to the class. She told me that was a better way and she was happy with kids doing math however they wanted as long as they got the right ________.

1.

A．picked up

B．concentrated on

C．missed out

D．forgot about

2.

A．at hand

B．on purpose

C．in advance

D．behind schedule

3.

A．term

B．class

C．number

D．content

4.

A．called

B．pushed

C．taught

D．invited

5.

A．paper

B．brain

C．score

D．method

6.

A．sister

B．father

C．mother

D．friend

7.

A．words

B．volunteers

C．notes

D．problems

8.

A．copy

B．clean

C．solve

D．read

9.

A．excited

B．proud

C．helpful

D．anxious

10.

A．hurriedly

B．formally

C．happily

D．patiently

11.

A．said

B．heard

C．noticed

D．followed

12.

A．Now

B．Yet

C．Soon

D．Once

13.

A．frightened

B．satisfied

C．confused

D．surprised

14.

A．explain

B．send

C．correct

D．make

15.

A．styles

B．names

C．praises

D．results

2 . Many wildlife populations around the world are falling in size. The speed and scale of these losses have scientists worried. In less than 50 years, the number of wild animals has dropped by about two-thirds. That’s the finding of a new report.

To get the size of these populations can be hard. Yet scientists need such numbers to know how the Earth’s species (物种) has been changing and understand how people may be influencing the number of animals.

A group of scientists recently set out to get those numbers. To do that, they worked with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) based in Switzerland, and the Zoological Society of London in England. The team studied more than 38,000 populations of animals. These included more than 5,000 species. The new study looked for changes in the population size of all groups between 1970 and 2018.

The study found that the population has dropped by 69 percent. “It tells us that we need to do something about falling populations around the world,” says Rebecca Shaw, a scientist at the WWF’s office in New York City. The team published (发布) its finding in October. Its numbers were part of WWF’s Living Planet Report.

WWF and the Zoological Society of London work to protect animals and nature. Every two years they publish a Living Planet Report on the influences that people are having on wildlife. Scientists from the two groups collected data on animal populations. They studied how the size of each population changed over time.

“Looking at changes in population size can show us species that are likely to face extinction (灭绝),” explains Brian McGill, an author of the new report. “The species in this study haven’t gone extinct—at least, not yet. So, there is still time for humans to take action and turn things around.”

1. Why did the scientists do the research?

A．To know the changes in the number of wildlife.

B．To. offer wild animals better living conditions.

C．To tell people to stop raising animals at the zoo.

D．To find ways to get over difficulties humans face.

2. What does the author want to do in paragraph 5?

A．Introduce an international group.

B．Add some background information.

C．Come up with new ideas about wildlife.

D．Praise the researchers for their courage.

3. What can we infer from Brian McGill’s words?

A．We can’t get control of wildlife populations.

B．We can’t stop the species going extinct.

C．It’s not easy to make a big difference.

D．It’s not too late to save wildlife.

4. Which of the following can be the best title for the text?

A．A Study Finds Big Drop in Animal Populations

B．A Report Shows the Exact Number of Wildlife

C．WWF Plays a Key Role in Protecting Animals

D．Many Living Species Will Die out Forever

3 . Like most other American high school students, Garret Morgan imagined his life repeatedly: Go to college and get a bachelor’s (学士) degree. However, Morgan made a big decision in 2018. He started training as an ironworker, which was what he was doing on a weekday morning in an industrial park.

Back then, the demand (需求) for ironworkers was rising and it still is. Ironworkers get about $27.48 per hour. At 20, Morgan got $28.36 an hour. Five years later, he’s on the job full time, working for 10 hours a day, six days a week. “I’m loving it every day,” he said. “It was the right choice.”

While a shortage of workers pushes pay higher in the skilled trades, the financial return from a bachelor’s degree is softening. But high school graduates have been so effectively encouraged to get a bachelor’s degree that high-paid jobs requiring shorter and less expensive training are going unfilled.

The Washington State Auditor (WSA) found in 2017 that good jobs in the skilled trades were going begging because most high school students go for bachelor’s degrees. It’s still true in Washington State and around the country. Among other things, the WSA suggested that career guidance (就业指导), including choices that require less than four years in college, start as early as the seventh grade.

Some 30 million jobs in the United States that pay around $55,000 per year don’t require bachelor’s degrees, according to the Georgetown Center on Education and the Workforce.

Yet the march to bachelor’s degrees continues. “There’s a belief that the bachelor’s degree is the American dream,” said Kate Kreamer, an expert in career and technical education. “The challenge is that sometimes the degree might keep students from getting jobs. Students are going to college without a plan, without a career in mind, because the mindset in high school is just ‘Go to college’.”

1. How does Garret Morgan feel about his decision made in 2018?

A．Doubtful.

B．Worried.

C．Regretful.

D．Satisfied.

2. Why is there a shortage of skilled workers in the US according to the text?

A．High school graduates prefer to attend college.

B．It’s difficult for them to ask for a pay raise.

C．It takes a long time to go on training courses.

D．Well-paid jobs ask for a high degree of skill.

3. What do the underlined words “going begging” mean in the fourth paragraph?

A．Similar.

B．Exciting.

C．Unwanted.

D．Popular.

4. What does Kate Kreamer suggest high school students do?

A．Develop new skills they need to be successful.

B．Keep an open mind about high school education.

C．Make plans for their career before going to college.

D．Go for their American dreams as early as possible.

4 . Even though it’s been more than 30 years, Brendan Slocumb still feels the heartbreak of his stolen violin.

In his senior year of high school, Slocumb’s family found their home ransacked (洗劫) after a trip abroad. Slocumb, who had been playing the violin since he was nine, went immediately to the hiding spot under his bed. “I looked. My instrument was gone. I looked again. It was gone,” he said.

The stolen violin is one of many life experiences Slocumb drew upon to write his book, The Violin Conspiracy. It tells the story of Ray McMillan, a gifted violinist whose family violin is stolen just before one of the world-class music competitions.

Born in California, Slocumb was raised in Fayetteville, N.C., and began playing the violin through a public school music program. For both Slocumb and his character Ray, the violin was a means to get away from a difficult childhood and a ticket to college and a promising job. After graduating from college with a degree in music education, Slocumb has taught music to students from primary through high school for more than 20 years.

Writing the book was a chance to celebrate Slocumb’s success and honor the people who helped him along the way. In the book, Ray’s Grandma Nora—his first supporter—is named after Slocumb’s grandmother. And Ray’s mentor (导师) Janice is based on Dr. Rachel Vetter Huang, Slocumb’s college teacher, whom he calls “a life-saving force”.

The Violin Conspiracy has been praised for its lively descriptions. After it came on the market in 2022, thank-yous poured in. Slocumb heard from many Black musicians who said “This is a story that I’ve been carrying along as well. I experienced the exact same things Ray has gone through in the story, and noon would believe me. Now it’s out there in the world to see.”

1. Why was Slocumb heartbroken about his stolen violin?

A．The violin cost too much.	B．He got the violin on his birthday.
C．The violin mattered to him.	D．He bought the violin from abroad.

2. What can we know about Dr. Rachel Vetter Huang?

A．She gave Slocumb much support.	B．She wrote books in her spare time.
C．She had saved Slocumb’s life.	D．She taught music in a high school.

3. What message did these Black musicians want to express?

A．They placed their orders in a hurry.

B．They faced an impossible situation.

C．They were worried about the coming life.

D．They were thankful for Slocumb’s work.

4. What is the text?

A．A children’s story.	B．A news report.
C．A book review.	D．A lesson plan.

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。

Most polar bears could die out by the end of the century due to global warming,     1     (scientist) say. According to a study, most polar bear populations will be dropping markedly by 2080. The cause is melting (融化) sea ice. Polar bears feed     2     (main) on seals on the ice. Without ice, the bears have to walk to faraway places and spend more and more time away from     3     (they) main food source. That means the animals could die.

Lack of food leads to another problem: Mother bears may not be fat enough to produce milk for their babies. Some bears could stop     4     (have) babies, which results     5     a rapid decline (减少) in numbers.

Arctic sea ice usually melts in spring and summer, and then grows in winter. But now, the ice is taking     6     (long) to grow back. Weather statistics say the Arctic is warming twice as fast as the rest of the planet. Ice in the region     7     (drop) by 13% every 10 years since the 1970s.

But the study also notes that it is still possible     8     (slow) Arctic melting. The world can cut the burning of coal, oil, etc. and lower the greenhouse gas emissions (排放)     9     bring about climate change. It would have to be a big drop to make     10     difference.

6 . Cheapest Islands in the World to Visit

Grand Bahama Island, The Bahamas

As the northernmost of the 700 islands of the Bahamas, Grand Bahama dishes up plenty of cheap activities alongside its white-sand beaches. Visiting Lucayan National Park, which is home to both beloved Gold Rock Beach and one of the largest underwater cave (洞穴) systems in the world, is an affordable trip. There are hotel rooms at $80 a night.

Madeira, Portugal

Though closer to mainland Africa, Madeira is a part of Portugal known for its breathtaking natural beauty. Visitors can find hotels starting at $85 a night, and enjoy plenty of low-cost activities, like rowing a boat around the volcanic Porto Moniz natural swimming pools, and admiring the never-ending views around the island. No wonder it’s been called the “Hawaii of Europe”.

Dominican Republic

Looking for one of the least expensive Caribbean islands? The Dominican Republic is full of affordable surprises. In Santo Domingo, walk around Zona Colonial, the historic heart of the country’s capital, you’ll find castles, cathedrals (教堂), cobblestone streets, and cafés around every corner. During the low season (summer), you can find hotel deals starting at $33 a night.

Sri Lanka

Do you want to spend just $25～50 a day? Then go to Sri Lanka. Since the South Asian island country is one of the largest tea producers in the world, start with a tea factory tour on a peaceful hike. Taking a train ride through the hills from Kandy to Badulla or from Colombo to Galle is an enjoyable and affordable way to see the countryside.

1. What can you do in Lucayan National Park?

A．Visit a huge castle.	B．Enjoy the beautiful beach.
C．Swim in Porto Moniz.	D．Go on a tea factory tour.

2. What is special about Zona Colonial?

A．It requires booking.	B．It has historic sites.
C．It is famous for tea.	D．It is closed in summer.

3. Which of the following would provide a hotel room at the lowest price?

A．Dominica.

B．The Bahamas.

C．Portugal.

D．Sri Lanka.

7 . Former UK Prime Minister Winston Churchill (1874-1965) once said, “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” These are certainly words that millions of volunteers around the world could agree with.

In the US, April is National Volunteer Month, which recognizes and thanks volunteers who lend their time, talent, and support to causes (事业) they care about.

Volunteering means choosing to work without being paid for it. People who volunteer spend their time doing things they feel strongly about. For example, animal lovers may volunteer at an animal shelter to help improve the treatment and well-being of animals.

For students, valuable lessons may also be learned by volunteering. Take Andrew Makhoul, a sophomore (大二学生) at the University of Pennsylvania, as an example. Makhoul didn’t spend the 2012 spring break partying. Unlike his classmates, who planned on relaxing after a term of hard work, the 19-year-old decided to do something for people less fortunate than himself.

He traveled to an orphanage (孤儿院) in Guatemala in Central America. The orphanage is in one of the poorest and most violent parts of the country, and depends on volunteers to stay open.

Makhoul doesn’t speak much Spanish, but he found communication wasn’t a problem: “You communicated with love,” according to an article on his university’s website, “You could see love when you looked in their eyes.”

Makhoul’s first time as a volunteer only lasted a week, but by the end of that week, he knew he’d be back soon – because he saw love and hope.

US author Sherry Anderson once wrote, “Volunteers don’t get paid, not because they’re worthless, but because they’re priceless.” And this is perhaps why volunteers all around the world keep doing what they do.

1. Why is Winston Churchill mentioned in the first paragraph?

A．To teach readers a lesson.	B．To sum up the main idea.
C．To lead in the topic.	D．To involve readers in a story.

2. According to the passage, why is the National Volunteer Month held in the US ?

A．To collect money for the volunteers.	B．To offer care about the causes of volunteers.
C．To appreciate the work of volunteers.	D．To encourage more to become volunteers.

3. How did Makhoul spend the 2012 spring break?

A．He threw a party.	B．He relaxed himself.
C．He went to an animal shelter.	D．He visited an orphanage.

4. It can be inferred that Makhoul is_________.

A．warm-hearted

B．lovely

C．brave

D．energetic

5. Which word can best describe the work of volunteers?

A．Worthless.

B．Priceless.

C．Highly-paid.

D．Badly-needed.

10 . 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。

During my six years at the Boyd E. Smith Primary School, I was lucky to have so many great teachers who served as thoughtful role models. They were admirable characters who had far-reaching effects on me in more ways than I could have known. Among them who influenced me the most was my fourth-grade teacher, Mrs. Green.

The truth is that Mrs. Green was unlike anyone I had ever known. She had so much energy and passion for the world and for her students that she spent thirty years of her life at Boyd E. Smith. Mrs. Green taught maths. She devoted herself to her work. I would never have imagined that I would have left her class with so much.

Mrs. Green is everything that I want to be. The first time I met her, I knew she was someone special. Being young fourth-graders, we were taught to show respect to teachers as we learned to say “Thank you, madam” and “Yes, madam” on a daily basis. We did not complain about it. We knew she did it to make us better young adults that would carry on through life with respect for our elders.

Mrs. Green was an amazing teacher for many reasons, as she was intelligent and passionate about what she taught. She did not scold (责骂) us, but she taught us to recognize the difference between right and wrong and to be responsible no matter what we did. Looking back upon those days when I was in her class, I realized that she was teaching us qualities that were important to our characters. The most valuable lesson I learned from her was to live with honesty. I had no idea what this word meant until the incident (事情) in a math exam.

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。

I was caught in the act of cheating in the exam.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Now I am also a primary school teacher like Mrs. Green.

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