1 . Courage is a huge theme in my life, a quality I constantly seek, appreciate, and analyze. The root of “courage” is “cor,” the Latin word for heart. In the beginning, courage meant “to speak one’s mind by telling all one’s heart.” While courage is often associated with heroism nowadays, I believe true courage lies in being open and honest about who we are and how we feel.

I recently witnessed an example of true courage. During a mountain-climbing trip with my 15-year-old daughter and some college students, I noticed her struggling to keep up with the group. Despite my suggestions to rest, she persisted until she couldn’t breathe properly.

Panicked, I called out to the front for help, but there was no response, and we had no cellphone signal. Fortunately, two students just came back to check out on us. They offered assistance and calmed us down. As we continued at a slower pace, they shared their own experiences, from starting out as beginners like my daughter to becoming consistently among the first to reach the peak.

“You know,” one of them said, looking at my daughter, “I was just like you when I started.

But with practice and proper pace, you’ll get there too.”

“Yeah, don’t let your lack of experience stop you,” the other added. “It’s okay to admit when you’re struggling or not feeling alright. In fact, it’s important to speak up and ask for help when you need it. That’s how we improve and grow.”

Reaching the mountain top was a huge relief for both my daughter and me. However, the two students addressed the celebrating group directly, emphasizing the importance of staying together in tough environments. Their words led the group to apologize to us for overlooking our struggle.

I was totally amazed at their bravery, and my daughter learned that it’s okay to be the least experienced in a group. Courage, I’ve come to realize, has a ripple effect. Each time we choose courage, we inspire those around us to be a little braver and make the world a little better.

1. Why does the author mention the original meaning of courage?

A．To question the common belief of courage.

B．To argue for the true nature of courage.

C．To show the changing meaning of courage.

D．To compare different interpretations of courage.

2. What did the two students suggest the daughter do?

A．Keep to a suitable pace.	B．Seek help whenever possible.
C．Challenge her own limits.	D．Stick with experienced climbers.

3. Which action in the mountain-climbing story is an example of true courage?

A．The mother asked the girl to rest.

B．The girl tried hard not to fall behind.

C．The two students pointed out the group’s fault.

D．The group celebrated the reach of the mountain top.

4. What does the author intend to tell us?

A．Kindness connects us all.	B．Being a beginner takes courage.
C．We don’t have to be a hero to be brave.	D．With courage, everyone can be perfect.

2 . My father started learning French at 57, drawn by the potential benefits of bilingualism (双语能力) in delaying dementia (失智症). Now, 20 years later, he’s on his third teacher. Many people like my father have attempted to pick up a new language. But can this really boost brain health?

According to experts, regularly using a new language brings cognitive (认知的) benefits. If you’re trying to recall the right words in another language, your brain is forced to inhibit your mother tongue. This process, called cognitive inhibition, helps improve your brain function. Repeating this process makes your brain more resistant to diseases like dementia. The more you challenge your brain, the better it functions, even if your brain health starts to decline.

However, evidence for the benefits of learning a second language in your 60s is weaker. Research by Dr. Leo Antoniou found that older Italians who took English lessons for four months didn’t see any difference in their cognition scores, but people who didn’t saw their scores decline. Prof. Diana Smith’s 2023 studies found similar results.

Researchers offered a few potential explanations for their disappointing results. One is that the participants were highly motivated volunteers, probably of high cognitive level for their age, making it hard to see any improvements. “When choosing participants, we have to be careful, are they really representative of the population?” said Dr. Judith Ware. Another is that the language interventions were perhaps too short. These studies have used language lessons that “were very different in their length and frequency,” said Prof. Laura Grossman.

To Dr. Antoniou, the limited findings are not entirely surprising. No one would say that learning a new language for six months would be the same as having used two languages for your entire life. But he does think that language lessons can provide cognitive benefits by being cognitively stimulating.

Perhaps more important, Prof. Grossman said, learning another language offers other potential advantages, like traveling or connecting with new communities. My father, for example, has remained pen friends with his first teacher and traveled to France numerous times.

And at 76, he’s as sharp as ever.

1. What happens in the process of “cognitive inhibition”?

A．Memory improves.	B．Brain health worsens.
C．Dementia is cured.	D．Native language is held back.

2. Which is a possible explanation for the disappointing research results?

A．The poor choice of research participants.

B．The great length of the language course.

C．The intervention of the first language.

D．The age difference of the research subjects.

3. Whose opinion does the author support by mentioning his father’s experience?

A．Leo Antoniou’s.	B．Diana Smith’s.
C．Laura Grossman’s.	D．Judith Ware’s.

4. Which of the following is a suitable title for the text?

A．Is it never too late to learn a new language?

B．Can learning a new language delay dementia?

C．Why does my father start learning a new language?

D．How does learning a new language benefit aging brain?

3 . Filming in the Wasatch-Cache National Forest

The Kamas Ranger District handles film permits for the Kamas district of the Wasatch- Cache National Forest.

To ensure that permits are issued in time for filming, the Forest Service requests that application form be handed in three to four weeks prior to filming.

The fee structure for filming in the National Forest is as follows:

Filming Special Use Fee

1 to 10 people-$150 per day

11 to 30 people-$200 per day

31 to 60 people-$500 per day

Over 61 people-$600 per day

Film Monitoring Fee

1 day filming-FREE

Extra days-$200 per day

Additional Fees

Additional fees will be charged in the following situations:

Large production (greater than 100 people), multiple site filming that may require additional film monitoring to protect natural resources and a performance agreement in the form of a deposited check.

Upon approval, a Special Use Permit will be issued with a bill for collection. Checks should be made payable to “USDA Forest Service, ” and payment must be received before filming.

Note

Some areas of the forest are especially sensitive to impacts from vehicles, domestic animals, and people. These areas include wetlands, streams, lake shorelines, and most meadow areas. Filming requests in these sensitive areas will require special surveys to determine possible environmental impacts. The request may be denied.

1. What is one expected to do for filming?

A．Issue the permit weeks before filming.	B．Submit the application form in advance.
C．Give top priority to time arrangement.	D．Outline the fee structure in the forest.

2. How much will a week’s film monitoring be charged?

A．$1200.

B．$200.

C．$1400.

D．$600.

3. Which of the following will be charged additional fees?

A．Paying the bill in cash.	B．Entry into the sensitive areas.
C．Production with over 61 people.	D．Filming in different sites.

4 . As people worldwide focus on a healthy planet, renewable (可再生的) energy engineers are key. These engineers work on cool projects that use the power of the sun, wind, and water to create energy. Their work combats climate change, leading to a cleaner world. Here are details.

Key responsibilities:

System Design: It’s like being an inventor who figures out the best way to turn sunlight, wind, or water into electricity that we can use to power things like homes and schools.

Project Management: This is like being the leader of a team working on a school project, but instead, it’s for big energy projects. The engineer makes sure everything is done right on time, and doesn’t cost too much money.

Technical Research: Here, the engineer is like a detective or a scientist, always looking for new and better ways to make energy. They try to find methods that are more effective and less expensive.

Maintenance and Optimization: This part is about taking care of the energy systems that are already built. The engineer checks the systems, fixes any problems, and makes improvements so they work even better.

Skill requirements:

Engineering background: A degree in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or a related field.

Analytical Skills: Abilities to analyze data and system performance to propose improvements.

Innovative Thinking: Maintain (保持) an openness to new technologies and methods, constantly seeking innovation.

Environmental Awareness: A deep understanding of environmental protection and sustainable development.

Career prospects:

The renewable energy industry is having a period of rapid development, with strong support from both the government and the private company. Renewable energy engineers can find opportunities in energy companies, consulting firms, research institutions or government agencies. With technological advances and the growing demand for energy, the future prospects to r this career are very bright.

1. What do renewable energy engineers mainly do?

A．Do fuel tests.	B．Do plant preservation.
C．Make use of clean energy.	D．Make a great many budget plans.

2. Which ability is unmentioned as for renewable energy engineers’ requirements?

A．Analytical skills.	B．Innovative thinking.
C．Environmental awareness.	D．Fluency in multiple languages.

3. What is the future of renewable energy engineers?

A．Promising.

B．Uncertain.

C．Decreasing.

D．Limited.

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。

Located near a wide stretch of cornfields in Xinjia Village is a museum focusing on Mahu Opera, a traditional art of the Manchu ethnic group in Northeast China. Developed on a site     1     (former) used as a primary school, this museum has five exhibition rooms with nearly 2,000 objects or t display, including manuscripts, masks, costumes, instruments and books, most of     2     were donated by a local inheritor of intangible cultural heritage.

Besides cultural artifacts related to Mahu Opera, other old objects in the museum     3     (collect) from the local area, such as traditional agricultural implements (农具) also reflect     4     history of this village situated in Shuangyang District in Changchun City.

Shuangyang District,     5     more than 300 years of history in the field of deer breeding, has a sika deer museum.     6     (wander) through the 7,200-square-meter building, people can learn in detail about this local history and tradition of raising deer, and the development of the industry. People here have gone through hardships in developing the deer industry, and they need to pass on this spirit to     7     (they) future generations through the museum.

The Mahu Opera and the sika deer museum are among the     8     (achievement) of a project of rural museum construction in Jilin Province, which was initiated in 2016. So far, 91 museums     9     (build) in rural areas in the province.

While modernizing its rural regions, China is also seeking solutions     10     (preserve) the distinct history and vibrant culture of different regions, with the building of rural museums being an important part of this strategy.

6 . To get the most out of literary works, one must approach them with intention and skill. Here are five key strategies to enhance your reading experience.

Engage with the text. Engagement is crucial when reading literature.     1    . Ask questions as you read: Why did the character do that? What does this scene symbolize? What might the author be trying to say? This active engagement helps you to think critically and to immerse (沉浸在) yourself in the literary world.

Understand the historical and cultural context.     2    . It reflects the culture in which it was written. By researching the historical period, the author’s life, and the social norms (规范) of the time, you can gain a deeper understanding of the text.

    3    . Literature is an art form that uses language in creative and often complex ways. Pay attention to the author’s use of literary devices such as imagery, symbolism, metaphor, and irony. Knowing these techniques can reveal hidden layers of meaning and give you a greater appreciation of the author’s craft.

Reflect on themes and personal relevance. Great literature often deals with themes that are universal and timeless. Reflect on the themes you encounter in the text and consider how they relate to your own experiences and beliefs.     4    . Besides, it can offer insights into both the literature and your own life.

Discuss and share insights. Literature is meant to be shared and discussed. Conversations with others can enhance your understanding and enjoyment of a text. Join a book club, participate in online forums, or simply discuss the book with friends or classmates. These discussions can provide you with new perspectives (观点).     5    

A．Think of words in the book

B．Analyze literary techniques

C．Every piece of literature is a product of its time

D．They can lessen your appreciation of the literature

E．Interacting with others will lead you about the book

F．This personal connection can make reading more meaningful

G．This means actively interacting with the text, not just reading the words

7 . In early January 2024, Jimmy struggled through snow and ice to summit the Vinson Massif, Antarctica’s highest peak.

After decades of traveling and mountaineering, Jimmy could _________ another achievement, a great adventurer, which _________ reaching the highest peak on every continent, and visiting both the North Pole and the South Pole in addition to visiting every country.

Jimmy had _________ spent ten years of his life, between 2007 and 2017, visiting every country in the world. The _________ journey saw him meet with many difficulties and gain achievements as well. But once he’d managed to visit every country in the world, Jimmy went into a _________.

“It had been a huge life goal, over a _________ of my life. However, when I finished that, I was a bit _________,” he said. “I started eating badly, _________ weight and ignoring my own _________.”

Jimmy decided that the best way to ____________ this was to challenge himself again. He began running ultramarathons and climbing mountains, and soon found that with the ____________ and direction, he was back to loving life again. He’s hoping that he doesn’t ____________ bad habits again after completing the latest challenges. For now, Jimmy is putting all his ____________ into helping others to achieve their travel goals.

“From an adventure perspective, what I really want to ____________ to people is just how many benefits they can get from ____________ experiences. All good things come after suffering,” said Jimmy.

1.

A．claim

B．plan

C．report

D．evaluate

2.

A．explained

B．described

C．involved

D．highlighted

3.

A．rarely

B．easily

C．angrily

D．previously

4.

A．relevant

B．peaceful

C．incredible

D．ideal

5.

A．plot

B．confusion

C．risk

D．fight

6.

A．century

B．year

C．week

D．decade

7.

A．disappointed

B．lost

C．addicted

D．surprised

8.

A．gaining

B．balancing

C．controlling

D．watching

9.

A．freedom

B．horror

C．calm

D．business

10.

A．share

B．overcome

C．facilitate

D．adapt

11.

A．guidance

B．contribution

C．purpose

D．ability

12.

A．eat up

B．get into

C．keep off

D．suffer from

13.

A．breakthroughs

B．elections

C．appearances

D．efforts

14.

A．demonstrate

B．complain

C．apologize

D．promise

15.

A．study

B．teaching

C．travel

D．volunteer

8 . As a high school student, you’re likely used to learning through reading textbooks.     1     This lies at the heart of “experiential appreciation,” a philosophy that encourages you to engage directly with the world around you. It’s about learning from real-life experiences, and discovering a more profound and engaging way to learn.

To practice experiential appreciation, you can start by getting involved in hands-on activities related to your subjects. They will provide a firsthand understanding of the concepts you’re studying, making learning active and meaningful. So, try joining a sports team, picking up a paintbrush, or taking part in a local charity event.     2    

As you dive deeper, immerse (沉浸) yourself fully in the surroundings and activities. When you’re in nature, don’t just look around.     3     Touching the leaves, feeling the wind and listening to the birds can enrich your learning and make each moment more memorable.

    4     After trying something new, ask yourself what you learned and how it made you feel. Write in a journal or discuss it with friends. This self-discovery turns experiences into life lessons and offers a deeper understanding of the world.

Experiential appreciation transforms learning from a task to be completed into a journey to be treasured.     5     So, explore the world around you, let every experience shape you, and discover the endless possibilities that await. This is the core of true learning, where every moment is a step towards a richer, more enlightened life.

A．It extends learning beyond textbooks.

B．These activities bring learning to life.

C．Mind the impact of your actions on the environment.

D．Instead, activate your senses for a stronger tie with it.

E．Take your experiences further by reflecting on them.

F．Textbooks offer a systematic introduction to essential concepts and principles.

G．Now consider expanding your learning from just reading to actively participating.

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。

“When I grow up, I’m going to travel on my own,” said my little daughter, Sophia, reading her favorite picture book in the sunshine. Her blue eyes sparkled as she looked at the beautiful pictures. “Well, I think you can!” I said, believing in her ambitions.

Being a hard-working and reliable child, she could help do the housework skillfully. She had the potential to make her dreams come true. However, we were poor farmers, and all profit had to go back into the farm to keep it going.

When Sophia was ten, a tornado (龙卷风) struck Texas, destroying our farm. We were forced to deal with everything that we faced. This disaster completely changed our lives. My husband, Steve, was disabled by the tornado. After trying and failing at several methods of earning income, finally he decided to become a baker (面包师).

We purchased a small bakeshop, fully equipped, and moved it onto our farmland. In fact, our bakeshop business did very well. Regrettably, Steve did not. His disability was so severe that after several months of trying he simply could not continue. The bakeshop closed.

While our family was going through difficult times, the dream and spirit of Sophia was not lost. She was doing well in school, and I smiled the day I read Sophia’s essay entitled, “Things I would like to do.” Topping the list were these words: I want to travel someday. Again I whispered, “Maybe you can someday.”

A few years later, Sophia started high school and enrolled in a foreign language class in her second year. This class occasionally organized a trip abroad. One day, she came home from school, hardly able to control her excitement, and said, “Mum, our class will arrange for us to travel abroad.”

“Fantastic!” I said. “You can achieve your dream!”

“But it would probably cost a lot of money to go,” she said.

She was right. My salary paid the bills, and nothing was left. Steve was still unable to work. Our hearts sank deeply.

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。

Sophia’s face lit up the moment she thought of her father’s bakeshop.

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Orders came flooding in.

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

A．On the street.

B．On a bus.

C．At a conference room.

2. What is available in the walk-to-work program?

A．Less time for working.

B．Discounts offered by local companies.

C．Free exercise classes provided by communities.