1 . Siti walked confidently towards the stage to receive the “Nurse of the Year” award. She _______ at her parents seated in the front row and saw their eyes glowing with _______.

Two years ago, _______ Siti chose nursing as a profession, her parents were not very _______ of her decision. Siti’s parents had always wanted her to become a doctor. However, Siti was more interested in serving and caring for patients _______ a nurse at a hospital. She _______ well with all her patients and remembered their names by heart.

Although Siti has had many _______ experiences working as a nurse, one was _______ close to her heart. One of her patients, Mrs Ng, who was _______ from a terminal illness, was bedridden. To show her concern, Siti would always greet her with a warm smile and ask how her day had been. As Mrs Ng had very few ________, Siti would go the extra miles and sit by Mrs Ng’s bed for a while to chat with her. Like Mrs Ng, most of the patients enjoyed Siti’s ________ as she understood their needs and treated them with care and compassion. Though ________ care for her patients was difficult, Siti ________ her responsibilities to the best of her ability.

When Siti received the award, the audience ________ her name. As Siti walked down the stage, she recalled the ________ on the faces of her patients and their families. Siti was filled with contentment.

1.

A．wondered

B．pointed

C．glanced

D．rushed

2.

A．impatience

B．courage

C．regret

D．pride

3.

A．when

B．although

C．if

D．until

4.

A．conscious

B．supportive

C．envious

D．guilty

5.

A．as

B．with

C．for

D．about

6.

A．adapted

B．related

C．traded

D．prepared

7.

A．rewarding

B．professional

C．memorable

D．painful

8.

A．hardly

B．temporarily

C．suddenly

D．particularly

9.

A．suffering

B．recovering

C．differing

D．separating

10.

A．patients

B．visitors

C．audiences

D．specialists

11.

A．authority

B．commitment

C．attempt

D．company

12.

A．providing

B．requiring

C．taking

D．receiving

13.

A．pushed away

B．made up

C．carried out

D．handed over

14.

A．mentioned

B．chanted

C．acquired

D．submitted

15.

A．anxiety

B．sympathy

C．privilege

D．gratitude

2 . In 2022, a New Zealand woman became the first to receive a gene-editing treatment to permanently lower her cholesterol (胆固醇). The woman had heart disease, along with an inherited risk for high cholesterol. But scientists behind the experimental treatment are considering how it could help pretty much anyone.

The trial is a potential turning point for CRISPR, the editing tool they used. Since the technology was first programmed to edit genomes (基因组) about a decade ago, we’ve seen CRISPR from scientific labs made much progress. But the first experimental treatments have focused on rare genetic disorders. They are working on more possibilities treating common disease like high cholesterol.

The cholesterol-lowering treatment, developed by Verve Therapeutics, relies on a form of gene editing called base editing, or “CRISPR 2.0”. It’s a more targeted approach. Instead of simply making cuts to shut off specific genes, scientists can now exchange a single DNA base for another. In theory, this should be safer because you’re less likely to cut an important gene by mistake, and you can be less likely to make mistakes that may occur when DNA repairs itself after being cut.

An even newer form of CRISPR could take things further still. Prime Editing — or “CRISPR 3.0” — allows scientists to put chunks (块) of DNA into a genome. If it works in people, it could let scientists replace disease-causing genes.

Together, these newer forms of CRISPR could broaden the possibilities of gene editing to take on many conditions — not all of them genetic. Someday, people may have the option to add genes thought to protect against high blood pressure, or certain diseases, to their genetic code.

All CRISPR treatments are experimental at this point, and we don’t know if they’re safe. Some argue we should focus on treating those with severe diseases in the meantime. But if these new forms of CRISPR do work, they could help many others.

1. What are scientists focusing on in the gene-editing treatment?

A．Its great success.	B．Its wider application.
C．Its immediate effects.	D．Its target patients.

2. Why does the author think that CRISPR 2.0 is theoretically safer?

A．It can shut off specific genes.	B．It can avoid potential errors.
C．It’s likely to reduce DNA base damage.	D．It provides protection for the genome.

3. What could be the innovative practice of Prime Editing?

A．Making cuts to shut off specific genes.	B．Providing treatment for genetic diseases.
C．Exchanging a single DNA base for another.	D．Taking the place of disease-causing genes.

4. What can be inferred from the text?

A．CRISPR treatments haven’t entered human trials.

B．Prime editing is being tested in the scientific lab.

C．Prime editing targets diseases caused by genetic disorders.

D．Verve’s cholesterol-lowering treatments are approved for use.

5 . Kids Plays! 2024

World-class Plays for the Young and Young at Heart

Private Placid (23 to 30 June)

This play relives the life of Private Peter Placid, a young World War I soldier in a prison cell, as he looks back on his short but joyful past growing up in rural Devon.

Proudly presented by OKTO Theatre (UK) for young people aged 8 and above with their families at Regimented Theatre.

Traumatic Tudors (to 9 July)

Learn about the English royalty from the 1400s to the 1600s (with the nasty bits left in) in this production by The Noble Stage Company (UK) at the Monarchs Arts Centre.

For children aged 7 and above with their families. Enjoy a 10% discount with your ACBC credit card.

What the Ladybird Heard (21 to 30 June)

In KidsPlay’s glittering family treat, the woolly sheep, the hairy hog, the fat red hen and the dainty dog provide children 18 months and above with live music, plenty of audience participation and lots of laughs.

Proudly presented by Hair Wax Ltd (UK) and Singapore Youth Theatre at the Apian Arts Centre.

The Gruffalo (22 June to 3 July)

Join Mouse on an adventurous journey through the dark ancient wood in this magical adaptation of the award-winning book by Julia Donaldson. Let your imagination run wild with songs, laughs and fun for everyone aged 3 to 101!

An irresistibly charming play by Short Stories (UK) at ACT5 Theatre.

Enjoy a 10% discount with ticket stubs (票根) of We’re Going on a Bear Hunt.

We’re Going on a Bear Hunt (20 June to 1 July)

Abba Ltd (UK) proudly presents We’re Going on a Bear Hunt at the Ursine Centre Theatre! Children aged 3 and above will enjoy this fun-filled play as our brave adventurers set off on a quest to find a bear.

1. Where is the text likely to be found?

A．In a storybook.	B．In a diary entry.
C．In a newspaper article.	D．In a magazine for parents.

2. Where can you watch a performance by actors from two countries?

A．At ACT5 Theatre.	B．At Regimented Theatre.
C．At the Apian Arts Centre.	D．At the Monarchs Arts Centre.

3. How can you enjoy a 10% discount for The Gruffalo?

A．By collecting and returning ticket stubs.	B．By watching We’re Going on a Bear Hunt.
C．By buying a ticket with an ACBC credit card.	D．By joining Mouse on an adventurous journey.

9 . 听下面一段独白，回答以下小题。
1. What was in front of the speaker’s house?

A．A garden.

B．A forest.

C．A river.

2. What does the speaker think of his sister?

A．Talented.

B．Devoted.

C．Motivated.

3. What has inspired the speaker the most?

A．Nature and wildlife.

B．City life.

C．A life event.

4. What does the speaker try to do with his music?

A．Make people think.

B．Make people happy.

C．Help people out of trouble.