1 . In 2019, after retiring from her career as a social worker, Ane Freed - Kernis decided to build a home workshop and devote all of her free time to stone carving. “I might be covered head to to e in dust but I’m happy — it was something I needed more of in my life when I hit 60,” she says.

This appeal has its origins in Freed - Kernis’ childhood. Growing up on her father’s farm in Denmark, she used to wander through the fields with her eyes fixed on the ground, looking for stones to add to her collection. “I’ve always been drawn to the shapes and textures (质地) of stones,” she says.

After moving to England in 1977 and training as a social worker, Freed - Kernis soon became occupied with her busy career and the demands of raising her son. Stones were the last thing on her mind, until her father died in 2005. “He took a stone carving course in his retirement, and I always thought stone seemed so fun but never had the time to look into it myself,” she says. “After he died, I became determined to learn in his honour.”

Signing up for a week-long stone carving course at Yorkshire Sculpture Park, Freed-Kernis began to learn how to turn a block of rock into well-designed shapes. “It was really scary at the start because you would spend hours just hammering (锤打).”

Now 65, Freed-Kernis has a thriving small business built largely through word of mouth. She creates 12 to 15 pieces a year that can take anywhere from a few days to three weeks to complete, while her prices range from £ 200 to £ 3,000. “I’m making smaller ones,” she says. “I don’t have to depend on the money much, so I want to keep prices in the range that people can afford, mainly just covering costs and labour (劳动力).”

1. Freed-Kernis was first attracted by stones when ______.

A．she was 60	B．she was a child
C．her father died	D．she moved to England

2. What can we infer about Freed-Kernis from paragraph 3?

A．She never cared about her father.

B．She led a disappointing life in Denmark.

C．She spent lots of time studying stone carving.

D．She learned stone carving under the influence of her dad.

3. How did Freed-Kernis feel when she started stone carving course?

A．Hopeful and proud.

B．Confident and satisfied.

C．Nervous and frightened.

D．Impatient and unprepared.

4. Why is Freed-Kernis making smaller pieces?

A．They are easier to move by her.

B．They are more affordable to people.

C．She wants to save costs and labour.

D．She is too old to focus on making large ones.

2 . In San Francisco, a large group of sea lions move themselves out of the bay waters and hang out on PIER 39, which is a popular tourist destination. According to dock (码头) officials, this is the most sea lions seen in the region in 15 years.

“Over 1,000 sea lions have been counted this week,” PIER 39 harbormaster Sheila Chandor told many different media. “The surge in sea lions is usually a good sign of their strong population and healthy living environment,” said Adam Ratner, Director of Conservation Engagement at the Marine Mammal (海洋哺乳动物) Center in Sausalito, California.

“California sea lions are sentinels (哨兵) of the ocean,” Ratner said. Their population to some extent reflects the health of the ocean. Therefore, seeing a large number of California sea lions is clearly a good thing.

For nearly 35 years, the slippery (滑的) residents have been a star attraction for tourists. That autumn in 1989, PIER 39 had just been repaired, but the ships had not yet been moved back. At that moment, the sea lions unexpected arrival not only attracted fans but also created enemies. According to a website, some dock residents and workers were scared away by the strong and very unpleasant smell and noise of their new neighbors, while others saw these animals as a bright spot after the destructive Loma Prieta earthquake.

The officials sought help from the Marine Mammal Center to find a way to deal with sea lions. Ratner said that the final decision is to let the sea lions stay and coexist with humans. “The fact proves that this is really a good thing,” he said. “This is just a proof of how we can truly work together and think about how we can share our coasts with marine mammals and other wildlife in a way that benefits all the parties involved.”

1. How does the author start the text?

A．By describing a situation.

B．By answering a question.

C．By holding a conversation.

D．By comparing different opinions.

2. What does the underlined word “surge” in paragraph 2 mean?

A．Sharp increase.	B．Tight control.
C．Slow development.	D．Sudden movement.

3. What is Ratner’s attitude to the final decision?

A．Doubtful.	B．Uninterested.
C．Supportive.	D．Unclear.

4. What message does the author seem to convey in the text?

A．Sea lions are pretty cool animals.

B．Animals and humans can live in harmony.

C．Watching sea lions might not be a proper action.

D．Sea lions should be driven out of PIER 39.

3 . At some point, something will have to be done about the stuffed toys (毛绒玩具). I haven’t counted them because, truthfully, I’m not prepared to know how many there are. Lately, our neighborhood’s message boards are filled with posts about parents trying to make space, to clear out the things their kids no longer need. The tone of some of these posts can best be described as “emergency”. “Help!” they sometimes begin. “I have to get this out of my house.”

“The proliferation (激增) of children’s toys is the outcome of a long, gradual cultural change,”says Gary Cross, a professor at Pennsylvania State University. To understand how we got here — drowning (淹没于) in all those stuffed toys and bricks — it helps to look as far back as the late 19th century. “Parents were no longer passing their jobs on to the children,” Cross says. “Instead, they connect across generations through the gifting process. From the early 20th century on, goods became the things that define relationships between family members, and the way of marking success as a family.”

Then, how can parents deal with the proliferation of children’s toys at home? Naeemah Ford Goldson, a professional organizer, is also a mom of two. In her own home, Goldson likes to include her kids in the work of sorting out their toys. They know that the items they don’t need anymore will be given to people who can use them, to families who might not be as fortunate as theirs. “Doing so helps them build those habits of letting go,” she says, “so then they don’t become adults who are too dependent on material things instead of experiences, or people, and the memories we make with people.”

Her idea made sense. She told her 5-year-old they should pick some to give to kids in their community who came from another country and had to leave their toys behind. She immediately took a pink bear from the pile.

1. Why does the author present the posts in paragraph 1?

A．To show the popularity of children’s toys.

B．To offer suggestions about choosing children’s toys.

C．To praise the role of social media in buying children’s toys.

D．To introduce the influence too many children’s toys bring about.

2. What has caused the huge increase of children’s toys according to Cross?

A．Children’s demands.	B．The growth of technology.
C．The traditions in the 18th century.	D．The practice of gifting among family members.

3. What does Goldson do to avoid too many toys?

A．Involve her kids in organizing toys.	B．Put away toys for her kids.
C．Buy her kids fewer toys.	D．Sell unwanted toys to neighbors.

4. Which is the most suitable title for the text?

A．The Rise of Toy Stores in Neighborhoods	B．The Importance of Choosing Proper Gifts
C．The Challenge of Managing Children’s Toys	D．The Joy of Collecting Children’s Toys

4 . Popular people are admired and loved by their peers (同龄人).     1     Popular people have plenty of friends and usually have a high social status in their peer group. Here are some general tips that will help you become a more likable and popular person.

Avoid offering help in exchange for approval (认可). Trying to be helpful will have the opposite effect.     2     Popular people help others because they have a useful skill, not because they want to win someone else’s friendship.

Be the glue in your social circle. When you have plans to meet a group of friends for a social outing, make a habit of inviting someone who hasn’t met everyone in the group yet. If you re hanging out with a friend and run into another friend, remember to introduce them to each other.     3    

Practice positivity. People who often complain about life and are more pessimistic have fewer friends. Therefore, it’s important to have a positive attitude and avoid constant complaining.     4     It can be a key step in making close friends. But if you talk about your problems over and over again, your friends might not enjoy hanging out with you.

    5     Many people make the mistake of avoiding social relationships at their school or workplace. They think these places are for work or studying, not socializing. But most of us spend a lot of time at work or college. If you refuse to socialize with people you see almost every day, you’ll miss out on some valuable relationships.

A．Build relationships at work place and school.

B．Otherwise, your friends might feel awkward.

C．Make sure you are popular with your friends.

D．You’ll be regarded as people who need friendship.

E．And many people want to be associated with popular people.

F．However, sometimes sharing your problems with others is a good thing.

G．Peers have a special gift that enables them to make friends wherever they go.

5 . WELCOME

STUDENT HANDBOOK

The administration, faculty, and staff of American Heritage and American Academy welcome you to the new school year. Please take the time to become familiar with the following information. It can be helpful during the school year for the students and an effective means to avoid confusion and misunderstandings.

Academic Reporting

The-175-day academic year is divided into two semesters, each with two grading periods, and report cards are given at the end of each. Plus, progress reports are issued throughout the year, with their distribution dates listed in the booklet’s back.

Conference Days & Exam Days

Conference days are normally held on the Friday, which are required to be attended by all the students, following the distribution of report cards.

Fourth, fifth and sixth graders take exams during exam week at the end of the school year. All students are expected to be present during finals. Any student who must miss an exam date is required to request permission in writing stating just cause for absence.

Requirements for Promotion

To be eligible（有资格的）for promotion, a student must successfully complete all grade level requirements including maintaining a “C” average or higher in Reading and/or Mathematic s for the year and for second semester.

Honors Classes

Honors level classes are offered to scholarly qualified students in Math（Grades 2-6）, Language Arts/Reading（Grades 4-6), and Science（Grades 5-6) . Administration recommends placement based on student testing, motivation, teacher recommendation, and the good of the individual and the whole class. Students in Honors Classes will be moved to a regular class at end of semester if a “C—” or lower is earned.

1. What do we know about academic reporting?

A．Students have three-time marking periods in a semester.

B．Students are not sure when they can get reports cards.

C．Students are well informed to know their grades’ progress.

D．Students have to go to school to get reports in person.

2. What do Conference Days & Exam Days require students to do?

A．Get promoted for next year.	B．Attend a meeting on Friday.
C．Get into Honors Classes.	D．Miss exams without reasons.

3. What is the purpose of the text?

A．To provide rules of managing students’ behavior.

B．To show students’ rights and responsibilities.

C．To sign an agreement with students’ parents.

D．To offer some information about the school year.

6 . 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。

Two giant pandas, Jinxi and Zhuyu,     1     (leave) for the Madrid Zoo in Spain next Monday for a 10-year residency, according to the China Wildlife Conservation Association on Wednesday. The panda couple come from the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding in southwest China’s Sichuan Province.

This action     2     (base) on the agreement on international conservation cooperation and research of giant pandas. It is     3     (further) the friendship of the two countries     4     (build) upon pandas. According to the reports, three Spain-born giant pandas, together with their parents, returned to China on February after living in Spain for more than a decade.

    5     all preparations made before transportation, the Chinese and Spanish sides are actively making efforts to ensure that the two giant pandas     6     (safe) arrive at Madrid Zoo. It will be helpful for them to adapt     7     the new environment.

According to the Xinhua News, the base has customized     8     special air transport cage to ensure that pandas can move freely, feed and rest inside the cage, and that the temperature inside the cabin is maintained at a     9     (suit) level. It is also arranged     10     a sufficient amount of fresh and high-quality local bamboo and bamboo shoots in Sichuan are prepared.

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。

In a high school, there was a student named Alex, known for his skills on the basketball court (球场). As the point guard (控球后卫) of the school team, he carried the hopes of his teammates and classmates. One key game could lead them to the regional finals, a stage they hadn’t reached in years. Alex felt the pressure but was determined to lead his team to victory.

On the day of the game, the gym was filled with cheering students and teachers. Alex felt a rush of excitement when he carried the ball across the court. The game was intense (激烈的), with both teams neck and neck. In the final seconds, with the score tied, Alex had the chance to make the winning shot. He took a jump and released the ball, but it missed the goal. The whistle (口哨) blew, and the opposing team caught the chance, scoring a last-second basket. Alex’s team lost.

“How could I have missed scoring that goal? I had let the whole team down,” Alex thought to himself. His stupid mistake made him angry. Sad and depressed, Alex walked back home, replaying the missed shot in his mind. His parents immediately noticed his sadness. “What happened, Alex?” his mother asked. “I messed up the final shot. We lost because of me,” he replied, heading straight to his room, feeling like he had let everyone down.

Later, his father came to his room. “Alex, I watched the game. You played well. It’s not just about one shot. Basketball is a team sport. You win together, and you lose together. Learn from this and grow. Your team needs you.” Alex didn’t say anything, but his father’s words made him think carefully.

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 next day at school, Alex walked to his teammates hesitantly (犹豫地).

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

This response (回复) lifted Alex’s spirits.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

8 . When going shopping with a friend, Gail Heyman found herself quite awkward (令人尴尬的) when her friend asked her which dress she liked best. Her friend had a clear favorite — a dress that Heyman happened to dislike. “In that case, I lied and said that I like the same one,” said Heyman.

As Heyman’s experience shows, it might not matter all that much if you tell a white lie to make a friend feel good at times. But when it comes to the most meaningful relationships in your life, protecting a friend’s feelings at all costs can sometimes make them fail. For example, if a person is practicing for a job interview and it’s a few days before his interview, and he gives an answer that you think is not good at all and you don’t tell him because you don’t want to hurt his feelings, that’s really not very nice to him, right? Because he has an opportunity to fix that thing.

If you know that lies can have results, why do you still lie often? A study carried out by Tali Sharot, a professor at University College London, found that it’s because people just get used to it. One little lie can turn into bigger and bigger lies over time. “If you habituate emotionally, it will change your behavior,” says Sharot.

Sharot notes that if you’re worried about lying a bit too much, try and notice when you want to bend the truth (歪曲事实). She thinks it’s best to do so when you’re not actually responding to those triggers (诱因). Moving your attention away from shame and focusing more on your values can be a healthy way to start looking at this more actively.

1. How does the author start the text?

A．By raising a question.	B．By giving an example.
C．By expressing an opinion.	D．By comparing different views.

2. What can we learn from paragraph 2?

A．Be careful about lying.	B．It’s OK to tell a white lie.
C．Never should a person tell lies.	D．A meaningful relationship matters.

3. Why would people lie more according to the study?

A．They are used to lying.

B．They don’t behave well.

C．They lose track of others.

D．They don’t want to hurt others’ feelings.

4. What does Sharot advise us to do?

A．Try to bend the truth.

B．Change our behavior.

C．Say sorry to the one we lied to.

D．Concentrate more on our values.

9 . In 1992, Jeff Balch’s mom died of cancer, at the age of 60. She _________ on a weekend, and that Monday was rubbish pick-up day.

Balch was at his mom’s home, doing some yard work, when the young man who worked as their _________ collector came up the driveway. The man _________ and said, “Hey, how’s Ms. Balch doing?”

Balch took a _________. He hadn’t yet told a stranger about his mom. And he said, “Well, she was very sick, and I’m afraid she died a couple of days ago.” On hearing this, the man felt very _________, He stammered (结结巴巴地说), “I’m so sorry.” And he _________ his eyes and hurried away.

Balch remembers looking down as well, his eyes filled with tears. When he looked up, he saw that the man was _________ by two other rubbish collectors, and now they were walking towards him, across the _________.

The oldest man in the group said, “We just want you to know your mom was the _________ person. She always brought us water to drink when we were working and __________ us in need.”

Today, Balch sometimes __________ of those three men, who went out of their way to say something kind about his mom. Balch says he can’t be __________ like his mom as he talks to rubbish collectors. But he does try to treat them the way the __________ treated him and he will pass on his mother’s __________. “It’s all about realizing the humanity (仁慈) in everyone we’re dealing with,” Balch said. “And that was the rubbish collectors’ __________ to me, which was to humanize (使人性化) at that moment.”

1.

A．took action

B．passed away

C．worked out

D．stayed up

2.

A．rubbish

B．paper

C．water

D．knowledge

3.

A．smiled

B．hid

C．warned

D．won

4.

A．trip

B．shower

C．breath

D．chance

5.

A．angry

B．tired

C．disappointed

D．sad

6.

A．closed

B．treated

C．lowered

D．caught

7.

A．joined

B．fed

C．moved

D．checked

8.

A．river

B．city

C．sky

D．yard

9.

A．laziest

B．cleverest

C．strictest

D．nicest

10.

A．praised

B．helped

C．followed

D．changed

11.

A．hears

B．thinks

C．dreams

D．complains

12.

A．accidentally

B．merely

C．exactly

D．tightly

13.

A．publishers

B．sellers

C．gardeners

D．workers

14.

A．excitement

B．kindness

C．challenge

D．stress

15.

A．choice

B．promise

C．gift

D．wonder

10 . You’re never too old to achieve your dreams-or even break records. A 104-year-old woman named Dorothy Hoffner is such an example. She has just become the oldest person to skydive (跳伞), and she had the time of her life doing it. After touching ground following her jump with a US instructor, she proudly said, “Age is just a number.”

Hoffner took to the skies of Northern Illinois with the help of Skydive Chicago, making her way to the town of Ottawa for the jump. For all the excitement, this wasn’t her first time jumping out of the plane. Hoffner’s first skydiving took place a few years ago, when she was 100. Although back then the instructor helped push them out together, this time she insisted on leading the jump from 13,500 feet up in the air.

A video shared by Skydive Chicago shows Hoffner determinedly advancing towards the plane on her red walker (助行架) before being helped on board. Sitting among her fellow skydivers, she is all smiles as she waits for her turn. Once the door opens, the woman confidently jumps out of the plane head first.

Before Hoffner’s jump, the record for the oldest person to skydive belonged to 103-year-old Linnéa Ingegärd Larsson from Sweden, who set it in May 2022. Now, Skydive Chicago is requesting Guinness World Records to certify Hoffner’s jump as the new record.

As for Hoffner, she seems happy with having achieved this, describing the jump as an amazing experience. “It was wonderful up there. The whole thing was wonderful, and couldn’t have been better,” she says. Now that she has completed this achievement, she is now thinking of her next adventure. Since she is turning 105 in December, she is thinking of celebrating by riding a hot air balloon, saying, “I’ve never been in one of those.”

1. What do we know about Hoffner?

A．She loved to meet new challenges in life.

B．She set a world record in 2022.

C．She took up skydiving from an early age.

D．She improved her physical fitness through sports.

2. Why does the author mention Hoffner’s red walker in paragraph 3?

A．To compare her with other skydivers.

B．To explore the reason why she took to skydiving.

C．To encourage people struggling in life to be brave.

D．To show her determination despite physical difficulties.

3. Which of the following best describes Hoffner?

A．Thoughtful.

B．Powerful.

C．Responsible.

D．Calm.

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

A．Woman Braves Difficulties to Achieve Success

B．104-Year-Old Woman Takes the World by Storm

C．Woman with Disability Stands Out with Hard Work

D．The Oldest Person Breaks World Record for Skydiving