2 . Lightning (闪电) is a beautiful and inspiring phenomenon, but it can be deadly. Over the past 30 years, lightning has killed an average of 67 people per year in the United States alone.     1     . Follow these steps to safety the next time there’s fire in the sky.

Find shelter immediately

If you find yourself caught in a lightning storm, never stand under a tree, and avoid being close to power lines as they’re both excellent conductors (导体) of electricity and could potentially cause death, if not serious injury.     2     . It’s the key to minimizing danger.

Watch out for dangers

Windows provide a direct path for the lightning to travel. Keep windows closed, stay away from them and try to stay within inner rooms of the structure.     3     Using a landline phone is the main cause of lightning-related injuries. Lightning can travel into the home from through any material that conducts electricity. This includes landlines, electrical wiring, and plumbing.

    4    

Being near water is extremely dangerous during a lightning storm, so move away from the body of water. If you are fishing, swimming or on a boat, get out of the water immediately and hurry back to the bank.

Stay inside

Stay inside at least 30 minutes after the last strike. Don’t go out just because the rain is starting to let up. There is still a significant risk of lightning strikes from a departing storm.     5     .

Lightning is dangerous but you can minimize your risk. The advice is simple: increase the awareness of avoiding danger and master proper knowledge to protect yourself from a thunderstorm.

A．Get away from the water

B．Prepare enough water

C．Go to hospital quickly

D．Don’t touch anything metal or electrical

E．Find shelter near or under a stony shelter

F．Wait for news that the danger has passed

G．Fortunately, most lightning-related deaths are preventable

3 . Believe it or not, sheep are playing an important role in protecting the ruins of Pompeii, an ancient Roman city that was buried under volcanic ash about 2,000 years ago.

Archaeologists have been digging the ruins for over 250 years, but only two-thirds of the 66-hectare area have been explored, reported CNN. To prevent the unexcavated (未发掘的) parts of the ruins from being naturally damaged over time, archaeologists have turned to a group of 150 sheep for help.

Many grassy hills there are dotted (布满) with the remains of old houses and shops. Grass and other plants can cause problems if they are left to grow on ancient walls and houses. Therefore, the task of these sheep is to eat up the grass, preventing any overgrowth that may harm the ruins. Besides, turning to sheep instead of herbicides (除草剂) costs less and is more environment-friendly.

This sheepy solution is part of the Pompeii Archaeological Park’s protection efforts. Since 2018, new excavations have been launched (启动) in Regio V area, the northern part of the city. It has resulted in exciting discoveries such as frescoes (壁画), a snack shop, and the skeletal remains (遗骸) of people who died in the disaster.

Gabriel Zuchtriegel, director of the Pompeii Archaeological Park, told Go Top News that the sheep initiative (倡议) is a sustainable (可持续的) project that saves money and protects the landscape. Besides, the sheep have become part of the landscape itself, bringing the ancient city back to life. “It’s also something that really gives an idea of what Pompeii was like when it was rediscovered,” said Zuchtriegel. “It was forests, vineyards, sheep and that kind of rural setting, and in the middle of it was Pompeii.”

1. Why do the archaeologists use sheep?

A．To excavate Pompeii quickly.	B．To reduce overgrowth of grass.
C．To save herbicides.	D．To promote economy of this area.

2. What can we infer from paragraph 4?

A．The sheep solution has caused some trouble.	B．It has cost a lot of money to excavate the ruins.
C．The discoveries have puzzled archaeologists.	D．Much work has been done to protect Pompeii.

3. How did Zuchtriegel find the initiative?

A．Helpful.

B．Worrying.

C．Annoying.

D．Doubtful.

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

A．New Discovery in Ruins	B．Sheep Rescuing Pompeii
C．Archaeologists’ Achievements(成就)	D．People Worrying about Pompeii

4 . I’m Zhang Jiabo, 17, from the High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China. For me, September of 2022 was colorful and unforgettable. So many amazing events happened in my life during that month.

First, I organized a badminton competition at the beginning of the month, which left some very precious (珍贵的) memories. Moreover, I joined a World Wildlife Fund translation project and the main activity for this project is to translate English articles about environmental protection into Chinese. It sounds difficult, but thanks to the many helpful members of our group, everything has gone smoothly so far.

The badminton competition was so meaningful for me—I learned a lot from organizing it. I strengthened my management skills and discovered a new organizational method by the end of the game. For example, I learned for the first time how to keep track of our money correctly. After the badminton competition, I realized that we only needed two courts (球场) when the match got to the final round. Next time, I will use the money more wisely during the process of preparation.

Moreover, through the translation project I learned how to negotiate (协商) with others. Since there are so many people in the translation project, we needed to manage our work according to each person’s condition at that time. Although the process was difficult, it was an excellent chance to enhance my ability to negotiate. It also helped to strengthen my time management skills.

Even though there were problems and obstacles (阻碍) along the way, I’m still very happy that I challenged myself with these events and made friends because of them. I will keep on moving forward and devote (投入) my efforts to such projects in the future, and hopefully become an even better organizer and team player in the end.

1. What can we learn from the first two paragraphs?

A．The author won a badminton competition.

B．World Wildlife Fund reported the author’s event.

C．September of 2022 impressed the author deeply.

D．The author needed to translate some Chinese articles.

2. Why does the author mention keeping track of money in paragraph 3?

A．To strengthen the importance of courts.	B．To show the difficulty he met.
C．To introduce the badminton competition.	D．To explain he gained experience.

3. What does the underlined word “enhance” in paragraph 4 mean?

A．Improve.

B．Limit.

C．Change.

D．Affect.

4. Which of the following best describes the author’s personalities?

A．Selfish but creative.	B．Brave and humorous.
C．Out-going but careless.	D．Positive and determined.

5 . The Bedford School has held activities to celebrate the Chinese New Year before the winter vacation—this time with a unique change compared to other years. The celebration is a blend (融合) of traditional food, calligraphy, and a performance using Chinese instruments.

The school’s Chinese Society introduced an art form that attracted the students: Chinese calligraphy. The students were surprised at the combination (结合) of visual art and the interpretation (解读) of literary meaning as they wrote Chinese characters with grace. And they tried their best to make what they wrote correct and beautiful. The students also enjoyed delightful Chinese New Year foods, including spring rolls, rice cake, dumplings. They ate fish-shaped sweets with great enjoyment, symbolizing abundance (富足) for the coming year as the Chinese character for “fish” can also mean “surplus”. The idea behind this is that if we manage to have something left over at the year’s end, then more can be made in the new year. Keeping with tradition, the students exchanged red envelopes filled with sweets, symbolizing good luck and prosperity (繁荣). In Chinese culture, the color red symbolizes good luck and good fortune for the year ahead. This is why red decorations are used during many important cultural festivals and significant events.

Due to(由于)China’s rocketing economy and reputation (声誉), Chinese New Year has become a worldwide event. The Bedford School provided a great opportunity for the students to gain (获得) a deeper understanding of Chinese tradition and culture.

1. What can we know about the celebration of this year?

A．It celebrated the winter vacation.	B．It focused more on Chinese traditional cultures.
C．It was aimed at raising school’s reputation.	D．It was celebrated the same way as before.

2. What did the students care much about while writing Chinese characters?

A．The writing time.	B．Teachers’ attitude.
C．The beauty of the characters.	D．The school’s Chinese Society.

3. Why did the students eat fish-shaped sweets?

A．To get pocket money.	B．To enjoy delicious fish.
C．To keep with tradition.	D．To expect a rich new year.

4. What made Chinese New Year popular globally?

A．China’s role in the art world.	B．Chinese calligraphy.
C．Chinese instruments.	D．China’s fast development.

6 . A visit to one of the New Seven Wonders of the World can be one of the most exciting and unforgettable vacations you and your family can take. For a quick introduction of the Wonders, this text presents only four of the historic sites.

Giza Necropolis of Egypt

Located (位于)about 12 miles from Cairo, Giza Necropolis features (以……为特色) the Great Pyramid and the Great Sphinx of Giza and is about over 4,500 years old. It is easy to take public transportation from Cairo but families should consider booking a personal guide or group trip from a tour operator such as Go Travel Egypt or Viator.

Great Wall of China

With a history dating back to 476 BCE, the Great Wall stretches (绵延)13,170 miles across China. The most famous and most visited section of the Great Wall is Badaling. A number of tour operators can be found in Beijing, with recommendations including Viator, Great Wall Hiking and Discover Beijing Tours. Admission (门票费) to Badaling is just 45 Chinese Yuan(about $7.50)but a guided tour from Beijing starts at around $75.

Petra of Jordan

Rediscovered in 1812, Petra was the fourth century BCE capital of the Nabataean empire. Known for its intricate (错综复杂的) carvings into a sandstone mountain, Petra was a business center, located between the Dead Sea and the Red Sea. Tours to the Lost City can be arranged in Israel or from Anman, the capital and largest city of Jordan 150 miles to the north.

Colosseum of Italy

Located in the ancient center of Rome, the Colosseum started to be built in 72 CE and was finished in 80 CE. Till today, the Colosseum is still the largest amphitheater (圆形竞技场) in the world. Guided tours are easy to find from a number of operators but tickets for self-guided tours can be bought on site for 12 euro.

1. What can Viator probably do for tourists?

A．Lend money to them.	B．Offer wonderful partners.
C．Arrange their work schedules.	D．Provide tour service.

2. Which of the following has the shortest history?

A．Petra of Jordan.	B．Colosseum of Italy.
C．Great Wall of China.	D．Giza Necropolis of Egypt.

3. What can we know about the four New Wonders of the World?

A．They are new sites.	B．They attract only young people.
C．They provide guides.	D．They feature ancient civilisation.

7 . 语法填空

Travel, in the younger sort, is a part of education,     1     can help the young feel a sense of     2     (responsible)and honor to contribute their wisdom     3     our world while they enjoy its beauty. Travel, in the elder, is a part of experience. One of a certain age,     4     life is full of gifts from our world, will live at peace with himself. So, to travel, to hug and preserve the best of our     5     (amaze)world!

9 . A giant origami (折纸艺术) “snail” gets a Guinness World Record. Filled with ________ and craftsmanship, origamist Pei Haozheng and his team have created the world’s ________ origami “snail”, according to Guinness World Records.

This ________ “snail” is a single but complete structure made from a 9.21-meter-long square sheet of gold foil (箔) paper without any ________ or pasting (粘贴). It stands proud at 4.1 meters in ________ , 1.47 meters in width and 1.3 meters in height.

Making a giant paper “snail” isn’t ________ . Since the ________ used was so large, during the folding (折叠) process, it soon became a lopsided (向一侧倾斜的) 3D object. “This added much ________ in practice. Even the ________ part could easily become deformed (变形的),” Pei said to China Daily.

Another ________ was the deviation (偏差) the final version took from the prototype (原始模型), which can ________ many unexpected difficulties. For example, when the paper becomes ________ after folding, it may suddenly spring (弹开) open and create gaps. Pei added that the stylistic difficulty of this artwork lies in the need to ________ spinal (螺旅形的) shell layer (层) by layer. Pei did many ________ , finally overcoming these difficulties in the end.

“Gold foil paper symbolizes the beauty deep within people’s hearts. Therefore, I hope that everyone who sees this artwork can feel the ________ within their own hearts, pursue their passions, and cherish (珍惜) every moment in their lives,” Pei said.

1.

A．creativity

B．curiosity

C．friendship

D．power

2.

A．heaviest

B．thickest

C．largest

D．highest

3.

A．frightening

B．interesting

C．amazing

D．confusing

4.

A．damaging

B．unifying

C．cutting

D．burying

5.

A．weight

B．length

C．size

D．sight

6.

A．hard

B．famous

C．suitable

D．easy

7.

A．brick

B．paper

C．medal

D．statue

8.

A．failure

B．success

C．effort

D．trouble

9.

A．simplest

B．impressive

C．important

D．obvious

10.

A．strategy

B．problem

C．schedule

D．proposal

11.

A．refer to

B．focus on

C．lead to

D．apply for

12.

A．flat

B．thick

C．small

D．narrow

13.

A．exchange

B．carve

C．organize

D．fold

14.

A．experiments

B．measures

C．references

D．arrangements

15.

A．demand

B．regret

C．advance

D．light

10 . 听下面一段较长对话，回答以下小题。
1. What is the woman doing?

A．Borrowing a tent.

B．Packing a tent.

C．Returning a tent.

2. What is the woman’s motivation for climbing?

A．To have fun.

B．To improve her fitness.

C．To get close to nature.

3. Where will the speakers do rock climbing together?

A．At a gym.

B．In the wild

C．At a climbing center.