1 . Ru Ling loves spending time in skywells. To her, these courtyards of old houses are the perfect place to be in on a hot and humid day. From 2014 to 2021, Ru lived in a century-old wood-framed home in the village of eastern China’s Anhui province. She moved there for a change of life after living and working in air-conditioned buildings for many years.

A skywell, or “tian jing”, is a typical feature of a traditional home in southern and eastern China. They are relatively common in historic residences in Sichuan, Jiangsu, Anhui and Jiangxi. In today’s rapidly urbanizing (城市化) China, fewer and fewer people live in skywell dwellings—air-conditioned flats in multi-storeyed buildings and tower blocks are the main forms of homes.

But a revival (复苏) of interest in traditional Chinese architecture is leading some of historic buildings with skywells to be restored for modern times. Meanwhile, as a government push has made low-carbon innovations in the building sector a trend, some architects are drawing inspiration from skywells and other traditional Chinese architectural features to help keep new buildings cooler.

Ancient “green wisdom” such as skywells continues to inspire today’s climate adaptive design and innovations in passive cooling, according to Wang Zhengfeng, a researcher at the Institute for Area Studies at Leiden University in the Netherlands. Passive cooling is a method that incorporates design and technology to cool a building without the use of power.

However, Wang points out some challenges for bringing skywells into modern designs. The mechanisms of courtyards facilitating natural lighting, ventilation and rain collection are well known, but applying these principles needs to be site-specific. Because traditional skywells had different shapes, sizes and features, adding skywells into modern buildings requires designers to be sensitive to their project’s context (环境) and situation, she explains. When asked about why skywells have appealed to modern Chinese people, Wang says that the courtyard is also designed to serve as a gathering space for families or communities. “Perhaps changes in the lifestyle could also lead to nostalgia among people living in concrete and glass forests.”

1. What is the purpose of the first paragragh?

A．To introduce Ru Ling’s love for skywells.

B．To inform readers of the benefits of skywells.

C．To lead in the topic of popularity of skywells.

D．To support the idea of living in skywells.

2. What is the main idea of Paragraph 3?

A．Features and importance of the historic residences.

B．Appreciation for traditional Chinese architecture.

C．Reasons for the comeback of traditional skywells.

D．Great efforts to restore the past glory of skywells.

3. The underlined word “incorporate” can be best replaced by ______.

A．combine

B．collect

C．invent

D．replace

4. What may influence the application of skywells in modern designs?

A．Lack of enough money and experience.	B．Dependence on natural surroundings.
C．People’s specific requirements.	D．The fast speed of urbanization.

2 . 阅读下面材料，在空白处填入适当内容（1个单词）或括号内单词的正确形式。

In the past year, I had an unforgettable experience of learning tai chi. Honestly speaking, I admitted that I     1     (feel) hesitant at first but with time passing by, it really had a huge effect on me     2     (physical) and mentally. Not only were I deeply impressed by the moves that caught my imagination, such as “white crane spreading its wings” and “golden rooster standing on one leg”, but also I     3     (inspire) to explore Chinese culture.

It is all about keeping a balance between yin and yang,     4     are believed to form the unity of opposites. The practice of taichi aims     5     (maintain) the balance of our body through opposite     6     (movement): up and down, left and right, forwards and backwards, breathing in and breathing out. By performing the routine, tai chi eventually brings     7     a state of physical and mental peace. No wonder it is a best way to relax your mind and body.

I also experienced a short period of tiredness and boredom. Thanks to the patient guidance of professional coach, I gradually found to my     8     (satisfy) that I could focus on peace of mind and sleep better,     9     (enable) me to stay cool under pressure. I am sure I will continue to practice tai chi and enjoy     10     benefits it has brought me.

3 . Heman Bekele, a 14-year-old student from Annandale, Virginia, has created a bar soap (肥皂) to treat melanoma, the most common kind of skin cancer, which earned him the title of America’s Top Young Scientist and a $25,000 cash prize after his innovation won first place in the 3M Young Scientist Challenge.

“I made this soap by mixing regular medicinal soap with different cancer fighting chemicals.” Bekele said in an interview. Rather than a cure, Bekele’s soap aims to help the patient’s immune cells stay active while fighting melanoma.

While similar methods are available for skin cancer treatments, his solution is a more affordable alternative, especially for those in developing countries. Though the product is very promising on paper, studies would have to be carried out to test its efficiency in the real world.

For now, the young scientist said he has a five-year plan: At the end of it, he hopes to have created a nonprofit organization where he can provide fair and accessible skin cancer treatment to as many people as possible. But to accomplish his goal, he would have to get his treatment through clinical trials, obtain a temporary patent and have it licensed by the Food and Drug Administration, he said.

“I applied for the 3M Young Scientist Challenge because I believe that young minds can make a positive impact on the world,” Bekele said. “I have always been interested in biology and technology, and this challenge gave me the perfect platform to showcase my ideas. The opportunity to work with 3M mentors and show my project to judges was an exciting prospect. I am passionate about finding sustainable solutions to global problems, and I hope to inspire others to do the same.”

1. Why does Bekele invent the bar soap?

A．To deal with a kind of skin cancer.

B．To reduce the cost of making soap.

C．To change people’s immune system.

D．To complete the task for 3M challenge.

2. What aspect of the soap does Paragraph 3 mainly talk about?

A．Its making process.	B．Its working method.
C．Its advantage.	D．Its development.

3. What is Bekele’s next plan for his invention?

A．To create a company.

B．To get approval by the authority.

C．To promote the soap in the market.

D．To work with a nonprofit organization.

4. Which of the following can best describe Bekele?

A．Innovative and ambitious.	B．Inspiring and tolerant.
C．Honest and accessible.	D．Energetic and thoughtful.

4 . Very few people can say that they have achieved all that they are capable of. But what is it that is preventing you from fulfilling your potential (潜能)?

    1     They know that they have something special to contribute and they are determined to make their mark. This does not mean that they are too proud. On the contrary, they are self critical and push themselves hard because they know that they can achieve more.

It is easy and natural to settle into a rut (墨守成规). Why try something new when you are already doing that you are good at?     2     They take risks. They move out of their comfort zones. They take on difficult challenges. They push themselves to acquire new skills and to face new examinations of their abilities.     3     Where are you right now — inside your comfort zone or taking risks?

    4     Thinking and planning are great but it is action that leads to success. It is only by doing things and doing the right things that you change the world.

Let’s face it — your friends and family are really nice people but they are not challenging you to achieve more. Spend more time with high flyers and positive thinkers who understand ambition and achievement. Share some of your thoughts, dreams and challenges with them.     5    

A．High achievers go further.

B．This means that they run the risk of failure.

C．All successful people have strong self-belief.

D．They can take comfort in modest achievements.

E．You waste a lot of time every day on low value activities.

F．They will encourage you and give you the direct advice you need.

G．It is really very hard to make progress if you have no ambition for your life.

5 . Despite an ever-higher bar to grab the attention of students in large lecture hall, Tatiana Erukhimova, who teaches physics at Texas A&M University, has managed to get her students, as well as future generations, excited about the science.

Known as “Dr. Tatiana”, the professor performs physics tricks with boundless energy and enthusiasm in her videos. A range of everyday objects are used in her experiments, from pingpong balls and toilet paper to marshmallows, bicycle wheels and hair dryers. Videos of her dramatic demonstrations have received hundreds of millions of views across social media platforms.

However, things aren’t always easy. When she first started teaching college freshman classes two decades ago, she also struggled to grab the attention of her students. “I did not grab their attention on the first day-that was my mistake.” she says. “I missed this opportunity to bond with them from the very beginning, and then it took me a while to find my voice.”

By the second semester, she found her footing, adjusting her approach to get her students engaged. The key, she says, has been to make herself approachable and her instruction personal. And, of course, add showy demonstrations. “These demonstrations often help students to connect these abstract concepts with real life.” she says.

Physics department head Grigory Rogachev says Erukhimova’s work has helped bring visibility to the department, with about 2. 5 million subscribers on its department’s YouTube page, which has translated to a boost in research funds and physics major applicants.

As a leader in a STEM field in which women are underrepresented, she’s become a role model for some. Afiya Dhanani attended Texas A&M University after seeing Erukhimova’s videos online. “Watching Dr. Tatiana do the experiments online, especially since she was a female leader. Was more inspiring for me to even go into physics.” Dhanani said in an interview with CBS Mornings. That’s all Erakhimova says she can hope for -making physics less forbidding and more exciting.

1. What does Erukhimova’s online videos feature?

A．Rare materials.	B．Energetic presentation.
C．Plain demonstration.	D．Professional explanation.

2. Which saying explains Erukhimova’s initial failure to grab students’ attention 20 years ago?

A．All that glitters is not gold.

B．Sharp tools make good work.

C．First impressions are make or break.

D．A fall into the pit, a gain in your wit.

3. How does Erukhimova’s work contribute to the physics department?

A．It leads more students to change their majors.

B．It makes more people to know about the department.

C．It helps the department translate more research papers.

D．It attracts more physics professors to join the department.

4. Which word best describes Erukhimova as a leader in a STEM field?

A．Inspirational.

B．Underestimated.

C．Cooperative.

D．Ambitious.

6 . 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。

Tomato Changed My Life

Doing things-without being planned was never my strength.

As a 14-year-old, I would refuse to go for walks around the block with my friends if I was the least bit behind in my schoolwork.

Unlike most teenagers, I lived not in my room, but in an unused kitchen upstairs where I spread my books and papers on a large round table. I spent considerable time there, working continuously for hours, and my mother worried. She would try to lure (引诱) me away. “Come and watch the parade!” she would call from downstairs. “All neighbors are out there!” She thought of all kinds of tricks-the swimming pool, ice cream, stray cats and turtles-to remove me from my -studies, but nothing ever worked.

Later, in college, the pattern continued. The library and my college dorm replaced the unused kitchen at home. When spring came along friends would stop by my dorm or peer into my library room to persuade me to play Frisbee on the lawn. “No, I would almost always say.” I have too much to do.

My college study days were gone, but not my need and love for schedules. My friends and sisters tried to keep me away from my plans, but they were hardly ever successful.

This summer, though, while house sitting for my parents, I was persuaded to change my plans in the most unexpected way. The sight of tomatoes growing in my mother’s garden lured me out of my tightly scheduled world. They drew me with the power of a lover’s gaze. Hundreds of them were turning ripe and red by the minute, decorating the garden like decorations on a Christmas tree.

“If I have time, I’ll make tomato sauce (番茄酱).” I told myself. But my long week in the house by myself was already filled with things to do: writing, and finishing a project that I brought home from the office.

Then, watching the fascinating tomatoes continuously falling to the ground in ever-greater numbers, again I mentally argued about all the things I had planned and needed to do.

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。
Finally, I gave in.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
A month later, my parents came back.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

7 . Sometimes, kids feel that they don’t like sports because they may not understand how to play them or they haven’t had much practice. Sports may seem tough because of all the rules and special equipment. Even the fields and courts sports are played on come in different shapes and sizes and have confusing (让人糊涂的) lines drawn on them.

People usually need to spend many years learning about their favorite sports and practicing how to play them well, so don’t feel bad if you don’t know the difference between a “corner kick” and a “goal kick” in soccer. If you want to learn more, you can go to camps or take part in activities that introduce kids to new sports. These may be better than just joining a team that starts playing games right away without much explaining first.

Gym classes and programs at school can also be good ways to try new sports with a mix of kids. But you need to focus your attention. Some of my students just don’t listen to me carefully when I explain the rules to them. They prefer to come back to me when they run into difficulty.

Another way to learn about a sport is to watch instructional videos that explain the rules and offer advice.

If you have an older friend or family member who’s good at a certain sport, you might ask him or her to help you practice. Some sports may seem easy to understand, but once you begin to play them, you’ll have great difficulty. Therefore, having someone teach you and play with you will be a good choice.

1. The underlined word “tough” is closest in meaning to “_____”.

A．unimportant

B．useless

C．dangerous

D．difficult

2. Which of the following ways of learning about sports is NOT mentioned in the passage?

A．Going to camps that help you to learn about a certain sport.

B．Watching videos that teach how to play a certain sport.

C．Reading books that explain how to play a certain sport.

D．Asking a friend to practice with you.

3. The author of the passage is probably _____.

A．a health expert	B．a PE teacher
C．the headmaster of a school	D．the manager of a sports club

4. What would be the best title for the passage?

A．How to Learn to Play a Sport.	B．Sports Are Good for You.
C．Why Do We Play Sports?	D．Sports Are Hard to Play.

8 . We’ve all heard it: There is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing. When it’s icy outside, you may be trying to grab the thickest and heaviest jumper to stay warm. But those in the know wear a series of layers in cold weather, known as “the layering system”. This is because wearing multiple thin layers will keep you warmer than a single thicker layer.

The secret of “the layering system” exists in what we cannot see: air. Surprisingly, air is a great insulator (绝缘体) . When we layer clothes on top of each other, we are trapping air between the layers. Our body heat then warms the air and the layers keep that cozy space contained next to our skin. That’s why you get hotter as your physical movement increases—you’re creating more body heat that sits next to your skin.

Think of your layering system as a sandwich, instead of bread, meat, and vegetables, we’re looking at three layering components: a base layer, amid layer, and an outer layer. The base layer is very important as it helps move sweat away from your skin quickly, keeping it dry and trapping warm air against your body. Choose natural fibers like wool or bamboo, or synthetic materials such as nylon and polyester, but cotton is not recommended because it holds onto moisture (水分) and makes you feel wet and cold. The mid layer’s role is to trap body heat, so fleece, wool, and down are all good choices. The outer layer acts as a barrier, shielding the body from moisture and wind, which is why jackets and snowsuits are perfect choices. Moreover, don’t forget to choose appropriate footwear, as well as a hat and scarf, for additional protection.

In conclusion, layering your clothes is a science. By understanding the layering system and choosing appropriate clothing, one can stay warm and comfortable even in the coldest weather.

1. How does “the layering system” help people keep warm?

A．By absorbin g sunlight to heat the air.	B．By trapping body heat between the layers.
C．By keeping out the cold wind completely.	D．By covering the skin to warm the body.

2. Which material should be avoided as a base layer?

A．Wool.

B．Nylon.

C．Bamboo.

D．Cotton.

3. What is the function of the outer layer of the clothing?

A．Preventing any injuries from your enemy.	B．Moving sweat away from your skin quickly.
C．Protecting the body from moisture and wind.	D．Trapping body heat to shield the body from wind.

4. What is the purpose of the passage?

A．To introduce a way to keep warm in winter.	B．To recommend some warm clothes for people.
C．To stress the importance of clothing materials.	D．To show a new fashion trend in winter.

9 . 听下面一段较独白，回答以下小题。
1. Which city was Gu Ailing born in?

A．Lausanne.

B．San Francisco.

C．Beijing.

2. What is Gu Ailing’s nationality?

A．Chinese.

B．Italian.

C．American.

3. What awards did Gu Ailing get at the Lausanne 2020 Winter Youth Olympic Games?

A．Two gold medals.

B．One silver medal.

C．Two gold and one silver medals.

4. How has Gu Ailing proven herself to be clever and determined?

A．She graduated from school.

B．She started to learn Chinese.

C．She won two golds.

10 . 听下面一段较长对话，回答以下小题。
1. What does the woman say about the restaurant?

A．It has the lowest price.

B．It’s special during “Restaurant Week”.

C．It’s using local vegetables.

2. Where is the “Restaurant Week” going on now?

A．In the women’s hometown

B．In the city where they are now.

C．In the man’s hometown.

3. What’s the probable relationship between the speakers?

A．Waitress and customer.

B．Business partners.

C．Boss and employee.

4. What will the speakers do next?

A．Take part in a food festival.

B．Go to a market.

C．Order some food.