2 . Culdesac, which describes itself as “the first car-free neighborhood in the Us”, admitted its first 36 residents in Tempe, Arizona, US, earlier this year. The $170 million neighborhood, with its white buildings and narrow walkways, is expected to hold around 1, 000 people when the full 760 units are completed by 2025. Similar projects in Charlotte, North Carolina, and Houston, Texas, are also underway.

In a country as car-dependent as the US, Culdesac is no lack of foresight (远见). Although some densely populated (人口密集的) coastal Us cities like Boston and New York City are walkable and have ample public transportation options like taxis, buses and light rails, the majority of Americans are entirely dependent on cars to get around.

This dependence on cars doesn’t come cheap, unfortunately. In a 2023 study, the American Automobile Association said that it costs an average of about 89,000 yuan per year to own and maintain a car in the US.

So, what is stopping Americans from abandoning cars and accepting relatively cheaper choices like e-bikes? In a word, unsafe roads that prioritize cars over people. According to a 2018 report by WHO, the US traffic accident death rate is about 50 percent more than similar nations in Western Europe. At the same time, walkers and cyclists in the US are often blamed for being hit by drivers rather than the other way around.

Still, there’s hope. By choosing a new car-free way of living, US projects like Culdesac can provide another way of living that’s both healthier and more affordable and, in turn, influence others to live a better way as well. As Vanessa, a resident of Culdesac, said, “For some, cars equal freedom, but for me, it’s limitation, Freedom is being able to just simply walk out and access places. “

1. What can we learn about Culdesac from the text?

A．It is expected to hold only 1, 000 people,	B．It is the world’s largest car-free neighborhood,
C．It will be finished by the end of this year.	D．It is thought to be forward-thinking.

2. What does the underlined word ”ample“ in Paragraph 2 probably mean?

A．Enough.

B．Possible.

C．Similar.

D．Special.

3. Why are Americans unwilling to give up cars, according to the text?

A．Maintaining a car is cheap.	B．E-bikes are not widely available.
C．Road conditions are unsafe.	D．Drivers are respected by others.

4. What influence can car-free projects like Culdesac have on American society?

A．Limiting freedom of movement.	B．Making local residents feel safer.
C．Encouraging people to explore their communities.	D．Promoting a cheaper and healthier way of living.

3 . Any dog owner can tell you that there’s no love like the one a pup gives you. Dogs love humans — and it turns out, that connection can actually help us train dog robots, too.

In a study published Wednesday in the journal PLOS ONE, researchers surveyed 153 dog owners about the types of behaviors they like to see in their pups. Owners responded with a variety of different types of actions they preferred. The researchers identified seven types of behaviors people love to see in their dogs. These behaviors could be programmed into robotic dogs to help make them friendlier, which would be beneficial in a number of ways.

The robot-pups can help provide the same mental health benefits for people as an actual dog while avoiding issues like being bitten or having to take the dog on annoying walks every now and again. In fact, there’s already some research that suggests the robot pets might help enrich the lives of the elderly and dementia (痴呆) patients by giving them companions to socialize with — improving cognition (认知) and even physical health in some cases.

But there’s a big issue researchers need to overcome: It might not actually be ethical (道德的) to make robot-pups. After all, is it right to potentially mislead an elderly patient with dementia into thinking that they’re interacting with a dog instead of a robot? The study even quotes philosopher Robert Sparrow who wrote about the issue of robot companions two decades ago. “For an individual to benefit significantly from ownership of a robot pet, they must systematically cheat themselves about the real nature of their relation with the animal,” Sparrow wrote in 2002, “and the design and production of these robots is unethical in some way as it encourages this trick.”

But even so, the potential for benefit is still there — enriching people’s life. So one day in the near future we might see robot-pups at the dog park or walking on the sidewalk alongside their owners.

1. What did the researchers’ study focus on?

A．Training and getting on with dogs.	B．Dogs’ behaviors preferred by people.
C．Different behaviors among dogs.	D．People’s attitudes towards dogs.

2. Why are dementia patients mentioned in Paragraph 3?

A．To show the benefits of robot-pups to people.

B．To stress the significance of researching on robot-pups.

C．To indicate the popularity of robot-pups among patients.

D．To explain the impact robot-pups have on solving social issues.

3. What is Robert Sparrow’s biggest concern about a robot pet?

A．Its functions are limited.	B．It may go against honesty.
C．It will cost too much money.	D．It may have quality problems.

4. What’s the author’s attitude to the future of robot-pets?

A．Doubtful.

B．Encouraged.

C．Indifferent.

D．Confident.

4 . Barbara Lakin, a former fashion designer living in New York, spends hundreds of hours sewing (缝纫)unique, well-designed dress for old Barbies she buys or donated dolls. The little girls who are going to get these dolls are migrants(移民). Most of them have traveled with their family for months to get to the US border, usually escaping from poor economies and dangerous situations at home in Central or South America.

“It’s hard to imagine what these children have gone through. I think for a child to have a toy, especially in these conditions, is really important. It’s something that cap comfort them, something that they can hold close. ”While toys will never take away the hurt they experienced or the hardships they still face, Lakin said the dolls do make a difference. It’s more than just a Barbie doll; at least for a moment, these young migrants can be simply children again. “I think that is particularly important to them, ”Lakin said.

“I get a lot out of it, too. I personally like to hand them out because I love being able to say, I made this for you. ‘and the smiles and the happiness they give me; it’s moments like that that make it all worthwhile. ”

Lakin has given away nearly 20 Barbies so far and hopes people will donate more, especially black and brown Barbies that look more like the girls who will get them. “I want to give them dolls that look more like them. ”

Similar to the message seen in the wildly popular “Barbie” movie, Lakin wants to make sure these dolls don’t create stereotypes(固化印象)on these girls but instead remind them of their worth and the power of their individuality.

1. What is the feature of the Barbies given by Lakin?

A．They are intended for native girls.	B．They are partly donations from others.
C．They are designed by migrants.	D．They are less attractive in appearance.

2. What does Lakin think of giving away the Barbies?

A．It unites the migrant girls.	B．It is well worth praising.
C．It is win-win behavior.	D．It brings her much comfort.

3. Which of the following best describes Lakin?

A．Patient.

B．Determined.

C．Grateful.

D．Caring.

4. What does the text mainly talk about?

A．Donated dolls help better migrants’ poor conditions.

B．Barbies play a great role in improving girls’ self-worth.

C．Lakin comforts migrant girls by giving special old Barbies.

D．Lakin sews well-designed Barbies to raise money for black girls.

5 . Rent a Car from Budget Australia

To see Australia, you’ve got to get out there-it’s not going to come to you. Fortunately, Budget Australia is here to help you do just this, with plenty of locations right across Australia.

Whether you’re heading to Sydney or Perth, Darwin or Melbourne, you’ll find Budget car rental locations nearby, With low-cost rental on a wide range of cars—from the Hyundai Accent and Kona or similar, through to the Suzuki Swift and Kia Cerato or similar—you’re sure to discover what you need. We’re also super flexible, with weekend car rental, weekly car rental and one-way car rental options, as well as a wealth of other choices depending on your individual needs.

The requirement to rent a car: 21 years of age and above. All drivers must hold a current, full and legal driver’s license, the copy of which must be sent to the fax number: +61293535058. For more information, please call 1800150278.

Contact Budget Booking:

Local Number: 0293539399

From Overseas: +61293539399

Hours of Operation:

Monday—Friday 7:30 A. M. —7:00 PM

Saturday—Sunday 8:00 A. M. —5:00 P. M

It’s always best to book as early as possible. In order to get the best from Budget’s low-cost car rental options and to benefit from the biggest range of choices on car rental deals, make sure of your booking early.

1. What is an advantage of Budget Australia?

A．It satisfies various needs.	B．It offers expensive brand cars.
C．It hosts an impressive car show.	D．It has rental locations outside Australia.

2. Which number should you call to book a car when you are in America?

A．1800150278

B．+61293535058

C．0293539399

D．+61293539399

3. What is the text?

A．A diary.

B．An advertisement.

C．An application.

D．A report.

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。

Mrs. Murphy had been working as a cafeteria (自助餐厅) employee at Cypress Valley School for four years and there was no job in the whole world that she loved more than that. In fact, Mrs. Murphy liked to stay with these cute children. The woman’s face lit up every time she served lunch to the little children and saw their smiles.

One day after serving the kids food, Mrs. Murphy was talking to her co-worker when she noticed something strange. She saw a little girl at the far end of the cafeteria who finished only half of her lunch and filled the rest in a lunch box. “Is she not feeling well? Why didn’t she eat?” Mrs. Murphy was puzzled as the girl stood up and walked away.

The next day, when the girl came to the cafeteria, the same thing happened. She divided the food into two equal parts, placed one half in her lunch box, and ate only the other half. Mrs. Murphy became concerned when this continued for several days, so she decided to follow her one day.

She saw that the young girl went in the opposite direction of the school after class, which led to a deserted neighborhood. “Why would she go there after school?” The elderly woman wondered as she followed the girl, taking care not to be noticed.

After a couple of minutes, she noticed the girl was walking into an alley (胡同) where a small boy sat on the ground. The girl smiled and approached the boy. “Claire! I’m here!” The boy looked up at the girl and smiled warmly. “I’ve got some food for you, David!” She said, sitting on her knees and opening her backpack. The boy enjoyed the other half of meal. The fine scene was too wonderful to be ruined. And Mrs. Murphy firmly believed that she had to do something to help them.

注意：1. 续写词数共150左右；
2. 续写部分分为两段, 每段的开头语已为你写好；
3. 请按如下格式在答题卡的相应位置作答。
Paragraph 1:

Just then, Mrs. Murphy approached them.                  

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Paragraph 2:

Hearing this, Mrs. Murphy’s heart was full of sympathy (同情) for the two children.   

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

7 . 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。

The xiao, a traditional bamboo instrument, is now attracting more and more attention with     1     (it) long history and rich cultural meanings. In ancient China, bamboo was a symbol of honesty, and a spirit of trying to make progress. So, many used it to refer     2     their pursuits (追求) in poems. For example, the poet Su Shi once wrote, “Better to eat without meat than live without bamboo”, suggesting the     3     (important) of bamboo. Therefore, the xiao,     4     (make) of bamboo, was not just     5     instrument, but something the ancient literati (文人) often held in hands or put on walls to remind themselves of their pursuits.

“From the Tang Dynasty on, usually the xiao was used for the purpose of     6     (gather) the educated. It was so popular,” says Shen, a xiao player. “The instrument     7     (keep) its unique attractiveness, which paved its way     8     (become) alive again. It produces pleasant music,     9     agrees with the traditional Chinese sense of beauty — the greatest music has the faintest notes.”

In Shen’s view, compared with others, the xiao is an     10     (extreme) simple instrument.

Since it is so simple that you can hardly make any changes on it, you can only change yourself to make your music performance better and better.

8 . In seventh grade, my mum suggested I join the golf league. _______ the fact that I had been taking golf lessons since I could walk, I had never played a real match of golf. And she _______ me to join a league? I was sure she had lost her _______. But as always, my mum _______ in the end. I played on the middle-school golf team in seventh grade… and eighth. When the summer before high school came, I was _______ to play on the high-school team.

At a time when most teenagers try to spend the smallest time possible with their _______, I was growing closer than ever to mine. That summer I _______ almost every Sunday morning on the golf course with my dad, and too many afternoons there with my mum. This incredible _______ with my parents continued during my high-school years. Mum and I thought it was because of the hours we spent together on the _______ course. We talked about things in the middle of a round of golf that we ________ would at home, where she is Mum and I am an annoying teenager. On the golf course, we are just two people who ________ golf.

Golfing has ________ a part of me over the past years. In the summer my friends know the place to find me is on the golf course. Golf has ________ me and made me into the person I am today. And I have to admit that all of it is ________ my mum making me join that middle-school golf league. In fact, she was ________ — as usual.

1.

A．Without

B．Considering

C．Besides

D．Despite

2.

A．allowed

B．chose

C．wanted

D．reminded

3.

A．belief

B．mind

C．patience

D．confidence

4.

A．won

B．agreed

C．changed

D．finished

5.

A．afraid

B．unwilling

C．careful

D．eager

6.

A．parents

B．teachers

C．friends

D．classmates

7.

A．wasted

B．missed

C．spent

D．counted

8.

A．memory

B．relationship

C．conversation

D．adventure

9.

A．basketball

B．badminton

C．golf

D．football

10.

A．once

B．never

C．still

D．always

11.

A．love

B．watch

C．trust

D．remember

12.

A．left

B．reflected

C．removed

D．become

13.

A．freed

B．saved

C．influenced

D．protected

14.

A．according to

B．thanks to

C．instead of

D．except for

15.

A．right

B．brave

C．lucky

D．successful

9 . We love all types of hugs, from the one-armed hug to full bear hugs. Open up your heart and your arms on January 21 for National Hugging Day! As you might guess, this day is a yearly event.     1    

Here are some facts about the big day National Hugging Day was created in 1986 by Kevin Zaborney. Zabomey chose January 21 because it was the time between the winter holiday season and the new year’s birthday, which he noticed was a time people tended to feel in low spirits. He also felt that Americans were too embarrassed to show love in public.     2     However, he never actually thought it would become popular.

    3     It means “to comfort” in the Old Norse language, first appearing about 450 years ago. However, the history of hugging itself is a bit more uncertain, What is known is that it is only very recently(within the past 50 years)that we have seen a full acceptance of hugging in public, separating it from other distinguished displays of love such as kissing. The widespread adoption of hugging over the recent years has been debated for some reasons.     4    

Nowadays, we don’t even think about the fact that hugging in public was considered improper.     5     We also do that to say goodbye, to congratulate someone, to comfort someone, or to show support. We usually hug before sports teams begin their match, and hug to show a general sign of affection between close relationships.

A．It’s not practiced enough these days!

B．We hug to greet friends and family

C．“Hug” is believed to come from ”hugga“

D．A hug is one of the most natural gestures,

E．One is that some once thought it wasn’t so formal

F．He hoped National Hugging Day would change that.

G．It encourages us to express love in the simplest way.