1 . While socializing comes naturally for some, it can be a struggle for others. Shyness is a normal, common personality trait (特征).     1    . If you’re often hesitant to engage in social situations, you may interact with those around you in a more comfortable way. We outline four strategies for overcoming shyness in life.

Get Excited About A New Adventure

You may have been shy most of your life.     2    . Working through shyness and developing increased confidence may seem like a discouraging task for you, but viewing the journey as an exciting adventure to parts unknown can be exciting and, in turn, may boost your self-esteem.

Pay Attention To Your Words

    3    . Talking to yourself in a negative way when describing yourself can damage your self-confidence. Consider replacing phrases like “I am shy” with “I am learning to be more comfortable” in social situations. This can go a long way toward moving from shyness to confidence.

Practice Mindfulness (正念)

Mindfulness involves drawing your attention to the present and being aware of your thoughts, feelings, and surroundings.     4    . In one study, participants in a mindfulness program experienced an improved view of their self-worth.

Take Small Steps

Getting started can be the hardest part of learning how to be more social for those who are shy.     5    . You can start out small. Try chatting with the teller at the bank or the person ahead of you in the checkout line. This can help you build confidence and work your way up to more difficult challenges.

A．If so, that’s a part of you that you’re used to

B．Sometimes the best path toward addressing a fear is exposure

C．Mindfulness can help reduce symptoms of social anxiety disorder

D．Taking time to tend to your appearance can make a big difference

E．How we communicate and characterize ourselves can be powerful

F．However, shyness can make it hard for people to connect with others and achieve their goals

G．But engaging with people doesn’t have to be practiced as an important work presentation

2 . Electrically powered vertical-take-off-and-landing (eVTOL) aircraft—flying cars are an idea whose time has not quite yet come, but is fast approaching. Many firms are offering various designs. None of these, however, will be Jetson-like family flying cars. Pivotal, based in Silicon Valley, by contrast has crafted something that people can purchase and pilot themselves. Helix is a single-seat vehicle, so “flying motorbike” might be more accurate. From next year, many people will be able to order one for personal use, though they will not be able to take delivery until June.

Marcus Leng founded Pivotal in 2011, and some back-of-the-envelope calculations he made suggested that electric lift-off of a human-carrying craft, using motors powered by the lithium-ion batteries ought to work. He thus built a model and flew it in the garden of his house in Warkworth, Ontario.

Now, after ameliorating it, the firm thinks it has something marketable. The aircraft has, nevertheless, changed little in its fundamentals over the years. It has two pairs of wings and eight propellers (螺旋桨), making it slightly resemble a squashed “H” when seen in the sky from below. And there is no undercarriage. Instead, its belly is curved in a way similar to a humpback whale’s, so it rocks to stability after landing.

Pilot’s licence or not, buyers will still need some training to fly a Helix. Pivotal insists on this. For the same reason, the craft’s software will stop the pilot doing anything that does not fit its safety rules. And if, despite this, something does go wrong, it is fitted with a parachute（降落伞）.

The Helix’s top speed is a respectable 100 kph, but its range is only 30 km. And refueling it is a bit of a pain. Filling up from the mains takes four and a half hours, though a special high-power system similar to those employed for electric cars can bring that down to 75 minutes. While Helix still doesn’t compare to the flying car from the Jetsons, it could be a step forward.

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

A．Helix has been used in Warkworth widely.

B．Flying cars won’t be allowed for personal use.

C．Leng was the first person to design flying cars.

D．Helix is only suitable for one person to drive.

2. What does the underlined word “ameliorating” in paragraph 3’mean?

A．Testing.

B．Driving.

C．Improving.

D．Repairing.

3. What is paragraph 4 mainly about?

A．Helix’s relative devices.	B．Helix’s training process.
C．Helix’s safety measures.	D．Helix’s working principle.

4. What is the author’s attitude towards Helix?

A．Doubtful.

B．Objective.

C．Indifferent.

D．Cautious.

3 . On July 28, I retired from my position. After teaching for many years, I looked forward to kayaking (划独木舟) with my grandsons, seeing friends and traveling for leisure with my husband. But my body had other plans for me. A broken spine (脊椎) in my back took me down a path that upended my plans.

I have long had back pain. However, I pushed through the pain to do my work, which worsened my condition. Doctors urged an operation when increased disability meant I could not sit, stand or walk for a long time. But I wanted to see whether physical therapy (治疗) could create an easier option.

Indeed, hard work with a great physical therapist has let me improve my mobility, sitting and standing. But X-rays told a different story. My spine was unstable and bending. After careful consideration and a second opinion from another professional, I agreed to surgery yet in the near term. Needless to say, the past months have been tough and the way ahead will be even tougher. Kayaking with my grandsons in the peacefulness of the lake is all out of reach, for now.

When I met my physical therapist for the first time, I was a mess. He listened to me outline my history with tears and then calmly said, “You have to make friends with your body.” I have repeated that line to myself daily and worked to embrace my body. I have focused on gratitude. I’m grateful that I do not have a fatal disease. I’m grateful that the body I have remains alert to the world, loved by family and friends. I’m grateful that I am still myself.

I don’t know exactly how the future will play out. The surgeon assures me that I should be able to get in my kayak by summer. But I may have to make friends with a different body, one that is mine regardless of the shape.

1. Why did the author’s condition become worse?

A．She disliked physical therapy.

B．She hurt her back when kayaking.

C．She still worked despite back pain.

D．She was unwilling to have an operation.

2. What can we learn about the author from paragraph 3?

A．She forgot to kayak with her grandsons.

B．She decided to accept an operation right away.

C．She completely recovered after physical therapy.

D．She asked another doctor for advice on the operation.

3. What changed the author’s attitude towards her body?

A．Her wish to enjoy retirement life.

B．Her physical therapist’s advice.

C．Her worsening physical condition.

D．Her love for her family and friends.

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

A．Learning to accept my body

B．Enjoying my retirement life

C．Fighting against my back pain

D．Being grateful for what I have

4 . Volunteer at the EcoTarium! We simply could not offer the programs and special events that make the EcoTarium a unique resource to our community without our diverse and dedicated corps of volunteers. To be considered for a more specific position, look through the volunteer listings below, and submit an application.

Zoo Ambassador Volunteer

Our zoo ambassador volunteers will assist the Zoology Department to connect with guests through engaging educational experiences about our animal residents. We are looking for volunteers who are passionate about animals and excited to interact with guests of all ages. Volunteers may also complete behavioral studies on numerous animals within the care of the EcoTarium to help enhance the welfare for our animals!

Animal Care Volunteer

Animal care volunteers will aid in all areas of husbandry (农牧业), including feeding, cleaning, record keeping, training animals, and behavioral observations. They will work with a variety of animals under our care, including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and insects. The position is physically demanding and requires working in all weather conditions.

Education Program Volunteer

Through conversations and hands-on activities, education program volunteers help visitors make meaningful connections to our exhibits, encourage curiosity and scientific inquiry, and challenge visitors to dive deeper into the concepts explored at our museum.

Collections Volunteer

The EcoTarium seeks volunteers who are interested in making a contribution to science by uncovering lost specimens (标本) in the EcoTarium collection! Photograph, measure, and take notes on birds, eggs, seashells, or pressed flowers. This is an excellent position for a high school or college student considering a career in biology or lab science. It is also appropriate for citizen scientists of any age. It offers an opportunity to see examples of rare or extinct plants and animals.

1. What can an animal care volunteer do?

A．Collect lost specimens.

B．Learn to feed and clean animals.

C．Finish some studies on the exhibits.

D．Help elderly visitors interact with animals.

2. Which position most suits a biology major?

A．Collections Volunteer.	B．Animal Care Volunteer.
C．Education Program Volunteer.	D．Zoo Ambassador Volunteer.

3. What is the main purpose of the text?

A．To list the advantages of volunteers.

B．To spread knowledge about volunteers.

C．To train more people to become volunteers.

D．To introduce some positions about volunteers.

5 . 听下面一段较长对话，回答以下小题。
1. Which place did the man visit first?

A．A castle.

B．A museum.

C．A church.

2. What did the man like in the museum?

A．Old paintings.

B．Old stamps.

C．Old clocks.

3. How did the man feel in the castle?

A．It wasn’t very warm.

B．It was boring.

C．It was dangerous.

4. What did the man buy?

A．A book.

B．Some postcards.

C．A model church.

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。

Darkness had already blanketed the city as Mr. Chen, an engineer, arrived home exhausted from his demanding job. He couldn’t help but notice the absence of his son Lei, who was still out for his evening study sessions. The intense pressure of Lei’s senior high school studies and Mr. Chen’s busy work schedule had gradually eaten away at their precious time together, turning their once-frequent badminton games into mere memories of the past.

On those better weekends, Mr. Chen and Lei would eagerly head to the nearby court, rackets in hand, bathing in the joy of the game and each other’s company. But as life got busier, their heartfelt conversations were reduced to hurried greetings and silent nods.

That particular evening, Mrs. Chen observed Mr. Chen’s unusual early return. With a warm smile, she handed him a steaming cup of tea, gently bringing up a topic close to her heart. “I’ve noticed you and Lei haven’t played badminton in a while. I miss the sound of your laughter and chatter,” she expressed softly, her voice filled with nostalgia.

Mr. Chen’s eyes momentarily lost their tiredness as he thought of the cheerful times spent on the badminton court with Lei. Those moments weren’t just about the sport; they were about the bond they shared, a bond that now seemed to be slipping away. “You’re absolutely right,” he agreed. “We need to bring those moments back and reconnect with Lei.”

Determined, Mr. Chen crafted a plan to carve out two hours per weekend for family bonding, starting with reestablishing their weekly badminton games. Mr. Chen also decided to have more open conversations with Lei, discussing ways to handle academic pressures and the importance of maintaining a health y balance in life. As he awaited Lei’s return that night, Mr. Chen pictured their upcoming game, not just as a physical activity, but as a stepping stone to rebuild their relationship, a chance to laugh, talk, and simply be together.

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。
When Lei finally arrived, Mr. Chen greeted him with a hopeful smile.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
That weekend, they played on the court as planned.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

7 . 听下面一段较长对话，回答以下小题。
1. Why does the man make the phone call?

A．To make an appointment.

B．To get to know Dr. Sharp.

C．To ask about the e-mail address.

2. What does the man need for his new job?

A．A form signed by Dr. Sharp.

B．A test about the position.

C．A full physical check-up.

3. How will the woman inform the man after receiving the form?

A．By visiting him.

B．By calling him.

C．By e-mailing him.

8 . 听下面一段独白，回答以下小题。
1. When is the Homecoming Day usually held?

A．In early September.

B．In late September and early October.

C．In late October and early November.

2. What kind of game is there on Homecoming Day?

A．A baseball game.

B．A basketball game.

C．A football game.

3. What is the Queen or the King most likely to be good at?

A．Dancing.

B．Singing.

C．Chatting.

4. How many celebrations are mentioned?

A．Two.

B．Three.

C．Four.

9 . In February 2010, Roger Lynn’s wife Veronica was diagnosed with lung cancer. Soon, she was ________ to hospital. The diagnosis was depressing and the ________ in the hospital only made things more difficult.

“Her room was at the far end of the floor, and felt like a dark and ________ corner,” Lynn remembered.

One day, as Lynn was sitting with his wife, a nurse named Jennifer came in and ________ some good news: A room with a window had been ________ and she wanted Lynn’s wife to have it.

“She led me into the room, which was filled with ________, and through the window there was a/an________ of the Olympic Mountains serving as backdrop for the whole scene,” Lynn said.

The new room ________ the feelings of their previously bad experience of being in the hospital day after day. But a week later, Veronica took a turn for the ________. She developed a blood clot (血栓), and then ________. The next day, Lynn took flowers to the nurses’ station as an expression of ________ for their support over the past two weeks. When he arrived, Jennifer________ Lynn and took him by the hand.

“She told me what a(n)________ it had been to care for Veronica and her family. She had been touched by the experience and was ________ saddened by her death,” Lynn said. “Jennifer didn’t have to find me that day when the room became ________. But she did, and her kindness was light in a dark and painful time.”

1.

A．added

B．admitted

C．devoted

D．qualified

2.

A．consequences

B．barriers

C．excuses

D．surroundings

3.

A．forgotten

B．discussed

C．finished

D．explored

4.

A．realized

B．shared

C．challenged

D．assessed

5.

A．exchanged

B．visited

C．released

D．identified

6.

A．furniture

B．possession

C．light

D．waste

7.

A．intention

B．assessment

C．discovery

D．view

8.

A．transformed

B．reflected

C．indicated

D．maintained

9.

A．clearer

B．smarter

C．worse

D．calmer

10.

A．turned over

B．passed away

C．fell over

D．carried away

11.

A．regret

B．depression

C．relief

D．gratitude

12.

A．lectured

B．declined

C．cured

D．approached

13.

A．honor

B．commitment

C．issue

D．guidance

14.

A．temporarily

B．leisurely

C．truly

D．accidentally

15.

A．essential

B．available

C．private

D．occupied

10 . 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 78th United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution (决议) on Friday, officially     1     (announce) the Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, as a UN floating holiday. Experts said the move shows the     2     (significance) influence of Chinese culture and will contribute     3     the promotion of the Global Civilization Initiative.

The Lunar New Year not only bears the ideas of peace and harmony     4     (value) by Chinese civilization but also carries the common values of humanity such as family harmony and harmonious coexistence between humans     5     nature.

The reason why the Lunar New Year can pass national borders and is increasingly welcomed by many countries     6     (lie) mainly in the rich cultural heritage of China and the driving force of globalization. As the world’s second-largest economy, China’s cultural elements have spread alongside its economic influence. In the trend of globalization, people’s interest in diverse cultures is     7     (gradual) increasing, and the Lunar New Year has become a major means for people     8     (communicate) and connect.

Therefore, the official     9     (recognize) of the Chinese New Year as a UN holiday fully reflects an emphasis on the inheritance and innovation of civilization,     10     will promote exchanges and mutual learning among diverse world cultures and actively embody the UN’s values of diverse and inclusive cultural ideals.