I was never “that girl” — the one who had charming appearance, and who enjoyed a colorful social life. I was another girl entirely, one who was considered “nice girls”, and the top student in class. Not that I didn’t care about friends or fun, I just didn’t think it was worth putting lots of time and effort into changing how I looked, how I acted, even as I started high school.
Marissa was “that girl” — fun to be around, good to know. We are different, but our friendship began the first time we met at an exciting soccer match, on the second day of freshmen year. The excitement of the game and our shared interest in soccer connected us, I was deeply impressed with her enthusiasm, while she admired my calm. Our conversations went smoothly, and our relationship quickly turned into a close bond.
However, as the school year progressed, Marissa’s outgoing personality began to conflict with my reserved nature. She stood out in social situations, constantly asking me to attend parties and social events. While I appreciated her efforts to include me, I felt awkward and uncomfortable to be forced into unfamiliar surroundings. Our once harmonious friendship started to crack, I tried to turn down her invitations, but in vain.
One evening, Marissa persuaded me to attend a large party at a classmate’s house. Surrounded by loud music and strange faces, I felt uneasy and upset. Marissa was the queen of the party, leaving me feeling extremely lonely. Her personality attracted others to her, creating a barrier between us.
注意:1.续写词数应为150个左右;
2.请按如下格式在答题纸的相应位置作答。
Paragraph 1:
At that moment, I realized the growing divide between us.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Paragraph 2:
Since then, we worked together to find a balance of our personalities.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________2 . How long will it take you to read this article? On average, adults read about 240 words a minute, but I always take longer. I should probably feel embarrassed-but instead, I take joy in it.
I got the habit of reading for pleasure from my mum. Reading is what I do first thing in the morning and last thing at night. But it’s always taken me a long time. When I started reviewing books, I was averaging 20 pages an hour. I have improved to about 30 pages, but that’s still slow, according to some literary critics.
Book reviewers aren’t the only ones under pressure to read quickly. Pictures of “all the books I read this month” are all over social media. And reading has become a way of keeping up with the world. It is understandable that we try to make sense of events, but it can also fuel the idea that reading is a chore (苦差事), which it absolutely is not.
Why would pleasure be equal to pace? My slow reading seems to be down to a combination of slower processing speeds, and “subvocalising” — sounding out words as I read them. But especially when it comes to the latter, I wouldn’t want to train myself to go faster. It was news to me that not everyone subvocalises, because one of my favourite things about reading is hearing the language in my mind. Without subvocalising, I wouldn’t have caught the music of those words.
Recently, I finished a book of poetry. For two years, I read the poems each morning in the four minutes it took my coffee to be ready. It was a wonderful reminder that reading is never about quantity and always about the quality of time you spend with a text.
So when you read, don’t stick a number on it ---- resolve to read for pleasure, not as a chore.
1. Why does the author like slow reading?A.It wins her fame online. | B.It is a delightful practice. |
C.It comes from her mom. | D.It helps her reach goals. |
A.Quantity. | B.Quality. | C.Content. | D.Sound. |
A.Slower processing speeds. |
B.Learning language. |
C.Combining speeds and sounds. |
D.Reading words out. |
A.Reading is a demanding task. |
B.Pace equals reading pleasure. |
C.Beauty of words needs tasting. |
D.Poetry takes no effort to digest. |
3 . Shrewsbury is an ideal getaway with visitors.
Shrewsbury eBike HireBEST FOR: SEEING THE SIGHTS AT A GENTLE PACE
Set off on a self-guided tour of Shrewsbury on one of the town’s new e-bikes. The route is easy to follow with lots of stops along the way, including the Welsh Bridge, Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery and the Victorian-era Shrewsbury Prison. It’s most suitable for ages 14-plus.
Shrewsbury Flaxmill MaltingsBEST FOR: INSPIRING ARCHITECTS
This was the world’s first iron-shaped building when it was built in 1797-a forerunner of the modern skyscraper (摩天大楼). A new visitor centre opened in September-it’s also the end point of the Heritage Trail e-bike tour. An exhibition explores how the building has grown and been repurposed over the years.
Shrewsbury Market HallBEST FOR: FOOD AND SHOPPING
Situated in the centre of town, this was an innovative example of modern architecture when it opened in 1965. Recent upgrades mean it’s now home to more than 70 independent businesses, including traditional market stands, artisan producers, craft shops and antique dealers.
Riverside CabinsBEST FOR: QUIET STAYS
Opened in 2020, Riverside Cabins is a rural collection of wooden cottages built in18th century, a 20-minute drive from Shrewsbury. Cabins sleep between two and six guests and each come with their own hot baths, as well as Wi-Fi and smart TVs. Try your hand at boating along the river, with equipment available to borrow on site. From £ 135 for a minimum of two nights for a family of four.
1. What is an advantage of e-bike tours?A.They organize architecture lessons. |
B.They provide professional guides. |
C.They offer a relaxing way of travelling. |
D.They are accessible to all ages. |
A.Shrewsbury eBike Hire. | B.Riverside Cabins. |
C.Shrewsbury Flaxmill Maltings. | D.Shrewsbury Market Hall. |
A.history | B.food | C.transport | D.fashion |
4 . In the town of Riverbridge, life was simple. The townsfolk knew each other, and the most exciting event was the weekly
One day, a hobo (流浪汉) arrived and
Over the next few days, Kally kept a close eye on the stores. He noticed the stolen items were always from the
Life returned to its simple rhythm, but with a newfound respect for the young boy. And under the bridge, a sign was fixed that read, “Never
A.column | B.figure | C.schedule | D.novel |
A.took down | B.put away | C.set up | D.pulled over |
A.challenges | B.thefts | C.discounts | D.courses |
A.relieved | B.frightened | C.satisfied | D.convinced |
A.hardly | B.mostly | C.seriously | D.narrowly |
A.town | B.store | C.rescue | D.camp |
A.broke | B.denied | C.witnessed | D.forgot |
A.experience | B.service | C.evidence | D.honesty |
A.lower | B.cheaper | C.stronger | D.cleaner |
A.attending | B.adapting | C.contributing | D.pointing |
A.scared | B.criticized | C.caught | D.beaten |
A.services | B.educations | C.facilities | D.basics |
A.fond | B.ashamed | C.capable | D.tired |
A.realizing | B.solving | C.doubting | D.proving |
A.doubt | B.write | C.judge | D.promote |
Chinese scientists have started a scientific expedition to the Mount Qomolangma.
The expedition focuses on major scientific
6 . I’d been exploring the 40-hectare woods around our cottage my whole life and I knew the way well. So it was a
One dull cold February afternoon, I had a sudden
As the shadows started to
I instinctively (本能地) pulled out my phone to get my location, but it
That winter’s day taught me a valuable lesson about habitual reliance on technology. If my phone had
A.challenge | B.shock | C.reward | D.reminder |
A.discovery | B.response | C.worry | D.urge |
A.escaped | B.drove | C.headed | D.looked |
A.reputation | B.dream | C.day | D.way |
A.lengthen | B.swing | C.emerge | D.fade |
A.fuel | B.witness | C.overlook | D.outpace |
A.original | B.rough | C.offbeat | D.roundabout |
A.appreciating | B.trusting | C.envisioning | D.assessing |
A.curiosity | B.comparison | C.doubt | D.anticipation |
A.died | B.slipped | C.flashed | D.rang |
A.Reportedly | B.Admittedly | C.Seemingly | D.Surprisingly |
A.exposed | B.composed | C.defended | D.behaved |
A.got off | B.laid down | C.came across | D.made out |
A.worked | B.remained | C.changed | D.overheated |
A.theory | B.standard | C.practice | D.routine |
7 . In a small village, a special knitting (编织) club has become a symbol of community and warmth.
Back to 2018, Abby, a knitting enthusiast,
Attracting a steady stream of people, the club members weekly gather to work on knitting
The knitting club is a living narrative of a(n)
A.Restricted | B.Purchased | C.Canceled | D.Sponsored |
A.unity | B.dignity | C.politeness | D.profit |
A.barely | B.blindly | C.initially | D.passively |
A.space | B.passion | C.major | D.house |
A.regret | B.fail | C.learn | D.agree |
A.techniques | B.materials | C.stories | D.patterns |
A.terror | B.advice | C.possession | D.contentment |
A.speaking up | B.dropping in | C.giving back | D.showing off |
A.political | B.charitable | C.architectural | D.financial |
A.Bringing | B.Looking | C.Reflecting | D.Counting |
A.reach | B.act | C.look | D.stand |
A.persuaded | B.tricked | C.broken | D.sewn |
A.continuous | B.economical | C.ridiculous | D.conventional |
A.strategy | B.bond | C.category | D.principle |
A.self-made | B.small-minded | C.easy-going | D.well-meaning |
8 . For foreign visitors, Morocco in Africa holds an immediate and enduring fascination. Here are some picks to visit.
The Anti-Atlas
In the mountain playground of the Anti-Atlas, travelers can exercise by trying new hiking routes and connect with locals who share their timeless valleys with generosity and warmth. Take some time to connect with the local people living in the region. A glimpse into their simple life and down-to-earth way of being is good for your heart.
Marrakesh
The “pink city” is one of Morocco’s must-sees—all your senses come to life here. Feel the city’s charm with the rosy colors of the media wall at sunset and the sweet smell of trees in season. For a touch of desert romance, the Agafay Desert and its luxury camping options are within easy reach of Marrakesh, pertect for a night under the stars.
The Sahara Desert
The drive to the Sahara Desert is long, but the emptiness of the Sahara Desert can bring a sense of remoteness that is rare to find these days. Visiting the Moroccan Sahara Desert is an opportunity to disconnect, empty your mind and enjoy being in the middle of nowhere. The wild environment comes to life with a good guide, especially at might when the night sky free of light pollution is filled with stars.
Fez
As the oldest city and study center in Morocco, Fez proudly keeps one foot firmly planted in the past where you will get lost making your way through workshops and market stalls. The fantastically preserved ancient ruins and the Kairaouine Library that is among the world’s oldest libraries are worth a visit.
1. What does the trip to the Anti-Atlas feature?A.The foreign too a and drınk. |
B.The enjoyment of the urban life. |
C.The physical and spiritual experience. |
D.The gift-sharing events in the mountain playground. |
A.Feel the city’s romance. |
B.Enjoy the mountainous lifestyle. |
C.Sec the scenery of plentiful valleys and runs. |
D.Get the chance to spend starry nights outdoors. |
A.The Anti-Atlas. | B.Marrakesh. |
C.The Sahara Desert. | D.Fez. |
9 . The Debate on Drinking Coffee on an Empty Stomach
There’s a popular belief that drinking coffee on an empty stomach can damage the stomach lining (胃粘膜). This article investigates the validity of these claims and explores the broader influences for gut (肠道) health.
While substances like alcohol are known to alter the stomach’s defenses, research, a 2013 study of over 8,000 participants living in Japan, shows no substantial link between coffee consumption and the development of ulcers (溃疡).
The idea that coffee induces stomach acid production is well-established, which could theoretically lead to heartburn, especially if consumed on an empty stomach.
If you experience discomfort after drinking coffee, consider cutting down the consumption.
While the debate on the impact of drinking coffee on an empty stomach continues, the evidence leans more towards its safety rather than harm. Monitoring personal symptoms and making small adjustments can help individuals enjoy coffee without discomfort.
A.Adding some milk can also help. |
B.However, studies offer mixed results. |
C.Remember, individual responses can vary. |
D.Nonetheless, coffee does have an effect on the gut. |
E.There’s more evidence for coffee’s benefits than harms. |
F.Many people start their day with a cup before eating anything. |
G.It suggests that coffee doesn’t harm the stomach lining directly. |
10 . Residing on Hainan, US-raised Xie Fei has established an extensive private museum, filled with his personal collections. Items from NBA stars Michael Jordan and Kobe feature significantly in Xie’s Tianfu Sports Museum. These items mark the beginning of his collection journey.
Around in 2002, he started his own business, a resort hotel highlighting local coffee and showcasing his sports collections to appeal to tourists. Indeed, many tourists expressed an interest in the exhibition, leading to eventually the official opening of his own museum. At that time, Xie, who was still not fluent in Mandarin, found that the museum could be a bridge connecting him to others. His collection began to expand beyond the NBA, embracing richer Chinese items. Since then, he has been searching for more Chinese sports items to add to his collection.
As his valuable collection expanded, he began to feel more responsibility. He decided to donate his more than 2,000 items to the government, while continuing to exhibit them for free in his museum. He funds the museum’s maintenance with the proceeds from his hotel and often invites sports experts to hold activities there.
In recent years, he has frequently taken items from his collection to schools to teach children about the history of Chinese sports. Xie also started collecting local sports memorabilia (纪念品), During this process, he found that records of local sports history were incomplete, so he contacted local scholars and began compiling and filling in the gaps. From the medal of Hainan’s first-ever Games to the traditional sports equipment of local Li and Miao people, after several years of effort, Xie’s museum has been able to organize a special Hainan sports exhibition, while also diving into more detailed historical research.
But the collector’s efforts do not stop there. Looking forward, he has set a new goal. “I want to build a new museum, one that features only Hainan sports memorabilia,” Xiesays, “I want everyone to know how vibrant Hainan’s sports culture is.”
1. Why did Xie Fei open the Tianfu Sports Museum?A.Tourists enjoyed his sports equipment. |
B.He was motivated to promote Hainan. |
C.His resort hotel rose to fame overnight. |
D.People were fascinated by his collections. |
A.By raising money from the the public. |
B.By being financed by the government. |
C.By working as a part-time teacher. |
D.By supporting it with the hotel income. |
A.Xie will participate in the sports games. |
B.His hard work and dedication were fruitful. |
C.Ethnic items will be collected nationwide. |
D.Xie is passionate about tourist development. |
A.Independent. | B.Ambitious. | C.Considerate. | D.Cautious. |