1 . 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。

Normally, Levi greeted the bus driver, Larry Farrish, with his usual cheerful smile and a warm wave. He was always the first to board the bus, excited to start the day ahead with his friends. However, on this particular day, Levi’s behaviour was strikingly different.

As the bus came to the scheduled station, Levi slowly made his way onto the vehicle, his head bowed and his steps heavy. Farrish, who had come to expect Levi’s bright smile and enthusiastic greeting, couldn’t help but notice the change in the boy’s manner. He watched as Levi took his usual seat at the back of the bus, his shoulders sunk and his eyes fixed on the floor.

Farrish, a kind and considerate man, couldn’t bear to see Levi’s sadness. As he drove the bus through the familiar route, he considered what could be causing the boy's sufferings. He knew that Levi was a happy and outgoing child, so the sudden change was puzzling. He felt it a must to figure out the source of the little boy’s depression.

As the bus neared Levi’s school, Farrish turned around in his seat, gently called Levi out and inquired about what was wrong. The boy looked up, his eyes red and swollen from crying. Levi hesitated for a moment, and then whispered in a quiet voice, “I forgot my pajamas for Pajama (睡衣) Day.” Farrish’s heart sank. He knew how much Levi had been looking forward to Pajama Day, a special event at his school where students could come dressed in their comfortable pajamas and enjoy a relaxing atmosphere. It was a day that Levi had talked about for weeks, eagerly anticipating the opportunity to show off his pajamas.

Now, however, his excitement had turned into disappointment. He had simply forgotten to pack his pajamas, and as a result, he would be unable to participate in the festivities. Farrish could see sadness stand on Levi’s face, and he knew that he had to do something to help relieve the boy’s pain.

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。

Waving goodbye, Farrish decided to take action.

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Levi participated in Pajama Day with a newfound joy.

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2 . 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 term “Erbin”, a, nickname of Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, known for its ice and snow festival,     1     (gain) popularity across China recently. Many tourism officials are using techniques to promote cultural tourism,     2       (leave) netizens screaming in amusement. Shifting from online hype (炒作) to offline engagement, tourism authorities in other provinces also compete     3     tourists.

The essence of this “fancy rat-race” lies in     4     fact that various regional cultural tourism initiatives     5     (target) at the Spring Festival tourist boom, using hype to attract tourists and boost the local economies. But to attract more tourists,     6     seems unwise is to rely merely on publicity and luxury strategies. Cities and tourist spots should focus on three factors to attract more tourists.

First, they need to build better roads to scenic spots and tourist service platforms,     7     set proper traffic signs. Second, they should provide related supporting services to enhance     8     (tourist) experience. For that, the tourist spots and cities need to     9     (far) develop tourist attractions and supporting facilities. It is also important     10     (tell) convincing local cultural stories.

Tourism authorities should, therefore, focus on promoting local cuisine, natural resources and personalities.

3 . After a challenging workout, the last thing you probably want to do is spend five to ten minutes stretching.     1     Why is stretching so important and how often do you need to do it? Here we are going to share what we have learnt from some experts.

When you think about exercise, most people participate in some type of aerobic (有氧的) activity that improves their cardiovascular (心血管的) endurance.     2     Those are two very important elements of a fitness program, but there’s also a third element. That is your flexibility and mobility, which is most often the one that’s ignored.

Stretching helps keep us mobile. We are born super mobile as babies and young children, but lose this as we grow into adults.     3     It means we are able to move less; we are functionally less able to do everyday stuff like picking up a pen from the floor, or climbing stairs efficiently.

    4     It’s also going to help reduce the risk of injury. Some people are naturally more flexible than others, but no matter whether you can touch your toes or not, you should be working on your flexibility and mobility because the more moveless you are, the more your muscles are shortening, which in turn is causing you to be tighter.

When you get up, you maybe go for a quick walk to fill up your water bottle or get a cup of coffee, then come back and do a seated leg stretch or a standing version.     5    

A．Why is stretching good for your healthy habits?

B．Stretching makes for relieving muscle tension and pain.

C．When we stop stretching, we lose capacity in movement.

D．Walking, done in the right way, is a form of aerobic exercise.

E．It won’t take much time to add these habits into your daily routine.

F．However, doing so can result in physical and mental health benefits.

G．They also do weight training to help maintain muscle mass and build strength.

4 . With the help from an artificial language (AL) model, MIT neuroscientists have discovered what kind of sentences are most likely to fire up the brain’s key language processing centers. The new study reveals that sentences that are more complex, because of either unusual grammar or unexpected meaning, generate stronger responses in these language processing centers. Sentences that are very straightforward barely engage these regions, and meaningless orders of words don’t do much for them either.

In this study, the researchers focused on language-processing regions found in the left hemisphere (半球) of the brain. By collecting a set of 1,000 sentences from various sources, the researchers measured the brain activity of participants using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) while they read the sentences. The same sentences were also fed into a large language model, similar to ChatGPT, to measure the model’s activation patterns. Once the researchers had all of those data, they trained the model to predict how the human language network would respond to any new sentence based on how the artificial language network responded to these 1,000 sentences.

The researchers then used the model to determine 500 new sentences that would drive highest brain activity and sentences that would make the brain less active, and their findings were confirmed in subsequent human participants. To understand why certain sentences generate stronger brain responses, the model examined the sentences based on 11 different language characteristics. The analysis revealed that sentences that were more surprising resulted in greater brain activity. Another linguistic (语言的) aspect that correlated with the brain’s language network responses was the complexity of the sentences, which was determined by how well they followed English grammar rules and bow logically they linked with each other.

The researchers now plan to see if they can extend these findings in speakers of languages other than English. They also hope to explore what type of stimuli may activate language processing regions in the brain’s right hemisphere.

1. What sentences make our brain work harder?

A．Lengthy.	B．Logical.
C．Straightforward.	D．Complicated.

2. What is the function of the AL model in the research?

A．To examine language network.	B．To reduce language complexity.
C．To locate language processing area.	D．To identify language characteristics.

3. How did the researchers carry out their study?

A．By conducting interviews.	B．By collecting questionnaires.
C．By analyzing experiment data.	D．By reviewing previous studies.

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

A．AL Model Stimulates Brain Activities

B．AL Model Speeds Up Language Learning

C．AL Model Reveals the Secrets of Brain Activation

D．AL Model Enhances Brain Processing Capacity

5 . Cafeterias have been filled with challenges — right from planning, purchasing, and preparing, to reducing waste, staying on budget, managing goods, and training staff. Through the tedious process, restaurateurs lacked a unified platform for efficient management. To bring consistency to the unorganised catering (餐饮) industry, childhood friends Arjun Subramanian and Raj Jain, who shared a passion for innovation, decided to partner in 2019 to explore opportunities in the cafeteria industry.

In May 2020, they co-founded Platos, a one-stop solution for restaurants with a custom technology kit to streamline all aspects of cafeteria management. The company offers end-to-end cafeteria management, staff selection and food trials to ensure smooth operations and consistent service. “We believe startups solve real problems and Platos is our shot at making daily workplace food enjoyable again. We aim to simplify the dining experience,   providing a convenient and efficient solution that benefits both restaurateurs and customers and creating a connected ecosystem,” says Subramanian, CEO and co-founder.

Platos guarantees that a technology-driven cafeteria allows customers to order, pay, pick up, and provide ratings and feedback. It also offers goods and menu management to effectively perform daily operations. Additionally, its applications connect all shareholders for a smart cafeteria experience. “We help businesses that are into catering on condition that they have access to an industrial kitchen setup where they’re making food according to certain standards,” Jain states.

Since the beginning, Platos claims to have transformed 45 cafeterias across eight cities in the country. Currently, it has over 45,000 monthly users placing more than 200,000 orders. Despite facing challenges in launching cafeterias across major cities in the initial stages, Platos has experienced a 15% increase in its month-over-month profits.

As for future plans, the startup is looking to raise $1 million from investors as strategic partners, bringing in capital, expertise, and networks. “Finding the right lead investor is the compass that points your startup toward success,” Subramanian says.

1. What does the underlined word “tedious” in Paragraph 1 mean?

A．Time-consuming.	B．Breath-taking.
C．Heart-breaking.	D．Energy-saving.

2. What is the purpose of founding Platos?

A．To connect customers with a greener ecosystem.

B．To ensure food security and variety in cafeterias.

C．To improve cafeteria management with technology.

D．To make staff selection more efficient and enjoyable.

3. What can we learn from the statistics in Paragraph 4?

A．Platos has achieved its ultimate financial goal.

B．Platos has gained impressive marketing progress.

C．Challenges in food industry can be easily overcome.

D．Tech-driven cafeterias have covered most urban areas.

4. What is Subramanian’s future plan for Platos?

A．To reduce costs.	B．To increase profits.
C．To seek investment.	D．To innovate technology.

6 . Introduction to Drama Exams

Our exams inspire and enable learners across the globe to be confident communicators. Exams are open to anyone looking to gain confidence and experience in speech, communication and performance. There are no age restrictions. As one of the UK’s oldest and most respected drama schools and awarding organizations, we examine over 100,000

candidates and deliver exams both online and in person in many countries across the globe.

Now we are pleased to offer free, online “Introduction to Examinations” information session. Booking is now opening for events until Summer 2024.

Session Information
Fee	There isn’t a fee for this session, but you are required to book in advance.
Dates	6 February 2024, 6:00 p. m. -7:30 p. m. 20 March 2024, 4:00 p. m. -5:30 p. m. 15 May 2024, 12:00 p. m. -1:30 p. m. 9 July 2024, 8:30 a. m. -10:00 a. m.
How to register	Fill in the form to book your place, including your email address and phone number, where you’ll be able to select which date you’d like to attend.

The 1.5-hour session will begin with an Introduction to Examinations, their history and the format of assessment. Work will then focus on the subjects available to take, and will end with a Q&A phase where participants will be invited to write in their questions to the host organizer.

If you have any questions regarding this, please email examscourses@lamda.ac.uk and we will be happy to help. Looking forward to seeing you online at this event.

1. What is an advantage of the drama exam?

A．It is free of charge.	B．It offers flexible schedules.
C．It suits a wide range of people.	D．It puts restrictions on nationality.

2. What is required to register for the sessions?

A．Payment in advance.	B．Contact information.
C．Education background.	D．Performance experience.

3. What should you do if you have a question during the online session?

A．Email it to the drama school.	B．Write it down before the session.
C．Propose it at the beginning of the session.	D．Send it to the host organizer in Q&A phase.

7 . Today is September 10th. It’s ________ Day. Let’s say “Thank you” to our teachers.

A．Teacher’s

B．the Teachers’

C．Teachers

D．Teachers’

8 . 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。

The Charm (魅力) of Schoolyard

In the charm of school life, where classrooms are seats of knowledge and the schoolyard becomes source of memory, there are a fund of stories mixed with humor, warmth, and teacher-student relationships.   

Mr. Smith was a country teacher, but not an ordinary one; he was a storyteller, a mentor (人生导师) , and a friend to all his students. His classroom was a world of its own, full of colorful characters and brilliant ideas. One day, during the noon break, a student named Alice noticed a wandering kitten padding (潜行) through the familiar grounds where many schoolyard tales were born. Alice took her to Mr. Smith, who had magical Tricks for handling even the smallest things. With Mr. Smitt’s permission, Alice and her classmates built a shelter for the kitten in a corner of the campus.

The days turned into weeks, and the kitten grew under the tender care of Mr. Smith and his students. Once in a while, she became a temporary resident of the classroom, much to the delight of the whole class. They named her “Schoolyard”, a name that generalized the spirit of their school days.

As the year progressed, Schoolyard became not just a kitten, but a tie connecting each of them and a thread of continuity in their lives. She played on desks, slept in chairs, and hid in folders, thus becoming an unofficial mascot (吉祥物) of the classroom. The students found comfort in her presence, and Mr. Smith, joy in watching them grow through her company.

As graduation neared, Mr. Smith gathered his students for one last lesson. He told them that they would soon be exploring new horizons. He reminded them that life was full of unforeseeable twists and tums along with unexpected potentials, just like the appearance of a kitten in their schoolyard. At the moment, the students were greatly touched and deep down there arose a strong love for those memorable warmth and hearty laughter of their school days.

Thereafter, Mr. Smith and the students agreed to meet here once again in ten years.

注意：
1. 续写词数应为150左右；
2. 请按如下格式作答。

A decade later, Mr. Smith greeted his former students at the school gate.

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“Isn’t that our Schoolyard?” cried Alice, gazing at the classroom door.   

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9 . 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。

My political career in the Student Union(SU)began by throwing frisbees (飞盘) on the campus lawn. I would throw a frisbee to someone I didn’t know and they would throw it to someone they didn’t know. Before long, we had built a community of people who met every day at lunch to throw frisbees.

Besides frisbees, the group decided to climb the mountain near our campus. When we reached the peak, it felt like we were at summer camp. We laughed, danced and told jokes.It was totally fun. While playing like little children in the cool mountain air, we all decided to do it again the following week. Our motto (座右铭) was “Bring a Friend” . We started out with a small group of hikers. But as the word spread, the number of participants increased.We made it a rule to climb the mountain every weekend. All of us were passionate about the fantastic experience, which we were looking forward to.

One day on campus, I decided to throw my frisbee to some strangers, run over and invite them to climb the mountain. Much to my surprise, a girl sitting in a wheelchair got hold of it. Her name was Grace. I asked her if she had ever been to the top of the mountain.She said she hadn’t. Holding the wheelchair tightly, she hung down her head in awkward silence. Then she told me that she had suffered from lung disease when she was young and depended on oxygen twenty-four hours a day. So, it was impossible for her to move without help. Fortunately, things got better.

With continuous efforts and treatment, she managed to live on her own with the assistance of the wheelchair: I told her that my friends and I would carry her if she were up for it. On hearing what I said, she refused without hesitation, adding that it would be a bother to carry her. But I tried my best to persuade her to come along with us by talking about the interesting experiences.

注意：
1.   续写词数应为 150 个左右;
2.   请按如下格式在答题卡的相应位置作答。

Having thought for a while, Grace still refused my offer.

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On the downhilt path, Grace asked me why not run for the SU election.

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10 . On that hot August day in 2023, as ash rained down and flames closed in, Jim Rhodes didn’t want to be anywhere but Coulterville. “My kid called from Alabama. We first heard about the fire from him,” Rhodes recalls. “He said, ‘Evacuate(撤离)!’I said, ‘Evacuate? To where?’”

Coulterville is a tiny town located among dry hills where local people raise cattle and other livestock. It has a main street, a park and a museum. It’s got a cafe, a grocery shop and a post. And with summer temperatures routinely topping 100 degrees, it has fires—sometimes big fires..

Eventually, this big fire got a name: the Moc Fire, for the tiny town of Moccasin-where it began as a brush fire.

It burnt for 10 days, consuming almost 3,000 acres. Rhodes woke to find his truck covered in ashand the news was broadcasting evacuation orders. Ranchers(牧场主) across the region were fighting to protect their animals, loading them into the truck or just setting them loose to find safety. Volunteers were readying fairgrounds nearby to shelter animals. Already they were filling up with dogs, cats, chickens, horses, cattle, goats, sheep and rabbits.

As residents and animals were brought out, firefighters poured in. “With them came the biggest bulldozer(挖 土机)I’ve ever seen,” says Rhodes. “And they were sent to cut the firebreak that could save the town. We knew that if it made the cut, we’d all have to get out of here.”

The situation was clear. The danger was growing. But slowly Rhodes realized that he hadn’t come to Coulterville just to leave when the town needed him. He stayed, joining the handful of residents who gathered around the main street where fire officials posted updates. He knew he could help somebody, somehow.

Around midmorning, a farmer he’d never met came by asking for help with animal evacuation. Rhodes’s phone was still ringing, but he knew what to do. “I hung up my phone, got in the truck and headed down to his farm,” he says.

1. Why did Rhodes’ kid call?

A．To help him put out the fire.	B．To inform him of the big fire.
C．To ask him to set animals free.	D．To persuade him to stay home.

2. What can we know about Coulterville?

A．Most residents there raise livestock.

B．It is a small town far trom Moccasin.

C．This place seldom has fires in summer.

D．Its inhabitants have plenty of bulldozers.

3. What would Rhodes do next according to the last paragraph?

A．Move out to reunite with his kid.

B．Gather his animals to a safe shelter.

C．Help the stranger to save his animals.

D．Join the residents to cut the firebreak.

4. What is the best title of the text?

A．Saving Wild Animals in Coulterville

B．A Trusted Neighbor in the Moc Fire

C．A Tiny Town Suffering a Big Disaster

D．Escaping from the Front Line of the Fire.