1 . As the movie Nomadland revealed to the world, ever since the 2008 financial collapse, people have mowed into vehicles as a way of surviving the high cost of living. The pandemic also fuelled an increase in the nomadic (流浪的) lifestyle.

In 2020, my co-researcher Scott Rankin and I looked at how people who live in vehicles balance work and life. This year, I continued my research to better understand why people live this way.

People of all ages and genders take part in van (面包车) living. The average age of van dwellers (居住者) was 42. After asking respondents to rank the reasons why they chose to live in a vehicle, ranked from top to bottom are: 1) freedom, 2) low cost of living, 3) adventure, 4)connection to nature,5)minimalism,6)avoiding undesirable weather,7)starting a new life, 8)pursuing work in different places, 9)working remotely, 10)to be on their own, 11)to join a partner, 12)to leave a partner.

Above all else, vehicle dwellers sought to be free. Whether they were a re tire n in a $100,000 Mercedes van, or young Canadians working from a $5 ,000 van, respondents wanted to be able to move their home to any place that was best for them. For others, living in a vehicle minimized their costs, allowing them to work less or make the most of their income without paying rent.

As it turns out, van living is not a fad. While many respondents were new to van living, on average, respondents indicated they had been living in a vehicle for an average of 2.5 years. Seventy-eight per cent of respondents permanently lived in a vehicle.

As the housing crisis deepens, we may see more people consider van living as a means of surviving the high cost of living. It will be up to the government to accept this alternative living arrangement, and consider having parking and facilities to support those who choose to live this way.

1. What’s the purpose of the author’s research?

A．To advocate a new lifestyle.	B．To produce a scientific theory.
C．To understand a social phenomenon.	D．To improve some people’s living conditions.

2. What do we learn about van dwellers?

A．Their top concern is money.	B．They have different motives.
C．They value family more than work.	D．They are mainly adventurous people.

3. What does the underlined word “fad” in paragraph 5probably mean?

A．Something that isn’t suitable for all.	B．Something that isn’t likely to last.
C．Something that is popular for long.	D．Something that attracts old people.

4. What’s the author’s attitude to van living?

A．Uncaring.

B．Tolerant.

C．Approving.

D．Opposed.

2 . My 13-year-old daughter sent a postcard to us while we were still away on our most recent trip to California. It ______ our house about a week later. The touching ______ nearly brought me to tears.

“Even though we ______ have two days of adventures ahead of us, I am just so ______ for everything we have experienced together on this trip,” she writes.

Our youngest daughter is just about to ______ 11 years old. In those years, we have never taken a true ______ as a family of four to a place we’ve never been. Like most ______, I have no idea where the time has gone. But I also think these are some of the best ages to ______ with kids.

This vacation to California was our very first ______, long-distance trip together. The kids helped ______ the trip with input on things they might like to see and do. They reached for our hands in crowds. I can’t remember the last time they held our hands ______.

One of our family bonding moments came when we took a family surfing lesson. It was the first time any of us had tried surfing, although it was something the girls had been ______. The smiles on the girls’ faces were everything. They were so ______ when they stood up on the board and rode the waves one by one.

Those are memories I’m going to ______. And yes, I will remind them of these times the next time I reach for their ______.

1.

A．left

B．mentioned

C．passed

D．reached

2.

A．note

B．diary

C．journal

D．report

3.

A．never

B．already

C．ever

D．still

4.

A．inspired

B．sorry

C．grateful

D．nervous

5.

A．dislike

B．match

C．turn

D．remain

6.

A．vacation

B．picture

C．walk

D．look

7.

A．visitors

B．parents

C．writers

D．educators

8.

A．discuss

B．work

C．travel

D．celebrate

9.

A．extended

B．unexpected

C．busy

D．temporary

10.

A．plan

B．recall

C．imagine

D．judge

11.

A．hopefully

B．willingly

C．peacefully

D．curiously

12.

A．tired of

B．interested in

C．involved in

D．good at

13.

A．terrified

B．sad

C．proud

D．careful

14.

A．take up

B．hold onto

C．carry out

D．know about

15.

A．faces

B．souls

C．hands

D．letters

3 . “The era of global warming has ended and the era of global boiling has arrived,” the UN secretary general, Antonio Guterres, said after scientists confirmed July 2023 was the world’s hottest month on record.

“Humanity is in the hot seat,” Guterres told a press conference on Thursday. “For vast parts of North America, Asia, Africa and Europe, it is a cruel summer. For the entire planet, it is a disaster. And for scientists, it is clear that humans are to blame. Climate change is here, it is terrifying, and it is just the beginning. The era of global warming has ended; the era of global boiling has arrived.”

Guterres urged politicians to take swift action. “The air is unbreathable, the heat is unbearable, and the level of fossil fuel profits and climate inaction is unacceptable. Leaders must lead. No more hesitancy, no more excuses, and no more waiting for others to move first. There is simply no more time for that.”

“It is still possible to limit global temperature rise to 1.5℃and avoid the very worst of climate change but only with dramatic, immediate climate action. We have seen some progress, but none of this is going far enough or fast enough. Accelerating temperatures demand accelerated action.”

The WMO secretary general, Petteri Taalas, said, “The need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is more urgent than ever before. Climate action is not a luxury but a must.”

Other climate scientists confirmed the findings. Karsten Haustein at Leipzig University found the world was 1.5℃ hotter in July 2023 than in the average July before industrialisation.

Marina Romanello, a climate and health researcher at University College London, said, “We have data showing how the very foundations of health are being undermined by climate change. But we still have time today to turn the tide and to ensure a liveable future for us and our children.”

1. What made Guterres feel worried?

A．Global economy.	B．Natural disasters.
C．Serious pollution.	D．Rising temperatures.

2. Why did Gutemes use the phrase “global boiling”?

A．To appeal to quick action.	B．To change people’s concept.
C．To frighten the general public.	D．To make his report vivid.

3. How does the author develop the text?

A．By analyzing some facts.	B．By quoting some experts.
C．By offering statistics.	D．By giving explanations.

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

A．Global Bailing: It Is Time to Act.

B．Global Boiling: Who Is to Blame?

C．Global Boiling: It Isn’t That Serious

D．Global Boling: What Measure Should Be Taken?

4 . With the winter holiday on the way and time on your hands, you might be looking for something to read. The following are four great books for you.

The Bright Side

Chad Otis is an author and illustrator. His new book, The Bright Side, is about finding hope in desperate situations. Its hero is a boy who lives with his family in an old school bus because they can’t afford to live anywhere else. This is something Otis experienced when he was a kid. He wants kids who are going through similar struggles to know, “You are not alone. Stay strong. Stay optimistic.”

Bunheads

In Bunheads, Misty Copeland tells the story of how she fell in love with dance. As a girl. Copeland was shy and afraid of talking in front of people. Dance helped her get past her fears. “Ballet gave me a language to communicate in a way that worked for me,” she told TFK. “Ballet allowed me to speak... through my body.”

Little Daymond Learns to Earn

Linle Daymond Learns to Ear n teaches kids about money. It’s by Daymond John, who is one of the stars of Shark Tank. With a little creativity and the help of his friends, little Daymond starts a small business. “Every single business that you create does one thing — it finds solutions to problems in life,” he says.

Facts vs. Opinions vs. Robots

What’s the difference between a fact and an opinion? Sometimes, it can be hard to tell them apart. Facts vs. Opinions vs. Robots is a new picture book. It teaches kids about facts and opinions. The book uses robots to show the difference between the two. Michael Rex wrote and illustrated the book, in which he asks questions of the reader.

1. What is Chad Otis’s purpose in writing The Bright Side?

A．To teach some life skills.	B．To share his life story.
C．To inspire kids in difficulty.	D．To help kids to make money.

2. What does Daymond John think all companies have in common?

A．They put profit first.	B．They launch new products.
C．They make discoveries.	D．They focus on solving problems.

3. Who overcame fear with the help of art?

A．Chad Otis.

B．Michael Rex.

C．Daymond John.

D．Misty Copeland.

5 . These days, there’s barely a world leader who doesn’t talk up science. For example, the India’s Prime Minister was the main performer at the annual Indian Science Congress, held in Nagpur, where he encouraged the nation’s researchers to do the science needed to make India self-reliant.

The message to researchers is crystal clear: leaders see science as essential to national prosperity, well-being and, of course, competitiveness. So, is research fit for the challenge of advancing, refining or critiquing these goals? Not exactly. And it won’t be until there is fundamental reform to the gateway to a research career: PhD training.

As Nature and other publications have frequently reported, PhD training worldwide has been in trouble for some time. Students’ stipends (生活津贴) are not enough in most countries, creating a cost-of-living crisis. Early-career researchers constantly report concerns about a constant lack of support and poor-quality supervision, with senior researchers rarely trained in mentorship (指导).

Furthermore, PhD candidates are inadequately prepared for the cross-disciplinary working and large teams that characterize cutting-edge science today. This is especially true for careers outside academic research, where the overwhelming majority of PhD candidates will be heading.

It is not all bad. Universities in a small number of high-income countries have reformed, or are reforming, PhD assessment. But in most places, and especially in low- and middle-income countries, a candidate’s work is still evaluated using a single-authored paper. In many countries, candidates must publish in a journal before they get a PhD, something that critics say could fuel profitable publishing.

The system’s strains have become more obvious because the number of people doing PhD training has been rising sharply. According to the 2022 book Towards a Global Core Value System in Doctoral Education, the number of PhDs awarded in India increased from 17,850 in 2004 to 25,095 in 2016; US figures climbed from 48,500 to 69,525 over the same period. If researchers are to meet society’s expectations, their training and mentoring must escape the nineteenth century.

1. Why is the India’s Prime Minister mentioned in the first paragraph?

A．To indicate India’s serious scientific landscape.

B．To imply more researchers are in great demand in India.

C．To show leaders’ emphasis on scientific research.

D．To demonstrate more and more people take an interest in science.

2. What does paragraph 3 mainly talk about?

A．The reforms in science.	B．The significance of mentorship.
C．The creation of academic culture.	D．The issues early-career researchers face.

3. Which of the following best describes the author’s opinion on PhD training?

A．Disappointed.

B．Satisfied.

C．Indifferent.

D．Enthusiastic.

4. What does the author mainly intend to express in the last paragraph?

A．PhD education is developing gradually.

B．The reforms in PhD training admit of no delay.

C．The number of PhDs awarded has increased in India and the US.

D．The demand for researchers’ meeting society’s expectations is pressing.

6 . A boy in Florida called 911 but didn’t have a real emergency. Instead, he wanted a hug from an officer, and the responding officer understood.

Footage (镜头) from the home’s doorbell camera _______ the officer Scott Pracht responding and talking to the boy’s mom.

“We had a 911 call,” Pract says in the video.

“We can talk to my son.” the mother says.

Her young son _______ the door with his cellphone and when asked if he called the police, he says, “Well, I wanted to give him a hug.” Then the boy runs out to hug Pracht _______, who embraces him back.

After hugging the boy, Pracht _______ that 911 is for those who need help. “You need to be _______ when you call that number.” he tells the boy. “Only when you are _______. And if you’re hurt, or someone is doing something they’re not _______ to do, give us a call, okay?” The boy _______, and Pracht tells him not to worry about it.

Scott Pracht’s office _______ the video on Facebook on Thursday, where it was ________ nearly 10,000 times. In a statement, Hillsborough Sheriff (警官) Chad Chronister said they “deeply appreciate the ________ shown by this young child.”

“Our officers are more than ________ to share a hug and spread love to children in our community. However, it’s ________ for everyone to remember that 911 is a lifeline,“ he said. “We ________ parents and educators to teach children about the ________ use of emergency services.”

1.

A．analyzes

B．guides

C．shows

D．explores

2.

A．breaks

B．fixes

C．approaches

D．locks

3.

A．tightly

B．secretly

C．accidentally

D．awkwardly

4.

A．agreed

B．explained

C．complained

D．realized

5.

A．humble

B．grateful

C．patient

D．careful

6.

A．under protection

B．on vacation

C．in trouble

D．on duty

7.

A．supposed

B．required

C．reminded

D．proposed

8.

A．refuses

B．cheers

C．apologizes

D．suspects

9.

A．selected

B．posted

C．recognized

D．completed

10.

A．exchanged

B．examined

C．collected

D．viewed

11.

A．kindness

B．wisdom

C．independence

D．curiosity

12.

A．active

B．serious

C．generous

D．happy

13.

A．vital

B．difficult

C．possible

D．sufficient

14.

A．allow

B．encourage

C．train

D．warn

15.

A．flexible

B．creative

C．appropriate

D．occasional

7 . We know that keeping an organized space is a key factor in overall mental well-being. So, how to tackle a big decluttering project?

    1    

Much like closing down a restaurant or retail store for the night, have a routine for the end of your day that involves some easy, satisfying tasks. Maybe it’s having the coffee pot clean and ready to help you wake up in the morning.

Notice your “problem” spots

Pay attention to areas in your home that constantly demand attention, like the bathroom shelf that always overflows with products.     2    . Notice what is taking up most of your attention, and then brainstorm easy solutions that can catch the issue before it gets too big.

Set a timer

Five, eight, ten, or twenty minutes are all acceptable amounts of time to spend chipping away at an untidy area in your home. Progress is progress, whether it’s regular or one-and-done.     3    . A decluttering project does not have to be finished in a day!

Get help

    4    . Define a specific job to take on, like clearing out a closet or dresser drawer, and bring in someone who will support you emotionally and even make it fun time together.

Embrace the physical activity

Maybe you are struggling to fit a regular workout into your routine. Lean into the physical aspect of clutter-clearing to feel like you’re meeting two goals at once by relocating books or bringing clothes to the donation bin.     5     — celebrate yourself for getting moving while you clean up.

A．Make cleaning an easy habit

B．Hire a home organizing professional

C．Even washing the dishes is a physical activity

D．Be patient with the big picture of your clutter-clearing needs

E．Don’t ignore the snack packages that never make it to the trash can

F．You do not have to be alone in your journey toward a clean home

G．You’ll feel fulfilled when you have a completely clutter-free existence

8 . The Carter Center said recently that only 13 human cases of Guinea worm disease were reported worldwide last year. That is a major drop from 3.5 million cases of infected people in 1986, in which year the Atlanta-based Carter Center joined the World Health Organization( WHO) in the fight against Guinea worm disease. The center said the remaining infection occurred in four countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Six human cases were reported in Chad, five in South Sudan, one in Ethiopia and one in the Central African Republic. And the Central African Republic case remains under investigation.

Guinea worm disease is a disease that affects poor communities in distant parts of Africa and Asia where people do not have safe water to drink. People who drink unclean water can get parasites (寄生虫) that can grow up to 1 meter. The worm grows in people for up to a year before painfully coming out, often through the feet or other sensitive parts of the body.

The WHO says there is neither a drug treatment for Guinea worm disease nor a vaccine to prevent it. But it can be prevented by training people to filter (过滤) and drink clean water.

Guinea worm disease could be the second human disease to be ended after smallpox, according to the Carter Center. Adam Weiss, a director of a program to fight against the disease, says that eradicating the disease finally could be difficult, for the populations where Guinea worm disease still exists often face insecurity, including conflict, which can prevent workers and volunteers from going house to house to offer support.

Weiss warns, “If support for these communities slows or stops, there’s no question that you’re going to see a sudden increase in Guinea worm.” However, he adds, “We’re continuing to make progress — even if it is not as fast as we all want it to be, that progress continues.”

1. What do we know about Guinea worm disease from the text?

A．It’s still a big problem worldwide.	B．It was first found in the year 1986.
C．It has been well controlled in the past years.	D．It once existed in most countries worldwide.

2. What will happen after one is infected with Guinea worm disease?

A．He can be in great pain within a few days.	B．He will end up becoming very sensitive.
C．He will mainly suffer stomachaches.	D．He may suffer a lot in the end.

3. How can Guinea worm disease be best handled?

A．By having a vaccine to prevent it.	B．By ensuring drinking water is clean.
C．By receiving a good drug treatment.	D．By avoiding getting into unclean water.

4. What does the underlined word “eradicating” in Paragraph 4 mean?

A．Completely ending.	B．Carefully studying.
C．Exactly knowing.	D．Suddenly changing.

9 . Greenstein Prescott was a high school senior. Her English teacher, Fred DiMeo, gave her an assignment: _________ a poem in front of the whole class.

Greenstein had a mild stutter(口吃). The _________ of getting up in front of her classmates and stuttering through the poem was too much to _________. Greenstein went home and _________ how scared she was. Her mom agreed to write a note asking for her to be _________ from doing the assignment.

When the day finally came, Greenstein recited the poem one-on-one to DiMeo. Once she was _________, DiMeo said something Greenstein’d never heard before: He liked listening to her _________. For the first time, Greenstein considered the possibility that public speaking didn’t have to be a _________ of fear. “I think it was so _________ in his mind and I should have nothing to be __________ of,” Greenstein said.

Greenstein went on to graduate from high school and go to college. She never got to __________ thank DiMeo. But after college, she landed a job as a corporate trainer. The new __________ made her realize how big an impact DiMeo had had on her __________.

“He truly is an unsung __________ because he played a big role in my successful career. I don’t know where I would have been if I was fearful of __________ myself. I’d like to give him my thanks for that kindness,” Greenstein said.

1.

A．Create

B．Recite

C．Assess

D．Repeat

2.

A．chance

B．memory

C．trouble

D．thought

3.

A．bear

B．control

C．forget

D．ignore

4.

A．confirmed

B．imagined

C．revealed

D．recorded

5.

A．prohibited

B．questioned

C．excused

D．discouraged

6.

A．tired

B．done

C．stressed

D．hesitant

7.

A．story

B．voice

C．opinion

D．explanation

8.

A．feature

B．source

C．treatment

D．signal

9.

A．minor

B．funny

C．flexible

D．necessary

10.

A．guilty

B．proud

C．mindful

D．afraid

11.

A．generously

B．secretly

C．properly

D．regularly

12.

A．position

B．challenge

C．connection

D．opportunity

13.

A．family

B．reputation

C．confidence

D．patience

14.

A．hero

B．citizen

C．fighter

D．volunteer

15.

A．forgiving

B．punishing

C．limiting

D．embarrassing

10 . Protecting and serving is more than checking for imminent (紧急的) danger. One officer in South Hill, Virginia, makes it his mission to make people of all ages feel safe after giving the all-clear, starting with the younger generations.

And because of his kindness, many parents and their children look on C. B. Fleming as something of a superhero. 28-year-old Mom, Lesha Roper-Boswell said that the neighborhood kids need someone “larger than life” they can depend on to protect them and their town, and Fleming fits the role beautifully. “He’s awesome. That’s the only word you can really use to describe C. B.,” she told reporters. “It’s just amazing — the bond he has with the children.”

Recently, residents in an apartment complex had a scare when emergency crews came to investigate a gas leak. Though he could have just left the scene after making sure the leak wasn’t harmful, Officer Fleming made sure everyone in the building felt safer.

Seeing some kids play outside with dolls, he sat down and joined them, reassuring them that everything was going to be okay. The kids were happy to have another playmate, regardless of his uniform. Impressed and grateful, Roper-Boswell took a video of the kind act and posted it on Facebook, where it’s gained thousands of views from people living all over the country.

Fleming, who is celebrating his 15th year on the force, said he’s always desired to do more than fine people for violating (违反) parking rules. “It’s something I’ve always tried to do,” he said about also looking out for the children. “When I got into this job, I knew there was something different, other than just writing tickets and being the ‘bad’ person all the time. I figured if I could be that bright spot in someone’s day, then that was all that mattered.”

1. What kind of role did C. B. Fleming play according to Roper-Boswell?

A．A risk-taker.

B．A superhero.

C．A decision-maker.

D．A teacher.

2. What about Fleming impressed Roper-Boswell at the scene?

A．His devotion to work.	B．His professional skills.
C．His striking uniform.	D．His connection with kids.

3. What does C. B. Fleming consider a top priority in his life?

A．Bringing joy to people.	B．Performing his duties.
C．Looking after the kids.	D．Raising people’s awareness.

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

A．Neighborhood Spared from Fire Thanks to Crews

B．Police Officer’s Kindness Rewarded by Residents

C．Police Officer Becomes Hero to Neighborhood Kids

D．Police Officer Aims to Reduce Residents’ Violations