1 . 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.

2 . 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。

Acts of kindness have the power to not only brighten our day but also restore our faith in humanity. While young children are often reminded to be kind, real-life examples of young people showing charity prove that kindness knows no age limit.

In the busy city of Detroit, 14-year-old twin sisters, Makhia and Makyla Vincent, were on their usual route to school when something caught their attention. On the snow-covered ground lay a wallet, seemingly out of place. “What do you think we should do?” Makyla whispered, her voice low．Makhia bit her lip, her eyes locked on the wallet. “I don’t know, but we can’t just leave it here. What if the owner needs it desperately?” Finally, worry and curiosity got the better of them, and they decided to take a look inside.

Slowly, Makhia reached out and picked it up. As she opened it, the sisters gasped at the same time. To their surprise, they discovered a large amount of cash, bank cards, and a military ID. It was clear that whoever owned this wallet held great value for these possessions. Instantly, the girls knew exactly what they had to do. Coming from a family with a veteran (退伍军人) grandfather, the sisters felt a deep sense of empathy for the person who had lost the wallet.

The girls looked closer to inspect the military ID. It belonged to a Marc Walsh, a middle- aged man who looked serious. “We have to find this Marc Walsh,” Makhia declared, her voice filled with determination. “But how?” Makyla asked. Makhia thought for a moment, “Maybe there’s an address on one of these cards. Let’s see if we can find any clues.”

They carefully examined the bank cards and discovered that one of them had an address on it. It was located not far from where they stood. With a sense of purpose, the twins decided to make their way to the address, wallet in hand.

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。
The address led them to an old apartment building.
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Upon returning home, Marc’s roommate informed him of the discovery.
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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 . Treehouse Stays Around the Globe

Treehouse hotels are the perfect way to escape the pressure of everyday life and reconnect with nature. Placed high in the trees, treehouse hotels offer amazing views of the surrounding landscape, fresh air, and a sense of peace and quiet. Here are some treehouses that are sure to provide an unforgettable experience.

Kona Luxury Treehouse, Hawaii, America

Visitors of this remarkable treehouse will take great pleasure in the awe-inspiring scenery of Hawaii’s coastlines. Nestled within a three-acre tropical rainforest farm, the one-bedroom treehouse spans 500 square feet, gracefully rising among fruit trees, with living trunks intricately woven through its core.

Ngala Treehouse, South Africa

Ngala Treehouse is located at the borders of South Africa’s Kruger National Park. High in the trees, it offers stunning views of the surroundings．It is solar-powered and has all the facilities you would expect from a five-star hotel, including a chef’s kitchen, a swimming pool, and a private deck. There’s a chance that you will observe a lion, leopard, buffalo, rhino, an elephant, or maybe even all five at the same time.

Treehouses at Chewton Glen, United Kingdom

The folks who run Chewton Glen decided to build treehouses that were eco-friendly. They designed the treehouses to resemble floating lily pads (睡莲叶), with a natural, curved shape and a balcony with plenty of room to take in the sights of Chewton Bunny Valley. Each treehouse is furnished with a hot tub, plenty of seating, and a wood-burning fireplace.

Secret Treehouse, Blue Mountains, Australia

The view from the balcony of this quiet treehouse in the Blue Mountains rainforest is simply breathtaking. The adults-only treehouse is located on 600 acres of private land between two national parks, offering guests complete privacy and stunning treetop views.

1. What can you do at Ngala Treehouse?

A．Visit two national parks.	B．Explore the tropical rainforest.
C．Catch sight of wildlife.	D．Promote eco-friendly products.

2. Which one got inspiration for its construction from plants?

A．Kona Luxury Treehouse.	B．Treehouses at Chewton Glen.
C．Ngala Treehouse.	D．Secret Treehouse.

3. What is special about Secret Treehouse?

A．It is not accessible to kids.	B．It features a stretch of coastline.
C．It is surrounded with fruit trees.	D．It relies on solar energy for electricity.

6 . 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.

7 . I was firstly fascinated by a dance performance in the hall of a university. Soon after, dancers from a famous ballet troupe ________ my school and chose a handful of students to attend a weekly dance class.

I was in love with ________ but I wasn’t chosen, which made me really ________. Months later, I finally convinced my ________ to sign me up for classes at a neighborhood dance studio. A year later, I was ________ by the school of that famous ballet troupe, where, from eight years old, I was spending every day after school dancing or performing. The above was my ________ for most of my K-12 years.

As I headed for college, I expected a ________ as a professional dancer. After ________, I toured with a Seattle-based dance company, and ________ dance at Seattle Academy of Arts and Sciences. I ________ my jobs, but I preferred creating new works that ________ represented who I am as a dancer. Three friends of mine shared similar feelings, and together we ________ a company.

Today, I balance my company’s work with a ________ as arts manager for Arts Corps, an ________ that promotes access to youth arts education. Meanwhile, as a choreographer (舞蹈指导), I have ________ local and national commissions (委托) for new work, and recently accepted a Dance Crush Award for my accomplishments.

1.

A．interviewed

B．checked

C．visited

D．influenced

2.

A．dance

B．music

C．art

D．power

3.

A．puzzled

B．embarrassed

C．surprised

D．disappointed

4.

A．parents

B．friends

C．relatives

D．classmates

5.

A．recommended

B．selected

C．inspired

D．focused

6.

A．wish

B．dream

C．belief

D．life

7.

A．gift

B．resource

C．hobby

D．career

8.

A．graduating

B．competing

C．evacuating

D．crashing

9.

A．observed

B．watched

C．taught

D．examined

10.

A．limited

B．enjoyed

C．exchanged

D．quitted

11.

A．occasionally

B．fully

C．frequently

D．widely

12.

A．carried off

B．depended on

C．set up

D．entered for

13.

A．strategy

B．legend

C．reference

D．job

14.

A．organization

B．idea

C．opinion

D．opportunity

15.

A．discovered

B．received

C．assisted

D．supported

8 . How to Start a Garden in 2024?

Gardening is a powerful outlet for creativity, enabling you to surround yourself with beauty. It can provide homegrown food for your family, keep you in touch with nature and is also an invaluable form of exercise.     1     Here are some essential tips for beginners in gardening.

It all starts with good soil. Whatever you’re growing, fertile soil is the key. Investing in rich soil initially creates a suitable environment.     2    

Grow vegetables that keep on giving. If you’re a newcomer, choose ones you can harvest more than once. Lettuce and basil are quick and easy to grow.     3     Vegetables like these mean continuous harvests, which is huge for keeping spirits high.

    4     Some plants will grow tall and some will grow closer to the ground. Tall plants will shade shorter plants and prevent them getting needed sunshine. Also, give little seedlings plenty of room to stretch and grow. If they grow too close together, don’t be afraid to thin seedlings.

Save money with seeds and cuttings. Buying all of your plants from the garden center is expensive. However, you can grow a huge range of plants from seeds or cuttings. Reach out to friends and family who garden and ask them to share spare seeds with you.     5     It takes longer than buying young plants, but it is definitely more satisfying and you will learn so much.

A．Plant for every season.

B．Size up your growing space.

C．They’ll replace their leaves every time you cut them.

D．In short, gardening is beneficial to both body and soul.

E．Choose a container size appropriate for what you are growing.

F．It promotes root development, supplying nutrients for plant growth.

G．Also check to see if they have any plants you can take cuttings from.

9 . Remember Malcolm Gladwell’s famous “10,000-hour rule” from his bestselling book Outliers? It proposes that achieving mastery in any field requires roughly 10,000 hours of practice, emphasizing the importance of early professionalization and intensive practice for becoming an elite in a particular field.

This approach, known as “deliberate practice”, encourages setting goals from a young age, investing time and specializing in a specific field. On paper, it sounds like a good path to success, but when we look at the lives of elite athletes, musicians and scholars, we find a different story. In reality, many individuals who have risen to the top of their respective fields took a more diverse and winding route. They often explored a wide range of activities, gained a broad skill set, and only specialized at a later stage in life. In other words, the idea that one must know one’s specialization from a young age is fundamentally wrong.

Studies have shown that an approach called the “sampling period” is often more effective for achieving success. During this phase, individuals try various activities, gain diverse skills, identify their strengths and weaknesses, and only choose a field to specialize in once they have a clearer understanding of their passions and abilities.

Elite athletes, for example, rarely specialize in a single sport at a very young age. Instead, they engage in a variety of sports during their formative years, which allows them to acquire broad physical skills and discover their interests and talents. These early diversification experiences provide valuable lessons that can be applied to their chosen sports.

Consider the journey of Roger Federer, one of the greatest tennis players of all time. At the age of 6, he dabbled in rugby, skiing and wrestling, only returning to tennis later. The trial period benefited him not just because he found his true passion but also because his experiences in various sports enriched his tennis game with a unique set of skills.

1. What does the author think of “10,000-hour rule”?

A．It’s effective.

B．It’s costly.

C．It’s unpractical.

D．It’s unproven.

2. “Deliberate practice” stresses the importance of the following aspects except ______.

A．early goal-setting

B．diverse skills

C．focused practice

D．field specialization

3. Why is Roger Federer mentioned in the last paragraph?

A．To show the difficulty to be an elite athlete.

B．To prove the advantage of the “sampling period”.

C．To give an example of applying “deliberate practice”.

D．To tell us one of the greatest tennis players of all time.

4. Which statement would the author probably agree with?

A．Kids should try many kinds of activities.	B．Passion can be found at a young age.
C．Many failures can lead to successes.	D．Learn to be an athlete since young.

10 . 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。续写的词数应为150左右。

I should have been born with my fingers permanently glued to a keyboard. Since I was five, I’ve known that I want to be a professional writer: a journalist, a novelist, a modernday Shakespeare, maybe. In my freshman year I tried to figure out what A Midsummer Night’s Dream and The Tragedy of Julius Caesar were about. Macbeth was much easier to understand in my sophomore year (大二年级).

However, I’m practically addicted to books, whether I’m reading or writing them. I can’t go a single day without writing something. I have made it a rule to pick up a pen and just let my thoughts out every day.

I can be inspired by anything: an expression, a song and a movie. Once I get inspired, it’s like the wheels turning faster and faster as I think out one possible story after another.

My family is so widespread that whenever I meet with a cousin or an aunt I only vaguely (模糊地) remember; I tell him or her I’m a writer because I know it will distinguish me from all the other kids in the family and make me memorable. I told my relatives about the stories I used to write as a child, the projects I’m working on now, and why I’m working so hard to make a breakthrough in the competitive world of publishing. One aunt hugged me and told me, “Just don’t forget about the rest of us when you become the next J. K. Rowling.”

Smiling, I replied, “Don’t worry, I won’t.” I am confident that I will become the next J. K. Rowling. I have the ambition, the means, and the talent. My English and history teachers don’t praise my writing and tell me I have an innate (与生俱来的) writing talent even though they know how passionate I am about writing, and how that passion slips through my fingertips to the paper.

Paragraph 1：

I don’t really know why I love writing so much.

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Paragraph 2：

Maybe I just want to leave my mark on the world since I can’t sing to create a great work of art.

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