1 . Small changes and gradual habit-building are great strategies for progressing towards large goals. They can include losing weight and increasing physical activity with the ultimate goal of keeping healthy.     1    

Why Step and Not Jump?

If those large goals are so important, why not jump towards them instead of taking baby steps?     2     For example, running a 10k if you rarely even walk for exercise. It can be easier to start with walking for 10 minutes three days a week.

Small steps can lead to a good cycle of success bringing success as you establish habits, hit mini-goals, and note your progress. This increases confidence and motivation, making it easier to stay in it for a long time.

How to Take Small Steps?

Break it down. That larger goal may seem far-off and unattainable, but breaking it down into smaller goals establishes a defined path that you can travel. Instead of worrying about what you might do next year(e. g. going on a foreign trip), you can check off the list things you can do today or this week(e. g. going to the gym).     3    

Track your progress. Track your progress to see how well you are doing and where you might improve. Your parents can help with tracking healthy eating, weight, and physical activity.     4     It also keeps you focused on the long-term benefits.

Adjust as needed. Assess your progress regularly, such as weekly or a couple of times a month.     5     Consider it a re-routing process, and not a failure. This change can keep you motivated and on track as you make progress towards those big goals.

A．This is how you can use small steps.

B．Keeping a record of progress can increase motivation.

C．Things you can do today are good small steps to consider.

D．And then you can re vise your goal and path to it as needed.

E．Taking small steps can be the best way to hold onto the gains.

F．A large goal can be so challenging that it is hard to work towards it.

G．Here are some tips on why and how to take small steps to reach big goals.

2 . Four Unique Festivals In Europe

Anything that exists or doesn’t exist can be the main theme of one of Europe’s festivals. Add excitement to your future travel plans with these unusual events.

Battle of the Oranges, Ivrea, Italy

Every year on the third week of February, the Italian town of Ivrea turns into a battlefield filled with oranges, where participants launch 600, 000 kilograms of oranges at each other during the historic carnival of the city. According to history, the Battle of the Oranges aimed to reconstruct a 12th-century battle between the locals and Napoleon’s royal army.

Air Guitar World Championships, Oulu, Finland

Anyone can try to play the guitar, but it takes a special talent to play an invisible guitar. Every August, musical instrument artists from all over the world flock to northern Finland, putting their best onstage “shamelessly” with their invisible instruments to compete for the event. Held in conjunction with the Oulu Music Video Festival, this contest since 1996 has been aiming to promote world peace.

Running of the Bulls, Pamplona, Spain

This internationally recognized event, which starts on July 7th, has grown massively. It originated from men using fear and excitement to hurry the process of taking cattle to market. Nowadays the event is a lot more organized, and thousands now run through a barricaded (设路障的) course being chased by a thundering herd of bulls!

Kettlewell Scarecrow (稻草人) Festival, Kettlewell, Britain

In medieval times, farmers in England would often make unique human dolls out of straw to chase away fierce animals and birds, and place them in the fields to protect the crops. Later, this tradition gradually evolved into this national farmers’ festival. For two weeks in August, a variety of activities have emerged, including the finely crafted scarecrow production, and competing for the champion in the competition.

1. Which festival has its origin related with a war in history?

A．Battle of the Oranges.	B．Air Guitar World Championships.
C．Running of the Bulls.	D．Kettlewell Scarecrow Festival.

2. What features the Air Guitar World Championships?

A．It is intended to appeal to special talents onstage.

B．Its participants perform with imaginary instruments.

C．Its participants are limited to people in northern Finland.

D．It provides participants with specially-made instruments.

3. What do the last two festivals have in common?

A．They take place at the same time.	B．They share the similar celebrations.
C．They originated from traditional practice.	D．They showed the abundance of the locals.

3 . Friendship provides support, joy, and sometimes, challenges.     1    . Here are tips on how to navigate and resolve friendship problems through communication.

    2    

Before delving into the heart of the matter, it’s crucial to choose the right place for conversation. Choose a neutral and comfortable setting where you both can speak freely without distractions.

Timing is also essential

Ensure that both of you have abundant time. That helps you both stay in a calm state of mind to discuss the issue at hand.

Converse with empathy (同理心)

    3    . This helps the speaker feel heard and supported. Express your concern for the friendship and your wilingness to work through the problem together. This sets a positive tone and encourages an open exchange.

Use “I” to frame problems

When discussing the issue, it’s important to communicate your feelings without blaming or ace using your friend. Use “I” statements to express how you feel and why you believe the situation is problematic. This sounds less accusatory, helping to prevent the other person from becoming defensive and keeping the focus on resolving the issue.    4    

Practice active listening

As your friend responds, practice active listening. This means not only hearing the words but also understanding the emotions and intentions behind them. Show that you are engaged by nodding, maintaining eye contact.    5    . Avoid interrupting, and allow your friend to finish his or her thoughts before you respond.

In conclusion, resolving friendship problems through an open art. By following these steps, you can transform challenges into opportunities for growth and deepen the bond that makes your friendship a cherished part of your life.

A．Set the stage for dialogue

B．Set aside your own judgments

C．Offer verbal affirmations like “I see” or “I understand”

D．For example, say “I felt hurt when...” instead of “You always...”

E．Empathetic conversations may take time when dealing with sensitive topics

F．Disagreements and misunderstandings can harm even the strongest of bonds

G．Approach the conversation with a genuine desire to understand your friend’s perspective

4 . 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。

Dressed in traditional Chinese clothing, Ling Qianhui and her friends wander in charming violet and peach blossoms with their flowing sleeves and embroidered (刺绣的) skirts,     1     (make) a picturesque spring scene at the Nanning Garden Expo Park, south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. The passion for traditional Chinese clothes, also known as hanfu,     2     (sweep) across the country in recent years.

In the eastern city of Suzhou, which is known for its classical Chinese gardens, young people are     3     (particular) fond of the horse-faced skirts ahead of spring. It is a type of hanfu featuring a high and flat front with pleated (有褶的) sides     4     originated from the Song Dynasty and prevailed in the Ming and Qing dynasties.

Nowadays, people won’t find     5     surprising to see passers-by in hanfu. “More young people like to wear traditional clothing when traveling because they have realized that their cultural     6     (identify) is related to hanfu and it has become a fashion,” said Pan Lusheng, chairman of the Chinese Folk Literature and Art Association.

Chen Chen, a hanful over from Hunan Province, has collected many traditional clothes in various styles.     7     each trip, she would carefully select different colors and styles of hanfu     8     (match) the scenery of the scenic spots. Chen also pays attention to the embroidery     9     (pattern) and their cultural value. “They hide the words of our ancestors. For example, the chrysanthemum (菊花) pattern implies along life and a peaceful residence,” said Bi Hong, an embroidery artist     10     (commit) to conducting traditional clothing research and protection for almost 28 years.

5 . When you are concerned about your uninspiring exam grades or sporting performance, psychologist Adam Grant has some good news. “_________ is less a matter of natural talent, but more of nurturing (培养) hidden potential,” he says. Grant has experienced this__________.

As a(n) _________ in multiple fields now, it is hard to believe Grant has ever been anything less than highly________. As a child, his body wasn’t _________ to touch his toes as a teenage diver; he was told he _________ remedial (辅导的) classes for writing; he was too _________ to speak publicly. However, his father always cheered him up, “I believe you have hidden potential in all these areas.”

Despite these _________, his father’s firm belief in his potential and Grant’s determination _________his continuous pursuit s pursuit of excellence. _________, he made it to be on the US Junior Olympic diving team, write five best-selling books and speak to _________audiences. Overtime, he discovered that talent could be nurtured through _________. Grant’s transformation also serves as a _________ to the power of belief in one’s potential.

Much of our _________ to discover hidden potential lies in underestimation. When someone struggles with something, we _________ that’s not for me, and that I don’t have that talent, rather than trying to nurture something we’re yet to _________ in. Consequently, we _________ ourselves.

“I used to believe that you could _________ where you would land from where you start,” Grant says_________to that, Grant’s transformative journey demonstrates the profound ________ of being encouraged and hard work on one’s path to success.

1.

A．Concept

B．Success

C．Security

D．Belief

2.

A．on the whole

B．in a sense

C．in the flesh

D．on no account

3.

A．individual

B．junior

C．trainee

D．celebrity

4.

A．impressive

B．intense

C．dependent

D．efficient

5.

A．tough

B．sensitive

C．curious

D．flexible

6.

A．created

B．needed

C．ignored

D．escaped

7.

A．cautious

B．energetic

C．awkward

D．enthusiastic

8.

A．barriers

B．chances

C．efforts

D．characters

9.

A．recalled

B．banned

C．abandoned

D．fueled

10.

A．Respectively

B．Unfortunately

C．Ultimately

D．Logically

11.

A．alarmed

B．packed

C．disappointed

D．puzzled

12.

A．availability

B．probability

C．restriction

D．devotion

13.

A．proof

B．warning

C．rule

D．desire

14.

A．purpose

B．ability

C．failure

D．decision

15.

A．detect

B．assume

C．promise

D．deny

16.

A．shine

B．cheat

C．delight

D．delay

17.

A．enjoy

B．limit

C．hurt

D．conduct

18.

A．differ

B．separate

C．judge

D．defend

19.

A．Equal

B．Similar

C．Blind

D．Contrary

20.

A．impact

B．reaction

C．regret

D．performance

6 . A planet that suffers 475 C beneath a thick acid atmosphere may be the last place you'd expect alien (外星的) life in our solar system. But one NASA scientist claims that extraterrestrials (天外来客) are most likely hiding on Venus amid conditions that are unbearable for humans. The new theory was put forward by the research scientist Dr Michelle Thaller. She says that possible signs of life have already been seen within the carbon-dioxide filled atmosphere, adding that she was absolutely certain that life exists somewhere.

Venus is often described as Earth's twin due to its similar size and structure. But their conditions couldn't be further apart, as astronomers believe it would be impossible for humans to exist on Venus. Positioned 67 million miles from the Sun, Venus is the hottest planet in our solar system, suffering temperatures that can even melt lead. Its atmosphere also adds to the uninhabitable situation.

Despite this, scientists have long debated whether Venus' clouds may host microbial (微生物的) life forms that can survive. Many scientists think that photosynthesis (光合作用) is possible on the planet's surface as Venus receives enough solar energy to pass through its thick clouds.

However, Professor Dominic Papineau, a biologist at the University College of London, believes Dr Thaller's views are “difficult to realistically assume”. He explained, “For life-related chemical reactions to take place, liquid water is necessary. Hence, to find extraterrestrial life, we need to find liquid water, and to find extraterrestrial fossils requires looking for special rocks that were associated with liquid water in the past.”

This makes life on Venus today difficult to realistically assume, because its surface is too hot, although Venus might have had liquid water in its past. Even still, both Professor Papineau and Dr Thaller agree that the icy moons of our solar system could also be sites of potential microbial life. NASA suggests there are 290 “traditional moons” in our solar system-excluding 462 smaller minor planets.

1. What can we know about Venus?

A．Its atmosphere is thin acidic.

B．It is much bigger than Earth.

C．It is 77 million miles from the Sun.

D．Venus and Earth are considered as twins.

2. Which statement would Papineau agree with?

A．Photosynthesis can happen on Venus's surface.

B．Thick clouds make photosynthesis in Venus hard.

C．Liquid water is important for the extraterrestrials.

D．Some rocks can prove life exists on Venus.

3. What can we know from the last paragraph?

A．The surface temperature of Venus is high.

B．It's very easy to confirm life on Venus.

C．Venus might have liquid water now.

D．Many icy moons go around Venus.

4. In which section of a newspaper can you find this text?

A．Education.

B．Science.

C．Culture.

D．Sports.

7 . A brown and dry lawn is not something many gardeners would boast about. But that is exactly the kind of yard competition organizers in Sweden were looking for when they launched the prize for the “World’s Ugliest Lawn”. People from around the world were invited to post pictures of their dehydrated(脱水的)grass to social media in a bid to win the uncertain honor.

The intention, according to those behind the project, was to raise awareness of “saving water on a global scale by changing the norm for green lawns”. Lawns, which can require large amounts of water to maintain, are coming under increasing examination as climate change makes periods of drought more frequent and intense.

The global initiative was launched on the official website for Gotland in Sweden. “Huge amounts of water are used to water lawns for aesthetics(美学). As the world gets warmer, lack of water in urban areas is projected to affect up to 2.4 billion people by 2050. By not watering lawns for aesthetic reasons, we can protect the availability of groundwater,” the competition organizers said.

The unlikely title has been awarded to Kathleen Murray who lives in Sandford in Tasmania, Australia. According to the organizers, Murray’s lawn “boasts deep and dry divots created by three wild bandicoots(袋狸)and not one dust-covered decimeter is wasted on watering”. Murray said in the press release about her triumph, “I am terribly proud! I knew I would have my 5 minutes of fame, even if it was for having the ugliest lawn on the planet! I am now free of ever taking care of my lawn again.”

A press release by the Gotland, office added, “For the planet and its declining stockpiles of life-giving liquid, thank you, Kathleen, as well as those naughty bandicoots damaging your lawn for the greater good.” Organizers added, “Gotland aims to show to Sweden and the world that sustainable behavior doesn’t have to be dull.”

1. What can we say about the yard competition organized in Sweden?

A．People had even doubted its authenticity.

B．People worldwide were unwilling to join.

C．Its participants must be professional gardeners.

D．Its entries must agree with the existing aesthetics.

2. What is the purpose of this yard competition?

A．To call on people to protect lawns.	B．To encourage people to be creative.
C．To challenge the norm of aesthetics.	D．To remind people of water shortage.

3. What does the underlined word “triumph” in paragraph 4 mean?

A．Ambition.

B．Success.

C．Sorrow.

D．Barrier.

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

A．People’s Whelming Reaction To A Yard Contest In Sweden

B．Lawns And Rare Bandicoots Calling For Urgent Protection

C．A Lawn Named The Ugliest Globally All For A Good Cause

D．The World’s Ugliest Lawn Unaccepted By The Whole World

8 . 4 Really Strange Beaches

Sandy stretches of gray, brown or even white are the world’s norm. Even rocky beaches or those with sheer cliffs barring passage for everyone save the bravest adventurers are not rare. These unique beaches are some of the best treats nature has to offer.

Papakolea Beach, Hawaii, USA

Papakōlea Beach is a green sand beach located near South Point, in the Ka’ū district of the island of Hawai ’i. One of only two green sand beaches in the World, the other being in Galapagos Islands.

Papakōlea Beach is associated with the southwest rift (裂谷) of Mauna Loa. Since its last eruption, the cinder cone has partially collapsed and been partially swallowed by the ocean.

San Alfonso del Mar Beach, Chile

This beach is located between the largest artificial pool. San Alfonso del Mar Beach is an essential part of the luxurious resort of the same name.

It seems a strange spot for the world’s largest swimming pool. But the pool’s remarkable spaciousness (宽敞) complements the ocean beyond rather effortlessly, and jumping in the pool’s 79℉(26℃) water is a much more attractive prospect than venturing into the 63℉(17℃) seawater nearby.

Maho Beach, Sint Maarten

Maho Beach is a beach on the Dutch side of the Caribbean island of Saint Martin, in the country of Sint Maarten. It is famous for the Princess Juliana International Airport next to the beach.

Arriving aircraft must touch down as close as possible to the beginning of Runway 10 due to the short runway length of 380 metres, resulting in aircraft on their final approach flying over the beach at minimal altitude.

Ocean Dome, Japan

This is an artificial beach constructed in the Seagaia re son along the coastal highway outside the city of Myazaki in Japan it has a fully controlled indoor climate throughout the year.

The Ocean Dome, which was a popular part of the Sheraton Seagaia Resort, measures 300 meters in length and 100 meters in width.

1. What has Papakōlea Beach experienced in Hawaii?

A．One mineral.	B．One connection.
C．One fierce rift.	D．One severe outbreak.

2. What’s the most exciting in San Alfonso del Mar Beach, Chile?

A．Jumping into the pool’s water

B．Learning to jump water in the pool

C．Building a spacious swimming pool

D．Taking a risk of swimming in the pool

3. What do Maho Beach and Ocean Dome have in common?

A．They lie beside good places built.	B．They both lie on an island.
C．They are both artificial beaches.	D．They are both well-known.

9 . 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。

Cheng Yongmao was born in a village in Huairou, Beijing and began to learn the skill of building under the     1     (guide) of his uncle in 1972. Although he didn’t receive a     2     ( high) education, his practical experience enabled him to readily take in the theories, which in turn     3     (improve) his skills significantly.

Cheng received his first Great Wall assignment in 2004. He led a construction team of dozens of members, most of     4     came from mountainous areas in neighboring Hebei province and were     5     (consequent) good at hiking up and down the peaks.

In 2016, he started to work on the Jiankou section, which     6     (consider) one of the most dangerous parts of the Great Wall in Beijing and is known by hikers as the “Wild Wall”. The toughest place is called Yingfei Daoyang (Eagle Flies Upside Down),     7     (suggest) that even an eagle would have to fly straight up,     8     its beak pointing up directly toward the sky to fly over this spot. Working there is dangerous, but under Cheng’s leadership, the workers adapted to the     9     (challenge) environment and built up their strength.

After years of efforts, the section has regained its historical appearance. “Protecting the Great Wall is my responsibility,” he said, “As long as I can climb up the mountain, I’ll do my best to lead my team, especially to assist them in gaining experience     10     making their due contributions.”

10 . Several years ago, I was driving down a busy freeway in Portland, Oregon, when my tire blew out. I pulled over and made a (n) _________ that said I needed help.

Three hours later, a car finally _________. Out came a family of three. They were Latino, and their young daughter acted as a (n) _________ between her parents’ Spanish and my English, so that we could work together to _________ the car. The father found a _________ on the side of the road, and using it to lift the car to _________ the tire. An hour later, we finished.

I thanked them and tried to give them money as a (n) _________. Though I only had a $20 bill, and I thought it was the _________ I could do. They just wouldn’t _________ it. I insisted, and __________ put the money in the mom’s hand, and walked away.

Then I heard their small daughter call out, to ask if I was __________. Indeed I was, and she came over with a sealed (密封的) paper bag. We __________ thank-yous and she went back. As they were trying to get into traffic, I __________ the bag and found a hamburger with my money under it. I immediately __________ the car, which was leaving, to get the father’s __________. He rolled down his window and just __________ his head. With a big smile, he said, “Today you, tomorrow me.” They drove away.

I know the __________ is common in Mexico, where I __________ the family was from. But its value is __________. It just shows that everyone can be in __________ in a given situation, and that everyone needs help.

1.

A．deal

B．sign

C．attempt

D．promise

2.

A．pulled up

B．moved on

C．went off

D．dropped out

3.

A．coach

B．rescuer

C．advisor

D．interpreter

4.

A．wipe

B．unlock

C．fix

D．polish

5.

A．rope

B．hammer

C．nail

D．log

6.

A．replace

B．return

C．kick

D．blow

7.

A．reminder

B．reward

C．comfort

D．donation

8.

A．last

B．least

C．superior

D．minor

9.

A．refuse

B．notice

C．deserve

D．accept

10.

A．apparently

B．confidently

C．eventually

D．temporarily

11.

A．hungry

B．alone

C．nervous

D．thirsty

12.

A．displayed

B．exchanged

C．identified

D．demanded

13.

A．unwrapped

B．unloaded

C．emptied

D．gathered

14.

A．came across

B．got through

C．passed by

D．ran after

15.

A．sympathy

B．support

C．attention

D．confirmation

16.

A．shook

B．raised

C．covered

D．bent

17.

A．meaning

B．connection

C．expression

D．background

18.

A．claim

B．reveal

C．suppose

D．appreciate

19.

A．different

B．traditional

C．gradual

D．universal

20.

A．advance

B．trouble

C．question

D．action