1 . Food waste across the globe continues to fuel climate change, nature loss and pollution while hurting the global economy according to the UNEP Food Waste Index Report 2024, which says it is important for countries to connect the fight against hunger and the three global crisis of climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss.

The report, whose findings revealed that the total food loss on the global economy is estimated at roughly $1 trillion, emphasized that reducing food waste is an opportunity to reduce costs and tackle some of the biggest environmental and social issues of our time: climate change and food insecurity.

While making opening remarks at the conference that launched the report, Dechen Tsering, acting director of the climate change division at the UNEP, said government polices, such as tax rebates (退税) and waste collection fees, could be used to stimulate changes in business practices and consumer behavior. In addition, better data on the cost of food waste and the environmental, economic, and social benefits of limiting food waste could help influence investors and consumers.

According to the report, as of 2022, only 21 countries had included food loss and waste reduction in their national climate plans, including China, Namibia, Sierra Leone, etc. Meanwhile, the number of people who are food insecure and in urgent need of humanitarian assistance in the Greater Horn of Africa rose to 74 million at the end of February, according to another report released by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and other agencies.

The international agencies said that the 2023 El Nino rains contributed to the rise in the number of people in need of humanitarian assistance in the region. With wetter-than-normal conditions forecast in most parts of African countries during the 2024 March-May rainfall season, the situation may not improve.

1. What does the Report 2024 indicate?

A．Food loss is the biggest problem to tackle.

B．Serious pollution can cause food insecurity.

C．Food waste worsens the environmental situation.

D．Many countries are cooperating to fight against hunger.

2. Which of the following may Dechen agree with?

A．Effective measures should be taken by government.

B．Unnecessary costs in climate lead to development problems.

C．Data make no sense to consumer behavior and investors’ decision.

D．Avoiding waste collection fees is beneficial to limiting food waste.

3. What can we infer from the last two paragraphs?

A．Humanitarian assistance is the only way to help African people.

B．Food insecurity is still a big challenge to many African countries.

C．The situation of food waste in Africa becomes more and more severe.

D．The number of people needing help is increasing mainly due to bad weather.

4. What is the purpose of the passage?

A．To reveal the urgent financial situation in Africa.

B．To stress the necessity of food waste prevention.

C．To call for the joint efforts of governments in climate.

D．To raise the awareness of environmental conservation.

2 . Yuck! Chicken blood splashes onto the floor and insects fly everywhere in the market. The old Indian woman waves the butcher knife. You’re speechless. Your friend who moved to India a few months before you notices your horror. “It’s just something they do,” he clarifies.

You’ve heard living abroad is good for you. Experiences like this one make you say “Seriously?”

Yes. Seriously.

Researchers William Maddux and Hajo Adam have discovered not only that cultural experiences are good for you, but they’ve also discovered why they’re good for you. Cultural experiences can make you more creative.

Maddux and his team discovered that learning about new cultures you encounter deeply is key to obtaining cognitive rewards. The team did a series of experiments with people who had lived abroad for a long time. They asked the sojourners (旅居者) to recall experiences where they: learned something about the culture they lived in abroad; learned something about their own culture; did something unrelated (like visiting a supermarket). Those who recalled learning something about a new culture did much better on a creative problem-solving task immediately afterward.

Maddux and his team wondered, though. Does learning new cultures always help? Is it enough to just notice that another culture is different? In another experiment they had a group of people recall an experience where they learned something new about a foreign culture but hadn’t been able to learn about the reasons for it.

The people who later were made aware of the hidden reasons for the novel, different, or unexpected behaviors they had come across were much more creative afterward than those who weren’t.

This means that even though discovering cultural differences exist is great, it’s not enough to influence how you think in other situations. You have to learn why a cultural difference exists. That’s what helps you spot new connections later, in other aspects of your life.

1. Why is the scene mentioned in the first paragraph?

A．To show us an appropriate example.

B．To prove the advantages of living abroad.

C．To provide evidence for the writer’s viewpoint.

D．To draw readers’ attention to the following exploration.

2. What did the researchers find by asking the sojourners to recall their experience?

A．What is necessary to be creative.

B．What influence creativity has on people.

C．What benefits cultural experiences bring.

D．What they can learn from their own cultures.

3. From the experiment in Paragraph 6, we can conclude ______.

A．learning new cultures is always of great help

B．it’s not enough just to notice similarities between cultures

C．knowing the reasons for the difference is the key to creativity

D．culture difference has an impact on your way of thinking

4. Where is the text probably taken from?

A．A research report.	B．A geography textbook.
C．A travel brochure.	D．A science magazine.

3 . NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC EXPLORERS

Anand Varma

In the woods near his childhood home in Atlanta, Varma discovered his passion for being immersed in the natural world. Then he picked up his father’s camera and found a way to share that enthusiasm. Now living in Berkeley, California, Varma has spent years developing innovative photography techniques to reveal aspects of science and nature, such as the rapid motions of hummingbirds that normally go unseen.

Katie Orlinsky

During almost a decade of living in and visiting Alaska, Orlinsky has been examining the effects of climate change on the Arctic. Her images of its melting permafrost appeared in the September 2019 issue of National Geographic, and for this issue she hiked solo for days in a remote stretch of Alaska to document migrating caribou. The June 2023 cover story featured her photographs of the world’s first designated wilderness area, in New Mexico.

Neil Shea

Based in Brooklyn, New York, Shea is an award-winning writer who works in print, film, television, and audio. His first book Frostlines: Dispatches From the New Arctic will be published by Ecco in 2025. It covers cultural and environmental shifts in places from Iraqi Kurdistan to East Africa.

Emma Lira

A travel writer and specialist in Spain, Lira has authored historical novels, A Lonely Planet Granada Guide, and A National Geographic Story On Tenerife’s Mummies. She’s a resident of Madrid and the Canary Islands and leads small group tours for women throughout the Islamic world.

These contributors have received funding from the National Geographic Society, which is committed to protecting the wonder of our world.

1. What is unique to Anand Varma?

A．His exploring passion.	B．His adventurous experiences.
C．His environmental awareness.	D．His new photography techniques.

2. What did Katie do for the images chosen by National Geographic in 2019?

A．She covered a long distance in Alaska alone.

B．She investigated the impact of climate change.

C．She explored the wildness area in New Mexico.

D．She spent 10 years living in and visiting Alaska.

3. What do Neil and Emma have in common?

A．They are both travel enthusiasts.	B．They are both expert in writing.
C．They have both published their books.	D．They both care about climate changes.

4 . Standing on a school stage, the master swings his arms and moves his body as he conducts an orchestra. The 70 young musicians keep a sharp focus on the master’s white baton (指挥棒) as it shoots upward, downward, and sideways.

Michael Morgan was six years old when his father moved a neighbor’s unwanted piano into their living room. He started piano lessons, but it was when he saw a conductor leading an orchestra on television that he realized what he really wanted to do. At age eight, he began reading The Joy of Music by conductor and composer Leonard Bernstein and figured out how to direct with a baton. After graduating from Oberlin College Conservatory of Music, Michael worked under Bernstein. “Conducting is a thing you learn by apprenticing (当学徒). You do more watching than anything else,” Morgan says. Even after Morgan had graduated from Oberlin, Bernstein’s masterful teaching continued to influence him.

Morgan is committed to offering kids a chance to explore classical music. In his hometown, he started to volunteer in local schools, conducting student orchestras and talking with kids about music. Morgan is also the music director and conductor of the Oakland Symphony. He works with teachers in after-school programs to reach students who can’t afford lessons.

Morgan is focused and works very hard. “He’s mastermind behind all of these programs,” says Elizabeth, Oakland Symphony Education Coordinator. “He is in an amazing harmony with students. He is really serious in getting down to his business.”

Morgan says his work is mostly about providing young people with an entrance into music. “Instruments give kids a way of emotional expression, a source of pride, and an interest they can carry with them through life. Young musicians come from many different cultures and communities. But with instruments in hand, their hearts sing as one,” he says.

1. What inspired Morgan to begin his career as a conductor?

A．A gift from his neighbor.	B．The piano lessons he took.
C．The guidance of his teacher.	D．A TV program in his childhood.

2. Which of the following can best describe Morgan?

A．Passionate and honest.	B．Generous and demanding.
C．Ambitious and humorous.	D．Warmhearted and devoted.

3. Why does the author mention Elizabeth?

A．To show recognition on Morgan.	B．To share her cooperation with Morgan.
C．To encourage kids to learn from Morgan.	D．To express people’s expectations for Morgan.

4. What can we infer from the last paragraph?

A．Playing music is the best way to relieve people’s tension.

B．Morgan opens a door to music teaching for young musicians.

C．Music has the power to bridge cultural gap and unite people.

D．Young musicians tend to play the same song whole-heartedly.

5 . Xiaomi, best known for its popular smartphones and domestic appliances, launched its SU7 model on March 28 in China. The tech company began accepting orders in China via an app. Xiaomi said that it received 50,000 orders for the SU7 in the first 27 minutes after sales opened.

“Entering the car-making business will be the last big start-up project of my life. This is to perform our agreement made three years ago,” Chief Executive Lei Jun wrote. He added that he was confident about entering the EV (electric vehicle) market.

Xiaomi introduced the SU7 at its technology conference in December 2023, saying it was capable of accelerating speeds faster than Tesla cars and Porsche EVs, with one version capable of hitting 100 kilometers per hour in 2.78 seconds. One version has a driving range of up to 800 kilometers, it added.

The SU7’s release comes when EV makers battle for sales in the world’s largest auto market. Xiaomi will enter the competition as leading brands like BYD and Tesla are cutting prices sharply to attract consumers to buy their EVs in an oversupplied market.

Analysts said the SU7’s release will likely cut into Xiaomi’s bottom line as marketing and other expenses rise. Xiaomi posted a net profit of 4.87 billion yuan ($677.9 million) in the third quarter, up 52% from the preceding quarter on the back of improved margins. The key thing to watch for the launch will be the price, specifically if it’s below or above ¥ 200,000, Huatai Securities equity analyst Leping Huang said. The level serves as a classification benchmark for EVs in the same class as the SU7.

Xiaomi may have some advantages over competitors since it is “already a very well-known brand and may be able to take advantage of existing distribution channels,” Morningstar equity analyst Dan Baker said, “but recent profit forecasts could well be negative.”

1. What can we learn from the first two paragraphs?

A．The SU7 is well received by consumers in China.

B．Lei Jun raised his concern about the future of EV market.

C．Xiaomi regards developing SU7 models as its last project.

D．Orders of the SU7 can be placed in the shops worldwide now.

2. What challenge may the SU7 face at present?

A．Higher costs of production than other EVs.

B．Lack of advantages in acceleration speeds.

C．Fierce competition in oversupplied market.

D．Technical issues with an ideal driving range.

3. What does the underlined word “benchmark” probably mean in Paragraph 5?

A．Symbol.

B．Background.

C．Standard.

D．Management.

4. What can be a suitable title for the text?

A．Xiaomi released its first EV	B．Xiaomi hits the big time overnight
C．Xiaomi has changed the EV market	D．Xiaomi will take the lead in the world

6 . According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 32% of Americans don’t get enough sleep. Experts there recommend at least seven hours of shut-eye per night for adults.     1    , and 10% regularly have trouble falling and staying asleep.

If you also wrestle with insomnia (失眠), you probably have been tempted to try anything that promises better sleep. One thing that might sound a little strange has been known to work:     2    .

Just as swaddling (紧裹) babies can send them to sleep, using an extra weighted blanket helps your heart and breathing slow and your body release feel-good hormones. The weight — usually between 5 and 30 pounds — sounds like a lot but is spread out by covering the quilt.     3    .

A 2020 review looked at eight studies and concluded that weighted blankets helped reduce anxiety but not necessarily insomnia. Other research tells a slightly different story. A study in Sweden in 2020 looked at 120 people with insomnia and depression.     4    .

    5    . People with breathing issues should check with their doctor before using weighted blankets. “And if you’re someone who gets a little claustrophobic (幽闭恐惧症), it’s probably not the best thing for you,” adds Alanna McGinn, founder and lead sleep expert at Good Night Sleep Site.

A．However, it is not for everyone

B．adding a weighted blanket to the quilts

C．using a weighted blanket instead of the quilts

D．The weight usually causes tension and discomfort

E．But as many as 35% of adults have trouble sleeping from time to time

F．The heaviness is like a touch treatment called deep pressure stimulation

G．Those who used a weighted blanket reported they had better sleep and were less depressed

7 . San-Francisco based OpenAI made its big drop during the Spring Festival holidays. The up-to-one-minute-long realistic videos created by the text-to-video AI generator Sora are so remarkable that they resulted in people imaging the limitless possibilities of this generator could have. Sora is probably able to reshape the entire movie industry.

According to OpenAI’s explainer, Sora is capable of generating complex scenes with accurate details, including multiple characters, specific types of movements, themes, and backgrounds. It understands not only what the user requests, but also how these things exist in the physical world.

Industry observers have noted that the emergence of the video-generation model was highly anticipated. However, there have been comments expressing surprise at the speed of its development, with some individuals excitedly declaring “the arrival of a new industrial revolution.” On the other hand, there are concerns that this advancement may lead to “the disappearance of reality” as we know it, and that it could potentially cause a battle against the dominance of Hollywood in the movie industry.

“When I see Sora, the first word that comes to my mind is ‘shock,’ like the majority in the film industry. As film producers, we understand the potential impact of AI on the various aspects of film production, some positions such as those relating to movie preview would be impacted,” Ma Heliang, a film producer said.

“But the current technology is still far from reaching the levels required for making theatrical films, or to hollow out the entire movie industry. Over the past 100 years, movies have established an emotional connection and a shared social space with the audience. It involves socializing and sharing aesthetics, making it a complex entity. It is not possible to replace this experience with a simple video clip generated by AI,” Ma noted.

But the strong capability of Sora tells us that the direction of relying on AI to assist in human creativity is becoming increasingly clear. It allows creators to be less restricted by industrial processes and enables them to express what they want more freely using AI tools.

1. What is Sora’s function?

A．It can improve holiday atmosphere.

B．It can produce videos based on texts.

C．It can enrich people’s imagination.

D．It can reshape the whole film making tools.

2. What may make people astonished according to Paragraph 3?

A．The arrival of a new industrial revolution.

B．The speed of social media’s development.

C．The emergence of the video-generation model.

D．The rapid advancement of the video-generation model.

3. Which statement will Ma Heliang probably agree with?

A．AI will take over the entire movie industry.

B．Theatrical films have been made by AI currently.

C．Film production can’t be completely replaced by AI.

D．AI can establish an emotional connection with the audience.

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

A．Movie industry comes into a new age

B．Sora shows potential of AI technology

C．Sora starts a battle against Hollywood

D．OpenAI’s productions bring shocking news

8 . It was my first day in my school’s Gifted & Talented Program. Just minutes before, I had been called upon by my teacher and told to report to the cafeteria, where classes would be held. Feelings of nervousness seized me as I walked to the cafeteria for the very first time. I knew the most distinguished students would be waiting and, secretly, I wondered if I belonged. At that time in life, I struggled with acceptance.

I quickly found a seat in the back corner. As Mr. Canereli introduced himself, his calm voice settled the butterflies in my stomach.

“Today we will begin with a deductive reasoning puzzle,” he announced, breaking the stillness in the room.

“You will be given five minutes to read the clues and solve the puzzle.”

I quickly read through the clues, failing to come to any conclusions. “Breathe… slow down… you can do this….” I whispered to myself.

At this age, I felt pressure to thrive in all academic subjects. Since my mom and my dad hadn’t completed college, and my older sister did not do her best in school, I always put extra pressure on myself to do well. I refused to accept failure of any kind.

The clues repeated themselves in my head and I picked up my pencil. Before I knew it, X’s and O’s covered my paper. The entire puzzle was completed! I raised my hand and waved in sheer excitement. The assignment, initially associated with fear and doubt, had transformed into a representation of acceptance and personal excellence.

That day, I not only learned how to think but also discovered the potential to achieve anything I set my mind to. Now, my objective is to pass on the invaluable lessons I gained from Mr. Canereli on my first day in the seventh-grade Gifted & Talented Program. As a young woman, I seek to educate, equip, and inspire those in need and, as I enter college, I will use these tools to contribute to my environment.

1. What made the author nervous on the way to the cafeteria?

A．Stress of fitting in with others.

B．Fear of giving a report in public.

C．Doubts about the fairness of the program.

D．Anxiety about being excellent academically.

2. What does the underlined word “thrive” in Paragraph 6 mean?

A．Study.

B．Complete.

C．Succeed.

D．Participate.

3. What did the assignment mean to the author?

A．It deepened her fear and doubt.

B．It served as a source of creativity.

C．It relieved her academic pressure.

D．It contributed to building her self-confidence.

4. What can be learned about the author from the last paragraph?

A．She shows her social responsibility.

B．She has managed to obtain anything she wants.

C．She will use tools to beautiful her environment.

D．She aims to be a brilliant teacher like Mr. Canereli.

9 . Writing competitions

Closing date in April

Author of Tomorrow aims to find future adventure writers. Young people under 21 can send entries (参赛作品) between 1,500 and 5,000 words (under 500 words for primary-aged pupils). The prizes are £1,000 for the 16-21 age group, £100 and £150 in book tokens (购书券) for the 12-15 age group, and £100 and £150 in book tokens for the 11 and under age group. The closing date is 29th April.

Tadpole Press is running a worldwide 100-word writing competition open to writers of all ages. Entries of 100 words can be sent in any type. The competition requires a small entry fee and 1st place receives a cash prize, while 2nd and 3rd places get writing coaching and editing packages. The deadline is 30th April.

Closing date in May

The Martha Mills Young Writers’ Prize invites young people in the UK aged 11-14 to send under 500 words of “writing that is lively, unusual or otherwise original”. This year’s topic is “The Stranger” and the closing date is 22nd May.

War Through Children’s Eyes is open to children aged 7-17 in the UK and aims to “raise awareness of the impact of wars on the communities caught up in them, and particularly on the most vulnerable members of those communities: their children”: Entries of up to 1,000 words are invited, and full details about the competition are available on its website. The closing date is 10th May.

1. Which competition is suitable for a person good at writing adventure stories?

A．Tadpole Press.

B．Author of Tomorrow.

C．War Through Children’s Eyes.

D．The Martha Mills Young Writers’ Prize.

2. What do we know about Tadpole Press?

A．All types of entries are accepted.

B．It is free of charge for all writers.

C．The winners will receive cash prizes.

D．It welcomes writers across the world.

3. What do the two competitions closing in May have in common?

A．They have specific topics.	B．They close on the same day.
C．They are only for teen writers.	D．They accept entries over 500 words.

10 . Micro habits are simple practices that you can usually do in a few minutes.     1    . Making positive micro habits and keeping them regularly can be an effective way to improve your life. Here are some great examples of micro habits you can start today.

Read an inspiring story

    2    . Look up stories of people helping people or stories of hope and write down what lessons you can learn from them. Many stories can be read in a matter of minutes, making this a great micro habit.

Set a productivity timer

Having difficulty concentrating at work? Setting a productivity timer will help you focus on the task at hand. You can set that timer for whatever amount of time you have-fifteen minutes, thirty minutes, sixty minutes — and develop the habit of working consistently during that period.     3    . Let these minutes be your time to be positive and productive.

Set a break timer

Much like the previous micro habit, set a break timer for yourself in between your periods of productivity. Set that timer and commit to giving yourself a break.     4    . If your job has you on your feet, take a rest by sitting in a quiet space. If you sit at a desk, get up and walk around.

Text a friend

As we find happiness in our own life, what can we do to bring happiness to others? Take two minutes out of your day to text a friend and tell them how much you care about them. List out how they have had a positive effect on your life. You’ll be surprised how much this micro habit will bring a smile to their face, and your own.     5    .

A．Just remember, it’s not a race

B．That’s why micro habits are so great

C．Use that time to step away from your work

D．But that doesn’t mean they are less impactful

E．Nothing creates happiness faster than spreading it

F．You can do this by calling up a friend to tell them a funny story

G．Reading about other people’s success stories can give you motivation