2 . Lots of students know what a marathon (马拉松赛跑) is, but perhaps they don’t know what triathlon (铁人三项) is. The triathlon is a sport that has three parts swimming, bicycling and running. It is not an easy sport, but a man named Joe Salter is very good at it. A few months ago, he finished a special triathlon—he juggled (抛起接住) three balls all the time during the triathlon. That is to say, he kept on throwing and catching three balls while he was swimming, riding a bicycle and running.

31-year-old Joe is from Florida, the USA. He loves juggling and he started at the age of 8. Joe did well in juggling. Later, he got the idea to do a triathlon and juggle at the same time to make it more fun. Many juggling fans laughed at his idea and thought it was just a joke. But Joe didn’t give up and he kept practicing it. Because of his hard work, he made it at last.

Talking about his triathlon, Joe said swimming was the hardest part. “It was difficult and complex,” he said. “I basically only used my legs, so it took quite a lot of work. Also, swimming in open water made it a little harder. It was not like in a pool.”

1. According to the writer, the common (普通的) triathlon ________.

A．is a difficult sport

B．is more famous than the marathon

C．includes the three parts and juggling

D．includes the marathon and swimming

2. Joe’s triathlon was special because ________ during the triathlon.

A．he picked up three balls

B．he played juggling

C．he carried his bicycle on his shoulder

D．he threw away all his balls

3. Many juggling fans thought Joe’s idea ________.

A．could not be realized

B．should not be laughed at

C．should be realized as soon as possible

D．could make triathlon more exciting

4. The underlined part “made it” in the 2nd paragraph probably means“________”.

A．forgot	B．failed
C．succeeded	D．left

5. Swimming was the hardest part for Joe mainly because ________.

A．he swam in open water

B．his swimming skills were bad

C．he was very tired when swimming

D．he almost could only swim with his legs

4 . Twelve-year-old Catherine has a lot of friends—632, actually, if you count up her online friends. And she spends a lot of time with them.

But is it possible that Catherine’s online friendships could be making her lonely? That’s what some experts believe. Connecting online is a great way to stay in touch, they say. However, some experts worry that many kids are so busy connecting online that they might be missing out on true friendships.

Could this be true? During your parents’ childhoods, connecting with friends usually meant spending time with them in the flesh. Kids played Scrabble around a table, not words with friends on their phones. When friends missed each other, they picked up the telephone. Friends might even write letters to each other.

Today, most communication takes place online. A typical teen sends 2,000 texts a month and spends more than 44 hours per week in front of a screen. Much of this time is spent on social media platform.

In fact, in many ways, online communication can make friendships stronger. “There’s definitely a positive influence. Kids can stay in constant contact, which means they can share more of their feelings with each other,” says Katie Davis, co-author of The App Generation.

Other experts, however, warn that too much online communication can get in the way of forming deep friendships. “If we are constantly checking in with our virtual world, we will have little time for our real-world friendships,” says Larry Rosen, a professor at California State University. Rosen also worries that today’s kids might mistake the “friends” on the social media for true friends in life. However, in tough times, you don’t need anyone to like your picture or share your blogs. You need someone who will keep your secrets and hold your hand. You would like to talk face to face.

1. What is the purpose of the first paragraph?

A．To tell about true friends.	B．To start a discussion.
C．To encourage online friendships.	D．To summarize(总结) the text.

2. What does the underlined part “in the flesh” mean in paragraph 3?

A．In any case.

B．In public.

C．In person.

D．In advance.

3. What is Katie’s attitude toward online communication?

A．Unconcerned.

B．Positive.

C．Worried.

D．Confused.

4. Which of the following is the Rosen’s view?

A．Teenagers need to focus on real-world friendships.	B．It’s easier to develop friendships in real life.
C．It’s wise to turn to friends online.	D．Social media help people stay closely connected.

6 . The recent criticisms of Taylor Swift for her silence on the war in Gaza highlight a strange issue: the unrealistic expectations we place on celebrities to be know-alls. It’s a topic worth looking into.

While many are quick to urge figures like Taylor Swift to make their voices. to global issues, a concerning pattern emerges on the flip side: celebrities navigating the dark waters of complex issues with limited knowledge. Take, for instance, Billie Eilish’s fashion choice at the Oscars — a red hand pin. This wasn’t just any accessory (配饰); it’s rooted in the upset history of the cruel treatment of two Israelis. It raises the question: Was Eilish aware of the weighty story this symbol carries? This moment serves as a reminder of the nuance (微妙的) balance celebrities must strike between being supportive and the profound responsibility of using a public platform.

The celebrity culture in the United States, where public figures are promoted to almost god-like status, plays a significant role in such behavior. They are seen as perfect, their opinions holy. When we prioritize a celebrity’s opinion over those with professional knowledge, we do severe damage to the complexity of these issues.

As a society, we must reevaluate our extreme pursuit of celebrity culture and recognize the limitations of depending on entertainers for guidance on complex issues. This doesn’t mean celebrities can’t or shouldn’t speak out on matters. It’s entirely sensible for Taylor Swift to publicly support political candidates in her home country. The action originates from personal values, which are different from commenting on international conflicts without a deep understanding of the nuances involved.

In advocating for this sensible approach, we’re not suggesting celebrities should remain silent on all matters of public concern. Instead, we’re calling for a transformation in how we, as the public, understand and react to their involvement in social and political issues.

Ultimately, the goal should be to create a more sympathetic, informed society that values extensive knowledge and genuine activism over celebrity support. By encouraging public figures to use their platforms responsibly and directing our attention to where they can make a real difference, we take a step toward a more insightful understanding of global issues.

1. Why is “a red hand pin” mentioned in paragraph 2?

A．To make fun of Billie’s limited knowledge on debating.

B．To demonstrate Billie’s unawareness of irresponsible recommendation.

C．To sing high praises for Billie’s good taste for fashion at the Oscars.

D．To criticize Billie for her misapplication of the public platform.

2. What does “such behavior” in paragraph 3 refer to?

A．Billie’s unreasonable selection of a red hand pin at the Oscars.

B．Celebrities’ irresponsible opinions on critical global conversations.

C．Public’s great desire for celebrities to comment on key global issues.

D．Taylor Swift’s golden silence about the crucial international concern.

3. What can be inferred from the passage?

A．Experts tend to increase the complexity of the issues.

B．Celebrities’ voices are as important as those of experts.

C．Celebrities should voice views on matters at home and abroad.

D．We should reassess the social and political roles of celebrities.

4. Which of the following might be the best title of this passage?

A．Expect the Unexpected	B．Public Platforms, Powerful Places.
C．The Drawback of Celebrity Recommendation	D．The Nature of Celebrity Responsibility

7 . Certain Chinese cuisines, such as the well-known Beijing Roasted Duck or the delicious Tianjin-style Pancakes, have gained global recognition. The appeal of these delicacies is deeply rooted in vast geographical diversity.

Extending from the extremely cold northern plains to the southern rainforests, different regions have their unique ingredients and cooking techniques.     1    , commonly referred as the “Eight Major Cuisines of China.”

Climate plays a critical role in shaping regional cuisines. In Sichuan, for example, the hot and wet climate, combined with the region’s mountainous physical geography, has led to a preference for spicy foods. The spicy flavors add appetite to dishes. In addition,     2     .

One of the contrasts between southern and northern Chinese cuisines lies in the employment of ingredients. Southern dishes tend to be lighter, featuring seafood and vegetables. In contrast,     3     They have a wealth of wheat-based dishes like noodles and dumplings.

    4    , regardless of their differences. Dishes are attentively cooked to stimulate the senses and promote a sense of pleasure. The use of fresh, seasonal ingredients, along with the close attention to details in preparation and presentation, defines Chinese cuisine.

Another important aspect of Chinese dining culture is the significance of table manners. Meals are often shared among family and friends, with each person taking turns to serve and pour. Chopsticks, rather than forks or knives, are preferred, symbolizing closeness and familiarity. The act of eating together extends beyond food alone.     5    .

A．northern cuisines are heavier and more considerable

B．they serve to warm up and remove dampness from the body

C．This diversity comes down to its geographical and climate conditions

D．The Chinese people have for centuries crafted varieties of delicious dishes

E．This geographical diversity has given birth to eight major cooking traditions

F．That is to say, it represents a sense of community and the strength of bonds

G．Chinese cuisines share emphasis on the perfect harmony of color, flavor and taste

8 . Starting a new book can feel like a bit of a commitment (承诺), but it doesn’t have to be! Here are four books you can read in a single day.

The House on Mango Street

Released in 1984 and written by Mexican-American author Sandra Cisneros, The House on Mango Street is only 103 pages long. It’s a rapid read for those looking to dip their toes into the water, but it still deals with complex themes and important subject matters, including language, race, ageing, and troubles.

The Midnight Library

The Midnight Library from the English author Matt Haig was released in 2020. It has 288 pages, which makes it a little more challenging but still absolutely doable (可做的) in a single day. The novel is all about storytelling, with Nora Seed exploring the “what ifs” of her life.

The Perilous Life of Jade Yeo

Released in 2012 and written by the fantastic Malaysian-English author Zen Cho, the page count is an extremely manageable 76 pages, which makes this another effective first read in one day. The novel is set in London in the 1920s and follows the life of another writer, Jade Yeo. There is even enough time for readers to appreciate a film adaptation of the book after reading it.

Stardust

The 1999 novel by English author Neil Gaiman is a perfect presentation of the writer’s fantasy styles at their best. Stardust, which became a major motion picture, sits at 256 pages, It’s epic (史诗般的) in its scale, but the reader can fit the novel into a single day, giving them a true sense of absolute escapism to the fantasyland of Stormhold.

1. Which book can make you feel like escaping from reality and being in a kind of dreamland?

A．The Perilous Life of Jade Yeo.	B．The Midnight: Library.
C．The House on Mango Street.	D．Stardust.

2. What fact can we get, from The Perilous s Life of Jade Yeo?

A．It’s supposed to be made into a film soon.

B．The book tells the life of its author, Zen Cho.

C．Its background is in London about a century ago.

D．It is a bit more challenging to finish reading it in two days.

3. Why may readers be fond of The House on Mango Street?

A．It is a perfect presentation of the writer’s own experiences.

B．It involves complex themes and important subject matters.

C．It was written by a well-known Malaysian-English author.

D．It is all about storytelling, with Nora Seed exploring the“what ifs”of her life；

9 . If you could be anybody in the world, who would it be? A few people have experienced what it might be like to step into the skin of another person, thanks to an advanced virtual reality device. Rikke Wahl was one of the participants in a body switching experiment at the Be Another lab. She switched with her partner, using a machine called The Machine to Be Another and temporarily became a man.

The set-up of the experiment is relatively simple. Both users wear a virtual reality headset with a camera on the top. The video from each camera is sent to the other person, so what you see is the exact view of your partner. To get used to seeing another person’s body without actually having control of it, participants start by raising their arms and legs very slowly, so that the other can follow along. Eventually, this kind of slow synchronized (同步的) movement becomes comfortable, and participants really start to feel as though they are living in another person’s body.

Using such technology may transform people’s behaviour afterwards — potentially for the better. Studies have shown that virtual reality can be effective in fighting racism — the bias (偏见) that humans have against those who don’t look or sound like them. Researchers at the University of Barcelona gave people a questionnaire, which measures the strength of people’s associations between, for instance, black people and adjectives such as good, bad, athletic or awkward. Then they asked them to control the body of a dark skinned digital character using virtual reality glasses, before taking the test again. This time, the participants’ bias scores were lower. The idea is that once you’ve “put yourself in another’s shoes” you’re less likely to think ill of them, because your brain has internalized the feeling of being that person.

The creators of The Machine to Be Another hope to achieve a similar result. “At the end of body switching, people feel like holding each other in their arms,” says Arthur Pointeau, a programmer with the project.

1. Which of the following best explains “switching” in paragraph 1?

A．establishing

B．exchanging

C．demonstrating

D．transforming

2. What can be inferred from the experiment at the Be Another lab?

A．Our feelings are related to our bodily experience.

B．We can learn to take control of other people’s bodies.

C．Participants will live more passionately after the experiment.

D．The Machine to Be Another can help people change their genders.

3. What can we know about the participant s before they used virtual reality glasses?

A．They struggled strongly against racism.	B．They scored lower on the test for racism.
C．They changed their behaviour dramatically.	D．They were more intolerant of those unlike them.

4. What message can be concluded from the passage?

A．Technology helps people realize their dreams.

B．Our biases could be removed through experiments.

C．Virtual reality helps promote understanding among people.

D．Our points of view about other people need changing frequently.

10 . For more than a century, the Mississippi Delta has been a popular destination for immigrants. Recently, I was assigned to learn more about one immigrant group: the Chinese in Greenville, a small city along the Mississippi River. There I met Raymond Wong. whose family has long been part of the community.

The first wave of Chinese immigrants came to the Mississippi Delta soon after the Civil War, and the pace picked up by the early 1900s. The Chinese initially came to pick cotton, but they quickly started opening grocery stores, mostly in the African-American communities where they lived.

“On my street alone, there were no less than four grocery stores. I’m talking about a minor street,” Wong recalls. “I was raised in a grocery store. All my family — six of us — lived in a couple of rooms at the back of our store. As soon as I could calculate money I had to work in the store.”

In 1968, Wong’s father opened a Chinese restaurant, one of the first in the town. “The restaurant existed for 40 years.” Wong says. Wong remembers a time of big excitement when his family finally could afford to buy a house in a white neighborhood. Then suddenly, that conversation stopped.

“When people found out that we were moving in, they started throwing bottles in the driveway,” Wong says. “We ended up building a house directly behind the grocery.”

And the future? It’s probably not in the Delta. Wong remembers the question his son raised when he was still in high school: “Dad, do you want me to take over the store when you retire?” Wong’s response was immediate: “No. I want you to live better than me.” That’s the story of the typical Delta Chinese.

1. What did the Delta Chinese originally do shortly after the Civil War?

A．Working in cotton fields.	B．Running restaurants.
C．Importing Chinese food.	D．Opening grocery stores.

2. What can we learn from paragraph 3?

A．Raymond Wong had a fun and care free childhood.

B．The store owners’ children were very talented in math.

C．There was intense competition among the grocery stores.

D．The Wong family was among the most successful families in Greenville.

3. Why did the Wongs stop buying their ideal house?

A．Because the house owner raised the price.	B．Because their business failed unexpectedly.
C．Because they did not have enough money.	D．Because the white people did not accept them.

4. How do the typical Chinese feel about their life in the Delta?

A．Embarrassed.

B．Insecure.

C．Unconcerned.

D．Optimistic.