1 . I was standing in front of a stranger’s house, rescue box in hand, my head full of instructions to follow. It would be my first test as a volunteer wildlife rescuer. A call had come through that afternoon from a man: an unknown bird was attacked by other birds. He saved the victim. Could someone please help to transfer it?
I was anxious even at the door: would I be able to transfer it neatly into my rescue box? I entered the house, lifted a shoebox and saw a bird standing on thin legs, shaking. Hesitating for quite a while, I decided to transfer the whole shoebox into my rescue box.
Back home, I could see no obvious sign of injury, but it refused to eat the bird food I provided. I phoned a specialist. She told me this species hunts insects on the wing, so keeping it longer than overnight would make it starve. I released it and it flew high immediately. “What would be different for this delicate creature this time around?” I wondered. Nothing. But at least it would win its life again.
That was in 2009. My first rescue was a second chance for the bird as well as for me. Five months earlier, I’d received a cancer diagnosis. After the treatment, I recovered but was told I couldn’t take on my former work, which would worsen my physical condition. I was at the point where I didn’t know how to schedule my days. Then I heard about a wildlife rescue group that was seeking volunteers and holding a course. I’d been attracted by animals ever since I was a young girl but had always thought that I’d missed that boat. Then I found the boat again.
I did the course and acquired qualifications. All I had to do was wait for a rescue call. And it came: it was in a box waiting, just for me.
1. What can we learn about the author in her first wildlife rescue?| A．She forgot rescue instructions. | B．She experienced high pressure. |
| C．She lacked proper tools for rescue. | D．She was skilled in doing the rescue. |
| A．It would die from the injuries. | B．It would find the food it desired. |
| C．It would seek someone for adoption. | D．It would be too weak and get starved. |
| A．To try a new hobby. | B．To relieve her work stress. |
| C．To find life’s meaning again. | D．To cure her disease completely. |
| A．The Skills of Rescue | B．Wildlife Protection |
| C．Our Second Chance | D．Thoughts after Cancer |
2 . Why is a compliment so impactful? One of the most important things to humans is to feel valued and respected by others, says Vanessa Bohns, a social psychologist, who has researched compliments. According to her research, people feel “significantly better” after both giving and receiving a compliment.
“You handled that situation so well.”
Bohns recently used her favorite compliment when she saw a server address a difficult situation with a customer at the bar. “I like it so much because you use it in anxious moments where the other person is often unsure of whether they handled a situation OK,” she says. In situations that call for a compliment, don’t second-guess yourself. Give your compliments generously.
“
This compliment — one of Bohns’ favorites — works well among romantic partners and close family members. “It’s a beautiful way to highlight how their presence turns life into something meaningful, despite boring routines of our everyday lives,” she says. If you’re afraid that giving a compliment like this will feel strange, you’re not alone.
“Hey, great dress!”
Feel free to compliment strangers. In Bohns’ research, students on a college campus were told to approach a stranger of the same gender and compliment them-about, for example, their nice shirt. Before heading out, the study participants tended to underestimate their positive effect while overestimating how annoying it would be. Across all contexts, strangers are more likely to be pleased than confused. Plus, who knows?
| A．I love the way you bring out the best in people. |
| B．Respect is essential when you deliver compliments. |
| C．One way to overcome this fear is to do a practice run. |
| D．You make even ordinary moments feel extraordinary. |
| E．You might make a new friend in addition to making someone’s day. |
| F．With that in mind, we asked her to share some of her favorite compliments. |
| G．People sometimes worry that they’re going over and will start to sound insincere. |
3 . Are you an early bird or a night owl? Our activity patterns and sleep cycles could influence our risk of heart disease. New research published in Experimental Physiology found wake/sleep cycles cause metabolic (新陈代谢) differences and change our body’s preference for energy sources.
Researchers from Rutgers University, New Jersey, USA classified participants into two groups(early and late) based on their natural tendency to seek activity and sleep at different times. The participants were monitored for a week to assess their activity patterns across the day. They ate a calorie and nutrition-controlled diet and had to fast overnight to minimize dietary impact on the results. To study fuel preference, they were tested while at rest before completing two 15-minute period of exercise: one moderate and one high intensity session on a running machine. Aerobic fitness levels were tested through an incline challenge where the incline was raised 2.5% every two minutes until the participant reached a point of exhaustion.
The researchers found that those who stay up later have a reduced ability to use fat for energy, meaning fats may build up in the body and increase the risk of heart disease. People who are ‘early birds’ rely more on fat as an energy source and are more active during the day with, higher levels of aerobic fitness than ‘night owls’. On the other hand, ‘night owls’ use less fat for energy at rest and during exercise.
Researchers also found that early birds use more fat for energy at both rest and during exercise than night owls. Professor Steven Malin from Rutgers University said, “We found that early birds are more physically active and have higher fitness levels than night owls. Farther research is needed to examine the link between exercise and metabolic adaptation to identify whether exercising earlier in the day has greater health benefits.”
1. What does the underlined word “fast” in paragraph 2 mean?| A．Move quickly. | B．Go without food. |
| C．Exercise regularly. | D．Fall sound asleep. |
| A．By making a survey. | B．By making contrasts. |
| C．By providing examples. | D．By introducing a concept. |
| A．Having lower fitness level. | B．Using less fat during exercise. |
| C．Consuming more fat at rest. | D．Being more active during the night. |
| A．Tolerant. | B．Pessimistic. | C．Indifferent. | D．Uncertain. |
4 . Over the past few months, the Let Them Theory has been making waves online. It started when Mel Robbins, a popular motivational speaker, shared it on Instagram. In her video, Robbins talks about the importance of letting go of control in certain situations, advocating for a model shift in how we interact with others.
Robbins insists that too often, we waste time and energy trying to push others into meeting our expectations. Instead, she proposes a simpler, more liberating approach: “letting them” be themselves. “Let them be themselves because they are revealing who they are to you. Just let them. Then, you get to choose what you do next.” she said.
Dr. Sophie Mort, a clinical psychologist and mental health expert, offers deeper insights into the psychological foundation of this Theory. She said that our natural desire to control others often originates from a need to relieve our own anxieties and uncertainties. However, such attempts often result in disappointment and exhaustion as we realize the uselessness of our efforts. Basically, the theory emphasizes the acknowledgment that we cannot control the actions or decisions of others. It urges us to give up the burden of forcing our desires onto those closest to us and accept the mindset of acceptance.
While the theory may not be formally recognized in clinical settings, its principles connect with established concepts such as acceptance and mindfulness. It shows the essence of acceptance and commitment therapy, emphasizing the importance of accepting our thoughts and feelings without judgment. Meanwhile, marriage and family therapist Chapell Marsh further explains the resemblance between the theory and the psychological concept of “locus of control.”
The theory received a lot of positive responses. Many claim that adopting this approach has fostered harmony and minimized conflicts in their interactions. However, it’s urgent to recognize the limitations of the theory. While it promotes acceptance and nonjudgmental attitudes, it must not be employed in situations where safety is compromised or where necessary conversations are avoided. “Avoiding difficult conversations can lead to problems,” said Chapell Marsh.
1. What’s the core of the Let Them Theory?| A．Taking control of others in every situation. |
| B．Letting others expose their true self to us. |
| C．Pushing others into meeting our expectations. |
| D．Insisting on our way of interacting with others. |
| A．To be satisfied with themselves. |
| B．To make others accept their mindset. |
| C．To ease their own worries and doubts. |
| D．To force their desires onto the closest ones. |
| A．The Let Them Theory should be recognized clinically. |
| B．We should accept our thoughts and feelings without judgement. |
| C．Marriage and family relationships need psychological concepts. |
| D．The Let Them Theory is consistent with the existing accepted theories. |
| A．Your friend’s safety is being threatened. |
| B．Someone says something mean behind your back. |
| C．Your kids don’t want to get up and go shopping with you. |
| D．Your friends are not inviting you out to brunch this weekend. |
5 . What’s in a Game?
Picture you and your friends sitting around one Saturday, bored. You’ve read every book, watched every movie and played every game. There is absolutely nothing left to do.
The Ohjective
The first thing you’ll need to design a great game is an objective or goal for players to work toward.
Next, you’ll need rules to let your players know what they can and can’t do. It might seem like a game with no rules would be more fun. You can do anything you want! Unfortunately, this often results in confused players arguing about how the game should be played. Rules set limits and define what the game is — and what it isn’t. Players need to know what they can and can’t do, and what will happen when they do different things.
Meaningful Choices
While you are creating your rules, think about the choices players will make and what effects those choices will have.
Don’t Forget to Playtest!
Any game you see in stores has gone through many rounds of testing and revision. Rules that seem clear to you might be confusing for others. Situations might come up that you didn’t expect.
| A．The Place |
| B．The Rules |
| C．What can your players do |
| D．What if you could invent your own game |
| E．Every choice a player makes needs to have an effect on the gameplay |
| F．The best way to make sure your game is playable and fun is to playtest it |
| G．Objectives can take many forms, but they should always be clear to the players |
6 . On a chilly autumn morning in the Italian countryside near Larderello, Tuscany, the misty landscape reminded me why the area is nicknamed the Devil’s Valley. The land here is a web of natural cracks in the rock that let a mix of steam and gases reach the surface.
Unlike the rolling hills and cypress-lined roads of other parts of Tuscany, the landscape here is covered with dozens of grey cooling towers puffing white vapors. The deafening roar of a turbine (涡轮机) at the Valle Secolo geothermal (地热的) plant breaks the quietness, but its violent spinning transforms steam rising from underground into energy for 150,000 families in the region. About 30% of Tuscany’s electricity comes from this energy source. After producing electricity, the leftover steam heats water for nearby districts.
This underground energy has recently proved a vital resource. Italy greatly depended on Russian fossil fuels and in 2023 Italians bore the world’s highest household electricity bills. Factories cut down production and households had to turn down their heaters. But residents of the Larderello area spent the winter in warm homes, thanks to the local geothermal plants working 24/7.
Bruno Della Vedova, president of the Italian Geothermal Union, hopes that in the future other Italian regions could benefit from such a resource, which is extremely important when the whole world looks to transition to renewable energy.
While countries like Iceland and Kenya are taking advantage of their geothermal resources, the industry’s growth has made slow progress in Italy. High set-up costs and difficulties in extraction present significant barriers. And new plants often run into opposition from nearby communities over health concerns.
Italy sits on a geothermal sweet spot. Especially below Larderello, as Della Vedova says. A vast reservoir (储备) of steam and water is trapped between Earth’s inner heat and a layer of clay-heavy rocks. High temperatures lead to the formation of steam directly inside the reservoir, providing a significant source of energy.
But while heat from Earth’s core is practically endless, the water it heats within the planet are not. So Della Vedova says restoring underground water supplies and using them sustainably is critical for the future. “We can’t take advantage of a geothermal resource at will,” he says.
1. What is the second paragraph mainly about?| A．The landscape in the countryside. |
| B．The introduction to a geothermal plant. |
| C．The application of geothermal energy in Tuscany. |
| D．The process of turning underground steam into heat. |
| A．People near new plants object to it. |
| B．Geothermal plants cut down their production. |
| C．There is very little underground water and steam. |
| D．People use less electricity by turning down heaters. |
| A．Unfavorable. | B．Unclear. | C．Optimistic. | D．Cautious. |
| A．Where does geothermal energy lead Italy? |
| B．Is the heat from Earth’s core really limitless? |
| C．Can energy from underground help power Italy? |
| D．How can geothermal energy be used scientifically? |
7 . There is plenty of complaints about how social media—texting in particular—may harm children’s social and intellectual development. But a new study suggests that constant instant messaging (IM’ing)and texting among teens may also provide benefits, particularly for those who are introverted (内向的).
British researchers studied instant messages exchanged by 231 teens, aged 14 to 18. All of the participants were “regular” IM’ers. The researchers analyzed150 conversations in the study, and reported the results in the journal Computers in Human Behavior. In 100 of these chats, the study participant began IM’ing while in a negative emotional state such as sadness, pain or anger. The rest were conversations begun when the participant was feeling good or neutral. After the chat, participants reported about a 20% reduction in their pain—not enough to completely get rid of it, but enough to leave them feeling better.
“Our findings suggest that IM’ing between adolescents and their peers may provide emotional relief and consequently contribute to their well-being,” the authors write. People who talk with their real-life friends online report feeling closer to them than those who just communicate face-to-face, implying a strengthening of their bond.
Why would digital commutation improve human contact? The reasons are complex, but may have something to do with the fact that users can control expression of sadness and other emotions via IM without revealing emotional elements like tears that some may be considered as embarrassing or sources of discomfort. Studies also show)that the anonymity (匿名) of writing on a device blankets the users in a sense of safely that may make people feel more comfortable in sharing and discussing their deepest and truest feelings. Previous research has shown that expressive writing itself can “vent”. emotions and provide a sense of relief—and doing-so knowing that your words are reaching a sympathetic friend may provide even more comfort Researchers also found that introverted participants reported more relief from IM conversations when they were painful than extraverts (内向的) did. As Susan Cain, author of Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World that Can’t Stop Talking, wrote recently for TIME: Introverts are often full of thoughts and care deeply for their friends, family and colleagues. But even the most socially skilled introverts sometimes long for a free pass from socializing or talking on the phone. This is what the Internet offer; the chance to connect—but in measured amount and from behind a screen.
1. What is the finding of the new study by British researchers?| A．Instant messaging will harm children’s social and intellectual development. |
| B．Introverted teens may benefit from constant instant messaging. |
| C．A lot of American teens use instant messaging every day. |
| D．American teens aged 14 to 18 are addicted to instant messaging. |
| A．Teens are more likely to send instant messages when feeling unhappy. |
| B．Instant messaging can help completely remove teens’ negative emotions. |
| C．Chat via instant messaging services makes participants feel good or calm. |
| D．Constant instant messaging can help teens control their negative emotions. |
| A．Avoid embarrassment and discomfort. | B．Share and discuss more information. |
| C．Produce more expressive writings. | D．Find more sympathetic friends. |
| A．They do not reveal their thoughts to friends, family and colleagues. |
| B．They tend to feel more unhappy about IM conversations than extraverts. |
| C．They are more skillful at the art of socializing than extraverts. |
| D．They at times desire to socialize or talk via social media. |
8 . Las Vegas can offer a lot more than you expect. Here are the best guided tours to help visitors make the most of their Sin City getaway.
Big Bus Las Vegas — Open Top Night TourAdmire the glittering lights downtown on this evening double-decker bus tour. Along the drive, you’ll pass well-known buildings before hopping off to enjoy the free light shows on Fremont Street. Tour-takers praise the guides for their informative, friendly account.
Passengers can board the buses at the LINQ Promenade starting at 7 p.m. each evening.
Cowboy Trail Rides — Red Rock Canyon Sunset Horseback RideWhen you need a break from the city life, put on a cowboy hat and boots for a sunset trail ride through Red Rock Canyon. On the ride, you’ll follow a guide through the picturesque desert landscape, watching for wildlife. Travelers warn that it can get chilly on the ride, so they advise wearing warm layers.
Trail Rides are offered Tuesday through Sunday.
Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopters — Grand Celebration TourPapillon Grand Canyon Helicopters’ Grand Celebration tour offers bird’s-eye views of sought-after sights, like Eagle Point and Lake Mead. The tour also includes a Champagne picnic. The pilots and staff earn praise for their friendliness and professionalism.
There are several daily departure options.
Secret Food Tours — Las Vegas StripEvery day Secret Food Tours take groups of 10 participants to five-star restaurants on the Strip to sample a variety of cooking delights, including pizza, chocolates and lobster. During the walking tour, highly praised guides teach tourgoers about the city’s food and culture. Travelers say the food on the tour is plentiful and tasty, but they warn that you’ll be doing a lot of walking.
Tickets include all food tastings.
1. What can visitors do during the Open Top Night Tour?| A．Admire charged light shows. | B．Explore well-known buildings. |
| C．Board buses on Fremont Street. | D．Enjoy an evening double decker bus tour. |
| A．Visitors can try a horseback ride. |
| B．Visitors can have some food to taste. |
| C．Visitors can enjoy views from high in the air. |
| D．Visitors can learn about the history of Las Vegas. |
| A．Secret Food Tours — Las Vegas Strip |
| B．Big Bus Las Vegas — Open Top Night Tour |
| C．Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopters — Grand Celebration Tour |
| D．Cowboy Trail Rides — Red Rock Canyon Sunset Horseback Ride |
9 . One of my bad habits is saying “busy” when people ask me how I’m doing. Sometimes it’s because I actually am busy, but other times it’s because that’s what I think I’m supposed to say. That’s what important people say. That’s what people who get promoted say. But working long hours doesn’t drive better results. Never taking a vacation won’t lead to a promotion. So why are we so proud to talk about how busy we are all the time?
In 2016, researchers from Columbia, Harvard, and Georgetown conducted a study to figure it out. They found busy people are perceived to be of high status, and interestingly, the status is heavily influenced by our own beliefs about social mobility. In other words, the more we believe that one has the opportunity for success based on hard work, the more we tend to think that people who skip leisure and work all the time are of higher standing.
That’s why we feel like we have to appear busy, and there’s a view that if someone is knee-deep in meetings, emails, and stress, then they’re probably a big deal. This culture of busyness is making it hard for employees to find work-life balance. According to a recent study, one in five highly engaged employees is at risk of burnout.
Personally, I’m going to stop saying “busy” when people ask me how I am. It sounds self-righteous (自以为是的) and sets the wrong tone. Phrases like “I have limited access to email” and “I’ll respond as soon as I get back” sound like you’re being held against your will from working as opposed to making the most of your time off.
That’s why we recently launched the Out of Office Email Generator, a free tool you can use before your next long weekend or trip. You can share loud and proud that you won’t be checking email until you’re back. Managers need to think twice about emailing their teams on the weekend and talking about how busy they are. Leaders should take time off themselves and encourage employees to do the same.
1. What is a reason for the author to be in the habit of saying “busy”?| A．He is actually proud to be fully occupied. |
| B．He just follows successful people’s example. |
| C．He thinks everyone should be devoted to work. |
| D．He believes busyness ensures accomplishments. |
| A．Our status can be down to our social mobility. |
| B．Few people of high status have time for leisure. |
| C．Our opportunity for success never comes easily. |
| D．We hold the belief that hard work leads to success. |
| A．I enjoy my time off work. | B．I am forced to stop working. |
| C．1 am opposed to the work culture. | D．I am too busy to check all emails. |
| A．To stop managers talking about how busy they usually are. |
| B．To allow for less time busy employees spend checking emails. |
| C．To ensure employees as well as employers truly have time off. |
| D．To encourage employers and employees to answer emails in time. |
10 . Consciousness (意识) rises slowly, awakening with the dawn that brightens my room. Cool air clears my mind as I walk to the kitchen, where my husband is making his morning coffee. The fire he thoughtfully started is beginning to heat the living space.
By my second cup, everyone is awake. After breakfast, we begin the busy work of a rural place. Chopping (砍) wood for the stove and clearing snow off steps and pathways. Our kids are big enough to be properly helpful and find joy in the work when everyone is doing it together.
Then we take a walk through the fresh snow. We discover an amazing array of animals on display in the markings that they have left. After dinner, we play cards with a lot of energy and competitive interaction. Eventually, we’ll turn off the lights and with the fire crackling (噼啪作响), cuddle (拥抱) on the couch to watch the stars through the windows before heading off to bed.Weekends at the cabin (木屋) are magical. During the break, our family constantly balances the demands of work and school. I’m subject to my watch and alarm clock. But coming to the cabin on the weekend is like entering another world.
Here, I don’t need to know what time it is-sunrise and sunset, hunger and chores set our schedule. The house and the woods around it are silent and dark, except for birdsong and the moon. Life seems less pressing, and it’s easier to live in the moment without distraction.
When I get up the next morning, my son is already sitting in front of the fire, staring at the flames. I sit beside him, and he leans into me, sleepy and a bit sad. “What’s up?” I ask. “I just don’t want to go home yet. I like it better here.”
I know what he means. I smile and put my arms around him. “Even when we’re home, this place is always here, where it’s quiet and safe, and everyone you love has time for you.”
I don’t really mean the cabin, and I think he knows that.
1. What are paragraphs 1-3 mainly about?| A．The reasons the family go to the cabin. |
| B．The activities of the family at the cabin. |
| C．The adventures of the family in the woods. |
| D．The attitudes of the family to their cabin life. |
| A．She can reunite with her family. |
| B．She enjoys the silence there most. |
| C．She finds her life there more thrilling. |
| D．She was not enslaved by tight schedules. |
| A．A rural culture. | B．An isolated life. |
| C．A place of connection. | D．An energetic interaction. |
| A．Taking a Break | B．A Weekend Picnic |
| C．Embracing Our Life | D．A Conscious Attempt |
