1 . Minu Pauline is the owner of Pappadavada Restaurant in Kochi, India. Late one night, as she watched a homeless woman searching through the garbage bin outside her house, a realization hit her with full force — she had been abandoning perfectly good leftover food while someone in need was looking for food.

Touched by this sad sight, Pauline knew she had to find a solution to this problem. That woman had been sleeping and was woken up by her hunger, so she had to go in search of food instead of sleeping.

Inspired by her desire to make a difference, she decided to take action. The idea was simple but mighty: She placed a refrigerator at the entrance of her restaurant, stored with leftover food that anyone could take for free. This refrigerator became a beacon (灯塔) of hope for the hungry and the homeless.

Each day, Pauline fills the refrigerator with 75 to 80 packets of leftovers, carefully labeling each one with the date it was cooked. And there are days when she goes above and beyond, putting in 100 packets to ensure no one leaves hungry. The self-service refrigerator is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, allowing anyone in need to access a warm meal whenever they require it. It's about recognizing the value of resources and combating food waste.

In an interview with The Huffington Post, she passionately emphasized that while money may belong to individuals, resources are a communal asset. She believes that wasting resources, especially food, is not only a loss for individuals but also a disservice to society as a whole.

Through her selfless act. Pauline has sparked a ripple (涟漪) of kindness and compassion in her community.

1. What happened to Minu Pauline in paragraph 1?

A．She got to know a homeless woman.	B．She received a very strange customer.
C．She saw the struggle of a poor woman.	D．She met with a lady collecting garbage.

2. What does the underlined word “mighty” in paragraph 3 probably mean?

A．Powerful.

B．Demanding.

C．Ridiculous.

D．Interesting.

3. What does the fourth paragraph mainly tell us?

A．Why Pauline set up the free refrigerator.	B．How Pauline operates her free refrigerator.
C．Who can take food from the refrigerator.	D．When more free refrigerators are available.

4. What will the text most probably talk about next?

A．People's reaction to Pauline's free refrigerator.

B．The spread of Pauline's charity in her neighborhood.

C．The praise from the community to Pauline's action.

D．The challenges for Pauline to run her charity group.

2 . For the history of life on Earth, organisms have relied on the light of the sun, moon, and stars to find their way and schedule their lives. While the beginning of electric lighting in the late 19th century may have benefited humans, it has caused problems in the natural world. Among the impacts of artificial light at night(ALAN), light pollution lures migrating birds to cities with shocking consequences, contributes to the alarming decline in insect populations, and convinces sea turtle babies to amble(缓行)away from the water instead of towards it.

Now, a new study from the University of Plymouth adds another disappointing finding about how ALAN is affecting the creatures with whom we share the planet: Light pollution from coastal cities can trick corals(珊瑚)into reproducing outside of the optimum times when they would normally reproduce.

Using a combination of light pollution data and spawning(产卵)observations, researchers were able to show for the first time that corals exposed to ALAN are spawning one to three days earlier and closer to the full moon compared to those on unlit corals. “That shift may reduce the survival and fertilization success of gametes(配子)and genetic connectivity between nearby lit and unlit coral systems,” they explain.

“Corals are among the most biodiverse, economically important, and threatened ecosystems on the planet,” write the authors of the study.

“Climate change has led to mass bleaching(褪色)events. Habitat destruction, fisheries, and pollution have reduced corals substantially since the 1950s,” they write, adding, “The complete loss of corals is anticipated over the next 100 years.”

If we want to reduce the harm ALAN is causing, we could perhaps look to delay the switching-on of night-time lighting in coastal regions to ensure the natural dark period between sunset and moonrise when coral reproduction remains undisturbed.

1. Why is the first paragraph written?

A．To present the topic of the text.	B．To advocate energy conservation.
C．To explain a natural phenomenon.	D．To provide background information.

2. What does the underlined word “optimum” in paragraph 2 mean?

A．Possible.

B．Appropriate.

C．Flexible.

D．Sensitive.

3. What is the researchers’ major concern over corals?

A．Extinction.	B．Losing value.
C．Terrible diseases.	D．Exposure to moonlight.

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

A．Creatures Rely on Natural Lights to Schedule Their Life

B．Night-time Lighting Shortens Natural Dark Period

C．Coastal Lights Trick Corals into Early Spawning

D．Light Pollution Leads to Serious Consequences

3 . Physicist and Nobel Prize winner Richard Feynman developed a clever learning method known as the Feynman Technique. It involves explaining what you're learning to others. By teaching what you’ve learned from memory, you engage in active recall.     1     It also ensures that you understand the topic, because you can only explain an idea if you truly understand it. The technique consists of four repeatable steps.

To begin, choose a concept or topic you wish to fully understand.     2     The more interested you are, the faster you’ll grasp it. Moreover, a personally interesting topic will keep you motivated and engaged.

    3     Write notes and explain it in a way that makes sense to a five-year-old. If you’d rather avoid actually teaching someone, you can just teach it to an imaginary audience. But it works much better if you use a real person. They’ll be able to let you know when something isn’t clear.

While teaching you may discover gaps in your understanding.     4     Review your notes, reread books, or seek external help to ensure you have a complete understanding of the context before moving forward.

Now that you fully grasp the concept, test your understanding by trying to teach it to another person. This will help you identify any remaining areas of uncertainty you need to revisit.

The Feynman Technique is a great way for kids and grown-ups to learn.     5     You need to actively think about the problem instead of passively reading or listening to someone else. However, with great efforts in mastering this method, you’ll see your learning results improve quicker than ever before.

A．It is mentally demanding.

B．This helps the information stick in your mind better.

C．Teach it to a five-year-old, who would give you direct feedback.

D．Your curiosity about it will determine the pace of your learning.

E．Once you have chosen a topic, you can teach it to someone else.

F．Active engagement plays a key role in promoting deeper learning.

G．When this happens, refer back to the original material for the missing pieces.

4 . We’re growing more used to chatting to our computers, phones and smart speakers through voice assistants. Out of these assistants, Siri is the most well-known spoken web. Blind people have been using text-to-speech assistant for decades.     1    

Some think voice could soon take over from clicking as the main way to interact online. They believe online interaction would soon depend mainly on voice.     2    

Building the spoken web—web-to-voice and voice-to-web—is by no means an easy task. For software to answer simple questions about the weather and play music for us is easy.     3     Artificial intelligence isn’t smart enough yet. Even turning your voice into text is one of the hardest problems to solve. There are as many ways to pronounce things as there are people on the planet.

Using voice interaction feels far closer than surfing the net the old-fashioned way.     4     But if something speaks, it must also listen. Our phones are always near us and they are constantly collecting their personal information. This has already raised privacy concerns. People worry assistants will one day be used to deliver advertising directly to us.

    5     In environments when one’s hands are occupied, such as while driving or cooking, the spoken web is helpful. Think about when you are cooking, it is natural to talk. And speech obviously makes sense when you are driving. On the other hand, in a quiet library, using voice commands to ask a question may not be as suitable as typing, as it could disturb others. The effectiveness of using voice depends on the specific surroundings.

A．Spoken web requires more personality to become popular.

B．But what are the challenges of moving to ”the spoken web“?

C．It is also possible to search for different information you need.

D．The benefits of using voice obviously depend on the context.

E．The informal tone of the assistant helps create an emotional attachment.

F．But to have a conversation with users on diverse topics is a long way off.

G．People who can’t read can also obtain information using the spoken web.

5 . Top Coffee-producing Countries

Brazil

Back in the 18th century, Brazil started growing coffee. Now, around 300,000 coffee farmers in Brazil produce about 40% of the world’s coffee. Arabica (阿拉比卡咖啡) takes up 70% of the coffee beans grown in the country. In Brazil, 3% of export income is from coffee beans. Brazilians are wild about drinking their coffee and consume it all day long.

Vietnam

Coffee found its way to Vietnam in the 1800s. Now coffee industry employs almost 3 million people. Most of Vietnam’s coffee production is the less appreciated Robusta (罗布斯塔咖啡) variety. Because of that, most coffee beans grown in Vietnam are for instant coffee. Despite coffee’s popularity as an export crop, the Vietnamese still prefer tea. They also make a famous Cappuccino (卡布奇诺咖啡) not found elsewhere—famous because it gets a dose of raw egg if that’s to your liking.

Colombia

Coffee was introduced into Colombia in the early 1700s. In Colombia, about 2.3 million acres of land are planted with coffee. Coffee is the most important agricultural export. There are around 555,000 coffee growers in Colombia. The majority of Colombian coffee plantations are owned by families. Colombians typically start their morning with a tinto. It’s a small cup of black coffee that’s sweetened with sugar. They may add cinnamon or other spices to jazz it up.

Indonesia

Indonesia has a long coffee history that goes back to the 1600s, which has its share of ups and downs. In the late 19th century, the terrible coffee rust disease caused death to many of the high-quality coffee plants. To prevent this from happening again, Indonesia replanted with the disease-resistant Robusta coffee. Arabica beans still play a part in the Indonesian coffee market, representing about 25% of coffee beans grown there.

1. Which of the four countries started growing coffee earliest?

A．Brazil.

B．Vietnam.

C．Colombia.

D．Indonesia.

2. What is special about Vietnam?

A．A unique kind of coffee drink is made there.

B．High-quality coffee beans are produced there.

C．Coffee was produced for the home market there.

D．Coffee planting met with problems in the 1990s there.

3. What do Brazil and Colombia have in common?

A．Coffee exports are growing in both countries.

B．They both have a coffee-loving population.

C．They share the same number of coffee growers.

D．Coffee farms are owned by families in both countries.

6 . Traveling is an enriching experience that offers numerous benefits, especially for high school students. Exploring new places and immersing oneself in different cultures can broaden horizons, foster personal growth, and provide valuable education al opportunities     1     , traveling has the power to shape young minds and leave lasting impressions.

First and foremost, traveling exposes students to new cultures and perspectives     2     By encountering different languages, traditions, and customs, students develop tolerance, empathy, and appreciation for diversity. They learn to respect and embrace differences, which is a crucial skill in today’s interconnected global society.

Furthermore, travel provides unique education al opportunities that cannot be copied in a classroom setting.     3     Science becomes concrete when observing wildlife in its natural habitat or engaging in ecological projects Art and literature gain new perspectives when exposed to different artistic styles and literary traditions. Students can become active learners, connecting what they have studied with real-life experiences.

    4     It encourages students to step outside their comfort zones and face challenges independently. They learn to navigate unfamiliar environments, make decisions, and take responsibility for their actions. These experiences foster independence, self-confidence, and adaptability, qualities that will serve them well throughout their lives.

In conclusion, traveling offers high school students immense benefits. It broadens their perspectives, provides educational opportunities, promotes personal growth, and create s lasting memories and friendships. It is an investment in their future, shaping them into-well-rounded individuals who are open-minded, culturally aware, and adaptable to different situations     5     .

A．Even though my travel seems really short

B．Traveling also promotes personal growth and self-discovery

C．Moreover, traveling creates lasting memories and lifelong friendships

D．Whether it’s a short weekend getaway or a long international adventure

E．History comes alive when visiting ancient ruins or exploring significant landmarks

F．So, pack your bags, set off on a journey, and let the world become your classroom

G．It allows them to step out of their comfort zones and gain a deeper understanding of the world around them

7 . Recent research highlights that the timing of our meals, particularly the last one of the day, can significantly affect our health. The story is not merely about what we consume, but also about when we do so.

The debate about dinner timing finds substantial, scientific support with a Brigham and Women’s Hospital (BWH) study published in Cell Metabolism in October 2022, suggesting that early dinners could have more health benefits than previously believed. And it defined an early dinner as a meal consumed three to four hours before bedtime, in line with our body’s circadian rhythm (生理节奏).

The BWH study discovered clear differences in metabolic (新陈代谢的) profiles of early and late diners. Early diners demonstrated lower blood glucose (葡萄糖) levels, improved fat-burning capacity, better sleep quality, and higher energy levels. Meanwhile, late dinners led to increased hunger, slower calorie burning, and higher fat storage, posing risks for conditions like diabetes(糖尿病).

The exact timing of dinner isn’t a one-size-fits-all choice, as people’s routines vary widely. Maya Feller, a nutritionist based in Brooklyn, NY, emphasizes that our schedules —ranging from traditional nine-to-five to round-the-clock — are critical when considering “ideal” meal times. Therefore, finding a dinner time that fits into your schedule is essential, rather than sticking to a strict, potentially impossible timetable.

Wendy Bazilian, DrPH, offers insightful tips for those whose routines may not permit an early dinner. She recommends consuming meals or snacks every three to five hours. This regular eating pattern can help . stabilize blood sugar levels, preventing the feeling of hunger. Furthermore, it’s advantageous to leave a gap of two to three hours between your last meal and bedtime. This gap ensures your body has sufficient time for most of the digestion process — letting you get adequate rest and repair during sleep.

So it’s time to reconsider not just the contents of your plate, but also the clock. After all, leading a healthy lifestyle isn’t merely about counting calories but alșo understanding when and how to fuel our bodies.

1. What did the Brigham and Women’s Hospital(BWH) study mainly focus on?

A．The recommended daily diet.	B．Our body’s circadian rhythm.
C．The drawbacks of early dinners.	D．The importance of dinner timing.

2. What may be the result of having an early dinner?

A．Having a strong sense of hunger.	B．Storing up more fat in your body.
C．Having a higher risk of diabetes.	D．Enjoying a sound night’s sleep.

3. What advice does Wendy Bazilian give to the late diners?

A．They’re supposed to grab some food every 5. hours.

B．They’d better have access to adequate rest and repair,

C．They should allow for digestion process before bedtime.

D．They are advised to keep their blood sugar level stable.

4. What is the best title for the text?

A．The Healthiest Time to Eat Dinner.	B．We Are What We Eat.
C．Benefits of Good Dietary Habits.	D．Eating Less in the Evening.

8 . In the vast Atlantic Ocean, the hogfish is showing a talent that seems straight out of a science fiction novel. This species has the extraordinary ability to observe its surroundings through its skin, without the use of its eyes. The process behind this phenomenon is the subject of in-depth study, with researchers seeking to unlock the potential technologies this vision mode might inspire.

At the heart of the hogfish’s skin vision are special cells’named chromatophores, which are cells capable of changing color. However, the standout role is played by another set of cells, their iridophores. These cells are sensitive to light and send the signals to chromatophores, managing a complex interaction that enhances a visual understanding of their environment.

Exploring the complexities of this vision mode is not without challenges. Scientists are on the verge of fully understanding the complex relationship of these cells. The complicated manner in which these cells communicate and cooperate to create a unique vision system presents a fascinating yet difficult field of study. As Justine Allen, a researcher deeply involved in this study, admits, “We are far from truly understanding it.”

Despite the challenges, the scientific community is buoyant about the potential breakthroughs that might occur from this line of research. Revealing the secrets of hogfish’s skin vision can potentially lead to revolutionary developments in various fields. The horizon seems to be broad with possibilities like the creation of smart clothes that adapt to changing light conditions, or highly advanced cameras that copy the hogfish’s unique visual capabilities. Furthermore, the applications could extend to the car industry with smart cars adapting to changing environmental conditions, or even in the medical field with devices capable of non-invasive (非侵入的) sensing techniques.

As researchers explore deeper into this mystery, the potential seem limitless. Understanding the hogfish’s unique vision can open doors to technologies that are yet to be realized, presenting a future where science fiction might just integrate with reality.

1. What role do iridophores play in hogfish’s skin vision?

A．They store nutrients for the hogfish’s skin cells.

B．They help regulate the hogfish’s body temperature..

C．They transmit signals to other cells for visual understanding.

D．They change color to help the fish integrate with surroundings.

2. Why is studying the hogfish’s skin vision challenging

A．The cells involved are difficult to observe.

B．The hogfish’s skin vision is not well-developed.

C．The vision system is similar to other sea creatures.

D．The process of communication among cells is complex.

3. In the 4th paragraph, what does the underlined word “buoyant” probably mean?

A．Critical.	B．Insecure.
C．Doubtful.	D．Optimistic.

4. What is the main idea of the text?

A．Chromatophores plays an important role in animal vision.

B．The hogfish’s skin vision is a rare and unusual phenomenon.

C．Scientists explore hogfish’s vision for practical applications.

D．Researchers are struggling to understand the hogfish’s vision.

9 . As you can imagine, there are many types of advertisements all of which run in different mediums, on different channels, and have different goals in mind for their business.

Direct Mail Advertising

Direct mail involves creating and distributing printed materials to a targeted mailing list. These materials can include post cards, brochures, and letters. This method first came about in 1835.

It’s still quite effective, even in the digital age. Not only do consumers enjoy receiving physical mail, but there’s also much less competition compared to the tons of email marketing ads that people receive each day.

Radio Advertising

United States radio stations launched their first commercial broadcasts in 1920. And while we might all drive around with our iPhones for music these days, don’t let that fool you.

Radio is still a workable marketing and advertising platform today for expanding the reach of sponsored(赞助) events and new products. In this ad method, the advertiser pays the radio station to play the ir ad during breaks between music or a radio show.

Social Media Advertising

Social media advertising is a form of internet advertising that combined with the introduction of social media in the 2000s. In this ad method, advertisers promote products, services, or content on social media platforms, such as Facebook and TikTok.

There are also many different ad forms to choose from when advertising on social media, such as image ads, video ads, sponsored posts, and more.

Mobile Advertising

Since the early 2000s, mobile advertising has been a popular method due to the widespread use of cell phones. It involves delivering promotional messages or advertisements through text messages, mobile apps, and mobile websites.

With this method, advertisers can maximize the use of data and create highly personalized ads based on location, behavior, and user interests.

1. What is the advantage of Direct Mail Advertising mentioned in the passage?

A．It reaches a large audience quickly.

B．It allows for interaction with consumers.

C．It is the most cost-effective advertising method.

D．It has less competition compared to email marketing.

2. What does the advertisement seen on TikTok belong to?

A．Radio Advertising	B．Mobile Advertising
C．Direct Mail Advertising	D．Social Media Advertising

3. What allows Mobile Advertising to create highly personalized ads?

A．Mobile apps	B．Text messages
C．The maximum use of data	D．The widespread use of cell phones

10 . I joined the coast guard because I wanted to help people. Hovercraft (气垫船) are rare and special. They’ve been discontinued in most commercial operation, because they are so expensive to make, but when it comes to search and rescue, they’re priceless.

From far away, a hovercraft looks like a normal boat. But if you look under its skirt, the craft is not touching the water — it floats on a cushion of air. That cushion allows us to travel over everything from water to muddy land — and even break through ice. We do all of that as a 70-tonne machine, going a maximum of nearly 120 kilometers per hour. These features allow us to rescue a large number of people quickly get onto land, and get someone into an ambulance far easier than with any other device I can think of.

The advantages of hovercraft can also make them difficult to handle. We’ve got a massive vehicle moving fast, sometimes in a thick fog bank up a narrow river. During assignments on other coast guard ships, I had 20 minutes to make alterations to avoid a crash. In a hovercraft, I have 10 seconds. You have to have enough situational awareness to make the right decision every time.

People call us for all sorts of problems: missing divers, on-board fires, or even when they’ve run out of fuel or had a mechanical breakdown. A container ship could burst into flames. We have a strong network here at the base to help everyone through difficult situations like that. Thankfully, we have captains who train us in a safe environment, but you don’t ever get fully comfortable. Anything can throw the hovercraft off — maybe your lift settings are off a little, or the wind blows with a bit of extra weight. After several years operating a hovercraft, I’m still learning. Every one of the captains here agrees: you can drive this thing for 20 years and still be surprised.

1. What makes hovercraft unsuitable for commercial use?

A．Their safety risks.

B．Their poor durability.

C．Their low efficiency.

D．Their production costs.

2. What is paragraph 2 mainly about?

A．How a hovercraft works.	B．What comprises a hovercraft.
C．What distinguishes a hovercraft.	D．How a hovercraft helps victims.

3. What challenge do hovercraft pose to the pilot?

A．They have to make faster responses.

B．They often face mechanical breakdowns.

C．They need more people for decision making.

D．They must consider the environmental concerns.

4. What does the author think of operating a hovercraft?

A．Dull.

B．Demanding.

C．Enjoyable.

D．Effortless.