1 . While some critics claim that history curricula (课程) teach unnecessary content, others argue that these curricula need to be more comprehensive. Despite ongoing debates about content, one universal truth remains: strong history curricula are necessary for developing the productive citizens of tomorrow.

The greatest academic value that history curricula provide is not the recall of important dates and names. Rather, understanding the historical inquiry process is the most important component. This process teaches students how to become critical thinkers and understand the dynamic nature of the telling of history.

Through strong history curricula, students are shown both a variety of primary and secondary sources and are taught to critique them. This is where the historical inquiry process begins. Students not only begin to analyze and ask questions about the content, but they also learn about the author’s credibility and potential bias (偏见). Students are then able to contextualize the information they learn and can think more critically about historical con text and those who tell it.

With this framework, students can then understand the causal relationship between human nature, values, philosophy, actions, and their consequences. It teaches students to recognize recurrent themes and lessons that are necessary to understand modern society. Most importantly, it teaches students to develop a healthy skepticism (怀疑论) when presented with information today because our actions are history in the making.

Forty years ago, renowned scholar James Fitzgerald argued that no education is complete without the teaching of historical inquiry. He believed that the only way to move forward in life is to understand what’s behind us.

Today, this principle still holds true. Students take both the factual knowledge and the historical inquiry skills they learn in the classroom and apply them to real world circumstances. Throughout their lives, students who are taught with strong history curricula will take the lessons they learn from our predecessors and become involved, active, productive citizens who want to create a history that tomorrow’s students will be proud to learn about.

1. What is the biggest academic significance of history learning?

A．Passing down Chinese culture.	B．Grasping historical inquiry skills.
C．Making people more knowledgeable.	D．Enriching people’s everyday life.

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

A．Protect.

B．Combine.

C．Comment.

D．Remember.

3. Why is James Fitzgerald mentioned in the passage?

A．To stress the importance of history.

B．To point out the essence of education.

C．To indicate famous people learn from history.

D．To show history contributes to people’s achievements.

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

A．It Is the People that Create History

B．History Pushes the Wheel of the Times

C．History Curricula Are Gaining More Attention

D．History Curricula Shape Tomorrow’s Decision Makers

2 . Each year, you’ll spend a total of about 24 hours brushing your teeth. The best sources of advice for top toothbrushing technique are the best-practice guidelines from both the American Dental Association(ADA) and the British Dental Association(BDA).

Both the associations are clear: you have to brush your teeth for two minutes, twice a day, every day. Dr. Richard Niederman, chair of the Department of Epidemiology and Health Promotion at New York University’s College of Dentistry, is less firm: he says research shows there is little difference between brushing your teeth for two minutes or just brushing them for one.     1     No matter how long you brush for, it’s important to hit each and every one of your teeth, and giving yourself a minimum time is a good way to ensure you do so. Just set a timer and don’t stop until it goes off. You can get a special sand timer with smiling teeth to remind you that happy teeth mean no visits to the dentist (other than your yearly check-up).     2    

When you brush is important, too. The BDA recommends you wait at least 60 minutes after eating, especially if you’ve had anything acidic. Some dentists think that’s because the acid from the food slightly damages your teeth and your saliva(唾液)needs time to remineralizer them.     3    

Use a soft-bristled(软毛的)toothbrush that feels comfortable and fits your mouth. You can use a regular or electric toothbrush, whichever works for you.     4     Also, both the ADA and BDA recommend fluoride toothpaste. Research shows it’s the most effective way to reduce cavities(龋齿洞).

    5     They believe this will be more effective and get their teeth cleaner, faster. Instead, think of the toothbrush as a broom-the firmer you press, the less dirt it can sweep. Once you’ve got your brush all pasted up, hold it at a 45-degree angle to your gums(牙龈)and brush with short, back-and-forth strokes, while sweeping the plaque (牙菌斑)away at once.

A．One big mistake people make is brushing too hard.

B．They have been shown to be effective at beating back plaque.

C．Much less, though, and you’re probably neglecting your teeth.

D．If the bristles are visibly worn down, you’ve waited too long.

E．An electric toothbrush with a built-in timer is also a good alternative.

F．Brushing too soon, you’re not letting the natural protection do its work.

G．Most people brush their teeth, spit out the toothpaste, and then use mouthwash.

3 . Friendships can enrich your life in many ways. Good friends teach you about yourself and challenge you to be better.     1    . So how do friendships contribute to your well-being?

●Friends encourage healthy behaviors

One possible explanation for those health benefits is that friendships can help you make lifestyle changes that can have a direct impact on your well-being. For example, your friends can help you set and maintain goals to eat better and exercise more.

●    2    

If you find yourself going through a hard time, having a friend to help you through can make the transition (转变) easier.

Research also shows that happiness is contagious (有感染力的) among friends. One study of high school students found that those who were depressed were twice as likely to recover if they had happy friends.     3    .

●Friends help build your confidence

    4    . But supportive friends can help you feel more confident by offering praise when you’re feeling unsure. They’ll shine a light on just how amazing you are and how much you have to offer others.

●Friends push you to be your best

Great friends have the power to mold(塑造) you into the best version of yourself.     5    . They encourage you and push you to do better and be the person you want to be—your “ideal self”.

A．Friends help you beat stress

B．Friends give you emotional support

C．They also have a positive impact on your health

D．They see you and love you for who you truly are

E．Friends can also help you cope with stressful situations

F．Everyone has self-doubts and insecurities every now and then

G．Likewise, kids were half as likely to develop depression if their friends had a “healthy mood”

4 . How to Make Friends at Community College

Making friends in community college is a bit trickier than in four-year schools in some cases. Students don’t typically dorm at community colleges, so there isn’t always a shared living environment.    1    Here’s a look at how to make friends at a community college.

Get hired on campus

While working part-time, most initial engagement involves assisting students with their needs. For example, if you work in the bookstore, the conversational icebreaker usually focuses on finding out what the other students need to find. Previously, you may have only had opportunities to socialize with other students in your classes.    2    .

Attend events

    3    . Whether it’s special lectures, career fairs, musical performances, or anything else, these occasions bring students together outside of the classroom. By participating in activities that correspond to their hobbies or preferences, you and your peers can meet other like-minded students. Plus, the event can be an initial topic of conversation, giving your peers an easy way to engage with others.

    4    

College work will occupy most of your day. Your health, for one, is something you may start to neglect as you throw yourself fully into college life. Needless to say, ignoring your health is absolutely unacceptable.    5    . You can start with your pal by heading over to your school’s gym or fit-ness center and try meeting new people there.

A．Work out with a partner

B．Find a job in your gym

C．You may start to see some new faces at your job though.

D．However, that doesn’t mean opportunities aren’t available

E．Community colleges offer programs that are two years long

F．Community colleges do hold a variety of activities throughout the year

G．Finding yourself an exercise buddy will help encourage you to become more active

5 . The Global Food Donation Policy Atlas has issued a recent report in order to recommend ways to increase food donations, reduce food waste, and fight hunger, which may help Kenyan leaders meet 2030 food waste reduction goals.

Food donation can reroute eatable food—that would otherwise give off greenhouse gasses in a landfill—to those experiencing hunger. According to the Famine Early Warning Systems Network, 3.5 million Kenyans, roughly 37 percent of the population, face severe hunger. At the same time, the Policy Atlas reports roughly 40 percent of food produced within Kenya goes to waste. But Broad Leib, Deputy Director of Harvard Law School Food Law and Policy Clinic (FLPC), sees some promising changes. “While progress is not happening as quickly as needed, Kenya’s food loss index has been steadily reduced from 1,744 metric tons in 2017, to 1,531 in 2018, to 1,446 metric tons in 2019, indicating a steady improvement and national commitment to food loss reduction,” reports Broad Leib.

According to the Policy Atlas, motivating food donation with rewards is particularly important, which helps food donors and food recovery organizations make up for costs necessary for recovery, storing, processing, and transporting food for donation.

“A major driver of food waste is inconsistent or unclear date labels that cause confusion among all actors along the value chain and limit the ability of businesses to donate food. This increases the likelihood that much safe food will go to waste,” Broad Leib tells Food Tank. However, he acknowledges Kenya’s current dual (双的) date labeling laws. While food may lose its freshness over time, it is still eatable before expiration (到期). Dual date labeling on packaged foods reduces bewilderment by defining dates for both safety and quality. This helps reduce considerable waste and responsibility for donors.

Broad Leib believes that the private sector can also play a significant role in decreasing food waste in Kenya. It is vital for consumer education campaigns. FLPC’s research shows that public-private initiatives can help raise awareness among consumers and donors around issues of food waste and food donation.

1. What changes does Broad Leib see?

A．People in Kenya no longer suffer hunger.

B．Kenya has gradually reduced its food waste.

C．Kenya is not committed to reducing food loss.

D．Progress in reducing food waste is happening quickly.

2. What does the underlined word “bewilderment” mean in Paragraph 4?

A．Sadness.

B．Convenience.

C．Confusion.

D．Emotion.

3. How can Kenya reduce food waste according to Broad Leib?

A．By increasing storehouses.

B．By fighting hunger with rewards.

C．By reducing food produced within the country.

D．By using double date labeling on packaged food.

4. What can we learn from the last paragraph?

A．Consumer education campaigns are the most important.

B．Only the private sector is helpful in reducing food waste.

C．Private and public joint efforts matter around food issues.

D．Broad Leib doesn’t agree with FLPC on food waste reduction.

6 . Taste in music varies considerably, but whatever people enjoy listening to, they often report an emotional response that has a touch of the physical to it. Maybe you feel beautiful music gives you the feeling of being cold, or makes your hair stand on end.

By studying a rare person, named BW, who does not like or respond to music at all, psychologist Psyche Loui of Northeastern University has discovered that connectivity patterns in the brain link finding music rewarding with finding social interaction enjoyable.

“BW said he had never understood why people enjoy music,” Loui says. BW is not someone who doesn’t like art, Loui says. “He goes to museums. He’s an enthusiastic photographer. He likes good food. He likes long walks on the beach. He just doesn’t like music.” He told Loui that when he saw a person at the grocery store with headphones in their ears dancing to music, he could never understand why anyone would do that. “This really seems to be a somewhat socially weakening experience,” Loui says.

“Given that music is important for social bonding across different cultures and that music is a way for the hearing system to connect to the reward system, one strong prediction is that music reward sensitivity can partially explain individual differences in sensitivity to social reward.”

This newly discovered connectivity between the hearing and reward systems may be why we feel emotions in response to music, Loui says. “I think that there’s a role of music for social bonding.” She also thinks there are influences from this work for other conditions with low social reward. “If people who don’t love music have differences in specific systems in the brain, then that shows these specific systems are related to the love of music. Then we can examine what else engages these same systems and what other abilities or human capacities are linked to music.”

1. Why are “being cold” and “hair stand on end” mentioned in Paragraph 1?

A．To develop the plot.	B．To draw a conclusion.
C．To make comparisons.	D．To support the argument.

2. What is BW’s attitude towards music?

A．He thinks music is important in social bonding.

B．He enjoys music while wandering on the beach.

C．He figures music is less important than art and food.

D．He takes little interest in and is unresponsive to music.

3. What will Loui probably examine in the follow-up study?

A．What role music plays in social bonding.

B．How people respond to music emotionally.

C．Whether specific music influences brain system.

D．What other human abilities are linked with music.

4. What’s the text mainly about?

A．People’s emotional and physical reactions to beautiful music.

B．Connections between enjoyment of music and social interaction.

C．Relationships among social bonding, diverse cultures and music.

D．Links among music sensibility, hearing system and reward system.

7 . “Women do not own lands in my community except if they are able to buy one, as most of the lands in a family are passed on to the male children. So a woman who intends to own a land must be prepared to work hard.”

Monica Maigari was born and raised in her native community of Madakiya, located in the southern part of Kaduna state of northwestern Nigeria. In 2014, her achievements as a farmer, community leader, and women’s advocate won her recognition as an Oxfam Female Food Hero. Since that time, she has deepened her involvement in the local community while sharing her skills with influential audiences.

Monica has been a farmer for more than 30 years. Despite great challenges faced by rural women farmers, such as land accessibility, labour costs, market access, and climate change, she has achieved great success. She started with a small field for crop cultivation in 1984 and then expanded into various crops and livestock farming. Like all farmers in her region, Monica’s agricultural productivity is threatened by climate change. She is leading her community in adapting to the effects while challenging policymakers to act.

In November 2014, out of the 1,280 contestants nationwide, Monica won the Female Food Hero title for her innovative and leadership qualities. Against local practices, she chose to purchase farmland with her prize money in order to reduce the cost of renting a land and help plough back (把……再投资)that money into her agribusiness.

She describes the FFH as being a truly life changing experience, “I acquired several skills. I was taught the value chain. My productivity and income has steadily increased. I am more financially stable. Since her recognition from Oxfam, Monica has been in demand as a speaker throughout Nigeria and abroad, and she is now able to educate other female farmers. Realizing this yet always humble (谦虚的), Monica simply describes herself as “a hard-working woman devoted to encouraging women especially those less privileged to go into agriculture”.

1. What does the author intend to stress in Paragraph 1?

A．Monica’s achievements as a women’s advocate.

B．The challenges of having lands faced by women.

C．The role of male children played in possessing lands.

D．The importance of women’s involvement in agriculture.

2. Why was Monica chosen as a Food Hero?

A．She used her money to buy farmland.

B．She was creative and had strong leadership.

C．She served as a public speaker at home and abroad.

D．She owned lands in a community where women typically do not.

3. Which of the following can best describe Monica?

A．Shy but strict.	B．Creative but proud.
C．Devoted and inspiring.	D．Hard-working and sensitive.

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

A．Women’s Land Rights in Madakiya

B．Climate Change and Agriculture in Nigeria

C．Oxfam Female Food Hero: Monica Maigari

D．A Farmer’s Journey in Northwestern Nigeria

8 . “Do what you love, not what others tell you is right,” says Georgia Lines of New Zealand.

I spoke with the 24-year-old singer-songwriter earlier this month about her rise to fame. In 2022, Lines was named breakthrough artist of the year at the annual Aotearoa music awards ceremony. Aotearoa is the Maori name for New Zealand, an island country in the Pacific Ocean that is home to more than 5.1 million people.

Lines makes success look easy, but she has worked hard to perfect her skills. “I love what I do,” she told me. “I love it when I get lost in music, and everything works together.”

Already, Lines has opened for pop singer George Ezra. She hopes “to open for Harry Styles one day,” she added.

Lines has written more than 20 songs and worked together with several top artists, including Jack Burton, Alex James and Cassie Henderson. “I love working with other people and cooperating,” Lines said. “I find I work better when I’m with others, because we can exchange ideas with each other.”

When asked about her musical ambition growing up, Lines smiled. “I was never a musical genius as a child,”she said. “But I always loved singing and music.”

In recent years, Lines has drawn enthusiastic crowds for her concerts. The video for her hit song, “No One Knows”, won best music video of the year in New Zealand in 2021.

As for her future goals, Lines said that she wants “to have a promising career and to keep doing what I love.” That means focusing on her own career and artistic achievements. “Comparison is the robber of success, “she said. “If I had stopped to compare myself with others, I wouldn’t have made it as far as I have.”

1. What is the main topic of the author’s conversation with Lines?

A．Her childhood.	B．Her family.
C．Her style of music.	D．Her way to success.

2. What do we know about Lines from paragraph 5?

A．She likes teamwork.	B．She respects top artists most.
C．She has a gift for music.	D．She always loves music.

3. What is Lines trying to avoid doing?

A．Valuing money too much.	B．Ignoring her future career.
C．Comparing herself with others.	D．Taking others’ suggestions.

4. Which word best describes Lines?

A．Honest.

B．Knowledgeable.

C．Hard-working.

D．Kind-hearted.

9 . In a world ruled by hard exercise and complex fitness programs, the simple act of walking is often ignored(忽略).     1     It offers physical and mental benefits that lead to total happiness.

Heart Health and Weight Management

Walking is light heart exercise that helps improve heart health by increasing blood circulation(循环).     2     Besides, regular quick walking supports in weight management by burning calories and improving digestion(消化), making it an excellent choice for those looking to throw away pounds or keep a healthy weight.

Pressure Drop and Clear Mind

Taking a relaxing walk or quick walk has been shown to give off endorphins, the body’s natural ”feel-good” materials. This leads to lower pressure levels, improved feelings, and improved mental health. Walking outdoors in nature or in a peaceful environment can provide a refreshing escape from the daily tasks.     3    

Joint(关节)Health and Free Movement

Unlike active sports, walking is soft on the joints, making it a perfect choice for people of all ages and fitness levels.     4     At the same time, it also raises the ability to move freely and easily. Walking regularly can be particularly beneficial to those recovering from pain or looking to prevent problems with joints.

Social Communication and Connection

    5     Walking clubs, group climbs, or even simple walking with a friend or family member can provide an opportunity to connect, share experiences, and create lasting memories while at the same time bringing the physical benefits.

A．It helps oil joints and make them stronger.

B．It’s a cheap way to lead a healthier lifestyle.

C．So taking a walk can make your mind relaxed and fresh.

D．A quick walk after meals has been shown to benefit the stomach.

E．It cuts down the risk of heart disease and brings down blood pressure.

F．Walking is useful exercise that can easily be turned into a social activity.

G．However, walking remains one of the easiest and most useful forms of exercise.

10 . We all know reading can teach you facts, and knowing the right thing at the right time helps you be more successful. But is that the whole reason just about every smart, great person you can think of, from Bill Gates to Yu Minhong, credits much of their success to their reading? Of course not.

In fact, beyond simply educating us, books have more benefits (好处). They provide inspiration, guide our decisions, and sometimes even change our lives. Reading a good book can be so amazing that you forget about your troubles for a while. On top of that, reading helps us understand people from different walks of life. It gives us a window into their minds and hearts. Reading has many positive effects on your body as well. Research shows that people who read are less likely to suffer from anxiety. Regular readers also have lower rates of heart disease than those who do not read at all or only watch television. It works better and faster than other methods of relaxation, such as listening to music or drinking hot tea.

Of course, you are reading right now, but sorry, it doesn’t count. The most important benefits come from devoting the time and attention to longer, deeper content. What type of reading is best for the brain? They believe that reading a novel closely to study literature and thinking about its value is an effective exercise in the brain, more effective than just reading for pleasure. Don’t go fooling yourself into considering a look through Facebook as a brain workout.

I use Goodreads to track how many books I read, and try to increase the number every year. If you are inspired to get through more novels this year too, keep an eye on your brain’s performance too, to see if it’s making a difference. I can safely say that you’ll be amazed at the result!

But seriously, have you read any good books lately? Let me know in the comments.

1. What is paragraph 1 mainly about?

A．Great persons like reading.

B．Reading enriches people’s life.

C．Reading has far more benefits than listed.

D．Bill Gates and Yu Minhong have good credit.

2. What do we know about reading according to paragraph 2?

A．It frees us from trouble.

B．It helps us better understand others.

C．It is a useful way to treat heart disease.

D．It can take the place of physical exercise.

3. Which of the following reading activities benefits you most?

A．Turning to books for fun.

B．Looking through articles online.

C．Going through newspapers every morning.

D．Thinking about its value while reading a novel.

4. Which may be the best title for the text?

A．It’s never too late to read.	B．Deep reading works better.
C．A good book is a good friend.	D．There is no easy road to reading.