1 . Winter seems to drag on endlessly this time of year, so it’s only natural to start thinking about getting away, and the sunny south of France is calling your name!

Avignon

If you’re looking for history, then visit the town center of Avignon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you want to learn even more about this attractive town, then take a tour— it is often guided by a local expert. Hear the history first-hand and come away with a greater understanding as to how the town came to be.

Chateau

Nothing says French countryside more than a chateau surrounded by acres of vineyards. There are wines to choose from. You can also explore the surrounding natural beauty on a horse ride, and they even run vineyard tours on horseback for a truly unique experience. Be sure to bring back a bottle or two of the Chateau des Bertrands wine so you can share a glass with friends as you tell them all about your trip.

Magnificent Marseille

The oldest city in France, starting out as an ancient Greek colony (殖民地), with its rich history, can keep every holidaymaker happy. A unique way to see as much as possible of what this great city has to offer is to book onto a segway tour. See the sights of the Museum Marseilles, Cathédrale La Major, and the historic Le Panier, while you walk around the streets.

Cannes

With amazing blue waters, fresh seafood, and mild winters, it’s an attractive destination to visit all year round. If you want a beach day, we’d recommend the Plage du Midi, easily accessible from the center of town. If you want to make the most of the Mediterranean Sea, don’t just look at it — sail on it!

1. What makes Avignon different from the other three places?

A．Its beautiful scene.

B．Its mild weather.

C．Its rich history.

D．Its guided expert.

2. What does the author suggest visitors do when travelling in Chateau?

A．Ride a horse.

B．Take local wines.

C．Buy a gift.

D．Taste some snacks.

3. Who may favor Cannes most?

A．Beach lovers.

B．Museum goers.

C．Enthusiastic hikers.

D．Sports players.

2 . Zandra Cunningham is the founder of a skincare brand. She has been recognized by the media as one of the youngest and most successful business owners in America.

When she was a kid, Zandra always loved lip balms (护唇膏) and bought a lot of them. But she found they eventually hurt her lips instead of relieving the dryness because of all the chemicals in them. She then started experimenting with different ingredients (成分) together with her mom. They tried a lot of times until they found the natural and healthy combinations they liked. Slowly, Zandra began selling her products at local farmers’ markets and trade events. Before her 10th birthday, she launched her brand and hoped it would empower other young girls.

Soon, it became a challenge for Zandra to separate her personal interests from what her customers actually wanted. “There are a lot of ideas that I feel are excellent but wouldn’t fit into the market,” she said. Being part of the younger market herself, Zandra recognized the issue and improved her products after truly listening to customers. “There are so many brands doing similar things, but there’s still so much room to grow. Your customers are out there, and you just have to reach out to them. That’s what will set you apart,” the 23-year-old shared.

When asked about her experience as a promising young businesswoman, Zandra said, “It wasn’t frightening. When you’re young, fear doesn’t have a strong hold on your mindset. ‘Maybe it’s not going to work’ never really crossed my mind.”

Characterized by encouraging statements and featuring a playful color combination, the packaging (包装) is a big part of why Zandra’s business has been so impressive. “There are a lot of products on the market that seem natural, but they actually aren’t,” she said. “I make sure my packaging can help people understand what each term means, and how to read and check ingredients.”

1. What pushed Zandra to get into the skincare business?

A．Her desire to create skin-friendly products.

B．Her interest in doing chemical experiments.

C．Her wish to set an example for other young girls.

D．Her goal of providing local people with cheap skin products.

2. How did Zandra deal with the trouble in her business?

A．She cooperated with powerful brands.

B．She stood by her own business decisions.

C．She made an effort to meet real market needs.

D．She took inspiration from successful businesswomen.

3. What plays a role in her business success according to Zandra?

A．Her work experience.	B．Her parents’ support.
C．Her creative thinking.	D．Her youthful positivity.

4. What does Zandra expect to achieve with her packaging?

A．To catch customers’ attention.

B．To collect customers’ opinions on skincare.

C．To educate customers about product knowledge.

D．To encourage environmental awareness in customers.

3 . The walls of ancient Egyptian tombs (坟墓) can teach us much about the ancient Egyptians’ life. However, many paintings in the tombs were damaged by unlawful tomb diggers. Now a new study shows how a technology called portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) can be used to better study the paintings.

Developed in the early 20th century by physicist Henry Moseley, XRF and pXRF can be used to decide materials’ elemental composition (元素组成). Rather than the huge and immovable tool often used to study historical objects in labs, the tool needed in the pXRF study weighs only a few kilograms and can be taken into the field.

The research team headed by Philippe Martinez from Sorbonne University used the new tool to perform chemical imaging on paintings on site, allowing for the study of paint composition. As the ancient Egyptians used paints made from minerals (矿物), the paints have specific chemical markers. By using pXRF, scientists can use the chemical markers to create a map of damaged areas.

The team used the pXRF tool in the study of a painting of Ramesses II found in the tomb of Nakhtamun, which has traditionally been dated at the19th dynasty of ancient Egypt. And they discovered the necklace worn by the king in the painting may have been changed.

The king was first painted to be wearing a shebyu necklace, which was trendy during the 20th dynasty, some years after Ramesses II’s death. And it appears that the necklace was later changed to a wesekh necklace, which usually appears in paintings during his time. This means the tomb painters at first painted this 19th-dynasty ruler wearing a 20th-dynasty necklace, realized their mistake and then corrected it. The technology enabled the team to learn that the tomb owner, Nakhtamun, may actually have lived in the 20th rather than the 19th dynasty, and that the painting is not of a living king, but rather of a former ruler.

According to the researchers, the pXRF technology allows in-depth studies while helping prevent further damage. And it presents important details about the technological and artistic achievements of the ancient Egyptians.

1. What can be learned about the pXRF technology from Paragraph 2?

A．It only works in laboratory settings.

B．It requires a large and fixed tool to operate.

C．It was developed to prevent painting stealing.

D．It is more convenient than the earlier technology.

2. What is Paragraph 3 mainly about?

A．The process of repairing the tombs.

B．The researchers’ working methods.

C．The introduction to the technology’s inventor.

D．The valuable materials of the paints used in the paintings.

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

A．Confusing.

B．Acceptable.

C．Popular.

D．Expensive.

4. What does the research on the painting of Ramesses II show?

A．Ramesses II paid great attention to his appearance.

B．Ancient Egyptian painters were careless about details.

C．The new tool was important to the dating of historical objects.

D．Technology developed very quickly during Ramesses II’s time.

5 . We live in a world where we are usually exposed to (接触) news on social media that can be scary, upsetting, or confusing.     1     However, as Mr. Rogers, the beloved host of a children’s show, once said, “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helpful.’ ”

One of the places where we can look for “the helpers” is on social media platforms.     2     For example, Ryan Kaji is a 9-year-old boy who runs the channel Ryan’s World. He makes videos about science experiments and games that are fun and educational for kids. He also donates to charities and causes that he cares about.

    3     One problem is finding reliable (可靠) and exact sources of information. Not all content on social media platforms is trustworthy. Some content creators may just want to make money from ads. Therefore, it is important to judge the reliability of the sources before we trust their content. Another challenge is keeping a healthy balance between online and offline activities. Spending too much time online can do harm to our physical health, such as causing headaches or sleep problems. Therefore, it is important to limit our screen time by doing other activities.     4    

Looking for helpers on social media can be a valuable way to find hope and comfort in difficulty.    5     Then we will form our own opinions. We can also be helpers ourselves by sharing helpful content on social media that can make a difference in the world.

A．We’d better find some topics to talk about with the helper.

B．Exercising, reading, and learning art are all good choices.

C．Phones and computers have made information easier to gain.

D．They offer a lot of content that can educate or support young viewers.

E．It enables us to see things from different viewpoints and learn new things.

F．However, looking for helpers on social media also comes with some challenges.

G．Sometimes, it can be hard to deal with the negative thoughts that these events cause.

6 . While the classic sandwich will always have its place, there are plenty of exciting lunchbox ideas that will satisfy both kids and parents alike. When kids join in planning and packing their lunches, they’re more likely to enjoy and finish their meals. So, why not give these ideas a try?

Bento Box Bliss

Bento box lunches are gaining popularity. These containers allow you to make a meal with a variety of foods. Fill one section with colorful fruit slices, another with bite-sized vegetables, and the remaining ones with proteins (蛋白质) like chicken and eggs. Finish with a small treat like a handful of berries. The possibilities are endless, and kids will love these different kinds of food.

DIY Lunchables

Homemade Lunchables offers a healthier choice than store-bought food. Pack a selection of whole-grain biscuits, slices of cheese, and a handful of cherry tomatoes. Kids can make their own sandwiches by adding their favorite food to round out the meal. It makes lunchtime an enjoyable experience.

Wrap (包) it Up

Try using wraps instead of regular sandwiches. It is advised to use the flatbread (扁面包) instead of bread. It can be filled with lots of different things. You can make a turkey wrap with cream cheese, or a vegetable wrap if you prefer a plant-based option. Wraps are not only easy to get ready but also easy for little hands to hold.

Mini Pancake Stacks

Who says pancakes are just for breakfast? Mini pancakes can be a pleasant lunchbox surprise. Make small pancakes and sandwich them with cocoa butter and sliced bananas. Add a little honey for more sweetness. With just a few steps, you can complete them. These cute stacks are not only tasty but also fun to eat.

1. What’s an advantage of Bento box lunches?

A．Offering many sandwich options.	B．Using simple materials as food sources.
C．Helping strictly control how much kids eat.	D．Enabling kids to enjoy a well-balanced meal.

2. What do we know about homemade Lunchables?

A．It costs much time and effort.	B．It allows kids to show creative ideas.
C．It is much tastier than takeaway food.	D．It makes kids increase their food intake easily.

3. What do the last two lunchbox choices have in common?

A．Both are easy to prepare.	B．Both are popular with little kids.
C．Both suit kids enjoying sweet treats.	D．Both feature fast food with high calories.

7 . A group of clams (河蚌) recently caught people’s attention after an article was posted by China Science Communication online. Although these clams are usually regarded as nothing more than delicious food, they work to monitor the local water quality in Poland.

Gruba Kaska pumping station, which stands in the River Wisla, helps provide millions of liters of water to Warsaw, the capital of Poland. However, one particular concern for the water quality has been heavy metals, and researchers sought help from nature to solve this problem.

Clams are sensitive to pollutants in their environment as they filter (过滤) water to feed on microorganisms. They shut their shells immediately after detecting “dangerous” water.

Based on this, the researchers selected eight clams at a time and recorded the natural opening of their shells. After the clam “employees” become accustomed to the local water, they are placed in a specially designed container. With sensors stuck onto their shells, the clams are connected to a system that records how wide the shells are open. If four or more clams close their shells at the same time, an alarm will be set off and the water supply will be shut down. The result is reliable because the creatures are considering many different factors at the same time, according to ZME Science.

Animals have long been helpers for human activities. Farmers in north Queensland, Australia, have been ordering different species of dung beetles to help clean up cattle waste, according to ABC News. As the number of cattle grows, their waste increases, leading to an enormous population of flies and a worsening environment. Dung beetles, however, take the waste and bury it. This way, they help improve soil quality.

Similarly, cockroaches are used to deal with kitchen waste at several firms in China, according to a report of The Beijing News. About 300 million cockroaches are fed 15 tons of food waste on a daily basis, and they themselves are a good protein resource for livestock.

1. Why did the researchers turn to nature for help?

A．To solve the food shortage.	B．To attract people’s attention.
C．To supervise the water quality.	D．To remove heavy metals sooner.

2. What is the paragraph 4 mainly about?

A．The reason for the study.	B．The result of the research.
C．The purpose of the study.	D．The process of the study.

3. How can dung beetles help farmers?

A．By cleaning up food waste regularly.

B．By dealing with cattle’s waste properly.

C．By digesting and burying the waste of flies.

D．By using kitchen waste to improve soil quality.

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

A．Animals, Good Helpers of Humans	B．Three Kinds of Amazing Animals
C．A Special Way to Test Water Quality	D．Animals, Far More than Tasty Food

8 . A 420-meter white steel tube running alongside a railway line in the northern Netherlands could be the start of a new kind of transportation for people and goods. The tube from Hyperloop Center is the heart of the new transport technology that opened recently in Veendam. Developers from Hyperloop Center will be testing the changing technology there over the coming years.

Hyperloop technology was once supported by business leader Elon Musk. Its supporters say it is far faster than short flights, high-speed rail, and trucks. When Musk first presented the idea, he said it could transport people the nearly 645 kilometers between Los Angeles and San Francisco in 30 minutes. But since then, progress has been slow to get from an idea to the real world.

Sascha Lamme is the center’s director. He expects to have the first Hyperloop route by 2030. He said, “There are already preparations being done for such routes in for example Italy or India.”

Robert Noland is a professor at the Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy at Rutgers University in New Jersey. He told The Associated Press that policy makers go after big ideas of the future but they should invest in simpler transportation structures. He added, “It costs too much to build.” But Lamme noted that they have not added all of the ways they can reduce costs over the next ten years.

The test center’s tube is made up of 34 separate sections mostly 2 and a half meters wide. A piece of equipment next to the tube removes air in the tube to reduce the pressure inside the tube. That reduces air resistance and permits capsules to travel at such high speeds. A capsule built by Dutch hyperloop company Hardt Hyperloop will be tested next month. It receives financial support from private investments, local and national governments, and the European Commission.

While testing continues in Veendam, hyperloop developers hope that routes for their technology will be coming. Lamme stated that getting government authorization (授权) for building routes is their main hardship they encountered. And he said finding new financial support to test and show the technology is what is needed to make this happen.

1. What does Hyperloop Center aim to do?

A．Build a 420-meter white steel tube.	B．Develop a new transport technology.
C．Ask for donations from the local company.	D．Meet the challenges of the new technology.

2. What is the benefit of Hyperloop technology compared to traditional vehicles?

A．It’s more eco-friendly.	B．It’s cheaper.
C．It’s more efficient.	D．It’s much safer.

3. What is Robert Noland’s attitude towards Hyperloop’s future?

A．Unclear.

B．Indifferent.

C．Approving.

D．Doubtful.

4. What is the main difficulty about building routes according to Lamme?

A．Finding some new financial supports.	B．Gaining the government’s approval.
C．Travelling at a very high speed.	D．Running along a railway line.

9 . Joyce Loaiza lives alone in a community for older people in Florida. When she is home, the retired office worker often talks with a friendly female voice that asks about her day. A few kilometers away, the same voice helped 83-year-old Deanna Dezern when her friend died. In New York state, it plays games and music for 92-year-old Marie Broadbent. And in Washington state, it helps 83-year-old Jan Worrell make new friends.

The women are some of the first in the United States to receive the robot ElliQ made by Intuition Robotics. The company and other officials say it is the only device using AI to help older Americans from loneliness.

“You can actually talk to her,” said Loaiza, who is 81. Her ElliQ calls her “Jellybean” for no clear reason. She said amusingly, “She’ll make comments like, ‘I’d go outside if I had hands, but I can’t hold an umbrella.’”

The device looks like a small table light and it has an eyeless, mouthless head that lights up and turns. It remembers each user’s interests and their talks, helping create a special experience with each new discussion. They can be as deep as the meaning of life or as light as a small joke. ElliQ also plays music and provides creative or spiritual sayings. On a video screen that comes with it, it will show different cities and places of interest. The device leads exercises, asks about the owner’s health, and lets the users know when to take medicines and drink water. Intuition Robotics says none of the conversations are heard by the company, with the information staying on each owner’s device.

Intuition Robotics CEO Dor Skuler said the idea for ElliQ came before he launched his company eight years ago. His grandfather who lost his partner needed a helper, but the first did not work out. Skuler then thought a robot could fill the space of a friend by adapting to each person and their interests. He said, “That just did not exist anywhere.” The average user interacts with ElliQ more than 30 times a day and more than 90 percent report lower levels of loneliness, Skuler said.

1. Why are some women in America mentioned in paragraph 1?

A．To introduce a topic.	B．To explain a concept.
C．To make a comment.	D．To make a prediction.

2. Which word can best describe ElliQ from what Loaiza said?

A．Powerful.

B．Entertaining.

C．Ignorant.

D．Annoying.

3. What can ElliQ do according to the text?

A．Act as a table light.	B．Make a short video.
C．Remind users to take pills.	D．Hold an umbrella.

4. What does the last paragraph mainly talk about?

A．The unique feature of ElliQ.	B．The wide popularity of ElliQ.
C．The working principle about ElliQ.	D．The inspiration of inventing ElliQ.

10 . Many people do not fully understand what self-care means. So they may view self-care as a form of selfish behavior.     1     Read on to know how to practice self-care.

Take regular exercise.

It’s important to listen to your body and take a break.     2     It’s important to push yourself to exercise on a regular basis, as this brings with it both physical and mental benefits. If you’re feeling too tired and just don’t want to do it, remember that doing exercise can actually give you an energy boost. So do the exercise, and let the energy come after!

Discover the source of your stress.

Make a list of things that cause your stress in all ways of your life.     3     If they are unavoidable, teach yourself techniques that can help lessen your stress reaction to certain situations.

    4    

Money matters can be a significant source of stress and anxiety. But practising financial self-care through planning and budgeting can help to lessen this burden. No, it’s not as fun as treating yourself on payday, but creating a budget and sticking to it can enable you to take control of your financial wellbeing.

    5     This plan will be based on the efforts and preparations made in the previous steps, allowing you to move forward with a clear direction and a strong sense of purpose.

A．Manage your finance.

B．Perfect oneself by any means necessary.

C．The next step is to do your best to avoid them.

D．However, don’t let every day become a rest day!

E．After completing these three steps, you can begin to make a plan you can work on.

F．But in fact, the act of caring for oneself is an important part of a person’s wellbeing.

G．Self-care is a lifestyle that enables you to ensure your wellbeing now and for years to come.