1 . Sometimes trees can be a little too respectful of one another’s boundaries. Or maybe they just stop growing when they get too close. The phenomenon is called crown (树冠) shyness-the tops of individual trees do not touch each other, creating a visible gap between the tree crowns.

Experts aren’t exactly sure why the naturally occurring phenomenon happens, but they’ve been studying it for decades and have a few theories. In 1955 a biologist Putz noticed that the trees, which grow close together, can rub against each other when the wind is strong enough. The resulting abrasion (磨损) helps form and maintain the shyness gaps. In 1986, this theory was backed up by Dr. Miguel Franco, who noticed that the branches of Picea sitchensis and Larix kaempferi trees suffered physical damage during abrasion, which killed the leading branches. The presence of broken tips at the points where branches meet lends support to the abrasion theory.

However, one Malaysian scholar suggests that shyness gaps result from the influences individual trees have on one another. Trees cannot move, so if they have nearby neighbors, they are forced to compete for resources, especially light. According to this theory, each tree forces its neighbors into a pattern that maximizes resource collection and minimizes harmful competition. Trees grow in the direction of light, so branches would naturally try to avoid other plants that could shade them or prevent their growth, creating a gap between the tree crowns.

Another possible reason for crown shyness is to prevent the spread of harmful insects, which could eat the tree’s leaves. Still someone believes the best scientific explanation so far is that the leaves of the tree release certain chemicals to stop other trees from growing too close.

The answer could be just one of the above, or a combination of more. But some species have been adapted to take advantage of crown shyness to grow into shapes that go well with nearby trees and therefore economic profits can be maximized out of the phenomenon.

1. What is crown shyness according to the text?

A．A behavior exhibited by insects in the crown of trees.

B．A disease that affects the leaves of certain tree species.

C．A phenomenon where trees grow taller than surrounding ones.

D．An occurrence where crowns of trees avoid touching each other.

2. What is Miguel Franco’s attitude towards Putz’s theory?

A．Supportive.

B．Critical.

C．Tolerant.

D．Uncertain.

3. Which of the following may cause crown shyness according to Paragraph 3?

A．The blowing wind effect.	B．The release of a special chemical.
C．A natural way of shade avoidance.	D．An adaptation to stop insect spreading.

4. What is the last paragraph mainly about?

A．A further explanation of the theoretic framework.

B．Supporting evidence for the research conclusions.

C．A reasonable doubt about the research implications.

D．Practical application of crown shyness phenomenon.

2 . As I reflect on my educational journey, it becomes evident that the impact of education extends far beyond the ranges of the classroom. Education has been the guiding force that has shaped not only my academic progress but also my personal development and outlook on the world around me.

From my earliest days in school, education has stimulated my intellectual curiosity and developed a deep-seated passion for learning. I remember the thrill of getting on a voyage of discovery with each new lesson, as my understanding of the world expanded through the acquisition (获得) of knowledge and the development of critical thinking skills. These experiences have not only nurtured (培养) my intellectual growth but have also equipped me with the tools to navigate the complexities of the modern world.

However, the impact of education goes beyond the field of academia. It has played a critical role in shaping my character and values, equipping me with a sense of sympathy, understanding, and respect for others. Through interactions with peers from diverse backgrounds and exposure to various perspectives, education has been beneficial in cultivating my social and emotional intelligence. It has taught me the value of cooperation, the importance of embracing diversity, and the power of empathy (共情) in making meaningful connections with others.

Furthermore, education has opened doors to opportunities that have paved the way for my future hard work. It has provided me with the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue my passions, offering a platform for personal and professional growth. The transformative potential of education is evident in the countless stories of individuals whose lives have been improved through access to quality education, breaking the barriers of social and economic inequality.

In conclusion, my journey through the fields of education has been nothing short of transformative. It has expanded my horizons, enriched my understanding of the world, and equipped me with the toots to make meaningful contributions to society. As I continue on this path of lifelong learning, I am deeply grateful for the profound impact of education on my life and remain committed to nurturing its transformative power in the lives of others.

1. According to Para. 2, how did education expand the author’s understanding of the world?

A．By equipping the author with knowledge.

B．By encouraging the author to accept others’ ideas.

C．By informing the author of latest scientific development,

D．By making the author more curious about others’perspectives.

2. What impact did education have on the author’s social and emotional intelligence?

A．It made the author competitive and individualistic.

B．It taught the author to value cooperation and varies.

C．It made it easier for the author to solve the difficulties.

D．It encourages the author to stick to his own opinion.

3. What does the passage suggest about influence of education in society in a broader sense?

A．Education has unlimited potential to make individuals’ lives more colorful.

B．Education is primarily focused on maintaining social development.

C．Education ensures better working opportunities in the future.

D．Education has the power to fight against inequality.

4. What is the topic of the passage?

A．The importance of education technology.	B．The role of author’s family education.
C．The transformative power of education.	D．The improvement of individuals’ education.

3 . Espionage (间谍活动)! Secrets! Suspense(悬念)! If you’ve ever dreamed of being a spy, Max in the House of Spies written by Adam Gidwitz is for you. New York Times bestselling author of Wonder, White Bird, and Pony strongly recommended this book for teenagers, saying Max in the House of Spies is everything you could hope for in a book.

Espionage and courage are at the heart of this historical novel about Max, an 11-year-old boy sent to London as Germany became ever more dangerous for its Jewish citizens. Max has lots of questions, not the least of which are why the Nazis hate him so much, and why teachers and other adults are saying terrible, hurtful, things about Jewish people as if they are facts. Humor comes in the form of two little sprites from German and Jewish folklore (民间传说), who are forever weighing in—and arguing—about Max’s decisions and desire to return to Germany to save his folks. Fantastic characters and important topics for conversation make this a top read.

Max Bretzfeld doesn’t want to move to London. Leaving home is hard and Max is alone for the first time in his life. But not for long. Max is surprised to discover that he’s been joined by two unexpected traveling companions, one on each shoulder, a kobold (精灵) and a dybbuk (恶灵) named Berg and Stein. Germany is becoming more and more dangerous for Jewish families, but Max is determined to find a way back home, and back to his parents. He has a plan to return to Berlin. It merely involves accomplishing the impossible: becoming a British spy.

Max in the House of Spies is a thought-provoking World War II story as only acclaimed storyteller Adam Gidwitz can tell it—fast-paced and hilarious, with a dash of magic and a lot of heart.

1. Who is the author of Max in the House of Spies?

A．Wonder

B．Adam Gidwitz

C．White Bird

D．Pony

2. What kind of story is Max in the House of Spies ?

A．High-fantasy novel

B．Folklore

C．historical novel

D．political novel

3. What do we know about Max Bretzfeld?

A．Max is an 11-year-old boy born in London.

B．Max is sent to London for further study.

C．Max is quite interested in Jewish folklore.

D．Max wants to save his folks in Germany.

4. Which part of a magazine is this text most likely from?

A．Health Care

B．Sports Event

C．Cultural Insights

D．Book Review

4 . Chinese New Year, also called the Spring Festival, is a traditional festival celebrated by all Chinese people. Not everyone celebrates the festival in the same way, with the biggest differences between northern and southern China.

Festival Foods

In the northern cities of China, people generally eat dumplings. They are called jiaozi in Chinese, which means the turn of a lunar new year. Additionally, because they are shaped similarly to a type of ancient money, jiaozi are also regarded as a symbol of wealth.

As compared to the north, people from some southern areas traditionally eat rice cakes (niangao in Chinese), which are made of sticky (黏的) rice flour. Niangao can be interpreted as that people move up to a higher position year after year.

Festival Decorations

It is a common tradition to put up Spring Festival couplets (对联) and “Fu” characters, but some decorations differ a bit between northern and southern China.

In the north, the red “Chinese knot (结)” is also hung, representing happiness. However, in the southern areas, people like to use kumquats, a fruit like a very small orange, for decorations. Due to their yellow colour, they are usually a sign of wealth and harvest.

Red Envelope

In northern China, people usually give red envelopes to the children of their relatives or close friends only. However, people in southern China not only give red envelopes to the children of their relatives and friends, but also to their colleagues and acquaintances. In some southern areas like Guangdong Province, a company manager or a shop owner may also give red envelops to staffs on the first working day of the New Year, wishing for a fortune and giving them a strong sense of team spirit.

1. Why are dumplings seen as a symbol of wealth?

A．They look like a type of ancient money.

B．They have the meaning of getting to a higher position.

C．Only rich families could afford them in ancient times.

D．The name for “dumplings” meant money in the past.

2. Which celebration might NOT be practised in southern China?

A．Making and eating rice cakes.	B．Hanging red Chinese knots in the room.
C．Giving red envelops to colleagues’ children.	D．Placing kumquats in the room.

3. Why do company managers in southern area give red envelops to their staffs?

A．They want to award their staff for their good performance.

B．They wish to encourage their staffs to work harder.

C．They wish that they all will make a lot of money.

D．They want to show their companies are very rich.

5 . The case for and against social media

Is social media harmful to teenagers?     1     Social media sites have been blamed for most of the world’s social problems from feeling disconnected and lonely to having difficulty forming meaningful relationships. Yet, many of us feel a need to use social media because it offers something we cannot find elsewhere, despite knowing the downsides.     2    

An argument for social media claims it can strengthen social bonds by facilitating relationships with people in different geographical areas. For example, social media has helped old school friends to get back in touch after many years without contact.     3     These are real benefits of using social media.

    4     The argument used by many people is that interactions on social media are no substitute for face-to-face communication. When you are out with friends how many times do they check their phones? for example.     5     Research highlights it is far more satisfying to physically laugh out loud in real life rather than to replace the act with a typed representation of laughter such as “haha” or “LOL”.       

Ideally, we should have enough self-control to be able to limit our use of social media, enjoying the benefits it can bring.

A．The disadvantages of social media.

B．In my opinion, the disadvantages of social media outweigh the benefits.

C．It is all too easy to become absorbed in this online life rather than communicate in real life.

D．People secure jobs now through social media or research information for their studies.

E．This is the question we are going to examine.

F．We will look at the arguments for and against using social media before answering the question.

G．We aim to control our use of social media.

6 . Must-See Destinations in 2024

Are you ready to explore the world in 2024? Whether you dream of sailing down famous European rivers or exploring unique places, our list of must-see destinations is here to inspire your travels.

Spain

Throw yourself into the rich culture and history of Spain. From the sunny beaches of Tenerife to the Moorish architecture (建筑物) of Andalucía, there’s so much to explore in this lively country. Discover the UNESCO World Heritage (遗产) city of La Laguna and become amazed at the beauty of Cordoba, Seville, and La Alhambra, or relax on a beach holiday to Majorca or Tenerife.

Montenegro

Despite its size, Montenegro has beautiful beaches, rich history, and a breathtaking channel. Experience the beauty of the Montenegrin coast — Dalmatia’s jewel (宝石) is the UNESCO World Heritage listed oasis of Dubrovnik, famously praised by Lord Bryon as The Pearl of the Adriatic.

Croatia

Discover the beauty that is Dubrovnik. Explore the 16th-century city’s defensive walls and red-roofed buildings. Sail along Croatia’s Adriatic Coast, where attractive villages and beautiful towns like Pula, Rovinj, and Poreč are just waiting to be explored...

South Africa

Explore the wonders of South Africa, from the Garden Route’s nature reserves to the thrill of a Safari drive in the Kariega Game Reserve. Discover the different plants and animals while searching for the “Big Five” on an unforgettable South Africa holiday.

With over 25 years of experience creating holidays for the curious, Travel Department ensures that your journey is in good hands. Plus as a trusted Reader’s Digest Travel partner, you can get special deals when you travel with them across lots of different 2024 holidays. If you want to know more information, please click here.

1. What do Spain and Montenegro have in common?

A．They are both praised by tourists.

B．They both have world heritage cities.

C．They are known for their architectures.

D．They both own beaches and rich history.

2. Which destination will attract people who are interested in creatures?

A．Spain.	B．South Africa.
C．Montenegro.	D．Croatia.

3. Where is this text most likely from?

A．A website.	B．A guidebook.
C．A novel.	D．A magazine.

7 . Trees in tropical (热带的) forests grow more slowly in years when the nights are warmer than average or dry-season days are unusually hot, according to a 21-year study. This suggests such forests will grow less as the world warms due to climate change -potentially taking in less carbon dioxide from the air and worsening global warming.

“For the first time, we have a window on what a whole tropical forest is doing, ”says Deborah Clark at the University of Missouri-St Louis. “It is very scary. ”

Tropical forests contain a large amount of carbon, because the trees take in CO₂ from the air and use it to grow. Droughts, which are becoming more serious due to climate change, may harm the forests and re- lease (释放) some of the stored carbon.

For over two decades, Clark and her husband David Clark, also at the University of Missouri-St Louis, lived at La Selva Biological Station in Costa Rica. From1997 to 2018, they took detailed measurements of the surrounding tropical forest, tracking the wood production as well as the amount of litter that fell from the trees.

The pair, with Steven Oberbauer at Florida International University, discovered that wood production fell in years with warmer nights -something studies had already suggested before. The team also found that the trees produced less wood in years when temperatures in the dry season rose more than 28°C.

While this hadn’t been shown before, Deborah Clark says it was expected because photosynthesis (光合作用) slows above this temperature.

The study adds to growing proof of climate effects on tropical forests, says lain Hartley at the University of Exeter in the UK. “It looks like, as you warm the climate, you put pressure on the plants, leading to reduced productivity. Coupled with droughts, tropical forests may have less ability to help us in the fight against climate change in the future.”

1. What causes the forests to grow less according to paragraph 1?

A．Warmer temperature.	B．More carbon dioxide.
C．Less daylight	D．Worse air condition.

2. How did Clark and her husband conduct the study?

A．By gathering wood.	B．By giving example.
C．By collecting data.	D．By tracking former study.

3. What do we know about the study?

A．The trees took in more CO, in the drought season.

B．The wood production decreased in the warmer days.

C．Droughts help increase the carbon storage.

D．Tropical forests grow faster at warmer nights.

4. What does Hartley think of climate effects on tropical forests?

A．Helpful.

B．Negative.

C．Unclear.

D．Necessary.

8 . When the day is dawning, the Center of Naxi Dongba Pictographs and Paintings of the old town Liliang welcomes his owner, He Runyuan, who is dressed in a traditional Naxi clothing. Every day, He explains Dongba culture to tourists and teaches them to write Dongba characters. “Dongba characters are not only the soul of Dongba culture, but also a treasure for the whole world,” said He. Enjoying a history of over 1,000 years, Dongba characters are an ancient system of pictographic glyphs (象形字形). They are praised to be the “living fossil (活化石)” in writing.

As a member of the Naxi group, He first learned Dongba characters at the age of 13. He loved them immediately when he first looked at the symbols. “These characters have pictographic drawings that look like humans, animals, plants etc.” He said. “They are usually colorful and recognizable.”

Though the characters are interesting, learning them is never easy. Dongba culture is always mastered by Dongbas, the Naxi priests (祭司). Without Dongbas in his village, He has to travel far to the Old Town, where many Dongbas are gathered. “In most cases, I need to walk for more than one day to the destination. To get more learning time, I always set off very early when the city is still in darkness,” said He.

But the love for Dongba culture keeps him going. For the past 30 years, He has been studying these characters every day. In 2016, He set up the Center of Naxi Dongba Pictographs and Paintings Where He beautified fans, glasses and even T-shirts with Dongba characters, hoping to pass down Dongba culture and let more people know about it.

“Our life is limited, but so long as everyone makes an effort, the life of a culture can exist forever,” He said.

1. What does He Runyuan do in his center every day?

A．He spreads Dongba culture.	B．He writes Dongba characters.
C．He sells his painting.	D．He learns from priests.

2. Which of the following best describes He Runyuan?

A．Honest and creative.	B．Outgoing and confident.
C．Hard-working and responsible.	D．Humorous and determined.

3. What keeps He studying when facing difficulties?

A．The love for his hometown.	B．The preference for Dongba culture.
C．The respect for priests.	D．The encouragement from his fans.

4. What can we learn about Dongba characters?

A．They are popular with the young.	B．They are interesting and easy to learn.
C．They are lively and easily recognized.	D．They are passed down by oral explanation.

9 . Screen time before bedtime may leave people feeling sleepy in the morning. Cell phones, computers and TVs emit (发出) blue light. And exposure to that bluish light during the two hours before bed can keep us from getting a good night’s rest, a new study finds. It cuts down on the length of people’s sleep. It also leaves them feeling tired in the morning and can disrupt the body clock. Data shows that this blue light tends to make us more alert at night, making it harder to get all the rest we need.

Green and his team surveyed 19 people — all in their 20s — for a sleep study. All spent two hours on a computer right before bedtime. But they didn’t all experience the same light exposure. Looking at screens that gave off intense blue light cut someone’s sleep by about 16 minutes, compared to when they had used screens with red light. Those exposed to blue light also woke up more often at night than if they had been exposed to red light.

“The normal blue light emissions from the computer screen also affect how much melatonin (褪黑素) each volunteer makes. It is released into our blood around 9 p.m. When our bodies make less melatonin, we may still feel too alert at bedtime to fall asleep when the body is tired. And body temperature won’t drop as expected after we use devices emitting lots of blue light. Using screens before bed damages the body’s biological clock,” Green says. “More and more kids are using screens nowadays. Sleep is important, especially during the first few years of life when ‘neural plasticity’ (神经可塑性) is at its greatest. Their brains are still developing the ability to learn and pay attention. That makes the new results worrisome,” Green says.

Rahman says that the new work makes a good point about how blue light from screens can be bad for our bodies. However, he points out, the light in this study is extremely bright. It is far brighter than what a normal computer, tablet or TV will emit. Still, Rahman says the results remind us to think about how we should use screens before bed.

1. The blue light from the screens may cause people to ________.

A．tend to work at night	B．get attentive in the morning
C．be less sleepy before bed time	D．be affected less by the body clock

2. What is Paragraph 2 mainly about?

A．People’s concern about light exposure.

B．A study on blue light’s effects on sleep.

C．Reasons for blue light’s effects on sleep.

D．Effects of various types of light on sleep.

3. What can be implied from Green’s remarks?

A．Melatonin may affect people’s neural plasticity.

B．Blue light may affect children’s brain development.

C．Exposure to normal screen has little impact on sleep.

D．The low temperature of body helps produce melatonin.

4. What’s Rahman’s possible attitude towards the Green’s study?

A．Uncaring.	B．Approving.
C．Objective.	D．Critical.

10 . Going on vacation is something that everyone needs. Then what can you do while you’re on vacation?     1     Every city is famous for something, like pizza, seafood or other food. To feel like a local person while on vacation, you need to eat like one! Choose as many of the foods that the area is famous for as possible!

    2     Music comes to mind when it comes to sound. If you prefer blues (布鲁斯音乐), find out where you can enjoy this kind of music. If you like jazz (爵士乐), find out where you can listen to jazz music in the city.     3     If you enjoy other celebrations and activities, look for things that are around these fun times.

You can also enjoy the architecture in the city. If you go to a place where there is plenty of European-style architecture, you will have a chance to learn a lot! Don’t rush from one place to another.     4     If you want to get something to drink, stop somewhere for a warm drink or cool tea, whichever you prefer.

You may keep busy every moment when you’re on vacation. There is something to be said for taking a break, though. You took time off, so you could take it easy after all, didn’t you?     5    

A．Find out your favorite food.

B．They can get a little boring after a while.

C．When you’re in a new place, enjoy the sounds.

D．Instead, give yourself time to take in all of the sights.

E．Better yet, plan to pay a visit when the jazz festival is taking place.

F．If you want to have fun while you’re away from home, enjoying the local foods is a good idea.

G．So don’t forget to plan for rest and relaxation when you’re away from your home and your daily life.