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 . A complete chicken egg estimated to be around 1,700 years old is believed to be the only of its type in the world, after scientists found it still had liquid inside.

It was discovered during a dig in Aylesbury in Buckinghamshire between 2007 and 2016, with researchers saying at the time that it was a “genuinely unique discovery”. During the course of the dig, archaeologists broke three other eggs which released a “terrible smell”, but a fourth egg remained undamaged. It is the only complete egg ever found dating back to the Roman times.

Now, a micro scan has found that the egg still contains the yolk (蛋黄) and egg white, and it is believed to be the only complete egg from that period. The recent work has been carried out by conservator Dana Goodburn-Brown, who took the egg for further analysis at the University of Kent.

Edward Biddulph, senior project manager at Oxford Archaeology, who oversaw the dig, said, “It produced an amazing image that indicated that the egg, apart from being complete — which is incredible enough — also held its liquid inside. We were absolutely blown away when we saw the contents in there, as we might have expected them to have leaked out.”

It has also been taken to London’s Natural History Museum, where Douglas Russell, the senior director of the museum, was consulted about how to conserve the egg. Mr Biddulph said, “As we found out when we visited the Natural History Museum, it appears to be the oldest known example in the world.”

The egg is now being housed at Discover Bucks Museum in Aylesbury while work continues to discover how to extract (提取) the inside without breaking the delicate shell.

“There is huge potential for further research and this is the next stage in the life of this remarkable egg,” Mr Biddulph said.

1. Why was Edward Biddulph shocked at the egg?

A．It was badly preserved.	B．It could be blown away.
C．It kept liquid contents inside.	D．It was still good enough to eat.

2. What can we infer from the last two paragraphs?

A．The egg will be broken for further study.

B．The egg will be on display in the museum.

C．More studies will be carried out about the egg.

D．More efforts will be put into studying the egg shell.

3. What is the best title for the text?

A．The Secret of an Ancient Egg Has Been Revealed

B．An Ancient Egg Reveals the History of Buckinghamshire

C．An Egg Is Said to Be the Oldest Complete One in the World

D．An Amazing Egg Is Still Full of Liquid 1,700 Years Later

4. What is the text?

A．A news report.	B．A biology essay.
C．A technical invention.	D．A geographical discovery.

3 . Which of these ingredients have you cooked with or eaten, wild rice, rabbits or roses? Actually, they were part of Native American cuisine in the past. Sean Sherman is a chef from the Oglala Lakota tribe, who is attempting something remarkable. Through his company and his restaurant, Sherman is bringing these ingredients back into the public eye.

Sean Sherman grew up on the Pine Ridge Reservation. As a reservation kid, Sherman usually didn’t have access to high-quality or tasty food. His family relied on the Commodity Supplemental Food Program, which meant canned goods, tasteless food, and powdered milk. After high school, Sherman started working for the Forest Service. As part of his job, he had to learn the names of the plants, which raised his curiosity about indigenous (本土的) plants and foods.

Sherman started doing lots of research on his own, and he started his company in 2014. A few years later, Sherman opened his restaurant Owamni, where he showed native ingredients and flavors. The most significant feature of the restaurant is the native ingredients, none of which is related to European civilizations.

The vibe in the restaurant is totally unique as well. There, a lot of people are really struck by it, because it’s not typical to be able to go someplace and see their native foods on the menu, see native people cooking the food and listen to native music. Therefore, it’s a wholly unique experience and it’s something that’s really special.

Native cuisine allows native people to explore their histories and cultures. It supports local businesses and comes with a host of health benefits. “We should have native restaurants in every city to show the diversity and flavors of all the different tribes across North America and thus have a future where native cuisine is more widespread, and ingredients are more familiar and well known,” Sherman explains.

1. When did Sean Sherman become interested in native foods?

A．As he was a reservation kid.

B．Before he entered high school.

C．When he worked as a chef in a restaurant.

D．When he was working in the forest department.

2. What is the most important feature of Sherman’s restaurant?

A．The ingredients used are native.

B．Native music is played all the time.

C．Diverse ingredients are combined in each dish.

D．It is a reflection of modern native civilization.

3. What does the underlined word “vibe” in paragraph 4 mean?

A．Service.

B．Decoration.

C．Scenery.

D．Atmosphere.

4. Why does Sherman suggest each city should have native restaurants?

A．To boost the profits of local businesses.

B．To help native people to honor their history.

C．To present and promote the native cuisine.

D．To serve foods with various health benefits.

4 . Now it seems that more and more animals are showing up in cities where we would not expect them to. But scientists have learned that some species do better in cities. Take peregrine falcons (游隼) for example. They use tall city buildings to make homes, man-made lighting to hunt at night, and warm air currents created when the sun beats down on city surfaces to fly with less effort.

Some animals adapt well to city life, and some do not. For example, squirrels (松鼠) do amazingly well living in cities, while wolves have never seemed to get the hang of it. Usually, animals that eat a lot of different things, called generalists, do much better in cities than specialists, which eat one specific kind of food. Smaller animals are also more likely to live in cities than bigger animals. Some people believe animals that do well in cities might be smarter than the ones that do not, but more research is needed on this.

Many animals have even learned cool tricks to live in cities, and these behaviors help them find more food or mates (伴侣), or avoid people. To learn about these behaviors, we use recording devices to spot animals, microphones to record their sounds, and tracking equipment to follow them. Scientists use many different tools to study what animals eat, how healthy they are, how they compete with each other, and more.

Humans are turning the planet into cities and farms, which does not leave many other places for most wildlife to live in. So, what can we do? At home, we can cover our garbage carefully because it is not good for wild animals. We can also plant some native plants that wildlife might like. Seeing animals in a city, we can give them space and watch them from far away. We could also try some creative things like green roofs where birds and insects can live in.

To do that, we need to know what kind of habitats different species need, and how to prevent human-wildlife conflicts. We still have a lot to learn.

1. How does the author develop paragraph 1?

A．By providing statistical data.	B．By making a comparison.
C．By giving an example.	D．By stating arguments.

2. What kind of animals survive better in cities according to the author?

A．Those with close mates.	B．Those with long diet lists.
C．Those with fast movement.	D．Those with high intelligence.

3. What does the author suggest we do in paragraph 4?

A．Restrict urban and agricultural development.

B．Make our cities wildlife-friendly.

C．Plant new varieties of plants.

D．Sort our garbage carefully.

4. Where can the text be found?

A．In a short story.	B．In a health journal.
C．In a business report.	D．In a science magazine.

5 . One destination is always on trend: the beach, People ready to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life are looking to discover tranquility (宁静) along a picturesque beach. Check out the list below to discover beaches you like.

Baby Beach in Maui. Hawaii   

It scores the top spot for the calmest beach in the world with its calm waters. “Baby Beach is an ideal beach for families with toddlers,” Betts said. “Since the waters are so calm and shallow, it provides the perfect opportunity for children to splash around in the ocean.”

Browne’s Beach in Bridgetown, Barbados

This famous half-mile expanse of white sand draws crowds with its calm, crystal-clear waters. It is celebrated for its natural beauty and historical significance, boasting landmarks like the Barbados Yacht Club and the Barbados Cruising Club.

Mauna Kea Beach on Hawaii Island, Hawaii

Fronting the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel on Hawaii Island, Mauna Kea Beach is ideal for visitors to peacefully enjoy the Pacific Ocean. With its calm and clear conditions, it’s an ideal destination for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing.

Playa La Entrega in Oaxaca, Mexico

Situated along the Oaxacan coastline in a protected bay, Playa La Entrega offers a peaceful mix of natural beauty and adventure. Translating to “the delivery” in English, the beach was once a delivery point for goods during colonial times. It’s a popular place to snorkel along coral reefs filled with marine life. Visitors can rent snorkel gear or buy fresh fruit from local vendors.

1. Which beach best suits families with children?

A．Baby Beach.	B．Browne’s Beach.
C．Mauna Kea Beach,	D．Playa La Entrega.

2. What do these beaches have in common?

A．They all have a long history.	B．They are all famous for their quietness.
C．They are fantastic destinations for surfers.	D．They are used for delivering goods.

3. Where is the text probably taken from?

A．A research paper.	B．A travel brochure.
C．A geography textbook.	D．A personal journal.

6 . 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.

7 . Many got sleepless nights after Sora amazed the world with its remarkable ability of creating videos directly from text instructions. Discussions about what the artificial intelligence model can do and make a difference continue.

Some said it could give a huge blow to traditional industries such as film and television making, looking forward to the day when a movie can be created right after a novel is put into the model. But others remain skeptical about how powerful the model can be in changing the landscape of AI application.

Developed by a group of young talent from Microsoft-backed company OpenAI, the text-to-video model can generate videos up to a minute long while maintaining visual quality and adherence to the user’s prompt.

Shen Yang, a professor at the School of Journalism and Communication, Tsinghua University , said, “Sora represents a revolutionary leap in the field of AI-generated content (AIGC).”

As one of the leading scholars in AI research in China, Shen leads a team that studies the philosophy of AI. Until he learned about Sora on February 16, Shen was quite satisfied with his team’s AI-generated videos. A two-minute video on the Spring Festival produced by Shen’s team have recently won many likes on social media platforms. “Compared with the new model Sora, what we used are tools of the previous generation. There’s a huge gap in between," said Shen.

As a frequent user of AI, Shen said the technology not only helps improve his productivity, but also benefits his daily life. His wife was suffering from cancer and many complications, and he used AI to assist in finding treatment, which has remarkably prolonged her life. He even wrote an award-winning science fiction novel using AI.

However, new technologies do not mean good news to everyone. Many also concern about AI models’ safety issues since related regulations are lagging behind. 

Sora is going to bring changes in many fields, including short video, film and television, news, games, advertising, education, and even industrial manufacturing, according to Shen. There is still much room to improve AI models. For instance, current AI models are not capable of drawing characters accurately and quickly. Shop signs lack meaning in Sora’s demo video showing a woman walking down a street in Tokyo. But these problems are believed to be solved as models update.

1. Which of the following might have similar meaning to the underlined word in Paragraph 2?

A．push.

B．strike.

C．warning.

D．bonus.

2. What can we know from the passage?

A．All people can not benefit from the new AI technologies.

B．AI model’s safety isn’t concerning despite lagging legal restrictions.

C．The AI-generated videos by Shen Yang’s team were better than those created by Sora.

D．The text-to-video model was developed by a group of young talent from Tsinghua University.

3. What kind of attitude does Shen have towards Sora?

A．Favorable.

B．Objective.

C．Unconcerned.

D．Reserved.

4. Which of the following is the best title?

A．Sora: An AI video.	B．Video Making: AI Models.
C．Sora: A Powerful AI Tool.	D．Video Making: Future of AI.

8 . Cafeterias have been filled with challenges — right from planning, purchasing, and preparing, to reducing waste, staying on budget, managing goods, and training staff. Through the tedious process, restaurateurs lacked a unified platform for efficient management. To bring consistency to the unorganised catering (餐饮) industry, childhood friends Arjun Subramanian and Raj Jain, who shared a passion for innovation, decided to partner in 2019 to explore opportunities in the cafeteria industry.

In May 2020, they co-founded Platos, a one-stop solution for restaurants with a custom technology kit to streamline all aspects of cafeteria management. The company offers end-to-end cafeteria management, staff selection and food trials to ensure smooth operations and consistent service. “We believe startups solve real problems and Platos is our shot at making daily workplace food enjoyable again. We aim to simplify the dining experience,   providing a convenient and efficient solution that benefits both restaurateurs and customers and creating a connected ecosystem,” says Subramanian, CEO and co-founder.

Platos guarantees that a technology-driven cafeteria allows customers to order, pay, pick up, and provide ratings and feedback. It also offers goods and menu management to effectively perform daily operations. Additionally, its applications connect all shareholders for a smart cafeteria experience. “We help businesses that are into catering on condition that they have access to an industrial kitchen setup where they’re making food according to certain standards,” Jain states.

Since the beginning, Platos claims to have transformed 45 cafeterias across eight cities in the country. Currently, it has over 45,000 monthly users placing more than 200,000 orders. Despite facing challenges in launching cafeterias across major cities in the initial stages, Platos has experienced a 15% increase in its month-over-month profits.

As for future plans, the startup is looking to raise $1 million from investors as strategic partners, bringing in capital, expertise, and networks. “Finding the right lead investor is the compass that points your startup toward success,” Subramanian says.

1. What does the underlined word “tedious” in Paragraph 1 mean?

A．Time-consuming.	B．Breath-taking.
C．Heart-breaking.	D．Energy-saving.

2. What is the purpose of founding Platos?

A．To connect customers with a greener ecosystem.

B．To ensure food security and variety in cafeterias.

C．To improve cafeteria management with technology.

D．To make staff selection more efficient and enjoyable.

3. What can we learn from the statistics in Paragraph 4?

A．Platos has achieved its ultimate financial goal.

B．Platos has gained impressive marketing progress.

C．Challenges in food industry can be easily overcome.

D．Tech-driven cafeterias have covered most urban areas.

4. What is Subramanian’s future plan for Platos?

A．To reduce costs.	B．To increase profits.
C．To seek investment.	D．To innovate technology.

9 . Faced with many challenges in his life, John has never let them stop him. Despite having his leg amputated as a young man, he has gone on to be first a Paralympic champion and more recently an astronaut in training! Let’s learn more about his story…

John first discovered his love for sports when he was young, and he quickly became passionate about running and hockey. When he was 19 and visiting Vietnam, he had a bad accident that required one of his legs to be amputated.

When he returned to his home country of England, he missed running. Eventually, he was provided with an artificial leg that allowed him to run again. He started to compete in events that were designed for disabled athletes and, after much hard work, won several medals in international competitions, including the Paralympics.

Following his success in running, John studied exercise and medicine. He continued to focus on how to manage his emotions to not allow his disabilities to limit the possibilities for his life. When he learned that the European Space Agency (ESA) was looking for new astronauts, it intrigued him. He decided to give it a try, among 22,000 other applicants!

John was selected by the ESA to become the first “para-stronaut” the world has ever known. The ESA will work with John to understand how a person with a disability can operate in space. If all goes well, it will be at least five years before John goes into space as an astronaut.

John’s story is truly inspiring, and it shows us that anything is possible if we set our mind to it. No matter what challenges we face in life, we can overcome them and achieve greatness if we work hard and persevere. So, keep pushing yourself to be the best you can be, and never let anyone tell you that you can’t achieve your dreams.

1. What do we know about John according to this passage?

A．He won medals in Olympics.	B．He was born with disability.
C．He was athletic from childhood.	D．He made great efforts before success.

2. Why did John try so many things?

A．He wanted to show off his talent.	B．He wanted to prove his sports personality.
C．He refused to accept impossibility.	D．He experienced various emotions.

3. What is John’s mission as an astronaut?

A．To make the longest stay in outer space.	B．To become the first global astronaut in space.
C．To lead the work of the ESA.	D．To study the performance of disabled astronauts.

4. Which words can be used to describe John?

A．Generous and intelligent.	B．Interesting and patient.
C．Inspiring and determined.	D．Ambitious and humorous.

10 . Hussam Al-Attar, a 15-year-old boy in Gaza, is able to build a device to provide electricity for the lamps of the tent he is staying in with his family.

Al-Attar got two fans at a resale market and used them to create small wind turbines (涡轮) to produce electricity. His invention led others in the camp where he stayed to start calling him the “Newton of Gaza”. That comparison involves the English scientist, Isaac Newton. Newton is known for his major scientific discoveries in the fields of physics, mathematics and astronomy more than 300 years ago. A famous story about Newton describes how an apple falling on his head led him to discover the nature of gravity.

Al-Attar and his family are staying in a tent that is partly attached to a house. He was able to climb onto the roof to set up two fans, one above the other. The wind could turn the fans, which produced small amounts of electricity. He then connected the fans to wires and built a charging station. Al-Attar also built switches to control a lighting system made out of wood.

Al-Attar’s first two attempts failed, and it took him a lot of time to develop a working system. He started developing it further, bit by bit, until he was able to extend the wires through the room to the tent, so that the tent would have light. He was happy to be able to create something to help ease “the suffering” of his family members. Now, he is just looking forward to the future when conditions can improve in Gaza.

“I am very happy that people in this camp call me the ‘Newton of Gaza’,” Al-Attar said. “Because I hope to achieve my dream of becoming a scientist like Newton and creating an invention that will benefit not only the people of the Gaza Strip, but the whole world.”

1. Why did Al-Attar buy two second-hand fans?

A．To light his tent.	B．To cool his home.
C．To challenge Newton.	D．To learn to repair a device.

2. Which of the following did Al-Attar use to power his invention?

A．Sunlight.

B．Electricity.

C．Burning wood.

D．Flowing air.

3. What can we learn from Al-Attar’s devotion to his invention?

A．Personal ability is boundless.	B．Patience is the key to success.
C．Family support determines success.	D．Failure tends to discourage motivation.

4. What did Al-Attar mainly convey in the last paragraph?

A．His future goal.	B．His great achievements.
C．The benefits of his camp.	D．The hardship of his creation.