1 . Thomas was a well-known wise man. One day, he wandered in a beautiful small town. Because of his fame, people from nearby towns who heard of his arrival all came to visit and seek his advice.
Many who came sought help with difficulties in daily life, and Thomas, unable to bear turning them away, patiently offered suggestions. Word spread quickly, and more and more people came to see Thomas for guidance.
One day, dozens of people crowded outside Thomas’s door, all clamoring (大声地要求) that their problems were the most serious and urgent, each insisting that Thomas address their concerns first, with no one willing to yield (让步).
After a moment of thought, Thomas took out some paper and a pen and said, “I can’t hear clearly with everyone talking at once. How about everyone write down your problem on a piece of paper and place it in this basket beside me?”
Once everyone had placed their notes in the basket, Thomas shook the basket and said, “Please each take a piece of paper from the basket and read what it says.”
As everyone read a note from someone else, they all realized that indeed, each person has their own troubles, and every household has its own challenges. Then Thomas spoke up, “Now, whose problem is the most urgent to solve?” Hearing that question, no one spoke again, because now no one dared to claim that their problem was the most severe.
Often, we are bound by our immediate feelings. When difficulties and problems strike, it feels as though we are caught in a vortex of pain. But if we shift our focus from ourselves and look towards others, we might discover that the problems we face are not so significant. Perhaps others are the ones who need help more urgently, or maybe there is something within our power that we can do for them.
1. Why did people visit Thomas?| A．For advice. | B．For a meeting. |
| C．For a competition. | D．For introductions. |
| A．He ignored them. | B．He listened to each one individually. |
| C．He prioritized the problems himself. | D．He asked them to write down their problems. |
| A．The complexity of their difficulties. | B．The similarity of their situations. |
| C．Their need for more advice. | D．Their living conditions. |
| A．Competition. | B．Sympathy. | C．Prioritization. | D．Self-confidence. |
2 . Ruby was a police dog with the Rhode Island State Police, but she didn’t always work with them. Ruby was once a handful who was in and out of the sheller. She was returned five times by different families. She was considered unadoptable because of her high energy and she was just unmanageable
The shelter workers thought her energy may be put to work. They reached the state police, who wanted to give Ruby a second chance and decided to try her out as a rescue dog. O’Neil was picked to be her handler (驯犬员) .
“We have something in common. When I was younger, I couldn’t focus and I wasn’t good at school. But no one really ever gave up on me,” O’Neil said. “I think that’s why we were bound to be together.” A normal dog could be trained in months. For Ruby, it took a year and a half, but O’Neil didn’t want to give up on her. Finally, she was a certified police dog. Six years later, she became even more than that -a hero.
“We got a call stating there was a missing boy, and we just went out and started searching. After eight hours, Ruby ran down a hill. I looked over the hill and saw the injured boy,” ONeil recalled.
O’Neil went to tell the mother that the boy was found alive and told her a police dog helped save her son. Then they realised a surprising connection: the boy’s mum once worked at an animal shelter. “There was a dog that I heard became a state trooper (兵) a few years ago. The dog was named Ruby. She was the sweetest thing,” she told him.
“Are you kidding?” O’Neil said. “That dog that you helped for all those times to get adopted just saved your son’s life.”
1. Which of the following can best replace the underlined word “handful” in paragraph 1?| A．Popular dog. | B．Good helper. | C．Troublemaker | D．Intelligent dog |
| A．A shelter dog. | B．A rescue dog. | C．A guard dog. | D．A pet dog. |
| A．ONeil’s guidance. | B．Ruby’s high energy |
| C．Ruby’s determination. | D．ONeil’s perseverance |
| A．The mother once helped Ruby in the shelter. | B．The mother was Ruby’s former handler |
| C．Ruby was once adopted by the mother. | D．Ruby saved the mother before. |
3 . The world is full of fascinating destinations. We are here for you, providing a private tour to suit your particular needs and help you enjoy a great travel around Austria.
Time
June to August is the busiest time of the year with crowds of tourists and lower room availability. If you want to avoid the crowded tourists, the best time to visit Austria lasts from April to May and from September to October. During these months, the weather is pleasant, better for enjoying outdoor activities such as sightseeing, biking, hiking and adventures. Winter is also a great time to visit since the Christmas and New Year’s celebrations are held everywhere, attracting tourists from all over the world.
Cities
Vienna, Salzburg and Innsbruck are three must-see cities that shouldn’t be missed in your Austria tour packages. Vienna, the capital city of Austria, is famous for its lively art. Salzburg is also a great region where you can enjoy amazing views of the Eastern Alps. It’s also the birthplace of the famous composer Mozart and the film setting for the Sound of Music. Innsbruck, another significant place for sightseeing in Austria, is known for its mountainous backdrop and lots of natural beauty. There are also some. worthy medieval(中世纪的)towns to visit, such as Bad Ischl, Durnstein, Hallstatt, etc.
Transportation
Austria has a wide rail network, connecting all its domestic cities and neighboring countries. Riding on comfortable trains is the best way to travel through the green valleys, the historic towns and the scenic villages.
1. When is Austria the most crowded with tourists?| A．From April to May. | B．From June to August. |
| C．From September to October. | D．From November to December. |
| A．Its art. | B．Its mountains. |
| C．Its filming. | D．Its medieval towns. |
| A．Taking a bus. | B．Taking a bike. |
| C．Taking a train. | D．Taking a boat. |
4 . The holidays can be a difficult time to stay on track with your fitness goals.
Planning is the best way to make sure you don’t lose track of your goals. Plan your workouts for the week and mark them in your schedule to assure they are a part of your day.
Exercise early.
Keep moving.
Research shows that getting up for just five minutes every 30 to 60 minutes and performing light activities reduces the risk of heart disease risk factors. Small efforts to get moving can help your overall health during the holidays. In addition to staying active, try to avoid sitting for long periods of time, such as when watching football games or eating.
Think out of the box.
The holidays are busy, but do your best to avoid the “all or nothing” mentality when it comes to physical activity.
| A．Plan ahead |
| B．Plan out your route before you go |
| C．Exercising in the morning is one of the biggest tips |
| D．Remember: too much sitting is harmful to your health |
| E．Your schedule will be filled with family gatherings and celebrations |
| F．Get creative with exercise and make physical activity a family affair |
| G．Rather than skipping the gym altogether, make time for a quick workout |
5 . Four Best Books for Teens
The How-To Cookbook for Teens
Price: $19
Cooking is a useful life skill and tons of fun for teens. This beginner-friendly book written by Julee Morrison is packed with 100 simple recipes in an easy-to-follow format that uses everyday, affordable ingredients. Parents love this book because it motivates teens to cook and is well-suited for them to cook all by themselves.
The Outsiders
Price: $13
The Outsiders by S. E. Hinton is about two weeks in the life of a 14-year-old boy. The novel tells the story of Ponyboy Curtis and his struggles with right and wrong in a society in which he believes that he is an outsider.
52 Modern Manners for Today’s Teens
Price: $23
52 Modern Manners for Today’s Teens is more than a book—it’s a 52-week calendar that provides teens (and their parents and caregivers) with crucial tips on living in today’s society. Author Brooke Romney tackles topics like Internet privacy, friendship, respecting people’s homes, helping others, and knowing yourself.
Hey, Kiddo
Price: $15
Fans of author Jarrett J. Krosoczka will know him for his Lunch Lady and Jedi Academy books. This graphic (漫画的) novel goes into the author’s childhood as he struggles with a family facing addiction and finds art to help him survive. New and long-time fans of graphic novels will appreciate the depth of this impactful story.
1. Which book will you buy if you are interested in cooking?| A．Hey, Kiddo. | B．The Outsiders. |
| C．The How-To Cookbook for Teens. | D．52 Modern Manners for Today’s Teens. |
| A．S. E. Hinton. | B．Julee Morrison. |
| C．Brooke Romney. | D．Jarrett J. Krosoczka. |
| A．$39. | B．$45. | C．$57. | D．$69. |
6 . Wildlife Volunteer Programs for Teens
Age: 14-17Duration: 2 weeks
Wildlife Orphanage Program, Zimbabwe
At one of the most successful wildlife care centers in Zimbabwe, volunteers work with wildlife ranging from monkeys to lions. These animals have been abandoned, injured, or rescued from illegal wildlife traders. Tasks include preparing food, cleaning out yards, and contributing enrichment ideas. Leisure time can be spent visiting Victoria Falls and Hwange National Park.
Age: 13-15Duration: 4 weeks
Sea Turtle (海龟) Conservation Program, Greece
With this program, teens can help the endangered sea turtle while working alongside experts. Volunteers can expect long walks along the beach watching over sea turtles nesting areas or building fences to protect them from natural enemies. Volunteers will also have the opportunity to explore ancient ruins and sample delicious Greek cuisine.
Age: 17-19Duration: 3 weeks
Yucatan Peninsula Program, Mexico
With this program, volunteers will learn about the issues facing the marine (海洋的) ecosystem, including pollution, overfishing, and climate change. Teens will gain valuable skills on how to conduct deep sea research and identify fish species. During free time, participants can explore Mayan ruins set in tropical (热带的) jungles.
Age: 16-18Duration: 2 weeks
Preserving Nature’s Wonders Program, Galapagos
Volunteers joining this program help restore the natural habitat of native wildlife, which is in danger of losing its habitat. This program gives teens an experience of a lifetime where they can swim with sea lions and spot rare wildlife in one of the last untouched places on earth.
1. Where should teens go if they want to look after wounded animals?| A．Zimbabwe. | B．Greece. | C．Mexico. | D．Galapagos. |
| A．Visit a national park. | B．Enjoy tasty local food. |
| C．Set foot in an untouched place. | D．Explore ancient ruins in tropical jungles. |
| A．The Wildlife Orphanage Program. | B．The Sea Turtle Conservation Program. |
| C．The Yucatan Peninsula Program. | D．The Preserving Nature’s Wonders Program. |
7 . An old man lives with his little grandson. Every day the old man gets up early to read books.
One day the grandson asked, “Grandpa, I want to read books as you do. But I always forget what I read. What are the advantages of reading?”
The grandfather didn’t answer him, but said, “Take this little basket to the river and bring me back a basket of water.” The boy did as his grandpa said, but all the water leaked out before he got back home. The grandfather laughed and said, “You’ll have to walk faster next time.”
The next time the boy ran faster, but the basket was still empty before he returned home. The boy said, “See, Grandpa, it’s no use!”
“Is it no use?” the old man said. “Look at the basket.”
The boy looked at the basket and found that the basket was different. It was cleaner, inside and out.
“That’s what happens when you read books. You might not understand or remember everything, but when you read them, you will be changed, inside and out.”
1. Which of the following is TRUE according to the text?| A．After the grandson reads books, he can’t understand what he reads. |
| B．After the grandson reads books, he gets up late. |
| C．After the grandson reads books, he always forgets what he reads. |
| D．After the grandson reads books, he sleeps late. |
| A．Once. | B．Twice. | C．Three times. | D．Four times. |
| A．We won’t have any changes. |
| B．We can understand everything. |
| C．We will be changed, inside and out. |
| D．We can never forget what we read. |
8 . No doubt one of China’s greatest resources is its diverse cuisine. One of the most popular foods to be found is no doubt the street snacks that make up a large part of everyday life. “Compared with A Bite of China, which showcases chefs’ cooking processes and demonstrates delicious cuisine on air, Chinese Barbecue is more down-to-earth in depicting the people,” commented a viewer.
The new documentary series, called Chinese Barbecue, tells the story of this popular food option that sizzles (咝咝作响) over hot coals on just about every street comer in cities and towns across the country. Barbecued meat shining over hot coal containers, while not as elegant as some of the fine dining options in China, is an essential part of people’s night life. The pleasant smell and atmosphere surrounding the grilled (烤的) street food is “something that could entice people to fly downstairs at night,” the documentary claims.
In many Chinese eyes, barbecue, regarded as the most ordinary and common night street snack, is different from homemade food by mothers which is a symbol of kinship (亲切感). Barbecue is where you become connected to people in society. And unlike official business lunches, during which people are rather reserved and polite, barbecue lets people cut loose and relax with old friends and newly made friends, leaving a lasting impression of friendship.
On the other side of the world, in the United States, BBQ, well received by all ages, demonstrates the even more enthusiastic personality of Americans, who grill large steaks on their outdoor stoves at home and enjoy competing to see who has the better cooking skills. It’s safe to say that the world, as a whole, holds deep-rooted good feelings toward barbecue, either for the taste or the warmth generated by fire.
1. What is Chinese Barbecue?| A．A popular documentary. |
| B．A cooking class. |
| C．A soap opera of chefs. |
| D．A cuisine radio programme. |
| A．Quality food. |
| B．Polite atmosphere. |
| C．Beautiful cooking style. |
| D．Close bonds between friends. |
| A．A Bite of China is more down-to-earth in depicting the people. |
| B．Barbecued meat is not as elegant as some of the fine dining options in China. |
| C．Food made by restaurants is a symbol of kinship. |
| D．BBQ is well received only by the old in the UK. |
| A．To present special American culture. |
| B．To show friendship between countries. |
| C．To indicate the popularity of BBQ. |
| D．To make a comparison with Chinese BBQ. |
9 . Volunteer Programs
Special Needs Support in Barcelona
Are you interested in being a volunteer of Special Needs Support in Barcelona? The program enables volunteers to provide one-on-one care for people with a variety of physical and mental disabilities.
Highlights:
The program starts every second Monday of the month.
Affordable fees are $ 1000 for 2 weeks.
It includes accommodation, meals and airport pick-up.
Animal Care in Spain
Do you want to make some four-legged friends as a volunteer of Animal Care in Spain? The project empowers volunteers to assist cats and dogs that have been abandoned in Barcelona. Volunteers take care of animals and improve conditions at the animal shelter.
Highlights:
The program starts every fourth Tuesday of the month.
Affordable fees are $ 1030 for 2 weeks.
It includes accommodation, meals and airport pick-up.
Forest Conservation in Spain
Do you want to help deal with climate change in Spain? The project provides a unique opportunity for volunteers to contribute to the recovery of the native forests on the Catalonia coast near Barcelona.
Highlights:
The program starts every Wednesday.
Affordable fees are $425 for 1 week.
It includes accommodation, meals and 24/7 support.
Coastal Conservation in Zanzibar
Are you excited about volunteering for coastal conservation in Zanzibar? It is an opportunity for volunteers to explore the Jozani Forest. Volunteers will gain experience by supporting local initiatives.
Highlights:
The program starts every Friday.
Affordable fees are $ 540 for 1 week.
It includes accommodation, airport pick-up and 24/ 7 support.
1. When do you begin to work if you volunteer to help those with special needs?| A．Every Friday. | B．Every second Monday of the month. |
| C．Every Wednesday. | D．Every fourth Tuesday of the month. |
| A．Animal Care in Spain. | B．Coastal Conservation in Zanzibar. |
| C．Forest Conservation in Spain. | D．Special Needs Support in Barcelona. |
| A．They all charge fees. | B．They all last two weeks. |
| C．They all provide meals. | D．They all focus on environmental protection. |
10 .
Tech Heaven Courses for the digital age Course A:Animation(动画) This course is for creative people who like to draw. You don’t have to have amazing drawing skills but you need to have some artistic talent. You start learning how to draw on the computer and you finish by making interactive films. You work very closely with teachers to learn the essential techniques. You choose to do either game design or animation. There is a huge gaming library at the camp so you will have the opportunity to test your gaming skills against other students in our gaming tournaments. Course B:Web This course is for teens who want to create their own web pages and websites. On this course, you will learn the foundations of web development. The primary focus of the course is HTML, which makes up the building blocks of the Internet. You will leave the camp with your own web page and you will be able to go home and create other web pages. Course C:Coding(编程) This course is ideal for students with some programming experience who want to improve their coding skills. Most devices, programs, computers and robots run on software applications so you must have programming and coding skills to get a job with a digital company. You will learn from experienced and supportive staff and you will leave the school equipped with the basic skills. There are two hours of outdoor sports activities a day to get some fresh air. Course D:Robotics This course is all about robots. You will work in small teams and learn how to use VEX Robotics Design System. You will build a robot that will compete in robo—football. You will learn how to build robotic arms and advanced sensors. Every day will present you with a new challenge and every day will be more fun and more inspiring than the last. |
| A．Animation. | B．Web. | C．Coding. | D．Robotics. |
| A．Making interactive films. | B．Getting a digital job. |
| C．Developing web pages. | D．Building robotic arms. |
| A．Web creating skills are primary for software applications. |
| B．Most programs, computers, etc. run on software applications. |
| C．Excellent drawing skills are needed for software applications. |
| D．Robot designing skills are necessary for software applications. |
| A．They all require team work. | B．They all have outdoor activities. |
| C．They are all related to computer techniques. | D．They all provide learners with advanced skills. |
| A．A report. | B．An advertisement. | C．A course review. | D．A course schedule. |
