1 . The Little Town’s Market
In a little town between gentle hills, there was a market that bustled with activity every weekend. Local farmers gathered to sell their fresh food and handcrafted goods. The air was filled with the fragrance of fruits, vegetables, and the sound of happy talks.
At the heart of the market was a beautiful old tree that provided shade for the shopkeepers and customers. Under this tree, a group of musicians often played lively music, adding to the festive atmosphere. People of all ages enjoyed the music, dancing and singing along.
One corner of the market was a children’s area. Here, kids could participate in various activities such as face painting, puppet shows, and simple games. Parents appreciated this space where their children could play safely while they shopped for the week’s groceries.
The market also featured a small café where people could take a break from shopping and enjoy a cup of coffee or a snack. The café was known for its delicious homemade pastries, which were a favorite among the townspeople.
Every Saturday, the market held a special event. Sometimes it was a cooking show, other times a local author would come to sign books. These events attracted even more visitors and made the market a center of the community.
1. What can we learn from Paragraph 1?| A．The market is only open on weekdays. |
| B．The market is a place for local farmers to sell their goods. |
| C．The market is always quiet and calm. |
| D．The market sells only handmade goods. |
| A．Was empty. |
| B．Was noisy and busy. |
| C．Was closed. |
| D．Was slow. |
| A．It was used for hanging goods. |
| B．It was the place where musicians played. |
| C．It was the only tree in the town. |
| D．It was where the children’s area was located. |
| A．By providing a place for children to play. |
| B．By hosting special events every Saturday. |
| C．Both A and B. |
| D．By selling only imported goods. |
| A．Fried foods. |
| B．Homemade pastries. |
| C．Fast food. |
| D．Raw vegetables. |
2 . If you want to make yourself happy then you should know what to do. Here are some suggestions for you.
Get enough sleep. Enough sleep makes you healthy. A healthy body brings you more fun. You should sleep for 7 to 9 hours each night. Make sure to go to bed and get up around the same time every day.
Eat healthy meals. Another thing you can make yourself happier is to eat three healthy meals a day. It will provide you with energy, and make you think well. No matter how busy you are, be careful of what you eat. Because it can improve your happiness.
Find time to relax. You should try to give yourself at least 30 minutes a day for relaxation. You. can’t spend every second of your day working, or you’ll feel tired and terrible. You may read a magazine, watch TV or talk to your best friend on the phone to relax yourself.
1. According to the writer, we should sleep for each night.| A．1 to 2 hours | B．3 to 4 hours | C．7 to 9 hours | D．12 to 15 hours |
| A．early | B．same | C．different | D．late |
| A．Energy | B．sleep | C．suggestions | D．ways |
| A．two | B．three | C．four | D．five |
3 . STINSON BEACH CLEAN-UP PROJECT
Help us keep Stinson Beach clean this summer! Warmer weather and handfuls of holidays bring more people out to the beach which sometimes means more garbage too; join us once per month to clear litter and maintain the beauty there.
When: One Friday a month between May and September. 10: 00 am—1: 00 pm.
Where: Stinson Beach parking lot.
Supplies: We invite volunteers to bring their own reusable supplies! Limit waste by bringing your own bag or bucket and gloves if possible — but don’t worry if you don’t — we’ll have some supplies on site for you to use.
Group entry: Groups of five or more require special arrangements and must be confirmed in advance. Please review the List of Available Projects and fill out the Group Project Request Form.
Age, Skills, What to bring:
Volunteers aged 10 and up are welcome. Read our Youth Policy Guidelines for youth under the age of 15.
Bring your completed Volunteer Agreement Form. Volunteers under 18 must have the parent approval section signed.
We’ll be working rain or shine. Bring layers for changing weather and rain gear (雨具).
Bring a personal water bottle and sunscreen. Wear clothes that can get dirty. Long pants and closed-toe shoes are required.
No experience necessary. Training and tools will be provided. Fulfills community service requirements.
1. What is the aim of the project?| A．To attract the tourists. | B．To beautify the beach. |
| C．To provide trip study. | D．To conduct a research. |
| A．Fine weather. | B．Rich experience. |
| C．School uniform. | D．Parent permission. |
| A．Training. | B．Long pants. | C．Rain gear. | D．Water bottles. |
4 . When my barber for more than 45 years, Deminick, retired earlier this year, I was in a fix. I can not drive, and only one other barbershop was walkable from my house in Freeport. Dominick represented more than a good haircut. For me, he was a moving landmark and a long tradition. He always asked about my boys, now 44 and 49, and admired our family hair.
I’d walk by his empty shop on Grand Avenue in Baldwin, hoping another barber would move in. Otherwise, the one other shop in the same area available to me was small, like Dominick’s, but uninviting, often empty, with no elderly men or mothers with kids. Dominick’s was a one-man operation and often had customers waiting.
But my luck changed — I thought. There appeared a barber pole above Dominick’s! Red, white and blue! A bright sign said BARBER. Open for business! But a large notice in the window displayed the barber’s name — Alicia Zayala. A woman!
My heart sank. As a man, I didn’t want a chemical hair treatment. I wanted a haircut! Going to a female barber wasn't my cup of tea. I believe in the equality of the two genders (性别) and I respect women. But I didn’t feel comfortable with a female hairdresser.
So I chose the male barber with empty chairs in Baldwin. He was young and confident. With big movements, he cut my hair. I felt like grass under a lawnmower (割草机)．It was my quickest haircut since 1952. It wasn’t bad;he had made the cut. But he wasn’t my old barber.
When my hair once again grew over my hearing aid, I wondered whether I should try the lady barber. Why not? My hair would grow back. The new barber was middle-aged, silent at first but outgoing. Small talk to break the ice turned into a chat. Alicia was pleasant. She had Dominick's concentration that I had taken for granted (视为当然). I coughed. She rushed to get me a hard candy. It was the longest haircut I’d ever had, but she matched Dominick’s care and skill. I was very pleased.
1. How did the author feel after Dominick’s retirement announcement?| A．A bit worried. | B．Quite angry. | C．Really relieved. | D．Deeply hurt. |
| A．The barber had a small barbershop, like Dominick’s, but uninviting. |
| B．The barber was known for his quick haircuts. |
| C．The author was used to being served by male barbers. |
| D．The author liked chatting with the barber’s elderly customers. |
| A．Considerate. | B．Humorous. | C．Adventurous. | D．Impatient. |
| A．Sweet are the uses of adversity. | B．Constant drop wears away a stone. |
| C．Never judge a book by its cover. | D．Practice makes perfect. |
5 . Social media platforms are filled with individuals proudly sharing their rapid mastering of a language.
◆Be a child, watch cartoons
◆
If watching cartoons is not your cup of tea, fear not, for there is the alternative of listening to podcasts (播客) and songs. Not only can you pick up phrases and idioms, but you can also develop your appreciation for the culture.
◆Let the words flow
Talking to wait staff at native restaurants can help with your language skills.
◆A foreign stamp
A commonly overlooked method is to keep a pen pal. Through the exchange of letters, you not only get to practise your writing skills but can also get a friend.
| A．Turn the volume up. |
| B．Where do they often practice oral English? |
| C．Never stress them in pronunciation. |
| D．To avoid the risk of making mistakes in public you can start by speaking to your pets. |
| E．Over all, continuous practice is key to unlocking the door of mastery. |
| F．One of the most common advice for language learners is to watch children’s cartoons. |
| G．Where does the secret lie? |
6 . Elephants are the largest terrestrial (陆地的) animals. For a long time, they are very helpful. They carry big trees, take people from place to place and are even used in wars.
Some people think it’s not easy to hurt an elephant because its skin is thick and hard. In fact, that’s wrong. Sometimes, a needle (针) can also be very dangerous for the elephant.
People say elephants are afraid of mice. This is wrong, too. In fact, elephants have very poor eyesight(视力), so they usually cannot see a mouse even if one comes very close to them. If a person has a good memory (记忆), people will say that he has an elephant memory. However, up to now, no study shows that elephants have a better memory than any other animal.
People also believe that when it is time for elephants to die, they will hide themselves in a so-called “elephant graveyard”. Often, hunters by to find such places to get ivories (象牙) but few people really find places like that. In fact, when elephants are old or get sick, they will stay in deep and secret caves (洞穴) until they get better or die.
1. Elephants can help people a lot EXCEPT that they ________.| A．carry heavy trees | B．help people build houses |
| C．carry people to different places | D．help people in the war |
| A．Because the elephant is too big. | B．Because people can’t get close to it. |
| C．Because the elephant can kill people. | D．Because its skin is thick and hard. |
| A．A place for hiding dead elephants. | B．A place for animals to play in. |
| C．A place with yards and flowers. | D．A place where elephants are safe. |
| A．Elephants are afraid of mice. | B．Elephants have very poor memory. |
| C．Elephants cannot see very clearly. | D．Elephants never go to caves. |
7 . Do you enjoy cooking with fresh herbs or admiring them in your garden? If so, growing lavender (薰衣草) at home could become your new favorite hobby.
Commonly Grown Varieties•English Lavender:
Growing Conditions: Full sun, well-draining soil
Uses: Ideal for cooking purposes, sachets (香囊)
•French Lavender:
Growing Conditions: Full sun, sandy soil
Uses: Valued for its decorative value, perfect for borders and landscaping
•Phenomenal Lavender:
Growing Conditions: Full sun, sandy soil
Uses: Attracting bees and ideal for cooking purposes
•Spanish Lavender:
Growing Conditions: Full sun, well-draining soil
Uses: Adding decoration to gardens, suitable for cooking purposes
Tips for the Gardener•Sun Properly: Plant lavender in a location where it will receive at least 6-8 hours of sunlight daily. Providing some afternoon shade can help prevent the plants from becoming stressed.
•Water Wisely: Lavender has low water needs. Therefore, water plants deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
•Provide Air Circulation: Lavender does not like to be crowded. Space plants appropriately and avoid overcrowding in planting beds.
•Cover Moderately: Apply a thin layer of soil around lavender plants to conserve water. Avoid soil buildup around plant stems to prevent them from being destroyed.
•Monitor for Pests and Diseases: Keep an eye out for pests like aphids (蚜虫) and diseases like leaf spot. Regularly inspect plants for signs of insects attacking or disease and take immediate action.
1. What is special about French Lavender?| A．It is a cooking ingredient. | B．It requires full sunshine. |
| C．It is ideal for borders. | D．It can be used as a decoration. |
| A．Offer 6-8 hours’ shade daily. | B．Avoid frequent watering. |
| C．Ensure close space in between. | D．Cover a thick layer of soil. |
| A．In a gardening brochure. | B．In a travel guide. |
| C．In a science magazine. | D．In an experiment report. |
8 . Four Famous Festivals in the World
Holi Festival in India
The ancient Hindu festival of Holi is held in late February and early March. This colorful act symbolizes the victory of good over evil (邪恶) each year. It begins with a bonfire (篝火) , the flame of which burns away evil, and after that, the participants are in for some real fun. Crowds of people sprinkle (酒) each other with colored powder and organic paints as a sign of goodness and good luck.
Venice Carnival in Italy
The most romantic city in Italy fills with bright colors and sounds of music every year at the end of February. Residents and guests of Venice dress up in splendid costumes in the style of the Middle Ages and cover their faces with masks. The carnival ends with the awarding of the competitors who have showed the most original and colorful costumes.
Tomorrowland in Belgium
The biggest electronic music festival in the world is held at the end of July in the Belgian city of Boom. The famous three-day event annually gathers more than 300 thousand guests. The main stages are set up in a large park with artificial ponds and beautiful green areas. The area will be equipped in advance with food courts, grills, and all the necessary equipment.
Burning Man in the USA
Many cultural events pale in comparison to the legendary Burning Man, held in Nevada from the last Monday in August to the first Monday in September. The unique atmosphere is created not only by the organizers and the desert where the festival takes place but also by the participants themselves.
They build a tent city with homemade art objects and the necessary equipment. The highlight of the festival is the burning of a huge wooden statue of a man and the main temple.1. Which festival is held in late February and early March?
| A．Holi Festival. | B．Venice Carnival. |
| C．Tomorrowland. | D．Burning Man. |
| A．A bonfire. | B．A food feast. |
| C．The awarding of the competitors. | D．The burning of a huge wooden man. |
| A．Near a pond. | B．In a desert. |
| C．In a large park. | D．Along the city street. |
9 . Opera at Music Hall
It’s on 1243 Elm Street. The season runs June through August, with additional performances in March and September. The opera honors enjoy the membership discounts.
Phone: 241-2742.
http://www.cityopera.com.
Chamber Orchestra
The orchestra plays at Memorial Hall at 1406 Elm Street, which offers several concerts from March through June.
Call 723-1182 for more information.
http://www.chamberorch.com.
Symphony Orchestra
At Music Hall at Riverbend, the regular season runs September through May at Music Hall in summer.
For ticket sales, call 381-3300.
http://www.symphony.org/home.asp.
College Conservatory of Music (CCM)
Performances are usually held at Patricia Cobbett Theater. CCM organizes a variety of events. Students with their student ID cards can attend the events for free.
For more information, call 556-4183.
http://www.ccm.uc.edu/events/calendar.
Riverbend Music Theater
It’s on 6295 Kellogg Ave. It’s a large outdoor theater with the closest seats under cover and big name shows all summer long!
Phone: 232-6220.
http://www.riverbendmusic.com.
1. Which number should you call if you want to see an opera?| A．241-2742. | B．723-1182. | C．381-3300. | D．232-6220. |
| A．In February. | B．In May. | C．In August. | D．In November. |
| A．To Music Hall. | B．To Memorial Hall. |
| C．To Patricia Cobbett Theater. | D．To Riverbend Music Theater. |
10 . I just got a new computer. It is very helpful. When Ms. Liu asked us to write a report about Easter, I decided to do all of my research on the Internet. I entered some key words into a search engine to find information on this topic.
What is Easter?
Easter does not fall on the same day each year. The date depends on the moon. But it is always in March or April.
How do people celebrate Easter?
People celebrate Easter with their family and friends.
| A．When is Easter? |
| B．Here is what I found. |
| C．They eat delicious food together. |
| D．What do you know about the Internet? |
| E．Rabbits and eggs are symbols of new life. |
| F．Easter is an important festival in Western culture. |
| G．Do you often search for information on the Internet? |
