1 . In 2019, after retiring from her career as a social worker, Ane Freed - Kernis decided to build a home workshop and devote all of her free time to stone carving. “I might be covered head to to e in dust but I’m happy — it was something I needed more of in my life when I hit 60,” she says.

This appeal has its origins in Freed - Kernis’ childhood. Growing up on her father’s farm in Denmark, she used to wander through the fields with her eyes fixed on the ground, looking for stones to add to her collection. “I’ve always been drawn to the shapes and textures (质地) of stones,” she says.

After moving to England in 1977 and training as a social worker, Freed - Kernis soon became occupied with her busy career and the demands of raising her son. Stones were the last thing on her mind, until her father died in 2005. “He took a stone carving course in his retirement, and I always thought stone seemed so fun but never had the time to look into it myself,” she says. “After he died, I became determined to learn in his honour.”

Signing up for a week-long stone carving course at Yorkshire Sculpture Park, Freed-Kernis began to learn how to turn a block of rock into well-designed shapes. “It was really scary at the start because you would spend hours just hammering (锤打).”

Now 65, Freed-Kernis has a thriving small business built largely through word of mouth. She creates 12 to 15 pieces a year that can take anywhere from a few days to three weeks to complete, while her prices range from £ 200 to £ 3,000. “I’m making smaller ones,” she says. “I don’t have to depend on the money much, so I want to keep prices in the range that people can afford, mainly just covering costs and labour (劳动力).”

1. Freed-Kernis was first attracted by stones when ______.

A．she was 60	B．she was a child
C．her father died	D．she moved to England

2. What can we infer about Freed-Kernis from paragraph 3?

A．She never cared about her father.

B．She led a disappointing life in Denmark.

C．She spent lots of time studying stone carving.

D．She learned stone carving under the influence of her dad.

3. How did Freed-Kernis feel when she started stone carving course?

A．Hopeful and proud.

B．Confident and satisfied.

C．Nervous and frightened.

D．Impatient and unprepared.

4. Why is Freed-Kernis making smaller pieces?

A．They are easier to move by her.

B．They are more affordable to people.

C．She wants to save costs and labour.

D．She is too old to focus on making large ones.

2 . In San Francisco, a large group of sea lions move themselves out of the bay waters and hang out on PIER 39, which is a popular tourist destination. According to dock (码头) officials, this is the most sea lions seen in the region in 15 years.

“Over 1,000 sea lions have been counted this week,” PIER 39 harbormaster Sheila Chandor told many different media. “The surge in sea lions is usually a good sign of their strong population and healthy living environment,” said Adam Ratner, Director of Conservation Engagement at the Marine Mammal (海洋哺乳动物) Center in Sausalito, California.

“California sea lions are sentinels (哨兵) of the ocean,” Ratner said. Their population to some extent reflects the health of the ocean. Therefore, seeing a large number of California sea lions is clearly a good thing.

For nearly 35 years, the slippery (滑的) residents have been a star attraction for tourists. That autumn in 1989, PIER 39 had just been repaired, but the ships had not yet been moved back. At that moment, the sea lions unexpected arrival not only attracted fans but also created enemies. According to a website, some dock residents and workers were scared away by the strong and very unpleasant smell and noise of their new neighbors, while others saw these animals as a bright spot after the destructive Loma Prieta earthquake.

The officials sought help from the Marine Mammal Center to find a way to deal with sea lions. Ratner said that the final decision is to let the sea lions stay and coexist with humans. “The fact proves that this is really a good thing,” he said. “This is just a proof of how we can truly work together and think about how we can share our coasts with marine mammals and other wildlife in a way that benefits all the parties involved.”

1. How does the author start the text?

A．By describing a situation.

B．By answering a question.

C．By holding a conversation.

D．By comparing different opinions.

2. What does the underlined word “surge” in paragraph 2 mean?

A．Sharp increase.	B．Tight control.
C．Slow development.	D．Sudden movement.

3. What is Ratner’s attitude to the final decision?

A．Doubtful.	B．Uninterested.
C．Supportive.	D．Unclear.

4. What message does the author seem to convey in the text?

A．Sea lions are pretty cool animals.

B．Animals and humans can live in harmony.

C．Watching sea lions might not be a proper action.

D．Sea lions should be driven out of PIER 39.

3 . At some point, something will have to be done about the stuffed toys (毛绒玩具). I haven’t counted them because, truthfully, I’m not prepared to know how many there are. Lately, our neighborhood’s message boards are filled with posts about parents trying to make space, to clear out the things their kids no longer need. The tone of some of these posts can best be described as “emergency”. “Help!” they sometimes begin. “I have to get this out of my house.”

“The proliferation (激增) of children’s toys is the outcome of a long, gradual cultural change,”says Gary Cross, a professor at Pennsylvania State University. To understand how we got here — drowning (淹没于) in all those stuffed toys and bricks — it helps to look as far back as the late 19th century. “Parents were no longer passing their jobs on to the children,” Cross says. “Instead, they connect across generations through the gifting process. From the early 20th century on, goods became the things that define relationships between family members, and the way of marking success as a family.”

Then, how can parents deal with the proliferation of children’s toys at home? Naeemah Ford Goldson, a professional organizer, is also a mom of two. In her own home, Goldson likes to include her kids in the work of sorting out their toys. They know that the items they don’t need anymore will be given to people who can use them, to families who might not be as fortunate as theirs. “Doing so helps them build those habits of letting go,” she says, “so then they don’t become adults who are too dependent on material things instead of experiences, or people, and the memories we make with people.”

Her idea made sense. She told her 5-year-old they should pick some to give to kids in their community who came from another country and had to leave their toys behind. She immediately took a pink bear from the pile.

1. Why does the author present the posts in paragraph 1?

A．To show the popularity of children’s toys.

B．To offer suggestions about choosing children’s toys.

C．To praise the role of social media in buying children’s toys.

D．To introduce the influence too many children’s toys bring about.

2. What has caused the huge increase of children’s toys according to Cross?

A．Children’s demands.	B．The growth of technology.
C．The traditions in the 18th century.	D．The practice of gifting among family members.

3. What does Goldson do to avoid too many toys?

A．Involve her kids in organizing toys.	B．Put away toys for her kids.
C．Buy her kids fewer toys.	D．Sell unwanted toys to neighbors.

4. Which is the most suitable title for the text?

A．The Rise of Toy Stores in Neighborhoods	B．The Importance of Choosing Proper Gifts
C．The Challenge of Managing Children’s Toys	D．The Joy of Collecting Children’s Toys

4 . Tips for Unplugging (拔掉……的电源插头) for the Holidays

Unplugging for the holidays will give your brain a break and allow yourself to enjoy more pleasures in your life.     1     These tips will help you have a tech-free holiday and enjoy the benefits of unplugging for the holidays.

    2     It’s a lot easier to stay away from your smartphone if everyone else you’re with follows suit. Let family and friends know you’d like to do a digital detox (脱瘾) during your time. Have everyone turn their phones off, then collect them and keep them in a separate room.

Plan or arrange activities in advance. The day might seem boring if everyone’s phone is taken and there’s no plan for entertainment.     3     From making popcorn and watching a movie to going on a hike, baking cookies or playing board games, you’ll be surprised by how much fun you can have together.

Keep your phone out of the bedroom at night. Give yourself an alarm clock, and keep your phone out of the room when you’re getting ready to sleep.     4    

Take time to relax. Whether it’s reading a book or taking a hot bath with essential oils, take time to enjoy life’s little pleasures but no technology.

Practice yoga (瑜伽).     5     Yoga changes your brain in a variety of ways. With all the extra time you’ll have from your digital detox, you’ll have time to get started.

A．Get everyone on board.

B．Ready to unplug but not sure how?

C．Feel happier and healthier with loved ones.

D．If possible, turn it off at least an hour beforehand.

E．It is a combination of physical and breathing exercises.

F．Your brain can focus on the task and news at hand more quickly.

G．Expect this and design a list of activities everyone can take part in.

5 . My daughter will turn 17 in three months! As a parent, I feel the urgency (紧迫) to teach her important skills before she goes off to college.     1    . So this article is written for her and other teens.

    2    . It's easy to spend money. What's not easy is spending money wisely. One way to help you spend money wisely is to separate your wants from your needs and spend money primarily on your needs. Write down what you need with those costs in one column and write down what you want with those costs in another column. Then compare them.

Start the savings habit. Start to set aside money for the future now, while you are young.     3    . This will go towards goals such as buying a new learning reference book(a short-term goal), a laptop computer(a longer-term goal), a rainy-day fund and college expenses.

Be careful with credit cards. When you go to college, you may find credit card companies often attract you to sign up for their credit cards. They will try to convince you that a credit card is like having free money for you to spend while you only pay the smallest amount each month.     4    . Because you may fall into the terrifying dream of high interest (利息) rates.

Be a smart shopper. Plan ahead weekly by making a shopping list and stick to the list. Consider using recipes (食谱) that use low-cost, healthy materials.     5    . Compare prices online, especially for clothing and shoes.

A．Write down your needs and wants

B．This idea of money can be very dangerous

C．Get a part-time job when you're old enough

D．Now put aside some money when you have any income

E．Eat before you shop to avoid a sudden wish to buy something

F．Few people ever become wealthy based entirely on their earnings

G．Money management skills are extremely important for her success and happiness

6 . Popular people are admired and loved by their peers (同龄人).     1     Popular people have plenty of friends and usually have a high social status in their peer group. Here are some general tips that will help you become a more likable and popular person.

Avoid offering help in exchange for approval (认可). Trying to be helpful will have the opposite effect.     2     Popular people help others because they have a useful skill, not because they want to win someone else’s friendship.

Be the glue in your social circle. When you have plans to meet a group of friends for a social outing, make a habit of inviting someone who hasn’t met everyone in the group yet. If you re hanging out with a friend and run into another friend, remember to introduce them to each other.     3    

Practice positivity. People who often complain about life and are more pessimistic have fewer friends. Therefore, it’s important to have a positive attitude and avoid constant complaining.     4     It can be a key step in making close friends. But if you talk about your problems over and over again, your friends might not enjoy hanging out with you.

    5     Many people make the mistake of avoiding social relationships at their school or workplace. They think these places are for work or studying, not socializing. But most of us spend a lot of time at work or college. If you refuse to socialize with people you see almost every day, you’ll miss out on some valuable relationships.

A．Build relationships at work place and school.

B．Otherwise, your friends might feel awkward.

C．Make sure you are popular with your friends.

D．You’ll be regarded as people who need friendship.

E．And many people want to be associated with popular people.

F．However, sometimes sharing your problems with others is a good thing.

G．Peers have a special gift that enables them to make friends wherever they go.

7 . TikTok, the widely popular social media platform, has taken the world by storm with its short-form videos and addictive content. But did you know that there is also a Chinese version of TikTok?

The Chinese version of TikTok is called Douyin, and it has quickly become one of the most widely used apps in China. Launched in 2016 by Beijing-based tech company ByteDance, Douyin has attracted an enormous user base and reshaped the social media landscape in China.

So, how did Douyin gain such vast popularity in China?

One of the factors contributing to Douyin’s success is the large population of smartphone users in China. With over 1.4 billion people, China has a massive user base for social media platforms. Additionally, the rise in internet penetration and the availability of affordable smartphones have made it easier for people to access and use Douyin.

Douyin takes advantage of China’s culture of sharing and enjoying bite-sized content. In China. there has always been a strong demand for short-form entertainment, including popular formats like variety shows, quick comedy skits, and music videos. Douyin provides a platform for users to easily create and share short videos, allowing them to express their creativity and talent.

Douyin leverages the power of social network effects. Users can follow each other, like and comment on videos, and engage with a large community of like-minded individuals. This sense of belonging and community encourages them to spend more time on the platform.

Moreover. Douyin continuously improves its features and algorithms to enhance user experience and keep users engaged. The app uses advanced AI technology to analyze user preferences and provide personalized recommendations, ensuring that users see content that is relevant and interesting to them.

Overall, the rise of the Chinese version of TikTok, Douyin, can be attributed to a combination of factors, including the large smartphone user base, the popularity of short-form entertainment in China, social network effects, and continuous improvements in features and algorithms.

1. How is Douyin different from TikTok?

A．Its algorithms.

B．Its target groups.

C．Its user experience.

D．Its main functions.

2. Which of the following is one of the factors of Douyin’s success in China?

A．The popularity of long-form videos.

B．The low technology requirements to Douyin.

C．The large population of smartphone users.

D．The availability of different brands of mobile phones.

3. What does the underlined word “leverages” mean in Paragraph 6?

A．brings about

B．believes in

C．makes up for

D．makes full use of

4. How is the passage organized?

A．Opinion — Description — Discussion	B．Topic — Argument — Emphasis
C．Introduction — Explanations — Summary	D．Main idea — Supporting examples — Conclusion

8 . A group of Chinese language students from Spain visited Malta for three days. They had a chance to enjoy themselves in the amazing Chinese cultural experiences there.

At the Confucius Institute of the University of Malta on Saturday, the students from the Official School of Languages were attracted by traditional Chinese flute (长笛) performances, and Chinese tea making. Each of them was photographed trying on Hanfu, a form of traditional Chinese clothing. Despite their age differences, they all proved their dexterity (灵巧) at traditional Chinese works such as paper-cutting and knot-weaving. Maria Nieves, a group member, expressed her strong interest in Chinese culture, after two years of learning the language. “Despite the challenges, Chinese characters are truly beautiful,” she says.

On Sunday, the group visited the Mediterranean Regional Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine in Paola, Malta. Under the guidance of a doctor, they practiced Ba Duan Jin, a set of exercises whose name translates as “eight steps to healthy living”. A lecture on TCM introduced them to treatments like acupuncture (针灸) and cupping, and some of the students had the chance to personally experience a treatment. Feng Hua, leader of the Chinese medical team, says that the TCM center is planning to host more students, who are interested in TCM and Chinese culture to take part in cultural exchange, and learn more about Chinese medical practice.

During their visit to the China Cultural Center in Valletta on Monday, the students were drawn to the traditional Chinese lanterns hanging in front of the entrance, and also to the beautiful tea sets in the main hall. Yuan Yuan, director of the China Cultural Center in Malta, highlights the importance of cultural exchange in promoting friendship between nations.

1. What is the first destination of the students’ study visits?

A．University of Malta.

B．Official School of Languages.

C．Mediterranean Regional Center.

D．China Cultural Center.

2. How long had Maria Nieves been studying Chinese?

A．Six months.

B．One year.

C．Two years.

D．Three years.

3. How many activities were experienced by the students in Paola, Malta?

A．One.

B．Two.

C．Three.

D．Four.

4. What could be the best title for the passage?

A．Wisdom of Chinese People

B．An Amazing Language Learning Tour

C．The Importance of Cultural Exchange

D．Spanish Students Visit Malta for Cultural Experience

9 . Thanks to its proximity (邻近) to England, its successful tourism industry and its multicultural population, Edinburgh is quite a special city in Scotland.

Edinburgh simply makes it with culture during its long holiday season. It is not just its famous festivals in the summer but its Christmas and Hogmanay (除夕) celebrations, which fill the city with tourists from all over the world. Along with the tourists, Edinburgh has lots of students. They bring energy and variety to the culture of the city. Although this can be overwhelming (令人不知所措) at times, if you open your arms to the good that it brings you can get so much out of the city.

The Cycling Gardeners are a part of the local community. By being totally dependent on bikes for transport, we are limited to working within the city centre. We have made life a bit easier on ourselves by using electric bikes, and we often beat cars in traffic and have no problem finding place to park.

We have a great collective team spirit which is very important. Whenever you go there from May to September, you will likely meet both sunshine and rain. But the wet weather can be dealt with by helping each other out, spending time in the many local cafes, catching up with your friends and having a good discussion about the rain!

Without doubt my favourite place in Edinburgh is the Meadows Park. I was born in the hospital overlooking it and grew up in buildings around it. Much of my childhood days were spent there. I met my wife there and it is where I take my young son to play. I have the happiest memories of building snowmen when the snow comes down. I really hope that this winter brings good snow so I can review my own childhood with my son!

1. What does Edinburgh attract visitors most?

A．Its successful industry.	B．Its famous festivals.
C．Its rainy seasons.	D．Its beautiful view.

2. Compared with driving cars, what’s the advantages of riding electric bikes for Cycling Gardeners?

A．Speed.	B．Comfort.
C．Convenience.	D．Expense.

3. What does the underlined phrase “catching up” in paragraph 4 mean?

A．Getting up.	B．Meeting up.
C．Showing up.	D．Picking up.

4. Why is the Meadows Park the author’s favorite place in Edinburgh?

A．He has good memories there.	B．He was born there.
C．He played with his young son there.	D．He met his wife there.

10 . Being a teenager is hard. You’re trying to grow into an adult and are facing new challenges every day.     1     Remember that your feelings are normal and everyone struggles with self-confidence at youth. You can take some steps to improve your confidence by applying confident body language.

Make eye contact.

Making eye contact with another person is a great way to show confidence. People will treat you with more respect if you are able to look them in the eyes.     2     That can make the other person feel uncomfortable.

Stay visible (引人注目的).

Never hide behind your hair or curl up (蜷缩) in a ball. Confident people have body language that presents they deserve(值得) to be there. So keep your hair off your face.     3     Besides, you should sit tall. Make sure you’re sitting up straight with your head up.

Keep Smiling.

A sincere smile makes you look better and friendlier, but did you know it also helps you feel better? Studies have found that even forcing yourself to smile can lighten your mood.     4     Smiling makes you look more comfortable, and can even make you more memorable.

Being a teenager is not an easy time. You are forming your identity and learning about the world… and so is everybody else! Take confidence in the fact that your feelings and struggles are normal.     5    

A．Put your hands in your lap or on your desk.

B．But you don’t need to fix your eyes on them.

C．Keep it behind your ears or pull it back if you need to.

D．And remind yourself that you can use confident body language.

E．You may sometimes feel anxious about all the changes in your life.

F．And if you are feeling happier, you will likely feel more confident, too.

G．Practice making eye contact with people you are most comfortable with.