1 . Being bored is no fun, especially at work. But new research out of the Research School of Management at Australian National University argues that while boredom is certainly boring, it isn’t all bad. The disliked mental state can actually spark precious creativity.

The study asked 52 subjects to do a pretty boring job: sort apart a bowl of red and green beans with just one hand for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, 49 other subjects — the control group — were instructed to create art projects with paper, beans and glue. Once the 30 minutes was over, each group was instructed to spend five minutes on a creative task: they had to come up with reasons why a hypothetical (假定的) person was two hours late for a meeting.

The bored group came up with not just more ideas than the control group, but more creative ideas than the control group, too. The quality and quantity of production was higher for people who were bored than those who were not. Creativity itself was measured under a standard that balanced novelty and practicality. Ideas had to fit both criteria to be considered creative.

Guiyun Park, the study’s lead author, readily admits that not every type of job permits the fun of boredom, and it can really be harmful to some important work. But for designers and anyone in a creative field, boredom is not something to fear, but to embrace. Sometimes, the best way to be productive is to expect nothing of yourself at all.

1. What is paragraph 2 mainly about?

A．The process of the research.	B．The benefits of the research.
C．The reasons for the research.	D．The disadvantage of the research.

2. Which of the following may Guiyun Park disagree with?

A．Boredom can do harm to some work.

B．All types of jobs can embrace boredom.

C．Boredom is not always something to fear.

D．Boredom can be favourable to art designers.

3. What is the author’s attitude to boredom?

A．Concerned.

B．Negative.

C．Positive.

D．Indifferent.

4. Which of the following can be the best title for this passage?

A．The Role of Boredom in Increasing Productivity

B．The Negative Impact of Boredom on the Workplace

C．Why Boredom Should Be Avoided in Creative Fields

D．Unlocking Creativity: The Unexpected Benefit of Boredom

2 . Every afternoon for the past 11 years, 83-year-old AI Merritt has been a reliable and cheery presence in his southeast Carlsbad neighbourhood, California.

His wife, Penny Merritt said her husband’s doctor suggested he get more exercise after he had some heart trouble about 12 years ago. When their son, Kevin brought a bike to his parents’ house, AI started to pedal around the local road and hills. At first, his rides were about five miles long, then 10 to 12 miles, and gradually the length of his outings grew due to all the social stops — from an hour to two hours.

Since 2010, Merritt has been on a personal pursuit to cycle the circumference (周长) of the earth — 24,901 miles without even leaving his own neighbourhood. As a result, over the years, he got to know many of his neighbours and send them message of love and kindness. Judy Keene, one of his neighbours, has been waving to Merritt on his daily rides for the past five years.

“He is so reliable, like clockwork. Every day I see him flying by on his bike. He is totally cheerful and takes time with everybody,” Keene said. “He inspires so many people and shows everyone how you can be in your 80s and still have a good time.”

It was not until October 24 that the old man finally realized his daily bicycle trips were as important to them as they were to him. At 3 p.m. that Sunday afternoon, nearly 200 people gathered near his home to surprise and congratulate him on the completion of his “round-the-world” adventure. As he pedaled down the hill towards his house, a roar erupted from the crowd waving international flags, hand-painted signs and Earth-shaped balloons. The outpouring of love stunned and overwhelmed Merritt.

“It’s just unbelievable. I couldn’t have imagined anything like this ever happening,” he said. Although Merritt has now accomplished his cycling goal, he has no plans to change the routine that has become the highlight of his daily life.

1. Why did old AI Merritt start to cycle?

A．He has always been an athletic person.

B．His son Kevin brought him a new bike.

C．He wanted to send love and kindness to others.

D．He was advised to work out for the sake of his health.

2. The underlined phrase “social stops” in the second paragraph probably means ________.

A．Merritt stopped to help those in need.

B．Merritt tried to help build stops for social use.

C．Merritt had interactions with his neighbours.

D．Merritt was stopped for some social reasons.

3. What can we learn about AI Merritt in the text?

A．His trips mattered more to his neighbours than to him.

B．He was warmly congratulated on his completion of the plan.

C．He will keep on cycling on a different route as he has planned.

D．He accomplished his goal of cycling 24,901 miles around the earth.

4. Which of the following can best describe AI Merritt?

A．Diligent and determined.	B．Optimistic and selfless.
C．Ambitious and romantic.	D．Kind and inspirational.

3 . Summer Trip Programs

Are you looking for a fun and exciting way to spend your summer vacation? Do you want to learn new skills, make new friends, and explore new places? If your answer is yes, then you should join one of our summer trip programs!

We offer a variety of programs for different ages, interests, and budgets. You can choose from:

●Adventure Camp: This program is for thrill-seekers who want to try outdoor activities like hiking, camping, rafting, zip-lining, and more. You will visit beautiful natural sites and learn how to survive in the wild. This program is for ages 12 to 18 and costs $1,500 for two weeks.

●Cultural Exchange: This program is for curious learners who want to experience different cultures and languages. You will travel to a foreign country and stay with a host family. You will attend a local school, visit cultural attractions, and participate in community service. This program is for ages 15 to 21 and costs $3,000 for four weeks.

●Creative Workshop: This program is for artistic souls who want to express themselves through various forms of art. You will join a group of talented instructors and students who share your passion. You will learn how to paint, draw, sculpt, write, sing, dance, and more. You will also showcase your work at the end of the program. This program is for ages 10 to 16 and costs $1,000 for one week.

If you are interested in any of these programs, please visit our website or contact us for more information. Hurry up and sign up before the spots fill up! We hope to see you soon!

1. What age group is the Adventure Camp program for?

A．10 to 16.	B．12 to 18.
C．15 to 21.	D．12 to 2.

2. What kind of people is the Creative Workshop program for?

A．Thrill-seekers.	B．Curious learners.
C．Artistic souls.	D．All kinds of people.

3. Which program’s time is the shortest?

A．Adventure Camp.	B．Cultural Exchange.
C．Creative Workshop.	D．All are the same duration.

4 . If you have ever visited an aquarium (水族馆), you would have noticed that the fish look bored. Their homes are not very exciting. Nor are the visitors terribly charged up. True, some aquariums are fairly well maintained, but the fact remains that they seldom draw lots of visitors in.

The government of Maharashtra wanted to make a change. So it has partnered with a Singapore-based company to create India’s first underwater world, or oceanarium. The Taraporevala Aquarium, on Maine Drive, Mumbai, is all set to become a six-storey oceanarium.

Most people think that an “oceanarium” and “aquarium” are the same. However, there is a difference. An aquarium keeps just a few species of fish while oceanariums have a greater range of fish. These are kept in huge enclosed spaces that closely resemble the natural environment of the fish. According to officials, the Taraporevala Oceanarium will have more than 400 hundred species of fish, including dolphins and sharks. There will be a well-stocked library, a mini theater and computer laboratory, where children will be able to satisfy their curiosity about the fish.

The oceanarium’s main attraction, however, will be the submerged transparent tunnel-the first of its kind in India! The tunnel will be below sea level and visitors will be able to enjoy an undersea experience, with a variety of fish swimming all around.

This may appear rather unbelievable, but a part of the sea will be enclosed in the oceanarium. Of course, Mumbai’s dirty seawater will be made clean before it is introduced to the fish enclosure.

1. Why did the government of Maharashtra decide to create an oceanarium?

A．To make Mumbai’s dirty seawater clean.

B．To attract more visitors to the underwater world.

C．To offer fish a more pleasant environment.

D．To introduce the technology from Singapore.

2. What is the difference between an oceanarium and aquarium from paragraph 3?

A．The aquarium attracts more visitors.

B．There are not dolphins in the aquarium.

C．The oceanariums have a greater range of fish.

D．The oceanarium couldn’t satisfy people’s curiosity about the fish.

3. What will be the most attractive thing to do in the Oceanarium?

A．Watching live shows in a theater.	B．Doing experiments in a laboratory.
C．Feeding fish in their natural habitat.	D．Enjoying an underwater experience.

4. What is the best title for the text?

A．India’s First Oceanarium

B．Why Do People Visit Aquariums?

C．How Can People Learn More About Various Fish?

D．Differences Between Oceanariums and Aquariums

5 . When Amy and Tom Smith posted a video to TikTok explaining how they would be charging their then 18-year-old daughter Mary rent, the video went spread quickly and the reaction was different.

One follower called it a “punishment”. Another said: “I don’t see anything wrong with it. It helps children learn responsibility.” While a third added: “Definitely no, that’s their home.”

Despite the mixed response, Tom was sure they’d made the right decision. “This is our way of preparing her,” he told Newsweek. “Part of becoming an adult is knowing that you have to either pay rent or you’ll have a house payment. Our hope is that by doing all this, we’re preparing her for the world.” The couple charged Mary $200 a month while renting a local apartment costs $634 a month. “If she were living separately, Mary would be making a much higher payment,” Amy added.

According to a recent survey conducted by Red-field & Wilton Strategies for Newsweek, around 57 percent of the 1,500 US adults surveyed were in favor of charging for the privilege (优惠待遇), even if their parents “do not need the money”. Only 28 percent felt that adult children should live rent-free.

Jessica Griffin, associate professor of psychiatry and pediatrics (精神病学和儿科) at the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, said, “Charging your adult child rent can be good for your long-term relationship. As well as easing any financial burdens caused by their homecoming, it sets healthy boundaries, stops your child from becoming too comfortable and gives them the added motivation to leave the home and have an independent, autonomous lifestyle,” he added.

To avoid arguments, Griffin also reminded parents to respect their adult child’s lifestyle choices.
1. What is the video mentioned in paragraph 1 mainly about?

A．Healthy living habits.	B．Real estate investment.
C．The parent-child relationship.	D．Teenagers ' mental development.

2. Why did the couple make the decision?

A．To punish Mary for her misbehavior.	B．To gain more followers on TikTok.
C．To ease household financial burdens.	D．To prepare Mary for an independent life.

3. Which of the following may Jessica Griffin agree with?

A．Charging rent did only good to the Smith’s.

B．Charging rent promoted Mary’s growth.

C．Mary was too comfortable living with her parents.

D．Mary wasted a lot of money.

4. What did Jessica Griffin advise parents to do?

A．Charge their adult child less rent.	B．Show respect for their adult child’s lifestyle.
C．Request their adult child to move out.	D．Urge their adult child to do household chores.

6 . Self-improvement doesn’t have to be a terrifying task. It can be a fun and exciting adventure that takes you on a journey of discovery and growth. With some simple tricks, you can transform yourself into a better version of you.

First off, remember that self-improvement is a marathon, not a dash.     1     Take it one step at a time, and enjoy the ride. Think of it like climbing a mountain: you take one step after another, admiring the view as you go, until you reach the summit.

Start with small, achievable goals. Whether it’s reading a book a week, going for a daily walk, or learning a new skill, these little milestones will help you stay motivated and feel accomplished.     2    

Don’t be afraid to fail. Failure is part of the learning process. If you stumble or fall short of your goals, don’t beat yourself up.     3     Keep in mind, failure is just a temporary setback — it doesn’t define you.

    4     Share your goals with friends or family, and ask them to hold you accountable. Join a self-improvement group or find someone who can guide and encourage you on your journey. You’ll find that makes the process even more enjoyable.

And finally, don’t forget to celebrate your progress.     5     Whether it’s a small accomplishment or a major milestone, take a moment to appreciate your efforts and feel proud of yourself. You can even create a reward system for yourself — maybe a delicious treat or a fun activity for every goal you achieve.

A．Choose your circle wisely.

B．Seek support and inspiration.

C．Instead, dust yourself off, and start out again.

D．Make time for activities that will fuel your soul.

E．No one can expect to change everything overnight.

F．Remember, every step counts, however small it is!

G．Every little win is well worth acknowledging and rewarding.

7 . Ireland: The Emerald Isle

Travelling in the Republic of Ireland is like stepping into a vivid painting where lush green landscapes meet charming villages.

Dublin

Start exploring in Dublin, Ireland’s capital, which blends the old and new. The city is steeped in history, and you can enjoy its past at landmarks like Trinity College, founded in 1592. It’s home to the Book of Kells, a medieval(中世纪的)masterpiece. After that, take a walk around Dublin Castle, a symbol of Ireland’s historical power. Then head to The Temple Bar, with its cobblestone streets and lively pubs, to experience Dublin’s contemporary culture.

Ring of Kerry

The Ring of Kerry, 1,179-kilometer circular route, showcases Ireland’s beauty. You’ll encounter green meadows, peaceful lakes and dramatic coastal cliffs. Each turn in the road reveals breathtaking views that will leave you in awe.

Cliffs of Moher

You can’t say you’ve been to Ireland if you haven’t checked out the Cliffs of Moher. These towering cliffs on the west coast rise from the Atlantic Ocean, reaching heights of over 200 meters. The sheer size of the cliffs and the roaring waves below create a fascinating and humbling experience.

Inishmore   

Take a ferry to Inishmore, one of the rugged Aran Islands. Upon your arrival, you will immediately notice the hard life of the local people. At first there was no soil on the island, so over the centuries, they made their own—from seaweed and sand. Now about 2,400 kilometers of rock walls spread around the land. Take a tour or ride a bike around the island. Then enjoy an Irish coffee before heading back to the mainland.

1. What can you probably see in the Ring of Kerry?

A．Some historical landmarks and old castles of Ireland.

B．A circular route with views of lakes, meadows and cliffs.

C．The special soil made from seaweed and sand by local people.

D．The towering cliffs on the west coast from the Atlantic Ocean.

2. What is the best way of traveling around on the island of Inishmore?

A．By plane.

B．By ferry.

C．By subway.

D．By bike.

3. What is the text?

A．A travel journal.	B．A research paper.
C．A travel brochure.	D．An autobiography.

8 . Cannes, a coastal city in France, is famous for hosting the Cannes Film Festival every year. It’s also a beautiful place to visit any time of the year. Here are 4 things to do in Cannes.

Stroll (漫步) along the famous La Croisette

Enjoy a stroll down La Croisette — a famous 2-mile waterfront road. It’s the place where the Cannes Film Festival takes place. Take a seat for people-watching or enjoy the beautiful scenery. Discover recreational (娱乐的) places for kids or go to summer music concerts at a low price.

Explore the historic Le Suquet

Lose yourself in the attractive streets of Le Suquet, the historic old town of Cannes. An impressive 5th century theater will take your breath away. Visit the World Explorations Museum, and enjoy wonderful views from the tower. Walk through narrow streets and discover cafes and wine bars.

Take a tour of Cannes with a screenwriter

You can set foot on a small-group tour, led by a screenwriter and historical researcher. Get fully immersed (沉浸) in the city’s rich film history, and see how it transforms itself into an international film center. Remember to book your tour on the Internet in advance.

Leave for Sainte-Marguerite

Take a ship to Sainte-Marguerite, the largest of the Lerins Islands just off the coast of Cannes. Enjoy walks on coastal paths, or relax on the beaches, which are perfect for swimming and picnics. Enjoy local seafood, or go deep into the island’s past with a visit to the 7th century Fort Royal.

1. What can we know about La Croisette?

A．It holds free summer concerts.

B．It offers play areas for children.

C．It becomes well known for top-class service.

D．It allows visitors to take photos with film stars.

2. Which tour can help tourists understand the film development in Cannes?

A．Stroll along the famous La Croisette.	B．Explore the historic Le Suquet.
C．Take a tour of Cannes with a screenwriter.	D．Leave for Sainte-Marguerite.

3. How can tourists reach Sainte-Marguerite?

A．By water.

B．By car.

C．On foot.

D．By air.

9 . Discovering your passion is a journey of self-exploration and understanding. It involves delving into your innermost thoughts and feelings to find what truly ignites (点燃) your spark.     1    .

Reflect on your experiences

Look back on your life and identify moments that have brought you joy, fulfillment, or a sense of purpose. Think about the activities, people, or causes that have excited you in the past.     2    .

    3    

Experiment with new hobbies, skills, or activities. Try something that piques (激起) your curiosity or that you’ve always been interested in but never had the chance to explore. This could be anything from learning a new language to taking up a sport or trying an artistic medium.

Listen to your emotions

    4    . What activities or moments make you feel alive, excited, or fulfilled? What causes your heart to race or your eyes to sparkle? These are clues to your passion.

Surround yourself with supportive people

Seek out individuals who are passionate about their lives and who can inspire and encourage you. Surround yourself with a supportive network of friends, family, or mentors who can provide guidance and encouragement on your journey.

Embrace failure and setbacks

Discovering your passion isn’t always a smooth process.     5    . Don’t let these discourage you. Embrace the challenges and learn from them. Use them as opportunities to grow and refine your understanding of what truly ignites your passion.

A．Explore your interests

B．Take an active role in developing your habits

C．You may encounter failure, setbacks, or even doubts

D．Find something that can really piques your curiosity

E．The following are tips to help you discover your passion

F．Pay attention to the emotions you experience throughout your day

G．These experiences can provide clues to what might ignite your passion

10 . 阅读短文，并根据短文内容回答问题。

Rembrandt Harmenszoon was born in the Netherlands in the city of Leiden. There were six children in his family. His parents wanted him to get a good education and provided opportunities for him to study with successful painters. Among them was the famous painter, Pieter Lastman in Amsterdam.

Rembrandt was very talented and studied with Lastman for six months and then moved back to Leiden and began to teach other artists even though he was only 22 years old.

Sometimes he used members of his family as models. His father was the subject of Bearded Man in Furred Oriental Cape and Robe. His son Titus is seen in Titus at His Desk, and Prodigal Son in the Tavern features Rembrandt and his wife Saskia.

One of his most famous paintings is Nightwatch which shows a group of men in their military uniforms. A war had recently ended in the country and the men were dressed up for a military practice. Nightwatch was a controversial(有争议的) piece. Some of the people in the painting were not pleased with the results because they did not have a prominent(突出的) place in the picture. When Rembrandt painted it, the colors were bright, but it became clouded with smoke and dirt and eventually became known as Nightwatch. In this painting we see Rembrandt’s use of light and shadow which makes his work so distinctive.

This great Dutch artist was very productive and popular with people. He enjoyed painting   pictures of Bible characters and scenes of Bible stories. During his lifetime he produced over 600   paintings. You can see his paintings in museums and galleries all over the world today.

1. When did Rembrandt begin to teach other artists? (no more than 8 words)
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2. Who in Rembrandt’s family appeared in his paintings according to Paragraph 3? (no more than 10 words)
_________________________________________________________________________________________
3. What makes Rembrandt’s work Nightwatch very distinctive? (no more than 10 words)
_________________________________________________________________________________________
4. What does the author want to tell us about Rembrandt in the last paragraph? (no more than 7 words)
_________________________________________________________________________________________
5. What are you interested in? And why? (no more than 20 words)
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