1 . Are you an early bird or a night owl? Our activity patterns and sleep cycles could influence our risk of heart disease. New research published in Experimental Physiology found wake/sleep cycles cause metabolic (新陈代谢) differences and change our body’s preference for energy sources.

Researchers from Rutgers University, New Jersey, USA classified participants into two groups(early and late) based on their natural tendency to seek activity and sleep at different times. The participants were monitored for a week to assess their activity patterns across the day. They ate a calorie and nutrition-controlled diet and had to fast overnight to minimize dietary impact on the results. To study fuel preference, they were tested while at rest before completing two 15-minute period of exercise: one moderate and one high intensity session on a running machine. Aerobic fitness levels were tested through an incline challenge where the incline was raised 2.5% every two minutes until the participant reached a point of exhaustion.

The researchers found that those who stay up later have a reduced ability to use fat for energy, meaning fats may build up in the body and increase the risk of heart disease. People who are ‘early birds’ rely more on fat as an energy source and are more active during the day with, higher levels of aerobic fitness than ‘night owls’. On the other hand, ‘night owls’ use less fat for energy at rest and during exercise.

Researchers also found that early birds use more fat for energy at both rest and during exercise than night owls. Professor Steven Malin from Rutgers University said, “We found that early birds are more physically active and have higher fitness levels than night owls. Farther research is needed to examine the link between exercise and metabolic adaptation to identify whether exercising earlier in the day has greater health benefits.”

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

A．Move quickly.	B．Go without food.
C．Exercise regularly.	D．Fall sound asleep.

2. How was the research conducted?

A．By making a survey.	B．By making contrasts.
C．By providing examples.	D．By introducing a concept.

3. What is the characteristic of the “early birds”?

A．Having lower fitness level.	B．Using less fat during exercise.
C．Consuming more fat at rest.	D．Being more active during the night.

4. What is Malin’s attitude to the result of the research?

A．Tolerant.

B．Pessimistic.

C．Indifferent.

D．Uncertain.

2 . After promotions or engagements, many people’s impulse is to share good news with their nearest and dearest, or post on social media for all to see. Yet a study suggests that we are better off keeping our cards closer to our chests, for “positive secrets” can leave us feeling “energized and invigorated”.

Researchers at Columbia University conducted five experiments with 2,500 people and found that more than three quarters of participants instinctively wanted to tell someone else straight away when they had some good news. The study stated, “Prior research on secrecy has focused on the effects of negative secrets, secrets that involve information that people consider unpleasant, objectionable, or embarrassing. Although negative secrets have been found to be tiring, we propose that positive secrets can be energizing”.

We define feelings of energy as feeling alive, alert, active and invigorated. Delaying the moment when you share your good news with others allows you to spend more time savouring the information, reflecting on its meaning or considering possible joyful reactions to sharing the secret.

Participants in the study were shown 40 types of common good news. They were asked which they had personally experienced, which they had shared with others and which they had kept secret, at least for a while, and how these experiences made them feel. They were also asked to imagine they had a piece of good news and to picture two scenarios(场景), one in which they choose not to tell their partner until the end of the day, and one in which they try to call their partner but cannot get through, so have to wait until later. The first scenario, involving a deliberate choice to keep the secret for a few hours, led to positive feelings, while the second did not.

However, the researchers admitted that some “positive” secrets would not make you happy. This could be those kept secret to avoid embarrassment, such as when a piece of good news may make others feel worse about their own situation.

1. What does the underlined sentence imply?

A．Keeping good news a secret.	B．Giving your heart to your partner.
C．Sharing good news with others.	D．Preventing your card from being seen.

2. What is paragraph 3 mainly about?

A．What is the proper time to share good news.

B．What secrets are suitable for us to share.

C．How we should define feelings of energy.

D．Why delaying sharing good news is recommended.

3. How did the researchers get their findings?

A．By making comparisons.	B．By analyzing previous studies.
C．By demonstrating statistics.	D．By referring to literary review.

4. Which of the following sharing may lead to embarrassment?

A．You post your college acceptance letter on Tik Tok.

B．You talk about success before your partner who failed.

C．You tell your parents that you have won a scholarship.

D．You fail to put through to tell your wife your promotion.

3 . Learning can be frustrating. Maybe you feel bored, or even get discouraged if you don’t understand a new topic. If you’re still in school, there are lots of things you can do to make learning more enjoyable.     1     There are many ways to make learning fun even after you’ve left school.

※ Find your learning style.

If you are able to find your best learning style, you can make this experience more enjoyable. If you are a verbal learner, you enjoy speaking out loud. Try practicing your Latin vocabulary by quizzing a friend. If you think you are a visual learner, try to use that to your advantage. Take learning history for example.     2    

※ Ask for help.

    3     And it makes sense that you will enjoy things that you are good at. If you are struggling in school, learning might feel less fun than it could be. If you cannot comprehend your Chemistry class, ask your instructor for some additional materials. Your parents and friends can also be a great resource. Once you understand the material, learning will feel less like a chore.

※ Read a book.

Reading is one of the best ways to learn new information.     4     Choose a topic, and find a book to begin learning some new things. For example, fiction is a great way to learn about different cultures. You can go to your local library and pick up any book that looks interesting and give it a try.

※ Use technology.

Modern technology can provide you with a whole new range of learning opportunities. Take some time to explore your computer and phone, and you will likely find some new possibilities to further your learning. Download apps that will allow you to play virtual trivia (冷知识). You can challenge your friends to see who can learn the most. Follow news outlets on social media.     5    

A．Everyone likes feeling successful.

B．Look for a history class that focuses on that era.

C．Make a list of books you’ve always wanted to read.

D．There are books available on every imaginable subject.

E．Lifelong learning is also important and even better, it can be fun.

F．You can stay informed about what is happening in the world around you.

G．Relying heavily on the maps and timelines helps you store and enjoy the information.

4 . Passive-aggressive (消极抗拒) behaviour can feel “normal”—especially if it’s how we’ve grown up seeing others around us deal with relationship issues. Whether done verbally (言语上) or nonverbally, passive aggression is meant to avoid hurting someone else’s feelings, escape conflict, or show disagreement without being outspoken in it.

It’s a more common way of dealing with things than you might think. But why are we passive-aggressive? What are the signs we can look out for to recognize being passive-aggressive? And how does it affect us?

There are many reasons why someone might display passive-aggressive behaviour, including insecurity or fear of losing control, as well as using it as a way to handle feelings of stress, anxiety, or depression. It can also be a way to try to deal with rejection or conflict, because of feelings of under-appreciation, or due to worry that any natural feelings of anger aren’t the right response, and so it becomes an attempt to sugarcoat things.

We almost all exhibit signs of passive aggression from time to time, but when it becomes a habit within our relationships, it can become upsetting for the other person involved, causing a divide. And for the person exhibiting this behaviour, their inability to say what is wrong clearly can often worsen the issue as it isn’t being dealt with directly. Ultimately, passive aggression prevents change and growth, leading to more negative behaviour, the breakdown of trust, and further relationship problems.

Admitting that you have a problem and need to change is not just good for your relationship, but also a huge help in your life. If you’re struggling and aren’t sure where to begin, ask yourself “Could I unintentionally (or intentionally) be hurting my relationship? Is it worth saving my relationship, or do I want to risk things getting worse? Would I be happy if my partner acted the way I’ve been acting?”

Change doesn’t happen overnight, but, with time and effort, you can find new, healthier ways of communicating how you are feeling, and start to strengthen the bonds within your relationship.

1. What is the possible passive-aggressive response to displeasure?

A．Turning to rude languages.	B．Displaying violent behavior.
C．Hiding his true inner feelings.	D．Coming into conflict with others.

2. What can we learn about passive-aggressive people?

A．They are sometimes overconfident in themselves.

B．They believe conflicts should be resolved directly.

C．Their passive-aggressive behavior doesn’t last long.

D．Their behaviour likely leads to more negative results.

3. What do the underlined words “the issue” in paragraph 4 refer to?

A．The behavior.

B．The divide.

C．The inability.

D．The habit.

4. What should you do to make a change?

A．Start with a self-reflection.	B．Apologize to the other side.
C．Copy how the partner acts.	D．Let time cure everything.

5 . In 2016, Mark Raymond learned the hard way that life can change in a split second(一瞬间). One day, Raymond went boating with his friends. He jumped off the back of the boat and hit a sandbank, leading to a severe injury to his neck. He became paralyzed(瘫痪的)and spent months in the hospital receiving treatment. When he was allowed to leave the hospital, he realized that the hard part was just beginning. He still needed to exercise to recover his strength after finishing the outpatient(门诊病人)treatment.

However, when Raymond returned home, he realized there was a serious lack of accessible gyms or facilities that could help people with different abilities work out and improve their health in his community. The lack of them caused Raymond to take action. In 2018, he established the Split Second Foundation, a non-profit organization that provides treatment that takes up from where outpatient treatment left off.

“The Split Second Foundation has equipment for people who have different disabling conditions,” Raymond explained.“Our specially trained staff will evaluate(评估)disabled customers’ physical needs and limitations and then provide recovery, education, and ongoing fitness classes suitable for them. We’re able to push them in a recovery driven fitness environment to be their best selves.”

Raymond’s goal is to open more accessible gyms, not just in New Orleans where he lives. He hopes the Split Second Foundation can help even more people get their lives back after disastrous accidents. “People with disabilities should also be thought of as productive members of society,” said Raymond. “Anybody’s life can change in an instant due to some kind of injury or disabling condition, and we are providing what’s next.”

When Raymond couldn’t find the services he needed, he made some for himself and others. This is the sort of cleverness we love to see in the world.

1. What does the underlined part “the hard part” in Paragraph 1 refer to?

A．The mental problem.	B．The process of recovery.
C．The high pressure of work.	D．The treatment in the hospital.

2. What inspired Mark Raymond to set up the Split Second Foundation?

A．His love for a variety of sports.

B．His dream of becoming a businessman.

C．A boating accident that happened to his friend.

D．A lack of accessible exercise resources in his community.

3. What can we know about the Split Second Foundation?

A．It provides treatment by cooperating with hospitals.

B．It focuses on holding basic classes for poor children.

C．It offers fitness and recovery services to the disabled.

D．It creates plenty of job opportunities for disabled people.

4. Which of the following is the best title for the text?

A．Mark Raymond’s Journey from Paralysis to Recovery

B．Mark Raymond: Help the Disabled Rebuild Their Lives

C．The Importance of Accessible Gyms for Disabled People

D．Split Second Foundation: Offer Patients Postoperative Treatment

6 . What if “looking your age” refers not to your face, but to your chest? Osaka Metropolitan University scientists have developed an advanced artificial intelligence (AI) model that uses chest radiographs (光片) to assess a person’s biological age. More importantly, when it is different from the chronological age (实足年龄), it can signal a link with chronic (慢性的) diseases. These findings mark a breakthrough in medical imaging, paving the way for improved early disease detection and intervention.

The research team, led by graduate student Yasuhito Mitsuyama and Dr. Daiju Ueda from the Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology at the Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka Metropolitan University, first constructed a deep learning-based AI model to estimate age from chest radiographs of healthy individuals. They then applied the model to radiographs of patients with known diseases to analyze the relationship between AI-estimated age and each disease. Given that AI trained on a single dataset tends to over fit, the researchers collected data from multiple institutions.

For the development, training, internal and external testing of the AI model for age estimation, a total of 67,099 chest radiographs were obtained between 2008 and 2021 from 36,051 healthy individuals who underwent health check-ups at three facilities.

To confirm the usefulness of AI-estimated age using chest radiographs as a biomarker, an additional 34,197 chest radiographs were collected from 34,197 patients with known diseases from two other institutions. The results showed that the difference between AI-estimated age and the patient’s chronological age was positively correlated with a variety of chronic diseases. In other words, the higher the AI-estimated age compared to the chronological age, the more likely individuals were to have these diseases.

“Chronological age is one of the most critical factors in medicine,” stated Mr. Mitsuyama. “Our results suggest that chest radiography-based apparent age may accurately reflect health conditions beyond chronological age. We aim to further develop this research and apply it to estimate the severity of chronic diseases, to predict life expectancy and to forecast possible surgical complications.”

1. What is the AI model used to do?

A．Tell a patient’s chronological age.	B．Estimate an individual’s biological age.
C．Develop advanced chest radiographs.	D．Analyze individuals’ workout habits.

2. What did the research team do for their research?

A．They followed patients for over two decades.

B．They obtained data from the same institution.

C．They collected a large number of chest radiographs.

D．They had face-to-face talks with healthy individuals.

3. How did the research team know if individuals might be sick?

A．By making comparisons.	B．By interviewing their doctors.
C．By observing them in their lab.	D．By analyzing causes and effects.

4. Which of the following statement does Mr. Mitsuyama agree with?

A．The research is too complex to be carried out widely.

B．The AI model is expected to have a promising future.

C．Chronological age matters more than AI-estimated age.

D．The research findings have been well received in medicine.

7 . Urban agriculture, the practice of farming within the restrictions of a city, is becoming increasingly popular and is viewed as a sustainable alternative to big industrial farms. By some estimates, between 20% and 30% of the global urban population engages in some form of urban agriculture. But until recently, its carbon footprint remains understudied.

Using data from 73 low-tech city farms, community gardens and personal plots of land, Newell and his team compared the average carbon emissions of food produced at low-tech urban agriculture sites to those of conventionally grown crops. The team found that because of urban gardens’ relatively low yields, along with the energy used in constructing the planting beds, big-city spuds (马铃薯) were significantly more carbon-intensive than commercially grown ones. This held true even when the researchers factored in emissions from transporting commercially grown produce to often distant grocery stores. That doesn’t mean that growing vegetables in big cities is totally bad, however. “Urban farming is great, ” if imperfect, says Carola Grebitus, a food choice expert. It can be a powerful tool for job creation and education, she says, and a good way to introduce fresh produce to urban “food deserts” where healthy fruits and vegetables are hard to come by. Community gardens can also provide a place to connect with nature, and the added green space can reduce the risks of heat and flooding.

Conscious of these benefits, Newell’s team highlighted several ways to make urban agriculture more sustainable. One option is to be selective about what crops are grown. For instance, tomatoes grown in the soil of open-air urban plots had a lower carbon intensity than tomatoes grown in conventional greenhouses. Another strategy is to rely on existing constructions. Include old structures into a new garden’s design instead of taking down old buildings. Finally, take the local climate, water quality and soil into account. Growing plants that are ill-suited to an area requires more water, energy and pesticides (杀虫剂), all of which affect the environment.

1. What can we know about urban agriculture from paragraph 1?

A．It is thoroughly researched.	B．It is welcomed by city people.
C．It is environmentally friendly.	D．It is limited to industrial farms.

2. How does the author explain the reason for urban agriculture’s higher carbon intensity?

A．By making a comparison.	B．By telling a story.
C．By giving a definition.	D．By using a quote.

3. According to Carola, what is a benefit of urban agriculture?

A．It adds variety to urban people’s diet.	B．It provides recreational opportunities.
C．It strengthens the bonds of community.	D．It helps to contain drought and flooding.

4. What is recommended to make urban agriculture more sustainable?

A．Reconstructing gardens.	B．Developing greenhouse crops.
C．Selecting pesticide-free vegetables.	D．Growing plants suited to local conditions.

8 . When we are faced with a crisis, or if we have an important decision to make, many of us fall into the trap of over-thinking. We may keep thinking about something constantly and too long.     1     How can we stop ourselves from over-thinking?

Doing something to distract yourself is a good idea. You can find working with your hands is especially good.     2     Your brain simply doesn’t have the resources to split itself into a third activity, for example over-thinking.

    3     Studies have shown that when someone views something in excitement and anxiety, the brain is forced to become stuck in the present because all of your senses are completely engaged. You do not have time to focus on something different, which can cause over-thinking.

Constant wishing, hoping and praying do not give you any relief. They just keep you stuck in one place. But taking the smallest step off the crisis really matters. It will set things in motion, making you like a snowball.     4    

The traps are things that cause your natural ability to react without you realizing that there is a connection between the two. Thus, avoiding relevant traps is also a good idea.     5     For example, if one of your colleagues is so negative that she always drags you down, stop hanging out with her by having lunch alone at a nearby restaurant.

A．This mindset tends to ruin our day.

B．Put simply, out of sight, out of mind.

C．Just as a saying goes, once bitten, twice shy.

D．You are really getting your brain working for you.

E．Other activities are the ones that arouse your curiosity.

F．It engages your movement skills and thinking process.

G．Thus, you will gradually move yourself out of the feeling.

9 . It wasn’t until after I graduated from college, and realized that there’s no such thing as all-encompassing (包罗万象) knowledge, that I was able to read for pleasure. A sense of curiosity directed me and I started to see dictionaries as field guides to the life of language. Looking up words felt less like a failing than an admission that there are lots of things I don’t know and an opportunity to discover just how many.

I prize my 1954 copy of Webster’s New International Dictionary, Second Edition. I often consult it, during evening games of Scrabble or midday magazine reading. When I come across unfamiliar words while reading novels, I look them up. When I start encountering these words elsewhere, the linguistic (语言的) universe seems to shrink to the size of a small town.

Dictionaries heighten my senses: They direct my attention into a conversation with language. They make me wonder what other things I’m blind to because I haven’t taught myself to notice them yet. Recently spotted examples include orrery, “a mechanical model, usually clockwork, devised to represent the motions of the moon and Earth (and sometimes also other planets) around the sun.” The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) also tells me that the word comes from the fourth Earl of Orrery, for whom a copy of the first machine was made, around 1700. Useful? Obviously not. Satisfying? Deeply.

Wikipedia and Google answer questions with more questions, opening up pages you never asked for. But a dictionary builds on common knowledge, using simple words to explain complex ones. Using one feels as if I’m prying open an oyster (蚝) rather than falling down a rabbit hole. Why leave solvable mysteries up to guesswork?       

For me, dictionaries are a door into that kind of uncalculated knowledge-seeking. They remind me that following your curiosity instead of brushing it aside is one of the best ways I know to feel connected to more than what’s right in front of you.

1. What can we know about the author?

A．He merely read for fun before graduation.

B．He longed to learn about all knowledge.

C．He considered dictionaries chances of enrichment.

D．He admitted being a failure when learning languages.

2. Why does the author mention the example of orrery in paragraph 3?

A．To introduce a word.	B．To indicate a finding.
C．To clarify a concept.	D．To support a statement.

3. What does the underlined part in paragraph 4 refer to?

A．Encountering new problems.	B．Entering a different world.
C．Acquiring essential common sense.	D．Simplifying tough questions.

4. According to the passage, which of the following can best describe dictionaries?

A．Jaw-dropping.

B．Eye-opening.

C．Mind-numbing.

D．Labour-saving.

10 . Hop on the Silent Walking Trend

Silent walking involves walking outdoors without distractions like music or conversations, focusing on the mind-body-nature connection.     1     That’s a slower, lower-impact way to relax and is great for fitness. Here’s everything you need to know about the trend.

Select a natural setting and fully engage your senses. For reaping the mental health benefits, it is recommended to find a quiet and peaceful natural location.     2     Meanwhile, consciously observing the sights, sounds, smells, and physical sensations during the walk can significantly impact cognitive and emotional well-being.

To stimulate the mind, consider exploring different routes than usual. Without your favourite podcast or playlist, you might slip into boredom on your walk.     3     And it might even be good for your brain. Scientists applaud the virtues of boredom for brain health, believing that it boosts creativity and improves social connections. And if you do get bored, rest assured that it shows you’ve disconnected from external distractions. Go with it, and make sure you take a different route each time—it’ll keep you motivated.

Start off with five-minute silent walks and eventually build up to thirty minutes. If you’re usually a headphone wearer, it will feel super weird to walk without your go-to tunes, but give yourself a second to adjust. Chances are, once you’re a few minutes into your silent walk, you’ll feel the magic kick in.     4    

Regular reflection and ongoing documentation are essential. After completing a silent walk, take time to reflect upon any emerging thoughts, feelings, or insights.     5     Journaling about the experience can also solidify connections between thoughts and ideas, providing a valuable tool for self-reflection and growth.

A．But being bored won’t hurt you.

B．Taking different paths can lead to exciting discoveries.

C．Adjusting the routine gradually can help ease into the experience.

D．You’ll also start noticing the little things around you more clearly.

E．They can deepen understanding and serve as a record of personal growth

F．Unlike exercise-oriented walking, it isn’t about reaching certain speed or steps

G．In such an environment, you can immerse yourself in the natural soundscape (音景) .