1 . 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.

2 . 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.

3 . The sun is about to set when we reach our destination, the home of a nomadic (游牧的) herder (牧民) family. My host, Batbayer, has a cheerful face, with deep wrinkles and a color from long hours working outdoors, giving him the look of a sailor from an Ernest Hemingway novel. We have pre-arranged our visit but travellers in Mongolia can drive up to pretty much any ger and feel welcomed to stay. You don’t knock on the door: when you approach a nomadic family, a customary greeting is to say a kindly “Hold your dog,” even if you don’t see a dog.

We feast at the family home on one of the country’s most distinct and tasty dishes: khorkhog, or mutton cooked using hot rocks. This comes served with onions, a variety of berries, and milk—besides more plates of meat, all from the family’s own livestock (家畜).

Mongolia is home to one of the world’s few remaining truly nomadic cultures. About a fifth of the population are herders, and nomadism is complicatedly woven into the country’s spirit. But modern life is catching up with the people on the grassland at rapid speed. This is in large part what my book is about: an outsider’s exploration of a society undergoing modernisation while trying to hold fast to its deeply rooted traditional values.

Many of the livestock here, especially the more valuable breeds such as horses, camels and   cattle, are implanted with microchips that can be monitored via satellite-based services. “I would like to use the internet more because it’s fun and useful; but the animals like it here. This is a good place for them,” Batbayer says when I ask if better internet connectivity might influence where to move his livestock next. “I would never choose Facebook over the wellbeing of the animals.”

1. Which aspect of the herders does the author focus on in paragraph 1?

A．Living conditions.

B．Pet preference.

C．Reading habits.

D．Friendliness.

2. What do we know about nomadic culture?

A．Herders’ life is being modernized.

B．It is the world’s dominant culture.

C．The majority of Mongolians are herders.

D．Herders have no access to fruits and vegetables

3. What can we infer from Batbayer’s words in the last paragraph?

A．He refuses to use social media.	B．He will no longer employ microchips.
C．He will introduce more valuable breeds.	D．He prioritizes the welfare of livestock.

4. What is the text?

A．A travel journal.

B．A folk tale.

C．A book review.

D．A field report.

4 . 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

5 . 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.

6 . 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.

7 . The following are some of the most recognizable names in art history.

Leonardo da Vinci

Leonardo da Vinci, born in 1452 in Tuscany, Italy, was a genius. His one-of-a-kind gift was expressing human emotions, which earned him a name from an early age. He kept painting until his death in France in 1519. His Mona Lisa is a painting that was originally left incomplete but has become the world’s most famous picture.

Vincent van Gogh

Vincent van Gogh, born in the Netherlands in 1853, is widely regarded as one of the finest post - impressionist painters of all time. He did not become an artist until he was in his late twenties. In 1886, he traveled to Paris, where he met Paul Gauguin, who encouraged Van Gogh to develop his own style. He died in 1890 after suffering from mental health problems. Van Gogh became famous after his death.

Claude Monet

Claude Monet, born in Paris in 1840, was a talented French artist who is widely considered as one of the most important painters. He was recognized for his talents when he was young and he was the first to employ oil and outdoor methods. The word “impressionism” was created after his picture Impression, Sunrise. Monet died at age 86.

Pablo Picasso

Pablo Picasso was born in Malaga, Spain, in late 1881. He began drawing at a young age and had gotten his first lessons in the use of oil paints from his father by the time he was seven. In 1900, he moved to Paris and sold his first painting there. He made significant contributions to the progress of modern art. He passed away in 1973.

1. Which of the following painters lives the longest?

A．Leonardo da Vinci.

B．Vincent van Gogh.

C．Claude Monet.

D．Pablo Picasso.

2. What do we know about Monet?

A．He inspired Van Gogh.

B．He was taught by his father.

C．He suffered mental health problems.

D．He led to the birth of impressionism.

3. What do the four painters have in common?

A．They are all impressionists.

B．They liked painting outdoors.

C．They all had experiences in France.

D．They were recognized in their life time.

8 . Uplifting words

When you see your friends or loved ones feeling down or being met with some setbacks at school or work, you might want to offer them a pep talk. A pep talk is usually a brief, intense and emotional talk designed to influence or encourage an audience.     1     Just saying what you think the other person wants to hear might not be enough. It requires an understanding of what your audience needs — whether it is simply cheering them up or motivating them to change.

The column offers the following steps towards an effective pep talk.

● Step one is to listen.

Don’t jump right in and insist: “you will be fine.” Show your friend that you understand how they feel and empathize.    2    

● Express care and support.

Show your friend that you believe in them.    3     Talk about their strengths based on your knowledge about them. Saying things like: “you are a very resilient person.” “you are outgoing and friendly.” “You bounce back well.” Avoid general sentences like “you can overcome your fears” or “Time heals”.

● Talk about hope.

You can’t guarantee success.    4     But you can remind the person that he or she has been through a tough time before and gotten through it.

● Be there.

Make sure they know that you will be there for them, follow up with them after the pep talk.

●     5    

Don’t argue if the person disagrees with what you are saying or tells you: “you don’t understand; this time is different.” Tell them: “I’m Sorry, you are having such a hard time.” Then back off.

A．Know when to stop.

B．Be sincere and specific.

C．Carefully choose your words.

D．But giving a good pep talk isn’t easy.

E．Some problems might be out of anyone’s control.

F．Tell them they have what it takes to get through this hard time.

G．Repeat the person’s concerns so he or she feels that they have been heard.

9 . One of the world’s most productive wildlife sound recordists (录音师) has released a large collection of his most treasured recordings of wild places to listen to for free on Soundcloud.

“Martyn Stewart has recorded nearly 100,000 pieces, consisting of 30,00o hours of materials. They have been spread across 40 countries and used in 150 films,” Krause, a friend of Martyn said. “Some of these include sounds that can’t be heard anymore, as they belong to extinct animals or disturbed habitats.”

Martyn is one of the key recordists who helped set the standards that gave the work standing in the world of sound. Few can match the quality of his life-long efforts. Throughout his life, since he recorded his first bird at the age of 11, it was easy to record the sounds of faraway places. But times are changing, and the growing presence of noise pollution has made his job a lot harder.

Among his “treasured” recordings include Hurricane Dorian on a remote beach, thunderstorms in Australia, Denali National Park and Arctic Wildlife Home in Alaska, dawn in Zimbabwe, and so much more. He’s also recorded sounds and calls of certain animals, some of which are extinct like the white rhino and the golden frog.

“I hope the free project, called Martyn Stewart’s Listening Planet, is meant to inspire people to try and protect a more delicate part of the world——the auditory (听觉的) part. They have the connection between sound and the animal making the sound,” said Martyn. “I think we have to become the voice of the voiceless. If we can get these beautiful sound recordings out and let people in the world listen to them, maybe we can start protecting what we’ve got left.”

1. What can be learned from Krause’s words?

A．Martyn’s work deserves praising.

B．Recording is a time - consuming job.

C．Martyn loves to record rare animals.

D．The recordings are intended for films.

2. What made Martyn’s job more difficult?

A．The standard of recordings.

B．The loss of natural habitats.

C．The increase of noise pollution.

D．The extinction of certain animals.

3. Why did Martyn decide to share his recordings for free?

A．To meet fans’ requests.

B．To make himself more famous.

C．To stress difficulty of his recordings.

D．To raise concern for sounds in nature.

4. Which of the following best describes Martyn?

A．Determined and humorous.

B．Generous and devoted.

C．Curious and friendly.

D．Creative and honest.

10 . How to Fall Back in Love with Reading

Do you remember the last time you spent time reading books for pleasure? In the age of digital distractions, it is easy to struggle to find the time and headspace to get lost in literature.     1    . The following tips will help you fall in love with reading again.

    2    . Whether it’s a thriller, romance, or even an on-fiction book about your favorite hobby, make sure you choose something that will hold your attention from beginning to end. If you’re unsure where to start, ask your friends or family for recommendations, checkout online reviews, or browse through your local bookstore or library.

Set aside time for reading books. Whether it’s 20 minutes before bedtime or an hour on your lunch break, carving out sometime in your schedule will make it easier to sit down and read. And if you find that you don’t have much free time, try listening to audiobooks.     3    .

Keep a reading journal. In your journal, you can write down your thoughts about what you’re reading or graffiti pictures inspired by the book.     4    . This is a great way to engage with what you’re reading on a deeper level and a fun way to document your reading journey.

Make reading a social activity. Whether you start a book club with your friends or join an online reading group, being able to discuss what you’re reading with others can make the experience more enjoyable.     5    .

A．Find a book that interests you.

B．Create a positive reading routine.

C．But that doesn’t mean reading books is a thing of the past!

D．By this way, you can easily fit reading into your busy lifestyle.

E．Plus, it’s a great way to get recommendations for what to read next!

F．The others in your book club may come from different backgrounds.

G．It doesn’t have to be very involved, just a couple of sentences to jog your memory.