1 . On a sunny afternoon in Dania Beach, a dozen scientist’s unloaded containers full of corals from a dive boat. They gently removed each piece from large tanks on the deck and placed them inside smaller containers, which were slowly taken onshore.

The operation is part of what scientists describe as a “Noah’s Ark(诺亚方舟)” mission to save corals from extinction as a mysterious disease damages mile after mile of the Florida Reef Tract. Since first being spotted in 2014, the disease has killed colonies already weakened by impacts from climate change, including frequent rounds of bleaching(漂泊).

During one trip, researchers spent six days diving in the Lower Keys to collect corals that haven’t yet been touched by a certain disease. Their mission, as the “Ark” reference suggests, is to preserve healthy examples of species that can be raised in labs, then later transplanted back to the barrier reef that parallels much of the Southeast Florida coastline.

“It’s a tough effort, but we need to do everything we can to help corals survive,” said Richard Dodge from Nova South eastern University’s [(NSU)] Halmos College, as he watched university staff and volunteers place the 341 corals in holding tanks on the university dock across from Port Everglades.

NSU is one of seven research facilities that will act as temporary hosts for samples collected for what is formally known as the Coral Rescue Collection Plan, part of an ambitious program led by the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration. NSU researchers will collect data on the species, then send them to other universities and zoos across the country, where they will be used to grow new colonies—seed stock for potential restoration efforts in the future.

1. What’s the best title for the passage?

A．Noah’s Ark mission	B．Corals are endangering
C．Corals are put in containers	D．Fight to preserve the corals

2. Why was a mysterious disease mentioned?

A．To emphasize it was very serious to corals.

B．To show few cared about its existence.

C．To appeal for international cooperation.

D．To state it was involved with climate change.

3. Why did researchers spend six days in the Lower Keys?

A．They conducted research on the spot.

B．They found it tough to collect corals.

C．They collected healthy corals.

D．They desired to get close to corals.

4. In which column does the passage appear in a paper?

A．Culture.

B．Economy.

C．Entertainment.

D．Environment.

2 . Kenya’s EliudKipchoge made history by running the 26.2 miles in less than two hours, faster than any other person in history. His time of 1:59:40 required him to maintain an average pace of about 4:35 per mile!

Upon crossing the finish line, Kipchoge, who spent four months training, said, “That was the best moment of my life. The pressure was very big on my shoulders. I got a phone call from the President of Kenya.”

The Prater Park course in Vienna, Austria, was carefully selected, taking into account factors like temperature and wind speed to ensure the perfect racing. His speed was maintained by 41 medium and long-distance runners. An electric car projected a green laser ahead of the runners to guide them along the best route. To save time, Kipchoge was fed pre-prepared drinks and energy on the course at 3.1-mile intervals.

The historic run was Kipchoge’s second attempt at breaking the two-hour marathon barrier. The Kenyan runner first tried to accomplish the feat on May 6, 2017, at Nike’s Breaking2 event, which took place on a Formula One racetrack in Monza, Italy. However, while Kipchoge’s 2:00:25 time was the fastest ever attained by a human, it was not under the desired two hours. However, the lack of acknowledgement does not bother Kipchoge.

Kipchoge was not the only Kenyan runner to make headlines that weekend. On Sunday, October 13, 2019, Brigid Kosgei made history of her own at the Chicago Marathon. Her time of 2:14:04, outpaced British runner Paula Radcliffe ‘s 16-year-old record by an impressive 81 seconds, earning Kosgei the title of the world’s fastest female marathoner!

1. Why did Kipchoge have bigger pressure?

A．He intended to make history.

B．The president of Kenya rang him.

C．The coming marathon was fierce.

D．His training was harder than ever.

2. What does the author intend to do in Paragraph 3?

A．Tell us Kipchoge’s determination.

B．Summarize Kipchoge’s contributions.

C．Praise Kipchoge for his thoughtfulness.

D．Show Kipchoge planned the marathon carefully.

3. How did Kipchoge feel when failing to achieve his aim in 2017?

A．Concerned.

B．Astonished.

C．Upset.

D．Calm.

4. What does the underlined word “outpaced” in the last paragraph mean?

A．Beat.

B．Equaled.

C．Stuck.

D．Set.

3 . Amboseli National Park, Kenya

Getting There

The easiest way to get to Amboseli is by air. Airkenya has daily flights from Wilson Airport in Nairobi and Mombasa Air Safari to Amboseli from Mombasa, Malindi and Diani on the Kenyan Coast. The drive from Nairobi is 4 hours. The road is paved to Namanga but the remaining 75km to Amboseli’s Meshanani Gate is over a rough dirt road. It takes roughly 2.5 hours to cover the 94km between the Chyulu Gate in Tsavo West and Amboseli. The passage on this road should be undertaken only in the presence of an armed convoy. A four-wheel drive vehicle is highly recommended.

When to Travel

The best time to visit Amboseli National Park is the dry season from January through April and June through October when vegetation is thin and animals congregate at the water holes making them easy to spot. The long rains are in April and May and short rains in November and December.

Health & Safety

Amboseli lies in a malaria risk area and travelers’ diarrhea is a common ailment affecting tourists in Kenya. When packing your suitcase don’t forget to include neutral colored, long-sleeved shirts and trousers, DEET insect repellent and high factor sunscreen. Sleep under a treated mosquito net or in a screened or air conditioned room.

Admission & Fees

An entrance fee is charged and, in general, is included in the rate of the safari lodge or camp.

Things to Keep in Mind

Road transfers should be undertaken during the day rather than at night. Be aware and be weary of both small and large tricks.

1. What may be the best choice if we go to Amboseli National Park by land?

A．Going in a group on foot.	B．Going alone with enough food.
C．Going by car with guards.	D．Going by car with a family.

2. When do we have to avoid going to Amboseli National Park?

A．In February.

B．In May.

C．In July.

D．In October.

3. Which kind of clothes are suitable for visitors when they are in the park?

A．Dark-colored coats.	B．Multicolored sweaters.
C．Light-colored T-shirts.	D．neutral colored, long-sleeved shirts.

4 . It would be difficult to think of a world without colorful clothes. Still, where do those colors come from? The processes that take place before each garment reaches the wearers’ hands are unknown to most consumers. In the fashion industry, it is behind the scenes that fibers and textiles (纺织品) acquire their final colors. But something is about to change drastically.

While the common garment dyeing (染色) processes require large amounts of water, energy and chemicals, now a lab in Australia has developed a cotton that could grow in a range of different colors that may allow them to entirely skip the dyeing process.

The World Bank estimates that 20 percent of industrial water pollution globally comes from the treatment and dyeing of textiles, including the emission of around 72 poisonous chemicals that reach the water supply. It has also estimated that the annual volume of water used worldwide for fabric dyeing alone is 5 trillion liters, enough to fill two million Olympic-sized swimming pools!

While this is still in the early stages, the scientists will be working during the next few months in growing naturally colored cotton plants that will be able to reproduce by developing flowers and seeds. The goal is that they can be used for fibers that will be woven into colorful garments without the need of any dyes.

“Having the cotton produce its own color is a game changer,” MacMillan told ABC News Australia. “This research can really have the potential to transform the global textile industry, because we’re making fibers that are still biodegradable, still renewable, but still have properties that they don’t currently have.”

This new solution is just one way to create a more conscious fashion. The challenge is big but not impossible. The fashion industry has to think outside the box to keep finding ways that reverse the current situation and inspire hope for a sustainable future.

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

A．Thoroughly.

B．Partly.

C．Casually.

D．Urgently.

2. What does the third paragraph mainly tell us?

A．Global water pollution.

B．The seriousness of textiles’ pollution.

C．Water plays a key role in textile industry.

D．The percentage of poisonous chemicals.

3. What will the scientists do next?

A．Raise colored cotton plants.	B．Gather flowers and seeds.
C．Weave colorful garments.	D．Promote their new products.

4. What is the best title for the text?

A．Colorful Clothes Have a Bright Future

B．Growing Colored Cotton Becomes a Trend

C．New Research about Colored Cotton Shocks the World

D．New Research Discovers How to Grow Colored Cotton

5 . Build your own first aid kit

Emergencies can happen anytime, anywhere, so being prepared for one is important. Having a proper first aid kit in your home is an easy but essential part of good emergency preparation.     1    . Instead of getting such one, you can save money and ensure the kit is personalized to suit you and your family’s particular needs by creating your own.

Pick a good container. One good option is a large, water resistant, rigid or flexible plastic container. This makes the materials inside visible for easy identification and safe.     2    . A handle is ideal out of consideration for that. Regardless of your container choice, clearly identify it, for example, by writing “ FIRST AID” with a permanent marker.

    3    . One should include all of your basic medicinal supplies, such as bandages (绷带), gloves and scissors, while the second one includes medicine. Make sure that the important basic medical tools and medicines are contained in it.     4    . However, when it comes to bandages, wipes and other lightweight items, the more the merrier. And remember that everything is kept in small sealed plastic bags.

    5    . When one of your family is crying about a cut on her finger, you don’t want your home kit buried at the back of a cupboard or lost because it’s not being returned to the same spot after each use. Establish a clearly-defined, consistent spot for it. Let small children know where the kit is located, but place it where they cannot reach it.

A．Make your first aid kit safely accessible

B．Separate the first aid kit into two sections

C．The ready-made first aid kits in the store are usually expensive

D．The kit should be easy to transport as needed to the emergency

E．The number of each item will depend on the size of your family

F．Having several first aid kits means you can get one of them anytime

G．First aid kits on the market often lack what you want or have something useless for you

6 . Canadians are blessed with an abundance of natural wonders with enough lakes, mountains and rivers to explore for a lifetime. We’ve also got some of the most amazing waterfalls on Earth.

Horseshoe Falls Niagara Falls, Ontario

Niagara Falls are the most famous waterfalls in Canada — and understandably so. Actually they are made up of three different falls, and the fittingly named Horseshoe Falls is the only one located on the Canadian side, which is the most powerful in North America. Multiple viewing options are available including tourist ships and sightseeing buses.

Nailicho (Nirginia Falls) Nahanni National Park Reserve, Northwest Territories

Coming in at twice the height of Niagara Falls, this massive waterfall is located on the South Nahanni River in the Northwest Territories. The remote location means it receives only about 1,000 visitors per year who must make their way by either boat or floatplane.

Takakkaw Falls — Yoho National Park, British Columbia

Takakkaw translated from Cree loosely means “the magnificent (壮丽的)”, and it’s a suitable word for the second-highest waterfall in Canada. After a steep drive up a winding road, Takakkaw Falls is only a short distance from the parking lot along a wheelchair accessible path.

Bridal Veil Falls — Bridal Veil Falls Provincial Park, British Columbia

Pretty and delicate, Bridal Veil Falls is located just east of Chilliwack, British Columbia, and really does look like its name, with water gently pouring over smooth rock. An easy 15-minute walk to the waterfall takes you through rich leaves. Tables are available to have a meal outdoors, and there are lots of opportunities for viewing wildlife along the way.

1. What do we know about Horseshoe Falls?

A．It is easily accessible.

B．It consists of three falls.

C．It limits tourist numbers.

D．It crosses North America.

2. How can visitors go to Takakkaw Falls?

A．By tourist ship.	B．By cable car.
C．By floatplane.	D．By car.

3. What can visitors do in Bridal Veil Falls?

A．Swim.

B．Camp.

C．Picnic.

D．Hunt.

7 . The concept of work varies from person to person, so it can be pretty challenging to understand if our job requires us to live to work, or work to live. However, there is one thing that unites all of us — the value of life.

Simply, the term “work to live” means that you work in order to allow yourself to enjoy the simple pleasures in life, those that don’t involve your career. It means that as soon as you get home, you no longer need to think about work and you have the opportunity to focus on things that matter — like your family, friends, hobbies, and most importantly, yourself.

To “live to work”, means that you must obtain resources that will allow you to become a functional member of society and permit yourself the lifestyle you hope for. It can be understood as a life based around work and nothing else. However, it can also define a person who loves their job so much that there is no fine line between their professional and personal life.

So, is one of the approaches above better than the other? Let’s find it out.

I personally believe that moderation is essential in life. That neither of the phrases you see above is better than the other. Nobody wants to wake up and regret all of the time wasted just on work or on not doing anything at all. In this beautiful thing we call life, balance is everything.

While both “live to work” and “work to live” lifestyles can pose a threat to your overall well-being, the good news is that there is a middle ground, one that is much healthier. Balancing work and life can be the solution you need to get rid of the underlying negative feelings. It’s not going to be easy and may even take your time to get right, but I can assure you that it’s definitely going to be worth it.

Are you ready to find your balance? Let’s go!

1. What can a person living to work be?

A．A couch potato.

B．Workaholic.

C．Childish.

D．A sad person.

2. Which opinion does the author prefer?

A．Work first.

B．Live first.

C．Balance first.

D．Friendship first.

3. What does the underlined phrase “a middle ground” refer to?

A．Moderation.

B．Well-being.

C．Value of life.

D．Threat.

4. What will be discussed in the paragraph that follows?

A．Another kind of lifestyle.	B．Tips to balance life and work.
C．Reasons for living a balanced life.	D．Significance to balance work and life.

8 . Optimism (乐观) is probably not a surprise that optimistic thinkers tend to be happier than pessimistic thinkers.     1     Here is what may surprise you.

Optimists live longer.

Optimistic thinkers have lower rates of high blood pressure, heart disease, and even risk of cancer, as well as lower rates of mortality in general. These health factors may be influenced by optimists’ focus on taking care of themselves.     2     One large study published in 2022 determined that optimists have a life span 11% to 15% longer than average.     3    

Optimists are more successful.

Just as optimists tend to be more resilient (有复原力的) outside of the workplace, they are also resilient on the job. Even if their bosses don’t recognize that they’re doing a good job, optimists are able to bounce back and keep performing well. People who are more optimistic also seem to have better job security than less optimistic workers.     4     Plus, people who feel optimistic about their careers are more likely to both succeed at work and to feel satisfied with their jobs.

    5    

People with higher levels of subjective well-being — a mindset that can include optimism — have stronger immune systems and even experience faster wound healing than others with lower levels of well-being. People with positive experiences lowered their rates of depression, physical symptoms, and sleep complaints.

A．Optimists take fewer sick days.

B．Optimists pick themselves up faster.

C．But there are other benefits to being optimist.

D．They are more likely to live to age 85 or older.

E．Optimists are more likely to take steps to cope with it.

F．This improved security can even lead to increased optimism.

G．Optimists tend to exercise more, sleep better and eat healthier.

9 . Critical thinking is the ability to think clearly and rationally, understanding the logical connection between ideas. Critical thinking has been the subject of much debate and thought since the time of early Greek philosophers such as Plato and Socrates and has continued to be a subject of discussion into the modern age, for example the ability to recognise fake news.

Critical thinking might be described as the ability to engage in reflective and independent thinking. In nature, critical thinking requires you to use your ability to reason. It is about being an active learner rather than a passive recipient of information.

Critical thinkers rigorously (严厉地) question ideas and assumptions rather than accepting them at face value. They will always seek to determine whether the ideas, arguments and findings represent the entire picture and are open to finding that they do not.

One of the most important aspects of critical thinking is to decide what you are aiming to achieve and then make a decision based on a range of possibilities.

Once you have clarified that aim for yourself you should use it as the starting point in all future situations requiring thought and, possibly, further decision making. Where needed, make your workmates, family or those around you aware of your intention to pursue this goal. You must then discipline yourself to keep on track until changing circumstances mean you have to revisit the start of the decision-making process.

However, there are things that get in the way of simple decision making. We all carry with us a range of likes and dislikes, learnt behaviours and personal preferences developed throughout our lives; they are the hallmarks of being human. A major contribution to ensuring we think critically is to be aware of these personal characteristics, preferences and biases (偏见) and make allowance for them when considering possible next steps.

The more clearly, we are aware of ourselves, our strengths and weaknesses, the more likely our critical thinking will be productive.

1. What will you be by using critical thinking?

A．A creative philosopher.	B．A passive recipient of information.
C．An independent organizer.	D．An active learner.

2. Which of the followings belongs to critical thinking?

A．Setting up direct targets.	B．Coming up with imaginative ideas.
C．Analysing original reasons.	D．Making various possible decisions.

3. What can we infer from paragraph 6?

A．Personal preferences will change critical thinking.

B．Individual behaviours will stop you pursuing the goal.

C．Tastes and preferences vary from individual to individual.

D．Critical thinking gets in the way of simple decision making.

4. What can be the best title for the text?

A．What is Critical Thinking?

B．How does Critical Thinking work?

C．How is Critical Thinking Productive?

D．What effect does Critical Thinking cause?

10 . When it comes to protecting your mental health, you can take steps to adjust your daily routine to be a bit kinder to yourself. Here’s some of the advice some experts offered.

    1    

Stephanie Roth-Goldberg, a licensed clinical social worker, says this could mean allowing time to relax with your coffee for a few minutes before leaving the house or getting some physical activity before work. See how long you need to accomplish something good for yourself.    2    !

Take breaks during the workday

    3     — it can do wonders for your concentration and overall mood. If you don’t have a lot of opportunities to take breaks, Goldberg recommends going for a short walk or even visiting a friend at their desk to help break up the day.

Designate a screen-free time during the day

Goldberg explains that designating a time during the day when you completely disconnect from screens is “a great mental health tool that people don’t make use of.”    4    It’s commonly recommended to disconnect before bed, though. “Spending time away from screens allows for creativity, connection and feelings that otherwise would not happen,” she says.

Set up a bedtime routine

Getting enough high-quality sleep is essential to our mental and physical health. Katie Leikam, a licensed clinical social worker, recommends setting up a nighttime routine to ensure you get the shut-eye you need.     5    and turn off your lights at the same time every night. “This will help you obtain better sleep, which is one of the best things you can do for your mental health,” says Leikam.

A．Start the day off on a positive note

B．Keep it cool for a good night’s sleep

C．Wash your face, put down your phone

D．It’s healthy to do this at any time of day

E．Dance around while you do your housework

F．Sometimes it’s just three to five minutes of letting your brain do nothing

G．Get away from your computer screen by stepping outside for some fresh air