Sunlight flooded through the window when Tomas was sitting at the kitchen table, struggling with a literary classic. Streamers of clouds drifted by high above in the sky. Not far away, the huge new tower blocks lined the road. The faint sound of cars was dimly heard.
His mother was chopping tomatoes for their dinner as usual. Suddenly she said, ”You know, the thing I miss most is cooking a really hot salsa (辣番茄酱), with fresh peppers straight from the garden.” She sighed. “That’s what I miss most about Merida.”
Tomas looked up from his book in surprise. His mother had never talked like this about their old life before. He studied her now. She looked a little sad, but then she smiled at him and swept the pile of chopped tomatoes into the cooking pot.
“But I’ve already learned a lot about this new country, Tomas,“ she said. ”For a start, I’ve learned that there’s more than one way to make a salsa!" She waved a packet of chili spice powder at him, and they both laughed.
Watching his mother busy in the kitchen preparing dinner, Tomas thought about the insight his mother had given him into her feelings, and he realized that he felt the same way about leaving.
Sure, it had been great for his father to get this good job, but it had also been hard. Tomas missed his old home-especially the sun and the beach. And his mother missed Merida, too. She had loved working in her market garden, selling the fresh vegetables that she had grown herself and then coming home to cook up huge, tasty meals for her family. Tomas’s stomach rumbled at the memories.
He thought about how different things were for them now, living in this large, gray apartment block where there was no garden and no friends dropping by to share their delicious meals.
He sighed. At least they were still able to speak regularly every night after dinner with his grandmother back in Mexico over the computer-Grandmother! Abuela!
注意：
1.续写词数应为150左右：
2.请按如下格式在答题卡的相应位置作答。
Suddenly Tomas had an idea.
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A week later, a box arrived from Mexico.
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Located at a 30-minute drive from Wuzhen, Maming village is the polar opposite of the famed
Here, tea is a way of life. The street that the Tu teahouse is on may only be fifty meters long, but there are three other similar establishments. Not that anyone really cares about the
3 . Growing up within the Himalayan abode of snow (喜马拉雅雪屋), Akeisha was dynamic and
But Life had other plans for her. Akeisha
“Never say ‘never’. Start climbing the mountains,” said the
Never let words of
| A．creative | B．energetic | C．considerate | D．cautious |
| A．curious | B．concerned | C．upset | D．annoyed |
| A．observe | B．conquer | C．preserve | D．photograph |
| A．fire | B．shame | C．dream | D．question |
| A．cut | B．lost | C．broke | D．twisted |
| A．doubt | B．silence | C．despair | D．loneliness |
| A．never | B．always | C．finally | D．somehow |
| A．grief | B．danger | C．trouble | D．confusion |
| A．take risks | B．take measures | C．lose temper | D．lose heart |
| A．awe | B．fear | C．delight | D．anxiety |
| A．stubborn | B．sorrowful | C．dedicated | D．determined |
| A．puzzled | B．impressed | C．frustrated | D．accompanied |
| A．live with | B．win against | C．let go of | D．make use of |
| A．gradually | B．constantly | C．frequently | D．temporarily |
| A．comfort | B．criticism | C．complaint | D．discouragement |
4 . You’ll make new friends in each stage of your life. Some of them will come and go, while others will last for the rest of your life.
There are many benefits of having strong friendships. According to experts, many people regret not keeping friendships going and end up living a life with no close friends or even enduring mental and physical sufferings.
Sometimes it’s a good idea to let a friendship go, even if you’ve been friends for a long time. If one party isn’t making an effort to keep things going, it can lead to feelings of hurt and betrayal, and it might be time to let things cool off and pursue other friendships.
| A．Lifelong friendships are what most people desire. |
| B．You don’t have to be mean or harsh to get this done. |
| C．If you are lacking in good friendships, it’s not too late. |
| D．You can also make friends with people you work with. |
| E．So making time for your friendships is vital to a healthy life. |
| F．Sign up for a dancing class to meet those with the same passion. |
| G．While this can be sad, it can actually improve your quality of life. |
5 . When Thomas Edison hit a wall with his inventions, he would nap in an armchair while holding a steel ball. As he started to fall asleep and his muscles relaxed, the ball would strike the floor, waking him with insights into his problems. Or so the story goes.
Thomas Edison was somewhat right. Now, more than 100 years later, scientists have repeated the trick in a lab, revealing that the famous inventor was on to something. People following his recipe tripled their chances of solving a math problem. The trick was to wake up in the transition between sleep and wakefulness, just before deep sleep. In this transitional period, we are not quite awake, but also not deeply asleep. It can be as short as a minute and occurs right when we start to doze off.
Researchers recruited more than 100 easy sleepers, each of whom was given a math test with a hidden rule for the answer. By recording brain activity, they found that those who napped and were interrupted during the first phase of sleep were three times better at finding the hidden key to the problem than those who remained awake.
The creative effect happened even for people who spent just 15 seconds in the first sleep stage. But the trick didn’t work for those who reached later stages of sleep. “Our findings suggest there is a creative sweet spot during sleep onset,” says author Delphine Oudiette, a sleep researcher at the Paris Brain Institute. “It is a small window which can disappear if you wake up too early or sleep too deep.”
The study team also identified a brain activity pattern linked to the creativity-boosting phase: moderate levels of brain waves at a slow frequency known as alpha, associated with relaxation, and low levels of delta waves, a hallmark of deep sleep. Oudiette says researchers can now focus on this brain signature when investigating the neural mechanisms (神经机制) of creative problem-solving. The team has already planned an experiment to help people reach a creative zone by monitoring their brain waves in real time.“ Edison was great”, Oudiette says, “and now we have a lot more to explore.”
1. What does the underlined phrase “was on to something” in paragraph 2 probably mean?| A．Discovered the truth. | B．Was absorbed in math puzzles. |
| C．Started the experiment. | D．Was engaged in laboratory work. |
| A．gaining adequate deep sleep | B．discovering the hidden rules of problems |
| C．following Edison’s life style | D．waking up right after nodding off to sleep |
| A．To evaluate their sleep efficiency. | B．To measure their amount of sleep. |
| C．To assess their levels of intelligence. | D．To compare their creative thinking abilities. |
| A．Supporting evidence for the research results. |
| B．Potential application of the research findings |
| C．A further explanation of the research methods. |
| D．A reasonable doubt about the research process. |
6 . Two women in their 50s stand beholding in front of Guanyin of the South China Sea, an ancient Chinese sculpture in the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City, Missouri. Over the past 20 years, they have been visiting the museum, describing the “mother Buddha” as “beautiful and tranquil, a symbol of religious traditions in China”. Measuring 2.4 meters high, 1.68 meters wide and 1.1 meters thick, the larger-than-life sculpture was carved from the trunk of a single poplar tree, which has created a sense of calm and warmth in the hall.
Since its launch in 1933, the museum has been actively collecting, preserving, studying and exhibiting works of Chinese art, ranging from ceramics to furniture, and from paintings to sculptures. And its Chinese art collection contains masterpieces in various historical stages.
An exhibition on the theme of Lively Creatures—Animals in Chinese Art was held at the museum, displaying tens of Chinese ancient paintings with images of animals in many art forms. The creatures on the paintings represented celebration, personal messages, and even political and religious agendas.
Organizers of the exhibition produced a set of cards, with images of animals on one side and their cultural meanings in Chinese artistic tradition on the other. The cards are provided for visitors for free.
“I find it very interesting, and the way that the things are drawn is very cool,” says 17-year-old high school student Camden Lombard after visiting the exhibition. “I want to go to China someday to find more,” he adds.
“It’s kind of eye-opening and we’re bringing the world together,” says Makar, an educator with the school outreach and education programs of the museum. “There are so many similarities as well as beautiful differences, and we are just trying to understand and appreciate one another.”
“We’re in a moment when it’s sometimes hard to look outside of your own personal viewpoints,” says Howard, manager of volunteer engagement at the museum. “I think having access to seeing what other cultures have created, what they valued and appreciated, and what was important to them, is really important in building that understanding about all the people we share this planet with.”
1. The two women kept visiting the Nelson-Atkins Museum for ________.| A．the grand appearance of the exhibition hall |
| B．their affection for Chinese religious traditions |
| C．the great size of the ancient Chinese sculpture |
| D．their curiosity about the delicate artistic carving |
| A．The organizers gained a handsome profit. |
| B．The cards reflected multinational cultures. |
| C．The visitors had rich travel experiences in China. |
| D．The paintings displayed the charm of Chinese culture. |
| A．Instructive and romantic. | B．Imaginary and fascinating. |
| C．Informative and multicultural. | D．Educational and entertaining. |
| A．To bridge different cultures. | B．To popularize religious symbols. |
| C．To exchange personal viewpoints. | D．To demonstrate Chinese paintings. |
7 . Sometimes the simple act of being outside every day can be good to you. We often forget about what nature has to offer by staying inside too much. Going outside, you’ll probably be exposed to numerous sensations. You might hear the crinkle of leaves under your feet, concentrate on how the breeze cools your skin, and feel the sun offering its natural warmth.
Time outside also reminds you how you share your time on Earth with countless creatures and that you must live in harmony with them. The more often you encounter animals in their natural habitats, the easier it will be to recall why it’s so important to treat the outdoors with respect. After coming in contact with a squirrel, for example, you may be especially careful to throw your trash away in the nearest garbage can in case of some harmful leftover food. That’s because you’ve just been reminded that you’re not the only living thing to come in contact with what’s now rubbish.
Spending too much time indoors may cause us to become too isolated from others, especially if we use up much time in front of computer screens. It seems that a computer connected to the Internet allows you to share parts of your world with other people, but actually it can also make us feel more disconnected from others for lack of face-to-face communication. The time outside with a loved one allows you to take part in a shared experience. For instance, you can call attention to a type of flower that’s just started blooming and allow your companions to marvel at its beauty. That’s a similar shared experience.
Anyhow, it is not as hard as you might imagine. You may just decide to start an outdoor practice that takes you outside for a certain amount of time, preferably every day. The last 15 minutes of your lunch break strolling outside with a friend and some after-dinner family time discussing your days can be good options. Get off the computer and head outside! You’ll feel how your choice pays off.
1. According to paragraph 1, going outside offers an opportunity for people to ________.| A．enjoy sensory experience | B．bring back distant memories |
| C．achieve better concentration | D．participate in simple activities |
| A．To present the means of feeding animals. |
| B．To show the consequence of littering trash. |
| C．To stress the significance of experiencing nature. |
| D．To discuss the possibility of encountering wildlife. |
| A．attention disorder | B．loneliness attack |
| C．Internet addiction | D．communication barrier |
| A．Time Outside Involves A Shared Experience |
| B．Too Much Time Indoors Does Great Harm |
| C．Going Outdoors Gives A Different Perspective |
| D．A Daily Exposure to Nature Makes a Difference |
8 . The courses below bring together heart and mind expanding materials designed to inspire your personal growth and expand your awareness of all that is happening in our world.
The Hidden Knowledge
It is designed for those who want to dive into the deep cover-ups in our world. This course inspires learners to make a difference and build a better world, yet unlike the other courses here, the focus is largely on exploring and exposing all that is hidden and secret in our world. This eye-opening course is careful to present only reliable materials.
The Transformation
Have you ever felt that you are here to help transform our planet to a new way of living based on love? If so, this course may be the choice for you. This profound course harmonizes the light and inspiring aspects of life with the more challenging shadow sides of existence.
The Inspiration
While the other courses include materials on the challenging aspects of our lives sometimes referred to as the shadow, this course focuses almost exclusively on the lighter side. Every page of the course will touch and inspire you to open to more love and deeper connections in your life. With all of the violence in the media today, this course is like a fresh mountain breeze-so rich and fulfilling!
The Insight
Are you ready to be the change you want to see in your life and in our world? This journey will enhance your awareness and provide tools enabling you to build a better life and world. Course lessons in this new academic year will deepen your insight and embolden you to be the change you want to see in the world. To begin this journey, click below.
See our quick guide to help you decide which course is best for you.
1. The Hidden Knowledge encourages learners to ________.| A．spread the truth | B．create positive impacts on the world |
| C．show their courage | D．offer reliable materials to the course |
| A．The Insight. | B．The Transformation. |
| C．The Inspiration. | D．The Hidden Knowledge. |
| A．A course notice. | B．An academic magazine. |
| C．A school website. | D．An entertainment guide. |
It was a cold yet sunny Saturday morning in February. Dad’s New Year’s resolution had been to get fit. Mum pushed him out of bed and told him to go jogging by the river. Later, after a nice lie-in, she went downstairs in her dressing gown and found the kids watching TV. She turned it off and said she was going to do something really special for Dad’s birthday. If they overheard anything, just promised to keep it secret.
Jenny looked at Mum with a puzzled expression on her forehead and promised they wouldn’t say anything whatever happened. But Jenny reminded Dad’s birthday was in June and it might be a little too early to get all steamed up about it.
Silent for a moment, Mum said she was not getting everything ready but just wanted to spare enough time for preparation as this year it’s a bigger deal than usual. Dad was going to be 50.
“50! Gosh, that’s half a century,” spluttered Gerry. “I knew he was old, but I didn’t realize he was ancient!”
Indeed, that was why Mum started planning a special party for him. Mum talked with grandma about the plan because her house was the only one in the family that is spacious enough for all friends and relatives. Grandma quite agreed and also started preparing.
“But you know how Dad feels guilty to bother others. You’ve got to admit,” reminded Jenny. Thinking over the special occasion, Mum was continuing with her secret when one evening, Dad was sitting at the dinner table and he suddenly slapped his forehead, “I just realized that I am going to be 50 in June. Let’s just quietly forget about it. I want to mourn (哀悼) the passing of my youth in private.”
“Oh, come on Dad, don’t be such a spoil-sport!” begged the kids, hoping to give mum a hand.
Realizing no more chance to hide the secret, Mum carefully worded her thought and shared her plan of having a little party at grandma’s house. Dad was stunned (震惊的) to no reply.
注意：1. 所续写短文的词数应为150左右；
2. 至少使用5个短文中标有下划线的关键词语；
3. 续写部分分为两段，每段的开头语已为你写好；
4. 续写完成后，请用下划线标出你所使用的关键词语。
Paragraph 1:
Frustrated, Mum made a call to grandma.
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Paragraph 2:
They got everything ready as planned when June finally came.
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It might be surprising to know that ice-skating has appeared in the ancient times. Believe it or not, it
When the Manchu men moved from the north to the capital city of Beijing
Ice-skaters during those times wore knee pads, and they secured their shoes with leather. Their shoes
China being one of the oldest and longest
