1 . Depending on the right combination of currents and wind, a large mass of Sargassum “seaweed”circling the Gulf of Mexico may soon wash up along the US coast near Florida. The bloom (藻华)，which is likely to be the largest ever recorded，is visible from space.

Sargassum is a type of leafy, rootless algae that form large floating mats on the ocean floor. It can be found in the Sargasso Sea and was first mentioned by Christopher Columbus in 1492 when he was afraid his ship would become trapped in it.

Sargassum is an important habitat for marine species because it provides food, shelter, and breeding grounds. It absorbs carbon dioxide, an important greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming, just like other floating marine vegetation, according to Phys.org. However, when tons of it gathers along coastlines, it sends out a terrible strong smell which can cause headaches, eye discomfort, and upset stomachs. Too much algae on beaches can harm marine ecosystems and make it difficult for people to keep on with their recreational and fishing activities, costing communities millions of dollars.

Scientists have been tracking the formation of large Sargassum blooms. However, this year’s bloom could be the largest ever, covering more than 8,800 kilometers from the coasts of Africa to the Gulf of Mexico and weighing 10 million tons.

It is critical to improve Sargassum management. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) not only advocates best practices in Sargassum cleanup and removal, but also cooperates with governments and communities to develop policies, standards, and measures to protect public and environmental health. FAO is also promoting ways to repurpose Sargassum, turning it into products to provide additional employment and income. In fact, small businesses are already using Sargassum to make bricks, shoes, soaps and paper. Larger businesses are considering turning Sargassum into renewable energy, bioplastics, and compost.

1. Why does the author mention space in paragraph 1?

A．To stress the Sargassum bloom is massive.

B．To explain how currents and wind combine.

C．To show what the Gulf of Mexico looks like from space.

D．To demonstrate how the Sargassum movement was tracked.

2. What is paragraph 3 mainly about?

A．Sargassum’s significance in the marine economy.

B．The process of Sargassum’s moving to the coast.

C．Sargassum’s contribution to reducing global warming.

D．The double-edged effects of Sargassum’s existence.

3. How do small businesses fight against Sargassum blooms?

A．They participate in cleanup activities.

B．They help rebuild marine ecosystems.

C．They create products from Sargassum.

D．They transform Sargassum into resources.

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

A．Smelly Seaweed Bloom Heads to Florida

B．FAO Now Works on Reducing Marine Litter

C．Groundbreaking Project Turns Sargassum into Plastics

D．Sargassum is Changing the Beach Vacation in Mexico

2 . It’s time to share the winners of this year’s Invent It Challenge! Here are our four winners of the first round!

Glo Zone (Ages 5-7 Individual Winner)

Kabir from California came up with this cool invention after a not-so-fun experience. He was hit by four adults on a ski trip! To make skiing and snowboarding safe for nighttime (especially for smaller kids)， he created Glo Zone，a fun glowing(发光的)rainbow umbrella that is attached to skiers’ helmets.

ProTech Helmet (Ages 11-13 Individual Winner)

Pooja from New Jersey has created a light, safe helmet designed for playing frisbee (飞盘)!She came up with the idea after getting hit right under the eye at a frisbee competition and realizing she could get blinded if it were any higher. The ProTech Helmet has a lining(衬里) made of a new technology called Spin.

Ace Attachment (Ages 8-10 Team Winner)

Levi and Albert from New York dealt with helping people with disabilities enjoy sports. The Ace Attachment makes it easier for wheelchair users to play golf. Unlike similar inventions, the Ace Attachment is easily adjustable.

Skate Shoes “DOOD” (Ages 14+ Individual Winner)

It’s the worst when you ruin your favorite pair of shoes! Fortunately, Rommel from Mexico has come up with new skate shoes. These shoes have exchangeable parts that allow pieces of the shoes to be replaced with new ones when broken instead of getting rid of the whole pair.

Cast your vote!

Which of these fantastic inventions will you choose to win the Cricket Choice Award? While they are all outstanding, only one can win the popular vote! Cast your vote here by May 16!

1. What do Kabir’s and Pooja’s inventions have in common?

A．They are new-type helmets.

B．They are targeted at the same sport.

C．They are designed for teenagers of the same age group.

D．They are inspired by the inventors’ experience of getting hit.

2. What is special about Rommel’s invention?

A．It is disability-friendly.

B．It features replaceable parts.

C．It involves a new technology called Spin.

D．It enables wheelchair users to enjoy sports.

3. What is this text?

A．A short story about young inventors.	B．An introduction to a competition.
C．An award voting invitation.	D．A winner announcement.

3 . The growing ice cream franchise(特许经营权) is the brainchild of Tom Landis, a restauranteur(餐馆老板), who wanted to create a safe space for people with special needs to work in the food industry, plus the flavors are great!

At the Dallas-based restaurant, employees serve large scoops of ice cream handed over with love. Tom Landis has hired people with special needs for many years. But he couldn't always provide a job for everyone who came to his fast-paced sandwich shops and pizza joints looking for work. Determined to create a business where friendliness   mattered and kitchens were safe, he landed on ice cream.

In 2015, he opened the first ice cream shop; there are now seven franchises in cities including Asheville, El Paso, Indianapolis and Denver. Each shop creates 15 jobs in a safe environment for people with special needs. He said two more franchises were opening soon.   “Our relentless mission is to employ all,”   he said while interviewed by the local media.

Employees are behind some of the best ideas at the ice cream shops, which boast(有) fun flavors like top-selling Dr Pepper Chocolate Chip, and other favorites like Cold Brew &Cookies and Strawberry Milkshake. In-store sampling events are leading to deal with some grocery stores in the coming months.

When Landis talked about the varieties of ice cream in his shops, he said,   “It just works. We sell out every time.”   In the sunny and brightly colored shops, employees spread kindness and happiness to their customers as they dish out extra ice cream and free sprinkles.

“That's what ice cream is,”   said Landis with joy. His employees are heroes. “They lead me,”   he added.

1. What does Landis intend to provide for people with special needs?

A．A kind boss.	B．Huge salaries.
C．A room to live.	D．Safe working places.

2. What do we know about Landis' sandwich shops?

A．They didn't suit all job hunters.

B．The customers there had special needs.

C．The food there was made in factories.

D．They had a novel space for customers.

3. What does the author mainly want to convey in paragraph 4?

A．The diversity of ice cream.

B．The employees’ creativity.

C．The popularity of ice cream.

D．The friendship between employees.

4. Which of the following can best describe Landis?

A．Mean but energetic.

B．Successful and determined.

C．Modest and responsible.

D．Conservative but practical.

4 . The Grand Canal, a large waterway that first connected north and south China over 1400 years ago, is shorter than it once was, but it is still the longest man-made river in the world.

The original Canal system began around the year 605. China’s emperor realized that he needed a better way to feed his army. Specifically, he needed a way to move food quickly from China’s southern rice-growing region to the country’s north. Thus, he spent 6 years on construction of the first section of the Grand Canal, connecting existing canals, lakes and rivers. However, by 1127, parts had begun to worsen. In 1279, Kublai Khan began to repair and create a more direct north-south route to and from Beijing.

The Grand Canal was also an important cultural channel. Soldiers, merchants and artists transported ideas, regional foods and cultural practices from one part of China to another. It is said that Peking duck and the Pecking opera were both brought north via the canal. Even today, the country’s watery highway plays an important economic role in China. In addition, local governments, eager to increase tourism and real estate (房地产) development, are beautifying areas along the Canal.

This development comes at a price, though. In Yangzhou, the city government has torn down almost all of the older Canal-side buildings. Farther south in the cities of Zhenjiang, Wuxi and Hangzhou, the situation is similar. “Traditionally, we talk about eighteen main cities on the Grand Canal, and each had something unique and special about it.” explains Zhou Xihua, the director of the Grand Canal museum. “But now many of these cities are all the same: a thousand people with one face.”

In 2005 a group of citizens proposed that the historic Grand Canal be made a UNESCO world heritage site. The status would protect both the waterway and architecture around it. “Every generation wants the next generation to understand it, to look at its monuments.” said Zhu Bingren, an artist who cowrote this proposal. UNESCO status was officially granted in 2014. The hope now is that the grand Canal, one of the world’s great engineering accomplishments, will continue to link north and south China for centuries to come.

1. Why was the Grand Canal originally built?

A．To allow his army to move more quickly.

B．To transport food from the south to the north.

C．To enable people to visit remote parts of China.

D．To promote the cultural and traditional diversity.

2. What is not true about the Grand Canal?

A．It is the longest man-made river in the world.

B．It orginally complete construction in the year 611.

C．Its original north-south route is to and from Beijing.

D．It allowed Peking duck and the Peking opera to spread.

3. What is the underline sentence meaning in paragaph 4?

A．Developing the canal involves spending a lot of money.

B．Even after spending money, people dislike the development.

C．Developing it is more expensive than one can imagine.

D．There are some negative consequences to this development.

4. What is the text mainly about?

A．The history of the Grand Canal.	B．The introduction of the Grand Canal.
C．The construction of the Grand Canal.	D．The proection of the Grand Canal.

5 . Four Best National Parks for 2023-2024

Swiss National Park

Swiss National Park in eastern Switzerland covers nearly 42, 000 acres of land, giving visitors access to roughly 60 miles of trails that weave in and out of valleys backed by the breathtaking Swiss Alps. While hiking, keep an eye out for wildlife ranging from well-known animals like foxes and eagles to Alpine ibexes that are wild goats with large horns living in the mountains. This park closes from mid-November until the end of May with some higher trails remaining under snow through June, so time your trip for the warmer months.

Yosemite National Park

Located nearly 170 miles east of San Francisco, Yosemite offers visitors plenty of impressive natural wonders to see. Scenic landscapes, such as the famous Tunnel View and Valley View outlooks, and famous landmarks like Half Dome and El Capitan are just a few of Yosemite’s greatest attractions. Don’t forget to swing by one of the sequoia groves (红杉林) to be amazed at the towering trees.

Glacier (冰川) National Park

Glacier National Park is Montana’s crown jewel. The expansive one million-acre park, which was named after those remains of glaciers estimated to be 7, 000 years old, offers impressive mountainous scenery. Here, you’ll find more than 700 lakes, National Historic Landmarks including Lake McDonald Lodge, Granite Park Chalet and the Two Medicine Store, and the famous Highline Trail, which follows the Continental Divide.

Banff National Park

Situated in southwestern Alberta, Canada’s oldest national park is also one of its most beautiful national parks. Visitors can explore Banff National Park on foot along more than 1, 000 miles of hiking trails—the Lake Agnes Trail features a seasonal European-style tea house, or drive the scenic Icefields Parkway for breathtaking views of glaciers and waterfalls.

1. When are hikers advised to go to Swiss National Park?

A．In May.

B．In June.

C．In August.

D．In December.

2. What can visitors do in Yosemite National Park?

A．Admire 7, 000-year-old landmarks.	B．Interact with rare wild animals.
C．Walk along the Lake Agnes Trail.	D．Have a good view of huge trees.

3. What do Glacier National Park and Banff National Park have in common?

A．The chance to see glaciers.	B．The climb onto high mountains.
C．The visit to a number of valleys.	D．The drive through the whole park.

6 . The teenager likes exploring nature. (变成否定句)
The teenager________exploring nature.

7 . I watch TV every day.(变成一般疑问句)
________ ________ watch TV every day?

8 . 阅读下面短文，在空白处填入1个适当的单词或括号内单词的正确形式。

Surprisingly, in South Korea, the popularity of tanghulu has surpassed (超过)     1     of the country’s traditional fried rice cakes. Reports show that since October, the number of representative tanghulu brand stores in South Korea     2     (increase) more than ten times within one year. In some stores, as many as 200 skewers are sold per day.

The sweet treat     3     (originate) in China during the Song dynasty (960-1279),     4     Emperor Guangzong’s wife fell ill and a doctor suggested she eat hawthorn berries fried in brown sugar every day for a fortnight. Unexpectedly she recovered soon. Then the candied fruit gained popularity across the country. Tanghulu later became     5     popular street-food snack in China.

It     6     (make) popular in South Korea by Chinese immigrants. In the 2010s, it was     7     (common) sold at street stands in Incheon’s Chinatown and Seoul’s Myeong-dong and Hongdae areas ― both popular tourist spots. Over time, it became increasingly popular not only among ethnic Chinese but also local people.

Tanghulu’s recent surge in popularity result     8     multiple factors, including the social media trend among South Korean millennials of posting ASMR videos     9     (feature) the treat being consumed and sharing tanghulu recipes.

“Tanghulu enjoys its     10     (explode) popularity not only because it caters to South Korea’s obsession with pretty food but also because it’s so visually appealing.

9 . Researchers at the University of Washington created a new web app, Self-Talk with Superhero Zip, aimed to help children develop skills like self-awareness and emotional management.

At first, some parents were wary: In a world of Siri and Alexa, they are skeptical that the makers of such technologies are putting children’s welfare first.

In Self-Talk with Superhero Zip, a chatbot guided pairs of siblings through lessons. The UW team found that, after speaking with the app for a week, most children could explain the concept of supportive self-talk and apply it in their daily lives. And kids who’d engaged in negative self-talk before the study were able to turn that habit positive.

The UW team published its findings in June at the 2023 Interaction Design and Children conference. The app is still a prototype (雏形) and is not yet publicly available. Previous studies have shown children can learn various tasks and abilities from chatbots. Yet little research explores how chatbots can help kids effectively acquire socioemotional skills.

“There is room to design child-centric experiences with a chatbot that provide fun and educational practice opportunities,” said senior author Alexis Hiniker, an associate professor in the UW Information School. “Over the last few decades, television programs like ‘Sesame Street,’ ‘Mister Rogers,’ and ‘Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood’ have shown that it is possible for TV to help kids cultivate socioemotional skills. We asked: Can we make a space where kids can practice these skills in an interactive app? We wanted to create something useful and fun— a ‘Sesame Street’ experience for a smart speaker.”

The length of these effects isn’t clear, researchers note. The study spanned just one week and the tendency for survey participants to respond in ways that make them look good could lead kids to speak positively about the app’s effects.

“Our goal is to make the app accessible to a wider audience in the future,” said lead author Chris (Yue) Fu, a UW doctoral student in the iSchool. “We’re exploring the integration of large language models — the systems that power tech like ChatGPT — into our prototype and we plan to work with content creators to adapt existing socioemotional learning materials into our system. The hope is that these will facilitate more prolonged and effective interventions.”

1. What can we learn about Self-Talk?

A．It encouraged kids to engage in positive talking.

B．It could help kids explain complicated concepts.

C．It could be already downloaded from UW’s website.

D．It was welcomed by parents like Siri and Alexa.

2. “Sesame Street” is mentioned in this passage to show _________ of Self-Talk.

A．The primary function.	B．The promising prospect.
C．The new-found popularity.	D．The historical background.

3. Which may the follow-up research include?

A．Larger amounts of kinds of languages.	B．More characters with different background.
C．New technology adopted like ChatGPT.	D．Longer studies in more natural settings.

4. It can be inferred from the last paragraph that the Self-Talk will _________.

A．Adapt socioemotional material and reform the education system.

B．Explore powerful technology and improve its effectiveness.

C．Promote socioemotional learning and provide ongoing support.

D．Combine large language models and lengthen its service time.

10 . When Aaron Friedland was entering a master’s program in economics at the University of British Columbia, he decided to research whether the distance to school is a major factor leading to higher school dropout rates. So he spent two months living in a rural community in Uganda, regularly trekking (长途跋涉) with a group of kids who walked five miles each day round trip for their education. He deeply felt the hardships of this journey to school.

The experience resulted in more than that planned research paper. He founded a nonprofit The Walking School Bus, dedicated to improving access to education, and he started a crowdfunding campaign to publish this children’s book he wrote with the same title.

Set in South Africa, his story follows siblings Shaka and Nandi. Their father works far away and their mother’s work keeps her in their village. So the kids have no one to walk them to school. The trip is long and dangerous for just two kids. They find inspiration from a toy school bus in the sand. They finally succeed when they realize they can find safety in numbers with other kids and form a walking school bus.

Over the past few years, the nonprofit took off. The book, however, never made it into print until this year. That original text was an unwieldy 128 pages when Friedland brought it to the publisher Greystone Books. “They said, ‘It’s a great idea, but no,’” explains Friedland, who needed to figure out how to rewrite it in a more accessible format. A solution emerged when he connected with Ndileka Mandela. The story resonated with her, and they joined forces on a new version.

I wondered what kids who have an easy commute to school would think of this book. I asked my 8-year-old American daughter — who only needs to walk 10 minutes to her elementary school — to read it. Her reaction: “Kids can be very imaginative and creative, and sometimes you just need more people to be able to get where you want to go. Those kids were really willing to go out of their way to get some education.”

1. What did Friedland want to figure out initially?

A．How the distance to school impacted attendance rates.

B．How the students in rural community attended school.

C．How the school responded to increasing dropout rate.

D．How the program helped to improve access to education.

2. Which of the following best describe Friedland?

A．Suspicious and honest.	B．Curious and devoted.
C．Brave and sympathetic.	D．Caring and determined.

3. What does the underlined word “resonated” in Paragraph 4 probably mean?

A．Boost confidence.

B．Arouse sympathy.

C．Break new ground.

D．Earn reputation.

4. What is the author’s purpose in writing the text?

A．To raise the awareness of education.	B．To introduce a children’s book.
C．To encourage kids to walk together.	D．To share an unforgettable experience.