The little girl stuck her finger in mouth. Something felt different. When she touched her bottom teeth, one of them moved. Cali looked at her face in the bathroom mirror. Her teeth were all there, but that front one on the bottom looked funny. “Aunt Lisa!” she called. Cali lived with her aunt and uncle. “My tooth looks strange!”
Her aunt joined her and looked in her mouth. “Don’t worry,” said Aunt Lisa. “You have a loose tooth. That means you are growing up!”
“I don’t know if I like that,” said Cali. She loved the idea of growing up, but thinking about one of her teeth coming out make her feel a little anxious. “Then I will have a hole in my head.” That seemed strange.
Cali’s uncle walked by and stopped when he saw them. “Cali, my dear, you already have a few of those! Think about your ears and your nose and your mouth. One tiny baby tooth won’t make much difference. Do you want me to pull it out for you?” laughed Uncle George. “Then it would be gone in a flash! Maybe I should tie a string (细线) around it, tie the other end to the door and slam it?” he asked.
“That’s a terrible idea, Uncle George!” Cali yelled.
“What if we get our dog to play tug-of-war (拔河) with you, but you use your mouth like he does? Then your tooth would pop out!” suggested her uncle.
“Maybe I’ll just leave it in for a while,” decided Cali. Having enough of her uncle’s crazy plans, she felt a little anxious about her loose tooth and she immediately ran to Aunt Lisa who was cutting up an apple into slices in the kitchen. The little girl picked up an apple slice and bit into it. It was sweet and juicy.
注意：
1.续写词数应为100左右；
2.请按如下格式在答题卡的相应位置作答。
As she crunched (嚼) into it, Cali felt something strange.
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2 . Thousands of lives have been saved by giving blood-thinning drugs to people with a heart condition that leaves them at risk of a stroke(中风), according to the head of the NHS.
Since January 2022 about 460,000 people in England who suffer from atrial fibrillation(AF)- a dangerously irregular heart rate-have begun taking one of four anticoagulant(抗凝血剂) drugs that are proved to reduce stroke risk. Speedy introduction of the drugs has kept 4,000 people alive who would otherwise have died and prevented about 17,000 strokes, according to Amanda Pritchard. Strokes kill about 27,000 people a year in England and lead to about 120,000 being taken to hospital.
A drive to encourage take-up of the drugs means 90% of the 1.5 million people in England with AF are using them. That should result in fewer strokes, which are a leading cause of death and disability, given that AF causes about one in five strokes.
“The rapid introduction of these drugs is a big step forward in providing the best possible care for patients with heart disease”, Pritchard, the leader of NHS(National Health Service) England, will say in a speech today at the King’s Fund health experts’ yearly conference.
The drugs, called direct oral anticoagulants, help stop blood from clotting(凝血), therefore reducing the risk of a clot developing and causing a stroke. In 2021 the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence recommended that doctors use four anticoagulant drugs.
Dr Maeva May, the Stroke Association’s director, thought the widespread use of the drugs as “fantastic news”, because AF accounts for one in five strokes and strokes in people with AF are more likely to result in death or serious disability.
NHS England has used its spending power to cut deals with the makers of the four drugs, which has made them much more widely available. The British Heart Foundation praised the NHS’s “great progress towards its goal of reducing stroke deaths”.
1. What is the purpose of listing numbers in paragraph 2?| A．To attract the readers’ attention to strokes. |
| B．To introduce the specific information about AF. |
| C．To show the effects of four anticoagulant drugs. |
| D．To summarize the steps towards reducing deaths. |
| A．To identify signs of strokes. | B．To reduce blood pressure. |
| C．To keep heart beating. | D．To prevent blood clotting. |
| A．They have reached some agreements. | B．They have provided free treatment. |
| C．They have established disease funds. | D．They have reminded of stroke deaths. |
| A．Recognising Signs of A Heart Attack | B．A Breakthrough in Stroke Prevention |
| C．Exploring Kinds of Anticoagulant Drugs | D．NHS England’s Life-Saving Conference |
One spring, I was hired as groundskeeper at a Country Inn, a famous bed-and-breakfast located in Washington state. The grand house is in a beautiful place. Many famous people have visited and even had their own rooms there. The owners, Philip and Cecelia, have done a perfect job for the house. However, the gardens were very overgrown. Worse yet, there was another problem: a very persistent doe (母鹿).
Every day when I came to work, there was new evidence of the deer’s big appetite. I tried many preventives: spray, human hair, soap, you name it-but none of those things had effect. Often when I was weeding, I’d look over and there she’d be, munching some tasty pieces. Worst of all, she feasted on the roses, in which Cecelia took great pride. I became so frustrated that I named her “Dinner”— and wanted to serve her on plates.
One morning, I was on my hands and knees pulling out vines and bushes when I caught a movement out of the corner of my eye. There was Dinner, not five feet away, munching a large leaf and staring at me. I felt a connection with this animal. We did have something in common-we were both mothers. I got the crazy idea of communicating with her and it seemed she wanted the same thing.
What’s up? I asked in my head.
I’m here because I feel safe, was the gentle reply I felt I heard. I have my fawns (幼鹿) bedded down nearby, and there is plenty to eat. When the twins are older after summer, I will move them deeper into the forest.
I understand that, I assured her. People come here too, from far away. I guess they’ll be interested to see you. I promise that nobody will harm you or your children. I don’t mind sharing the vegetation but Cecelia loves roses, too. She is very upset when they are all eaten.
A loud crash broke the magic. Our eyes met again briefly before she leaped off across the driveway, disappearing into the forest. Has I really communicated with the deer?
Paragraph1.
I went into the kitchen where Cecelia was preparing the evening meal.
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Paragraph2.
Every day, I enjoyed watching Dinner with the twins and my presence never bothered them.
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“The Space-Time Painter,” written by Chinese writer Hai Ya, won the Hugo Award for Best Novelette at the 81st World Science Fiction Convention,
Hai shared his source of
Hai, also a financial worker, thinks of
5 . In years past, many people would travel over New Year’s Eve and immerse (沉浸) themselves in a different culture. Countries around the world celebrate the new year with unique customs and traditions carried out at the celebration.
Japan: Eat toshikoshi soba
Shiwasu is the end-of-the-year period in Japan. To celebrate New Year’s Eve, people eat “year-crossing” soba, which can symbolize having a long and fortunate life along with a clean break from the year. However, when eaten at midnight, there’s a certain cross of the old and the new year, thus you cannot “break off” all of last year’s troubles properly but instead carry them over to the following year.
Russia: Burn, then drink your wishes
After a year of ruined dreams and canceled plans, set your sights on a fresh start with this Russian tradition. Before midnight, write down your wishes on a piece of paper, then light the paper on fire. Once it’s stopped burning, spread the wish-filled ashes into a glass of champagne and drink up shortly after the clock completes striking midnight.
Spain: Eat 12 grapes
Perhaps the easiest tradition to carry out is eating grapes for good luck. When the clock starts striking at midnight, eat one with each ringing sound. Better if you’re wearing special New Year’s Eve underwear while eating your grapes. A pair of red underwear can bring you a new year of love, while yellow may bring joy and fortune.
Greece: Hang some onions
If you’ve been cooking throughout the pandemic, maybe you have some onions around the house to spare for this tradition. In Greece, onions symbolize rebirth, so people hang them up on their doors on Dec. 31 to encourage a year of growth. Keep the Greek traditions going by baking a special cake on New Year’s Day. Hide a coin in the cake and share it with your loved ones-whoever finds the coin is said to have a year of good luck.
1. Where is the passage more likely to be taken from?| A．A news report. | B．A scientific essay. | C．A tourism brochure. | D．A history book. |
| A．Soba. | B．Ashes. | C．Grapes. | D．Onions. |
| A．Japan | B．Russia. | C．Spain. | D．Greece. |
Chang’an Tower, also known as the Great Wild Goose Pagoda, is an architectural wonder
Rising to a
Whether it is for experiencing a piece of history
7 . How satisfied are you with your life? How good do you feel every day? Your answers to those two questions can show how happy you are.
It’s true that your happiness is partly affected by your genes.
Don’t compare yourself to others. Everyone has different talents and abilities. It’s OK that you’re not like someone else. Comparison has been called “the thief of joy”. In addition, forgive yourself often.
Spending time with people you love and that love you is necessary for building strong connections and developing a sense of belonging. By devoting time and attention to those who matter most to you, you can create lasting memories, deepen understanding, and strengthen bonds with each other happily.
Get outside for exercise.Nature helps to reduce stress. Exercise and put your health in the first place.
Stay aware of recent events. But don’t spend hours consuming news, which usually includes negative stories and events.
Since happiness is a choice, why not choose it? Life will look brighter filled with love and joy!
| A．You are not perfect. |
| B．Invest in your relationships. |
| C．Determine happiness through actions. |
| D．You could perhaps lead a happier life and feel more satisfied. |
| E．But even if you’re not usually a happy person, you can change that. |
| F．People who get up and move are usually happier than those who don’t. |
| G．The Internet is full of people who look beautiful and seem to lead exciting lives. |
8 . About Byron
Whether you’re in Byron for fun or work, there are plenty of things to do to fill your spare time.
Byron, Georgia makes travel sweeter with its slower pace and breathtaking attractions. It’s full of historic sites, museums, shopping malls, and more. In this city at the center of Georgia’s peach industry, you can take a vacation that leaves you rested, not annoyed.
EventsGeorgia Peach Festival-June
Fall Market Days-September
Georgia National Fair-October
Byron Christmas Parade-December
Local attractionsByron Welcome Center
Located in the Peach Shops, the Byron Welcome Center is your first stop in our area. The Byron Welcome Center is ready to help you make the most of your stay in Byron, Georgia.
North Peach Park
North Peach Park is the place for traditional festivals, movies in the park, and many other events. The park has picnic shelters, playgrounds, football fields and soccer fields all year round. North Peach Park also has an indoor, climate-controlled multi-purpose room.
The Big Peach Shopping Mall
One of Georgia’s major shopping malls, and Central Georgia’s biggest and best variety of goods, the Big Peach has something for everyone! Open seven days a week and located directly off I-75, the Big Peach is Central Georgia’s favorite shopping destination.
Party Playground Indoor Fun Center
Let the kids work out some energy with an hour or two at the Party Playground Indoor Fun Center. This room full of safe and soft play equipment will let your little ones run, jump and play, rain or shine. It’s also a great place to have a birthday party.
Contact usFor more information, contact us at (478) 956-2409
Email: byronwelcomecenter@gmail.com
1. When is the best time to enjoy delicious peach in Byron?| A．June. | B．September. | C．October. | D．December. |
| A．North Peach Park. |
| B．Byron Welcome Center. |
| C．The Big Peach Shopping Mall. |
| D．Party Playground Indoor Fun Center. |
| A．A course plan. | B．A travel brochure. | C．A journal. | D．An encyclopedia. |
9 . I was shocked when my socially awkward sister, who had suffered from Asperger Syndrome (阿斯伯格综合症), decided to sing in front of the school. I knew she would
As I waited in the hall, sweat
I shifted nervously in my seat, afraid what was about to happen. But as my sister started to sing, I was
| A．embarrass | B．impress | C．surprise | D．support |
| A．hide | B．quit | C．escape | D．perform |
| A．protect | B．save | C．recover | D．rescue |
| A．picked up | B．climbed upon | C．took off | D．went up |
| A．impressive | B．exciting | C．fine | D．challenging |
| A．characters | B．lectures | C．curtains | D．signals |
| A．confident | B．nervous | C．prepared | D．relaxed |
| A．Cries | B．Crashes | C．Whispers | D．Screams |
| A．entertained | B．disappointed | C．relieved | D．shocked |
| A．power | B．weakness | C．silence | D．darkness |
| A．softly | B．loudly | C．quietly | D．beautifully |
| A．abilities | B．failures | C．talents | D．weaknesses |
| A．Without | B．Despite | C．Beyond | D．Within |
| A．extremely | B．equally | C．unconditionally | D．finally |
| A．lifted | B．dropped | C．covered | D．hidden |
10 . It is a practice favored by Lena Dunham, Tom Hanks and Lady Gaga to improve their focus and bring about calmness in an often busy, distracted world. Now researchers have found evidence that frequent meditation (冥想) over several years, may help change human gut (肠道), boost the body’s immune (免疫的) system and reduce the risk of anxiety, depression and heart disease. The findings are published by the British Medical Journal.
Meditation is increasingly used to help treat drug abuse, overwhelming stress, eating disorders and long-lasting pain. But until now it has not been clear whether it could also be able to change the composition of the gut microbiome (微生物组). In an effort to find out, researchers led by the Shanghai Mental Health Centre at the Shanghai Jiao Tong University analyzed the stool (粪便) and blood samples of 37 Tibetan Buddhist monks from three temples and 19 residents in the neighboring areas. The Tibetan meditation from the ancient Indian medical system, is a form of psychological training. The monks in the study had practiced it for at least 2 hours a day for 3-30 years. Both groups were matched for age, blood pressure, heart rate and diet. Stool sample analysis revealed significant differences in the diversity and volume of microbes between the monks and their neighbors. “Bacteria enriched in the meditation group had a positive effect on human physical and mental health,” the researchers wrote. “This changed gut microbiome composition could improve immune function in the body.” Blood sample analysis also revealed the levels of markers associated with risk of heart disease were significantly lower in the monks.
The researchers emphasized that the study was observational and the number joining was small, all male and living at high altitude, making it difficult to draw any firm or general conclusions. However, based on their findings, the researchers said the role of meditation in helping to prevent or treat mental and physical illness deserved further research.
1. Why do many people do meditation according to the passage?| A．To bring about inner peace. |
| B．To cure some certain illnesses. |
| C．To reduce some extra movement. |
| D．To change the gut microbiome composition. |
| A．Stool and blood sample. | B．Immune system. |
| C．Human gut. | D．Tibetan Meditation. |
| A．The Drugs taken before. |
| B．The religion people belong to. |
| C．The eating habit formed already. |
| D．The bacteria produced in the meditation. |
| A．It tracked the joiners over a long period. |
| B．It explored the way how the bacteria influences the gut microbiome. |
| C．It involved a large sample size of different genders, age groups, and areas. |
| D．It provides evidence that meditation changes gut microbiome composition. |
