In the spring sun, my aunt and I headed for her flower shop. Normally I would be delighted to help in her shop, but not recently because of Rosa. Rosa was my sister, just one month old, who was settled in my old bedroom. For ten years, the small room was full of my toys and books. But now it was transformed into her baby room, decorated like a garden with pinks and yellows. My space, my old life, was gone.
“Here we are!” We arrived at the shop, a wave of colour and sweet smell washing over me. My aunt said I could pick some flowers for Mum and Dad. I used to love this, but today I was so overcome with tiredness and envy. Why bother to bring them flowers when they were enjoying Rosa at home without me?
Silently I helped my aunt arrange flowers. “Your mum told me there hasn’t been much shut eye recently for any of you.” “Not much, since Rosa the alarm clock was installed (安装).” I complained with a huge yawn (哈欠).
“I remember having to creep (蹑手蹑脚地走) around like a worn-out mouse when your mum was a baby. I spent the first months hating her so much.” “But you and Mum seem so close,” I said, guiltily hiding away my envy of Rosa.
“Now we are. But it took me years to grow into the role of big sister. Few flowers blossom (绽放) overnight, you know.” She pulled me in for aside hug, glancing up at the clock, and suggested I take a walk outside.
Behind her shop was a field dotted with spring flowers. Stepping into the field, I began to pick little flowers. It was like gathering my childhood memories. I remembered how I’d sit with Dad, making flower chains, crowning (授予) each other with the silliest titles: Queen of Junk Food and King of Mess. My smile grew wider. The shining yellow flowers reminded me of the color in Rosa’s baby room. Was she awake? I wondered.
注意：1.续写词数应为150左右；
2.请按如下格式在答题卷的相应位置作答。
Suddenly I saw two familiar figures walking towards me.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Rosa was wide awake in her baby basket beside the picnic blanket.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Gather together a couple of good friends and take a leisurely walk through the streets—this is
To them, Citywalk means roaming (漫步) around the city on foot. It can be a special
Citywalk not only offers a way for young people to interact with a city but also
Citywalk is offering a positive change to urban travelers as they can
3 . Mary thought she had seen it all when it came to horse behavior, but Stardust made her
After a brief
As Jason sat there,
A doctor rushed back into the room out of breath. Jason shot Mary a
| A．confused | B．bored | C．addicted | D．excited |
| A．bother | B．quit | C．run | D．struggle |
| A．lost interest in | B．thought little of | C．got used to | D．put an end to |
| A．backside | B．forehead | C．shoulders | D．hands |
| A．Out of control | B．By chance | C．Without hesitation | D．For no reason |
| A．handshake | B．encounter | C．stay | D．talk |
| A．in | B．with | C．for | D．on |
| A．sincerely | B．anxiously | C．awkwardly | D．desperately |
| A．since | B．when | C．if | D．although |
| A．tight-lipped | B．short-sighted | C．cold-blooded | D．absent-minded |
| A．truth | B．trick | C．story | D．news |
| A．questioning | B．knowing | C．threatening | D．disapproving |
| A．barely | B．totally | C．immediately | D．unexpectedly |
| A．help | B．accept | C．believe | D．make |
| A．adorable | B．generous | C．complicated | D．extraordinary |
4 . A majority of the people do not read the classics. Their reasons begin with the language being too difficult and end with the storyline too distant to the present context. Love for classics is obviously not at first sight.
Don’t be afraid to be confused.
We get it: it’s hard to power through confusion. It doesn’t feel great when a book makes you feel confused. Every reader has to start somewhere.
Research, research, research.
Just pick the book up.
This step is self-explanatory. While it’s not hard to just pick a book up, we know how difficult it can be to convince yourself to do so.
Remember: there is no right answer.
There is no perfect way to read a classic text. There is no defining interpretation, no singular, exact answer. Your goal as a reader is to discover what aspects and insights are meaningful to you. Enjoy the process.
| A．It is a gradual affair. |
| B．Allow the book to grow with you. |
| C．It has some form of historical influence. |
| D．Before you turn to page one, do some digging. |
| E．Never beat yourself up for not knowing something. |
| F．Remind yourself that it’s a new learning opportunity. |
| G．Consider what confuses you, read with intention, and think critically. |
5 . In 1970s, a psychologist named J. P. Guilford conducted a famous study of creativity known as the nine-dot puzzle (九点谜题). He challenged research subjects to connect all nine dots using just four straight lines without lifting their pencils from the page. All the participants limited the possible solutions to those within the imaginary square. Only 20 percent managed to break out of the confinement (束缚) and continue their lines in the white space surrounding the dots.
The fact that 80 percent of the participants were effectively blinded by the boundaries of the square led Guilford to jump to the sweeping conclusion that creativity requires you to go outside the box. The idea went viral. Overnight, it seemed that creativity experts everywhere were teaching managers how to think outside the box. The concept enjoyed such strong popularity that no one bothered to check the facts. No one, that is, before two different research teams-Clarke Burnham with Kenneth Davis, and Joseph Alba with Robert Weisberg-ran another experiment.
Both teams followed the same way of dividing participants into two groups. The first group was given the same instructions as the participants in Guilford’s experiment. The second group was told that the solution required the lines to be drawn outside the imaginary box. Guess what? Only 25 percent solved the puzzle. In statistical terms, this 5 percent improvement is insignificant as this could be called sampling error.
Let’s look a little more closely at the surprising result. Solving this problem requires people to literally think outside the box. Yet participants’ performance was not improved even when they were given specific instructions to do so. That is, direct and clear instructions to think outside the box did not help. That this advice is useless should effectively have killed off the much widely spread — and therefore, much more dangerous — metaphor (比喻) that out-of-the-box thinking boosts creativity. After all, with one simple yet brilliant experiment, researchers had proven that the conceptual link between thinking outside the box and creativity was a misunderstanding.
1. What did the nine-dot puzzle study focus on?| A．Visual perception. |
| B．Thinking patterns. |
| C．Practical experience. |
| D．Theoretical knowledge. |
| A．To test the catchy concept. |
| B．To contradict the initial idea. |
| C．To collect supporting evidence |
| D．To identify the underlying logic. |
| A．Groundless. | B．Inspiring. | C．Fruitless. | D．Revealing. |
| A．Puzzle Solving: A Key To Creativity |
| B．Thinking Outside the Box: A Misguided Idea |
| C．Nine-Dot Puzzle: A Magic Test |
| D．Creative Thinking: We Fell For The Trap |
6 . The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in educational technology (EdTech) has brought incomparable convenience and efficiency to classrooms worldwide. However, despite these advancements, it is crucial to recognize the challenges these AI-driven tools pose to the autonomy and professional judgment of instructors.
One of its primary concerns is the depersonalization of instruction. These tools often rely on pre-packaged digital content and standardized solutions, leaving insufficient room for instructors to tailor their teaching methods. Each student possesses unique characteristics. Instructors, armed with their wealth of experience and knowledge, are best positioned to tailor their approaches to these individual needs. However, AI-driven tools restrict their ability to do so effectively, resulting in a one-size-fits-all approach that fails to inspire students to reach their maximum potential.
EdTech companies offer step-by-step solutions to textbook problems. These are intended to act as study aids. However, some students employ this feature as a means to merely copy solutions without comprehending concepts. Consequently, instances of cheating on assignments and exams become widespread. While these tools may offer convenience, students may use external resources or cooperate with others during quizzes, affecting the honesty of their learning outcomes.
The implications of this depersonalization and the increase in academic dishonesty are far-reaching. By decreasing the role of instructors as facilitators of meaningful educational interactions, we run the risk of preventing the growth of critical thinking and problem-solving skills among students. Education should not only focus on knowledge acquisition, but should also develop the ability to analyze, evaluate, and apply that knowledge in real-world contexts. It should help one’s mind grow, not simply memorize information. Through dynamic classroom discussions, cooperative projects, and hands-on activities, instructors play a crucial role in developing these essential skills.
While AI-driven EdTech tools undeniably have their virtues, we must not lose sight of the importance of preserving instructor autonomy and educational experience. Instead of relying only on pre-packaged content and standardized solutions, these tools should be designed to empower instructors to adapt and customize their approaches while taking full advantage of the benefits of technology.
1. What do the underlined words “the depersonalization of instruction” in paragraph 2 refer to?| A．Tailored methods for individuals. | B．Instructors’ dependence on Al. |
| C．Insufficient resources of Al-driven tools. | D．The one-size-fits-all approach. |
| A．A possible solution. |
| B．A further problem. |
| C．A well-meant intention. |
| D．A suggested application |
| A．Thinking skills. | B．Teamwork building. |
| C．Interest development. | D．Knowledge acquisition. |
| A．They should be used widely. |
| B．Their benefits deserve our attention. |
| C．Their resources need enriching. |
| D．They should support instructor autonomy. |
7 . Thanks For Giving 4 Miler
Thurs. November 23, 2023
The EventSign up today for the 2023 Thanks For Giving 4 Miler and Kids Dash that will take place this Thanksgiving in New Albany! Come out and join us for a fun kick off to Thanksgiving Day festivities! As always, 100% of our net proceeds go to help those in need.
All are welcome, including competitive runners, joggers, and walkers wanting to enjoy time with friends and loved ones. Registration ends on November 22, 2023.
The FeeThere is no official race fee. You can give as much or as little as you want. However-a $40 minimum donation is required to get our soft T-shirt. Our goal is to feed as many families in Central Ohio as we can. You can help by running our race, spreading the word, or making a donation. You may bring any donation you want, from a can of soup to cash. Let’s make a difference.
Event Day Timeline6:30 am: Race day check-in begins.
8:00 am: Opening ceremony (仪式) begins!
8:15 am: Kids Dash begins!
8:30 am: The Thanks For Giving 4 Miler kicks off!
AwardsThe top three overall male and female finishers will receive a gift certificate. The top three male and female finishers in each of the following age groups will receive a pumpkin (南瓜) pie: 14 and under, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70 and above. Every participant of the kids race receives a finisher’s medal!
SafetyFor safety, please no bicycles, skateboards, inline skates, or participation with pets.
1. What is Thanks For Giving 4 Miler and Kids Run?| A．A marathon race. | B．A charity event. |
| C．A kid-targeted activity. | D．A holiday get-together. |
| A．A soft T-shirt. | B．A pumpkin pie. |
| C．A gift certificate. | D．A finisher’s medal. |
| A．Bringing a donation. |
| B．Reaching a certain age. |
| C．Registering in advance. |
| D．Wearing safety equipment. |
8 . Stargazing Festivals in 2023
As more areas grow brighter with light pollution, national parks across the country have become dark-sky havens. Over the years, they are making a push to get certified as havens for sky-watching by the International Dark Sky Association, and they even host events like stargazing festivals to get travelers excited about astronomy.
·Bryce Canyon National Park—June 14-17
Situated in southern Utah, Bryce Canyon earned its dark-sky title in 2019. The 35,835-acre park is an ideal place to stay up late. This year, its annual astronomy festival includes guided stargazing sessions, lectures and “star stories” presentations, family-friendly activities, and even a performance by strings musicians in the northern Arizona-based Dark Sky Quartet.
·Shenandoah National Park—August 11-13
Conveniently located within a day’s drive from two-thirds of Americans, Shenandoah National Park’s night sky festival is a low-lift way to dabble in astronomy. The nearly 200,000-acre park will host ranger talks, public stargazing sessions, lectures, presentations, and activities for kids. Staffers are still working on this year’s full schedule, but past events have covered topics ranging from space weather to nocturnal(夜间的) creatures.
·Great Basin National Park—September 14-16
Great Basin is one of the least crowded national parks, making it the perfect place to quietly appreciate the mysteries of the cosmos. Its annual astronomy festival is scheduled for this fall and includes guest speakers, constellation talks, observatory tours, and a photography workshop. During the festival’s unique “Art in the Dark” program, participants will get to paint in low-light conditions and experiment with how their eyes perceive color.
·Joshua Tree National Park—October 13-14
Joshua Tree National Park, as the International Dark Sky Association notes, is the “nearest convenient place to go stargazing under a relatively dark sky” for the 18 million people who live in the Los Angeles area. It became an official dark sky park in 2017, and each year, it hosts a night sky festival in the fall. As luck would have it, this year’s dates overlap with an annular “ring of fire” solar eclipse. From Joshua Tree, the moon will appear to obscure between 70 and 80 percent of the sun.
1. What is the purpose of Stargazing Festivals?| A．To raise public interest in astronomy. |
| B．To call for action against light pollution. |
| C．To provide a platform to observe stars. |
| D．To collect money for more observatories. |
| A．Bryce Canyon National Park. | B．Shenandoah National Park. |
| C．Great Basin National Park. | D．Joshua Tree National Park. |
| A．An observatory tour. | B．A photography workshop. |
| C．A stargazing tour. | D．A solar eclipse. |
9 . Anyone can be late a handful of times, but to be the person who is always late ―that’s an art, a frustrating art. Or, a side effect of your personality traits, scientists have found.
So what is it that causes some people to constantly miss trains, make it to the wedding just after the bride’s shown up and regularly annoy their friends? And why is it so hard for us to fix it? “There are all sorts of punishments for being late, and the paradox is that we are late even when those punishments and consequences exist.” said Justin Kruger, a social psychologist at New York University.
One of the commonest reasons why people are frequently late is that they fail to accurately judge how long a task will take―something known as the planning fallacy(谬误). Research has shown that people on average underestimate the time to complete a task by a significant 40 percent.
Another trait is that forever-late-comers are more likely to be multitaskers. In a 2003 study run by Jeff Conte from San Diego State University found that out of 181 subway operators in New York City, those who preferred multitasking were more often late for their job. This is because multitasking makes it harder to have the awareness of what you’re doing. Conte also discovered there is a personality type that’s more likely to be late. While highly strung(紧张不安), achievement-oriented Type A individuals are more possible to be punctual. Type B individuals, however, who are more laid-back(漫不经心), have a higher chance to be late.
Admittedly, knowing all of this doesn’t necessarily help fix the problem. But scientists are starting to work on strategies that can slowly improve our punctuality. For people who constantly underestimate tasks, breaking down an activity into detailed steps can help people estimate how long something will take more accurately. As for your personality type, unfortunately, there isn’t much you can do to change that. But accepting that you need to struggle for it may just help. Acceptance, after all, is the first step to change.
1. What does the underlined word “paradox” mean in paragraph 2?| A．Strategy. | B．Argument. | C．Solution. | D．Puzzle. |
| A．They plan to spend more time on a task. |
| B．They tackle more than one task at a time. |
| C．They suffer from concentration difficulties. |
| D．They have high expectations for achievements. |
| A．Learn to accept who you are. | B．Change your personality type. |
| C．Divide a task into smaller ones. | D．Keep to the timetable accurately. |
| A．Time management contributes to success. |
| B．Late comers should be severely punished. |
| C．One’s always being late is linked to personality. |
| D．Changing personality helps improve punctuality. |
内容包括：
1. 举办歌手大赛的目的；
2. 简要介绍比赛的整个过程。
注意：
3. 词数80左右；
4. 可适当增加细节，使行文连贯。
参考词汇：大礼堂auditorium 团委the League Committee 十佳歌手大赛the Top Ten Singers Competition
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