1 . Beth Bonness talked into the mirror as her hairstylist cut her hair. Bonness was telling a funny story about a trip to Rome. Suddenly, the stylist started moving her hands around in the mirror. “Beth. Beth. Beth. Can you hear me? ” she said. Bonness asked her what was wrong. In her mind, the words were coming out of her mouth. But she could see in the mirror that her lips weren’t moving. She started seeing bursts of light in the sides of her vision (视野). Then suddenly, the sensations disappeared.

Tests indicated Bonness had a transient ischemic attack (短暂性脑缺血发作) (TlA). About a third of people who have a TIA go on to have a more serious stroke (中风) within a year.

Bonness said she was told it was a one-off incident, so she didn’t worry about future problems. Plus, only old people have strokes, she told herself. She was 49, healthy and fit. Even the doctors implied that she was too young to worry. But the same week, while having a meal with her family, she couldn’t speak clearly again.

Bonness went on disability for a few weeks, and returned to work full-time half a year later. In the beginning, she felt less confident about speaking. Later she threw herself into living as healthy as possible. In 2011, her doctor said she’d fully recovered. She stopped all stroke-related medication.

In 2014, Bonness retired. She ended up saving a historic craftsman-style home in her neighborhood by changing it into a small residential development. The process had so many twists and turns (意外的曲折变化) that Bonness began writing a book about her story.

Last year, she started sharing her writing. She also started a writing group for survivors of stroke and brain injury in the hope that they too might find the same insight (领悟) and comfort. “Maybe it’s about doing more talking and sharing,” she said. “Every experience you have, all that travels with you.”

1. What does paragraph 1 mainly tell us?

A．The reason for Bonness’ catching TIA.	B．The treatment course of Bonness’ TLA.
C．Bonness first experience of suffering TIA.	D．Bonness’ chat with her hairstylist about TIA.

2. What did Bonness think of her TLA at the beginning?

A．It would harm her eyesight.	B．It was nothing to worry about.
C．It might be a deadly disease.	D．It needed further examination.

3. Why did Bonness write her book?

A．To buy her family a house.	B．To have an active retirement.
C．To record some events in her life.	D．To support a housing development.

4. What has Bonness done recently?

A．She has traveled around the country.	B．She has gathered material for her book.
C．She has helped look after those with TIA.	D．She has encouraged survivors of TIA to write.

2 . WHY SHENNONGJIA?

As we know, in 2016, Shennongjia made it on to the UNESCO World Heritage List. But there are so many important places not yet on this list. So you might ask: why Shennongjia?

UNESCO awarded Shennongjia this status because it meets two criteria required by the list. It contains a naturally-balanced environment that allows the many and various species to live and prosper. It is also one of the rare locations in the world where scientists can observe in real time the ecological and biological processes that occur as the plants and animals develop and evolve.

For the first criterion, Shennongjia is apparently one of the most “complete” natural areas in the world. The region rises from about 400 metres to over 3, 000 metres above sealevel, giving it the name the “Roof of Central China”.

For the second criterion, we can see that Shennongjia has incredible biodiversity. Look at this slide. According to official statistics, over 3, 000 plant species have been recorded there. This represents more than ten percent of China’s total floral richness.

It is a challenge to look after so many species. In winter, scientists brave heavy snow and freezing temperatures to supply food to the Golden Snub-nosed Monkey. Thanks to their efforts, the monkey’s population has doubled since the 1980s.Their number reached over 1, 300 in 2015 and continues to grow.

But the most impressive aspect of Shennongjia is the local people, who take things from nature without causing damage. I visited a local village which is known for its home-made honey. What is special about the honey is that it is produced by the earliest species of Chinese bee. All of this explains why Shennongjia earned—and deserves—its place on the UNESCO World Heritage List, as well as highlighting how understanding, awareness and hard work have contributed towards protecting a unique and wonderful part of our natural world.

1. Why is Shennongjia included in the UNESCO World Heritage List?

A．Because its forests stretch on and on like great green seas.

B．Because it is the legendary father of Chinese herbal medicine.

C．Because it satisfies the two requirements for the status.

D．Because it has the mysterious creature called “Yeren”.

2. Shennongjia is also called the“          ”.

A．Roof of Central China	B．Roof of Northern China
C．Roof of Eastern China	D．Roof of Southern China

3. How does the author think of the scientists in Shennongjia?

A．Patient.

B．Careful.

C．Confident.

D．Hard-working.

4. According to the text, what impressed the author most?

A．A local village.	B．The local people.
C．Some special monkeys.	D．The wild bees.

3 . Any creature or person that has both organic (与有机体有关的) and non-organic body parts can technically be considered a cyborg. This means that anyone who has a pace-maker to control their heartbeat, or a cochlear implant (耳蜗移植) to restore their hearing, could technically be called one.

The above are examples of “restorative” cyborgs, because technology is restoring an ability that a healthy human would normally have. More recent advancements in this field include robotic arms and legs, which are controlled by sensors (传感器) to receive muscle signals. Recently, brain implants have allowed disabled people to perform simple computer tasks.

But with these rapid advances in technology, another variety of cyborg will soon become more common— ‘Advanced’ cyborgs. If it’s possible to make man-made body parts which are as good as their organic ones, then surely it will become possible to make ones that are even better.

Possible cyborg advancements that may exist in the future include man-made joints which increase your speed and strength. Advanced brain chips (芯片) which allow you to control machines with a thought. Or visual implants which improve your eyesight or allow you to see colors that can’t be seen previously to the human eye.

However, some people worry that this technology could be dangerous. New ways of exciting the pleasure centers of people’s brains could lead to new forms of addiction. Others worry that it could lead to inequality in healthcare, with the high cost of implants causing the wealthy to gain further advantages over the poor.

Implants which restore the abilities of those who are injured are a wonderful medical advancement. But as physical enhancements that allow people to do more and live longer become more common, the choice will be between combining with machines or being left behind.

1. Which of the following is a cyborg?

A．A pace-maker.	B．A robot with strong arms.
C．A brain implant.	D．An animal with a robotic leg.

2. What ability may an advanced cyborg have according to the text?

A．Seeing more colors than normal people.	B．Directing people with brain.
C．Creating the man-made joints.	D．Repairing the organic body parts.

3. What can we infer from the text?

A．The poor could gain new addiction.	B．The wealthy could live longer than the poor.
C．Cyborgs no longer need healthcare.	D．Cyborgs could avoid any form of injury.

4. Where can the text be found?

A．A report on a robotic project.	B．A fictional novel on cyborgs.
C．A fitness and well-being brochure.	D．A magazine on new science.

4 . The Yellow River is the cradle of China’s civilization. And flood control and prevention have always been key to the well-being of the people living along it. Now, scientists can better work on these issues by giving the river a digital twin.

The digital twin of the Yellow River uses various technologies, including big data, artificial intelligence, and the internet of things. Devices (设备) set up along the river collect and transmit information to the center. Based on the information, a 3D model of the river is presented on the computer screen. It’s like the Yellow River has a twin that reflects its real conditions.

One big breakthrough in the river’s digital governance (治理) is “smart stones”. According to Wang Qin, a lead researcher at the Information Center of Yellow River Henan Bureau, a smart stone is a water-proof stone-shaped device with chips, a battery, and a signal transmitter. They are buried in important dike (堤坝) locations to record and report the movement of dike stones. “Upon feeling movement of the dike stones, the smart stone sends an alarm to the center for quick response,” Wang said.

“In the past, researchers had to learn the conditions of the dike on the spot by themselves, putting their lives at risk,” said Zhao Xiao from the bureau. “Now the smart stones can do this for us, more safely, quickly, and accurately.”

And in the sky, drones (无人机) are flying. On the routes designed by engineers, the drones become expert patrollers (巡逻员) of the river, looking at its dikes and flood prevention projects. According to Shen Lin from the Yellow River Conservancy Commission, thanks to the drones, researchers at the command center can get first-hand photos and information. “Researchers then update the 3D model according to the changes the drones reported. The newly updated model helps us test our floodwater release plans in case we ever need to batten down the hatches (未雨绸缪), ”said Shen.

Under the water and up in the sky, intelligence systems are helping to protect the Yellow River Basin on all fronts. According to the Ministry of Water Resources, in the future, we can expect to see the construction of an even more comprehensive digital system for this important river.

1. What is the main purpose of creating a digital twin of the Yellow River?

A．To conduct historical research.

B．To create a virtual tourist attraction.

C．To raise public awareness of river protection.

D．To improve flood control and prevention efforts.

2. How do the smart stones contribute to the river’s digital governance?

A．They record water quality.

B．They improve the river’s beauty.

C．They monitor and report dike movements.

D．They serve as markers for important locations.

3. What is one of the functions of drones in the digital governance of the Yellow River?

A．Entertaining tourists.	B．Collecting information on dike conditions.
C．Patrolling and take wildlife photos.	D．Testing water quality.

4. What does the under lined word “comprehensive” in the last paragraph probably mean?

A．Complete.

B．Basic.

C．Beautiful.

D．Natural.

5 . My first job was at a fast-food restaurant called Carroll’s in my hometown. One spring day my next-door neighbor _________ me to apply for work with her there, and I agreed to have a try.

One little _________ was that I wasn’t 16 yet, so I just changed my birth date on the application from July to _________. Luckily, they didn’t ask for any ID to prove my _________, because there were few applicants for the job. Both of us were _________.

The pay was _________, only $1.60/hour with no tips. I worked at the _________ and only boys were allowed to work in the kitchen. I got a chance to make milkshakes, though, which I considered kind of fun. I also _________ the relationships with all the other workers, who were mostly easy-going teenagers.

It was great to _________ different diners. The restaurant was located on a __________ entryway into town, so all kinds of people came in. One day a man in plain clothes __________ but ordered many signature dishes. When he came to my counter to check out, I was __________ to find he was my idol.

Besides __________ about my age, I also failed to inform the manager that I was leaving in June to attend summer camp, so my first job only lasted a few __________. It has been long gone, but the __________ in the restaurant remains a sweet memory of my life.

1.

A．allowed

B．invited

C．forbade

D．taught

2.

A．topic

B．mistake

C．difficulty

D．opportunity

3.

A．March

B．June

C．August

D．October

4.

A．address

B．age

C．name

D．face

5.

A．fired

B．interviewed

C．refused

D．accepted

6.

A．low

B．high

C．enough

D．good

7.

A．counter

B．door

C．park

D．toilet

8.

A．damaged

B．ignored

C．enjoyed

D．missed

9.

A．help

B．thank

C．recognize

D．encounter

10.

A．hidden

B．secret

C．distant

D．major

11.

A．woke up

B．gave up

C．turned up

D．looked up

12.

A．surprised

B．ashamed

C．disappointed

D．frightened

13.

A．worrying

B．lying

C．complaining

D．arguing

14.

A．days

B．hours

C．months

D．years

15.

A．food

B．service

C．payment

D．experience

6 . The journey of learning Beijing Opera has been a meaningful one for me.

When I first stepped into the practice room, the sounds of instruments filled the air. The _________ performers moved with grace and their voices were full of power. As a beginner, I found it hard to _________ the movements and vocal techniques. It seemed impossible to _________. But with each practice period, I found the determination to keep _________. Repeating the steps and vocal exercises over and over again, I practiced _________. My teachers and classmates were very _________. They encouraged me during moments of doubt and told me that _________ was not given but earned.

As time went on, I began to see _________ in my performance. My voice became more _________ and my movements more graceful. I started to feel a connection with the __________ understanding the feelings they had through their movements and expressions.

Finally, the day arrived for my first __________. I stepped onto the stage and the music started. I put my heart into the performance. The cheers that filled the theater at the end of the show were __________. The journey was __________, but learning Beijing Opera taught me a valuable lesson: never __________. I will carry with me the lesson learned from Beijing Opera that will __________ me on the road to success, both in the world of Beijing Opera and life.

1.

A．surprised

B．traditional

C．important

D．experienced

2.

A．keep up with

B．get back on

C．stay away from

D．look forward to

3.

A．know

B．change

C．learn

D．share

4.

A．checking

B．going

C．asking

D．cheering

5.

A．safely

B．helplessly

C．quietly

D．tirelessly

6.

A．supportive

B．active

C．creative

D．productive

7.

A．kindness

B．success

C．wealth

D．chance

8.

A．details

B．value

C．methods

D．progress

9.

A．different

B．expressive

C．similar

D．encouraging

10.

A．characters

B．teachers

C．actors

D．members

11.

A．class

B．job

C．visit

D．show

12.

A．music to my ears

B．bottom lines

C．time on my hands

D．top secrets

13.

A．interesting

B．boring

C．challenging

D．meaningful

14.

A．win out

B．give up

C．wake up

D．stand out

15.

A．protect

B．trust

C．guide

D．pick

7 . On a Friday evening in December, I lost my job. That was _________. I was excited about the weekend, when my daughter Kristil and I _________ to get our Christmas tree. Then I listened to my voicemail: “We are sorry, but we decided to _________ you.” I was a single mother and my income was survival. The next day, I struggled to be _________ as I eyed the Christmas tree prices.

Over the next week, I applied for _________ like crazy as my bank account grew smaller. On a weekend afternoon, I dropped Kristil in a _________ community for a birthday party surrounded by all the nice things that we couldn’t _________. I drove home feeling sad.

Back at home, I looked out the window at the heavy snow and _________ a woman opening her car door against the strong wind. As she _________, I realized it was my old teacher, Sister Esther. I rushed out and asked, “What are you doing out in this ____________?” She said, “I looked for you at your ____________ and it was said that you had left, so I thought I would ____________.” I made her tea and we talked. Before leaving, she handed me a Christmas card.

Later on when I opened her card, I was ____________. There was a lot of money inside. Tears of gratitude filled my eyes as I ____________. Sister Esther had given me $1,000. In 2020, at age of 91, Sister Esther died, but the ____________ she gave during her life lives on in my heart.

1.

A．unexpected

B．unfair

C．unavoidable

D．unnecessary

2.

A．forgot

B．refused

C．managed

D．planned

3.

A．judge

B．monitor

C．fire

D．charge

4.

A．encouraged

B．thoughtful

C．surprised

D．cheerful

5.

A．puddings

B．posts

C．shares

D．places

6.

A．small

B．safe

C．wealthy

D．unique

7.

A．remember

B．afford

C．find

D．appreciate

8.

A．spotted

B．felt

C．imagined

D．recognized

9.

A．came in

B．walked away

C．settled down

D．got out

10.

A．business

B．weather

C．room

D．situation

11.

A．company

B．school

C．hotel

D．house

12.

A．call

B．drive

C．visit

D．pay

13.

A．shocked

B．satisfied

C．confused

D．inspired

14.

A．searched

B．counted

C．packed

D．celebrated

15.

A．guidance

B．joy

C．care

D．advice

8 . When I was young, Dad often asked me to watch _________ games with him. Slowly, I became interested in the sport. Then Dad started to teach me _________ to hit the ball. Quickly, I became a pretty good hitter （击球手） and began _________ games.

Every time Dad came to my game, I would try very _________ to impress him. I spent too much energy making him happy and paid too much attention to his feelings. _________, I would perform poorly sometimes. Dad also realized he had influenced me negatively. Then one day, he told me that he was _________ with work and couldn’t come to any more games that year. Though I was disappointed, I respected his _________.

In the following games, I managed to perform well. But Dad never got to see them in person. In the final game of the year, I still did well. _________, when there were only ten minutes left in the game, I saw Dad secretly looking out from behind the stand （看台）. _________ after I made a perfect shot and looked for him, he was already gone.

After the game, Dad came up to me and asked me how I did. “Dad,” I said, “I saw you behind the stand.” “Wow, did you?” he said. “What a good shot （击球） you hit! That was the best one you’ve hit.” At that moment, I __________ Dad had been there every time. He secretly watched me and gave me the best chance that I could ever have to do my best.

1.

A．baseball

B．volleyball

C．football

D．basketball

2.

A．what

B．how

C．why

D．when

3.

A．holding

B．attending

C．quitting

D．sharing

4.

A．largely

B．heavily

C．hardly

D．hard

5.

A．First of all

B．On the other hand

C．As a result

D．However

6.

A．unsatisfied

B．disappointed

C．busy

D．tired

7.

A．decision

B．work

C．lesson

D．position

8.

A．Unfortunately

B．Hopefully

C．Doubtfully

D．Surprisingly

9.

A．So

B．But

C．And

D．Or

10.

A．demanded

B．concluded

C．realized

D．suggested

9 . Our future ______ depends on ______ we do for it now.

A．large, what

B．large, how

C．largely, what

D．largely, how

10 . Mr. Smith is ______ honest man. He is a good person ______.

A．an, to work with

B．an, to work

C．a, working

D．a, to work with