1 . As Christmas Eve approached, I found myself in New York City, far from my family and friends in Taiwan. I was feeling homesick and lonely, but my Jewish friend, Rachel, who, like me, doesn’t get connected with Christmas due to any religious things, invited me to join her for a dinner in a Chinese restaurant. She explained that it was a tradition for many Jewish people to celebrate this holiday by eating Chinese food on Christmas Eve.

We went to Jing Fong, a fancy restaurant in Chinatown. The place was packed with people, and the atmosphere was lively and festive. We ordered a variety of dishes. Everything was delicious, and I felt grateful to be sharing this experience with Rachel. As we ate, we talked about our families and our cultures. We laughed and joked, and for a moment, I forgot about my homesickness.

A moment later, a group of carolers (唱圣诞歌的人) came into the restaurant, singing Christmas songs. At first, I was puzzled. Why were they singing in a Chinese restaurant? But then I realized that this was part of the magic of New York City. People from all different cultures and backgrounds could come together and celebrate the holidays in their own way. Rachel and I joined in the singing, and soon the whole restaurant was filled with music. It was a beautiful moment, and I felt blessed to be part of it.

What a night! I learned that even when you’re far from home, you can still find joy and connection with others. Rachel and I may come from different cultures, but we shared amazing food, joyful music, and most importantly heartfelt company. And that’s exactly what all the holidays are all about.

1. Why did Rachel invite the author to join her for dinner?

A．To show respect to God

B．To celebrate Christmas in the Jewish way

C．To share stories about their families

D．To forget about their homesickness

2. What was the author’s initial reaction to the carolers?

A．Fearful	B．Joyful
C．Disappointed	D．Confused

3. How did the author want people to approach Christmas?

A．By focusing on religious traditions

B．By celebrating with family and friends

C．By enjoying a variety of festive dishes

D．By embracing diverse ways of celebration

4. Where is the text most probably taken from?

A．A personal blog	B．A commercial promotion brochure
C．A travel guide of New York	D．An academic article

2 . 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。

Xiaomi’s founder and CEO, Lei Jun, marked the 130th anniversary of his alma mater (母校), Wuhan University, with an enormous donation of 1.3 billion yuan ($182.59 million). The contribution, the largest single donation ever received in the history of Chinese     1     (high) education, primarily supports fundamental research in mathematics, technological innovation in computer science, and the education of undergraduate students. Lei, a graduate of the university’s computer school in 1991,    2     (express) his desire to contribute to the school’s future     3     boosting outstanding engineers, scientists, and technology entrepreneurs (企业家) in China.

In recognition of his     4     (generous), Wuhan University presented Lei with     5     “Outstanding Education Contribution” medal and a donation certificate. The     6     (university) president, Zhang Pingwen, highlighted the significance of alumni contributions, acknowledging Lei’s donation as a new milestone.

Lei’s story of     7     (believe) achievement in the field of software development during his time at the university and subsequent (后续的) success in     8     (found) Xiaomi has become legendary among students,     9     can, as Zhang Pingwen said, permanently encourage countless young individuals at Wuhan University to make contributions, large or small, in their respective fields for the societal development. Notably, Lei has been supporting Wuhan University since 1997, with previous donations totaling 130million yuan. In June of the current year, the artificial intelligence teaching and research building, funded by Lei’s contributions,     10     (official) opened.

3 . Hong Kong is one of the most expensive cities in the world, with its lavish food and giant shopping malls. But that doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy the city without stretching your wallet. With good planning, you can enjoy many things in Hong Kong for free.

1. Go gallery hopping and marvel at beautiful artworks

Hong Kong is home to plenty of independent art galleries that exhibit works from various artists around the world. While galleries are spread across the city, we argue that the best place to go gallery hopping is around Central and Sheung Wan.

2. Get up-close with nature at one of the scenic hiking trails

It’s easy to visualize images of Hong Kong’s breathtaking skyline when thinking of the city. But Hong Kong is also filled with thick greenery, mountains, and amazing natural landscapes. So, go hiking at any of the scenic trails the city has. For hiking beginners, the Peak trail is among the easiest and in the end, you’ll be treated to epic views of Victoria Harbour. Also perfect for newbies but a little more into nature is Dragon’s Back.

3. Step back in time at the traditional villages

Due to urbanization, Hong Kong’s traditional villages have been in massive decline throughout the years. With those still standing today, it serves as a time machine to showcase Hong Kong’s past. Among the best-preserved villages is Tsang Tai Uk. The original brick, timber, and granite materials are still well-maintained within the walls.

1. Who may find the Peak trail most fascinating?

A．Science fans.	B．Outdoor enthusiasts.
C．Water sports lovers.	D．Gallery goers.

2. Which tourist destination offers a glimpse of Hong Kong’s history?

A．Central and Sheung Wan	B．The Peak trail
C．Tsang Tai Uk	D．Dragon’s Back

3. Who are the most likely target readers for this article?

A．Travelers lacking experience	B．Travelers into lavish city life
C．Travelers seeking local cuisine	D．Travelers on a tight budget

4 . In 2050, one in four people will be over 60 in the Asia-Pacific region. Are countries there prepared to fully address the needs of older persons so that they age with dignity?

In the past, senior citizens might have been supported by their families and communities. Yet times are changing.

    1     Meanwhile, more and more governments are wrestling with increasing healthcare costs and a decreasing workforce.

More than ever, there is an urgent need for policy reform in addressing population aging. This must be driven by a shift in mindset to turn the challenges into a demographic opportunity.

    2     More and more people are living longer due to the advancements in health, nutrition, economic and social well-being.     3     This is due to a variety of reasons such as challenges in striking a work-life balance to not being able to afford having more children. However, low fertility and longer life expectancy are not the problem. The real problem is not being ready to face this rapidly changing demographic shift.

It is noteworthy that, in the Asia-Pacific, with more than half of the older population being women, it is crucial to adopt a life-cycle approach to population aging, grounded in gender equality and human rights. Investing in each stage of life determines the path of a woman’s life course. When a girl has access to quality education, it helps her make informed decisions about life-changing matters.     4    

While there is no single comprehensive policy that can address population aging, we need to take action now.     5     In so doing, countries in the Asia-Pacific region can hope for, and achieve, a better future for all, where no one is left behind.

A．Couples are having fewer babies.

B．Pensions are increasing, pressuring governments further.

C．We must rethink population aging, celebrating it as the victory of development.

D．Migration and urbanization have shifted traditional support systems for the elderly.

E．The decisions she makes paves the way towards a healthier and wealthier silver age.

F．We must invest in better policies that focus on the needs of people at every age of their life.

G．Life-long gender discrimination leaves women even more disadvantaged in an aging society.

5 . “A new student is waiting in your room.” My principal announced. “Name’s Mary. I’ll talk to you about her.” I nodded, some materials in my hands. “Fine,” I said. “We’re making valentine envelopes, a good way for her to get ________.”

She sat in the back of the room, her hands ________ in her lap. “Welcome, Mary. I’m glad you are in our room.” No ________. “Mary.” I said again. She raised her head and looked into my eyes. A chill went through me. The eyes in that face were unexpectedly ________ as if the owner of a house had drawn the blinds (百叶窗).

The bell rang, little time to worry about Mary. After ________ Mary into her desk, I distributed materials and then hurried to the office. There I learned weeks ago, someone had broken into her home, killing her mother in Mary’s ________. She survived but had been ________ since. “Give her ________,” the principal suggested.

I returned and grabbed a chance to explain this to my students. “It may be a long time ________ she joins us, but you can do your bit.” How loving they could be once they understood. On Valentine’s Day, Mary’s envelopes overflowed. Although studying each card without ________, she replaced it in her container.

Later on a March day, my children noticed the flowers ________ and advised making flower baskets! It was something to lift our ________. Remembering the valentine incident, I expected nothing from Mary; ________, I encouraged her to try. Soon, a boy exclaimed: “Look at Mary’s basket. So pretty!” I was dumbfounded at its beauty, asking how she managed it. She looked at me with the shining eyes of any ________ girl and replied “Mother loved flowers.”

“God, you’ve given us a ________.” I put my arms around Mary. I’ve kept the followers in my desk just to remind me of the lasting power of love.

1.

A．involved

B．promoted

C．adopted

D．proposed

2.

A．spread

B．folded

C．swung

D．extended

3.

A．movement

B．response

C．complaint

D．cooperation

4.

A．strange

B．full

C．sharp

D．empty

5.

A．sliding

B．securing

C．settling

D．seeking

6.

A．presence

B．absence

C．existence

D．violence

7.

A．crazy

B．withdrawn

C．aggressive

D．risky

8.

A．kindness

B．mercy

C．love

D．comfort

9.

A．after

B．when

C．until

D．before

10.

A．comments

B．reactions

C．approaches

D．impressions

11.

A．came up

B．took up

C．came out

D．took out

12.

A．grades

B．spirits

C．insights

D．relations

13.

A．otherwise

B．furthermore

C．therefore

D．nevertheless

14.

A．normal

B．pretty

C．depressed

D．lovely

15.

A．gift

B．talent

C．miracle

D．basket

6 . When going shopping with a friend, Gail Heyman found herself quite awkward (令人尴尬的) when her friend asked her which dress she liked best. Her friend had a clear favorite — a dress that Heyman happened to dislike. “In that case, I lied and said that I like the same one,” said Heyman.

As Heyman’s experience shows, it might not matter all that much if you tell a white lie to make a friend feel good at times. But when it comes to the most meaningful relationships in your life, protecting a friend’s feelings at all costs can sometimes make them fail. For example, if a person is practicing for a job interview and it’s a few days before his interview, and he gives an answer that you think is not good at all and you don’t tell him because you don’t want to hurt his feelings, that’s really not very nice to him, right? Because he has an opportunity to fix that thing.

If you know that lies can have results, why do you still lie often? A study carried out by Tali Sharot, a professor at University College London, found that it’s because people just get used to it. One little lie can turn into bigger and bigger lies over time. “If you habituate emotionally, it will change your behavior,” says Sharot.

Sharot notes that if you’re worried about lying a bit too much, try and notice when you want to bend the truth (歪曲事实). She thinks it’s best to do so when you’re not actually responding to those triggers (诱因). Moving your attention away from shame and focusing more on your values can be a healthy way to start looking at this more actively.

1. How does the author start the text?

A．By raising a question.	B．By giving an example.
C．By expressing an opinion.	D．By comparing different views.

2. What can we learn from paragraph 2?

A．Be careful about lying.	B．It’s OK to tell a white lie.
C．Never should a person tell lies.	D．A meaningful relationship matters.

3. Why would people lie more according to the study?

A．They are used to lying.

B．They don’t behave well.

C．They lose track of others.

D．They don’t want to hurt others’ feelings.

4. What does Sharot advise us to do?

A．Try to bend the truth.

B．Change our behavior.

C．Say sorry to the one we lied to.

D．Concentrate more on our values.

7 . Author Kochai tried for years to reconnect with his second grade teacher – a woman whom he credits with all the success he’s had in life. He hadn’t known any English at all, and it was Mrs. Lung who stayed after hours every day in their elementary school to teach Kochai one-on-one how to read and write – something he managed in just a year.

It was something Kochai never forgot, but after moving to new schools and districts, he lost track of her. The more Kochai’s career grew with success, the more he felt he had to reconnect with the special teacher who kick-started his life as an author.

It was over ten years that Kochai had been looking for his former teacher. Ten years’ calling school districts, searching names on social media, and visiting schoolhouses all proved fruitless. He said he felt like “running into another dead end,” as he explained in a Twitter thread.

“A few years earlier, after 99 Nights in Logar came out, someone reached out to me, out of the blue, on Facebook. It was Mrs. Lung’s husband!” he continued, “Clearly, Allen Lung heard about an article I wrote where I mentioned Mrs. Lung.”

That moment finally came when, after years of anxiety and joyful events both in Kochai’s life, he was doing a book signing event for his new book. “Mrs. Lung’s husband, Allen, rushed up to me, introduced himself, and brought me over to Mrs. Lung, and seven-year-old-me finally got to hug my 2nd grade teacher again.” he said.

He signed her copy with all the words he couldn’t say, but which had been in his head and heart for a decade and more.

1. How did Mrs. Lung help Kochai?

A．By guiding his career planning.

B．By supporting him economically.

C．By teaching him English dutifully.

D．By keeping him company all the time.

2. What is the main idea of paragraph 3?

A．Kochai made efforts to find Mrs. Lung.

B．Kochai showed on various social media.

C．Kochai failed to get in touch with Mrs. Lung.

D．Kochai sensed it hopeful to connect Mrs. Lung.

3. How did Kochai feel the moment he met Mrs. Lung?

A．Disappointed.

B．Overjoyed.

C．Embarrassed.

D．Satisfied.

4. What can we learn from the text?

A．Mrs Lung made a difference to Kochai’s life.

B．Kochai is satisfied with his success as an author.

C．Mrs. Lung influenced Kochai’s decision.

D．Author Kochai is grateful to Mrs. Lung.

8 . There are few things more comforting than a hug. It’s a gesture that makes you feel loved, supported, and safe.    1    In fact, for some, even a simple touch on the shoulder can cause them great discomfort. In the event that this is a person close to you, you may have even felt rejected by their attitude. Knowing the reasons behind their behavior will help you understand them. Let’s take a look at some of the possible causes.

    2    

A study has discovered that the degree to which we show physical affection and are comfortable with it depends on how we were raised.    3    However,as a matter of fact, some people who grew up with a lack of physical affection may later try to makeup for it. They’re the ones who always take the initiative and kiss and hug those close to them.

Low self-esteem and insecurity

    4    In fact, it’s been proven that the most insecure people generally feel threatened by being close to others. By marking and keeping their distance, they feel more in control of the situation. In fact, it means they avoid feeling vulnerable. Furthermore, they feel like it saves them from rejection or an emotional bond that’s too intimate.

Trauma (创伤)and abuse

Lastly, if individuals suffered physical abuse in their past, it is highly likely that they may reject any forms of physicaI contact. This rejection is often a result of the deep-seated fear and distrust that has developed within them due to their previous experiences. Indeed,traumatic events and negative experiences, such as physical violence or abuse, can generate a great fear of establishing physical closeness with others    5    

A．Parenting style

B．Fears and panic

C．However, not everyone experiences these pleasant sensations.

D．Those who dislike physical contact may not have strong and healthy self-esteem.

E．For instance, growing up in a loving family encourages children to be open and caring.

F．They may avoid getting close to others due to a panic of dirt, or the spread of certain diseases.

G．Thus, they may adopt a defensive gesture, keeping others at a distance to avoid potential harm.

9 . In my whole life I was frightened by doctors. So when I recently launched a series of writing and publishing courses, I was shocked to find among my students several physicians, the same profession as my father. And they all wanted to be writers. Whenever someone mentioned their medical background, I’d think: I have to call Dad to tell him, but I couldn’t.

Raised up in a big Michigan family with three brilliant loud science brain brothers, I’d always felt left out by their Disease Game at dinner, where Dad threw out cases for them to diagnose. Our house was their laboratory. I was frequently scared by bees in jars in the refrigerator and pet rats.

Getting to study medicine was always Dad’s dream, so he encouraged the boys to follow in his footsteps. But I never truly settled down, chasing my dream for literary here and there. My father opposed my liberalism. I was overjoyed when Random House published my humorous memoirs (回忆录) about my past addictions. My father wasn’t so joyful. “You’re bringing disgrace on our family,” he snapped.

At 87, when my father was admitted to hospital with heart and kidney failure, we had a rare afternoon alone. Sitting by his bed, I apologized for taking so long to figure out my life.

“I have a lot of regrets,” he said, “It took me too long to make a decent living, screwing up jobs because of my bullheadedness and big mouth.”

I was nervous when his physician Olaf emailed me, but it wasn’t bad news. “Your dad says you’re a professor who helps people publish. Could you help me?” he asked.

“What did you tell Olaf about me?” I questioned Dad that night, still surprised.

“That you stuck to your guns and became a success,” he said.

“Why didn’t you ever tell me that?”

“I’m telling you now,” he said. He was pleased when I helped Olaf publish his first magazine piece.

I wish Dad were here so I could share the latest stories by my physician students. But I lost him four years ago. In a way, he still is, as I channel everything he taught me about hard work, and never giving up doing what you love.

1. What do we know about the author’s brothers?

A．They used to make loud noise.	B．They were addicted to playing games.
C．They were interested in medicine.	D．They distanced the author on purpose.

2. What do the underlined words “screwing up” probably mean?

A．Taking over.

B．Focusing on.

C．Contributing to.

D．Messing up.

3. Why did Dad recommend the author to Olaf?

A．To help Olaf publish articles.	B．To discuss his physical condition.
C．To promote the author’s courses.	D．To share the author’s memoirs.

4. Which of the following can best describe the author’s dad?

A．Enthusiastic but dishonest.	B．Modest but demanding.
C．Conservative but loving.	D．Helpful but selfish.

10 . 听下面一段对话，回答以下小题。
1. Where did the extreme weather occur?

A．In a town of China.

B．In a Canadian town.

C．In a Melina town.

2. What was the result of the extreme weather event?

A．Damaged crops.

B．Closed airports.

C．Running out of natural gas.

3. What’s the man’s attitude toward the woman’s suggestion?

A．Amazed.

B．Uninterested.

C．Approving.