1 . For decades, I was a hard drinker who could drink anyone under the table. This lasted from the age of 27 until after 50, a golden time during which I felt very sorry for ex-drinkers and people who couldn’t or wouldn’t drink. How did they make it through social situations, especially parties? What did they do at the end of a workday to celebrate and relax?     1    

When I first tried to quit drinking myself in my early 50s, I wasn’t sure at first how it would work for me. But I did it anyway.    2     I was getting older. I had to concede that I wasn’t as tough as I used to be. Nights of drinking too much showed in my face, and I could feel it in my bones. I wanted to take care of myself. So for the next few years, I bounced between not drinking at all for months at a time, then slowly starting again until I had to quit again.

During these years, I didn’t love not drinking. But I had to admit that when I was off booze, I looked and felt better physically: I slept more deeply, had more energy, exercised more. My mind was clearer. My moods were brighter. Parties were hard, and so was cooking at the end of a day of writing without a glass of wine at my elbow.    3    

I finally quit drinking for real almost four years ago, on 12 July 2019, when a writer friend stayed with my husband and me after his wife kicked him out. After my husband had gone upstairs to bed, my friend sat on our sofa drinking an entire bottle of gin, complaining about his fate, until he passed out next to our dog, whose bed that sofa was.    4     I didn’t have a drink the next night, or ever again since.

I’m not going to lie: being sober is not a hot-air balloon ride.    5     Having to feel my damn feelings without filters compels me to face and change the things in my life that keep me stuck. Hard work all around, but as my reward, I connect more deeply with the people I care about. I think of not drinking as a kindness I’ve given myself. And to my surprise, it’s rewarded me with true, hard-won happiness.

A．My body demanded it.

B．My health started improving rapidly.

C．It’s more like a hike in the mountains.

D．How did they quit drinking?

E．It was a wake-up call.

F．But the pluses seemed to outweigh the minuses.

G．How did they get through life?

2 . The Best Treehouse Spots

Have you ever wondered what it might be like to have a treehouse as a child? Well, we’ve got a list of the best treehouse staycation spots to visit this summer.

The TokinTree (Cave Junction, Oregon)

First things first, this treehouse is exactly what its name suggests, a flower-friendly outdoor paradise. For $250 a night, this rental comes with a seasonally available garden tour for you and up to three more guests — all over the age of 21, of course.

The Tiny House Treehouse (Campobello, South Carolina)

This staycation spot in the South is a great way to be immersed in nature while enjoying the comfort of a cozy home. It’s only two acres of land and nearly 20 minutes away from a nearby city Tyron, North Carolina and 10 minutes away from Downtown Landrum. It holds up to 4 guests and will cost you around $265 a night before taxes.

The Sugar Maple Treehouse (Hancock, Vermont)

This neat getaway houses two guests and is located near a quiet area in central Vermont, in the wilderness of the Green Mountain National Forest in three trees above high ground. And during your stay, you can arrange on in-house massage (按摩) therapist, so you’ll likely never want to return home. A night at the Sugar Maple for you and a guest sits at about $159.

The Peaceful Treehouse With Ocean View (Aptos, California)

This next one is a bit of a luxury stay. At $800 a night for you and 5 others, the “Peaceful Treehouse With Ocean View” is bound lo lake your breath away. This house in the trees is full of floor-to-ceiling windows and slide doors inspired by Japanese screens.

1. Which treehouse is the most economical for each guest?

A．The TokinTree.

B．The Tiny House Treehouse.

C．The Sugar Maple Treehouse.

D．The Peaceful Treehouse With Ocean View.

2. What attracts guests most in the Sugar Maple Treehouse?

A．Its neat house.	B．Its relaxing service.
C．Its beautiful scenery.	D．Its convenient location.

3. Where is the text probably taken from?

A．A travel magazine.	B．A gardening guide.
C．A hiking programme.	D．A botanical introduction.

3 . My mother-in-law asked me to climb a mountain in her rural village. We went through tall and weedy expanse of grass, pulling ourselves up with the help of smooth bamboo trees. Weathered gray rocks dotted tracks only visible to an experienced hiker. The view we were rewarded with halfway up the mountain, fixing our eyes upon the colorful pieces of fields and whitewashed homes set against the deep green hills and a sky so blue that it looked digitally polished, was a side benefit of being there.

Our eyes were mostly on the wild eatable plants that grew on the mountainside. We first came upon the wild mountain bamboo, a plant that was the main part in my mother-in-law’s salted bamboo shoots that, once preserved, could be used all year long in cooking. Along the way, we also encountered another precious wild food — fiddlehead ferns (蕨菜). Those delicate leaves, when stir-fired, were a tasty treat. Once I had purchased fiddleheads at a market in the US. Yet there we were, picking this prized vegetable on our own, with only our labor as the cost.

What we had collected that afternoon looked the same as any other wild mountain bamboo shoots and fiddlehead ferns I had seen before in my mother-in-law’s kitchen. And yet, they felt different to me because I had used my own hands to help pick them and carry them back down the mountain. Spending time and energy gathering these wild plants gave me a deeper appreciation for the food that ends up on the dinner table.

“Many generations have kept this natural lifestyle. We depend on the mountains for our life,” my mother-in-law says. Those mountains and rivers supporting her life aren’t some abstract concept. They are right there, outside her door and within her rural village. Once I saw them through her angle that afternoon, I realized they are closer to me than I ever imagined.

1. Why was the author asked to climb a mountain?

A．To pull some bamboo trees.	B．To enjoy its beautiful scenery.
C．To get some wild vegetables.	D．To lake some digital pictures.

2. What made the picked fiddlehead ferns different?

A．The fresh leaves.	B．The input of labor.
C．The rich nutrition.	D．The help from Mother-in-law.

3. What does the author want to show by quoting her mother-in-law?

A．Nature feeds villagers and sustains their life.

B．City people want to settle down in mountains.

C．Rural areas are inaccessible to some outsiders.

D．Farmers dream of changing the natural lifestyle.

4. How does the author sound when telling the story?

A．Humorous.

B．Anxious.

C．Satisfied.

D．Tolerant.

4 . A growing body of research suggests that the gut microbiome (消化道菌群) could play a major role in a rising chronic disease that makes us physically weaker. The illness, which is commonly called chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), is characterized by intense fatigue, gastrointestinal (胃肠道的) issues, muscle pain, and cognitive challenges such as headaches and difficulty concentrating, among other symptoms. It often follows a viral infection which can lead to a “disruption” in a balanced gut ecosystem. Actually, an increasing number of Americans have been the sufferers since the outbreak of COVID-19.

Two recent studies published in Cell Host &Microbe point to changes in the microbiome as a possible cause of CFS. Research groups at Columbia University and the Jackson Laboratory performed detailed analyses of the microbes in stool (粪便) samples from patients with CFS and compared them to healthy controls.

The two groups found similar bacteria species were less present in CFS patients compared to control patients. They focused on bacteria that produce butyrate, a fatty acid involved in regulating metabolism and the immune system. “Butyrate plays several roles in directing the body’s response to infections, while also protecting the barrier between the intestine (肠) and the circulatory system, regulating genetic changes in cells, and more,” says Brent Williams, lead author on the Columbia study. Williams and his colleagues extensively analyzed the role of butyrate in CFS patients’ guts, even identifying a correlation between low levels of bacteria that produce this acid and more severe symptoms.

Parallel findings from the Jackson Laboratory team suggest the bacteria that produce butyrate could be used to diagnose CFS. Previous research has identified microbiome issues in CFS patients, but the new findings help clarify which microbes could be related to the illness.

More research on butyrate-producing bacteria and other species identified in the studies is necessary to investigate these potential biomarkers of CFS, the authors say. If the findings are replicated, specific gut bacteria could be used to diagnose the illness, which is currently identified based on symptoms alone.

The findings additionally point toward possible treatments, such as probiotics or microbiome-focused diet adjustments—though patients who have been sick for long periods may require drugs that alleviate the damage done to their metabolism or immune system.

1. What do we know about CFS?

A．It is caused by COVID-19 only.	B．It is an illness with systemic symptoms.
C．It breaks the balance of the gut ecosystem.	D．The number of the infected is on the decrease.

2. How did the researcher carry out the recent studies?

A．By controlling data.	B．By identifying genes.
C．By analyzing samples.	D．By comparing symptoms.

3. Which of the following is NOT the significance of the recent researches?

A．Butyrate’s multiple functions are promoted.

B．Targeted gut microbes may be used to diagnose CFS.

C．Certain microbes responsible for CFS are narrowed down.

D．Probiotics supplement with drugs can be a treatment for CFS.

4. What is the text mainly about?

A．Gut microbiome may be the key to CFS.	B．Microbes help digest food and aid absorption.
C．Man’s gut is a rich, diverse tropical rainforest.	D．New method for diagnosing CFS are provided.

5 . Temples have long served an important role since the early years of civilization. Whether you are seeking a sense of spiritual enlightenment or looking to learn more about a certain religion, these beautiful temples are worth a stop on your vacation.

Paro Taktsang in the Paro Valley, Bhutan

Situated on a steep cliff in Bhutan’s Paro Valley, the “Tiger’s Nest” earned its nickname from an 18th-century tale detailing Buddhist master Padmasambhava arriving to the site on a flying tiger. The journey to the cliffside is quite the challenge, requiring guests to climb two hours on a steep trail.

Seiganto-ji in Nachikatsuura, Japan

Neighboring the tallest waterfall and set against the lush trees of Nachi, Seiganto-ji dates back to the 4th century. Seiganto-ji is now the first stop on the Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage, where individuals travel to 33 Buddhist temples throughout the Kansai region of Japan.

Man Mo Temple in Hong Kong

This Buddhist and Taoist temple was built to honor the god of literature and the god of war, and the inscriptions found in the temple hall imply its construction may have taken place around 1847. It is still highly active and visited by local worshippers, so it’s asked that any visitor coming to the temple is prohibited from taking photos out of respect.

Kek Lok Si Temple, Malaysia

Penang is often touted(吹捧) for its sandy beaches and emerald blue waters, but it’s also home to the largest Buddhist temple in Malaysia. A melting pot of cultures, the temple’s architecture showcases Chinese, Thai, and Burmese styles throughout its stunning seven stories. It’s estimated there are 10,000 statues of Buddha depicted throughout its main pagodas(宝塔).

1. If you hope to enjoy a sea view, which temple is the best choice?

A．Paro Taktsang in the Paro Valley, Bhutan.	B．Seiganto-ji in Nachikatsuura, Japan.
C．Man Mo Temple in Hong Kong.	D．Kek Lok Si Temple, Malaysia.

2. What do we know from the text?

A．Kek Lok Si Temple is the largest temple in Malaysia.

B．Paro Taktsang earned its nickname due to its unique location.

C．Seiganto-ji is a time-honored temple with magnificent surroundings.

D．Visitors tend to take photos to show their respect for Man Mo Temple.

3. Where is the text probably taken from?

A．A travel journal.	B．A tourist brochure.
C．A geography textbook.	D．An academic article.

6 . 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。

The city of Zibo has never seen so many visitors.

As the sun begins to set, the aroma of sizzling meat falls the air and draws in more     1     (hunger) customers. On each street, queues stretch outside restaurants for more than a hundred meters. Some restaurants even run out of key ingredients as early as 7p.m.     2     the night. All hotels are also operating at full capacity.

The city was barely known by outsiders     3     it went viral on Chinese social media platforms recently. Most visitors are young people, who share their experience of traveling to Zibo to experience the city’s barbecue culture on social platforms,     4     (attract) even more visitors.

Zibo- style barbecue’s classic three-piece set contains roast lamb, green onions, and nan bread, which,     5     (combine), make a mouth-watering combo (组合). The fame of Zibo barbecue used to be limited to just Shandong Province.     6     (previous), barbecue in Northeast China was much more popular across the country.

Behind Zibo’s sudden fame     7     (be) the efforts and services of the local government, as well as a good reputation of local businesses,     8     receive favorable reviews from visitors who share their experiences online.

To promote Zibo-style barbecue, Zibo has launched two dozen “special barbecue trains,” where local tourism officials would serve tourists     9     (they). At the city’s train station, shuttle buses transport tourists to various barbecue stalls directly. Netizens joke that the high-speed trains     10     (pack) with visiting tourists and that the air onboard is filled with cumin.

7 . 听下面一段较长对话，回答以下小题。
1. What did the man do today?

A．He watched Pamela Anderson’s new movie.

B．He took photos with Pamela Anderson.

C．He got Pamela Anderson’s signature.

2. What did the man get for the woman?

A．A photo.

B．A poster.

C．A magazine.

3. What does the man think of Pamela Anderson?

A．She is a great actress.

B．She looks younger than on the screen.

C．She attracts people because of her appearance.

8 . In every country I’ve been to on my journey to Antarctica, I’ve met amazing and kind strangers who have made my travels easier, safer, and more fun.

I once _______ three such people in a small Quito bus station. We were forced to _______ a taxi when no bus could be found. Sitting four in the back seat for an hour forced you to get to know others quite well. My _______ Rosita told me about herself: Colombian, living in Toronto for the past 30 years, now going back to _______ relatives with her brother and sister. And I told them my _______ : Antarctica, alone. Then when we _______ caught our next bus to Guayaquil, an eight-hour journey, we made _______ stops along the way and Rosita’s brother Joseo always took care of my _______ while I went to buy food. I was _______ .

At night we arrived at Guayaquil, where I had to find a bus for Peru the next day. Although Rosita had met up with her family, she ________ not leaving without helping me find my way. Joseo asked around and got the ________ of the bus station. Just when I planned to say goodbye, Joseo and Rosita ________ to drive me there, for they thought it was not safe for a girl to travel alone at night. Happily, we found the station without too much ________ and they helped ________ me in a nearby hotel. How kind-hearted and ________ they were!

1.

A．motivated

B．entertained

C．encountered

D．investigated

2.

A．share

B．repair

C．drive

D．park

3.

A．guest

B．partner

C．guide

D．neighbor

4.

A．visit

B．rescue

C．educate

D．trick

5.

A．attitude

B．advice

C．destination

D．solution

6.

A．previously

B．frequently

C．eventually

D．temporarily

7.

A．instant

B．wrong

C．impossible

D．periodic

8.

A．emotions

B．possessions

C．expenses

D．accommodations

9.

A．honest

B．grateful

C．generous

D．regretful

10.

A．insisted on

B．dreamed of

C．believed in

D．worried about

11.

A．review

B．announcement

C．address

D．photograph

12.

A．happened

B．decided

C．pretended

D．hesitated

13.

A．difficulty

B．preparation

C．permission

D．sympathy

14.

A．discover

B．discipline

C．protect

D．settle

15.

A．hopeful

B．thoughtful

C．skillful

D．peaceful

9 . 听下面一段独白，回答以下小题。
1. What is the speaker’s mother?

A．A designer.

B．A doctor.

C．A teacher.

2. What did the speaker do first after he left high school?

A．He got a full-time job.

B．He did a business course.

C．He went to an art college.

3. How long did the speaker stay in Milan?

A．One year.

B．Two years.

C．Three years.

4. What difficulty did the speaker have in New York?

A．He was homesick.

B．His parents didn’t support him.

C．He could not start a company there.

10 . The days when art was an Olympic sport

Did you know that creating works of art used to be an Olympic competition?     1     In the first year, Walter Winans became the first and the only Olympian to win medals for both art and sports. Despite this seemingly optimistic start, the idea of the arts being included in the Olympic Games soon met with disinterest, finally resulting in the removal of the art competition from the Olympic Games.

    2    

The idea to include art in the Olympics came from Baron Pierre de Coubertin, who was the founder of the International Olympic Committee, which created the modern Olympics. Coubertin believed that the arts and sports were linked and was impressed by anyone who had a firm command of both a sport and an artistic discipline(项目).

Why aren’t the arts included in the Olympics today?

For starters, only amateurs were allowed to compete in the arts part of the Olympics.     3     Having artists of average quality competing while only the most competent athletes were allowed to compete created a dramatic divide and gave the impression that the arts were not as important as sports.

Secondly, works of art created had to have sports as the subject matter.     4     Limiting the subjects also contributed to making the arts part of the Olympic Games boring to the general public.

Finally, one of the biggest reasons was that the arts are subjective. Sports can be judged by time and distance, making it easy to determine who is the winner.     5     This difficulty in judging a definite winner resulted in the arts part becoming a non-competitive exhibition that ran for the duration of the Olympic Games.

A．Why was art made an Olympic discipline?

B．What is a discipline in the Olympic Games?

C．This rule made the objects produced seem really boring.

D．The arts, on the other hand, are not quite so easy to judge

E．However, the arts part of the Olympics Games was soon abandoned

F．This means that many famous artists were banned from participating.

G．For 36 years, from 1912 to 1948, artists participated in the Olympic Games.