1 . Some 20 percent of adults are procrastinators (拖延症患者). Everyone might put off a task or two, but long-term procrastinators do it at home, at school, at work and in their relationships.

For years, researchers have focused on the personalities of people who procrastinate. The results suggest procrastinators may be impulsive (冲动), worriers and have trouble regulating their emotions. But procrastinators are not lazy. They’re actually very busy doing other things than what they’re supposed to be doing. Though procrastinators may think they perform better under pressure, studies have reported the opposite. And when deadlines are uncertain, procrastinators tend to delay their work.

When people put off a tough task, they feel good-in the moment. Procrastinating is a way to avoid the negative emotions linked to the task. But the relief it provides is only temporary, and many seek out ways to stop procrastinating.

In fact, most research today suggests procrastination is a behavioral pattern, which means it’s something you can change, regardless of whether you’re impulsive. What works best is still under research. Some scientists have reported success with time management. But the evidence for that is all over the map. That’s because poor time management is a symptom not a cause of procrastination.

For some procrastinators, seemingly obvious tips can work. Researchers advise students to simply put down their smartphones. Silencing notifications or studying in the library rather than at home can regulate distractions and keep people on task. But that won’t be enough for many people. Stubborn procrastinators may benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy (认知行为疗法). This type of therapy, which involves managing thoughts and emotions and trying to change behavior, seemed to be the most helpful. Still, not many studies have examined treatments, and there’s room for improvement.

1. What does procrastination mean to longtime procrastinators?

A．A personal advantage.	B．A habitual behavior.
C．A working motivation.	D．An excuse for laziness.

2. What do experts think of procrastinators?

A．They are inactive.	B．They are efficient.
C．They are anxious.	D．They are careful.

3. What causes people to procrastinate?

A．Their temporary relief from the stress.

B．Their imperfection in personalities.

C．Their poor time management at work.

D．Their high ability to deal with hard work.

4. What may be the best procrastination treatment according to the text?

A．Avoiding smartphones.	B．Proper studying places.
C．Good time management.	D．Cognitive behavioral therapy.

2 . A scanning system combined with artificial intelligence is automatically assessing cows’ health status twice a day on dozens of “smart” dairy farms across the UK.

Overhead three-dimensional cameras film the animals’ backs as they leave the milking bam, while sensors read their individual identity tags. The associated computers then use machine learning to process the data, providing farmers with critical daily information about each cow’s weight, body condition and mobility. “We can detect certain health conditions, including lameness (跛行) , just by scanning the cows walking past, without even having to see their hooves (蹄子),” says Wenhao Zhang at the University of the West of England (UWE) in Bristol, UK.

While farmers are well trained to recognise such issues as early as possible, they often miss subtle, day-to-day changes in individual cows. Because they are a prey (猎物) species, cows will also naturally hide signs of discomfort, such as lameness, when they think they are being watched, says Melvyn Smith, who designed the system with Mark Hansen, both at UWE.

In an initial study of 200 dairy cows on one farm, Smith, Hansen and their colleagues placed a computer and 3D cameras in a milking bam. They aimed the cameras over an arrow walkway that cows pass through when they are finished milking. A near tag reader,set at the cows, head level, sets off the cameras to record. “The beauty of this equipment is that it’s just passively sitting there, unobserved by the animal,” says Smith. “And every time they go past — so every time they’re milked, which is usually twice a day — it’s gathering data.”

Kate Dutton-Regester at the University of Queensland in Australia says the system is “a great innovation”. “The dairy industry needs an automated, non-intrusive (非侵入式) monitoring system that can aid dairy farmers in observing the health of their herd in a timely and efficient manner, and this technology meets those criteria,” she says.

1. What can we know about the scanning system?

A．It was designed by Wenhao Zhang.

B．It can monitor the health of the cows.

C．It can help cure the lameness of the cows.

D．It provides farms with farming information.

2. Why are well-trained farmers mentioned in paragraph 3?

A．To compare different scanning devices.

B．To demonstrate their high skills in farming.

C．To stress the advantage of the scanning system.

D．To introduce the operation of the scanning system.

3. What is the highlight of the scanning system?

A．It includes a 3D camera.	B．It can gather data.
C．It can’t be noticed by cows.	D．It is beautifully designed.

4. What do Kate’s words imply?

A．The dairy industry needs improving.

B．Well-trained farmers will be replaced.

C．The scanning system has been widely used.

D．The scanning system benefits the dairy industry.

3 . 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。

Education tourism has become popular among people of all ages in China. More than 6 million people joined study tours last year,    1     (high) even than the pre-pandemic number of 4.8 million in 2019.

Study travel date back to the Song and Ming dynasties,     2     many poets wrote of their experiences on study travels. China formed an industry for study travel during the period of reform and opening-up, which     3     (see) rapid development in the past decades. So far, students in primary and middle schools have been the main participants in education tourism.

The development of education tourism has promoted the social education of students, which has also played     4     important role in mixing culture and tourism.    5    , the nation’s education tourism still faces problems, such as having a weak connection with the national courses, and fewer practice     6     (opportunity) during trips.

Xu Huayu, president of Anhui Global Culture Tourism Group, said, “Many people     7     (involve) in education tourism are those who used to work for travel agencies, and some people just take it     8     a business. It’s necessary to produce more professional study travel guides     9     recruit(招募)talents to develop courses.”

“We also need a state-level standard     10     (help) us better set up recruiting requirements and training for employees,” he added.

4 . My mother was always knitting (编织). She recently agreed that knitting helped her ________stresses of raising four children. My mother taught me to knit when I was about 6, but I soon ________ the project, as it was boring.

My next knitting adventure was ________ when I was in graduate school and feeling the pressure of the program. One day, as I passed the knitting ________, the gloves in the display area caught my fancy, and I determined that I would ________to knit such sweet gloves. Too big a project for a ________, but the shop assistants were kind and ________ with my daily visits for instruction. The project ________to a gift of gloves for each of my dear friends, and ________, the gloves saved my soul in that________ semester of studies.

Knitting during the pandemic eased my________ at not being able to participate in my usual volunteer activities. I knitted dozens of scarves to ________, which helped me feel ________ to the community.

My mother’s estate is vast, but the major life lesson she taught me through knitting is that there is a step-by-step ________ of building, tearing down and rebuilding. It requires patience and a ________that stitches (针脚) that are cast off can always find their way back on.

1.

A．keep off

B．get through

C．figure out

D．put away

2.

A．accomplished

B．developed

C．abandoned

D．improved

3.

A．awakened

B．ended

C．shared

D．forgotten

4.

A．school

B．factory

C．museum

D．store

5.

A．learn

B．promise

C．apply

D．refuse

6.

A．beginner

B．stranger

C．foreigner

D．customer

7.

A．satisfied

B．pleased

C．patient

D．comfortable

8.

A．decreased

B．related

C．belonged

D．expanded

9.

A．possibly

B．unexpectedly

C．usually

D．repeatedly

10.

A．pitiful

B．regrettable

C．stressful

D．forgettable

11.

A．guilt

B．disappointment

C．terror

D．embarrassment

12.

A．collect

B．sell

C．wear

D．donate

13.

A．accustomed

B．sensitive

C．connected

D．superior

14.

A．campaign

B．process

C．strategy

D．program

15.

A．belief

B．plan

C．theory

D．conclusion

5 . Carnival, a festival marked by merrymaking and processions, is celebrated throughout Brazil, but the biggest party is in Rio de Janeiro.

    1     You may wish to participate in it when you visualize thousands of people in costumes, dancing together, followed by lights, musical instruments and singing songs aloud with the help of a crowd of almost 100,000 viewers sitting in the avenue stands.

But the parade (游行) preparations are not easy.    2     Everything must be done by the time the parade is held in February, summertime in Brazil.

The song creation is one of the most important parts of the celebration. The samba music is the life of the parade. A group of musicians and writers chooses a historical theme and transforms it into an upbeat piece of music.     3     It must make it impossible for those who are listening to stand still.

In the same way, the costumes add beauty and color to the parade.    4     Satin, feathers, and many other flashy materials are used. The costumes are chosen according to the theme. Most parade groups allow tourists to participate, but they also must wear the costumes, which can cost from $300 to more than $1,400. Every parade participant can choose which part of the group they want to be, and then they plan their costumes accordingly.

Put it all together and add the most excited and happy people, and it is easy to see why the parade is the centerpiece of the carnival. The mix of culture, art and fun attracts people. So, what are you waiting for?    5    

A．The rhythm needs to be inviting.

B．They help to illustrate the theme.

C．It’s definitely an impressive event.

D．The parade is divided into 14 groups.

E．It requires more than eight months to plan.

F．Show the world what a rich culture you have.

G．Start practicing your samba now for the next carnival.

6 . 阅读下面材料，根据其内容和所给段落开头语续写两段，使之构成一篇完整的短文。

Sledding Alone

“Come on, Simon,” said Gabe. “Let’s try out our new sleds (雪橇)! The snow is perfect.”

“I’m not ready,” Simon said. He watched his older brother throw on his jacket and head for the door.

“What’s to get ready?” Gabe asked.

Simon wanted to say “I need to learn how to control the sled” or “What if the other kids laugh if I mess up?”. But he said nothing.

“You’re going to miss a lot of fun,” Gabe said.

“Go with your brother, Simon,” said Mom. “He’ll show you how to do it.”

Simon took as much time as he could pulling on his snow pants and boots, zipping up his jacket, and finding his helmet and gloves. His brother paced the front hall. “Let’s go!”

The brothers walked to the park, the sleds knocking against their snow pants. Swish, swish, swish. The wind circled like a lasso (套索) around them.

Simon could see the sledding hill ahead of them. To him, it looked more like a sledding mountain. It was so high that the park district had built wooden steps into the hillside to help sledders climb back up. Kids were taking turns on sleds, screaming all the way down. Simon couldn’t tell if their cries meant they were happy or terrified. He knew which one he felt.

Gabe was taking the steps two at a time. “Come on!” he called to Simon.

Simon started up. He was both sweating and freezing, short of breath. Should he turn back? But the line of kids on the steps behind him meant he had to keep climbing.

At the top, the boys joined a group of kids waiting their turn. Simon stamped his feet to stay warm. Was he the only one who had butterflies in stomach?

His brother stopped and looked at Simon. “Do you want me to go down with you?” he asked When they were younger，they used to ride on one sled down the gentle slope (斜坡) in their backyard.

“Are you two going or not?” a girl behind him said impatiently.

注意：
1. 续写词数应为150左右；
2. 请按如下格式在答题卡的相应位置作答。

Simon took a deep breath. “I’m going. By myself.”

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Thankfully the sled approached the flat ground.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

7 . New Orleans is home to a variety of high-rise bars. We suggest hitting the heights to try one out first-hand. Here are some of the best rooftop bars in New Orleans.

Grid

Located on the 9th floor of the NOPSI Hotel, Grid serves up the best sunsets and impressive views of the Mississippi River and city skyline. Find a table and drink ice-cold beers to the fullest. If you’re lucky enough to be staying at the hotel, you’ll have access to the pool area too. For everyone else, the bar is open from 4 p.m.

Alto

On the 11th floor of the Chic Hotel, Alto has all the ingredients for a winning rooftop bar. Sweeping views of the city? Check. Seasonally-changing cocktail menu? Of course. Pool? Got it. What’s more, the pool is open to non-hotel guests too. With live music throughout the year, Alto is a perfect spot to start and end your night.

VUE

Occupying the 14th floor of the Higgins Hotel, Vue features views of Canal Street, Vieux Square and out to the Mississipi. Masterful mixologists (调酒师) will serve you a delicious cocktail and there’s also a very good range of local and imported bottled beers. It’s one of the most stylish spots in the city, particularly popular with 20-somethings on a date.

Riviera

Another poolside offering, this time at the Royal Hotel. Floating seven floors above the busy streets below, it offers grand views over the Mississippi River and the historic French Quarter. The pool is sadly for guests only, but it does make a great backdrop for your rooftop drinks. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, you could head straight for something called Jumbo Sandwich instead.

1. What do the bars have in common?

A．They are next to a swimming pool.	B．They are on the top floor of a hotel.
C．They have a view of the Mississippi.	D．They provide all-day service to guests.

2. Which bar may be the first choice for a young couple to stay in?

A．VUE.

B．Alto.

C．Grid.

D．Riviera.

3. What can you enjoy in the bars?

A．Best sunrises in Grid.	B．Live music in VUE.
C．Imported beers in Alto.	D．Sweet bites in Riviera.

8 . I missed the clear blue skies of home in Colorado over my grandparents’ farm. Some of my earliest memories were of sitting on my grandfather’s knee while he played his violin. When I was old enough, I went to college on a music scholarship. But when I came to New York City, I left my violin behind.

“As long as you’ve got music, you’ve got good company, Jane,” my grandfather always said. I didn’t have either in my life these days. Looking at the gray sky, I was wondering whether I could get auditions- to give a short performance to be in a film.

The winter sky was starting to turn purple when I heard something unexpected. An orchestra was practicing. I followed the sounds to the park and saw the musicians practicing. I approached the director during a break. “This is a community orchestra,” he said. “One you’re welcome to join. All you need is an instrument.” But I couldn’t afford to buy one and it wasn’t the kind of thing my parents could just ship from Colorado.

As I walked back with heavy steps, a sign made me stop short: Schumacher Violin Maker. From the window, I saw an old man wearing glasses adjusting the bridge on a violin. I stepped inside and told him my story. When I’d finished, he said,“So, you need a violin.” I nodded in embarrassment. He surveyed the rows of instruments and selected a violin with a bright color. “Take it,” he said. “Go and make your music.” I stood there, surprised, as he handed it to me.

Holding the violin, I felt like I’d just woken up from a dream. But it was real—as real as the strings I was touching. My heart pounding with excitement, I headed for the park. There was a chair in the orchestra waiting for me. Playing the violin, I immediately felt at home. I made a ton of friends there. Music had brought me good company, just as my grandfather had promised.

1. What might be the author’s dream job in New York City?

A．An actress.

B．An artist.

C．A violinist.

D．A composer.

2. How does the author express her mood at different times?

A．By creating dialogues.	B．By recording emotional conflicts.
C．By citing her grandfather’s words.	D．By describing the colors of the sky.

3. Who did the author turn to for a violin?

A．Her grandfather.	B．Her parents.
C．The shopkeeper.	D．The director.

4. What can we infer from the last paragraph about the author?

A．She woke up from her dream.	B．She failed in her career attempts.
C．Her grandfather lived in her heart.	D．Music gave her a sense of belonging.

9 . A recent paper describes bees rolling tiny wooden balls, not for a reward, but apparently just for fun. This discovery emphasizes a long-standing conflict in our view of animals. On the one hand, we want to find the features that distinguish humans from other animals: tools, language and a theory of mind. On the other hand, we delight in finding animals that break those boundaries: chimps, crows and now bees that use tools, dolphins with signature whistles. But what do those boundaries mean?

As a biologist who studies animal behaviour, I am puzzled by this effort to rank animals by their capabilities. I applaud the desire to show that animals are like us, but we can recognize animals for what they are, and be amazed at their abilities, without having to make their behaviour mirror that of humans.

Once we get out from the assumption that animals have to be like people with human motivations and feelings, we are freed up to consider the mechanisms (机理) behind the behaviours. For example, the same serotonin (血清素) influences anxiety in humans and maze (迷宫) exploration in crayfish. In a tank divided into well-lit and shadowy areas, crayfish explore both, but prefer the darker areas, consistent with their night lifestyle.

Does this mean crayfish experience anxiety? No. In the bees’ case, they might be exhibiting some very interesting behaviour that has nothing to do with wanting to “have fun”—but we will never examine it if we simply assume they are playing just like people. I am not disparaging the bee researchers’ conclusions, and I am not trying to be a killjoy, but there is something about all this humanizing that prevent exploration, instead of encouraging it.

1. What’s the purpose of paragraph 1?

A．To list out facts.	B．To raise an argument.
C．To arouse readers’ interest.	D．To explain a concept.

2. What can we learn from paragraph 3?

A．Behaviour mechanisms work.	B．Crayfish prefer the light sections.
C．The assumption proves reasonable.	D．Animals are similar to human in mind.

3. What does the underlined word “disparaging” mean in paragraph 4?

A．Criticizing.	B．Explaining.
C．Confirming.	D．Acknowledging.

4. Which of the following can be the best title for the text?

A．Feelings: Guiding Human Being	B．Boundaries: Making No Sense
C．Humanizing: Covering the Truth	D．Animals: Mirroring Human Behaviours

10 . Dr. Karen Sciascia has delivered thousands of babies. But this week, she helped deliver another life from danger, as she and her friend Seth McLean ________ a baby moose (驼鹿) that was separated from its mother when crossing a ________ .

Sciascia and McLean were fishing when they ________ a cow moose and her baby. The two moose were having trouble ________ a spot on the river where a violent ________ is created by two channels. After ________ back and forth in the water, the cow moose made it to the far river bank. When her baby tried to ________, it was swept downstream. With its nose ________ above the water, the baby was too ________ to ever fight the current. Realising the baby was in ________, Sciascia and McLean set off after it in their boat. After Scioscia ________ the little creature from the river, McLean rowed them upriver a bit, to the ________ where the cow moose had landed. Quickly after pulling to shore they ________ the baby and Momma was soon there checking her baby over. Once ________and satisfied, Momma led her baby into the woods.

“Having delivered so many babies, it was like every other day to me, though it was a ________ modality (形态),” Sciascia tells The Missoulian, “It was cool to be in the right place at the right time.”

1.

A．saved

B．tracked

C．nursed

D．observed

2.

A．forest

B．river

C．bridge

D．valley

3.

A．seized

B．trapped

C．spotted

D．adopted

4.

A．crossing

B．removing

C．locating

D．marking

5.

A．noise

B．wind

C．current

D．shake

6.

A．swimming

B．wandering

C．floating

D．struggling

7.

A．escape

B．follow

C．stop

D．dive

8.

A．barely

B．completely

C．constantly

D．suddenly

9.

A．thrilled

B．puzzled

C．small

D．curious

10.

A．surprise

B．sight

C．demand

D．danger

11.

A．lost touch with

B．grabbed hold of

C．kept pace with

D．caught sight of

12.

A．woods

B．boat

C．habitat

D．bank

13.

A．released

B．abandoned

C．treated

D．sheltered

14.

A．reserved

B．reunited

C．stuck

D．deserted

15.

A．regular

B．stable

C．strange

D．different