1 . 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.

2 . 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

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 . In the hot summer, many people rely on ice cream to keep them going. Among the dizzying array of ice cream, there’s always a place for ice cream cones. When you enjoy the ice cream cone, have you ever thought about the seemingly humble cone?

The ice cream cone is never the star of the show. Its role is clear: Keep the scoop upright, don’t leak and don’t upstage the main player, the ice cream. But being that supporting takes work, which is why David George believes that the cone deserves more respect.

George is the third-generation president of Joy Baking Group, the largest manufacturer of ice cream cones in North America. You may not know Joy by name, but you’ve probably tasted its cones. As the kingdom of ice cream has expanded, the cone world has only grown smaller. Joy has concerned the cone market by betting on a basic premise: When it comes to the cone, people don’t want creativity. They want familiarity.

Joy’s flagship factory in western Pennsylvania produced 15 to 20 million cones a day during its busiest season. They include squeaky cake cones; cookie-like sugar cones; and caramel-scented waffle cones. These are cones designed to taste like childhood summers. They’re as comforting as a slice of pie, as delightful as cotton candy.

“The thing about ice cream is that for nearly everyone, it is so tied to nostalgia,” said Susan Sorrento, the owner of Moreno’s, an ice cream shop in the Washington area. “It is what you remember about your grandma taking you out.” For many Americans, those moments are linked to Joy cones. Even if another worthy competitor arises, “It doesn’t matter,” she said, “because it is competing with a memory.”

1. Why does George believe the cone should be respected?

A．It doesn’t often change tastes.

B．It does important work quietly.

C．It is as delightful as cotton candy.

D．It has its market expanded gradually.

2. Which of the following best describes Joy Baking Group?

A．It pursues its business philosophy.

B．It has the fourth-generation president.

C．It produces 15 to 20 million cones daily.

D．It is the largest cone maker in South America.

3. What does the underlined word “nostalgia” in the last paragraph mean?

A．An eagerness for freedom.	B．A way of relaxation after work.
C．A period of happy old times.	D．An expectation for good results.

4. What does Sorrento think of the future of ice cream cones?

A．Uncertain.	B．Dull.
C．Challenging.	D．Promising.

7 . You Can Make Working from Home Much More Pleasant with These Gadgets

Standing Desk Converter

Sitting all day can be harmful to our health. A standing desk converter allows you to easily transform your traditional desk into a standing desk, giving you the option to stand or sit throughout the day. This gadget can help reduce back pain, improve posture, and increase energy levels.

Wireless Keyboard and Mouse

Tired of being tied to your computer by a tangled mess of wires? A wireless keyboard and mouse can provide the freedom to work from anywhere within a certain range of your computer. These gadgets can improve comfort, flexibility, and reduce clutter.

Noise-cancelling Headphones

With more people working from home, the noise level in your home office can be distracting. Noise-cancelling headphones can help reduce outside noise and increase focus. They’re also great for taking video calls or listening to music without disturbing others in your home.

Smart Lighting
       Smart lighting allows you to adjust the brightness and color of your workspace lighting using a mobile app. This can improve productivity and comfort, as proper lighting can reduce eye strain and improve focus.
Foot Rest

A foot rest can help improve posture and reduce back pain. It’s a simple gadget that can make a big difference in comfort during long workdays.

Smart Thermostat

A smart thermostat allows you to control the temperature of your home office using a mobile app. This gadget can help you stay comfortable throughout the day without constantly adjusting the thermostat. It can also help save money on energy bills.

1. Which gadget can free you from a mess of wires?

A．Smart Lighting.	B．Noise-Cancelling Headphones.
C．Smart Thermostat.	D．Wireless Keyboard and Mouse.

2. What can be controlled in a certain range?

A．Foot Rest and Smart Thermostat.

B．Smart Lighting and Smart Thermostat.

C．Noise-Cancelling Headphones and Smart Lighting.

D．Wireless Keyboard and Mouse and Smart Thermostat.

3. What do Standing Desk Converter and Foot Rest have in common?

A．They can help focus.

B．They can increase flexibility.

C．They can ease backache.

D．They can turn into another form.

8 . Regarded as the “loneliest tree in the world”, the Sitka spruce (云杉) on uninhabited Campbell Island lately has kept good company with a team of New Zealand researchers who believe it could help unlock secrets of climate changes.

The nine-meter-tall spruce holds the Guinness Record title for the “remotest tree” on the planet. It is the sole tree on the shrubby, windswept island, 700 kilometers south of New Zealand in the Southern Ocean. It’s the only tree for 222km around; its nearest neighbor grows on the Auckland Islands.

Although classified as an invasive species, for radiocarbon science leader at GNS Science, Dr. Jocelyn Turnbull, the tree could be a valuable tool to understand what is happening with the uptake of CO₂ in the Southern Ocean. In order to measure CO₂ concentrations, taking samples of the atmosphere is the best method, and can be complemented with radiocarbon dating samples of deep water. But it comes with limitations. “You can’t collect air that was there 30 years ago, because it is not there anymore,” Turnbull said, “So we came up with this idea of using tree rings. Plants, when they grow, take CO₂ out of the air by photosynthesis (光合作用) and they use that to grow their structures and the carbon from the air ends up in the tree rings.”

This is helpful when there is an abundance of established trees, but those are a rarity in the Southern Ocean. Enter the Sitka Spruce - the south most tree, and the team could find it would offer up good data. “It’s grown a lot faster than anything else in that region and the rings are bigger and easier to separate out and get a record form.”

As for the tree’s lonely status: the description may be in the eye of the beholder. “To get to the tree you have to walk through elephant seals and sea lions, penguins and albatross,” Turnbull said. “The tree doesn’t look lonely …it looks quite content actually.”

1. What is special about the tree?

A．It measures nine meters wide.

B．It is the only tree on a vast land.

C．It grows on the Auckland Islands.

D．It owns the Guinness title for the “loneliest tree”.

2. What can we learn from Paragraph 3?

A．CO2 builds up in the tree rings.

B．The Sitka spruce is a native species.

C．Samples from water are usually inaccessible.

D．Photosynthesis stops the plants absorbing air.

3. What may Turnbull support?

A．The tree coexists with a variety of animals.

B．The tree grows well because of suitable climate.

C．It’s unwise to use tree rings as an indicator of CO2.

D．It’s possible to measure previous CO2 concentrations directly.

4. What is the main idea of the text?

A．Trees are of great significance to scientific research.

B．The “loneliest” tree in the world is not lonely at all.

C．Global warming has a far-reaching impact on creatures.

D．A remote Sitka spruce may help us learn about climate changes.

9 . For the last five years, Saroyan Matthew Lee has pricked his fingertips at least once a day to test a drop of blood. If the amount of glucose, a simple sugar, is too high, he must get a shot of insulin (胰岛素) to lower it. These daily finger pricks are “really lifestyle-hampering and invasive,” Matthew says. So he developed an alternative - a wearable patch. It turns yellow when glucose levels are too high.

The body normally makes insulin to even out blood-sugar levels. But having type 1 diabetes, Matthew cannot make this hormone. That’s important because highly elevated blood sugar can put someone’s life in danger. After seeing younger kids struggle to interpret their blood-sugar levels, he thought a color-changing device might be easier to understand. “As a diabetic,” he explains, “What I recognize is that the precise blood glucose number is not really important to us.” Instead, he notes, people with disease must simple know when throughout the day they will need a shot of insulin.

The body releases chemicals through many routes. The new single-use patch works by detecting glucose in one of them: sweat. Past research shows that you can estimate blood-sugar levels based on how much glucose sweat has.

Two sheets of hydrogel- a jingly, water-based gel- make up Matthew’s small patch. It’s only 1 centimeter (about 0.4 inch) square. The layer closest to the skin contains a chemical that reacts with glucose. This interaction produces a second chemical called hydrogen peroxide. The more sugar there is, the more hydrogen peroxide will be made. Hydrogen peroxide triggers a reaction in the patch’s upper layer. It causes a protein called papain - to react with a color-changing chemical. The more glucose in sweat, the yellower the patch will become.

Matthew’s patch is painless and easy to understand. And it shouldn’t be very costly. Material costs of his patch are just one-fifth as much as those of existing glucose-measuring devices, because current gadgets require electrical components but Matthew’s patch relies on far less expensive chemicals.

1. What do we know about Matthew?

A．He has the ability to make insulin regularly.

B．He considers it harmless to prick his fingertips.

C．He invents a convenient device to test blood sugar.

D．He thinks it vital to know the blood sugar level accurately.

2. What can be inferred from Paragraph 4?

A．The patch functions on the basis of three reactions.

B．Papain reacts in the second layer, causing hydrogen peroxide.

C．A color-changing chemical is located in the layer closest to the skin.

D．The patch relies on detecting glucose in various chemicals released by body.

3. Which is the advantage of Matthew’s patch?

A．It is more economical.

B．It uses less electricity.

C．It can be used for several times.

D．It shows the exact blood sugar number.

4. Which is the best title for the text?

A．A Novel Way to Treat Diabetes.

B．Painless Patch to Test Blood Sugar.

C．A New Device to Stabilize Blood Sugar.

D．A Chain of Insulin-Producing Reactions.

10 . 阅读下列短文, 在空白处填入1个适当的单词或括号内单词的正确形式。

Ar Horqin Grassland Nomadic System in the Inner Mongolia autonomous region, listed on the list of Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems by the United Nations,     1     (demonstrate) the wisdom of herdsmen to work in harmony with nature.

The     2     (season) movement of herds among different pastures (牧场) plays an important role in maintaining the self-renewal and recovery     3     (capable) of the grasslands. While keeping soil fertility from degrading, the nomadic lifestyle can protect vegetation and make good use of water resources,     4     the growing population of people and livestock, still puts much pressure     5     the grassland resources. Locals have, therefore, come up with ways to avoid overgrazing. With ancestral wisdom     6     (root) in a time of relatively small societies, it may be unable to solve issues today. This is     7     modern planning can help with.

For example, since 2015, under the guidance of the local government of Ar Horqin Banner, the number of sheep and goats in the nomadic system     8     (reduce) from 390,000 to 190,000, while the number of cattle has been increased from 40,000 to 81,000 head. No more than 100,000 sheep are allowed to migrate to the summer camps every year. With     9     (scientific) designed grazing patterns ensuring sustainable development of the grasslands, herdsmen can maintain     10     more balanced relationship with nature.