I heard the door open and knew it wouldn’t be long before my husband Paul would come through the door. I feared his arrival. Don’t get me wrong —I love him dearly, but recently he had started to ask too many questions. He was really getting on my nerves.
“Hi baby, I’m home,” came his voice. “Where are you?”
“In here,” I replied. I was lying on our bed watching the five o’clock news in my pajamas（睡衣）.
“You’re still in your pajamas, again? You would feel better if you got dressed.”
“Why? I’m not going any place,” I replied testily. He just sighed and started changing his clothes.
We weren’t fighting but we weren’t exactly getting along famously either. My early retirement had come unexpectedly and although it was due to health issues, they weren’t severe enough to “allow” me stay in pajamas all day.
Everyone kept telling me it took time to adjust, that I would be very busy if I gave myself a chance. I didn’t want to be just busy; I wanted a purpose. Meanwhile, as I searched for meaning in my life again, my husband stepped in and suggested we get a dog.
The next Wednesday morning he said, “Hey, get dressed. Today we’re going to the dog-shelter.” “Oh, no…I can’t.”
“Why not? You going, somewhere?” he asked.
“Well, um; I’m not ready for that commitment,” I replied.
“Sallie, we’re getting a dog, not adopting a baby!”
We went to the shelter and returned with a Beagle-Doxie mix. I named her Mollie, spelled with an “ie” just like my name.
I bounded out of bed the next morning, eager to take care of Mollie. I was greeted by doggie kisses and unconditional love. Mollie didn’t care that I didn’t have a career or that I have health issues. She just needed me. I fed her, bathed her, and started our daily routine of walks. Mollie and I were two needy souls who had found each other.
A funny thing happened: my energy returned.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________One recent winter evening, Mollie and I took our usual walk.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Walking into the Suzhou Art Museum in Suzhou, Jiangsu province, the eyes of visitors are immediately drawn to an artwork hanging high on the wall
“Viewers mistake it
Next to the artwork
Su embroidery, known for its complicated techniques, elegant style and bright colors,
3 . “Jen, do you hike?” Karen asked.
Was she talking to me? “Me? Yes, yeah, I
“Great, do you want to come with us tomorrow morning? We meet in front of Bobbie’s house at 6:30, before it’s too
Three miles. I wasn’t sure how
The next day, I got up early, showered, washed and
That day, I became a hiker. By accepting the
The great thing about new friends is that they bring new energy to my soul.
1.| A．check | B．hike | C．chat | D．answer |
| A．farmer | B．teacher | C．regular | D．scholar |
| A．hot | B．cold | C．wet | D．dry |
| A．high | B．deep | C．wide | D．long |
| A．suggested | B．wondered | C．promised | D．believed |
| A．abandoned | B．hesitated | C．accepted | D．refused |
| A．styled | B．touched | C．hid | D．sold |
| A．little | B．hard | C．easily | D．gladly |
| A．donate | B．produce | C．exhibit | D．select |
| A．turned in | B．brought up | C．held on | D．took along |
| A．hiking | B．jumping | C．waiting | D．arguing |
| A．cheerfully | B．Curiously | C．officially | D．angrily |
| A．message | B．invitation | C．experiment | D．exploration |
| A．friends | B．neighbors | C．stories | D．theories |
| A．useful | B．important | C．relaxed | D．connected |
4 . Bing, also known as a Chinese pancake, is a traditional Chinese recipe, similar to pancakes. It is commonly made of dough (面团).
Step 1: Combine the ingredients
Combine the ingredients for the dough (flour, salt, and cooking oil). Knead (揉) the dough until it has a soft consistency that isn’t too wet. During this time, you can adjust the consistency, for example, by adding more oil or flour.
Step 2: Separate the dough
Separate the do ugh into different pieces, the size that you want.
Step 3: Add spring onions
Add spring onions to the dough.
Step 4: Fry both sides
Fry both sides of the pancake on low-medium heat until the sides are golden brown. It takes 3-5 minutes per side. Remember to take it out before the sides get dark brown. Fry for a short time if you want a soft pancake, and fry it for a longer time to make it crispier.
Step 5: Serve and enjoy!
| A．Divide it into ten equal pieces |
| B．Cut the onions into tiny pieces |
| C．It can be eaten as a casual food |
| D．Make sure you have enough dough |
| E．If this is already mouthwatering to you |
| F．If you want to make the pancake bigger |
| G．Heat up the pan while still working on the dough |
5 . While conquering the world’s swimming pools in the late 1990s and the 2000s. Amanda Beard had already included breathing exercises in her training. Several years after the end of her athletic career, she discovered walking meditation. Today the seven-time US Olympic medalist practices walking meditation in nature, around the house, or while walking the dog. It’s a daily practice with the focused mindfulness of meditation that contributes positively to every aspect of her life, she says.
You don’t need equipment or a designated space to start. The idea of a walking meditation is to pay attention to the way your body feels, noticing things like the sky, trees, tuning into all of your senses. This means you can meditate “on the go” in the countryside, in the city, in your backyard, and virtually anywhere. A simple, 10-minute walking meditation for beginners requires that you just start at ease. Consider what you hear, smell and see. Think about how your feet touch the ground. Fully focus on these feelings.
A report in Health Promotion Perspectives also found that walking meditation can improve your balance, adjust your heart rate, boost your mental focus, and help you battle anxiety and depression. “The benefits of meditation are many,” says Dr. Schramm, a board-certified family physician and meditation teacher. “When we do this over and over again, we train the brain to focus on only one thing at a time and this increases both our blood flow and actual neuronal (神经元) changes within our brains.”
“The magic of meditation is to be able to help you connect with yourself; meditation shouldn’t feel a certain way,” says Tara Stiles, a yoga and wellness expert. It’s a common mistake in meditation: People fear a wandering mind. “A wandering mind is completely normal,” Stiles says. “Even experienced meditators aren’t sitting there never having a thought, but when they have the thought they choose to guide themselves back to their breath instead of getting frustrated.
1. What is walking meditation?| A．Plain walking. | B．Mindful walking. |
| C．A competitive sport. | D．Deep thought while stationary. |
| A．A familiar environment. | B．A 10-minute walking time. |
| C．A relaxed but observant state. | D．A piece of special equipment. |
| A．Enhancing the blood flow. | B．Undergoing balance training. |
| C．Having more active thoughts. | D．Decreasing neuronal changes. |
| A．Carefree. | B．Frustrated. |
| C．Concerned. | D．Positive. |
6 . Working in an industry that’s constantly evolving is no small feat for musicians. Giving fans a memorable show is crucial, and some artists are looking to virtual reality to do just that. Travis Scott for example, partnered with Fortnite to bring his virtual-reality concert. Astronomical, to a global audience. The event drew in 12 million viewers. But interest in VR concerts came earlier. In 2019, the entertainment-technology company Wave launched a multichannel virtual platform for live concerts through various digital means: video games, live streaming channels, social networks, and more. Wave has since teamed up with the likes of The Weekend, Justin Bieber, and John Legend.
The appeal of such immersive concerts, by placing the audience in a digital world that stimulates both sight and sound to create an experience that makes one feel like they are truly part of the event, lies heavily in their experimental mature. Artists can try new ways to connect with listeners in digital environments. For fans skirting painful concert-ticket prices avoiding large crowds at venues, and experiencing their favorite musicians in an alternate world are convincing benefits.
VR has its downside. Only about 13% of households in the US own a VR headset so the technology isn’t common. In a survey, 67% of respondents who didn’t own a VR headset said its price tag kept them from purchasing one. Some people who paid a pretty penny have returned the headset because they simply didn’t know how to set it up or didn’t think the image quality was worth the cost. Discomfort is another issue: long-term use of a headset could cause discomfort in the neck and eyes, and according to the Food and Drug Administration, motion sickness is the most commonly reported negative side effect of VR. There’s also the possibility of VR separating users too far from reality, which could rewire their brains if they don’t moderate headset use. However, looking ahead. Amy Dorsey, the managing director of Dorsey Pictures, said that developments in advanced digital reality would pave the way for the next version of entertainment.
1. Which artist cooperated with Fortnite to deliver a virtual-reality concert?| A．Justin Bieber. | B．Wave. |
| C．Travis Scott. | D．Astronomical. |
| A．Cost-effective. | B．Environmentally friendly. |
| C．Quick and efficient. | D．Engaging and surrounding. |
| A．VR concerts could cause a decrease in video image quality. |
| B．They may prevent people from attending live concerts altogether. |
| C．Long-time standing with VR headsets may lead to motion disability. |
| D．The high cost of VR headsets could limit accessibility for some fans. |
| A．The historical development of VR technology. |
| B．Future directions and innovations in VR. |
| C．Present market trends in VR headset sales. |
| D．Comparisons between VR and traditional concerts. |
7 . As a big country, China’s economic and political influence is felt around the world. And its influence in education and culture has been growing too. The Confucius Institute offering free language classes has gained increasing popularity in both Hungary and Serbia. By offering opportunities to learn Chinese language and traditional arts, Confucius Institutes bring Chinese culture closer to interested learners serving as bridges between nations.
During my childhood, I held an unspoken fascination for Asian culture a passion cultivated through watching dramas such as the Monkey King. At the time, the idea of studying this captivating region didn’t occupy my mind. My turning point came when the desire to challenge myself led me to choose China for further education. It was a decision—not only for academic growth, but also to experience the responsibility of looking after myself. Taking the road that is less traveled means less company, less comfort. But it also means forging a life with an entirely different perspective I am seeking.
Undertaking Chinese language training presented a remarkable opportunity for many reasons. I firmly believe that acquiring proficiency in the language of the culture is not merely useful, but is also an effective means to truly understand that culture. The combination of learning the language in a classroom setting and applying it in everyday life offers an enriching experience. I participated in the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations held by my local Confucius Institute, such as trying my hand at Chinese crafts providing me with a first-hand experience of the culture.
If given another chance, I would explore even deeper into the rich cultural tapestry that surrounds me. Exploring renowned landmarks like the oriental Pearl Tower previously unvisited, felt like embarking on a new journey of discovery. I can say that along this path, I am gradually learning that valuable lessons unfold step by step.
1. What is the main function of the Confucius Institute in global cultural exchanges?| A．Offering language courses with a very small fee. |
| B．Fostering international understanding of Chinese culture. |
| C．Promoting Chinese tourism and business opportunities abroad. |
| D．Serving as a platform for economic cooperation between countries. |
| A．The TV drama the Monkey King. |
| B．The Asian cultural fascination. |
| C．The desire for whole-person growth. |
| D．The dream to study in a foreign place. |
| A．To highlight the challenges of living abroad. |
| B．To encourage others to participate in local festivals. |
| C．To criticize the traditional classroom language learning. |
| D．To emphasize interactive learning in cultural understanding. |
| A．The Path Less Traveled |
| B．Language as a Bridge to Culture |
| C．Guide to Studying Abroad in China |
| D．Embracing Art: Beyond the Classroom |
8 . Take a food tour along Italian shores from Tuscany to Northern Sicily with Amber Guinness. The food writer mixes stories from her travels with memories and cooking insights, sharing 60 easy-to-make recipes that offer a taste-of-specific Italian seaside regions — and the stories behind them including potato and ca per salad from the island of Salina and the delicious Amalfi lemon cream cake. Thames & Hudson, £29.99.
Professor of food studies and history, David E Bender shows how tourism has shaped our fascination with world cuisines through an examination of travel, from the age of the sailboat to the rise of the jet plane. He looks at how we eat on the road, covering subjects such as Tahitian roast pig in the 1840s, the occupational “discoveries” of fruit like the mangosteen (山竹), and 1970s hotel restaurants. Reaktion Books, £ 20.
Travel writer Sarah Baxter and illustrator Amy Grimes serve up a guide to 25 food destinations, uncovering local specialties like pastries handmade by religious sisters in Portugal, vegan curries (咖喱) in Southern India — where plant-based dishes have been offered to gods and travelers for centuries — and traditional Spanish seafood r ice from its Spanish birthplace in Valencia. Plus, visits to contemporary food capitals Montreal, Osaka and Melbourne, famed for global dishes and fusion food. White Lion Publishing. £14.99.
Try out the recipes served in Paris’s best small restaurants, cafes and restaurants in this taste-focused tour that takes in classic spots along the Seine as well as more local hangouts in hip hoods like Belleville. Divided into meals of the day, it includes 40 recipes enjoyed in France, including, wine braised chicken, and burnt cream dessert, plus plenty of practical tips on food shops, markets and more. Hardie Grant. £20.
| A．Students studying Italian history. |
| B．Collectors of traditional Italian travel souvenirs. |
| C．Tourists planning a visit to Italian seaside districts. |
| D．Professional Italian chefs interested in religious cuisine. |
| A．Southern India. | B．Portugal. |
| C．Valencia. | D．Melbourne. |
| A．They all focus on historical cuisines. |
| B．They combine cooking content with travel. |
| C．Each book is priced at more than 20 pounds. |
| D．All books are published by the same published be. |
Melody of Self-Discovery
Sitting at the grand piano, Sarah was picturing her first piano performance in her mind, only to find herself lost in thought. The annoying doubt again crept into her mind. She just couldn’t shake the feeling of uncertainty that lingered within her. What had driven her to take up piano lessons in the first place? Was it simply a short-lived urge, or had she harbored a deeper passion for music all along?
As her fingers idly traced the keys, Sarah reflected on her journey thus far. She remembered the excitement she felt when she first sat down at the piano, the thrill of producing her first few notes. But as the weeks passed and the lessons grew more challenging, doubts began to seep into her mind like cracks in a dam.
“Sarah, do you have a clear goal in mind?” Mrs. Thompson’s words echoed in her memory. The gentle encouragement from her piano teacher only served to deepen Sarah’s sense of unease. Did she genuinely love playing the piano? What was she playing for? And most importantly, did she truly have what it took to succeed in the world of music?
During her practice, Sarah found herself wrestling with these questions, her fingers pausing and hesitating over the keys as her mind wandered. She couldn’t help but compare herself to her classmates, who seemed to effortlessly master each new piece while she struggled to keep up.
The weight of self-doubt grew heavier with each passing day, weakening her passion for music altogether. But a midst the darkness, a flicker (隐约) of hope remained. Deep down, Sarah knew that her love for the piano burned bright, even if it was dimmed by clouds of uncertainty.
As Sarah sat at the piano, the answer to Mrs. Thompson’s question slowly became clear to her. With each practiced note, each perfected passage, she realized that she didn’t just love playing the piano—she needed it. The music was a part of her, an expression of her deepest emotions and desires.
Driven by this newfound clarity, Sarah threw herself into her practice sessions with renewed energy. Day after day, she poured her heart and soul into her music, determined to showcase her passion and talent to the world.
注意：续写词数应为150左右。As the day of her first public performance approached, Sarah’s nerves threatened to overwhelm her once again.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________As the final chords rang out, Sarah held her breath, waiting for the audience’s reaction.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Before the lecture on ancient Chinese architecture, Li Wei, an expert in “dougong”, which translates as “interlocking wooden brackets (斗拱)” and refers to architectural elements used in traditional Chinese
Wearing
The lecture
“Typically, I discuss architecture
Li Wei’s passion for preserving the historical significance of ancient buildings aligns with the mission of the National Heritage Foundation,
The foundation works tirelessly to ensure that these architectural treasures,
