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。

Have you ever paid close attention to a cloud and noticed its ever-changing forms? If not, you could be missing out on something quite     1     (wonder).

A pop science blogger Zheng, 25, known     2     the “Cloud Collector” on the lifestyle platform Xiaohongshu, first     3     (start) her account to share cloud photos in 2022.

Zheng,     4     enjoys finding delight in recording the beauty of daily life, considered it a way to spread lovely moments to more people. “Clouds have always served as     5    source of comfort for me.”

As a growing number of online users began to show interest     6     raise questions, Zheng realized that she could offer     7     (much) science content about cloud spotting than before. So she started to learn more by     8     (refer) to specialized books and consulting professionals.

Zheng has now shared nearly 200 pieces of popular science content. Looking ahead, she has plans to hold several gallery     9     (exhibition). By doing this, she hopes to inspire more people     10     (enjoy) the beauty in the sky.

2 . A professor at the University of South Florida recently published a paper she knew barely anyone would read. At least, not outside her field. The paper had to do with the impact of algae (海藻) blooms and depletion (退化) of coral reefs on the region’s tourism industry.

The work of completing the paper was glum, says Heather O’Leary. It involved tracking visitors’ reactions to the environment on social media. “Part of the data for months was just reading posts: dead fish, dead fish, dead fish,” she recalled. “We were really thinking every day about the Gulf of Mexico and the waters that surround us, about those risks, and the risks to our coastal economy.”

O’Leary wanted people to pay attention to her paper and raise their environmental awareness. But she couldn’t come up with any solutions. However, attending concerts at USF’s School of Music inspired and gladdened her. She reached out to its director of bands, Matthew McCutchen. “I’m studying climate change and what’s going down at the coral reefs,” he remembered her saying. “And I’ve got all this data from my paper and I’d like to know if there’s any way that we can turn it into music. So people can know about my paper.”

Indeed there was. Composition professor Paul Reller worked with students to map pitch, rhythm and duration to the data. It came alive, O’Leary said, in ways it simply couldn’t be done on a spreadsheet.

“My students were really excited to start thinking about how students from other majors, such as the music students, heard patterns that they did not normally hear in some of the repetitions,” she said. In this case, she said, the patterns revealed the economic impact of pollution on coastal Florida communities.

With music, she added, “you can start to sense with different parts of your mind and your body that there are patterns happening and that they’re important.” “The world is going to see more and more of these ‘wicked problems’, the ones that take multiple people with different types of training and background to solve.”

Now,a group of professors and students are working to bring together music and the environment in related projects, such as an augmented (增强的) reality experience based on this composition. The group wants to spread awareness about the algae blooms, data literacy (数据认知) and environmental protection.

1. What does the underlined word “glum” in paragraph 2 mean?

A．Exciting.	B．Emotional.
C．Routine.	D．Miserable.

2. What favor did Heather ask Matthew to offer?

A．Turn her algae data into music.

B．Find some music about coral reefs.

C．Teach her some musical terms.

D．Compose songs regarding climate change.

3. What do patterns in Paul’s music reflect?

A．The different types of training.

B．The repetition of pitch and rhythm.

C．The threat of pollution on the costal economy.

D．The complex challenges of wicked problems.

4. What role did Heather think music plays?

A．Providing solutions to the algae problem.

B．Exposing more wicked problems to the public.

C．Showing the economic growth in coastal cities.

D．Helping people experience the problems better.

3 . How to Make Your Writing Flow?

Writing flow refers to how smoothly text flows from one sentence to the next and one paragraph to another.     1     On the other hand, choppy (不连贯的) writing lacking flow disrupts the reading experience. Luckily, you have the tips below to improve the flow of your writing.

1. Vary your sentence structure.

Using only short, choppy sentences creates a disconnected rhythm that disrupts the flow, while a series of long, complex sentences overwhelm readers.     2     Varying sentence structure keeps readers engaged and create s natural movement from one idea to the next.

2. Use transition words and phrases.

Transition words and phrases act like bridges between sentences and paragraphs. They create logical connections between ideas. Use transitions like “however,” “therefore,” “similarly,” and “in contrast” to glue sentences and paragraphs together smoothly.     3    

3. Structure paragraphs around a central idea.

    4     The supporting sentences in the paragraph should work together to explain, develop, or argue that central idea. This creates cohesion within paragraphs and connects them to each other logically. Use topic sentences to introduce the main idea of each paragraph. Paragraphs structured around a singular focus improve writing flow and readability.

4.     5    

Revisiting writing with fresh eyes makes flaws in flow and transitions more noticeable. Let your drafts rest for a day or two to prevent getting stuck reworking the same passage repeatedly. Approaching writing anew allows you to evaluate flow and smooth out imperfections with distance and objectivity.

A．Don’t leave out the revising process.

B．Let completed drafts rest before editing.

C．The key is to mix sentence lengths to create fluid variety.

D．Place them at the beginning of a sentence or between independent clauses.

E．Flowing writing maintains the continuity of ideas and transitions logically.

F．Each paragraph should have a controlling idea relating to your overall theme.

G．As a writer, it is your responsibility to present your readers with a central idea.

4 . Putting down the book I was reading, I turned to my mum. “Next year, when I go to high school…,” I started, thinking of all the novels I’d soon finish. But before I could finish my sentence, Mum ________ my words. “There will be no high school,” she said. “We don’t have ________ for uniforms or school shoes or books.”

My family were very poor and the kids all ________ school, including me. Years later, I met George and got married. Life went on,________ the desire to study never left me. “When we retire, I want to go to university,” I told George. I wanted to ________ to myself that I could do it.

In 2015, we ________ and I seized my chance. At the age of 66, I was ________ to a program with the University of the Sunshine Coast which helped ________ students prepare for university.

Walking onto campus that first day in February 2017, it was clear I was the ________ student there. My biggest challenge wasn’t the course work; it was the ________.

Before ________ my first paper, I turned to two girls next to me. “How do I send this in?” I asked. They kindly showed me, but as I clicked “send” I was ________ all that work had disappeared into the black hole of cyberspace never to be seen again.

I loved campus life and ________ all my subjects. When I was invited to ________, I cried. I couldn’t believe I’d done it. My family all came to my graduation ceremony in April 2023 and sat in the front row.

If you’re thinking of getting a ________, just do it. I have three great grandchildren now and if I can get a degree aged 73, so can you.

1.

A．cut off

B．thought about

C．listened to

D．took down

2.

A．room

B．money

C．time

D．effort

3.

A．attended

B．finished

C．dropped

D．skipped

4.

A．so

B．and

C．for

D．but

5.

A．talk

B．keep

C．prove

D．explain

6.

A．left

B．settled

C．agreed

D．retired

7.

A．admitted

B．devoted

C．used

D．related

8.

A．rich

B．young

C．adult

D．smart

9.

A．shortest

B．oldest

C．worst

D．poorest

10.

A．distance

B．language

C．eyesight

D．technology

11.

A．outlining

B．sending

C．writing

D．checking

12.

A．delighted

B．terrified

C．amazed

D．depressed

13.

A．passed

B．failed

C．changed

D．discussed

14.

A．perform

B．speak

C．graduate

D．continue

15.

A．hobby

B．chance

C．job

D．degree

5 . I love reading. My taste in books is fairly wide ranging with few exceptions, one of them being mysteries. So, I was quite surprised to find myself lost in Louise Penny’s Inspector Gamache novels, all 18 of them.

After I received a cancer diagnosis (诊断) in December of 2022, Peter, one of my closest friends, told me to read Penny’s books. I took his advice. The characters in the novels took hold of my mind and transported me away from the fear during the treatments.

Suffering side effects from my treatments, my world became quite small. With my limited energy, I read one book after another, repeating Inspector Gamache’s words, “All will be well.” I whispered these words to myself before every medical treatment.

On one especially uncomfortable night, lying on the bed with my book, I was suddenly transported not to Inspector Gamache’s world, but to the bedroom of my childhood with a different book in hand, The Hidden Staircase, a Nancy Drew mystery. When my parents’ marriage was falling apart at that time, I always sought comfort from Nancy. Returning to my Inspector Gamache mystery that night, I realized that perhaps it was the memory of those lonely nights from my childhood that kept me from reading mysteries. I never wanted to feel fear like that again, and yet here I was afraid of what would become of my life if the cancer wasn’t cured. Now the fighting was within me. Could I really trust that all would be well?

Although there is nothing fair about a cancer diagnosis, my belief that problems can be solved has only gotten stronger. But most of all, I still believe in the power of the written words to help us through dark nights when sleep is slow to come. There is no mystery in that.

1. Why did the author turn to Inspector Gamache novels?

A．To reduce side effects.	B．To please a friend.
C．To seek comfort.	D．To develop interest.

2. What reminded the author of his/her childhood?

A．The similar fear.	B．A good read.
C．The same words.	D．A touching sight.

3. What is the author’s attitude toward his/her cancer diagnosis?

A．Frightened.

B．Doubtful.

C．Unclear.

D．Hopeful.

4. What can be a suitable title for the text?

A．The Significance of the Novels	B．The Magic of the Written Words
C．My Desperate Fight with Cancer	D．My Amazing Writing Experience

6 . Emma Tipping, a garden designer, shares her expert tips on how to use small spaces on your balcony(阳台) to create relaxing garden areas filled with plants and seating areas.

Make use of existing features.

Railings (栏杆) and external walls are great features to use when looking to save space. Plant hangers can be positioned on top of railings and fences.     1     Organising your plants like this can avoid using up any floor space and allows you to add more flowers.

Bring the interior(内部) outdoors.

The key to making your outdoor space comfortable and homely is to bring a touch of the indoors outside. In the garden, you can use rugs(地毯), as well as featuring outdoor cushions, which make comfortable seating area to sit under the trailing leaves of your plants.    2    

Recycle and repurpose.

    3     Old cans make lovely pots for smaller plants, and colanders(沥水盆) are ideal for hanging baskets, with the design providing great drainage when watering. For the cans, if you want to make them look prettier, give them a lick of paint, and then simply drill a few holes in the bottom. They’re the perfect size for growing a range of produce you can use for cooking, such as herbs, tomatoes and strawberries.

    4    

When deciding what plants to include in your balcony, choose the ones that are functional. When you have a small space, you want to make the most of it and pick plants that bring the most benefits. To make the most of your balcony, you can look for plants that add smell and colour. You can grow plants which are able to be cut for flower arranging.    5    

Now take her advice and have a try!

A．Select plants of all kinds.

B．Choose plants with a purpose.

C．Plants that can be eaten are also a good choice.

D．Long planters can be attached to external walls.

E．In this way, you can get a calming indoor environment for comfort.

F．It creates a quiet spot, giving you the true outdoor feel of being in nature.

G．You’ll be surprised at what items can be used to create your balcony garden.

7 . LEGO is to begin selling braille (盲文) bricks to help blind and partially sighted children learn to read the touch-based alphabet (全部字母).

After the first announcement of its braille bricks in 2019, LEGO has announced that shoppers would be able to buy the accessible kit for the first time. Up until now, the LEGO Foundation has given out the kits free of charge, as part of a pilot program, to organizations specializing in the education of children with vision impairment (障碍).

While some view braille as old-fashioned, given modern technology that can turn written text into spoken word, blind adults say they like to read with their fingers while listening to other things.

The European Blind Union says knowledge of braille leads to improved spelling, reading and writing, contributing to higher levels of education and better employment opportunities for those who are vision impaired.

Dave Williams, who works for the Royal National Institute of Blind People, which acts for blind and partially sighted people, said, “Who would want a greeting card read to you? And there are things like board games.” And he added learning braille with LEGO helped give those who could not read print independence.

Lisa Taylor, mum to seven-year-old Olivia, said, “Olivia first discovered LEGO braille bricks at school and they had such a big impact on her curiosity about braille. Before then, she found it hard to get started with the symbols but now she’s improving all the time.”

1. What can be inferred from paragraph 2?

A．LEGO is the first firm to put braille into use.

B．LEGO began its sell of braille bricks in 2019.

C．LEGO integrates old tradition with modern technology.

D．LEGO has donated braille bricks to certain organizations.

2. What do the blind prefer according to the text?

A．Reading with their fingers.	B．Listening to a greeting card.
C．Writing with new technology.	D．Learning from past experience.

3. According to Dave Williams, how do LEGO braille bricks benefit vision-impaired children?

A．By improving their social skills.	B．By bettering their reading ability.
C．By helping them develop independence.	D．By awakening their curiosity about braille.

4. What is the author’s purpose in mentioning Lisa Taylor?

A．To express users’ satisfaction.	B．To start a new topic.
C．To erase doubts about LEGO.	D．To compare different opinions.

8 . While work on lab-grown meat has made the headlines in recent years, similar work on fruit is less common. Scientists at Plant & Food Research in New Zealand are aiming to change that by growing fruit tissue(组织) from plant cells(细胞) that they hope will one day taste, smell and feel like real fruit. Researchers hope that the program will help guarantee the country’s food security.

“Here in New Zealand, we’re good at growing traditional horticultural crops(园艺作物),”said Dr. Ben Schon, the lead scientist for the Food by Design program at the government-backed Plant & Food Research, “but looking into the future, there’s a lot of change coming in the world with population growth, increasing urbanisation(城镇化) and climate change.”

The program aims to grow fruit tissue without the parts that are usually discarded like the peel of the banana. Providing consumers with only the tissue of fruit will help reduce food waste, said Schon.

Lab-grown foods could play an important role in sustainable(可持续的) agriculture but are still in the very early stages of development, according to Dr. Ali Rashidinejad, a senior food scientist at Massey University in Palmerston North. Since lab-grown food is a completely new idea, once it is developed, it will then have to prove its safety through long expensive experiments. The Plant & Food Research program started 18 months ago, but scientists warn that the end goal of getting something that is nutritional and enjoyable to eat is some years away and might not be achievable at all.

The technology would probably be suitable for growing fruit tissue within cities, said Dr. Sam Baldwin, a strategy leader at Plant & Food Research, in the hope that it would reduce the cost and carbon emissions created when transporting food into urban centres.

1. What is the purpose of the program?

A．To raise concern.	B．To promote well-being.
C．To balance diet.	D．To ensure food safety.

2. Which aspect of lab-grown fruit did Dr. Ben Schon talk about?

A．The plans for developing the fruit.	B．The process of designing the program.
C．The necessity of growing the fruit.	D．The problems with experimenting on the fruit.

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

A．Broken down.

B．Thrown away.

C．Brought up.

D．Taken in.

4. What is the scientists’ concern about the program?

A．Its difficult research process.	B．Its short research period.
C．Its uncertain research result.	D．Its expensive research facilities.

9 . 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。

The sea was shining across the horizon as my husband, Michael, and I looked out over the rocky cliff（悬崖） of Gleesons Landing in Yorke Peninsula. "Careful Abby doesn't fall down the rocks here," Michael warned as he pulled out his fishing rod（鱼竿）. Abby was our two-year-old rescue dog（搜救犬）we'd adopted one year earlier.

Leaving Michael to his fishing, Abby and I wandered off. We'd been walking for a while when we saw a small path that led down the side of the cliff towards the beach. Abby raced off and as I followed, my leg caught on a rock and I fell down the cliff. Landing three meters down, my left leg cracked violently. Shocked, I tried to keep myself calm. I couldn't feel any pain but when I tried to get up, my body just fell back down. "Go and get Daddy," I signaled to Abby as she paced nervously beside me. At first she refused to leave my side. But somehow she realized I needed her and raced off.

Alone and staring out to sea, my world faded to black. Staying awake some time later, I discovered Abby hadn't returned. Suddenly, I heard movement coming from above. "Sue?" Michael called out. Relief flooded through me as I looked up and saw Michael and Abby. "I think I broke my leg," I shouted back. "I'll go get help," he promised. "If I try to reach you myself, they'll be rescuing two of us."

Faint and tired, I held on to consciousness. Abbey came down to me and kept me company until the rescuers arrived. They carried me on a stretcher（担架） to a helicopter, where I was flown to hospital in Adelaide while Michael and Abby drove.

注意：1.续写词数应为150左右；
2.请按如下格式在相应位置作答。

At the hospital, the pain caused by the fall finally hit me.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

“She led me to the exact spot where you were,” Michael explained.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

10 . A woman’s 16-year-old dog went on a little adventure of his own, leaving his owner both ______ and pleasure.

When Jenny Hazard discovered that her old dog, Bear, had ______, her world broke down at once. ______ the worst thing would happen due to Bear’s age and heart condition, Hazard searched for him like crazy. It didn’t take long for her to notice the gate was ______, and Bear was nowhere to be found.

“After about 15 or 20 minutes, I was just in tears,” Hazard said, ______ her concern for Bear’s health.

Feeling hopeless, she ______ social media, sharing a photo of her dear dog and ______ the community to take notice.

Then the dog’s story took an ______ turn when Hazard received a text message that not only reduced her worries but made her ______. It turned out that Bear wasn’t in any danger — he was at the ______, about a mile away, having the time of his life.

“Great, he’s fine, so I’m not worried — but what’s he ______ there?” Hazard told the media, laughing ______ .

As more was ______ about the story, Bear was found hanging out with a group of girls. The owner of the dance hall reported that the two ladies had obviously ______ Bear on the street and that their first stop was indeed the dance hall.

Jenny Hazard thanked the ladies and then posted the ______ story online.

1.

A．joy

B．worry

C．anger

D．curiosity

2.

A．hidden

B．suffered

C．died

D．disappeared

3.

A．Fearing

B．Proving

C．Remembering

D．Learning

4.

A．dirty

B．new

C．open

D．blocked

5.

A．realizing

B．expressing

C．removing

D．forgetting

6.

A．came up with

B．got along with

C．reached out to

D．gave in to

7.

A．asking

B．teaching

C．ordering

D．challenging

8.

A．unacceptable

B．unavoidable

C．unnecessary

D．unexpected

9.

A．regret

B．smile

C．understand

D．adapt

10.

A．dance hall

B．art museum

C．bookstore

D．station

11.

A．sharing

B．searching

C．examining

D．doing

12.

A．suddenly

B．happily

C．weakly

D．proudly

13.

A．confirmed

B．questioned

C．repeated

D．appreciated

14.

A．followed

B．fed

C．left

D．met

15.

A．ground-breaking

B．hair-raising

C．heart-warming

D．far-reaching