1 . Emotional energy is a relatively new term to describe our vitality (活力).
A debate is a great opportunity to present your own points of view and learn from other’s opinions. However, something very different happens when two people get into a pointless argument.
One of the situations that drain our emotional energy is unstoppable doubt. This is when we think and think but only come up with “ifs” and “buts”. We try to find the right answer or make the right decision just by reflection.
We’re constantly trying to get other people’s approval.
| A．We spend so much time worrying about things that it blurs our vision of life. |
| B．The only purpose of it is to “beat the other person”, and express their own points of view. |
| C．By doing this we’re just cheating ourselves. |
| D．Vitality is the strength that we have before tiredness sets in. |
| E．We go on and on about the same problem, without actually doing anything to solve it. |
| F．Sticking our noses into other’s private lives, instead of our own, drains our emotional energy. |
| G．However, we forget that many answers come only when we combine thought and action. |
2 . A recent study has discovered that gentle sound stimulation, referred to as pink noise, could enhance deep sleep among older adults and strengthen their word recall abilities.
Deep sleep is critical for memory consolidation. But beginning in middle age, it decreases considerably, contributing to memory loss in aging. The sound stimulation significantly enhanced deep sleep in participants and their scores on a memory test. This innovative approach offers a simple and safe means to potentially enhance memory among older individuals and mitigate the natural age-related memory decline.
A team of researchers from the Northwestern University in the US gathered 13 adults aged 60 and above, monitoring their sleep in a lab for two nights. On both nights, the participants underwent a memory test, went to bed while wearing headphones and a special cap, and took the memory test again in the morning. But without the participants’ awareness, researchers only played pink noise into the headphones on one night. More specifically, they timed the sounds to match the participants’ slow-wave oscillations. During deep sleep, brain waves slow to approximately one oscillation per second, compared to about ten oscillations per second during wakefulness. The system they employed in the study allowed the team to deliver a low burst of pink noise at the “precise moment” when the participants’ slow waves rose — a pattern that is unique to each person.
The study found that participants’ slow waves increased after the night of sound stimulation, suggesting a potential enhancement in their deep sleep quality. And in the morning after hearing pink noise, they performed three times better on memory tests than they did after sleeping without any sound stimulation.
The study was a relatively small one and Northwestern has taken steps to confirm its findings and to study how longer-term use of pink noise affects sleep. The team aims to develop an affordable device that people can use at home, from the comfort of their beds.
1. What did the study reveal about the impact of pink noise?| A．It disturbs overall sleep quality. | B．It weakens word recall abilities. |
| C．It increases the length of sleep. | D．It boosts memory performance. |
| A．decrease | B．notice | C．worsen | D．describe |
| A．It adjusted participants’ slow-wave oscillations precisely. |
| B．It employed a sound system to match slow-wave oscillations. |
| C．It compared different sound effects on the elderly and the youth. |
| D．It played various sorts of pink noises into participants’ headphones. |
| A．pose a long-term risk for older adults. |
| B．requires an innovative and affordable device |
| C．has the potential to be put into practice. |
| D．lacks researchers’ interest in confirming findings. |
3 . Officials of Detroit, Michigan, have equipped apiece of road with new technology designed to charge electric vehicles (EVs) on the path. The roadway is meant to serve as a demonstration project for the technology, which could be expanded to larger road systems.
The system uses a series of copper wires placed underneath the road. These wires have the ability to send electricity through a magnetic field to charge an EV’s battery. Charging can happen while the car is driving or sitting above the equipment. Elect re on says the electric road system is safe for people and animals walking over it and does not harm drivers.
The technology was created by Electreon, a developer of wireless charging solutions for EVs. Stefan Tongur, Electreon’s vice president of business development, told The Associated Press EVs require special equipment to receive the wireless signal. “The technology is smart,” Tongur said, and “knows who you are...”
The electrified road stretches about one half-kilometer. It will be used to test and improve the technology in preparation for wider releases. Tongur said the project aims to “demonstrate how wireless charging unlocks widespread EV adoption, addressing limited range, grid (电网) limitations, and battery size and costs.” He looks forward to a future in which, in his words, “EVs are the norm, not the exception.”
Michigan’s Department of Transportation (DOT) signed a five-year agreement with Electreon to develop the roadway charging system. Offcial shave said they plan to build another electrified stretch of road in another part of the city. Michigan transportation officials say the wireless-charging roadway project has helped position the state and city of Detroit as national leaders in EV technology. “In Michigan, we want to stay ahead of the curve,” Michigan DOT Director Bradley C. Wieferich told the AP.
1. What is the new technology intended to do?| A．Provide power for EVs. | B．Demonstrate a project. |
| C．Expand road systems. | D．Improve EVs’ batteries. |
| A．People and animals may get an electric shock near it. |
| B．EVs are charged through contact with its copper wires. |
| C．It charges EVs only if they stay still on the equipment. |
| D．A special device is needed to pick up its wireless signals. |
| A．Develop more smoothly. | B．Make progress in the industry. |
| C．Take the lead in the field. | D．Achieve a goal ahead of time. |
| A．Skeptical. | B．Tolerant. | C．Favorable. | D．Objective. |
4 . How to Change Limiting Beliefs
Have you ever felt trapped by thoughts like “I’m not good enough” or “I can’t achieve that”?
1. Know your limiting beliefs
We’re often not even conscious of our limiting beliefs.
2. Collect the evidence
Once you’ve discovered what your limiting beliefs are, start collecting evidence that disproves the limiting beliefs. If you think about this properly, you’ll find that there is a lot of evidence out there.
3.
Repetitive thoughts form our beliefs and so it’s essential to start making your internal dialogue positive, rather than negative. Over time this will become automatic, and you will start to form healthier beliefs about yourself.
4. Take action
Taking action is the single most important tool when it comes to making any sort of change in your life. Knowledge, without action, is worthless. Taking action to change your life is a choice.
| A．There’s no quick fix |
| B．There is no substitute for taking action |
| C．Trade your limiting belief for an empowering statement |
| D．You’ve just been unconsciously ignoring it your whole life |
| E．For each limiting belief you have, turn it into a positive affirmation |
| F．These are known as limiting beliefs, stunting (阻碍) our potential |
| G．Because we believe them to be a reality, we don’t recognize them for what they are |
Helen was putting her dress on. It was a bit small, but she could manage.
She would be getting the rent with her father, Mr. Resnick, today. Helen didn’t often get to spend time with her father these days. He was always working, and always trying to make enough money to support the family. The rent was what kept them going during the Depression (经济大萧条). When Helen worried about her too-tight dress, other children had to worry about food or even their homes.
The houses were not far, and three families lived there. Everything went smoothly at the first two apartments, but both Helen and her father were worried about the third. The Katz family never had enough money, and it had become harder and harder to accept their rent, even though her father had lowered it.
Mrs. Katz opened the door when Helen’s father knocked. “Her eyes were red—from crying,” Helen thought. “Good afternoon, Mr. Resnick,” she said, hands nervously smoothing her gray dress.
“How are you, Mrs. Katz?” he asked.
“We’re. we’re getting by (勉强度日),” she said, but she wouldn’t meet his eyes or even Helen’s. “You’re here for the rent.”
“Yes, Mrs. Katz, I’m afraid so.”
“Please come in.”
Inside of the apartment, Mr. Katz and the two children were sitting at a table, waiting for Mr. Resnick. “They all have such thin faces!” Helen thought. She was embarrassed, suddenly, by her own round cheeks and strong body.
Mrs. Katz gave Helen’s father the money. He thanked her and turned to go.
“Mr. Resnick?” Mrs. Katz said before they could leave. He turned to look at her. In a shaking voice she told him, “We haven’t eaten in two days.”
注意：1. 续写词数应为120词左右；
2. 请按如下格式在答题卡的相应位置作答；
3. 写作提示：第一段可写出Helen和她父亲听到消息后的反应；第二段可写出Helen买东西及众人的反应。
Two days! Helen couldn’t imagine such a thing.
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“Yes, Dad,” she answered and started running on the way to the store.
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1. 事情的经过；
2. 收获与感受。
注意：
1. 词数80词左右；
2. 文章标题已经给出，不计入总词数。
The Thing That Made Me Grow up
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Galloping Horse Overtaking a Flying Swallow (马踏飞燕) stands out as a well-known work of sculpture in the history of Chinese art,
When a horse gallops at full speed, it
Galloping Horse Overtaking a Flying Swallow, however, has one of its back hoofs set on a swallow in flight, while the other legs are in the air. The horse holds its head high, with its eyes
One would
8 . When I started secondary school, aged 11, I found myself in a class with only two children I’d met before.
Spot similarities.
| A．Pay attention |
| B．But I soon got to know everyone |
| C．But I soon failed to remember their names |
| D．It’s always good to connect new information with things you already know |
9 . Qinghuaci ware is one of the most well-known cultural products in China, with items made in Jingdezhen, Jiangxi province, considered the best in quality.
Cai Wenjuan’s parents and grandparents made qinghuaci here. Cai’s childhood memories are connected to ceramics, which led her to find her passion in painting as a girl. Even after graduating from Jingdezhen Ceramic University in 2006, she didn’t think about inheriting the family craft and became a saleswoman at a ceramic studio in Beijing back then.
After two years of selling ceramics, Cai was captivated by the blue-and-white ware. She quit her job and returned to her hometown in late 2008, starting a two-year learning experience of painting blue-and-white porcelain items. In 2012, Cai established her own ceramics-making company and two years later, she built the ceramics-themed brand China Story.
Pushing the boundaries of the age-old practice, Cai puts blue-and-white patterns, inspired by Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368) porcelain, on daily objects such as phone cases, umbrellas, pillows and so on. So far, more than 1,000 kinds of cultural products have been sold by her company. “The charm and story behind the blue-and-white china can be told through the way the young generation feels connected,” Cai says, adding that china can be stylish.
As a provincial-level inheritor of the blue-and-white china-painting, she devotes herself to passing on the craft by combining the ancient charm with modern aesthetics. On video-sharing platform Douyin, Cai has posted more than 60 clips to popularize the craft and the culture behind it. “One day, I hope there are traditional Chinese elements everywhere in daily life,” Cai says. Like Cai, more young artists are considering a career in china-related businesses in Jingdezhen, with the local government rolling out supportive measures for a variety of startups in the field.
1. What caused Cai Wenjuan to be fond of painting?| A．Her gift. | B．Her curiosity. |
| C．Her being tired of selling goods. | D．Her childhood experience. |
| A．shocked | B．attracted | C．embarrassed | D．challenged |
| A．Considerate. | B．Creative. | C．Strict. | D．Generous. |
| A．It needs checking. | B．It needs culture. |
| C．It has a bright future. | D．It has a limited platform. |
10 . No matter what your holiday wish is, you’ll find a home here in the Charleston area.
The Spectator Hotel — Holiday Cheers with Spectator Spirit
Toast to the good life at The Spectator Hotel, a favorite place during the holidays. All things are festive and bright this season. Enjoy a holiday cocktail carefully made by our award-winning mixologist (调酒师), a nightly $10 credit (积分) to The Bar, and a his & hers set from Brackish — one Gatsby bow tie and one pair of Delores Stud Earrings.
The Restoration Hotel — Spread Cheer Christmas Tree Package
The Spread Holiday Cheer Package includes a decorated tree in room along with a souvenir, Charleston book and holiday cookies. Dreidels, menorahs, and other items are available upon request.
Wild Dunes Resort — Sleigh (滑雪橇) the Holidays
Sleigh the holiday season with a getaway to Wild Dunes Resort! Make your Charleston holiday memorable with our exclusive offer (独家优惠), a fantastic getaway to Charleston’s island resort and receive the following inclusions: accommodations for two nights, two seasonal welcome cocktails at Coastal Provisions, Oyster Catcher, or Sippin’ Santa (only available in December), and $50 resort credit.
The Tides at Folly Beach — Light Up the Holidays
Unwrap the gift of pure holiday magic with our Light Up the Holidays package. Embrace the spirit of the season as you experience the charming Holiday Festival of Lights at James Island County Park, a beloved annual tradition. Sip and enjoy the delights of the holidays with two insulated tumblers (水杯) perfect for enjoying steaming hot chocolate on cold nights. Our thoughtful package also includes a souvenir and a sweet treat, filling your getaway with memories to cherish.
1. What is served in both The Spectator Hotel and Wild Dunes Resort?| A．Earrings. | B．Cookies. | C．Cocktails. | D．Chocolate. |
| A．The Spectator Hotel. | B．The Restoration Hotel. |
| C．Wild Dunes Resort. | D．The Tides at Folly Beach. |
| A．Yearly. | B．Weekly. | C．Monthly | D．Daily. |
| A．A storybook. | B．A travel guide. |
| C．A health magazine. | D．A sports website. |
