1 . As an assistant manager at a restaurant, I encountered a heart-warming experience. One day, a father and his young son _________ the restaurant and spent a very long time looking through the menu. _________ , the father came up and started asking me about _________ because his son was allergic(过敏的)to some food.

At some point, the boy, who was probably six or seven, _________ me a laminated(覆膜的) card that listed all his allergies. They were a lot. It was _________ for me to remember them, and I didn’t know what the seasoning mixtures were, so I asked to borrow the _________ so I could go check. He _________ , and off I went.

It _________ that many of our seasoning and sauces contained allergens for the boy. After much effort, I found a _________ option for him and took extra precautions due to his meat allergy. The father was grateful and explained they had __________ to find suitable dining options. This __________ the beginning of a special connection, as they became __________ customers, visiting at least once a week.

The positive __________ I received was a heartening reminder that through genuine care and understanding, we can make a __________ . It reinforces my commitment to ensure that each guest’s experience is memorable and that they can __________ their unique needs.

1.

A．entered

B．denied

C．noticed

D．checked

2.

A．Formally

B．Gradually

C．Immediately

D．Eventually

3.

A．expenses

B．ingredients

C．tastes

D．quantities

4.

A．wrote

B．drew

C．handed

D．lent

5.

A．interesting

B．enjoyable

C．useless

D．impossible

6.

A．card

B．boy

C．money

D．menu

7.

A．hesitated

B．agreed

C．cried

D．laughed

8.

A．came to

B．looked like

C．ended up

D．turned out

9.

A．clever

B．cheap

C．safe

D．new

10.

A．struggled

B．pretended

C．decided

D．forgotten

11.

A．designed

B．broke

C．marked

D．kept

12.

A．private

B．regular

C．normal

D．curious

13.

A．lesson

B．present

C．envy

D．response

14.

A．difference

B．change

C．sense

D．promise

15.

A．accept

B．promote

C．tailor

D．dismiss

2 . Traditions are customs and beliefs that form a part of our culture. They are practiced to remind us of our history and are passed down from generation to generation. Some traditions are interesting and widespread, while others are quite strange and practiced only by a small group of people. Continue reading to dig more into some interesting traditions from around the world.

Smigus Dyngus in Poland

Also known as “Wet Monday”, Smigus Dyngus is a unique tradition practiced in Poland, where people throw water at each other. It is celebrated annually on Easter Monday. The traditional way to do it is for boys to throw water at girls, and it is believed that the girl who receives the most water has the greatest chance of getting married.

Hanging coffins (棺椁) in Sagada, the Philippines

There is an old tradition in Sagada where people hang their coffins in stone caves. It was carried out by the Igorot tribe (部落) of Mountain Province. The people there believe this custom prevents large animals from taking the dead bodies, and also purifies or blesses the departed soul.

The Polterabend custom in Germany

Family members and friends of future married couples meet at dinner, and break a lot of porcelain (瓷器). The couple is then asked to clean up the entire mess. This is supposedly to teach them the importance of unity and hard work, and bring good luck. Germans think this tradition is essential in making marriages last a lifetime.

Boryeong Mud Festival in the ROK

The Boryeong Mud Festival in the ROK is a fascinating and unique celebration that draws crowds from around the world. It is a major cultural event, attracting over a million visitors annually. People participate in various mud-related activities, including mud baths, mud wrestling and even a mud marathon. The festival features live music, food stalls, and wonderful street performances.

1. Why are the coffins hung in caves in Sagada?

A．To pray for good luck.

B．To protect the dead bodies.

C．To ensure a future reunion.

D．To conserve more land resources.

2. Which tradition contributes to a lasting marriage?

A．Smigus Dyngus.

B．Hanging coffins in Sagada.

C．The Polterabend custom.

D．Boryeong Mud Festival.

3. What can visitors do during the Boryeong Mud Festival?

A．Throw water at girls.

B．Learn about Igorot culture.

C．Meet famous people.

D．Enjoy mud baths.

3 . 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。

It was a special Saturday evening. Hardly had I finished my work and left my office building at 9:00 pm when it rained cats and dogs. In order to get home earlier, I dashed into the rain without hesitation. Out of my expectation, I noticed a man wandering around my car, the moment I approached the parking lot.

Shaking with cold in the heavy rain, he was looking around every few seconds as though to be waiting for somebody. It was at that moment that it occurred to me that I had forgotten to roll the car window up and that was exactly where I left my wallet. In a flash, I got a big breath.

So I couldn’t help speeding up and at the same time called out to the man, expecting that he didn’t take the money and make a run with it, as after a busy day’s work, I was too tired to catch up with him.

“Are you the owner of the car?” the man asked in a shaking voice, but raindrops on the roof of my car made his voice unclear.

“And who the hell are you?” I replied with an unfriendly expression as if he was a thief who was caught stealing my wallet.

The man went on to tell me that he was a beggar, begging around the nearby buildings where I worked every day and familiar with every face and every car here. “This morning, several young men walked up plotting to take the wallet in your car. I came over and frightened them away, pretending to call the police. Thus the bad boys were scared to run away immediately. I had been waiting for you here since then so that the car and your wallet would be secure,” added the man.

When the man gave me a clear explanation of what had happened earlier, I was astonished to cover my open mouth with my hands.

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。

Standing in the rain, I couldn’t believe my ears.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

“Why didn’t you take the money?” I asked him.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

4 . The Best Art Competitions to Enter in 2024

Watermedia Showcase

Watermedia Showcase is back for its 15th year! Showcase your best watercolor art in this exciting competition. All winners and honorable mentions will have their works featured in the magazine. First prize winners will receive an additional $2,500 cash prize and a free Artists Network Membership. Entry fee is $45 ($30 before February 6, 2024).

Closing Date: April 11, 2024.

Jackson’s Painting Prize

Jackson’s Painting Prize was created to reward original art created with oil paints. A $7,500 total cash prize will be equally divided between the first three winning artists. There are also awards for emerging artists and best oil paintings. Winners will be given an opportunity to have their works shown in an exhibition. Entry fee is $35 per entry.

Closing Date: March 1, 2024.

The Strokes of Genius Contest

Open to artists in the United States and Canada, this contest celebrates original drawings made in pencil, charcoal, pen and ink, colored pencil and so on. Top prize is $3,500. Winning entries will be published in a special edition of The Best of Drawing. Entry fee is $45.

Closing Date: April 29, 2024.

The Sunny Art Prize

Contestants can submit works made in a diverse range of media, including drawing, sculpture, printmaking, video art, and photography. Top prize winner receives $6,000 and a silver medal. Open to artists worldwide aged 18 and over. Entry fee is $40 for one artwork.

Closing Date: June 30, 2024.

1. What is the final deadline for the submission of watercolor works?

A．April 11.

B．March 1.

C．February 6.

D．April 29.

2. What can a winner get in Jackson’s Painting Prize?

A．A silver medal.	B．A free membership.
C．A chance to exhibit his entry.	D．A qualification to publish his work.

3. What is special about the Sunny Art Prize?

A．It charges the least for each artwork.	B．It is most popular with emerging artists.
C．It is open to artists based in North America.	D．It accepts entries in multiple types of media.

5 . The man who came up with the idea for a ______ choir came from the USA.

A．ordinary

B．virtual

C．romantic

D．original

6 . 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。

As families prepare for the Spring Festival, no Chinese New Year celebration is complete without mandarin oranges.

The     1    (popular) of the fruits during the festive season has a long history. During the Qing Dynasty, Chinese parents would place fruits like oranges, lychees beside the pillows (枕头) of their children, as well     2     red envelopes containing money under the pillows,     3    (keep) away mythical monsters (神话中的怪物). The children would then eat the fruits on     4    (wake) up the next morning.

There are     5    (variety) explanations for why oranges have come to be considered     6     lucky symbol — a major part of which comes from the pronunciation. Some say the Mandarin pronunciation of the fruit (ju)     7    (sound) like the word for “good luck”(ji).

Apart from its lucky name, oranges are valued for their reddish-gold color and round shape,     8     are believed to bring good fortune. They’ve inspired Chinese art for     9    (century). An ancient poem called Ju Song     10    (create) by poet Qu Yuan from the Periodof Warring States, using the fruit and tree as a metaphor (比喻); a letter from Wang Xizhi, a renowned calligrapher from the Eastern Jin Dynasty, included a gift of oranges and remained famous after almost two thousand years.

7 . Ways to Stay Healthy if You Sit at a Computer All Day, Every Day

Computer work may not be an active job, but it can definitely do harm to the body. After all, sitting at a desk for hours on end increases your risk for health problems.     1     With the following tips, you can work on a computer while staying healthy and well.

Practice a good sitting posture (姿势). When you’re engaged in work, thinking about the way you sit can feel like just another task. But being mindful of your sitting posture can help you feel your best.     2    

Adjust your monitor and screen. While you’re at it, take note of your computer setup.     3     This will keep your neck in a neutral position, preventing neck and shoulder pressure.

    4     Sitting in the same position for a long time can tighten your muscles. This can cause pain and tension, making it uncomfortable to move even when you’ve finished your work. To prevent this, try to get up every 20 to 30 minutes to avoid staying in the same posture for too long.

Drink plenty of water. Even when you’re sitting all day, drinking plenty of water is extremely important.     5     And, throughout the day, we continuously lose that water through sweating, breathing, and normal bodily functions. Drinking plenty of water will resupply these lost water and prevent dehydration, a condition marked by headaches, tiredness, and poor concentration.

A．Take regular breaks.

B．Eat lunch away from your computer.

C．Our bodies are almost 60% to 70% water.

D．Routine breaks are great for your brain, too.

E．Keep your monitor directly in your line of eyesight.

F．Poor posture can cause the muscles and joints to pain.

G．However, that doesn’t mean you need to quit your desk job.

8 . 假定你是学校英语报社记者李华，上周学校开展了一年一度的“English Day”活动，请使用图表中的信息写一篇短文投稿，内容包括：

1.活动情况介绍，以及学生参与活动的数据描述；

2.简单进行评论或谈谈感受。

English Day

Time: 2:00 p.m. — 4:30 p.m. June 18th Place: School Hall Activities:＊ Singing Competition (50%) ＊ Cooking Show (30%) ＊ Storytelling (20%)

注意：

1.写作词数应为80个左右；

2.可以适当增加细节，以使行文连贯；

3. 短文的题目和首句已为你写好。

(请按答题格式在答题卡的相应位置作答)

Our School English Day

Our school English Day was a great success.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

9 . The topic of “crossing your legs” has been hotly discussed on the Internet recently. The truth is that crossing one leg over the other, a common sitting posture preferred by many people, may actually do harm to one’s health. So while seated, try not to do so any more.

Whether it is at the office, in a waiting room or relaxing at home, many people’ s go-to posture is one leg over the other, crossed at the knee. If you’re like many of us, you spend too many hours of your day seated and for most of that time, you have crossed your legs for comfort.

One study found that people who sat with their legs crossed for more than three hours a day were more likely to lean forward and to round their shoulders. But the research relied on people’s own estimations of how long they crossed their legs for.

When you cross your legs, you are putting compression and pressure on your leg and knee joints and nerves. The way you sit is a huge determinant of your health and the way your body moves and functions. Sitting with your legs crossed leaves your hips uneven and forces your pelvic bone (盆骨) to rotate. Therefore, the longer you sit in this uneven position, the more pressure is placed on your knee and spine (脊柱), increasing the likelihood that it will develop into a long-term issue.

If seated long, then more importantly for you, cultivate and develop a healthy habit of sitting position. And here are the followings. Switch sitting positions often. Take brief walks around your office or home. Gently stretch your muscles every so often to help relieve muscle tension. Keep your feet on the floor, with your ankles in front of your knees. Relax your shoulders; they should not be rounded. Keep your elbows in close to your body and let them be bent between 90 and 120 degrees. Make sure that your back, thighs and hips are fully supported. Try doing those and maybe some of them fit you.

1. Why do many people like to be seated “crossing their legs”?

A．They do so just for sort of ease.

B．They want their legs to take up more space.

C．They think it’s a power move.

D．It is a common sitting posture preferred by the most.

2. Which of the following may not be the “harm” that the long “cross-legged” position leads to?

A．Your hips are in an unbalanced position.

B．Your spine supports more pressure.

C．Your pelvic bone is forced to rotate.

D．You may lean forward.

3. How many proposals does the author speak about to those seated long in the text?

A．9.

B．7.

C．5.

D．3.

4. What might the author mainly want to tell us?

A．What a common sitting posture is.

B．The cross-legged position is popular.

C．Don’t cross your legs any longer.

D．Being seated long is unhealthy.

10 . Of all the Chinese 24 solar terms, Clear and Bright (清明) is the only one whose first day is also a traditional Chinese festival, the Qingming Festival. The words “clear” and “bright” describe the weather during this period. Temperatures begin to rise and rainfall increases, making it an important time for growing crops in the spring. As is known, it is a time to worship ancestors, however, here are several things you may not know about Clear and Bright.

Spring Outings

Not only is it a period to honor the dead, but it is also time for people to go out and enjoy nature. As trees turn green, flowers blossom, and the sun shines brightly, everything returns to life. It is a fine time to appreciate the beauty of nature.

Flying Kites

Flying kites is an activity favored by many Chinese during Tomb-Sweeping Day. Kites are not only flown during the day time but also in the evening. Little lanterns are tied to the kites. And when the kites are flying in the sky, the lanterns look like twinkling stars at night. What makes flying kites during this day special is that people cut the string while the kite is in the sky to let it fly freely. It is said that this brings good luck and that diseases can be chased away by doing this.

Cuju

Cuju is an interesting game played during this period. Ju is a ball made of leather with hairs plugged in it. Legend has it that the Yellow Emperor first invented it for training warriors. Later, Cuju was used by people to build up their bodies when they were unable to eat hot food during the Cold Food Festival.

Feasting on Qingtuan

In the lower parts of the Yangtze River region, qingtuan is very popular on Tomb-Sweeping Day. Qingtuan is a kind of round green cake. In order to make the cakes, people mash (捣碎) barnyard grass (艾草) to squeeze juice from it and mix the flour and juice to a paste. Then they put fillings into the paste and steam them. Pretty and delicate, qingtuan has a special flavor.

1. What is special about flying kites during Clear and Bright?

A．Flying kites with lanterns in the evening.

B．Flying kites to bring good luck.

C．Cutting the kite string to let it fly freely.

D．Flying kites both in the daytime and at night.

2. What can we learn from the passage?

A．Clear and Bright is an important period for farming.

B．Qingtuan is traditionally eaten during the period of Clear and Bright all over China.

C．Cuju was invented by the Yellow Emperor to play in the Qingming Festival.

D．Clear and Bright is one of the 24 solar terms whose first day is also a traditional Chinese festival.

3. What is the main idea of the passage?

A．How to celebrate the Qingming Festival.

B．Flying kites in a special way.

C．Ways to have fun during Clear and Bright.

D．Some unknown customs about Clear and Bright.