1 . Imagine a horizontal line. The very left is marked one thousand and the very right is marked one billion. On this line, where would you add a marker to represent one million? If you said somewhere in the middle, you answered the same as the roughly 50 percent of people who have done this exercise in a number line study. But the answer is actually much closer to one thousand since there are one thousand millions in one billion.

This error makes sense because “our human brains are pretty bad at comprehending large numbers,” says Elizabeth Toomarian, an educational neuroscientist at Stanford University. Our brain is built to understand how much of something is in its environment. But comprehending the national debt or imagining the size of our universe? “We certainly can use our brains in that way, but we’re recycling these sorts of evolutionarily (进化地) old brain architectures to do something really new,” she says. In other words, it’s not our fault that we have trouble wrapping our heads around big numbers.

So what can we do about the struggle to understand big numbers? It is suggested to use metaphors, analogies (类比) and visualizations. These techniques bring big numbers down to a more comprehensible scale (比例) and ideally make it relevant to something in our daily lives. For example, it may be difficult for most people to accurately place the extinction of the dinosaurs on a timeline between the Big Bang and humans because the first two both seem to be placed to the distant path. But when conceptualizing (概念化) these events using a “calendar”, it becomes easier. The Big Bang occurred at 12 a.m. on January 1st on the calendar. Dinosaurs were only present for roughly the last week of the year. And humans only emerged in the last eight sends December 31st, at 12:59:52 p.m. It’s clear now that dinosaurs are much closer to humans than the Big Bang on a timeline.

These metaphors and analogies are important if people are to really weigh the costs and benefits of events in their lives. The concept not only applies to long-term decisions, but public policies.

1. Why does the author mention the example in the first paragraph?

A．To introduce the topic.	B．To explain the main idea.
C．To make a summary of the text.	D．To make comparisons with other topics.

2. According to Toomarian, what’s to blame for being unable to work out big numbers?

A．The lack of conceptual techniques.

B．The unwillingness to learn something new.

C．Our low ability to evaluate and compare.

D．Our inborn nature due to evolutionary factors.

3. What is recommended for the understanding of big numbers?

A．Making them related to each other.

B．Wrapping our heads around them.

C．Using techniques to put them to a smaller scale.

D．Applying a calendar to present them.

4. What will probably be further discussed in the following paragraph?

A．How to make long-term decisions.

B．How metaphors and analogies help solve public problems.

C．How to weigh the costs and benefits in our life.

D．How important public policies are in our life

2 . When it comes to happiness, our present selves habitually get deprived (剥夺).     1     In the middle of a busy workday, you think, “I’ll be happy when I get this done.” When you get the task done, you think, “I’ll be happy when I’m on vacation…”

When we are doing these, it’s as if we put true happiness in a package addressed to us at some future time when circumstances will be just right for it to happen. Yet, the package keeps getting lost.     2    

What causes this? How can we avoid this result? We should know the reason why we make such choices and why our future selves seem like strangers to us is partially due to the abstractness of tomorrow. The solution is to make the future more vivid and create an emotional connection between the present and future selves. Here are several ways to strengthen the connection.

    3     Write a letter to your future self and send back a reply. Then you may gain insights into your future self’s needs that would get you to take helpful action now.

Visualize the best version of yourself.     4     Importantly, focus on the contrast between now and later. What are the barriers that stand in the way of turning into that ideal future later? Once you recognize them, you could start working on them now.

Imagine yourself in old age. Looking back at now, what do you wish you would have done more or differently with your time?     5     And how can you prioritize the future now, so that when you look back on it later, you think of it fondly?

Once you do such things, you will make choices that will benefit both your present self and future self.

A．Start a conversation between the selves.

B．What will your future self thank you for?

C．We often put feeling happy to the future us.

D．Learn to communicate with others through letters.

E．What impression did you leave on those around you?

F．This can make what you do today for the future more worthwhile.

G．As a result, we are left without enjoyment of the moment in front of us.

3 . 假定你是李华，高考后到英国探亲，偶然在报纸上看到下面的广告。请写一封电子邮件应聘该岗位，要点如下：
1. 提出申请；
2. 列举自己的优势；
3. 询问相关信息。

Volunteer Firefighter Wanted Job type: Part-time Work time: August Location: Southern Pines, NC 28387 Volunteers are responsible for maintaining, inspecting and cleaning department vehicles and other associated equipment.

注意：1. 写作词数应为80个左右；
2. 请按如下格式在答题卡的相应位置作答。
Dear Sir or Madam,
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Yours,

Li Hua

4 . During the last week of Fu Bao’s public viewing earlier this month, visitors endured waiting for 5—6 hours just to give a glance at the panda for only five minutes, as Everland Panda World restricted viewing time to manage the flood of visitors.

Born to parents Ai Bao and Le Bao in July 2020, Fu Bao is South Korea’s first naturally-born panda. In the days following her birth, Everland’s social media channels offered fans a steady diet of Fu Bao videos, pulling in more than 1.2 million subscribers and, as of February, over 500 million accumulated views. The most recent videos are now filled with warm and sincere messages from viewers.

Thanks to Fu Bao’s widespread popularity, her zookeeper has also found himself in the spotlight, becoming a bit of a social media star himself. Often referred to as her grandpa, Kang Chul-won offered hi own farewell message to Fu Bao, noting that the South Koreans’ special love for her all began with social media videos shared during the pandemic when the zoo was closed. She brought help and happiness to a society in many ways that was having a difficult time due to the virus. He said people visited the social media sites every day so it felt like he was raising her together with them. They cared so much for her and shared the same emotions of raising a baby panda together during such difficult times.

Fu Bao will be transferred to China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda in Sichuan Province. Everland says that she will be kept alone at Everland Panda World for a month to prepare her to adjust to her new environment before her overseas transfer, which will be carried out in accordance with international rules.

1. What can we learn about Fu Bao from the first two paragraphs?

A．She has a balanced diet.	B．She is five years old.
C．She is very popular in South Korea.	D．She came from Sichuan, China.

2. What do South Koreans think of Fu Bao?

A．She is a live symbol of luck and fortune.

B．She is an animal who can resist any virus.

C．She is an inspiration to overcome difficulties.

D．She is their common possession and business.

3. What will Fu Bao do a month before leaving South Korea?

A．She will go on show in Everland.	B．She will be separated for adjustment.
C．She will leave Everland Panda World.	D．She will be moved to a research center.

4. What does the underlined phrase “in accordance with” in the last paragraph probably mean?

A．On behalf of.	B．In terms of.
C．In company with.	D．In agreement with.

5 . 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。

Every week I save all the change and $1 bills I have in my purse. Then every Christmas I cash it in for as many $100 bills as the saved money gets me. I then wait for a family in need. I split the money in half and give half to the family in need and the other half to my nine-year-old son, Say’ Veon, who puts it in his savings account, to teach him about delayed satisfaction. Then he helps me get gifts or give the money to the family.

I adopted Say’ Veon after his mother, a close friend of mine, passed away from cancer before his fifth birthday. Even though Say’ Veon has dealt with great loss and sadness at such a young age, his generous spirit and loving heart shine through. He has given money to someone else who needs it more, such as his friends or classmates. Say’ Veon’s acts of kindness always blow me away and I feel blessed to have him in my life.

This week I got a call from a friend, DeeDee, who is 77 years old. She was upset because she had been cheated, and the cheaters took all the money out of her checking account which she lives on, and now she didn’t have the money to pay her rent and bills.

This morning, I took the money and showed Say’ Veon how much I saved this year. I told him what happened to DeeDee, and then asked him if he would be willing to give his half along with my half and donate it to her as our person in need this year.

He said, “Yes, of course.” This year our total was $400.

We went to visit DeeDee and my son handed her a Christmas card with the money. She opened it and said, “Thank you.” She then looked again and stared at the $100 bills.

注意：1. 续写词数应为150个左右；
2. 请按如下格式在答题卡的相应位置作答。

DeeDee froze there with her eyes wide open.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Suddenly, Say’ Veon said to DeeDee, “You are our family!”

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6 . Robert Mendez Jr. is a football coach. Despite being born without limbs (四肢), he has spent his life on what he can ________. And this spirit was what drove him for more than a decade toward realizing his dream—becoming a coach.

This year, Robert ________ the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance, presented to “a ________ member of the sporting world who has overcome great difficulties through determination.” Nobody could have been a better ________.

As Robert accepted the ________, he thanked a number of people for helping him. Then, true to his character, this passionate coach ________ a piece of his wisdom.

He said, “If there’s any ________ that I want to give you, it’s to look at me and see how much passion I put into coaching and how ________ it’s gotten me. When you open your mind to different possibilities and ________ what you can do, you really can achieve something.”

When talking of ________, he said, “The best part of it is seeing someone’s ________ and making them realize what’s possible. So for anyone out there not ________ about their abilities, I’m here to tell you that you can do it. It can ________.”

Robert may have been born without arms or legs, but he was ________ born with the amazing ability to ________ others. As he’s already well aware, there’s nothing this man can’t do!

1.

A．imagine

B．do

C．tolerate

D．benefit

2.

A．sponsored

B．valued

C．created

D．received

3.

A．deserving

B．demanding

C．formal

D．fortunate

4.

A．player

B．individual

C．match

D．witness

5.

A．donation

B．challenge

C．proposal

D．award

6.

A．shared

B．obtained

C．repeated

D．proved

7.

A．chance

B．joy

C．message

D．warning

8.

A．intelligent

B．far

C．respectful

D．fit

9.

A．write down

B．talk about

C．advocate for

D．focus on

10.

A．competing

B．coaching

C．giving

D．learning

11.

A．potential

B．shortcoming

C．question

D．secret

12.

A．comfortable

B．enthusiastic

C．pleased

D．sure

13.

A．last

B．happen

C．change

D．spread

14.

A．eventually

B．similarly

C．obviously

D．merely

15.

A．persuade

B．understand

C．defeat

D．motivate

7 . Top Family Vacation Destinations Everyone Will Love

Think of taking a vacation and need some inspiration for where to travel? We have you covered. Here are some of our top picks for kid-friendly destinations.

Anaheim, California

California is a great family vacation destination that you will remember forever. Additionally, there are many other places to visit around the Anaheim area besides Disneyland Park. Other attractions like Knott’s Berry Farm, a water park and museums are close by as well, so you are sure to have lots of family adventures.

Panama City, Florida

If you’re looking for some family beach fun, why not try Panama City in Florida? You’ll find white sand and a beautiful tropical climate. It is the perfect place to relax and enjoy yourself.

Salzburg, Austrian Alps, Austria

One of our top family vacation destinations outside of the United States is Salzburg. You can visit Mozart’s home and catch a concert show. Or, if you’re looking for a snowy outdoor adventure, then Austria is also a great place to go during the right time of year. Austria has some great family hotels. Some even offer baby monitors and child care available.

Dublin, Ireland

If you’re looking for peace and quiet, and beautiful surroundings, why not go to Dublin? It’s a place where your kids can run around wild and free and it also has a romantic feel. There are attractions to visit as well, such as Clara Lara Amusement Park, located in the Wicklow mountains and many other outdoor activities kids can take part in.
1. Which of the following destinations is suitable for kids fond of coastal life?

A．Anaheim, California.	B．Panama City, Florida.
C．Salzburg, Austrian Alps, Austria.	D．Dublin, Ireland.

2. What makes Salzburg, Austrian Alps, Austria special?

A．White sand.

B．Wildlife.

C．Music.

D．Water.

3. What do Anaheim and Dublin have in common?

A．They both feature theme parks.

B．They both offer child care service.

C．They are both perfect places for museum lovers.

D．They both provide visitors with a romantic feeling.

8 . 假如你是学生会主席李华，海南省博物馆正在举行苏东坡书法（calligraphy）作品展览。学校将组织本校留学生们于本周六一同前往省博物馆参观。请根据以下内容给你校留学生们写一则书面通知。
1. 简单介绍苏东坡；
2. 活动免费；
3. 时间、集合地点、注意事项。
注意：
1. 词数80左右（称呼和落款已给出, 不计入总词数）；
2. 可适当增加细节，以使行文连贯。

Notice

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Student Union

9 . First Aid

We all know how important human life is — it’s priceless. It doesn’t matter where you are from or what the colour of your skin is — all people are human beings. Firstly, we can tell you that the lives of your relatives could depend on your ability to give first aid.     1    , this website is for you! Here you can find information about first aid.

The very first thing that you should do when you see an accident is to evaluate the situation and prevent further dangerous incidents. First of all, you have to recognize what has happened and what the dangers to rescuers and victims are. Think about how to take care of the victims.

Helping usually takes place in very difficult conditions and injuries can be very bad.     2    . Sometimes you have to face the fact that regardless of your actions and your efforts the victim’s condition might not improve — he or she could even die.     3    . If you have done everything you think you should do, you shouldn’t feel guilty.

    4    . Giving first aid can be dangerous. While trying to help a victim, do not forget about your own safety. If something happens to you, you won’t be able to help anyone.

    5    . But remember if a victim faints due to breathing failure caused by drowning, choking or poisoning, you should first take actions that help to bring back the heart beat and breathing. While calling, talk briefly but clearly. Always provide the following information: the location of the accident, the kind of accident, the number of the injured and your full name and phone number and so on.

A．Therefore, you cannot be too afraid of making mistakes to help

B．If you think highly of human’s life

C．Because first aid is vital

D．Do not expose yourself to danger

E．Call for help after you find out the condition of a victim

F．In some cases even professional medical aid may not succeed

G．Be careful about whether or not to give first aid

10 . 听下面一段较长对话，回答以下小题。
1. What will the woman and her aunt do first during the holiday?

A．Travel around Hollywood.

B．Go to Palm Springs.

C．Visit a friend.

2. Why does the woman want to drive to Palm Springs?

A．To save time.

B．To carry things easily.

C．To enjoy the scenery.

3. What is the man’s plan for the first week?

A．Taking a trip.

B．Doing the gardening.

C．Having some classes.

4. How will the man learn swimming?

A．Teach himself.

B．Learn from his brother.

C．Hire a swimming instructor.