1 . What is self-appreciation and how is it different from gratitude?
There’s no doubt that we obtain plentiful benefits from practicing gratitude. The word gratitude is from the Latin world gratin, which means grace, kindness, or gratefulness.
One of important elements of self-appreciation is sell-reflection, which includes examining our feelings, behaviors, and the motivations that may li e behind them. You can learn low to develop self-reflection by working with a doctor or by journaling. Journaling provides a devoted space to explore your thoughts, emotions, and experiences.
All too after, we’re more likely to comfort, support, and provide sympathy to our friends and our family than for ourselves when we’re struggling.
When you catch yourself giving yourself a hard time over this holiday season, stop, pause, and practice the skill of self-appreciation.
| A．How do you know if you are experiencing a sense of gratitude? |
| B．However, self-compassion is the second component of self-appreciation. |
| C．Self-evalution is an important aspect of recognizing your personal growth. |
| D．Writing helps with clarifying our experience, whether it is negative or positive. |
| E．The practice of self-appreciation takes the positive effects of gratitude one step further. |
| F．Its ultimate aim is to develop a loving, supportive, and empathetic relationship with oneself. |
| G．In practice, gratitude involves appreciating received blessings and acknowledging life goodness. |
2 . Establishing a morning routine allows you to start your day on a positive note. Everyone’s morning routine may look different; just make sure to enjoy daily morning routine that suits you best.
The first few hours of the day set you up for a day of success and happiness. By choosing silence in the early hours, you’re inviting yourself to make the most of your time before anyone else awakens.
Exercise can help you start the day because it increases endorphin production in your brain, which makes you feel good. When your mind awakens to the day ahead, allow your body to follow with a slow yoga flow or your movement of choice. Listen to your body and do what feels good to you.
Read an inspiring bookGetting up early to read is a great way to learn something new, according to the Basmo app. Memorizing information becomes easier after a good night’s sleep.
| A．List some types of exercise to choose from. |
| B．Start your day on the right foot with exercise. |
| C．Here are some tips on how to create a great morning routine. |
| D．Thankfully, a good book can help you learn how to set your morning routine. |
| E．Rather than check your phone first in the morning, reach for an uplifting book instead. |
| F．Taking the time to appreciate the good things in your life naturally makes you more positive. |
| G．Before your busy days begin, devote some time to exploring inwards, a place where true peace resides. |
3 . While many cats love to go outdoors, they usually do not venture far from home. But some cats are the
Although Nala, a four-year-old cat has a home in Hertfordshire and a loving owner, she always loves
She comes in every day to greet hundreds of commuters. Ambler says that Nala goes to the station when it is the busiest because she enjoys the
The staff at the station have grown very
Nala wears a collar with
Nala is so popular that Ambler
| A．competitors | B．cases | C．negotiators | D．exceptions |
| A．circus | B．zoo | C．home | D．workplace |
| A．eating | B．wandering | C．hunting | D．sleeping |
| A．visit | B．skip | C．monitor | D．advocate |
| A．challenges | B．delights | C．guides | D．disturbs |
| A．debate | B．news | C．space | D．attention |
| A．worthy | B．free | C．fond | D．proud |
| A．presence | B．request | C．performance | D．trick |
| A．qualifications | B．diaries | C．details | D．recommendations |
| A．found | B．released | C．struck | D．adopted |
| A．business | B．adventure | C．exhibition | D．diet |
| A．looked for | B．referred to | C．learned from | D．set up |
| A．encounters | B．fights | C．quarrels | D．comparisons |
| A．experiences | B．makes | C．explores | D．examines |
| A．directly | B．relatively | C．frequently | D．definitely |
4 . The hottest year on record is coming to a close, emissions of planet-warming gases are still rising globally, and the most ambitious climate goal set by world leaders is all but impossible to meet, according to a new analysis by the United Nations.
Between 2021 and 2022, global greenhouse gas emissions grew about 1%, the analysis finds. Emissions need to fall as quickly as possible to avoid catastrophic climate impacts such as uncontrollable sea level rise, unsurvivable heat in some areas and mass extinction of plants and animals.
Right now, the world is headed for at least 4.5℉ of warming this century compared to global temperatures in the late 1800s. It is assumed that countries will do everything they have currently promised under the Paris Agreement, including things that some governments have said they’ll only do if wealthy countries follow through on promises to help foot the bill, for example, helping to pay for renewable energy infrastructure in less wealthy nations. If such conditions aren’t met, the planet is headed for more than 5°F of warming, the analysis finds.
The new range is ever so slightly lower than predicted in last year’s analysis, which reflects the very slow progress that humanity is making on slowing emissions and controlling future warming. Even the lower end of the current projected temperature range — 4.5°F of warming — is extremely high. And the lower target is likely out of reach entirely at this point — a finding that is backed up by another recent study.
The new analysis emphasizes once again that controlling oil, gas and coal operations is key to controlling global warming. It finds that, if humans extract (提取) and burn all the oil, gas and coal currently in development worldwide, countries would collectively emit enough greenhouse gases to basically hit the higher temperature target under the Paris Agreement. That means all new oil, gas and coal extraction is essentially incompatible (对立的) with avoiding harmful warming later this century. Right now, many countries including the United States are still allowing new fossil fuel extraction.
1. What does the underlined word “catastrophic” in paragraph 2 probably mean?| A．Limited. | B．Invisible. | C．Ruinous. | D．Controllable. |
| A．Solutions to global warming aren’t clear. |
| B．The world is heading to a warmer future. |
| C．Countries are unwilling to make promises. |
| D．The temperature target is unrealistically high. |
| A．Indifferent. | B．Optimistic. | C．Cautious. | D．Critical. |
| A．A new analysis is calling for all the countries to reach an agreement. |
| B．Fossil fuel extraction control is far from a solution to pollution. |
| C．The huge impacts of global warming are predictable but uncontrollable. |
| D．The world is far behind on controlling planet-warming pollution. |
5 . Plumbers (管子工) are usually thought of as the go-to persons when you have a leaky sink, but as a matter of fact, plumbing is much more than just a blue -collar job. The Elite Trades Championship Series(ETCS)seeks to change the way people think about plumbing.
Ideal Industries, a company that runs the championship, added plumbing as a category in 2023 to show the exceptional skills of plumbers across the US.
“We are incredibly excited to introduce the Plumbing National Championship(PNC)to the 8th annual Elite Trades Championship Series,” Scott Mendel, SVP of the ETCS said. “With successful championship events in electricity, automobile, and heating, ventilation and air conditioning, this new event will display the remarkable talents of plumbing professionals and push the plumbing trade to new heights.”
The ETCS is organized to show the knowledge and expertise among America’s professionals in various trades who are competing for a prize from a variety of sponsors, while presenting the level of knowledge and skills that the trade industries require.
The Plumbing National Championship kicked off on July 10, 2023 as a way for plumbers to compete against one another in a series of digital and live hands-on challenges. The participants had to prove their expert knowledge in a variety of skills related to plumbing in real-world challenges.
The competition lasted for about four months and the finalists competed against each other in Tampa, Florida on October 27, 2023.
Craig Childress, a skilled tradesman from Boston University won the plumbing championship. With a big share of the prize money, he was delighted. “Professionally, this is the most wonderful thing that’s ever happened to me,” he said. “It’s been an unbelievable journey. I’m incredibly grateful.”
1. What can we learn about plumbers from paragraph 1?| A．They are rarely thought of. | B．They seek to change people’s opinions. |
| C．They receive little recognition. | D．They are considered as competitors. |
| A．The mission of the ETCS. | B．The achievements of the ETCS. |
| C．The process of the ETCS. | D．The requirements of the ETCS. |
| A．He has learned many skills from professionals. | B．The plumbing contest means a lot to him. |
| C．The competition result is within his expectation. | D．He is optimistic about his plumbing career. |
| A．Introducing a Skilled Plumber to the Public | B．Craig Childress’ Dream Finally Coming True |
| C．Plumbers Looking for a New Future | D．Turning Plumbing into a Competition |
6 . Sau Hoyin, a 16-year-old student at Hong Kong International School, has devoted the past seven years to writing fiction. He has already published two novels, and a third is on the way. Sau’s journey as a writer began in the 4th grade when he started a school “passion project”, leading him to create his first novel Pym. This story follows Luke Connors, an ordinary boy who grew into a brave fighter against evil.
Sau’s fiction evolved with his own personal growth. At the age of 13, he created Pyro 2. a story when Connors faces challenges that mirror Sau’s struggles with math. “I tried to overcome these challenges on my own at first hut finally found that I need to seek the aid of others,” he said. In the novel, Connors learns that in moments of great challenges. seeking help from those around him is a test ament (证明) to growth. Currently, Sau is working on Pyro 3, a project enriched by his global travels and diverse cultural experiences. “I treat writing as a way to record my life and express myself. It also helps me to think deeply about various issues,” he said.
Sau spends two to three hours on weekends on his writing and around two hours daily during breaks. To practice his skills, Sau also joined a literary club at school, exchanging insights into his fiction with his peers.
“In arts and literature class, our teacher also nurtures (培养) our creativity by teaching creative poetry.” Sau added. For instance, inspired by the English language poem Show With Buddha he learned in class, he wrote Playing Saxophone With the Statue of Liberty in d imagined the statue dropped her torch or a moment, playing jour while thinking about whether the truths of American liberty are really held or not.
Sau also shares his essays and poetry on his personal website and takes part in writing competitions. This summer, he won the Harbinger Prize awarded by Harbingers’Magazine, a weekly journal in the US.
Next year, Sau will start university and is resolute in his decision to major in literature. “For me, literature is a utopia (乌托邦) where I can not only express myself but also enjoy the beauty of language, its purity and its lasting power.” he said.
1. What drove Sau Hoyin to take up writing?| A．A special school program. | B．An unforgettable journey. |
| C．His teacher’s encouragement. | D．His childhood’s experience. |
| A．Sau is unwilling to learn Math at school. | B．Sau’s works are related to his own experience. |
| C．Sau is a very productive writer from an early age. | D．Sau is faced with many difficulties in writing novels. |
| A．Clever and humorous. | B．Talented and cautious. |
| C．Hardworking and creative. | D．Curious and emotional. |
| A．Sau Hoyin: Words of Growth & Adventure |
| B．Luke Connors: A Brave Fighter against Evil |
| C．A Teen Writer’s Dream: Sau Hoyin’s Quest for Fame |
| D．A Popular Blogger’s Rise: Luke Connor’s Journey to Success |
7 . Tracks Through Time: Four Stunning UK Train Journeys
The United Kingdom is rightly celebrated as the birthplace of the railway. And there’s no better way to see it than sitting by the window in a train.
Glasgow to Mallaig
Considered by some to be the most scenic railway line in the world, this line takes passengers from the bustling city of Glasgow through Scotland’s wild western highlands to the remote port of Mallaig. Immerse yourself in unforgettable scenery on this journey, and don’t forget to look out for Ben Nevis!
The Caledonian Sleeper
Passengers can enjoy falling asleep to the rhythm of the train on leaving London, then waking up to the serene beauty of the Highlands at dawn right outside your window. Take a trip back in time with all the modern amenities you could want with this iconic train journey!
The Cambrian Line
Wales, with its dramatic landscapes, historic sites and inspiring vistas, offers some magical train journeys to be found in the UK. And perhaps the jewel in the Welsh crown is the Cambrian Line, which weaves its way through Mid Wales to the coast. The route begins in Shrewsbury in England and is famed for its scenery.
The Settle-Carlisle Line
No article on iconic United Kingdom train journeys would be complete without this incredible train line. Opened in 1876, the 73-mile long route takes the traveller from Settle Junction in North Yorkshire to Carlisle in Cumbria. Threatened with closure in the 1980s, the line was saved thanks to the efforts of rail lovers, and passenger numbers have gone from strength to strength.
1. Which place should you go to if you want to visit a harbor?| A．Glasgow. | B．Mallaig. |
| C．Western highlands. | D．Ben Nevis. |
| A．Pick up some precious jewels. |
| B．Weave magic to enjoy the route. |
| C．Have a sound and comfortable sleep. |
| D．Appreciate fantastic views in Wales. |
| A．Glasgow to Mallaig. | B．The Caledonian Sleeper. |
| C．The Cambrian Line. | D．The Settle Carlisle Line. |
8 . A garden is a project that often requires a fairly large initial investment of both time and money from the start — as well as a commitment to maintain it.
If you’re lucky enough to have a backyard, you can imagine the enjoyment you’d receive from changing that dusty, weedy dead space into a green, relaxing environment.
So, how can you build a pleasant home garden? Some clever gardeners use drought-resistant plants such as cacti (仙人掌), and a little bit of watering and inspiration to produce spaces that are both relaxing and pleasing to the eye.
There are many popular home garden books and magazines.
| A．A trip to the library can help you get started |
| B．However, it is a deserving challenge for many people |
| C．A home garden can be a good workout as well as a place to relax |
| D．The shape of the space is often as important as its contents or size |
| E．Some do it for exercise and spend a little time outdoors on a sunny day |
| F．No matter what the circumstances, it’s possible to create a lovely home garden |
| G．Many gardeners also enjoy employing touches such as stone paths to create a nice atmosphere |
9 . Small Ways You Can Donate Money To Charity
There are plenty of innovative ways that you can help people in need, even when money is tight. Here are just a few unique ways to give.
Food Angel, Hong Kong
Food insecurity has become a global problem for families. In Hong Kong, the people behind the Food Angel program collect 45 tonnes of edible surplus food each week that grocery stores, restaurants and individuals would otherwise dispose of. That includes fresh fruits and vegetables and other perishables (易腐烂的食物) that aren’t normally accepted in food-donation boxes.The impact is significant: Volunteers make and serve around 20,000 meals and distribute more than 11,000 other meals and food packs every day.
Frigos Solidaires, France
Imagine if those in need could help themselves to food with anonymity (匿名) and dignity. Frigos Solidaires, or Solidarity Fridges, was started with that aim by Dounia Mebtoul, a young restaurateur in Paris. Now, 130 fridges installed in front of places such as shops and schools offer free food to the hungry across France.
Stuff A Bus, Canada
In Edmonton, the transit service parks vehicles in front of supermarkets for its annual “Stuff a Bus” campaign each November. Volunteers collect food and cash donations from shoppers to fill buses bound for food banks. Since its start in 1995, the campaign has collected 553,000 kilograms of food and roughly half a million dollars.
Rice Bucket Challenge, India
Heard of the Ice Bucket Challenge? You take a video of yourself dumping a bucket of ice water over your head, then nominate (指定) three more people to do the same. In some versions, the participant donates $100 if they don’t complete the challenge.
“I thought it was an amazing way to raise awareness of ALS and raise funds,” recalls Manju Kalanidhi, a journalist in Hyderabad, India. But it didn’t make sense in her country, where water is too precious to waste, even for a good cause. Then in 2014, it hit her: Why not make it a Rice Bucket Challenge to fight hunger? “I gave a bucket of rice to someone in need and clicked a photo. I shared it on Facebook and said, ‘This is a Rice Bucket Challenge.Why don’t you do it, too?’” Participants donate a bucket of rice to an individual or family — no, it’s not dumped — take a photo and post it on social media with a message encouraging others to do the same.
1. Which one can help people in need get food without hurting their pride?| A．Food Angel, Hong Kong | B．Frigos Solidaires, France |
| C．Stuff A Bus, Canada | D．Rice Bucket Challenge, India |
| A．It is an amazing way to raise awareness of ALS. |
| B．It was inspired by the Ice Bucket Challenge. |
| C．A bucket of rice is given and dumped. |
| D．A bucket of water is donated for a good cause. |
| A．To explain how important to help people in need. |
| B．To inspire readers to start a non-profit organization. |
| C．To introduce some creative ways to give away. |
| D．To appeal to readers to donate money to charity. |
10 . Imagine a busy restaurant: dishes clattering, music playing and people talking loudly. It’s a wonder that anyone in that environment can focus enough. In an earlier study. researchers established that people can separately control how much they focus (by enhancing relevant information) and how much they filter (by tuning out distraction).
Recently, Neuroscientist Ritz compared the process to muscle coordination (协调) in his study: “In the same way that we bring together more than 50 muscles to perform a physical task like using chopsticks, our study found we can coordinate different forms of attention in order to perform brain activities.”
To explore this, Ritz administered a cognitive task to participants while measuring their brain activity. Participants saw a mass of green and purple dots moving left and right. The tasks involved distinguishing between the movement and colors of the dots. For example, participants in one exercise had to select which color was in the majority for the rapidly moving dots with purple and green percentages close to 50/50.
“You can regard the intraparietal sulcus (脑顶内沟) as a radio dial with two knobs. one for focusing and one for filtering,” Ritz said, “When the anterior cingulate cortex (前扣带皮层) recognizes that, for instance, motion is making the task more difficult, it directs the intraparietal sulcus to adjust the filtering knob to reduce the sensitivity to motion and might also direct the intraparetal sulcus to adjust the focusing knob to increase the sensitivity to color. Now the relevant brain regions are less sensitive to motion and more sensitive to the color, so the participant can make better selection.
Nowadays, much is still being explored about attention coordination. A partnership with scientists at Brown University is investigating focus and-filter strategies in patients with treatment-resistant depression; one study co-led by Rita and Brown Ph,D. students examines the impact of financial rewards and penalties (处罚) on focus -and-filter strategies. “We all know there is still a considerable journey ahead.” Ritz said.
1. What is the main focus of the new study?| A．The process behind brain activities in humans. |
| B．The relationship between mental state and attention. |
| C．The mechanism of focusing and filtering coordination. |
| D．The impart of noisy environment on humans attention. |
| A．A distractor for participants. | B．A tracking target for the test. |
| C．A main factor to evaluate the task. | D．A warning for participants to focus. |
| A．The focusing knob. | B．The intraparietal sulcus. |
| C．The filtering knob. | D．The anterior cingulate cortes. |
| A．There are some challenges of the attention research. |
| B．Ongoing research projects are based on these findings. |
| C．Focus-and-filter strategies can solve depression problems. |
| D．Motivation ways to drive attention are well applied in treatment. |
