1 . How to practise emotional awareness?

What is emotional awareness? Emotional awareness is being able to identify and make sense of not only our own emotions but those of others. It’s absolutely essential in understanding our behaviors and changing our way of dealing with the problems. With emotional awareness, we can understand how this influences our behaviors.    1    

Of course, describing exactly how we feel can often prove difficult.    2    It’s not always easy to put a finger on exactly what’s wrong, without digging a little deeper. This is often because on some level we don’t want to know how we really feel.

    3     Unhealthy thoughts, behaviors and coping mechanisms that are hidden from our view. Perhaps you lash out(猛击)or withdraw when you feel overwhelmed or go into a flood of criticism and self-doubt when you receive negative feedback.

Mindfulness is the process of bringing our attention to the present moment and becoming more aware of our thoughts. It’s a state of calm, non-judgmental reflection.    4     We can quiet the mental chatter that often accompanies difficult emotions and instead sit with the physical sensation of the emotion in our body. Doing this regularly allows us to be more aware of the source of our emotions and enables us to carry out strategies to manage them more effectively.

Self-reflection develops emotional awareness and is key to understanding why you feel the way you do. Activities such as journaling can be really beneficial in learning about your thought processes.    5    It can be difficult to feel heard by others if we don’t have the language to describe how we’re feeling.

A．And in turn, change the way we respond to challenging situations.

B．Without emotional awareness, we may develop emotional blind spots.

C．It’s the very reason we turn to general phrases like “I’m not myself today”.

D．Sometimes what we really struggle with is putting our emotions into words.

E．There are many ways to be mindful, from practising breathwork to sitting in silence.

F．And for many of us, that means understanding how we feel and why can be incredibly difficult.

G．Research shows that being aware of your emotions is hugely beneficial to social and emotional functioning.

2 . Happiness is subjective and can take on different meanings for various individuals.     1    , others may find joy in creating something unique.

Creativity is a crucial aspect for many artists worldwide as they seek to express themselves through different forms of art,     2    . Matt Jacob, the founder of MOOD Studio and The MOOD Podcast, shares his personal experiences and joys on his platforms.

The arts that bring people happiness vary widely, depending on their environment, culture, and opportunities. For creatives like Matt, happiness takes on a distinct meaning, as it involves finding your niche (定位/舒适的生活), connecting with a community, and leaving a legacy and imprint on the world. Developing an original style plays a significant role in Matt’s happiness, but a style is not all that — his work and approach to it continues to evolve.     3    following professionals in the field, and adding one's unique artistic touch to capture timeless moments.

    4     and not necessarily in the way that everyone thinks. When one is self-employed or starting a new business, money can be a significant barrier and photography, or the creative world, is no different. To succeed, there are many factors, but marketing, networking and the ‘hustle’ are at the forefront. For Matt, being money-minded and being motivated by money are two very different things, with extremely different outcomes if pursued. He believes that being money-minded is essential,     5     .

Ultimately, what brings Matt happiness is the people that are close to him — being able to hopefully inspire and enjoy with others, and most importantly give back, in any way possible. By creating beautiful environmental, cultural, and portrait art, he not only makes himself happy but also brings joy to those around him, and hopefully those that are far away too.

A．He emphasizes the importance of exploring different styles and genres

B．including photography, painting, and other mediums

C．and now resides in Bali, Indonesia, where he also found a love and community

D．The people around him and his wife give him a sense of belonging

E．but being motivated by money can hinder one's quality of work and chances of success

F．While some may equate it with wealth or influence

G．Another crucial aspect contributing to happiness is finances

3 . Tips for you to overcome comparison

Identify your triggers (诱因) and avoid them. To stop comparing yourself to others, pay attention to the people or events that cause your behavior. Do you feel discontent with your life after looking at luxury goods?     1     Write down your comparative thoughts as soon as they happen so you can limit your exposure to these situations or avoid them altogether.

    2     When you minimize your abilities, it becomes easier to compare yourself to others. To avoid this negative behavior, make a list of your strengths and talents. By acknowledging your best qualities, you can learn to love yourself.

Keep a gratitude journal. To start journaling, reflect on the little things that bring you joy and write down why you’re grateful for them. Keeping a gratitude journal can increase your chances of overcoming comparison, but you may forget about it if you have a busy schedule.     3    

Work on improving your abilities. Instead of focusing on your “weaknesses”, reflect on the areas you can improve.     4     Besides, don’t be afraid to ask other people for help along the way. By prioritizing yourself, you can boost your self-confidence and find your place and value.

Appreciate others instead of envying them.     5     If you have friends who are highly achieving people, you might consider that their networks are full of people who might be able to help you become more successful in your life. Instead of envying their success, be supportive and use their success to your advantage.

A．Write down your positive qualities.

B．Do you set goals to achieve your dream?

C．Consider the advantage that others can bring you.

D．Recognize everyone’s circumstances are entirely unique.

E．Take classes or workshops to develop your skills and techniques.

F．Is there someone who constantly makes you feel bad about yourself?

G．Set a reminder to write at least once a week so you can actively express appreciation.

4 . Being highly critical or talking down to yourself are examples of self-criticism that highlight your own weaknesses. You may feel you don’t meet your own personal standards or expectations. Fortunately, you can improve this pattern of self-criticism by changing your thought patterns and practicing positive affirmations (情感上的支持或鼓励).

●What is self-criticism?

Self-criticism is the act of thinking negatively about yourself. Individuals with self-critical tendencies face self-created problems due to their tough standards and internalized social values for self-evaluation.     1     For some individuals, self-criticism can have a negative effect on day-to-day mood and may be a factor for depression and other forms of mental illness.

● Can self-criticism be good?

    2     If people use personal criticism in a way that’s useful to complete tasks and achieve goals, it can be beneficial. They can use it as a way to examine their decisions and behaviors and evaluate whether they need to make any changes.

●     3    

People with avoidant (回避反应的) attachment styles avoid closeness. This may prevent them from developing relationships for how to show compassion (同情) for themselves and others. Self-criticism is also likely to arise from shame, insecure attachments, and having low self-esteem.

● Examples of self-Criticism

When individuals engage in negative self-assessment, they create an inner dialogue that uses demeaning (贬低的) and demotivating language.     4     They may say, “I am easily disappointed with myself.” “I can’t accept failures and setbacks without feeling inadequate,” and “I stop caring about myself.”

● How can self-criticism be overcome?

To overcome self-criticism, it’s helpful to be honest with yourself about the role you play. You can start to identify how your self-criticism impacts your mood and daily routine.     5    

A．Self-criticism isn’t always bad.

B．Where does self-criticism come from?

C．If so, please step outside your comfort zone.

D．Self-criticism is associated with little progress.

E．It’s also important to seek professional help as needed.

F．Examples of self-criticism include phrases and negative self-talk.

G．As a result, they’re unsure of their thoughts, feelings, and emotions.

5 . How to deal with frustration

From time to time terrible things occur. When something awful happens in our life, we always feel sorry for ourselves and it is natural to fall into a negative feeling of frustration.

    1     In this post, we will share some approaches that will help relieve your frustration in a positive manner where you can subsequently learn and grow.

When you feel frustrated by life it can be hard to feel thankful for the blessings in your life.     2     Numerous studies in positive psychology show that having an attitude of gratitude is the number one indicator of life satisfaction and happiness.

    3     Every day you can try to list three good things in your life you are grateful for. By doing so you will be surprised how much this decreases your feelings of frustration.

Another lesson of positive psychology is that your own problems are often relieved when you make an effort to help others. When you’re volunteering your time, doing random acts of kindness, or simply trying to make a positive difference in the lives of others, your brain will produce more dopamine(多巴胺), which gives you a sense of pleasure.     4    

Finally, I am sure you have heard the old saying, “    5    ” This old saying has lasted for so long because it is true. You may envy what other people seem to have, but you do not know what they are going through. So, if you want to stop feeling sorry for yourself, you need to only compare yourself to yourself. Stop envying what you believe other people have and learn to be happy with the things you do have in life.

A．Don’t judge a book by its cover.

B．The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence.

C．But that is when you need to feel grateful the most.

D．You should set aside some “me time” to rest and restore.

E．It hurts us and keeps us from making the proper decisions.

F．You can actually relieve your own frustration by doing others a favor.

G．The most practical way to feel grateful is to start a gratitude journal.

6 . How to Live a Fulfilling Life

How awesome would it be to get out of bed each morning feeling purposeful and happy about your day? What about going to sleep each night with a grin(露齿的笑)of satisfaction on your lips?     1    Here are some tips that may help you.

●    2            

To lead a more fulfilling life, you first need to know what part of your current life is troubling or unsatisfactory. Reflect on different aspects of your life to figure out which are upsetting you the most. Try closing your eyes and questioning “What part of my life dissatisfies me the most?” Whatever comes to mind first is probably where you’ll want to start.

● Building good habits.

One of the best ways to build good habits that support a fulfilling life is by doing something each day that challenges you. Identify one thing you can take action on that pushes you beyond your comfort zone and do it. This might be sharing ideas with your boss when you typically stay quiet.    3    For example, if you’ve been trying to lose weight, but you spend too much time on the couch, reduce your time on TV or do an exercise while you watch.

● Having good health and well-being.

    4    You’ll have trouble feeling fulfilled if your energy only goes out. Just as you pour love and support into others, you must return that love and support to yourself. Take time to improve your own self with passions or self-care. Fulfillment also translates to perfect mental and physical health, so make time to exercise regularly. Schedule it into your day.     5    

A．Addressing your dissatisfaction.

B．Learning to avoid dissatisfaction.

C．It’s important to set aside “me” time.

D．End each day by reflecting on your daily challenge.

E．Replacing your bad habits with good ones is also suggested.

F．That way, it will be just like any other task on your to-do list.

G．This may seem difficult, but leading a more fulfilling life is entirely possible.

7 . Whether someone makes you angry, you’re upset with yourself, or you’re just having a bad day, one of the best ways to direct your angry energy is through exercise. That angry energy can build inside of you.     1     If you’re looking to direct your anger through exercise, there are exercises suitable for it.

Running is a very effective technique to calm anxieties. The focus it takes to run and the endorphins your body releases will take your mind off whatever is frustrating you. Be sure to adequately warm up and stretch before you run!     2     You can enhance the benefits by running in an area that is free of distractions like around a lake or through a peaceful part of the city.

A challenging yoga practice is a great way to control your anger to help you get through it. You may be so frustrated that getting started in a yoga practice may seem impossible.     3     You can focus on directing your angry energy into each of the movements. It may also help you to have the support of the group to help you get involved.

    4     Conditioning classes are a great opportunity to focus your angry energy into hitting a heavy punching bag while also burning a lot of calories. These classes are often challenging, so you can use your anger to help you get through the difficulty of the workout. Focus on your breathing, your technique, and harnessing your anger to deliver strong punches.

Cycling is a serious cardiovascular (心血管的) workout and you can use your anger to help you push through the difficulty of it. When you go for a ride outdoors, the extra focus it takes to navigate the outside world can provide a helpful distraction from your frustration.     5    

A．It’s advisable to find a scenic route.

B．Be sure to obey traffic laws and wear a helmet.

C．Boxing is a great way to relieve your frustration.

D．Joining a class can help take the thinking out of it.

E．Watch out for any moving cars while you’re running.

F．Breathe deeply while practicing yoga and your anger will fade.

G．Working it out is an effective way to channel your rage into movement.

8 . 假如你是在英国的交换生李华，上周日露营时你不慎扭伤 (sprain) 了自己的左脚。St. Laurence School 的学生Chris恰好路过，并对你实施了急救。请你给Chris所在的学校写一封感谢信，感谢他的帮助，要点包括：
1.表达你对Chris的感谢之情。
2.急救的经过 (时间、地点、具体急救措施)。
3.简要谈谈你的感悟及再次赞扬Chris。
注意：
1.词数120左右，开头与结尾已给出，不算入总词数内。
2.可适当增加细节，以使行文连贯。
词汇提示：冰袋 ice pack；绷带 bandage
Dear Sir/Madam,
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Yours,

Li Hua

9 . Kyra Peralte thought keeping a diary during the pandemic (流行病) might help her sort out her feelings. In April 2020, the mother of two in Montclair, New Jersey, now 46, started writing about the challenges of work, marriage and motherhood during a global crisis. She invited women from near and far to fill the notebook with their own pandemic tales.She named the project The Traveling Diary.

Peralte created a website for people to add their names to the queue. Each person gets to keep the diary for three days and fill as many pages as she wishes. Then she is responsible for mailing it to the next person, whose address Peralte provides. So far, more than 2, 000 women from 30 countries have joined in.

The diary reached Colleen Martin in Florham Park, New Jersey, in November 2020. “I had just recently lost my brother. By the time I actually got it and wrote in it, it was much more of a relief,” she says. Adding to the diary, she says, helped her look for meaning and “the growth and development that occurs in terrible times.”

Martin shipped off the diary to the next person, and Dior Sarr, 35, received it at her home in Toronto just before the new year. “I wrote about my ambitions(抱负), my goals and how I wanted to step into the new year, ” she says, “It felt meaningful to pass on something so personal. It felt like these were women that I had known even though I didn’t know them at all.”

Like many of the women who wrote in her diary, Peralte feels a strong bond with the people who filled its pages, none of whom she would have otherwise known. Her idea, Peralte says, has had a great effect on her and, she hopes, the other women who were part of it.

1. Why did Peralte start the project “The Traveling Diary”?

A．To become famous online.

B．To offer women an emotion outlet.

C．To meet more people on the Internet.

D．To popularize medical knowledge of pandemic.

2. What did Colleen Martin get from writing the diary?

A．Achieving her goals.

B．Receiving timely help.

C．Promoting personal growth.

D．Improving her writing skills.

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

A．Connection.	B．Competition.
C．Impression.	D．Need.

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

A．The Power of Unity

B．Warmth in a Global Crisis

C．The Sisterhood of the Traveling Diary

D．Friendship on the Internet

10 . 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。

Mom poured herself a glass of orange juice. “I’m worried about your grandma,” she said. I asked, “Why?” “Well, before she moved to Florida, she was active. But now she sleeps most of the day or watches television. I can’t get her out of the house, and she won’t try to make friends,” Mom replied. My grandma wanted to go back to New York. But she couldn’t live alone anymore. That was why my mom let her come to live with us in Florida.

“I’ll find a way to make Grandma love Florida,” I thought for a minute and said. Mom smiled and said, “I wish you could.” After school, I saw Grandma watching television and figured she hadn’t moved all day. In my room, I took out my collection. I had found many beautiful and special seashells. My favourite one was called Baby’s Ear. It’s a beautiful white seashell. Looking at my seashells gave me an idea. I went into the living room and sat on the sofa.

“Did you ever go to the beach when you were little, Grandma?” I asked. “Once my mother took me there, but I didn’t enjoy it because I was afraid of the water and couldn’t swim. Even now, I’m a little afraid of the water,” she replied. I wished Grandma could feel the way I did about the beach. I loved to see seabirds and look for seashells. “Well, could you take me to the beach, Grandma? I need some new seashells for my collection. I’m not allowed to go by myself. Please!” I begged. Grandma finally agreed and took my hand as we left the house.

We walked to the beach. The sky was blue. I handed Grandma a plastic bag, and said, “This is for the seashells you find.” “Oh, you should take it,” she said. I shook my head. “No, Grandma. I need all the help I can get.” “All right,” she said.

注意：(1)续写词数应为150左右；
(2)请按如下格式作答。

We walked side by side on the beach.

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“Wow! Look what I found!” Grandma shouted, standing in the sand and holding a pink seashell.

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