1 . When Carolina Escudero was severely depressed, going to a therapist’s office became hard to face. So she joined BetterHelp, a popular therapy app. She paid $65 each week but spent most of her time waiting for her assigned counsellor to respond. She got two responses in a month.“It was like texting an acquaintance who has no idea how to deal with mental illness,” she says. BetterHelp says its service does not claim to operate around the clock, all its therapists have advanced degrees and “thousands of hours of hands-on clinical work”, and users are able easily to switch them if scheduling is hard.

Helping people to deal with mental problems has rarely been more urgent. The incidence of depression and anxiety has soared in the pandemic by more than 25% globally in 2020, according to the Lancet, a medical journal. That, combined with more people using online services, has led to a boom in mental-health apps. The American Psychological Association reckons 10,000-20,000 are available for download.

Underneath, though, a trauma lies in some corners of the industry. In October 2020 hackers who had breached Vastaamo, a popular Finnish startup, began blackmailing some of its users. Vastaamo required therapists to back up patient notes online but reportedly did not anonymize (匿名) them. Threatening to share private information on the dark web, the hackers reportedly demanded money from some 30,000 patients.

Other cases may arise. No universal standards for storing “emotional data” exist. John Torous of Harvard Medical School, who has reviewed 650 mental- health apps, describes their privacy policies as terrible. Some share information with advertisers. “When I first joined BetterHelp, I started to see targeted ads with words that I had used on the app to describe my personal experiences,” reports one user.

As for effectiveness, the apps’ methods are exceedingly difficult to evaluate. Woebot, for instance, is a chat robot which uses artificial intelligence to reproduce the experience of cognitive behavioural therapy. The product is marketed as clinically validated based in part on a scientific study which concluded that humans can form meaningful bonds with robots. But the study was written by people with financial links to Woebot.

Mental-health apps were designed to be used in addition to clinical care, not in the place of them. With that in mind, the European Commission is reviewing the field. It is getting ready to promote a new standard that will apply to all health apps. A letter-based scale will rank safety, user friendliness and data security. Liz Ashall-Payne, founder of ORCHA, a British startup that has reviewed thousands of apps, says that 68% did not meet the firm’s quality criteria. Time to head back to the couch?

1. What can we learn about Betterhelp?

A．Betterhelp is highly responsive to users' needs.

B．Betterhelp provides around-the-clock service.

C．Betterhelp is an app helping people deal with mental problems.

D．Betterhelp is trustworthy in terms of protecting users’ privacy.

2. According to the passage, what factors resulted in a boom in mental-health apps?
①The increasing awareness of one’s physical and mental health.
②The soaring incidence of mental problems during the pandemic.
③The widespread use of online services.
④The universal standards in quality evaluation.

A．①②

B．②③

C．③④

D．①④

3. For what purpose does the author cite Woebot as an example?

A．To illustrate to readers what kind of product Woebot is.

B．To inform readers that Woebot is clinically validated.

C．To show how artificial intelligence is used in health apps.

D．To prove how difficult it is to evaluate the effectiveness of health apps.

4. What is the author’s attitude towards the future of mental health apps?

A．Optimistic.

B．Indifferent.

C．Doubtful.

D．Negative.

2 .

A．A yellow light

B．A road accident

C．A robbery.

D．A TV programme.

3 .

A．Tom was killed in the accident.	B．Someone saved Tom’s life.
C．It did little damage to Tom’s car.	D．Tom survived the accident.

4 . Growing up in the 80s as a child with lots of siblings, I played in the street until dark or until we were called for dinner. We had an amazing community of neighbours. However, one elderly neighbour hated us. Every time the football went into her garden, she would confiscate it – and then pop the ball. When she collected over 20 deflated footballs, she would take them down to the police station and complain. To her, at least, free and active children were a pest and a disgrace.

Actually, at that time, nothing but one stopped us playing: the shattering of a window and the scream of a parent coming outside to tell us off. On reflection, I was probably part of the last generation of children to play outside regularly. Now in London, the estate I live in is covered with historic signs saying: “No ball games”.

The signs function as a play ban for children. Even during the summer, there are only a couple of rebels who dare to play football on the street. They get my nod and a kick of the ball back when it comes in my direction.

The problem is, many people don’t know that these signs are not enforceable by law: they are simply a request from local housing associations.

Of course, if people are kicking the ball against someone’s house or out on the streets making noise late at night, it would be considered criminal damage and antisocial behaviour – and quite right. But most of the time the signs are just preventing children from playing.

The London Sport charity has recommended that these signs are removed. I agree - let’s burn them all. But I do think it is simplistic to imagine banning the signs will combat a national obesity epidemic.

The Active Lives Survey shows that just 47% of children in England are getting the recommended 60 minutes or more of sport and physical activity a day. Removing “No ball games” signs doesn’t mean that the other 53% of children will feel motivated to venture outside and play.

The Active Lives Survey also suggests that boys are more likely to be active than girls. Perhaps boys are still given more activity opportunities. The Lionesses(英格兰女足)win at the Euros football tournament highlighted the lack of opportunities for girls in football and inequitable sports curriculums in schools.

Children and young people of black, Asian and other minority ethnicities are least likely to be active. Perhaps because racism in sport is alive and kicking?

In addition, access to sport and physical activity is a social justice issue that depends on location and financial circumstances. For a child from an economically disadvantaged background, who lives in a high-rise flat with little green space around, the costs and practicalities of participating in sport are prohibitive. For example, a weekend tennis court costs anywhere between £10 and £27, without travel or equipment.

So, while we can burn all the “No ball games” signs in the country, the real barrier to combating low activity levels in children is social inequality. What really needs to happen to get our children moving?

1. What does the underlined word “confiscate” in Paragraph 1 mean in the context?

A．Collect something as a hobby	B．Take something away as a punishment
C．Destroy something due to being annoyed	D．Remove and make something disappear

2. Why does the author believe that removing “No ball games” signs may not effectively combat low activity levels in children?

A．Because children prefer indoor activities.

B．Because boys are more active than girls.

C．Because access to physical activity is influenced by social inequality.

D．Because of the lack of interest in sports among children.

3. What conclusion does the author draw regarding the relationship between “No ball games” signs and low activity levels in children?

A．Removing the signs will directly address the issue of low activity levels.

B．Social inequality is the primary barrier to increasing children’s activity levels.

C．Boys are more likely to play sports than girls due to cultural biases.

D．Racism in sports is a significant factor in preventing children from being active.

4. What is the main idea of the passage?

A．The author reminisces about their childhood and the changes in outdoor play.

B．The ineffectiveness of “No ball games” signs in encouraging physical activity among children.

C．The impact of social inequality on children’s access to physical activity.

D．The author’s support for removing “No ball games” signs but recognition of deeper issues.

5 . Childhood Media Shaping Futures

Much of the media we consume during our formative years shapes us into the people we are today. Reflect on a particular piece of media from our childhood—perhaps it’s the TV show we eagerly awaited every weekend during visits to our grandmother’s house.     1     It shapes our dreams and fears and even drives us to future careers.

    2     Older children may have had a lot more restrictions, like TV shows, movies, and social media access. And because of these, they were able to be a child for longer compared to their siblings (兄弟姐妹). Children who have older siblings tend to show more mature tendencies and can appear to “grow up quicker” than other children their age.

While they might have been restricted from social media accounts until a certain age, once given access, they tend to be more prepared. The media exposure of our generation has undoubtedly led to an increased maturation at younger ages.     3    

Simply looking back at previous generations and the rate of consumption and processing of information that we experience every day, the effects of such are only beginning. As soon-to-be or current adults, we are already facing issues such as depression, anxiety, and delays in certain learning and social skills, just to name a few. Are we “more mature?” or are we overexposed and at risk for exceptional mental, physical, and emotional consequences?

In conclusion, childhood media consumption significantly influences our lives.     4     Striking a balance between media exposure and mental well-being is essential for our growth in today’s media-rich world.

A．Such media doesn’t just entertain.

B．You can easily pick out the differences among your siblings.

C．As we journey through adulthood, it’s crucial to reflect on its impact.

D．Media exposure during childhood impacts each child in distinct ways.

E．Additionally, media have proven to have long-term effects on individuals.

F．However, our mental and physical states may not be adequately equipped to handle it.

6 . Directions: Complete the following passage by using the words in the box. Each word can only be used once. Note that there is one word more than you need.

A. estimates       B. lack       C. potential       D. crucial       E. transforms       F. rejected                   G. anxiety          H. unemployed        I. routine        J. impact        K. affects

Joblessness is far more than an economic misfortune. It can be psychological disaster for the     1     and their families. It can cause illness, divide families and create a downward spiral (螺旋式下降) of feelings of worthlessness and     2     of self-esteem. According to research done by M. Harvery Brenner, associate professor of health at Johns Hopkins University, every 1% increase in the unemployment rate     3     37,000 deaths over the next 6 years, including over 20,000 deaths from heart attacks, 900 suicides and nearly 500 deaths from cirrhosis of the liver (肝硬化). In addition, Brenner     4     that 7,500 unemployed or their families will be admitted to prison after committing a crime or to a mental hospital. “The     5     goes well beyond the individual who loses a job,” said Brenner. “Stress caused by economic factors     6     our national life at every level.” Men who have been socialized as the family breadwinner are especially hard hit by unemployment. They suffer greater depression and     7     and have a higher possibility of psychotic behavior than men who are employed. “Nine month on this seems to be a     8     point when hope and patience give out,” said a leading psychologist. “After that illness, suicide, alcoholism, divorce, and even crime grow at an epidemic (流行的) rate.” Left without a job, many workers feel they have nothing to look forward to. They miss their co-workers and the     9     of going to work. For many, the sense of hopelessness grows worse every time they are     10     for a new job. When this happens often enough, the rejection unemployed workers feel may be exacerbated (恶化) if some friends and neighbors avoid them as if they had a contagious disease (传染病).

7 . In recent days, a netizen left a comment on the official website of the Ministry of Civil Affairs, urging the relevant authorities to issue a statement to encourage residents to not be influenced by superstition and continue with their marriage plans as usual during the Year of the Dragon.

The Social Affairs Department of the Ministry of Civil Affairs promptly responded, stating that they would pay attention to this issue. The department explained that there is a year in the lunar calendar that does not have the beginning of spring solar term (节气), which occurs approximately once every two to three years.

The Spring Festival, also known as Chinese New Year, is celebrated on the first day of the first lunar month each year. However, its date on the Gregorian calendar (公历) varies from year to year. Start of Spring, which is the first of the 24 solar terms, is considered the official beginning of spring.

Why did the ancients think that “no spring year” was not suitable for marriage? As the weather warms up and spring arrives, the earth awakes from its winter hibernation. The rain falls, the thunder surges, and everything in the world comes alive once again. At such a good time, they usually associated the beginning of spring with fertility. If spring does not come, reproduction will not be prosperous. “No spring” means “no child”, and getting married is the most taboo. Superstitions about this time of year often focus on avoiding marriage or other important events because it is believed to be unlucky.

The Social Affairs Department of the Ministry of Civil Affairs emphasized that these superstitions, which mean false beliefs without scientific evidence, should not have the final say about people's decisions about their marriages or other important life events. They encouraged residents to continue with their plans as usual during this period and not be influenced by superstition.

The department also reminded the public that marriage is a personal decision that should be based on love, mutual respect, and consideration for each other’s future. They emphasized that the government will continue to provide support and assistance to ensure that all citizens can enjoy a stable and happy life.

1. What was the reason behind the netizen’s comment on the Ministry of Civil Affairs’ website?

A．To request detailed information about the spring solar term this Year of the Dragon.

B．To express dissatisfaction with the government policies to issue a ban on marriage this year.

C．To motivate inhabitants to resist the impact of unscientific beliefs in the Year of the Dragon.

D．To criticize the Ministry of Civil Affairs for their delayed response.

2. Why did the ancients consider a “no spring year” unsuitable for marriage, according to the passage?

A．Due to unfavorable weather conditions in the “no spring” solar term.

B．Because it was believed to bring bad luck and misfortune.

C．As a result of scientific evidence proving it was unlucky.

D．To avoid conflicts with traditional customs and the wedding ceremonies.

3. What is the main message conveyed by the Social Affairs Department of the Ministry of Civil Affairs?

A．Encouraging residents to follow traditional superstitions by getting married as planned.

B．Discouraging people from getting married during the Year of the Dragon.

C．Emphasizing that unscientific beliefs should not have an impact on marriage decisions.

D．Urging the public to protest against the complicated traditional Spring Festival celebrations.

8 .

A．The woman knew Ross was a dog lover.

B．The man has let Ross drive his car before.

C．The man shouldn’t have lent his car to Ross.

D．Ross lost several dogs last time he drove a car.

9 . Early Childhood Education

Early childhood education is the formal teaching and care of young children. It primarily focuses on learning through playing to encourage children’s different kinds of development.     1    

Studies with Head Start programs throughout the United States have shown some evidence that there are quite a few advantages to early childhood education, which can produce significant gains in children’s learning and development. Compared with a child who does not attend pre-school, children completing their early education programs are found to be better at math and reading skills. They are excited to learn and have the tools to do so.     2     These children are more competent in their pre-school, kindergarten and school-age years, and they are usually reported as “friendlier” by parents and the children’s peers.

    3     In studies with matched control groups, more students who had early schooling experiences were employed at the age of 19, fewer were on welfare, and fewer were involved with the criminal activity. What’s more, some studies show that children attending pre-school are more likely to graduate and have higher education, and be well integrated as an adult.

Early childhood education gives most children a jump-start on education for their kindergarten and primary school years. It is clear that early childhood education do a lot of good to children.     4     If early childhood education is less effective, perhaps the best model is finding strategies for allowing a parent to stay home with his or her child for at least the first two to three years. Also important is considering a child’s own personality. Individual differences in children mean that not all children will get equal benefits from early childhood education.

A．The long-term influence of early education is significant as well.

B．They can benefit greatly from encouragement in their early childhood.

C．Yet its quality must be assessed to see what kind of benefits it actually provides.

D．They are also able to relate to others in a superior way and that improves their social skills.

E．Many experts of education, however, are concerned about what early childhood education means today.

F．It consists of activities that serve children in the pre-school years and is designed to improve later school performance.

10 . Directions: After reading the passage below. fill in the blanks to make the passage coherent and grammatically correct. For the blanks with a given word, fill in each blank with the proper form of the given word; for the other blanks, use one word that best fits each blank.

Notable Chinese beauty influencer Li Jiaqi was found in the vortex (漩涡) of severe online controversy after his livestreaming on Saturday evening where he made “inappropriate remarks” against a netizen     1     post pointed out the steep price of a home-made eyebrow pencil. He seemed to be upset about the comment and said the price of the product remain unchanged over the years. “The product is expensive? Sometimes people need to find the reasons why they     2     (not receive) a pay rise after working so many years. Have they worked hard enough?” he said.

This has spurred heated engagement online,     3     (set) 13 trending topics on a prominent Chinese social media platform, Weibo. Some netizens felt Li has no right to judge the consumers and slash out on people’s spending power, saying “commenting on the financial abilities of consumers crosses a line”,     4     others identified with him, assuming that he was merely countering the comments that looked down on the value of domestic goods.

In a subsequent livestream, Li made a heartfelt apology, attributing his success to his female fans and acknowledged his comments let     5     down. Moreover, he stated everyone has the right to voice their perspectives about products during live-streaming and     6     he must always provide his audience with positive energy and control his emotions.

In the aftermath of this controversy, Li lost more than 848,000 fans on Weibo. Additionally, there may be impending implications for his collaboration with Huaxizi, the makeup brand     7     (involve) in the dispute.     8     media reports, the continuation of the partnership between the brand and Li depends on the event’s influence, the market’s reaction, and sales data.

This incident underscores the pitfalls (隐患) within the rapidly growing field of live-stream commerce, including issues of price, quality control, and the interchange between influencers and consumers.     9     this digital commercial arena continues to expand, regulators and brands are increasingly addressing such transgressions and seeking ways     10     (better) the intersection of online product promotion and consumer interaction.