1 . It’s no secret that reading good news feels a lot better than reading bad news. Like, would you rather bite into a lemon, or sip on a fresh glass of lemonade?

    1    The world is full of problems and conflicts and we need to stay informed and alert (警觉的) to what’s going on around us. While reading traditional, more negative news is important, consuming good news is also part of staying informed.     2    And it also brings meaningful benefits, like reduced stress and anxiety, higher rates of engagement, community building skills, and inspiration for creating a better world. Plus, knowing what to look for in the good news landscape is a key part of improving our media literacy skills and being thoughtful news consumers.

In fact, good news, known as solutions journalism, is becoming more popular, as publishers and news stations discover the benefits of sharing positive stories. Good Good Good is one of them.     3     A team of reporters and editors there work daily to deliver stories that make readers feel hopeful and equipped to do more good with possible solutions.

“If it bleeds, it leads.” has long been a saying used in the media to describe how news stories about violence, death and destruction draw readers’ attention.       4     The thing is, however, there’s also good stuff out there—the delightful and kind parts of humanity. “Beautiful stories are happening worldwide.    5    When you do find them, the world can suddenly feel like a very different place. Good news is a vital part of how we learn about the world and solving the world’s problems.” Hervey, one of Good Good Good’s editors said.

A．Share good news with people around you.

B．It’s just that we don’t hear as much about them.

C．But the “bad news” has its place in the world.

D．It provides a more balanced view of the world.

E．And so, negative news stories are everywhere on news media.

F．Heartwarming stories make you cry and feel good.

G．The news media company is devoted to providing good news intentionally.

2 . About ten years ago, logging into Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram would mostly show posts from friends and family in the order they were posted. Today, these platforms present a mix of content, tailored by algorithms (算法) to match users’ interests, whether it’s plants, sports, cats, or politics.

Kyle Chayka, a writer for The New Yorker, discusses this topic in his book, Filterworld. He explains that algorithms analyze user data to predict and influence what they will likely engage with. This means that instead of a simple, chronological feed, users encounter a dynamic stream, constantly adapting to their preferences. Chayka examines how these algorithmic recommendations control what we consume, from music and movies to food and travel destinations. He argues that this machine-driven selection process has turned us into passive consumers, making our preferences and tastes more similar.

Chayka points out that algorithms make us passive by always showing us content that we’re unlikely to click away from but won’t find too unexpected or challenging. This constant stream of recommendations reduces our exposure to diverse or challenging content, subtly shaping our preferences and behaviors.

Moreover, Chayka points out that algorithms also pressure content creators, like musicians and artists, to tailor their work to fit these digital platforms. For instance, musicians on Spotify or TikTok might focus on creating catchy hooks at the beginning of their songs to grab the listener’s attention.

Despite the strong presence of these algorithms, Chayka believes that regulation could reduce their influence. He suggests that if Meta, the parent company of Facebook, were required to separate its various services, like Instagram or WhatsApp, and make them compete with each other, it could give users more control and choice over their digital consumption.

In summary, the change from simple, time-ordered social. media posts to algorithm-driven content has a big impact on both the viewers and the creators, influencing what we see, hear, and even think. Chayka’s insights highlight the need for greater awareness and potentially more regulation in our increasingly digital world.

1. According to the text, how have social media platforms changed in the past ten years?

A．They show posts in a time-based order.

B．They prioritize posts from friends and family.

C．They make adjustments to satisfy users’ needs.

D．They provide more content to meet different needs.

2. What does Kyle Chayka think of algorithmic recommendations?

A．They make users more active consumers.

B．They shape users’ preferences and behaviors.

C．They reduce the influence of content creators.

D．They expose users to diverse and challenging content.

3. How do algorithms influence musicians’ work on digital platforms?

A．By encouraging musicians to create longer songs.

B．By discouraging musicians from using catchy hooks.

C．By giving musicians more control and choice over their music.

D．By requiring musicians to create their work to fit the platforms.

4. What can be concluded from the text?

A．Tech companies should have more departments.

B．Social media algorithms give content creators less opportunities.

C．Social media algorithms flatten our culture by making decisions for us.

D．Network platforms have increased the common recommendations for 10 years.

4 . Many people think work meetings are a waste of time, and that might be because most meetings keep employees from working well. One survey of 76 companies found that productivity was 71 percent higher when meetings were reduced by 40 percent. Unnecessary meetings waste $37 billion in salary hours a year in the U.S. alone.

Many meetings occur without a specific reason. Another motive for meetings is what some scholars call the Mere Urgency effect, in which we engage in tasks — such as a meeting where each person recites what they’re working on, whether others need that information or not — to help us feel like we are accomplishing something actual.

But the real problem with meetings is not lack of productivity — it’s unhappiness. When meetings are a waste of time, job satisfaction declines. And when job satisfaction declines, happiness in general falls. Thus, for a large population, eliminating meetings — or at least minimizing them — is one of the most straightforward ways to increase well-being.

Nobody likes excessive and unproductive meetings. First, they generally increase fatigue. You have probably experienced a day of meetings, after which you are exhausted and haven’t accomplished much. Second, people tend to engage in “surface acting” (faking emotions that are deemed appropriate) during work meetings. Finally, researchers have found that the strongest predictor of meeting effectiveness is active involvement by the participants. If you are asking yourself, “Why am I here?” you are not likely to think that the meeting is a good use of your time — which is obviously bad for your work satisfaction.

Taken together, the research on meetings shows that if you want to be happier at work (or want your employees to be happier), you should fight against the time-consuming, unproductive meetings at every opportunity. If there is one rule to remember about work meetings, it might be that they are a necessary evil. They are necessary as organizations need them for proper communication, but they are evil in that they are not irreplaceable, and should thus be used as little as possible for the sake of productivity and happiness.

1. Why does the author mention the survey in Para 1?

A．To explain the survey.	B．To introduce the topic.
C．To stress the importance of meeting.	D．To state the disadvantage of meeting.

2. Which of the following best explains “eliminating” underlined in Para 3?

A．Reducing.

B．Hosting.

C．Increasing.

D．Avoiding.

3. What is mainly talked about in Para 4?

A．How to increase people’s job satisfaction.

B．The importance and necessity of minimizing meetings.

C．Why excessive and unproductive meetings lower job satisfaction.

D．Active involvement by the participants indicates meeting effectiveness.

4. Which is the most suitable title for the text?

A．Work meetings — A necessary evil

B．Work meetings — The less, the better

C．Work meetings — The more, the better

D．Work meetings — Excessive and unproductive

5 . 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。

Every month, Zhang Lingling holds a party with her friends. At the party, all the people dress

    1     (they) in hanfu, a type of dress worn by the ancient Han people, and sing songs that     2     (accompany) by traditional instruments or inspired by ancient poems.

Like Zhang, there are many young people who have a passion     3     traditional Chinese culture. They are interested in clothes, songs and games     4     (base) on traditional culture. A report released by Bilibili shows that over 177 million of the platform’s users loved     5     (video) featuring traditional culture. Young people may think traditional culture     6     (be) the best way to distinguish their national identity. They want to tell the world who they are.     

While some prefer inheriting (继承) traditional Chinese culture, others are transforming it to be     7     (accessible) to the young generation. Pop culture designer Yu Yang is one of them,     8     works feature the ancient God of Fortune. The god wears fashionable Chinese shoes and a cap, and has a microphone in his hand. “Pop culture is a universal language.     9     (hopeful), more people would accept and love my work and know Chinese culture through my art pieces,” he said in     10     interview with China Daily.

7 . A new year can bring new excitement and opportunities to grow for kids, too.     1     New Year’s resolutions can be a beneficial way for kids to get motivated, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.

“    2     ”said Dr. Lanre Falusi, a Washington, D. C., pediatrician (儿科医生) in an American Academy of Pediatrics statement. “Kids also love having something to work toward and to have fun keeping track on sticker charts or getting praise or rewards as they reach these goals.”

The idea of a goal may also be easier for younger children to grasp. Jack Frezell, 3, of Ontario, Canada, said his goal for next year is to “go on my bike by myself.” Setting goals can teach children persistence, focus and the value of planning, according to Gary Latham, Secretary of State Professor of Organizational Behavior at the University of Toronto, who specializes in goal setting. “     3     ” Latham said, “It teaches them control over their environment instead of being dependent on Mom and Dad.”

    4     “It has to be concrete; it has to be within the child’s ability to attain; and there has to be a reasonable time frame,” said Latham. He noted that once kids reach age 7 or so, it’s achievable for them to set a goal and make their own plan for how to pursue and attain it.     5     Here’s when to show children with inspiration and give them a hand.

“Next thing you know, the overall goal has been attained, and it gives kids a sense of accomplishment, excitement and achievement,” he said.

A．Setting realistic goals is difficult for kids.

B．The big impact is that it teaches them initiative.

C．How important it is to set healthy goals with kids.

D．Goals that are both specific and achievable are key.

E．They can learn to focus on new goals just like adults.

F．If it’s not specific, some kids are likely to blame themselves.

G．Of course, guidance from parents is still helpful for kids of all ages.

8 . People have probably observed that stress level can rise due to a lack of typical psychological breaks they get in workplaces. Walking to the tea room to make a cup of coffee, stopping for a chat with one of your colleagues or discussing your plan with your leaders will help you. All of those actions are actually giving our brains an opportunity to recharge.

The workplace banter (打趣) could be worn out when you’re employed from home. The psychological breaks, however, are vital to maintain your stress at the lowest level, so attempt to copy these mini-breaks at home. Besides, you need a proper schedule for yourself. Otherwise, things go against your wishes. For example, one of my friends devoted herself to her business, ignoring her family and her own health. Though she has achieved a lot in her business, now she is in poor health and has a broken home and good-for-nothing children.

One of the toughest issues about working from home is setting boundaries. People tend to overwork at home because they often confuse work and home life. You can moderately end working at a fixed time and have time to get along with your family members. If you begin the day by bearing this in your thoughts, it's completely possible for you to stick to it. At home, you can do a bit of gardening or take a slow relaxing walk within your yard to help increase your memory and overcome depression. Even doing some arts and crafts, reading an e-book or baking a cake may also help. Anyway, you need to take yourself away from the computer screen for a superb couple of hours every day.

As the saying puts it, “Sharpening your knife won’t waste your time for cutting your firewood”. If you have good psychological breaks while working from home, your working efficiency will be improved. Besides, you’ll manage and lessen your stress and create a good family relationship.

1. What cannot reduce people’s stress according to paragraph 1?

A．Making a cup of coffee or tea.	B．Recharging your brain with new ideas.
C．Discussing your plan with your leaders.	D．Chatting with one of your colleagues.

2. Why do people tend to overwork at home?

A．They cannot fix their working time.	B．The working efficiency is improved.
C．They want to devote themselves to their business.	D．It is hard to balance work and home life.

3. How can you take yourself away from the computer screen at home?

A．Baking a cake for your family.	B．Taking a long walk in your garden.
C．Going to the library to read a book.	D．Doing a lot of gardening and handcrafts.

4. What’s the main idea of the text?

A．Ways to improve working efficiency.	B．Ways to reduce stress in workplaces.
C．Ways to lessen stress when working at home.	D．Ways to create a good family relationship.

10 . 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。

Three tourists who     1     (find)scrawling(乱涂)on the wall of Badaling section of the Great Wall were detained(拘留)and fined last Sunday，the police announced.A video     2    (post)online shows three tourists，two women and a man，are scrawling on the wall of Badaling section of the Great Wall，     3    world-famous scenic spot and the nation's key cultural relic protection site，at around 1 pm.

A preliminary(初步的)judgment of the investigation showed that the three tourists     4    (use)keys，wires or other objects with sharp points to scrawl their names on the wall.The management department cooperated with the local police in conducting the investigation.According to the law，behavior of carving，scrawling or any other measures to damage cultural relics and     5     (history)places of interests on purpose will result in warnings     6     fines 200 yuan or below.In serious       7     (circumstance)，the offenders shall be detained for 5 to10 days and fined between 200 yuan and 500 yuan.

Many Chinese netizens criticized their behavior on the Internet by ridiculing that they seemed     8     (carve)their names on tombstones.Others believed such behavior should be     9    (severe)punished with prison sentences.A netizen commented，“Their names will be thought of       10     a symbol of bad behaviour”.