1 . With gas prices rising and airport security lines snaking longer than ever, why not book your next domestic vacation on a train? Compared to other alternatives, it’s comfortable and relaxing. Here is some advice on how to make a trip by rail as pleasant as possible.

Plan ahead. Most long-distance trains, especially the sleeping car accommodations, sell out very quickly.     1     But no matter when you travel, it’s a good idea to make your reservations at least 90 days in advance.

Use a travel agent. Consider turning your travel plan over to a travel agent and letting him double-check all the details, make suggestions, and then handle the actual reservations. A good one can sometimes find you discounted tickets.     2     Then you won’t have to walk through several cars on a moving train three times a day for your meals.

Bring a blanket. When you’re riding on trains, you won’t be provided with a blanket for free, even if your trip is an overnight one.     3     In the summer in particular, the air conditioning can make them quite cold.

Arrive early. Most trains operate just once a day and some run only three times a week, so missing yours can be a disaster.     4     Note: The times listed on the schedules are departure times, not arrival times.

Have fun.     5     Read a book, knit, do a crossword puzzle, or simply watch the world unfold outside the window. To calculate your speed as you do, divide 3,600(the number of seconds in an hour)by the number of seconds it takes you to travel one mile(the distance between two mileposts). If it takes the train 53 seconds to travel one mile, you’re going 67.92 mph.

A．Train trips aren’t for impatient types.

B．You’ll have views from both sides of the train.

C．The temperature on rail cars is often hard to control.

D．That’s particularly true during busy summer months.

E．You might have to wait longer than 24 hours to catch the next one.

F．Chances are the cost will be a lot less than the cost of one bedroom.

G．He may also book you in a sleeping car that’s right next to the diner.

2 . In order to survive in the world with challenges, we need to be wise.     1     Let me tell you this, wisdom provides us with perspective when we need it and it calms us down in terrible situations. Here are some strategies that we can use to get wiser.

    2     This will open up new pathways for us. Never base your perspective on the most popular opinion or which is the most comfortable for you. Train your mind to be a judgment-free space for ideas. If you are humble, then you will always get to experience something new.

You must be the kind of person who learns something new every day. Take new classes, read books and the list goes on and on.     3     All of these activities will help you to tackle problems from different angles, making everything easier.

You obviously want to grow and do better in life, right? The best way is to have wise people as your mentors (导师), like teachers, colleagues and even special friends. Prior to making them a mentor, find out what makes them wiser, then engage in useful dialogue with them.     4    

If you have accumulated a lot of knowledge, then why not share it with others too?     5     In today’s world, it is very easy to become wise but it isn’t easy to help others. So keep things balanced and never let go of your passions and values. This will pave the path to success.

A．Why do we communicate with wise people?

B．Why is wisdom crucial in this modern world?

C．Change your routine and see where life takes you.

D．Surf the Internet and clear out your problems that confuse you.

E．Sometimes we ourselves need to be open to diverse perspectives.

F．The more time is spent with them, the more transfer of knowledge there will be.

G．Communicating with others and helping them out will also increase your wisdom.

3 . Pursue Your Dreams Today, Not Tomorrow

Have you caught yourself daydreaming about your dreams? We often postpone our dreams, trapped in a cycle of delay. But why wait?     1     You don’t have to take a huge, life-changing step. You can take minute steps toward a brighter future. And start right now.

    2     If you never try, you’re going to be weighed down by your regrets. You’re always going to wonder how your life would’ve turned out if you actually took a chance on yourself. Don’t let your future self be disappointed by your present self.

It doesn’t matter how old you are or how many people have warned you that you’re never going to succeed. Even the most successful people have had their hesitations about whether they had what it took to make it in their field.    3     Embrace a mindset of determination, knowing that success is within your reach.

At the end of the day, you need to carve out a path for yourself that will lead to the most satisfaction. If you allow your fear to get the best of you, you’re never going to forgive yourself.    4    . It’s what you would encourage your friends to do, so why aren’t you giving yourself that same push?

Sometimes, following your passion means spending a lot of your time each day. It may require making slight adjustments to your schedule, but you don’t have to sacrifice everything to follow your hearts. Try to strike a balance between your current life and your dreams.    5    

Pursue your dreams now, even though that means you might need to break out of your comfort zone, and even though it means entering the unknown.

A．Ask yourself what would be worse.

B．Starting small is completely acceptable.

C．You owe it to yourself to go after your dreams.

D．New opportunities may lead to personal growth.

E．If things go well, you can gradually make further shifts.

F．You need to move past your insecurities and explore your full potential.

G．Hard as it is, it’s crucial to wave off the doubts in the back of your mind.

4 . How does it feel when you solve your problem by yourself? Things may not always go as planned, but being resourceful can help you stay calm and work your way out of tricky situations.

Being resourceful means finding smart and creative ways to solve a problem, using whatever resources you have at the time.     1     They can also be anything else that’s useful, such as information, advice or your own experience. It also means trusting your instincts, the ability you’re born with, rather than through training and being confident about your ability to face challenges. A resourceful person is not the one getting cross or panicking when something goes wrong. They’re thinking about how to solve the problem.

    2     when we learn to problem solve for ourselves rather than immediately going to others for help, it can help to build our confidence, help us feel more independent, and feel better about making decisions. Being resourceful may not help you avoid problems, but thinking creatively about how you can deal with them will make you feel less stressed and more prepared next time.     3     This can boost self-esteem, that is, how you feel about yourself.

When you’re facing a challenge, try to focus on the actual problem rather than how you feel about it. Think about where and when it happened and what the causes are. Next, think up as many solutions to the problem as you can.     4     Finally, review what has and hasn’t worked, so you’re equipped to deal with a situation next time.

And remember, if you have a tricky problem that you’re unable to solve, then ask a trusted adult for help.       5    

A．You also learn what you’re good at.

B．Here is how you can be more resourceful.

C．These may be practical things like pens and paper.

D．No one is expected to solve all problems by themselves.

E．Resourcefulness is a skill that’s good for you in lots of ways.

F．They can be famous mottos that always inspire us to move on.

G．Weigh up what’s good and bad about each one and choose the best.

5 . My friend James did some first-aid training last week to learn the fundamentals of the CPR. And he asked if I’d ever done the same.

“Yes,” I said, “…and no.”

Because, yes, I’ve attended several resuscitation (复苏) sessions over the years.     1     In fact, despite being shown all the key information at various points in my career, I don’t think I can remember any of it now.

What’s the problem? Every time I’ve had this type of training, it’s been a perfectly good opportunity to learn: an important topic, taught well, in a focused environment, with plenty to see, hear and do. I’ve always taken it seriously, too, and been focused. And I’ve always come away with a wealth of information.     2    

Here’s what I should have done — and what you can do now — to make sure any training doesn’t go to waste.

•     3     You might be surprised to find that you’ve got some foundations of knowledge to build on. Pre-testing sparks your curiosity and puts you in a frame of mind to remember.

• Challenge your recall later.     4     If it’s hard to remember, but just about possible with effort, then that’s perfect. You need that little bit of struggle to start embedding (把……嵌入) information in your brain.

• Keep coming back. Put a note in your diary to test yourself again in a week, then ten days after that, then a month on…leaving longer gaps between checks.     5    

Talking to James has inspired me to book myself onto yet another CPR course. But this time I’m determined to do it right. Remember that it’s the next day when the real training begins.

A．Test yourself before you start.

B．Wait a day, then see how much you still know.

C．Stay curious about what you are eager to know.

D．All the basic information has stuck in your mind.

E．But no, I don’t exactly feel “trained” to save lives.

F．Yet virtually nothing has ever made it to my longterm memory.

G．Use the questions you wrote on the day to keep challenging yourself.

6 . Everyone learns a little bit differently. Some people learn best by listening, while others are visual learners.    1     It will show you how best to improve your understanding of different topics whether you're a student or just someone trying to expand your knowledge base.

Try visual learning. Ask yourself if you rely on images to help you understand key topics. For example, when you are reading your biology text, do you find the diagrams more helpful than the written words?     2    If this is helpful, you may be a visual learner.

    3    If you are not sure if this applies to you, you could begin listening to a recording of a book to see if this helps you focus and understand the text. If you need to hear something read out loud in order to fully grasp the concept, this style may be a perfect choice for you.

Learn through words. Verbal(言语的) learners are most comfortable with words, both spoken and written.    4     Reading is one of the most effective ways for you to obtain information. When you study, do you make written outlines of the material？This is an indication that learning through words is your preference.

Use movement to learn.     5    And movement is key to obtaining information for this style of learning. If the thought of sitting through a lecture makes you nervous, you might learn better through physical activity. Do you fidget（坐立不安）a lot? This is another sign. To find out whether you are a physical learner, try standing up while reading.

A．Use your senses.

B．Try to identify your own learning style.

C．Experiment with learning through sound.

D．Add more pictures to the topic you are learning.

E．Most people learn best with a combination of learning styles.

F．Physical learners rely on their hands, sense of touch, and physical activity.

G．If you are a bookworm, you are very likely comfortable with this learning style.

7 . Problem solving skills are increasingly valuable in the workplace and could help you achieve more in your personal life too. Here’s how to enhance your strategy.

Develop analytical thinking

The key to effective problem solving is the ability to break down complex issues into smaller, more manageable components.     1    . This involves systematically deconstructing a problem, understanding its differences and identifying the relationships between its various elements. Improving analytical thinking requires a structured approach. Begin by clearly defining the problem at hand, identifying its key components and recognizing the interconnections between them.

Promote creativity

    2     To develop creativity, you must engage in activities that can stimulate your imagination and form new ideas. Additionally, exposing yourself to different fields, experiences and cultures can serve as a source of creative problem solving.

Strengthen communication skills

Clear and brief communication is the key to effective problem-solving, acting as the bridge that connects diverse perspectives and adjusts individuals toward a common goal. Good communication begins with the art of expression. This needs choosing the right words and structuring information logically. Active listening, on the other hand, is the skill of receiving information with focus.     3    .

Learn from mistakes

Mistakes are not failures but a good way to success.     4    . Analyze what goes wrong, identify areas for improvement and use this knowledge to inform your future problem-solving efforts. It not only accelerates the learning process but also encourages collective problem-solving skills.

    5    

The journey to becoming an expert problem solver is an ongoing process of growth and improvement. Seeking continuous learning opportunities ensures that you stay ahead of changing challenges and acquire the necessary skills. Furthermore, networking with professionals in your field provides a good way of shared learning.

A．Stay well informed

B．Seek continuous learning

C．Improving it requires a structured approach

D．Each mistake will give you a chance to think and learn

E．Out-of-the-box thinking is essential for problem solving

F．These will make sure your message is easy to understand

G．It involves not just hearing words but understanding the differences

8 . Searching for a new cat to add to your family? If your home already has a cat, you may wonder how your cat will welcome a new partner.     1    Continue reading for tips on how to do that.

Your existing cat’s needs come first.     2    Does your cat prefer female cats over male cats? If he/ she enjoys the company of female cats, adopting a female cat can help. If you adopt a young kitten as a companion for your older cat, it can work well as kittens get along with a cat of any age.

Shower your existing cat with extra attention. Cats can be territorial when it comes to their space; the same can be true for their owners as well.     3    Giving your cat more hugs and care during the introduction of a new cat can help ease his/ her bad feeling. This also helps your cat accept and trust the new one more quickly.

    4     When you bring your new cat home, it’s best to keep the cats in different rooms. This way they won’t try to defend their territory. Each should have their own space with bowls and cat furniture so he/ she don’t feel the need to compete. And do spend time with the new cat as he/ she can also be stressed in a new environment.

Introduce the new cat slowly. Your cats will have the chance to get used to each other’s smell through the door. When they seem interested in meeting, you can bring one into the other’s territory.    5    If you notice either of the cats getting uncomfortable, separate them.

A．Separate the cats initially.

B．Make sure your cat feels at home.

C．Do this at least a few days after the new cat arrives.

D．Think about your existing cat’s personality and habits.

E．Your cat can get envious of a newcomer easily if feeling ignored.

F．Give both cats a special treat when they first meet to encourage peace.

G．There is a process to make the change less stressful for both you and the cats.

9 . How to communicate complex information?

Did you ever have to read a presentation where you felt like you’re lost in confusing terms, data and concepts? Are you giving others this same experience?     1     But there are ways you can simplify your presentation and reengage your audience. Here’s how you can get complex information across.

Use interactive content. It gets the readers more involved in your presentation by letting them play an active part.     2     Beyond that, questionnaires and chatbots provide personalized and specific answers to readers as part of your presentation. Making your presentation interactive used to be hard, but now you can just use Storydoc. Go make your first interactive presentation. It’s easy as pie.

    3     No one will read a presentation with a thousand words. Do everyone a favor and use images. Images can be super effective at communicating complex information and save you a lot of needless text. In fact, visual representation of data and concepts can often convey what words cannot. Use diagrams and images to illustrate your points and simplify the complex.

Narrate your content.     4     Whether it’s through text to speech Al or video bubbles, centering your presentation around a story can help guide your audience through the complexity, making it more digestible, engaging, and memorable.

Use examples and fables. They can help explain clearly the complexity of ideas for they are what we’ve already known and understood.     5     More importantly, the real secret lies in selecting examples that are not just familiar but also deeply relevant-those are the ones that will truly ring with your listeners

A．Show, don’t tell

B．Make every word count.

C．This makes the complex concepts less new and more familiar

D．If you don’t sound excited, the listeners won’t feel excited either

E．Storytelling is another powerful tool for communicating complex concepts.

F．Communicating complex information is a common challenge in presentations

G．For example, allow them to choose the content route they wish to take and control the pace.

10 . Every delicious steak you have ever enjoyed eating started with a good cut of meat. However, picking that perfect cut can be challenging — supermarkets are flooded with options, and it is not as straightforward as simply choosing the one with the highest price tag. Follow this guide for some advice.

Tenderloin (US), Fillet (UK), Eye Fillet (AUS/NZ)

A classic cut, the tenderloin comes from the strip of muscle tucked against the backbone of the animal. As this muscle does not do much work, this is the tenderest cut of beef — which also makes it the most expensive, and arguably the most desirable. We say “arguably” because, while the tenderloin is supremely lean and a favorite of those who love their steak to melt in their mouth, it can also be tasteless. Filet mignon, widely referred to as the creme de la creme (精华) of all steak cuts, is cut from the very tip of the tenderloin.

Ribeye (US/ UK), Scotch fillet (AUS/NZ)

This cut, from the rib section of the animal, comes with an abundance of rich marbling. The ribeye won’t give you that same “melt-in-your-mouth” feeling, but it is still one of the tenderest cuts available. Differently, the ribeye is cooked with the bone in, while the Scotch fillet is not.

Strip (US), Sirloin (UK), Porterhouse (AUS/NZ)

Coming from the hindquarter of the animal, the strip is not quite as tender as the tenderloin, or loaded with quite as much flavor as the ribeye, but for many steak lovers, it is just right. The best part is that because this all-rounder has a bit more chew and a bit less marbling than those cuts, it tends to be less expensive.

T-bone

Can’t decide between the tenderloin and the strip? Why not both? The T-bone is cut with strip on one side of a bone, and tenderloin on the other. With two very different textures (口感) and flavors, the T-bone gets the best of both worlds, but it can also be more difficult to cook. The meat closer to the bone is slower to cook than the rest of the steak.

1. What makes the tenderloin the most expensive part among the steak?

A．Different textures.	B．Much flavor.
C．Rich marbling.	D．The tenderest cut.

2. What can we learn about the steaks from the passage?

A．It’s not a piece of cake to pick a perfect cut.

B．All things considered, Ribeye is the best.

C．A good cut only means the most expensive one.

D．It usually takes little time to cook T-bone.

3. Which of the following is not mentioned in the article concerning steak?

A．Price.

B．Packaging.

C．Cooking method.

D．Flavor.