1 . Steven Elliot grew up in a poor town in China. He knew he wasn’t in the same _________ as the other kids of his age. For one, Steven’s parents had so little to support their children _________ and they could barely afford to survive. _________, Steven never resented (憎恨) this and was grateful for all his parents provided. Like any kid of his age, he wished one day that he could also have a _________ of his own to play with.

Steven’s uncle decided to do something to help. Finally, in the _________ job market, he managed to get a job. After working a full-time job, his monthly salary _________ merely $400 dollars. Yet, despite the horrific pay for the exhausting _________, Steven’s uncle worked hard day and night with one purpose in mind — to buy a PS2 for the nephews. He _________ it. The cutting-edge gadget (小玩意儿) became the _________ of Steven’s childhood.

For a kid like Steven, growing up in a modest environment, toys weren’t just a fun __________ — they were a creative outlet, too. When they played, their imagination grew and when their imagination grew, they could begin to __________ the seeds for the impossible.

Now, since he is on the cover of Forbes, Steven has __________ it. He gifted his uncle a big “toy” — a brand new SUV. Even better, he has his own company. It’s easy to see how Steven’s upbringing __________ the vision he has behind his company. As a(n)__________, his “affordable luxury” business model is informed by his childhood and wanting to be the change he wanted to see in the world. That is the art of hoi sum(Cantonese)Steven has __________ — living with an open heart.

1.

A．shape

B．situation

C．direction

D．field

2.

A．heartily

B．orally

C．financially

D．mentally

3.

A．Therefore

B．Otherwise

C．Also

D．However

4.

A．game

B．friend

C．pet

D．toy

5.

A．competitive

B．international

C．civil

D．dynamic

6.

A．led to

B．amounted to

C．submitted to

D．referred to

7.

A．adjustment

B．assessment

C．labor

D．life

8.

A．mended

B．hit

C．made

D．revealed

9.

A．intention

B．highlight

C．target

D．exhibition

10.

A．escape

B．assistant

C．reminder

D．work

11.

A．harvest

B．observe

C．store

D．plant

12.

A．missed

B．proved

C．estimated

D．overstated

13.

A．changes

B．displays

C．influences

D．forecasts

14.

A．businessman

B．interviewer

C．employee

D．player

15.

A．practised

B．anticipated

C．memorized

D．reserved

2 . 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。

Five years ago, a homeless kitten wandered in a park, its fur matted and eyes wide with fear. Hunger bit its tiny body. Accidentally, a kind-hearted woman Shelley Hall spotted the trembling ball of fur and felt a tug at her heartstrings. Approaching slowly, she extended a gentle hand, offering food and warmth. Feeling Shelley’s kindness, the kitten accepted her food and home offer. At home, Shelley named the kitten Sophie. In the warmth of Shelley’s care, Sophie transformed from a scared wanderer to a beloved companion, seeking out affection and purring contentedly in her arms.

For the past two years, Shelley would go for daily walks in the woods with a cat carrier attached to her back and Sophie would peer out. “I tell her that her job is to bring joy - and she does,” Shelley said, recalling how her cat would greet the people they passed. “She’s very sweet and social.”

Sophie was also very confident, until that day last summer when the cat jumped out of her carrier and an energetic dog chased her away. Shelley searched for Sophie all day, but the cat didn’t come back.

“It was the worst day of my life,” Shelley said. She found herself experiencing the worst weeks of her life. After putting up posters, posting on social media, and searching the 565 acres of forest surrounding Royal Roads University every day from dusk until dawn, there was no sign of Sophie. “It is like she vanished into thin air,” Shelley said. “It does get harder and harder to believe that you are going to find her.” But then a former neighbour, Marilyn Hanner, stepped up to help. “There’s nothing to think about,” Marilyn said after being asked why she joined the daily search for Sophie. “You have an animal in danger, you jump in.” Marilyn and her husband also bought four trail cameras to set up around the forest. “If you have the means, why wouldn’t you?” Marilyn said.

注意：1.续写词数应为150左右;
2.请按如下格式在答题卡的相应位置作答。

As weeks turned to months, the cameras captured countless other creatures—from slugs(鼻涕虫)to a cougar(美洲狮).

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Sophie and Shelley were reunited after being apart for more than three months.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

3 . Pawn shops (典当行) have long been known as treasure banks of unexpected finds. From musical instruments to electronics, these establishments offer a diverse range of items that motivate the imaginations of both buyers and sellers. In this article, we explore the fascinating world of popular items frequently pawned at shops. Now, fasten your seatbelts and get ready for a journey through the fascinating stock of pawn shops.

In today’s digital age, electronics have become an essential part of our lives. From smartphones and laptops to gaming devices and home entertainment systems, pawn shops have become hotspots for tech enthusiasts seeking bargains and unique finds. These shops are packed with the items that have bridged distances, captured memories, and entertained us in various ways.

Guitars have a magnetic charm, attracting musicians and enthusiasts alike. From vintage classics to contemporary models, pawned guitars arouse a sense of nostalgia and craftsmanship. They have been the backbone of countless melodies and the catalyst (催化剂) for musical dreams. Whether it’s a legendary electric guitar that once rocked a stadium or a humble acoustic (原声吉他) that accompanied close and friendly performances, each guitar carries a unique tale of passion and creativity.

Pawn shops are also renowned for their dazzling arrays of jewelry. Rings, necklaces, bracelets, and watches — these delicate pieces hold sentimental value and timeless beauty, carrying stories of love, milestones, and cherished memories. From vintage heirlooms to modern designs, the jewelry section of a pawn shop offers a remarkable mixture, where you can find unique and eye-catching pieces and appreciate the charm and craftsmanship of fine decoration.

So, the next time you find yourself near a pawn shop, step inside, explore the aisles, and let your imagination roam. You never know what hidden treasures you might uncover, or what remarkable tales you might encounter in the attractive world of pawned items.

1. Who would most probably enter a pawn shop?

A．A research chemist.	B．A travel planner.
C．A wedding food provider.	D．A family party organizer.

2. What can we do in pawn shops?

A．Conserve the antiques.	B．Appreciate fairy tales.
C．Practice with the craftsman.	D．Experience the history and love.

3. What does the underlined word “sentimental” mean in Paragraph 4?

A．Emotional.	B．Social.
C．Economic.	D．Decorative.

4. What is the best title for the text?

A．Legends behind Pawned Items Never Disappear

B．Hidden Treasures in Pawn Shops Speak

C．Try Various Pawn Shops to Meet Your Beloved

D．Borrow Attractive Old Things from Pawn Shops

4 . Tilly Williams, a Parkside primary student, has broken a world distance running record, beating other girls who were eight years older than her to run 5,000m in just 17 minutes and 22. 7 seconds.

Tilly started running just three years ago and has already shot straight to the top. When some of her friends told her about the international record, she decided to give it a go while competing at the SA State Championships.

“Some of my running friends told me about it and I was like, wow, it would be crazy if I got that and here I am,” Tilly said. “I am the kind of person who really enjoys the challenge,” she added, “I really love surfing and I love bike riding and hiking - all different kinds of adventures and sports.”

She started running in 2021 when she joined her school’s cross-country team. Since then, she has run two to three times a week with her dad, Mark Williams, or at the Adelaide Harriers Athletics Club.

Tilly said, “It’s good knowing that my family’s on my side and my friends are on my side as well. Usually I just go out and run with my running group and with my dad as well because it is like a bond.”

Tilly doesn’t follow a strict diet, so her favourite food is still on the menu - her dad’s home-cooked pizza. “I do love pepperoni pizza,” she said.

“You never think that anyone’s going to get a world record at this age, at any age really. It’s just surreal,” Mr. Williams said, “It’s very important to recognise these achievements, but also to stay very much grounded and just enjoy the other pursuits that she likes. She loves her running, but she does so many other things as well and I think it’s really important that the focus is on life rather than just one thing.”

1. What do we know about Tilly?

A．She prefers surfing to bike riding.

B．She failed at the SA State Championships.

C．She holds the 5000m record of her age.

D．She’s lucky to have her dad as her coach.

2. What might Williams agree?

A．We’d better concentrate on a single thing.

B．Tilly deserves the reputation and praise.

C．Tilly should make efforts to keep her record.

D．People should consider needs more than hobbies.

3. Which of the following can best describe Tilly?

A．Gifted and persevering.	B．Optimistic and careful.
C．Determined and humorous.	D．Dynamic and warm-hearted.

4. Where can we find this text?

A．www. naturewatch. com.	B．www.thecookinghouse.com.
C．www. kidsnews. com.	D．www.adventuretours.com.

5 . On Sept. 17, 2022, a father and son set out to begin the first of three legs of the Ironman competition in Cambridge, Maryland. Jeff Agar, 59, and his son, Johnny Agar, 28, weren’t the ______ participants. Johnny has cerebral palsy (脑瘫), resulting in his difficulty walking and muscle weakness. Jeff would act as his arms and legs, ______ carrying the weight of his son throughout the race. To ______ as completion, competitors must complete a(n) ______ 140 miles of swimming, bicycling and running in under 17 hours.

From the day Johnny was born, Jeff and his wife refused to let their son be ______ by disability. ______ to show Johnny that he could pursue his dream of being an athlete, when he was 15 years old, they ______ him up with my Team Triumph, an organization that helps kids with ______ engage in endurance (耐力) sports.

Johnny became ______ to racing, and Jeff wanted to be a part of it. Jeff began waking up at 4 am to run while ______ Johnny in a racing chair. Every morning, he ______ himself to run increasingly longer distances.

After 16 hours, 55 minutes and 35 seconds, the father and son ______ the finish line together. As the crowd ______ and congratulated Johnny, Jeff kept a low ______ . “He didn’t want attention to his finish line moment,” says Johnny. “He wanted it to be ______ .”

1.

A．distinct

B．typical

C．ambitious

D．amateur

2.

A．consciously

B．anxiously

C．hopefully

D．literally

3.

A．qualify

B．emerge

C．serve

D．continue

4.

A．impressive

B．smooth

C．frightening

D．exhausting

5.

A．given away

B．turned down

C．taken on

D．held back

6.

A．Forced

B．Discouraged

C．Determined

D．Prepared

7.

A．signed

B．cheered

C．lifted

D．brought

8.

A．experiences

B．difficulties

C．capacities

D．disabilities

9.

A．sensitive

B．attracted

C．limited

D．important

10.

A．pushing

B．comforting

C．displaying

D．treating

11.

A．permitted

B．warned

C．drove

D．persuaded

12.

A．drew

B．left

C．spotted

D．crossed

13.

A．thanked

B．surrounded

C．encountered

D．disturbed

14.

A．voice

B．rate

C．profile

D．grade

15.

A．theirs

B．mine

C．yours

D．his

6 . Abeid was born in a village of Tanzania and dreamt of flying a plane, soaring (翱翔) through the sky. Due to financial difficulties, he became a wildlife guide instead.

Abeid didn’t give up. He became a chief pilot of hot air ballooning at the age of 20. His passion for flying was matched by his skill both as a pilot and as a guide. Then, he came up with the idea of flying across the Serengeti from east to west, which would take four flights on successive days, taking off and landing where no one had ever seen a balloon before.

As a journalist, I was so lucky to make a journey with Abeid. We were up at 3 am. Abeid walked into the basket and checked the lines and the fastenings. Moments later, he was instructing me to get into it. With barely time to catch my breath, he gave a long blast (猛吹) on the burners and the basket tipped upright.

Over the following days, we gasped at the joy and wonder of the sky; at the beauty and complexity of the land beneath us. There was no fear, just a sense of being part of something fantastic as we floated in the silence of the African sky.

But not everything went entirely to Abeid’s carefully worked-out plan. The rains that had started to fall every afternoon slowed the air. On the final day, we landed 20km short of the destination. Luckily, we finally made the crossing the next morning.

When we were returning to the land, crowds of people shouted and waved. Many children looked up as we flew over them, and started to run. As Abeid brought the balloon down, people gathered around the balloon, pressing against the basket. Those children were also there, flushed and breathless, eyes wide with amazement. Abeid and I both looked at each other in silent agreement. Suddenly we were helping some children into the basket. Abeid lifted off and we flew just a few hundred metres with the excited crowd running alongside.

I realized that Abeid’s journey was more than just about flying. It was about hope, inspiration, and the joy of sharing one’s passion. And as I penned down the last words of this extraordinary experience, I knew that Abeid’s story would resonate (回荡) far beyond the Serengeti.

1. What did Abeid dream of?

A．Being a wildlife guide.	B．Being a journalist.
C．Flying a hot air balloon.	D．Flying a plane.

2. Which of the following best describes the journey across the Serengeti?

A．Smooth.

B．Pioneering.

C．Painful.

D．Eco-friendly.

3. What agreement did Abeid and the author reach?

A．Showing their technical skills.	B．Teaching the children to be a pilot.
C．Taking the children for a ride.	D．Attracting people to their show.

4. What would be the best title for the passage?

A．A Beautiful View: from East to West

B．A Balloon Adventure: the Dream Soaring High

C．Different Job Experiences: from a Guide to a Pilot

D．A Wildlife Exploration: the Unforgettable Experience

7 . At my first Lions Club meeting I found myself sitting next to the happiest person I’ve ever known, who was in his eighties. Over the next few years, I learned about his sixty-six years of perfect meeting _________.

As Ken entered his nineties, it became increasingly _________ for him to drive, so I offered to pick him up so he could continue to attend the Lions meetings. I soon _________ our weekly drives together.

When Ken was a child, his family had little money, but he was _________ to attend college. Through his hard work and perseverance, he became a dentist. Sharing his stories, Ken often challenged me to be _________. When I said, “I have to go to work,” Ken _________ me to say instead, “I get to go to work.” It was this small _________ that made me realize I had the power of _________ in my life.

I often went to Ken’s nursing home. One day I arrived but found Ken was not there. A nurse told me, “Ken has been rushed to the hospital because of a stroke.” My heart _________, and I went to the hospital without any delay. As I entered Ken’s room, I saw him sitting in a wheelchair. He glanced up slowly and __________ me. Quickly he smiled. After __________ each other, Ken waved his good arm and leg and said __________, “Look, this side works!”

Before long Ken fully __________ from his stroke, and I enjoyed the time with him even more until he passed away at ninety-seven. Lion Ken taught me much about life. He’d told me, “It’s __________ that life will throw lemons at us, but it’s up to us how we choose to __________ them.” And I just felt extremely blessed to have been a part of his life.

1.

A．reception

B．organization

C．attendance

D．management

2.

A．essential

B．tough

C．urgent

D．frequent

3.

A．appreciated

B．missed

C．tolerated

D．disliked

4.

A．embarrassed

B．determined

C．supposed

D．frightened

5.

A．modest

B．aggressive

C．positive

D．confident

6.

A．allowed

B．helped

C．warned

D．reminded

7.

A．correction

B．change

C．adaptation

D．gesture

8.

A．decision

B．belief

C．goal

D．choice

9.

A．jumped

B．broke

C．sank

D．stopped

10.

A．approved

B．neglected

C．pressured

D．recognized

11.

A．greeting

B．knowing

C．introducing

D．meeting

12.

A．calmly

B．excitedly

C．coldly

D．obviously

13.

A．suffered

B．resulted

C．recovered

D．benefited

14.

A．interesting

B．unusual

C．doubtful

D．certain

15.

A．deal with

B．think of

C．look after

D．account for

8 . It all began in Everett, Washington, where my project team was in the process of conducting one of our business systems. So tough was the project that we often stayed up completing the tasks assigned. All of us were worn out. One night, as I walked through the parking lot with one of my employees. I found a cent and picked it up. Glancing at my exhausted employee. I suddenly had an idea to delight him. Playfully, I presented the cent to the employee and said, “This is an informal award for your efforts.” He put the cent in his pocket. “Thank you,” he said, a wave of joy sweeping across his face.

About six months later, I was walking with the same employee、this time in Los Alamitos, California, when I again found a cent and gave it to him with the same words.

Later, I got into his office and there, taped on a piece of paper were the two cents, which made me surprised. He said he was displaying them as his recognition for a job well done.

Other employees noticed the cents proudly displayed and began asking why they hadn’t received any. They were also longing for the “reward”. It was then that I started handing out cents, explaining that they were for recognition, not for reward. Soon, so many people wanted them that I designed a cent holder. The front features a place for a cent and beside it the phrase, “Your work is recognized!” The back has room for 30 more cents and the phrase, “Your achievements count!”

One time, I spotted an employee, Mia, doing something right and wanted to recognize her, but I didn’t have a cent, so I gave her a quarter. Later the same day she stopped by and returned 24 cents.

That’s how the “One Cent Award” was born. It’s become a significant source of recognition in our organization.

1. Why did the author give a cent to the employee initially?

A．To praise him.	B．To amuse him.
C．To reward him.	D．To surprise him.

2. What inspired the author to hand out cents?

A．The design of a cent holder.	B．The shared beliefs in his team.
C．The eagerness of fellow employees.	D．The expectation for better achievements.

3. Why did Mia return the author 24 cents?

A．One cent stood for recognition.	B．She was advised to do so.
C．The author was mean with money.	D．It is the company’s strict regulation.

4. Which can best describe the employees?

A．Greedy.

B．Motivated.

C．Aggressive.

D．Talented.

10 . 阅读下面材料，在空白处填入适当的内容（1个单词）或括号内单词的正确形式。

At age 25, Lance Armstrong was one of the world’s best cyclists. He proved it by     1    (win) the World Championships and multiple Tour de France stages. Lance Armstrong seemed ever-victorious and his future was bright. Then they told him he had cancer. Next to the challenge he then faced, bike racing seemed insignificant. The diagnosis was testicular cancer, the     2    (common) cancer in men aged 15-35. If    3    (detect) early, it had a promising 90 percent cure rate. Like most young, healthy men, Lance ignored the warning signs, and he never imagined the     4    (serious) of his condition. Going untreated, the cancer     5    (spread) to Lance’s abdomen, lungs and brain. His chances dimmed.

Then a combination of physical conditioning, a strong support system and his     6    (compete) spirit took over. He declared himself not a cancer victim     7     a cancer survivor. He took an active role in educating himself about his disease and the treatment. Armed     8     knowledge and confidence in medicine, he underwent aggressive treatment and beat the disease.

During his treatment, before his recovery, and before he even knew his own fate, he created the Lance Armstrong Foundation,     9     marked the beginning of Lance’s life as     10     advocate for people living with cancer and a world representative for the cancer community.