1 . When we think of a grocery store, we usually picture aisles of food and everyday necessities. But sometimes, it’s also where unexpected ________ are formed, turning a simple store into a backdrop for heartwarming human connections.

Ellie Walker, ________ at a British grocery store, was known for her friendly demeanor. Ellie enjoyed the daily chat with customers but never ________ how deeply these interactions could impact her life.

It was during one of these ________ conversations that Ellie encountered Edwin Holmes, an elderly regular customer, who ________ that he had no one to spend Christmas with.

This revelation ________ a chord in Ellie’s heart, as she couldn’t bear the thought of Edwin spending the festive season alone.

Edwin had lost his wife in 2006 after 45 years of marriage. His family, including a daughter and grandchildren, lived in Australia, making it ________ for them to be together during the holidays. This left Edwin facing the prospect of a ________ Christmas.

Upset about Edwin’s situation. Ellie decided to ________ a gesture of kindness. She invited him to join her for a Christmas meal, hoping to ________ a memorable and joyous experience for both of them.

“I thought, if it was my granddad and he was alone, I would want someone to talk to him.” Ellie’s invitation to Edwin was more than just a kind ________ it was a start of their friendship.

From that memorable Christmas dinner, a beautiful friendship ________. Ellie and Edwin began meeting regularly for coffee, sharing stories and enjoying each other’s ________.

Their relationship, which started with ________ conversations in a grocery store, had ________ a meaningful and enduring friendship.

1.

A．techniques

B．bonds

C．ideas

D．steps

2.

A．candidate

B．participant

C．employee

D．volunteer

3.

A．planned

B．meant

C．argued

D．anticipated

4.

A．routine

B．positive

C．bitter

D．amusing

5.

A．agreed

B．revealed

C．requested

D．debated

6.

A．charged

B．outgrew

C．struck

D．overlooked

7.

A．cautious

B．impossible

C．competitive

D．sympathetic

8.

A．lonely

B．warm

C．shared

D．delightful

9.

A．extend

B．command

C．discipline

D．assign

10.

A．allow

B．beg

C．remind

D．create

11.

A．fear

B．prejudice

C．gesture

D．temptation

12.

A．conducted

B．stressed

C．blossomed

D．remembered

13.

A．company

B．comfort

C．entertainment

D．leisure

14.

A．delicate

B．casual

C．difficult

D．potential

15.

A．put about

B．taken in

C．struggled for

D．grown into

2 . For lots of kids, toddlerhood (幼儿期) is an important time for friendship. Studies show that the earlier kids learn to form positive relationships, the better they are at relating to others as teenagers and adults. Playing together also helps these kids practice social behaviors, such as kindness, sharing, and cooperation.

Even so, how quickly your child develops into a social creature may also depend on his temperament(性格). Some toddler s are very social, but others are shy. In addition, the way that toddlers demonstrate that they like other children is markedly different from what adults think of as expressions of friendship. Research at Ohio State University in Columbus found that a toddler’s way of saying “I like you” during play is likely to come in the form of copying a friend’s behavior.

This seemingly unusual way of demonstrating fondness can result in unpleasant behavior. Regardless of how much they like a playmate, they may still grab his toys, refuse to share, and get bossy. But experts say that this is a normal and necessary part of friendship for kids this age. Through play experiences, toddlers learn social rules. That’s why it’s so important to take an active role in your toddler’s social encounters by setting limits and offering frequent reminders of what they are. When you establish these guidelines, explain the reasons behind them.

Begin by helping your child learn sympathy (“Ben is crying. What’s making him so sad?”), then suggest how he could resolve the problem (“Maybe he would feel better if you let him play the ball.”). When your child shares or shows empathy(同理心) toward a friend, praise him (“Ben stopped crying! You made him feel better.”).

Another way to encourage healthy social interaction is by encouraging kids to use words- not fists-to express how they feel. It’s also important to be mindful of how your child’s personality affects playtime. Kids are easy to get angry when they’re sleepy or hungry, so schedule playtime when they’re refreshed.

1. What does it indicate when toddlers copy their playmates’ behavior?

A．They are interested in acting.	B．They are shy with the strangers.
C．They are fond of their playmates.	D．They are tired of playing games.

2. What does the author suggest parents do for their kids?

A．Design games for them.	B．Find them suitable playmates.
C．Play together with them.	D．Help them understand social rules.

3. What is the function of the quoted statements in paragraph 4?

A．Giving examples.	B．Explaining concepts.
C．Providing evidence.	D．Making comparisons.

4. Which of the following is the best title for the text?

A．How Children Adapt to Changes	B．How to Be a Role Model for Children
C．How Your Baby Learns to Love	D．How to Communicate with Your Kid

3 . If you are struggling with social anxiety, and don’t know how to find good friends, you can use the following important ways to meet new people.

    1    

A bookstore is a great place to get to know people with a true sense of curiosity. Meeting new people in the bookstore is lovely because your conversations have depth. You can talk about the different stories you’ve read.     2    .

Go traveling

Traveling is one of the most adventurous ways to meet other people. People will be in a good mood, particularly when traveling for a vacation, which opens up chances to meet new people in a happy way.     3    , you explore different places, and create positive memories while meeting new people from different cultures. You’ll make new friends during this happy moment in your life.

Attend a music festival

If you love songs, attending a music festival is the perfect choice for you. In this way, you really can’t escape meeting new people since you’re surrounded by hundreds or even thousands of people in one place, enjoying the live music.     4    . There’s a big chance that the people you meet in this event are connections you’ll remember even after it ends. If the event is several days long, you might notice that you go out with those strangers for a couple of days. After the event, you might choose to stay in touch.

Take a course

There’s no better way of making new friends and meeting people than taking a course. You can take a course such as learning a skill.     5    , you gain knowledge and a skill, and you get to socialize with a new set of people.

A．Visit a museum

B．When you travel

C．Go to the bookstore

D．By taking a course you’re interested in

E．If you are fond of exploring the world

F．And you can share your ideas about reading and books, too

G．The excitement of music festivals can create lasting friendships

4 . If hearing the importance of good social relationships makes you think that you might not have enough, you aren’t alone, said Adam Smiley Poswolsky, workplace belonging expert and author of “Friendship in the Age of Loneliness”.

    1     However, the hope of developing new friendships — or strengthening existing ones — can be disappointing. It’s frightening to think about friendship in adulthood, and the sense of defeat keeps us from even trying, Poswolsky said.

His suggestion?     2     Text a friend that you haven’t talked to for a long time, commit to meeting one new person a month, host a dinner party, or join a class. If you do just one thing, make a list of five people in your life that you care about, and give one of them a phone call. The most remarkable friendships often begin with tiniest moments of connection.

Remember that you likely won’t form a strong connection overnight. Research shows that we need 90 hours of time together to consider someone a friend and more than 200 hours to consider them a close friend that you have an emotional connection with. Poswolsky suggested that in our busy world, we should put our friendship on the calendar.     3    

But studies also show that it isn’t just about having relationships.     4     Poswolsky considers that there might not be just one definition of a good friendship, but most strong relationships share some similar qualities. They tend to prioritize (区分优先次序) laughter, joy, excitement, courage, weakness and a lack of judgment.

    5     They become better versions of themselves, especially when their friend is struggling or going through something hard. You know someone is a true friend when they have your back when you’re sick, when you lose your job, when you make a mistake, when you’re going through a break-up, when you’re stressed, when you’re sad.

A．Start small.

B．The quality also matters.

C．Listen and ask real questions.

D．Many people may feel lonely and want closer connections.

E．And good friendships are often two people helping each other.

F．In other words, we should commit to bolding activities regularly.

G．But having relationships between good and bad often can be unhelpful.

5 . 阅读下面材科，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。

On my fortieth birthday, I moved into my new home. In doing so, I also moved into a new neighborhood. Over the last years, I've made friends with everybody in my last neighborhood. However, I had difficulty getting on with my new next-door neighbor.

On most days, we had a friendly relationship and sometimes we were able to give each other a hand. The conflicts (冲突) came around the hunting season. I kept cows on my land and my neighbor lived by hunting. One day, my neighbor came knocking at my door, saying that he had injured a deer that then ran onto my land and asking if he could follow and finish it, and I refused. Later, I searched for the deer for several hours but found no signs of any deer.

Certainly, it caused poor relations between us. When my neighbor did kill a deer, he hung it behind his house within a few feet of my house. For days as I drove in and out, there was that deer. I knew they needed the meat; it was part of their income (收入), but the hanging deer really annoyed me. In the neighborhood I was one of the few who didn't back hunting.

For more profit, my neighbor also cut wood. He sold some for money, and used some to heat his home. One cold winter day, I asked him the price of his firewood and ordered some. The next day it was delivered. Although it looked big, it did not last as long as I expected, so I ordered some more. I was worried this could get expensive.

One day, as I drove down my path, he waved to me and said he had just cut some wood, but it was of poor quality and he needed some space. He said he would give it to me for free. I happily accepted this gift. Over time, he must have discovered that our need was great, for every time he had extra wood, we would have it. I came to appreciate his helpfulness, trust and kindness.

注意：1.续写词数应为150左右；
2.请在答题卡的相应位置作答。

Then one day I got an idea.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

In the daily exchange with my neighbor, we became close.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

6 . 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。

People often have a tough time dealing with their feelings of disappointment. That is when you should give them time and understanding and he or she just might come around before long.

I remember talking with my friend Avery about the coming school play Alices Adventure in Wonderland, which we both applied for. Avery had a talent for acting and she was anxious for playing Alice while for me I didn’t care what part I played as long as I would be in. However, when character list was posted, we were surprised to find that I got the part of Alice and Avery was chosen to act the rabbit. I guessed it was because I hadn’t been nervous at all during the audition (试演). But that situation really didn’t occur to me.

Then I asked Avery, “Do you want to come over after school and we can practice our lines?” “You mean, practice your lines?” Avery replied, not even looking at me. “No, thanks. I’m pretty busy this week.” I continued to ask if it would be OK for next week but her answer was negative and full of anger.

That night at dinner, after my parents congratulated me on getting the lead role, they asked how I felt. “Well, I can’t understand.” I said and told them about Avery’s reaction and I believed that she pretty much threw away our friendship.

“Hmm,” said my dad. “Arizona, don’t you think this might be an opportunity for you to be an extra-good friend?” “Dad’s right,” added my mom. “Sometimes when our friends do well, we feel envious (羡慕的) and don’t know how to act. Try giving her a little time and understanding. She’ll come around.”

Over the next week, I did my best to give Avery some space. I practised my lines but I knew I needed some help since my voice was not expressive enough. Day by day, Avery’s attitude seemed softened. As the rehearsal (彩排) day was near, I made a decision.

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。
One day after school in the rehearsal room, I approached Avery.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Then came the big day.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

7 . 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。

“Here you go,” Melanie said, handing Ava a pink envelope.

“Thanks.” Ava said. “But what is it?”

“An invitation to my pool party. It’s Saturday at two. There will be a lot of fun things to do. You are going to love it so much. Do come, please.” Melanie kept talking but Ava wasn’t listening.

The words “pool party” echoed (回响) through her mind. Ava had a secret she didn’t even tell her best friend Melanie — Ava couldn’t swim. Every time she tried to learn, she’d wind up with water up her nose and she’d be out of the pool as quickly as possible.

“You’re coming, right?” Melanie said

“Huh?” Ava jumped.

“Do you think you could come a little early? I could use your help inflating (使充气) the floating basketball hoops (篮筐) and the ball. And I will need you to help me set the tables.”

Ava didn’t know what to say. Melanie was one of her best friends. She couldn’t miss her party. But she didn’t want the whole school to find out she couldn’t swim. That would be too embarrassing. “I think I might be busy this Saturday,” Ava said, lowering her head. She saw the disappointment on Melanie’s face. “Maybe I could stop by for a little while, but I definitely wouldn’t have time to swim.”

Ava spent the rest of the school day trying to avoid Melanie’s questions about what she had to do on Saturday and why she couldn’t stay for the whole party. Ava felt awful. That night she asked her parents to ground her or make other plans so she couldn’t go to Melanie’s party.

“Ava, this is silly,” her mother said. “Melanie is your best friend. She won’t care that you can’t swim.” Ava wasn’t so sure.

“Just be honest with Melanie. She will understand you,” her father said.

注意：1. 续写词数应为150左右;
2. 请按如下格式在相应位置作答。
When Saturday arrived, Ava’s parents drove her to the party right on time.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Ava decided to tell the truth.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

8 . True love is happiness. True love is sharing your world with your dearest. How do you turn friendship into love? Is there a fine line between the two?     1    

Be considerate and thoughtful towards the person.

Whatever the situation is, put yourself in your friends’ shoes. If they are in trouble, help them out.    2     If they are sad, be a shoulder to cry on. Nobody doesn’t like to be close friends with a considerate and thoughtful person.

    3    

If you’re really good friends with some people, go into town to catch a coffee, invite them on walks, or just invite them to your house for a bit of a catch-up. The possibilities are endless. Just make sure you know them well enough to feel comfortable having deep conversations and sharing your world with them. You don’t want them to be creeped out (爬出) with your sudden eagerness and interest.

Help them out once in a while.

    4     If they’re having a bit of crisis in work, let them believe in you. If they’re having problems with family and friends, give good and sensible advice. The bottom line is to be caring.

Be caring and friendly.

Try not to have any arguments, even though they can easily happen. Don’t ever cheat and always look your best for them.    5    

A．Make eye contacts with them.

B．Spend plenty of time with them.

C．If they are happy, be happy with them.

D．Respect them and be friendly to them.

E．Here is a simple guide to seeking true love.

F．Have opinions, express your views and be a real friend.

G．If they’re struggling at school, go over a few topics with them.

9 . 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。

Peter started working from home when his wife Annika passed away years back. Although he would take his daughter Mary to school every morning, she would usually walk home with her friend Anna every afternoon, He would then sit in the hallway, waiting for her to arrive.

In the past month, Peter noticed that Mary would always return home with her clothes dirtied. He didn’t think much of this, as he thought maybe she played with other kids at school on the field or at the playground. However, he started to notice that Mary would no longer walk with Anna. Mary usually came back around twenty to thirty minutes after Anna.

He asked Anna’s mom what happened. “The girls are having one of those quarrels (争吵) again. You know, teenage girl stuff.” Anna’s mom said. This didn’t sound good to Peter, so the next day, he decided to see where Mary would go after school.

Peter waited inside his car from across the school. He saw Mary leaving, and her clothes were not dirty. He started the car and slowly followed her as she walked. After a while, she turned towards an old abandoned house and entered. Peter quickly parked the car and ran towards the house to follow her inside where he saw Mary approaching an old man in dirty clothes

“Mary! Get away from him!” he shouted, Mary jumped at her dad’s loud voice and dropped the bag of food she had brought for the man.

“But Dad…” she started to say. Before she knew it, Peter lifted her from the ground and brought her inside the car.

“Mary, you can’t be walking into abandoned houses and talking to homeless men like that! What if he did something to hurt you?” he said angrily. “Promise me, Mary. You’re not going back there.”

Hesitantly (迟疑地), Mary nodded. “I promise. But Daddy, can you please get the drawings he made for me? Please, I want the drawings,” she said.

Mary wouldn’t stop crying, so after he dropped her home, Peter went back to the abandoned house. “My daughter won’t stop talking about some drawings she left over here,” Peter said to the man.

The man quietly handed him pieces of paper. Peter was surprised to see that they were portraits (肖像) of his late wife.

注意：1．续写词数应为150左右；
2．请按如下格式在相应位置作答。
“Your daughter is a kind young girl,” the man started to explain.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Peter then asked the man if he wanted to work in an art shop nearby run by his friend.
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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。

A study found that     1     takes about 34 hours of investment to shift from a superficial acquaintance to a true friendship. According to the study, a total of 11 interactions are required to move from acquaintance to friendship, with the average friendship     2    (take) 5.5 months to turn into something solid.

According to the study, “Lockdown made people rethink a lot of their friendships. And one of the big problems has been that friendships are very     3    (depend) on continued investment of time, so if you aren’t able     4    (see) individuals at the necessary rate, they’re just going to slide.”

The study found certain     5    (quality) are most important for friendship. In particular, 61% of respondents believe a sense of humor is an essential ingredient of friendship, and 44% say it’s about holding similar values. For 26%, friendship     6    (drive) by similar interests and activities. People also say friendship is based on being trustworthy (26%) and reliable (23%).

The researcher Robin Dunbar became famous     7     his classic theory that people can maintain meaningful relationships with about 150 others. This is not only based on brain size, but also     8     amount of time and investment it takes to maintain connections with each other. Within their 150 relationships, the average person has about five people who are close friends—the people you can really rely on, and with     9     you have the     10    (deep) relationships.