1 . Two-Man Ironman

On Sept.17, 2022, Jeff and his son, Johnny, set out to begin the first of three legs of the Ironman competition,where competitors must complete a 140 miles of swimming, bicycling and running in under 17 hours. Not that long ago, Johnny could barely walk a few steps because he was born with cerebral palsy (脑瘫). But his dream of being a runner never stopped.

From the day Johnny was born, Jeff refused to let his son’s disability hold him back. Determined to show Johnny that he could pursue his dream of being an athlete, Jeff helped him engage in running. They began waking up at 4 a.m. so Jeff could run while pushing his son in a special wheelchair called a racing chair. Every morning, they drove themselves to run increasingly longer distances. Soon, they were entering 5K races, then on to Ironman competition. Jeff would act as Johnny’s arms and legs, carrying the weight of his son throughout the race.

The race began with a 2.4-mile swim. Settling Johnny into a kayak, Jeff eased himself into the water. Swimming while dragging another person was very tough. But worst of all, Jeff had to struggle with jellyfish. “I occupied my mind by counting the   number of times I got stung (蛰),” he says.

After the two men completed the tough bike section in roughly nine hours, they set their sights on the final leg of the race — a 26.2-mile marathon. They’d been competing for 10.5 hours, leaving another 6.5 hours to make their time.But at Mile 19, Johnny saw the clock ticking down and worried they wouldn’t make the cutoff. Despite the tiredness, Jeff was convinced they were going all right and then picked up the pace.

With minutes left and 200 feet to the finish line, Jeff stopped to help Johnny out of his racing chair and handed him his rolling walker. After years of painstaking work, Johnny was determined to finish his races on his own. After 16 hours, 55 minutes and 35seconds,the father and son crossed the finish line together.

As the crowd cheered on an overwhelmed Johnny, a weary Jeff kept a low profle. “My father didn’t want his finish line moment,” says Johnny, tears in eyes. “He wanted it to be mine.”

1. Why did Jeff lead Johnny to running?

A．To get closer to Johnny.	B．To fulfill Johnny’s dream.
C．To discover Johnny’s interest.	D．To speed up Johnny’s recovery.

2. What challenged Jeff most in the swimming race?

A．Lack of energy.	B．Pain from injuries.
C．Mental tiredness.	D．Body weight change.

3. Which of the following can best describe Johnny according to the passage?

A．Strong-willed and grateful.	B．Warm-hearted and sensitive.
C．Patient and generous.	D．Tough and humorous.

4. What does the passage mainly tell us?

A．Actions speak louder than words.	B．Fathers are not born; they are made.
C．The value of a loving father has no price.	D．Success comes from failures along the journey.

2 . As this year draws to a close, I still remember the fear I felt on a bright Saturday morning in late September, at a five-kilometer race in Clarkston, Georgia, as I waited for my 11-year-old son at the finish line.

I knew he could run a 5k in about 30 minutes. When I didn't see him at the 35-minute mark, I began to wonder what had gone wrong. Had he gotten lost? Was he hit by a car? About an hour earlier, when we drove into town, my son noticed an insect on my car. It was bright green, no longer than a fingernail. And it was friendly. This little green thing hopped onto my son's finger, where it stayed for a long, long time. It stayed so long that we eventually gave it a name: Little Friend.

A few minutes before the race, Little Friend jumped off my son’s hand and landed on the sidewalk. But pedestrian traffic was heavy and unpredictable. Little Friend was in danger. So my son knelt and reached out his hand. Little Friend came back.

The race was about to start, and the tiny green insect was in for a wild ride. My son would run fast, and the race would be long, and his arms would swing, and Little Friend would eventually be shaken off.

“You will lose Little Friend,” I told him.

My son nodded, treating the moment with appropriate seriousness.

The race began, and I lost sight of him.

The excitement at the finish line gave way to anxiety when my son did not show up.

I kept asking people if they'd seen him. No one had. And beyond the 40-minute mark, I was in a panic.

But there he was, thank goodness, just ahead of the 45-minute mark.

And there was Little Friend, riding on the upper crook of his right thumb like a very small captain on a very tall ship.

My predictions had been wrong. My son had not run fast, and he had not lost Little Friend. And these two facts seemed somehow related. He blamed a cold he was getting over. I suspected it was more than that, but I didn’t question him too much about it.

We walked back to the car, smiling, and found some bushes in the parking lot that seemed like a good place for my son to drop off Little Friend.

“Be free,” my son said, and gently put it in the bushes.

My son knew the truth. Sometimes life gives you something beautiful, a fragile, short-lived treasure in your hand. There is no need to rush ahead. Treat it gently. Enjoy each moment. Hold on while you can.

One day my son will leave too, running off on his own adventure.

1. How did the writer probably feel when he finally saw his son appear in sight?

A．Relieved.

B．Depressed.

C．Satisfied.

D．Disappointed.

2. The son failed to run as fast as his father had expected probably because ________.

A．he was lost	B．he was recovering from a cold
C．he was afraid to lose the tiny insect	D．he was slowed down by the heavy traffic

3. As for the way his son treated Little Friend, the writer is ________.

A．indifferent

B．anxious

C．appreciative

D．doubtful

4. What will the writer most probably do after the race?

A．Treasure every moment he has with his son.

B．Encourage his son to take more adventures.

C．Tell his son to take races seriously.

D．Get more insects for his son.

3 . 阅读下列短文，根据短文内容填空，在未给提示词的空白处仅填写1个适当的单词，在给出提示词的空白处用括号内所给词的正确形式填空。

The Special Olympics Unified Sports was a natural development of the Special Olympics — a program that shows what    1    safe sports organization should be. The Special Olympics began as a day camp    2    (create) in 1963 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, Shriver’s Camp encouraged many universities and organizations to host similar events. It jumped to the international stage when the United Nations declared 1986    3    “The Year of the Special Olympics,” Austria held the first international Special Olympics in 1993. The summer games went worldwide in Dublin, Ireland in 2003. The Special Olympics    4    (partner) with more than 172 countries across the world and has provided more than five million people with year-round training and activities.

4 . 语法填空

The Hangzhou Asian Games is a significant sporting event. It was held in 2023 in Hangzhou China. It     1     (bring) together top athletes from various Asian     2     (country) and regions to compete in a wide range of sports, showing the excellence and diversity of Asian sports. The design of the torch (火炬)     3     (inspire) by the Liangzhu Culture. It presents to the world the unique creativity of Chinese design.

5 . The Ultimate Guide to STEM Competitions & Events

STEM competitions allow individuals or student teams to solve a specific challenge or problem through science, technology, engineering, or mathematics. The followings are different events at this time.

Congressional App Challenge
What: Students must code and build an app by themselves. The apps are judged in district-wide competitions.
Who: High school students.
When: From June 15 to November 1, 2023.
Where: Online.
Prize: Winners receive a free trip to display their work in the Capitol Building.
Regeneron Science Talent Search
What: Entrants must conduct an original independent research project. Besides application letters, recommendation letters and transcripts(成绩单) are also needed.
Who: Any student in their senior year of high school.
When: From June 1 to November 8, 2023.
Where: Selected finalists will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington D. C. for in-depth judging.
Prize: Over $2 million in awards are given; first-place prize is $ 250,000.
THINK Challenges
What: This competition is for high school students who are in the early stages of an original research project, rather than being fully completed.
Who: High school students.
When: 2023 registration is closed; 2024 details are to be decided and will likely open in November 2023.
Where: Online.
Prize: Selected finalists are invited to a 4-day all-expenses-paid trip to MIT’s campus to meet professors in their field of research! $1000 will be given.
Source America Design Challenge
What: Student teams are to use STEM concepts to create a totally new product that empowers people with disabilities.
Who: High school and collegiate-level students.
When: Registration for Design Challenge 2022 is still live!
Where: The finals take place in Washington D. C.
Prize: Grand prize is $ 8,000 per team and $ 6,000 to the affiliated school.
1. In the STEM competitions, participants can ________.

A．design an app based on judges’ choices	B．create an invention to help the disabled
C．present a fully completed research project	D．get recommendation letters from professors

2. If someone wants to win a free trip to a university, the one will join in ________.

A．THINK Challenges	B．Congressional App Challenge
C．Regeneron Science Talent Search	D．Source America Design Challenge

3. Which is a requirement for all the applicants?

A．They must be available for an outing trip.	B．They must register 2023 competitions.
C．They must be high school seniors.	D．They must submit original works.

6 . Regeneron Science Talent Search (Regeneron STS) is the oldest and most important science research competition for high school students all over the nation. Started in 1942, Regeneron STS recognizes and empowers most promising young scientists. Each year, nearly 2,000 students enter Regeneron STS. The competition awards 300 student scholars and their schools annually and invites 40 student finalists to Washington, D. C. to participate in final judging. Regeneron STS provides an important platform for their original research which is examined and reviewed by professional scientists.

What are the requirements?

●Applicants must be over 13 years of age and have legal parental permission to submit (提交) the application and participate, or be 18 years of age or older;

●Applicants must complete individual research projects to enter Regeneron STS. Research conducted as part of a pre-collegiate student team project is not qualified for Regeneron STS;

●Applicants must submit application package through our online system, and must not have entered any previous Regeneron STS.

What are the core components of an application?

●Essays, short answer responses, activities and basic information;

●Scientific Research Report (maximum 20-page research paper about one of the applicant’s original research projects);

●Recommendations submitted by adults;

●Test Scores (optional).

What could the applicants win?

●PARTICIPATION AWARDS: All competitors will receive a T-shirt, laptop stickers, and a free one-year subscription to Science News magazine.

●SCHOLAR AWARDS: Each of the 300 scholars will receive a $2,000award.

●SCHOOL AWARDS: The schools of each scholar will receive $2,000 per scholar. The award is intended to contribute to excellence in science, math and/or engineering education at the school.

●FINALIST AWARDS: Judges select 40 finalists from among the scholars. In addition to an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D. C., finalists receive a minimum award of $25,000.

1. From Paragraph 1, we know that Regeneron STS ________.

A．was started before the 1940s

B．recognizes 40 scholars every year

C．is a platform for professional scientists

D．is a nationwide science research competition

2. According to the passage, applicants are required to ________.

A．be over 18 years old

B．submit applications online

C．have entered Regeneron STS before

D．have completed the research for a team project

3. Who will win a minimum award of $25,000?

A．Each finalist.	B．Each participant.
C．Each scholar.	D．Each of the scholars’ school.

7 . 阅读下列短文，根据短文内容填空。在未给提示词的空白处仅填写1个恰当的单词，在给出提示词的空白处用括号内所给词的正确形式填空。

On September 28, 2023, Tigst Assefa of Ethiopia     1     (shock) the running world. Her record was far beyond     2     most people expected. Last September, she first entered the Berlin Marathon, and set a new women’s record for the course. This year, she ran almost four minutes     3     (fast) than she did last year. Assefa had a secret weapon — her shoes. The shoes     4     (make) so that they collect energy every time the runner lands and give a special spring as the runner’s foot leaves the ground again.

8 . Sportsmanship is the cornerstone of competitive sports, representing the principles of fair play, respect and honesty. It goes beyond winning and losing, emphasizing the importance of moral behavior, respecting each other, and fellowship.

At the heart of sportsmanship lies the concept of fair play. It fosters (培养) a culture of rule-following, fair judgment, and equal opportunities for all participants. Fair play encourages athletes to compete with integrity, showing honesty and accepting the outcomes gracefully. It fosters an environment where cheating, unsportsmanlike and rude behavior are discouraged. By upholding fair play, athletes develop a sense of morality (道德) and a strong character that extends beyond the field of sports.

Sportsmanship also includes respect and empathy (共情), creating an environment that encourages understanding and camaraderie. Athletes show respect for opponents, officials, and teammates, recognizing their contributions and valuing their abilities. They appreciate the various backgrounds, skills and perspectives that athletes from different teams bring to the game. Through respect and empathy, sportsmanship bridges gaps, promotes inclusivity and fosters a sense of unity among athletes and fans alike.

Sportsmanship is shown by athletes who act as role models, inspiring others with their conduct on and off the field. When athletes display sportsmanship, they send a powerful message to young fans, teaching them the importance of fair play, respect and moral behavior. This positive influence extends to society as a whole, where sportsmanship can shape attitudes, values and behaviors beyond the field of sports. By upholding the principles of sportsmanship, athletes contribute to a healthier, more caring society.

Sports organizations, coaches and educators play an important role in promoting sportsmanship. They should foster an environment that encourages fair play, respect and honesty. Emphasizing sportsmanship in training programs and competitions helps athletes develop a strong moral compass,empowering them to make moral choices both in sports and in life. Furthermore, fans and audience should also welcome sportsmanship, creating a positive atmosphere that encourages fair competition and respect for all participants.

Sportsmanship is the bedrock of competitive sports, emphasizing the values of fair play and respect. It improves the sporting experience, fosters unity and shapes athletes into responsible and caring individuals. By promoting sportsmanship, we can create a sporting culture where victories are celebrated but fairness, respect and the spirit of the game take center stage.

1. What does the underlined word “camaraderie” mean in Paragraph 3?

A．Friendship.

B．Leadership.

C．Contribution.

D．Competition.

2. What are Paragraphs 2 and 3 mainly about?

A．How sportsmanship is understood.	B．Why sportsmanship is stressed.
C．When sportsmanship is shaped.	D．Where sportsmanship is treasured.

3. What can be learned from Paragraph 5?

A．Athletes should be trained to make moral choices.

B．Audience could influence athletes’ performance in sports.

C．Promoting sportsmanship requires everyone’s contribution.

D．Officials should take a lead in creating a positive atmosphere.

4. What is the best title for this passage?

A．Sportsmanship:Advantages of Doing Sports

B．Sportsmanship:Spirit of Fair Play and Respect

C．Showing Sportsmanship:Qualities of a Good Player

D．Teaching Sportsmanship:Values of Honesty and Courage

9 . 阅读下面短文，根据短文内容填空。在未给提示词的空白处仅填写1个恰当的单词，在给出提示词的空白处用括号内所给词的正确形式填空。

The opening ceremony of the 19th Asian Games     1     (hold) in Hangzhou on September 23, bringing many     2     (athlete) gathering around. The ceremony was themed “Memories of Jiangnan”, using the element of water     3     (show) the natural beauty and cultural charm. The three mascots (吉祥物) )are a group of robots     4     (name) Congcong, Lianlian and Chenchen.

10 . Many places around the world host marathons that aim to provide their runners with a special experience. If you’re planning to run a race，check out some of these beautiful marathon destinations.

Inca Trail Marathon

Are you up for a challenge? Hosted at Cusco, Peru, the Inca Trail Marathon is regarded as one of the most difficult marathons in the world. With Cusco’s rich history of being once the capital of the Inca Empire, participants can explore several ancient archeological sites. During the run, participants will get to see the surprising landscape of the “Lost City of the Incas”, Machu Picchu, and the Sacred Valley.

Athens Marathon

Held in Greece, the Athens Marathon is perfect for those of you who are interested in history mythology (神话), and architecture. There are many tourist spots and historic sites to visit like the Parthenon and the Acropolis of Athens. During the race, audience will be cheering on the participants creating an atmosphere similar to the Olympics.

Big Sur International Marathon

Held at Carmel，California，the Big Sur International Marathon is known as the world’s largest rural marathon. Before the race，participants generally visit the world — famous Monterey Bay Aquarium (水族馆), which owns rich animals. The Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is another attraction stretching from 3,000-foot mountain ridges (山脉) to underwater canyons and rocky seaside cliffs.

Big Five Marathon

Located at Limpopo, South Africa, participants can explore and check out the wildlife of the African savannah. The marathon is held in one of the “Big Five” game reserves in Africa. There are no fences or rivers that separate the runners from the African wildlife. Make sure to keep your mind clear You might find an elephant or even find yourself running alongside giraffes.

1. What can participants do at the Inca Trail Marathon?

A．They can make the best performance.

B．They can enjoy ancient architecture.

C．They can learn about the Inca Empire.

D．They run through the Sacred Valley.

2. What do participants often do before the Big Sur International Marathon starts?

A．They go up 3,000-foot mountain ridges.

B．They see all kinds of sea creatures.

C．They visit underwater canyons.

D．They climb rocky seaside cliffs.

3. Which are you advised to take part in if you are interested in buildings?

A．The Athens Marathon.

B．The Inca Trail Marathon.

C．The Big Sur International Marathon.

D．The Big Five Marathon.