1 . Beijing police said on Friday that a Chinese soccer fan who ran onto the field to hug soccer legend Lionel Messi during a match on Thursday in Beijing, has been detained (逮捕).

During a friendly match between Australia and Argentina in the Workers’ Stadium in the city’s Chaoyang district on Thursday, the fan, whose surname is Di, ran onto the field, giving a hug to his favorite footballer Messi. He was run after by security guards but he managed to flee and high-five Argentina goalkeeper Emi Martinez before being caught.

The match was only interrupted by Di’s act for a short period. On the field, Argentina triumphed over Australia with a 2-0 win eventually, although the game was likely to be remembered for other reasons.

In a series of videos posted online after the game the fan apologized to his hero for his “bad behavior”. “Messi, I’m sorry... I’m really sorry to meet you this way. I really wanted your signature , but they were running after me, so I didn’t ask for it,” he said.

The police said on Friday that Di, 18, has been given an administrative custody , with a ban of watching similar matches in stadiums within the next 12 months. The police did not tell clearly how many days Di will be detained, but under the Chinese law, punishment for such an offence is no more than 10 days. If the situation is serious, it could be expanded to 15days at most.

The police said, “There are rules of games. Players who break the rules will be punished by judges, or even get yellow or red card. Soccer fans watching games also have rules to follow. Acts that cross the lines will also be punished according to the law.”

A Chinese state media said while the fan’s passion was understandable, it did not support his behavior, adding that it would interrupt the game and end anger public safety.

Most people expressed their admiration for the fan’s courage because he did what they had wanted to do but dared not to. At the same time, they also criticized Di for not obeying the game rules and bringing many security risks to the event.

1. What is the main purpose of the first paragraph?

A．To give a brief introduction of the event.

B．To provide background information about the match.

C．To explain what fans should do when attending a game.

D．To warn the fans not to break the public rules.

2. Why was the Chinese soccer fan arrested by the police?

A．Because he gave a hug to the judge.

B．Because he interrupted the game for a long time.

C．Because he managed to escape punishment.

D．Because his behavior was against the rule of football match.

3. What does the underlined word “triumphed over” in paragraph 3 probably mean?

A．Competed against.

B．Defeated.

C．Conflicted with.

D．Misunderstood.

4. What do most people think of Di’s behavior?

A．They totally admired his courage.

B．They criticized him for attacking the guard.

C．They disapproved of his breaking the rules.

D．They wanted to follow suit and hugged their favorite stars.

2 . Students to Compete in 34th National Science Bowl

Thousands of students from middle and high schools across the country have committed themselves to extra study hours as they prepare to compete in the Department of Energy’s (DOE’s)34th National Science Bowl(NSB). These students are hard at work now to win their regional competitions, hoping to advance to the final competition.

The first regional event will take place on January 13th with high schools from the D. C. /Maryland area. Teams will face off in a fast-paced, question-and-answer format, and their knowledge in all areas of science and mathematics will be tested. Regionals will continue weekly until mid-March.

The winning team from each qualifying regional competition will be qualified to compete in the National Finals to be held in Washington, D. C. , from April 25-29, 2024, with all expenses paid by DOE. The national event consists of several days of science activities and sightseeing, along with the competitions.

In the National Finals, the top two teams will earn $5, 000 for their schools’ math and science departments. Schools ranking in the top 16 will receive $1, 000 for their science departments. But to many, the ultimate prize is simply the honor of winning the National Championship.

Today, the NSB annually draws more than 10, 000 middle and high school competitors. Since the first competition in 1991, approximately 344, 000 students have faced off in the NSB Finals. The 2024 competitors will follow in the footsteps of previous NSB contestants and will blaze a trail for students in science, math, and engineering. For more information, please visit the Office of Science website.

1. Which word can best describe the regional competitions?

A．Fair.

B．Interesting.

C．Special.

D．Challenging

2. What can we learn about the National Finals?

A．The championship victory is highly valued.

B．The event only involves fierce competitions.

C．Most of the expenses will be covered by DOE.

D．The prize money will be awarded to individuals.

3. What is the text?

A．A news release.	B．A survey report.
C．A learning project.	D．A scientific review.

3 . 阅读下面短文，根据所给情节进行续写，使之构成一个完整的故事。

The Save

Instantly Casey raised her hand, she feared she had made an awful mistake.

“OK,” Coach said. “Casey will be goalie (守门员) in the fourth quarter.”

Casey nodded uneasily. She had just joined the Eagles. Now she had volunteered to be goalie, a position that required confidence, which she lacked.

Casey swallowed hard when taking her turn in front of the goal for pre game warm-ups. The goal suddenly looked as big as a movie screen.

When Casey jogged over to her dad near the sidelines, she said quietly, “I cannot do it.”, blinking back tears. “Sure you can,” Dad encouraged her. “Just keep your head up and be aggressive (好斗的). You might surprise yourself.”

The game kicked off and Casey’s teammates scored three quick goals. Clearly, they were the better team mostly because their opponents’ best player was at a piano recital (演奏会). At halftime the Eagles led, 4 to 0. But then she noticed the Comets’ star, number 25 racing toward the field. The piano recital had ended.

Number 25 was flashing across the field, dribbling (带球) past defenders. She zipped past several players and kicked the ball hard into the goal. It was 4 to 1. Two minutes later, number 25 intercepted (拦截) a pass and weaved down (穿行) the field, controlling the ball as if it were tied to her foot. She scored again. It was 4 to 2.

Casey felt her stomach tighten. Soon she would be the one helplessly guarding the goal.

The whistle went. Number 25 scored a third time. The Eagles led by one goal.

“OK, Casey,” Coach said as the Eagles huddled up before the fourth quarter. “You go in goal.”

Casey stood in front of the net. She yelled for her teammates, who were dominating the game again. They hadn’t scored, but Casey hadn’t had to make any saves either. Number 25 appeared to be tired.

Casey’s heart raced whenever the ball came. But each time it was kicked away. Now there were two minutes left. “Hurry up,” Casey thought. “If I never have to touch the ball, we’ll win the game. I’ll never ...”

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。

Suddenly number 25 had the ball and was racing up the side-line.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Casey backed quickly toward the net as number 25 sent another shot.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

4 . Coco Gauff used to visit the Grand Slam tournament (大满贯锦标赛) as a kid to see her idols Serena and Venus Williams. Now she is a champion there herself. On Sept 9, the 19-year-old from the US won her first major women’s singles title at the 2023 US Open (美国网球公开赛).

After an average start, Gauff surged to a 2-6, 6-3, 6-2 victory over her bigger, stronger opponent, Aryna Sabalenka, from Belarus, who became the new world No.1 the day after the tournament ended.

Unlike the Williams sisters, who have obvious force and power, Gauff is small and slim. But she moves fast on the tennis court. Forbes magazine said, “She is the quickest and perhaps already the best returner of impossible shots in tennis history.”

Even though Sabalenka is a very powerful hitter, it felt like she had to finish each point four or five times, as Gauff’s defense was so perfect, noted The Telegraph. This ended up frustrating Sabalenka and caused her to make 46 unforced errors.

Gauff thus became the first American teenager to win the US Open since Serena Williams, then 17, in 1999. When asked about “taking the torch” from the 23-time Grand Slam winner and the similarity between their tennis careers, Gauff told ESPN, “Serena is Serena. She’s the greatest of all time... I’d hope to do half of what she did. But I’m not going to compare myself to her. She’s some one that I look up to.”

Now, Gauff’s big win has left tennis fans wondering: When’s her next Grand Slam? That’s no easy task. Two of the past four US Open women’s champions were teenagers at the time, Canada’s Bianca Andreescu in 2019 and the UK’s Emma Raducanu in 2021, and neither has come close to repeating their success yet. But one thing about Gauff is certain — that at just 19 years old, the sky’s the limit.

1. What do we know about Gauff’s performance in the game at the 2023 US Open?

A．She made 46 unforced errors.	B．She was leading from the start.
C．She defeated a stronger opponent.	D．She became world No.1 afterwards.

2. According to the text, what are Gauff’s advantages?

A．Her force and power.	B．Her speed and defense.
C．Her figure and height.	D．Her services and attacks.

3. Who is “the 23-time Grand Slam winner” mentioned in paragraph 5?

A．Aryna Sabalenka.

B．Bianca Andreescu.

C．Coco Gauff.

D．Serena Williams.

4. What does the underlined sentence “the sky’s the limit” imply in the last paragraph?

A．It is hard for Gauff to push back her limits.

B．Gauff will consider switching to other sports.

C．Gauff has potential for greater future success.

D．Teenage sportsmen often fail to continue their success.

5 . I was first going into this final day, the Junior Sled Dog Championship. We’d trained two years and wanted to beat Blake. I knelt down to pat Kenai and my hands ______ from nerves and excitement. Kenai tipped up his face to lick my chin. “You are ______, aren’t you?”

Just before the count down started, Blake shot me a _____ grin, hands trembling too. Then I heard, “Go!”______ I could yell   “Hike!”, Kenai leaped forward. The rest of the dogs _____ after. We started last. We flew down the long hill. Then we ______ a corner. I leaned to keep the sled steady. Kenai saw Blake’s team before I did. His tail flew up, and he ______ . Seeing his tongue still flopping forward, I let him go all out. We closed the ______. A bridge later, we inched closer. On the next hill, Kenai drew even with Blake’s sled and then we passed it.

____ our sled hit a branch. The runners caught. I lost my ______ and fell off the sled. Witnessing the sled come to a stop, I struggled through the deep snow to Kenai. I ____. His shoulder was bleeding.

“Kenai! No!” My voice came out a howl. Kenai ______ to stand. He looked at me, his blue eyes______ to keep on. He would do it, too. For one frozen moment I saw myself on the winner’s stand with the trophy (奖杯). But no. I bent and gently ______ Kenai in a blanket.

The race vet examining Kenai, I watched Blake accept the trophy. Kenai squirming in my lap, I leaned over upon him. Just at that moment, I felt a warm tongue on my wet cheek. I smiled and realized that I had the ____ that really counted.

1.

A．softened

B．shook

C．withdrew

D．extended

2.

A．clever

B．thirsty

C．helpful

D．ready

3.

A．broad

B．satisfied

C．tight

D．slight

4.

A．As

B．Beyond

C．Before

D．After

5.

A．pulled

B．charged

C．jumped

D．barked

6.

A．cut

B．missed

C．kept

D．rounded

7.

A．took off

B．flew away

C．turned around

D．bent forward

8.

A．race

B．difference

C．gap

D．goal

9.

A．Suddenly

B．Finally

C．Gradually

D．Occasionally

10.

A．way

B．hold

C．temper

D．sight

11.

A．quitted

B．insisted

C．sighed

D．froze

12.

A．struggled

B．decided

C．refused

D．pretended

13.

A．forcing

B．begging

C．ordering

D．persuading

14.

A．took up

B．put up

C．brought up

D．wrapped up

15.

A．achievement

B．companion

C．prize

D．friendship

6 . 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。

The giant digital torchbearer lit the main flame, alongside the Olympic champion Wang Shun, during the opening ceremony of the 19th Asian Games Hangzhou. It was back     1     Sunday night.

The giant torchbearer, with a new name “Wave Rider”, made a return     2     (appear) for the closing ceremony in Hangzhou Olympic Sports Centre Stadium,     3     is referred to as the “Big Lotus”.

The closing ceremony, themed “Enduring Memories of Hangzhou”,     4     (bring) the athletes to the center stage. Sha Xiaolan, chief director of the ceremony, said the show also extended heartfelt gratitude to all the volunteers whose     5     (contribute) have been important in the success of the Games. The beauty of technology dazzled, with a     6     (note) highlight of the “digital lawn”. This seemingly ordinary lawn hid     7     is called a remarkable technology secret. Meanwhile, Chinese culture also continued to stand out through the closing ceremony. Sunday coincided with “Cold Dew”, one of the 24 solar terms on the Chinese lunar calendar,     8     (mean) a time when lotus flowers give way to osmanthus (桂花) in Hangzhou.

Wu Yan, the executive producer of the closing ceremony, said that she hoped this moment from the closing ceremony     9     (root) in everyone’s hearts forever as a cherished memory of the Asian Games     10     of Hangzhou, both of which will impress everyone.

7 . 听下面一段独白，回答以下小题。
1. What did the two men plan to do?

A．Attend a sailing race.

B．Travel between two islands.

C．Get away from their country.

2. How did the two men feel about the adventure?

A．Relieved.

B．Optimistic.

C．Upset.

3. How were the two men rescued?

A．They were found by a passing boat.

B．They boated to the nearest shore.

C．They found a floating device.

8 . The title of “Aaron’s younger brother” was earned when I had won the second place in my first tennis tournament at the age of six. Whenever I ________ onto a tennis court, it was as though a gluey name label, which had been ________ stuck onto me.

I wanted to ________ Aaron, my older brother, whose fame had reduced me to a ________ tennis player. Then came a big tennis match against Aaron. As I shook Aaron’s hand at the start of the match, I stared at him and focused on how this match was going to ________ everything.

The tennis court seemed to stretch out further than usual, but I could still ________ the confident look on Aaron’s face. He knew that my honor ________ in comparison to his. Finally, we were down to the last set, neck and neck in points. That was when the setting sun cast his figure over me, ________ me that I would always be walking in his ________ if I did not prove myself.

I prepared myself for the finishing blow, ________ of Aaron’s past matches flooding through my mind as I ________ the weakness of his smash (扣球) the ball would always fly towards the left of the court. I extended my arm to the left in anticipation of where the ball was going to land. The ball made ________ with my racket and was lobbed over Aaron’s head successfully. He could do nothing but ________ his undefeated status as champion being removed by his younger brother.

While I was still enjoying the unfamiliar feeling of ________ minutes after the match was over, a man, whom I vaguely recognized from a ________ tennis club, approached me. “What is your name, son?” he asked. A smile spread across my face.

1.

A．marched

B．stepped

C．jumped

D．rushed

2.

A．frequently

B．originally

C．permanently

D．occasionally

3.

A．recommend

B．praise

C．evaluate

D．defeat

4.

A．nameless

B．hopeless

C．worthless

D．fearless

5.

A．appreciate

B．change

C．explore

D．settle

6.

A．put down

B．pull out

C．take up

D．make out

7.

A．disappeared

B．wrinkled

C．paled

D．doubled

8.

A．reminding

B．ordering

C．instructing

D．expecting

9.

A．trust

B．shelter

C．credit

D．shadow

10.

A．scores

B．images

C．records

D．highlights

11.

A．hid

B．admitted

C．recalled

D．overcame

12.

A．contact

B．progress

C．movement

D．adjustment

13.

A．maintain

B．improve

C．confirm

D．witness

14.

A．harmony

B．success

C．competition

D．relief

15.

A．previous

B．special

C．famous

D．tiny

9 . Our much-loved 100-Word-Story Competition is back!

Our 100-word-story competition is your chance to show the world your storytelling talents!

Your stories should be original, unpublished and exactly 100 words — not a single word shorter or longer! Entries are now open and the submission deadline is January 5, 2024. Multiple entries are allowed per person. We are unfortunately only able to consider UK-based entries.

Rules

Please ensure that submissions are original, not previously published and exactly 100 words long (not including title). Don’t forget to include your full name, address, email and phone number when filling in the form. We may use entries in all print and electronic media.

There are three categories — one for adults and two categories for schools: one for children aged 12-18 and one for children under 12.

Submission

Please submit your stories by 5pm on January 5, 2024 either online or by post addressed to:

Reader’s Digest

100 Word Story Competition

Warners Group Publications

West Street

Bourne

PE109PH

Prizes

The editorial team will pick a short list of entries, and the three best stories in each category will be posted online at readersdigest. co. uk on February1, 2024. You can vote for your favourite, and the one with the most votes will win the top prize and receive ￡1,000. Voting will close on February 29, 2024 and the winning entries will be posted online on April 16, and published in our May 2024 issue.

PS: Reader’s Digest is a member of the Independent Press Standards Organisation (which regulates the UK’s magazine and newspaper industry). We abide by the Editors’ Code of Practice and are committed to upholding the highest standards of journalism.

1. Who is likely to qualify for the competition?

A．An Indian primary student.	B．A well-known Chinese writer.
C．A British writing lover.	D．An American chief editor.

2. When will the readers appreciate the best winning works in Reader’s Digest magazine?

A．January, 2024.	B．June, 2024.
C．February, 2024.	D．December, 2023.

3. What can we learn about the competition?

A．You have to submit your work before February 1, 2024.

B．Only one story of yours is allowed to be in the competition.

C．Buying one copy of Reader’s Digest is a must to be in the competition.

D．Both preschool children and in-school students can participate in the contest.

10 . Hearing the Olympics were coming to Vancouver, I decided to go for its voluntary work. I’d forgotten what it was like to put myself out there to make friends. I was glad I didn’t have anyone I knew with me because I wouldn’t have met Callie ________. Taking the risk of sitting by her started a ________. I still keep in touch with her.

As night fell before the opening ceremonies, I was stationed outside the MMC. Accents from all over ________ my ears. The games seemed to ________ the whole world. Suddenly, I could see people running toward the harbour. I turned to Callie, “Isn’t that the way to the torch (火炬)?” We looked at each other and started to run. My heart pounded as I sprinted. The air seemed to be ________ with everyone’s excitement, like a kind of electric energy pulsing through us. I’d never felt a(n) ________ like it before. Then, fireworks ________ into the air above us. Their bright colors glittered against the dark sky. I had ________ the lighting of the torch many times on TV, but to actually see it ________ was amazing. When the last of the fireworks ________, there stood the Olympic torch unveiled (揭幕) in all its ________ with its flames licking at the night sky.

Even now, I can still remember the heat from the torch. I had been one of the ________ MMC staff to walk underneath it while it burned. A beacon (灯塔) of ________ for the future. I stood for a moment right under it, listening to the ________ voices of my new friends, and I knew I’d made one of the best ________ of my life.

1.

A．otherwise

B．therefore

C．however

D．instead

2.

A．conversation

B．cooperation

C．friendship

D．career

3.

A．struck

B．filled

C．blocked

D．awoke

4.

A．dominate

B．rebuild

C．change

D．unite

5.

A．charged

B．accompanied

C．connected

D．furnished

6.

A．wonder

B．impact

C．atmosphere

D．challenge

7.

A．flooded

B．transferred

C．released

D．exploded

8.

A．watched

B．advocated

C．sought

D．identified

9.

A．in particular

B．in person

C．as well

D．as usual

10.

A．died down

B．set off

C．came out

D．passed by

11.

A．power

B．reputation

C．glory

D．faith

12.

A．permanent

B．professional

C．reliable

D．lucky

13.

A．view

B．hope

C．appeal

D．aim

14.

A．excited

B．determined

C．convincing

D．astonishing

15.

A．contributions

B．conclusions

C．decisions

D．evaluations