1 . 听下面一段较长对话，回答以下小题。
1. What did the IOC announce on Monday?

A．The change of the Youth Olympics.

B．The time of the Paris Olympic Games.

C．The addition of breaking to the Olympics.

2. What is the purpose of making recent changes?

A．To appeal to young people.

B．To make the Olympics fairer.

C．To replace old Olympic events.

3. Why will Paris partner with Tahiti?

A．Tahiti allows the surfing event.

B．Tahiti needs more attention.

C．Tahiti is a popular place.

2 . The winning artworks from the first Young Botanical Artist Competition are appearing in an exhibition at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew, London. The competition was open to young people aged 16 to 25 and received more than 1, 000 entries from people in 77 countries.

Botanical art is a special type of drawing or painting that helps botanists describe plants and fungi. It brings to life the tiniest details of grasses, flowers and trees, including their colour and shape, and has been an important scientific tradition for hundreds of years. In fact, Kew Gardens, which is 264 years old and home to 50, 000 plants, has always had a botanical artist in its team.

The theme of the competition was trees, and the winner of the 16 to 18 age group was Marianna Zych (aged 17) from Poland. Her entry, Prunus Serrula, shows the delicately peeling bark of the Tibetan cherry tree, which Zych created with watercolours after just one month of painting classes. The winner of the 19 to 25 category was Khanh Ly Nguyen from Vietnam, whose watercolour, Bauhinia Variegata Leaf, reveals the clear details of an orchid tree leaf.

Both will appear in an exhibition of 50 artworks at the Shirley Sherwood Gallery at Kew Gardens. All of the featured artworks were picked for their creativity and accuracy by a panel of judges that included botanical artists from around the world. The exhibition runs until April 2024 and visitors are also being asked to vote for the People’s Choice award, which will be announced in April.

Maria Devaney, who manages galleries and exhibitions at Kew Gardens, said botanical art is about inspiring curiosity and discovering the natural world. “It’s been wonderful to see such an enthusiastic response to the competition as a whole,” she said. Dr Shirley Sherwood, a writer and botanist who collects plant pictures, said she was delighted to see first-hand the next generation of talented botanical artists.

1. What can be inferred about Marianna from the third paragraph?

A．She has formally studied painting since childhood.

B．She is from Poland which is full of Tibetan trees.

C．She has limited experience in watercolor painting.

D．She is famous for revealing the details of tree leaves.

2. What is Shirley’s attitude to the new generation of botanical artists?

A．Skeptical.

B．Indifferent.

C．Disappointed.

D．Optimistic.

3. What would be an appropriate title for this article?

A．The Historical Significance of Botanical Illustration

B．Young Talents Blossom at the Royal Botanic Gardens

C．The Evolution of Botanical Art in Modern Times

D．Gardening Tips from the Experts at Kew Gardens

4. Where could this article most likely have been published?

A．On a fashion website.	B．In a gardening magazine.
C．In an academic textbook.	D．In a cooking review journal.

3 . Four of the World’s Toughest Ultramarathons

Ultramarathons, as a niche activity (小众活动), involve longer races than the usual 42.2-kilometer marathon. Here are four of the toughest ultramarathons around the globe, attracting runners to challenge themselves.

Badwater 135

Badwater 135 is a 217-kilometer trek (长途跋涉) from California’s Death Valley to the Mt. Whitney trailhead. Some of the hottest temperatures on Earth have been recorded here, and it’s not unusual for runners to face temperatures around 48.9℃ during the July event. Participants typically dress in white and step only on the road’s white painted markings, as the blacktop (柏油路) melts oboes.

Barkley Marathons

There’s no question that the Barkley Marathons is one tough race, for its 99 percent dropout rate. Since its start in 1986, only 17 people have managed to complete its approximate 161 kilometers. It’s difficult only because there are no markers or aid stations on the course, and runners must find the way without phones or GPS devices, running through the thick forest and climbing up and down mountains.

Marathon des Sables

This 250-kilometer trek through the Sahara Desert began in 1986. Participants have to carry their own food and sleeping equipment for seven days across unending sand, and the temperatures there take over 37.8℃. Participants experience sunbum, poisonous snakes and maybe even sandstorms.

Montane Yukon Arctic Ultra

Known as the world’s coldest and hardest ultramarathon, this February event covers 692 kilometers with a 13-day time limit. Runners can face temperatures well below 0℃, plus the strong cold wind. Fresh snow or high winds can make the journey extremely challenging, while river crossing can be deadly if the ice is unstable.

1. What do Badwater 135 and Marathon des Sables have in common?

A．Runners may encounter wild animals.	B．Runners must wear light-colored clothes.
C．Runners may suffer extreme heat.	D．Runners will be offered enough food.

2. Which is suitable for runners with a good sense of direction?

A．Badwater 135.	B．Barkley Marathons.
C．Marathon des Sables.	D．Montane Yukon Arctic Ultra.

3. What is special about Montane Yukon Arctic Ultra?

A．It sets no road signs.	B．It has a high dropout rate.
C．It involves lots of fun skiing.	D．It covers the longest distance.

4 . Mathea Allansmith isn’t your typical grandmother, and she’s the oldest woman in the world to have completed a marathon. She was 92 years 194 days old when she triumphantly crossed the finish line at the 2022 Honolulu Marathon, setting up the record for the oldest person to complete a marathon (female).

Mathea, now 93, of Koloa, Hawaii, USA, stays in shape all year round by running six days a week, no matter the weather. Come rain or shine, she covered 36 miles every week, even when she’s on holiday. The retired doctor didn’t take up running until she was 46 years old. After a colleague suggested running two miles per day.

“The Honolulu Marathon is my favourite marathon partly because they don’t close the gate at a certain time which allows even the slowest runners to finish the race,” she said. “It’s one of the best-executed races. Fantastic registration, set up and management makes it a joy to participate in.

Mathea, who doesn’t allow her age to slow her down, says she is happiest when she’s on the road. She enjoys running for miles and waving and saying hello to the people she passes. To stay in shape, Mathea, who runs year around, keeps a steady training routine. “I train year-round but increase the mileage starting 18 weeks before a marathon,” she said.

Mathea says it was her career as a physician that allowed her to understand how her body and mind respond to diet and exercise. “I see the direct connection between moving and health,” she said. It is important to reduce stress rather than ignoring it without a plan on how to do so in the long run. Of course, exercise of any kind is a natural stress reducer. ”

Mathea intends to keep running marathons for as long as she can and would like to attempt the record titles for the oldest person to complete a half marathon (female) and the oldest person to complete a 10K (female) within the next year.

1. What does the underlined word “triumphantly” in the first paragraph mean?

A．Absolutely.

B．Literally.

C．Successfully.

D．Precisely.

2. Why does Mathea Allansmith like the Honolulu Marathon?

A．It provides the most awards.	B．It’s easy to break a world record.
C．It has the strictest management.	D．It has no time limit policy.

3. What contributes to her understanding the connection between moving and health?

A．Her profession.

B．Her hobbies.

C．Her colleagues.

D．Her family.

4. The last paragraph mainly talks about Mathea’s ________.

A．achievements

B．ambition

C．independence

D．adventurous life

5 . Traditional Chinese culture featured noticeably in the opening and closing ceremonies of the Hangzhou Asian Games. While they stressed the solar terms, the he-he culture, meaning harmony and cooperation, was a common thread that ran through them.

Each of the 24 solar terms coincides with (与……一致) events in the natural world. The terms were put forward more than 2,000 years ago to guide not only agricultural activities, but also customs concerning food, dressing and social life. Nowadays, although Chinese people refer to more modern systems in daily life, except for in the agricultural area, they maintain a strong emotional and cultural bond with the solar terms as reminders of the wit (才智), creativity and diligence (勤奋) of their ancestors.

“I previously had no connection to Hangzhou, but now, after the closing ceremony, I think I share a special bond with this city, said Wan Li, a 22-year-old college student at Fujian Normal University. “Watching the ceremony was also a wonderful chance for me to learn about the he-he culture, in which I was uninterested before.”

Kong Xianglong, a research assistant who worked in Hangzhou on an Asian Games research program and watched the ceremonies, expressed his admiration for the show as well as the Asian Games volunteers, who he said were walking examples of the he-he culture.

“The dance performances were absolutely attractive, a perfect display of the he-he idea and a highlight of the Asian Games,” Kong told Beijing Review. “The considerate service the volunteers provided every day actually invited people to learn about the he-he culture, which moved me a lot.”

Pakistani cricketer Muhammad said he believes that the opening and closing ceremonies played an important role in bringing people from different countries together. “I saw a lot of different countries’ athletes coming together, sharing their cultures and performing. I see a huge success,” he told Xinhua News Agency.

1. What can be learned about the solar terms?

A．They thoroughly guide modern life.	B．They belong to the past.
C．They lend to be ignored.	D．They apply to farming.

2. How did the closing ceremony affect Wan Li?

A．It stimulated her passion for Chinese culture.

B．It strengthened her bond with the world.

C．It deepened her understanding of the Games.

D．It restored her confidence in the athletes.

3. What role does Muhammad think the ceremonies play?

A．They bridge cultural differences.	B．They show Chinese philosophy.
C．They ensure athletes’ better performances.	D．They demonstrate the power of China.

4. Where may the text be taken from?

A．A guidebook.

B．A news report.

C．Science fiction.

D．A textbook.

6 . Boston Marathon runners in recent years may have seen a smiling furry face around the two-mile mark. It’s Spencer, the therapy (治疗) dog, who became known as an unofficial mascot (吉祥物) for the marathon, He’s shown up on the sidelines every year since 2015—rain or shine.

One particularly rainy marathon catapulted Spencer’s fame, In 2018, his owner, Richard Powers, decided to put a bright yellow rain coat on the dog, making him stand out even more than he usually does. Photos of Spencer, who holds a “Boston Strong” flag in his mouth, went viral, and he became an inspiration to runners and onlookers alike, During the marathon, some runners stop in their tracks to take selfies with the dog-the line sometimes growing to 20 runners long.

But in 2020, Spencer was diagnosed with a tumor (肿瘤). His owner was worried, but Spencer is a fighter. He got the care he needed and survived. In 2021, he was back on the course and it was really kind of a miracle and that really hit home to a lot of people.

Unfortunately, Spencer caught another tumor—this one cancerous—and Spencer began chemotherapy. Powers didn’t think his beloved dog would make it out to the marathon of 2022. “Miraculously, he’s still here with us and an even bigger miracle, he was strong enough to go to the marathon,” he said.

After recovering, Spencer was back to work—not just at the marathon—but as a therapy dog, alongside his companion, Penny, who is also a golden therapy dog. Powers takes his two therapy dogs around to schools, hospitals and senior living centers.

“He’s a gift to us and we’re very lucky to have him. He’s too good so we want to share him with as many people as we possibly can. He does make a difference,” Powers said.

1. Why is Spencer referred to as a mascot for Boston Marathon?

A．He has a smiling furry face.	B．He appears at the event annually.
C．He is not recognized officially.	D．He works as a therapy dog for runners.

2. What does Spencer bring to runners?

A．Motivation.

B．Satisfaction.

C．Fantasy.

D．Barrier.

3. What did Spencer go through in 2020?

A．A failure in the marathon.

B．Caring for his owner.

C．Fighting against a disease.

D．Going viral.

4. What was Powers’ initial attitude towards Spence’s appearing at the marathon of 2022?

A．Confident,

B．Supportive.

C．Objective.

D．Negative.

7 . 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。

Team China bagged a total of 383 medals, including 201 gold, 111 silver and 71 bronze,     1    (rank) first in the medal tally (奖牌榜) during the 19th Asian Games,     2     concluded competitions on Sunday.

The first gold of the Games was awarded       3     China’s Zou Jiaqi and Qiu Xiuping, who paddled to victory in the women’s lightweight double sculls (双桨赛艇) rowing event with a time of 7 minutes, 6.78 seconds. China’s last gold       4    (take) by 10 artistic swimmers who delivered a great     5     (perform) to win the team free routine final on October 8. In total, China bagged two gold medals in artistic swimming. Japan and Kazakhstan took the silver and bronze medals,     6     (respective), in the two events of the sport.

The 19th Asian Games, which featured 40 sports, 61 disciplines, and 481 events,     7     (run) from September 23 to October 8 in Hangzhou, along with five co-host     8     (city), namely Ningbo, Wenzhou, Huzhou, Shaoxing, and Jinhua, in east China’s Zhejiang Province.

Chinese swimmers Zhang Yufei and Qin Haiyang were jointly awarded the Most    9     (value) Player of the Hangzhou Asian Games, marking the first time that two athletes received     10    award.

8 . Thanks For Giving 4 Miler

Thurs. November 23, 2023

The Event

Sign up today for the 2023 Thanks For Giving 4 Miler and Kids Dash that will take place this Thanksgiving in New Albany! Come out and join us for a fun kick off to Thanksgiving Day festivities! As always, 100% of our net proceeds go to help those in need.

All are welcome, including competitive runners, joggers, and walkers wanting to enjoy time with friends and loved ones. Registration ends on November 22, 2023.

The Fee

There is no official race fee. You can give as much or as little as you want. However-a $40 minimum donation is required to get our soft T-shirt. Our goal is to feed as many families in Central Ohio as we can. You can help by running our race, spreading the word, or making a donation. You may bring any donation you want, from a can of soup to cash. Let’s make a difference.

Event Day Timeline

6:30 am: Race day check-in begins.

8:00 am: Opening ceremony (仪式) begins!

8:15 am: Kids Dash begins!

8:30 am: The Thanks For Giving 4 Miler kicks off!

Awards

The top three overall male and female finishers will receive a gift certificate. The top three male and female finishers in each of the following age groups will receive a pumpkin (南瓜) pie: 14 and under, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70 and above. Every participant of the kids race receives a finisher’s medal!

Safety

For safety, please no bicycles, skateboards, inline skates, or participation with pets.

1. What is Thanks For Giving 4 Miler and Kids Run?

A．A marathon race.	B．A charity event.
C．A kid-targeted activity.	D．A holiday get-together.

2. What will a man ranking second in his age group be sure to win?

A．A soft T-shirt.	B．A pumpkin pie.
C．A gift certificate.	D．A finisher’s medal.

3. What is required for participation?

A．Bringing a donation.

B．Reaching a certain age.

C．Registering in advance.

D．Wearing safety equipment.

9 . Chloe Ricketts is only 15 years old, but she’s already signed a professional contract with the Washington Spirit soccer team. That makes her the youngest player ever to sign with the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL).

Chloe began working out with the Washington Spirit team in January. She trained with the team in Florida and Virginia. During training, Chloe impressed the team’s managers with her ability to compete with the other professional players, which led the team to offer her the contract.

For her part, Chloe says the chance to play for the Washington Spirit is “a dream come true”. Chloe is from Dexter, Michigan. She started playing soccer when she was seven. She claims that at the time, she was “the worst on the team”. However, she improved through hard work, extra training, and staying late after practice. It didn’t take her long to begin moving up in the soccer world.

In 2021, she played on a girls team, which went to the national finals of the Elite Clubs National League. She also played on a boys team, the 2007 Boys Ann Arbor Tigers, which won the Michigan State Cup that year. In January of 2022, Chloe signed with AFC Ann Arbor — a team that’s part of USL League Two. USL League Two helps develop players for the NWSL. When she joined AFC Ann Arbor, Chloe was just 14 — the youngest player ever to join the club.

Now, as she joins Washington Spirit, Chloe is in the 10th grade. While she is playing with the team, Chloe will continue to go to school online. But Chloe isn’t the first 15-year-old to play for the NWSL. The NWSL used to have a rule saying that no one under the age of 18 could join its teams. But in 2021, another 15-year-old, Olivia Moultrie, took the league to court.

1. What made the Washington Spirit soccer team sign a contract with Chloe?

A．Her skills.

B．Her experience.

C．Her character.

D．Her reputation.

2. Which of the following words can best describe Chloe?

A．Careful.

B．Easy-going.

C．Far-sighted.

D．Hard-working

3. On which team did Chloe win the Michigan State Cup?

A．AFC Ann Arbor.	B．USL League Two.
C．The 2007 Boys Ann Arbor Tigers.	D．The Elite Clubs National League.

4. What can we infer from the last paragraph?

A．Washington Spirit revised a rule to take in Chloe.

B．Olivia Moultrie took the lead in Washington Spirit.

C．Chloe values her education during playing football.

D．Chloe’s participation makes her team much stronger.

10 . 听下面一段独白，回答以下小题。
1. How long should an act for entering the competition last at most?

A．2 minutes.

B．5 minutes.

C．8 minutes.

2. Which entry for the competition is preferred this year?

A．Dancing.

B．Singing with musicians.

C．Doing tricks with animals.

3. What award will the winner get?

A．Some money.

B．A visit to the palace in June.

C．A special dinner with the queen.

4. What should one send to apply for the competition?

A．A video of act.

B．A photo of oneself.

C．A detailed description of the pet.