1 . I thought my life was over when I found I was in an airless hospital room and my spine (脊柱) was broken after a(n) ______.I couldn’t believe I wouldn’t become a famous ______ and took it out on those around me.

After four months, I learned how ______ it was to get around in a wheelchair but I was too ______ to ask for help. But I gradually realized it would keep me away from people and experiences I ______. So when my high school coach, Bob, asked me to coach the girls’ volleyball team, I ______. Also encouraged by him, I competed in wheelchair sports,______ nineteen international wheelchair marathons and ______ for Canada in the 1984 Olympics.

Shortly after the Olympics, I ______, dislocating my shoulders. That injury was a wake-up call, and I tried to ______ my life without being an athlete. I knew I wanted to travel and do something ______. So the Man in Motion Tour, aiming to raise awareness of the potential of people with ______ , was born. It was a big ______. We had hoped to raise $ l million. But the total was a(n)______$ 24 million, provided to spinal cord injury research and wheelchair sports programs. Looking back, I realize that accident began a journey to accomplishments beyond my dream. My life was ______ over...it had actually just begun.

1.

A．flight

B．accident

C．defeat

D．adventure

2.

A．professor

B．consultant

C．operator

D．athlete

3.

A．hard

B．common

C．unnecessary

D．flexible

4.

A．frightened

B．considerate

C．proud

D．intelligent

5.

A．feared

B．followed

C．encountered

D．loved

6.

A．quit

B．believed

C．accepted

D．hesitated

7.

A．promoting

B．winning

C．watching

D．organizing

8.

A．cheering

B．competing

C．struggling

D．training

9.

A．crashed

B．recovered

C．appeared

D．moved

10.

A．empty

B．share

C．picture

D．celebrate

11.

A．similar

B．urgent

C．traditional

D．meaningful

12.

A．disabilities

B．dreams

C．ranks

D．mistakes

13.

A．concern

B．success

C．connection

D．challenge

14.

A．normal

B．strange

C．important

D．amazing

15.

A．far from

B．all but

C．at most

D．in fact

2 . The well received Neutral Density Photography Awards (ND Awards) is a melting pot of some of the world’s most outstanding and talented souls in the field of photography where recognition and publicity are gained by the winning entry. This is an open invitation. Join us and take part in the competition!

Our judges are all highly respected industry professionals,including gallery (画廊) owners, publishers,editors and famous photographers. Do not miss this rare opportunity to take part in this annual photo contest. Choose your best work, upload photos and give yourself a chance to compete for fame and more than $7,500 award!

Categories are in two sections: Professional and Non-Professional. Winners of each subcategory (子范畴) will be awarded with: Gold Star, Silver Star and Bronze Star awards.

●Early Deadline&Entry fee 23 December 2023 Non-Professional — Single image entry fee: $19 Professional — Single image entry fee: $24
●Final Deadline &Entry fee 17 January 2024 Non-Professional — Single image entry fee: $24 Professional — Single image entry fee: $29
● Frequently-asked questions:	Answers
1.Can I enter one image into multiple categories?	Yes,you may enter the same image into as many categories as you want. Additional fee for next category is $10.
2.Can I make changes to my entry after I have paid?	No, after payment has been made,entries cannot be edited.
3.What should I do if I’m having problems uploading data?	Try to read the instructions on the entry form again. If you are unable to resolve the problem after reading the instructions, send an e-mail inquiry to info@ ndawards.net.

1. What do you think the text is?

A．An announcement.

B．An invitation

C．An advertisement.

D．An agreement.

2. On Dec.12,what’s the cost for a professional to hand in an image to three categories?

A．$87.

B．$72.

C．$49.

D．$44.

3. What should one do if he has problems uploading data?

A．Fill in the entry form again.

B．Interact with some of the judges.

C．Send an e-mail to info@ndawards.net.

D．Submit the entry to another category.

3 . 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.

4 . Fabiano Caruana is a very famous chess player.    1    . He credits his success to strict training rules and a strong work ethic (职业道德). Now he’s got a few lessons to share.

Practice makes perfect

Caruana’s parents signed him up for a chess club in Brooklyn, when he was five. After his coach noticed his potential, he began taking private lessons and competing in tournaments in Manhattan. He says, “     2    . For example, you can learn how to play in front of people and assess your opponent sitting in front of you, which you can’t do online.”

    3    

Before every match, Caruana studies the way his opponents play. For help, he works with a chess coach, who often offers “a different view on how to approach a problem, which is really valuable.” Caruana also relies on a coach for emotional support during tournaments. “You want a coach that you click with,” he says, explaining that “it’s hard to talk about a tough chess game with friends, because they may not understand the game at such a high level, and they may not understand how tough it is for me emotionally.     4     .”

Reframe your perspective

According to Caruana, the difference between the very top players in the world and everyone else doesn’t come down to ability or knowledge. “     5    ,” he says. “It’s having the ability and the energy to focus for a long period of time.” Although playing in front of an audience doesn’t bother him, Caruana says that developing a winning mindset is key, especially after facing setbacks.

A．It’s a concentration thing

B．Depend on someone you trust

C．Face every competition bravely

D．When I need to complain or talk to someone, I talk to my coach

E．Sixteen years ago, he became the youngest American grandmaster, at age 14

F．There are some practical skills that you get from years of playing in tournaments

G．In particular, he can keep his mental tools sharp enough to compete in every game

5 . Olympic Games organizers in France presented the 2024 Olympic torch (火炬) that will light the Summer Games in the country a year from now. In the Olympic torch tradition, many people carry the torch in turn from Greece to the current location of the Games. After it has traveled thousands of kilometers. the torch will light the Olympic cauldron (火炬台) at the Opening Ceremony of the next Olympic Games.

French designer Mathieu Lehanneur created the torch. which is 70 centimeters long and made of lightweight steel. Lehanneur said its shape is inspired by the famous Seine River, which flows through Paris. He said the torch is equal from top to bottom and all around the middle, which stands for equality between athletes. The twisting shape of the torch represents peace.

The torch was made with lightweight steel. Its lower half copies the movement of the Seine, along which the opening ceremony will take place for over 500,000 viewers.

Lehanneur said he wants the torch to represent the kind of event that Paris 2024 hopes to be. “I wanted to move away from the torch appearing as an object of conquest (征服),” Lehanneur said. He also told reporters that designing the torch was much more techn1cal than he thought it would be. “The magic is not the torch itself. but the flame” Lehanneur said.

The torch will be lit up in Olympia, Grecce on April 16, 2024, followed by a nine day torch relay before sailing across the Mediterranean Sea from Athens to Marseille on May 8. It will then pass through several important places , which include Strasbourg , the Pantheon in Paris, the Mont Saint-Michel and multiple French territories.

Tony Estanguet, the Paris 2024 chief, said the torch is “very ,very beautiful”. He also said it is “...very pure, It’s perfectly balanced in the hand.”

1. Why is the torch equal from top to bottom?

A．It is easy for torch-bearers to carry.	B．It is the symbol of the Seine River.
C．It represents peace among nations.	D．It shows equality between players.

2. What can be inferred from Lehanneur’s words?

A．He wishes Paris 2024 to be the best ever.	B．The torch is more important than the flame.
C．Designing the torch is harder than he thinks.	D．He thinks highly of the torch’s appearance.

3. How long will it take the torch to travel from Greece to France?

A．Twenty two days.

B．Fifteen days.

C．Nine days.

D．Eight days.

4. Where is the text most probably taken from?

A．A travel brochure.

B．A sports magazine.

C．A science report.

D．A research paper.

6 . People who enjoy running often like to take part in running events as well. Signing up for a particular event and then working towards it can be a great way to achieve goals and increase confidence.     1     A number of running events also include a choice for people who would rather walk, but still want to take part in the event.

The most common types of running events are races.    2     For example, marathons and ultra-marathons are very long and challenging runs, but a shorter race such as a 5K or 10K can be a good place to start, followed by a half-marathon.    3     Generally, running events are related to a particular group or charity. Many running events encourage runners to raise money for certain charities. Runners can then run together during the race if they choose, and the individual sponsors (赞助者) who donated money to the runners have the satisfaction of helping a charity as well as helping their friends participate in a race. Many runs are scheduled every year in the same location or city because it is a good way to raise money for a cause as well as to encourage physical fitness.

    4     Schools frequently have running meets, where different schools will come to one location, and students will compete against each other in individual events.    5    

A．The distance run is only part of each running event.

B．There are many different kinds of races to suit different running ability levels.

C．Of course, there are other events in addition to races.

D．Running is one of the cheapest and most affordable forms of exercising.

E．Running events can also be a great way to have fun and meet other people.

F．These meets often last all day, and winners typically receive medals after a competition.

G．Most of active runners have lower blood pressure compared to people who don’t run.

7 . Welcome to the 2022 Hal Leonard Vocal(声乐的)Competition

2022 will be the twelfth year of the annual Hal Leonard Vocal Competition, an innovative online competition for singers. This is the only vocal competition for all of North America aimed at young singers, aged 23 and under, and one of the first competitions for music students held entirely online on YouTube.

Unlike almost every other music competition, there is no entry fee, making it accessible to any qualified singer, who records a video of singing a song, and then posts it on the Internet by the deadline. This saves the commonly encountered expenses of traveling to specific destinations, as is the case in conventional music competitions.

It includes four age categories:

·Children: 12 and under

·Early Teens:13～15

·High School:16～18

·College Undergraduates/Young Adults:19～23

A certain amount of money is awarded to first place winners in each category, and valuable gift certificates are awarded to those singers placed second and third. Gift certificates are also possible for those named Honorable Mention.

Notice:

·Video entries must be submitted before February 2,2022.

·The video must clearly show your face. A stationary camera position throughout, showing your face and most of your body, is perfectly acceptable, even preferable.

·Singers are required to sing their selections from memory. If a singer’s performance is not memorized, the entry will be disqualified.

·You may sing with a live pianist in your video entry,or you may sing with official Hal Leonard recorded accompaniments. We will not accept unaccompanied entries. You can not accompany yourself.

·You are required to introduce yourself and your selections in the video, either verbally before your selection or with a title card before the songs.

1. How is the competition different from other music competitions?

A．It is held annually.	B．It charges no entry fee.
C．It is aimed at teens.	D．It offers travel chances.

2. What will go to the first place winners?

A．Cash prizes.	B．Travel tickets.
C．Gift certificates.	D．Expensive cameras.

3. What are the participants required to do in their video entries?

A．Hide their faces all the time.	B．Accompany themselves alone.
C．Sing songs from their memory.	D．Avoid introducing themselves.

8 . Have you heard of the following events?

Sheep shearing (修剪)

It’s a big sport in New Zealand, which proudly hosts the annual Golden Shears International Championships. Held in the town of Masterton in March, the four-day event seeks to identify the world’s fastest sheep shearer. The event is not all about shearing; live bands bring a party atmosphere to it. It’s attractive to many tourists.

Lucha libre

It’s a form of freestyle wrestling with a devoted fan base in its native Mexico. Competitors are famous for their well-made masks, which keep their identities a secret. That’s until they are defeated in the fight, which often requires losers to show their faces. Don’t forget to bring some loose change: when viewers are impressed by a victorious wrestler, they throw money at them. You may enjoy the event once a year.

Lawnmower (割草机) racing

This annual sport now has its own governing body—the British Lawn Mower Racing Association (BLRA). It has a 30-race championship that runs from May to October. Most races are part of larger rural events, such as the Cranleigh Show in Surrey, where viewers can experience other events. The BLRA remains un-commercial and donates all profits to organizations that help people who are poor, sick, or in difficulties.

Wife carrying

Every year a small town of Sonkajaervi in Finland hosts the event: the International Wife Carrying Championships. During this competition, husbands have to carry their wives along the track which is 250 m long and features several barriers on land and a 1-m deep water pool. Two couples start at the same time and run as fast as they can. The winning couple is the one that completes the course in the shortest time.

1. What are viewers advised to do while watching Lucha libre?

A．Wear a mask.	B．Cheer for the loser.
C．Look at the wrestler’s face.	D．Take some coins with them.

2. Which event is related to charity work?

A．Sheep shearing.	B．Lawnmower racing.
C．Lucha libre.	D．Wife carrying.

3. What do the events listed in the text have in common?

A．They are held annually.	B．They attract many tourists.
C．They are international sports.	D．They are favored by the young.

9 . Here’s a selection of the strangest races in the world.

Surf Dog Competition

Hundreds of participants (参赛者) from all over the US come to fight for the first prize. This annual event is an official dog surfing competition taking place in Imperial Beach in August and Huntington Beach in September. The attendance to the event is free of charge, however, donations are welcome.

Bring Your Own Big Wheel Race

If you think wheel toys are designed for kids only, you’re wrong. The race was initiated by John Brumit in 2000 when he rode down Lombard Street on his plastic wheel toy. That day, he was the only participant in the race. He continued his tradition every year, but few joined him. In 2006, someone posted a video of his race and as a result, the next year’s race featured hundreds of participants though there was no prize money. Since then, the annual race has been held on Easter Sunday in San Francisco.

World’s Ugliest Dog Contest

It’s an annual event held in June in Petaluma, California. But it’s not about making fun of the ugly dogs, but about encouraging them and showing the world that such dogs can also be happy and adorable. The competition has been held since the 1970s. The winner gets a check for $1,000.

Fur Rondy

Like the famous Spanish Bullfighting Festival, Alaska has its own tradition. It’s a bit transformed. Speedy reindeer (驯鹿) run after the participants in the race. This event is held every February in Anchorage, Alaska. Participants pay a small fee to attend it; some of them wear funny dresses, which children enjoy very much.

1. What made Bring Your Own Big Wheel Race popular quickly?

A．Brumit’s strange race device.	B．A video of Brumit in the race.
C．The prize money of the race.	D．The joy brought by the race.

2. Of the following races, which is held in two places?

A．Surf Dog Competition.	B．Bring Your Own Big Wheel Race.
C．Fur Rondy.	D．World’s Ugliest Dog Contest.

3. What do the listed competitions have in common?

A．They are free of charge.	B．They have ancient traditions.
C．They are held annually.	D．They are favored by children.

10 . BEIJING—Twelve years after joining the national team. Fan Kexin finally stood up on the highest podium (领奖台) at the Olympic rink (溜冰场). Together with teammates, the 28-year-old new Olympic champion won the mixed team relay gold medal on February 5 at the Beijing Winter Olympics. It was also the first gold for the host country at the Beijing Games, which received congratulations from the central leadership.

Fan, the leading figure of the Chinese women’s short track speed skating team, has long dreamed of winning Olympic gold. “I’ve been waiting for this gold medal for 12 years. I’ve waited for it for so long,” Fan said after the victory, in tears. “I have always believed in the team. From the day I entered the national team, I have always believed in my teammates.”

Fan was born in September 1993 in Qitaihe, a city in Northeast China’s Heilongjiang province, which is a cradle for a number of world-famous short track speed skaters, including China’s first Winter Olympic gold medalist Yang Yang and four-time Olympic champion Wang Meng.

Fan didn’t turn to skating as a child, but chose dancing like many other girls. However, the relatively high training costs ended her hope of becoming a dancer, as her family ran into financial difficulties.

Since 2003, when Fan was selected by her first coach, Ma Qingzhong, to train as a short track speed skater, she worked hard at training, getting up every day at 4 am for a one-hour training session before going to school. “We didn’t have to call her in the morning as she could get up herself,” Fan’s mother, Nie Gulling, recalled. “She was always reluctant to leave the rink and wanted to train more.”

Fan’s career was put into a dangerous situation when she was diagnosed with severe anemia (贫血) in 2008. Her parents asked her to give up the sport, but Fan insisted on carrying on and returned to the rink the following year.

The Olympic gold in Beijing came after Fan’s persistence (毅力), as well as that of the whole team. “We’ve been experiencing tough training in the past four years. Every day when we finished training, we’d have blood in our throats. But at the moment we won, I thought it was all worth it. We’ve made it,” Fan said after the victory.

1. Who won four Winter Olympic gold medals?

A．Nie Gulling.	B．Ma Qingzhong.
C．Wang Meng.	D．Yang Yang.

2. What do we know about Fan Kexin?

A．She first learned dancing as a child.

B．She trained hard after school as a child.

C．She was born in a city in Northwest China.

D．She was trained by her first coach, Yang Yang.

3. Which can replace the underlined word “reluctant” in Para. 5?

A．Eager.	B．Frightened.
C．Sorry.	D．Unwilling.

4. What can be the best title for the news report?

A．Fan dreams of winning Olympic gold medal

B．Fan helps Team China win 1st gold at Beijing 2022

C．Fan experiences tough training in the past four years

D．Fan —leading figure of Chinese women’s short track speed skating team