1 . “The benefits brought to my life from running are not only physical. Running gets me out of home,” says Youyou, a visually impaired (视觉障碍) runner.
Yachi has been pacing (领跑) for Youyou for several years. They crashed into each other repeatedly when they first tried running with the 30cm-long rope between them. When they run, a 30cm-long blue rope connects Youyou’s left wrist (手腕) to Yachi’s right. They move like each other’s mirror image, using the rope as a form of communication. When Yachi’s and Youyou’s speeds are the same, the rope will naturally relax. The two don’t actually need to talk too much about running. Now, they run like each other’s clones.
Thanks to the rope, running is no longer a lonely task, explains Yachi. “This is a matter of achievements for both of us. Not only am I helping him improve, he is also pushing me to hold on and be strong,” he says.
When preparing for a competition, more pacers join them, forming a running formation. During training, Yao Ying runs in front, Yachi is on Youyou’s left, and Xiao Yu’er is at the back. Watching them run from behind, the unbreakable formation seems to surround (包围) Youyou; but in fact, all of them are surrounded by the unbreakable force of friendship.
Training is no longer the only purpose of their runs. It also allows them to hang out together as friends. When they go out to eat, Youyou doesn’t really like the restaurants that are overly attentive because he’s visually impaired, which makes him feel uncomfortable.
Yachi, Yao Ying and Xiao Yu’er all know Youyou well. No matter what they do, how much progress in running is made, and what exciting competitions are waiting, running has allowed them to connect and head into the unknown together, which in itself is a great achievement.
1. What can be inferred when the rope connecting the runner and the pacer relaxes?| A．They have different speeds. | B．Their rope should be removed. |
| C．They need further communication. | D．Their running pace is harmonious. |
| A．It is a boring task. | B．It is a win-win practice. |
| C．It stops him from running faster. | D．It requires him to push the runner. |
| A．The food is not pleasing. | B．He isn’t treated normally. |
| C．He isn’t offered enough care. | D．There are too many people there. |
| A．Pacing Is More Than Just Running | B．Friendship Develops with Competitions |
| C．An Excellent Running Team Is Being Formed | D．A Visually Impaired Runner Achieves Success |
2 . Courtney Rich of Utah, was running in the Salt Lake City marathon. But as she headed into Mile 24, she began to feel the one thing that she didn’t want to do: collapse. It began creeping up on her and then suddenly overtook her.
“I wanted them to see Mom finish strongly. Those are things I tell my kids as often as I can when things are hard or they’re playing in their own sports. ‘Just do your best and that best is going to be a little different every day,’” she said. But at that moment, she knew she wasn’t going to be able to finish the race. “When I can feel my legs slowing down and I know I’m going to disappoint my kids,” Rich said. “By Mile 24… I looked at my watch and that’s when I called my husband and was in tears,” she said. “I was just having a little pity party for myself for a minute.”
“Next thing I knew, my daughter ran out,” Rich recounted. “I kind of saw her out of the corner of my left eye and I realized it was Avery. I just put a huge smile on my face. I stuck out my hand, she grabbed it and all of a sudden, my legs that were hurting and the heaviness of my body just felt lighter and we just ran to the finish line hand in hand.”
The proud mom said Avery told her that she did what she knew her mom needed at that moment. “That is absolutely Avery’s character. She sees people. She has sympathy. She notices people and is aware of just feelings and needs,” Rich said.
“Don’t ever brush aside the inspiration to do a small act of kindness for someone because you just never know what impact that will have on people,” Rich added.
1. What happened to Rich on Mile 24?| A．She was disturbed by a party. | B．She was overcome by tiredness. |
| C．She was struggling to cross the finish line. | D．She received an unexpected call from her husband. |
| A．Confused. | B．Refreshed. | C．Astonished. | D．Worried. |
| A．She is reliable and creative. | B．She is energetic and friendly. |
| C．She is sympathetic and considerate. | D．She is ambitious and intelligent. |
| A．Failure is often the case in our life. |
| B．Inspiration is more important to a successful mother. |
| C．We should hope for the best, but prepare for the worst. |
| D．The smallest moment of kindness can have a huge impact. |
3 . International Letter-Writing Competition for Young People 2024
Since 1971, the Universal Postal Union (UPU) has inspired young writers aged 9-15 to write letters on a given theme to win exciting prizes. The competition is an excellent way of making young people aware of the important role postal services play in our societies. It develops their skills in writing and their ability to express thoughts clearly. A group of international judges invited by the International Bureau judge the letters and select the winners.
The UPU has launched its 53rd International letter-writing Competition for Young People this year.
Competition theme
In 2024, participants will be encouraged to reflect on the future of the world under the theme: “At 150 years old, the UPU has served people around the world for more than eight generations. The world has changed enormously since then. Write a letter to future generations about the world you hope they inherit (继承).” The theme encourages young people to voice their thoughts on current global challenges and propose innovative solutions. It also allows youths to draw upon the principles of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, providing a framework for their visions of a better world.
Competition rules
• Entries must be in the form of a letter and contain the necessary parts of a letter (heading, greeting, body, complimentary close, signature line and postscript).
• Letters must be strictly in agreement with the topic and contain no more than 800 words in the original language.
• At the national level, the competition is organized by UPU member countries. Entries must reach the UPU International Bureau no later than May 5th.
For more information, please contact us at communication@upu.int.
1. What can competitors learn from the competition?| A．The history of the UPU | B．The skills of communication. |
| C．The importance of postal services. | D．The meaning of expressing thoughts. |
| A．The enormous change in the world. | B．The world for the future generations. |
| C．Global challenges and innovative solutions. | D．Sustainable development for a better world. |
| A．Write the letters in right format. | B．Hand in their entries on May 6th. |
| C．Write a letter of at least 800 words | D．Send their entries to the official email. |
4 . Felicia Grimmenhag of Sweden doesn’t let anything get in her way — even a life-changing injury. After surviving a serious car accident, Felicia had to
Felicia was 17 when she was
Felicia has since taken part in competitions around the world, proving she doesn’t need
It’s true that when you want something, all you need is the
| A．give up | B．worry about | C．adjust to | D．speak of |
| A．forgetting | B．pursuing | C．losing | D．describing |
| A．pick up | B．searched for | C．sent away | D．knocked down |
| A．magically | B．immediately | C．logically | D．hopelessly |
| A．rang up | B．stood up | C．woke up | D．turned up |
| A．tough | B．additional | C．forbidden | D．acceptable |
| A．swum | B．skated | C．cycled | D．ridden |
| A．excuse | B．accident | C．mistake | D．conflict |
| A．technically | B．biologically | C．mentally | D．intellectually |
| A．disabled | B．frightened | C．disciplined | D．focused |
| A．cars | B．motorbikes | C．horses | D．legs |
| A．hesitates | B．fails | C．intends | D．pretends |
| A．suspect | B．challenge | C．evaluate | D．protect |
| A．preferences | B．schedules | C．principles | D．limits |
| A．pressure | B．desire | C．budget | D．responsibility |
5 . During the Halloween season, many people visit pumpkin (南瓜) fields or carve pumpkins. But paddle (用桨划) a 1,000-pound pumpkin in a race? On October 22 in Oregon, paddlers in Halloween clothes did just that.
The West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta took place on the lake in Tualatin, a small city outside Portland. Back in 2004, a club called the Pacific Giant Vegetable Growers (PGVG) came up with the idea for the event. The PGVG wanted to alter their large pumpkins into boats and paddle them. They asked the city of Tualatin if they could use the lake for a party.
The first year, about 100 people showed up. Now, about 20,000 come to watch the races. “It’s just a good time to finally have some fun with these pumpkins that we’ve spent countless hours all year long trying to grow,” said Jim Sherwood, a champion pumpkin grower, who is one of the Regatta’s founders and organizers.
The PGVG provides pumpkins for the Regatta’s five races. This year, paddlers came from across the country and from as far away as France and Japan. “Surprisingly, it’s on a lot of people’s wish list to paddle a pumpkin,” said Heidi Marx, the event’s director for the city of Tualatin.
Just before the races began, the growers emptied the pumpkins. The paddlers dressed in holiday clothing jumped in, and the first race started.
Gary Kristensen from Happy Valley, Oregon, won the first race. He was dressed as the movie character Mrs. Doubtfire. It was Kristensen’s fourth year winning a pumpkin race. “Once everybody thinks you will win, it starts to give you a little bit of pressure,” he said. “Fortunately, my pumpkin was pretty fast.”
For the less competitive players, the Regatta was all about fun. “The best part is just watching all the families enjoying the day.” Marx, a player, said. People are going to remember it for a long time.”
1. What does the underlined word “alter” in paragraph 2 mean?| A．Move. | B．Grow. | C．Change. | D．Hide. |
| A．His pumpkin boat ran the fastest. |
| B．He made the biggest pumpkin boat. |
| C．He sold his pumpkins to the players. |
| D．He won a competition by growing pumpkins. |
| A．He had been expected to win the race. |
| B．His pumpkin boat was not fast enough. |
| C．He feared to make mistakes in the race. |
| D．It was his first time to take part in the race. |
| A．Pleasure. | B．The prize. |
| C．Staying with their families. | D．The impression they left on others. |
The cafeteria (自助食堂) conversation on Monday was all about hockey (冰上曲棍球) again. Jade usually fit in with the sports crowd, but now she was not included in the conversation.
“When will you get out on the ice, Jade?” Hazel asked. Jade was a soccer star at her old school in California. “I’m inviting her to play hockey.” Hazel told other players at the table.
Jade lowered her voice. “I can’t make it to open skating time because I have to look after my younger brother Calvin until 6:30.”
But Hazel had been friendly since their first meeting and she wasn’t going to give upon this. “A rink (溜冰场) is behind the stadium. I can practice with you thereafter the closing time. You can buy skates from Ms. Silva, the facility manager. 7 o’clock this evening at the rink!” Hazel told Jade excitedly.
However, Jade didn’t tell Hazel she couldn’t afford the skates and hockey stick. After school Jade hurried home to look after Calvin. When she was cleaning the crumbs (面包屑) under Calvin’s highchair with a broom, she got an idea. At 6:35, Jade grabbed the broom and an old tennis ball.
At the rink, Hazel hadn’t turned up yet. In her dirty shoes, Jade practiced hitting the ball with the broom independently. Surprisingly, she scored a goal. But her smile disappeared as she saw Ms. Silva walking over.
She looked down at Jade’s feet pitifully. “Your shoes made the rink dirty. Those aren’t skates and hockey stick.”
“I’m really sorry for the dirt,” Jade apologized. “I don’t have money for those.”
“You didn’t tell me that!” Hazel appeared, holding Jade’s hands.
“Want a weekend job?” Ms. Silva advised gently. “I’ll teach you how to remove the dirt and leaves. A month later you may get new skates!” “Definitely.” Jade replied. “I’ll be there with you!” Hazel said.
注意：1.续写词数应为100词左右；2.请按如下格式在答题卡的相应位置作答。
In the following month, Jade was a dutiful staff and practiced with Hazel in the rink every night.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________The Hangzhou Asian Games is a significant sporting event. It was held in 2023 in Hangzhou China. It
8 . “I’m gonna play basketball, Daddy.” Lauren flew into my arms when I came in from work. “That’s
I
The game day arrived. Lauren and her teammates moved out. Their serious game-faces seemed
Suddenly, the announcer’s voice boomed, “Number thirty-three, Lauren Wray, in.” My heart
The audience began clapping and
| A．hard | B．enough | C．nice | D．true |
| A．missed | B．displayed | C．pictured | D．reminded |
| A．admired | B．ignored | C．criticized | D．resisted |
| A．excitement | B．worry | C．interest | D．curiosity |
| A．Strong | B．Short | C．Injured | D．Light |
| A．power | B．advantage | C．challenge | D．basis |
| A．easy | B．impossible | C．shocked | D．determined |
| A．adapted to | B．picked up | C．reacted to | D．tried out |
| A．avoided | B．recognised | C．gave | D．impressed |
| A．from | B．for | C．against | D．with |
| A．crashed | B．dropped | C．ached | D．beat |
| A．Hopefully | B．Differently | C．Sadly | D．Amazingly |
| A．cheering | B．leaving | C．arguing | D．complaining |
| A．body | B．life | C．heart | D．school |
| A．anxious | B．proud | C．stressed | D．patient |
9 . The Olympic Games are old and so are the fans. The median age (中位年龄) of American viewers of the games in Barcelona in 1992 was 39. That increased to 53 for the Rio de Janeiro games of 2016. Overall viewing figures are sinking, too. At the most recent games in Tokyo in 2021, they were a third lower than in 2008.
Thomas Bach, president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), has admitted that the games risk losing connection. To keep connected with society, the Olympics are expanding, adding what Mr Bach described as “youth-based” sports. In Tokyo, climbing, skateboarding and surfing were put on the schedule. In Paris this year, breakdancing will feature for the first time. Undoubtedly the youth will be excited. But if Mr. Bach wants the Olympics to become more relevant to more people, the best idea would be to include e-sports.
So far the IOC has approached e-sports like an uncool dad. An inaugural (首次的) Olympic E-sports Week took place in Singapore in June. But the choice of events puzzled fans. The archery game, for instance, had been downloaded only 100 times before the tournament was announced. The most recognisable event, ”Just Dance“, is not considered an e-sport by fans. The experiment resulted in widespread doubt. Peak viewership was only more than 22,000.
E-sports command a huge audience. Attracting a big audience matters for the Olympics, which have seen the costs of infrastructure (基础设施) in recent years. The inclusion of e-sports would add income from media rights and sponsorship. Besides, the IOC has other reasons for changing its stand. For one, e-sports may bring Olympic glory to a more diverse group of countries and just like traditional sports, it can show three of the Olympic values: excellence, friendship and respect.
1. What can we know from Paragraph 1?| A．The viewing number of the Olympics is reducing. |
| B．The Olympic Games are always popular in America. |
| C．The IOC didn’t realize the problems of the Olympics. |
| D．The median age of Olympic viewers remained the same. |
| A．By focusing on more popular and contemporary events. |
| B．By adding more sports attracting the younger generation. |
| C．By cutting down the number of traditional sports in the Games. |
| D．By hosting the Olympics in more countries with diverse cultures. |
| A．Unclear. | B．Satisfied. | C．Tolerant. | D．Uninterested. |
| A．Differences between traditional sports and e-sports. |
| B．Advantages of culturally diverse nations in e-sports. |
| C．Potential benefits of including e-sports in the Olympics. |
| D．Suggestions on building a safe gaming environment for e-sports. |
1. What is this competition about?
| A．Saving energy at home. | B．Reducing noise pollution. | C．Using technology creatively. |
| A．Starting the machine. | B．Increasing air pressure. | C．Producing carbon dioxide. |
| A．To discuss the way of writing a paper. |
| B．To find the right material for a model. |
| C．To study the approach to detailed drawings. |
