1 . 阅读下面材料，根据其内容和所给段落开头语续写两段，使之构成一篇完整的短文。

It was the first swim meet of the year for our newly formed middle-school swimming team. The atmosphere during the three-hour bus journey was filled with anticipation as the group of forty-eight young teenagers thought of nothing but victory. However, the excitement turned into shock as our kids got off the bus and stared in disbelief at their muscle-filled Greek-god-like opponents.

The coach checked the schedule “Surely there has been a mistake,” he thought. But the schedule only confirmed that this was the right location and time.

The two teams formed a line on the side of the pool. Whistles blew, races were started and races were lost. Haifway through the meet, coach Huey realized that there were no participants for one of the events.

“Okay kids, who want to swim the five-hundred-yard freestyle?” the coach asked. Several bands shot up, including Justin’s “I’ll race, coach!” he shouted. The coach looked down at the youngest boy and said, “Justin, this race covers twenty lengths of the pool. I’ve only seen you swum eight”.

“I can do it. Coach. Let me try,” Justin insisted . Coach Huey hesitantly agreed. ”After all, “be thought,” it’s not the winning but the effort and determination that build character.“

The whistle blew and the opponents rushed through the water and finished the race in just six minutes and fifty seconds. The winners gathered on the sidelines to socialize while our group struggled to finish. After three more minutes. the last exhausted (筋疲力尽的) members of our team came out from the water-except for Justin.

Justin was stealing breaths as his hands slapped against the water, pushing i: aside to push his thin body forward. It appeared that he might go under at any minute, yet something seemed to keep pushing him forward.

“Why doesn’t the coach intervene?” the parents whispered among themselves. “It looks like he’s about to drown, and the race was over four minutes ago.”

注意：
1.续写词数应为150个左右：
2.请按如下格式作答。

Approaching Justin, the coach noticed the determination in the young swimmer’s eyes.

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Touched by the scene, members of the opposing team also cheered Justin as he continued to swim.

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2 . 听下面一段独白，回答以下小题。
1. What does the grand prize include?

A．A job opportunity.

B．A large sum of money.

C．A chance to study abroad.

2. What will be needed to organize the first challenge?

A．Sand.

B．Boxes.

C．Rice.

3. What will the challengers do in the second challenge?

A．Find three boxes.

B．Solve math questions.

C．Stand on a piece of wood.

4. Where will the last challenge probably take place at first?

A．At the seaside.

B．In a building.

C．In a wood.

3 . 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.

4 . No FIFA World Cup would be complete without “psychic(通灵的)” animals predicting the winners, and Qatar 2022 was the same. A range of animals—big and small—have tried to predict the scoreline.

It all started with Paul, the ”psychic“ octopus(章鱼). He put TV experts to shame with an unbelievable group of correct World Cup winner predictions at the Aquarium Sea Life Center in Oberhausen, Germany. He correctly predicted eight World Cup matches at South Africa’s tournament in 2010, including Spain beating the Netherlands in the World Cup final.

Paul’s successor, Rubio the octopus, did not end well. It became a star in Japan for its 100%success in predicting group-stage matches, including Japan’s win against Colombia in the 2018 World Cup held in Russia. Rubio did not get the chance to make its prediction for the Round-of-16 after it was cut into pieces and turned into seafood.

Taiyo the otter had good news for Japanese fans at the 2022 World cup in Qatar, correctly predicting Japan’s group-stage win over Germany. From his home at the Maxell Aqua Park Shinagawa in Japan, Taiyo was given three buckets(桶)to choose from—Japan(blue), draw (yellow)and Germany(red)—and did not hesitate about picking up his tiny football and placing his bet on Japan. He was widely praised online for his action.   

And let’s not forget another star—Marcus, the “mystic pig”. In the 2018 World Cup, Marcus predicted a World Cup victory for England after selecting apples with the England flag on British morning television. However, Marcus’ fortune-telling record was shattered when England was knocked out in the semi-final.

Nelly the elephant from Serengeti Park in Hodenhagen, Germany, also meant business when she had a group of 30 out of 33 matches correct predictions in the 2006 World Cup, the 2010 World Cup and the 2012 Euro.

Camilla the ”mystic“ camel from Melton Mowbray in England did have good news for England, however. She correctly predicted the Three Lions’ group-stage win over Iran at the Qatar World Cup. Her owners said that their camel was ”never wrong“.

1. What can we learn about Rubio?

A．It ended up being eaten.	B．It missed the 2018 World Cup.
C．It performed much better than Paul.	D．It became famous after the Round-of-16.

2. What quality of Taiyo was stressed in Paragraph 4?

A．It knew Japanese players well.	B．It could recognize many colors.
C．It was quick at decision-making.	D．It was good at catching a football.

3. What does the underlined word ”shattered“ in paragraph 5 probably mean?

A．Updated.

B．Shared.

C．Removed.

D．Broken.

4. What is the author’s attitude towards psychic animals?

A．He doesn’t give his opinion.	B．He is doubtful about them.
C．He thinks them interesting.	D．He is supportive to them.

5 . 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.

6 . IOC president Thomas Bach was urged by several members Sunday to change Olympic rules on term limits and seek four more years as president through 2029.

Bach’s presidency is due to end in 2025—a 12-year maximum agreed in anti-corruption (反腐) reforms passed after the Salt Lake City scandal (丑闻) broke in the 1990s. However, citing the recent years of global crises, several of the 99 International Olympic Committee members opened their annual meeting Sunday suggesting they needed more of Bach’s leadership. The Olympic movement needed “to go through this period of hardship with a president who has proved his courage,” said the Algerian leader of African Olympic bodies, Mustapha Berraf.

Though Bach has never publicly sought a term limit-lasting third time, the option has been spoken of in international sports circles since he was re-elected in 2021 at a meeting. The IOC gives its president a first term of eight years.   Bach neither encouraged nor dismissed the proposal though he noted the presidential term limit is included in the IOC’s book of rules and principles. “I’m very loyal to the Olympic Charter,” the German lawyer said.

Extending Bach’s term would need a proposal submitted ahead of an annual meeting, known as the Session. The next is scheduled in July in Paris on the eve of the 2024-Summer Games.

A diplomatically expressed counter to extending Bach’s presidential term was suggested by gymnastics federation president Morinari Watanabe, who has been considered as a possible IOC leadership candidate. “Sports organizations must follow rules and have high integrity under good governance,” Watanabe suggested. “Sports demonstrate discipline and the spirit of fairness to society.”

Consideration on other candidates to succeed Bach has also included two of the IOC’s four vice presidents, Nicole Hoevertsz of Aruba and Juan Antonio Samaranch Jr. of Spain, plus Zimbabwe sports minister Kirsty Coventry, who is widely seen as a favored successor of Bach.

1. From the first three paragraphs we know ________.

A．A 12-year maximum IOC presidency was made due to a scandal.

B．Most of the members are in favor of changing Olympic rules on term limit.

C．Supporters want Bach to continue his presidency for the present hardship.

D．Bach is contacting the African Olympic bodies for his third-round presidency.

2. Who is widely predicted as next president of IOC?

A．Watanabe.

B．Hoevertsz.

C．Samaranch Jr.

D．Coventry.

3. What does the underlined word in Paragraph 5 possibly mean?

A．Confession.

B．Confusion.

C．Opposition.

D．Recognition.

4. What is mainly talked about in the passage?

A．Bach is seeking for his third time presidency.

B．Several members urged the continuation of Bach’s presidency.

C．Different attitudes to Bach’s presidency for a third round are considered.

D．Several successors of Bach will be discussed in the coming Session in July, 2024.

7 . 听下面一段较长对话，回答以下小题。
1. What is the topic of the photos of this year?

A．Flowers.

B．Animals.

C．Food.

2. How should the photos be sent?

A．Bye-mail

B．By post.

C．In person.

3. What is the prize?

A．A cup.

B．A camera.

C．Some money.

8 . 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。

Billed as one of the most scenic (风景优美的) and most demanding marathons in the world, the Great Wall Marathon is the oldest of its type, beginning in 1999, with     1     (option) for fun runs and half marathons as well as the full marathon. The fun run       2     (cover) just 8.5 kilometers, the half marathon 21.1 kilometers,     3     the full marathon 42.2 kilometers.

Since this event is so different from a regular city marathon,     4     is smart to follow a training program       5     focuses on both hill training and distance.

The Great Wall Marathon starts from the Huangyaguan fortress (要塞) and heads south, before       6     (turn) left onto the Changcheng Highway, putting runners on the road leading to the Great Wall entrance where a four-kilometer uphill battle awaits. After five kilometers, runners start on the       7     (challenge) part of the journey: the steps and hills of the Great Wall itself.

Marathon runners will come across Duanzhuang village and the township of Xiaying, and will continue onto the Yin and Yang Square and face the steps of the Great Wall once again. Those unable       8     (reach) that stage in six hours shall not       9     (permit) to continue.

The part on the Great Wall is surely the most scenic; however, finishers     10     (equal) enjoy the parts running in the small villages where they give“high fives”to the children living there.

9 . 听下面一段较长对话，回答以下小题。
1. Which part of the man’s body is a little tired?

A．His hand.

B．His foot.

C．His arm.

2. What’s the weather like?

A．Cool.

B．Hot.

C．Warm.

3. Where will the man go?

A．The bar.

B．His home.

C．The office.

4. How many times has the man played bowling?

A．Five to ten times.

B．Ten to fifteen times.

C．Fifteen to twenty times.

10 . This was the big game. The boys were _________ and excited. It was a clear night, and my son, Andy’s baseball team, which had _________ all year, had shocked the better teams by making it to this championship game. The atmosphere was _________: the other team’s slugger (强击手), a big kid, was like a snake, dangerous and ready to _________.

Nervously, I looked out Andy’s way. I was _________ to see Andy looking straight up at the night sky! Obviously he wasn’t _________ on the game. I was horrified that he wouldn’t even know the ball was coming.

“Come on, Andy. _________ out there,” I said to myself.

Thank goodness, a big kid in the other team made a mistake. Andy and I had been _________ and our team still led by one run.

Andy ran up to me at the _________. I was about to ____________ him when he said loudly, “Did you see that shooting star?”

Andy’s eyes were glowing (发光) with ____________. I paused.

“Yes,” I said. “Well, one inning (局) to go. Hit a home run (全垒打)!”

“Okay!” said Andy, and he ran back to his ____________.

I suddenly realized it was nice that my son would take time out to ____________ the wonder and beauty in life. You might be surprised by the beauty you can find when you least ____________ it. Andy hit a triple (三垒打) in that last inning. But I still wish I had ____________ that shooting star, too.

1.

A．nervous

B．scared

C．curious

D．ashamed

2.

A．trained

B．struggled

C．prayed

D．run

3.

A．electric

B．friendly

C．casual

D．romantic

4.

A．flee

B．bite

C．jump

D．strike

5.

A．amused

B．embarrassed

C．shocked

D．satisfied

6.

A．carrying

B．focusing

C．commenting

D．reflecting

7.

A．Settle down

B．Stand up

C．Wake up

D．Lie down

8.

A．informed

B．punished

C．warned

D．spared

9.

A．meeting

B．break

C．corner

D．entrance

10.

A．blame

B．comfort

C．entertain

D．tease

11.

A．anger

B．anxiety

C．excitement

D．confidence

12.

A．teammates

B．fans

C．parents

D．stars

13.

A．create

B．research

C．explain

D．appreciate

14.

A．need

B．expect

C．afford

D．suspect

15.

A．become

B．filmed

C．seen

D．followed