相关试卷

When my art teacher Ms. Lopez invited me to join the after-school painting club, I shook my head firmly, filled with shyness and deep self-doubt. "Thank you, but I'm not creative at all," I mumbled, staring at the floor to avoid her kind eyes. "I can only draw clumsy stick figures, and I'm sure I'll embarrass myself in front of the other talented students." Ms. Lopez chuckled softly, patted my shoulder, and handed me a new sketchbook (素描本). "Creativity isn't about perfect pictures," she said patiently. "It's about expressing your true feelings. Just give one class a try."

Unwillingly, I agreed, and my nervousness peaked at the first meeting. The art room walls were covered with amazing works — vivid sunsets, lifelike cats, and delicate portraits. I slipped into a corner, gripping my pencil so tight that my knuckles (指关节) whitened. Staring at the blank page, I dared not draw a single line, fearing the students would laugh at my unskilled work and simple ideas.

Ms. Lopez noticed my anxiety and sat beside me quietly. "What makes you feel truly happy and relaxed?" she asked softly. "My grandma's apple orchard (果园)," I replied instantly. "I go there every weekend and love everything about it, especially the old apple tree and the little sparrows." "Then draw that," she encouraged. "Forget the rules — just paint how that place makes you feel inside."

Taking a deep breath, I started sketching the old apple tree I loved so much. I drew its thick branches stretching toward the sky and a tiny sparrow perched on one limb, singing happily. When I finished, Ms. Lopez held up my sketch proudly. "This work has so much heart!" she said warmly. The class broke into applause, and Mia, the girl sitting beside me, whispered softly, "The sparrow looks so alive and lovely!" However, I could still see that it was far from perfect with uneven lines.

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。

Paragraph 1: Inspired by their encouragement, I decided to keep painting the orchard.

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Paragraph 2: That weekend, I went to grandma's orchard with my sketchbook

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(1)陈述对课程的理解；

(2)分析自身申请优势。

注意：

(1)写作词数应为100左右；

(2)可适当增加细节，使内容充实、行文连贯。

Dear Mr. Smith,

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Yours sincerely,

Li Hua

The integration of robotics into daily life has transformed various aspects of individuals' interaction with technology and their environments. Robots are not just futuristic concepts but present-day tools boost efficiency and productivity through human collaboration (handle) tasks from simple chores to complex operations.

Humanoid robots, (equip) with artificial intelligence, are increasingly employed in environments such as healthcare, education, and customer service. Their ability to engage with people on a social level allows them to provide companionship, support, and interactive learning experiences. Robotic assistants, in contrast, have made (significance) progress into corporate world and personal spaces. From robotic vacuum cleaners to advanced programming bots, these robots (design) to improve daily routines. They enable individuals to distribute their time and resources more (efficient), allowing for a greater focus on strategic and creative efforts.

rise of robotics in daily life signifies a technological evolution and represents a fundamental shift in how authority and efficiency are perceived. Individuals and (organize) can position themselves at the forefront of a swiftly advancing world embracing these innovations. The future is here, those who can employ these tools will certainly lead the charge into a new era of productivity and engagement.

My3 began two years ago when I4 a collection of dusty, old photos. I looked to see if there were any names on the backs. I thought: if these were mine, I'd want someone to5 them to me. So I made it my6 to do so for others. Up to now, I have collected over 50,000 items like photographs, albums, and even undeveloped films.

To find the owners, I set up a social media account. The first item I7 was a tape of a family holiday, where the son was wearing a T-shirt with the words "Wesleyan swimming" on it.

My followers8 athletic departments in universities across the US and asked swimming coaches from the 90s if they recognized the student.9, just a few days later, someone10 him. To confirm he was just the person in the photo, we11 him down on social media. He couldn't believe it and was extremely12 to be reunited with the tape. He then recreated some of the movies with his own sons.

This journey of mending memory's gaps is far more13 than I could have imagined. Here, what was once lost is gently restored to its rightful place, and14 blooms as stories reunite with the15 that once held them close.

Firstly, challenge your key assumptions. Based on past experience, our mind constantly makes assumptions about the world. However, what saves us time and energy can lead to wrong conclusions if they remain unchallenged. Start by working in a team and questioning each other's assumptions.

You should also consider alternative explanations. Humans seek explanations, and we prefer the one that comes to mind first. It pays to naturally look beyond the most obvious explanations. This is to avoid confirmation bias; when we ignore evidence that goes against a prior belief. A master thinker treats their preferred explanation just as an assumption.

They simply refer to the main factors influencing how things have been going or how they will go. If we practice watching for driving factors when we have time to think, we'll be able to identify them more instinctively on occasions when we're in a hurry. The master thinker prioritizes the factors that impact an issue the most.

Finally, consider the overall context. The master thinker considers the circumstances and conditions of an issue. A few minutes to orient ourselves and reflect on the situation as a whole can once more save us time down the road. Only then is it time to consider the details and incorporate them back into said picture.

A. Moreover, try to focus on key drivers.

B. Attempt to think about problems wisely.

C. However, that isn't necessarily the correct one.

D. This habit involves looking at the big picture first.

E. True expert thinkers know the limitations of their minds.

F. This collaborative approach enables your thinking to be challenged.

G. Actually, the habits of master thinkers can help in reasoning and making decisions.

KTU professor Dr Tadas Ždankus and his team have been investigating how the ground can serve as a medium for heat storage. At the core of their research is a ground-based heat accumulator that would store left energy underground and make it available when demand peaks.

Initially, the team explored how to use wind energy to produce heat via a hydraulic system (液压系统). They found that so-called hydraulic losses, typically seen as inefficiencies, were actually generating usable heat.However, part of heat was lost before reaching buildings. The question became how to not only decrease heat loss but also store it.

To test this idea, the researchers conducted experiments using an artificial heat source placed in surface soil layers. They measured how heat spreads and persists in the ground. In one test, when the soil was heated to the boiling point, it caused a phase change (相变), in which liquid water becomes vapor."Phase change can be an efficient way. We noticed a sharp temperature rise wherever the vapour flow reached. This means the energy is moving and can be controlled." says Prof. Ždankus.

Once the possibility of underground heat storage was confirmed, researchers began exploring its practical applications. They developed a pilot model ground energy cell to study how heat spread through soil. The year-long measurements revealed the soil beneath buildings could passively store heat, making use of the natural downward flow of heat from buildings into the ground.

To put these ground-based storage systems into widespread use, researchers are now developing scaled-down pilot models and refining heat distribution control methods."Our immediate goal is to integrate existing solutions into a system that can benefit both industry and residential sectors." Ždankus concludes.

To figure out the root cause, Arizona State University psychologist Frank J. Infurna and his colleagues analyzed survey data from 17 countries. They concluded that America's real midlife crisis stems from balancing work, finances, family and health amid weakening social supports, rather than personal lifestyle choices. Their findings, published in Current Directions in Psychological Science, point to multiple contributing factors and offer directions for change.

Family policy differences mark a key gap between the US and Europe. European countries have increased family welfare expenditure (支出) since the early 2000s, while US spending has stayed largely unchanged, lacking cash transfers, parental leave support and funded childcare. This leaves US middle-aged adults, who balance work, child-raising and elder care, facing steadily rising loneliness across generations.

Healthcare affordability and income inequality worsen the situation. The US spends the most on healthcare globally, yet individuals face limited access and high out-of-pocket costs, leading to stress, anxiety and medical debt. Income inequality has also grown in the US, unlike in Europe, and is linked to poorer health and greater loneliness, as it restricts education, employment and social service access.

Cultural patterns and weak social safety nets also contribute to the issue. Americans move frequently and live far from extended families, weakening social ties. Later US generations also face financial insecurity, while Europe's stronger safety nets protect its middle-aged population. Notably, education is losing its protective power: despite higher educational attainment, US middle-aged adults show episodic memory decline, weakened by ongoing stress and health risks.

The researchers stress these outcomes are not unavoidable. Personal social engagement can lessen stress, but individual efforts are insufficient — strong policy-backed safety nets are essential to reverse the troubling midlife health trends in the US.

She was expressing a philosophical truth. We tend to believe that to be happier, we need to become bigger in our own mind and in the minds of others. But that's wrong. What we really need to achieve both the perspective on life and the peace we desire is to get smaller in relation to everything and everyone else.

We are not the center of most things in life. And yet, when we don't recognize the truth, we go about our business with the illusion that we are the focus of intense outside interest. This fantasy is almost certainly a product of evolution: Our ancestors struggled to rise in social hierarchies by thinking that they mattered more as individuals than they actually did. This work of constantly comparing themselves with others made it more likely that they would keep their genes in a competitive mating environment. We inherited their belief of self-importance.

But this comes at a cost. Researchers have shown that such self-focus can cause emotional problems, making social situations or task performance feel frightening and unpleasant.

As I have shown in the past, getting happier very often requires you not to give in to natural tendencies. The world is constantly inviting you to try to make yourself appear bigger in others' eyes and in your own. The trick to finding happiness is to get smaller.

What's a field of study?

In higher education, a field of study or an academic discipline is a broad subject area. You pursue it as part of a degree program to enhance your knowledge.

Start your online degree when you' re ready. Day or night — attend class online whenever it fits your schedule. Here, the choice is yours. You are free to learn when and where you want.

What support services are available to me?

We are ready to assist you. Because we know you' re busy, we also offer a range of on-demand resources like tutorials, videos and more.

Tuition cost per course: Tuition is charged per credit hour, so the total cost depends on how many credits each course carries. Courses are typically 3 credits, but can range from 1 — 6 credits. Costs do not include savings opportunities like transfer credits and scholarships.

What affects the overall cost of my program?

Your full program cost can vary by:

Savings opportunities. Your cost could be reduced with qualified transfer credits, scholarships, employer discounts and more. Students with qualified credits and relevant experience on average saved $11K and 1 year off their undergraduate degree at University of Phoenix.

Specific program costs. Additional costs that may only apply to certain programs may be included such as background checks, health screenings or professional third-party exam fees. Fees vary by program. Please check your selected program pages for a complete list of specific fees.

As my father grew older, he became increasingly frugal (节俭) — a habit that often annoyed me. He even kept snack wrappers to reuse, and I used to think he was being stingy (小气的). One afternoon at the grocery, as we walked down the cookie aisle, I noticed he lingered before the expensive shortbread (黄油酥饼) he loved, the kind he never bought for himself. So I suggested buying it for him. He nodded but hesitated, then added softly, "Actually, your mom used to buy Nadine's cookies." I'd never heard of this brand and rolled my eyes secretly, yet I agreed to look for them to end his hesitation.

We split up to search: I checked the lower shelves while he scanned the higher ones. I bent down impatiently, glancing carelessly around, but found no sign of Nadine's. After quickly scanning the labels, I told him I couldn't find them, expecting him to give up. But he sighed softly, his face clouded over with a hint of disappointment. Noticing that, I decided to ask the clerk for help.

When I asked the clerk about Nadine's, he looked confused and said they didn't carry it. "We have Sandies," he added casually. Suddenly, my father's eyes lit up with pure joy — he pointed at the Sandies and exclaimed, "That's it!" He then sheepishly explained that he'd named them after his childhood babysitter, Nadine, and had called them "Nadine's" for decades. As I watched him smile softly while picking up the packages, my earlier annoyance faded away, and a faint curiosity took hold. In that moment, I suddenly realized how little I knew about him.

A month later, I saved up my pocket money and bought a tin of authentic UK shortbread as a gift. My father thanked me warmly, but as he set the tin on the coffee table, I heard him mumble to himself, "Why do I need these?" I frowned, confused and a little hurt. Just then, I spotted six unopened packs of Sandies on the table. I began to wonder why these simple cookies mattered more to him than my supposedly expensive gift.

注意：

(1)续写词数应为150个左右;

(2)请按如下格式在答题纸的相应位置作答。

Seeing my mixed expressions, Dad started to explain.

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I held the unopened pack of Sandies tightly.

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(1)暖心事件；

(2)你的思考。

注意：

(1)写作词数应为100个左右；

(2)请按如下格式在答题纸的相应位置作答。

A Small Act Warms My Heart

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The 2021 list of Best Tourism Villages was released at the 24^th General Assembly of the World Tourism Organization, with Yucun (list) among the 44 outstanding villages. Launched in May 2021, the Best Tourism Villages initiative drew applications from 174 villages worldwide, and the candidates were assessed an independent committee against a set of criteria covering cultural and natural heritage, economic sustainability, and other key dimensions.

(lie) in Anji County, Zhejiang Province, Yucun once relied on mineral resources for its economic growth and became the wealthiest community in the area of Anji. all of this was achieved only at the cost of environmental damage. In 2005, President Xi Jinping visited Yucun, he put forward the concept that lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets. Under this vision, Yucun made great efforts to restore its ecological environment and (award) the title of National Ecological Cultural Village in 2021. Blessed with distinctive natural scenery, villagers soon lived (enjoyable) lives, compared with those they had when depending on mining. Today, it has grown into a popular tourist destination, attracting more than 10 million domestic and international visitors annually.

This (transform) of Yucun offers a vivid example. Over the past decades, China has been committed to green and low-carbon development. With Yucun as shining model, the nation has achieved remarkable progress in ecological conservation and adopted effective (strategy) to build a Beautiful China.

One day, I applied for a sales2 at a jewelry company. As the interviewer outlined the daily3 like selling gold and silver items, an inner voice asked me, "Am I really doing what I'm meant to do?" Knowing the answer was "No", I politely4 the job, following my heart and guided by my inner sense of5. In time, I returned to school to6 an education degree and went on to become a teacher, finding7 in helping students learn, grow and chart their own life direction.

Before long, I learned my two sons had autism (自闭症). This led me to8 teaching and I stayed home to look after them. My later life journey was9 — filled with sleepless nights and countless therapy sessions. Yet, challenging as it was,10 my sons brought me unexpected warmth.

I recorded my life11 in writing and sharing my stories far and wide. Finally I came to realize these life experiences led me to live a life that truly suited me.

The12 of that day touches everyone deeply. Each of us has a purpose. Finding it may take a lot of time and lead us down a(n)13 path. Yet it is never too late to make a14: follow your heart, live fully, love deeply and become who you are15 to be.

Verbal intensifiers (强化词) are special function words that enhance the meaning, especially the emotional meaning of the words they are attached to. According to Buzarov (1998), intensification is a stable and vital feature of informal language. Words such as awfully, deeply, tremendously, and truly help speakers strengthen emotional impact and influence listeners' psychological perception.

In English, we often say "I am deeply grateful" or "He is dead tired." Other languages also have similar words: очень in Russian, sehr in German, très in French. Some new intensifiers are even created by combining words, like fantabulous from fantastic and fabulous.

To make the most of intensifiers, we should use them with a clear purpose. Do not use them mindlessly. Connect them with your genuine attitude and focus on conveying precise emotions. This way, appropriate use of intensifiers will make our words more powerful and sincere.

Intensifiers, like any other linguistic tool, work best in the right context. However, overusing them without necessity will only weaken their expressive effect and make our words sound empty. Mastering them wisely helps us become more proficient and persuasive communicators.

A. Proper use is a smart linguistic choice.

B. These function words have great expressive value.

C. You'd better use them to express real ideas and emotions.

D. Using intensifiers at will influences emotional expression.

E. Intensifiers are used to simplify the meaning of other words.

F. This is why verbal intensifiers have emerged in languages worldwide.

G. They are commonly employed across languages and take on diverse forms.

Psychologists John Bargh and Tanya Chartrand proved the Chameleon Effect in a 1999 experiment. They asked 78 participants to talk with experimenters during a personality test. To avoid conscious mimicry, researchers used photos as a distraction during conversations. The results showed participants unconsciously increased face touching by 20% and foot movement by 50% to match the experimenters. Another part found people who were mimicked rated the experimenters more positively, showing mimicry boosts likability. The Chameleon Effect stems from two main reasons. It is rooted in human empathy — people mimic others to share feelings and build emotional bonds. It also evolved as a survival trait: fitting in with a group helps people gain support and avoid danger. In daily life, this explains why couples or close friends gradually adopt similar speech habits or gestures.

This effect also appears in speech and social settings. People may unconsciously pick up others' accents or phrases after long interactions. For example, a football player once accidentally used a French accent during an interview after living in France for months, a typical display of the effect. However, excessive mimicry may make people lose their sense of self. Such over-mimicry can lead to confusion about one's true personality.

Overall, the Chameleon Effect is a positive social tool that promotes connection and empathy. It helps reduce social tension and build trust between people. While it helps people integrate into groups, balancing mimicry with self-identity is crucial to avoiding losing oneself in social interactions. With this awareness, people can use the effect wisely while preserving their own uniqueness.

Cambridge psychologists found that appreciating artistic beauty at Kettle's Yard Gallery, a Cambridge art museum, frees people from daily mental trappings. Besides, a study by the UK Department for Culture, Media and Sport quantified art's positive effects on physical and mental health, and showed that it brought an annual £ 1,000 per person economic gain from higher productivity and fewer general practitioner visits. Nature noted the role of original art in preventing chronic diseases. And for the first time in its 202-year history, The Lancet featured art's life-enhancing effects in a photo essay, turning art from a leisure choice into a valuable tool for public health.

Art historian Katy Hessel emphasizes that taking time to immerse oneself in art deeply is vital to its therapeutic effect. Galleries' quiet atmosphere stops mindless scrolling and fosters contemplation, bringing "psychological distancing" and a broader perspective — great art liberates people to appreciate things beyond themselves. In an age when creativity is increasingly outsourced to AI, original art connects people with human genius, letting them feel the emotions behind artists' brushstrokes and understand human suffering, which no digital image or AI work can fully copy.

Art's health value raises a question: will doctors soon recommend gallery visits? Amid falling visitors and funding shortages, these studies call for more investment in culture. While the UK government's £ 270 million funding for cultural infrastructure is welcome, greater efforts are needed to ensure universal access to this "cultural workout". Science has proven art is vital not only to a nation's economy but to its public health.

It didn't take me long to figure out where the problem lay. I had stocked my shelves with classic novels and poetry I cherished, yet they failed to meet the needs of local residents. I therefore resolved to make a thorough change. In place of those books, I displayed home-style cookbooks, stories about street food, and food-related picture books for children. I sincerely hoped these new books would win over the locals. I also launched a "Book-for-Veggie Exchange" activity in the store.

The new adjustment turned out to be highly successful. Local people soon took to this creative idea. A young mother came first with a carrot to exchange for a picture book, and before long, my counter was overflowing with fresh vegetables. The tofu vendor's daughter, who had watched silently for weeks on end, finally stepped forward to borrow a comic. Months later, the bookstore became a warm part of market life, with the scent of books blending gently with the fresh aroma of farm produce.

This experience reshaped my understanding of books. I once believed books could only shine in quiet places, but now I have seen their real value. It lies in connecting with people's everyday life: books can blend perfectly into daily routines and warm our hearts. They become meaningful and touching when combined with the hustle and bustle, food and laughter of everyday life.

Quidditch

Inspired by J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series, this magical game is now a real international sport. Each team has seven players, and every player must keep a broom between their legs from start to finish. Combining elements of rugby and dodgeball, it's called "Muggle Quidditch" since non-magical folks play it without magic.

Yubi Lakpi

This traditional Indian game resembles football, but with a twist — players use a coconut instead of a ball. Two teams compete to carry the coconut into the opponent's goal area. To make the game more challenging, players apply oil to their bodies, making them slippery and hard to grab. Tough enough? Give it a try!

Zorbing

Imagine rolling downhill inside a giant plastic ball. That's zorbing! It first originated in New Zealand in the 1990s and has grown into a popular outdoor adventure activity around the world. Usually done on gentle slopes or flat ground, it's more about the joy of rolling than competition. Perfect for a fun day out with friends!

Toe Wrestling

Yes, it's real and it even has a World Championship! Similar to arm wrestling, opponents try to pin each other's toes down for three seconds. Matches alternate between left and right feet, with the best of three rounds deciding the winner. So kick off your shoes and socks. It's toe-wrestling time!

To broaden her son Zhang Ming's international perspective, Ms. Liu, a Chinese mother, decided to send him to a summer camp at a junior high school in Britain. They stayed with a host family. Its owner was Lily, a kind and warm-hearted local woman. During the summer camp, Zhang Ming enjoyed various activities every day, making new friends and learning about British culture.

One afternoon, after finishing the summer camp activities, Zhang Ming returned to the host family. He felt extremely thirsty, with sweat pouring down his face. He could hardly catch his breath and began to have a terrible headache. Ms. Liu immediately realized that her son was suffering from heatstroke (中暑). She knew she needed to relieve his symptoms in no time.

Quickly, Ms. Liu found a spoon from the kitchen. She asked Zhang Ming to lie on the bed and gently scraped (刮) his back with the spoon. Just as she focused on scraping, Lily passed by their room.

When she saw Ms. Liu scraping Zhang Ming's back with a spoon, she was greatly shocked. She thought Ms. Liu was abusing her son and couldn't help but let out a cry.

Ms. Liu was disturbed by Lily's cry and stopped at once. She explained to Lily patiently that this was a traditional Chinese treatment called guasha, which was used to treat heatstroke. She told Lily that guasha could help promote blood circulation (循环) and relieve the discomfort caused by heatstroke. Although Lily listened to Ms. Liu's explanation and the misunderstanding was cleared up, she still doubted whether guasha was really effective.

Three days later, the weather was even hotter. When Ms. Liu was in the living room, she saw Lily walking unsteadily, holding her head. Lily said she felt dizzy and hot, and could barely breathe. Ms. Liu quickly checked and found that Lily also had heatstroke. She immediately offered to treat Lily with guasha.

注意：

1．续写词数应为150个左右;

2．请按如下格式在答题纸的相应位置作答。

Lily hesitated for a moment, and then agreed to give guasha a try. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

In the following days, Lily shared her experience with neighbors. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

1. 描述过程；

2. 分享感悟。

注意：

1. 写作词数应为80个左右；

2. 请按如下格式在答题纸的相应位置作答。

Dear Jason,

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Yours,

Li Hua