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One cold winter morning, a young girl named Lily woke up with a heavy heart. Her family had fallen on hard times, and her father, the only breadwinner, had recently lost his job. Money was tight, and Christmas was just around the corner. Lily had been dreaming of a beautiful doll(洋娃娃)for months, but she knew it was an impossible wish.

Determined to contribute something to her family's holiday, Lily decided to take on extra chores(家务活)around the neighborhood. She knocked on doors, offering to do gardening, clean houses, or even walk dogs, all in the hope of earning some money. Due to the economic downturn and the unsatisfactory lives of many neighbors, they politely declined Lily's offer. When she knocked on the last neighbor's door, a kind-faced elderly answered the door. After understanding Lily's purpose of coming, this kind lady said yes to Lily's offer. "You can call me Sophia," the woman responded happily.

In the following days, Lily worked very hard and tried her best to do everything well. She cleaned up Sophia's house thoroughly. As Christmas approached, Lily could see people dressed up as Santa Claus giving small gifts to the children in the neighborhood every time she walked Sophia's dog. Seeing the happy expressions on the children's faces, Lily felt that helping others was really good. She secretly told herself that if she could, she would also go and help others.

Three days before Christmas, Lily finished her work at Sophia's house. Sophia gave her a considerable wage as a reward. Although she really wanted that doll, she felt that the money should still be used where it's more needed.

On the morning before Christmas, Lily's doorbell suddenly rang. Opening the door, Lily found a freezing winter morning wind carrying a small, wrapped gift box into her arms. Surprised, she looked up to see Sophia standing there, smiling warmly. "Merry Christmas, dear," Sophia said, placing the gift gently in Lily's hands.

注意：

1. 续写词数应为150个左右；

2. 请按如下格式在答题卡的相应位置作答。

Inside the box was the very doll Lily had been dreaming of.

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Overwhelmed with gratitude, Lily decided to pay it forward.

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1. 体重超标的危害；

2. 你的建议。

注意：

1. 写作词数应为80个左右；

2. 请按如下格式在答题卡的相应位置作答。

Recently, the NHC has announced a three-year campaign to strengthen weight management.

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If you love cartoons and often hang out on Xiaohongshu or Billibilli, you have probably seen a young woman stepping in and out of different cartoon worlds. In one video, she turns herself into a (fashion) lady. In another, she plays with dragons while (dress) in traditional Chinese clothing.

This woman is Mi Lei, or Lei Yumeng, creative videos look magical. But Lei is not a magician, but artist.

Lei demonstrated a talent painting from an early age. But it was not until high school that she took it (serious). In her art classes, there were many talented students. Lei would often quietly watch another girl draw, thinking that she could never achieve that level. But instead of giving up, she tried her best to close the gap. One day, while drawing a picture, Lei noticed someone (stand) behind her. It was that girl. "You draw very well." she said. The simple praise filled Lei with confidence. She started to work even harder.

Later, Lei studied art in the U. S. where she learned about storyboarding — using pictures to tell stories. She was interested in it and pushed herself to be perfect. One day, when the teacher assigned the class (create) a cartoon character, Lei made over 100 and chose the best one to hand in.

Lei rose to fame during the COVID-19 pandemic. When she (stick) at home, she wanted to try something new. She thought of bridging (real) and fantasy. Many of her magical videos went viral and got over 20,000 likes.

"I totally4. it off the road," said Clevey. She got out of the car and started5 her way to the car she hit. To her surprise and6, the driver, a woman a bit older than Clevey, looked completely7. Clevey, who had already been8, began to sob (抽泣).

"I was 19 years old. This was such a9 that had happened, and I was the one who did it. I was very10, but I was also just like a baby at that moment," Clevey remembered. "And this woman, this angel, instead of11 me, she comforted me in that moment, which I really needed."

Since that accident, Clevey hasn't12 with the woman whose car she hit. But she13 her often.

"People make14 and it can mean a lot more to them — and they can take a lot more from it — if you treat them15 at that moment. And she didn't have to, but she did."

We all need a little sleep support sometimes. Losing out on all-important sleeping hours can be frustrating and unsettling. Even if you have good nighttime habits in general, you may still sometimes have difficulty settling into slumber. These expert-backed sleep hacks just might help you get to dreamland.

Make over your mornings. A good night's rest starts when you say "Rise and shine!" the morning before. To improve your sleep, establish a consistent morning routine: Focus on waking up at around the same time each day. Try to expose yourself to daylight. And fuel up with an energizing breakfast.

Set the mood. At night, try switching to amber or red lightbulbs in a lamp or two. These are less mentally stimulating and can trigger natural melatonin (褪黑素) production. It's an easy decoration adjustment to look for a salt lamp or colorchanging lightbulbs. And do your best to stop using these devices about an hour before bedtime.

Soaking in a warm tub or standing under a steamy stream about 75 to 90 minutes before bedtime can be helpful, as the warm water initially raises your body temperature, and then as the water cools down, that helps promote sleep onset. You sleep more soundly when your body temperature is cooler.

Use your imagination. Close your eyes and spend a moment visualizing a calming, pleasant environment such as a forest, a beach, or a mountain scene. Pleasant imagery before drifting off may help calm the mind, and in turn the body, to ease transition to sleep.

A. Take a bubble bath or a hot shower.

B. Follow this road map to better your sleep.

C. Too little sleeping can cast a shadow over your health.

D. Squeeze in a morning workout if your schedule allows.

E. They connect with an app that lets you change the light color.

F. Also, switch smartphone, laptop, and tablet screens to night mode.

G. A short imagery can help create peaceful feelings that may send you to sleep.

The robotaxis are programmed to do everything on their own. Once, the robotaxis could only drive in specific areas, at certain times. The companies were only allowed to charge passengers for some of the trips. But in early August, Waymo and Cruise were given full permission to operate their robotaxis in San Francisco. The companies were allowed to run as many driverless cars as they wanted, 24 hours a day. The move was a big step for self-driving cars, and many people were excited about the change. The new rules also allowed the companies to charge for every ride, which meant that the robotaxis could finally start to earn money.

For many people, the problems with the self-driving taxis didn't come as a surprise. The chief of San Francisco's fire department says that since May of 2022, there have been over 60 cases where robotaxis interfered with firetrucks. Robotaxis have also blocked city buses and other emergency vehicles. A Cruise car crashed into a fire truck, sending a person to the hospital. Later, a Cruise car stopped working in the middle of an intersection (十字路口), causing a traffic jam. As a result, California told Cruise to take half of its robotaxis off the roads.

Many people believe that self-driving cars just aren't ready yet for the real world. In one recent example, a self-driving car got stuck in wet cement (水泥) because it didn't know that wet cement was different from a road. In another case, a robotaxi killed a dog. The self-driving system knew the dog was there, but didn't know how to avoid it.

In spite of the problems, both Waymo and Cruise are planning to expand their self-driving car service to other cities. Cruise has plans to bring their robotaxis to at least 15 cities. Waymo says its driverless system will soon be able to work "in any city, on any kind of vehicle". Though the quality of self-driving cars is improving, it's likely to be a while before most people view them as safe.

The Gregorian calendar's oldest ancestor, the first Roman calendar, had a big difference in structure from its later forms: it consisted of 10 months rather than 12. In order to fully sync (同步) the calendar with the lunar year, the Roman king Numa Pompilius added January and February to the original 10 months. The previous calendar had had 6 months of 30 days and 4 months of 31 days, for a total of 304 days. However, Numa wanted to avoid having even numbers in his calendar, as Roman superstition at the time held that even numbers were unlucky. He subtracted (减去) a day from each of the 30-day months to make them 29. The lunar year consists of 355 days (354.367 to be exact, but calling it 354 would have made the whole year unlucky!), which meant that he now had 56 days left to work with. In the end, at least 1 month out of the 12 needed to contain an even number of days. This is because of simple mathematical fact: the sum of any even amount (12 months) of odd numbers will always equal an even number — and he wanted the total to be odd. So Numa chose February, a month that would be host to Roman celebration honouring the dead, as the unlucky month to consist of 28 days.

Despite changes in the calendar as it was changed after Numa's additions — changes that include the shortening of February at certain intervals, the addition of a leap month, and eventually the modern leap day — February's 28-day length has stuck.

Ilicic has taken in old and abused horses. But he also takes those that had lived well but could no longer be looked after by caretakers. Animal care is an ongoing difficulty in Serbia. While officials run shelters for dogs, there are no state-supported places for horses.

One of Ilicic's favourite horses over the years, he said, was a local race winner that eventually died peacefully of old age. Another, now 28, was in a number of Serbian movies before retiring to the sanctuary. Some horses end up in a place where they are neither a pet nor a working machine" on farms, he said. So, they become difficult for people to keep.

He remembers a time in 2020 when officials stopped a truck filled with over 20 illegally transported horses. The horses were on their way to be killed. They were all in bad condition but that the sanctuary found new homes for most of them. Three of the horses remained under their care.

The sanctuary tries to find new homes for as many animals as possible to ensure there is always space for new ones. The sounds of different animal noises fill the small sanctuary when visitors arrive. Among the animals are seven cats that were found as babies in a closed plastic bag, and seven baby Yorkshire pigs that were rescued from a waste center. Now, they are fully grown animals that enjoy being with people.

The sanctuary operates on donations. So far, Serbian officials have helped by repairing local roads. But there is still no system to register his sanctuary as an official horse sanctuary. He said, "We are the only ones in the Balkans at the moment and we hold the firm belief that, in time, we will be recognized by the state."

Overview

See free-ranging wildlife with the backdrop of the Nairobi skyline on a half-day tour to Nairobi National Park, a convenient way to experience a Kenya safari (观兽旅行) even if you have limited time. Door-to-door transport from Nairobi hotels make this an easy way to get to the park, and you'll have the chance to spot black rhinos, lions, giraffes, leopards, and hundreds of species of birds.

● Nairobi National Park tour with hotel pickup and drop-off

● Spot some of Africa's "Big 5" on a game drive

● Chance to take unique photos of wildlife with views of Nairobi

● Convenient morning and afternoon departure times available

What's Included

Bottled water       ×Tips given to guide

Hotel pickup and drop-off        ×National park entry ticket payable at the gate

Free Wi-Fi

4 to 5 hours of game drives

Additional Info

● Confirmation will be received at time of booking

● Children must be accompanied by an adult

● Not wheelchair accessible

● Kids must sit on laps

● Most travellers can participate

● This tour/ activity will have a maximum of 15 travellers

● A current valid passport is required on the day of travel

Cancellation Policy

● For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience's start time.

● If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience's start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.

● Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience's start time will not be accepted.

● Cut-off times are based on the experience's local time.

Reserve Now & Pay Later

We'll reserve your spot today, and you can cancel up to two days before your experience without making a payment. Secure your spot with ease, stay flexible, and never miss out.

The old bookstore on Maple Street had been Mr. Hale's life work. For forty years, he'd stacked its shelves with weathered novels, dog-eared poetry collections, and rare first editions, each with a story he could recite by heart. But last month, the bank had sent a notice — rising rents and falling sales meant the store would close by the end of the week.

Lila, a regular since she was a kid, couldn't bear the thought. She'd grown up here, hiding in the back corner with a book while her mom worked next door. Now a college student home for summer, she'd started a "Save the Bookstore" campaign: a petition, a GoFundMe page, even hand-painted signs taped to lampposts. But donations trickled in, and the petition barely had a hundred signatures.

"This isn't just a store," Lila said to Mr. Hale one afternoon, gesturing to the creaky wooden floors and the smell of old paper. He smiled sadly, polishing a leather-bound Dickens. "It's where Mrs. Carter met her late husband — they bonded over a shared love for Hemingway. Where Tommy, the shy kid from down the street, found the courage to join the debate team after reading To Kill a Mockingbird."

Lila's throat tightened. She knew those stories too. She'd left her own mark here: a faded drawing of a cat tucked inside The Secret Garden, a note scrawled in the margin of Pride and Prejudice ("Mr. Darcy is overrated!") when she was twelve.

On the penultimate day, Lila arrived to find Mr. Hale packing boxes. "I'm sorry, kiddo," he said, his voice rough. "We tried." She noticed a dusty box labeled "Memorabilia" in the corner — newspaper clippings from the store' s opening, a photo of Mr. Hale as a young man, and a stack of handwritten letters.

Curious, she pulled one out. It was dated 1998, from a girl named Clara: "Your store kept me going when my dad left. I'll never forget the day you let me take Anne of Green Gables home even though I couldn't pay — said ‘stories should be free to heal.'" Lila froze. Clara was her mom's name.

Before she could ask, the bell above the door jingled. A woman in a business suit stepped in, scanning the shelves. "I'm from the real estate company," she said, holding out a clipboard. "We need the keys by Friday."

Mr. Hale's shoulders slumped. Lila grabbed the letter, her heart racing. "Wait — this store matters. To all of us." The woman raised an eyebrow. "Prove it."

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: Lila sprinted out the door, the letter clutched in her hand.

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Paragraph 2: By sunset, the bookstore's front lawn was crowded.

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（1）阐释项目核心；

（2）介绍项目活动；

（3）强调参与价值。

注意：

1.写作词数应为80左右；

2.请按如下格式在答题纸的相应位置作答。

Dear students,

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Yours,

Li Hua

A traditional Chinese cultural exhibition at the City Art Gallery is showcasing works inspired by Chinese shadow puppetry (皮影戏) , has a history of over 2,000 years in China.

Chinese shadow puppetry is one of most ancient forms of storytelling through visual art. The vivid images of characters and the stories they tell reflect the wisdom and values of Chinese folk culture, according to Lin Hua, the curator (馆长) of the exhibition.

"The exhibition combines shadow puppetry culture, modern technology and contemporary art," says Lin. "We hope (show) the charm of this traditional art in a new way, and start conversations with modern art forms like installation art, multimedia art and pop art."

"In a shadow puppetry performance, each movement of the puppets is carefully designed. The performers use their skills to guide the puppets, leading the audience into a world (fill) with myths and legends," explains Chen Lei, a shadow puppetry performer participating in the exhibition.

"The performers' emotions (convey) through the puppets' actions, and their understanding of the stories is presented to the audience," she adds. "A skilled performer always (try) to make the performance touching, not just by the skills, also by the deep connection with the story."

Lin says that the unique shapes of the shadow puppets, the beauty in the (careful) arranged storylines, and the cultural meanings behind each character inspired artists to create paintings, sculptures, digital artworks for the exhibition. These works aim to let more people appreciate the charm of Chinese shadow puppetry in the context of modern art, (bridge) the gap between tradition and modernity.

We sorted items into three piles: keep, donate, and3. The "sell" pile included a vintage clock, a hand-knitted blanket, and an old camera. I took photos of these items and posted them online, hoping to4 them to people who'd appreciate them.

Days passed, and responses poured in. A woman messaged about the clock, asking for more5 — its age, condition, and whether it still worked. Another caller wanted to know if the blanket could be6 as a gift. As our moving day7, I felt a mix of sadness and relief.

Then came a8 that touched my heart: "I lost my grandma's clock last year. Your clock reminds me of her. Can I have it?" I agreed immediately. When she came to pick it up, her eyes9 up as she held the clock. "Thank you," she whispered, "this means so much."

10 by this experience, I started giving away more items for free. An elderly man took the old camera, sharing how he'd loved photography in his youth. Each exchange brought a sense of11 — these things weren't just objects; they were pieces of someone's past, now part of a new story.

Now, in our new apartment, the space feels12 but meaningful. I take13 in knowing that somewhere, the clock is keeping time for a new family, the blanket is warming someone's lap, and the camera is capturing new memories.

The process of letting go taught me that14 isn't about losing the past, but about15 it forward — allowing stories to continue in new hands.

In a world that often glorifies constant change and novelty, the value of routine is frequently overlooked. Yet, a well-crafted daily routine can be a powerful tool for personal growth, productivity, and well-being. It provides a framework within which we can thrive, helping us to balance work, rest, and self-care.

A morning routine, for instance, sets the tone for the day. Whether it's a few minutes of meditation, a brisk walk, or a nutritious breakfast, these small actions can have a profound impact on our mindset and energy levels. By starting the day with intention, we are better equipped to handle the challenges that come our way.

Of course, a routine doesn't mean rigidity. It should be flexible enough to accommodate unexpected events and personal growth. For example, if you find that a particular activity in your routine is no longer serving you, don't be afraid to adjust it. The key is to have a core set of practices that anchor you and provide a sense of stability.

A consistent sleep routine is another crucial aspect. Going to bed and waking up at the same time each day helps to regulate our body's internal clock, leading to better sleep quality and overall health. It also allows us to wake up feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the day ahead.

In the end, a routine is not about restricting freedom but about creating a foundation for a fulfilling life. By embracing the power of routine, we can unlock our potential and live with greater purpose and joy.

A. It gives us a sense of control and predictability in an otherwise chaotic world.

B. A good night's sleep is essential for cognitive function and emotional well-being.

C. It can include activities that nourish our minds, bodies, and souls.

D. Many successful people attribute their achievements to their well-structured daily routines.

E. It should evolve as we grow and change, reflecting our current needs and priorities.

F. Establishing a regular exercise routine can also have numerous benefits for both physical and mental health.

G. It's about finding rhythm in the repetition and using it as a springboard for growth.

Now, a groundbreaking study published in Environmental Science Advances offers a glimmer of hope in the fight against these elusive pollutants. Researchers from a multinational team discovered that a specific combination of ultraviolet (UV) radiation and a natural clay-based filter could potentially reduce nanoplastics in drinking water by a significant margin. In controlled laboratory tests, exposing water contaminated with nanoplastics to UV light for 15 minutes, followed by filtration through a montmorillonite clay filter, resulted in the removal of at least 75 percent of certain nanoplastics.

Crucially, the effectiveness of this method hinged on multiple factors. The pH level of the water played a vital role — alkaline conditions enhanced the binding of nanoplastics to the clay particles, while acidic environments weakened it. Additionally, the study was limited in scope: it focused only on three prevalent types of nanoplastics — polyamide, polyvinyl chloride, and polyethylene terephthalate — and did not account for the complex chemical interactions with other contaminants commonly found in real-world water sources, such as heavy metals and pesticides.

Still, the findings underscore the urgency of addressing the nanoplastic crisis — a problem that's growing more complex by the day. Earlier this year, independent studies revealed that nanoplastic concentrations in bottled water brands, previously thought to be a safer alternative, were up to 500 times higher than initial estimates. This suggests that even seemingly pristine water sources are not immune to nanoplastic contamination.

Scientists remain uncertain about the full extent of nanoplastic toxicity, but early research points to alarming possibilities. These particles, due to their small size, can penetrate cell membranes, potentially disrupting cellular functions and triggering inflammatory responses. The new study's authors emphasize that while their method shows promise, it's just one piece of the puzzle. "The way we demonstrated the interaction between UV, clay, and nanoplastics provides a foundation," says Dr. Elena Vazquez, an environmental chemist at the lead institution of the study. "But we need to scale up these solutions and integrate them into existing water treatment infrastructures to truly make a difference."

Urban planners Lila Chen and Ryan Moore are deeply troubled by such issues. In their newly released book Green Living: Reclaim Our Cities' Natural Spaces, they call for a fundamental rethinking of urban design and the role greenery should play in our daily lives.

The landscape of urban living began to shift decades ago. Vast areas of natural vegetation were cleared to make room for sprawling concrete structures and commercial centers, forcing residents to seek nature in distant suburbs. Some grassroots groups fought back. Most notably, a community organizer from Seattle, who relocated to the city in the early 2000s, launched a movement to save a local wetlands area from being converted into a shopping mall. Expressing her outrage at the planned destruction, Emily Clark appealed to the city council to "Preserve Seattle as a city where nature and urban life coexist harmoniously, not just a place of concrete and commerce." Similar initiatives took place in other major cities across the country in the 2010s.

Although these initiatives gained public attention, the harsh reality is that the majority of modern cities remain overwhelmingly dominated by urban development at the expense of green spaces. The coverage of natural areas in cities has been shrinking steadily. In California, for instance, the ratio of urban green spaces to total city area has dropped to a record low, even as the state promotes environmental protection campaigns.

We invest substantial resources in building urban infrastructure that prioritizes speed and efficiency, yet we neglect to consider the true value of green spaces. Do we fully comprehend the social and psychological costs when citizens lack easy access to natural environments for mental rejuvenation? The authors of Green Living are spot-on: it's high time we re-evaluate the urban landscapes right outside our homes.

But the situation was quite different with their first assignment, which centered on the question: "Why is literature important?"

Most of the essays were barely a page long, and scarcely any had a sentence that could serve as a strong thesis statement. I was taken aback. Then it dawned on me that the problem lay in the question itself. They could have written volumes about the allure of social media, but literature, in its pure form, just didn't seem significant to them. This had to change.

As a new semester began, I asked everyone to craft a reflective essay on a literary work that had touched their soul. This time, they found the task far more engaging. For the subsequent two tasks, a drama-analysis project was followed by a poetry-creation workshop. I only stipulated that each piece should convey a deep-seated emotion. The outcomes were astounding. The students delved into a wide range of literary works and produced essays and poems, each 8 to 15 pages long, with insights that broadened my perspective and stirred my emotions.

I entered the class believing that literature is important as a mirror of humanity. However, my students demonstrated something even more profound. When the final bell rang in June, I walked away with a year's worth of memories filled with the realization of literature's most profound significance — the ability to awaken dormant feelings, to transport us to unseen worlds, and to reveal the shared threads of our human experiences.

When shopping for protein at the grocery store, we often encounter a dilemma: traditional animal-based meat or plant-based meat. Is plant-based meat truly a healthier alternative? Five experts from diverse fields were consulted to share their insights on whether plant-based meat is better for our health. Here are their in-depth responses.

Dr. Amanda Green, Nutritionist

Switching from traditional meat to plant-based meat can effectively cut down on the intake of saturated fat and cholesterol. Traditional red meat, in particular, is high in saturated fat, which is closely associated with elevated blood cholesterol levels and an increased risk of heart disease. Plant-based meat, conversely, typically contains low levels of saturated fat. Thus, for individuals concerned about heart health, plant-based meat is a more favorable option as it can help mitigate the risk of heart-related ailments.

Mr. Ben Smith, Food Technologist

Plant-based meat products are engineered to imitate the taste and texture of traditional meat. They can offer a comparable eating experience while having less fat. Most plant-based meats preserve nutritional benefits like protein, and some even add extra nutrients such as dietary fiber. Nevertheless, it's crucial to note that some plant-based meat products might have a relatively high content of salt and additives to enhance flavor. Hence, consumers should always scrutinize the nutrition labels.

Dr. Charles White, Epidemiologist

Both traditional meat and plant-based meat have their respective merits. For those who wish to reduce meat consumption for environmental or health reasons, plant-based meat serves as an excellent substitute. It can supply essential nutrients similar to traditional meat in most instances. However, we must also consider that a strictly plant-based diet may lack certain nutrients that are abundant in traditional meat, such as vitamin B12. So, it's not a universal solution, and a balanced diet remains pivotal.

Ms. Emily Davis, Dietitian

A long-term study tracking the health of thousands of people for over 15 years revealed no significant disparity in the risk of chronic diseases between those who regularly consume plant-based meat and those who consume traditional meat, provided their overall diet is balanced. For individuals aiming to manage their weight, plant-based meat can be a prudent choice due to its relatively lower calorie content. However, it's not a magical fix, and portion control is still of great importance.

Dr. Peter Brown, Agricultural Scientist

From an environmental standpoint, plant-based meat has distinct advantages as it requires less land, water, and generates fewer greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional meat production. But in terms of health alone, plant-based meat is not necessarily superior to traditional meat. It hinges on the specific product and an individual's overall diet. Some traditional meats, like lean poultry, can also be part of a healthy diet.