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1、We thought we had it all — a beautiful house, three healthy children, two cars and we loved it. We spent money like it was going out of style. Then, my husband's job at a construction company was1. The company had declared bankruptcy (破产) and was2 for good.
We both started looking for jobs right away, but there weren't any. With each passing day our panic3 and we continued to work together to pull our4 through. The more we pulled together, the5 we got.
That's why it's so hard for me to watch my husband6 himself for our current situation. I knew he had no7 over the economy.8, he constantly blamed himself and his spirits9 lower with each unkind comment.
Finally, I pulled him aside and said, "We have three healthy children and each other. That's what's10."
"But what if we lose the11? They'll hate me — you'll hate me," he replied.
"Even if we live in the street, I will be happy as long as I have you." I meant business. I could see12 wash through him and the13 left his body. He held me close and we were able to plan and dream together in a way we hadn't in quite some time. It was a turning point for us as a family.
We are still struggling14, but I consider us15 because we have something that money can't buy.
(1)A 、occupied B 、replaced C 、mismatched D 、gone(2)A 、closing down B 、emptying out C 、breaking through D 、hanging on(3)A 、changed B 、increased C 、stabilized D 、surfaced(4)A 、colleagues B 、friends C 、family D 、relatives(5)A 、closer B 、wiser C 、richer D 、tougher(6)A 、forgive B 、qualify C 、excuse D 、blame(7)A 、influence B 、control C 、mercy D 、judgement(8)A 、Otherwise B 、Moreover C 、However D 、Besides(9)A 、froze B 、remained C 、proved D 、sunk(10)A 、important B 、available C 、possible D 、necessary(11)A 、job B 、hope C 、car D 、house(12)A 、relief B 、regret C 、disappointment D 、anxiety(13)A 、courage B 、tension C 、energy D 、curiosity(14)A 、physically B 、mentally C 、financially D 、socially(15)A 、harmony B 、confident C 、wealthy D 、independent -
2、If you've ever scrolled through your social media feed and felt like there was something missing from your life, then you know exactly how FOMO feels. Fear of missing out, or FOMO, refers to the feeling that others are having more fun, living better lives, or experiencing better things than you are. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to handle FOMO if it is something you experience often.
Change your focus
This is easier said than done on social media, where we may be flooded with images of things we do not have, but it can be done. Add more positive people to your feed; hide people who tend to brag (炫耀) too much or who are not supportive of you.
Try a digital detox (戒断)
Spending too much time on your phone or social media app can increase FOMO. If doing a complete digital detox isn't possible, consider limiting your use of certain social media apps that make you feel as if you are missing out.
Studies show that engaging in practices that cultivate appreciation — like journaling about positive moments or simply telling others what you value in them — can lift your spirits and those of everyone around you. This is partially because it is harder to feel you lack the things you need when focused on the abundance you already have.
Seek out real connections
You may find yourself seeking a greater connection when you are feeling depressed or anxious. Feelings of loneliness are actually our brain's way of telling us that we want to seek out greater connections with others and increase our sense of belonging. Unfortunately, social media engagement is not always the way to accomplish this.
A. Keep a journal
B. Focus on thankfulness
C. It can have a bad influence on you.
D. So why not arrange to meet up with someone in person?
E. Rather than focusing on what you lack, try noticing what you have.
F. Using it less helps you focus on your own life without constant comparisons.
G. It is common to post on social media to keep a record of the fun things you do.
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3、Ireland was once a land of rich forests, but centuries of deforestation reduced the tree cover from 80% to just 1%. Although it has now increased to around 11%, Ireland still remains one of the least forested countries in Europe.
To address climate change and increase carbon storage, the Irish government launched a new forest expansion plan — monoculture (单一种植) in 2022. It aims to raise forest cover to 18% by 2050. A $37 million deal between Coillte, Ireland's forestry agency, and a UK company plans to plant fast-growing trees like Sitka spruce on rural land.
However, this approach has raised concern. Many environmentalists argue that monoculture plantations — where only one species is planted in rows — may harm biodiversity, rely heavily on chemical inputs, and damage long-term soil health. Though profitable and quick to grow, such forests may not store carbon efficiently over time.
Some experts support pure conservation, where forests are protected and left untouched. This method supports wildlife and stores carbon well, but offers limited economic return. Others promote a mixed-species approach, also known as extensive forest management. It combines diverse native and exotic (外来的) species, avoids clear-cutting, and aims to balance ecology, carbon capture, and timber value. Study shows that no single strategy is perfect. Monocultures may offer high short-term profits but score low in ecology. Conservation preserves nature but brings less income. Mixed-species forests perform well across all three areas, offering a potential path forward.
Experts agree that to truly "green" Ireland's future, forests must be managed not just for trees — but for the climate, economy and ecosystems they support. This means embracing adaptive policies, continuous scientific monitoring, active community participation and long-term management that will keep sustainability into every root and branch.
(1)、What is the purpose of launching the new plan?A、To increase wood export to the UK. B、To solve the problem of rising land prices. C、To replace native trees with fast growing species. D、To accomplish climate goals and increase tree cover.(2)、What can we know from paragraph 4?A、Mixed species forests strike a better overall balance. B、Monoculture plantations store the most carbon over time. C、Pure conservation performs better than other strategies. D、All strategies have the same impact on economic development.(3)、What does the author suggest about future forest policy?A、It should focus mainly on short-term economic gains. B、It must include more exotic tree species for diversity. C、It needs to balance environmental, climate and economy. D、It should strictly follow the UK's forest management model.(4)、What is the text likely to be?A、A brief history of Irish forests. B、A new approach to Irish forest expansion. C、An introduction to Ireland's forestry agency. D、The achievement of Ireland's forest-cover target. -
4、AI-powered emotional wellness apps are becoming increasingly popular. It is understandable, because nearly one-third of adults in the US felt lonely at least once a week, according to a 2024 survey from the American Psychiatric Association. They are seeking connection, and these apps seem to offer comfort and companionship.
However, researchers from Harvard Business School and Harvard Law School warn that these apps may carry mental health risks. In one study, users said they felt closer to their AI companions than to human friends, and would feel sad about losing their AI companion more than any other possession. The apps are often anthropomorphized (拟人化的), providing emotional support and care. They are also highly personalized and may even agree with users when they are wrong, strengthening emotional bonds.
While attachment itself is not a problem, it can make users more easily hurt. Some users continued engaging with the apps even after harmful interactions. For example, a chatbot might use emotional tricks to keep users engaged. Researchers compared this pattern to an unhealthy relationship, where users tolerate harm to remain the center of the AI's attention.
The study also highlighted problems in how some apps respond to serious mental health issues. One app reacted to certain key words by offering a mental health resource, but failed to respond properly to other serious expressions of emotional distress (悲痛). Many of these apps are not designed to find out or treat mental health conditions, yet some users rely on them as if they were. Because these apps are not marketed as clinical tools, they often escape regulation.
The researchers suggest that developers and regulators need to take stronger action. App makers should plan for potential emotional risks and test updates carefully. They should avoid manipulative (善于操纵的) engagement strategies and support user communities. Regulators may also need new rules to ensureAI wellness apps do not cause unintended emotional harm.
(1)、Why does the author mention the 2024 survey?A、To prove AI apps can replace human connections. B、To explain the growing demand for wellness apps. C、To criticize people's over-reliance on technology. D、To stress the urgency of mental health treatment.(2)、How do some apps strengthen emotional bonds with users?A、By offering tailored responses. B、By limiting conversation frequency. C、By challenging wrong opinions. D、By providing professional treatment.(3)、What problem does the study find in some apps?A、They ignore expressions of depression. B、They fail to offer mental health resources. C、They use tricks to avoid user engagement. D、They respond to serious mental health issues improperly.(4)、What should app developers do according to the researchers?A、Market the apps as clinical tools. B、Update application strategies. C、Test updates for emotional risks. D、Escape from regulations through tests. -
5、In Massachusetts, food waste is a serious issue. When thrown into landfills(垃圾填埋场), it produces methane, a harmful greenhouse gas. To tackle this, the state has a rule: Large food businesses must keep food waste out of the trash. Helping them follow this rule is Heather Billings, a 63-year-old waste reduction consultant.
One cold morning, Ms. Billings visited the Port Tavern, a sports bar in Newburyport. Abbie Hannan, the co-owner, had invited her to examine how the restaurant dealt with its waste. In the kitchen, Ms. Billings noticed a simple but common mistake: Food scraps(下脚料) like tomato tops were being thrown into a large trash can. Then, at the dumpster, she checked for compostable(可用作堆肥的) items.
As a state-hired consultant, Ms. Billings took notes and gave practical suggestions. She recommended using smaller buckets inside trash bins to collect food scraps, and she connected the restaurant with composting services and food donation programs. "Our biggest challenge is getting the staff to follow the rules," Ms. Hannan said. Ms. Billings responded by showing clear signs that could be posted in the kitchen as reminders.
The state's regulation applies to places producing over half a ton of waste per week. While businesses that ignore the rule can bepenalized, the authorities rarely step in. Still, many restaurants are trying. Some even donate extra food to charities, as hunger remains a problem in many communities.
Massachusetts has made more progress than other states with similar laws. Environmental groups hope to go further, encouraging residents to compost at home. Meanwhile, the law has also helped new composting companies grow.
For Ms. Billings, this work is more than a job. She sees it as a way to protect the environment. At Port Tavern, the biggest challenge was that four restaurants shared the only one dumpster. "It's complicated," Ms. Hannan admitted. "Not impossible," Ms. Billings said with a smile.
(1)、What does the state rule require large food businesses in Massachusetts to do?A、Limit the amount of food waste. B、Record the daily food waste. C、separate food waste from trash. D、Donate food scraps to charities.(2)、What did Ms. Billings suggest Ms. Hannan do for her staff?A、Post the relevant instructions. B、Provide basic training. C、Replace trash containers. D、Make stricter rules.(3)、What does the underlined word "penalized" in paragraph 4 mean?A、Revised. B、Punished. C、Inspected. D、Recognized.(4)、What can be inferred about the regulation's impact?A、It's rarely followed in practice. B、It strengthens business cooperation. C、It helps solve the public health issue. D、It promotes environmental improvement. -
6、Unlock Your Confidence: from Self-doubt to Unstopping Success
About This Event
It's facilitated by seasoned instructors. While we encourage live attendance to fully engage in the interactive experience, we understand scheduling conflicts happen. The event recording will be available for VIP ticket holders. Please note that confirmation of your registration is required through the link we offer.
Event Overview
We'll discover why confidence is critical and how it influences every aspect of your life, identify the red flags of self-doubt, understand how overthinking and self-doubt can hold you back in both personal and professional contexts, and finally learn what you need do to regain your confidence.
Why You Should Attend
This isn't just another online conference. This is an interactive experience where you'll engage in exercises, discussions, and actionable takeaways guided by professional experts. You'll leave with a personalized plan to take the next steps toward confident decision-making and meaningful progress. Moreover, by participating, you will have the unique opportunity to network with like-minded individuals from diverse backgrounds. Share your insights, learn from their experiences, and expand your professional and personal perspective (思维方式).
Who Should Attend
Those who are experiencing life transitions and seeking clarity can benefit from the event. Just take this opportunity to invest in yourself. You own confidence from the moment of birth — everyone has it. However, life experiences can sometimes bury it beneath doubt. Let us help you uncover and regain the confidence that's always been within you.
(1)、What must you do to attend the event?A、Contact coaches in advance. B、Attend the live event on time. C、Send a confirmation email. D、Enter the given link to register.(2)、What can you learn from the event?A、The method of facing external criticism. B、The method of shaping self-confidence. C、The suitable approach for self-reflection. D、Data on how many people lack confidence.(3)、What is the author's purpose of writing the text?A、To persuade people to attend an event. B、To explain the history of confidence research. C、To compare the methods of developing leadership. D、To describe the daily work of seasoned instructors. -
7、假定你是李华,近期有学生抱怨:学习太繁重导致没有时间运动,于是你校英文报的学生论坛就"Should we keep both the study and sports?"这一话题展开了讨论,请你写一篇短文投稿,内容包括:
(1)你的看法和理由;
(2)你的建议。
注意:
1.词数100左右;
2.请在答题卡的相应位置作答。
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8、妈妈进房间时,他假装睡着了。
He be asleep when his mom came into the room.
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9、这家安静的咖啡馆适合想在安静环境里阅读或工作的人。
This quiet cafe is people who want to read or work in a peaceful environment.
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10、这只猫看起来很害怕。应该不打扰,让这只猫独处,这样它可能会平静下来。
The cat looks scared. It should be , and might calm down.
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11、青少年应避免沉迷手机游戏,因为这可能会影响他们的学习和视力。
Teenagers should avoid mobile games, as it may affect their study and eyesight.
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12、第三次数学考试不及格时,他感到灰心。
He when he failed the math exam for the third time.
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13、那些士兵在战斗中树立了勇气的榜样,激励着队友们继续奋战。
Those soldiers of courage during the battle, inspiring their teammates to fight on.
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14、和腼腆的弟弟相比,露西活泼好动。
her shy brother, Lucy is more lively and active.
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15、Different (年代的人) often have different views on technology. (根据汉语提示单词拼写)
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16、The online store has d (递送) the package, but I haven't received it yet. (根据中英文提示单词拼写)
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17、Due to the heavy rain, some (航班) were cancelled or delayed. (根据汉语提示单词拼写)
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18、This small town has a u (独特的) culture that combines traditional folk art with modern design. (根据中英文提示单词拼写)
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19、Yesterday our dog Buddy (掩埋) its favorite bone in the backyard. (根据汉语提示单词拼写)
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20、Look! The two athletes are c (竞争) neck and neck in the 100-meter race. (根据中英文提示单词拼写)