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1、We live in a world with finite resources. Even if in the past, we human beings tended to ignore this vital fact in favor of uncontrolled and rapid economic growth, we're now gradually reaching a point of no return in terms of drying-up of resources and pollution of the environment.
Faced with such an urgent situation, we have to actively explore and widely apply environment-friendly means that go from empowering recycling technology, to further the advance of renewable energy use. For all this, M2M technology, with its practical and advanced features, is a perfect enabler.
In the recycling department, M2M has created a lot of room for improvement. Different applications are possible — from specialized vehicle management solutions for garbage trucks to intelligent garbage bins that send alerts when they are half or completely full so as to realize timely emptying. Other projects are mainly designed for the final user, like the reVend Light Bulb Recycling Reverse Vending connected machine acting as an intelligent recycling point for lightbulbs (电灯泡). In any case, it's clear that many recycling initiatives are taking advantage of managed connectivity and fleet (车队) management technologies that have already proven their efficiency.
Still, recycling isn't the only area of action of M2M when it comes to being eco-friendly. In fact, it offers a range of approaches to improve energy usage besides smart energy and sustainability solutions by promoting renewable energy use and the responsible consumption of water.
For instance, M2M managed services provider, Wyless, released some interesting "green solutions" jointly developed with other companies back in June 2012. One of the most interesting projects was the solution of solar-powered connected parking meters developed with IPS, a technology that means not so much upkeep but can function in good shape and lower operating costs for local governments. Wyless is also working with Weathermatic to offer intelligent systems that allow remote and automated irrigation control, which will help avoid over-watering, thus reducing water bills and the risk of property damage.
(1)、What does the underlined word "finite" in paragraph 1 mean?A、Sustainable. B、Polluted. C、Accessible. D、Limited.(2)、What is M2M aimed to do?A、Test eco-technology. B、Save recycling labour. C、Boost green solutions. D、Generate new energy.(3)、What does paragraph 3 mainly talk about?A、The urgency of applying M2M. B、The methods of developing M2M. C、M2M's restrictions on waste recycling. D、M2M's practical adoption in recycling.(4)、What is an advantage of the solution of solar-powered connected parking meters?A、It needs less maintenance. B、It guarantees safe parking. C、It can be smartly responsive. D、It can be remotely controlled. -
2、I'm Kim. Despite all its weaknesses, Java has served me well. But I've never had strong feelings about Java itself. I liked some things about it, and I hated others. For many years my perspective was simple: I didn't have to love Java, or whatever programming language, to finish my tasks well. That all changed a few months ago when I wrote my first Kotlin class.
It was a pop-up adapter in just 86 lines, 17 of which were package and import statements, and I couldn't get over how brief and readable it was. I could barely comprehend how little I wrote to get something to work. It took me a few passes, but all of a sudden, I sensed the difference. This wasn't just about language features or what the FAQ (frequently asked questions) said the language was capable of. This was about how I felt.
It was genuinely fun. I'd read code over and over and couldn't believe how much I was accomplishing in so few lines. I couldn't believe the clarity of the writing. Over the next few days, I wrote more and more Kotlin. I wrote my first extension. Then I rewrote an existing helper class and I wanted to write more. With just a few hours of effort, I cut 94 lines without breaking a sweat. I was amazed, excited, and having a ton of fun. I was also slightly amazed at this fresh experience brought on by a programming language.
Over the next couple of weeks, that pleasant feeling just grew and grew. Whenever I'd have to work with Java, it was painful. I'd find myself rushing through it and making stupid mistakes because I had more important Kotlin files to attend to. But when I opened the Kotlin files, I felt at home, relaxed. The code was beautiful and expressive. It was brief but powerful. I kept finding new ways to write more clearly, more directly. And I was happy.
(1)、What did Kim initially think of Java?A、It was rather boring. B、It was very complex. C、It was a bit unstable. D、It was just workable.(2)、What struck Kim most about Kotlin?A、Its loose structure. B、Its high efficiency. C、Its official introduction. D、Its numerous functions.(3)、Why did Kim rewrite the helper class?A、To satisfy his interest. B、To check and correct it. C、To test new coding skills. D、To fix its technical errors.(4)、How did Kotlin impact Kim?A、It broadened his career vision. B、It improved his logical thinking. C、It transformed his coding style. D、It helped express his true character. -
3、Three Apps to Learn French for Kids and Teens
Are you trying to get your child or your teenager to learn French? Using French Apps might be one of the best ways to introduce your kids to the French language. Every kid loves messing around with all sorts of buttons and electronic devices.
Study Cat
Made for kids between the ages of 6 and 8, Study Cat is an app that helps children learn French. With bright colors and big buttons, kids can practice their pronunciation, reading and grammar. In the games, French is spoken at a proper speed. There is a free 7-day trial where you can decide if your child benefits from the app.
Boukili
Boukili is an app for children over the age of 4. This app is entirely free and consists of various illustrated children's books. There are also over 120 games. One of the best aspects of this app is that it allows parents to track their children's reading progress. If you struggle to get your child to want to read books in paper format, this app may just be your solution.
Mondly Kids
Mondly Kids is a fairly well-known language learning app and thankfully there is a version for kids. Mondly Kids is fun, including cartoons. The lessons are 10 minutes long so your child hopefully won't lose their concentration. The app also includes daily review sessions which help your children to memorize vocabulary a bit more easily.
(1)、What's the purpose of the 7-day trial of Study Cat?A、To test the app's functions. B、To attract children's interest. C、To ensure a reasonable decision. D、To guarantee the learning effects.(2)、What might be an edge of Boukili?A、It restricts game time. B、It sets parental controls. C、It offers kids rewards. D、It reads physical books.(3)、What do the three apps have in common?A、They promote fun learning. B、They have a review mode. C、They record learning progress. D、They provide an adult version. -
4、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。
One day I entered an antiques shop and saw an iron bed covered with beautiful handmade pieced quilts (被子). Above the bed hung a sign: Find the Story in Every Stitch (针). The scene pulled me in like a good story.
My family had owned beautiful quilts like these — once. I never knew my Grandmother, but I knew all about her quilts. Back in the days, people talked about those quilts for miles around. She created quilts in the way she lived her life, with love in every detail, piece by piece, stitch by stitch. Mom often shared the story of her making quilts with Grandma. To us, Grandma's quilts symbolized home itself, wrapped in love. I'd even imagined wrapping my daughter in a quilt, telling her the story of the Great-grandmother or teaching her the art of quilting.
But the quilts had been gone for years. Grandma passed away when my mother was ten, leaving Grandpa to raise his little girl alone. Desperate, he turned to a kind neighbor named Mabel for help. As he had no extra money, he gave Grandma's quilts to Mabel as a reward.
Later, my family moved away and slowly lost touch with Mabel. Admittedly, I was grateful to her, but couldn't help but wish we hadn't given up those quilts. Looking at the display in the store, I felt the loss more sharply than ever.
At lunch the next day, I told my mother all about it. "Just to see those quilts again would make me happy," I said.
"Maybe we could buy them back," Mom replied. "I'd love nothing more than to have something my mother made with her own hands."
We called every old neighbor we could find and tracked down their children for more leads. Finally, we reached a close friend of Mabel's. "She's in a nursing home now," he told us. "She often spoke of your family. And she'd like to give those quilts back one day." We thanked him and made our way to the nursing home at once.
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。
Mabel happily greeted us, and then brought out a box with great care.
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That night, I spread the quilts with my daughter beside me.
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5、假定你参加了学校举办的"跟着书本去旅行"的主题活动,请你写一篇短文向学校英文报投稿,内容包括:
1.主要经历;
2.你的感悟。
注意:1.写作词数应为80左右;
2.请按如下格式在答题卡的相应位置作答。
Journey with Books
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6、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。
At Jiayuguan Pass, Li Sen, dressed in a traditional dragon-patterned robe, is busy issuing guanzhao — ancient travel permit similar to today's passport — to tourists. The guanzhao, copies a passing ritual (仪式) (date) back hundreds of years, gives tourists a role-play experience.
As tourists announce their hometowns and names, Li calls out the corresponding historical names, uses a brush to write the ancient name on the guanzhao stamps it with a seal (印章). The ritual is so popular that long queues form in front of the gate at the Jiayuguan Pass almost every day.
"I hope the guanzhao ritual bridges the gap between (visit) and the heritage, particularly the culture and stories of the ancient pass," says Li, who (play) the role of "pass chief" for over a decade.
(rough) a 15-minute drive from the city of Jiayuguan, the ancient pass (build) during the Ming Dynasty served as a vital military stronghold and a crucial gateway trade and cultural exchange along the ancient Silk Road. Businessmen and messengers needed the guanzhao issued by local authorities (pass) through checkpoints along the route.
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7、For years, I've struggled with Imposter Syndrome, a feeling that you don't deserve your success, or you1 your abilities. And social media often makes it even more2.
In 2006, I was between jobs and began blogging on my passion, marketing. Back then, it was3 to build a name. Soon, writing requests came in and I made a decent side income. As opportunities grew, speaking requests4. So I began working as a full-time consultant. But I felt I was not5 compared to my peers with extensive corporate experience, while I was once just a marketing6.
My consulting work needed self-promotion, yet it7 me due to my shyness. The first two years stayed8: good income for six months, then almost nothing for three, which9 my self-doubt. And social media was no help — I always saw peers sharing photos of themselves speaking at big events.
I finally10 two trusted friends in the field, though I hated asking for help. Their words11 me. One said he'd relied on his wife's income for years as he got little work. The other explained that business ups and downs were normal in consulting and taught me to12 the cycles.
Hearing their struggles, I realized I wasn't13. It was a huge help in fighting Imposter Syndrome: stop14 yourself to others, accept necessary self-promotion and lean on trusted friends. Most importantly, keep going — every barrier you15 makes you stronger.
(1)A 、doubt B 、limit C 、waste D 、hide(2)A 、complex B 、serious C 、familiar D 、urgent(3)A 、easy B 、common C 、lucky D 、appealing(4)A 、followed B 、doubled C 、returned D 、shifted(5)A 、popular B 、fortunate C 、qualified D 、trusted(6)A 、blogger B 、manager C 、consultant D 、director(7)A 、bored B 、scared C 、disappointed D 、puzzled(8)A 、profitable B 、inconsistent C 、promising D 、inactive(9)A 、proved B 、changed C 、fueled D 、showed(10)A 、sided with B 、came across C 、took advantage of D 、reached out to(11)A 、moved B 、embarrassed C 、surprised D 、upset(12)A 、start B 、value C 、avoid D 、manage(13)A 、alone B 、perfect C 、wrong D 、lost(14)A 、devoting B 、relating C 、exposing D 、comparing(15)A 、face B 、build C 、predict D 、overcome -
8、An impact study is a research done on a certain topic to determine if a certain action would, or is having some sort of effect on its environment or other related issues. The most common type of this study may be an environmental impact study, but there are many other types as well.
In an environmental impact study, extensive research may be done before building a road in a certain area. One of the steps may include determining how water runoff may be affected and if there are any vulnerable (脆弱的) streams around. Any found to be in danger could affect the project. While it may seem like a small task, this often not only includes mammals and birds, but insects as well.
There have been cases where the unlikeliest of things have held up major developments. For example, the entire highway projects have been put on hold because of a certain species of endangered butterflies in an area. This demonstrates how thorough some of these studies can be.
Another type of impact study can also be used to judge an educational program. For example, the impact of the Head Start preschool program in the United States was analyzed to determine if Head Start students do any better than students of similar circumstances who do not have access to the same program.
In some cases where the negative impact can be reduced by benefits, there may be a net gain to the area. In other cases, the study may indicate ways the negative effects can be minimized.
A. A project may still continue despite what an impact study finds.
B. An impact study could determine whether or not a project is completed.
C. Another aspect could be a survey of plant and animal species in the area.
D. It goes without saying that a thorough impact study helps to solve a problem.
E. The study will provide evidence for decision-makers to continue the programs.
F. The results may be used to decide how much funding such programs will deserve.
G. These studies pull data from multiple sources and examine different aspects of the issue.
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9、You might be leaving some happiness on the table by doing your everyday activities all by yourself. Happiness, it seems, is not just a state of mind — it's a shared enterprise. A new study has found that almost any activity, from the ordinary to the profound, becomes more enjoyable when done with others. Whether pumping gas, or cooking dinner, the company of another person appears to make life's routines a little brighter.
The study, published in Social Psychological and Personality Science, drew on data from more than 40,000 Americans who collectively reported over 100,000 daily activities. "Participants consistently rate every common daily activity as more enjoyable when they're interacting with somebody else," said Elizabeth Dunn, the study's senior author. Even seasoned experts on social behavior were taken aback by the consistency of the findings. "I was surprised by the extent and extremity of the effects," admitted Nicholas Epley, a behavioral scientist who was not involved in the research.
Unsurprisingly, the biggest boosts were linked to activities already social by nature — eating, drinking, walking, running, and playing games. Yet even solitary (独自的) pursuits such as reading, or crafting also saw a happiness bump when shared. While in-person interactions provided the strongest benefits, even phone calls produced measurable mood improvements. Dunn notes that if it can't be in-person, having some element of voice seems to be important.
The study did not include personality data, leaving unanswered how individual characteristics might influence outcomes. Previous studies, however, suggest that social connection reliably enhances wellbeing across personality types. Researchers identify "undersociality" — the tendency to underestimate how warmly others will respond to social initiatives — as a primary barrier to seeking connection.
The practical implications are clear; we should intentionally create more opportunities for social engagement. Simple strategies such as working alongside friends at coffee shops or conversing by phone while completing chores can transform ordinary activities into sources of joy. Ultimately, the research convincingly demonstrates that happiness arises not merely from what we do, but fundamentally from who we do it with.
(1)、How was the research mainly conducted?A、By analyzing massive activity reports. B、By conducting laboratory experiments. C、By comparing different personality types. D、By interviewing experts in social behavior.(2)、What did the study find about social interactions?A、They require face-to-face communication. B、Their effects vary greatly among individuals. C、They enhance enjoyment of various activities. D、They bring greater joy in independent activities.(3)、Why does the author mention previous studies in paragraph 4?A、To stress the limitation of the new study. B、To introduce a different research method. C、To provide supporting evidence for a claim. D、To question the findings of the new study.(4)、What can be a suitable title for the text?A、Alone or Together: A Social Dilemma. B、Social Activities: Relationship Builder. C、Personality Differences: A Factor in Social Joy. D、Shared Moments: The Social Key to Happiness. -
10、You might have seen it — maybe sitting on a desk, or looking at you from a clear box like a curious little creature — The Labubu doll. As a family therapist and mom of teens, I notice these funny-looking collectible toys actually help us understand young people's feelings. If we pay attention, we'll see something important: Our kids are going through the tough but amazing journey of growing up.
Labubu's charm isn't about looks, but what it represents. It's odd but interesting — just like being a teenager. At this age, kids are pulled between opposites: independence and dependence, fitting in and standing out, childlike play and teenage complexity. Labubu's design shows these struggles. Its big eyes, wild smile, and crazy expression mirror the emotional chaos teens feel while figuring out who they are.
During development, young people often prefer unusual or striking things, not because they're troubled, but because they're learning to balance complicated emotions. Psychologists call this "symbolic mastery" — a process where individuals gain control over confusion or fear by owning related objects. When something catches your eye but isn't too scary, it's perfect for practicing emotional strength.
Another key aspect is blind boxes. Labubu's sealed packaging offers occasional rewards through uncertainty. Beyond excitement, it provides a safe context for teens to embrace surprises. This strengthens symbolic mastery: "I can handle not knowing. I can bear tension. I accept uncertainty."
Of course, it's not just about pleasure. It's also about connection. Labubu acts as a social signal: "Look, I got the rare one!" Such items convey belonging, showing that one understands the trend and fits in. While often seen negatively, peer pressure here marks a key developmental step. Learning to read social rules and bond with friends are signs of growing up. Thus, when your child wants a Labubu because "others have it", it is a healthy desire for inclusion. You need not agree, but understanding the psychology behind matters.
(1)、What does Labubu's design reflect?A、Fancy trend of collectible toys. B、The inner conflict of teenagers. C、Daily uncertainties teens face. D、The desire of teens for freedom.(2)、Which of the following best demonstrates "symbolic mastery"?A、A person with stage fright refuses to perform. B、A child plays with a toy fire engine after a fire. C、A nervous student stays up late for a final exam. D、An employee takes online courses to get promoted.(3)、What might the author advise parents to do on teens' collectible purchases?A、Teach them how to fit in. B、Follow the social trend. C、Decline them immediately. D、Value their inner needs.(4)、What does the text mainly discuss about the Labubu doll?A、Its various designs. B、The secret of its success. C、Its psychological value. D、Concerns about its impact. -
11、There's always one nonexistent friend in the group chat, loitering in the background, whose contribution to the chat remains minimal, if not extinct. That friend is me.
As long as I can remember having a phone, I've been a terrible replier. The phrase "Sorry I missed this" became my go-to line. When a new group chat is created, the members will always come to laugh at my inability to respond to a simple question within hours.
But I'm not terrible at replying to everyone. I pride myself on quick responses to work emails, my manager, and my mom — she even says, "I feel privileged to be on my daughter's quick list." To friends, I say, "Call me instead." They know if it's urgent, I'll pick up right away. But if I mark a message as "non-urgent," it's a different story.
Group chats are even harder: conversations move so fast that missing just five minutes means I'm behind on 67 messages about parties, movies or dates. Once, I set aside 15 minutes to respond to friends' texts. But by the time I responded, they had messaged back. And I filed those new messages as non-urgent again. All of this was like message quicksand.
Recently, I asked Billy about my bad texting. He's that one friend you can always rely on to give you the non-sugarcoated truth: "You take 3-5 days to reply if we're lucky." Ouch — but probably not wrong. Then he added, "But you always show up, never cancel, and drive 40 minutes to see us."
Now I think about our group roles — the chatty one, the caller, the non-responder. All contribute and express love in different ways.
As I write this article, I wonder if my terrible texting could be a sign of my old age? Or I'm just bad at replying to messages? There's a lot to think about — and I can promise you this thinking will take my attention away from the 219 messages I haven't answered yet.
(1)、What can be inferred about the author as a responder from paragraphs 2 and 3?A、She feels stressed to reply. B、She puts the vital first. C、She prefers calling to texting. D、She fails to reply to friends.(2)、What does the underlined word "quicksand" in paragraph 4 refer to?A、A list often ignored. B、An endless cycle. C、A game of rapid replies. D、A tool for classification.(3)、Why does the author mention Billy in paragraph 5?A、To praise her friends are tolerant. B、To stress she's made erforts in texting. C、To prove her texting habit causes problems. D、To show her texting doesn't hurt her friendship.(4)、What is the author's tone?A、Humorous. B、Formal. C、Doubtful. D、Concerned. -
12、Deciding on a college major is a significant step after high school. Before diving into specific fields, consider these practical aspects:
Academic Strengths: Focus on subjects you were good at in school. A major based on your natural abilities often leads to success.
Career Prospects: Research the current job market trends globally to understand future opportunities.
Further Education: Some careers, like medicine, require further studies (Master's or Ph.D.) after a bachelor's degree.
Flexibility: Some majors train skills useful for different industries, providing more career choices later.
Here are insights into some majors highly sought after by students.
Computer Science (CS): It is a dynamic field constantly changing with technological advancements. Graduates with a Computer Science degree are in high demand across nearly all sectors.
Engineering: This field applies scientific and mathematical principles to design, build, and maintain structures, machines, and systems. Engineers are crucial for innovation and development in various sectors.
Business: It emphasizes leadership, teamwork and planning, preparing graduates for management roles in finance or marketing.
Fine Arts: This field includes disciplines like painting, sculpture, photography, music performance and acting. Graduates develop highly valuable skills in creativity, problem-solving and communication.
Choosing your major is an important decision, but it is also a process of discovery. Many colleges allow students to enter as "undeclared." This provides time to explore subjects before making a final decision.
(1)、What should students consider when choosing a major?A、Their flexibility. B、The stability of the career. C、Their academic performance. D、The popularity of the major.(2)、Which majors are good for improving interpersonal skills?A、Business and Fine Arts. B、Engineering and Business. C、Computer Science and Engineering. D、Engineering and Fine Arts.(3)、Where is the text most probably taken from?A、A job advertisement. B、A plan for major selection. C、A career development brochure. D、A college admission guide. -
13、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。
Jane had a deep affection for birds. Every morning, she scattered (抛撒) seeds in her backyard and whispered, "Good morning, my little friends!" To her, their songs sounded like cheerful laughter, and she often laughed along with them.
However, her neighbor, Mr. Thompson, didn't share her joy. He was constantly annoyed by the birds that flew into his yard. "They're too noisy!" he complained. "And they make such a mess in MY yard!" His sharp words made Jane feel quite uneasy, yet she refused to give up on her feathered friends. She firmly believed that every small creature deserved care.
One morning, Jane discovered a small sparrow (麻雀) shaking under the fence. One of its wings looked bent at a painful angle. Filled with worry, Jane carefully picked it up and named it Pip. She placed him in a small, warm basket in a safe corner right next to the fence.
A week passed. Pip was getting better but still unable to fly. One afternoon, while Jane was feeding Pip by the fence, Mr. Thompson shouted from his side, "You're just asking for trouble!" Jane gently lifted Pip in her hands so Mr. Thompson could see him through the gaps in the fence. "Look, Mr. Thompson. Pip's wing is hurt." Mr. Thompson cast an impatient glance at the tiny creature. For a moment, his frown (皱眉) softened. "That wing..." he said softly, almost to himself.
Just then, Jane's mother called her from the driveway, saying they were leaving for a family visit. Jane waved a quick goodbye to Pip and hurried to the car. However, on their way home, a heavy storm broke out. Watching the trees shaking in the strong wind, Jane felt very worried about Pip, who was left all alone in the yard. The moment they pulled into the driveway, she dashed toward the backyard, calling Pip's name.
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。
To her horror, the basket was empty.
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At this moment, Mr. Thompson appeared with Pip.
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14、假定你是李华,下周你市将开办中国国画展,请给你校国际留学生John写一封邮件,邀请他一同前往参观。内容包括:
1.展览的时间和地点;
2.展览的相关活动。
注意:
1.写作词数应为80左右;
2.请按如下格式在答题卡的相应位置作答。
Dear John,
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Yours,
Li Hua
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15、阅读下面短文,在空白处填入一个适当的单词或括号内单词的正确形式。
Chinese online literature has become a significant cultural export. A recent report (show) it now attracts about 200 million overseas readers spanning over 200 countries, demonstrating its global (popular).
The 2025 China International Online Literature Week brought together experts to discuss promotion (strategy). Wang Zhixiang said opportunities have been created, but challenges remain in creating works that reflect China's development while echoing (international).
International participants shared (value) insights. An Iranian scholar explained how social media serves as a major platform in his country. Meanwhile, Charles-Emmanuel Dewees, runs a French platform, compared cultural exchange to an online game. He stressed that AI improves translation speed, human translators ensure quality.
Asia comprises 80% of readership, and North America (grow) rapidly—— Chinese online literature continues (expand) globally. This unique form of cultural (communicate) shows great promise for connecting nations through stories.
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16、From a young age, I considered myself a genius with a brush. My grandfather being an artist, I believed art was in my1. I spent hours drawing various items. Seeing my interest, my mother registered me for an art class to develop my2.
My teacher Mary, however, insisted I perfectly3 the great masters' works. Any4 was unacceptable. Instead of praising my creative works, she criticized them sharply. As a (n)5, I began to fear making "mistakes". In time, my passion for painting6.
Feeling upset, I turned to my grandfather. He7 my works and asked about my ideas. I described the world in my head, expecting him to8 me just as Mary did.9, he just smiled. "You have two10," he began, "First, Ms. Mary. She teaches you that your brush should follow the basics." He continued, "The other is your own heart. The11 choice of colors and lines is your own. Ms. Mary's job is to help you better12 yourself, not silence it."
Now, I am an artist. Looking back, my mother offered me the first brush to start; Mary gave me a13 hand and discipline (训练); my grandfather, above all, gave me a brave heart to be14 to myself, or I would never have my unique style. They are15 for me to paint with my heart.
(1)A 、ears B 、eyes C 、blood D 、mind(2)A 、character B 、talent C 、career D 、ambition(3)A 、copy B 、admire C 、apply D 、employ(4)A 、excuse B 、delay C 、bend D 、change(5)A 、rule B 、whole C 、result D 、routine(6)A 、slipped B 、proceeded C 、boomed D 、declined(7)A 、commented on B 、dealt with C 、looked over D 、approved of(8)A 、criticize B 、transform C 、tutor D 、interrupt(9)A 、Surprisingly B 、Precisely C 、Honestly D 、Eagerly(10)A 、options B 、guides C 、heroes D 、solutions(11)A 、consistent B 、unique C 、ideal D 、cautious(12)A 、paint B 、comfort C 、voice D 、know(13)A 、rare B 、real C 、warm D 、steady(14)A 、true B 、strict C 、kind D 、reliable(15)A 、lessons B 、excuses C 、warnings D 、reminders -
17、Keep Skin Cancer At Bay
"You have skin cancer." No one wants to hear such scary words. And unfortunately, the number of those who hear them just keeps rising. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates global cancer rates will increase 77 percent by 2050. By adopting a few healthy habits and making smart choices, people can reduce their risk of developing skin cancer.
One of the most important ways is to limit your exposure to UV rays from the sun. UV rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., so it's best to stay indoors or in the shade during these hours. If you have to be in the sun, wear protective clothing. These measures can shelter you from harmful radiation and prevent sunburn, which is a major risk factor for skin cancer.
Choose a type with a sun protection factor of at least 30. It should protect against both kinds of UV rays that cause damage to your skin. Apply it to all exposed skin, including your face, neck, ears and hands, even on cloudy days. Put it on every two hours or more often if you're swimming or sweating.
Regular skin checks are also key in the prevention of skin cancer. It is vital to examine your skin once a month for spots, moles (痣) or growths. Be on the lookout for changes in size, shape or color. Watch for moles that have one side that is different from the other. If a mole is bigger than a pencil eraser or its appearance is changing, consult a skin doctor immediately.
Healthy skin is beautiful.
A. Look at the size, too.
B. Beauty is only skin deep.
C. Sunglasses that block UV rays are also a must.
D. Protecting it is one of the best things you can do.
E. You are bound to be free from any skin problems mentioned.
F. Using sunscreen is another important way to protect your skin.
G. But the good news is that it's also one of the easiest to prevent.
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18、As we age, it becomes common to experience stiffness (僵硬) or discomfort during simple daily movements. However, if such problems occur frequently, it may indicate the need to focus on mobility exercises. According to sports medicine specialists, maintaining good mobility is essential for long-term health and can help reduce the risk of various diseases, including heart conditions and depression.
Mobility is often confused with flexibility, but the two are distinct concepts. Flexibility refers to how far a muscle can stretch, while mobility combines strength with the ability to move freely through a full range of motion. It involves the coordinated function of muscles, joints, tendons, and ligaments. Without adequate mobility, everyday tasks such as reaching overhead, bending down, or lifting objects can become challenging.
From around the age of 30, the body naturally begins to lose collagen (胶原蛋白), leading to weaker muscular support and increased stress on joints. Even active individuals may overlook certain muscle groups, such as those supporting the shoulders and spine. Two early signs may suggest the need for mobility training: first, general joint stiffness or aching without significant exertion; second, sharp pain or swelling after occasional physical activity, such as playing sports.
Experts warn against extreme self-tests popular on social media, which can easily cause injury without proper guidance. Instead, simple assessments like standing up from a chair without using hands or balancing on one foot can indicate current mobility levels. To maintain or improve mobility, regular low-impact exercises are recommended.
Walking daily is an accessible starting point, especially for those who are less active. Integrating short mobility sessions into existing routines—such as hip lifts, knee pulls, or spinal twists—can gradually enhance movement capacity. Exercises like Tai Chi and yoga are also beneficial as follow-up practices, as they promote strength, balance, and joint mobility.
For those seeking a structured workout plan, body-weight exercises like chair squats or wall push-ups can be done at home. As these become easier, resistance bands may be added to build further strength. Consistency is key; improvements in mobility may take several weeks to become noticeable, but regular, intentional practice leads to lasting and meaningful results.
In summary, focusing on mobility through safe, regular exercises helps preserve functional independence and supports overall well-being throughout aging.
(1)、What is paragraph 2 mainly about?A、Tasks challenging for inactive people. B、Diseases caused by poor joint function. C、How to improve muscle stretching ability. D、Differences between mobility and flexibility.(2)、Which is a simple mobility assessment?A、Balancing on one foot. B、Lifting heavy objects. C、Trying extreme social media tests. D、Using hands to stand up from a chair.(3)、What is a recommended starting exercise for less active people?A、Practicing Tai Chi regularly. B、Walking daily. C、Using resistance bands at home. D、Doing wall push-ups frequently.(4)、What is the author's purpose in writing the text?A、To warn against extreme self-tests. B、To compare mobility and flexibility. C、To introduce high-impact exercise types. D、To stress the importance of mobility in aging. -
19、"Giraffenap" has been created by a Japanese company and is intended to allow the user to take a rest while standing when you feel tired or sleepy with the aim of improving performance at work.
Rather than relying on coffee and endless yawns to try and make it through the workday, Koyoju Plywood Corporation declared about the "Giraffenap" that the nap box will allow you to "be refreshed" in just 20 minutes.
Giving in to your sleepiness and taking a 20-minute nap will apparently help improve your performance by recovering from tiredness, reducing stress, restoring memory and concentration, and improving creativity. A study by NASA has found that pilots who took a 26-minute nap experienced a 34 percent improvement in performance, and a 16 percent improvement in reaction time. "As a new way to take a break, we will provide a space where you can take a nap while standing in the office," the site explains.
But why does it have to be standing? Well, the site explains that the research by Hokkaido University showed that sleeping while standing allows you to reach a sleep state in which you breathe lightly, so when you wake up you can feel the effect of a nap without having to sleep too much, and you can quickly return to work without feeling dizzy. Plus, making the box vertical (垂直的) rather than horizontal means that it takes up half as much floor space and makes it less likely that your boss will say there just isn't room. The box also comes equipped with a fire extinguisher, smoke detector, and LED lighting for safety, and it blocks out sound from the outside to ensure a calm, sleep-worthy environment.
Now, I know what you're thinking—wouldn't you just fall down if you tried to sleep while standing? Well, not with Giraffenap's design. The box is equipped with four points to support the body at the head, butt, legs and feet, meaning you can relax in the box while still remaining upright.
(1)、Where is the "Giraffenap" designed to be used?A、At home. B、In the field. C、In the workplace. D、In the classroom.(2)、What does the third paragraph mainly tell us?A、The benefits from taking a nap. B、The new finding by NASA. C、The ways of improving productivity. D、The pilots' experience with the "Giraffenap".(3)、Why does the "Giraffenap" come in a vertical shape?A、It will ensure the sleepers' safety. B、The sleepers can breathe slowly. C、It will occupy much less floor space. D、The sleepers can enter a deeper sleep state.(4)、What can we infer about the sleepers in the "Giraffenap"?A、They have limited mobility. B、They will be disturbed by noise. C、They come out feeling pretty dizzy. D、They're likely to suffer injuries. -
20、George Nakashima always insisted that he was a simple woodworker, not an artist. Even though major museums exhibited his works and the director of the American Craft Museum called him a national treasure, Mr Nakashima rejected the label of an artist. For almost fifty years he simply went on shaping wood into beautiful chairs, tables, and cabinets.
Nakashima had a clear goal. He intended each piece of furniture he made to be as perfect as possible. Even making a box was an act of creation, because it produced an object that had never existed before. Initially Nakashima used local wood, sometimes from his own property. Later, he traveled to seek out English oak, Persian walnut, African zebra wood and Indian teak. He especially liked to find giant roots that had been dug out of the ground after a tree was taken down. Nakashima felt that making this wood into furniture was a way of allowing the tree to live again.
Most furniture makers prefer perfect boards, but Nakashima took pleasure in using wood with interesting knots (节疤) and cracks. These irregularities gave the wood personality and showed that the tree had lived a happy life.
He never failed to create an object that was both useful and beautiful. One early piece Nakashima designed was a three-legged chair for his small daughter Mira to use when she sat at the table for meals. The Mira chair became so popular that Nakashima later made both low and high versions. Another famous piece, the Conoid chair, has two legs supported by blade-like feet. Always, Nakashima's designs were precise and graceful, marked by simplicity that revealed his love for the wood.
As the years passed, Nakashima's reputation grew and his works received many awards. His children Mira and Kevin, now adults, joined the team of craftspeople in their father's studio. Nakashima's dream of integrating (合并) work and family has come true.
(1)、Why was Nakashima called a national treasure?A、Because he loved both his work and family. B、Because the wood materials he used were precious. C、Because his works were of great artistic value. D、Because he spent most of his life making furniture.(2)、Which of the following best describes Nakashima?A、Generous and outgoing. B、Creative and modest. C、Ambitious and friendly. D、Honest and simple.(3)、What can we learn about Nakashima from Paragraph 4?A、He made chairs exclusively for his family. B、His chairs were of the same style. C、He loved his daughter Mira most. D、His works were mostly simple but beautiful.(4)、What can be inferred about Mira and Kevin?A、They had an art studio of their own. B、They lacked the ability to create art works. C、They took over their father's work. D、They had a common interest in woodwork.