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1、For over twenty years, fried chicken had been my absolute favorite food. I would have it at least three times a week, whether it was from a fast- food joint, a local diner, or even homemade. I planned my outings around places that served delicious fried chicken. There were times when I tried to cut back on it, especially when I started to gain some weight, but I always ended up giving in to my cravings within a few days.
This year, a series of events changed my relationship with fried chicken forever. I began experiencing frequent stomachaches and indigestion. Doctors couldn't directly link these problems to fried chicken, but I noticed that every time I ate it, my discomfort worsened. Additionally, I started to realize that the once- mouthwatering smell and taste now left a heavy, greasy feeling in my mouth that I couldn't ignore. One evening, after finishing a large bucket of fried chicken, I felt so sick that I couldn't sleep well all night. That was the turning point. I decided that enough was enough, after two decades of indulgence.
Why was it so hard to let go before? Is there really something addictive in fried chicken? While there's no official "fried chicken addiction" listed in medical books, experts point out factors that could contribute to its allure. Dr. Johnson from a nutrition research center mentions two main elements: the high-fat content and the combination of spices. The high-fat content triggers the release of endorphins in the brain, making us feel good, while the unique blend of spices stimulates our taste buds, making us want more.
Now, I'm on Day 35 of my "fried-chicken-free" journey. The first week was tough. I had strong cravings and even felt a bit down at times, almost like going through a mild withdrawal. But as the days passed, I started to feel better. My stomach problems became less frequent, and I even noticed that I had more energy. I'm really proud of myself for breaking this long-standing habit. If I can overcome my love for fried chicken, I believe I can overcome any other challenging habit in my life.
(1)、What can be inferred about the author from the first paragraph?A、Fried chicken was only a casual part of the author's diet. B、The author never worried about the health risks of eating fried chicken. C、The author had a deep and long-lasting love for fried chicken. D、The author successfully reduced the intake of fried chicken several times.(2)、What led the author to give up fried chicken?A、A doctor's strict order. B、Health problems and an unpleasant feeling after eating. C、A newfound dislike for the smell of chicken. D、A friend's advice on a healthier diet.(3)、What does the underlined word "allure" in paragraph 3 probably mean?A、harm B、cost C、waste D、attraction(4)、How does the author feel about giving up fried chicken?A、Regretful B、Confused C、Satisfied D、Uncertain. -
2、 Enchanting retreat in Mystic Valley: Serenity & Exploration Package
Why Mystic Valley
Nestled deep in the heart of nature, Mystic Valley is a hidden gem. Towering mountains embrace the valley, their peaks often veiled in a soft mist, creating a magical atmosphere. Crystal - clear streams meander through the landscape, their waters teeming with small fish and unique aquatic plants. The valley is carpeted with lush meadows, where wildflowers of every color bloom in profusion during spring and summer.
A dense, ancient forest covers a large part of the valley, home to a variety of rare animals, including the elusive Mystic Valley Deer and colorful songbirds. The air is filled with the fresh scent of pine and wild herbs, and the only sounds are the gentle murmur of the streams, the chirping of birds, and the rustling of leaves in the breeze. Away from the hustle and bustle of urban life, Mystic Valley offers a peaceful and rejuvenating experience. There are activities suitable for all, from gentle nature walks to more challenging mountain hikes.
What to Do
On your arrival day, our friendly staff will greet you at the nearest transportation hub and escort you to your accommodation. In the evening, unwind with a delicious welcome dinner, featuring local specialties prepared with fresh, organic ingredients.
On the second day, you have a choice of activities. In the morning, you can embark on a guided nature walk through the meadows, learning about the different plants and animals that call the valley home. Or, if you're feeling more adventurous, you can start a moderate mountain hike, taking in the breathtaking views from the lower slopes. In the afternoon, relax by the stream, dipping your toes in the cool water, or try your hand at fishing. For those who prefer more active pursuits, there are open areas where you can play frisbee or have a picnic.
For guests staying for four days, on the third day, you can join a forest exploration tour. Led by experienced guides, you'll venture deep into the forest, discover hidden waterfalls, and maybe even catch a glimpse of the Mystic Valley Deer. On the fourth day, you can choose to have a free day, either to further explore the areas that interested you the most or simply to relax at your accommodation and soak up the peaceful surroundings.
Accommodation choices
We have accommodation options to suit every taste and budget. The Valley View Lodge s are situated on a slight elevation, offering panoramic views of the entire valley. These lodges are well- equipped with modern amenities, including comfortable beds, private bathrooms, and a cozy living area. They also have large windows and balconies, perfect for enjoying the stunning scenery.
For a more budget-friendly option, the Forest Cabins are nestled among the trees. Although more rustic, they are clean, comfortable, and provide an authentic experience of living close to nature. The cabins share communal bathrooms and a small kitchen area where you can prepare simple meals if you wish.
The individual price is as follows. (*A 30% discount is available for students and seniors.)
Accommodation Type
2- day
4-day
Valley View Lodge
$400
$700
Forest Cabins
$200
$350
The prices cover your accommodation, three meals a day, and most guided activities. However, some specialized activities, such as horseback riding tours, may incur an additional fee.
If this enchanting retreat in Mystic Valley has sparked your interest, don't miss out Click here to book your dream vacation and create memories that will last a lifetime.
(1)、What can tourists do on the second day in Mystic Valley?A、Take a forest exploration tour and go fishing. B、Have a nature walk and play frisbee by the stream. C、Start a challenging mountain hike and relax at the lodge. D、Join a village tour and try horseback riding.(2)、How much should two students pay for a 4- day stay in the Forest Cabins?A、$490. B、$560. C、$700. D、$910.(3)、Where is this text most likely from?A、A geography textbook. B、A local newspaper. C、A travel website. D、A wildlife magazine. -
3、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。
When I was teaching art and craft classes in a primary school, there was a wonderful tradition of exchanging handwork as gifts on New Year's Eve. As the great day approached, the excitement among my twenty-five third graders began to build.
Each day the children made some new wonders — colorful lanterns, hand-made decorations and beautiful window paper-cuts made from wallpaper samples, which we carefully stuck onto the window glass. Through it all, Alice stayed uninterested, watching from a distance, seemingly miles away. This once-so-happy child, after her mum passed away, now became so suddenly quiet and lonely. She had built the wall of isolation (孤立) around herself. How I hoped the celebrations would light her up! But nothing did. We made lovely cards for each other, writing down sweet wishes. At home, the students made small crafts and competed with one another to bring in the prettiest ones. As my gift to them, I made each of my students a little bag for carrying their crafts. And I knew they had each made something special for me.
The day of gift exchanging finally came. We oohed and aahed (赞叹) over our handwork as the presents were exchanged. But Alice sat quietly watching. I had made a special bag for her, red and blue with white lace, hoping very much to see her smile. She opened it so slowly and carefully. I waited but she turned away, avoiding looking directly at me.
After school, the children left in little groups, but she hesitated, watching them go out of the door. I sat down in a chair, hardly knowing what was happening when she came to me reaching out her hands, holding a small white box unwrapped and slightly dirty, as though it had been held many times by unwashed, childish hands. She said nothing.
注意:1.续写词数应为100左右。
2.请按如下格式在答题卡的相应位置作答。
"For me?" I asked with a weak smile. ......
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
I carefully held out the chain.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
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4、假设你是李华,你的外国笔友Tom即将来中国,作为交换生在你校学习一年。他向你询问有关事宜,请你给他写一封回信,内容包括:
1. 适应交换生学习生活的建议及理由;
2. 期待与祝福。
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 Tom,
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Yours,
Li Hua
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5、Other students are not mature enough to (处理) the challenges by themselves. (根据汉语提示单词拼写)
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6、 (恐慌) took hold of him and he couldn't move. (根据汉语提示单词拼写)
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7、Chaplin was among the most (有很大影响的) figures in film history. (根据汉语提示单词拼写)
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8、She's not very (乐观的) about the outcome of the talks. (根据汉语提示单词拼写)
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9、Qi Baishi' s works of shrimps, crabs and fish have often been on (展览). (根据汉语提示单词拼写)
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10、She was amazed as she (目击) the miracle of a rare double rainbow stretching across the sky. (根据汉语提示单词拼写)
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11、We can't (否认) that we need to devote more resources to this problem. (根据汉语提示单词拼写)
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12、Large (数量) of plants were produced for sale. (根据汉语提示单词拼写)
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13、The company's actions are (相反的) to the public interest. (根据汉语提示单词拼写)
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14、The team use running to (克服) their hardships and to rebuild their hopes for a better future. (根据汉语提示单词拼写)
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15、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。
China's Giant Panda National Park is a heaven for biodiversity. It spans (跨越) the provinces of Sichuan, Shaanxi and Gansu, (cover) it is area of over 21,000 square kilometers. It is home more than 72 percent of the country's wild panda population. As a major milestone in China's conservation efforts, the park was (official) elected as one of the country's first five national parks in 2021.
(protect) the survival of wild pandas, the park is divided into two areas: central protection areas, human activities are strictly prohibited; and general control areas, in which activities are limited. These protective measures have created a thriving environment for both animals plants.
In recent years, (hide) cameras in different places of the park have found the traces of wild pandas, showing steady increase in their numbers. In the Mianzhu area of the park in Sichuan, for example, wild pandas (record) every year since 2019, stressing the effectiveness of conservation efforts and the population growth of the species.
The park serves as an ideal habitat for a (various) of bird species, all coexisting in harmony within the lush green landscapes. Together, these efforts promote a thriving ecosystem and contribute to ecological civilization.
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16、I'm old enough when I remember once, if I needed a phone number or an address, I dialed "O" and a pleasant-voiced operator asked what she could do for me. I also remember travel agents: You told them where you wanted to go, and they found the best fare while making a delightful1.
But automation (自动化) has changed a lot of this. Certainly, it has its2. I am grateful for 24-hour ATMs, the3 of gaining knowledge from my laptop in the comfort of my home, and a cellphone that4 performs enormous skillful services.
But I also miss the5 with people that these devices have6. I feel better just because someone took the time to warm the meeting.
So recently I decided to accomplish my goal in a(an)7 manner. I began by going to the bank. One of the staff remembered me from a long-ago visit and8 me warm-heartedly. After my business we chatted for a few minutes,9 news about our children. I moved on to a fast food restaurant, where I passed up the computer terminal (终端) in favor of10 from a smiling employee, the supermarket where I walked past the self-checkout and was welcomed by a cashier, and a stop at the public library where I asked the librarian to help me find a title I could have easily11 by myself with a computer search, during which, we had the most12 conversation about some new books.
That evening I had dinner with a friend and reported my13 to her. She listened attentively but didn't14. She commented that I could have banked, shopped, and ordered a book with my cellphone, and it would have taken less than an hour. True, but I would have15 all those kind words and friendly smiles.
(1)A 、claim B 、chat C 、decision D 、speech(2)A 、advantages B 、achievements C 、tricks D 、accesses(3)A 、convenience B 、significance C 、competence D 、patience(4)A 、regularly B 、freely C 、casually D 、reliably(5)A 、contributions B 、expectations C 、interactions D 、ambitions(6)A 、grasped B 、favored C 、interrupted D 、replaced(7)A 、open-minded B 、cost-free C 、non-digital D 、well-informed(8)A 、praised B 、reminded C 、trusted D 、greeted(9)A 、searching B 、sharing C 、offering D 、following(10)A 、paying B 、ordering C 、waiting D 、keeping(11)A 、transformed B 、needed C 、located D 、consulted(12)A 、wonderful B 、confident C 、optimistic D 、modest(13)A 、concern B 、assumption C 、experiment D 、angle(14)A 、agree B 、evaluate C 、respond D 、hesitate(15)A 、put up B 、given up C 、made up D 、picked up -
17、People often wonder why some entrepreneurs (企业家) have greater success than others. Is it habits, connections, luck, work rules or any other behavior? Willpower is the ability to control yourself. It is a strong determination that allows you to do something difficult. It is a behavior we are born with more than one we learn; however, it is possible to not only learn it, but also strengthen it with constant exercise.
Willpower is just like a muscle. People with a great amount of willpower have the discipline (自律) to develop positive, successful habits. Even with a large amount of talent, without the discipline and motivation to create positive habits, it can be difficult to achieve success.
It is important to create good habits and take the actions necessary to stick to those habits day in and day out for greater success. Almost half of our daily actions are part of our habits and not decisions, so once the correct habits are in place, you will automatically perform those tasks on a day-to-day basis.
The best way to create and stick to a habit is to have strong motivation. It's easier to change your habits to lose weight if you have a health issue and you want to be around longer for your kids, or if your business is something you're passionate about.
The art of self-control is one that most successful people have mastered. Self-control enables you to avoid behaviors that don't contribute to your success and adopt those that do.
Because there is a delayed satisfaction associated with self-control, it can be easy to get off track. However, if you work on sticking to those small positive habits one day at a time, it becomes easier to stay strong and achieve that delayed reward. Plan clear goals, and develop the habits necessary to achieve them. Recognize the self-control necessary to stick to those habits.
A. Willpower and habits go hand in hand.
B. I believe the key to success is willpower.
C. To keep it strong you need to constantly exercise it.
D. A united and motivated team can drive your business forward.
E. It is easy to lose control and give in to something that doesn't follow your plan.
F. Once a reward is achieved, it is much easier to continue sticking to your habits.
G. Having a valuable outcome associated with a habit will help you stick to that habit.
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18、A 9,300-square-metre farm was built on the former site of a steel factory. It's one of the ten farms that has been built across cities in the USA — three more are in the pipeline but still one year away.
With urban populations expected to increase by 2.5 billion by 2050, urban agriculture could help to feed our growing cities. Environmental scientist David and his workmates looked at previous studies in 53 countries in which crops were grown in a range of different urban environments, including "grey" spaces such as rooftops, and using different growing methods, such as hydroponics (水培法): They found that yields of urban crops were often the same, if not higher, than those from conventional farms.
Sometimes city-grown crops can have higher yields than conventional ones, and the benefits of urban agriculture go beyond food.
One of the most mentioned benefits of urban farming is a reduction in food miles. However, urban-grown crops aren't automatically a more environmentally friendly option. In one study, researchers analyzed the carbon footprint of different vegetables grown in greenhouses in Canada compared to importing vegetables from the USA. "In that example, it was less carbon-intensive (炭密集的) to import the crops because of the high energy input required to grow them locally in greenhouses," says David.
But there are other benefits. Urban agriculture has the potential to promote local ecosystems, attracting bees and birds that boost urban biodiversity, while providing more green spaces to help keep cities cool and prevent the urban heat island effect.
It could also strengthen our connection with food and improve the public's understanding of the natural resources needed to grow fresh agricultural product. More importantly, it could improve urban access to fresh fruit and vegetables, and help protect individual cities against food shocks from events such as crop failure.
"Food supply chains can be vulnerable (脆弱的) to global issues," says David. "Therefore, it is of great importance to build a stable food supply system. This requires the joint efforts to ensure food supply and handle the increasingly complex global situation."
(1)、What does the underlined words "in the pipeline" in the first paragraph mean?A、In preparation. B、Under observation. C、In order. D、Under repair.(2)、How does the author develop Paragraph 2?A、By giving examples and making contrast. B、By giving definition and making comparison. C、By listing statistics and giving examples. D、By analyzing cause and giving data.(3)、What is one of the advantages of urban farming?A、It greatly improves the local ecosystem. B、It helps resist the unban heat island effect. C、It protects individual cities and stops crop failure. D、It produces much more food and is more eco-friendly.(4)、What can we learn from the last paragraph?A、The problems of food supply chains are very serious. B、People should work together to reduce the global crisis. C、Governments should try every means to ensure food supply. D、Food supply chains may be easily influenced by global issues. -
19、On 11 March 2021, a collage (拼贴画) made up of 5,000 pieces of digital artworks went on sale for more than $69 million and became the world's most expensive piece of digital art. The collage combines various styles and themes, reflecting the artist's daily thoughts and observations. The sale was made possible thanks to non-fungible tokens (NFTs). NFT is a unique piece of code that acts like a certificate to prove the work is genuine, so it can be bought or sold like physical paintings. These codes make someone the official owners of the digital artwork. In 2021, more than $15.7 billion was spent on NFTs. Is digital art the future?
According to digital artists, NFTs represent the next step in art history. They believe that art develops according to the tools available to them. Embracing (拥抱) digital methods could lead to exciting new works that would never have been possible in the past. Plus, the art world can be exclusive (排他的), with paintings only on show at certain galleries. Digital art gives more people the chance to enjoy art. It also grabs the attention of the buyers. Collectors of digital artworks, as well as investors, have pumped billions of dollars into NFT-related artworks. One famous collector says, "Can NFTs be a breakthrough in the art market? That is a most definite yes. From streaming services to e-sports, the world is becoming more digital. Why should art be different?" He believes that most buyers are driven by admiration, "Artists can make beautiful pieces on their computers. These pieces should be as valuable as physical paintings."
For opponents, digital arts are nothing but a short-lived fashion and will never replace the real thing. Art traditionalists believe that even though people can't touch most artworks, they are meant to be seen up close. A digital art displayed on a computer screen will never match the experience of walking through a gallery. Even worse, the technology behind it is bad for the environment. NFTs rely on a network of computers that have to be running at all times to process information. This uses up a lot of power and it's a big source of greenhouse gas emissions, which are the primary cause of climate change. Many collectors are also concerned about the stability (稳定性) of the value, because owning a line of computer codes is not the same as owning a painting.
(1)、What makes the sale of digital artworks possible?A、The thoughts and observations. B、The high demand for digital art. C、The use of non-fungible tokens. D、The artist's reputation and fame.(2)、According to the famous collector, why will NFTs be a breakthrough in the art market?A、Modern digital methods would lead to more exciting new works. B、NFTs provide people with more opportunities to enjoy art. C、Going digital is the unavoidable trend of the modern world. D、Collectors and investors have pumped lots of money in the market.(3)、Which of the following might the opponents agree with?A、Digital artworks will make a lot of profits for galleries. B、The power that NFTs require will do harm to our planet. C、Digital artworks are intended to be fashionable and stable. D、Digital art-serves as a short-lived replacement for real art.(4)、What is the text mainly about?A、The world's most expensive piece of digital art. B、Codes called NFTs that act like certificates in sale. C、The future that digital artworks are going up for sale. D、The debate caused by the NFT-related artworks. -
20、The Chinese old saying "good medicine tastes bitter" may no longer hold in the country where it was born and believed.
Xi Linjie, a 20-year-old college student, sought help for tiredness at a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) hospital in Chongqing and was pleasantly surprised by a cup of sweet milk tea. "The milk tea is filled with TCM ingredients, yet it tastes delightful. It's less sweet than regular milk tea and has a slight herbal fragrance (香味)," she says. "Most importantly, it's beneficial to health."
This new milk tea is invented by the nutrition department of Chongqing Jiangbei Hospital of TCM. Since 2023, the hospital has mixed TCM processing techniques with contemporary food production to attract younger generation. "Milk tea is a favorite among young people. We hope it can act as a bridge for them to gain more knowledge about TCM and gradually accept it," says Liao Changying, director of the hospital's nutrition department. She notes that almost everyone who tried the milk tea shared the special experience with their family and friends.
The hospital has employed various modern technologies to maximize (最大化) the effect of TCM while improving the taste. "Behind the TCM milk tea are numerous experiments and improvements. It represents the integration of TCM, modern medicine, nutrition and more. Our goal is to help people prevent and manage diseases while enjoying delicious food and drinks," Liao explains. The TCM milk tea proves how traditional medicine is appealing to the younger generation in an approachable manner.
Liao is pleased to see many young visitors seeking professional health advice on physical conditioning. "Over half of the visitors are young people interested in health consultations (咨询) for body conditioning, which indicates that the younger generation has confidence in TCM," Liao says. She also suggested that more efforts should be made to integrate TCM with other fields that interest young people, adding, "TCM is becoming a new trend among the youth".
(1)、According to Xi Linjie, what makes the new milk tea so special?A、Its bitter taste. B、Its strong fragrance. C、Its special milk. D、Its health effect.(2)、From Liao Changying's angle, what does she expect the new milk tea to function?A、To attract the younger generation to study TCM. B、To provide a special drinking experience with TCM. C、To improve modern production techniques of TCM. D、To help the young gain a deeper insight into TCM.(3)、What does Liao want to stress in Paragraph 4?A、The efforts of making the new milk tea. B、The significance of the new milk tea. C、The process or making the new milk tea. D、The prospects of the new milk tea.(4)、What can be a suitable title for the passage?A、TCM Gains Growing Popularity. B、TCM Meets Modern Milk Tea. C、New Milk Tea Saves the Young. D、Modern Milk Tea Promotes Health.