• 1、Food can tell us much about society, history, and even our dreams. What is considered luxury (奢侈的) food changes over time. Let's find out how foods become popular and then go out of style.

    History shows many foods' status (地位) has changed. In 18th-century Europe, pineapples were uncommon and expensive, grown in heated glasshouses. They were used at parties to show off wealth, not for eating. However, once steamships could transport them, they became common and lost their luxury status. Similarly, oysters were once a cheap food for the poor in the 18th and 19th centuries. But overfishing and pollution made them hard to find, increasing their value and turning them into a symbol of fine dining.

    Some items like sugar, tea, coffee, and cocoa were once expensive gifts only the rich could afford. Europeans' desire for them led to control over foreign lands and the use of enslaved labor. As production grew, costs dropped, making them everyday items for everyone, though they still appear in luxury gift sets.

    The story of lobster (龙虾) is also surprising. It was so common on the US East Coast that it was fed to prisoners. Railway companies started serving canned lobster to passengers, who turned out to enjoy it. This new demand made lobster a luxury item in restaurants.

    Several factors make a food luxurious. Scarcity is key — if a food is hard to get, like the historical pineapple, it becomes more valuable. High cost, often due to skilled labor, also makes food limited, like Japanese Wagyu beef. Marketing plays a big role too. If famous people or social media advertise a food, it can quickly become a must-have item, even if it's not rare.

    Looking ahead, climate change may make some foods luxurious again. Chocolate and coffee are becoming harder to grow, which may make them expensive in the future. A new idea of sustainable (可持续的) luxury is also appearing. People want food that is not only special but also good for the earth, so they care about how food is produced. The true luxury isn't just about how expensive or uncommon something is.

    (1)、Why were pineapples luxurious in the past?
    A、They were easy to cook. B、They were difficult to get. C、They were good for health. D、They were transported by steamships.
    (2)、What can be inferred from the lobster's story in paragraph 4?
    A、A food's status can rise with short supply. B、A food's status can rise with increased demand. C、A food's status can drop with lower production cost. D、A food's status can change with new ways to market.
    (3)、What does the last paragraph suggest?
    A、Luxury foods will become cheaper. B、People no longer care about the cost of food. C、Sustainable luxury will become popular. D、Climate change may resulting little effect on food prices.
    (4)、Which can be a suitable title for the passage?
    A、Climate Change Turns Some Foods Luxurious B、From Prison to Palace: The Path of Luxury Foods C、Modern Technology Makes Many Luxuries Affordable D、From Common to Costly: Why Certain Foods Become Luxurious
  • 2、A father from New York, Nick Tomasso, accidentally started a yearly photo tradition with his son Jackson that shows how the boy grows over time. The photos, which began when Jackson was a baby, feature the two wearing matching Batman T-shirts.

    It all started by chance. When Jackson was very little, Nick once wore a Batman T-shirt and also dressed his son in a Batman onesie (连体衣). He thought it would be a cute picture and took one. The next year, they happened to wear new Batman shirts again, so Nick took another photo without remembering the first one. By the third year, Nick realized he had created a tradition without planning to. He then decided to continue it every year.

    Nick had shared these photos on his private social media over the years. Recently, he posted a collage (拼图) of the pictures on Reddit, and the story became very popular online. Many people loved seeing the changes in the father and son.

    For Nick, the best part is looking back at how his son has grown. He also finds the tradition a good way to bond with Jackson, as they both like superheroes. Nick plans to keep taking these photos as long as possible. He thinks it will be funny to see when Jackson becomes taller than him.

    Though Nick doesn't have special plans for the photos, he may make a collage or a video for his son's important birthdays. For him, the tradition is not just about pictures — it's about recording time and the love between a father and his son.

    (1)、How did the tradition begin according to the first two paragraphs?
    A、Jackson asked his father to start it. B、It was suggested by one Internet user. C、It happened by accident in the first two years. D、Nick planned it carefully for his social media.
    (2)、What does Nick enjoy most about this tradition?
    A、Becoming famous online. B、Teaching his son about superheroes. C、Seeing his son's growth over the years. D、Buying new Batman shirts every year.
    (3)、What does the underlined word "bond" in paragraph 4 mean?
    A、Connect. B、Argue. C、Compete. D、Disagree.
    (4)、What does this passage mainly talk about?
    A、How to become popular on Reddit. B、What superhero kids are interested in. C、The collection of different Batman shirts. D、The story of a father-son photo tradition.
  • 3、Connect with Caltech

    Caltech invites everyone to join its events. You can explore the exciting connections between art, science, and engineering. Join us online or in person for our upcoming events.

    Astronomy on Tap

    Date: October 27, 2025

    Time: 7:30 PM — 9:30 PM

    Place: Dog Haus Biergarten

    What do we know about planets outside our solar system? Join us to find out! We will have two short talks, a Q&A session, and fun space facts. You can also enjoy watching stars with telescopes. Live music will be played during breaks.

    Special Performance about Mars

    Date: October 30, 2025

    Time: 7:30 PM — 9:00 PM

    Place: Beckman Auditorium

    This special show uses music and visuals to tell the story of Mars. It follows our dream of reaching the Red Planet. Could humans live on Mars one day? Come and explore this question.

    Science Journeys Saturday

    Date: Saturday, November 8, 2025

    Time:11:30 AM — 13:00 PM

    Place: Beckman Auditorium

    After a hands-on pre-show, Caltech graduate student Alejandro will present his science research, including a drone(无人机) show, and share how he creates inventions and explores new knowledge.

    Writers in Residence Program

    Date: November 10, 2025

    Time: 6:00 PM — 7:00 PM

    Place: Dabney Hall, Lounge

    Writer Daryl Gregory and Professor Jocelyn Holland will talk about Gregory's new novel, When We Were Real. The book asks a big question: what if our world is not real? Join the conversation about reality and science.

    (1)、What can participants do at the "Astronomy on Tap" event?
    A、Enjoy a science movie about Mars. B、Listen to talks and look at stars with telescopes. C、Have a face-to-face talk with two famous writers. D、Join in a hands-on pre-show and watch a drone show.
    (2)、Which event takes the shortest time?
    A、Astronomy on Tap. B、Special Performance about Mars. C、Science Journeys Saturday. D、Writers in Residence Program.
    (3)、Where is the text most likely from?
    A、A science textbook. B、A parenting magazine. C、A school website. D、A news report.
  • 4、听下面一段独白,回答以下小题。
    (1)、Which way is good for remembering words?
    A、Listening to songs. B、Reading stories. C、Writing diaries.
    (2)、Why does the speaker suggest talking to native speakers?
    A、It's good for making friends. B、It's beneficial for realizing mistakes. C、It's helpful for learning real-life language.
    (3)、What should learners do when language learning seems slow?
    A、Have patience. B、Set suitable goals. C、Change to another way.
    (4)、What is the talk mainly about?
    A、The benefits of learning a new language. B、The challenges of learning a new language. C、The useful methods of learning a new language.
  • 5、听下面一段对话,回答以下小题。
    (1)、What should the woman pay more attention to according to the man?
    A、Improving her arm movements. B、Moving her feet faster. C、Increasing her power.
    (2)、What month is it now?
    A、July. B、September. C、November.
    (3)、What does the man suggest the woman do?
    A、Work harder. B、Learn from other players. C、Have confidence in herself.
    (4)、Where does the conversation probably take place?
    A、In a classroom. B、On a tennis court. C、In an office.
  • 6、听下面一段对话,回答以下小题。
    (1)、What is being built in the park?
    A、A children's playground. B、A picnic area. C、A garden.
    (2)、What is the woman's suggestion?
    A、Taking boxing classes. B、Finding a new relaxing area. C、Following David's running path.
    (3)、What is the probable relationship between the speakers?
    A、Co-workers. B、Trainer and trainee. C、Husband and wife.
  • 7、听下面一段对话,回答以下小题。
    (1)、How long has the coffee shop been open?
    A、Ten years. B、Six years. C、Four years.
    (2)、What does the woman do?
    A、She is a writer. B、She is a teacher. C、She is a shop owner.
  • 8、听下面一段对话,回答以下小题。
    (1)、Who does the man help through his volunteer work?
    A、Parentless children. B、The old people. C、Homeless animals.
    (2)、What does the woman think of the man's volunteer work?
    A、It's demanding. B、It's challenging. C、It's important.
  • 9、What does the man think of the woman's salad?
    A、It's delicious. B、It's easy to make. C、It's nothing special.
  • 10、What will the speakers probably do this weekend?
    A、Go to the movies. B、Go hiking. C、Go to the beach.
  • 11、What does the woman suggest doing?
    A、Finding more jogging partners. B、Keeping exercising together. C、Arriving at work earlier.
  • 12、Where is the lost and found office?
    A、On the first floor. B、On the second floor. C、On the third floor.
  • 13、Why does the woman want to borrow a car?
    A、To go for a test. B、To go on a road trip. C、To practice driving skills.
  • 14、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。

    I was on a delayed train from London, anxious about missing my last connecting train home. The carriage was full, and a friendly lady sat next to me. We first talked about the delay, and then about our own wonderful experiences.

    "Sometimes, delays happen for a reason," she said softly. Though I didn't fully understand then, her thoughtful words stayed with me as the station grew near.

    Soon it was clear that I would miss my connection by minutes. With home a four-hour drive away, I faced finding a hotel. Just as I stood up to leave, the lady said, "You could stay with me tonight." Though I felt I could trust her, I knew I must call my mother first. "Mum, a kind lady on the train has offered me a room," I said. Feeling worried, my mother asked to speak to her directly.

    What happened next was wholly unexpected. As they spoke, the woman's expression changed — from polite attention to gentle surprise. She handed the phone back, and my mum's voice was different now. "You may stay. That is Mrs Lewis, who was my English teacher years ago," Mum told me. What a surprise! The kind stranger beside me was someone who had once taught my mother.

    That evening, Mrs Lewis led me into her study. From the top shelf, she took down a worn notebook. "Your mother was one of my most thoughtful students," she said, opening it to a certain page. In my mother's youthful handwriting, there was an essay titled "Kindness Is a Circle". Beside it, in Mrs Lewis's red pen, was a note: "True. And sometimes the circle takes years to complete." I stared in surprise. It was as if these words had been waiting in silence for tonight to make perfect sense. Mrs Lewis explained, "Your mother wrote that kindness passes like a circle and may return to its starting point in unexpected ways. I think tonight that circle has closed."

    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。

    The next morning, Mrs Lewis took the notebook with her and drove me to the station.

    ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

    Holding that notebook, I understood it was a bridge between the past and the present.

    ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

  • 15、你校英文报正在开展主题为"Benefiting from Sharing Ideas"的征文比赛。请你写一篇短文参赛,内容包括:

    (1)阐述分享的重要性;

    (2)举例说明分享带来的收获。

    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。

    Benefiting from Sharing Ideas

    ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

  • 16、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。

    A pioneering substation (变电站) in Xiong' an New Area, Hebei Province, is providing a fresh (solve) for sustainable urban power supply. The Fuxing 220-kilovolt substation, China's first circular steel-structured substation and the first full-lifecycle near-zero carbon facility in Xiong'an, (feed) green energy into the new area since its operation began on June 30.

    Zhang Longyue, staff member at State Grid Hebei Electric Power Construction, said that the circular shape increases wind speed, empowering natural wind (take)away heat from equipment without using extra energy for cooling. This design also reduces land use by nearly 30 percent compared to (convention) substations. In addition, temperature control in the building (achieve) by means of aluminum panels with small holes. Its roof is equipped with 1,600 square meters of solar panels, (generate) about 320,000 kilowatt-hours annually to power its needs.

    The substation is masterfully designed to be both eco-friendly and (functional)vital. By replacing walls with permeable bricks and plants, the substation exists in harmony the environment. It has an annual transmission capacity of 900 million kilowatt-hours, can meet the electricity needs of 220,000 households. As such, it serves as a crucial power source for the area's projects and supports the local sustainable growth.

  • 17、Last spring, a thirteen-year-old boy named Mark came to our medical center with his mother. He had a cyst (囊肿) on his shoulder. Although the operation was simple, the1 on his face was easy to observe. His mother tried to comfort him.2, those comforting words only made the3 more anxious.

    When I first spoke with him, I realized that what he4 most was not medical knowledge but a sense of5. So, I said to him, "Don't worry, Mark. It is a small6, and it is surely risk-free." I explained the procedure7, in order that he could picture each step in his mind. Then I showed him a simple model of the skin. As he watched, his face8, and meanwhile, he screamed excitedly, "Amazing I9 to know more about medicine in the future." Apparently, his10 replaced his anxiety.

    The next day, Mark walked into the outpatient room, somewhat nervous but quite determined. During the operation, I regularly talked to him so that he would maintain11 stability. Within thirty minutes, the cyst was12, and when he saw the bandage on his shoulder, pride spread across his face. His mother let out a long breath of relief.

    During his hospitalization, Mark shared that the experience13 him — he now hopes to become a doctor. Such14 moments reminded me why I chose this work; Even a small operation could15 a young heart. His courage turned that day into a turning point, encouraging us both.

    (1)
    A 、comfort B 、relief C 、tension D 、annoyance
    (2)
    A 、Therefore B 、Besides C 、Otherwise D 、Nevertheless
    (3)
    A 、teenager B 、female C 、doctor D 、mother
    (4)
    A 、gained B 、needed C 、admitted D 、rejected
    (5)
    A 、security B 、distance C 、humor D 、silence
    (6)
    A 、excuse B 、model C 、trick D 、surgery
    (7)
    A 、for fun B 、by chance C 、at length D 、in turn
    (8)
    A 、softened B 、healed C 、calmed D 、darkened
    (9)
    A 、decline B 、desire C 、afford D 、agree
    (10)
    A 、curiosity B 、simplicity C 、loss D 、defeat
    (11)
    A 、financial B 、moral C 、emotional D 、physical
    (12)
    A 、spotted B 、found C 、confirmed D 、removed
    (13)
    A 、publicized B 、transformed C 、dominated D 、shadowed
    (14)
    A 、fictitious B 、identical C 、representative D 、influential
    (15)
    A 、replace B 、shape C 、blow D 、identify
  • 18、At its core, journal writing is the intentional practice of setting aside time for yourself to write and reflect on your thoughts, feelings, and life experiences. It is a personal activity that allows you to express the narrative of your life. It is targeted at you, the writer, making it a uniquely honest and intimate form of creative self-expression.

    So, that may help explain why journal writing is powerful. All you simply need is pretty much a pen, a journal, and a determination to write. And you have the right to write whenever you feel like writing.

    By insisting on writing, you will have a better understanding of what you have been through, what you need, and what you should throw away. This simple act of putting words to your experiences can be worthwhile in your lifetime.

    One question for those learning how to write journals is what they should write about. There are no strict rules about what makes up "proper" journals. Just remember: You can write anything that matters to you. That's because journal writing is about the process, not perfection.

    Many journals may begin with the concrete details of a day. This can serve as a warm-up, allowing your writing muscles to engage before diving into deeper reflection. From this starting point, you may naturally transition into exploring your thoughts and feelings about these events. Grab your pen, get curious in your journal, and start the journey of exploring yourself.

    A. Another advantage is its convenience.

    B. Besides, journal writing is challenging.

    C. Actually, journal writing helps you to enrich your life.

    D. It is a judgment-free zone where all topics are welcome.

    E. It is unlike other forms of writing that may be created for an audience.

    F. You may write what happened or who you interacted with in daily life.

    G. So, setting a limit on the content of your journals is the key to perfection.

  • 19、As the seasons shift, the temperature inside and outside our homes and workplaces becomes a common topic of discussion. It often starts: What's the best indoor temperature? Some people like it very cold — even cold enough that you might need heat in other months — while others prefer it warm. How can these two groups agree?

    Research gives us a clear answer: Our brains work best, and we feel happiest, when the thermostat (恒温器) is set to about 70°F-72°F (around 21℃-22℃) with moderate humidity (40%-70%). A good mood matters because it helps us think more clearly, be more creative, and get along better with others — all things we need in our daily lives. For anyone living or working in today's world, this ideal temperature range of 70°F-72°F should be simple to plan around. If you're going to spend time indoors, take a moment to dress in a way that fits this mild, temperate setting. But if you dress as if you're heading to a hot jungle or a bitterly freezing area instead, you'll almost certainly end up feeling too warm or too cold — and that's a result of your own clothing choice, not the thermostat's setting.

    There's a little flexibility around 70°F. Small changes might depend on where people live and their life experiences. But since most people in the same space have similar experiences, these tiny differences rarely cause arguments. Other things matter more: Where the thermostat is placed, whether blinds are up or down, and how much air circulates. Even room colors help — cool colors make you feel a bit colder, while warm colors feel warmer and more comfortable. And remember: Our feet get cold easily, so floor heaters work well, while our heads feel heat more, so ceiling air conditioners are smart.

    If you want more help, the Center for the Built Environment at the University of California, Berkeley, has a useful online tool. It suggests temperature settings and even considers what you're wearing. Next time there's a temperature fight, speak up for 70°F-72°F — it'll boost your brainpower and make you feel better!

    (1)、What does the first paragraph focus on?
    A、The debate over the indoor temperature. B、The phenomenon of the temperature shift. C、The common topic of discussion on seasons. D、The individual preference for different seasons.
    (2)、What factors can affect the feeling of the indoor temperature?
    A、Clothing choice and room colors. B、Indoor settings and air circulation. C、The thermostat's location and room size. D、The height of air conditioners and floor heaters.
    (3)、Why does the author mention the online tool in the last paragraph?
    A、To introduce a university. B、To recommend a resource. C、To help assess readers' brainpower. D、To highlight environmental protection.
    (4)、Which proverb can be mainly conveyed in the text?
    A、Cold hands, warm heart. B、Comfort is better than pride. C、Birds of a feather flock together. D、One man's meat is another man's poison.
  • 20、What sounds like science fiction is becoming an increasingly common reality in medical facilities worldwide. Originally, virtual reality (VR) glasses, primarily associated with gaming and entertainment, are now emerging as powerful medical tools. Whether applied in physical recovery, pain management, or surgical training, this wearable technology is transforming traditional medical practices. Patients can be lost in interactive therapeutic environments while receiving real-time guidance for their treatment.

    The advantages of medical VR systems begin with their user-friendly design. Modern VR wearable devices feature lightweight construction and wireless connectivity, ensuring comfortable extended use. High-definition displays create realistic virtual environments, while integrated sensors precisely track body movements. Advanced models even combine eye-tracking technology to monitor patients' visual attention, providing valuable data for healthcare professionals. Beyond creating realistic experiences, these systems employ complicated software to enhance treatment outcomes. Artificial intelligence algorithms (算法) can analyze patients' movements in real time, automatically adjusting therapy difficulty to match individual progress. The combination with cloud technology allows for secure data storage and enables remote monitoring by medical teams. This connectivity also lets different systems work together by connecting with other digital health platforms, like telemedicine services and wearable fitness trackers.

    The practical benefits of VR in healthcare are epoch-making. For patients, interactive virtual environments increase engagement and motivation during recovery exercises. For medical institutions, these systems can reduce staff workload while providing detailed progress tracking. Some VR systems have already obtained official medical device certification, confirming their safety and effectiveness for clinical use.

    Looking ahead, as technology continues to advance, VR applications in medicine are expected to expand further. Current research explores their potential in treating psychological conditions, managing chronic pain, and enhancing medical education. While not replacing traditional methods entirely, VR technology offers a valuable supplement to traditional treatments, potentially making healthcare more accessible and effective for patients everywhere.

    (1)、What was VR mainly used for in the beginning?
    A、Leisure activities. B、Medical practices. C、Remote monitoring. D、Interaction guidance.
    (2)、What can be inferred about medical VR systems from paragraph 2?
    A、They merely rely on visual effects to work. B、They aim to adapt treatment to each patient. C、They disconnect with other medical platforms. D、They require constant manual control by doctors.
    (3)、What does the underlined word "epoch-making" in paragraph 3 probably mean?
    A、Official. B、Theoretical. C、Substantial. D、Controversial.
    (4)、What does the last paragraph mainly say about modern VR wearable devices?
    A、Their origin. B、Their definition. C、Their prospects. D、Their shortcomings.
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