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The Tomato Seedlings

Every spring, Mom and her two girls,12-year-old Mabel and 9-year-old Lila, turned their backyard into a tomato wonderland. "More seedlings(幼苗)than we can eat! Let's share them." Mom laughed that May, her hands caked in soil.

Mabel smiled, stuffing seedlings into recycled cups. For days, the sisters became tomato fairies, leaving plants on doorsteps across their Leeds neighborhood. Number 15 Park Street got one for her famous tomato jam. Number 16 received three.

Then came Number 17 Park Street.

The girls cycled past it daily—an old brick house hid behind weeds taller than Lila. Mom once said, "Some gardens grow food. Others grow miracles(奇迹)." "This one grows sadness," Lila whispered as they stopped their bikes that afternoon.

"That's Ms. Hart's place," Mom said later, cleaning tomato jam from Lila's cheek. "She used to grow prize-winning SunGold tomatoes, the sweetest... Then... well, some changes...She stopped gardening." Her voice softened.

The sisters exchanged looks. The next morning, they stood at Ms. Hart's gate with six tomato seedlings.

"Go away," came a voice from an upstairs window.

"We brought tomatoes!" Lila explained.

"I've no time for this nonsense!"

"They just need sun and water!" Lila stepped forward, her voice steady. "We'll do all the work! Just let us plant them here, please? Otherwise……" she held up a seedling, "they'll end up in the bin by Friday. They' re SunGold tomatoes! The sweetest ever!"

Silence. Ms. Hart's shadow shifted behind the curtain. Moments later, the old woman slid a basket onto the ground—inside was proper gloves and a trowel(铲子)with soil.

"Take that as a ‘yes'!" Lila whispered.

注意：

1. 续写词数应为150个左右;

2. 请按如下格式在答题纸的相应位置作答。

The girls dived into work right away.

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The next day, when checking plants, the girls found Ms. Hart standing there.

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A Chinese drama about the inventor of paper-making, who lived nearly 2,000 years ago, premiered (首次公演) in London on Thursday night. It attracted the audience by adding elements of Chinese culture Western classical music.

At LSO St Luke's, two actors dressed in Peking Opera clothes (deliver) their recitative lines in the traditional style, accompanied by an orchestra performing Richard Strauss's symphonic poem Ein Heldenleben. (base) on Strauss's iconic composition, the symphony poetry drama Ein Heldenleben: Cai Lun offers a glimpse into the life and (emotion) struggles of Cai Lun, the inventor of the paper-making process during China's Han Dynasty.

"I think it's unique and imaginative, and I'm amazed at the drama of the story seems to fit in so amazingly well with the music," Alison Kiln said after (watch) the show, adding that she had never experienced live performance as "amazing" as this before.

Raffaello Morales, conductor and founder of the London-based orchestra, said that it was not the first instance of combining different art forms, the integration of symphony and Peking Opera represented a new exploration.

Chen Xinyi, the director of the production, said that she believed the show would be" (incredible) satisfying" and hoped it would help people from overseas learn about the great (individual) of China, their personalities, and their inspiring spirits.

The world's largest salt flat is transformed when overflowing lakes nearby flood its surface with a thin layer of water. Salar de Uyuni, as the salt flat is known, is completely level and stretches for about 10,582 square kilometers, making its reflective surface roughly the same size as the "Big Island" of Hawaii. From space, it can be observed as the larger of two neighboring salt flats — the second being Salar de Coipasa, which sits to the northwest. The two landscapes appear otherworldly in photos, but they're largely made up of something you'll find on most dinner tables.

Salar de Uyuni is a desert of rock salt — which is your common table salt — and gypsum, which is what some of the biggest crystals (晶体) on the planet are made of. Its salty surface is often marked with a strange honeycomb pattern, which got scientists at a loss. Why are the patterns so geometrically perfect?

In 2023, a team of researchers finally worked it out. "In salt deserts, the first thing you see—almost the only thing you see — is an endless hexagon (a shape that has six straight sides) and other ordered shapes," said study author Dr Lucas Goehring. "What we've shown is that a simple, seemingly reasonable explanation is there, but hidden beneath the ground. The surface patterns reflect the slow overturning of salt water within the soil, a phenomenon somewhat like the convection (对流) cells that form in a thin layer of boiling water."

The International Energy Agency (IEA) predicts that the electricity used by data centres could become three times as much within five years. But at present, the 1.5% of global electricity consumption related to data centres mainly comes from things like streaming, social media and online shopping. Moreover, some of AI's electricity use will help with greening the economy. AI is already helping improve the efficiency of electrical grids (电网), cut fuel use in shipping and spot invisible leaks of greenhouse gas.

Policymakers and industry leaders face the task of maximizing AI's advantages while minimizing its climate effects. The best way would be for governments to set a proper price for carbon and let the market operate. But because a global carbon price remains a distant dream, focusing on other three measures are more down-to-earth.

The first is more openness. Starting in August 2026, the EU will require some AI developers to report how much energy they use in detail. That approach should be copied elsewhere. A second is to rethink how data centers operate. The IEA notes that being able to shift workloads between different data centers at different times could reduce stress and help balance energy grids. Third, technology companies must keep their promises about protecting the environment instead of depending on buying renewable-energy credits.

Doubling down on such approaches would help transform AI from climate suspect to climate hero.

Lectric eBikes, recognized as one of the nation's leading electric bike manufacturers, joined forces with Donaldson's Beast Philanthropy, a nonprofit organization with a goal of making the world a better place. Together, they started a mission to provide life-changing electric bikes to those facing transport challenges.

With a shared vision of making a practical difference in people's lives, the partnership saw Lectric eBikes generously donating $600,000 worth of electric bikes to Beast Philanthropy.

"E-bikes can make a significant positive impact on the lives of individuals, especially those who are struggling due to a lack of reliable transportation," stated Levi Conlow, co-founder and CEO of Lectric eBikes.

To identify deserving receivers, Beast Philanthropy enlisted the support of MrBeast's vast online community, encouraging individuals to submit videos detailing their need for an electric bike. After careful discussion,600 individuals were selected as receivers of the life-changing electric bikes. Some bikes were hand-delivered to recipients, while others were shipped directly to their doorsteps, ensuring an efficient distribution process.

The impact of this initiative was pretty evident as receivers shared their joy and gratitude through video responses, showing the transformative power of their new electric bikes. From unboxing their bikes to taking their first exciting rides, the receivers expressed great appreciation for the newfound mobility and freedom that their electric bikes afforded them.

"Our goal at Beast Philanthropy is to help as many people as possible. Lectric eBikes shares the same goal, so working with them on projects is an excellent match," remarked Darren Margolias, director of Beast Philanthropy.

Why Coral Island

Coral Island in the tropical ocean is a heaven. Its clear waters host colorful coral reefs and diverse sea life. Sandy beaches, lined with palm trees, are perfect for relaxation. The rainforest, covering 60% of the island, shelters the unique Coral Island Finch. Away from city noise, it has a laid-back feeling. There are activities for all ages, like snorkeling (浮潜) and forest hikes. On land, join guided rainforest hikes or village tours.

What to Do

On the first day, we'll meet you at the airport and take you to your accommodation. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner. The next day, choose between snorkeling and a forest hike in the morning, and relax or play beach volleyball in the afternoon. Three-day guests check out after a last swim on the third day. Five-day guests can take a village tour and try windsurfing. From day 4 to 5, five-day guests can keep exploring.

Accommodation Choices

We offer options for every budget. Beachfront Bungalows are on the beach, with air-conditioners, private baths, and ocean-view balconies. Inland Cabins, surrounded by nature, are budget-friendly with nearby shared bathrooms. The individual price is as follows.

(*A 50% discount is available for those under 18 years old.)

The prices include your place to stay, three meals a day, and most activities. But some specialized water sports might cost extra.

If this tropical escape on Coral Island has captured your heart, don't hesitate!

Click here to register and initiate an unforgettable adventure.

Emily Harper sat at her desk, staring blankly at the math problems in front of her. Numbers and variables danced confusingly across the page, laughing at her every effort. At school, Emily was known for her artistic talents, but math had always been her weakness. No matter how hard she tried, she just couldn't make sense of it.

Her struggles only worsened in the 10th grade. The pressure to keep up with her classmates grew, and the poor grades shook her confidence. Then came Mr. Jenkins, her new math teacher, who sensed her frustration and offered to help her after class.

Emily was initially resistant; the idea of spending extra hours on a subject she hated seemed like a punishment. But — she unwillingly agreed, knowing something had to change.

Mr. Jenkins didn't dive straight into problems. Instead, he asked about her interests. When Emily spoke passionately about her painting, he smiled. "Math is like art, Emily. It has patterns and beauty if you know where to look."

Doubtful but inspired, Emily listened as he began to explain concepts through visual examples. He used colors and shapes, turning abstract numbers into something almost tangible (有形的). For the first time, math seemed less like a foreign language and more like a puzzle waiting to be solved.

However, progress was slow. Weeks passed by, minimal improvement, and Emily's patience wore thin. A particularly difficult quiz left her in tears. She was convinced that she was sure to fail. Mr. Jenkins said, "Remember, Emily, every artist starts with a blank canvas (画布). Masterpieces aren't created overnight."

Encouraged by his firm belief, Emily pushed on. She began to see the connections between the steps, how each solution followed a logical path. Small victories in practice problems gave her some hope. Mr. Jenkins was always there, celebrating her successes, no matter how minor.

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。

Gradually, Emily's confidence grew with Mr. Jenkins' help.

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Emily's heart raced when the results day arrived.

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(1)推荐拍摄内容；

(2)陈述理由。

注意：(1)写作词数应为80词左右；

(2)可以适当增加细节，以使行文连贯。

Dear Eric,

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Yours sincerely,

Li Hua

On the 46th session of the World Heritage Committee in New Delhi, India on July 27,2024, "The Beijing Central Axis (中轴线) — A Building Ensemble Exhibiting the Ideal Order of the Chinese Capital" was announced (list) as China's 59th World Heritage site.

The Beijing Central Axis, located at the core of the ancient city of Beijing, (cover) 7.8 kilometers with the Bell and Drum Towers at its northern end and Yongdingmen Gate at the southern end.

The Central Axis is not an actual road, but a (harmony) cluster of distinct buildings and sites. Originating in the Yuan Dynasty (1279-1368), the Beijing Central Axis (classify) as a "building complex" in terms of cultural heritage, consisting of 15 components. It is a combination of buildings and sites dominate the planning pattern of the entire old city. It is carrier of traditional Chinese concepts and beliefs, constructing a symbol for national order and witnessing the (form) of the Chinese ancient architectural art culture.

Heritage experts said that the uniqueness of the Beijing Central Axis fills a gap in the world Heritage List regarding the ideal of urban landscape the type of core architectural groups in the east, thus (possess) outstanding universal value.

To date, home 59 world heritage sites, including 40 cultural heritage sites,15 natural heritage sites, and 4 mixed cultural and natural heritage sites, China stands as one of the world's leading nations in heritage conservation.

I've heard people say, "Who needs lifeguards at the Olympics?" "It's the2 job in the world." It's belittling (轻视). You're not a3, but you must be prepared for emergencies. If you don't know how to pull somebody out of the water4, you've done the5 before they get real treatment.

I don't get startruck, but you'd be6 when you're standing next to a big star like Michael Phelps. One day I was waiting to start my7, when he walked past and gave us all high fives. In that instant, it felt like the energy of greatness had brushed right past me. When you see athletes win, you celebrate with them. When they fail, your heart breaks for them.

That's not to say it's not8 when you're in the chair. You don't9 the race because you're so focused on checking each athlete's10 to see if anything doesn't look right. Why is his arm doing that? What's happening with his foot? Is he getting cramp?

Even now, I'm still11 while lifeguarding. You could have a pool full of the fittest-looking people, but one could have a history of heart disease. At the Paris Olympics, a Slovakian swimmer12 after her event — she had had an asthma (哮喘) attack. Not all medical issues are13.

I now work as a lifeguard at a pool near Telford. Whenever I watch the Olympics, I always14 the lifeguards. There's stuff going on behind the scenes that no one realize. We15 into the background and keep calm. But if there's a problem, we'll step forward.

Some people are now advocating the therapeutic (治疗的) value of cooking food. It's not just about the end result but the experience someone goes through. Dr. Mark Salter told the BBC, "Baking and cooking can help patients develop planning skills, short-term memory and social skills.. Therefore, baking and cooking are good occupational therapies."

TV chef and author Nadiya Hussain agrees that cooking is great for helping our mind. She loves to bake and became the champion of the TV show, The Great British Bake Off. She says that "Baking's always been about therapy.." And she thinks that baking is an important tool for our socialization and mental health.

Certainly, creating some delicious food has helped some of us get through tough times.. People have said that making bread, for example, has given them a sense of calm and control. Research has also shown that doing creative tasks, like cooking, makes us feel happier. Nicole Farmer said, "Cooking represents the shared human experience of food, so I think that's where it offers opportunity for immediate positive emotions."

. As we mix with friends and family in the kitchen, we enjoy the benefits of shared moments that put us all in the right frame of mind.

A. It's never really been about the cake.

B. All of these skills suffer in mental illness.

C. It requires great skills to become an excellent baker.

D. It's helped take our mind off things and given us something to do.

E. We know about the benefits of eating properly for our physical well-being.

F. Of course, cooking can be a very sociable activity and a rewarding experience.

G. Remember what we eat has a strong impact on our health both physically and mentally.

Daniel Mackin Freeman and Dara Shifrer, used a large nationally representative dataset to see which types of arts classes impact math achievement and how it varies based on the socio-economic composition of the school. Schools with lower socio-economic status (SES) have a higher percentage of students qualified for free or reduced lunch.

The researchers found that taking music courses at higher-or-mid-SES schools relates to higher math scores. Mackin Freeman said that's not a surprise given the ways in which music and math overlap. "If you think about it at an intuitive (直觉的) level, reading music is just doing math," he said. "Of course, it's a different type of math but it might be a more engaging form of math for students than learning calculus (微积分)."

However, the positive relationship between music course-taking and math achievement is primarily isolated to schools that serve more socially privileged students. The study suggests this could be because arts courses in low-SES schools are of lower quality and/or under-resourced. Students in low-SES schools also take fewer music and arts classes on average compared to their peers, also suggesting low-SES schools are under-resourced when it comes to arts courses.

"It'd be reasonable to expect that at under-resourced schools, the quality of the music program would distinguish any potential connection to other subjects," Mackin Freeman said. "For programs as resource-intensive as something like band, under-resourced schools are less likely to even have working instruments, let alone an instructor who can teach students to read music in a way that they can make connections to arithmetic (算术)."

Mackin Freeman said the findings suggest that learning shouldn't happen in only one subject and the ways some schools have attempted to increase math achievement — by over-emphasizing math and cutting the arts — is shortsighted and counterproductive.

The results show that crows have counting capacities near those of human babies, says lead study author Diana Liao, a researcher at the University of Tübingen in Germany. "We think this is the first time this has been shown for any animal species," she adds.

Crows do not appear to be capable of symbolic counting, where numbers serve as an exact representation. Instead, the birds count by controlling the number of vocalizations (发声) they produce to correspond to associated hints. This is similar to how young children count before learning symbolic numbers, Liao says. For example, a baby who is asked how many apples are on a tree may answer, "One, one, one". The baby produces the number of speech sounds which agree with that of the apples, rather than just saying, "Three."

In the study, Liao and her colleagues presented the crows with randomly ordered hints, four of which were visual-colored numbers that appeared on a touch screen. And four of them were auditory (听觉的), including sounds made by guitars and drums. Through trial and error, the birds had to figure out the correct number of calls to pair with each hint. If they got it right, they received a worm reward.

After receiving about 180 training sessions, all of the crows were able to produce the correct number of vocalizations associated with the hints — a "pretty cool" finding, Liao says. She suspects, too, that the crows could have mastered numbers higher than four if they were given the opportunity.

Onur Güntürkün, a biopsychologist at Ruhr University Bochum in Germany, who was not involved in the research, says the new paper is "excellent" even if the findings are "not unexpected" given all that scientists already know about crows' intelligence.

Requiring 18 months of hard training, the entire trip took eight tough weeks for Rothwell to travel from La Gomera in the Canary Islands on December 12 to the finish line 3000 miles away in Antigua on February 6. "I like a challenge!" explains Frank on his fundraising site. "In 2017, I spent five weeks on a deserted island for the Channel 4 program, the Island with Bear Grylls. Before that, I was only the 10^th person ever to circumnavigate North and South America."

In a statement, Hilary Evans, chief executive of Alzheimer's Research UK, said, "We're honored to have such amazing support from Frank. His courage and determination helped him to complete his epic challenge and raise £1 million for dementia (痴呆) research."

"This incredible amount will be a huge benefit to the groundbreaking research we carry out here at Alzheimer's Research UK, as we continue our mission to bring about life-changing treatments for people affected by dementia," added Evans.

Crossing the finish line was an emotional moment for Rothwell. He said, "I am on cloud nine! I set out in December wishing to raise £1 million for Alzheimer's Research UK but I never thought I'd actually achieve it. At times, the challenge was incredibly tough, with rough seas, huge waves, and missing my wife, Judith. But as exhausting as it was, it was all totally worth it."

He also said, "Having received hundreds of messages from people who, like me, have witnessed the heartbreak of dementia, I am proud to have raised such an incredible amount in honor of Roger and everyone else who has experienced the destruction it causes."

● Alentejo, Portugal

The Douro Valley, known for the production of port wine, is the obvious autumn choice in Portugal. But head instead to the Alentejo region, Portugal's rural heartland. Here, you can see Roman remains in its UNESCO-protected capital Evora, go on a road trip through peaceful countryside planted with cork trees and olive groves, and enjoy the wild coast.

● Romania

Spending Halloween at "Dracula's castle" is just one of the reasons to consider visiting Romania in autumn, which offers volunteer trips that might see you helping conservation efforts with rescued bears in Brasov. In addition to autumn's changing leaves, the season marks the start of all kinds of foodie events.

● Thessaloniki, Greece

Fall is considered a great time to visit Thessaloniki, Greece's gateway city to the Balkans, not for its beaches but for its rich Jewish history. The city is also known for its flavorful and diverse food scenes. Travelers can embark on an adventure, enjoying local delicacies, including bougatsa, loukoumades, and fresh seafood from the Aegean Sea.

● Malta

The Mediterranean archipelago of Malta — consisting of three inhabited islands, Malta, Gozo and Comino — is another summertime oven that becomes far more pleasant to visit once temperatures drop. Malta is always popular with scuba divers who explore the many World War II shipwrecks lying offshore, as well as the Blue Hole — a 50-foot-deep tube-like rock formation filled by the sea, with an archway and cave at its bottom.

1. 简述音乐的意义

2. 举例说明

3. 呼吁参与音乐活动

注意：

1. 词数应为80词左右；

2. 可适当增加细节，以使行文连贯。

Dear fellow students,

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Thank you for listening.