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Snip the bottom of the stems.

Cutting the bottom of flower stems on an angle is a traditional and effective technique. "An angle is best," says Wiles. "It creates a larger surface area to draw up water and prevents the stem from sitting flat against the bottom of the vase." What matters most is keeping the vase clean and water fresh.

It's vital to change out the water before it gets cloudy. Every day would be best. "Some flowers, like sunflowers, promote more bacteria growth, so they need more frequent changes," says Wiles. When doing so, remember to also add more flower food to the fresh water to maintain nutrient levels.

Keep the environment clean and tidy.

"As flowers die, they produce more bacteria and ethylene gas, which makes the other flowers wilt faster," Wiles noted. Removing them as soon as possible helps the rest last longer.

Keep the vase out of the sunlight.

A vase is not a garden of living flowers; it's a container of dying ones, so they don't need direct sun. In fact, that's a bad thing. "Direct sunlight increases the temperature and reduces vase life. The warmth accelerates the flowers' breath and water loss, essentially making them ‘age' faster," Wiles says.

By following these simple steps, you can slow down the clock and enjoy the natural beauty of your blooms for as long as possible.

A. Why does this supposedly work?

B. Refresh water and flower food regularly.

C. What will actually make your flowers last longer?

D. Buy more flower mix to add back into fresh water.

E. A cooler, darker room will keep flowers fresh longer.

F. While it turns out that's a good thing, don't worry if you cut them straight.

G. You can do this for artistic factors, but there's an even better reason to do it.

A healthy river should be winding, free flowing and filled with wildlife. The ideal river is "very dynamic, messy and chaotic", says Glen Swainson, a manager of RSPB. In Britain, however, 97% of rivers are broken up by artificial barriers. And for centuries rivers have been slowly artificially straightened to stop water from flooding and spilling onto farmland and houses.

But removing a river's natural meanders has, in fact, achieved the opposite effect. Instead, it has disrupted the flow of rivers and destroyed water habitats, water quality and heightened flood risk. As the poor health of Europe's rivers and streams continues to make news, communities are turning towards natural solutions to restore their rivers.

According to Tom Hayek, a natural flood management specialist, adding meanders into rivers has two benefits — it changes both the volume and the speed of water. Firstly, it decreases what's known as flow conveyance. "When the length of the river is increased, you spread water over a wider area. This allows more water to sit up in the headwaters." The second impact is on speed. Put simply, the more structure you add to the shape of a river, the slower the water will move down it. If it's straight, water will "fly" through, says Hayek. When the flow of water is slowed, it creates deeper pools for fish to gather and rest.

With meanders added to Swindale Beck, the results were astonishing, says Annabel Rushton, a visitor experience manager. "Within three months of that river being re-wiggled, the salmon (鲑鱼) were spawning (产卵) in that one kilometre area for the first time in over150 years," she says. Scientists have also noted an increase in fish gathering. Then, there were the knock-on effects. Water-loving plants returned, providing cover for young fish to feed and hide.

Let us not forget my wedding-regift incident. We received a very expensive electric teakettle. We don't drink tea, so we returned it to the store and got S75. Later, the store manager called, furious, accusing us of trading them a piece of junk. Someone had bought the kettle and discovered an obviously used cut-glass Easter basket inside. It turns out that person had regifted it to us. We paid the store back and were handed that ugly Easter basket.

This made me wonder: Is regifting a form of rudeness? To find out, let's explore both sides of the regifting debate.

First of all, humans have been regifting since the dawn of time. Caveman A gives Caveman B a rock; Caveman B gives it to Caveman C. We call that anthropology (人类学). Modern life demands efficiency. Why let something sit in a cabinet? Why not give that brand-new item to someone who will actually use it? It's economical. It's environmentally friendly. It's basically the circle of life.

And yet, regifting is a high-risk sport. It requires memory and strategy. Give the gift to the wrong person, and suddenly people are texting: "Didn't I give this to you?" Regifting can go terribly wrong if you misjudge a person's taste, so you should not regift within the same social ecosystem, while also carefully removing all the evidence (cards, receipts, etc.). Ultimately, the key is to match the gift to the person — so never give spa products to someone who hates lotions (乳液).

My official ruling? Regifting is not rude. Thoughtlessness is rude. Waste is rude. But giving something new, unused and suited to someone else's preferences is generosity in its most practical, planet- friendly form. So go ahead — regift joyfully, wisely and guilt-free. After all, someone out there really needs those candied nuts.

A recent report led by Rahul Mahna's team from the University of East London found that an AI password cracker called PassGAN could crack any seven- digit password in less than six minutes — even if the passwords contained symbols, numbers, and capital and lowercase letters. Additionally, the AI cracked 51% of these usual types of passwords within a minute, 65% within an hour, 71% within a day and 81% within a month. After seeing these worrying results, you'll undoubtedly take online security more seriously.

How can you protect your passwords from these hackers? Mahna suggests the following methods to help you protect yourself against hackers.

Unique passwords everywhere

Mahna emphasizes having different passwords for each website, device or service. Don't worry about remembering all these passwords, since password managers can not only store your passwords but can also generate unique combinations for you.

Long passwords

Using long passwords that include numbers, capital and lowercase letters and symbols — and are not easily understood or inferred — will enhance the protection element.

Personal privacy

Posting too much information online — like on Facebook or Instagram — about your life is not a good idea if you're concerned about security. It can provide information about your location, valuables and family.

If you assume you've been hacked, don't scan for viruses or change passwords until you have disconnected from the Internet. The best way to handle an attack is to prepare in advance, like changing your passwords frequently.

At the library, Nate Jasper noticed a sign for the "First Annual Highland Drawing Contest." It asked for artwork showing the unique beauty of their town. Noticing his interest, the librarian, Ms. Kim, handed him a flyer. "The winning drawings will be displayed right here in the library," she added.

Sitting on the library steps outside, Nate was lost in thought. He had always loved art. He could never have too many sketchpads (素描本) and crayons. "I have to enter this contest!" he said to himself.

But something troubled him. Years of living in the small town had convinced him that it was a dull place. "There's nothing special about it — only ordinary farms, animals, and trees!" he frowned. "What will I draw?"

Just then, Briana Williams, a new girl in his class who had just moved from Houston, a large modern city in Texas, walked out. Spotting Nate, she sat down beside him and noticed the flyer. "A drawing contest? That sounds fun!"

"Not really," Nate sighed. "Trust me, this town is a big bore."

Briana looked surprised. "Well, everything here may seem boring to you, but to me, it's all new! I'd love to see more of it. Show me around sometime. And bring your sketchpad — you might find something worth drawing."

The next Saturday, they wandered down a quiet lane together. Briana stopped beneath a large maple and gazed up in awe. Nate paused beside her. At first, it felt strange to admire a tree he'd passed a hundred times. But as he followed her gaze, the sun was shining through the branches, turning the red and yellow leaves into a sea of burning gold.

"There's nowhere this quiet and pretty in Houston," Briana said softly.

Nate felt something clicked in his mind. Highland wasn't a big bore — he was just too used to it. He began to wonder what other hidden beauty was waiting to be discovered.

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。

Inspired, Nate suggested they visit his Grandpa's farm.

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On the day of the award ceremony, the library was crowded.

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1．你的选择；

2．说明理由。

注意：

1．写作词数应为80个左右；

2．请按如下格式在答题纸的相应位置作答。

Dear Chris,

Glad to hear you're participating in the World Earth Day poster contest!

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Yours,

Li Hua

After graduating from college, Jing Ran, a young entrepreneur, was determined to devote his life to solving a pressing social challenge rather than pursue a (convention) career.

He (spend) months traveling across the country, observing life in cities, towns and rural communities. struck him was how much aging had become a part of Chinese society. "The streets were filled with elderly residents actively involved in leisure activities," Jing recalled. The journey eventually led him a clear goal: transforming aging from a period of limitation into one of dignity and joy.

Today, Jing is the founder of Time Light Care Group, a company focusing on innovative solutions (improve) elderly care. Among its innovations is a hospital shuttle (接驳车) (equip) with a smart seat. With the press of a button, seat slides out of the vehicle and turns into an electric wheelchair, allowing the elderly to enter the hospital independently without the unpleasant experience of (lift) from one vehicle to another.

Besides, most facilities are located within urban neighborhoods rather than in remote areas, making it easier for families to visit regularly and for everyday social (tie) to endure. Keeping seniors close to their original communities helps preserve their routines and interests once brought them joy and well-being at home.

But one day, I1 the core as I climbed out of the car. Guiltily, I kicked it toward the fence,2 myself to pick it up later. Of course. I forgot all about it.

The next morning, I noticed rabbit footprints around the fence. I remembered the apple core and felt a moment of3 that some creature had found the treat I'd4 left. I found myself grinning, and the happy moment stuck in my mind.

That evening, I did the same thing at the same spot. To my delight, more5 of different animals were found. I began to Google them and take6 for the following months in identifying my visitors. I felt7 to a different world that existed all around me.

I didn't share my new8 with anyone and I knew the complaints from my neighbors about my seemingly innocent gifts. I9 all their cautionary voices and enjoyed my10 every morning until one day, the driveway was full of large prints, scattered mud and leaves, which deeply11 the neighbors. I didn't say a word but12 leaving my cores and my secret co-existence with wildlife came to an end.

This episode was just one innocent13 to lessen the divide between ourselves and the many species with whom we co-exist. It seems that living14 our feathered and furred friends is a difficult challenge. I am15 that we can figure it out, or at least lessen our impact.

Soon enough, I found myself reading every issue of Skateboarder, a popular magazine back then, and our neighborhood was full of kids skating together. The sense of shared freedom was transformative, especially for someone who never stood out at traditional team sports.

At one point, a friend who was a student at York, north of the city, suggested we try the tunnels at the university. Yet, we found them closed, which only pushed me to explore other places — empty parking lots, quiet office parks, and smooth pathways. The joy I got from these experiences never left me.

As I grew older, my relationship with skateboarding matured. I created a website called SkateGeezer dedicated to skaters who had ridden in the 1960s, 70s and 80s. From there, I eventually built a career in publishing at skateboarding magazines.

Now, with a family of my own, that passion rides on. I introduced all my children to skateboarding almost as soon as they could walk. The full-circle moment of seeing my sons surpass my own ability is a pride unlike any other. I know some journeys, when you stick with them, don't end.

A. I realized I needed much better equipment.

B. They just find new, beautiful paths forward.

C. It inspired me to write a book, The Concrete Wave.

D. That was when I decided to quit and try other sports.

E. Yet, none of that mattered when I felt the freedom of the ride.

F. We built skating tracks and spent hours riding down driveways.

G. In 1983, my skateboard accompanied me to university in Toronto.

Take, for example, the green sawfish living near the mouth of the Ashburton River in Western Australia. In 2017, a large structure was built by the shore, stretching about 550 yards into the sea. As Lear had feared, the construction did harm the critically endangered green sawfish — they were unable to pass around the barrier. To Lear, this discovery supported a surprising new idea that ocean animals, much like land species, need a helping hand getting around human-built structures.

On land, wildlife crossings are becoming more common. Green bridges, for instance, help bears and elk avoid a road in Canada's Banff National Park. In 2022, a wildlife crossing in Washington State was used more than 5,000 times by animals such as deer and coyotes. Although the bridges are already popular on land, Lear says little attention has been paid to the idea of wildlife crossings designed to help ocean animals get around safely.

For ocean animals, too many barriers can cut them off from important feeding sites. Overly limited movement can lead to the development of isolated groups that are more likely to go extinct. With more large structures planned for the Ashburton River area, Lear says the cumulative (累积的) effect of multiple barriers is a real concern for the green sawfish's future.

As the climate continues to change, paying attention to the needs of ocean animals is important. Many are moving farther north, and they need suitable habitats to move through. To address this, we can create crossings through human-built structures or protect habitats along their migration routes. As we continue to engineer the ocean, such efforts could go a long way toward protecting ocean life.

The study found that a drama-based approach to teaching Shakespeare broadened children's vocabulary, improved the quality of their writing, and enhanced their emotional understanding. "The way actors work makes a big difference to how children use language and how they think about themselves," said Jacqui O'Hanlon, lead researcher of the study.

The random trial involved hundreds of Year 5 pupils (aged nine and ten) at 45 state primary schools. The children were divided into a target group and a control group. Both groups read a passage from Romeo and Juliet and were asked to write a letter as Romeo after being separated from Juliet. Before writing, the target group took part in a 30-minute drama-based activity, while the control group did not.

It was shown that pupils in the target group drew on a wider vocabulary, used more complicated or rarer words, and wrote at greater length. They also appeared more comfortable writing in role. While pupils in the control group imagined how they themselves would react to being separated from a loved one, children in the target group put themselves in Romeo's shoes and expressed that character's emotion.

O'Hanlon said she had been most surprised by the emotional understanding evident in the children's writing, and that they showed deeper empathy and expressed emotions more vividly. "It is probably related to the drama-based process, where you are used to trying to think and feel as the character," she added.

But could the results be reproduced with any old dramatists? O'Hanlon said more research would be needed but suggested that Shakespeare's use of 20,000 words, compared with the everyday 2,000 words, gave a massive expansion of language into children's lives, which was combined with children using their whole bodies to bring words to life.

The frightened fridge is just one example of the creations by engineer-designers who are convinced that seniors like me can't survive without beeping reminders. My car beeps constantly, particularly when I get out. There is simply no way to stop it. At first, I thought the car was just too sad to see me go.

It is not just the fridge and the car. Once I started paying attention, I realized our environment is filled with reminder noises. The stove (炉灶) sings too — leave a burner on and it performs its own little concert. As for my phone, even after turning off every notification I can find, calendar reminders still get through.

So I went online looking for a solution — and found a video of an equally frustrated man taking apart the beeper on the exact same fridge model. I can handle the fix. But now the question is: Do I really want to? What if I leave the fridge door partly open and ruin a costly roast? What if I miss the notification that reminds me of an appointment I may forget? The consequences of an unbeeped life may be too serious to risk.

Finally, tool in hand, I stand before the fridge. If there were a silence option, I might leave it alone. But there isn't — and I've had enough. I'll remove the noise-maker and put a sticky note on the door instead, reminding me to close it. The reward of a successful late-night search for a delicious sandwich is definitely worth it.

The selected residents will receive the device free of charge and will be able to keep it after the trial ends. They will also be compensated $100 for completing a final feedback survey that asks about their experience with the device's features, ease of use, and any suggested improvements. TechForward will provide setup support and technical assistance throughout the testing period, including a one-on-one virtual session to help participants get started. The company will also be available by phone or email to answer any questions during the trial.

Program Timeline

Application Requirements

This program will select 15 full-time participants to use the device in their homes for four weeks. The call is open to residents living within the city area. All applicants are supposed to be at least 18 years old and previous experience with smart devices is a must.

To apply, applicants are required to provide the following information:

● Name and a valid email. This information will only be used for program-related communication.

● A brief description of your experience with smart devices (maximum 100 words). This helps us understand your familiarity level.

Please send the above materials to apply@techforward.com. Any application received after the deadline will not be considered.

My mom is 83 years old and I love her deeply, but there are moments when my patience wears thin, especially when I've repeated myself 10 times because she refuses to wear a hearing aid out of vanity (虚荣心).

Not long ago, we had a misunderstanding over her medication (药物治疗). She was still clear-minded, but of course she forgot things at times and when I questioned her, she got defensive. When I saw she hadn't been taking a certain medication, anger replaced patience. She insisted she didn't need it anymore; I accused her of ignoring the doctor's orders and putting her health at risk. We went back and forth, until I realized that she was crying.

My immigrant, hard-working mom had made a million sacrifices for us. Seeing her cry broke something within me. My anger immediately disappeared and I hugged her.

Tears gave way to words. She said, "I am upset because I feel useless, because my body isn't doing what it used to and I even can't make it to the market on my own." Her words hit my heart and reminded me that she was struggling with things I didn't always see. In that moment, I knew my reaction had only added to her pain.

I messaged her doctor, who confirmed the medication had been removed. The shame I felt was so intense that it made my stomach turn. I apologized. "Forgive me, mom. You're right and they removed it. I'm so sorry." And her response was exactly what I knew it would be. She said, "No, it's OK. I know you're always looking out for me." She meant it, too. We talked a while longer, and the more she shared, the better she felt. Half an hour later she was laughing and reminding me I'd promised to take her to the market she liked.

I was relieved she felt better, but I felt deeply unsettled. I felt a deep sense of shame. We had been raised to respect our parents, to never raise our voices at them. However, that was exactly what I did.

注意：

1．续写词数应为150词左右；

2．请按如下格式作答。

The next morning I told my mom I was going to take her to a place.

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After the trip, my mom whispered what would stay in my heart forever.

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1．活动过程；

2．你的感受。

注意：

1．词数80词左右；

2．请按如下格式在答题卡的相应位置作答。

Dear Tom,

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Yours,

Li Hua

Australian vlogger Amy Lyons seemed surprised that the small city of Tongren in China's (southwest) Guizhou province exports matcha abroad. In her video, shop windows are filled with locally produced matcha products, from the emerald-colored powder (it) to matcha-flavored ice cream — even matcha noodles.

In recent years, Guizhou matcha (become) a hot product on social media platforms like RedNote. Tourists queue for a popular matcha milk tea, hold up cups for photos at scenic spots, and fill social feeds with check-in (post).

China is one of the largest producers of matcha. A report from China Tea Marketing Association shows that national output is expected to surpass (超过) 12,000 metric tons in 2025, (rough) 70 percent of global production, with Tongren at the center.

Taking advantage misty highlands ideal for tea cultivation, the region shifted from traditional tea cultivation to matcha production around 2018. But while the current enthusiasm for matcha may come across as a fairly recent trend, people whisked (搅拌) tea powder into hot water (make) a tasty drink and treated it as an elegant art as early as the Song Dynasty (AD 960-1279).

The technique of using a bamboo whisk, (add) water in seven stages and varying the whipping motion until the foam swelled "like a milky mist", is believed to have been brought abroad by Buddhist monks, is recorded during the Song period. Now, it lives on in the thriving modern matcha culture of China.

As a foreigner, I was stared at wherever I went in China on the first day. Kids pointed at me and passers-by gazed at me with strange faces. I felt2, old memories of being judged coming back to me so clearly. At the beginning, I3 considered their expressions as4 and even hostility (敌意). Actually deep inside, I just wanted to fit in and be5. On my second day, a big6 to escape rose in my heart.

But then, as I checked flights, I realized every time I encountered discomfort, I7. Here, however, I could not hide or become8. I had to make a decision: let the stares control me or9 their meaning myself.

I then willingly chose to10 and respond with kindness. Soon I learned that people's11 were only out of curiosity, not prejudice. They smiled warmly and offered help. It turned out that I had been the one12 them out of fear.

China acted like a13, forcing me to face my true self. I originally thought I was merely here to visit a country, but China let me know myself better. True freedom comes not from others'14, but from accepting who I am.15 is not about finding answers, but asking better questions for us to get connected to the place visited.

Your manager called you and said she would want to discuss your performance in recent projects. On Monday morning, when you walked into her office, she first praised your excellent work, and you immediately got ready — is this a common setting for the frightening "feedback sandwich"? You are very familiar with this pattern: starting with praise, offering genuine criticism, and ending with more praise.

 However, when feedback follows this predictable formula, employees begin to see praise as a filler for criticism, depriving it of its true meaning. Positive feedback is better than being downgraded to a buffer (缓冲) responsibility. It should be used independently as a tool for motivation. Below are three tips to help you make positive feedback count.

● Separate positive from negative feedback

When praise always comes before criticism, it loses its power. Let it be offered without a shadow — no comparison, no subtle correction. Just the simple, honest act of appreciation.

●

Psychologist Carol Dweck emphasized our brain's adaptability and our capacity to develop new abilities. Rather than praising fixed traits like "you have a natural eye for detail," focus on the process — celebrating effort, creative approaches, and problem-solving persistence.

● Create a culture of offering positive feedback

Integrate positive feedback into daily interactions, not just formal reviews. Offer casual appreciation during hallway conversations or coffee breaks. Encourage team members to recognize each other's contributions.

Transforming a workplace skeptical of positive feedback takes patience, but the rewards extend beyond improved performance to a genuinely enriched professional life.

A. Praise a creative mindset

B. Develop a growth mindset

C. She began criticizing without hesitation.

D. Ensure that praise sometimes exists independently.

E. Such habits create an environment where praise flows in all directions.

F. You spend the entire weekend anxious and question what you did wrong.

G. Many managers use this technique, wrapping negative feedback between two positives.

The answer is definitely yes, at least for organisms with short generations. The latest evidence comes from the monkey flower, a wild plant that evolved to survive California's megadrought from 2012 to 2015. Daniel Anstett at Cornell University and his colleagues have studied monkey flowers since 2010, assessing their growth at various sites yearly and taking samples for DNA sequencing.

Monkey flowers are water-loving plants that grow along streams, so the drought hit them extremely hard. "If you were to put one in a pot and not water it for a few days, it would just die," Anstett explains. Three local populations died out during the drought, but many survivors evolved drought tolerance in just three years, with genome mutations (基因突变) linked to climate adaptation — and these populations recovered the fastest after the drought. This is what biologists call evolutionary rescue: a species surviving a deadly threat via rapid evolution. The phenomenon has been demonstrated in several lab experiments before, but Anstett confirms this is the first time it has been proven to happen in the wild.

However, all this said, a three-year drought is weather, not climate. "Demonstrating adaptation to climate change would take a while," says Andrew Storfer at Washington State University. In other words, the fact that monkey flowers were able to evolve to survive one extreme drought doesn't necessarily mean they will cope with a century of rising temperatures and ever more extreme weather. What's more, when populations decline, they lose genetic diversity — the fuel for evolution.

As global warming continues, the threats will grow ever greater, but species' capacity to evolve will get smaller. And long-lived species with long generation times have very little capacity for rapid evolution to begin with. Nevertheless, Anstett sees his findings as good news. "A lot of these current predictions about species decline don't take evolution into account," he says. "This is a story of hope."

This raises the question: Can sleep extension help when you know you'll need to stay awake for a long time? Sleep banking, the practice of extending sleep hours in the nights before a known period of sleep deprivation (剥夺), has gained increasing attention.

In 2009, an Army study compared people who got their regular hours of sleep for a week to a group that spent 10 hours in bed during those same nights. This was followed by 3 nights of only 3 hours of time in bed allowed for both groups. Surprisingly, the group that had "banked" sleep, performed better on a measure of alertness during the sleep restricted time period and recovered faster from the sleep deprivation.

A more recent study also found that a week of sleep extension improved quick decision-making during a 40-hour total sleep deprivation task involving emotional stimuli and attentional distraction.

Despite supporting evidence, there are also arguments against the theory. One concern is simply that humans are not designed to sleep when they don't need sleep, thus from the perspective of physiological instinct (本能), the notion of banking does not make sense. Another is that the observed improvements may come from resolving sleep debt which itself boosts cognition and wakefulness rather than sleep banking.

Currently, we don't have a definitive answer to "Can you bank sleep?" But there is clear benefit to sleep extension before planned deprivation. While the mechanism remains unproven, either sleep banking or resolving sleep debt through pre-deprivation extension appears to help individuals perform better during deprivation and recover more quickly afterward.