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One snowy afternoon, my friend and I sat in my old car, eating sandwiches and drinking cans of Coke. The heater6 to keep us warm, but the radio played a song we loved. Gazing at the falling snow, my friend said something that7 in my mind: "My dad used to say life was one thing after another, so you'd better enjoy the8 in between." We laughed, clinked our cans, and sat in comfortable silence until the whistle called us back.

For years, I tried to follow that advice. I did my best to love others and9 those problem-free times we all get every so often. Yet after almost sixty years here, I am finally also starting to10 the one thing after another. I am learning to draw strength from life's challenges, to grow more11 through hardships, and to love more deeply because of them.

The "one thing after another" is not an12 of life; it is life itself. And each "thing" is an invitation — to become wiser instead of bitter, kinder instead of13, and braver instead of afraid. When we stop waiting for easier days and begin14 each moment, we discover that we already possess enough to appreciate every15 life offers.

Habits create the foundation for mastery. In chess, it is only after the basic movements of the pieces have become automatic that a player can focus on the next level of the game. Each unit of information that is memorized opens up the mental space for more effortful thinking. When you know the simple movements so well that you can perform them without thinking, you are free to pay attention to more advanced details. In this way, habits are the backbone of any pursuit of excellence.

However, the benefits of habits come at a cost. At first, each repetition develops fluency, speed, and skill. You fall into mindless repetition. It becomes easier to let mistakes slide. When you can do it well enough on autopilot, you stop thinking about how to do it better.

The upside of habits is that we can do things without thinking. The downside of habits is that you get used to doing things a certain way and stop paying attention to little errors. In reality, you are merely reinforcing your current habits — not improving them. In fact, some research has shown that once a skill has been mastered there is usually a slight decline in performance over time.

To achieve top levels of performance, you need a refined approach. You can't repeat the same things blindly and expect to become exceptional. What you need is a combination of automatic habits and deliberate practice. After one habit has been mastered, you have to return to the effortful part of the work.

Old tasks become easier the second time around, but it doesn't get easier overall because now you're pouring your energy into the next challenge. Each habit unlocks the next level of performance.

A. It's an endless cycle.

B. This is true for any attempt.

C. Next, you will get more positive feedback.

D. Habits are necessary, but not sufficient for mastery.

E. With habits like these, good enough is usually good enough.

F. You assume you're getting better because you're gaining experience.

G. But then, as a habit becomes automatic, you become less sensitive to feedback.

To test whether economists are correct in assuming that learning from the past experience enables individuals to avoid chaos, Garnier- Brun and his colleagues developed a mathematical model for a game featuring hundreds of simulated players, each capable of choosing between two actions — such as buying or selling a stock — and interacting with one another over multiple rounds, so each player's decisions were influenced by their previous experiences, meaning they could learn from them.

In different game scenarios (设想) , the researchers expected that the game would always result in chaos, with players unable to learn how to optimise their performance. Economic theory would suggest that, given the right set of parameters (参数) , the players would settle into a stable state where they had mastered the game — but the researchers found this wasn't really the case. The most likely outcome was a state that never settled.

Team member Jean- Philippe Bouchaud says that, in the absence of one centralised, all-powerful player who could coordinate everyone, regular players could only learn how to reach "satisficing" states. That is a level that satisfied minimum expectations but not much more. Players gained more than they would have done by playing at random, so learning wasn't useless, but they still gained less than they would have if past experience had allowed them to truly optimise their performance.

Bouchaud says the game model is too simple to be immediately adopted for making real- world predictions, but he sees the study as a challenge to economists to drop many assumptions that currently go into theorising processes, like merchants choosing suppliers or banks setting interest rates.

Mr. Patterson's ability to see himself as a writer illustrates a concept known as "possible selves". It describes how people envision their futures: what they may become, or want to become, or even fear becoming.

The term, coined in 1986 by the social psychologists Hazel Markus and Paula Nurius, grew out of research on self-concept and self-perception. While self-concepts — "I am a kind person" or "I am a good parent" — are rooted in the present, the researchers found that people are also informed by ideas about what they might become and how they might change.

These possible selves, both positive and negative, are closely related to motivation. A violin student who envisions life as a professional musician might be motivated to practice. A person whose feared possible self is an alcoholic may become a non-drinker. In a small study, when young adults were encouraged to envision themselves as either regular exercisers (hoped-for selves) or inactive (feared selves), both groups exercised more in the weeks afterward. And researchers have found that constructing positive possible selves can improve well-being and relieve symptoms of depression by holding out the potential for a better future.

A possible self can take you beyond daydreams, which are often fleeting and not necessarily grounded in reality. It can take shape "if you build a bridge from your ‘now' self to the possible self," Dr. Markus said. But how do we construct that bridge?

Swain is at the same time 1,600 miles away from the hurricane and at the eye of storm. His ability to explain science to the masses has made him one of the media's go-to climate experts. He's a staff research scientist at UCLA's Institute of the Environment and Sustainability who spends more than 1,100 hours each year on public-facing climate and weather communication, explaining whether (often, yes) and how climate change is raising the number and intensifying the fierceness of weather disasters.

"Climate change is an increasingly big part of what's driving weather extremes today," Swain says. "I connect the dots between the two. There's a lot of misunderstanding about how a warming climate affects day-to-day variations in weather, but my goal is to push public perception toward what the science actually says." So, when reporters call him, he does his best to call them back.

"Daniel had a very clear vision about how he wanted to contribute to science and the world, using social media and his website," says Kareiva, a research professor at UCLA. "We will not solve climate change without a movement, and communication and social media are key to that. Most science papers are never even read. What we do as scientists only matters if it has an impact on the world. We need at least 100 more Daniels."

As global warming continues to worsen, it's easy to get pulled into overly dramatic ways of looking at where the world is going amid catastrophic weather headlines. Daniel Swain helps people know how we can better face those fears with the use of scientific accuracy, which makes his role incredibly valuable.

Weather Laboratories

To make learning about weather accessible and fun, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) created a lot of informative weather activities and virtual labs they recommend for students and educators. In fact, their weather science content for kids features a Weather Lab application that allows middle school students to predict weather patterns, and learn what happens when ocean currents and air masses interact.

Simulations for Science and Math

It is a project of the University of Colorado Boulder and one of the richest single databases of online science interactives and virtual labs. Investigate more than 150 physics, chemistry, math, biology, and Earth science topics. Available in dozens of languages, the interactives are searchable by grade level, subject, and accessibility.

Space Exploration Simulations

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) features many STEM learning activities for students in grades K-12. The interactive simulations are also gamified and make learning engaging and fun for your child. The app allows users to explore the universe and unlock stories of trailblazing scientists and their contributions to space exploration and science.

Space Chemistry Workshop

How do different substances react in special space conditions? Space Chemistry Workshop is the best place to observe how metals rust under space- like radiation. It is fun! The chemical principles come alive in Space Chemistry Workshop!

Grandma's old wooden mailbox, with a chipped blue coat (涂料层) and a slightly rusted hinge (铰链), had stood at the quiet corner of the community for 20 years. It was not just a simple mailbox, but a warm bond with the nearby three families. Every early morning, when the first ray of sunlight spilled over the roof, Grandma would put on her shoes, hold a small bamboo basket, and walk slowly to the corner with her slightly bent back.

She would carefully collect her own letters and the daily newspapers for the elderly neighbors next door — Mr. Smith who suffered from leg pain and Ms. Brown who lived alone, both of whom could barely walk downstairs. Those newspapers were their main way to learn about the outside world, and Grandma's small act of kindness had quietly lasted for years, warming the whole neighborhood.

On a holiday afternoon, Tom, a college student majoring in architecture, came to visit Grandma as usual. When he turned the corner, he was shocked to find the mailbox lying on the ground, its wooden body split into several pieces. He glanced around instinctively and saw a man walking a large dog in the distance. There was a crumpled note stuck on the wall beside it, which read, "Sorry, my dog knocked your mailbox over accidentally. I'll come to fix it later."

Seeing the broken mailbox and scattered wood pieces, Grandma sighed softly, her eyes filled with worry. She squatted down gently, stroked the worn wood with her rough hands, and murmured in a low voice, "What shall I do now?" Tom knew the elderly neighbors were heavily dependent on the newspapers. Without the mailbox, how could they get the news on time? What if the dog owner broke his promise and couldn't fix the mailbox today? Watching Grandma's helpless expression, he felt a strong desire in his heart.

注意：

（1）续写词数应为150左右：

（2）请按如下格式在答题卡的相应位置作答。

Paragraph 1:

Considering the mailbox too old, Tom decided to build a new one.

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Paragraph 2:

When all the preparations were done, the dog owner arrived.

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（1）你的推荐：

（2）说明理由。

注意：

（1）写作词数应为80左右：

（2）可适当增加细节，使内容充实、行文连贯。

Dear Peter,

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Yours,

Li Hua

In January 2026, a short video from a documentary Return to the Wolves sparked intense debate on Chinese social media, pushing the 16-year-old story of "Green" back into the spotlight. It aroused deep emotions and fresh curiosity (national).

At the heart of this phenomenon is the special bond between artist Li Weiyi and the wolf Green she rescued in 2010 on the Ruo'ergai grasslands, a weak newborn cub mother was killed by poachers' poisoned bait. She brought him to Chengdu, but his wild nature conflicted urban life as he grew. So Li decided out of love to return him to the wild, a decision (root) in respect rather than possession.

For seven harsh months, Li lived with Green on the grasslands, teaching him skills to survive in the wild. The bond reached a bittersweet climax when he was accepted into wild pack. Years later, according to (account) from local herders, Green, now a pack leader, was seen (return) the red ribbon Li used to bandage his cub's injured paw.

This story reflects people's desire for authentic relationships China's growing ecological consciousness. With stronger legal protection, local wolf populations (recover) well at present. Green's howl, once a cry for (survive), now calls for coexistence, reminding us true compassion lies in respecting nature's freedom and building harmony between humanity and wilderness.

This observation4 his dream of a pub for all. After months of preparation, it5 on Shanghai's Xinhua Road in May 2024. Every corner is6 designed, with ramps, wide wheelchair passages, adjustable tables and dual-height bars for easy socializing.

Practical7 fill the space: Braille (盲文) maps, rounded table corners and free hearing-aid batteries, all8 the visually and hearing-impaired. The pub's name, a take on "handicap", is a meaningful9 of breaking barriers with inclusion.

It has been a popular pub for all, including 38-year-old Fu Ming, a disabled business owner,10 to promoting accessibility. As a loyal11, he moves around the pub with ease in a wheelchair and shares Xia's12 that accessibility means equal convenience for all.

Xia sees himself as a bridge between the disabled and able-bodied. The pub frees him from the seriousness of his legal work, letting him fully13 his sense of wonder and creativity to run his business. To him, it's14 just a business, but a warm space blurring15 between people and making inclusion a daily reality.

Firstly, humor simplifies tough scientific knowledge. For example, explaining AI in self-driving cars with a funny analogy about "machines learning like clumsy toddlers" makes abstract ideas easy for non-professional groups to understand. Scientists sharing clever and humorous stories about laboratory experiments on social media often attract more interactions than dry academic posts. Additionally, humor humanizes scientists, as seen in popular science lectures where light-hearted jokes help audiences feel closer to researchers.

The hidden risks deserve our attention. If the content itself is untrue, humor can even replace facts, leading the audience to form wrong opinions about scientific knowledge just based on the amusing posts they see. Overusing sarcasm or negative humor also has the opposite effect, as it will quickly make scientists lose the public's trust and damage their credibility.

Proper humor use requires a balance between vivid expression and professional precision. It should neither overshadow the core scientific information nor be so shallow that it loses seriousness. Scientists who master this balance can effectively narrow the divide with the public, making science more welcoming and popular.

A. Overuse harms professionalism.

B. It also boosts audience engagement effectively.

C. It helps break the impression of scientists being cold and distant.

D. A little humor can greatly enhance scientists' communication effect.

E. Humor in scientific communication is a double-edged sword, though.

F. It's a helper in making complex concepts understandable to ordinary people.

G. It is believed humor needs to be used with great care in such communication.

Detecting molecules in the air has long fallen behind liquid detection, mainly because target particles (微粒) are extremely dilute — there may be only one in a trillion. To solve this problem, the team turned air into liquid. The device draws in air, adds water vapor with a humidifier, and cools it to turn air into small drops. These drops trap particles and slide into a small container, making detection easy with common tools used for liquid analysis.

Early tests proved its effectiveness. It caught easily evaporated (挥发的) coffee vapor, detected glucose in breath, identified E. coli in the air, and found signs of inflammation (炎症) in mice with unhealthy gut bacteria. Obviously, it solved the problem of capturing molecules that evaporate easily — a major worry during the device's development.

The device was first inspired by the need for non-invasive tests for premature babies in ICUs. These fragile babies are likely to have health problems, and repeated blood tests may put them in danger. Doctors hope the device can track health signs without taking blood, protecting these high-risk patients. It also shows promise for diagnosing inflammatory bowel disease, though the related breath signs first need to be recorded. The team plans to improve and make it smaller to create a wearable device for daily use.

Besides medical uses, this achievement may open the door to new physics research on air impurities and state changes of matter. As a new tool for detecting air chemistry, ABLE fills the space between air and liquid molecule analysis, creating possibilities for various new developments in healthcare and science.

Led by PhD Student Lachlan Schomburgk, the research team analysed 71 published and unpublished studies from 17 countries, including data from more than 11,000 unique participants. They've found that cashless payments lead people to spend more on status-signalling goods like jewellery, while this effect is notably absent in acts of donation or tipping.

"Through this meta-analysis, we identified key factors that make the cashless effect stronger or weaker, which individual studies could not find. By doing this, we uncovered new key understandings that had often been overlooked by other researchers in individual studies." Schomburgk explains.

The findings indicate that consumers should be mindful of how they pay for goods or services, as this helps them spend less, especially critical in the current cost-of-living crisis. To avoid overspending, they're advised to carry cash instead of cards whenever possible as a self-control method. When using cash, they count and hand over notes and coins, making spending more noticeable. If nothing is physically handed over, it's easy to lose track of how much is spent.

The study also provides useful insights for businesses and policymakers. "Businesses should know failing to accept the cashless revolution might unintentionally be jeopardising profit potential," Schomburgk says. "And policymakers should communicate to individuals unfamiliar with cashless payments, such as people who don't have bank accounts, about the possibility of cashless methods to lead to overspending."

Schomburgk stresses a need for urgent in-depth studies of new payment methods, as research on their specific impacts remains limited due to their novelty. Studying these methods is vital to keep pace with the evolving payment ecosystem and deepen understanding of modern consumers' spending habits.

Rinsma is trained by Hexagon's executive chef Rafael Covarrubias, who won the 2019 Canadian title and represented Canada in Milan in 2021. He offers much more than just technical support; he also coaches her on mental resilience, arming her with all-round preparation for the contest. That sense of continuity of one generation of chefs lifting the next helps make Canadian cuisine globally renowned for diversity, regionality and innovation.

Now she will test her signature dish under the supervision of international judges in Milan for the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Award 2024-25, a platform highlighting technical ability, creativity, sustainability and storytelling through food. For Rinsma, it's a chance to bring Canadian ingredients and identity to a global audience.

In Milan, she will share the stage with fellow chefs from every corner of the world: chefs from Hong Kong, Panama, Slovenia, South Africa, the United States and the United Kingdom. Each will present a unique dish shaped by their own culture and training. Together, they represent the future of global food culture.

Rinsma's plan for the future draws equally from memory and ambition. By weaving her grandmother's beloved East Coast flavours into a dish refined for one of the world's most demanding culinary competitions, she bridges past and present, home and away.

Copperwood Trail

Connecting humans and horses, Copperwood Trail offers a diverse range of experiences in Whitchurch-Stouffville. From country coffee in the company of horses and Equine Assisted Learning sessions, to introductory courses on horse behaviour and body language, it has something for everyone. This peaceful family farm is committed to providing a safe, quiet rural escape for all visitors eager for close contact with animals and nature.

Four Seasons Hotel

To mark the arrival of summer, Four Seasons Hotel has opened its seasonal patio. With a new menu and annual mural installation, it shows respect for the French Riviera and Mediterranean coastline. The mural is created by Victoria Sequeira, who says, "I want to spark a visual journey for guests — one full of warmth, peace and a touch of Mediterranean magic."

River Cottage

Since its debut (首次亮相) on British television's Channel 4 in 1999, River Cottage has had a positive influence on the country's eating habits and the welfare of its animals and fish. It's currently home to a cookery school, dining experiences and a calendar of events. The attractive property also offers accommodation in its farmhouse as well as fantastic views of the surrounding Axe Valley.

Green Hill Gardens

Tucked away in the quiet countryside, the family-run Green Hill Gardens has a decades-long history. It offers gentle nature experiences like guided walks, flower tours, herb craft workshops and glasshouse afternoon tea. As a calm natural retreat, the garden follows eco-friendly practices to protect local wildlife, inviting visitors to slow down and enjoy nature's simple beauty.

Every New Year's Eve, as a family tradition, everyone — uncles, aunts, cousins — gathers at one house to celebrate the coming of the new year, having a big dinner and doing the countdown. This year, the gathering would be held in Alex's home and he was so looking forward to it.

Preparing a big dinner is never easy. Mom started the rush early. She was in the kitchen, as busy as a bee. "I hope Dad will be back soon," Mom said to Alex. Dad was a mechanic, responsible for a district's power lines. "He promised he'd get off work at four." Alex replied and volunteered to be the "decoration helper".

At 6:00, the bell rang. It was Aunt Jenny and Uncle Mark, but no Dad. By 6:30, the house was well-decorated and Alex had hung a red lantern high above the doorway, a symbol of happiness and reunion. Mom managed to finish the cooking when the bell rang again. It was Grandma and Grandpa, together with Uncle Jack's family. Still no Dad. Mom was worried, "The cold wind is getting stronger tonight."

While waiting for Dad, Alex turned on the music and kept busy chatting with all the guests about holidays and his school life. Mom texted and called Dad, but, no answer.

At 7:15, stomachs made noise louder than the music. Alex found Mom in the bedroom and he heard Dad say "Sorry" over the phone. Mom handed the phone to Alex, disappointment written on her face. "What happened, Dad?" Dad shouted over the wind, "The main power line is broken! All the workers are here. We have to fix it, or many people will have a cold and dark night. I am so sorry, but you know... this is my duty."

Looking at Mom, Alex felt it was now his job to keep the evening alive. "Well, " Alex replied, "Dad, take your time and take care of yourself. I will help Mom make sure everything goes well. "

注意：

1. 续写词数应为150左右；

2. 请按如下格式在答题卡的相应位置作答。

"Mom, shall we start the dinner?" asked Alex.

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At 11:50, the door opened and in came Dad, looking tired.

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1. 介绍你的年度词汇；

2. 说明理由和表达感悟。

注意：

1. 写作词数应为80左右；

2. 请按如下格式在答题卡的相应位置作答。

The Very Word That Best Describes My Senior Three

In a classroom (temporary) decorated into a tea space, Ye Hanzhong, a national-level representative inheritor of gongfu cha, patiently taught students the steps of brewing tea (沏茶) . With each step, from teapot handling to serving, the techniques and the hidden values (display). From water temperature and timing to the proper way of serving, Ye spoke with the same rhythm as tea itself— careful, (attention), unhurried.

He introduced the students to a (simplify) system refined from the tradition's 21 classic movements. The demonstration of brewing and sharing offered a practical entry point into a centuries-old practice without losing the essence of gongfu cha. Yet, the lesson went far tea. In Ye's telling, gongfu cha is a quiet philosophy of life: the discipline of striving for precision and the (wise) of harmony. And the ceremony's most heartfelt moment came students served the tea to their teachers, which is silent yet deep expression of respect and gratitude.

Rooted in everyday life, gongfu cha has always belonged to the people, (enrich) daily moments with warmth and connection. Today, it is finding new pathways into classrooms and younger generations, as it moves beyond its origin to touch a (wide) world.

As a literary2, I'd planned to visit a bookstore recommended by my favorite author. On our first day, we searched through the winding lanes for hours3 and a sudden downpour forced us to end the4.

5 to leave empty-handed, we made a final attempt on the last day. However, contradictory directions from passers-by only deepened our6. As dusk fell, shopkeepers were packing up, streets quieting, and hope fading. Wet from another shower and with a torn map, we felt even more7.

Then, a blind turn led us to a narrow street where a store drew our attention. My sister stopped to8 the map, and I glanced at the signs — "That's it" I9.

The owner looked up, smiled, and10 us in. Inside, floor-to-ceiling bookshelves lined the walls. As I ran my fingers along the bookshelves, a hardcover caught my eye. Just as I11 for it, another hand brushed against the cover. "You like it too?" a woman smiled. As the bookstore's regular, she instantly12 with me and I told her our13 search. The owner, overhearing our story, stepped over and14 us with two copies of the book, each signed by the author. "For those truly appreciating it," he said. My sister captured the moment as we exchanged email, promising to share reflections on the book later.

Detours didn't ruin our trip; instead, they led us to the priceless15 — the places and the people we are meant to meet.

Being specific matters. Instead of using vague (含糊的) phrases like "You can do this!", take time to understand the underlying concerns. For instance, if your younger brother is nervous about giving a speech at his high school graduation, acknowledge his fears directly. Then, offer to go over it with him one more time before the big day.

Pep talks shouldn't be reserved for major events alone. We often cheer people on for major challenges, like running a marathon, but overlook everyday struggles. That's why lending support in ordinary times matters. If a friend mentions feeling overwhelmed by daily chores, send a simple message: "I believe in you." Small gestures can make a big difference, showing care every bit as meaningful as grand support.

Sometimes, it's simply about listening, acknowledging someone's feelings and putting yourself in their shoes. If a friend is upset after losing a pet, assess if they want solutions. If not, offer comfort and acknowledge their pain. Remind them you understand how hard it is, but assure them you're there. This presence and support can be deeply comforting without needing new insights.

Keep it simple. Whether you're cheering others or lifting your spirits, a pep talk needn't be complex. Leaving a brief note saying "Don't give up!" on a colleague's desk, or sending a message to a friend who failed an exam, expressing belief in their ability to improve, can significantly boost spirits. There's no need for perfection; sometimes, simple, touching words are enough to make a difference.

A. Advice isn't always necessary in a pep talk.

B. This shows empathy and provides tailored help.

C. Yet it's these small moments that shape our days.

D. A pep talk doesn't always require a full understanding of others.

E. Even for yourself, straightforward encouragement yields great results.

F. And sometimes, it's you yourself that need a boost of encouragement.

G. Though time-consuming, the encouragement you give proves to be effective.