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I was preparing for dinner with my husband when our daughter Rikki stormed into the sitting room and marched to the sofa. I glanced out of the window and saw our neighbor Lexi walking slowly back to her house with her head down, looking so 1 .

"Why didn't Lexi stay longer?" I asked her.

"I don't want to play with her," Rikki complained, "I wish she would stop coming over here all the time. Her dress looks terrible and smells disgusting. Everyone in our class chooses to2 her."

"That's not her3 , Rikki. Maybe she doesn't have anyone to help her." I said.

"You see, baby," her father began to say, "I really know how she felt when you showed your4 to her because I had the same experience when I was a kid. I was the poor kid with hand-me-down clothes, the kid who others looked down on. That5 never goes away." He told her he wanted her to be kind and6 , not judgmental and hurtful. Tears were streaming down her face.

Then we 7 Lexi to come over and have dinner with us. I remembered Lexi coming in all smiles. We gathered together and soon I saw the girls talking and 8 .They had a great time. I could even see a sweet glow in Rikki's eyes.

Rikki began to think 9 from that day on. Lexi came over a few times after that. They became good friends.

Today, Rikki has a heart of gold. She is always the first to welcome those whom

others might 10 and is generous in helping others. I truly believe that day made a major difference in the person she has become today.

How far can a penny go? Right now, one can quickly say that it wouldn't get you that much. Or, to be more specific, it's more of a novelty item now than a currency.

But Ryan Trahan, who is an online media content creator, wanted to prove that a penny can turn into something much more valuable and that the spirit of bartering（以物易物）is still alive and well. His goal will surprise anyone.

In his video, he shared that he would turn his penny into a house. Yes, you've read that right. He will barter his way to a house.

The challenge started as tough as you'd expect it to be because who would trade anything for a penny? The first thing he got was a pen. Then, he traded off his pen for a small dinosaur toy. Luckily, he met a dinosaur fan who was more than willing enough to trade it for a tin of mints（薄荷糖）—or at least what's left of it.

It was a dead end from then on until he met two interesting strangers. Apparently, his campaign of "penny-to-a-house" is gaining attention. It gave him a chance to trade the mints for something of value—gas station earphones.

It snowballed from there. After the earphones, the value of his trade just got bigger when he decided to be creative. He called at a local garage sale and traded the earphones for a vintage Polaroid（老式拍立得）camera. He also gave a shirt, just so he wouldn't feel bad.

However, it wasn't as easy as he thought. Trahan thought he struck gold and that it was easy to exchange the camera into something much more valuable. After all, who doesn't love a vintage camera?

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。

The answer, surprisingly, is "not a lot of people".

He got an amazing deal out of the camera for an item that's three times its value, a piece of land.

1. 写信目的；

2. 讲座介绍；

3. 期待回复。

注意：

1. 写作词数应为80左右；

2. 请按如下格式在答题卡的相应位置作答。

Dear Tony,

Warm regards,

Li Hua

A documentary titled Across the Straits, which describes the cultural bond between the Chinese mainland and Taiwan, went online on January 15,（attract）viewers through the historical and cultural bonds between the two sides.

An actor, from Taiwan, and a hostess, from Chinese mainland, are the hosts of the documentary. Together, they undertake cultural exploration of the Guandi Temple in Dongshan County, East China's Fujian Province.

Guandi Temple, established （honor）the Eastern Han Dynasty warrior Guan Yu, has a history spanning over 600 years. The documentary sheds light on the historical significance of the temple （treasure）by both the Chinese mainland and Taiwan.

The Guandi culture in Dongshan （possess）numerous distinctive features, not only preserving a series of unique folk traditions terms of cultural heritage but also having a wide-ranging influence on cross-Straits exchanges from a different perspective.

"Countless historical facts and folk anecdotes across the Straits（continue）prove that we share a common history, culture and blood（tie）,"the actor said, adding that Dongshan for him feels like returning home.

"It is a place the people speak the Minnan dialect, share devotion to Guan Yu, and collectively uphold the values of loyalty, bravery, courtesy,（wise）, and trust," the actor was quoted as saying.

We will all experience pain, disappointment, and almost certainly loss and sickness. Yet some people1 by rising to the challenge, while others sink under the weight. What's the difference? I2 clinical psychologist Dr. Robert Puff, host of theHappiness Podcast, who speaks3 about pain and suffering. He explains that4 is an unavoidable physical feeling.5 , suffering comes from the thoughts we have about the pain we are experiencing-for example, "Why is this happening to me?" or "I'll never feel good again." These6 are what cause suffering, and we can choose to7 them.

John O'Leary is the host of theLive Inspired Podcast. When he was just nine years old, John suffered8 burns over his entire body and doctors told him that he had one percent chance of9 . No one expected him to10 . However, after dozens of surgeries and years of treatment and deep inner work, he is a fairly happy,11 man with a beautiful family. He inspires others through his12 as a motivational speaker, author, and life coach. He feels that what happened to him was his greatest13 : the realization that, regardless of our personal and professional challenges, we can navigate and overcome to reveal a14 vision. In John's words, "You can't always choose the path you walk in life, but you can always choose the15 in which you walk."

How to Start the New Year Fresh

After you celebrate New Year's Eve, it's time to get to work on those New Year's resolutions! Here are some ways to start the new year fresh.

Start a fitness routine.  Then make a plan to improve your health based on where you are. For instance, you can start taking a 20-minute walk after work every day or train to run a marathon in the fall. Start simply and gradually so you can stick with your goals.

Practice gratitude（感激）every day to fill your life with kindness. Practicing gratitude can boost your mood overall and improve your outlook on life.  In addition, express your gratitude for the people in your life by telling them you appreciate them.

In addition to your personal resolutions, it is helpful to strive to get out of your comfort zone at least one time each month. You can schedule one new thing each month, or you can pick a few things and choose when the time comes. Regardless, choose to do something you've never done before to expand your horizons and grow as a person.

Update your resume（简历）so you're ready for new opportunities. Shortly into the new year, open up your resume, read it over, and look for ways to improve it. For instance, if you started a new job at the end of the year, add it under your "Employment" section. This way, if you want to apply for a job, you are ready when the time comes.

Get a haircut to freshen up your face. Schedule an appointment with your stylist early into the new year. You can get a trim for a subtle upgrade or go for a bold new hairstyle for a totally different look. 

A. Aim to try a new thing every month.

B. This way, you'll feel fresh for the year ahead.

C. Make a list of what you'd like to try in the new year.

D. You can also update the dates to reflect the new year.

E. Think about your current health and your overall fitness goals.

F. Little changes can affect those around you positively, so choose wisely.

G. Each day before you go to sleep, write down three things you are grateful for.

Scientists are now digging into precisely why exercise holds so many benefits for our mental health and memory. The answer, studies say, lies in our brain chemistry.

Each time you work up a sweat, your body releases feel-good happy hormones（荷尔蒙）, including endorphins, dopamine and endocannabinoids, the latter being responsible for the so-called runner's high. Now researchers are also pointing to myokines（肌肉因子）as an important contributor to the mental health benefits of exercise. When our muscles contract, myokines are released into the bloodstream, helping your muscles and organs communicate. They think this communication increases resilience to stress, reduces symptoms of mental suffering and anxiety and has a direct effect on depression.

A 2021 scientific report published inNeuropharmacologyshowed evidence that myokines boost brain function, like improving memory and mood. "Myokines reduce systemic inflammation（炎症）, which is especially beneficial for people with drug-resistant depression whose low mood is linked to high inflammation," explains Dr Jennifer Heisz, an expert in brain health and associate professor in the department of kinesiology at McMaster University in Canada.

A recent study published in theBritish Journal of Sports Medicine showed that treatment for depression can be much more effective when physical activity is added to the usual care. Participants found benefits after 12 weeks of exercising for 30 to 60 minutes a day. "While exercise is not a replacement for professional mental health treatment, physical activity can complement and enhance the effects of the treatment," says lead researcher Ben Singh, a research fellow at the University of South Australia.

"It is amazing to consider how moving our bodies can heal our minds," says Heisz. Whether you're cycling, walking around your neighbourhood or doing yoga, getting sweaty is good for your body and mind. To get the biggest overall health boost, the key is tozero in on sports and activities you enjoy, so you'll keep going back to them.

The maleo（塚雉）, a bird with black feathers and a pink chest, is native to Indonesia's Sulawesi island and a few neighboring ones. The International Union for Conservation of Nature （IUCN）, which identifies wildlife across the world currently facing threats, estimates only 800 to 1,400 adult maleos remain in the wild. Experts do not know how many maleos still live across West Sulawesi island. They were only able to record the presence of nesting grounds in 23 villages based on reports from locals in the area. But of those, only 18 are considered active nesting areas.

Recently, the birds have been faced with new threats, which accelerate their decline. The Indonesian government plans to move the nation's capital from Jakarta to a new city on Borneo island, which is just a six-hour boat trip apart from Sulawesi island. The island takes on the building of new roads and seaports to be used to transport materials to the new capital. Activities also include tree clearing, digging, and removing stones. The process already has changed the forest environment on West Sulawesi and is harming maleo nesting areas near the beach. These changes have made the trip for maleos to lay their eggs increasingly difficult.

Another problem has beenpoachers. The Associated Press reports that, regardless of official ban, they steal maleo eggs that the males' parents have hidden in the sand, and sell the eggs for about $1 to people as food. The eggs are a traditional gift for many people in Mamuju and other parts of Sulawesi.

"As far as I know, maleo birds are in decline," said Andi Aco Takdir, chief of the West Sulawesi Forestry Agency. He pointed to several reasons for the decline, including destruction of beach areas, and expanding human development activities. He added that government officials there are prepared to take steps to protect the maleos even with the new capital development. Andi said, "Nature conservation must be used as an achievement and must not be built leaving behind problems."

It's January and time to go back to school. For some, that might be a gloomy prospect after the joys of the post Christmas festive period. For me, though, it's as exciting as a trip to Antarctica, also as scary as starting a job for which I'm not sure whether I'm qualified.

To be embarking on a master's degree in Psychotherapy and Counselling at Regent's University at 71 is perhaps an unlikely route for someone who dropped out of school at

17. But now I've come full circle to the conclusion that nothing, for me, feels more stimulating at this point in my life than learning new things. That studying, far from being the bore and the chore it used to be, is a treat.

Turning 70 came as something of a shock. I started to feel I was drifting（飘）. Without a big project, and without any major family responsibilities, I was starting to feel I was lying on a bed of thorns. Friends of similar age were lapping up their lives, socializing and travelling. However, I longed for something more. Or perhaps not more, but different.

As the gloom grew, I thought perhaps I needed to see a therapist. A friend, a psychotherapist, suggested that while therapy might be useful, doing a course on the basics of psychotherapy and counselling might be more up my street. Without too much thinking, I decided to give it a shot.

So that's how every weekday I beep（发出哔哔声）myself through the gate with my student pass, which makes me smile every time. I felt privileged to be exposed to a group of my fellow students who were willing to be open to me.

While ageing is an inevitable process, we can get rid of a lot of the rules about what's age-appropriate. Studying for a master's degree in old age is a challenge, but it has provided me with a new perspective on life. Hence, ageing should never limit your ambitions.

Getting around Valencia can be exhausting on foot if you want to see it all, but luckily, the city is very bike-friendly.

Valencia BikeTourFrom The City To The Beach

Duration: 3 Hours

This 3-hour Valencia bike tour takes you on a lovely journey from the historic center to the beach where you'll enjoy a drink at the end. If you're looking for a truly personalized experience, this is it. The guide is super knowledgeable and gives lots of inside information about the sites you pass and local culture along the way.

ValenciaBy Night Bike Tour

Duration: 2 Hours

With the warm lights of the historic center's cobbled streets, cycling around Valencia is so different than in the day. The tour takes you through Turia Park to the City of Arts and Sciences which is impressively lit up at night. As you cycle past different tourist attractions, the guide will let you in on the history and culture of the city.

Valencia Bike Tour

Duration: 3 Hours

Being one of the classical guided bike tours Valencia offers, this takes you to the main tourist attractions in the old town like the Valencia Cathedral, the Silk Exchange, and the Serranos Towers. You'll bike in Valencia's longest park, Turia Park, which leads to the City of Arts and Sciences and a must-visit on any trip to the city. On different stops, the guide will fill in with history and anecdotes about the places you pass.

Valencia Group Half-Day Bike Tour

Duration: 3 Hours

This tour takes you through the old town of Valencia where you'll see the top tourist spots like the Valencia Cathedral and the Silk Exchange along the way on your own. You'll pass the City Hall and the complex on your way to Turia Park where Valencia's bike paths are at their best. Eventually, you'll reach the City of Arts and Sciences where you can admire the modern architecture and learn more about the impressive complex.

In our weekly staff meeting, our editor Ashley was not pleased with the quality of our reporting."Our readership is way down. We need better stories for this Thursday's school newspaper. Does anybody have any ideas?" she said.

I handed her my article about our basketball team beating Deerfield High School the previous night by one point. "Sports stories are fun," she said, "but not good enough for the front page. We need something to really get people's attention."

After our meeting, we left the newsroom together and heard someone screaming, "Perry is missing!" Perry was a big red parrot and had been our school mascot(吉祥物) for ten years. He played an important role in students' lives, both in and out of class. He had also been a constant presence at school events, inspiring a sense of unity among students.

Everyone gathered around Perry's empty cage, heartbroken. Suddenly, a student from the crowd came over and showed me a photo. "You're a reporter for the school paper, right? I happened to take this yesterday," he said. In the photo was a Deerfield High School basketball player with something large hidden under his shirt around the size of a parrot.

"He must have stolen Perry to get back at us for winning the game!" Ashley cried. We hurried back to the newsroom, agreeing to run the photo on the front page with the headline "Deerfield Stole Perry". "This is just the story we need. Everyone will read it," Ashley said confidently.

After she left, I took a closer look at the photo. The clock in the background read 4:15 p.m., but our game against Deerfield hadn't started until 4:30 p.m. Why would the boy have taken Perry before we even played? An uneasy feeling came over me that we might have falsely accused someone.

I went to Perry's usual caretaker to ask if he knew Perry was missing. "He's not missing. He's retired. He's ready for some quieter days," he said. Learning the truth, I immediately told Ashley and suggested writing a story to say goodbye to Perry.

Paragraph 1:

To my surprise, Ashley insisted on reporting the "Deerfield Stole Perry" story.

Paragraph 2:

On Thursday, the paper came out with the headline "Bye Bye, Perry" on the front page.

在口语课上,外教Alex组织同学们讨论是否使用网络投票(online voting)的方式评选校园十佳歌手。请你代表小组发言,内容包括:

1. 小组观点;

2. 陈述理由。

注意：词数80左右。

Hello, everyone!        

Thank you for listening!

Despite being 75 years old, Chai Tixia's expertise inJianzi is truly impressive. With quick kicks, he effortlessly sends theJianzi into the air and gracefully guides it to land(gentle) on his head.

Jianzi,  game that dates back to the Han Dynasty, is surprisingly simple: players must keep the Jianzi in the air, (use) any part of their body except their hands and arms. However, to master this game (require) a lot of practice. 

While enjoyed throughout China,Jianzi(describe) by Chai as an important aspect ofhutong culture. The narrow alleyways, situated within Beijing' s inner city, provide the setting for the game's(popular). Each morning, Chai and his fellowhutong residents gather for their shared passion forJianzi.

Chai's spirited matches with his neighbours have a big audience(draw) to the artistry and excitement of the game. The onlookers who watch them playing with great athleticism are amazed at Chai and his fellow players can achieve.

Having practised Jianzi for over 30 years, Chai cherishes the physical and social (benefit) the game brings. Engaging in lively matches with his neighbours energizes his body, enhances his flexibility,  promotes unity within the community. Through Jianzi, Chai harvests not only health but a sense of belonging and friendship.

Last year, I started the journey of being a remote product designer. The thought of a 1 schedule, a comfortable home office, and the escape from the crowded public transport was incredibly 2 . The first few weeks were fill with a long-lost feeling of 3 . 

However, the4 of working from home gradually set in. I had started my day with the best intentions, promising myself quick breaks and regular5 . But deadlines, endless e-mails, and virtual meetings6 me to my computer throughout the day, leaving me little time to7 . Gone were the short walks to a colleague's desk and the quick lunchtime walks around the office complex. Finally, my world was8 to the walls of my home, my steps9 in mere metres rather than kilometres.

One day, I tried10 one of my favourite dresses and it wasn't passing through my waist at all. Glancing at myself in the mirror, I saw a11 person carrying extra weight, rather than someone enjoying freedom. The12 of work and personal life had left me feeling like I was a never-ending motion machine.

This incident marked the 13 of a journey of self-discovery. I made up my mind that I needed a(n) 14 , not just for my waistline but for my overall well-being. It was a promise to prioritize my physical and mental health, and a commitment that I could 15 control over my life and my body.

Art comes in two main categories: realistic and abstract. Realistic art aims to show real-life scenes, people, and objects exactly as they appear. It involves paying close attention to details, making things look like photographs. It's more about expressing feelings, emotions, and ideas.

Realistic art is easy to understand. Viewers can easily recognize what is portrayed. Take theMonaLisa, for example—it's a realistic painting of a lady with a mysterious smile., helping us to learn about the past.

Unlike realistic art, abstract art is more about being creative. . They use shapes, colours and patterns to express feelings and ideas. Abstract art means different things to different people. Some people enjoy trying to figure out what the artwork conveys.

. Realistic art needs precision in drawing or sculpting to make things look real. Abstract art requires imagination to use shapes and colours in new ways. Many artists are skilled in both. They create realistic pieces to demonstrate their technical skills and abstract ones to display their creativity. 

As for personal preference, some people prefer the clear stories of realistic art while others are attracted to the mystery of abstract art, interpreting meanings in the shapes and forms. Together, the two kinds of art make the art world diverse and engaging. . 

A. Both types of art take skills to make

B. Photographs preserve faces of folks from long ago

C. Grasping abstract art demands more artistic training

D. Both ways of creating art have their own value and beauty

E. In contrast, abstract art focuses less on realistic appearances

F. Artworks like this tell stories about history and everyday life

G. Artists have the freedom to go beyond real-life representations

Each year, the world loses about 10 million hectares of forest—an area about the size of Iceland—because of cutting down trees. At that rate, some scientists predict the world's forests could disappear in 100 to 200 years. To handle it, now researchers at Massachusetts Institute of Technology(MIT) have pioneered a technique to generate wood-like plant materials in a lab. This makes it possible to "grow" a wooden product without cutting down trees.

In the lab, the researchers first take cells from the leaves of a young plant. These cells are cultured in liquid medium for two days, then moved to another medium which contains nutrients and two different hormones(激素). By adjusting the hormone levels, the researchers can tune the physical and mechanical qualities of the cells. Next, the researchers use a 3-D printer to shape the cell-based material, and let the shaped material grow in the dark for three months. Finally, the researchers dehydrate(使脱水) the material, and then evaluate its qualities.

They found that lower hormone levels lead to plant materials with more rounded, open cells of lower density(密度), while higher hormone levels contribute to the growth of plant materials with smaller but denser cell structures. Lower or higher density of cell structures makes the plant materials softer or more rigid, helping the materials grow with different wood-like characteristics. What's more, it's to be noted that the research process is about 100 times faster than the time it takes for a tree to grow to maturity!

Research of this kind is ground-breaking. "This work demonstrates the great power of a technology," says lead researcher, Jeffrey Berenstain. "The real opportunity here is to be at its best with what you use and how you use it. This technology can be tuned to meet the requirements you give about shapes, sizes, rigidity, and forms. It enables us to ‘grow' any wooden product in a way that traditional agricultural methods can't achieve."

"Why does Grandpa have ear hair?" Just a few years ago my child was so curious to know "why" and "how" that we had to cut off her questions five minutes before bedtime. Now a soon-to-be fourth grader, she says that she dislikes school because "it's not fun to learn." I am shocked. As a scientist and parent, I have done everything I can to promote a love of learning in my children. Where did I go wrong?

My child's experience is not unique. Developmental psychologist Susan Engel notes that curiosity—defined as"spontaneous(自发的) investigation and eagerness for new information"—drops dramatically in children by the fourth grade.

In Wonder: Childhood and the Lifelong Love of Science, Yale psychologist Frank C. Keil details the development of wonder—a spontaneous passion to explore, discover, and understand. He takes us on a journey from its early development, when wonder drives common sense and scientific reasoning, through the drop-off in wonder that often occurs, to the trap of life in a society that devalues wonder.

As Keil notes, children are particularly rich in wonder while they are rapidly developing causal mechanisms(因果机制) in the preschool and early elementary school years. They are sensitive to the others' knowledge and goals, and they expertly use their desire for questioning. Children's questions, particularly those about "why" and "how", support the development of causal mechanisms which can be used to help their day-to-day reasoning.

Unfortunately, as Keil notes, "adults greatly underestimate young children's causal mechanisms." In the book,Wonder, Keil shows that we can support children's ongoing wonder by playing games with them as partners, encouraging question-asking, and focusing on their abilities to reason and conclude.

A decline in wonder is not unavoidable. Keil reminds us that we can accept wonder as a desirable positive quality that exists in everyone. I value wonder deeply, and Wonder has given me hope by proposing a future for my children that will remain wonder-full.

I used to believe that only words could catch the essence of the human soul. The literary works contained such distinct stories that they shaped the way we saw the world. Words were what composed the questions we sought to uncover and the answers to those questions themselves. Words were everything.

That belief changed.

In an ordinary math class, my teacher posed a simple question: What's 0.99 rounded to the nearest whole number? Easy. When rounded to the nearest whole number, 0.99 =1. Somehow, I thought even though 0.99 is only 0.01 away from 1, there's still a 0.01 difference. That means even if two things are only a little different, they are still different, so doesn't that make them completely different?

My teacher answered my question by presenting another equation(等式): 1=0.$\stackrel{\text{·}}{9}$, which could also be expressed as 1=0.999999... repeating itself without ever ending.

There was something mysterious but fascinating about the equation. The left side was unchangeable, objective: it contained a number that ended. On the right was something endless, a number repeating itself limitless times. Yet, somehow, these two opposed things were connected by an equal sign.

Lying in bed, I thought about how much the equation paralleled our existence. The left side of the equation represents that sometimes life itself is so unchangeable and so clear. The concrete, whole number of the day when you were born and the day when you would die. But then there is that gap in between life and death. The right side means a time and space full of limitless possibilities, and endless opportunities into the open future.

So that's what life is. Objective but imaginative. Unchangeable but limitless. Life is an equation with two sides that balances itself out. Still, we can't ever truly seem to put the perfect words to it. So possibly numbers can express ideas as equally well as words can. For now, let's leave it at that: 1=0.999999... and live a life like it.

Whistler Travel Guide

Snow-capped peaks and powdered steeps; sparkling lakes and rushing waterfalls; challenging hiking routes and inviting restaurants—Whistler's offerings suit every season.

Things to do

The entire town displays the ski-chic atmosphere, hosting dozens of ski and snowboard competitions and festivals annually. In the warmer months, more outdoor enthusiasts come out to play. Visitors can try hiking or cycling up the mountains. While Whistler is an ideal vacation spot for the active types, other travellers can enjoy the local museums and art galleries filled with informative exhibits. Plus, there are family-friendly activities and attractions like summer concerts, along with plenty of shopping options.

When to visit

The best times to visit Whistler are from June through August and between December and March.

How to get around

The best ways to get around Whistler are on foot or by bike. Or, you can take the shuttle buses from Whistler Village, which transport visitors to Lost Lake Park and the Marketplace. Meanwhile, having a car will allow you the freedom to explore top attractions like Whistler Train Wreck and Alexander Falls without having to spend a lot of cash on a cab.

What you need to know

• Whistler receives feet of snow each year. If you're driving in winter, slow down and make sure to rent or come with a reliable SUV.

• Snowslides are likely to occur on Backcountry routes, so only advanced skiers should take to this off-the-map area.

• Whistler's wilderness is home to many black and grizzly bears. Keep your distance and do not feed them.

1）简要介绍推荐作品（如《劝学》、《师说》、《出师表》等……）；

2）说明推荐理由；

3）鼓励继续学习。

注意：

1）词数不少于100；

2）可适当加入细节，使内容充实、行文连贯；

3）开头和结尾已给出，不计入总词数。

参考词汇：

《劝学》 Encouraging Learning

《师说》 On teachers

《出师表》 Memorial to the King before Setting off

Dear Chris,

Yours,

Li Jin