Section I Use of English

Directions:

Read the following text.Choose the best word(s) for each numbered blank and mark A, B, Cor D on the ANSWER SHEET.(10 points)

Most of us strive for self-respect—to see ourselves in a positive light, to be $\underline{\quad1\quad}$ of who we are. Any comments or experiences that undermine those feelings of self-worth can be uncomfortable and it’s only $\underline{\quad2\quad}$ to want to avoid them. But the thing is, $\underline{\quad3\quad}$ your self-worth really is being undermined is, to a large degree, subjective. Much of it comes down to your $\underline{\quad4\quad}$ of what someone said or did.

When you take things personally, you’re interpreting these situations as saying something significant and negative about you as a person. Say your boss picks holes in your sales report, and you come away feeling like this means she thinks you’re a $\underline{\quad5\quad}$ member of staff. Or, two of your friends cancel your $\underline{\quad6\quad}$ get-together at the pub and you interpret this as meaning they’re bored of you. Psychologists have a $\underline{\quad7\quad}$ for this way of thinking: personalisation. But the $\underline{\quad8\quad}$ is that your boss might view you very highly. It’s just you made some $\underline{\quad9\quad}$ in the report and she wanted to point these out so that you do better next time. $\underline{\quad10\quad}$, in the case of your friends cancelling, perhaps the both felt unwell that weekend or they just $\underline{\quad11\quad}$ their minds.

In both $\underline{\quad12\quad}$—and others that we all experience— there’s another $\underline{\quad13\quad}$ at work that psychologists call mind reading. This is when you assume to know what other people are thinking about you, when you can’t really know without $\underline{\quad14\quad}$ them directly.

One simple way to avoid $\underline{\quad15\quad}$ personalisation and mind reading is to challenge  your negative assumptions of what’s $\underline{\quad16\quad}$. When you find yourself taking a situation personally, try to think of other interpretations that are less focused on you — especially in the sense of saying anything deep or $\underline{\quad17\quad}$ about you.

When you do this, it might help to try to put yourself in other people’s shoes. The fact your boss took the time to give you $\underline{\quad18\quad}$ at all means they care enough to want to help you $\underline{\quad19\quad}$. When it comes to your friends — maybe it’s because your friendship is so $\underline{\quad20\quad}$ that they felt able to cancel at late notice.

1. [A] afraid　[B] critical　[C] proud　[D] tolerant

2. [A] risky　[B] natural　[C] admirable　[D] foolish

3. [A] whether　[B] where　[C] why　[D] how

4. [A] collection　[B] imitation　[C] perception　[D] introduction

5. [A] poor　[B] loyal　[C] creative　[D] shy

6. [A] sponsored　[B] crowded　[C] disputed　[D] planned

7. [A] method　[B] term　[C] design　[D] goal

8. [A] evidence　[B] theory　[C] condition　[D] reality

9. [A] complaints　[B] choices　[C] mistakes　[D] suggestions

10. [A] Similarly    [B] Relatively    [C] Accordingly    [D] Contrarily

11. [A] opened    [B] changed    [C] trained    [D] cleared

12. [A] quotations    [B] experiments    [C] questions    [D] examples

13. [A] process    [B] objective    [C] outcome    [D] background

14. [A] blaming    [B] warning    [C] teaching    [D] asking

15. [A] arguing about    [B] accounting for    [C] engaging in    [D] interfering with

16. [A] happened    [B] continued    [C] returned    [D] disappeared

17. [A] casual    [B] obvious    [C] familiar    [D] fundamental

18. [A] reward    [B] feedback    [C] trust    [D] proof

19. [A] innovate    [B] concentrate    [C] improve    [D] relax

20. [A] strange    [B] strong    [C] vulnerable    [D] valuable

Section II  Reading Comprehension

Part A

Directions: Read the following four texts. Answer the questions after each text by choosing A, B, C or D. Mark your answers on the ANSWER SHEET. (40 points)

Text 1

Ask people about public libraries and a certain image springs to mind: dusty, old-fashioned, the sort of place you enjoyed as a child but, rather like a British seaside town, would you go there now? And anyway-aren’t they all closing?

The reality is startlingly different, as I discovered when the culture department commissioned me to conduct an independent review of English public libraries, published yesterday. As I visited libraries up and down the country, I was surprised to learn there are more than twice the number of libraries (2,892) as there are branches of McDonald’s.

Enter any one of them and you will find a hive of activity, while books are, and should always be, at the heart of any library, a multitude of other services are offered: employment advice, language classes or digital access and support.

There are libraries with business and intellectual property centres, which can help business owners and entrepreneurs. Many have nurses on site to carry out basic health checks, with a link to the GP’s surgery, there are libraries where young people can borrow a Fifa-standard football free.

In return for all of this, you’ll be asked for precisely nothing. There will be no charge and you will never be asked to justify or explain yourself, you will simply be welcomed in, offered help if you need it, and left alone if you do not. There is no other institution, public or private, that can say the same. Yet still our libraries are often overlooked and underappreciated. There is an overall decline in visits and many are struggling as local authorities come under continued financial pressure.

The number of libraries that have closed since 2010 is disputed. An annual survey by the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy puts it at nearly 800 across the UK; official statistics held by the Arts Council record 230 in England. It is, of course, 230 libraries too many. So if we are to protect our libraries for future generations, we must raise awareness of them and the work they do.

The review recommends a national branding campaign to give libraries a stronger physical presence, the reintroduction of a scheme to enable members to use their card in any library in the country, and automatic memberships for children. If we don’t use them, we will end up losing them. And for those who haven’t been to a library for some time, they may be surprised by what they find.

21. What was the author commissioned to do about English public libraries?

A. Document their valuable traditions.

B. Make a plan for their expansions.

C. Obtain reader opinions on them.

D. Look into their current situation.

22. According to Paragraphs 3 & 4, the author finds that libraries

A. boast desirable book collections

B. keep detailed visitor records

C. perform diversified functions

D. attract mostly young readers

23. It is implied in Paragraph 5 that libraries should ________.

A. be given greater attention

B. impose stricter visit limits

C. work with private institutions

D. get their equipment upgraded

24. The statistics mentioned in Paragraph 6 show _____.

A. the crisis faced by libraries

B. the advancement of libraries

C. the contributions of libraries

D. the flaws existing in libraries

25. Which of the following is suggested for libraries in the last paragraph?

A. Inviting public feedback.

B. Seeking adequate funding.

C. Improving user convenience.

D. Offering lifetime memberships.

Text 2

According to our research, around one in five workers in the UK talk to AI like a friend, looking for guidance on personal and professional problems. Our data shows that engaging with AI like this can leave us feeling heard and less isolated. But, with this newfound connection, many of us share sensitive, sometimes highly confidential informational, even though over a third of people don’t realise that AI platforms may not be very good at keeping our secrets.

For business, the implications are worrying. Consider Microsoft Copilot, for example. It gains Microsoft broad rights to the data inputted or outputted by any user—rights to use this data in any way it sees fit; it can even share it with third parties. This means that any way it sees fit, it can even share it with third parties. This means that any sensitive business information could potentially be exposed to the world. Employers are taking note and taking action. According to our
research, 25% have decided to either outright ban AI or regulate its use within their organisations. But even with these policies in place, some employees choose to break the rules. They have their reasons—around 63% of them report that using AI increases their productivity, and some even feel AI offers more help than their human colleagues.

The situation presents a delicate balance between leveraging AI for its productivity gains and risking confidential data exposure. Employers need to manage AI tools with the same level of care as any other form of data sharing or storage. There’s also a knowledge gap that needs to be addressed—40% of individuals surveyed are unsure about who retains ownership over the content produced by AI. By instilling best practices in AI engagement and creating policies that evolve with the technology, business can positively shift the AI landscape.

With AI’s potential to simplify our professional lives, do the admin and enhance the work experience. It’s up to us to navigate its usage cautiously so it supports us without compromising our privacy. There’s no need to back away from progress, as long as we’re equipped with the knowledge and tools to make sure AI remains a friend. And this is where the challenge lies. There are so many products out there, being promoted with huge advertising and marketing budgets, that it’s easy to fall victim. But by building a culture of digital responsibility within our business, we can create a future where AI can help us without spilling the beans.

26. According to Paragraph 1, workers’ engagement with Al can______.

A. facilitate their career progress

B. give them emotional support

C. help maintain their motivation

D. improve workplace communication

27. Microsoft Copilot is cited to show that the use of AI may ________.

A. pose a threat to businesses

B. generate unnecessary data

C. promote business cooperation

D. encourage information sharing

28. Some employees choose to break the rules on AI due to ________.

A. easy access to AI products

B. the desire to stay well-informed

C. its significant role in their work

D. the need to compete with others

29. To positively shift the AI landscape, businesses should ________.

A. increase the transparency of their data sources

B. prioritise the quality of AI-produced content

C. include employee perspectives in their rules

D. adjust their management to AI development

30. According to the last paragraph, we may easily fall victim to AI as we____.

A. have a limited understanding of it

B. underestimate its economic costs

C. tend to overemphasise its power

D. are excessively exposed to it

Text 3

Since the 2008 launch of the high-speed rail network between Rome and Milan, trains have become the preferred means of travel across Italy for locals and tourists alike. Fast trains can cover the 500km between the two cities in three hours. The network also connects Naples, Bologna, Florence and Turin. In many cases, it is the best option—in terms of travel time and cost—for both leisure and business travellers.

This is why the recent severe delays caused by numerous maintenance works have thrown the rail industry into chaos at a time when most people head on holiday, which matters for business in a country where tourism accounts for 10 percent of GDP.

Disruptions have become increasingly frequent with train delays now a fixture in Italian media coverage. Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane, the publicly controlled group that owns train operator Trenitalia and the national train network RFI, said 23 percent of all high-speed trains it operated were late in 2023.

The huge improvements in Italy’s obsolete infrastructure partly explained the disruption, said Ferrovie. RFI, the network operator, is the single largest European recovery fund beneficiary with planned investments of €24bn by 2026. Ferrovie will invest a total of €124bn in infrastructure over the next 10 years.

But lack of capacity is another problem. Transport economist Andrea Giuricin said the planned investments would bring improvements but disruptions in the meantime were inevitable. “We have a mixed system, there is no spare capacity and as soon as there’s a hiccup on the line, the situation becomes highly complex,” he said. A mixed system means that high-speed trains must travel on the regular tracks on certain routes or when passing through large cities. If there’s congestion or, for example, a local train breaks down, the entire high-speed network is affected.

One of the most important changes the upgrades will bring is the segregation of the high-speed line from the regular one in certain urban centres through the construction of underground rail links.

Improvements will also come from the high-density technology and satellite signalling that RFI has been investing in for years, say experts. It will allow for a reduction of the distance between high-speed trains travelling on the same line at any given time, which should mean a significant increase in capacity and traffic fluidity, according to Giuricin.

31. According to the first two paragraphs, the high-speed rail network in Italy ______.

A. is seen by tourists as outdated

B. is a popular option for travelling

C. is inadequately utilised by locals

D. is an example of good maintenance

32. Ferrovie is quoted in Paragraph 3 to show ______.

A. the common occurrence of train delays

B. the value of the Italian train network

C. the wide media coverage of trains

D. the high efficiency of Trenitalia

33. Which of the following is one cause of the disruptions in the network?

A. Complex train schedules.

B. Shortage of investments.

C. Its limited capacity.

D. Its massive scale.

34. It can be learned that the mixed system ______.

A. provides a wide choice of routes

B. requires extra operational spending

C. increases the level of travel comfort

D. puts the high-speed network in trouble

35. Improvements to the Italian train network will include ______.

A. reconstructing the regular train lines

B. shortening high-speed train intervals

C. building more stations in urban centres

D. enhancing the safety of high-speed trains

Text 4

In 2023, Chicago lost one of its most beloved street festivals. The Silver Room Block Party, staged by Hyde Park community leader Eric Williams, announced it would not return in 2024. What began as a small neighborhood gathering blossomed into a massive cultural event welcoming tens of thousands of people each year over nearly two decades before abruptly shutting down.

Williams pointed to rising production costs and declining attendee donations as primary reasons the Silver Room Block Party could not continue, highlighting a reality that all street festival organizers face right now. The cost of producing a street festival in Chicago has skyrocketed. Security, entertainment, portable restrooms, insurance and even basics such as fencing and staffing have all become significantly more expensive. At the same time, donations at festival gates have dropped dramatically.

Chicago’s summer festivals are about more than just entertainment; they are economic engines that directly benefit the neighborhoods they’re in and the city of Chicago as whole. Street festivals drive foot traffic to local businesses and foster the kind of cultural vibrancy that makes our city special.

We often hear people ask why we solicit donations at our entry points, especially when the city’s largest festivals like the Chicago Jazz Festival do not request donations. The fact is, unlike those large, city-produced music festivals, your neighborhood street festivals receive no city funding and rely on a combination of sponsorships, vendor fees and gate donations to cover their costs.

Wicker Park Fest has long been one of Chicago’s most anticipated summer festivals, drawing upward of 70,000 attendees for a full weekend of live indie music, local art, small business vendors and, most importantly, community connection. In 2024, Wicker Park Fest saw record-breaking attendance. Despite the turnout, gate donations reached their lowest point in our history. This year, we’ve been forced to scale back the footprint of the fest. We are eliminating a stage, booking fewer performers and making additional cuts to reduce our costs, all while striving to keep the festival as vibrant as ever, as supportive of local artists and businesses, and as true to Wicker Park’s unique spirit and reputation as festgoers have come to expect.

This summer, as you enjoy your favorite neighborhood street festival, I hope you’ll remember that they exist because of community support. A thriving summer festival season doesn’t happen by accident; It happens when we all chip in.

36. It can be learned from Paragraph 1 that the Silver Room Block Party ______.

A. has been replaced by other festivals

B. has gained great international fame

C. was held in various neighborhoods

D. was an appealing cultural gathering

37. One reality street festival organizers face is that ______.

A. they are unable to use the donations wisely

B. they are unable to get sufficient facilities

C. they have to tackle financial difficulties

D. they have to step up security measures

38. According to Paragraphs 3 & 4, Chicago's street festivals ________.

A. reflect typical urban lifestyles

B. are funded by the government

C. contribute to the local economy

D. are famous for their music shows

39. It is implied that the organizers of Wicker Park Fest have to ______.

A. count on amateur artists’ participation

B. reduce the number of performances

C. give up its most prominent feature

D. collaborate with large businesses

40. The author holds that the future of street festivals depends on ________.

A. the variety of activities

B. the generosity of attendees

C. the reputation of neighborhoods

D. the management of expenditures

Part B

Directions: Read the following text and match each of the numbered items in the left column to its corresponding information in the right column. There are two extra choices in the right column. Mark your answers on the ANSWER SHEET. (10 points)

In an effort to support restoration programmes, specialists are developing supplies of seeds and seedlings, maintaining gene banks and sequencing the genomes of indigenous trees and other crops. Their work deals with one of the problems that could block major restoration efforts in different parts of the world.

“Where’s the planting material going to come from? That’s one big bottleneck,” says genetic-resources specialist Rami Jannadass.

Asia is arguably the region most neglected by global efforts to increase diversity in restoration and to study native species.

Christopher Kettle, Bioversity International’s director for forest genetic resources and restoration in Rome, says that the need for infrastructure—things such as mechanisms for collecting and storing seeds, and nurseries to raise seedlings—is acute here. Many Asian countries lack the systems to source, store and distribute native seeds at scale, which limits the success of restoration projects.

For example, in parts of Southeast Asia, restoration initiatives often rely on a narrow range of fast-growing tree species, rather than the diverse native species that would support local ecosystems. This is partly because native seeds are hard to obtain: there are few community-led seed collection groups, and national seed centres often focus on commercial tree species rather than those suited to ecological restoration.

In Africa, the challenges are different but no less severe. While some countries have established community seed banks, many lack the funding to maintain them or train staff. NGOs often step in to provide free seeds to farmers, but this can discourage the growth of local commercial seed suppliers—making the system less sustainable in the long term.

Latin America, by contrast, has seen more collaboration between governments, NGOs and private companies. In countries like Brazil, partnerships between seed producers and restoration groups have helped to scale up the supply of native seeds. However, even here, genetic diversity remains a concern: many restoration projects use seeds from a small number of sources, which can reduce the resilience of restored ecosystems.

Overall, specialists agree that there is no one-size-fits-all solution. What works in Latin America may not suit Asia or Africa. The key, they say, is to build local capacity: training communities to collect and store seeds, supporting small-scale nurseries, and creating policies that value genetic diversity in restoration efforts. Only then can the bottleneck of planting material be truly addressed.

\begin{array}{|c|c|} \hline 41. \text{Ramni Jamnadass} & \begin{aligned} \text{A. People must pay attention to the fact that some kinds of trees do not produce seeds annually.} \\ \end{aligned} \\ \hline 42. \text{Christopher Kettle} & \begin{aligned} \text{B. Soil is an important element to be taken into account in forest restoration.} \\ \end{aligned} \\ \hline 43. \text{John Stanturf} & \begin{aligned} \text{C. The purpose of restoration efforts may be different from the real needs of the people involved.} \\ \hdashline \text{D. Human factors, as well as trees planted, should be emphasized in forest restoration.} \end{aligned} \\ \hline 44. \text{Pedro Brancalion} & \begin{aligned} \text{E. The supply of seeds is a tough problem that has to be dealt with.} \\ \hdashline \text{F. When it comes to restoration, we have to stay with an awareness of whose interests to serve.} \end{aligned} \\ \hline 45. \text{Robin Chazdono} & \begin{aligned} \text{G. Some creatures in the forest that multiply fear can become a great threat to forest restoration.} \\ \end{aligned} \\ \hline \end{array}

（请将41-45题的答案填入下方的输入框，不区分大小写）

Section III  Translation

46. Directions: Translate the following text into Chinese. Write your translation on the ANSWER SHEET. (15 points)

The influence of wearables on psychology refers to how the clothes we wear affect on thoughts, feeling, and behaviors. Clothing is not just about covering our bodies; it plays a significant role in shaping our self-perception and interactions with others.

One aspect of this influence is self-expression. The clothes we choose can reflect our personality, mood, and identity. Whether we opt for bold, colorful outfits or prefer more understated styles, our dress choices convey messages about who we are and how we want to be perceived. Additionally, clothing can impact our confidence, it can positively affect our self-esteem and overall mood.

Moreover, cultural and social influences play a significant role in shaping our dress choices. Different cultures have their norms and expectations regarding dress, which can influence the types of clothing people wear and the meanings attributed to them.

Section IV Writing

Part A

47. Directions: Suppose your friend Jack has shared with you a video of his family’s travel in China. Write an email to tell him

1) how you feel about the video, and
2) your wish to learn more about their travel.

Write your answer in about 100 words on the ANSWER SHEET.

Do not use your own name in your email; use “Li Ming” instead. (10 points)

Directions: Suppose your friend Jack has shared with you a video of his family’s travel in China. Write an email to tell him

1) how you feel about the video, and
2) your wish to learn more about their travel.

Part B

48. Directions:

Write an essay based on the chart below. In your essay, you should

1) describe and interpret the chart, and
2) give your comments.

Write your answer in about 150 words on the ANSWER SHEET. (15 points)

（图表内容：标题：某项关于儿童户外运动看法的调查，图表包含的项目及对应占比：满足好奇心：54.60%，促进观察力：54.50%，强身健体：37.20%，增强亲子互动：33.20%）