任务型阅读（共 10 小题，每小题 1 分，满分 10 分）
Thanksgiving day is celebrated mainly in America and Canada. Much like the annual harvest festivals celebrated in other countries throughout the world, Thanksgiving Day was meant to pay our homage to the Almighty for this bountiful harvest. While the purpose and origin of the concept remains the same, the day of its celebration differs from country to country. In the United States, the holiday is celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November while in Canada (which has an early harvest cycle and season), the holiday is observed on the second Monday in October, known as the Columbus Day. Much like the Christian Thanksgiving day, it is celebrated with pomp and show.
Since 1930, the end of Thanksgiving season marks the beginning of Christmas shopping season. In Canada, Thanksgiving holiday lasts for only three days but the time period may vary in the US. Let's have a look at the brief history of Thanksgiving in North America, U.S. and Canada:
In North America: Thanksgiving Day was first celebrated on September 8, 1565 in St. Augustine when Pedro Menendez de Aviles and his men shared a feast with the natives. After that Pilgrims held a three days feast to make merriment on their enormous harvest.
In United States: The immigrants who sailed to this country aboard the Mayflower were basically members of the English Separatist Church (a Puritan sect). They took shelter in Netherlands but soon were disgusted by their lifestyle. They settled in United States with a desire for a better lifestyle. But their beginning was horrendous. The climate was unfavorable and many of them died. But in 1621 they hard turmoil bore fruits for them as there was a huge harvest. They celebrated it with a feast with 91 Indians who had helped them during their harsh times.
Thanksgiving was celebrated after that at irregular intervals until Franklin Roosevelt, had set it one week to the next-to-last Thursday of November in order keeping an eye on commercial benefits as Christmas was nearby. Allegations were brought against this decision, which made the President to move Thanksgiving back to its original date two years later. And in 1941, Thanksgiving was finally set by Congress as a legal holiday, as the fourth Thursday in November.
In Canada: Probably the Americans who migrated to Canada after American Independence brought with them the practices of Thanksgiving. Initially it was celebrated in English Canadian Society but later it became a countrywide practice. Formally, Canadian Thanksgiving Day was celebrated on April 5, 1872 on behalf of the Prince of Wales' recovery from illness. Innumerable transformations took place before the date of celebration finally settled on the second Monday in October in 1957.
阅读下列短文，根据短文内容填空。在未给提示词的空白处仅填写1个恰当的单词，在给出提示词的空白处用括号内所给词的正确形式填空。
Slowing down can contribute significantly to personal growth. Taking the time （1） （rest）allows us to develop a deeper sense of （2） （self-aware）. When we slow down, we create space to reflect on our thoughts and emotions, which helps us identify important areas of our lives and （3） （give）us the opportunity to make right choices. To practise this, we need to establish clear （4） （boundary）in our personal and professional life.
阅读下列短文，根据短文内容填空。在未给提示词的空白处仅填写1个恰当的单词，在给出提示词的空白处用括号内所给词的正确形式填空。
When （1） （travel）, we engage with cultures and experiences. However, according to a report by the World Wildlife Fund, tourists （2） （leave）over 1.3 billion tons of food waste last year, （3） accounted for about 8% of the total global gas release in 2024. To reduce our impact, we can take simple steps: empty the fridge before heading out, and choose sustainable dining options. These efforts help us travel more responsibly. After all, exploring the world shouldn’t come （4） the planet’s expense.
阅读下列短文，根据短文内容填空。在未给提示词的空白处仅填写1个恰当的单词，在给出提示词的空白处用括号内所给词的正确形式填空。
When was the last time you took on a tough choice? Maybe this morning you debated whether to get up or stay in bed slightly （1） （long）. Making choices is part of life. By the time you brushed your teeth, you （2） （make）several decisions even without noticing. Some choices are quick, while others take more thought. Usually, better outcomes （3） （achieve）through a thorough understanding of strategies like risk tolerance.
阅读下列短文，根据短文内容填空。在未给提示词的空白处仅填写1个恰当的单词，在给出提示词的空白处用括号内所给词的正确形式填空。
Most days after school, I love walking in the forest with my dog Nick. It’s （1） （peace）, especially around sunset. Nick has a fun time smelling the leaves and running after rabbits. When Nick runs ahead, I hear him barking excitedly. I sometimes call him back, worried that he might have someone （2） （scare）. The truth, though, is （3） could be guessed——there’s never anyone else here. Just me, Nick, and the quiet forest.
阅读下面短文, 在空白处填入 1个适当的单词或括号内单词的正确形式。
Chinese cultural elements commemorating（纪念）Tang Xianzu, （1） is known as “the Shakespeare of Asia,” add an international character to Stratford-upon-Avon, William Shakespeare’s hometown.
Tang and Shakespeare were contemporaries and both died in 1616. Although they could never have met, there are common （2） （theme）in their works, said Paul Edmondson, head of research for the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust. “Some of the things that Tang was writing about （3） （be）also Shakespeare’s concerns. I happen to know that Tang’s play The Peony Pavilion（《牡丹亭》）is similar in some ways （4） Romeo and Juliet.”
A statue commemorating Shakespeare and Tang was put up at Shakespeare’s Birthplace Garden in 2017. Two years later, a six-meter-tall pavilion, （5） （inspire）by The Peony Pavilion, （6） （build）at the Firs Garden, just ten minutes’ walk from Shakespeare’s birthplace.
Those cultural elements have increased Stratford’s international （7） （visible）, said Edmondson, adding that visitors walking through the Birthplace Garden were often amazed （8） （find）the connection between the two great writers.
（9） （recall）watching a Chinese opera version of Shakespeare’s play Richard III in Shanghai and meeting Chinese actors who came to Stratford a few years ago to perform parts of The Peony Pavilion, Edmondson said, “It was very exciting to hear the Chinese language （10） see how Tang’s play was being performed.”