Beijing's unique cultural identity attracted record tourists to new heights in 2024, most of whom (drive) in part by the popularity of its newly listed UNESCO World Heritage Central Axis (轴). Following its (include) on the world heritage list, visits rose significantly the central axis becoming a must visit for both domestic and international tourists.

The Beijing Central Axis, (stretch) 7.8 kilometers from the Yongding Gate in the south to the Drum and Bell Towers in the north, was constructed based on ancient architectural philosophies (shape) and define an ideal layout for a capital city then. The Central Axis dates back to the Yuan Dynasty, while its length was extended in the Ming and Qing dynasties. It is an epitome (缩影)of traditional city design, in the central position is the emphasis, indicating the purpose of constructing social order and standardizing social life through the city layout. It is also the (grand) and best preserved city central axis around the world, and a model for the development of a mature Chinese capital.

Although Beijing's cultural heritage remained central to (it) tourism appeal last year, previously visited as stand-alone sites, these landmarks now (collective) draw crowds as part of the "Citywalk" experience, offering tourists new perspective on Beijing's history and culture.

But this picture of curiosity is incomplete. Consider the appeal of murder-mystery movies, where viewers enjoy the suspense rather than rushing to the ending. This reflects a different flavor of curiosity — one enjoys the journey of discovery rather than demanding quick answers. A study published in National Academy of Sciences explains that while curiosity can drive an urgent desire for answers, it can also set people up for moments of discovery.

In the study, more than 2,000 people watched short videos of animated (动画) lines gradually forming shapes online. While watching each video, the participants reported how curious they were about what the drawing would become, how confident they felt about their prediction and how joyful or frustrated they felt with their curiosity changing as a video progressed. They were also given the choice to either keep watching the videos slowly unfold or skip to the end. Interestingly, greater curiosity motivated people to slow down and continue watching to experience the winding path to resolution, greatly avoiding early answers.

The findings differ from the previous studies because watching events unfold over time may be more engaging than simply wanting a missing answer. Further, curiosity may be more enduring (耐久的) when people assume that answers are on the way. When opportunities to seek information are abundant, curiosity may favor its patient accumulation. However, when waiting appears unproductive, individuals turn to immediate resolutions.

The finding underlines the complexity of curiosity, opening avenues for new explorations. Learning new things can be tough, but harnessing curiosity can help us enjoy the process of learning and delight in overcoming challenges, much like solving a detective story.

Event Certification Requirements

For an official marathon, it must be greater than or equal to 26 miles 385 yards (42.195 km). If the course is not certified, the Race Director must provide documentation showing how the course was measured, including at least two measurements using an odometer (里程表) or GPS.

Major Governing Bodies

◎ IAU: International Association of Ultrarunners

The IAU is the global governing body for ultramarathon events. Founded in 1984, it works closely with World Athletics to regulate races that exceed the traditional marathon distance.

◎ WA: World Athletics

Formerly known as the IAAF(International Association of Athletics Federations), World Athletics is the global governing authority for all track and field, road running, and race walking events.

◎ ITRA: International Trail Running Association

While the IAU and WA mostly govern road ultras and timed events, ITRA focuses on the wild world of trail ultrarunning. Founded in 2013, ITRA fills a crucial gap by creating standards specific to trail races.

International Events

If an event involves multiple countries, the portion of the route in the host country must make up at least 50% of the total distance to be counted. The participant must provide written assurance to the Race Director.

Race Results and Documentation

Participants are encouraged to maintain proof of event completion, such as a finisher's certificate or medal. If an event allows early starts, the Race Director must ensure that the time for early starters is properly recorded.

I like things to balance, partly because of my name, "Ava." When something bothers me, I try to balance the bad with the good. That's why I don't mind being the tallest kid in third grade.

Bad: Have to stand in the back row of my class picture.

Good: Can reach the books on the top library shelf.

Bad: Everyone always points out how tall I am.

Good: Sometimes I want people to notice me. So it balances.

One day, a new girl, Ava Zafra, comes to school, and she's the shortest kid in third grade. Now everyone calls me "Ava J." and the new girl "Ava Z." I thought if we had the same name, maybe we were alike. During art class, I paint a kitten sliding down a rainbow. Ava Z. paints her shoes black. She shouts, "I am an alien hunter! Fear me!" We aren't alike.

During a break, Samir yells, "Over there, Ava!" When I look at Samir, he shakes his head. "Not you, Big Ava. I meant Little Ava." From then on, I'm not just Ava. I'm not even Ava J. — I'm Big Ava. I try to think of something good about being big, but I can't remember anything good.

The next day, Ms. Wu has a surprise. "Everyone, let's draw to pick the speaking roles for our class play!" she announces. "It's called Clever Jack. He rescues a princess from a giant with the help of a wood fairy."

       The fairy! Maybe I can wear my fairy costume. I cross my fingers when she picks the name. "The fairy will be Ava Z.," Ms. Wu says. Then, she pulls one more name from the jar and looks at me. "Ava. J. will be the giant." My heart sinks. The ugly, scary giant? My only line is, "ARRGH!" I hate yelling! I don't want to be too big!

Our class rehearses (排练) until we know every line. The day before the play, we try on our costumes. When it's my turn, Ms. Wu drops a burlap (麻布) robe over my head. I am an ugly, scary giant.

I run to the bathroom, so no one will see my cry. I'm not alone.

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。

Little Ava is there, and she's crying, too.

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"Ready to exchange?" asks Little Ava.

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1. 陈述看法；2.提出建议。

注意： 1.写作词数为80左右；2. 请按如下格式在答题纸的相应位置作答。

How to Tell Stories of China in English as a Group

Good morning, everyone!

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Thanks for your listening!

The over-21-kilometer half marathon course struck a perfect balance: challenging yet doable for runners of all levels. There were machine competitors (compete) in the world's first humanoid robot half marathon, held in the Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area (BDA) in the southeast of the city. silicon racers would soon compete on the same physical route as human runners, though on separate tracks.

"Think of it a car rally (汽车拉力赛) for robots," said Liang Liang, deputy director of the BDA management committee. The rules of the humanoid robot half marathon were closely like of a car rally, Liang noted. Teams combined AI autonomy with human oversight, dealing with (challenge) no machine had quite faced before: uneven pavements, communication drops the unpredictability of the outdoors.

"The event (serve) as a testing and demonstration platform, but more importantly, as a space for (develop), enthusiasts and companies to exchange ideas," Liang said.

At the Beijing E-Town half marathon, the Tien Kung Ultra robot developed by the Beijing Humanoid Robot Innovation Center crossed the finish line in just 2 hours and 40 minutes. Noetix's N2 came in second, while a robot designed by Shanghai-based firm DroidUp (secure) third place.

Isn't the organizers' motto, "To compete is victory, to finish is glory," (fill) with Akhwari's story? Every small step these robots took on the marathon course represented a giant leap for China's technological breakthroughs.

One thing that most of us will agree on is that there is a lot of "stuff" in the world. And with environmental and economic concerns on our minds, wouldn't it make sense if we could share things between us a bit more? Sharing libraries offer useful items to local people, who are able to borrow and return them, free of charge or for a very low fee.

These collections tend to focus on common things that we all need, but which we don't use constantly. This saves on the environmental impact of producing the items by reducing the demand for new things.

For families, financial barriers can mean that things like toys or comfortable clothing can be knocked down the priorities list. But these libraries create a sense of equality in the community, meaning that individuals don't need to go without.

There are several ways to find out where your closest sharing library is. It maps 50 libraries across the UK. But if your area isn't listed by those sites, don't give up hope. Some communities will set up smaller, informal versions of these libraries — for example, street WhatsApp groups where people ask if anyone on the road has the thing they're looking to borrow, or local pass-it-on groups. Attend the Network's online workshops to learn more about sharing libraries and how to set one up for themselves.

In a world where we're encouraged to continue to collect more and more stuff, sharing libraries are taking a stand for the environment and for our personal finances. So, next time you find yourself in need of something handy, consider looking for a way to borrow it.
 

A. Still no luck?

B. If unlisted, search locally.

C. At the core of sharing libraries is greater access.

D. This is the fundamental idea behind sharing libraries.

E. This concept challenges traditional ownership models.

F. Start by checking the UK Sharing Libraries Network website.

G. It'll be easy on the planet, easy on your pocket, and great for the community.

This sad story became widely discussed. Sigmund Freud and modern scientists studied this idea. In 2015, an award-winning short film called Henry retold this story.

How does this apply to real life? Most people remember being hurt by close relationships – broken friendships, family conflicts, or romantic betrayals. Since these connections matter deeply, their damage hurts more. Should we stop trusting others? Schopenhauer said yes, but science would say otherwise.

A study in PLOS Medicine reviewing 148 studies with over 300,000 people found those with strong social connections live 50% longer. The National Institute on Aging warns that loneliness harms health as much as smoking 15 cigarettes daily — making Schopenhauer's advice concerning.

When hurt repeatedly, people often fall into defense mode. Relationship expert Hilary Sanders explains common defense behaviors: going silent during arguments, seeing normal comments as criticism, or overreacting to small issues. These reactions often start in childhood. If parents often criticized or classmates bullied someone, they might develop habits like pretending not to care or getting angry easily. While these helped survive childhood pain, they cause problems in adult relationships when used unconsciously.

The good news is people can change. Through therapy, many learn to recognize their defense patterns and understand their origins. Couples can improve relationships by learning each other's emotional triggers and responding thoughtfully instead of arguing. However, Sanders warns that defenses shouldn't be removed suddenly — it's like taking down a wall brick by brick.

Although Schopenhauer focused on the pain of closeness, the hedgehog story actually shows our deep need for connection. Unlike real hedgehogs, humans aren't born with physical spines. By carefully lowering our defenses around trustworthy people, we might truly enjoy both warmth and safety in relationships.