英 语
全卷满分150分，考试时间120分钟。
第一部分 听力（共两节，满分30分）
第一节（共5小题；每小题1.5分，满分7.5分）
听下面5段对话。每段对话后有一个小题，从题中所给的A、B、C三个选项中选出最佳选项。听每段对话前，你将有5秒钟的时间阅读有关小题；听完后，各小题将给出5秒钟的作答时间。每段对话读两遍。
例：How much is the shirt
A. 19.15. B. 9.18. C. 9.15.
答案是C。
1. When is the first train to London tomorrow
A. At 5:00. B. At 5:15. C. At 6:00.
2. Why is the woman late for class
A. Her bike broke down. B. There was heavy traffic. C. She missed the school bus.
3. Where does this conversation probably take place
A. In a bookstore. B. On the street. C. At a school office.
4. What will the speakers do this weekend
A. Go shopping together. B. Visit their grandparents. C. Help paint the living room.
5. What are the speakers talking about
A. An illness. B. An athlete. C. A sport.
第二节（共15小题；每小题1.5分，满分22.5分）
听下面5段对话或独白。每段对话或独白后有几个小题，从题中所给的A、B、C三个选项中选出最佳选项。听每段对话或独白前，你将有时间阅读各个小题，每小题5秒钟；听完后，各小题将给出5秒钟的作答时间。每段对话或独白读两遍。
听第6段材料，回答第6、7题。
6. What is the project about
A. Making art from old items. B. Designing eco-friendly plastics. C. Making use of recycling things.
7. How does the girl feel at the end of the conversation
A. Interested. B. Surprised. C. Nervous.
听第7段材料，回答第8至10题。
8. What’s wrong with the boy’s headphones
A. Only one side works. B. They make no sound at all. C. The sound stops sometimes.
9. What does the mother suggest doing with the headphones first
A. Buying new ones. B. Trying to repair them. C. Borrowing from a friend.
10. What condition does the mother set
A. He must use it properly.
B. He must pay half the cost.
C. He must return it afterward.
听第8段材料，回答第11至13题。
11. Where can students work according to the notice
A. In the library. B. At the student store. C. In the cafeteria.
12. What is the requirement for applying
A. Taking a training lesson. B. Getting parents’ permission. C. Being available every day.
13. What is the probable relationship between the speakers
A. Teacher and student. B. Manager and customer. C. Classmates.
听第9段材料，回答第14至17题。
14. What is the woman’s opinion on her performance
A. Satisfying. B. Surprising. C. Disappointing.
15. How far did the woman run every day during primary school
A.8 miles. B.10 miles. C.16 miles.
16. When did the woman begin to participate in lots of competitions
A. At primary school. B. At middle school. C. At college.
17. What does the woman think of running
A. It’s quite enjoyable. B. It’s rather encouraging. C. It’s really hard.
听第10段材料，回答第18至20题。
18. What is the man doing
A. Making an announcement. B. Introducing a cooking program. C. Sharing a personal experience.
19. Why did Daniel decide to help with cooking
A. He wanted to surprise his mother. B. His father asked him to learn life skills.
C. He realized his family’s financial pressure.
20. What change has Daniel noticed at home
A. His sister helps with homework. B. They eat out less but connect more.
C. His dad has returned to work full-time.
第二部分 阅读（共两节，满分50分）
第一节（共15小题；每小题2.5分，满分37.5分）
阅读下列短文，从每题所给的A、B、C、D四个选项中选出最佳选项。
A
Thank you for choosing our Mini Portable Projector! Follow these simple steps to set up and enjoy your home cinema experience.
1. Charging
Before first use, charge the projector to the greatest degree. Connect the provided USB-C cable to the charging port and a power adapter. The indicator light will turn red during charging and green when fully charged.
2. Power On &Focus
Press and hold the power button for 3 seconds to turn on the projector. To adjust image clarity, rotate the focus wheel around the lens until the picture is sharp.
3. Connecting Devices
You can connect your smartphone, laptop, or tablet.
HDMI Connection: Use an HDMI cable (included) for a stable connection.
Wireless Screen Mirroring: For iOS/Android devices, go to your device’s settings, select “Screen Mirroring”, and choose“MiniProjector_X1”from the list.
4. Basic Troubleshooting
No Power Please check if the device is properly charged.
Blurry Image Adjust the focus wheel manually.
No Signal Ensure the correct input source (e.g.,HDMI) is selected on the projector’s menu.
5. Important Notes
Do not look directly into the projectors while it is on, as the strong light can harm your eyes.
Always place the projector on a stable and flat surface.
Keep the device away from water and extreme heat.
For more detailed information, please scan the QR code on the box to view the full manual online.
21. What should users do before first using the projector
A. Connect it to a Wi-Fi network. B. Fully charge the device.
C. Turn it on to test. D. Adjust the focus wheel.
22. How can a user connect an iPhone to the projector wirelessly
A. By using the included HDMI cable. B. By rotating the focus wheel carefully.
C. Through the Screen Mirroring function. D. Through Bluetooth in the phone’s settings.
23. What is the text possibly from
A.A user guide. B. An advertisement. C.A movie review. D.A science report.
B
I wish I could talk to you, the girl with sweaty palms in your Stanford dorm, wondering if you’d made a mistake. You were a high school star, but now you’re hitting terribly, and the game you love feels like a stranger. You’re thinking about quitting. I’m here to tell you don’t. This struggle isn’t a sign that you’re not good enough; it’s you becoming great. This failure is a gift, even if it’s wrapped in sandpaper now.
Remember “three strikes, and you were out” You walked back to the dugout(休息区), cheeks burning, wishing to disappear. You felt you’d let everyone down. What you couldn’t see was that each of those moments was building a layer of toughness. That very failure would teach you more about anticipation and pitch selection than a hundred wins ever could.
And all those days you cried in the changing room, wondering why your hard work wasn’t paying off You had to learn to trust the process even when you saw no progress. The swing you built in the dark would one day send a ball flying under the Olympic lights. When pressure felt suffocating(令人窒息), and the team relied on you, it was the memory of that struggling girl—the one who failed and wanted to quit—that became your foundation. She reminded you that your worth wasn’t in a single hit, but in the courage to step up to the plate again and again.
So, to the girl I used to be, with all your doubts: thank you. Thank you for not quitting. You weren’t collecting failures. You were gathering the tools you needed to win a gold medal and to later understand the game with empathy. The real gift wasn’t the medal; it was the journey that brought you there.
24. What was the author’s main problem when she first entered Stanford
A. She lost all interest in softball. B. She suffered from a serious illness.
C. Her athletic performance declined. D. She failed in her academic studies.
25. Why does the author mention the experience in Paragraph 2
A. To explain the rules of baseball. B. To describe her teammates’ support.
C. To prove mistakes are common in sports. D. To show how failure builds mental strength.
26. What does the author mean by saying “the swing you built in the dark”
A. A basic move learned early on. B. A moment of sudden inspiration.
C. Skills grown through unseen efforts. D. A strategy developed through research.
27. Why did the author choose to write to her younger self
A. To reflect on how her goals changed. B. To give meaning to her past struggles.
C. To express regret about her sports career. D. To stress the competitiveness of college sports.
C
Finland has integrated “Phenomenon-Based Learning”(PhBL) into its national curriculum(课程) ,a shift credited with enhancing its global educational standing. This innovative approach prepares students for future by moving beyond traditional subject boundaries, promoting a more comprehensive understanding of the world.
In a PhBL classroom, learning is centered on exploring complex, real-world phenomena such as “climate change” or “the European Union”. Students do not learn subjects like history or science in isolation. Instead, they work collaboratively in teams, conducting authentic research, analyzing information from various angles, and communicating with field experts. Here, the teacher acts primarily as a facilitator and guide, rather than a sole lecturer. This interactive process is designed to naturally cultivate essential 21st-century skills: critical thinking, creativity, communication, and collaboration.
Rooted in constructivism, PhBL posits that students build knowledge actively. They start with a real-world challenge, then gather, interpret, and combined data before proposing viable solutions. This makes the learning experience hands-on and meaningful. The final outcome is often a comprehensive project or a detailed portfolio that demonstrates their problem-solving abilities and practical application of knowledge.
Technology plays a crucial role in this model. Finnish schools view educational technology as a powerful tool for inquiry, not an end in itself. Students utilize(利用)digital resources-including videos, online databases. This shift towards diverse digital sources is reshaping learning materials, potentially leading to the demise of traditional textbooks as students are no longer limited to a single source of information.
Ultimately, by encouraging students to actively investigate the world and tackle its problems, PhBL makes learning deeply meaningful. It aims to create lifelong learners who can adeptly use integrated knowledge and technology to address global issues. It is this vision of engaged, applicable education that makes PhBL so effective and has captured the attention of educators worldwide.
28. What is a key feature of PhBL in Finland
A. It focuses on the deep learning of a single subject.
B. It requires students to learn without teachers’ guidance.
C. It mainly uses technology to deliver traditional lectures.
D. It breaks the subject boundaries to explore real-world topics.
29. How does the author develop the idea of PhBL in Paragraph 2
A. By giving examples. B. By telling a story.
C. By presenting data. D. By quoting opinions.
30. What does the underlined word “demise” in Paragraph 4 most probably mean
A. End. B. Recovery. C. Survival. D. Popularity.
31. What is the author’s attitude toward PhBL
A. Doubtful. B. Supportive. C. Neutral. D. Critical.
D
We often think of our environment in terms of what we see, but the sounds that surround us—the “soundscape”—hold profound power over our emotions and physical health. This sonic environment includes everything from the calming, rhythmic crash of ocean waves to the chaotic, stressful roar of city traffic and the hum of office electronics. Each of these sonic elements can trigger powerful, immediate biological and emotional responses, influencing our state of mind without our conscious awareness.
A growing body of research confirms that natural sounds are particularly restorative. Listening to birdsong or a stream can lower heart rates and reduce stress hormones, aiding mental recovery. In contrast, chronic exposure to noise pollution, like traffic rumble, is linked to increased risks of heart disease, sleep problems, and difficulty concentrating.
However, the impact of a soundscape isn’t purely physical or universal; it is also deeply psychological and cultural. As Dr. Eleanor Vance, an acoustic ecologist, explains, the perception of sound is highly subjective. A sound that is annoying to one person might be comforting to another. For instance, the distant whistle of a train might evoke feelings of loneliness or disruption for some, yet it could trigger fond childhood memories of travel or home for others. This personal and cultural filter(过滤) means that our individual histories and backgrounds fundamentally shape how we interpret and are affected by the sounds around us.
This expanding understanding is now driving a global movement to intentionally design healthier acoustic environments. Urban planners and architects are increasingly using “soundscaping” techniques.
This goes beyond simple noise reduction. It involves creating more urban parks with water features whose sound masks traffic noise, implementing designated quiet zones, and using specific building materials to absorb unwanted sound. The goal is not to create absolute silence, but to cultivate a balanced mix of sounds that promotes well-being. By becoming more aware of the sound around us, we can take meaningful steps to create sonic environments that nourish, rather than harm, our quality of life.
32. What is the function of the first paragraph
A. To lead in urban noise pollution. B. To compare natural and urban sounds.
C. To explain how human’s hearing works. D. To introduce soundscapes and their effects.
33. What can be learned from Dr. Vance’s explanation
A. Urban noise usually leads to health problems.
B. Natural sounds universally produce calming effects.
C. The perception of sound is shaped by personal background.
D. Sound’s impact is primarily a physiological reaction.
34. What is the goal of the “soundscaping” movement
A. To create perfect silence. B. To remove all man-made sounds.
C. To use nature recordings everywhere. D. To create a harmonious sound environment.
35. What is the best title for the text
A. Soundscapes: The Pursuit of Quietness B. Soundscapes: The Problem of Urban Noise
C. Soundscapes: Shaping Health and Experience D. Soundscapes: The Healing Power of Nature
第二节（共5小题；每小题2.5分，满分12.5分）
阅读下面短文，从短文后的选项中选出可以填入空白处的最佳选项。选项中有两项为多余选项。
How to Manage Your Allowance Wisely
Learning how to manage your allowance is your first step toward financial responsibility. It’s not just about having money to spend; it’s about developing smart habits that will help you achieve your goals and avoid unnecessary stress. 36 By following a few simple steps, you can take control of your money instead of letting it control you.
First, create a budget. Think of it as a plan for your money. Start by tracking your income and expenses for a couple of weeks. 37 This will clearly show you where your money is actually going. With this information, you can create a realistic budget that divides your allowance into categories like saving, spending, and perhaps even giving.
38 Needs are things you must have, like school supplies or lunch money. Wants are things you desire but can live without, like the latest video game or a new skateboard. When you are aware of this difference, you can make smarter spending choices and avoid impulse buys that you might regret later.
Another crucial habit is to pay yourself first. 39 This ensures you are consistently building savings for future goals, whether it’s a new bike, a college fund, or just a safety net. A good goal is to save at least 10—15% of your allowance.
Finally, review your budget regularly. Your needs and wants will change over time. Maybe you have a new goal or your income has increased. 40 A budget is not a fixed rule but a flexible tool that should grow with you. Sticking to your plan will give you a great sense of accomplishment and financial freedom.
A. Without a clear plan, your money might disappear without a trace.
B. The ultimate goal is to learn self-control and the real value of money.
C. A key part of budgeting is learning to distinguish between needs and wants.
D. Adjust your budget accordingly to reflect these changes in your financial life.
E. Many apps can help you visualize your spending with simple charts and graphics.
F. This means setting aside a portion for savings as soon as you receive your allowance.
G. For example, you might make a list of how much you spend on snacks or entertainment.
第三部分 语言运用（共两节，满分30分）
第一节（共15小题；每小题1分，满分15分）
阅读下面短文，从每题所给的A、B、C、D四个选项中选出可以填入空白处的最佳选项。
The vacant land on Elm Street had been an eyesore for years—a patch of weeds and forgotten furniture. For Mrs. Agatha, who had lived in her house opposite the land for forty years, it was a daily 41 of how the neighborhood had changed, becoming a place where neighbors were 42
One spring day, a leaflet 43 in her mailbox “Let’s Grow Together! A community garden meeting this Saturday. All are 44 .” Another silly idea, Mrs. Agatha 45 . But with little else to do, she decided to go. To her surprise, the meeting was 46 .There were young families, students, and a few other long-time residents. A young woman named Maria, who had just 47 , addressed the meeting. “We can turn that 48 into something beautiful,” she 49 , “a place for everyone."
The next weekend, dozens of neighbors showed up with gloves and 50 .As they worked together, pulling weeds and hauling away trash, something remarkable happened. People started 51 , recommending their favorite plants, and laughed together. Mrs. Agatha slowly found her old passion 52 .She even offered advice to young parents who had never grown anything before.
Months later, the land was 53 . Neat rows of vegetables and various flowers flourished. But the true harvest was not just the tomatoes and peas; it was the sense of 54 that had blossomed in that once-empty space. The garden became a natural gathering spot. Mrs. Agatha, once so isolated, now knew everyone by name. She was no longer just a neighbor; she was a friend, a teacher, and a vital part of a living, 55 community.
41. A. mark B. symbol C. image D. reminder
42. A. partners B. strangers C. friends D. coworkers
43. A. appeared B. landed C. remained D. dropped
44. A. invited B. present C. welcome D. allowed
45. A. smiled B. nodded C. sighed D. proved
46. A. full B. diverse C. noisy D. completed
47. A. passed by B. looked around C. moved in D. broke up
48. A. corner B. meeting C. dream D. space
49. A. whispered B. argued C. demanded D. added
50. A. tools B. equipment C. machines D. devices
51. A. complaining B. talking C. interpreting D. recording
52. A. trapped B. extended C. returned D. transformed
53. A. unchanged B. unrecognizable C. messy D. abandoned
54. A. community B. pride C. identity D. profession
55. A. hiding B. expanding C. lasting D. growing
第二节（共10小题；每小题1.5分，满分15分）
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。
For thousands of years, China’s 24 Solar Terms, established by observing the sun’s annual motion, have served as a unique and practical timeline guiding agricultural activities. This ancient wisdom, 56 (recognize)as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, remains 57 (deep)relevant in today’s modern farms. More than just poetic phrases, each term signals a shift in climate and corresponding farm duties. “The Beginning of Spring” 58 (signal) the preparation of land and seeds. “Grain Rain” reminds farmers that it is the perfect time for sowing corn and cotton, as increased rainfall benefits germination. These 59 (poem) names are, in essence, a sophisticated nature-based calendar refined through generations.
Interestingly, modern technology has not replaced this system 60 has integrated with it. Farmers now combine this ancestral knowledge with precise weather 61 (forecast) and real-time data from soil sensors. For example, drones may be used to spray pesticides at the time 62 the “Insects Awaken” term suggests pests might emerge, allowing for timely and targeted intervention. This powerful synergy(协同作用) enhances 63 (efficient) and environmental sustainability by optimizing resource use.
Thus, the Solar Terms represent 64 perfect marriage of ancient observation and modern science. They are a living bridge connecting China’s agricultural past with its innovative future, 65 (ensure) food security and cultural continuity for generations to come.
第四部分 写作（共两节，满分40分）
第一节（满分15分）
假定你是李华，你校上周举行了学生艺术作品展，你认为展览的时间和方式还可以优化。请你给活动负责人Mr. Smith写一封e-mail。内容包括：
1.陈述看法；
2.你的建议。
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。
第二节（满分25分）
Dear Mr. Smith,
Yours sincerely,
Li Hua
阅读下面材料，根据其内容和所给段落开头语续写两段，使之构成一篇完整的短文。
It started with a broken umbrella. On a rainy Tuesday, I saw Lily from Class 8 standing alone under the school gate, trying to keep dry with a torn raincoat. She held a notebook tightly against her chest, as if protecting something far more valuable than paper. Without thinking, I walked over and held my umbrella above both of us. She whispered, “Thanks.” We walked in silence for a while, the rhythm of rain on the umbrella filling the space between us. Then she said, “This is the third one this year.”
I didn’t ask what she meant—not then. But later, small things began to add up. Last month, someone left a wet violin case by the music room door. The name tag read L. Chen. Two weeks ago, during gym class, she forgot her P.E. clothes again—though I later learned she hadn’t forgotten at all. Her locker had been locked, and no one noticed when she stood there, holding her bag, looking down. That’s when it hit me: maybe “the third one” wasn’t about umbrellas. Maybe it was about being forgotten—again and again.
The next day, I brought an extra pencil to English. “You can use it if you want,” I said as I passed her desk. She looked up, surprised—but took it without a word. Then something small happened: she smiled.
Not a big smile. Just a quick upward curve of her lips, gone almost before it appeared. But it was real. And it stayed with me. After that, I started noticing more things. How she always arrived early but sat near the back. How she never raised her hand—even when her eyes lit up with understanding. So I began leaving space beside me—at lunch, in group work, on the bus bench. Not forcing anything .Just making room.
One afternoon, she handed me a folded sticky note. On it was a simple sketch: two girls sharing an umbrella, with the words “Not invisible”. I didn’t think I’d done much—just showed up, just shared a little space. But sometimes, that’s enough.
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。
This Friday, our homeroom teacher announced a class project.
At the end of the day, I found a new drawing taped to my locker(储物柜).
第一部分 听力（每小题1.5分，共20题，满分30分）
1~5 BACCB 6~10 CABBA 11~15 BACAC 16~20 BACCB
第二部分 阅读（共两节，满分50分）
第一节（共15小题；每小题2.5分，满分37.5分）
21~23 BCA 24~27 CDCB 28~31 DAAB 32~35 DCDC
第二节（共5小题；每小题2.5分，满分12.5分）
36~40AGCFD
第三部分 语言运用（共两节，满分30分）
第一节（共15小题；每小题1分，满分15分）
41~45DBACC 46~50ACDDA 51~55BCBAD
第二节（共10小题；每小题1.5分，满分15分）
56.recognized 57. deeply 58. signals 59. poetic 60.but
61. forecasts 62. when 63. efficiency 64.a 65. ensuring
第四部分 写作（共两节，满分40分）
第一节 应用文写作（满分15分）
【参考范文】
Dear Mr. Smith,
I’m writing to sincerely thank you for organizing last week’s student art exhibition. The exhibitions was truly impressive and brought our school community together.
However, I’d like to share suggestions regarding the student art exhibition. I felt that many outstanding artworks were only displayed for a very short time, so many students who had other schedules missed the chance to see them. Perhaps the physical exhibition could be extended for a full school week in the main hall to allow for flexible viewing. Additionally, creating a simple online gallery on the school website would enable everyone to view, comment on, and appreciate the creativity at their convenience, even after the festival ends.
I believe such adjustments could make outstanding student works accessible to all. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Yours sincerely,
Li Hua
第二节 读后续写（满分25分）
【参考范文】
This Friday, our homeroom teacher announced a class project. “No partners assigned,” she said. The classroom fell quiet. I turned slightly and saw Lily staring at her desk, pen tapping faster than usual. Halfway through the period, I raised my hand. “Can we choose to work in pairs ” A few classmates nodded. Ms. Lin smiled. “Only if both agree.” I turned and whispered, “Want to team up ” She looked surprised, then gave a small nod. We spent lunch planning our poster on climate change—her ideas were detailed and creative. For the first time, she didn’t hide her notebook. When she handed me a sketch of two trees growing under one umbrella, I knew: this wasn’t just about the project.
At the end of the day, I found a new drawing taped to my locker(储物柜). It showed two girls presenting their work, surrounded by smiling faces. Above them floated the words: “You saw me. Now I see me.” My chest warmed. I took it home and placed it beside my bed. That night, I wrote in my journal: Kindness isn’t about fixing someone. It’s about making space—for their voice, their light, their story. Maybe no one will ever read that entry. But I know the truth: sometimes, all it takes is one small act to help another person begin to belong.
听力原文
Text 1
W: Hello, can you tell me the time of the first train to London tomorrow, please
M: Certainly, madam. It leaves at 5:15 from Platform 6.
Text 2
M: You’re ten minutes late! Did something happen
W: Yeah…my bike chain came off on the way. I had to walk most of the way here.
Text 3
W: Excuse me, Mr. Lee-I need to print my project, but the printer isn’t working.
M: Let me check…Oh, it says “paper jam”. I’ll fix it in a minute.
Text 4
W: Grandpa said we could repaint the living room this Saturday if we want.
M: Sounds fun! Can I choose the color
Text 5
W: Wilma Rudolph became the first woman who won three Olympic gold medals in track and field.
M: But it’s hard to believe she couldn’t move her left leg when she was young.
W: Everything is possible with ambition.
Text 6
W: Hi Tom, are you still looking for someone to join the science fair team
M: Yes! We need one more member by Friday.
W: What’s your project about
M: We’re turning recycled plastic into lightweight building blocks.
W: That sounds cool—but I’ve never done anything like that before.
M: Don’t worry. Ms. Green will guide us every Thursday after school.
W: Really When do we start
M: This Wednesday. Want to come
W: Sure! I’d love to help.
Text 7
M: Mom, my headphones aren’t working. The sound keeps cutting out.
W: Again This is the second pair this year. Did you drop them
M: No, I didn’t. They just stopped working.
W: Have you checked the wire Sometimes it gets loose.
M: Yeah, but I think it’s broken inside.
W: Hmm Maybe you should take better care of your things.
M: I do! But electronics don’t last forever.
W: Okay, let’s not argue. We can try fixing them first—maybe it’s just the jack.
M: If we fix it, can I use your tools
W: Only if you promise to store them properly afterward.
Text 8
W: Hey, Jake, did you see the notice on the bulletin board
M: No, what is it about
W: The student store is hiring part-time workers during lunch breaks.
M: Really Do I need to be in Grade 11 or above
W: No, but you must have a teacher’s recommendation.
M: Any other requirements
W: You can’t work more than two days a week, and you have to attend a short training session first.
M: When’s the deadline for applications
W: This Friday. Want to apply together
M: Sure! I’ve been saving for a new camera lens.
Text 9
M: Congratulations on your success in the marathon! Are you pleased with your performance
W: Yes, very much. It was my new record and it was also quite a windy day.
M: Could you tell me about your early days in Kenya When did you start running
W: My brother and I used to run to school every day. We lived about eight miles from the nearest primary school and as it took long to walk, we used to run to school and back. When I went to middle school I used to join a lot of competitions, mainly middle and long-distance races.
M: What are your future plans
W: I hope I can be chosen for our national team, so I’m going to plan a hard training program.
M: Is it a hard life, being a long-distance runner
W: Where we live, we have some of the most beautiful countryside in the world. It’s a pleasure just to run over those hills. It may sound hard to you, but for me running is as natural as breathing.
Text 10
Hi, I’m Daniel from Grade 10, and today I want to talk about something that changed how I see my family. Last term, my dad had to take time off work because of an injury. Our household income dropped, and I noticed Mom started checking prices more carefully at the supermarket. One night, I overheard her saying, “We can’t keep ordering food every week.” That hit me hard. I’d always thought money problems were “adult things”. But I realized—if we’re a team, I should help. So I suggested a plan: no takeout on Mondays and Thursdays. Instead, I’d learn to cook simple meals. At first, it was messy—I burned rice and used too much salt. But Mom taught me step by step. Now I can make fried eggs, noodles, and even dumplings from frozen ones! We’re saving about $60 a week. More than that, dinner feels different now. We eat together more. We laugh. We share stories. I even invited my younger sister to help set the table-she calls it “our family time”. This experience taught me that growing up isn’t just about getting older. It’s about noticing what others need—and doing something, even if it’s small. You don’t have to fix everything. But you can contribute. And sometimes, just showing up in the kitchen makes you part of something bigger.
