I got sick last July with a crushing flu-like illness, and since then I have suffered from insomnia, day chills and night sweats, nausea, debilitating fatigue, low blood sugar, low appetite, shooting pain, anxiety, and more. This is why you have not seen me around much. I have had to cancel or turn down so much of my work and have missed so many friend and family experiences. I have seen eight doctors, two acupuncturists, and an herbalist. Finally one month ago I was diagnosed with Lyme disease. 

        Lyme disease, first reported in the town of Lyme, Connecticut, in 1975, is an infectious disease caused by the bacteria Borrelia Burgdorferi, which is transmitted to humans by ticks. Usually, the tick must be attached for 24 to 48 hours to transmit infection. One of the signs of infection is a “bull’s eye” rash, a sign that bacteria are multiplying in the bloodstream. The rash is neither itchy nor painful, and about 25-50% of infected people do not develop a rash. I never had this bull’s eye rash, and I was never aware of a tick bite last summer. Ticks are very tiny and most people with Lyme disease have no memory of a tick bite. Besides the rash, early symptoms include fever, sore throat, headache and fatigue, many of which are common in other diseases. These are why the disease is often misdiagnosed. I’ve been misdirected by doctors for the past ten months. I just learned that May is Lyme Disease Awareness Month. Here is some more information we all need to know.

        Lyme disease is estimated to affect 300,000 people a year in the United States. Infections are most common in the spring and early summer. Lyme disease is best treated in the early stages. Early treatment is a simple 14 to 21 day course of oral antibiotics to eliminate infection. If it is not diagnosed and treated early, the bacteria can spread and go into hiding in different parts of the body. Months or years later, patients may develop problems with the brain and nervous system.

        I’d like to thank everyone close to me who has been a huge support. I have been receiving antibiotic treatment for one week and hoping for the best recovery. Late Lyme detection makes the disease difficult to treat and heal, but I am hopeful.

請依下文回答第 26 題至第 30 題：
        On June 23, 2016, the UK held a nationwide vote to decide whether to remain in or leave the EuropeanUnion (EU). The question posed to voters was simple: “Should the United Kingdom remain a member of theEuropean Union or leave the European Union?” The Brexit referendum was the __26__ of years of debateand division over the UK’s relationship with the EU, touching on issues of national sovereignty, immigration,and economic policy. The campaign leading up to this referendum was __27__ charged, with the “Leave”side resolutely arguing that leaving the EU would allow the UK to regain control over its laws, borders, andtrade policies. The “Remain” side, on the contrary, forcefully asserted that leaving the EU would lead toeconomic uncertainty, damage trade relationships, and __28__ the UK’s influence on the global stage. Theresult of the referendum was a __29__ victory for the “Leave” side, with 51.9% of voters choosing to leavethe EU, compared to 48.1% who voted to remain. The __30__ of the referendum sent shockwaves throughthe UK and Europe, leading to the prime minister’s resignation and setting off years of complex negotiationsbetween the UK and the EU on the terms of the withdrawal.

請依下文回答第 31 題至第 35 題：
        Václav Havel was a playwright and dissident who became the first president of Czechoslovakia after thefall of communism. He gave a talk to the U.S. Congress on February 21, 1990, entitled “The Responsibility ofIntellectuals,” a powerful speech that still resonates with audiences worldwide nowadays. In this speech, Havelspoke about the moral and intellectual responsibilities of individuals in positions of influence, especially intimes of political upheaval. He emphasized the importance of truth, moral integrity, and the role of intellectualsin shaping a just society. This speech came at a pivotal moment in history, as the Iron Curtain was falling andEastern European countries were transitioning from totalitarian regimes to democracies. His words underscoredthe need for global solidarity, human rights, and the rule of law in building a new world order.
         Havel’s address had a profound impact not only on the U.S. Congress but also on the broader internationalcommunity. It reinforced the idea that the fall of communism was not just a political victory but also a moraland ethical triumph. Havel’s call for intellectuals to engage actively in public life and to hold governmentsaccountable for their actions resonated with many, inspiring a renewed commitment to democracy and humanrights. His words continue to be relevant today, reminding us of the enduring need for moral leadership and thepower of truth in confronting oppression and corruption.