Brayden Belsky, 12, from Bethesda, Maryland, volunteers for KindWorks, a nonprofit that serves the community. He repairs and upgrades used computers, which are then given away for free to people who do not have one at home. This program not only helps improve people’s computer skills but also reduces electronic waste.

Brayden learned to fix computers on his own. He started by taking apart old equipment his family no longer used. Later, he began visiting thrift stores to buy spare parts. After he successfully repaired an old computer and made it work better, he was eager to fix more. He also enjoys watching online videos about computer repair and technology to improve his skills.

For Brayden, the most enjoyable part of volunteering is facing new challenges. He explains that technology is always changing, so there is always something new to learn. Testing new parts and solving problems is fun. However, what he finds most rewarding is hearing how the donated computers help others. Some people use them to find jobs or earn a degree; some are children who need a computer for schoolwork. “It feels great to know that my skills can make a real difference in someone’s life,” he says.

Although he is passionate about technology, Brayden works hard to keep a healthy balance. He limits screen time, takes regular breaks, and spends time on outdoor activities, reading, and being with friends. He also helps at a food pantry and a cat rescue. Volunteering has not been easy. Some adults doubt his abilities because he is young. He must keep up with changes — once an operating system was no longer supported and he had to install a new one. He also learned to be careful after accidentally cracking a screen. As the youngest volunteer, he was shy about speaking in front of others at first, but now he feels confident and enjoys teamwork.

Brayden advises other kids to use their interests to give back. “You don’t have to be an expert,” he says. “Just start with what you love, and you can make a difference.”

1.1.What does Brayden do at KindWorks?

A Collects electronic waste.

B Teaches computer skills.

C Fixes and donates old computers.

D Builds new computers.

解析：选C。C细节理解题。第一段提到Brayden “repairs and upgrades used computers, which are then given away for free”，即他修理并升级旧电脑，然后免费送出。A：项目减少电子垃圾，并非他收集；B：项目助力提升技能，他不授课；D：文中无制造新电脑表述。故选C。

2.2.What does the underlined phrase “thrift stores” most probably mean?

A Large supermarkets.

B Used-goods stores.

C Repair service centers.

D Online learning websites.

解析：选B。B词义猜测题。第二段提到Brayden去“thrift stores”购买spare parts（零配件），且之前他从家里废旧设备开始，后来又在那里找到旧电脑并修好。由此可推断“thrift stores”是卖二手货的地方。A超市、C维修中心、D线上网站，均不符合采购二手配件的语境。故选B。

3.3.What can we learn about Brayden from Paragraph 3?

A Technology is boring to him.

B He prefers working alone.

C Helping people matters to him.

D He wants a teaching career.

解析：选C。C推理判断题。第三段“what he finds most rewarding is hearing how the donated computers help others…make a real difference in someone’s life”Brayden说最rewarding的事是听到受助者用电脑找到工作、完成学位或用于学习，并感叹自己的技能能真正改变别人的生活。由此可推断他很看重帮助他人。A与原文热爱钻研新技术相悖；B项文中未体现他更喜欢独自工作；且后文明确说他喜欢团队合作，排除；D原文没有从教相关信息。故选C。

4.4.What is the main idea of Paragraph 4?

A Ways to balance screen time.

B The challenges Brayden faces.

C Brayden’s other volunteer work.

D Challenges and balance in volunteering.

解析：选D。D段落大意题。第四段前半部分讲Brayden努力保持屏幕时间和户外活动的平衡，后半部分讲他当志愿者遇到的困难（被人低估、技术更新、操作失误、害羞等），因此整段核心是志愿工作中的平衡与挑战。A只片面提及平衡的一个细节；B只概括后半段挑战；C仅局部信息，概括不全。故选D。