The Ebro Delta,known as,a battleground during the Spanish Civil War,is now the setting for a different contest,where rice farmers fight against two enemies:the rice-eating giant apple snail,and rising sell levels.What happens here will have an effect on the future of European rice production and the overall health of southern European wetlands.
Located in the Western Mediterranean,the Ebro Delta produces 120 million kilograms of rice a year,making it one of the continent’s most important rice-growing areas.As the sea moves into these fresh-water marshes(湿地),however,rising salinity(盐分)is hindering rice production.At the same time,this sea-water also kills off the greedy giant apple snail,an introduced pest that feeds on young rice plants.The most promising strategy has become to exploit one evil against the other.
The battle is currently in progress on land,in greenhouses at the University of Barcelona.Scientists working under the guidance of”Project Neurice”are seeking varieties of rice that can withstand the increasing salinity without losing the absorbency.
“The project has two sides,”says Xavier Serrat,Neurice project manager and researcher at the University of Barcelona,”the short-term fight against the snail,and a mid-to long-term fight against climate change.But the snail has given the project greater urgency.”
Originally from South America,the snails were accidentally introduced into the Ebro Delta.For now,the giant apple snail’s presence in Europe is limited to the Ebro Delta,But the snail continues its march to new territory,says Serrat.”The question is not whether it will reach other rice-growing areas of Europe,but when.”
1. What’s the most effective strategy according to Paragraph 2?| A．Beating enemies one by one. | B．Striking the stronger enemy first. |
| C．Killing two birds with one stone. | D．Using one enemy to hit the other. |
| A．It puts the control of snails first. |
| B．It functions pretty well on climate change. |
| C．It aims to increase the Spanish rice production. |
| D．It stresses the snails’effect on rice production. |
| A．It can tolerate the rising salinity. | B．It will attack other rice-growing areas. |
| C．It multiplies at a high speed. | D．It was introduced into Span deliberately. |
| A．Chemistry. | B．Tourism. | C．Farming. | D．Geography. |
相似题推荐
【推荐1】Dogs have a different way of seeing the world compared to human beings. As a result of this, they heavily rely on their body language to pass their messages to people.
If you pay close attention to your dog, you will notice that at some point it will curl up just like a fox. In such cases, the paws will be curled up underneath their bodies and their tail will be well wrapped around them. This shows that the dog is probably feeling cold. Curling up helps them keep more body heat.
| A．Dogs may sometimes be grass-eating animals |
| B．Eating grass is not the most uncommon thing for a dog |
| C．Read the text to find out more on what your dog is trying to tell you |
| D．It’s a sign that they want to play or simply need something from you |
| E．You may feel the joy of your dog or feel it cute to see such baby-like gesture |
| F．If this happens a lot, take your dog to the vet to ensure their safety |
| G．If you see your dog doing this, throw a blanket over them to help them feel warmer |
【推荐2】Do you believe that a baby can only have one parent? It is widely understood that animals have two parents, each contributing essential DNA. However, a female shark became pregnant and gave birth to a baby shark at the Brookfield Zoo in Illinois, US,
This is a phenomenon called parthenogenesis (孤雌生殖), which means “virgin creation” in Greek. For most animals, an egg cell and a sperm (精子) cell are essential to create offspring (后代).
As the female generates an egg cell, small cells called polar bodies are produced in the process. In the case of parthenogenesis, an egg merges with one of its polar bodies, which replaces a sperm cell.
Parthenogenesis may occur in “lower animals” like some species of insects, fish, reptiles and even birds.
| A．It is not the best way to reproduce |
| B．without the involvement of a male |
| C．with the application of a new technology |
| D．They each provide one-half of the genetic information for the new life |
| E．During this process, the mother’s genes get shuffled (打乱顺序) slightly |
| F．Although seemingly magical, parthenogenesis is not as rare as you might think |
| G．However, for mammals, including human beings, an egg can not provide all the genes required to form a viable (可存活的) offspring |
【推荐3】For their nick-of-time acts, Toby, a 2-year-old dog, and Winnie, a cute cat, were named Dog and Cat of the Year by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
As Amy Paul choked on a piece of apple at her home, her dog jumped up, landing hard on her chest and forcing the piece in her throat out. When the Keesling’s family of Indiana was about to be killed by carbon monoxide, their cat clawed at the wife Cathy’s hair until she woke up and called for help.
No one could explain their timely heroics.
Both pets were rescued by their owners in infancy. Toby as a 4-week-old thrown into a garbage bin to die, and Winnie as a week-old orphan hiding under a barn, so helpless that Cathy’s husband, Eric, had to feed her milk with an eyedropper.
As the Keesling recalled it, a gas-driven pump being used broke down, spreading carbon monoxide through the house. By the time Winnie went to rescue, the couple’s 14-year-old son was already unconscious. “Winnie jumped on the bed and was clawing at me, with a kind of angry sound,” Cathy Keesling said. The state police responding to her 91l call said the family was only minutes from death, judging by the amount of poisonous gas in the house.
Amy Paul’s husband was at his job when she took a midday break from making jewelry and bit into an apple. “Normally I peel them, but I read in Good Housekeeping Magazine that the skin has all the nutrients, so I ate the skin, and that’s what caused me to choke,” she recalled. “I couldn’t breathe and I was in panic when Toby jumped on me. He never does that, but he did, and saved my life.”
Both Toby and Winnie accompanied their owners to the awards luncheon.
1. Winnie saved the lives of its owner’s whole family in an accident by ________.| A．Jumping onto Its owner | B．calling for help |
| C．clawing at Cathy’s hair | D．making some strange noises |
| A．Middle age. | B．Youth. |
| C．Babyhood. | D．Agedness. |
| A．A pump breaking down. | B．A driver breaking into the house. |
| C．The burning gas. | D．The poisonous gas. |
| A．So Smart Animals Are |
| B．Great Honors for Cat and Dog |
| C．Unforgettable Experiences |
| D．Dog and Cat Honored for Saving Their Masters |
【推荐1】The most popular of the amusement parks in Canada is Paramount Canada’s Wonderland. This park frequently gets the most visitors of any seasonal park in North America. One reason is its numbers of wild rides. For younger kids,the television characters are very exciting. You can see Fred Flinstone,SpongeBob SquarePants or Dora the Explorer. There are often rides starring these characters that are more popular among younger children. There are plenty of fantastic shows for families to watch as well. What’s more,the admission to the park includes the nearby Splash Works.
Another popular theme park is Galaxyland Amusement Park. Amusement park’s fun shouldn’t be limited to just the summer months,and Galaxyland is aware of this. As the world’s largest indoor amusement park,Galaxyland packs in it 25 breathtaking rides and attractions. It is also home to one of the world’s largest indoor roller coasters. Galaxyland remains one of the most popular theme parks in Canada for older children because of attractions like the Rock ‘N’ Ride Dance Party. This party combines music,music videos and unlimited rides from 8 pm to midnight.
One of the most visited amusement parks in Canada on the west coast is Playland. Playland,unlike other Canadian theme parks,has a long history in its city. Playland has all the fun of a carnival,with scary houses,merry-go-rounds (旋转木马) and a ferris wheel. There are also modern additions in the park, like a climbing wall for kids and a video game room. Playland is open from spring through fall, though only on weekends and holidays before June 18 and after September 1st.
1. Which of the following is TRUE about Paramount Canada’s Wonderland?| A．It is the largest seasonal park in Canada. |
| B．It offers many interesting shows to visitors. |
| C．Its rides star many characters popular among adults. |
| D．It has the biggest number of visitors of all the Canadian parks. |
| A．Its large indoor roller coaster. |
| B．Its video game room. |
| C．Its location. |
| D．Its long history. |
| A．They all have attractions for children. |
| B．They all open throughout the year. |
| C．They all have parties at night. |
| D．They are all outdoor parks. |
| A．encourage people to travel in Canada |
| B．compare different theme parks in Canada |
| C．introduce some popular Canadian theme parks |
| D．offer some tips on visiting theme parks in Canada |
【推荐2】There are a number of advantages when it comes to living alone. However, it also comes with a few safety concerns. You still never know who will be around the corner. Don’t become another victim (受害者); be sure to follow our tips.
1. All doors should be kept locked.
Always keep your doors locked when you are in your apartment or dormitory. Make sure the doors are closed behind you when you come into the building and never leave your room unlocked, even when you are in it. There is always a chance that someone might sneak in while you are unaware. Always try to remember to close doors behind you to ensure your safety.
2. Don’t lose your keys.
Even if you do everything you can to keep the doors locked, criminals might still be able to come into your house with a key. Always know where your keys are to prevent this. Never put them down in a public place or give them to friends. Also, before you bring your car into the repair shop, take off the house keys.
3. When it comes to safety, standing up for yourself is important.
If you aren’t getting all the security features you want don’t be afraid to ask. If your lighting situation is less than ideal, discuss this with your supervisor (管理人) or landlord. Talk to the campus security organization if you think a security phone near your dormitory is a good idea. Request that the building employ someone to monitor those entering and leaving the building. You should feel safe where you reside, so stand up for your rights.
4. Be careful.
You still might find yourself in a potentially dangerous situation. Check your peephole before letting anyone in. Whenever you witness something around your building that makes you uncomfortable or suspicious just dial 911. It is a good idea to always walk with a friend instead of alone. Become familiar with people who live in the building, so you can keep track anyone that is a stranger.
1. Why do we always lock the doors?| A．Because they exist to protect you. |
| B．Because they provide you a private space. |
| C．Because they won’t let your secret out. |
| D．Because they will keep the thief out. |
| A．it being thrown away | B．it being made copies |
| C．you not going into home | D．it not being found |
| A．keep those who live alone safe. |
| B．Prevent you from being killed. |
| C．Urge you to stand up for your rights. |
| D．Advise you not to live alone. |
【推荐3】An ancient tomb was recently discovered in southern Siberia in which there may be treasure, priceless objects, and the 3, 000-year-old remains of an ice mummy.
Swiss scientist Gino Caspari with the University of Bern was looking carefully at the pictures of the area in the Russian Tuva Republic, when he came across what appeared to be a tomb. It is a tomb of the Scythians, an ancient group of Eurasians.
This summer, together with researchers from the Russian Academy of Sciences and the Hermitage Museum, a dig at the site not only proved Caspari's idea, but told us the site is the largest and oldest of its kind ever discovered in what's increasingly known as the “Siberian Valley of the Kings.”
While any discovery dating back to a period between the Iron Age and Bronze Age is exciting, it's the nature of this site that makes scientists want to begin carefully clearing away the layers of rock and earth. First, the tomb appears to have never been dug, because it is in a Siberian wetland faraway from the nearest place where people live. Second, and most important, is its possible resting place under a thick layer of permafrost.
“There's permafrost in the area,” Caspari said. “There are really only a handful of permafrost tombs and very few that have not been damaged, where there have been ice mummies in good condition, and all the things in the tomb are untouched.”
While not as large, other tombs discovered in the area have produced fantastical treasures and objects, including thousands of gold objects and other things about the past. By studying all these tombs, researchers hope to have a better understanding of the Scythian people.
Caspari said his team is in a race against time to uncover the tomb and find out its secrets. “We now have to act fast,” he said, “because with the rising temperatures, the permafrost could melt and damage all the things in that tomb. And these are things that are over 3,000 years old, that look like new, like they were put there yesterday.”
1. How did Caspari discover the tomb?| A．By studying pictures. | B．By visiting a Russian area. |
| C．By talking with Russian researchers. | D．By comparing other scientists, ideas. |
| A．It is covered by a lot of rocks. | B．It is well kept by the Scythians. |
| C．It is too small to draw attention. | D．It is hidden in a wild cold place. |
| A．To better protect the tomb. | B．To save the treasures inside. |
| C．To learn more about the Scythians. | D．To have a good understanding of mummies. |
| A．The tomb is too old. | B．It is getting hotter and hotter. |
| C．Some treasures are being damaged. | D．They want to save time for other tombs. |
【推荐1】On a trip to India in 2012, Anirudh Sharma took a photo of a diesel generator (柴油发电机) blowing black soot (烟灰) against a white wall. That dark stain made Sharma, who was then a student in the Media Lab of Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), think seriously about pollution—and also about coloring matters, like ink.
The black ink we use in our pens or in inkjet printers is essentially from soot. The technical term for the substance is “carbon black”, and it is the powder that remains after burning coal or oil. The powder is mixed with other chemicals to turn it into smooth, flowing black ink.
“So, if you can do it with soot, can we do the same with air pollution?” Sharma explains. “The black ink in the pen you use is made by burning fossil fuels. But you shouldn’t need to burn new fossil fuels just to make ink. Fossil fuels are already being burned.” If he could find a way, he thought, to catch the soot that produced that stain on the wall in his photograph, he could not only reduce the amount of pollution released into the air, but also turn it into something new, or perhaps something beautiful.
In 2014, following the completion of his Master’s degree at MIT, Sharma returned to India to focus fully on developing what would become a product called AIR-INK, the first commercial ink made entirely from air pollution. He and his team built a lab in a small garage in Bangalore to create a device that could catch air pollution at the source, in engines or factory machinery.
They first developed a filtering device called Kaalink that consisted of a steel container that could be attached to an exhaust pipe. Now Kaalink can filter air pollution from almost any source, and turn it into soot, which is then processed to form ink that can be used in AIR-INK pens and markers. Each marker holds about 30 milliliters of AIR-INK, which is equal to approximately 45 minutes of diesel car pollution.
The inventor would like AIR-INK to have practical applications, like in inkjet printers in offices, newsprint, or textbooks. “We’ve set up industries for our comfort, but the environment has to bear the price of it.” Sharma explains, adding that AIR-INK isn’t a complete solution to the world’s pollution problem. “It’s a start, and it can inspire several others to start looking at new forms of waste that are lying outside, unused.”
1. What inspired Sharma to make ink out of air pollution?| A．A photo he took in India. | B．The lack of ink in his studies. |
| C．The serious pollution in the U.S.. | D．His experiments in the laboratory. |
| A．It is a useful kind of fuel. | B．It is the main air pollutant. |
| C．It is the key component of ink. | D．It is usually in the form of a liquid. |
| A．Soot→exhaust pipe→Kaalink→AIR-INK | B．Soot→Kaalink→exhaust pipe→AIR-INK |
| C．Air pollutants→soot→Kaalink→AIR-INK | D．Air pollutants→Kaalink→soot→AIR-INK |
| A．It needs more tests. | B．It is costly but practical. |
| C．It helps raise environmental awareness. | D．It has gained the admiration of other inventors. |
【推荐2】I drove to the animal shelter that afternoon. After I filled out a questionnaire, a uniformed officer led me to the kennels. Each contained five to seven dogs. I studied each one but rejected one after the other for various reasons, too big, too small, too much hair, etc. As I neared the last pen a dog in the shadows of the far corner struggled to his feet, walked to the front of the run and sat down.
It was a pointer, one of the dog world's aristocrats. It was his eyes that caught and held my attention. Calm and clear, they beheld me unwaveringly.
I pointed to the dog. “Can you tell me about him?” The officer looked, then shook his head in puzzlement.
“He's a funny one. Appeared out of nowhere and sat in front of the gate. We brought him in, figuring someone would be right down to claim him. That was two weeks ago and we've heard nothing. His time is up tomorrow.” He gestured helplessly.
As the words sank in I turned to the man in horror. “You mean you're going to kill him?”
“Ma' am,” he said gently, “that's our policy. We don't have room for every unclaimed dog.”
I looked at the pointer again. The calm brown eyes awaited my decision.
“I'll take him,” I said.
I drove home with the dog on the front seat beside me. When I reached the house I bonked the horn twice. I was helping my prize out of the car when Dad shuffled onto the front porch.
“Ta-da! Look what I got for you, Dad!” I said excitedly.
Dad looked, then wrinkled his face in disgust. “If I had wanted a dog I would have gotten one. And I would have picked out a better specimen than that bag of bones. Keep it! I don't want it!” Dad waved his arm scornfully and turned back toward the house.
“You'd better get used to him, Dad. He's staying!” Dad ignored me. “Did you hear me, Dad?” I screamed. At those words Dad whirled angrily, his hands clenched at his sides, his eyes narrowed and blazing with hate.
We stood glaring at each other like duelists, when suddenly the pointer pulled free from my grasp. He wobbled toward my dad and sat down in front of him. Then slowly, carefully, he raised his paw.
Dad's lower jaw trembled as he stared at the uplifted paw. Confusion replaced the anger in his eyes. The pointer waited patiently. Then Dad was on his knees hugging the animal.
It was the beginning of a warm and intimate friendship. Dad named the pointer Cheyenne. Together he and Cheyenne explored the community. They spent long hours walking down dusty lanes. They spent reflective moments on the banks of streams, angling for tasty trout. They even started to attend Sunday services together, Dad sitting in a pew and Cheyenne lying quietly at his feet.
Dad and Cheyenne were inseparable throughout the next three years. Dad's bitterness faded, and he and Cheyenne made many friends. Then late one night I was startled to feel Cheyenne's cold nose burrowing through our bed covers. He had never before come into our bedroom at night. I woke Dick, put on my robe and ran into my father's room. Dad lay in his bed, his face serene. But his spirit had left quietly sometime during the night. Two days later my shock and grief deepened when I discovered Cheyenne lying dead beside Dad's bed. I wrapped his still form in the rag rug he had slept on. As Dick and I buried him near a favorite fishing hole, I silently thanked the dog for the help he had given me in restoring Dad's peace of mind.
1. Which of the following was NOT the reason why the writer took the dog home?| A．The dog's eyes. | B．The dog's appearance. |
| C．The writer's sympathy for the dog. | D．The man's words. |
| A．Excited. | B．Frightened. | C．Disgusted. | D．Angry. |
| A．Dogs are our best friends. | B．The old man and the dog |
| C．Get along well with dogs. | D．How to take care of a dog |
【推荐3】Around the world there are some festivals that for some of us may sound bizarre.
In England they celebrate the rolling cheese race, which occurs every year on the last Monday in May. This festival’s characteristic is a contest where an official rolls cheese down a steep hill and festival-goers go chasing after it. The winner is the first one to reach and catch the cheese.
Another festival celebrated in England is the world championship of grimaces ( 鬼脸 ) . It is a celebration that dates back to 1297 and is celebrated during the month of September. The task is to perform the best grimace using anything you can to win.
The worldwide championship of wife lifting is celebrated in Finland. The game is based on Viking traditions where a man should carry away his neighbour’s wife. According to the rules, any woman above 17 is considered as a wife, so if you are within this age, take care while visiting this country during the month of July.
Many of you have watched Pirates of the Caribbean and have known something about pirates. The 19th of September has been declared worldwide as the day to talk like a pirate. Plenty of people have celebrated it thanks to the publicity ( 宣传 ) on the Internet.
First staged in 1998, the Boryeong Mud Festival is an attraction that pulls more than a million visitors to the South Korean city. As you all know, the town is said to be rich in minerals, so there is no shortage of mud. Mud is trucked onto Daecheon Beach for tourists and locals to enjoy the festival to their best.
The Monkey Buffet Festival is held in Thailand to develop tourism. It’s an annual feast held for about 600 monkeys. The Monkey Buffet Festival is held in honour of the Hindu gods Ram and Hanuman and involves 3, 000 kilograms of vegetables and fruit being laid out for monkeys to stuff themselves.
1. What does the underlined word “bizarre” in Paragraph 1 probably mean?| A．Dangerous. | B．Strange. | C．Scary. | D．Familiar. |
| A．roll as much cheese down the hill as possible |
| B．find the largest piece of cheese rolling downhill |
| C．perform the best grimace when chasing the cheese |
| D．be the first one to catch the cheese rolling downhill |
| A．the worldwide championship of wife lifting |
| B．the world championship of grimaces |
| C．the Boryeong Mud Festival |
| D．the Monkey Buffet Festival |
| A．England | B．Finland | C．South Korea | D．Thailand |
【推荐1】Lose Yourself in a Good Book for Australia Reads
In November, we're inviting Australians of all ages and from all walks of life to share and celebrate the joys of reading. Whether you're picking up a book for the first time or your head is already stuck in one, there are plenty of books, activities and events as parts of our festivities.
On Thursday, November 12 we'll celebrate Australian Reading Hour. You're invited to stop what you're doing for an hour, pick up a book and read to yourself or the children in your life. Join us and relax. Get inspired and find joy in books!
This year we are hosting three online events to celebrate the many benefits of reading.
☆Australia Reads Main Event—Wednesday, November 11 from 12:30 pm
☆Australia Reads Kids—Monday, November 9 from 10:30 am
☆Australia Reads Teens—Tuesday, November 10 from 12:30 pm
Reading has some little-known benefits including reducing stress by 68%—it even works faster than listening to music, going for a walk or enjoying a cup of tea. What's more, a bedtime story six days a week can put kids almost a year ahead when they start school. If those benefits aren't enough to persuade you to pick up a book just yet, Australia Reads has also kindly donated a bunch of books to give away!
You will be offered FREE books by visiting our friendly team at King George Square bus station, Thursday, November 12 from 7: 30 am.
We'll be giving away a range of adult and kid books to celebrate Australian Reading Hour until we run out of books.
These are just some of the exciting books we'll have on offer as part of the giveaway—but remember, we'll have limited numbers available, so first come first serve!
·The Greatest Hit ,William Kostakis
·Frankie Fish and the Tomb of Tom foolery, Peter Helliar
·Tashi and the Stolen Forest ,Anna Fienberg
·The Girl in the Mirror , Rose Carlyle
For more information: https: / / australiareads.org.au/
1. The online activity for teens will be on| A．November 9 | B．November 10 |
| C．November 11 | D．November 12 |
| A．come across four writers |
| B．get a copy of The Greatest Hit for free |
| C．celebrate the festival by giving away free books |
| D．volunteer in the activity organized by Australia Reads |
| A．To attract people to buy books. | B．To inspire people to write books. |
| C．To encourage people to read books. | D．To invite people to donate free books. |
【推荐2】Charlotte Heffelmire was home in Vienna,Va.,for Thanksgiving break from the Air Force Academy when she saw that her father had gotten stuck under the pickup truck he'd been working on.
"I was on my back,face up,and I was trying to get some brake lines when apparently the jack（千斤顶）slipped and fell down on me,"her dad,Eric Heffelmire,told WUSA9.Gasoline spilled（溢出）and caught fire,and he knew he was in trouble."I thought they 'd be pulling out a dead body later in the evening."
After his struggling for 10 minutes,his barefoot teenage daughter came running into the garage."I felt the weight shift,and I said,'You almost got it.'and then it was just UGHHHRRR,and suddenly I'm pulled out,"Eric told NBC4.
Even Charlotte,120 pounds and 5-foot-6,isn't sure where her power came from."It was some crazy strength,"she told WUSA9.
Realizing the burning truck could set her house on fire at any moment,Charlotte jumped into the truck and drove it out of the garage."I didn't want the entire house to explode with the truck,so I started the truck,put it in four-wheel drive,and managed to drive it with three wheels,"she said.
Then she went inside the house to grab her baby sister and got her grandmother out of the house too."I just did what I had to do,so I don't feel like a big hero or anything,"Charlotte said.Her local fire department,Fairfax County Fire and Rescue,felt differently,awarding her the Citizen Lifesaving Award.
1. What did Eric Heffelmire do after he got stuck under the truck?| A．He put out the fire. | B．He tried to get out. |
| C．He shouted for help. | D．He waited for his death. |
| A．Because she remained low-key. |
| B．Because she was a lifesaving hero. |
| C．Because she did what they should do. |
| D．Because she had some crazy strength. |
| A．Brave and powerful. | B．Determined and patient. |
| C．Energetic and outgoing. | D．Considerate and cautious. |
【推荐3】THE 2019 NATIONAL BALLOON CLASSIC: July 26th - August 3rd
FOR 9 DAYS EVERY SUMMER, IOWA SKIES COME ALIVE as nearly 100 hot air balloons paint the town with brilliant colors and charming special shapes. Don’t miss a moment of the excitement as skilled pilots compete for points and prizes every morning and every evening. Great family fun and unbelievable entertainment value await you at the Memorial Balloon Field. Just sit back and enjoy the beautiful countryside as you listen to live music during the evening balloon flights. Grab a bite to eat, take the children to Kids Land, buy a balloon ride for a one-of-a-kind view, and prepare to be amazed as dark skies come alive with a mystical light during Dawn Patrols and Nite Glows.
1. When could people attend the National Balloon Classic in 2019?
| A．July 3rd. | B．July 25th. |
| C．August 1st | D．August 26th. |
| A．Buy a balloon. |
| B．Take a balloon ride. |
| C．Paint balloons with colors. |
| D．Compete in a balloon flight. |
| A．Children are free of charge for entry. |
| B．People can only pay cash for admission. |
| C．People should print online tickets before entry. |
| D．People can call 815-777-2747 for further information. |
