There have been fires in every Australian state, but New South Wales has been hardest hit. Fires have torn through bushland (丛林地), wooded areas, and national parks. Some start and are controlled in a few days, but the biggest fires have been burning for months.
Each year there is a fire season during the Australian summer, with hot, dry weather making it easy for fires to start and spread. Natural causes are responsible for fires most of the time, like lightning hits in drought-affected forests. Dry lightning was to blame for starting a number of fires in late December, which then traveled more than 20 kilometers in just five hours. Humans can also be responsible. Police have charged at least 24 people with starting bushfires on purpose, and have taken action against 183 people for setting fire since November.
Fire season in Australia is always dangerous -- the 2009 Black Saturday fires killed 173 people in Victoria, making it the deadliest bushfire disaster on record. But conditions have been unusually bad this year, making fires burn more strongly and making firefighting conditions particularly difficult. Australia is experiencing one of its worst droughts over the years. Meanwhile, a heatwave in December broke the record for highest nationwide average temperature, with some places under temperatures well above 40 degrees Celsius. Strong winds have also made the fires and smoke spread more rapidly, and have led to deaths.
About half a billion animals have been affected by the fires across NSW, with millions likely dead -- and that's lower than what is probably the real number. That number of total animals influenced could be as high as one billion nationwide. Almost a third of koalas in NSW may have been killed in the fires, and a third of the places where they live have been destroyed.
Some species, like koalas, aren't in any immediate danger of extinction because they are spread out across the country. But others that live in more suitable environments with lower populations, including certain types of frogs and birds, could be destroyed entirely if their home is hit by the fires.
1. Fires in Australia _________.| A．may last a long time | B．often happen in spring |
| C．mainly happened in some states | D．are easily controlled in a few hours |
| A．spread rapidly | B．caused by humans |
| C．were put out by police | D．were due to wet weather |
| A．big fire | B．strong wind |
| C．serious drought | D．period of hot weather |
| A．Because they can run fast. |
| B．Because they live far and wide. |
| C．Because their home is well protected. |
| D．Because they have a lower population. |
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【推荐1】Major Natural Disasters in 2021
Natural disasters are extreme and sudden events that injure people and damage property. Earthquakes, storms, floods and volcanos strike anywhere on earth, often without warning. A number of countries around the world fought against a wave of extreme events from the earthquakes in Haiti to storms across Europe and Asia in 2021.
According to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), floods swept through the countries around the world, being nearly a third of the major natural disasters, with hurricanes and storms accounting for an additional 50％of the 2021 list. It reported that as the atmosphere got warmer, it held more moisture, which meant it would rain more during storms, increasing the risk of floods.
Here is a list of the deadliest natural disasters that happened in 2021.
Dates | Events | Countries | Number of deaths | Economic losses | Insured losses |
29August—2 September | Hurricanes | United States and Canada | 114 | 65,000 | 36,000 |
12—19 July | Floods | Europe | 228 | 54,000 | 13,000 |
July | Floods | China | 3 | 16,500 | 1,700 |
13 February | Earthquakes | Japan | 1 | 7,700 | 2,300 |
10—11 December | Tornados | United States | 88 | 5,200 | 4,000 |
27—29 April | Storms | United States | — | 3,300 | 2,500 |
14 August | Earthquakes | Haiti | 2,248 | 1,500 | — |
September—December | Volcanos | Spain | — | 900 | — |
Losses in millions USD
1. Which of the following natural disasters had the biggest effect on the earth in 2021 according to WMO?| A．Volcanos. | B．Floods. | C．Earthquakes. | D．Tornados. |
| A．Less than 100. | B．Around 200. | C．About 900. | D．Over 2,000. |
| A．In China. | B．In the United States. | C．In Spain. | D．In Japan. |
【推荐2】During an earthquake, you should know what to do. If the earthquake strikes while you’re inside a house, you should lie on the floor under a strong table or other furniture. If there is no furniture, you can cover your head with your arms and keep still in the corner of the room. You should keep away from windows, glass walls, or anything that can fall.
If you are in bed, hold firmly onto your bed and make use of a pillow to safeguard your head. You may use a doorway but only when it is close to you. It should also be considered whether it is strong enough to deal with the load.
If you are running out, do not use lifts, even if they work. Electricity may go out at any time. Many injuries happen when people try to rush out. This means you ought to stay in your house or perhaps wherever you are.
When you stay outdoors, you should stay far from buildings, power wires or lights. You should be in the open until the quake stops. Remember that many earthquake deaths outside the house come from falling-apart walls, flying glass and other falling things.
If an earthquake strikes and you are driving, you should pull up to the side of the highway and stop as quickly as possible. You ought not to stop under trees, buildings or energy wires. Don’t stop in the middle of the street as it could trouble others.
When trapped, you shouldn’t move. Your mouth should be covered with a piece of clothing or a handkerchief. This is because it is possible for you to breathe in some dust. Do not shout whenever possible. You should only shout in the end to get help from rescuers.
1. What is the writer’s purpose in writing this passage?| A．To tell us the dangers of an earthquake. |
| B．To tell us what to do before an earthquake. |
| C．To tell us what to do when an earthquake strikes. |
| D．To tell us why running during an earthquake is dangerous. |
| A．lie still on the floor |
| B．stay near the window |
| C．stay in the center of the room |
| D．keep still in the corner of the room |
a. use a lift to escape b. stay outdoors
c. cut off electricity d. keep driving to escape
| A．ab | B．bc |
| C．ad | D．cd |
| A．When to call out for help in an earthquake. |
| B．What to do when trapped in an earthquake. |
| C．How to make use of a handkerchief in an earthquake. |
| D．How to avoid breathing in some dust in an earthquake. |
【推荐3】The results of failing to keep the world’s temperature down are beginning to show.Extreme weather events are likely to become more frequent, and the world’s peoples and their governments are being urged to do more to handle climate change.
Ma Jun, director of the Institute of Public and Environmental Affairs, an environmental group in Beijing, said the consensus among scientists now is that “climate change has resulted in an increase in extreme weather events across the globe, including temperature extremes, heavy rains, river floods, droughts, storms, as well as compound events”.
Over the past few years heat waves have occurred in places that had previously enjoyed mild weather, higher temperatures have occurred in normally colder regions, and places that are hot are now frequently enduring wildfires, he said, citing a report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change(IPCC) that includes a whole chapter on weather extremes.
The IPCC AR6 Synthesis Report said it is an“established fact”that human-caused greenhouse gas emissions have led to an increased frequency of some weather and climate extremes since preindustrial times.
The global surface temperature is now about 1.09C higher than in the preindustrial period(1850-1900), with stronger warming over land (1.59 C) than over oceans.
Extreme weather events have continued to hit the glebe this year and have killed many people, disrupted (扰乱) the lives of millions and disrupted production.
In Europe, after a summer of extremely high temperatures, violent thunderstorms and hurricane-force winds have hit the continent, leaving at least 13 people dead in Austria, France and Italy by Friday, authorities said.
The Netherlands is one of many European countries that have suffered drought this summer, bringing water shortages in the low-lying country as inland rivers and lakes have fallen to historically low levels.
1. What is the consensus among scientist?| A．Increased extreme weather events resulted from climate change. |
| B．There will be more extreme weather events in the near future. |
| C．The government are to blame for the increased extreme weather. |
| D．The government should reach a consensus on climate change. |
| A．People in tropical areas will have to endure more wildfires. |
| B．Places enjoying mild weather will always have heat waves. |
| C．Cold regions normally have experienced higher temperatures. |
| D．The IPCC report places great emphasis on weather extremes. |
| A．It means the fact has to be proved through experiments. |
| B．It means the fact has been agreed on commonly by scientists. |
| C．The fact is that green gas is to blame for more extreme events. |
| D．Scientists have to establish the fact by doing more experiments. |
| A．An SOS Goes out as Globe Burns and Drowns |
| B．More Disasters will Happen around the World |
| C．The Global Surface Temperature is Higher than Ever |
| D．Governments are being Urged to Do More |
【推荐1】The World’s Most Amazing Caves
Humans have been drawn to caves for thousands of years. Here are four of the world’s biggest caves.
Son Doong Cave, Vietnam
Son Doong Cave in the remote(偏远的)forests of Vietnam holds the title of the largest cave in the world. Son Doong is a spreading network of tunnels and caves, the largest of which could contain an entire New York City block with 40-story buildings. Parts of the cave’s top have fallen down，creating vast skylights that allow life to grow to a height of hundreds of feet beneath the forest floor.
Mammoth Cave, Kentucky, the United States
Mammoth Cave in Kentucky is the longest cave system in the world, with 426 miles explored—and scientists guess another 600 miles have yet to be discovered based on measurements of air movement within the caves. Mammoth Cave has drawn visitors since the 1800s, and 10 miles of underground passages are accessible to tourists today.
Sac Actun. Mexico
The longest underwater cave system in the world, Sac Actun winds(蜿蜒)more than 215 miles under Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. Adventurers can take a drop in the Sac Actun system through more than 248 cenotes(天然井)—the natural swimming pools that form when sinkholes connect the surface to the underwater caves.
Veryovkina Cave, Abkhazia, Georgia
Veryovkina Cave is the deepest cave in the world, spreading 1.4 miles beneath the surface. It takes professionals a week to make a round journey to Veryovkina Cave, They have to brave waterfalls, tight presses and sharp drops. But the payoff is excellent—Veryovkina
Cave’s end is a beautiful blue lake about 50 feet long and 25 feet wide surrounded by black black rocks.
1. What is special about Son Doong Cave?| A．It lies far away from the forests. | B．It has some tall plants growing. |
| C．It is the longest cave in Vietnam. | D．It is the highest cave in the world. |
| A．They end up with beautiful lakes. | B．They attract few adventurers. |
| C．They stay unexplored at present. | D．They have long cave systems. |
| A．Half a week. | B．Two weeks. |
| C．One week. | D．Over two weeks. |
【推荐2】Are you a fan of outdoor adventures? Do you enjoy scenic views to relax? Look no further, as the following destinations offer all that and more.
Athabasca Falls
Alberta, Canada
Water from the Canadian Rockies flows down into the waterfalls of Jasper National Park, creating a flow with wild energy. The falls are wheelchairs accessible, with a paved path taking admirers to a number of viewpoints. If visitors leave the path, they can explore both the upper and lower regions of the trail.
Akaka Falls Trail
Hakalau, Hawaii
A short half-mile hike is big on sights and low on hard activity. The well-kept ring like trail guide visitors around to see a number of waterfalls, including the 442-foot main attraction, and beautiful local flora (植物群) among the famous landscape. Though there are no hills to climb, there are a number of stairways to go.
Nugget Falls
Juneau, Alaska
Located in Tongass National Forest about 12 miles from Juneau, the Mendenhall Glacier has produced Nugget Falls, a fan-like waterfall that leads into a lake. A series of short hikes allows for different views of the waterfall and icy surrounds, which are also known for frequent brown bear sightings.
Yosemite Falls
Yosemite Valley, California
Yosemite National Park is one of the oldest national parks in America and home to the fifth tallest waterfall in the world. Hikers can reach it by taking a 1-mile trail from the lodge or the 7.2-mile round-trip Yosemite Falls Trail route. Late spring is best, with the highest water flow. In the winter, the temperatures dip below freezing. A park admission fee applies.
1. Where can visitors expect to see frequent brown bear sightings?| A．Athabasca Falls. | B．Akaka Falls Trail. | C．Nugget Falls. | D．Yosemite Falls. |
| A．Winter. | B．Spring. | C．Summer. | D．Fall. |
| A．In a travel magazine. | B．In a novel. | C．In a history book. | D．In a diary. |
【推荐3】The Sahara Desert
Location
Filling nearly all of northern Africa, the Sahara Desert measures approximately 3, 000 miles from east to west and between 800 and 1, 200 miles from north to south.
Landscape
The Sahara Desert features iconic sand dune (沙丘) fields, which cover about 15 percent of the entire desert’s surface and lie primarily in the north-central region.
Water
Climate
Across the Sahara Desert, the annual average rainfall equals no more than a few inches or fewer. In the summer, daytime air temperatures often soar to over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, with the hottest air temperature meteorologists have ever recorded — 136 degrees — occurring at EL Azizia, Libya, on September 13, 1922.
| A．No rain at all may fall for several more years. |
| B．It has a total area of some 3,320,000 square miles. |
| C．The dunes usually take on varied and complex forms. |
| D．Star dunes form under winds that blow from several directions. |
| E．The Sahara Desert has some lakes, but only one with drinkable water. |
| F．The Sahara Desert has only two permanent rivers and a handful of lakes. |
| G．Under the clear skies, the temperature may fall 40 degrees or more during an evening. |
【推荐1】A relationship between the amount of adult speech children are exposed to and the concentration of myelin, a substance in the brain, has been found, researchers say. “I think the take-home message is, absolutely talking to your kids. It’s literally shaping the structure of the brain,” says the lead author, Prof John P. Spencer of the University of East Anglia.
The team find, for the 30-month-olds, larger amounts of adult speech are associated with higher quantities of myelin in language-related pathways in the brain; however, for the 6-month-olds, it goes the opposite way.
While the latter is unexpected, Spencer points out one possible factor: the brain’s stage of development.
“When babies are six months old, they experience massive growth of new nerve cells,” he says. “So the input comes in and may help extend the period of brain growth.” “While at 30 months, the brain starts to cutback some of the cell growth, and form specific connections. That’s where myelin comes in. So now the input starts to help structure the myelin,” he adds.
The researchers conclude adult speech is significant for both age groups and that the more adult speech children go through, the more sensitive they will be to language. The next step for them is to figure out whether the 6-month-old babies showing that negative connection will surely turn into 30-month-old kids who show positive relationship.
Dr. Saloni Krishnan, Reader in cognitive neuroscience (认知神经科学) at Royal Holloway, University of London, who is not involved in the work, however, notes individual differences in language ability are linked to genetics. “Children who are exposed to more language at home and have higher myelination will also have inherited genes(经遗传获得的基因) from parents who are more excellent in languages,” she said. “No final conclusion could be made before this potential genetic effect are tested. And yet there being currently no standard around the amount of input children should receive, caregivers should not necessarily feel pressure to talk more to their children.”
1. What surprises the team?| A．The finding for the 6-month-olds. |
| B．The finding for the 30-month-olds. |
| C．How the input help nerve cells grow. |
| D．How the input help structure the myelin. |
| A．It is positively related to myelin. |
| B．It cuts back some of the cell growth. |
| C．Its effect varies with the size of brains. |
| D．It is helpful for both groups’ language ability |
| A．The team should do more research. |
| B．Parents must talk more to their kids. |
| C．Inherited genes decide language ability. |
| D．The concentration of myelin makes no sense. |
【推荐2】The Canadian group Quebec Maple Syrup (枫糖浆) Producers recently announced it was releasing about 50 million pounds from its strategic maple syrup reserves (储备). That’s almost half of the storage.
The government-supported organization, which is often called the OPEC of maple syrup, uses its reserves to control syrup prices and supply. Quebec produces nearly 70% of the world’s maple syrup, with the US being its biggest customer. The strategic reserve was created to store maple syrup during bad harvest seasons or when demand spikes. “This system prevents practically maple syrup shortages and ensures the market supply is reliable,” spokesperson Helene Normandin said. “This year producers weren’t able to keep up with worldwide demand, which jumped 21%. That’s why the reserve is made. We won’t lack maple syrup.”
Maple syrup is made from maple trees. Maple trees need warm daytime and freezing nighttime temperatures to produce syrup. A warmer and shorter spring this year led to a poorer harvest than usual. Another factor is worldwide demand for maple syrup. This has increased by more than 20% this year. One major reason for this rise is the COVID-19 outbreak. More people are at home, cooking pancakes. “It is possible that more of us have developed a sweet tooth,” said Helene. “The COVID-19 outbreak helped our case because we’re seeing people cook more at home and use more local products. It’s not just in Quebec where the demand is increasing.”
While it’s hard to predict what next year’s crop will look like, Normandin said they were already planning for the future. “We will plan 7 million more maple trees in the near future to make sure here will be no maple syrup shortage,” she said.
This is not the first time Quebec’s maple syrup reserve has made headlines. In 2012, more than 3,000 tons of maple syrup were stole from the reserve over the course of months. The value was estimated at nearly $19 million Canadian dollars.
1. Why did Canada release is strategic maple syrup reserves?| A．To make more money. |
| B．To cut down its storage. |
| C．To make room for new storage. |
| D．To meet the growing market. |
| A．Rises quickly. | B．Stays the same. |
| C．Changes suddenly. | D．Drops gradually. |
| A．How maple syrup is produced. |
| B．Why maple syrup is in short supply. |
| C．What leads to people’s developing a sweet tooth. |
| D．Where the demand for maple syrup is increasing. |
| A．The warmer and shorter spring. |
| B．Many maple trees being cut down. |
| C．Lots of maple syrup being lost. |
| D．More people cooking pancakes at home. |
【推荐3】As a new mother in 2016, Tash Gorst was scrolling (滚动) through her phone when she fell down the rabbit hole of reading about plastic pollution. Fast-forward to 2019 and she had opened Gather, an organic zero-waste shop.
Customers come to Gather to refill their own containers with everything from rice to beauty products. And it’s not only the produce that is sustainable — the shop is powered by renewable energy and financed by a more sustainable bank, while all the units inside have been made from waste materials, mostly by Gorst herself.
Zero-waste shops have become an increasingly common feature on the streets in recent years. Wherever they have gone, supermarkets now look set to follow, with Morrisons, Marks & Spencer and Waitrose & Partners all recently agreeing to add “refill stations” in shops by the end of 2022. Meanwhile, Asda has introduced refill aisles (通道)to more of its supermarkets following successful trials.
As small startup businesses aiming to make responsible decisions without cutting ethical(道德上的) corners, refill shops tend to be more expensive than supermarkets and chains. Gorst admits that not everyone can afford to buy from them.
“But if you can, you should. You’ll feel good about the small decision that you’ve made on contributing to your local economy and doing something that’s better for the planet,” she says.
Emily Drabble is a regular Gather customer. She buys everything that would “normally be encased in plastic”, from cleaning products to food like pasta, which she puts into glass containers. “When I get home, I love unpacking my shopping, throwing nothing in the bin,” Drabble says.
And customers at refill shops get more than just physical goods, notes Gorst. Besides employing four local people, Gather, for example, holds free events, including a monthly book club for reading about sustainability, workshops for kids and so on. “I also see the refill shop as a place to bring people together,” she says.
1. Why does the author mention Gorst’s reading in paragraph 1?| A．To share a parenting experience. | B．To offer background information. |
| C．To attach importance to the motivation. | D．To show advantages of digital reading. |
| A．It is run in an ecologically friendly way. |
| B．It sells sustainable goods at bargain prices. |
| C．It is only favored by customers with a green concept. |
| D．It differs from supermarkets in low-carbon awareness. |
| A．Indifferent. | B．Critical. | C．Objective. | D．Enthusiastic. |
| A．People may regard refill shops as fitness clubs. |
| B．Refill shops ought to share some social responsibilities. |
| C．People can benefit more from refill shops than expected. |
| D．Refill shops need to hold various events to increase sales. |
【推荐1】Stephen Hawking, the most famous physicist of his time, has passed away at the age of 76.
A family spokesman said Hawking, who was British, died peace fully early Wednesday at his home in Cambridge, England. Hawking was diagnosed with a disease called ALS, at age 21.At the time doctors predicted he would only live a few years. But he proved them wrong by surviving for more than 50 years more and continuing his scientific work.
In his 2013 book, My Brief History, Hawking wrote about first learning of the illness. “I felt it was very unfair- why should this happen to me? "He added, "At the time, I thought my life was over and that I would never realize the potential I felt I had. “But now.50 years later, I can be quietly satisfied with my life, "he wrote.
Hawking said belief in a God who intervenes(介入)in the universe “to make sure the good guys win or get rewarded in the next life" was wishful thinking. “But one can't help asking the question: why does the universe exist?" he said in 1991."I don't know an operational way to give the question or the answer, if there is one, a meaning. But it bothers me.”
Hawking was a big supporter of human space travel to the Moon and Mars. He said such missions would help unite humanity in a shared purpose of spreading the human race beyond Earth." We are running out of space and the only places to go to are other worlds. It is time to explore other solar systems. Spreading out may be the only thing that saves us from ourselves.
“I am convinced that humans need to leave the Earth,” he said last year.
1. What is Hawking’s attitude towards life when just diagnosed with ALS?| A．Confident. | B．Optimistic. |
| C．Terrified. | D．Hopeless. |
| A．The crash of the universe. |
| B．The beginning of the universe. |
| C．The intervene of God in the universe. |
| D．The rewards that good people get in the next life. |
| A．Because it is a way to save the Earth. |
| B．Because we have used up all the space. |
| C．Because it can help spread the human race beyond Earth. |
| D．Because we have explored the Moon and Mars for a long time. |
| A．Legendary Physicist Stephen Hawking Died at 76. |
| B．Stephen Hawking Supports Human Space Travels. |
| C．Stephen Hawking Is a Worldwide Famous Physicist. |
| D．Stephen Hawking Is Recognized for His Research on Black Holes. |
【推荐2】Even doctors agree that laughing makes your body and mind feel better. It seems that the act of smiling or laughing sends chemical messages to the brain and affects a person’s mood. Because they feel happier, they feel better. Stress is reduced and anger and tension begin to disappear. Your mind is at peace and so you feel happier and more able to cope with life’s problems.
Laughing and smiling also have the same effect on the body. They improve the body’s ability to stay fit and healthy because the person’s immune system is activated. This means that any germs(病菌) in the body are attacked and killed by these immune system cells. Some doctors even think that skin conditions, such as skin rashes (疹) which may be due to psychological factors, will improve if the person has a good laugh every day. Serious people may not live as long as people who take life less seriously. When you laugh your muscles “contract” (收缩) and relax. This is not the case with very serious people. So a sense of humour is important for a good and healthy life and to remain a fit and strong person you need to laugh and smile for at least ten minutes every day!
1. How can laughter make you feel less pain?| A．By exercising your muscles. | B．By improving your immune system. |
| C．By producing certain chemicals in your body. | D．By producing new cells. |
| A．your muscles tighten and then relax | B．you can’t think well and react quickly |
| C．you can hardly breathe for a while | D．your skin reacts more sensitively |
| A．Laughter can help you live longer. |
| B．Funny movies can help you with better breathing. |
| C．Jokes and humour can make you more decisive. |
| D．People with a good sense of humour don’t get heart disease. |
【推荐3】On a rainy winter day, several decades ago, a British artist named Christopher got on a train in Oxford to go to London. When he began his journey, he never knew that it was the beginning of almost 40 years of accidents and near death experiences.
During the journey, the train fell into an icy river, killing 12 passengers. Christopher managed to swim back to the river bank. He only had a broken leg.
Two years later, Christopher was on a plane from London to Manchester when a door suddenly opened and he fell out. A few minutes later, the plane crashed; 27 people were killed. Christopher was so lucky that he landed in a haystack (干草堆).
A few years later, he was hit by a bus, but again had no serious injuries. Then a year after that, he was driving on a mountain road when he saw a truck coming straight at him. He drove the car off the road, jumped out, landed in a tree — and watched his car fall 100 meters down the mountain.
''There are two ways you can look at it, '' Christopher said. ''I'm either the worlds unluckiest man, or the world's luckiest. '' When a reporter asked Christopher what he thought, he chose the ''luckiest'' one.
Two years ago, aged 71, Christopher bought his first lottery ticket (彩票) in 50 years and won more than 2 million. After this, a TV company in America said they wanted him to make an advertisement. At first he accepted, but then he changed his mind. Christopher said he would not fly to Los Angeles for the filming, because he did not want to push his luck. Who knows? If he had accepted the invitation, maybe he would have had another accident. But Mr. Christopher is a lucky man. If he had had another accident, he probably would have survived that too!
1. What happened in the plane accident from London to Manchester?| A．Christopher fell out of the plane. |
| B．Christopher fell into an icy water. |
| C．Christopher landed in a tree. |
| D．Christopher was the only passenger to survive |
| A．worried | B．confused |
| C．doubtful | D．fortunate |
| A．Because he was not good at filming. |
| B．Because he had enough money. |
| C．Because he was sure of another accident. |
| D．Because he didn't want to risk his life. |
| A．A man with nine lives |
| B．The unluckiest man in the world |
| C．A man who traveled around the world |
| D．A man who earned ￡2 million in a lottery |
