Nola （August 21, 1974 -November 22, 2015） was a northern white rhino who lived at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park near Escondido, California. At her death, she was one of only four remaining northern white rhinos in the world. The other three lived in Kenya. World Rhino Day, held on September 22, is to raise awareness（意识）of the less than 30,000 other rhinos left on Earth.
“Rhinos need our help today, not tomorrow. "Nola's lead keeper Jane Kennedy said. "Last year we lost over 1,200 rhinos just in South Africa. If we continue to lose more than 1,000 rhinos a year, in 10 to 20 years all the rhinos on the earth will be gone."
Unfortunately, most animals are in danger of dying out because of humans. Kennedy says, “Humans have either poached （偷猎）animals, or because there are over seven billion of us, we've taken up too much of the world's resources." Poachers illegally hunt rhinos for their horns （角）.They sell the horns for thousands of dollars per pound, to be used for art, jewelry, and decorations. Experts believe that one rhino is poached every eight hours.
In 1975, the San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research started the Frozen Zoo, a program through which researchers have collected cell samples（细胞样品）from more than 8,000 different types of animals, including the northern white rhino. Scientists hope that by studying the rhino cells, they will get greater understanding of it, and will find ways to increase its numbers.
At the San Diego Zoo, children and adults are welcome to visit and speak with zookeepers to learn about rhinos. For more information, go to www.worldrhinoday.org.
1. What is the purpose of setting up a World Rhino Day?| A．To honor a rhino named Nola. |
| B．To draw people's attention to rhino protection. |
| C．To let people know the importance of wildlife protection. |
| D．To tell people there are still a great number of rhinos left on Earth. |
| A．Rhinos will die out soon. |
| B．The number of rhinos is increasing. |
| C．Rhinos are under good protection. |
| D．Immediate action should be taken to protect rhinos. |
| A．Human beings' technology. | B．The limited natural resources. |
| C．The pollution of the environment. | D．Diseases found on their horns. |
| A．Science. | B．Sports. | C．Education. | D．Business |
相似题推荐
【推荐1】Guam is a beautiful, small island in the Pacific Ocean. You’ll find happy songbirds, clear blue water, and leafy forest there. But the small island has a big problem: snakes. There are about 2 million brown tree snakes living in Guam.
The snakes likely arrived in the 1940s. They probably slipped(滑行) unseen onto ships and planes heading to Guam. Once there, the snakes laid eggs. Snake families grew. The snakes have no natural enemies to eat them on Guam. Soon, the island was covered with these snakes.
The brown tree snake has had a devastating effect. The snakes eat birds. There used to be 12 kinds of birds on the island. But these snakes have killed off nine kinds of the birds. The snakes can grow to be 10 feet long. They often bite humans. They climb onto power lines and make the electricity go out. This causes millions of dollars in damage.
Scientists have tried many different ways to control the number of snakes. They have used snake traps and snake-sniffing dogs. Nothing seemed to work. Nothing, that is, until they found a surprising secret weapon: killer mice.
Scientists found out that there is one easy way to kill brown tree snakes. They could give them a medicine called Tylenol. People take Tylenol for headaches and other pains. Even a little bit of Tylenol can kill a brown tree snake.
But how would scientists get the tree snakes to eat Tylenol? They came up with a plan. First, the experts put the medicine into dead mice. Then they attached each mouse to a mini paper parachute(降落伞). Planes dropped the mice over Guam. The parachutes got caught in the trees. The mice became dinner for the snakes that live there.
Has it worked? So far, research shows that there are fewer snakes because of the mice. The worry is that it may be too late to clear the snakes, but Mr. Vice from Guam’s Department of Agriculture says this should not stop the islanders from trying. “Our long-term goal is to kill the snake off completely,” he says.
1. What can we learn about the brown tree snakes?| A．They were shipped to Guam on purpose. |
| B．They were not native to Guam. |
| C．They were at risk in the 1940s. |
| D．They grew very slowly. |
| A．Magical. |
| B．Interesting. |
| C．Short-term. |
| D．Damaging. |
| A．Using snake traps. |
| B．Putting Tylenol in the trees. |
| C．Bringing in their enemies. |
| D．Letting them eat Tylenol carried by mice. |
| A．He is proud of it. |
| B．He is hopeful of it. |
| C．He is doubtful about it. |
| D．He is unconcerned about it. |
【推荐2】Like humans, animals need sleep too. A big problem for animals in the wild is keeping their enemies away while they sleep. Animals take care of this problem in different ways.
Anolis lizards live in many areas including tropical rainforests. They often sleep on leaves at the end of long branches. A leaf might seem like a strange bed, but it works like an alarm. If a hungry snake wiggles a branch, the lizard wakes up and leaps to safety.
Chimpanzees take their sleep very seriously. Each day, a chimpanzee builds itself a new, comfortable bed to sleep in. Scientists believe chimpanzees carefully choose a tree that is strong, where they build a nest using branches and leaves.
Parrotfish live among coral reefs in oceans. Every night, parrotfish usually sleep close to the rock in sheltered places. Some parrotfish go one step further by quickly making a slime layer that covers their whole body. This covering acts like a sleeping bag that provides a barrier against danger.
Bottle-nosed dolphins need to sleep, but they have to be on the ocean’s surface to breathe. They also need to watch over their young. What do they do? While half of the dolphin’s brain sleeps, the other half stays awake. After a while, the sleeping half wakes up while the other half snoozes.
Sooty terns have the most amazing sleep. They nest on islands. When they are not nesting, they live for many years in the sky and on the sea’s surface. When and where can they sleep? Scientists believe they are able to sleep while they are flying, staying out of the reach of enemies.
1. What is the shared concern when wild animals sleep?| A．Quietness. | B．Time length. | C．Comfort. | D．Safety. |
| A．Anolis lizards. | B．Chimpanzees. | C．Parrotfish. | D．Sooty terns. |
| A．They sleep on the job. |
| B．They don’t sleep at all. |
| C．They sleep deep in the ocean. |
| D．They sleep the least of all animals. |
Hot Science
The Benefits
Experts have found that there are clear health benefits of drinking tea. Research has led to the discovery that chemicals found in tea can help prevent cell damage. And there is clear evidence that drinking three to four cups of tea a day will reduce the chances of heart attacks and certain cancers. Other health benefits include bone strengthening and protection against bad teeth. “Drinking tea is actually better for you than drinking water,” said one doctor.
Re-hydration
There was also some interesting information on the qualities of tea. The research dispels the fear that tea is dehydrating (脱水). “Everyone assumes that caffeine-containing drinks such as tea dehydrate,” a leading expert explained. “But even if you had a really strong cup of tea, you would still have a gain of fluid (液体). In terms of fluid intake, we recommend 1.5 to 2 liters per day, and that can include tea. Tea is not dehydrating. It’s a healthy drink.”
The Negative Side
There was only one bit of bad news about tea. Research suggests that tea can affect the body’s ability to absorb iron from food. This means that people at risk of anaemia (贫血) should avoid drinking tea around mealtimes.
1. Tea is unable to help prevent _______.| A．heart attacks | B．iron shortage | C．weak bones | D．bad teeth |
| A．remove | B．confirm | C．convey | D．raise |
| A．Tea is used to cure different diseases. |
| B．Tea jokes only work for the tea lovers. |
| C．Strong tea cannot relieve human thirst. |
| D．Tea bushes are cut short for easy harvest. |
【推荐1】Around the globe far more bird species are losing ground than gaining, according to an expansive review of a half-century of bird population research published in the journal Annual Review of Environment and Resources in May.
The review, entitled The State of the Worlds Birds, showed that more than 5, 200 different species of birds—just shy of half the world’s total —are known or suspected to be declining. Around 3, 800 species are relatively stable, and fewer than 700 species show increases. Among birds on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, almost 400 birds worldwide have had their conservation status changed for the worse in the past three decades (moving from vulnerable to threatened, or threatened to endangered)—five times more than the number of bird species with an IUCN status that has changed for the better.
“After documenting the loss of nearly 3 billion birds in North America alone (according to a 2019 study published in the journal Science), it was disturbing to see the same patterns of population declines and extinction occurring globally,” says review coauthor Ken Rosenberg. a conservation scientist now retired from the Cormell Lab of Omithology.
The review points to disappearing and degraded habitat—resulting from climate change, urbanization, agricultural intensification, and international trade—as the leading driver of bird declines worldwide. In a note of hope, the authors cite a 2020 study indicating that restoring just 5% of habitat in priority areas around the world could avert 60% of likely extinctions.
Lead author Alexander Lees, a research associate at the Cormell Lab, also points to the need for substantial changes in human behavior to prevent further losses. “Loss and degradation of habitat is often driven by demand for resources,” says Lees, “We need to better consider how commodity flows such as beef, oil, and seed crops can contribute to biodiversity loss and try to reduce the human footprint on the natural world.”
1. In what order are threatened species arranged on the IUCN’s Red List?| A．Species quantity. | B．Conservation status. | C．Declining rate. | D．Living habitat. |
| A．Concerned. | B．Relieved. | C．Doubtful. | D．Hopeful. |
| A．Protect. | B．Increase. | C．Cause. | D．Prevent. |
| A．Extra reasons for bird extinction. | B．Possible solutions to habitat loss. |
| C．Substantial changes in human behavior. | D．The prospect of biodiversity loss. |
【推荐2】A dog is man’s best friend, and quite a few scientific studies have proved that dogs can improve human health in many ways.
Many people living alone worry about thieves and those who illegally enter their houses, and a dog can help make its owner feel safe.
In a fast-paced and high-pressure world, mental illnesses such as anxiety and depression have reached a new. But, comparatively speaking, pet owners have fewer mental illness, and animals are even used as an effective therapy for people suffering from mental illnesses.
| A．Dogs give us motivation to take exercise. |
| B．Thieves are less likely to break into a house with a barking dog. |
| C．Dog owners are also less stressed than people who don’t own dogs. |
| D．Moreover, you’ll consume extra calories when taking exercise with your dog. |
| E．People who have healthy interactions with others tend to live longer and be happier. |
| F．If you struggle with negative emotions, an animal can help you avoid focusing on them. |
| G．If you’re still anxious about meeting new people, join an online group with similar pets. |
【推荐3】Last weekend I visited a zoo with a friend. When we were there, we debated whether or not zoos were a good thing. When I was little, I liked going to zoos. Now, at the age of 20, I still enjoy visiting them. However, I am aware that there are lots of people who don’t support these establishments.
Animals welfare is a growing concern in today’s society. There are many people who believe that zoos are cruel. They argue that it is cruel to remove animals from their natural habitats and keep them in cages. An animal kept in a zoo will lead a life different from an animal that lives in the wild. For example, animals in zoos don’t have to hunt for food. Additionally, some animals become unhappy in zoos because there isn’t enough space. Zoos exhibit animals from places all over the world must therefore adjust to different climates and seasons, depending on the location of the zoo in relation to where they come from.
For human visitors, however, a trip to the zoo can be an educational experience. When students learn about endangered species and are able to see them in a zoo, they are more likely to support projects designed to save these animals from extinction. Zoos are involved in many conservation projects: supporting zoos provides essential funding for these projects. Due to threats such as illegal hunting, there are many species which would be extinct if they weren’t kept in zoos. Moreover, many zoos attempt to replicate an animal’s natural habitat: a range of material is used to create a space that is similar to what would be found in the wild. Lots of toys are usually put in exhibitions to prevent animals from getting bored. Animals that live in tropical countries are typically housed indoors in heated tanks which are kept at a temperature similar to that of their natural habitat.
Every zoo has a slightly different approach to animal care and welfare, but overall I think zoos are a good thing. Seeing animals in their natural habitat isn’t always possible and I think zoos offer a good alternative. A trip to the zoo is both educational and fun —I’ll definitely continue to visit zoos!
1. Why do many people think that zoos are cruel?| A．Animals have to leave from natural habitats and stay in cages. |
| B．Animals don’t have plenty of food and enough space. |
| C．Animals don’t have the ability to adapt themselves to different climates. |
| D．Animals have to face the cruelty in the zoo. |
| A．Students have the chance to see endangered animals. |
| B．Students will establish programs to raise money to support zoos. |
| C．Students will learn how to keep endangered animals. |
| D．Students are likely to support the project to save the endangered animals. |
| A．Copy. | B．Replace. | C．Adjust. | D．Assist. |
| A．Doubtful. | B．Supportive. | C．Uninterested. | D．Disapproving. |
Guilin rice noodles have a history of more than 2, 300 years. It is said that Oin Shi Huang, the founder of the Qin Dynasty (221 B C-206 B. C), took his army to southern China to wage war, aiming to unify southern China. However, the soldiers are from northern China and got used to eating wheat. They could not adapt to eating rice, which is the staple food in southern China, and couldn't digest it. In order to solve this problem. The chef had the idea to combine rice with wheat. They first inflated the rice and ground (把……磨成粉) it into rice syrup .After filtering the water from the rice syrup the chef smashed the rice into rice dough and steamed it, and then pulled it into noodles. The noodles were cooked with some special brine made from traditional Chinese medicine that cured the soldiers' digestive problems. The soldiers regained their energy after eating the cooked rice noodles, and finally unified southern China, according to reports .
Spring rolls
The spring roll is rolled from a thin pancake made of rice and filled with meat and vegetables. The rolls are very crispy after being deep fried.
The spring roll, a kind of traditional snack in northern China, is well known all over the world. Traditionally, the spring roll is very small.
According to reports, a man from the Song Dynasty (960-1279)studied very hard and often forgot to eat meals. His wife reminded him to eat meals on time but he failed. So she came up with the idea to make rice into a pancake, and filled it with meat and vegetables. By doing this, her husband could eat food from an entire meal in one roll, which was very convenient and nourishing.
1. According to the the first paragraph, the following are in Guilin rice noodles except________.| A．rice | B．Brine |
| C．wheat | D．energy |
| A．It was very small in old days. |
| B．It is filled with meat and fruits. |
| C．It is crispy after being steamed. |
| D．It is rarely seen in south China. |
| A．Her husband couldn't eat meals on time. |
| B．Her husband didn't think of any good idea. |
| C．Her husband couldn't eat all the food. |
| D．Her husband hardly studied. |
【推荐2】Be a Good Tourist
Tourism can be both good and bad. Yes, it brings in money for the local economy and creates lots of jobs for locals, but it may also bring some problems.
Another big problem in some places has been tourists disturbing (打扰) the local people and life.
The number of problems from tourists is endless. The only way to solve the problem of the terrible tourist is to make sure that you are not one!
| A．Be the best, kindest, most polite tourist possible. |
| B．I have three words for people like this: please stop it. |
| C．Another example is Sanlitun, a neighbourhood in Beijing, China. |
| D．Walk in large groups without considering others who need to walk by. |
| E．Thousands of tourist sites are being destroyed by tourists who “love them to death”. |
| F．One growing problem is tourists who want to prove that they have visited a destination. |
| G．Some tourists wander around and take pictures of local people without their permission. |
【推荐3】Amazing and perfectly beautiful, The Midnight Library is everything you’d expect from the genius storyteller, Matt Haig. I picked it up from our readers’ recommendations (we asked our readers to send in some of their favorite recent books) and I can see why it won Best Fiction of 2020 in the Good Reads Choice Awards.
The story follows Nora Seed, a woman who is struggling and feels like nothing in her life has gone according to plan. While the initial chapters of the book are quite sad, Nora finds herself given a chance to start over in the Midnight Library, a magical place full of books of all the different paths her life could have taken. Nora is forced to stay in the library and try out different versions of her life until she finds the life she most wants to live.
I loved the idea that no dream or fork in your road is insignificant, and that they all lead us to become different versions of ourselves. In one life, Nora is an Olympic swimmer. In another, she is a glaciologist living on a boat off the coast of Antarctica. The novel reveals in a beautiful way that the potential we all have within us is impossible to measure, and that we have the possibility to be happy in many different versions of life.
It also discusses how dangerous it can be to live your life with regrets. The Midnight Library revealed to Nora that even if you make very different choices, you may uncover a deeper appreciation for your current home and the people in your life. It is your perspective that matters.
I really loved the fantasy and magical realism in this novel, and I would love for this to be turned into a series where we get to explore The Midnight Library of other characters’ lives as well.
1. What can we know about the author of the text?| A．He should be an editor. | B．He is the friend of Matt Haig. |
| C．Magical realism books are his favorite. | D．He shares a similar experience with Nora. |
| A．A magic library. | B．The harm of regret. |
| C．The exploration of life. | D．Ways to make correct choices. |
| A．In a novel. | B．In a magazine. | C．In a history book. | D．In a biography. |
| A．To thank readers who introduced the book. | B．To honour Matt Haig, the author of the book. |
| C．To share the author’s opinions on the book. | D．To publicize the book to people who are struggling. |
【推荐1】Enjoy the sunshine at the four best beaches in Los Angeles, including family-friendly shores and perfect places for surfers (冲浪者).
El Matador State Beach
Malibu
Small and beautiful, El Matador looks unlike any European beach. Comfortable shoes are necessary but remember not to bring too much gear (装备). This western Malibu beach is only accessible via a steep rocky path. There are no lifeguards or other facilities (设施), so you are able to find some privacy on the beach. Arriving early or staying late can reward you with a memorable dawn or sunset.
Good for: nature lovers
Facilities: simple restrooms
Parking: parking lot $10, street parking free (watch out for “no parking” signs)
Zuma Beach
Malibu
It is a popular and touristy spot on weekends and holidays for locals and beach-goers. The wide, sandy beach is good for spreading out on beach towels and water sports, from swimming to volleyball. And it is one of the few beaches in Malibu where bonfires (篝火) are allowed.
Good for: sports lovers, groups
Facilities: restrooms, showers, volleyball courts and swings
Parking: parking lot $3 — $10, street parking free
Leo Carrillo State Park
Malibu
Leo Carrillo State Beach has the best of the both: a well-equipped stretch of sand plus scenic beauty. Groups and families can make use of the on-site camping grounds, picnic area, RV parking lot and coin-operated showers.
Good for: families, groups
Facilities: showers, camp site, RV parking lot and restrooms
Parking: parking lot $3 — $10
El Porto Beach
Manhattan
Newcomers love the sandy beach break, while winter wave hunters can brave overhead waves. Enter the parking lot from 45th Street, and note the five-hour limit. Those that prefer to stay on land can make use of the bike path.
Good for: surfers
Facilities: restrooms, showers and a bike path
Parking: $1.50 per hour metered parking
1. What can we learn about El Matador State Beach?| A．It is large and flat. |
| B．It is a bit hard to reach. |
| C．It is well equipped for surfing. |
| D．It is provided with trained lifeguards. |
| A．El Matador State Beach | B．Zuma Beach |
| C．Leo Carrillo State Park | D．El Porto Beach |
| A．They lie in Malibu. | B．They allow making bonfires. |
| C．They provide parking areas. | D．They are suitable for water sports. |
【推荐2】About City Cruises - Red River Rover（24hr）
As the River Thames weaves its way through the heart of London there is history around every bend.
See and experience the sights and splendor of this great city from the relaxed comfort of a modern, all-weather, wheelchair-friendly City Cruises RiverLinerTM with open upper deck and spacious lower saloon with panoramic （全景的）windows. During your cruise you will have live commentary（解说）from the experienced crew giving you lots of insights you wouldn't find in the guide books.
The Hop on Hop off Pass allows you to make unlimited use of the river services between the piers（码头）of operation:
Westminster Pier: Houses of Parliament
Abbey Waterloo Pier: London Eye London Aquarium
Tower Pier: Tower of London, Tower Bridge
Greenwich Pier; Greenwich, Maritime Museum, Cutty Sark
Important Information
You should arrive at least 15 minutes before departure time.
Passenger numbers are difficult to predict each day and can vary on account of public holidays, weather condition, events, etc. City Cruises cannot guarantee that you will get the sightseeing sailing that you have booked—please ensure that you arrive in reasonable time.
All boats have seating and are fully heated.
All boats offer open space areas with great views. Many have open decks offering a better view.
Free live commentary is in English on each sightseeing cruise.
Free audio guides are available in 8 languages: Italian, French, German, Spanish, Chinese, Russian, English and Japanese.
1. What can we learn about City Cruises RiverLinerTM?| A．It doesn't provide services on windy days. |
| B．It is not accessible to disabled passengers. |
| C．It ignores the great history of River Thames. |
| D．It enables you to learn further about the sights. |
| A．Westminster Pier. | B．Greenwich Pier. |
| C．Tower Pier. | D．Abbey Waterloo Pier. |
| A．passengers sensitive to cold should wear more clothes |
| B．passengers can view landmark sights of London on board |
| C．passengers should book visits to get the guaranteed sailing |
| D．passengers can watch live commentaries in various languages |
【推荐3】STAGES
Barbara and the Camp Dogs
The confident lead singer of a pub rock band, Barbara sets out on a road trip with her cousin Rene to reconnect with their family and see her sick mum. It’s written by Alana Valentine, and Leticia Caceres directs a cast including Yovich.
Malthouse Theatre. Today, 6:30pm.
Tickets: $30-$55.
Bookings: (03) 9685 5111 or online.
Peter Pan Goes Wrong
The Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society presents the Olivier award-nominated play Peter Pan Goes Wrong. JM Barrie’s classic fairytale Peter Pan has been reimagined with comedic disasters, including technical problems and cast conflict.
Sydney Lyric Theatre. Tonight, 7pm.
Tickets: $69.90- $119.90.
Bookings: 1300 795 267 or online.
Kwongkan
Combining contemporary and traditional dance, the Ochre Contemporary Dance Company and the Daksha Sheth Dance Company perform Kwongkan to live music. Created and directed by Mark Howett, this piece explores ancient, present and future cultures where humans struggle to save the planet and themselves.
Fremantle Arts Centre. Tonight and Tomorrow, 7:30pm.
Tickets: $28.60-$51.
Inquiries: (08) 9432 9555 or online.
The Rosie Result
Author Graeme Simsion discusses his new novel, The Rosie Result, which explores the love life of middle-aged autistic (患自闭症的) character Don. Simsion presents the talk alongside clinical psychologist Tony Attwood. The event will be moderated (主持) by autism advocate Barb Cook.
Brisbane Powerhouse. Tonight, 7pm.
Tickets: $30-$57.
Bookings: (07) 3358 8600 or online.
1. Who is the author of Peter Pan?
| A．JM Barrie. | B．Alana Valentine. | C．Yovich. | D．Mark Howett. |
| A．It is directed by a singer. | B．It has comedic disasters. |
| C．It includes traditional dance. | D．It is a talk about a novel. |
| A．Barbara and the Camp Dogs. | B．Peter Pan Goes Wrong. |
| C．Kwongkan. | D．The Rosie Result. |
