Four Environmentalists You Should Know
George Washington Carver
George Washington Carver is one of the most famous scientists of the 20th century, not to mention a famous painter. He was an educator at the Tuskegee Institute and an inventor known for making plastics, fuel, and more out of peanut. He created a list of 300 uses for peanuts, and many more for soybeans and sweet potatoes, in an effort to increase financial gains for Southern farmers.
Julia Hill
After a serious auto accident in 1996, Julia Hill devoted her life to environmental causes. Fortwo years, Hill lived in the branches of an ancient redwood tree which she named Luna) in northern California to save it from being cut down. She eventually vacated (搬离) the 200-foot-tall tree after striking a deal with the Pacific Lumber Company. The tree was saved finally. Her tree-sit became an international cause.
Theodore Roosevelt
Though he was a known big-game hunter, Theodore Roosevelt was one of the most active champions of wilderness preservation in history. As governor of New York, he outlawed the use of feathers as clothing decorations in order to prevent the killing of some birds. While he was president (1901-1909), he set aside hundreds of millions of wilderness acres, actively protected soil and water.
Chico Mendes
Chico Mendes is best known for his efforts to save the rainforests of his home Brazil from being cut down. Mendes came from a family of rubber harvesters who supplemented (补贴) their income by sustainably gathering nuts and other rainforest products. Alarmed at the damage of the Amazon, he helped to encourage international support for its protection. His activism drew the anger of powerful ranching (牧业) and timber interests, and he was murdered by cattle ranchers at age 44.
1. Who made a great contribution to agriculture?| A．George Washington Carver. | B．Julia Hill. |
| C．Theodore Roosevelt. | D．Chico Mendes. |
| A．Protecting wilderness. | B．Saving a 200-foot-tall tree. |
| C．Creating many uses for peanuts. | D．Saving the rainforests of Brazil. |
| A．He likes cutting down trees. | B．He called on people to protect water. |
| C．He came from a family of farmers. | D．He gathered nuts to support his family. |
相似题推荐
【推荐1】The World Water Day has been celebrated annually on 22 March since1992. Each year has a different theme, looking at things like the role of clean water in the world of work, ways to stop wasting water, finding ways to supply water to underprivileged groups and so on.
Apart from the obvious health issues, a lack of accessible clean water means that people – often women and children – spend hours every day walking to and from distant water supplies. This means they don’t have time to dedicate to work, studies and other domestic duties.
There are many charities working on creating sustainable supplies of clean water for different communities around the world.
| A．Clean drinking water is fundamental. |
| B．As individuals, what can we do to help the issue? |
| C．The search for water becomes their main occupation. |
| D．This important work needs to continue and to expand. |
| E．Every living cell in the body needs water to keep functioning. |
| F．In normal conditions, the human body can only survive three or four days without water. |
| G．However, there are still at least 2.1 billion people around the world living without safe water. |
【推荐2】Desertification (沙漠化) is a course that has caused much concern over the past few years — and it’s a major problem for the ancient land of Egypt, where 96% of the country’s land is desert.
So why is it that — if you drove a car 10 miles west of the Suez Canal — you would see a large number of forests outlined against the orange sand and blue sky of the Sahara?
The Serapium Forest is the richest of Egypt’s 36 areas that make up a program to fight desertification by creating sustainably managed commercial forests fed completely by wastewater. The 500-mile forest is only a short distance from the 400, 000 people living in the Egyptian city of Ismailia, who produce millions of tons of wastewater every year.
After a dozen-mile journey to the Serapium Forest, the wastewater is then stored underground where oxygen is fed in to speed up the bacterial purification process. A system of pipes then spreads the wastewater throughout the forest. And human wastewater is still rich in chemicals even after being treated.
The government’s effort, called the National Program for Safe Use of Treated Sewage Water for Afforestation is going a long way toward achieving the country’s goals voiced in the 1992 UN Rio conference on climate change.
The research was supported by ForestFinance, a German company that has already planted near-natural forests in Panama and Vietnam to help those countries with their development and wildlife protection. ForestFinance wants to increase the number of species grown in Serapium by including a forest on the site. That way, the biodiversity (生物多样性) of the commercial forest would be able to support a greater number of species, and hopefully bring in money as well. Although the Serapium Forest faces a lot of difficulties, it’s still growing — a 500-acre green wall to join the others in the world in preventing the sands of the world’s deserts from spreading.
1. What is the purpose of the first paragraph?| A．To voice a different idea. |
| B．To present research findings. |
| C．To offer background information. |
| D．To introduce a problem-solving approach. |
| A．It was built by the people of Ismailia. |
| B．It was planted to fight climate change. |
| C．It is in danger of being destroyed. |
| D．It is the smallest forest in Egypt. |
| A．The influence of green space on cities. |
| B．The value of the newly-founded Serapium Forest. |
| C．The way of using wastewater to feed the Serapium Forest. |
| D．The preparation for the government setting up the program. |
| A．It raises serious doubts. |
| B．It will bring great benefits. |
| C．It has been going smoothly. |
| D．It encourages the government to take action. |
【推荐3】Over the past few years, as architects and city planners have confronted the tragedy of our planet losing species at rates never seen in human history, many have started designing more greenery into urban areas, creating tidy plots of grass with non-native flowers. But European designers Hougaard and Qual find it problematic. These green spaces don’t actually encourage wildlife to grow. To counter that, the designers created outdoor furniture that would be beautiful to look at, but also allow bugs, birds, and wildflowers to thrive, nurturing biodiversity in cities and rewilding urban spaces.
The natural world tends to appear messy, chaotic, with plants and animals interacting with each other. Bacteria, plants, and insects thrive in rotting logs. Birds and bees create homes in dead, hollow tree trunks. Weeds and flowers grow in wild patches of grass. People consider this as messy and dirty, trying to get rid of them in cities despite the fact that even though wildlife appears chaotic, there is often method in the madness.
Qual had this in mind when creating a large, leaf-shaped insect hotel to be placed on a flower bed. The structure contains wooden blocks with different size of holes for different insect species. Hougaard created a metal log bench with an empty space in the middle to provide a habitat for creatures. He also created planting containers without a base, which are placed right on top of the soil and filled with different materials to provide a place for insects, reptiles, and small animals to hide and find food. They can also interact with earthworms and other creatures in the soil underneath, creating a thriving ecosystem.
Will people actually want to be so close to bugs, snakes, and nesting birds? The designers acknowledge that modern humans have been trained to stay away from such creatures. But these structures keep animals contained, while allowing people to observe and appreciate them safely. And ultimately, humans need to become much more comfortable living alongside wildlife.
1. What do Hougaard and Qaul notice about creating tidy grass plots in urban areas?| A．It encourages the growth of wildlife. |
| B．It keeps a more balanced ecosystem. |
| C．It doesn’t increase species diversity. |
| D．It doesn’t damage the habitat of species. |
| A．To describe the peace of nature. |
| B．To describe the law of the jungle. |
| C．To show the need for rewilding urban areas. |
| D．To introduce the design basis of “outdoor furniture”. |
| A．The concept of order and messiness. |
| B．The goal to keep cities organized. |
| C．The plan to design more greenery. |
| D．The tragedy of losing species |
| A．He is also a designer of insect hotels. |
| B．He is in support of Hougaard and Qual’s idea. |
| C．He is a strong advocate for a chaotic lifestyle. |
| D．He is against keeping animals caged. |
【推荐1】Iceland Yoga Retreat (度假村) with Sagrada in the Golden Circle
April 8-12, 2020 Spring Yoga Retreat
Deposit for Iceland Yoga Retreat April 8-12,2020： $600.00
What’s Included
4 nights accommodations at the beautiful boutique hostel in the heart of the Golden Circle
·all delicious and healthy gourmet nordic cuisine meals (北欧美食)
·8 yoga classes
·3 qi gong classes with Eva Inglizian L.Ac.
·3 evening meditation (冥想) classes
·1 entrance fee to Fontana hot springs, sauna and steam
What’s Not included
·airport shuttle
·additional tours and trips
·wine, beer, and other alcoholic drinks
What To Bring
lots of warm layers; warm scarf, hat, gloves, wool socks, warm jacket, bathing suit, towel; yoga carpet; camera; water bottle. Iceland has the best tasting water on the planet!
Rate for 4 night yoga retreat (Prices are per person)
·1 person shared sharing with shared bathroom US $1195
·1 person Twin sharing with shared bathroom US $1295
·1 person Single room with shared bathroom US $1630
·Double Deluxe room with private bath US $2150 SGL / $1345 DBL
Cancellation Policy
Deposit is non- exchangeable.
Deposit is exchangeable to another attendee.
Full balance is due 30 days before start date of retreat.
If cancellation takes place more than 60 days prior to the retreat start date, any payments made will be refunded, minus your deposit.
If cancellation takes place between 30-60 days before the retreat start date, 50% of the trip price will be forfeited (没收).
1. What does your deposit include?| A．Airport shuttle. | B．Soft drink. |
| C．Additional tours. | D．One chance to Fontana hot springs. |
| A．US $1195 | B．US $1295 | C．US $1345 | D．US $2150 SGL |
| A．It costs $ 900.00 in all. |
| B．It can be exchanged according to cancellation dates. |
| C．It can’t be exchanged. |
| D．It can be used by none other than yourself. |
【推荐2】These are hotel rooms where you can have an unusual experience!
Amangiri, Canyon Point, Utah
A favorite of celebrities, this resort in the Utah desert is popular with any traveler. While every room here has character, none matches the elegance of the Girijaala Suite.
At over 3,500 square feet, the room boasts a large, private lap pool, a sweeping terrace (平台) overlooking majestic rock formations; and a sky lounge area where guests can bed down for the night under the clear Utah skies. But don’t worry if you get chilly; the interior of the room has a cozy king-size bed and a deep-soaking tub to help you warm up.
Beyond Ngala Safari Lodge, South Africa
At this property on the border of Kruger National Park, guests can reserve a one-night experience in a four-level tree house to see animals that roam the park.
And of course, this is no ordinary structure: the house is entirely self-sustaining with a solar power supply, a water collection system and a bio-rock sanitation system. The tree house is understandably off the grid (电网) so guests can sleep under the night sky taking in the magic of their surroundings.
Beverly Wilshire, Beverly Hills, California
The Beverly Wilshire has been a magnet for the rich, famous and powerful since its opening in 1928. Guests who reserve the Veranda Suite located on the roof of the hotel are in for a serious surprise. Not only is the room accessed by a hidden entrance behind a wrought-iron staircase, but it also has a 2,100 square-foot terrace with dreamy views of the Hollywood Hills. In the middle of this private, urban oasis is a 10-foot-tall tent with a crystal chandelier (吊灯)，marble lamps and fur rugs. In a city full of stars, this may be your best opportunity to soak them in.
1. What is available to the visitors at the Girijaala Suite?| A．Chatting with celebrities. |
| B．Appreciating scenic beauty. |
| C．Getting close to wild animals. |
| D．Sleeping on a king-sized bed outdoors. |
| A．It offers the best view of deserts and rocks. |
| B．It is designed in an environmentally-friendly way. |
| C．It is equipped with modern communication system. |
| D．It is located on the border of Kruger National Park. |
| A．They are tailored for the rich. |
| B．They are located in national parks. |
| C．They are modern and well-equipped. |
| D．They offer guests outdoor sleeping experiences. |
【推荐3】To help new students, the International Business Institute (IBI) plans to set up a buddy (伙伴) peer support project. The project will help new students meet current students at IBI who can provide them with some friendly company during their first months in Newcastle and help them with any small problems that they may have.
What’s in it for you?
We believe that being a buddy will be rewarding in several ways. As a volunteer, it will be personally satisfying to know that you are able to help new students. It will also help you make contacts that may be valuable in your future academic and professional lives. If you are an overseas student, it will give you another opportunity to practise speaking English.
Responsibilities of buddies
·Telephone and arrange to make contact with the new student.
·Meet the student and show him/her around the campus and the local area. Answer questions about living in Newcastle and administration procedures at IBI.
·Arrange to meet the new student one morning or afternoon one weekend early in the semester, and take the student to places that you enjoy in Newcastle.
·Be prepared to take phone calls from the new student to answer further questions that he/she may have from time to time. Meet to explain information to the new student in person, if required.
·You will be matched to an individual new student. However, if you have friends who are also buddies, you might prefer to form a support group together. This would mean that you meet the new students as a group rather than one-on-one.
·Being a buddy is voluntary. There is no “requirement” to provide assistance beyond the help outlined above.
Please note that if you agree to become a peer support buddy, you will be expected to fulfil your role conscientiously and cheerfully. It will be important to be considerate and reliable so that the student can feel confident in your support.
1. According to the passage, what benefit can you get from being a buddy?| A．You can learn how to be a confident person. |
| B．It is easy for you to find some friendly company. |
| C．You can be rewarded with both money and prizes. |
| D．It may be helpful for your future studies and career. |
| A．form a support group with other volunteers at IBI |
| B．provide assistance in studying each subject after class |
| C．meet the new student every morning early in the semester |
| D．help the new student get familiar with his or her surroundings |
| A．To introduce campus life for new students. |
| B．To attract potential volunteers to be peer supporters. |
| C．To offer an opportunity to practise speaking English. |
| D．To provide some information about studying overseas. |
【推荐1】For the first 19 months of her life, Helen Keller was like other pretty happy babies in every way. Then in 1882, a sudden illness destroyed her sight and hearing. Because she could not hear what other people were saying, the child could not learn to speak. For the following 5 years, she lived in a world of darkness, without sounds or words and her parents could do nothing but let her be.
The person who changed Helen’s world was her teacher, Anne Sullivan, who entered her life. Miss Sullivan had accepted a job, which seemed impossible. She had agreed to teach a blind child who had never learned to act like a human being, because no one had ever been able to guide her in any way. No one could control Helen. She acted like a young animal, rushing wildly around, throwing things, and hitting anyone whom she could reach. Who could believe that such a child could be taught?
But Anne Sullivan was a very special kind of teacher. She had been blind during part of her own childhood and had learned to read Braille, a system of writing that uses raised dots which can be felt by the finger of a blind person. She had learned to see again after several operations, but she had never forgotten the experience of being blind.
Miss Sullivan understood Helen. She loved her and believed she could teach her.
Anne Sullivan could not teach Helen Keller to speak until some other important things had been learned. The little girl had to learn to control her actions and feelings. She had to learn that she could not always do what she wished to do. She had always been able to get what she wished by using force. The teacher had to change such habits without breaking the child’s spirit.
Miss Sullivan’s battle began. Sometimes, there was real fighting between the wild child and the strong young teacher. At last, however, the battle was won by Miss Sullivan, who had succeeded in showing Helen that she loved her and wanted to help her. The child and her teacher became friends. They continued to be friends until the teacher’s death, 50 years later.
The day on which Helen finally accepted Miss Sullivan as her friend and teacher was a great day in Helen’s life. After that the teacher could begin to teach the child language.
1. Helen became blind and deaf after ________.| A．an unexpected accident | B．a football match |
| C．a sudden disease | D．fighting with her teacher |
| A．1917 | B．1932 | C．1937 | D．1939 |
| A．to pronounce a few words | B．to control herself properly |
| C．to copy some letters | D．to make different sounds |
| A．Sullivan learned the Braille when she was blind as a child. |
| B．Blind as Sullivan was, he accepted the challenge to teach Helen. |
| C．At first Sullivan and Helen often fought each other. |
| D．Sullivan died when she was fifty years old. |
【推荐2】Stephen Hillenburg the US animator whose childhood summers on a Maine island later inspired him to create the famous cartoon Sponge Bob SquarePants (《海绵宝宝》), passed away on Nov. 26 at the age of 57.
Hillenburg was interested in the ocean as a child and developed a love for art. He studied Natural Resource Planning and Interpretation at college, with an emphasis on marine resources. “It dawned on me that if I was going to do a show on animals, I’d do a show about undersea animals--all the ones that I’m interested in and know a lot about,” Hillenburg told Enterlainrment Weekly in 2010. “I focused on the sponge because it’s one of the more special creatures.”
But although he wasn’t sure whether people would like a cartoon about the ocean, he stuck with it. “We just try to make ourselves laugh, then ask if it’s appropriate for children,” Hillenburg told The Associated Press in 2001. “The essence (精华) of the show is that SpongeBob is an innocent in a world of worldly characters.”
What Hillenburg probably didn’t expect was that the adventures of this “innocent” character in his underwater hometown would be such a success. There have been nearly 250 episodes to date. It has won several Emmy Awards, and has been shown in more than 60 languages.
SpongeBob was popular because he appealed not only 10 children but to older viewers as well, including college students, who held viewing parties for the show. Children liked SpongeBob’s innocence, teenagers and young adults loved the show’s humor, while the more mature enjoyed it as part of meme culture. But it was above all the character’s innocence that attracted people.
The show’s most important message, Hillenburg once said, “is that innocence prevails--which I don’t think it always does in real life”.
1. What can we learn from the passage?| A．Hillenburg created Sponge Bob SquarePants especially for children. |
| B．Hllenburg was sure that Sponge Bob SquarePants would be a success at first. |
| C．Hillenburg’s educational background contributed to Sponge-Bob SquarePants. |
| D．Hillenburg’s childhood summers had nothing to do with Sponge Bob SquarePants. |
| A．It attracts children, adults and old people. |
| B．It has won Emmy Awards for many times. |
| C．It focuses on the innocence of SpongeBob. |
| D．It is about very unusual undersea creatures. |
| A．wins | B．happens | C．counts | D．grows |
【推荐3】Most female fashion models start their careers in their late teens and retire in their early 30’s,but 96-year-old Alice Pang is not your ordinary fashion model.She started modelling at 93,so you could say she’s still a beginner.
Alice always liked dressing well and looking elegant,but never actually considered a career in modelling.But her granddaughter always thought she had it in her,so when she saw an online ad for senior models of 65,she sent in Alice’s pictures and she was chosen for a photo shoot.Today,she is recognised as one of the best senior models in Asia,as well as the oldest.
“I entered the industry when I was 93 and this is my third year working as a model,” she added. “I’ve shot a few commercials,cosmetics,camera and trade development.It feels great to be admired.”
Born in 1923,Alice never dreamed she would one day be modelling for high-end fashion brands like Gucci,Ellery or Valentino,let alone at age 96.But her fair complexion(面色) and excellent posture—uncommon qualities for people her age—make her one of the most sought-after senior models in the business.
Surprisingly,Alice doesn’t credit exercise or a strict diet for her enviable(令人羡慕的) figure and posture.Even though she agrees that exercise helps some people stay in good shape,she doesn’t even have a morning exercise routine,crediting her good genes instead.
“My skin tone is ivory because I’m seldom exposed to the sun and I have straight back,” Alice said.“Exercise is definitely good for you and many would do morning exercise but I don’t do that.It’s just natural.”
While most people praise her for her active lifestyle and the courage to start a whole new career in her nineties.Alice Pang is not without her critics,most of whom say that she should dress and act according to her age.She chooses to ignore them,though,saying that her personal happiness is all that counts.
1. Where did Alice’s granddaughter see the advertisement?| A．In the newspaper. | B．On TV. |
| C．In a magazine. | D．On the Internet. |
| A．Her family tradition. | B．Her regular exercise. |
| C．Her family genes. | D．Her strict diet. |
| A．Alice likes dressing according to her age. |
| B．Alice takes some people’s words seriously. |
| C．People have different opinions about Alice. |
| D．Most people advise her to quit the career. |
| A．Her career. | B．People’s comments. |
| C．Her dresses. | D．Her happiness. |
