Far below every town and city lies an invisible network of pipes crucial to the lives of their residents. Once water disappears down a pipe or toilet, people rarely think about what happens to it. It’s out of sight, out of mind. The water flows into pipes that carry excess rainwater, wastewater and solid waste away, keeping the city clean.
There are three main types of sewers (下水道): sanitary (卫生的) sewers, storm sewers and combined sewers. Taipei has both sanitary and storm sewers where rainwater and sewage are collected using different pipes.
This sewer system functions as a city’s veins (静脉). Water containing human and industrial waste is collected in sanitary sewers and conveyed to sewage treatment plants, the heart of the sewer system, where waste is treated. There, the solid waste is separated from the water, which is then cleaned before being released back into the environment. It will be reused for industrial, agricultural or environmental purposes or to produce energy. Furthermore, the mud and gas from sewage treatment can be used to produce energy. They not only contribute to a healthy environment and good quality of life, but also achieve the goal of sustainable development.
While wastewater collection and treatment are critical to the health of urban residents, storm sewers also play an important role in the city. Green space has given way to concrete during the island’s rapid development and extensive building projects over the past few decades. As a consequence, there has been a loss of the land’s natural water as concrete cannot absorb rainwater. When an extreme weather event like a severe storm or typhoon brings heavy rain, storm sewers must cope with the water, so it does not flood the city. However, storm sewers are only part of the measures for water management and flood prevention.
To reduce flooding, an integrated urban drainage management plan has been adopted, where all the factors-storm sewers, land planning and economic development — are considered together. Engineering innovations, additional flood discharge facilities and increased green space requirements in new development projects have improved water maintaining in cities.
Who knew that sewers help improve urban public health, prevent urban flooding and boost environmental protection? Together they protect vital water resources and maintain the safety of people and property.
1. According to the passage, the word “excess” in the first paragraph probably means______.| A．useless | B．polluted | C．extra | D．processed |
| A．To test wastewater timely and to develop rapidly. |
| B．To treat wastewater and to fight against flooding. |
| C．To form a circulation and to clean the city. |
| D．To clean wastewater and to manage water. |
| A．What is unseen is as important as what is seen. |
| B．There are three types of sewers in every city. |
| C．People build sewer system because of concrete. |
| D．Sewers are usually repaired every few decades. |
| A．A City’s Underground Construction |
| B．A City’s Hidden Network |
| C．How A City Operates Well |
| D．Two Aspects of A City or Town |
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【推荐1】For outdoor enthusiasts, it is crucial to be prepared for any sort of natural disaster in the open air.
While you’re planning, the essential thing to consider is the things you should pack for your trip. Any disaster that may separate you from civilization for a period of time will require you to provide your own food, water, and shelter for at least a few days.
Once you complete your survival plan, it’s better to review it periodically. When a natural disaster strikes, you probably won’t have time to go over a document or go online to seek advice.
If a natural disaster strikes while you are in the wilderness, you should put your survival plan into effect immediately.
| A．But this is not always the case. |
| B．It’s also a good idea to bring light sources. |
| C．That means having a disaster response plan. |
| D．It’s also great to consult with the specialists in person. |
| E．Consequently, revising it frequently is strongly recommended. |
| F．Different kinds of disasters are likely to occur in different areas. |
| G．Stay calm, act decisively, and begin working to keep yourself alive. |
【推荐2】The tornado last 4 minutes, to us, it felt like a lifetime.
No sooner had we found coverage of the tornado from the TV than it was on top of us. It was the loudest thing I have ever heard. The wind began to roar through the house. We had three flights of steps to get to the first floor. The closet down there is underneath a brick staircase, which seemed like the strongest place in our house to wait things out.
It felt as if there were no floor underneath me as the wind lifted me off my feet. As we finally reached the last flight of steps, our front door blew out. Glass flew everywhere. Suddenly, a three-foot-long tree branch whipped through the doorframe. It flew over our heads, missing us by inches. Had we been one step up, it would have impaled us.
We got close to the staircase only to hear the loud sound of our garage door coming off. The back wall of the house followed and tore off into the darkness outside.
By the time I reached the closet, the tornado had been over us for about a minute. Jimmy pushed me down to the closet floor, but he couldn’t get inside himself because of the wind. I gripped Jimmy’s arm and tried to bring Jimmy with it. My knees were full of glass, but in that moment, I felt no pain. If I had let go, Jimmy would have flown right out the back of the house and into the bay. All of a sudden, Jimmy lifted off his feet like people in tornadoes do in the movies. I thought he was gone. And then everything stopped. He landed on his feet. In those first quiet moments, I couldn’t believe it was over.
The storm lasted four minutes. In that time, four of the twelve town houses in our unit were completely destroyed. Of the houses left standing, ours suffered the most damage. Amazingly, none of us were severely injured.
1. Which of the following statements is True according to the passage?| A．They decided to hide in the brick staircase because it was the strongest place to hide. |
| B．It was hard to make it to the first floor because there was no floor underneath them. |
| C．Their house was one of the houses in the unit that were completely destroyed. |
| D．If the tornado hadn’t stopped in time, Jimmy would have been blown away into the darkness. |
a. The back wall of the house tore off into the darkness outside.
b. Jimmy lifted off his feet and was thought to be gone.
c. The author felt no pain although her knees were full of glass.
d. A tree branch whipped through the doorframe and flew over their heads.
e. The garage door came off.
f. The author was pushed down to the closet by Jimmy.
| A．deafcb | B．deafbc |
| C．dfeabc | D．daefcb |
| A．Thrilling and smooth. |
| B．Frightening and lucky. |
| C．Suffering and miserable. |
| D．Painful and unfortunate. |
| A．An unforgettable experience |
| B．Tornado on the way |
| C．Love defeats everything |
| D．The life-long 4 minutes |
【推荐3】The area around Taal Lake on Luzon Island in the Philippines is known for its natural beauty. Tourism is popular there as travelers go there to see the scenery that surrounds Taal Volcano, one of the most active volcanoes in the country. It was quiet for years until January 12,2020 when the volcano erupted. Since then, the cities surrounding the volcano have been covered with ash and many people are forced to leave home.
But the ash didn’t stop the residents of Binan, a city that is 35 km south of Manilla, from finding a way to help their neighbors in the towns that suffered the most from Taal. Binan Mayor Walfredo Dimaguila ordered the city residents to collect the ash and to put it in sacks (麻袋) to be sent to the state-owned factory that can produce 5,000 bricks (砖) a day to turn it into bricks to use for rebuilding damaged communities.
“What we plan is to turn them into hollow blocks and bricks and sell them to interested companies,” Dimaguila said. But he noted, the money would be donated to the people directly affected by the volcano. “When Batangas (the region where Taal is located) is in recovery, the bricks can not only be used to build schools, community halls and livelihood centers but also help deal with ash pollution for the earth,” Dimaguila said. “The misfortune of our neighbors in Batangas is there. Let’s transform this into opportunity.”
The Philippines, located in the Pacific “Ring of Fire: zone of fire” and part of the typhoon belt, is a country that is known for natural disasters like earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and major storms. But the Filipino people show their strong will and community spirit.
1. What can be learned about Taal Volcano?| A．It attracts more and more settlers. | B．It becomes inactive. |
| C．It is covered with ash completely. | D．It causes damage to the locals. |
| A．To collect volcanic ash for recycling. | B．To save sacks for factories to use. |
| C．To set up a factory for making bricks. | D．To build communities for people from disasters. |
| A．Creative but expensive. | B．Environmentally and economically. |
| C．Helpful but challenging. | D．Interesting and practical. |
| A．Taal Lake is in danger. | B．Taal Volcano is popular. |
| C．Disasters hits Philippines. | D．People turn ash into treasure. |
【推荐1】Seventy-year-old Tububatu and his wife live in a village on the edge of Badain Jaran, China’s third-largest desert. Since their retirement, they’ve been spending every day fighting the advancement of the desert with the help of plant-life. Others had tried fighting the desert and failed, but they just wanted to know if they could make a difference.
Relying only on their pensions, the retired couple have been slowly and steadily growing their little desert forest. They started out by planting just 50 trees, but kept doubling their efforts to the point where they now plant thousands of trees a year. Even though they mostly plant drought-resistant species, they still water them at least once a day to make sure they grow better. Their small desert forest now covers over 266 hectares and numbers tens of thousands of trees.
The couple stay behind in their village, nearly 100 kilometers away from the nearest town, despite their children’s efforts to get them to move with them to a more comfortable home. They’ve been ridiculed by members of their own community who believed their efforts to fight the desert were sure to fail, but they haven’t let that prevent them making their efforts. They may very well fail, but at least they’ve given it their all.
Over the last 19 years, the couple have planted over 266 hectares of desert and have no plan of stopping anytime soon. China Daily reports that Tububatu and his wife have so far planted over 70, 000 trees and spent more than 1 million yuan of their savings in the process. The bad conditions have caused a lot of damage to their health, they look older than their age, and they both have been battling serious health conditions, but they refuse to abandon their battle against the desert.
1. What did Tububatu and his wife do after they retired?| A．They moved to the town. | B．They planted trees in the desert. |
| C．They donated their pensions. | D．They worked for China Daily. |
| A．They’ve developed new tree species. | B．They’ve grown a small forest. |
| C．They’ve inspired their own community. | D．They’ve changed the desert climate. |
| A．The neighbors’ tease. | B．The advancement of the desert. |
| C．A comfortable home. | D．The unpleasant weather. |
| A．Ambitious and selfish. | B．Cautious and independent. |
| C．Humorous and outgoing. | D．Determined and hard-working. |
【推荐2】The population of monarchs passing the winter in Mexico appears to have fallen. Now, the good news for Illinois’ state insects: The Field Museum in Chicago is trying to figure out what makes a successful monarch garden in the city, and it’s proper to start preparing for this summer.
The Field Museum project involves citizens reporting on spaces that researchers can’t walk into every day, like backyards. Participants sent in weekly reports, including the makeup of their garden,and development of eggs and caterpillars. The more successful gardens had more milkweed (乳汁草) and blooming plants, multiple milkweed species, and tended to be larger plots. But Klinger, an expert at the Field Museum,said one participant with a single plant watched eggs transform all the way to chrysalises (蛹). So, she said, “You just need one plant.”
In 2020, during the second season of the study, the number of caterpillars dropped even though the number of participants in the study more than doubled.
Chicago saw a hot, dry summer — its warmest on record, and Klinger said that may have affected the health of the milkweed plants. The reports out of Mexico noted this season’s eastern population drop followed an increase in forest loss,which was 4 times what it was a year ago, primarily from illegal tree cutting, as well as trees hit by wind and drought. But they also said spring and summer weather conditions were tough for milkweed blossoms and egg development in the southern US, which is largely responsible for limiting reproduction.
“But now is the optimum time to start planning to plant some milkweed. The best thing to do is what you can do. One milkweed plant in a pot on your balcony (阳台) is doing something,” Klinger said.
1. What does Klinger imply about monarch gardens in paragraph 2?| A．More milkweed is a must for larger plots. |
| B．It’s necessary to participate in this project. |
| C．It’s easy for citizens to garden for monarchs. |
| D．One plant can also make a great difference. |
| A．Bad weather seen in the southern US. |
| B．Factors leading to the monarch’s decline. |
| C．Human activities causing harm to butterflies. |
| D．Plants responsible for the monarch’s reproduction. |
| A．Fixed. | B．Special. | C．Perfect. | D．Acceptable. |
| A．Gardeners Lend All Insects a Hand |
| B．Plant Milkweed to Save Monarchs |
| C．Cities Provide the Best Habitat for Monarchs |
| D．Necessary Approaches to Helping out Butterflies |
【推荐3】It is important to learn how to protect our environment. Here is a 5R rule for us:
Reduce: If you want to reduce the waste, you should use things wisely. A large number of trees are being cut down to make paper. If everyone uses paper wastefully, soon we would not have any trees left. Other things are also being wasted, and people don’t know what to do with the waste in big cities. So it is necessary to reduce the waste.
Reuse: You should always think of reusing the usable things before throwing them away. Give your clothes you do not use or the ones which are too small to the poor. In a family, you may pass on such clothes to younger brothers or sisters.
Recycle: Bottles, cans and paper cups can be easily recycled. By doing so, we can save lots of money. For example, coke cans are sent to a factory, where they are smashed (粉碎) and melted and the metal things are made for new coke cans.
Recover: When you buy a box of apples, there may be a few rotten ones, you have two choices: one is to throw the whole apple away, or you could cut off the rotten parts and eat the good parts.
Repair: If one of the legs of your table is broken, you can repair it. If you want to change for better ones, it is better for you to sell the old things or give them to other people who can use them after repairing them. It is true that North America is a “throw away” society, but the time has come to change our way of life so that we can protect our environment. Every one of us should try our best.
1. The “Reduce” rule mainly require us ________.| A．to use things wisely | B．to cut down many trees |
| C．to use a lot of paper | D．to throw away our old clothes |
| A．throwing them away |
| B．giving them to the poor |
| C．passing them on to younger brothers or sisters |
| D．both B and C |
①melt them ②collect the used cans
③smash them flat ④send them to a factory
| A．①②③④ | B．①④③② | C．②④③① | D．③①②④ |
| A．to cover waste things with earth | B．to throw the whole things away |
| C．to throw waste things away | D．to get back the useful parts |
| A．selling them | B．putting them away |
| C．repairing them | D．throwing them away |
【推荐1】Germany is the leader of the world’s waste-recycling race. The country has quite a detailed way of sorting their waste-down to the color of glass waste, the type of paper, the separate bin for metals, etc.
Here below are what you should know about Germany’s waste sorting system:
◇You are expected to gather your waste in your apartment/housing area’s local public garbage bins.
◇There are commonly several types of public garbage bins available in the German’s apartment/housing area:
• Blue bin-for paper and cardboard
•Green and white bin-for glass, different bins for differently colored glass, not available for holiday decorations and lights
•Yellow/orange bin - for plastic and metals
•Gray/black bin- for everything else that can’t be recycled such as used cat litter and animal waste
•Brown bin - for goods that can be changed naturally by bacteria into substances that don't harm the environment, like leftovers, fruit and vegetables
◇Some items don’t belong in these public garbage bins. Items like used batteries, electronics, unused paints, and lights must be returned to the special agents/locations so they can be properly recycled. Other items such as clothes, shoes, and oversized rubbish and furniture are advised to be donated or sold.
◇There’s this thing called Pfand in Germany, a certain part of the price for a bottled drink that you get back if you send back the bottle to certified shops. German law requires shops over a certain size selling bottled drinks have a Pfandrückgabestelle, or place for bottles with deposits(押金). These bottles usually made of glass or plastic will be refilled. Of course, there're strict health regulations.
1. Which bin should abandoned pet food be put into?| A．The blue bin. | B．The gray/black bin. |
| C．The brown bin. | D．The green and white bin. |
| A．By giving it away. |
| B．By putting it in a specific location. |
| C．By returning it to special agents. |
| D．By selling it to a Pfandrückgabestelle. |
| A．Ensuring the cleanliness of refilled bottles. |
| B．Encouraging consumers to return bottles. |
| C．Reducing the use of non-recyclable bottles. |
| D．Having shops reuse plastic or glass bottles. |
【推荐2】Power walking, also referred to as speed walking, is an aerobic (有氧的) activity that can be done just about anywhere or anytime. An individual (个人) who participates in the activity travels at a pace that is faster than walking but slower than jogging.
A proper technique when power walking includes taking small but quick pace and landing on the heels (足跟), with toes aimed at a 45-degree angle (角度) from the ground. Speed is produced by flexibility, not long pace. With each step, the walker rolls his or her feet forward and thrusts (猛推) from the toes to start a new step. This thrust gives a walker more force and power. With each step, the walker keeps his or her arms bent at a 90-degree angle while keeping a closed fist and making a curved move from the waist to the chest. The walker repeats the move while allowing his or her arms to swing, which helps to keep a light pace and uses more calories.
The aerobic activity provides many benefits (好处) for walkers. Power walking helps tone and build up muscles and burn calories. It can also help to control an individual’s weight and can enhance the immune system. The activity improves physical fitness, which may help lower the risk or injury; it also lowers stress levels, and can help provide a comfortable night’s sleep. Walking can also improve the cardiovascular system.
Before beginning the aerobic activity, an individual should check with his or her doctor. A walker should also make sure he or she has comfortable fitting shoes before engaging in walking. Shoes that are light and flexible can prevent soreness and tingling in the feet and toes. A beginner will often walk up to 30 minutes, while a person more advanced in the technique can engage in the activity for up to an hour.
1. What is the purpose of Para. 1?| A．To offer some questions. | B．To provide some examples. |
| C．To explain what power walking is. | D．To make a comparison with jogging. |
| A．Landing on the toes first. | B．Keeping the whole body relaxed. |
| C．Walking with small but fast steps. | D．keeping his or her arms bent at a 45-degree angle. |
| A．Anyone can do the sport. | B．It can benefit body and mind. |
| C．There is no time limit when power walking. | D．Sports shoes are a must when power walking. |
| A．A health magazine. | B．A travel brochure. | C．A biology textbook. | D．An advertisement column. |
【推荐3】Rich, heavy food is a major part of the end of the year holidays in the United States. People in the U. S. celebrate Thanksgiving on the third Thursday of November. People around the world celebrate Christmas on December 25. Both holidays involve(包含) traditions of cooking very large meals. The food at these meals usually has lots of sugar, salt, and butter in it. Turkey and pie are some of the most common foods in these holidays.
Terri Price has hosted a holiday party on the last Saturday before every Christmas for 30 years. It started when her children were very, very small. She has been preparing many of the dishes for most of the 30 years.
But over time, some traditions do change. The Neveldines are a family who hope to be healthier by changing what they eat. Mick Fury, the Neveldine’s oldest child, said this change is important during the holidays and the rest of the year, too.
Mick and his wife, Michelle, try to eat only organic food. Organic food is any plant or animal food product made without the use of unnatural chemicals or processes. But, Mick is not the only Neveldine who changed their diet. Felicia Neveldine, Mick’s sister, decided nine years ago to become a vegan. A vegan is a person who does not eat or use animal products of any kind.
Felicia became a vegan because of her concern for the treatment of animals and the environmental effects of animal farming. She said that her change in diet also improved her health.
Choosing these special diets means the Neveldines choose their foods carefully. Mick grows a garden behind his house where he gets fresh vegetables.
Holiday traditions may not change, but the way these traditions happen just might.
1. Which of the following best describes the food in American traditional holidays?| A．Delicious to eat and welcome by all. |
| B．Traditional in holidays but too wasteful. |
| C．Too rich in nutrition and large in quantity. |
| D．Good in taste and beneficial to health. |
| A．They have turned healthier. | B．They have become less tasty. |
| C．They have remained the same. | D．They have grown unhealthy. |
| A．Convenience. | B．Safety. |
| C．Cost. | D．Taste. |
| A．健康 | B．志愿者 |
| C．语言 | D．素食主义者 |
