【推荐1】On a cold morning in 2015, five-year-old Lucas stood on the bank of Blue Star River, hugging a dead salmon（鲑鱼）against his thick yellow coat. He looked up at his father, Steve, who nodded encouragingly. “Go ahead,” he said. “Put it in.” The young boy dragged his feet forward and held the fish as far as he could into the shallow water. “It’s floating!” Lucas yelled, delighted. For a moment, it’s almost as if the handsome salmon could come back to life.

Lucas’ salmon was just one of 100 or so dead bodies that will land in Blue Star River in a half-hour activity this morning, delivered by dozens of volunteers. None of the salmon will rise from the dead, but Andy, president of the Fish Rescue Society, who has promoted this gathering, is carrying out the resurrection （复活）project of salmon.

Andy led the group’s campaign to recover this urban waterway’s salmon population. “The Fish Rescue Society started exploring the possibility of recovering the salmon in the river in the mid-1990s, and they also focused on river recovery in cities worldwide.”

Andy and his group are devoted to giving the river a full make-over. This monumental repair job, supported by approximately $95,000 of funding from the Pacific Salmon Foundation over the past 15 years, has involved recovering the river-habitat of salmon and preventing   it from wearing away. Work on the river’s final section was completed in October 2016.

1. What can we learn about the salmon from Paragraph 1?

A．It was dying.	B．It was saved.
C．It was injured.	D．It had died.

2. What do Lucas and his father do?

A．Pray a salmon’s forgiveness.	B．Lay a salmon into the water.
C．Help a salmon rise again.	D．Catch a salmon for fun.

3. What does the underlined word “it” in last Paragraph refer to?

A．the salmon population

B．the river-habitat of salmon

C．the money for repair job

D．the work on the river’s final section

4. What does the passage mainly talk about?

A．Saving a river to save the salmon.	B．The effort on recovering the river
C．Andy’s campaign against pollution.	D．An unforgettable story of the salmon.

【推荐2】Researchers from the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS) discovered that ant species Formica fusca (丝光褐林蚁) has a well developed sense of smell. It was able to tell cancerous cells from healthy cells in humans, thanks to their sense of smell. But more clinical tests must be carried out before they could be used in clinical settings like hospitals, the team said. They suggest that in future, ants could turn out to be better at dogs when it comes to locating cancerous cells in humans.

To conduct their research, the scientists performed tests with 36 ants. First, the specialists exposed the ants to the smell of a sample of cancerous human cells. This odor (气味) was then associated with a reward of sugar. In a second step, the researchers exposed the ants to two different odors. One was a new healthy smell and the second was the smell of the cancerous cells. The test showed ants can tell the two kinds of smell successfully.

The researchers exposed the ants to different cancerous cells in the next test. They found that ants distinguish between two cancerous cells. After training, Formica fusca ants are able to detect organic compounds (合成物) given off by cancerous cells.

This isn’t the first time that scientists have used the animal sense of smell to locate cancerous cells. “Dogs’ noses are well suited for medical diagnosis (诊断) and used for the detection of cancer,” the researchers explained. However, training them requires several months to a year. On the other hand, insects can be easily raised, they are inexpensive, they have a very well-developed smelling system and hundreds of individuals can be conditioned with very few trials.

The approach could potentially be adapted to a range of other complex odor detection tasks including the detection of explosives, spoiled food, or other diseases, including malaria, infections, and diabetes (糖尿病).

1. What can we learn from the first paragraph?

A．Ants can distinguish cancerous cells owing to their smell

B．Researchers found all ants have the ability to tell cancerous cells

C．Formica fusca was used in clinical settings to locate cancerous cells

D．Researchers found that ants have a better sense of smell than dogs.

2. What is the purpose of the second study?

A．To show ants have the ability to tell healthy from cancerous cells.

B．To prove that ants can be used to cure cancers.

C．To show ants have the ability to distinguish two different kinds of cancerous cells.

D．To improve ants’ accuracy in telling cancerous cells.

3. What does the underlined word mean?

A．controlled.

B．distinguished.

C．trained.

D．fed.

4. Where is the text most likely from?

A．A brochure

B．A guidebook.

C．A novel

D．A magazine.

【推荐3】The chicken-loving dog spent last month guarding the island’s penguin colony, with great success.

A SOUTH-WEST Victorian chicken farmer known as Swampy and his dog Oddball may have found a way to save some of Australia’s endangered wildlife from enemies. After Warrnambool’s once flourishing penguin population was killed in large numbers by foxes and dogs until only 27 remained, Allan Swampy Marsh hatched an effective plan to save the birds. His four sheepdogs had been protecting his chickens against enemies for a decade. He figured they could do the same for the penguins. “The difficulty was trying to convince all the wildlife wallies to think outside the square,” Mr Marsh said. “It’s not an unselfish view of penguins or chicks but the sense of territory (领地) that makes the dogs work, and it is far stronger in these dogs than any other trained breed.”

Oddball’s work as guardian of Middle Island’s colony last month was a success. At the end of the month, 70 pairs of happy feet were counted returning to the island. About 2,000 penguins occupied the island in the 1990s. “Oddy is really protective of the chicks, so to her the penguins were only chicks in dinner suits,” Mr Marsh said. Highly territorial dogs have been bred in Italy to guard livestock for 2,000 years. They manage to keep off trouble makers such as foxes and dogs. The trial’s success has generated interest from overseas. The use of guard animals such as dogs — and even alpacas, which also stop foxes — is now being considered to save other endangered species such as the eastern barred bandicoot.

1. What had happened to most of Middle Island’s penguins?

A．They had been killed by other animals.

B．They had been scared away by people.

C．They had stopped breeding for no obvious reason.

D．They had been taken to another island for protection.

2. About how many penguins were on the island when it had the largest number?

A．27.	B．70.
C．1990.	D．2000.

3. What reminded Allan Marsh of using dogs to guard penguin?

A．Dogs’ interest.

B．Dogs guarding chicks.

C．Dogs’ believable strength.

D．Dogs’ training in protecting animals.

4. What feature of the dogs is most important in this story?

A．They come from Italy.	B．They are very territorial.
C．They are an ancient breed.	D．They are large with messy fur.

5. The purpose of the last paragraph is to suggest that________.

A．people should think globally but act locally

B．Allan ‘Swampy’ Marsh is a typical Australian

C．it may be possible to use this local idea more widely

D．every environmental problem needs a unique solution

【推荐1】If you’re searching for a present for a tech-interested friend, here are cool tech gifts for everyone.

▶Roku Streaming Stick

Roku Streaming Stick is easy to carry, which lets you play TV, music, movies, and other content in a smooth system with better quality pictures. It’s small enough to stick behind the TV or take with you when you are traveling. Just turn it on, connect to the Internet, and start enjoying yourself.

The top feature:

·The free Roku mobile app lets you listen to whatever you’ re watching on TV through headphones connected to your phone.

Price: $ 4,999

▶Jackery Bolt Charger

This charger has built-in power cords (电源线) for many iOS and Android devices, as well as an additional USB port (端口) for other devices. It’s tiny, making it perfect for travel.

The top feature:

·Enable devices and the battery pack itself to be charged at the same time.

Price: $ 99

▶Rocketbook Core

Rocketbook notebooks are like pen and paper netbooks, but without pen and paper. These digital notebooks are very reusable. The Rocketbook Core comes in a choice of letter size (8.5 inches x 11 inches with 32 pages) or smart size (6 inches x 8.8 inches with 36 pages).

The top feature:

·Notes can be saved and sent in PDF and other forms.

Price: $34

▶Amazon Kindle Oasis

The Kindle Oasis has all the same features as older versions, such as built-in Wi-Fi and access to millions of books, newspapers, and audiobooks. It also has many new features, such as the latest electric-ink technology for fast page turns. Have a friend or family member? This is the best gift for those who love reading.

The top feature:

·Being waterproof (防水的), it can be read by the pool.

Price: $249

1. What do Roku Streaming Stick and Jackery Bolt Charger have in common?

A．They are water proof.

B．They are small but expensive.

C．They are convenient for travelers.

D．They are accessible through the Internet.

2. What do we know about Rocketbook notebooks?

A．They can be reused.	B．They have three different sizes.
C．They only show PDF formed notes.	D．They come with actual pens and paper.

3. Which of the following is a new feature of Amazon Kindle Oasis?

A．Being energy-saving.	B．Having built-in Wi-Fi.
C．Accessing the latest newspapers.	D．Enabling fast page turning.

【推荐2】We all love to take photographs. It’s a simple way to capture a special moment, an amazing view, or just to show off your artistic skills. And it’s great to look back through your photo albums and share your memories with friends. This hasn’t really changed since the invention of photography in the 1830s. But one thing that has changed is the equipment we use.

For many years, we have used traditional cameras to take our pictures with. Our images were captured onto camera film which was then processed into negatives from which photos were printed – a long process.

But the biggest change has come with the development of digital technology. This has made taking photos quicker and easier. It’s enabled us to take a snap and review our pictures instantly. We’ve been able to beautify them, using software on our computer. And of course, we’ve been able to share them like never before – particularly on social media.

Of course, now we have the smartphone – a phone that is, well, smart because it can take photos and sometimes very good quality ones, and we can share them easily. So does that mean the traditional camera will eventually become out-dated? Figures from Japan show how the market is shrinking: shipments of traditional digital cameras from companies like Olympus, Canon and Nikon were down 39% year on year.

But Phil Hall, editor of Tech Radar magazine thinks there’s nothing to worry about. He said while people are replacing their digital cameras with smartphones, producers are looking at the more higher-end  cameras, like mirrorless cameras.

Certainly, the growth of the smartphone means more and more of us are taking photos and it opens our eyes to the creative possibilities it can provide. But whatever camera viewfinder we end up looking through, it’s important to remember the basics of focusing, good lighting and framing and getting your subject to say “cheese”!

1. What’s the passage mainly about?

A．The benefits of photography.

B．The popularity of smartphones.

C．The basic skills of taking photos.

D．The development of photographic equipment.

2. What does Phil Hall think of the situation of cameras?

A．Cameras will be out of date eventually.

B．Camera producers are seeking a way out.

C．The sales of digital cameras are likely to rise.

D．Cameras are more advanced than smartphones.

3. The text is most likely to be found in ________.

A．A textbook	B．An advertisment
C．A technology magazine	D．A science report

【推荐3】The London Eye 4D Film Experience started in August and is included in the London Eye ticket price. It is a fantastic 4D film to entertain you before your trip on the London Eye. The 4D effects are great.

No Extra Cost to You

That’s right; you buy your ticket for the London Eye and 4D cinema experience. Merlin Entertainments, the London Eye owners, spent 5 million creating the film and building the 4D cinema and wanted to improve the value for money of the London Eye.

What to Expect

The 4D Cinema entrance is in the ticket hall. So after buying your ticket, go straight to it, where you’ll be given a pair of glasses. About 160 visitors will pass through the 4D cinema every 8 minutes so don’t worry about waiting time. People in the bright pink cinema are all standing on four levels. The top level is designed for wheelchairs.

London Eye 4D Film

Put on your glasses and enjoy yourself. The story is about a little girl visiting London with her father and she wants to be higher to get a better view so she comes to the London Eye. It differs from watching the 3D film for all your senses are involved. When it snows on screen, you feel it snows in the cinema. And when you watch the fireworks, you can really smell them.

For a short film, less than four minutes, before the main attraction you think you’ve come for, you are going to love this free extra. I stood there with my mouth wide open at the end as many others did. It’s fantastic! The effects are the Hollywood standard as no expense is spared. I was lucky enough to try the film three times on the first day and I still want to go back again.

1. What does the author mainly tell us in this passage?

A．He mainly introduces the 4D film of Merlin Entertainments.

B．He mainly introduces the London Eye entertainment centre.

C．He mainly tells us his experiences while creating the 4D film.

D．He mainly introduces to us how to take part in the 4D film.

2. Why did the Merlin Entertainments build the 4D film cinema?

A．Because it wanted to attract more visitors to London.

B．Because it could earn more money from the public in the UK.

C．Because it could provide more entertainments for visitors.

D．Because it wanted to increase the value of the London Eye.

3. Where could people get into the 4D film cinema?

A．In the Hollywood.	B．In the ticket hall.
C．Under the London Eye.	D．In the ticket centre.

4. While seeing a 4D film, people will feel ________.

A．greatly frightened	B．much worried
C．sweet smell	D．as if they were on the scene

【推荐2】Johannes Vermeer is such a quiet and introspective (内省的) artist that it took hundreds of years for anyone to notice he was a genius.

A major Vermeer exhibition opens this month at the Louvre in Paris, whose permanent collection includes his great painting of a woman absorbed in close, visually demanding work, The Lacemaker (about 1669-1670). Like other paintings by Vermeer, this image represents modern culture.

So attracted are today’s art lovers by Vermeer that it was thought shocking when a recent survey found that 82% of Americans can’t name who painted The Girl with the Pearl Earring. Well, maybe they don’t go to the movies much.

It is not true to say he was forgotten—that would suggest he was famous in his lifetime. He was not. Vermeer was one more painter among the many who worked for money in the Dutch Republic in the 17th century. He was not a star like Rembrandt. He obviously took himself and his art seriously. His self-referential painting The Art of Painting proves that. Even though he worked all his life in Delft, he painted only 35 known works and left his family poor when he died in 1675 at the age of 43.

It is fitting that Paris is celebrating Vermeer, because it was the French avant-garde (先锋派) in the 19th century who saved him from being completely forgotten. Compare his paintings Woman in Blue Reading a Letter or The Little Street with, say, Edouard Manet’s A Bar at the Folies-Bergere (1882) or Camille Pissarro’s The Boulevard Montmartre at Night (1897) and it is easy to see why the art of Vermeer found its natural audience in Parisian bohemia. (放荡不羁的艺术家)

All these artists are likely to have known about and admired Vermeer due to the efforts of the critic Thore-Burger, a veteran of the 1848 revolution.

Vermeer’s rediscovery is part of the history of modern French art. Vermeer is not only a great artist. He is a great modern artist.

1. What can we know about Vermeer from Paragraph 4?

A．He was well-known when he was alive.

B．He gained a good fortune for his family.

C．He didn’t witness the popularity of his works.

D．He considered painting as a way to have fun.

2. Who made a great contribution to introducing Vermeer to other artists?

A．Rembrandt.

B．His family.

C．American art lovers.

D．Thore-Burger.

3. Which of the following can be the best title for the text?

A．Rediscovery of Vermeer

B．Anecdotes about Vermeer

C．Great Modern French Art

D．The Tough Way to Success in Art