Let’s get inspired by reading about the following four young people.
Reshma Kosaraju
At 12, her family moved to Northern California. Soon after, the Camp Fire started. “It was one of the largest fires in California history,” Reshma, now 17, said. Her school was about 200 miles south of the fire. But students had to wear masks because of the smoke, which made her create away to use artificial intelligence (AI) to predict forest fires.
Nihal Tammana
On his10th birthday, he learned that every year 15 billion batteries are thrown out. They harm the environment. Nihal’s organization, Recycle My Battery, provides recycling boxes for batteries. It has a team of 250 student volunteers around the world. In the past three years, they’ve helped recycle over 260,000 batteries. “My biggest goal is to bring the 15 billion batteries being thrown away each year worldwide to zero,” the 14-year-old boy says.
Miles Fetherston-Resch
Miles, now 10, is in the business of saving oceans. Learning sharks were in trouble, he persuaded his mom to help him start a non-profit organization called Kids Saving Oceans, whose website sells T-shirts and hats made out of recycled plastic found in the ocean. Some $40,000 so far has been donated to organizations that support clean waterways.
Mia Price
Mia, 18, is the chair of the sustainability committee (可持续发展委员会) at the Kinkaid School, in Houston, Texas. The committee recently met its goal of getting rid of plastic water bottles from the school dining center. Now Mia wants to make the school campus greener. Her ideas included installing (安装) solar panels and LED light bulbs and recycling materials from the old gym.
1. What do we know about Recycle My Battery?| A．It was founded by accident. | B．It was Nihal’s birthday gift. |
| C．It has finished its biggest goal. | D．It has attracted worldwide attention. |
| A．Reshma. | B．Mia. | C．Nihal. | D．Miles. |
| A．They all need volunteers badly. | B．They’ve set up their societies. |
| C．They are kid heroes for nature. | D．They are all young inventors. |
相似题推荐
【推荐1】There are few places on Earth that humans haven’t messed up. Now even Antarctica, the only continent with no permanent human inhabitants, is being altered by us. A study found that the increasing human presence in Antarctica is causing more snow melt-bad news for a frozen world already battling the effects of human-caused global warming.
Black carbon, the dark, dusty pollution that comes from burning fossil fuels has settled in locations where tourists and researchers spend a lot of time, scientists found. Even the smallest amount of the dark pollutant can have a significant impact on melting because of its very low reflectiveness: things that are light in color, like snow, reflect the sun's energy and stay cool; things that are dark, like black carbon, absorb the sun's energy and warm up.
“The snow albedo (反射率) effect is one of the largest uncertainties in regional and global climate modeling right now,” Alia Khan, a snow and ice scientist at Western Washington University, told CNN. “That’s one of the motivations for the study, to quantify the impact of black carbon on regional snowmelt, which is important for quantifying the role of black carbon in the global loss of snow and ice.”
“Antarctica is sitting there pretty much silently all year. But, if it weren’t there, in the state that it is meant to be, the balance that we have in the climate system will no longer be,” Marilyn Raphael, a geography professor said. “Antarctica’s sea ice is also important to maintain a balance in atmospheric circulation,” he added. As waters get warmer, some Antarctic creatures are finding their homes more and more unlivable.
“Everything we do has consequences,” Raphael said. “We need to educate ourselves about those consequences, especially in systems that we know relatively little about. We have to be careful that we don’t upset the climate balance.”
1. Why can the smallest amount of black carbon have huge impact on melting?| A．It is highly reflective. | B．Its dark colour absorbs heat. |
| C．It produces vast energy. | D．It causes much pollution. |
| A．To measure the impact of black carbon on melting. |
| B．To quantify the cost of battling against climate change. |
| C．To remove the uncertainties of global warming effects. |
| D．To urge people to pay more attention to melting problem. |
| A．The change caused by Antarctic melting. | B．The methods to stop Antarctic ice melting. |
| C．The significance of Antarctic being in its state. | D．The sufferings Antarctic creatures are experiencing. |
| A．Reduce tourist numbers. | B．Face the consequences. |
| C．Acquire professional education. | D．Stop disturbing the climate. |
【推荐2】Climate change has been a long-standing issue that continuously drives scientists to find green fuels. The universe's most rich element, hydrogen(氢), has drawn their attention and is now on its way to becoming the future of green fuel.
More than $150 billion worth of green hydrogen projects were announced globally in 2020, according to Reuters. Airbus, a European corporation, has taken the lead in the new sustainable fuel industry. It has designed self-contained hydrogen fuel cell pods(燃料电池舱) that can be attached to the underside of airplane wings, which aim to achieve zero emissions(排放). The company plans to launch hydrogen -powered aircraft in 2035, according to Daily Mail.
Compared to fossil fuels, hydrogen is a much more eco-friendly fuel. When hydrogen bums, the only by-product is water. However, the traditional way to extract(提取) hydrogen from natural gas or coal generates considerable carbon emissions. The greenest way is to obtain hydrogen from water using electrolysis(电解) powered by renewable energy, although this process requires so much electricity that it is quite expensive. The key to making hydrogen competitive with fossil fuels is to lower the production cost to under $1.50. This would require lowering around 50 percent of renewable power costs and 75 percent of electrolyzer costs, according to Australia’s renewable energy agency.
Also, shipping liquid hydrogen is challenging, because that needs to be chilled to －253℃ to do so. According to Reuters, most of the world's big hydrogen export projects are looking to ship hydrogen in the form of liquid ammonia(氨), which can be converted to hydrogen and needs to be chilled to only －33℃.
With more and more countries aiming to cut down carbon emissions to deal with the issue of global warming, green hydrogen will help them hit the targets by decarbonizing industries that cannot be electrified.
1. What is the unique strength of the hydrogen fuel cell pods?| A．They work very efficiently. | B．They produce no by-product. |
| C．They are environmentally friendly. | D．They allow for long-distance flights. |
| A．Its lower performance. | B．Its production cost. |
| C．Its carbon emissions. | D．Its electricity consumption. |
| A．The required temperature. | B．The expensive shipping cost. |
| C．The building of professional carriers. | D．Getting it to the form of liquid ammonia. |
| A．Those funded by public money. | B．Those depending on electricity. |
| C．Those unable to be electrified. | D．Those with an improved energy system. |
【推荐3】A new school in Uruguay is teaching about environmental sustainability (可持续性) and practicing what it teaches. The school was built with recycled materials. Clean energy powers the building. The students learn to grow their own food. And, a regular curriculum is combined with lessons on farming, recycling and water protection.
The 43 students at the school grow their own crops like tomatoes, basil, and strawberries. And they eat them too.
The Uruguayan organization Tagma called this school Public School 294. Tagma supports responsible and sustainable ways of living and using natural resources. The U.S. architect Michael Reynolds designed the school which opened in February in 2016.
A student, Felipe Sanchez, said, “In my other school, we didn’t plant anything and it was not fun. I was bored and my friends did not understand me nor treat me well. In this school, my friends like me and we can plant crops and do a lot of things together.”
Solar energy powers the school. The school also uses filtered (过滤的) rainwater. Sixty percent of the building is made of recycled materials that the community collected.
The school tries to support a culture of community in the classroom. Students from different grade levels learn together and help each other.
Rita Montans is a teacher at Public School 294. “Our teaching is based on the principles of sustainability and environmental protection, so naturally it creates an environment where it is easier to make relations. The multi-grade system enables a fourth grade child to study with a third grade student.”
The school is still young. But its teachers are hopeful that the lessons their students are learning will last a lifetime. “I hope that the ideas of protecting the environment and living in harmony (和谐) with the environment remain significant.”
1. What do we know about the students in the new school?| A．They only have farming lessons. |
| B．They study and live in a green environment. |
| C．They learn to grow crops without eating them. |
| D．They practice building houses with used materials. |
| A．Grateful. | B．Worried. | C．Regretful. | D．Embarrassed. |
| A．Students there teach themselves. |
| B．The senior students teach the junior ones. |
| C．Different grades are mixed together in one class. |
| D．Teachers pay more attention to students’ relations. |
| A．To improve relations among students. |
| B．To help students make learning a habit. |
| C．To encourage students to use clean energy. |
| D．To teach students to get on well with nature. |
【推荐1】Our Museums, Galleries, and Zoo
19 world-class museums, galleries, and a zoo
The Smithsonian offers eleven museums and galleries on the National Mall and six other museums and the National Zoo in the greater National Capital Area. In New York City, we invite you to tour two museums in historic settings.
Not near a Smithsonian museum? Look for exhibitions and museums in your community. Here we have listed some places to visit:
Tips & Guidelines:
Stop at any Smithsonian museum information desk where friendly and knowledgeable staff and volunteers can assist you in planning your visit.
Service animals are welcome at the museums and the National Zoo. Pets are not permitted.
Lunches should be properly closed or stored in lockers during your visit.
1. The Smithsonian offers all these EXCEPT_________.| A．galleries | B．concerts |
| C．museums | D．zoos |
| A．go to 1661 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, DC |
| B．go to 8th and F Streets, NW Washington, DC |
| C．visit the museum 11 a.m. on Christmas |
| D．visit the zoo at weekends on June 25 |
| A．have lunch during your visit |
| B．take your pets along with you |
| C．ask the staff and volunteers for help |
| D．fill in an application form before your visit |
【推荐2】BINGHAM REGIONAL COLLEGE
International Students’ Orientation Programme
What is it?
It is a course which will introduce you to the College and to Bingham. It takes place in the week before term starts, from 24th-28th September, but you should plan to arrive in Bingham on 22nd or 23rd September.
Why do we think it is important?
We want you to have the best possible start to your studies and you need to find out about all the opportunities that college life offers. This programme will enable you to get to know the College, its facilities (设备) and services. You will also have the chance to meet staff and students.
How much will it cost?
International students
For those students who do not come from European Union (EU) countries, and who are not used to European culture and customs, the programme is very important and you are strongly advised to attend. Because of this, the cost of the programme, not including accommodation (住宿), is built into your tuition fees (学费).
EU students
EU students are welcome to take part in this programme for a fee of £195, not including accommodation.
Accommodation costs (international and EU students)
If you have booked accommodation for the year ahead (41 weeks), you do not have to pay extra for accommodation during the Orientation Programme.
If you have not booked accommodation in the College, you can ask us to pre-book accommodation for you for one week only (Orientation Programme week) in a hotel with other international students. The cost of accommodation for one week is £165.
Of course, you can arrange your own accommodation for that week in a flat, with friends or a local family.
What is included during the programme?
Meals: lunch and an evening meal are provided as part of the programme, beginning with supper on Sunday 23rd September and finishing with lunch at midday on Friday 28th September. Please note that breakfast is not available.
Information session: including such topics as accommodation, health, religious matters, welfare immigration, study skills, careers and other ‘essential information’.
Social activities: including a welcome buffet and a half-day trip round Bingham.
Transport: between your accommodation and the main College campus (校园), where activities will take place.
1. What can we learn about the Orientation Programme?| A．It will last seven days. |
| B．It aims to help EU students. |
| C．It is open to college freshmen. |
| D．It will be held in the autumn term. |
| A．live with local families |
| B．arrive one or two days early |
| C．have their breakfast on campus |
| D．travel around Bingham in advance |
| A．accommodation |
| B．three meals a day |
| C．medical treatment |
| D．a half-day trip around Bingham |
【推荐3】Alcantara Boat Trip
This sailing trip begins on the reservoir of Alcantara, located in the northwest of Extremadura, near the border of Portugal and within the Tajo Natural Park—25,000 hectares of park which spreads across Spain and Portugal.
Price: £23 per adult and £19 per child (2-11 years old)
Duration: 3.5 hours
Meeting point on the Alcantara reservoir
Historic Caceres Walking Tour
The old town of Caceres has one of the most impressive artistic and huge collections of buildings. One of the best protected in Europe, this ancient walled city was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1986. Walking around the historic centre you will discover ancient walls, palaces, squares and streets all still in good condition.
Price: £54 per person
Duration: 1.5 hours
Meeting point at Plaza Mayor
Departure at 11:00, 17:00 or 20:00 (summer only)
Trujillo Cultural Walking Tour
This guided walk visits the most outstanding monuments of Trujillo, a town in history, where its castle, palaces, towers and houses have a glorious past. You will discover the development of Trujillo’s history, its people and its most beautiful spots. From the point of Trujillo’s castle you will be able to capture the best shots, which during the evening tour are bathed by the light of the sunset.
Price: £54 per person
Duration: 2 hours
Meeting point at Calle Tiendas
Departure at 11:30, 17:00, 18:00
Wildlife Tour in the Monfrague National Park
Travelling in a 6-seater car, within the Monfrague National Park, you will enter one of the best well-conserved Mediterranean forests in the world with a large variety of birds, deer and other animals.
Price: £46 per person
Duration: 4 hours
Departure at 10:00 (return at 17:00)
Meeting point in the town of Malpartida
1. How much should a couple with a 13-year-old kid pay for Alcantara Boat Trip?| A．£19 | B．£46. | C．£65 | D．£69. |
| A．It has well-preserved old buildings. |
| B．It has the most impressive artistic collections. |
| C．It attracts many visitors in winter. |
| D．It has the oldest walls in Europe. |
| A．Alcantara Boat Trip. |
| B．Historic Caceres Walking Tour. |
| C．Trujillo Cultural Walking Tour. |
| D．Wildlife Tour in the Monfrague National Park. |
【推荐1】Raj Patel was 5, traveling with his family to India from England.A young girl, no older than 12, approached their car, carrying a crying baby, begging for money and food. “My parents embarrassingly pushed some money out to her from the window,”Patel says. “Since then, the journey has been to figure out why this stuff happens.”
Upon returning to England, Patel decided to rent out his toys and raise money to stop hunger. It didn’t take him long to realize his attempts would not fix the problem.While attending Oxford University, Patel had an idea to shift his major to mathematics, believing that mathematics could handle the crisis of hunger and poverty (贫困).But as he dived deeper into the topic, he learned the political and systemic side of the story. So he changed his undergraduate degree back to economics and added the study of philosophy and politics to his pursuits (事业).
After graduation, he worked for the World Bank and the United Nations. But even that, he says, didn’t lead to workable solutions (解决方案).
His first book, Stuffed and Starved, was a breakout work written for a general audience. While living in Africa, Patel created a number of documentaries but none gained much popularity until he met Anita Chitaya, an activist in Bwabwa, a remote village in Malawi. Anita works with a local organization that has fought hunger in Malawi for decades.She helps farmers to experiment with crops to grow more nutritious food. Her story evolved into an 11-year project -The Ants&the Grasshopper, which earned the Moving Mountains Award.
As the decade of research,filming and editing carries on, this drought-stricken village goes from being.self-sufficient through sustainable farming practices to struggling to grow enough nutritious food and access clean,drinkable water. Climate change ended up being another part of the story.
Patel knows that he needs to find other ways to reach audiences. He released a widely shared YouTube video about capitalism, chicken nuggets (鸡块) and the global hunger crisis. He’s given 20-minute TED Talks that summarize the intentions of his books. No matter what gets thrown his way, Patel seems to course-correct in order to continue pursuing his mission.
1. What excited Patel’s pursuit of his career?| A．A beggar-led crowd. |
| B．A fund-raising event. |
| C．A chance encounter with a needy girl. |
| D．A narrow escape from a car accident. |
| A．He felt he was good at it. |
| B．He disliked boring economic theories. |
| C．He was eager to learn its political and systemic side. |
| D．He considered it as a solution to the hunger and poverty crisis. |
| A．Anita’s journey to tackle food crisis. |
| B．Causes of climate change in Malawi. |
| C．Bwabwa’s remarkable transformation. |
| D．Patel’s personal experience in Bwabwa. |
| A．He shot funny videos. |
| B．He made presentations. |
| C．He cut the price of his books. |
| D．He conducted collaborative research. |
【推荐2】It is a simple warehouse with no heat, and Flora Smith, a stylish girl in the United States, is buried herself in a bin full of apples. This isn’t exactly how I pictured meeting the famous girl, who grew up in the spotlight. But it is completely true. Dressed in skinny jeans,a soft cotton T-shirt and a simple coat for a day of hard work and heavy lifting, Flora shows no signs of being a fashion girl here. She’s too busy focusing her famously intelligent mind on the more significant goal of actually improving the world she lives in. And there’s no better way than to jump in and do it herself.
“Volunteer service is equally an opportunity for young women to really give themselves power, particularly when there are so many ways women are told they can’t do things,“ she tells me. After she and her team have bagged up more than 16,000 pounds of apples for local food rescue organizations, we sit down to chat. She adds, “If I can make as much difference as a man can, if I can even pack more apples than the man standing next to me, why shouldn’t I be able to do whatever I want to do? Volunteer service is a great way to prove not only what you can do for the world, but also what the world can expect from you. ”
In her mind, she is someone who is still trying to figure out if she can make a difference in the areas she really cares about. Flora jumps up to join a group photo of volunteers, kneeling on the concrete floor so the staff can squeeze into the shot.
Surrounded by people who would like to follow her to a freezing warehouse in New York City to make a positive impact, she seems to be exactly that person-a charming political lead-er with big dreams, like her father. After all, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.
1. What does paragraph 1 mainly describe about Flora?| A．Her state of labor. | B．Her significant goal. |
| C．Her anxiety about hard work. | D．Her famously intelligent mind. |
| A．Its effect depends on sex. | B．Its quality is difficult to define. |
| C．It is more meaningful to women than men. | D．It has a good effect on individuals and society. |
| A．Sensitive and artistic. | B．Athletic and energetic. |
| C．Reserved and unemotional. | D．Determined and considerate. |
| A．Few volunteers follow Flora. | B．Apples are Flora’s favorite fruit. |
| C．Flora’s father plays a role in her life. | D．Flora has realized her political dream. |
【推荐3】Last summer I went through a training program and became a literacy volunteer (扫盲志愿者). The training I received, though excellent, did not tell me how it was to work with a real student, however. When I began to discover what other people’s lives were like because they could not read, I realized the true importance of reading.
My first student Marie was a 44-year-old single mother of three. In the first lesson, I found out she walked two miles to the nearest supermarket twice a week because she didn’t know which bus to take. When I told her I would get her a bus schedule, she told me it would not help because she could not read it. She said she also had difficulty once she got to the supermarket because she couldn’t always remember what she needed. Since she did not know words, she could not write out a shopping list. Also, she could only recognize items by sight, so if the product had a different label, she would not recognize it as the product she wanted.
As we worked together, learning how to read built Marie’s self-confidence, which encouraged her to continue in her studies. She began to make rapid progress and was even able to take the bus to the supermarket. After this successful trip, she reported how self-confident she felt. At the end of the program, she began helping her youngest son, Tony, a shy first grader, with his reading. She sat with him before he went to sleep and together they would read bedtime stories. When his eyes became wide with excitement as she read, pride was written all over her face, and she began to see how her own hard work in learning to read paid off. As she described this experience, I was proud of myself as well. I found that helping Marie to build her self-confidence was more rewarding than anything I had ever done before.
As a literacy volunteer, I learned a great deal about teaching and helping others. In fact, I may have learned more from the experience than Marie did.
1. What did the author do last summer?| A．She worked in the supermarket. |
| B．She helped someone to learn to read. |
| C．She gave single mothers the help they needed. |
| D．She went to a training program to help a literacy volunteer. |
| A．Because she liked to walk to the supermarket. |
| B．Because she lived far away from the bus stop. |
| C．Because she couldn’t afford the bus ticket. |
| D．Because she couldn’t find the right bus. |
| A．She knew where the goods were in the supermarket. |
| B．She asked others to take her to the right place. |
| C．She succeeded in finding the goods by their looks. |
| D．She remembered the names of the goods. |
| A．Marie could do things she had not been able to do before. |
| B．Marie was able to read stories with the help of her son. |
| C．Marie decided to continue her studies in school. |
| D．Marie paid for her own lessons. |
