1 . Camping tips: Which overnight wilderness experience is right for you?
If you’re an experienced backpacker, read no further. This article is for camping rookies, those who have never slept beneath the stars or haven’t pitched a tent since their youth but are seriously thinking about overnighting in the wilderness.
Car camping
At its most basic, car camping involves packing a tent, sleeping bag, fold-up chair, cooler and camp stove into your vehicle and staying at a drive-up campground. Nearly every national park, and many state and county parks and private facilities, offer drive-up campgrounds with restrooms, potable water, fire rings or pits, and maybe even hot showers. So there are lots of choices.
The downside of car camping is the fact that these campgrounds are often packed with other campers. Not a lot of privacy, they can be noisy, and possibly hinder your quest of communing with nature.
Backpacking
No vehicle required; just your feet and a good pair of hiking boots or shoes to get you to the next overnight spot. A multi-day hiking trip is without doubt the most immersive way to experience the great outdoors.
Different from maybe car camping, it requires the least expense and equipment. All you really need are a backpack, sleeping bag, water bottle, small first-aid kit, enough food to last the entire travel. It can be done just about anywhere on the planet.
Boat Camping
While this does involve owning or renting a watercraft or using a ferry or water taxi service to reach the overnight site, camping via canoe, kayak, raft or boat offers a similar get-away-from-it-all adventure as backpacking.
Experienced paddlers and boaters usually prefer to camp on their own along a secluded shoreline. But many adventure or wilderness outfitters offer guided trips that can last anywhere from a couple of days to two or three weeks. With a boat, you can sometimes camp places that not even backpackers can reach.
1. Who are the intended readers?| A．Red-blooded males | B．White-collar staff |
| C．Blue-blooded tourists | D．Green-hand campers |
| A．Backpacking allows you to communicate with nature deeply. |
| B．Car camping is the most economic way to experience nature. |
| C．The drive-up campgrounds provide people with private environment. |
| D．Boat camping offers the same adventures as backpacking. |
| A．Feature | B．Style | C．Travel | D．Entertainment |
2 . When I moved to Washington, D.C., I left everything behind.
I
I went to study in France, I was living alone and
My blog was originally a space to
As my food blog and follower count grew, I became more
| A．Knowing | B．Avoiding | C．Applying | D．Leaving |
| A．illness | B．homesickness | C．unhappiness | D．shyness |
| A．take off | B．set off | C．show off | D．put off |
| A．opinions | B．ideas | C．recipes | D．dishes |
| A．noticed | B．cooked | C．took | D．spent |
| A．request | B．enthusiasm | C．account | D．answer |
| A．buying | B．baking | C．throwing | D．passing |
| A．Otherwise | B．Rather | C．However | D．Therefore |
| A．desperately | B．anxiously | C．unfortunately | D．proudly |
| A．considerate | B．favorite | C．typical | D．best |
| A．turned out | B．believed in | C．called on | D．brought up |
| A．shelter | B．bedroom | C．balcony | D．kitchen |
| A．privately | B．secretively | C．orally | D．silently |
| A．put | B．admit | C．persuade | D．divide |
| A．emerge | B．disappear | C．learn | D．recover |
| A．lively | B．healthy | C．similar | D．Colorful |
| A．lame | B．confident | C．vain | D．competitive |
| A．connect | B．invite | C．drive | D．add |
| A．share | B．compare | C．argue | D．mix |
| A．strange | B．true | C．new | D．bitter |
3 . A study has found that elephants possess a sense of smell that is likely the strongest ever identified in a single species, according to a study by Japanese scientists last week.
The African elephant’s genome (基因组) contains the largest number of olfactory receptor (嗅觉感受器) genes—nearly 2, 000—says the study in the journal Genome Research.
Olfactory receptors are aware of smells in the environment.
That means elephants’ sniffers (嗅探器) are five times more powerful than people’s noses, twice that of dogs, and even stronger than the previous known record-holder in the animal kingdom: rats.
“Apparently, an elephant’s nose is not only long but also superior, ”says lead study author Yoshihito Niimura of the University of Tokyo.
Just how these genes work is not well understood, but they likely helped elephants survive and navigate their environment over the ages.
The ability to smell allows creatures to find mates and food—and avoid predators.
The study compared elephant’s olfactory receptor genes to those of 13 other animals, including horses, rabbits, guinea pigs, cows, rodents and chimpanzees.
Primates (灵长类) and people actually had very low numbers of olfactory receptor genes compared to other species, the study found.
“This could be a result of our decreased reliance on smell as our sight improved, ” Niimura says.
1. Why do African elephants have the strongest sense of smell?| A．Because their noses are very superior. |
| B．Because they have more olfactory receptor genes. |
| C．Because they are very strong. |
| D．Because they have long noses. |
| A．Human. | B．Dog. | C．Rat. | D．Elephant. |
| A．Their genes. | B．Their noses. | C．Their legs. | D．Their ears. |
| A．To find mates. | B．To have fun. |
| C．To find food. | D．To escape from hunters. |
| A．People find elephants are very useful. |
| B．People like elephants’ noses. |
| C．Elephants possess “superior” sense of smell. |
| D．Elephants are smarter than other animals. |
4 . Bike Rental & Guided Tours
Are you looking for a fun and eco-friendly way to explore the city? Look no further than Bike Rental & Guided Tours! We offer bike rentals and guided tours for individuals and groups of all ages.
Bike Rentals:
Our bike rental service is perfect for those who want to explore the city at their own pace. We have a wide range of bikes available, including mountain bikes, city bikes, and electric bikes. All of our bikes are well-maintained and equipped with safety features such as lights and helmets.
Guided Tours:
Our knowledgeable and friendly tour guides will take you to share interesting facts and stories along the way. You can choose from a variety of themed tours, such as the Historical Landmarks Tour, the Cultural Heritage Tour, or the Food and Market Tour. Our guided tours are not only educational but also a great way to meet fellow travelers and make new friends.
Booking Information:
To rent a bike or join a guided tour, simply visit our website or give us a call. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons. Our staff will assist you in choosing the right bike or tour package based on your preferences and needs. We also offer special discounts for students and group bookings.
Safety First:
At Bike Rental & Guided Tours, your safety is our top priority. We provide safety instructions and guidelines before each rental or tour. It is important to follow traffic rules and wear protective gear while riding. Our guides are trained in first aid and will be there to assist you in case of any emergencies.
So why wait? Grab a bike or join a guided tour. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure in a whole new way.
1. Who is the passage intended for?| A．People who want to explore the city in an environment-friendly way. |
| B．People who want to explore the city at a fast pace. |
| C．People who are very familiar with the city. |
| D．People who are not good at riding bicycles. |
| A．By visiting their office or sending them an email. |
| B．By visiting their website or giving them a call. |
| C．By visiting their website or sending them an email. |
| D．By visiting their office or giving them a call. |
| A．Making money. |
| B．Providing quality service. |
| C．Providing safety instructions and guidelines. |
| D．Providing discounts for students and group bookings. |
5 . Dumplings are traditional Chinese food. On the lunar New Year’s Day, most families make a lot of delicious dumplings. To make them, we can follow these easy steps.
The first step is to mix the flour with water. When the dough (面团) is ready, we can begin to make dumpling wrappers. We roll the dough into small, thin and round pieces so that they can be easy to cook. Then it’s time to prepare the filling. Usually, we use meat such as beef or pork, and some vegetables for filling. Remember to cut these things into small pieces, put some salt and oil into it and mix them.
When all these are done, we can start making dumplings. First put a spoonful of filling in the center of the wrappers. Then stick the two opposite sides together. The best shape of dumplings is like a ship. When they are boiling in the pan, they look like ships sailing in the sea. The smell can make your mouth water.
1. Most families make a lot of dumplings on .| A．Dragon Boat Day | B．Christmas Day |
| C．the lunar New Year’s Day | D．Mid-Autumn Day |
| A．to make wrappers | B．to mix the flour |
| C．to prepare the filling | D．to cook them in the pan |
| A．some meat | B．some vegetables |
| C．some salt and oil | D．all of the above |
| A．round | B．like a cake |
| C．like a ship | D．like a dough |
| A．What dumplings look like | B．How to make filling |
| C．How to make dumplings | D．The lunar New Year’s Day |
6 . Four Wonderful Places To Watch The Stars
When searching for tourist destinations, are you always spending a lot of time making decisions? These four wonderful places across the US have the darkest night skies for you to view stars.
Homer Glen, Illinois
Homer Glen is a designated (指定的) Dark Sky Community and now another opportunity for people in Chicago and other Midwesterners to see the Milky Way (银河). While the city is larger than other similar sites, with around 25,000 people, it manages to reduce light pollution to provide a good environment for better night sky viewing.
Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota
Minnesota, the land with over 14,000 lakes, is home to this water-based national park. A daytime visit can be spent hiking the roads and doing activities on the water like boating and fishing, but a nighttime stay is a must to view the bright starry skies.
Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve, Idaho
Idaho is America’s first International Dark Sky Reserve. The designation, built in 2017, is a result of nearly twenty years of local efforts to reduce light pollution in the area. In the summer, the reserve offers hiking, biking, fishing, and camping. And in the winter, visitors can ski and go to the mountains.
Great Sand Dunes (沙丘) National Park and Preserve, Colorado
This Colorado national park is home to the tallest sand dunes in North America with some rising over 700 feet tall and offers daytime activities like sand boarding, and horse riding. At night, the dunes become an important place to see a clear view of the Milky Way.
1. What makes Homer Glen a good place to watch the stars?| A．Its rising dunes. | B．Its large population. | C．Its colorful activities. | D．Its good environment. |
| A．In Homer Glen, Illinois. |
| B．At Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota. |
| C．At Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve, Idaho. |
| D．At Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, Colorado. |
| A．In a travel guide. | B．In an art magazine. |
| C．In an environmental report. | D．In a historical novel. |
7 . Teenagers believe anything is possible if they study hard. But they often forget to think about healthy diets (饮食), enough sleep time and exercise. In fact, these things are really important for them to keep fit.
It is important for teenagers to get enough energy. Teenage girls need about 2,200 calories a day while boys need a bit more — doctors suggest 2,800 for teenage boys. 50% of their calories should come from healthy food — rice, vegetables and fruit. People often say an apple a day keeps the doctor away. Teenagers also need to drink a lot of water, 6 to 8 glasses a day. Drinking enough water will improve their skin.
Teenagers usually need eight to ten hours’ sleep at night, but many Chinese teenagers do not get enough sleep. A report shows that without a good night’s sleep, teenagers seem to be weaker than they should be. Too much homework is not the only reason why teenagers stay up late. Some watch TV or play computer games late into the night. Teenagers should develop good study habits. So some clever students never study late, but they are able to work well in class.
Exercise is something that can help them. Experts suggest that teenagers should spend at least 30 minutes exercising a day, five times a week. They will feel relaxed when they exercise. It can even help them sleep better at night.
1. How many things are important for teenagers to keep fit?| A．2. | B．3. | C．4. |
| A．rice, vegetables and fruit | B．rice, vegetables and meat | C．rice, vegetables and water |
| A．sleeping better | B．basic energy | C．necessary exercise |
| A．Boys need much more calories than girls. |
| B．Teenagers need to drink 6 to 8 glasses of water a day. |
| C．Some clever students never study late. |
| A．eat and drink well | B．study hard | C．keep fit |
8 . Do you have a sore throat, a running nose and a headache? Do you keep coughing and sneezing? If you do, the chances are that you have a cold or perhaps flu, but which one? Although both colds and flu are caused by viruses, they are very different illnesses.
Colds, which usually last about a week, affect the nose most. They commonly cause a runny nose and sneezing. Sometimes, they cause a headache, a cough and slightly aching muscles.
Flu is a much more serious illness and is caused by different group of viruses. People with flu usually get all the symptoms described above. However, they also get a high fever, a dry cough and much worse aching. Fever is one of the characteristic symptoms of the flu for all ages. The symptoms also last much longer. Sometimes they don’t disappear for at least two weeks.
Flu can be a deadly disease. The elderly, who are weaker and less healthy than most young people, can die from flu. This is one reason why old people are advised to have a flu injection (预防针) before the start of winter when flu is most common. This injection is inexpensive and definitely worth it.
If you have a cold or flu, you must always deal with used tissues(纸巾) carefully. Don’t leave dirty tissues on your desk or on the floor. Someone else has to pick these up and viruses could be passed on. And finally, remember to cover your nose and mouth when you sneeze! You don’t want to see the small drop of liquids blown out of your nose and mouth when you sneeze, do you? Disgusting, eh? Now you can understand why it’s a good idea to cover your nose and mouth when you sneeze!
1. According to the passage, people with colds rarely get _______.| A．a headache | B．a high fever | C．a runny nose | D．aching muscles |
| A．flu injection can cause death | B．most old people die from flu |
| C．flu is most common in summer | D．flu can kill old people easily |
| A．it helps keep your classroom tidy | B．people hate picking up dirty tissues |
| C．it prevents the spread of colds and flu | D．picking up lots of tissues is hard work |
| A．Both colds and flu last the same time. |
| B．Both colds and flu can be prevented by injection. |
| C．Both colds and flu are caused by the same viruses. |
| D．Both colds and flu have an aching symptom. |
| A．Cold or Flu? | B．The Different Symptoms of a Cold and Flu |
| C．Prevention Is Better Than Cure | D．Cover Your Nose and Mouth When Sneezing |
9 . The new coronavirus is the latest example of a disease that jumped from animals into humans. When infections do this they can be deadly — and COVID-19 is no exception.
Many viruses that jump into people, like MERS, seldom spread from person to person. They can still infect thousands, though; rabies (狂犬病) is mostly passed on by dog bites, but kills 60,000 people a year. Others, such as Ebola, can spread from person to person, but aren’t very good at it and so cause relatively small outbreaks. COVID-19, by contrast, appears quite good at spreading from person to person. While we don’t know how deadly it is, Chris Coleman, a professor at the University of Nottingham, the UK, says, “It’s not the most deadly coronavirus we’ve ever had.”
To trace the new virus’s origins, researchers have been comparing its genome to that of other coronaviruses. This showed that it possibly derives from a strain that infects bats. “It’s highly related to bat coronaviruses,” says Vaithilingaraja Arumugaswami at the University of California, Los Angeles. This makes sense as bats are known to harbour many viruses, including coronaviruses. Viral infections are especially likely to spread among bats as they can fly long distances and roost close to each other. Bats also seem able to carry infections without getting ill, which helps spread the viruses.
The new coronavirus might have jumped from bats into another animal a few months or even a few decades ago, and then from that intermediate host into humans. We know that the coronavirus behind the SARS outbreak of 2002 to 2003 spread from bats into palm civets (狸猫) before infecting people.
Viruses that normally circulate among people can gradually become less lethal, as this helps them spread. “They don’t want you to drop dead within a day because you won’t pass it to anyone else,” says Chris Coleman.
Coleman thinks there is little we can do to stop people coming into contact with animals that may carry dangerous viruses. “It’s very difficult to control that,” he says. Instead, he says we need to have vaccines ready in advance. This could mean creating vaccines that are effective against a wide range of viruses or vaccines that require only minor tweaks to work against a new viral strain, much like annual flu vaccines.
1. What’s the second paragraph mainly about?| A．The intermediate host of viruses. | B．The mode of virus transmission. |
| C．The outbreak of the deadly COVID-19. | D．The serious consequence of COVID-19. |
| A．To support an idea. | B．To study virus infections. |
| C．To trace the coronavirus’s origins. | D．To map the new virus’s genome. |
| A．Complicated. | B．Active. | C．Healthy. | D．Deadly. |
| A．Seek right medicine for each virus. | B．Develop widely applicable vaccines. |
| C．Get away from animals carrying viruses. | D．Prevent viruses spreading among people. |
10 . Many people have weight(体重) problems. These problems are bad for their health. One of the biggest reasons is that we sit around too much. So, the best way to lose weight is to move your body.
Turn off the TV. It’s the first thing you need to do. Once a week, turn off the TV and play some sports with your family. You can do something more interesting than sitting in front of the TV, such as playing games and taking a walk.
Walk more. Look for small ways to walk more. When you get the mail, take a walk around the house. Take the dog for a walk each day or ride your bike for 10 minutes before getting ready for work.
Do some housework. Watering the flowers, cleaning the windows, washing clothes and so on. These kinds of activities may not be vigorous(有力的) exercise, but they can keep you moving.
1. What is the biggest reason for weight problems according to the passage?| A．The hard work. | B．Watching TV for too long. |
| C．Too much sleep. | D．Sitting too much. |
| A．Turn off the TV. | B．Do some housework. |
| C．Do something you like. | D．Take a walk. |
| A．The writer talks about three ways to help move our body. |
| B．Walking a dog is a good way to exercise. |
| C．Some small ways can also help us walk more. |
| D．Playing games is the best way to move our body. |
| A．How to live a healthy life. | B．How to do something interesting. |
| C．How to lose weight. | D．How to spend your free time. |
