1 . Fireflies, also known as lightning bugs or glow worms, are found throughout the world, and some places where fireflies gather have become tourist attractions, drawing huge crowds. But it has been found that all this excitement around fireflies comes with its own risks.
The world is facing an enormous biodiversity crisis, which includes an apparent decline in insect populations. For fireflies, facts like habitat loss, light pollution, and repellant (驱虫剂) might all be threatening population numbers. In some instances, their popularity might also contribute. In the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, for example, huge crowds of people gather each summer, with their iPhone flashlights and stepping feet threatening the rare firefly show that they've graveled to see.
There are over two thousand known firefly species, and lots of different firefly lifestyle. Tourists' flashlights can confuse fireflies as they try to communicate through their own flashes, and insect repellant ban also be disruptive (破坏的), since a lot of fireflies rely not just on light, but chemical smells to find their mates. Without the right preventive measures, visitors can also disrupt the earlier parts of the insects' life cycle. People are stepping on larvae (幼虫) and the females that are down on the ground laying eggs. And more indirect factors, like polluting tour motorboats and tourist constructions, can also help destroy the fireflies' habitat.
Broadly speaking, touristed firefly habitats should be managed with fireflies' full life cycle in mind---which might mean creating roped-off areas, or building raised walkways to prevent people from stepping on larvae, in addition to minimizing factors like light pollution that disrupt their more obvious mating actions. It is necessary to train firefly guides, center local communities in decision-making, and educate visitors.
If you happen to be interested in protecting fireflies, there are some really, really simple things that you can do. First, when you go to a firefly tourist site, stay on on the paths. Also, get comfortable in the dark. And if you need to use mosquito repellant, spray yourself before you arrive.
1. What is the purpose of taking the firefly show for example?| A．To clarify a light pollutions effect on fireflies. | B．To explain why the habitats of fireflies are losing. |
| C．To show agricultural chemicals' dangers to fireflies. | D．To prove fireflies reputation does harm to themselves. |
| A．By catching many fireflies | B．By disturbing firefly lifestyle. |
| C．By dismissing firefly shows. | D．By feeding fireflies on wrong food. |
| A．Shut off all kinds of light. | B．Get as close as possible. |
| C．Spray insect repellant. | D．Shout to express excitement. |
| A．The Rare Firefly Show in the World | B．Famous Fireflies Tourist Attractions |
| C．Fireflies Population Decline for tourism | D．The Global Enormous Biodiversity Crisis |
2 . We can make mistakes at any age. Some mistakes we make are about money. But most mistakes are about people. "Did Jerry really care when I broke up with Helen? " "When I got that great job, did Jim really feel good about it, as a friend? Or did he envy my luck? And Paul—why didn't he pick up that he was friendly just because I had a car?" When we look back, doubts like these can make us feel bad. But when we look back, it's too late.
Why do we go wrong about our friends or our enemies? Sometimes what people say hides their real meaning. And if we don't really listen, we will miss the meaning behind the words. Suppose someone tells you, "You're a lucky dog", that's being friendly. But "lucky dog"? There's a bit of envy in those words. Maybe he doesn't see it himself. But bringing in the "dog" bit puts you down a little. What he may be saying is that he doesn't think you deserve your luck.
"Just think of all the things you have to be thankful for" is another noise that says one thing and means another. It could mean that the speaker is trying to get you to see your problem as part of your life as a whole. But is he? Wrapped up in this phrase is the thought that your problem isn't important. It's telling you to think of all the starving people in the world when you haven't got a date for Saturday night.
How can you tell the real meaning behind someone's words? One way is to take a good look at the person talking. Do his words fit the way he looks? Does what he says agree with the tone of voice? His posture? The look in his eyes? Stop and think. The minute you spend thinking about the real meaning of what people say to you may save another mistake.
1. This passage is mainly about ________.| A．how to make friends |
| B．how to avoid mistakes when you communicate with people |
| C．what to do when you listen to others talking |
| D．why we go wrong with people sometimes |
| A．we fail to listen carefully when they talk |
| B．we tend to doubt what our friends say |
| C．people usually state one thing but mean another |
| D．people tend to be annoyed when we check what they say |
| A．being friendly | B．a bit of envy | C．lucky dog | D．your luck |
| A．notice the way the person is talking |
| B．take a good look at the person talking |
| C．think about his tone, his posture and the look in his eyes |
| D．examine the real meaning of what he says based on his manner, his tone and his posture |
3 . Look at the map of Spain and point at the center. You’ve located the country’s capital and one of Europe’s most beautiful cities: Madrid. This popular destination is considered a city of contrasts with its abundant historic sites, resting in the shadows of modern skyscrapers.
History
This city of over 3 million people is proud of Western Europe’s largest royal palace, and some consider it to be Madrid’s most beautiful building.
Inside the Royal Palace 2,800 rooms are decorated in glory with museum-quality furniture and artworks. Tourists can tour 50 of these large and splendid rooms.
Art
The Internationally respected Prado Museum is the largest and most impressive art gallery in Spain. Opened in 1819, it is filled with works of art that feature the world’s most comprehensive collection of Spanish paintings.
Shopping
Madrid has some of Europe’s best shopping, and potential buyers love to look through the stores looking for bargains. But for 500 years, shoppers have gathered to an extremely large outdoor flea (跳蚤) market known as the Rastro where they find everything from antiques to CDs.
Entertainment
No trip to Madrid is complete without seeing a performance of Spain’s famous art form, flamenco. Every day, flamenco performers sing, dance or play the guitar in small cafes and grand theaters alike.
Food
Madrid has a wide variety of restaurants, but because the Spanish typically eat late at about 9 or 10 p.m., it’s difficult to find good dinner food earlier. If you get hungry before then, the best solution is to try a tapas bar where light snacks are served. Be sure to try the jamon, a kind of dry-cured ham: Spain is famous for it.
1. What do we know about the Royal Palace in Madrid?| A．It can hold 2,800 people. | B．It is thought to be the largest in Europe. |
| C．It’s been visited by 3 million people. | D．It has 50 rooms for visit. |
| A．To sell various goods. | B．To sell artworks. |
| C．To sell antiques and CDs. | D．To sell local food. |
| A．Having dinner earlier. | B．Visiting Prado Museum. |
| C．Enjoying flamenco. | D．Drinking in a tapas bar. |
4 . A new generation addiction is quickly spreading all over the world. Webaholism, a twentieth century disease, affects people from different
Ten years ago, no one thought that using computers could become compulsive
They become hooked on computers and
They spend more time in front of computers than with
Because of the changes in their behaviors, they begin to isolate themselves from the
| A．countries | B．schools | C．ages | D．nations |
| A．speak | B．discuss | C．say | D．perform |
| A．beside | B．on | C．in | D．for |
| A．problem | B．focus | C．habit | D．character |
| A．destroys | B．affects | C．ruins | D．hurts |
| A．behavior | B．introduction | C．response | D．activity |
| A．users | B．producers | C．makers | D．operators |
| A．possible | B．probable | C．likely | D．maybe |
| A．mainly | B．normally | C．particularly | D．gradually |
| A．concentrate on | B．make up for | C．look through | D．make progress in |
| A．intelligence | B．grades | C．action | D．patience |
| A．hang about | B．hold back | C．go around | D．get around |
| A．classmates | B．parents | C．relatives | D．friends |
| A．virtual | B．romantic | C．magic | D．unclear |
| A．language | B．accent | C．way | D．style |
| A．mental | B．cultural | C．physical | D．original |
| A．society | B．family | C．students | D．party |
| A．exchange | B．offer | C．charge | D．share |
| A．Although | B．Once | C．Because | D．Unless |
| A．dream | B．reality | C．past | D．future |
5 . A group of wandering wild elephants have become an overnight Internet sensation in China and globally.
While the original group is made up of 16 elephants, two decided to return home after a week. The rest have continued their journey northward, stopping only for a short break in November 2020 to allow a newly-born elephant and its mother to recover.
Since leaving the reserve, the elephants have walked over 500 kilometers. Along the way, they have entered farms for food and water, walked through urban streets, and even paid a visit to a car dealership and a retirement home. No animals or people have been hurt. However, they have destroyed more than $1 million worth of crops.
Researchers are not sure why the elephants decided to leave or where they are headed. While they are known to leave their habitats in search of food, this is the longest migration of wild elephants recorded in China. Because of the extreme distance traveled, some guess that the elephants may be lost. Elephant expert Chen Mingyong said that the herd's leader possibly "lacks experience and has led the whole group off track."
However, other scientists think the elephants were forced to move due to deforestation（砍伐森林）, Successful conservation efforts have almost doubled the elephant population in the Xishuangbanna National Nature Reserve and the surrounding regions. However, their natural habitat has been greatly reduced to make room for agricultural development.
"As their populations increase, they search for more food for the growing herd," Becky Shu Chen said. "You could say that the increase in agricultural land and plantations in their region is, for elephants, like finding a big sweet shop, right on their doorstep.”
The wandering herd's search for a suitable home has not gone unnoticed by the millions of locals That eagerly follow their daily movements on social media. Adam Chang, assigned to deliver food to the elephants, says, "Before this meeting, I just felt curious about animals. Now. I think I would volunteer in animal rights groups to preserve those giant creatures."
1. Why did the wild elephants stop temporarily in November 2020?| A．To look for food and water at a farm. | B．To enjoy the beauty of the urban streets. |
| C．To have a rest after travelling over 500 kilometers. | D．To wait for a baby elephant and its mom to recover. |
| A．The reduction of their habitats. | B．The loss of direction sense. |
| C．The poor conversation measures. | D．The development of agriculture. |
| A．They are helped by locals to find a suitable home. | B．They are annoyed by being followed each day. |
| C．They raise people's awareness of animal protection. | D．They have the rights to move around freely. |
| A．China's Wild Elephants Are Always on the Move | B．China's Wild Elephants Are Touring Through Cities |
| C．China's Wandering Wild Elephants Attract the World | D．China's Wandering Elephants Are Losing Their Way |
6 . The four theme parks below offer the most thrilling (刺激的) rides and attractions in the world.
Busch Gardens Williamsburg
Located(坐落) in Virginia，USA，this theme park has some of the highestrated thrill rides in the world. The park’s famous roller coasters include Apollo’s Chariot，Alpengeist，Griffon，the Loch Ness Monster and Verbolten. The park also has thrilling water rides，rides for kids，other rides，shows，tours，animal exhibits and more. Divided into nine areas representing European countries，the park has won an award for the quality of its food.
Everland
As one of the world’s most popular theme parks，Everland is located in Yongin，Gyeonggido Province，South Korea. The park has 40 thrill rides，including a world-famous wooden roller coaster，and many other attractions such as an African hunting ride，a zoo，indoor and outdoor water parks，shows and more.
Blackpool Pleasure Beach
This Lancashire amusement park is one of the most visited theme parks in the United Kingdom. Among the park’s 125 rides and attractions are the tallest and fastest roller coaster in the UK，a classic wooden roller coaster，a steel tower ride，the biggest indoor dark ride in the world，a host of rides for kids and more.
Port Aventura World
Located on Spain’s Costa Daurada，this park is divided into six theme areas. Five areas represent different locations including Polynesia，Mexico，America，China and the Mediterranean. The sixth and newest area has a Sesame Street theme. The park has many rides and attractions suitable for visitors of all ages.
1. What did Busch Gardens Williamsburg win an award for?| A．The highest thrill rides. | B．A Sesame Street theme area. |
| C．Good quality of its food. | D．A host of thrilling water rides. |
| A．Busch Gardens Williamsburg. | B．Everland. |
| C．Blackpool Pleasure Beach. | D．Port Aventura World. |
| A．In Virginia. | B．In Yongin. |
| C．In Lancashire. | D．On Costa Daurada. |
7 . The race skywards began in America. In the late1800s, industrialization had driven urban populations and land prices up, making tall buildings increasingly cost-effective, according to Carol Willis, director of the Skyscraper Museum in New York, “The very first tall buildings were office buildings that concentrated a work force, piled one on top of the other in order to make business very efficient, ”she says.
Like all major changes in architecture, the trend was underpinned by engineering. The development of steel framework, which could be used instead of load-bearing stones, made it easier and cheaper to build tall. The coming of the elevator, meanwhile, made living on higher floors far more convenient.
Though similar in shape, today's skyscrapers (摩天大楼) look little like those built in the first half of the 20th century. This is mostly thanks to architecture's next major technological shift：the curtain wall.
Postwar developments in manufacturing meant that huge panes of glass could be produced quickly and uniformly, and glass windows soon became the front of choice for high-rises. As well as allowing for greater floor space and more natural light, glass exteriors (外部) help. buildings resist greater wind loads.
There are now 191 completed skyscrapers that are at least 300 meters tall. But that doesn't mean our cities will grow taller indefinitely. While each additional story adds sellable floor space, construction costs also rise. All buildings reach a point where adding an extra floor will cost more money than it brings.
“Every city wants to have this landmark that gives that sense of distinct culture, ”but it also needs places for people to live and work in urban settings“without the city sprawling (无序扩张), ”explains Hong Kong architect Simon Chan.
The next big challenge facing architects goes beyond height：At a time when buildings and their construction account for more than a third of the world's energy consumption and contribute about 40% of greenhouse gas emissions(排放), there are new costs to consider.
Whether it's employing more energy-efficient materials, encouraging natural air or using buildings themselves to generate solar or wind energy, reducing carbon emissions is the new frontier for many skyscraper architects.
1. What does the underlined word“underpinned” in paragraph 2 probably mean?| A．Created. | B．Prepared. | C．Suggested. | D．Supported. |
| A．The development of steel framework. | B．Load-bearing stones. |
| C．The use of the elevator. | D．The curtain wall. |
| A．Our cities will grow taller definitely. |
| B．All skyscrapers are at least 300 meters tall. |
| C．Construction cost rises as the stories increase. |
| D．The profit for builders will be greater as the building becomes higher. |
| A．How to build the greenest building. | B．How to build the strongest building. |
| C．How to build the tallest building in the world. | D．How to build the most comfortable building. |
8 . A young female athlete in the Philippines recently won many gold medals during a sports meet despite not having proper running shoes. Rhea Ballos, an 11-year-old student of Salvation Elementary School in Balason, Iloilo, was only wearing bandages around her feet when she competed at the Iloilo Schools Sports Meet.
Facebook user Valenzuela posted pictures of the girl with her feet wrapped in bandages bearing the famous Nike logo. Ballos even wrote the word “NIKE” on the sides of her “shoe” to complete the “Nike running shoes” look. The bandages were tightly wrapped around her feet, creating a thin protective layer against the track. While she was actually barefoot during the races, she was still able to defeat her competitors who all more proper footwear intended for running,
According to the post, Ballos bagged the top awards in the 400-meter dash, the 800-meter run, and the 1500-meter run in the girls' categories in the inter school sporting event held in Iloilo, central Philippines.
When pictures of her “Nike” footwear become popular, Flipinos on social media praised her. Many noted that instead of falling into self-pity, she was even able to make light of the situation by drawing the Nike logo on her “running shoes”. Some of the commenters of Valenzuela's post expressed how the girl deserved to be recognized by Nike and that the brand should actually give her a new pair of real Nike shoes. Others started getting in touch with the American sports brand, as well as local basketball specialty store Titan 22.
It did not take long for Titan co-founder and Alaska Aces head coach Jeffrey Cariaso to take notice of Ballos' outstanding achievement. Cariaso immediately made an effort to get in touch with the young track runner. The seven-time PBA champion has since talked to the student as well as her coaches in an apparent bid to help her out.
1. Why did Ballos wear bandages around her feet to compete?| A．She couldn't afford to buy shoes. | B．She wished to be noticed by Nike. |
| C．She wanted to draw public's attention. | D．She thought it fashionable and unique. |
| A．Surprised. | B．Confused. | C．Favorable. | D．Doubtful. |
| A．Ballos will be recognized by Nike. | B．Ballos will be probably helped by Cariaso. |
| C．Ballos is bound to win more champions. | D．Ballos will become a great basketball player. |
| A．Shy and lucky. | B．Kind and brave. | C．Clever and outstanding. | D．Gifted and optimistic. |
9 . Four Truly Unique Canadian Camping Experiences
Mount Robson Provincial Park, British Columbia
Named after the highest mountain in the Canadian Rockies, this park gives you breathtaking views of mountain landscapes along with lakes, waterfalls, canyons, and caves. The Berg Lake campground is located right at the northern base of the 3, 954-meter peak (山巅), which is about a day's hike in.
Fundy National Park, New Brunswick
If you've grown tired of the tent or RV, this park is one of the few national parks offering yurt (蒙古包) rentals. Make sure you visit the Bay of Fundy where the world's highest tides make for some great surfing. You also can't miss the amazing Acadian forest waterfall. If you're looking for even more entertainment, the park also hosts music and cultural festivals each summer and has its own golf course.
Kluane National Park and Reserve, Yukon
From May to September, the Kathleen Lake campground sees visitors come from far and wide to camp, hike and fish. Mountaineering is especially popular as Kluane is home to 17 of Canada's 20 highest peaks. Flightseeing over the park's glaciers and rafting (漂流) the winding Alsek River will also keep you out enjoying the wilderness.
Prince Edward Island National Park, Prince Edward Island
If you're looking for a family-friendly park, this one is wonderful. Between the seven beaches and more than 50 kilometers of hiking and cycling trails, you'll certainly be kept busy. Literature lovers, you can see what inspired L.M. Montgomery's Anne of Green Gables at the nearby Green Gables Heritage Place and even explore the original house.
1. Where is the park offering yurt rentals located?| A．In British Columbia. | B．In New Brunswick. | C．In Yukon. | D．In Prince Edward Island. |
| A．Climb the highest mountain in Canada. | B．Experience the highest tides. |
| C．Raft the winding Alsek River. | D．Attend music and cultural festivals. |
| A．Mount Robson Provincial Park. | B．Fundy National Park. |
| C．Kluane National Park and Reserve. | D．Prince Edward Island National Park. |
10 . Scientists have created a healthy clone of a black-footed ferret by using DNA from a ferret that died over 30 years ago. The cloned animal is called Elizabeth Ann.
Large numbers of black-footed ferrets once lived in the American West. The ferrets live mainly on the prairie dogs they catch. But when farmers began killing off prairie dogs, lots of ferrets died, too. By the 1970s, most experts believed that black-footed ferrets were extinct.
Then, in 1981, a group of black-footed ferrets were found in Wyoming. The US Fish and Wildlife Service(USFWS) caught 18 of these ferrets to try to raise them in captivity so that they could be shielded. All but seven died.
At present, there're between 400 and 500 black-footed ferrets remaining. Some are still in captivity. Others have been released into the wild. But all black-footed ferrets living today are related to the seven animals saved from Wyoming.
Normally, when there're large numbers of a type of animal, they have many small differences. The DNA of the animals gets mixed up when different pairs of animals have babies. The small differences in their DNA can help protect the group as a whole. But because all living black-footed ferrets are closely related, they all have similar weaknesses.
But Elizabeth Ann is cloned from an animal that lived over 30 years ago, so her DNA is very different. Scientists hope that when this DNA is mixed back in, future black-footed ferrets will be healthier in general.
Elizabeth Ann was born on December 10, 2020. Blood tests have proven her to be 100% black footed ferret. It's the first native endangered species ever cloned in the US. Elizabeth Ann seems normal and healthy, and enjoys spending her days in her cage.
She won't ever be released into the wild, but soon, she may have some cloned brothers and sisters. And later, she'll probably have babies. Sooner or later, her children will have babies with wild black-footed ferrets, and her DNA will begin to spread.
1. What does the underlined word “shielded” in paragraph 3 probably mean?| A．Donated. | B．Served. | C．Treated. | D．Protected. |
| A．Their unusual appearance. | B．Their biological weaknesses. |
| C．Their poor living conditions. | D．Unfriendly human activities. |
| A．in the 1960s | B．in the 1970s | C．in the 1980s | D．in the 1990s |
| A．Uncaring. | B．Doubtful. | C．Dissatisfied. | D．Positive. |
