1 . Scientists have been trying to figure out how to alter the genes of humans for many years, and it looks like they’ve finally cracked (破解) the code. But while this may seem like a great step forward in science, some also believe that it’s one step back when it comes to ethics (道德准则). In August, a group of scientists from the USA and South Korea worked together to successfully edit a human embryo (胚胎) and remove a genetic mutation (突变) that would have led to heart disease, reported The Guardian. This was done with the help of CRISPR, a gene-editing tool that allows scientists to “cut and paste” human DNA.

Although this was the first example of an embryo’s genes being changed successfully, the advantages of gene editing have already been tested in living patients. In 2015, a five-month-old girl from the UK was saved after doctors used edited cells to fight off her cancer. As of today, she’s alive and well. And in the USA last year, scientists managed to remove HIV cells from several patients by editing the genes inside their bodies.

Some people hope that in the future, diseases or birth defects could simply be "edited out”. However, others believe this could lead to so-called designer babies, giving parents the option to choose everything from eye color to intelligence. “You could find wealthy parents buying the latest “upgrades” for their children, leading to even greater inequality than we already live with,” Marcy Camovsky, director of the San Francisco Center for Genetics, told BBC News.

In spite of these ethical concerns, experts say it’s not possible to create the “perfect” human being. Despite the progress scientists have made, we don’t understand human genes enough to give all unborn children great brainpower or amazing singing abilities. “Right now, we know nothing about genetic enhancement,” Hank Greely, a director at Stanford University, USA, told The New York Times. “We’re never going to be able to say, honestly, this embryo looks like it would score high on the two-part SAT.”

So it looks like if we want good exam results, or to impress people with our piano skills, we’ll have to stick with the old fashioned method of plain hard work---at least for now.

1. The underlined word “alter” in Paragraph 1 probably means ________.

A．record

B．change

C．remove

D．increase

2. What was the first successful example of human embryo gene editing?

A．A genetic mutation related to heart disease was removed by scientists.

B．A newborn baby with cancer was saved by edited cells.

C．HIV cells were removed from patients9 bodies.

D．Some birth defects were simply edited out.

3. Why do some people consider human gene editing a step backwards?

A．They don’t think it is an effective way to fight diseases.

B．They are concerned that it could lead to genetic mutations.

C．They think it could lead to designer babies and increased inequality.

D．They worry that it could make parents abandon children with birth defects.

4. What can we conclude from the text?

A．Gene editing is regarded as the perfect way to treat birth defects.

B．There is still a long way to go to fully understand human genes.

C．Gene editing could help enhance human intelligence in the near future.

D．Scientists are pessimistic (悲观的) about the future of gene editing.

2 . I have learned something about myself since I moved from Long Island to Florida three years ago. Even though I own a home in Port St. Lucie just minutes from the ocean, every winter an uncontrollable urge(冲动) wells up to fly back to Long Island even as others make their way south. I guess I am a snowbird stuck in reverse(反向).

Dulled by Florida's mild winters, I willingly suffer the cold weather on Long Island, the place I called home for 65 years. I'm like a bird that has lost its sense of timing and direction, my wings moving against routine.

So what makes me fly against the habits of snowbirds? The answer has a lot to do with my unwillingness to give up the things that define(给...下定义) who I am. Once I hear that the temperature on Long Island has fallen into the range of 40 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit, I begin to long for the sight and sound of a wood fire. I also long for the display of colours—first in the fall trees, and then in the lights around homes and at Rockefeller Center. Floridians decorate, too, but can't create the special feel of a New England winter. Moreover, when I return I can celebrate the holidays with people I haven't seen in months. What could be better than sitting with family and friends for a Thanksgiving turkey dinner, or watching neighbours' children excitedly open gifts on Christmas? Even the first snowfall seems special.

While these simple pleasures are not unique to Long Island, they are some of the reasons I comeback. Who says you can't go home? I know I will be ordering a ticket this very night and cured of homesick(思乡病) tomorrow.

1. What does the author think of his life in Florida?

A．Exciting.

B．Relaxing.

C．Painful.

D．Boring.

2. Why does the author compare himself to a snowbird stuck in reverse?

A．He has lost his sense of direction.

B．He'd rather go north in winter.

C．He hates travelling by plane.

D．He likes snow very much.

3. The author uses Paragraph 3 to      .

A．describe his hometown's fall scenes.

B．show how he loves family gatherings.

C．explain why he wants to return to his hometown.

D．compare the difference between Florida and Long Island.

4. What is the author going to do tonight?

A．Book a flight.

B．Go to the doctor's.

C．Eat with his family.

D．Check into a hotel.

3 . Hazel Mayfield usually cooks the Thanksgiving meal for her extended family in Houston, Texas. She usually welcomes friends and neighbors eager to sample her fried turkey, green bean casserole , candied yams, homemade cornbread dressing, and dirty rice -just a few of her signature dishes. Known as Suga Mama, because her grandchildren think she’s so sweet, the 91 -year-old typically likes to do her own shopping for the ingredients to make her special dishes.

“My mother is the head cook of the family,” said Paulette Mouton, Mayfield’s daughter.“Because of her reputation, you know, there’re people in and out all day, everybody’s family comes through. They want to get some of Suga Mama’s cooking. We’re from Louisiana and we cook all that.”（ One in six Americans could go hungry in 2020 as pandemic persists. ）

But Mayfield hasn’t been to the grocery store since March. And there is little about Thanksgiving 2020 that’s usual. Hundreds of thousands of American families have re-imagined the holiday with virtual celebrations, canceled or delayed travel plans , or for small gatherings with people in their households in response to COVID-19, the deadly virus that has killed more than 250,000 in the U.S. and spoiled life around the world.

This year, Mayfield’s family members are lamenting（ 悲叹） the absence of a big gathering. They’ve   explained to their young children and grandchildren why this year’s Thanksgiving is different. Mayfield’ s youngest daughter, Michelle Sanders, says it’s tough helping her grandchildren understand why they can’ t see some of their other family members.

“It’s really hard, trying to explain to them,”Sanders said. “When you’ re talking to them and they want to come over, you have to tell them no. They really don’t know how to be careful.”

Sanders added,“And, they don’ t understand that, being three, four, and six, you know they don’t really understand that.So, it’s ... it’s really, really hard, and heartbreaking. ”

1. What kind of person is Hazel Mayfield?

A．Helpful and kind-hearted.	B．Stubborn and enthusiastic.
C．Talented and instructive.	D．Grateful and sensitive.

2. Why are there people in and out of Hazel Mayfield’s house?

A．They like to talk to Suga Mama warmly.

B．They come to help cook meals as they like.

C．They come to satisfy their stomaches.

D．They come to cook various meals.

3. How do people react to this year’s Thanksgiving?

A．They try to get together with their family members in the open.

B．They have to avoid big gatherings even with family members.

C．They feel difficult to persuade their children to get together.

D．They are pleased with the absence of Thankgiving celebration.

4. What can we infer from Sanders’words?

A．Children are delighted to celebrate their Thanksgiving Day.

B．Adults feel it difficult to get together with their children.

C．Children are still too young to understand the situation.

D．It’s tough helping children overcome their problems.

4 . Feel like a family day trip outside London? Here are some of the best choices.

Harry Potter Studio

The Harry Potter Studio tour is one of the easiest day trips from London. Just read the directions on the website where you buy tickets and follow the crowds from the train to the bus. It is a unique experience. A walk through the studio allows families to appreciate every little detail that was put into the production of the Harry Potter movies from the costumes to the sets. Visitors can view the Potions Classroom, board the Hogwarts’ Express, and walk through the Dursley’s house.

Leeds Castle

Leeds Castle is one of the most beautiful castles in the UK. It is surrounded by a river and gardens, making it a relaxing and peaceful place. Leeds Castle is open for self-guided tours, and there are kid-friendly shows. Leeds Castle has a wonderfully-designed maze (迷宫), which has a surprise at the center that will appeal to all ages, not just children looking for a place to play. Leeds Castle also has a big playground, one part of which is set aside for small kids while the other inspires teenagers in an old game of hide-and-seek.

Windsor Castle

Windsor Castle is used by the current British royal family. This makes it the longest-occupied palace in Europe. Afraid that your young children might feel dull? Don’t worry. There is a kids’ audio tour available as well as an activity that features crafts (手工艺), coloring and dress-up for little ones. And in the summer months, parents will be happy to know that there is a place to get an ice cream for their kids centrally located in the castle complex (建筑群).

1. What can visitors do on the Harry Potter Studio tour?

A．Buy some costumes.

B．Ride on a special train.

C．See Harry Potter movies.

D．Study in the Potions Classroom.

2. What can we learn about Leeds Castle?

A．Visitors must go on a tour with a guide.

B．The gardens are meant for hide-and-seek.

C．Kids can have a fun time on the playground.

D．The maze is especially popular among grown-ups.

3. How might children like the trip to Windsor Castle?

A．Tiresome.	B．Comfortable.
C．Adventurous.	D．Interesting.

5 . It was dinner time for the Rangers, a group of mostly Indigenous (本地的) Australians who had spent a long day cleaning up the polluted beaches of the continent’s northern coast. Soon they would be eating freshly caught fish and seafood cooked under the stars on an open fire, as their ancestors did.

The Rangers are of more than 100 Indigenous groups spread across Australia who have taken on the job of protecting the land of their forefathers. In Arnhem Land, they are the protectors of 3,300 square miles of land and sea. They comb the beaches by hand, picking up as much rubbish as possible. The task is very difficult as each day it delivers waves of new rubbish.

For the Rangers, cleaning the beaches is more than a vacation. For a people whose culture is strongly tied to the land, protecting the environment is equal to preserving their history.

However, colonization forcefully broke their connection to the land generations ago. Indigenous people were displaced and their cultural practices outlawed. Tens of thousands of years of traditional land management ended, and as a result many parts of the country now face serious disasters from invasive plant and animal species, bush fires and land mismanagement.

In recent years, the government has restored more than 20 percent of Australia’s land to Indigenous owners. Since 2007, the Indigenous Rangers Organizations have been at work protecting this land.

Luck, one of the few non-Indigenous employees working with the Rangers, said the combination of old and new techniques and an appreciation for the culture of Indigenous workers has been critical to the program’s success.

“You are working with staff who see the world different to you, so there is a much higher focus on the cultural aspects of work and life,” he said.

“Being a ranger is a source of confidence. You feel strong,” said Terence, a senior ranger. “Here we still live on the land. The culture is still alive.”

1. What did Indigenous Australians live on in the past?

A．Rubbish picked up by hand.	B．Catching the fish and seafood.
C．Protecting the land.	D．Invasive plants and animals.

2. Why has the government restored the land to Indigenous owners?

A．The polluted land needs better management.

B．Their cultural practices were outlawed.

C．The people were too strong.

D．The land belongs to them.

3. What do the Rangers think of cleaning the beaches?

A．It’s a job of their ancestors’.	B．It’s just a vacation.
C．It’s a difficult task.	D．It’s their culture.

4. What can we learn from the last three paragraphs?

A．Not many employees are the Indigenous Australians.

B．Culture is important to the Indigenous Australians.

C．Their new techniques are successful.

D．Both Luck and Terence are rangers.

6 . A British friend told me he couldn’t understand why Chinese people love eating sunflower seeds（嗑瓜子）as a snack so much. “I’ve met a lot of older Chinese and many have a crack in their front teeth, I believe that’s from cracking the seeds,” he said.

I had never noticed the habit, but once he mentioned it, I suddenly became more aware. I realized that whenever I’m watching TV or typing a report, I always start mindlessly cracking sunflower seeds. My friend doesn’t like sunflower seeds, and, to him, it seems unnecessary to work so much just to get one small seed.

When we were young, the whole family would usually get together for Chinese New Year. Then, we all lived close to one another, usually in a small city, and sometimes even neighbors would go door-to-door on Chinese New Year’s Eve to check out what every household was making.

I remember my parents would be in the kitchen cooking. Out in the living room, a large table would already be laid out, complete with fancy tablecloth, ready-made dumpling fillings, and dishes full of candy, fruits and sunflower seeds. Some of the dishes were to be offered to our ancestors later, while others were for neighbors and children to eat before the evening feast. I must have learned how to crack sunflower seeds back then.

I don’t think it’s right to criticize one’s choice in food or eating habits, no matter how strange they may seem.

It’s not only in China. When I went abroad, I found people had all sorts of strange habits when it came to food. In Denmark, they put salted red fish on bread and eat it for dinner, no matter how much it ruins your breath. They think it’s。delicacy（美味佳肴）, and it’s connected to their certain culture. I think it’s a wonderful tradition.

1. Why can the British friend not understand when he found Chinese love eating sunflower seeds?

A．Because the seeds are too hard to crack.

B．Because he thinks they art harmful to teeth.

C．Because he doesn’t think the seeds are good.

D．Because he doesn’t thinks the seeds are worth eating.

2. What does the writer prove by mentioning Chinese New Year?

A．The families get together for it.	B．Eating sunflower seeds is related to it.
C．The traditions of celebrating it disappear.	D．Children can eat delicious food on that day.

3. What’s the writer’s attitude to Denmark’s way of eating bread?

A．indifferent

B．critical

C．understandable

D．doubtful

4. What idea does the writer want to express in this passage?

A．It is good to form healthy eating habits.

B．Eating habits come from a certain culture.

C．Changing your eating habits will change your life.

D．One kind of food doesn’t necessarily suit everyone.

7 . When the young donkey Daisy May came to us，she was pregnant. With no donkey experience. I was unprepared for what might come next.

After some difficulty，Daisy’s baby was born. I thought the poor thing was dead. I planned to put the loss behind us and make sure she never got pregnant again. Just then，I heard a little noise. I couldn’t believe that baby was breathing and looking at me!We called him Samson，and of course I became his mother as much as Daisy was.

When Samson was nine months old，I had to separate Daisy and Samson for a few hours a day to wean(使断奶)him，but otherwise he went wherever she did. I think she would be lost without him. His donkey stepdad Bernard taught him to always be ready to have fun. They enjoy playing football together and going for a roll on a hot summer day.

I asked a worker to make a harness(马具)for my three little donkeys. When I brought it home I taught them one by one how to pull a cart. Samson watched and freely followed Daisy. When he was three，I put the harnness on him and he knew exactly what to do.

That was 15 years ago. Now，the most exciting thing about Samson is that he has become a little renowned. People come from all over to see him perform. The neighbors bring their grandchildren，and my sons bring their friends.

Samson shakes hands，unties my shoe，picks up a hat and more. And when I ask him if he has any bad habits，he tries to pick my pocket!He surprisingly learned these tricks himself. I just ask him to do them and he understands.

The relationship I have with my“baby”Samson has been an amazing experience. Every day is a fun day with this superstar donkey.

1. Why was the author at a loss for what might happen next at first?

A．She wasn’t ready to be a mother.

B．She never raised a donkey before.

C．The donkey was pregnant by accident.

D．The donkey gave birth to a dead baby.

2. What can we learn about Samson when he was little?

A．He was surrounded by love.

B．He was separated from his family.

C．He was unwelcome to the neighbors.

D．He was skilled in entertaining people.

3. Which of the following can best describe Samson?

A．Friendly and courageous.	B．Intelligent and lively.
C．Carefree and creative.	D．Patient and fortunate.

4. What does the underlined word“renowned”in Paragraph 5 probably refer to?

A．Strange.	B．Proud.
C．Humorous.	D．Famous.

8 . Everyone knows that walking is one of the best means of exercise for health, so physicians often recommend 150 minutes a week. But that’s a measure of volume (量). What about the walking speed? Does that make a difference? A recent paper indicates the answer may be yes.

Previous research had only focused on total amounts of exercise in minutes or steps. A team of experts in Sydney looked at whether people who walked similar distances but at different speeds gained more or less health benefits

The researchers studied 11 English and Scottish population-wide reports that included more than 50,000 regular walkers with an average age of late 40s. The walkers were grouped according to four walking speeds: slow, average, brisk(轻快的) and fast. Lastly, the researchers figured out the death( from heart disease and cancer) rate during an average follow-up period of 9.2years.

New researchers showed marathoners had less arthritis(关节炎) than non-runners.

Participants who walked at an “average” speed, as opposed to ” slow ” , had a 20 percent lower risk of death. Those walking at a “ brisk ” or “ fast ” pace enjoyed an additional 4 percent lower death rate. While the best speeds vary with one’s own age and fitness, a pace below 20 minutes per mile is considered average, and below 18 minutes per mile is considered brisk. All the benefits came from lower heart-related deaths. Walking pace had no effect on cancer rates.

“Our paper is the first paper to keep apart walking pace from the physical activity volume ,”

Explained Emmanuel Stamatakis , a professor of the Charles Perkins Center. “We also took steps to role out ( 排除 ) the possibility that the slow walkers were in poor health to begin with.”

“Walking more is better than walking less. But don’t fall into the trap of thinking that any walk improve health. Keep out of the ‘ slow ’ zone. Make sure you’re putting some effort into your walk”, Stamatakis noted. “ An appropriate effort for those in a comfortable walking routine might be slightly out of breath.”

When you’re short of time, simply walk faster to increase the pay-off. “ A faster pace means you are challenging yourself to make adaptations for better health and fitness,” said Stamatakis.

1. What’s the finding of the recent paper?

A．Slow walkers are in poor health at first.

B．Walking speed influences one’s health.

C．Walking pace has some effect on cancer rates.

D．Walking 150 minutes a week is good for health.

2. How were the walkers sorted in the research?

A．They were divided into groups by walking pace.

B．They were put into different age group.

C．They were groups by health condition.

D．They were organized by nationality.

3. What can we know about the research?

A．Participants are from eleven countries.

B．Participants include people of all ages.

C．It collected data during an average of 9.2 years.

D．It focused on total amounts of exercise in minutes.

4. What’s Stamatakis’s advice for those in a comfortable walking routine?

A．Working more.	B．Walking a little faster.
C．Trying other exercise.	D．Changing the present lifestyle.

9 . 3D printing is a recent technological development that has started making its way into the marketplace. It is a way of making 3D objects from computer models. 3D printing works by adding together layers of material. This pattern is repeated until the layers form a shape for almost any purpose. The almost unlimited possibility of 3D printing is quickly leading to a revolution in how things are made and produced. As with most technology, 3D printing may help to create things that could benefit humans. However, it could also be used to create things that could harm other people.

One of the promising aspects (方面) of 3D printing is that it may help doctors treat patients in need. Currently, 3D printing is being used to create prostheses (假体) that helps replace missing noses and eyeballs, thus greatly cutting down on the usual wait time for a new prostheses. Dentists are also using 3D printers to create custom toothbrushes for patients’ teeth. The toothbrush fits a person's teeth well, which means that they get a much cleaner mouth than with regular toothbrushes. Many scientists see the potential for 3D printing to create replacement organs for people who need organ transplants. This would save lives as it remove the need for such patients to wait for an organ donation (捐献).

Although many people believe 3D printing is a positive technology that could help humans, it may also have the opposite effect. There is a recent controversy (争议) about the ability of 3D printing to produce arms such as guns. Recently, one organization announced the plans to produce a 3D plastic gun. Anyone with the proper technology and with the determination to make a gun could potentially do so. Will the future of 3D printing provide hope or danger to humans?

1. According to the article, how does 3D printing work?

A．It helps companies enter the marketplace.

B．It adds together layers of material together to make a shape.

C．It uses 3D objects to make computer models.

D．It uses printers to make different models of computers.

2. According to the article, what is one possible future benefit of 3D printing?

A．It may help to prevent deaths.	B．It can create controversy.
C．It can make a toothbrush.	D．It could produce computers.

3. Which paragraph talks about the controversial aspects of 3D printing?

A．Paragraph 1.	B．Paragraph 2.
C．Paragraph 3.	D．All of the above.

4. What can be inferred from the article?

A．It is not yet known whether there will be more benefits than dangers in 3D printing.

B．Most of companies will start to use 3D printing technology in the future.

C．Soldiers will benefit greatly from advances in 3D printing.

D．The government will probably forbid 3D printing because it is too dangerous.

10 . Welcome to your future life!

You get up in the morning and look into the mirror. Your face is firm and young-looking. In 2035, medical technology is better than ever. Many people at your age could live to be 150, so at 40, you’re not old at all. And your parents just had an anti-aging(抗衰老的) treatment. Now, all three of you look the same age!

You say to your shirt, “Turn red.” It changes from blue to red. In 2035, “smart clothes” contain particles(粒子) much smaller than the cells(细胞) in your body. The particles can be programmed to change your clothes’ color or pattern(样式).

You walk into the kitchen. You pick up the milk, but a voice says,“ You shouldn’t drink that!” Your fridge has read the chip (芯片) that contains information about the milk , and it knows the milk is old . In 2035, every article of food in the grocery store has such a chip.

It’s time to go to work. In 2035, cars drive themselves. Just tell your “smart car” where to go. On the way, you can call a friend using your jacket sleeve. Such “smart technology” is all around you.

So will all these things come true? “For new technology to succeed,” says scientist

Andrew Zolli ,“it has to be so much better that it replaces what we have already.” The Internet is one example—what will be the next?

1. We can learn from the text that in the future__________.

A．people will never get old

B．everyone will look the same

C．red will be the most popular color

D．clothes will be able to change their pattern

2. What can be inferred from Paragraph 3?

A．Food in the grocery store will carry electronic information.

B．More drinks will be given for sale.

C．Milk in the grocery store will stay fresh much longer.

D．Milk will be harmful to health.

3. Which of the following is mentioned in the text?

A．Cars will be able to drive automatically(自动地).

B．Fridges will know what people need.

C．Jacket sleeves can be used as a guide.

D．Nothing can replace the Internet.

4. What is the text mainly about?

A．Food and clothing in 2035

B．The reason for the success of new technology.

C．Medical treatments of the future.

D．Future technology in everyday life.