1 . CLIMATE CHANGE REQUIRES THE WORLD’S ATTENTION

We have known about climate change for decades. There is little doubt that Earth is getting warmer and warmer (see the graph). A warming ocean and atmosphere along with melting ice and rising sea levels provide evidence of a dramatic change in the global climate.

In 2013, a lot of people were shocked by a news photo of a dead polar bear that was found on Norway’s Arctic island of Svalbard. According to the scientists who found its dead body, all that remained of the polar bear was “skin and bones”. An expert who has studied polar bears for many years said that from the position of its dead body, the bear appeared to have starved and died. Experts claimed that low sea-ice levels caused by climate change meant the bear could not hunt seals as before, so it had to travel greater distances in order to find food. This alarming case showed how the increase in temperature had an impact on Earth’s ecology.

Then what is causing the increase in the global average surface temperature? Climate scientists often mention a key climate process called the “greenhouse effect”, which has two common meanings: the “natural” greenhouse effect and the “man-made” greenhouse effect. The “natural” greenhouse effect refers to the fact that heat from the sun enters the atmosphere and warms Earth’s surface as short-wave radiation. The heat is released back into space at longer wave lengths. Greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, such as methane and carbon dioxide, trap some of the heat, keeping Earth’s climate warm and habitable. Without this process, Earth could not sustain life. However, the “man-made” greenhouse effect has now become a big problem. When people produce huge amounts of extra greenhouse gases by burning fossil fuels, more heat energy is trapped in the atmosphere and causes Earth’s surface temperature to rise quickly.

There is strong and comprehensive evidence that the rise in temperature has led to an increase in extreme weather and natural disasters worldwide, not only causing serious damage, but also costing human lives. Climate scientists have warned that if we do not take appropriate actions, this warming trend will probably continue and there will be a higher price to pay. In fact, news reports are frequently broadcast about extreme rainstorms and heatwaves causing deaths and economic losses.

Continued greenhouse gas emissions will result in further warming and long-lasting changes to the global climate. This requires the attention of people all over the world. Governments need to consider making policies and taking appropriate actions and measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. We as individuals can also reduce our “carbon footprint” by restricting the amount of carbon dioxide our lifestyles produce. It is our responsibility to seize every opportunity to educate everyone about global warming, along with its causes and impacts, because this is the most serious issue affecting all of us on this planet. So what will you do to help?

1. What type of writing is this passage?

A．Argumentative writing.	B．Narrative writing.
C．Expository writing.	D．Advertising writing.

2. In which part of a newspaper or magazine may we find this passage?

A．Entertainment.	B．Economy.
C．Education.	D．Environment.

2 . As data and identity theft becomes more and more common, the market is growing for biometric(生物测量) technologies—like fingerprint scans—to keep others out of private e-spaces. At present, these technologies are still expensive, though.

Researchers from Georgia Tech say that they have come up with a low-cost device(装置) that gets around this problem: a smart keyboard. This smart keyboard precisely measures the cadence(节奏) with which one types and the pressure fingers apply to each key. The keyboard could offer a strong layer of security by analyzing things like the force of a user’s typing and the time between key presses. These patterns are unique to each person. Thus, the keyboard can determine people’s identities, and by extension, whether they should be given access to the computer it’s connected to—regardless of whether someone gets the password right.

It also doesn’t require a new type of technology that people aren’t already familiar with. Everybody uses a keyboard and everybody types differently.

In a study describing the technology, the researchers had 100 volunteers type the word “touch” four times using the smart keyboard. Data collected from the device could be used to recognize different participants based on how they typed, with very low error rates. The researchers say that the keyboard should be pretty straightforward to commercialize and is mostly made of inexpensive, plastic-like parts. The team hopes to make it to market in the near future.

Where is this text most likely from?

A．A diary.

B．A guidebook

C．A novel.

D．A magazine.

4 . Interested in becoming a skydiver? Learn to skydive in SC with Skydive Carolina.We offer the most comprehensive skydive training in the United States with our AFP — Accelerated Freefall Progression program. All jumps are video recorded and are used during video debriefs (任务报告) after the skydive for immediate feedback and learning.

What is AFP?

AFP is a comprehensive, 16 jump program designed to train an individual with a strong foundation to become a solo, certified skydiver by building strong freefall and canopy skills. Upon completion of the AFP program, students will need to make 9 solo jumps and learn to pack in order to attain an A license.

What is an A license?

An A license certifies that a skydiver can safely jump with other skydivers and visit other skydiving centers.Attaining an A license requires a physical test, passing of a written test, a United States Parachute Association membership, a minimum of 25 jumps and showing ability to pack a parachute.

How is AFP different from tandem training?

Unlike a tandem skydive, your first jump will have you at the controls flying your very own parachute! On your first skydive, two instructors will jump alongside you giving you feedback using hand signals throughout the skydive. At the end of the freefall, you will deploy your own parachute and our ground crew will then talk you down via wireless radio giving you instructions based on the flight plan introduced during the first jump course. Click here to see an example of what jump number one looks like!

1. When you have skydive training with AFP,________.

A．you can watch video before skydiving

B．your jumps will be set down immediately

C．you will get feedback by watching videos

D．you must do some video debriefs first

2. On your first skydive with AFP, you ________.

A．will be flying your very own parachute

B．will be accompanied by two instructors

C．can talk to the instructors via wireless radio

D．can get feedback by watching video

3. Where is the passage taken from?

A．A travel journal.

B．A sports magazine.

C．A newspaper.

D．A website.

5 . An artist in Oakland, California is using his skills to help the homeless. Greg Kloehn builds very small shelters that make life on the streets a little more comfortable. The structures offer the homeless some safety and protection from bad weather. Each little house also has wheels on the bottom so it can go wherever its owner goes.

Greg Kloehn has given away at least 20 tiny houses. Several are on the roadside near an active railroad. On a recent day, Mr.Kloehn stops at one to visit Oscar Young. The two men hug. Inside his little shelter Mr.Young gets relief from cold nights on the streets. Mr.Kloehn also visits Sweet­Pea, another friend who also lives in one of the little homes the artist built. She says it keeps her safe and protects her belongings.

In the mornings, Mr. Kloehn searches the streets for building materials. He gathers what he can and takes it to his studio. There, he puts the houses together. Empty coffee bags become roof material. A washing machine door and refrigerator part become windows. Nails,screws and the sticky glue hold all the pieces together. The artist also attaches a small electrical device to the house. The device is powered by the sun.

Some of the people living on the streets once had normal houses of their own. But some of the people say they have learned to live with less and they are thankful to that man.

Mr.Kloehn says his work is not a social project. He says he is just someone using his skills to help his homeless neighbors.

1. The following are the advantages of the small shelters EXCEPT ________.

A．saving power and energy

B．protecting possessions of the homeless

C．decorating the streets where they are

D．keeping the homeless safe and comfortable

2. We can learn from the passage that ________.

A．Greg Kloehn has sold at least 20 tiny houses

B．an act of kindness has made people simple and grateful

C．the shelters are immovable

D．the government has got involved in the action

3. The passage is likely taken from ________.

A．an official report

B．an art review

C．a science magazine

D．a news report

4. What’s the main idea of the passage?

A．An artist creates homes for the homeless.

B．A more comfortable shelter on the streets.

C．A successful social project in Oakland.

D．An artist makes a living by designing small shelters.

6 . If you’d like to go sightseeing, the following World Heritage Sites may be your best choices.

Jiuzhaigou Valley Scenic and Historic Interest Area

Jiuzhaigou Valley, which lies in the northern part of Sichuan Province, China, reaches a height of more than 4,800 m, with a series of different forest ecosystems (生态系统). It’s particularly famous for its excellent waterfalls. About 140 kinds of birds live in the valley, as well as a number of endangered plants and animals, including the giant panda. Jiuzhaigou Valley was recognised as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1992.

Khami Ruins National Monument

The city of Khami, which developed after the capital of Great Zimbabwe had been given up in the mid-16th century, is of great archaeological (考古的) interest. The discovery of objects from Europe and China shows that Khami was a major centre for trade over a long period of time. It joined the World Heritage List in 1986.

Henderson Island

Henderson Island, which lies in the eastern South Pacific, is one of the few atolls (环礁) in the world whose ecology has been untouched by humans. It’s particularly famous for the 10 plants and 4 birds that can only be seen on the island. It was recorded in the World Heritage List in 1988.

The Taj Mahal

The Taj Mahal is considered to be one of the most beautiful buildings in the world and the finest example of the late style of Indian architecture. It was built by the emperor Shah Jehan, who ruled India in the 17th century. It was in memory of his favourite wife who died in 1631. The architecture was given a World Heritage Status in 1983.

1. Which of the following can be found in Jiuzhaigou Valley?

A．Wonderful waterfalls.	B．Ancient objects.
C．Beautiful buildings.	D．Untouched ecology.

2. What can we learn about the Taj Mahal?

A．It doesn’t exist now.

B．It was built by an emperor’s wife.

C．It has become a place of interest.

D．It looks more beautiful than other buildings.

3. In which part of a newspaper can we read the text?

A．Industry.	B．Travel.
C．Science.	D．Business.

7 . Since you can't get to theaters, museums, galleries, music venues or opera houses during these difficult days due to coronavirus, instead they'll come to you. Here's a list of some of Europe's best-known museums.

Louvre Museum in Paris

As the most visited museum in the world, it offers virtual tours online. It also has a number of   "Visitors Trails" in different themes, designed to give an overview of the scope and wealth of the museum's collections. Each trail is based on a selection of works that characterize a period, an artistic movement or a theme, including the artworks from JAY-Z and Beyoncé's music video.

Schirn Museum in Frankfurt

It has digitally opened its current exhibition, now closed due to the virus, called   "Fantastic Women" (scheduled from February 13 to May 24), highlighting the works of 34 women artists and their contributions to Surrealism (超现实主义), including Frida Kahlo, Leonora Carrington, Leonor Fini, Dorothea Tanning and Dora Maar.

Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam

Are you looking for ways to entertain your children with an educational twist? Then the Van Gogh will bring the great artist to you and also invite you to a virtual visit inside the Museum. The museum explores the painter's life, his relationship with his brother Théo, his passion for Japan and also his mental illness. Everything is in high definition.

Of course, a range of recent opera and ballet productions are also available, with the hope to give pleasure to as many people as possible. Please get more information at www. forbes. com.

1. The works in "Visitors Trails" are chosen according to ________.

A．Periods

B．Collections

C．Sites

D．Artists

2. Whose works are included in "Fantastic Women"?

A．JAY-Z's.	B．Leonardo Da Vinci's.
C．Van Gogh's.	D．Leonora Carrington's.

3. Where is the passage most likely to be taken from?

A．A report.

B．A website.

C．A magazine.

D．A textbook

8 . The UK is filled with unbelievable palaces and historic castles. Now you can take 360 degree virtual (虚拟的)tours of the attractions by just clicking(点击)your mouse at home.

Buckingham Palace

The Queen's palace offers 360 degree virtual tours of rooms including the Throne Room, Grand Staircase and the White Drawing Room. There are clickable “information points" which when clicked can explain the history of the rooms. CLICK HERE

Palace of Holyrood House

The Queen's official palace in Edinburgh is packed with history. The palace is usually open year round to the public, but for those who can't visit for whatever reasons, you can take virtual tours of some of the amazing rooms including the Morning Drawing Room and Royal Dining Room. CLICK HERE

Blenheim Palace

Blenheim Palace offers 360 degree virtual tours of some of its beautiful state rooms from the grand Drawing Rooms and Saloons to the Great Hall. You can choose to listen to the audio (声首) guide which not only gives you a quick look inside, but offers lots of exciting details. CLICK HERE

Edinburgh Castle

Here is a great visual trip to Edinburgh Castle. You can visit the historic ruins and have some wonderful views of Edinburgh itself. You can also zoom in (拉近)or out to get an idea of the museums and interesting places to explore, as well as 3D models of the castle. CLICK HERE

1. What do the four places have in common?

A．They are the Queen's palaces.

B．They provide online virtual tours.

C．They are open to the public all year round.

D．They have clickable "information points”.

2. What is special about Edinburgh Castle?

A．It has become ruins.	B．It offers audio guides.
C．3D models of it are provided.	D．History of the castle is unknown.

3. Where is the text probably taken from?

A．A website.	B．A travel guidebook.
C．A newspaper.	D．A medical magazine.

9 . Salad seeds（生菜种子）that went on a round trip to outer space and back grew at a slightly slower rate than the ones on earth, scientists have found, thanks to thousands of young people who helped conduct an out-of-this-world experiment.

The project started in 2015, when British astronaut （宇航员）Tim Peake took a million rocket seeds with him on his journey to the International Space Station （ISS）. The seeds spent six months there before they were sent back to Earth in 2016. In a message sent from the ISS, Peake said the science experiment was to find out if the conditions in space affected the seeds' ability to grow.

Around 600,000 pupils at 8,600 schools in the UK were then asked to grow the rocket seeds that had been to space, along with regular seeds that had never left the planet. Peake described the experiment as "one of the largest and most inspirational experiments of its kind".

The results of the study, which have just been published, found that the space seeds grew more slowly than the ones that had stayed on Earth. Researchers on the experiment said this was due to the stresses of space travel, such as the zero-gravity （零重力）atmosphere and high levels of cosmic rays（宇宙射线）,which slowed the growth of the plants.

Now researchers are hopeful that if the seeds are properly protected, it might be possible to grow plants during future space tasks to other planets. Dr Jake Chandler, from University of London, who led the study, said,“ The possibility of eating home-grown salad on Mars may be one small step closer.

1. Why did Tim Peake take seeds to ISS?

A．To explore the secret to gravity.

B．To have astronauts grow salad in ISS.

C．To promote young kids，interest in salad.

D．To test the space's influence on seeds growth.

2. How did Tim Peake feel about the experiment?

A．Encouraged.

B．Disappointed.

C．Confused.

D．Concerned.

3. From which part of a website is the text probably taken?

A．Health.

B．Science.

C．Educatn.

D．Business.

4. What could be the best title of the text?

A．Space study, a hot topic

B．Salad growing, a hit among students

C．Your salad, grown on Mars, may soon be a reality

D．Man's exploration to Mars, a big step forward

10 . Using Google's unique digital(数字的)technology, the stories of some English Heritage(遗产)sites around the country-from Tintagel Castle in Cornwall to Chesters Roman Fort on Hadrian's Wall-are brought to life and shared by way of the Google Arts & Culture platform.

Stonehenge Skyscape	English Heritage's Stonehenge Skyscape enables people around the world to experience the skies above the stone circle, to learn about movements of the sun, moon and planets. Experience a live and special sunrise over Stonehenge, see the journey of the stars and the moon from within the stone circle and learn more about the design of Stonehenge and how its builders may have understood their place in the universe.
Osborne, Isle of Wight	Take a 360 video tour of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert's palatial(豪华的)holiday home on the Isle of Wight in the company of English Heritage director Michael Hunter, including the Italian terraces(露台)with views over the Solent, which reminded Prince Albert of the Bay of Naples, and the Indian-inspired Durbar Room, designed to show Queen Victoria's position as Empress of India.
Audley End House and Gardens, Essex	Explore the story of one of the greatest houses of early 17th-century England, deep in the heart of the Essex countryside, and fly over the great formal gardens designed by Capability Brown.
Tintagel Castle, Cornwall	Explore this medieval(中世纪的)castle set high on Cornwall's north coast. Linked with the legend of King Arthur, for centuries this impressive castle and coastline has inspired the imaginations of writers, artists and even the brother of a king. Discover the Early Medieval history of a distant outpost(哨站)trading objects from Spain, North Africa and Turkey.

1. Which heritage can you choose if you are interested in a unique sunrise?

A．Stonehenge Skyscape.	B．Osborne, Isle of Wight.
C．Audley End House and Gardens, Essex.	D．Tintagel Castle, Cornwall.

2. What do Osborne and Tintagel Castle have in common?

A．Both were built for their kings.

B．Both were built in the same age.

C．Both are related to previous rulers.

D．Both are palatial holiday homes for the rulers.

3. In which part of a website can you read the text?

A．History.	B．Travel.
C．Geography.	D．Culture.