1 . I have well travelled in Spain and visited a good number of Spanish cities. However, no city will ever quite match Cadiz, where I spent six months studying as a student.
Before that, I knew very little about Cadiz but I decided to take a risk and explore it. Well, the risk certainly paid off.
Cadiz, Europe’s oldest city, hangs off Spain’s southern coast on a peninsula (半岛), surrounded almost entirely by water. As you leave the shady streets of the historical old city and explore more of it, you are met with vast areas of the blue Atlantic Ocean and white sandy beaches, which in my opinion are some of the best in Spain!
One of the great things about Cadiz is the wonderful, rich culture of food and drink. There are little tapas (小吃) bars lining every street and most will serve tapas for around 1.50~2 euros, meaning you can try a whole variety of Andalusian dishes.
Cadiz has also come to be known as “The Singing City”. It comes from the annual carnival (狂欢节), one of the biggest in Europe. A very large number of people go to Cadiz to see it. During those ten days, Cadiz’s narrow streets are filed with the sound of singing as musical groups fight for a place in the contest, which takes place on the last Saturday of carnival. The songs perfectly show the sense of humor of the Gaditanos, who, besides being so warm and welcoming, are said to have the best sense of humor in Spain!
That is my experience of Cadiz: a wonderful, typically Andalusian city which is often overlooked but well worth a visit. I can currently living in Huelva, just a short drive from Cadiz, so please pay attention to my next sharing!
1. What dose the word “that” underlined in paragraph 2 refer to?| A．Studying in Cadiz. | B．Competing in a match. |
| C．Teaching a student. | D．Becoming an explorer. |
| A．The unknown origin and long history of Cadiz. | B．The beautiful life of people living to Cadiz. |
| C．The geographic position and scenery of Cadiz. | D．The author’s complex attitude towards Cadiz. |
| A．A number of local people enjoy humorous songs. |
| B．Singing is everywhere during a big annual carnival. |
| C．Many grand carnivals attract well-known singers. |
| D．A lot of singing competitions take place each year. |
| A．A post on the Internet. | B．A geography textbook. |
| C．A travel brochure. | D．A biography. |
2 . More than half of UK species have suffered declines in recent years and 15 percent are at risk of vanishing (消失), a report has warned. There is little evidence to suggest the rate of loss is slowing down.
Farming is key to what is happening,with more intensive agriculture affecting nearly half of the species studied and responsible for nearly a quarter of the total impact on wildlife. A loss of mixed farms, changes to sowing patterns,increased use of pesticides and fertilizers and a loss of habitat (栖息地）have taken their toll. The report said government farming policies had led to dramatic changes in farming practices,almost doubling wheat and milk yields since the 1970s, but often at the expense of nature by interrupting the food sources and habitats species rely on.
Climate change is also increasingly affecting UK nature although the impacts are mixed with some species spreading north or surviving better in warmer winters, but others are hit by the loss of coastal habitat, increased sea temperature and wilder weather. In the long term, global warming poses one of the greatest threats to nature around the world. Wildlife is also being hit by urban development, loss of town green areas, changes to the way land and forests are managed and over-abstraction (过度抽取)of water.
“The natural world needs our help as never before,” said naturalist and TV presenter David Attenborough. “We must work together, governments, conservationists, businesses and individuals to help it.”
The good news is that the creation of new wetland by conservation programs and the planting of new woodland, as well as wildlife-friendly farming programs, are providing habitats for struggling species. Reintroduction of species such as the pine marten (松貂)and large blue butterflies is also helping, but more needs to be done, the report said.
1. What does the underlined phrase “taken their toll” in Paragraph 2 mean?| A．Cost much money. | B．Had bad effects. |
| C．Changed farming policies. | D．Interrupted the food sources. |
| A．The development of agriculture. |
| B．The over-use of water. |
| C．The change of climate. |
| D．The loss of habitats. |
| A．More large blue butterflies are needed in UK. |
| B．More should be done for the diversity of species. |
| C．The report sounds the alarm for the UK’s wildlife. |
| D．Enough measures have been taken to protect the natural world. |
| A．A poster. | B．A brochure. |
| C．A magazine. | D．A notice. |
3 . Wherever we humans go, we leave behind a mess. That goes for space, too. An estimated 500,000 pieces of debris (碎片) litter the Earth’s orbit as a result of man’s explorations of space. Some satellites have been hit by fast-moving pieces of junk. The remains of old rockets can be the size of a bus, while other debris pieces are simply tiny spots of paint.
Today, our species is responsible for the junk dashing around Earth at high speeds, and if we don’t start actively removing the largest pieces, the risk of collisions will only grow worse. “Imagine how dangerous sailing the high seas would be, if all the ships ever lost in history were still floating on top of the water,” says Jan Wörner, ESA director general. “That is the current situation in orbit, and it cannot be allowed to continue.”
It’s almost as if we need a truck to remove all of failed satellites from our orbit. By 2025, the agency plans on launching the world’s first orbiting junk collector, a four-armed robot that tracks down space waste. The first-of-its-kind task, known as ClearSpace-1, will start collecting only a single piece of space junk to prove the concept works. The target in this case is called Vespa, a leftover from ESA’s Vega rocket launch in 2013. This piece of junk weighs roughly the same as a small satellitle and has a simple shape that should make it easy to grab with four robotic arms. Once it’s safely in the arms of the garbage collector, it will then be dragged out of orbit and allowed to burn up in the atmosphere.
In addition, an Australian company, Electro Optic Systems, has received a $ 3.5 million government fund to develop the world’s first laser tracking (激光跟踪) technology. It would replace existing radar (雷达) networks that currently monitor that part of space. The goal is to track small objects with great accuracy.
1. Why does Jan Wörner refer to ships on the high seas?| A．To explain the danger of space debris. | B．To describe the universe’s huge space. |
| C．To praise man’s explorations of space. | D．To compare the oceans with the universe. |
| A．ClearSpace-1 and Vespa |
| B．ESA’s Vega rocket launch and radar networks |
| C．the orbiting junk collector and the first laser tracking technology |
| D．truck to remove all of failed satellites and track small objects |
| A．Dangerous Space Exploration | B．Cleaning up Space Junk Pieces |
| C．Developing Space Technology | D．Launching A Four-armed Robot |
| A．An astronomy report. | B．A travel guidebook. |
| C．A science fiction. | D．An environmental magazine. |
4 . Over a four-year period, Swiss researchers have developed a machine that can keep human livers (肝)alive outside of the body for one week.
Livers are among the most commonly transplanted (移植)human organs. Current technology can only keep human livers alive for up to 24 hours. It is reported that, in 2017, about 8.000 liver transplants were performed in the U.S., of which 360 used livers from living givers In addition, about 11,500 people were registered on a waiting list to receive a liver transplant. Keeping livers alive and functioning for longer periods could greatly improve the chances of survival for patients.
The researchers say the purpose of their “Liver4Life” machine is to perform what they call liver perfusion (灌注)operations outside of the human body. Perfusion is the process by which blood or other liquids are pumped through organs and tissue. The machine keeps the liver at the right temperature and moves it in a way that would be natural in the body. Using a pump to fill the liver with blood acting like a human heart, the machine also provides oxygen to the organ, controls red blood cell levels and removes waste.
The research team began their experiments with livers from pigs. After repeated testing and engineering development, they succeeded in getting the pig livers to survive for seven days with support only provided from the Liver4Life machine. They also discovered the system can work to repair damaged livers. The team is now planning its next step to transplant machine-treated organs into patients.
Pierre-Alain Clavien. leader of the research said in a statement. “This technology will greatly increase the number of livers available for transplant, improving the chances of survival for patients. The success of this unique machine opens the way for many new applications in transplantation and cancer medicine.”
1. What does the author intend to do in paragraph 2?| A．Introduce a brand new topic for discussion. |
| B．Provide some latest data about present liver transplants. |
| C．Show the urgency of tech improvement in liver transplants. |
| D．Remind readers concerned of the importance of a healthy liver. |
| A．The machine. | B．The liver. |
| C．The temperature. | D．The tissue. |
| A．It is among the most commonly used machines for liver transplants. |
| B．It is aimed to carry out liver perfusion operations in the human body. |
| C．It can perform several functions to keep the liver working normally. |
| D．It can be used to keep the pig livers alive for more than one week. |
| A．A biology textbook. | B．A first aid brochure. |
| C．A social web page. | D．A health magazine. |
5 . The summer is so hot and sticky, why would we want to sweat even more by exercising? Or is it just I who think like that? Sweat and clothes sticking to our bodies as we move make exercise seem rather uncomfortable. What can be done to fix it?
Researchers at MIT have come up with a solution. They’ve developed a workout suit with flaps that open as the wearer begins sweating. As the person cools off, the flaps shrink until they assume their original position.
Sounds cool, sounds practical. These flaps are lined with live, microbial ( 微生物的)cells. These cells can detect when the body is heating up too much, and in response, expand. It’s just as if they were working within any other organism, recognizing patterns of heating and cooling, then responding appropriately to maintain body temperature. It seems kind of strange to have living cells (that aren’t your own) on you, right? Not to fear, these cells have been believed safe. Plus, there’s a material in the suit that helps the flaps/cells hover ever so slightly above the exerciser's skin. The flaps start opening as soon as people start feeling warm and sweaty, and the bit of space between the suit and the skin helps develop that feeling of cool and refreshing air as they move. For more information about flaps, click here.
According to Gadgetify.com, researchers have also been working to apply this technology to running shoes as well. Moisture-responsive workout clothing has the potential to revolutionize sport fashion industry. People can stay drier, cooler and fresher at the end of the workout, which sounds better than leaving the gym with a trail of sweat and a red face. It’s possible that the comfort of these suits can make people enjoy exercising more and exercise with more intensity.
1. What’s the purpose of the first paragraph?| A．To introduce the topic. | B．To show his dislike of summer. |
| C．To give an example. | D．To tell of his dream. |
| A．When a person doesn’t sweat, the flaps will come to its original position. |
| B．The flaps themselves can float slightly around the exerciser’s skin. |
| C．When a person sweats, the flaps will expand. |
| D．The flaps are essential to cooling exercisers down. |
| A．The influence of the technology. | B．The efficiency of the technology. |
| C．Different reviews on the technology. | D．Author’s attitude to the technology. |
| A．Magazine | B．Newspaper |
| C．Brochure | D．Website |
6 . Earlier this month, 6-year-old Isaac went on vacation to Fort Walton, Florida, with his family. While they were there, his mother Garrett learned about LuLu, a restaurant that offers food to customers with food allergies(过敏).
At LuLu, Isaac could eat a salad and a bowl of chicken soup with rice. “Isaac looked at me as if asking, ‘Is this OK?’ ” Garrett said. Once his mom gave the OK, Isaac enjoyed for the first time the experience of eating at a restaurant. “That look on his face was like, ‘This is the coolest thing I’ve ever done,’ ” Garrett added.
Garrett and her family rarely eat out because of Isaac’s food allergies. When they do, she cooks something for Isaac at home before they leave and brings it with her to the restaurant. “It’s not fun and it feels unfair,” she said.
Their night at LuLu marked a celebration for Isaac. Garrett shared the moment on the restaurant’s Facebook page. “Thank you from the bottom of my heart for giving Isaac this wonderful experience,” she wrote in her post.
Barnett, the restaurant’s manager, said, “When customers tell the staff that someone in their group has a food allergy, I assist with the order by passing it to the kitchen, ensuring it’s cooked in a separate station and delivering the finished food to the guests. We have been improving this process over the past ten years since our allergy program was started.”
On Garrett’s Facebook post, LuLu thanked Garrett for sharing her story. “Thank you for sharing your experience with us,” the restaurant wrote in a comment, “We are excited to see your son so happy!” Garrett is hoping her post’s popularity will persuade other restaurants to be more considerate. “LuLu takes it seriously as we take it – nothing could make us happier than that,” she said.
1. What does the underlined word “This” in paragraph 2 refer to?| A．Eating chicken soup with rice. |
| B．Eating at a restaurant. |
| C．Eating with her mom. |
| D．Being on vacation with her family. |
| A．He will personally assist with the order. |
| B．He will deliver the menu to them. |
| C．He will introduce the allergy program. |
| D．He will cook dinner in a separate station. |
| A．The popularity of her post made Garrett excited. |
| B．Garrett is unsatisfied with other restaurants. |
| C．LuLu thanks Garrett for eating in the restaurant. |
| D．Garrett hopes more restaurants will follow LuLu’s steps. |
| A．A biology textbook. | B．A health magazine. |
| C．A research paper. | D．A travel brochure. |
7 . NEW YORK—Gordon Parks, who experienced the struggles and victories of black America as a photographer for Life magazine and then became Hollywood's first major black director with " The Learning Tree" and the hit "Shaft," died Tuesday, his family said.
Parks, who also wrote fiction and was a gifted composer, died at his home in New York, according to a former wife, and nephew Charles Parks.
"Nothing came easy," Parks wrote in his autobiography(自传)."I was just born with a need to explore every tool shop of my mind, and with long searching and hard work, I became devoted to my restlessness. "
He covered everything from fashion to politics to sports at Life from 1948 to 1968.
But as a photographer, he was perhaps best known for his photo essays on the effects of poverty in the United States and abroad and on the spirit of the civil rights movement.
He went through a series of jobs as a teen and young man, including piano player and railroad dining car waiter. The breakthrough came when he was about 25 , when he bought a used camera in a pawn shop (典当行) for $7.50. He became a freelance (自由投稿的)fashion photographer, went on to Vogue magazine and then to Life in 1948.
" Reflecting now, I realize that, even within the limits of my childhood vision, I was on a search for pride, meanwhile taking measurable glimpses of how certain blacks, who suffered from racism, were against it," he wrote.
When he accepted an award from Wichita Stale University in May 1991, he said it was "another step forward in my making peace with Kansas and Kansas making peace with me."
1. Which of the following jobs didn't Gordon Parks do?| A．A photographer. | B．A director. |
| C．A composer. | D．A politician. |
| A．Parks thought not everything was easy. |
| B．Parks was later fond of exploring every person. |
| C．Parks worked at Life for 20 years. |
| D．Parks married only once. |
| A．His photo essays. | B．A used camera。. |
| C．A pawn shop。 | D．Vogue magazine. |
| A．a short 一 story collection. | B．a popular science magazine. |
| C．a research paper. | D．a newspaper. |
8 . British International Schools in China Harrow International School Beijing
The mission statement of the school is “Leadership for a better world”， which draws on the great tradition of famous leaders studying in Harrow School such as Winston Churchill and Pundit Nehru. Established in 2005, the Harrow International School Beijing is known for its reputation for having the highest academic standards and close personal tutoring. All students have a personal tutor to take care of their personal concerns. The tuition fee per year ranges from 80,100 to 258,400 yuan ($12,600-40,600) for half day, prenursery to year 13. Read more via www. harrowbeijing. cn.
Dulwich College Shanghai
Dulwich College Shanghai is made up of about 1,500 students from age 2 to age 18, with over 40 different nationalities. Dulwich College Shanghai opened in 2003 and has been recognized as one of the best international schools in Shanghai. About 70 percent of the school's teachers are British. The school's annual payment ranges from 225,500 to 269,500 yuan ($35,500-42,000) for year 1 to year 13. Click here to know more.
Wellington College International Shanghai
Wellington College, UK, is one of the world's top coeducational day and boarding schools founded by royal sponsor on behalf of Queen Victoria in 1859. Wellington College International Shanghai opened its doors in 2014 and now has over 600 students, aged 2 to 18 years old. Annual tuition ranges from 234,000 to 285,000 yuan ($36,800-44,800) for year 1 to year 13. Wellington College also has a campus in Tianjin. Click here to learn more about both locations.
The British School of Guangzhou
Established in 2005 for students aged 2 to 18, the British School of Guangzhou has gained a reputation for academic excellence. The school's two campuses are located about 25 minutes north of Guangzhou's city center, overlooking scenic South Lake. The annual tuition ranges from 157, 840 to 197,690 yuan ($24,800-31,000) for year 1 to year 13. Click here to know more.
1. If you want to make friends with students from different countries, you may choose| A．Dulwich College Shanghai |
| B．Harrow International School Beijing |
| C．Wellington College International Shanghai |
| D．The British School of Guangzhou |
| A．They are both the world's best boarding schools. |
| B．Their annual tuition fees are the same. |
| C．They are both sponsored by the royal family. |
| D．They both have two campuses. |
| A．Lifestyle. |
| B．Opinion. |
| C．Culture Exchange. |
| D．International News. |
9 . Robots come in many shapes and sizes, but scientists in Zurich, Switzerland, have developed one new robot called Pleurobot, which looks and acts just like a salamander (火蜥蜴).
To create the robot, scientists took hundreds of X-rays of real salamanders. They studied the images of these animals to see which joints (关节) and muscles the animals use as they move. Then the scientists built the Pleurobot’s skeleton to move just like the real thing. This makes the robot’s movements incredibly lifelike.
According to experts, salamanders were among the first animals to develop a skeleton and nervous system that allowed them to travel on land. “By studying the modern salamander, we have a time window to the ancestors of all vertebrates (脊椎动物), including humans,” Auke Ijspeert, the designer of the robot, told scholastic News Online.
Both people and salamanders have a spinal cord (脊髓). An injury to the spinal cord can result in the inability to move. Now, there is no cure for paralysis (瘫痪). Ijspeert hopes that the Pleurobot can help change that. Because these studies could help researchers develop new ways to help people who have been paralyzed by spinal cord injuries.
Scientists think that the Pleurobot could also be used for search-and-rescue tasks too dangerous for humans. Because the robot is low to the ground and has a wide range of motion, it could be used to get into dangerous places, like fallen buildings, to look for survivors. Thanks to its waterproof suit, the robotic salamander could even participate in underwater missions.
Experts are now working on a smaller, sturdier (harder to break) model of the Pleurobot. They expect this one to be even better suited for getting into small spaces to do dangerous work.
1. What is Paragraph 2 mainly about?| A．How real salamanders move. |
| B．What the Pleurobot looks like. |
| C．Why scientists invented the Pleurobot. |
| D．How scientists designed the Pleurobot. |
| A．The shape of the spinal cord. |
| B．The movement of robotic animals. |
| C．The problem of spinal cord injuries. |
| D．The way the brain controls the spinal cord. |
| A．Fashionable. | B．Entertaining. |
| C．Functional. | D．Power-saving. |
| A．a news report | B．a research paper |
| C．an advertisement | D．an official document |
