1 . If you’ve ever seen a sparrow steal your dog food or a crow open a garbage bag, you get a sense of that some birds have learned to take advantage of new feeding opportunities—a clear sign of their intelligence. Scientists have long wondered why certain species of birds are more innovative than others, and whether these capacities stem from larger brains or from a greater number of neurons (神经元) in specific areas of the brain.

It turns out that it’s a bit of both, according to a recent study by an international team that included members from McGill University published in Nature Ecology and Evolution.

The researchers used a new technique to estimate the number of neurons in a specific part of the brain called the pallium in 111 bird species. The pallium in birds is equal to the human cerebral cortex (大脑皮层), which is involved in memory, learning, reasoning, and problem-solving, among other things. When these estimates about neuron numbers in the pallium were combined with information about over 4,000 feeding innovations, the team found that the species with the higher numbers of neurons in the pallium were also likely to be the most innovative.

“The amount of time chicks spend in the nest as their brains develop might also play a crucial role in the evolution of intelligence,” says McGill University Emeritus Professor Louis Lefebvre who spent more than 20 years gathering examples of feeding innovations. “Larger species of crows and parrots, which are known for their intelligence, spend longer in the nest, which allows more time for the brain to grow and accumulate pallial neurons.”

The results of the study help to deal with previously opposed views of the evolution and significance of brain size and show how a life-history perspective helps to understand the evolution of cognition.

1. What may a sparrow be thought of when it steals dog food?

A．It is lovely.

B．It is immoral.

C．It is heartbroken.

D．It is intelligent.

2. What did researchers do with the 111 bird species?

A．Assessed the neurons in their pallium.

B．Tested a new technology on their brain.

C．Trained them to learn to feed individually.

D．Compared their pallium with the human cerebral cortex.

3. What is behind the intelligence of larger bird species?

A．Their large shape.

B．More time in their nest.

C．Their learning ability.

D．More feeding innovations.

4. In which section may the text appear in a newspaper?

A．Health.

B．Society.

C．Science.

D．Culture.

2 . More than 400 athletes across a variety of sports, ages and levels of experience were questioned for the study by sports psychology experts from Staffordshire University and Manchester Metropolitan University. The findings reveal that athletes’ belief systems — specifically irrational (非理性) beliefs — are related to poorer self-confidence, and in turn, greater competitive anxiety and depressive symptoms.

“Phrases that reflect self-depreciating (贬低) beliefs such as ‘If I lose, I’m a failure’ or ‘If I face setbacks, it shows how stupid I am’ are warning signs,” said the authors. Paul Mansell, Lecturer in Sport and Exercise Psychology at Staffordshire University, said, “Despite the psychological benefits of physical activity, studies frequently report poor mental health in athletes, which may be exacerbated by adversities, such as injury, de-selection, and performance pressure. We investigated athletes’ beliefs, how they view stress, their levels of self-confidence and put all this data together to work out what might predict psychological well-being. We found irrational beliefs to be a core reason for symptoms of poor mental health in athletes.”

This is the first known study that has examined irrational beliefs, self-confidence, and the psychological well-being of athletes all together. Irrational beliefs are extreme, rigid, and illogical ideas that people hold. For example, a person might believe that they “must” get what they want, or that just because they have failed, they are a “complete failure”.

“We can all work to help athletes develop mindsets that help them deal with the challenges of sport and life. By encouraging rational and logical beliefs about performance, we can help athletes to stay healthy amidst the high demands of competitive sport,” said Paul Mansell.

The author s propose Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) as an effective tool for protecting self-confidence. REBT helps athletes to challenge these self-depreciating beliefs and develop beliefs that are more helpful and healthy. For example, rather than believe “I am a failure if I fail”, this might be countered with “Failing is not ideal, but it does not mean that I am a failure”.

1. What did the study centre on?

A．Physical health of athletes.

B．The competition state of athletes.

C．Psychological health of athletes.

D．Competition habits of athletes.

2. Which can best replace the underlined word “exacerbated” in paragraph 2?

A．Worsened.

B．Examined.

C．Promoted.

D．Recognized.

3. Which of the following is a sign of irrational beliefs?

A．Setbacks won’t stop me.

B．If I fail, I will lose everything.

C．It is a world full of competition.

D．What doesn’t kill me makes me stronger.

4. What can be a suitable title for the text?

A．Psychological benefits of physical activity

B．Effective tools for protecting self-confidence

C．Rational and logical beliefs about performance

D．Warning signs of poor mental health in athletes

3 . “Red tide” is a natural phenomenon that frequently occurs in many places around the world. The phenomenon is the result of extreme growth of tiny algae (海藻) called K. Brevis, which has a red color, giving the water surface a very noticeable red color. K. Brevis will give off chemicals that can attack the nervous systems of animals, which often leads to deadly results.

Florida citizens are no stranger to “red tide”, which occurs along the state’s Gulf Coast annually. However, the most recent outbreak of red tide has so far lasted much longer and spread across nearly 145 miles of the coastline in southwestern Florida.

The long season has caused the death of tons of fish and other animals which were washed up on the beaches all the way from Tampa to Naples. The smell of the dead animals has kept away thousands of locals and tourists that frequent the area’s long beaches. In view of that, in August, Florida declared a state of emergency for the seven places where K. Brevis has been growing quickly, providing $ 3 million to help with research, cleanup, and wildlife rescue.

Recently, the situation of red tide in Florida may be exacerbated due to an outbreak of algae Trichodesmium in the waters offshore of Manatee County. Trichodesmium floats on the water’s surface sucking nitrogen (氮) from the air while K. Brevis lives below the surface obtaining nitrogen from the water. If these two masses of algae mix, the dying Trichodesmium may end up providing nitrogen for K. Brevis, lengthening its stay in the area.

Researchers recently are exploring the idea of introducing other algal species to Florida. Among the possibilities is the Diatom. It’s a kind of algae that can grow quickly in the water. Its growth will consume a large amount of nitrogen from the water. So it competes with K. Brevis for nitrogen. Another possibility is algae known to give off chemicals that stop the growth of red tide.

The 10-month-long red tide outbreak in Florida may be the result of a combination of heavy rainfall, warmer ocean temperatures, and pollution. Now it’s time for us to do something.

1. What can we learn about K. Brevis?

A．It’s caused by red tide.	B．It can harm ocean life.
C．It’s facing dying out.	D．It exists mainly on land.

2. What’s Paragraph 3 mainly about?

A．The researchers’ study of algae.	B．The tourism potential in Florida.
C．The possible ways to deal with red tide.	D．The consequences of red tide in Florida.

3. What does the underlined part mean?

A．Worsened.

B．Studied.

C．Handled.

D．Ignored.

4. What’s the possible function of the algae Diatom?

A．To change the color of K. Brevis.

B．To help reduce K. Brevis’ food supply.

C．To damage K. Brevis using some chemicals.

D．To increase fishes’ resistance to K. Brevis’ attack.

4 . 阅读下面短文, 在空白处填入1个适当的单词或括号内单词的正确形式。

Porcelain (瓷器) is a material made from well-chosen porcelain clay through a series of technological     1     (process) like mixing, molding, drying and firing. Although porcelain developed from pottery, it is superior in both practical     2     artistic terms. Perhaps that is     3     it gradually replaced pottery in history.

The     4     (early) porcelain, commonly called “primitive porcelain”, appeared during the Shang Dynasty. But the first porcelain in real sense was not produced until the-Eastern Han Dynasty. Later with the processing techniques     5     (mature) all the way, famous kilns (窑), including what are known as the “Five, Great Kilns”, emerge     6     quantity during the Song Dynasty. In the Yuan Dynasty, Jingdezhen, the Capital of Porcelain, produced blue and white porcelain which later became the     7     (represent) of porcelain. Porcelain of the Qing Dynasty is classical, graceful, delicate and splendid, thus becoming superb goods popular at home and abroad.

Porcelain is the creative fruit of     8     working people of ancient China. Since the Han and Tang Dynasties, porcelain     9     (export) worldwide: It promotes economic and cultural exchange between China and the outside world, and     10     (dramatic) influences the traditional culture and lifestyle of people from other countries.

5 . 阅读下面材料，根据其内容和所给段落开头语续写两段， 使之构成一篇完整的短文。

Dad’s Outer-Space Sweater

Grandma knitted Dad a sweater for his birthday. It was PURPLE, the glow-in-the-dark purple! Even crayon purple couldn’t compete. Dad loved it, claiming it was his favorite sweater. But I found it embarrassing as he wore it all the time: walking the dog; shopping for groceries and — worst of all — coming to my school events.

During a visit to our local farm, Dad tore his sleeve on a fence. When I pointed out that it was ripped, he said he would just wear it around the house. The hole got bigger and one night, at dinner, the thread became a table guest. Dad forked it up with spaghetti (通心粉) and lifted it to his mouth.

“Look out, Dad!” I shouted. “You’re about to take a bite of your sweater.”

Dad laughed, put his fork down and sighed, “The sweater might be beyond saving now.”

The next day, Mom and I repurposed the sweater on a Halloween scarecrow and put it in our front yard. When our neighbor dropped by to give us some used tennis balls for our cat, she gave her thumbs-up at our idea. But the sweater got rained on, and leaves stuck to it. Birds pulled the yarn (毛线). Dad finally removed it and was about to throw it away. He stood there long, looking sad. It made me sad too. I thought about the day he got it, the day he tore it, and ail those days he wore it. Then I thought of the day he almost ate it.

注意：1. 续写词数应为150左右；
2.请按如下格式在答题卡的相应位置作答。

Paragraph 1: And that gave me an idea for the school year’s art show.   

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Paragraph 2: My Spaghetti and Meatballs, Outer-Space Style stood out in the art show.   

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6 . How to Have a Better Conversation on Social Media

You’re not alone if you find social media to be both a space for staying informed and a space full of hate and disagreement. These days, that is the landscape we log into and struggle in.     1    .

Don’t voice opinions on everything

Too much information is like an “Everything Storm” for us to absorb and respond. Thus, it’s OK — and normal — that there are some topics we know more about and others we know almost nothing about.     2    . By focusing on just one or two topics and leaning on our own personal experience, rather than unclear references online, we can escape the storm or at least. grab an umbrella as it strikes.

Find a place to fully express ourselves

    3    . However, sometimes our thoughts are too messy or complicated to express in a bite-size package. Move to modes of communication that allow us to fully express ourselves without limits. Talking on the phone or in person may not always be possible. Try taking conversations to direct messages.

Stop competing for “likes”

The internet has become an arena (竞技场), where we all compete, for “likes”. We use emojis to cheer and boo (发出嘘声). Often the supposed winner of a debate is who-gets the most “likes.” This can be entertaining, yet it blocks the forming of genuine connections with people.     4    . Find a place far away from the audience, where we are not judged and scored instantly for what we say.

Accept differences

It’s sad but true: many of us act differently online than we would in real life, and often see anyone who disagrees as a “troll” (网络怪物).     5     Remember we’re speaking with someone whose feelings and experiences have shaped their opinions. Approach people online with compassion, and we’re on the way to opening doors to new understandings.

A．Exit the battlefield

B．Remove this word from our vocabulary

C．It is wise to limit our comments to the former

D．Many social platforms enforce strict word limits

E．Luckily, we can still survive with some strategies

F．Briefing your message in a reply will get you more connections

G．Our online feelings can be described as “entertaining” and “connecting”

7 . Since 1912, The Nederlander Organization has continued the tradition of operating historic theatres, producing and presenting the best theatrical and concert events. The following are a few of its Broadway theatres.

GERSHWIN THEATRE: 222 W 51ST ST, NEW YORK, NY 10019

Home of the Broadway smash-hit musical Wicked, Gershwin Theatre was named in honor of one of America’s greatest composers, George Gershwin. The theatre’s circular ball was designed to display the names and photographs of Broadway’s own Theater-Hall of Fame. Opened in 1972 with 1,900 seats, it is one of the Nederlander Organization’s nine Broadway theatres.

DURHAM PERFORMING ARTS CENTER: 123 VIVIAN STREET, DURHAM, NC 27701

Since its opening in 2008, DPAC has become the center for entertainment in North Carolina. With 2,700 scats, DPAC truly has “something for everyone,” and hosts more than 200 performances yearly. DPAC welcomes all guests and events in an open, friendly, and respectful setting. It stands committed against all forms of discrimination.

DOLBY THEATRE: 6801 HOLLYWOOD BLVD, HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA 90028

Dolby Theatre, built in 2001, delivers the most natural, life-like sensory experience with the latest innovations in Dolby entertainment technology, including DolbyAtmos^TM, a breakthrough audio technology. Its cutting edge technologies attract many world’s biggest movie premieres, notable television awards events, and performances. With 3,400 seats, it is one of two Broadway theatres in Los Angeles.

WINTER GARDEN THEATRE: 1634 BROADWAY, NEW YORK, NY 10019

The playhouse occupies the second American Horse Exchange, built by William K. Vanderbilt in 1896, when Longacre (now Times Square) was the center of the horse and carriage trade. By 1911, it had been rented out, as horses had given way to automobiles. The Winter Garden was converted into a theatre in 1911. It served as a movie house from 1928 to 1933 when Warner Brothers rented’ it. Winter Garden Theatre has 1,600 seats and is one of Broadway theatres. The sound of music: the classic musical is now playing at the Winter Garden Theatre.

1. Which theatre enjoys the longest history?

A．Gershwin Theatre.	B．Winter Garden Theatre.
C．Dolby Theatre.	D．Durham Performing Arts Centre.

2. According to the passage, what makes Dolby Theatre unique among the four theatres?

A．Realistic sound effects.	B．Numerous performances.
C．Hall of Fame.	D．Disapproval of discrimination.

3. I one is in New York city, which event could ho go to?

A．Big movie premiers.	B．A musical about Gershwin.
C．A timeless musical.	D．Television awards.

8 . 阅读下面材料，根据其内容和所给段落开头语续写两段，使之构成一篇完整的短文。

“Look!” I said to my husband, Roger, pointing to the branches. “The doves (鸽子) have built a nest.

On a chilly April day, we watched with horror as a hawk dived down and took one of the doves. By the next morning the other parent was gone too. Roger climbed up a ladder to take a look into the nest. Was it possible the hawk had spared the young? Yes, there sat a newly hatched baby dove! We brought him inside and set up the nesting box with the heat lamps we had used for raising chickens. Then we rushed to the pet shop to buy the formula (配方奶) which needed to look like the mother’s milk. But even with our care and prayers, we knew that the dove’s chances were slim. We were especially worried that our little bird, whom we’d named Hawkeye, hardly cooed (咕咕地叫) at all. That had to be a bad sign.

But to our surprise, Hawkeye not only survived but also thrived. Within a month, he was able to stand on the edge of a bowl and eat out of a baby spoon. And before we knew it, he was eating the seeds we gave him. Having the opportunity to nurture this new life brought me a greater measure of peace with each passing day.

As Hawkeye grew, we noticed that unlike all the other doves in our yard, he had a double breast with a line dividing it. When I did some research on the doves, I found out that females don’t often coo.

“We got it all wrong,” I told Roger. “Hawkeye is a girl!”

We realized that we’d have to teach her to fly. First, we urged her to fly from a finger to the bottom rung (梯子的横档) of a six-foot ladder, and in no time she was moving quickly to the top. She lit out (逃走，溜掉) for the kitchen whenever she heard the click of the spoon on her bowl. By mid-June she’d gained full confidence in her wings.

注意：
1.续写词数应为150左右；
2.请按如下格式在答题卡的相应位置作答。

Paragraph 1: At that time, we knew it was time to set our Hawkeye free.

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Paragraph 2: But one May morning, Hawkeye and the other dove landed on the rooftop.

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9 . 听下面一段较长对话，回答以下小题。
1. What is the man doing?

A．Preparing for a meeting.

B．Exercising.

C．Cooking.

2. How does the woman sound at the man’s weight loss?

A．Serious.

B．Surprised.

C．Hopeful.

3. How does the man go to work now?

A．By train.

B．By bus.

C．By bike.

4. What will the man do to help the woman?

A．Make salads for her.

B．Go jogging with her.

C．Lend a book to her.

10 . 听下面一段独白，回答以下小题。
1. What does the speaker mainly talk about?

A．Advertising benefits.

B．Consumer habits.

C．Unnecessary spend.

2. Why are related items recommended?

A．For more purchase.

B．For better service.

C．For higher price.

3. What can help monitor spending habits?

A．Physical cash.

B．Credit card.

C．Digital wallet.