The Power and Problems of Eco-Tourism
Eco-tourism gained its popularity over the past two decades. At its core, eco-tourism promotes sustainable travel practices that benefit local communities and protect the environment. However, like any significant trend, it is vital to analyze its impact and understand both its merits (好处) and potential shortcomings.
Eco-tourism emerged as a response to the damaging effects of mass tourism. Coastal towns were being transformed into commercial centers, but the luxury resorts rarely invested back into the community. Over time, ecosystems suffered, local cultures were overshadowed, and the very essence of these destinations was at risk. On the other hand, eco-tourism focuses on smaller groups, environmental education, and local engagement.
One of the primary merits of eco-tourism is its emphasis on environmental conservation. It helps protect endangered species and reforest areas affected by deforestation. Take the mountain gorillas of Rwanda for instance, tourism income has played a crucial role in their conservation efforts, bringing them back from the edge of extinction.
Furthermore, eco-tourism often ensures that local communities benefit economically. Instead of leaving profits to international corporations, the income often stays within the community. Local artisans, guides, and service providers receive a more significant piece of the pie, ensuring that tourism acts as a tool for socio-economic growth.
Yet, eco-tourism is not without its problems. The term “eco-tourism” is sometimes misused or overused. Some businesses might claim themselves as “eco-friendly” purely as a marketing strategy, without truly making sustainable practices.
In conclusion, eco-tourism represents a significant change towards more sustainable travel, placing emphasis on the environment and local communities. However, as with any major movement, it’s essential to approach it with a critical eye. By doing so, we can ensure that our passion for travelling doesn’t come at the cost of our planet or its inhabitants, but rather enriches both the traveler and the destination.
1. How has eco-tourism impacted the mountain gorillas of Rwanda?2. What are the merits of eco-tourism?
3. Please decide which part is false in the following statement, then underline it and explain why.
Eco-tourism places emphasis on the environment and local communities, ensuring that our passion for travelling comes at the cost of our planet and its inhabitants.
4. Do you believe eco-tourism is a sustainable way to promote tourism without causing harm? Why or why not? (In about 40 words)
1. Why do people write poems?
2. Are poems good for our life?
3. What can we get from poems?
4. What have you learnt from the reading passage?
In order to fit in and make friends in a new school, Amanda observed how her classmates behaved and interacted with each other. Gradually, she perfectly adopted the mannerisms of the classmates around her, laughing at their jokes, nodding in agreement with their opinions, hiding herself into someone she thought others wanted her to be. We’ve all done these. This is social masking, the process of holding back or hiding our natural way of interacting with others so we can feel accepted.
In a world that often tells us to just be ourselves, you might wonder why many of us rely on social masking. “Social masking happens because we as a species want to be included,” says psychologist Dipti Tait. “It’s a tribal (群体的) thing of being together rather than being on our own. We all have certain masks to protect ourselves from exposure and difference.” While masking can help us deal with social situations, it can also come with negative consequences. Hiding our behaviours and interests constantly can lead to a strong feeling of separation, disconnection, and internal conflict. As a result, we may experience a heightened and increased possibility of developing depression as westruggle to understand social situations and signs that others take for granted.
Fortunately, a mask is not our own skin. We may feel extremely tired after social engagements and want to spend time alone in order to feel like ourselves. “The goal is to feel safe enough to remove the mask,” says Tait. “It’s crucial for individuals to receive acceptance and support for who they are, rather than feeling like they need to hide their true selves in order to fit in.”
1. What is social masking?2. Why do many of us rely on social masking?
3. Please decide which part is false in the following statement, then underline it and explain why.
When people struggle to understand social situations that others consider normal, they will feel less depressed.
4. In addition to masking, what else can you do to fit in when you are in a new environment? (In about 40 words)
In a fast-paced world, where stress and mental tiredness seem commonplace, we’re constantly looking for new ways to unwind. People may carry out a variety of activities to help them relax. But what about the birdsongs or other nature sounds? Could they also help people to let go of the tensions of modern life?
According to a study by King’s College London in 2022, seeing or hearing birds could help to boost the mental wellbeing of people. Taking a trip to places rich in birdlife like parks, forests and canals and encountering birds singing to each other in the trees could even help to treat some mental health conditions. And it’s not just birds that could have a curative effect on our moods. Another study conducted by the National Trust compared the effects of woodland sounds with voiced meditation (冥想) apps. The study found listening to birdsong as well as other woodland sounds like leaves crunching underfoot or the gentle flow of a stream boosted feelings of relaxation 30% more than the apps do. Other sounds which may help to cool people down are waves lapping on the shore, gentle wind, and light rainfall.
However, not all of us live in rural surroundings, and depending on where we live, a trip to the countryside to see birds may not be an option. But could the nature sounds that originate there still help you? According to research by California Polytechnic State University, even a recording of the sounds of birds had a profound effect on people’s mood, while other studies saw people listening to soundscapes of the coast and forests with similar outcomes to their wellbeing.
So, wherever you live, you can access the wonderful sounds of birds and nature during a stroll through a wood or via some headphones. And maybe listening to the chirps, trills, warbles and whistles of some birds could help you to relax after a long, hard day.
1. What did the study by King’s College London in 2022 find?2. How did the National Trust conduct the study?
3. Please decide which part is false in the following statement, then underline it and explain why.
According to the passage, birds singing, voiced meditation apps and the recording of the sounds of nature have the same effect on people’s mood.
4. Besides what is mentioned in the passage, what do you usually do to help you relax in your daily life? (In about 40 words)
Back when I was in my twenties, I worked in an office in Philadelphia. I spent my day there crunching (运算) lifeless numbers. The job was really boring. However, it had its happy moments, like when I received a hard-earned promotion (晋升).
It was different on Tuesdays. On Tuesday nights, I walked to a nearby center to my “another job”. It was a world apart from my job during the day. I would make my way to a large room where I was greeted by shouts of excitement—“Miss Maggie is here!” This enthusiasm came from a group of kids who were all mine to teach. On these Tuesday nights, I taught volleyball for athletes of the Special Olympics.
As I entered this large room one Tuesday night, I noticed that Brian was sitting in the corner by himself, as usual. He came from a family that treated him badly. Unfortunately, this caused him a lot of anger and sadness.
As the other kids started to exercise, I walked over to Brian and sat down. I said hello, but he gave me only an angry mumble (咕哝) in return.
I gave Brian a gentle pat and told him that we’d love to have him join us. Once the kids had warmed up, I began my lesson. As the lesson progressed, Brian came out of his corner. Nervously, he approached me and asked if he could play. I put my arm around him and replied with an enthusiastic yes.
Working with Brian each week, I knew I had to be patient, and this experience taught me a valuable lesson. Finally, I became friends with Brian. I knew that I had to stay positive and make sure he knew that I was there for him no matter what happened.
1. When did the writer feel pleased in her office? (no more than 10 words)2. What is the meaning of the underlined sentence in paragraph 2?(no more than 10 words)
3. What did the writer teach the children? (no more than 5 words)
4. Why did Brian often feel angry and sad? (no more than 10 words)
5. What kind of teacher do you think the writer was? Why? (no more than 20 words)
When 16-year-old Colin Moore is out on the football field, he is putting his heart into the game and looks just like any other teenage athlete out there. But what makes him different than the rest, is that he’s playing without part of his arm.
Moore was born without the lower part of his right arm, but he’s never let that stop him from achieving anything he’s put his mind to in his life, including football. “I’ve always had to have a mind of steel, heart of gold, and just move forward no matter what.” Moore said.
Although his arm difference has never got in the way of anything, it’s been a challenge for him. But in everything he does, he’s worked twice as hard as everyone else to make sure he would succeed. Moore’s goal is to be a starting center, which requires a lot of body strength. Even though he is missing an arm, he makes up for it with his fast movements and strength, making him the perfect choice for this position.
Moore looks up to the Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce, and aims to be just like him one day. Moore’s hard work even got him noticed by his hero. After seeing a video of Moore playing football, Kelce sent him one back. Kelce told Moore that his perseverance is a great encouragement to him. He even invited Moore to join him and the Eagles at their training camp so they could meet him.
Moore’s coach Frank Holmes agrees with Kelce and compliments Moore’s perseverance. “The thing I can say about Colin is this: he was born with a challenging situation, but every day he has a positive attitude and focuses fully on whatever he does. He trains hard.”
1. What makes Moore different from other athletes? (no more than 10 words)2. How did Moore achieve his goal? (no more than 5 words)
3. What did Jason Kelce do after seeing Moore play? (no more than 20 words)
4. What is the meaning of the underlined word in the last paragraph? (1 word)
5. How does Moore’s story inspire you? Please explain. (no more than 20 words)
After being evacuated (疏散) from her Florida home following Hurricane Michael. Amber Gee was attempting to get an idea of the destruction left behind when she discovered a sign of trouble. As reported by ABC News, Gee was using NOAA’s interactive aerial map (交互式航拍地图) to check the damage done to her and her family’s homes when she spotted the word “H-E-L-P” spelled out in the yard.
The NOAA website allows those impacted in the hurricane to get a look at specific streets or homes by zooming in on (用变焦距镜头拉近) aerial imagery of the affected area. According to ABC News, Gee was looking at one of these photos when she noticed a cry for help spelled out in wood in the front yard of her grandmother’s Bay County home.
Though her grandmother had evacuated, several other family members, including Gee’s uncle and his wife, had stayed behind. After spotting the message, Gee alerted (向……报警) Bay County Emergency Services, who went to the house and rescued those who were trapped in the residence.
“Apparently, they had to cut through a lot of downed trees to get there,” Gee told ABC News. Her uncle, Ernest, had reportedly used wood from one of those trees to spell out the message.
After the rescue, Bay County Emergency Services posted the incident on their Facebook page, writing, “This is an incredible story of how people are working together in this situation. Someone from another county was using the mapping app to check property in rural Bay County and noticed the word ‘help’ spelled out in the grass in wood. That person immediately contacted us and sent the picture and we dispatched emergency workers.”
Meanwhile, Gee says she is thankful that she was able to use the mapping tool to get her family to safety. “The hurricane has turned everything upside down everywhere. Some were more fortunate than others. I’m just happy that everybody is safe and sound and, hopefully, soon we will all get through this together and recover from this storm,” she said.
1. What did Gee use the mapping app to do? (no more than 12 words)2. Who can look at the NOAA website’s aerial photos of the affected area? (no more than 5 words)
3. Who spelled out “Help” to cry for help? (no more than 5 words)
4. What does the underlined word “dispatched” in Para. 5 probably mean? (one word)
5. What lesson can you learn from this story? Please explain. (no more than 25 words)
If you enjoy walking for exercise, there’s a simple way to meet your demand—change your walk into a ruck, and it’s an increasingly popular form of exercise.
Rucking is walking with weight on your back. The term “rucking” comes from ruck marching, a core skill used by the military around the world. One of the tests the army normally gives to soldiers is a 12-mile ruck, which they must complete within three hours while carrying a weight of at least 35 pounds.
The reason why rucking is growing in popularity is that it’s an easy and all-body exercise. One study in 2019 showed that 10 weeks of weighted walking improved physical performance. Since rucking is usually performed outdoors, there is no doubt that it’s also good for your mental health. Lots of studies suggest that the mental health benefits of being in a natural environment are huge.
There are several tips for your rucking when you get started. First, don’t be too eager. As with any new exercise, you’ll need to begin slowly. Start with an empty backpack (背包) and walk a distance you’ve already done. When you start adding weight to your pack, try something low, like 10% of your body weight. Adding weight is going to put more stress on your ankles, knees, hips and back, so do it gradually. Another option is to start with a weighted vest (背心) instead of a backpack. This spreads the weight between your front and back. And of course, don’t forget your feet. Select a comfortable pair of shoes to prevent getting hurt.
1. What is rucking?(不多于六个单词)2. Why is rucking popular?(不多于六个单词)
3. Where is rucking usually performed?(不多于一个单词)
4. What is the last paragraph mainly about?(不多于三个单词)
9 . 阅读下面短文，根据题目要求回答问题。
Anxiety is not deadly, because being able to feel anxious shows that our fight-or-flight system is operational, which is an indicator of brain and sensory health. Once we accept that being anxious is a normal part of life, we can use it to our benefit.
Anxiety can help build our emotional strength. If we want to build emotional strength, we need to face some degree of mental stress. Of course, unpleasant and abuse tend to cause more harm than good, but the experience of occasional anxiety, stress, and tension substantially increases our emotional courage.
Anxiety can increase your emotional connection. Clinical science has identified that sharing our anxieties with our loved ones is one of the most effective strategies to build connection. When my patients learn to open up and share their anxieties with their partners, they almost always report a greater sense of emotional connection.
Anxiety can help us rebalance. When we feel genuinely anxious because of stress, it’s our body’s way of telling us to rebalance. Nobody is truly limitless. When we pay attention to our internal cues and acknowledge our weaknesses, we emerge more focused and healthier overall and also less stressed and anxious.
Anxiety can be a healthy, helpful emotion that is a constructive aspect of human life. When it comes to occasional experience of anxiety, it can emotionally help boost our courage. It can also build up emotional connect ion when we express our sensitive feelings to others. And in the form of stress, it can serve as an internal indicator to remain balanced and healthy. Now it’s high time we started putting it to good use．
1. Why is anxiety not deadly?When we pay attention to our internal cues and acknowledge our weaknesses, we emerge more focused and healthier overall and also more stressed and anxious．
10 . 阅读短文，按照题目要求用英语回答问题。
Scott McKenzie and Jeremy Uhrich, two dads from Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, have transformed their passion for baking into a heartwarming community endeavor (努力). This journey began when McKenzie, 58, found himself laid off and decided to learn a new skill every week. Baking was one of these new skills, and he was pleasantly surprised by the quality of his first batch of cookies. Proudly, he shared his creation on social media, catching the attention of Uhrich, a longtime friend, who playfully challenged him to a bake-off (食品烘烤比赛).
Uhrich, 42, baked with his sons that same day and proposed a competition to McKenzie. The two agreed to let community workers in the community judge the treats as a thank-you for their help during the challenging times. The competition was a success, but McKenzie and Uhrich didn’t stop there. They decided to deliver the rest of the cookies to community workers, sparking an idea that would eventually become Cookies for Caregivers.
The timing couldn’t have been more crucial—the community had recently experienced a terrible earthquake, leaving many homes destroyed and families displaced. As part of the rebuilding efforts, Cookies for Caregivers was born. The Facebook group created by McKenzie and Uhrich allowed their neighbors to volunteer to make treats for first responders and business owners who were working tirelessly in the aftermath of the earthquake. Since the disaster struck, more than 100 people have joined the group, baking and delivering more than 15,000 cookies to workers at hospitals, grocery stores, fire departments, and more. Each week, bakers drop cookies off at Uhrich’s house, and he and McKenzie organize and deliver them to businesses in large containers.
The impact of Cookies for Caregivers has been profound. Uhrich says “they’ve seen a lot of smiles and tears during deliveries; people are so appreciative”. The project has brought together members of the community who may have never interacted otherwise, all with a common goal of showing gratitude to those on the front lines of the rebuilding efforts after the earthquake. McKenzie says “they plan on continuing the effort because they are immensely grateful for the selfless contributions and want to express their appreciation to as many people as possible”.
McKenzie and Uhrich’s message is clear: kindness doesn’t have an expiration date. In a time of uncertainty and rebuilding, they’ve shown that small acts of kindness can make a big difference. Their bake-off may have been just for fun, but the impact it’s had on their community is immeasurable.
1. What happened to Scott McKenzie before he started to bake? (no more than 5 words)
