1 . Ponds are a rich source of biodiversity, providing natural environments for many rare and endangered species, including plants, insects, birds and bats. Ponds show far greater variation than rivers and streams. Yet, for a century or so, ponds have been ignored by scientists.
Why have we overlooked such a significant part of the natural world? A key reason appears to be the cognitive bias(认知偏见) where we assume that if something is small, it can’t be all that important. Rather than study ponds, biologists in the past typically headed for the largest lake or river they could find. Most of us also devalue ponds because we assume they are human-made habitats and don’t realize that these waters have a deeply ancient origin. Ponds have clearly existed on Earth as long as there has been land and water and the geological record shows they have been a long-lasting presence.
Ignoring ponds within science has had a big impact on our ability to protect their wildlife. It has created a world view in which policy-makers can simply ignore the big networks of ponds that make up so much of the global water environment. In Europe, for example, the Water Framework Directive mostly excludes any bodies of water smaller than 50 hectares.
Fortunately, views are changing. Last year, the Ramsar Convention, an international agreement, introduced a resolution(决议) on small wetlands, including ponds, giving more recognition to them. And the European Union-funded PONDERFUL project is gathering data on Europe’s ponds.
However, if we want to make use of the biodiversity power that ponds offer, there remains much to do. In a world where fresh water faces big challenges, creating and protecting ponds provides a ray of hope: a piece of natural ecological engineering we can easily achieve to help support biodiversity.
1. What can be learned about ponds from paragraph 1?| A．They are difficult to research. |
| B．They fail to get due attention. |
| C．They are too small to support wildlife. |
| D．They have greater importance than rivers. |
| A．Ponds are short-lived. | B．Rivers are fully-developed. |
| C．Small things are unimportant. | D．Natural habitats are unnoticed. |
| A．To solve a problem. | B．To present a fact. |
| C．To prove a point. | D．To make a comparison. |
| A．Exploring ponds has a long way to go. | B．Ecological diversity is easy to realize. |
| C．Fresh water supply can meet our needs. | D．Building ponds can promote economy. |
2 . There are many reasons for visiting Rwanda. From breathtaking scenery to various cultures, it is full of hope and wonder. Here are some must-enjoy experiences for travelers.
Made-to-Order Fashion: Bighly colored cloth is shown at many stal (货摊) in the Kimironko Market in Kigali, the capital of Rwanda. Choose one piece that speaks to you and a talented tailor (裁缝) can make you the clothes of your choosing in about an hour. You will find hills, bats, bird wings and rivers popular on the cloth- they are a celebration of the county’s natural landscape and wildlife.
Incredible Wildlife Encounters: From mountain gorillas in the north to chimpanzees in the south, Rwanda is home to some of Africa’s most fascinating animals. Local guides help travelers explore rainforests and mountain areas. The first purpose-built gorilla research and education center was completed here in 2021.
Meet the Artists: Beautiful murals (壁画) appear from the sides of buildings as travelers make their way through the towns of Rwanda, leaving little doubt that gifted artists call the country home. Local pottery, sculptures and paintings are only the beginning of the choices art lovers will be excited about. Don’t miss the local people who perform at community gatherings and professional dancers and musicians who tell the history of the country to travelers through dance and music.
Create Your Own Adventure: Even the most experienced adventure traveler will find challenges in the hills here. Horseback riding at Fazenda Sengha high above Kigali? Sure. A walk along a 70-metre high, 160-metre long Canopy Walkway in the wind above a natural rainforest? Just say when. Rwanda seems built for adventure and guests who bring their curiosity won’t leave disappointed.
1. What do we know about the cloth in the Kimironko Market?| A．Its colour is dull. | B．Its sellers are usually gifted tailors. |
| C．It has various patterns on it. | D．It can be made into clothes in minutes. |
| A．Made-to-Order Fashion. | B．Incredible Wildlife Encounters. |
| C．Meet the Artists. | D．Create Your Own Adventure. |
| A．Draw murals on buildings. | B．Tell the stories of the country. |
| C．Design sculptures and potteries. | D．Appreciate local people’s performances. |
3 . When Su Bingtian was first added to the track and field team of his junior high school, what he did most was not training or competing, but carrying bags for his senior teammates and watching them running.
Nobody, including Su himself, would believe the small boy could one day become the first Asian man to reach the 100m final at the World Championships, running side-to-side with the fastest sprinters in the world.
Born in a rural area in China’s southeastern province of Guangdong, Su started training in athletics in 2003. After 12 years of fast progress, Su emerged from a bag-carrier to the fastest man in the world most populous country, breaking the national record after he clocked 9.99 seconds at the IAAF Diamond League Eugene leg on May 30. He is the first and only Chinese that have ever dipped under the 10-second barrier. He attributed such progress to a revolutionary technique change starting from last winter.
When Su first began to train in sprinting, he had been using his right foot to start off. But he always found his third step a little bit weak and unsteady which would affect his intermediate running and the whole rhythm. After consulting with his coach Yuan Guoqiang, China’s first national record holder, Su has changed his way to start with his left foot going forward first.
“It was like a desperate gamble, a brand new start for me. I knew if it works I would find some room to improve, otherwise it could lead to the end of my career,” Su said.
“To be honest, I am not fully prepared for such pressure and intensive media coverage. I will learn to deal with it as soon as possible. But training and competing will always be my priority,” said a determined Su. “I hope my story can encourage those young people to believe that Chinese can also run fast. I do not think I am a hero. I am just a step-stone, like my coach Yuan, a step-stone to pave the way for more youngsters to push the speed limit for China.”
1. What does the second paragraph imply?| A．Su Bingtian has a gift for sprinting. |
| B．Su Bingtian achieved success through hard work. |
| C．Su Bingtian seems not be talented in sprinting in his youth. |
| D．Su Bingtian ran the fastest in the world. |
| A．His competitive spirit | B．His family support |
| C．His training strategy | D．His experience |
| A．Determined and modest | B．Ambitious and honest |
| C．Competitive and desperate | D．Popular and tough |
| A．He hopes to inspire other young sprinters. | B．He is not ready to be a champion. |
| C．He feels regretful for the speed. | D．He enjoys training and competing. |
4 . Five Family Films to Enjoy with Your Family
Lost Horizon
In Frank Capra’s Lost Horizon, the passengers on a plane attacked after the take-off in China are thrown together against their will only to be deposited in Shangri-La. During their stay there, they realize that a family gathering should be about forming connections and taking time to consider one’s place in the family, in the community and even in the world.
The Human Comedy
Maybe as the finest film about the US home front during World War Ⅱ, The Human Comedy is a portrait of a family dealing with life after the oldest son is drafted into military service(兵役). Mickey Rooney plays the younger son missing his older brother but trying to get on with his life in high school.
Miracle on 34th Street
The Christmas classic was released in 1947, but it essentially set the stage for the 1950s. It’s about the birth of the post-war consumer culture, and how affection for family and friends can be best expressed by the act of spending money.
Mary Poppins
Sometimes a family needs to make a change but the Banks family is definitely in a rut(一成不变). George seems to care more about his banking job than his wife and children. He needs to learn that sometimes all he needs is a laugh for a laugh’s sake, tuppence(两便士)to feed the birds and the time to fly a kite. In the end, his change is as powerful as Ebenezer Scrooge’s.
Star Wars: Episode Ⅳ-A New Hope
Star Wars is about what happens after you make the choice to leave home for good. Of course, for Luke Skywalker, the choice to “take the first step into a larger world” is made for him when his family is killed. But his process of going out into the universe and discovering himself also involves gathering a new family.
1. Who of the following acted in one of the above films?| A．Mickey Rooney | B．Frank Capra | C．Luke Skywalker | D．Ebenezer Scrooge |
| A．Last Horizon | B．Mary Poppins | C．Miracle on 34th Street | D．Star Wars: Episode Ⅳ-A New Hope |
| A．advertise some new films | B．interest foreign film lovers |
| C．present some film standards | D．recommend some films |
5 . The bride is 97. The groom is 98. The couple has been married for 77 years, and thanks to some very special people, they were finally treated to some very special wedding memories they missed out on all those years ago.
The Kings are just like family to the staff of the St. Croix Hospice who serve as caretakers for the elderly pair in their Oelwein, Idaho home. With a big anniversary coming up, their caregivers wanted to do something special to celebrate the occasion — and knowing something of the couple’s history, they came up with a perfect plan.
When Frankie and Royce King took their vows (誓言) on September 16, 1944, the world was a very different place. The simple church ceremony was small and short. Rather than a lace gown (蕾丝长裙), Frankie wore a suit. There was no photographer on hand to record the vows.
While Frankie and Royce’s wedding lacked splendor (壮观), their life together has more than made up for it. Two kids, four grandkids, and several great-grandkids later, the Kings’ marriage is still going strong.
On their anniversary, as one staff member played Big-Band era tunes on his saxophone and another took photos, Frankie, dressed in a lovely 1940s-era wedding gown, was led through a flower-covered archway to where Royce was waiting for her. By the time the big wedding cake was served, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house.
Photographer Hilary Michelson said, “I work for St. Croix Hospice full-time while doing photography in my spare time. I am passionate about both of my jobs and it made my heart so incredibly full to see them embracing each other.”
The Kings’ daughter, Sue Bilodeau, is now putting together a photo album of cherished memories for them. “It was definitely one of the most special things ever,” she said. “When Mom mentioned she didn’t have time to plan a big wedding and didn’t have a photographer, the St. Croix staff members worked together to make sure they could get their special day.”
1. What did the staff of the St. Croix Hospice decide to do for the Kings?| A．Help them recall their wedding memories. |
| B．Take good care of them as family members. |
| C．Write something about the couple’s history. |
| D．Celebrate their wedding anniversary like a real wedding. |
| A．It seemed to be the perfect plan. |
| B．It was simple and held in a small church. |
| C．It was followed by the couple’s long separation. |
| D．It had only one photographer to record their vows. |
| A．They were all in tears. |
| B．They applauded loudly. |
| C．They were busy taking pictures of the couple. |
| D．They stopped doing everything and watched. |
| A．It made her feel ashamed of herself. |
| B．They set a good example for people. |
| C．It was meaningful and she was thankful. |
| D．She was passionate about doing the same work. |
6 . In the UK, there is a popular route for cyclists: the road from Land’s End in England to John O’Groats in Scotland, about 874 miles long. It covers almost the full length of Great Britain. The 12-year-old boy named Laurence Chandler became the youngest cyclist to finish the route.
Chandler took 20 days to finish the challenge. Each day, he cycled between 40 to 60 miles. He spent six hours on his mountain bike daily. Chandler had to push through rainy and windy days. Cycling uphill was also hard. “It was much harder than I thought. I wasn’t expecting so many hills and how busy the roads were,” Chandler said. “But if you put your mind to anything, then no matter how big, you can do it.”
Chandler first thought of trying the route when he read an article about it two years ago. Later, as his father’s 50th birthday came around, he decided to go for it. He was already used to cycling around his village and to school before starting his journey.
During his ride, Chandler raised 600 pounds for Smile Train, a children’s organization that pays for treatment for children in developing countries who have deft lips (兔唇).
1. What do we know about Laurence Chandler?| A．He is a cycling lover. | B．He is fond of reading. |
| C．He cycled through England. | D．He is a green hand in cycling. |
| A．Chandler was challenged by the trip. |
| B．Few people chose to cycle the route. |
| C．The journey was really disappointing. |
| D．Chandler rode the same distance every day. |
| A．A related article. | B．The voluntary work. |
| C．His father’s birthday. | D．The disabled children. |
| A．A teenager finishing a great trip |
| B．A popular cycling route in the UK |
| C．A road leading England to Scotland |
| D．A children’s organization for cyclists |
7 . Best Places to Travel for a Girls' Holiday
Cannes
When you think of France, often the famous capital Paris comes to mind. However, you're with your girls. So why not leave the city of love and journey south to Cannes? This holiday is for the girls that want to live like the stars for a weekend or two, and have budgeted for it too. Not only does it offer a beautiful view, but also you will feel like celebrities as you wander around the place film stars call home during the Cannes Film Festival.
Ibiza
No place says girls, holiday is like a trip but Ibiza does. Whether you are looking to wander the San Antonio Sunset Strip at 2： 00 am or walk along the cobbled(鹅卵石的)streets of the old town, Ibiza has it all. For the party lovers, you'll find a home in San Antonio. Partying from morning to night is right for you. So begin your day at Aiyanna Ibiza, in Cala Nova.
Brazil
As one of the few places on Earth that are warm all year round, where temperatures rarely dip below 20°C , Brazil is the perfect destination for a girls, holiday. Being the largest country in South America, it's no surprise that it has everything for everyone.
Thailand
Start with Bangkok, the city of angels. For the girls, trip that's all about sightseeing, a visit to Wat Pho is a must. Home to the Reclining Buddha, this incredible statue is covered in gold leaves and stands at fifteen meters tall and forty-six meters long. From the clear waterfalls, the elephants and the full moon parties, Thailand offers countless adventures for a girls,trip.
1. What can we learn about Cannes?| A．It lies to the south of Paris. | B．It offers beautiful scenery only. |
| C．It is home to all the film stars. | D．It suits girls with tight budgets. |
| A．Cannes. | B．Ibiza. | C．Brazil. | D．Thailand. |
| A．Fashionable. | B．Adventurous. | C．Outgoing. | D．Ambitious. |
8 . The vast Caspian Sea, though sometimes classed as a lake, is the largest landlocked body of water in the world. The gateway between Europe and Asia, it is bordered by Iran to the south, Azerbaijan and Russia to the west and Turkmenistan to the east, while Kazakhsta’s Mangystau region lies to the northeast. Many visitors crowd to Caspian Sea every year to experience its beauty.
FISHING
Fishing is a popular pastime and important industry throughout the waters of the Caspian Sea. From the shores of Mangystau in Kazakhstan, it is possible to rent fishing boats or join fishing tours to spend a day fishing on the water.
SAILING
The Caspian Sea is filled with boats, ferries and ships. It is a popular way to travel from other major port cities such as Baku in Azerbaijan to Aktau, or down the mighty Volga Canal. Meanwhile, on a smaller scale, boats can be rented from Aktau for a day on the water.
WATERSPORTS
The beaches of Mangystau, lapped by the waters of the Caspian Sea, are the jumping off points for many popular water sports. In the summer months especially, visitors enjoy sunbathing and taking a refreshing dip, while more active holidaymakers can windsurf and parasail to their hearts’ delight.
1. How many countries are there circling around the Caspian sea?| A．Three. | B．Four. | C．Five. | D．Six. |
| A．Buy your own boat. | B．Employ a local fisher. |
| C．Rent a fishing boat. | D．Buy fish on the boat. |
| A．Go swimming. | B．Go diving. | C．Go sunbathing. | D．Go windsurfing. |
9 . Online courses have become popular in many countries. There are different kinds of online courses, but most show a video of a teacher and students in a classroom. Students watch the video online and take part in online activities. Some courses are free and open to anyone.
In South Korea, some students have been taught English by teachers in the Philippines and other countries since 2011. The teachers are in their home countries and are connected to the Korean classrooms via the Internet. Instead of looking at a screen, the students interact with a robot in the classroom. The robot is controlled by the teacher.
Thanks to technology, more and more ways of teaching and learning are being developed.
| A．E-learning can be successful. |
| B．There are also social media platforms(平台). |
| C．Other kinds of e-learning are being tested around the world. |
| D．They give students anywhere the chance to study at any time. |
| E．Nobody knows what the classroom of the future will look like. |
| F．And it can move around the classroom and talk with the students. |
| G．The courses that are taught via the Internet are called online courses. |
