2 . 阅读下面短文，根据题目要求用英语回答问题。

In the southern part of France, away from the charm of Paris and the scenic Riviera, lies Toulouse, often referred to as “La Ville Rose” or “The Pink City.” Its nickname comes from the unique terra-cotta bricks used in many of its, buildings, giving the city a distinctive style.

Historically, Toulouse traces its roots back to the ancient times. It was originally established by the Celts in the 4th century BC and later became a significant Roman settlement. The city’s strategic position near the Germane River made it a well-known trading center in ancient Europe. By the Middle Ages, Toulouse had become a major center of trade due to its dye industry. This trade brought immense wealth to the region, and the city’s grand houses and public buildings from this era reflect is opulence (繁华).

However, Toulouse was not just a center for trade. Its history is marked with intellectual pursuits. By the 13th century, Université de Toulouse was established, making it one of the oldest universities in the world. The institution attracted scholars from various parts of Europe.

In modern times, Toulouse is famous for its aerospace industry. Home to Airbus, one of the world’s largest commercial aircraft manufacturers, the city is a center point in global aviation. This modern achievement connects with Toulouse’s rich history, showcasing a combination of the old and the new.

One of the most significant landmarks in Toulouse is the Basilica of Saint-Sernin, an architectural marvel from the Romanesque period. The church stands as a testament to the city’s religious significance during the medieval (中世纪的) times. Another notable part is the Capitole de Toulouse, which houses the city hall and a grand opera building. Its facade, made with the characteristic pink bricks, showcases the essence (本质) of Toulouse.

Despite its historical significance and achievements, Toulouse often remains overshadowed by other French cities. Yet, those who went to this southern gem find themselves fond of its rich history, vibrant culture, and the warmth of its inhabitants.

Visiting Toulouse offers an opportunity to step back in time while remaining firmly grounded in the present. It’s a city that embraces is past, cherishes its traditions, yet looks forward with optimism. In the European cities, Toulouse shines as a wonderful, yet irreplaceable one.

1. Why is Toulouse called “La Ville Rose” or “The Pink City?”
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2. What are the reasons for Toulouse to become a center of trade in the history?
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3. Please decide which part is false in the following statement, then underline it and explain why.
Basilica of Saint-Sernin stands as a testament to the city’s intellectual significance during medieval time.
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4. In your opinion, which city in China is like Toulouse, which cherishes its traditions, yet looks forward with optimism? Why?
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3 . Rainforests cover six percent of the earth’s surface. There are rainforests in many parts of the world, but the biggest forests are in South America, Africa and South East Asia. There aren't any rainforests in Europe or North America.

About 75% of all the types of animals come from rainforests.     1     There are many beautiful birds, insects and reptiles. Many of them live in the trees, over 30 meters from the ground. There are also thousands of different plants—and lots of them are tall trees! It is always hot in a rainforest and the ground is always wet.     2    

The rainforests are very important for us. We need them! The trees and other plants in the forest help to make the air that we breathe.     3     They give us wood, rubber, fruits and many of our medicines.

    4     For example, many years ago there was a large rainforest in Java. There were thousands of different plants and animals in the forest, but now there is nothing. People cut down the trees because they wanted to grow rice. They also wanted to grow rubber trees to make rubber. Many animals lived in the rainforest. Some of them went to other parts of Java, but many of them disappeared—forever.     5     The rainforests are in danger!

A．It is also very dark there.

B．They also help to control the weather.

C．They cut down the forest to make roads.

D．Many forest people try to save their forests.

E．Thousands and thousands of animals live in rainforests.

F．Unfortunately, in many places, the rainforests are in danger.

G．The same thing is happening now in many other parts of the world.

4 . 阅读短文，在空白处填入适当的内容或括号内单词的正确形式。

There is a place     1     (name) Dahailin (Huge Sea Forest) in northeastern China’s Heilongjiang Province. Deep in Dahailin is a magic al place,     2     it snows from October until March. There lies a small snowy village. In the snow, the old wooden     3     (house) look like white mushrooms (蘑菇). Bright red lanterns stand out upon the village’s white-washed background. The villagers there enjoy     4     (live) a free and pleasant life.

5 . 阅读下列短文，根据短文内容填空。在未给提示词的空白处仅填写1个适当的单词，在给出提示词的空白处用括号内所给词的正确形式填空。

Pico Island, the second largest of the volcano-born Azores, is one of the most hard-won wine regions in the world. By the 19th century, Pico’s wine industry was at its peak,     1     (produce) three native white grape varietals: arinto dos Azores, verdelho and terrantez do Pico. But it wasn’t long before disease and desertification     2     (destroy) most of the island’s vineyards, nearly putting an end to its wine production. But some of Pico’s winemakers regrouped, centering their operations around the village of Criacao Velha,     3     high-quality grapes could still be grown.     4     only around 10 percent of Pico’s original vineyards have been restored (恢复), the appellation of origin has earned some of the country’s top wine honors.

6 . 语法填空

    1     (locate) in the northeast of the Tibetan Highland, Qinghai Lake is usually No. 1 on “Most Beautiful Lakes in China” list. It has very different scenery in different seasons. In spring, the surrounding mountains and wetlands take on a fresh green look with     2    (colour) flowers and white snow. In summer and autumn, the lake     3     (decorate) with golden clothing, as thousands of hectares (公顷) of rape flowers spread out from Qinghai Lake’s shores. In winter, snow and ice cover the surface of the lake, and the lake becomes quiet.

10 . 阅读下列短文，根据短文内容填空。在未给提示词的空白处仅填写1个恰当的单词，在给出提示词的空白处用括号内所给词的正确形式填空。

I was not originally attracted to nature. For me, nature was associated with the few minutes playing soccer in the     1    (nice) cut grass. But in Michigan, nature presents itself in many forms such as sledding as fast as you can down the hill or swimming in one of the five great lakes. These experiences encouraged me     2    (explore) one of the raw forms of connecting with nature: camping. Although I     3    (spend) a lot of time outside, I had never camped or experienced all of what nature offers.