1 . Antarctica has not always been a land of ice and snow. Earth’s southernmost continent once was home to rivers and forests full of life.

Scientists are using satellite observations and radar imagery to look deep under the ice. The researchers report finding a large ancient landscape buried under the continent’s ice sheet. It is full of valleys and ridges (山脊) , shaped by rivers before being covered by glaciers long ago.

The landscape is located in East Antarctica’s Wilkes Land area bordering the Indian Ocean. The researchers said the landscape appears to date back to at least 14 million years ago and perhaps beyond 34 million years ago, when Antarctica entered its deep freeze.

“It is difficult to know what this lost world might have looked like before the ice came along, but it was certainly warmer back then,” said Stewart Jamieson, a professor at Durham University. “Depending how far back in time you go, you might have had climates that ranged anywhere from the climate of present-day Patagonia through to something more approaching tropical.”

“Such an environment likely would have been populated by wildlife”, Jamieson said. “But the area’s fossil record is too incomplete to know which animals may have lived there.”

The researchers said the surface of the planet Mars is better known than the earth surface below the ice in Antarctica. They said one way to learn more would be to drill through the ice and take a piece of the earth below. This could uncover evidence showing ancient life, as was done with samples taken in Greenland dating back two million years ago.

Jamieson said the researchers think that when Antarctica’s climate was warmer, rivers flowed toward a continental coastline that was created as the other land masses broke away. When the climate cooled, some small glaciers formed on hills next to the rivers. When the climate cooled even more, an ice sheet grew which covered the whole continent, the landscape got preserved, likely for 34 million years.

1. What can we learn about the ancient landscape?

A．It locates in the center of Antarctica.	B．It’s discovered by drilling through the ice.
C．It’s once a warmer area than it is now.	D．It has a history of no more than 14 million years.

2. In Stewart Jamieson’s opinion, why is it hard to know Antarctica’s past animals?

A．There is a lack of complete fossil record.

B．The ice sheet of Antarctica is melting quickly.

C．Scientists lack enough advanced equipment.

D．Climate conditions vary greatly from place to place.

3. Why is the planet Mars mentioned in paragraph 6?

A．To attract more scientists to study Antarctica.

B．To strengthen the importance of the Mars.

C．To indicate the complex situations of the Mars.

D．To show the difficult to know Antarctica’s earth surface.

4. What made the landscape get preserved for such a long time?

A．The colder climate.	B．The protection offered by coastlines.
C．Other land masses’ reduction.	D．A decrease in the number of wildlife.

2 . The Amazon

The Amazon River, the basin of which covers 2.3 million square miles, is incredibly biodiverse with over 30,000 species of plants and 1,800 species of birds. It plays an important role in adjusting the climate in North and South America. The River and its forests are threatened by human activity, primary pollution and rapid resource depletion (损耗). The Office of the American States Department of Sustainable Development is working to manage the threats.

The Mississippi

The Mississippi rises in western Minnesota and flows south for 2,530 miles into the Gulf of Mexico. Millions of people in over 50 cities use water from the Mississippi, and the river is also used for shipping and agriculture. Hundreds of animal species, including 60% of North America’s birds, call the area around the Mississippi River home, but river pollution and shoreline habitat destruction threaten to displace them. Fortunately, many projects and organizations are devoted to its conservation.

The Danube

The Danube River begins in western Germany, flowing over 1,775 miles into the Black Sea. It spans 19 countries. The Danube features a richly diverse ecosystem, hosting 55 different species of fish. Cities across Europe use the Danube for power generation and agriculture, and there are more than 700 dams in total. Unfortunately, this river is overfished and heavily polluted. The International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River was established in 1998 to manage its conservation.

The Mekong

The Mekong River is a necessary part of Southeast Asia’s landscape, culture, and economy. Also called the Lancang River, it starts in China, stretching over 2,850 miles through Burma, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. Its basin provides more than 65 million people with food, drinking water, power, and transportation. Dams and power plants are harming Mekong’s ecosystems. Organizations such as Conservation International are working to protect the river by advocating for its sustainable development.

1. Birds are affected most around________.

A．The Amazon

B．The Mississippi

C．The Danube

D．The Mekong

2. How many fish species does the Danube host?

A．70.

B．65.

C．55.

D．50.

3. What do that four rivers have in common?

A．They contribute to power production.

B．They How through multiple countries.

C．They are troubled by dam constructions.

D．They are under protection of organizations.

3 . Canadians are blessed with an abundance of natural wonders with enough lakes, mountains and rivers to explore for a lifetime. We’ve also got some of the most amazing waterfalls on Earth.

Horseshoe Falls Niagara Falls, Ontario

Niagara Falls are the most famous waterfalls in Canada — and understandably so. Actually they are made up of three different falls, and the fittingly named Horseshoe Falls is the only one located on the Canadian side, which is the most powerful in North America. Multiple viewing options are available including tourist ships and sightseeing buses.

Nailicho (Nirginia Falls) Nahanni National Park Reserve, Northwest Territories

Coming in at twice the height of Niagara Falls, this massive waterfall is located on the South Nahanni River in the Northwest Territories. The remote location means it receives only about 1,000 visitors per year who must make their way by either boat or floatplane.

Takakkaw Falls — Yoho National Park, British Columbia

Takakkaw translated from Cree loosely means “the magnificent (壮丽的)”, and it’s a suitable word for the second-highest waterfall in Canada. After a steep drive up a winding road, Takakkaw Falls is only a short distance from the parking lot along a wheelchair accessible path.

Bridal Veil Falls — Bridal Veil Falls Provincial Park, British Columbia

Pretty and delicate, Bridal Veil Falls is located just east of Chilliwack, British Columbia, and really does look like its name, with water gently pouring over smooth rock. An easy 15-minute walk to the waterfall takes you through rich leaves. Tables are available to have a meal outdoors, and there are lots of opportunities for viewing wildlife along the way.

1. What do we know about Horseshoe Falls?

A．It is easily accessible.

B．It consists of three falls.

C．It limits tourist numbers.

D．It crosses North America.

2. How can visitors go to Takakkaw Falls?

A．By tourist ship.	B．By cable car.
C．By floatplane.	D．By car.

3. What can visitors do in Bridal Veil Falls?

A．Swim.

B．Camp.

C．Picnic.

D．Hunt.

4 . At ancient sites across the Amazon River basin, mysterious plots of unusually rich soil dot (点缀) the landscape. Scientists have long debated the origin of this “dark earth”, which is darker in color than surrounding soils and richer in carbon. Some people think this dark earth formed naturally, but the latest research has shown that modern Kuikuro people in Brazil create similar soil around their villages on purpose, which adds evidence to the idea that long-ago Amazons deliberately made such soil too. Perron, an earth scientist at MIT, reviewed interviews of Kuikuro people conducted by a Kuikuro filmmaker in 2018 and found that Kuikuro villagers actively make dark earth by using ash, food bits and controlled burns. “When you plant in hilly land, the soil is weak,” explained elder Kanu Kuikuro in one of the interviews. That is why we throw the ash, manioc peelings and manioc pulp. When comparing soil samples from ancient and modern sites, researchers found “striking similarities” — both were far less acidic than surrounding soils and contained higher levels of plant-friendly nutrients.

Analyses also revealed that dark earth holds twice the amount of carbon as surrounding soils on average. Scans (扫描) of the Xingu region suggest that the area is dotted with dark earth, and that hold as much as about 9 million tons of carbon — the annual carbon emissions of a small, industrialized country. “This number could roughly equal the annual carbon emissions of the United States when all dark earth across the Amazon is taken into consideration,” Perron says.

Figuring out the true value of carbon stored in the Amazon’s dark earth will require more data. Still, the research has significant influences on the Amazon’s future. The technique highlights how ancient people were able to live in the Amazon by developing sustainable farming that doubled as a carbon-storing technique. With more and more greenhouse gases entering the atmosphere, it could also provide a blueprint for developing methods of sustainably locking atmospheric carbon in the soil, helping fight climate change.

1. What can we infer from the dark earth across the Amazon River basin?

A．They are more acidic than surrounding soils.

B．They contain more organic nutrients.

C．They formed naturally.

D．They contain less carbon.

2. Why does the author mention the annual carbon emissions of the US?

A．To explain the difficulty of protecting dark earth.

B．To show the wide distribution of dark earth in Amazon.

C．To stress the huge carbon-storing capability of dark earth.

D．To reveal the large carbon emissions of the United States.

3. What does the author stress in the last paragraph?

A．The importance of developing sustainable farming.

B．The advanced farming technology in ancient tomes.

C．A possible solution to climate change.

D．A way of green agriculture.

4. Which is the best title of the text?

A．Urgency of Sustainable Development	B．Facts About the Dark Earth
C．Advantages of the Dark Earth	D．Wisdom of Ancient Amazons

5 . Home to the world’s second biggest freshwater lake, as well as its longest lake, Africa hosts some of the best lakes on the planet. Here are some of our picks:

Lake Assal, Djibouti

Sitting at 155 meters below sea level, Lake Assal is in Africa’s lowest point. Its salt levels are 10 times greater than the sea. As such it is also the world’s largest salt reserve (储备量). Visitors will note there is no wildlife around due to its unfriendly desert climate and super salty water.

Lake Retba, Senegal

Photography fans will love Lake Retba for its breathtaking scenery. Also called the Pink Lake of Senegal, it is an impressive pink-colored lake. The color comes from a type of algae (海藻) that grows because of the large amount of salt in the lake. To see the lake at its most pink, you’ll want to visit during the November to June dry season.

Lake Turkana, Kenya

Lake Turkana is the largest long-lasting desert lake in the world, as well as its fourth-largest salt lake. Lake Turkana is most famous for the vapor rising out of the active volcano (火山) within it. A dream place for bird-watchers, it is home to hundreds of bird species that are only found in Kenya.

1. What makes Lake Retba pink-colored?

A．Its depth.	B．The desert climate.
C．Its amount of salt.	D．A certain sea-plant.

2. What is Lake Turkana most famous for?

A．The large size.	B．The unique bird species.
C．The sandy beaches.	D．The steam from the volcano.

3. What do the three lakes have in common?

A．They are saltwater lakes.	B．They sit below sea level.
C．They are rich in wildlife.	D．They share the same tourist season.

6 . Canada is a vast and diverse country that offers plenty of incredible tourist destinations. From wonderful natural landscapes to lively cities, Canada has something for every traveler. Here’s a guide to some of Canada’s top tourist destinations.

Banff National Park, Alberta

Located in the Canadian Rockies, Banff National Park is a breathtaking destination known for its turquoise (绿松石) lakes, snow-covered mountains, and plentiful wildlife. Explore the landmark-Lake Louise, hike to amazing viewpoints, and spend time in the natural hot springs.

Niagara Falls, Ontario

Niagara Falls is one of the world’s most famous natural attractions. Witness the steep (陡峭的) power and beauty of the grand falls from various viewpoints. Take a boat tour, visit the Butterfly Conservatory, or enjoy the lively atmosphere of Clifton Hill.

Toronto, Ontario

As Canada’s largest city, Toronto offers an impressive experience. Discover the famous CN Tower, explore the busy neighborhoods of Kensington Market and Distillery District, and visit world-class museums such as the Royal Ontario Museum and Art Gallery of Ontario.

Whistler, British Columbia

Whistler is a well-known winter sports destination, famous for its world-class ski slopes and winter activities. In summer, enjoy hiking, mountain biking, and golfing in the impressive mountain scenery.

1. What can visitors do in Banff National Park?

A．Go boating.	B．Go skiing.
C．Appreciate waterfalls.	D．Enjoy hot springs.

2. Which destination offers all experience of lively cultural life?

A．Banff National Park, Alberta.	B．Niagara Falls, Ontario.
C．Toronto, Ontario.	D．Whistler, British Columbia.

3. In which part of a newspaper can we see the text?

A．Tourism.

B．Culture.

C．Fashion.

D．Sport.

7 . The popular documentary series Aerial China (航拍中国) recently returned to the small screen. The latest and fourth season of it gives a perspective that is both excellent and informative. As the final of the series, the new season was shot across 11 provincial-level regions and started in the spring of 2020.

“The experience from the previous three seasons makes us more capable to follow wild animals while avoiding disturbing them,” says Yu, chief director of the series. China has made great efforts to protect endangered wildlife species and their habitats in recent years, and it has become much easier to spot rare species in the wild. Taking Tibetan antelopes as an example, the plateau-based creatures were difficult to encounter in the past, but the expansion of their population and enhanced research on their living patterns have allowed the camera crew to tailor plans to follow the animals.

Most close-ups for the season were shot by photographers from helicopters or cameras installed on drones (无人机). The vital moment for a successful shot depends on the mood of the animals or how good the weather is,” Yu says. In an attempt to fully show China’s huge changes over the past decade, the documentary series consulted experts from different fields to help select the most attractive shooting sites. In the final season, Aerial China has used 73 helicopters and 320 drones to shoot footage over an area of 900,000 kilometers, and selected around 1,000 staffers. More than 30 teams were assigned to shoot in different cities for the fourth season.

The previous three seasons have been watched by 850 million TV viewers and seen online over140 million times. For fans of the series, the director says he hopes that the new season will draw a bigger audience with its unusual perspective to show them China like never seen before.

1. Which can best replace the underlined word “perspective” in the first paragraph?

A．Reference.

B．Viewpoint.

C．Mention.

D．Standard.

2. Why are Tibetan antelopes mentioned?

A．To indicate a successful encounter.	B．To introduce new living patterns.
C．To show a biological improvement,	D．To save endangered wildlife species.

3. What does Paragraph 3 mainly talk about?

A．The team members’ roles.	B．The splendid shooting sites.
C．The hi-tech devices for shooting.	D．The efforts spent in the season.

4. What does the last paragraph want to tell us?

A．This is the last but one season.	B．This season is well worth viewing.
C．The series is popular with TV reviewers.	D．The series is intended for Chinese fans.

8 . 4 Most walkable cities in Europe

Seville, Spain

Seville in Spain takes the top spot as Europe’s most walkable city, offering the shortest walking route between the top four tourist attractions.Visitors can explore the impressive Plaza de Espana public square, before wandering over to the UNESCO-listed palace of Real Alcazar and Seville Cathedral. After that, it’s only a short trip on foot to visit the beautiful Barrio Santa Cruz neighbourhood.

Venice, Italy

Venice is well-known as a heaven for pedestrians (行人), so it’s no surprise it ranks as the second best location for walkable city breaks. There are endless alleyways to explore, as well as plenty of beautiful bridges over the crisscrossing canals that the city is famous for. Just under half an hour of walking here will take you on a tour of the impressive Grand Canal, Doge’s Palace, St Mark’s Square, Basilica and bell tower, all in only 1.3 miles.

Porto, Portugal

Nestled along Portugal’s picturesque coast, Porto comes in third with its top attractions all covered by a 30-minute walking route. Meander along the Dom Luís I Bridge over the Douro River, head to the Clérigos Church Bell Tower and enjoy a riverfront walking place along the Cais da Ribeira. The Stock Exchange Palace is also just a short walk away.

Florence, Italy

Florence, Italy, secures its place as the fourth most walkable city in Europe thanks to its stunning attractions that can be seamlessly explored on foot. A 1.6 mile route covers the awe-inspiring Piazzale Michelangelo; the famous Uffizi Gallery; the Piazza del Duomo where you will be amazed at the magnificent Florence Cathedral; and the Galleria dell’Accademia, home to Michelangelo’s masterpiece, the statue of David.

1. How long is probably the walking route in Seville?

A．1.1 miles.

B．1.3 meters.

C．1.6 meters.

D．1.8 meters.

2. Which city is probably located near the sea?

A．Seville.

B．Venice.

C．Porto.

D．Florence.

3. What is the writing purpose of the text?

A．To compare the four cities.

B．To show the benefits of walking.

C．To stress the importance of traveling.

D．To attract visitors to walk in these cities.

9 . The Bosna River is the third longest river in Bosnia-Herzegovina, measuring 168 miles long. The name Bosnia is even from the Bosna River. Unlike other big rivers in the world, there are no dams here. This is due to many protests from environmental groups who believe the construction will endanger local animals.

Source and Course

The river begins in Sarajevo Canton, flowing through the Doboj Region, then to Posavina Canton. Its source is the Bosna Spring located in the foothills of Mount Igman, just outside Sarajevo. The waters of the spring are extremely pure and serve as the water supply. The area is a national park, popular with both locals and tourists as a spot for a walk, pienie and super photo opportunities.

Wildlife

Fishing is very popular in the Bosna River, largely due to its rich species of trout(鲟鱼). At the head of the river, ducks make a home where the water is still. With plenty of fish, there are even brown bears wandering the shores. A threatened species also makes its home in parts of the river, making environmentally active groups more against industrializing the river.

History

The Bosna River is an important waterway in the region. During World War II, the Bosna River became an efficient access point to cities with a large industry. Zenica and Doboj are two major cities, with populations of 115,000 and 77,000 respectively, that rest along the Bosna River valley.

1. What might have prevented the dam construction on the Bosna River?

A．High cost.	B．Public objection.
C．River rapids.	D．People’s lifestyles.

2. What can we learn about the Bosna Spring from Paragraph 2?

A．It is the largest in Bosnia.	B．It provides drinkable water.
C．It covers the whole nation.	D．It is located in Doboj Region.

3. Why is fishing popular in the Bosna River?

A．It is home to a rare species.	B．People can see more wildlife.
C．There are many kinds of trout.	D．The surroundings are attractive.