1 . Most of Florida is a flat peninsula (半岛) with water on three sides and houses built as close to the shoreline as possible. For one thing we are more frequently the target of hurricanes than any other state; for another, our geography makes us more easily to be hurt by rising seas.

A news story about climate change in Florida popped up. Historically, scientists believed mangroves (红树林) didn’t live farther north than Cedar Key, in the middle of Florida’s Big Bend. But that’s not the case anymore. Samantha Chapman, a biology professor who’s been studying how Florida’s mangroves have been migrating (迁移), found them up near the St Mary’s River, which forms the border between Florida and Georgia. It seems that they soon be marching through Georgia and becoming a thriving new component of coastal habitats.

But a coastal biologist named Blair Witherington took issue on the matter. The mangroves weren’t spreading into a new territory, he pointed out. They were entering areas that had been classified as saltmarsh (盐沼), where the landscape was dominated by cordgrass. Saltmarsh and mangrove create very different habitats that attract a very different set of animals. “When one community replaces the other, this diversity is lost,” Witherington remarked. Changing the animals’ habitat has the potential to influence the whole food chain, making a widespread difference.

What was driving this? “Mangroves can survive a short freeze, but not a prolonged, hard freeze. By combing through the weather records kept by the state’s orange juice industry, biologists have been able to document that Florida is having fewer prolonged hard freezes than it used to. Then the mangroves have adapted by expanding their range.” Samantha explained.

“They’ve adapted in another way, too. Not only are the mangroves spreading into areas that once were unfriendly to them, but they have also changed their life cycle to speed things up. Normally it takes them about 15 years of growth before they start making seeds. Now, as they get into these marshes, they’re producing seeds when they’ re only a couple of years old,” Samantha said.

The problem with having too many mangroves by the sea is that climate change may overwhelm them. A study by the US Geological Survey said sea level rise could wipe out mangroves all along the Florida coast. So, here’s the question we humans have to consider: Nature is finding ways to adapt to how we’ve changed the climate. What are we doing to adapt to it? Or at least slow it down?

1. What can we learn about the state of Florida?

A．It could be affected by high tides easily.

B．Its geography fuels shipbuilding industry.

C．Its houses are built in a high-lying but flat area.

D．It is often hit by tornadoes and suffers huge losses.

2. What is the news story about Florida’s mangroves?

A．They migrate to warmer regions.

B．They are marching into a new habitat.

C．They form the border between Florida and Georgia.

D．They are introduced into Florida to prevent flooding.

3. Which of the following would Blair Witherington agree with?

A．Saltmarsh is fragile and requires urgent protection.

B．Florida includes a rich diversity of natural habitats.

C．The benefits of the mangroves outweigh their troubles.

D．Everything in the ecosystem is connected complicatedly.

4. What are the 4th and 5th paragraphs mainly about?

A．What mangroves had to face in their habitats.

B．Whether mangroves had influence on other plants.

C．How mangroves adapted to the changing environment.

D．Why mangroves had a different life cycle in marshes.

5. What can we infer from the last paragraph?

A．Human beings are supposed to worship nature.

B．It is urgent to grow more mangroves along coastlines.

C．Measures against mangroves’ migration are far from enough.

D．What we should do to stop the climate change is still up in the air.

2 . Some places in the world are dry, and it hardly rains at all. In other places, it can rain for months without stopping. Too little rain, or too much rain, can cause problems for living things.

One of the driest places on Earth is the Atacama Desert. Some places in this desert haven’t had any rain for hundreds of years.    1    . This makes Atacama a good place to look at the stars. Some people think that parts of this desert don’t look like Earth at all. Scientists have set up a space station here. They think that the land is a lot like the land on Mars. In the parts of the desert that are very dry, there is no life at all.

Animals, plants, and even some people, do live in the Atacama Desert.    2    . There is little water, but fog comes in from the ocean. People use nets to catch the fog. The fog clings to the net, then the water drips down the net, into troughs. In a dry place like Atacama, nothing rots. People have found mummies buried in the sand and salt. Some of the mummies are thousands of years old.

    3    . Here it rains for many months of the year. People go for a long time without seeing the sun. Then, after all the rain, there is a drought. During the rainy season it is very hard for people to go outside. The rain can come down sideways because of the winds. Some say it comes down in such thick sheets, you can’t even see the drops.

All this rain falling for so long causes problems for the people live in the East Khasi Hills. There can be floods. Roads can turn into rivers.    4    , because the rain washes seeds and crops away. As well, it washes away the good topsoil. The rain brings insects and diseases. It makes many things rot. The rain has, however, created beautiful waterfalls and caves.    5    

A．It is hard to grow anything

B．They have found ways to survive

C．The climate is very important to every living thing

D．People come from all over the world to explore them

E．There is no moisture in the air there, so there are very few clouds

F．One of the wettest places on Earth is in the East Khasi Hills in India

G．An underground house might work well for people who live in hot places

3 . If you’re traveling to South America in summer, you should have Patagonia (at the southern end of South America) high up on your list of things to do. With this list, I show you the best places to visit in Patagonia. The climate down there is pretty rough, especially in the very south - if you plan to do hiking or camping, the best time for a trip is between the end of November and the beginning of March.

1. Bariloche, Argentina

The fact that Bariloche is well connected (airport, direct bus to and from Buenos Aires) makes it the perfect starting point of a round trip through Patagonia. But more than that: the combination of mountains, lakes and green forests results in its beautiful scenery.

2. Futaleufú, Chile

Further down south and a bit harder to access is the small Chilean village Futaleufú which is located at the border to Argentina. The reason which makes it worth it: the Futaleufú River is often referred to as one of the best white water spots for rafting in the world. The landscape along the river is unique and, due to its location, still pretty much untouched.

3. Puerto Rio Tranquilo, Chile

If you want to get there quickly, you should travel through Argentina and cross over to Chile Chico as this place is also very remote. The reason to do so: the marble caves in the General Carrera lake.

4. Torres del Paine, Chile

Personally the national park Torres del Paine is my number 1 attraction in Patagonia - you should take some time and do a multi-day trek to experience as much of it as possible: glaciers, forests, impressive mountain ranges, lagoons and rivers.

1. What is the best time for hiking in Patagonia?

A．October 1—November 1	B．December 25—January 15
C．March 5—April 1	D．November 5—June 7

2. Which of the following about the Futaleufú River is true?

A．It lies in an easily accessible village.	B．It is ignored due to rafting sports.
C．It is the best rafting river in the world.	D．It still has untouched landscapes.

3. Which place attracts the author most in Patagonia?

A．Bariloche.	B．Futaleufú.
C．Puerto Rio Tranquilo.	D．Torres del Paine.

4 . Bangkok’s Grand Palace is the busiest tourist stop in the city. People keep coming because the Grand Palace could arguably be called the birthplace of Bangkok

How to Get to the Grand Palace

Making your own way to the Grand Palace in Bangkok is more enjoyable and rewarding. Moving around by river taxi is inexpensive. Additionally, you’ll have a good excuse to see the Chao Phraya River up close. Going by boat won’t make you caught in traffic jams. It will let you see beautiful river scenery!

People staying in the Khao San Road area may choose to walk (around 20 — 25 minutes) to the Grand Palace.

Opening Hours

The Grand Palace is open seven days a week from 8:30 a. m. until 3:30 p. m. Occasionally, the Grand Palace does actually close for official visits and state functions. However, this is rare. Don’t believe any driver who states the Grand Palace is closed. If the statement of closure is too convincing, confirm it by calling: +6626235500 ext.3100.

Entrance Fees

Considering that temples in Thailand are often free, the 500 baht (around $16) per person entrance fee at the Grand Palace is relatively expensive. Thai nationals do not have to pay. An audio tour can be rented for an additional 200 baht. Besides, human guides are available for hire. Choose an official guide rather than accepting someone’s offer on the outside.

Dress Standards at the Grand Palace

To show enough respect, you shouldn’t wear sleeveless shirts in any temple or state building in Thailand. But unlike many of the other temples, dress standards are strictly required at the Grand Palace.

Men must wear long trousers, women must cover legs to just above the knee.

Don’t wear shirts with religious themes or symbols of death on them.

You may be told outside that flip-flops (人字拖鞋) are unacceptable footwear.

1. What do you know about the river taxi to the Grand Palace?

A．It is the only way to get to the Grand Palace

B．It is difficult for visitors to jump on and off it.

C．It is safe, clean and affordable for most visitors.

D．It allows visitors to avoid traffic jams and enjoy river scenery.

2. What should visitors do if they’re told the Grand Palace is closed?

A．They’d better call to confirm the information.

B．They should call off their trips immediately.

C．They should wait until the Grand Palace reopens.

D．They should believe the statements and change the trips.

3. What can we infer from paragraph 5?

A．The Grand Palace provides an audio tour free.

B．Not all people need to buy tickets to the Grand Palace.

C．Guides outside the Grand Palace are more professional.

D．The locals always guide visitors voluntarily during the holiday season.

4. Which of the following tourists clothing meets the requirements?

A．Mr Green, from the USA, wearing flip-flops and a T-shirt.

B．Alice, 16 years old, wearing a sleeveless shirt and a miniskirt.

C．Mark, wearing a long-sleeved shirt, long trousers and sports shoes.

D．John, wearing a hat and a shirt with religious symbols.

5. What is the purpose of the passage?

A．To encourage more people to visit Bangkok.

B．To introduce some palaces in Bangkok to readers.

C．To introduce some activities of the Grand Palace.

D．To provide guidance on visiting the Grand Palace.

5 . Located in the middle of the Egyptian desert is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Great Pyramid of Giza. Aside from being an incredible architecture achievement, it also serves as the final resting place for the great Pharaoh Khufu. Yet, one question which has confused archeologists and architects alike is how this amazing structure was built.

Many people don’t believe that humans were technologically advanced enough in ancient Egypt to build such a large and highly advanced structure. This brought about many crazy theories that the pyramids were constructed by a race of giants or even aliens from outer space.Another popular theory suggested that the pyramids were built by an army of poor slaves who were forced to.

Modern technology and some recent findings have helped shed some light on this ancient mystery. A major breakthrough occurred when an explorer accidentally uncovered a tomb containing some written information about the builders. The records reveal that the workers were paid and well-fed, and came from poor families in Egypt. Further analysis made it clear that people considered it an honor to work on the pyramids,and the builders were treated with great respect. In fact, anyone who died while working on the pyramids was given the honor of being buried in the tomb near where the pharaohs lay.

The myth that they purposely worked to death isn’t true, either. To avoid exhaustion, the builders worked three-month shifts and then were given a break to recover. A recent estimate from researchers is that a workforce of roughly 15,000 people could have completed the construction in about 10 years. An analysis of the bones of the builders revealed that their work was extremely tough, as most of the skeletons displayed signs of severe injuries. But thanks to their incredible effort, the human race has an astonishing monument that should stand the test of time.

1. Which of the following is true about the Great Pyramid of Giza?

A．It remains a mystery who built it.

B．It was a tomb for the Great Pharaoh Khufu.

C．It was one of the Seven Wonders of ancient Egypt.

D．It was an architecture wonder although roughly structured.

2. What is the third paragraph mainly about?

A．The identity of the Pyramids builders.

B．The well-off life the Pyramids builders led.

C．New information about the builders of the Pyramids.

D．Some information about the life of Pharaoh Khufu.

3. Which of the following best proves that the builders were highly respected?

A．They were paid for their hard work on the pyramids.

B．They were eating well although they were from poor families.

C．They were selected because it was an honor to work on the pyramids.

D．They were buried near the pharaohs’ tombs if they died during working.

4. How does the author seem to reel about the Pyramids builders?

A．He is grateful that they could work so hard.

B．He shows great sympathy for their hard work.

C．He is impressed by their devotion to the Pharaohs.

D．He feels proud of them for their advanced technology.

6 . The grass swung gently above a crack in the limestone (石灰岩) and Ludvik Husu realized he had found what he was searching for: a new cave in Slovenia’s dramatic Karst (喀斯特) region.

The cave enthusiast, with more than 50 years of experience, told AFP that “the conditions were perfect ... all the signs pointed to something beneath” as he felt the air current push up from below.

The 63-year-old had come across a new, 60-meter-deep limestone cave, a discovery that made the headlines this summer in a country that prides itself on its 14,000 underground caves.

The tiny Alpine nation is unusually rich in caves, which are a major tourist attraction. Perhaps the best known is the Postojna cave system, the longest in Europe, discovered by another amateur enthusiast two centuries ago. It extends for 24 kilometers and has offered up valuable finds for biologists.

Stanislav Glazar, a Postojna cave guide, told AFP that more than 150 species have been discovered in the system.

Glazar said Postojna is one of the richest caves in the world “in limestone formations.” The cave, located about 50 kilometers south of the capital Ljubljana, was also home to the world’s first cave tourist train, which began transporting visitors in 1872.

Elsewhere in the Karst region, the cave systems are of historical, cultural and even extraterrestrial interest. For instance, the UNESCO-listed Skocjan system was where the European Space Agency sent some astronauts to prepare for life in space.

“Astronauts know that the Karst world is exceptional, in a similar way to the environment in space: you don’t know what to expect at your next step,” said Skocjan Caves director Tomaz Zorman.

But for Husu, it’s the exploration that proves most rewarding. Once he knows there is something beneath, he digs around the crack to widen it and alerts fellow cavers to help gain access. He then uses ropes and a lamp to go down to what are vertical entrances in most caves. But doesn’t he feel scared to enter such unexplored depths?

“You enter a cave out of curiosity — there is no fear! Those who feel fear should stay home,” he said.

1. What was people’s attitude towards Ludvik Husu’s new finding this summer?

A．Critical.

B．Positive.

C．Doubtful.

D．Indifferent.

2. What can be learned about the Postojna cave system from Stanislav Glazar’s words?

A．It has little biological value.

B．It has diverse limestone formations.

C．It is the most famous cave system in Europe.

D．It has been open to the public for two centuries.

3. What does the underlined word “extraterrestrial” in the seventh paragraph probably mean?

A．Financial.

B．Political.

C．Alien.

D．Biological.

4. What can be inferred from the text?

A．Slovenia is known for its Karst landforms.

B．Ludvik Husu started exploring caves before he was 13.

C．Slovenia has the most underground caves in the world.

D．Ludvik Husu is often upset about entering unexplored caves.

7 . Top universities for employability 2021 in USA

California Institute of Technology

The California Institute of Technology, founded in 1891, is one of the best private universities in the world, ranking 9 in National Universities. Its setting is suburban and the campus size is 124 acres. The student population is tiny compared with other colleges with just over 1,000 undergraduates and 1,200 postgraduates (2021 ). Students are admitted on the basis of strong maths, science and engineering skills and interest. Some of them may get high scholarship.

Tuition and fees: $58,680(2020-2021)

University of Pennsylvania

The University of Pennsylvania is a private research university that was founded in 1740 in Pennsylvania, USA. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 9,872(fall 2021). Penn is the fourth-oldest institution of higher education in the United States, and is one of several institutions that claim to have been the first university in America. University of Pennsylvania is ranked number 4 in National Universities.

Tuition and Fees: $ 57,770(2020-2021)

Columbia University

For more than 260 years, Columbia university has been a leader in higher education in the nation and around the world. The oldest private institution recognizes the importance of its location in New York City and seeks to link its research and teaching to the vast resources of a great metropolis. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 6,170(fall 2021) and is the 5th oldest in the United States. It is ranked number 11 in National Universities.

Tuition and Fees: $53,000(2020-2021)

University of Chicago

University of Chicago is a private institution that was founded in 1890. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 6,989(fall 2021). In an urban setting, the campus size is 217 acres. University of Chicago has a reputation for devotion to academic scholarship and its ranking is number 6 in National Universities.

Tuition and Fees: $49,298(2020-2021)

1. What is special about California Institute of Technology?

A．It is the oldest university in America.

B．It is a small but well-known university.

C．It offers the highest academic scholarship.

D．It only admits international talented students.

2. Which university can you apply to if you want to pay less tuition and fees?

A．University of Chicago.	B．Columbia University.
C．University of Pennsylvania.	D．California Institute of Technology.

3. What do the four universities have in common?

A．They are all built in urban areas.	B．They are all small schools in size.
C．They are all private universities.	D．They are all ranked top 10 in the USA.

8 . Unique and distinct to Rwanda, milk bars make many of our communities get together. They are places to meet for breakfast or lunch. They are also places to socialize with people of different backgrounds. While it is difficult for strangers to understand these local milk bars, they reflect a little-known truth about how intrinsic cows and milk are to Rwandan culture.

Pascal Kubwimana, a taxi-moto operator who has been coming to Kuruhimbi almost every day for two years, says he is not going anywhere. “I love the milk here,” he said, washing down his bread and beans with a litre of hot milk. “It helps me feel good all day when I have it for breakfast. I even take some home in the evening. My children love it.”

With around 70% of Rwanda’s population engaged in agriculture, cows are an economic advantage as well as a symbol of wealth and social status in rural areas. In fact, cows are held in such high regard here that it’s common to include the animal into your child’s name. Many traditional Rwandan dances are also inspired by cows. In the Umushayayo, which is often characterized as a sort of Rwandan ballet, women imitate the gentle movements of cows while showing their beauty and grace. And in the Ikinyemera, Igishakamba and other dances, men and women stretch their arms upward to represent cow horns.

In Rwanda, when you want to wish someone well, you say “gira inka” (may you have a cow) or “amashyo” (have thousands of cows), and you’ll hear the response, “amashongore” (have thousands of female cows). When you want to express profound gratefulness, you say “nguhaye inka” (I give you a cow).

1. What can people do in milk bars according to paragraph 1?

A．Wear unique clothing.	B．Learn to prepare lunch.
C．Communicate with others.	D．Drink free specially-made milk.

2. What can we infer about Pascal Kubwimana from paragraph 2?

A．He is fond of the milk bars.

B．He usually gets help from the barkeepers.

C．He often takes his children to the milk bars.

D．He dislikes staying too long in the milk bars.

3. What is the third paragraph mainly about?

A．The large population of Rwanda.	B．The traditional dances in Rwanda.
C．The importance of cows in Rwanda.	D．The agricultural development of Rwanda.

4. What is the main purpose of people’s saying “nguhaye inka” in Rwanda?

A．To wish someone well.	B．To convey deep thanks.
C．To congratulate someone.	D．To respond to someone’s question.

9 . If you’re a camping lover, the scenery of the following campsites will provide you with an experience that you will never forget.

North Rim Campground, Grand Canyon, Arizona

Address: North Rim, AZ 86052, USA

Camping in the famous Grand Canyon, with its layers of million-year-old red rock, is the favorite thing for many people. After all, it is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. You will see rural views of the canyon which is shaded by towering pines. And it is home to vast wildlife including wild wolves and deer.

Apgar Campground, Glacier National Park, Montana

Address: US Hwy 2, West Glacier, MT 59901, USA

There are plenty of original forests, mountain meadows, lakes, and rocky mountains in Glacier National Park. Adventurous visitors and campers visiting Montana enter a hiker’s paradise when coming here. Apgar Campground is situated among the trees and wildlife there ranges from mountain goats to grizzly bears.

Watchman Campground, Zion National Park, Utah

Address: UT-9, Springdale, UT 84767, USA

Located a quarter-mile from the south entrance of Zion National Park in Utah, Watchman Campground is surrounded by hug sandstone cliffs, tall rocky peaks and pines. There is the Virgin River near the campgrounds, allowing campers access to bike trails along the riverbank plus hiking to a nearby archeological (考古学的) site.

Hidden Valley Campground, Joshua Tree National Park, California

Address: California 92277, USA

For campers wanting to enjoy a unique experience in the desert, sleeping under the starry skies and surrounded by cacti and rock formations, Joshua Tree National Park is the answer. The campgrounds and park become even more breathtaking at sunset when the colors of the sky are noticeable against the vast ground.

1. What will campers enjoy at North Rim Campground?

A．Bike riding along a river.	B．Sunsets against the vast desert.
C．Goats and bears in ancient forests.	D．Red rocks formed in ancient times.

2. If a camper is a historian, where might he prefer to go?

A．California 92277, USA.	B．North Rim, AZ 86052, USA.
C．UT-9, Springdale, UT 84767, USA.	D．US Hwy 2. West Glacier, MT 59901. USA.

3. Which campsite can offer a chance to appreciate the starry night in the desert?

A．Apgar Campground.	B．Hidden Valley Campground.
C．North Rim Campground.	D．Watchman Campground.

10 . Chugach State Park

Chugach State Park is the largest urban park in theworld, spanning more than 200,000 hectares. In fact, it is almost ten times as large as Table Mountain National Park, the world’s second-largest. Chugach State Park is located in Anchorage, Alaska. The park itself contains various different geographical features, including tall mountains, foothills, lakes, and rivers. It also includes hiking trails that are very popular with tourists.

Pedra Branca State Park

It is an urban park spanning 12,394 hectares in one of Brazil’s largest cities, Rio de Janeiro. It can more accurately be described as an urban forest. The park protects half of what is known as the Atlantic Forest remnant of Rio de Janeiro. It contains more than 900 species of plants and almost 500 different species of birds, mammals, reptiles, and fish.

Margalla Hills National Park

The third-biggest urban park in the world, consisting of 17,386 hectares, is located in the city of Islamabad, which is the capital of the South Asian nation of Pakistan. The park was established in 1980. The park boasts several species of birds, reptiles, and mammals, and it is an extension of the Islamabad wildlife sanctuary. It also includes several hiking trails that are popular with tourists and locals.

Bukhansan National Park

It is located in Seoul, the capital of South Korea. The park itself, which has an area of 7,992 hectares, has been designated by the Guinness Book of World Records as the “Most Visited National Park per Unit Area,” and is visited by an estimated 5 million people a year. It is very popular with hikers and contains Buddhist temples. The park is also home to around 3, 100 animal species.

1. What do we know about Table Mountain National Park?

A．It is located in the US.	B．It is the largest urban park.
C．It has an area of 20,000 hectares or so.	D．It’s the most famous for its different species.

2. Which is your best choice if you are interested in studying varieties of plants?

A．Chugach State Park.	B．Pedra Branca State Park.
C．Bukhansan National Park.	D．Margalla Hills National Park.

3. What do Margalla Hills National Park and Bukhansan National Park have in common?

A．Both of them lie in Asia.

B．Both of them are of the same size.

C．Both of them are especially popular with foreigners.

D．Both of them are home to endangered animal species.