1 . Dog walkers should show consideration, not just for the dog in their home or car, but also for their environment. Doing so will help keep the local area clean and pleasant, especially for people out walking their dog or taking children to the park.

A considerate dog walker will take steps to prevent their pets from producing waste wherever they want to. Dog waste is particularly unpleasant and should be avoided at all costs. Not only is it nasty to walk in a dirty area, but it is also a serious health risk. Dog fouling ( 污垢) is a criminal offence in the UK and carries a maximum fined ￡1,000 if the case goes to court (法庭). Dog walkers should always be prepared to pick up after their dog by carrying dog waste bags or even plastic carrier bags that can be used. Do not run the risk of allowing your dog to make a public area dirty by always having a steady supply of bags with you during dog walks. Carrying a single bag during a walk is not always enough, as some dogs will need to go twice or perhaps even three times during walks.

Some dog owners are not willing to admit that their pets is a challenge or troublesome. Rather than dislike the suggestions that dogs should be kept under control, you should see it as your duty to protect other dogs, children and anyone else from harm. Do know troublesome behaviors such as aggression (攻击) towards other dogs or children and make every effort to keep your dog under control. Avoid areas where you know other dogs or children will be. They can do this by showing respect for other people’s property, picking up after their dog and by keeping challenging dogs under control.

1. The writer advises dog walkers to show consideration mainly for having_____.

A．a clean car	B．a comfortable home
C．a good environment	D．a very pleasant park

2. What does the underlined word “nasty” in paragraph 2 probably mean?

A．Highly unpleasant or annoying.	B．Very boring and tiring.
C．Specially disappointing	D．Surprising or astonishing.

3. If dog waste is found in public in England the dog’s owner will be______.

A．fined more than ￡1,000	B．ordered to pick it up at once
C．ordered to give one one waste bag	D．considered to break the law.

4. What does the writer mainly want to tell the owners in the last paragraph?

A．To keep their dogs under control.	B．To try to make their dogs keep clean.
C．To stop their dogs from being harmed.	D．To respect other people’s property.

2 . If the great dinosaurs hadn’t gone extinct, would they have dominated Earth today? There has been a debate about this possibility for decades. Recently two analyses have put the surprising cognitive (认知) abilities of dinosaurs — and their potential limitations — in a new light.

In one study, Suzana Herculano-Houzel at Vanderbilt University calculated the likely number of neurons (神经细胞) in dinosaurs’ pallium, a brain structure that is responsible for advanced cognitive functions. Research suggests that it is the number of neurons in these areas, rather than the brain size, that indicates an animal’s cognitive potential. For example, despite having a very small head, birds have more densely packed brain cells than many mammals (哺乳动物) and so can possess roughly as many neurons as monkeys. The result is that some birds show great cognitive abilities, comparable to the smartest non-human mammals. And it is precisely birds, being the only surviving lineage (宗系) of dinosaurs, that are Herculano-Houzel’s foundation. By comparing the relationship between brain size, number of neurons and body size in numerous existing birds and available fossils of dinosaurs, Herculano-Houzel concludes that a large dinosaur such as T. rex could have housed two billion to three billion neurons in its pallium. If so, dinosaurs could have had the capacity for tool use and planning for the future.

But neurons’ number may not be enough. For intelligence, brain architecture also matters. And this could be the weakness of dinosaurs, argues Anton Reiner from the University of Tennessee. Over 350 million years of separate evolution, mammals and dinosaurs found two rather different ways to organize cognitive functions. The mammalian neurons are organized in a relatively thin layer formed by compact columns. In each column, different parts can communicate with one another over short distances. In contrast, in the dinosaurs that survive today, namely birds, the organization is less compact. According to Reiner, expanding brain capabilities beyond a certain point could make the structure far more complex and less efficient than it is in humans. If this were the case, an increase in brain size would correspond to a greater distance between different parts of the brain, slowing down their communication.

The issue remains open to debate. Herculano-Houzel and Reiner each published a paper with rejections to the other’s argument. Meanwhile, other scientists have entered the fight. For example, neurobiologist Giorgio Vallortigara assumes that speed in transmitting information between networks of neurons is probably one of dinosaurs’ strengths.

Whatever the truth is, understanding how and if brain architecture imposes limits on the development of cognition could reveal much about the evolution of abilities and behaviors of various animals. Also, this debate may tell us more about our own species than about dinosaurs.

1. Why do Herculano-Houzel and Reiner study birds?

A．Because birds are more intelligent than dinosaurs.

B．Because birds’ brain structures are the same as dinosaurs’.

C．Because birds are the only survivors of the dinosaur family.

D．Because birds have the same cognitive abilities as dinosaurs.

2. What does the word “compact” underlined in Paragraph 3 most probably mean?

A．Tight.

B．Light.

C．Large.

D．Wide.

3. What can be inferred from the passage?

A．Dinosaurs’ ability for tool use owes to bigger brains.

B．The number of neurons has little to do with brain architecture.

C．Greater inter-brain distance causes higher cognitive efficiency.

D．The factors behind dinosaur intelligence remain to be identified.

4. Which would be the best title for the passage?

A．Are Dinosaurs Comparable to Humans in Intelligence?

B．Are Dinosaurs with Bigger Brains the Ultimate Geniuses?

C．How Smart Were Dinosaurs? New Studies Fuel the Debate

D．Can Dinosaurs Outsmart Birds? Researches Cast a New Light

3 . 阅读下面短文，根据题目要求用英文回答问题。

Humpback whales (座头鲸)are among the world’s most endangered whales. The main threats humpback whales face are strikes from ships and getting caught in fishing and waste equipment. Recently, scientists have developed a technology-powered mapping tool to prevent ships from hitting whales in areas off America’s west coast. The system is called Whale Safe. It uses equipment placed in the ocean to identify the presence of whales in the surrounding area.

Whale Safe was recently launched to the north in San Francisco Bay. There is a problem in the bay with ships hitting whales. Wildlife officials reported that a humpback whale washed ashore in the San Francisco Bay with injuries suggesting the animal was killed in a ship strike. It was the fifth whale to be killed by a ship strike in the area in 2022. However, the actual number of whales killed by ships is likely much higher because the bodies of the dead animals are rarely discovered.

The system uses three methods to identify and protect several different whale species. First, it uses flotation devices — known as buoys (浮标) — to record sounds the whales make. Second, it uses computer model s to process current and historical ocean data to pre dict where the whales are most likely to be. Third, it permits trained observers and citizens to report whale sightings through a mobile app. The tool also records shipping activity and ship speeds. The collected data isthen sent by satellite to scientists who examine it and seek to provide guidance to ship operators.

The Whale Safe project is supported by the Marine Mammal Center and the Benioff Ocean Science Laboratory. Officials from the Marine Mammal Center say they have plans to expand the system to other areas where whales face a high risk of being hit by ships. “The system combines the latest technology with thoughtful conservation efforts to create a solution to reduce risk to whales. This is where technology meets Mother Nature for the benefit of marine life,” said Jeff Boehm, a leader of the Marine Mammal Center.

1. What is the new tool intended for?
______________________________________________________________________
2. Why was Whale Safe recently launched to the north in San Francisco Bay?
______________________________________________________________________
3. Please decide which part is false in the following statement, then underline it and explain why.
The system collected data by buoys, computer models and trained observers and citizens, then sent data to ship operators.
______________________________________________________________________
4. What suggestions could you give on protecting marine animals (海洋动物)?(In about 40 words)
______________________________________________________________________

4 . 阅读下面短文，在空白处填入1个适当的单词或括号内单词的正确形式。

When we think of green buildings, we tend to think of new ones — the kind of modern, solar-paneled masterpieces. But the US     1     (have) more than 100 million existing homes, and it would be incredibly wasteful to tear them all down.

An enormous amount of energy and     2     (resource) went into the construction of those houses. And it would take     3     average of 65 years for the reduced carbon emissions from a new energy-efficient home to make up for the resources       4     (lose) by destroying an old one. So in the broadest sense, the     5     (green) home is the one that has already been built. But at the same time, nearly half of US carbon emissions come from heating, cooling     6     powering our buildings. They can’t deal with climate change without dealing     7     existing buildings.

The oldest homes tend to be the least energy-efficient, mainly due to the tiny cracks and gaps that expand over time and let in more outside air.

    8     (fortune), there are a vast number of relatively simple changes     9     can green older homes. And efficiency upgrades can save more than just the earth; they can help protect property owners from     10     (rise) power costs.

5 . Recycling is good for our planet, but it can be confusing. Can I recycle plastic bags? What about pizza cartons? Toothpaste tubes? Which bin should I use? There are so many questions, and more than half of Americans are unsure about how to recycle.     1     Here’s a handy four-step guide on how to recycle effectively:

Know what to put in the recycling bin. Keep it simple and focus on the most commonly recycled items, such as paper, glass, aluminum and plastic.     2     Don’t use the recycled symbol as a guide. “The number on the container is really for people to identify the type of resin (树脂). That’s not helpful for the common consumer,” said Cody Marshall, a strategist at nonprofit Recycling Partnership.

    3     It is really important to know what you cannot put in your bin. You can always check with your city or at BeRecycled.org. If you live in the US, just plug in your postcode to search. Recycling companies struggle with the same problem items: hoses (软管), cords, needles and clothing, according to Marshall, so don’t put those items in your bin.

Wash or clean items. Do a quick clean to make sure there is no food left in containers before you put them in the bin.     4     Save food for composting (堆肥) in your garden.

Don’t bag it. Unless you live in a place that requires it, like New York City, keep the recyclables lost in the bin. “A lot of the time, it’s not safe for our employees to tear those bags open, or it takes too much time,” said Keller. “    5    ”

A．Know what is not recyclable.

B．The answers are not hard to find.

C．A lot of bagged stuff goes right to the landfill.

D．Plastic bags can be used again or returned to grocery stores.

E．If you really don’t know if an item is recyclable, then just throw it in the garbage.

F．This is really important if you only use one bin because food items could ruin paper.

G．Hard plastics like water and soft drink bottles or anything like these can be recycled.

6 . In the wild, it all depends on you with your survival knowledge and equipment to life.     1     You must be familiar with the use of equipment. The weight of the equipment should be no more than 20kg. Here are some necessities that are advised to take.

You’d better take a compass. It is not heavy. It is entitled to a place in your equipment. The use of the compass is the most effective. Some people may say GPS is very popular now.     2     In cold, hot, wet and other bad conditions, such as about 10 degrees below zero in the northeast, GPS uses 30% more electricity than room temperature.

Besides that, I will talk about the role of fire. Fire plays an important role not only in cooking food, but also in helping us resist the cold.     3     The ordinary plastic lighters sold on the street are actually good, light weight and easy to use.

    4     At least it is about 1.5 meters long and 30 — 50 cm wide. Putting a scarf around your neck can prevent sunburn by sunshine, can make it a simple sun hat, marching in bright light or desert. You can also make nets and catch fish and shrimp, birds and insects in the wild.

No matter how high-end your outdoor clothing is, you still need to take a raincoat. Choosing a suitable raincoat is very important. The separation kind of raincoat is more convenient. The raincoat doesn’t just protect you from the rain.     5    

If the survival of the wild is compared to a building, then the strong will is the foundation, the survival knowledge is the wall, the proper training is the roof, the equipment is just to make you live in more comfortable decoration.

A．First, one better option is to take GPS.

B．The survival scarf in the wild is our essential survival tool.

C．Good equipment can let you have a more comfortable experience.

D．Bicycle raincoat can cover your bag but you can’t stretch out your hand.

E．However, the more complex things are, the more likely they are to go wrong.

F．In order to let you enjoy better treatment in the wild, you have to take a lighter.

G．It can also be used as tents and waterproof mats to keep you warm and get water for you.

7 . Pets are like our family members and their good health is something that is very important to all pet owners. Just as the pollutants, such as carbon monoxide (一氧化物) and carbon dioxide in the air, affect our health, these same environmental nasties can affect our pets too.

    1    57% of dogs exposed to higher pollution levels developed brain diseases and showed signs of neuro problems. In a more recent study from the journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, researchers found that cats with breathing problems were more likely to live in households with higher indoor air pollution.

Air purifiers have been brought into use in recent years. They work to remove harmful chemicals known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other environmental pollutants from the air.    2    But are they safe for pets? How can we ensure that they aren’t harming our furry friends?

    3    The physical safety of using a mechanical device around pets is what we have to pay attention to. Air purifiers come in various shapes and sizes, from small desk-top units to large, free-standing models. In terms of physical harm, there is an existing risk of our pet becoming trapped in the electrical wire of our air purifier. Air purifiers are designed to be used in the home around children and their internal mechanisms should also be safe from small tails of our pets and other parts of their bodies.     4    

Whether the air purifier improves or damages the health of our animals is also something we have to consider. The air purifiers are safe for pets, but only if they do not produce any ozone (臭氧) byproduct.    5    We should always stay away from the ones that produce even minimal quantities. We are always on the safe side by picking a standard air purifier with the classic 3-stage filtration (过滤) system of a pre-filter, HEPA filter and carbon activated filter.

Picking the wrong air purifier type can quickly make things worse for our pets. On the other hand, picking the correct air purifier can lead to a big increase in the quality of life for them.

A．At present many homes are equipped with these useful devices.

B．Before buying an air purifier, we should keep two aspects in mind.

C．Pet owners always pay close attention to the physical health of their pets.

D．Even the smallest pets shouldn’t be able to access the insides of air purifiers.

E．This greatly depends on the type of air purifier and air cleaning technology used.

F．So always check the product specifications and try to find a model that does not produce any carbon monoxide.

G．A 2008 study published in Brain and Cognition showed that dogs’ brains were negatively affected by the heavy pollution levels.

8 . 阅读下面短文，根据题目要求用英文回答问题。请在答题卡指定区域作答。

Every year more of us try and reduce our impact on the planet. A refill shop, or zero waste shop, gives you a choice to go green.

Refill shops tend to be small, independent stores that sell non-packaged goods. Most of the time they will be dry ones like rice and nuts produced directly in the local sites, which means less carbon footprint from farm to plate. They can also be many other sustainable (可持续的) products, like refill cleaning products and soaps. Shoppers only need to bring containers they already own and refill them from larger containers in the store.

Refill and zero-waste shops are usually located in communities. Buying from within walking distance, clearly, is more sustainable and kinder to the planet, and your community. If you’re walking down the street to your local refill shop, then you’re doing great but if you’re driving hours away to find your closest shop, then the transport may cancel out any benefits of what you buy. Remember, it’s the whole process not just the end product.

Perhaps the most significant aspect of shopping at local refill shops is that they encourage us to think about our consumer habits. They make us pause and think about how we can make positive changes for the environment.

If you can shop local and from independent refill shops, then you should. It doesn’t have to be all the time but minimising waste and choosing refills where you can will make a positive difference.

1. What are refill shops?
2. According to the passage, what is the most important value of refill shopping?
3. Please decide which part is false in the following statement, then underline it and explain why.
Refill shops are built in communities within walking distance because driving to these shops can cost money.
4. In reality, refill shops have not won much popularity yet. What do you think might be the possible reason(s)?(In about 40 words)

9 . As the sun neared the horizon, Ali began his nightly walk through the sandy streets of Timbuktu in Mali. Covered in robes of indigo, he passed through the streets of Timbuktu and continued out into the sand dunes, just beyond the city’s western suburbs.

Ali was a teenager when he first saw the city that would later become his home. “I couldn’t believe the lights!” he remembered. Members of his family still live a semi-nomadic (半游牧的) existence out in the desert. But when he became an adult, drought and the need to earn a living drove Ali into Timbuktu, where he set up a business as a guide for tourists who wanted to explore the Sahara. His heart remained in the desert even when he had to be in the city. He refused to get a fixed-line telephone in case he came to depend upon it. When he had no clients, he would escape to the desert, spending months at a time camping out, drinking tea with friends and sleeping under the stars.

As a guide, Ali made friends from around the world, and he visited some in Europe. It was, to him, an alien world, just as Timbuktu remains for many around the globe. “The first time I was in Europe, I saw water just lying on the ground. Everything moved at a speed that was unthinkable in the Sahara. I thought ‘these people are crazy’. In the desert we have infinite time but no water,” he said. “In Europe, you have plenty of water but no time.”

When travelers wanted to see more of the Sahara, Ali took them to Araouane, a sand-drowned town 270 km north of Timbuktu. And yet for the tourists who visited there, the town was undoubtedly more to it than that. There was something there that produced a feeling similar to excitement. It was the awe of vast skies and big horizons.

1. What did Ali do daily when the sun would set?

A．He took a night walk.	B．He chatted with neighbors.
C．He took a photo of the sun.	D．He bought some food in a store.

2. How did Ali feel when first seeing the city?

A．Confused.	B．Amazed.
C．Frightened.	D．Moved.

3. What can we learn about Ali from paragraph 2?

A．He established a travel company.

B．He explored the Sahara Desert on his own.

C．He lived a semi-nomadic life with his wife.

D．He escaped from Sahara Desert with his friends.

4. What does the underlined part “these people are crazy” in paragraph 3 mean?

A．People in Europe waste so much time.

B．People in Europe always let water running.

C．People in Europe are curious about everything.

D．People in Europe are always busy with their life.

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。

The solution     1     the mystery of the monarch’s amazing ability comes at a time when it is in serious trouble. Its population     2     (crash) by as much as 90 per cent in the last few years.     3     (sad), human activity is the main reason     4     the number of monarch butterflies is falling. Nowadays, people have a greater awareness of this creature and they are working together to protect them.