1 . 阅读下面材料，在空白处填入适当的内容（1个单词）或括号内单词的正确形式。

In the intersection of Guangdong, Jiangxi and Fujian provinces, there is a city called Meizhou. It is the most     1    (concentrate) area for Hakka people in Guangdong.

The Hakka people have experienced long-term hardship. After achieving     2    (stable), most of them choose to live near mountain s and rivers. The Weilong House is the dwelling place     3     Meizhou people put their hearts at ease. The House, with its back     4     the mountain s and forests, has a semi-circular pond in front of its door. Seen from the sky, the Hakka Weilong House is     5    (rough) oval-shaped, embodying the living form and order of life that heaven is round and earth is square.

The Songkou Ancient Town at the lower reaches of the Meijiang River was the first stop for Hakka people     6    (go) to Southeast Asia after the late Ming Dynasty. In the old street, there are colonial-style buildings that     7    (weather) through the years, and advertisements full of Southeast Asian charm.

The people of Meizhou enjoy a bowl of pickled noodles with a bowl of San Ji Li soup, which includes pork, pi g liver, and pig intestine. This is     8     favorite dish for the people of Meizhou from childhood to adulthood. Hakka cuisine     9    (characterize) by its richness, freshness, and aroma.     10    (dish) like Steamed Chicken wrapped in Lotus Leaf are all part of Hakka cuisine.

2 . Do you see a bird right now? Can you hear one chirping? If so, you might be getting a mental health boost. A study recently published in the journal Science found that being in the presence of birds made people feel more positive.

Andrea Mechelli, a psychologist at King’s College London, found himself studying the natural world accidentally. Initially he was searching for answers to why people who lived in cities seemed to tend to suffer mental illness, particularly psychosis. In 2015, he created the smartphone app Urban Mind to search for patterns in users’ environments. “Our first finding is that nature has a very powerful effect,” says Mechelli. He and his colleagues then wondered if some aspects of nature were more beneficial than others. They turned to birds for their ubiquity (普遍存在) in rural and urban environments.

Their latest study included 1,292 participants mainly in the United Kingdom and Europe. For two weeks, participants were prompted to fill out a questionnaire about their surrounding environment and their mental state three times a day. Mechelli performed a statistical analysis that found an obvious improvement in wellbeing when birds were present, even when eliminating other factors like the presence of trees or waterways. The mental health benefit was true both for people who disclosed a depression diagnosis and those without any diagnosed mental health conditions.

Peter James, an environmental health scientist at Harvard, would like to see more data. He found that environmental health studies like these lack diversity. Yet, a psychologist at Trent University in Canada, Lisa Nisbet says, “This kind of study helps us understand how people’s everyday experience with specific elements of nature, such as birds, can be restorative.”

Appreciating birds seems to be a promising avenue for nature-based health and wellbeing interventions. At Mechelli’s clinical practice in London, he focuses on early intervention therapies. He suggests his patients go for walks to observe the trees and plants growing in the city, and the bird fluttering by from branch to branch. “It has no side effects,” he says. “It’s something they could try, and they have nothing to lose.”

1. What can be inferred about Andrea Mechelli’s study?

A．Diverse environments are rewarding only for depressed people.

B．The presence of birds is beneficial to mental health.

C．Peter James thought highly of Mechelli’s research.

D．It was originally targeted at the research on birds.

2. What does the underlined word “eliminating” mean in paragraph 3?

A．Defeating.	B．Identifying.
C．Considering.	D．Removing.

3. Which of the following statement might Andrea Mechelli agree with?

A．Early intervention shows no significance.

B．The access to nature helps people be more confident.

C．Nature-based intervention functions well in mental health.

D．People’s daily experience is connected with mental problems.

4. What’s the best title of the passage?

A．Use Nature in Supporting Mental Health	B．Get Outside for a Quicker Mental Recovery
C．Analyze Data to Make a Good Treatment Plan	D．Turn to Birds for Better Understandings of Humans

3 . Flowers, candies, and hidden eggs are all traditions humans look forward to during Easter. But they can also ruin the day pretty quickly if your dog or cat happens to get into them.

Most pet owners know that chocolate can be very dangerous to cats and dogs. Calls to the Pet Poison Helpline rise sharply due to suspected chocolate ingestion around Easter. In fact, the calls concerning dogs that have been poisoned by chocolate increased by nearly 200% during the week of Easter. So it’s as vital as ever to keep Easter baskets and candy bunnies away from pets.

“A common flower that veterinarians (兽医) warn cat owners against is lilies. Even eating a small amount of this flower can cause deadly kidney failure in cats,” Certified veterinarian Amanda Takiguchi, DVM, said in a statement. According to the Pet Poison Helpline, lilies are the most common toxin (毒素) to cats, making up 12.3% of all calls to the hotline.

“Many species of lilies are toxic to cats, so it’s best to avoid lilies altogether. Owners need to be especially cautious around Easter when these flowers are more popular.”Amanda Takiguchi, DVM said.

Egg hunts are fun for everyone but could cause trouble for curious pets. Depending on the type of eggs you use, however, curious pets may get themselves hurt trying to partake in the fun.

Hard-boiled eggs are generally okay for cats and dogs, but the paint used to decorate the shells should not be consumed. If you use plastic eggs and hide treasures inside, it is especially important to ensure all of the eggs have been found by the end of your hunt so your pets don’t discover them later down the road. It’s also important to ensure they don’t have access to the eggs or the treats hidden inside during the hunt.

“Curious cats and dogs could put themselves in danger by chewing or even accidentally eating these decorations,” veterinarian Rebecca MacMillan told TrustedHousesitters. “Fragile egg-shaped baubles could easily shatter, and small fluffy toy chicks are just the right size to be swallowed. This is why you should always keep any decorations out of reach from your pets.”

1. Who is the passage intended for?

A．Veterinarians.

B．Pet trainers.

C．Pet owners.

D．Animal experts.

2. What will easily cause kidney failure in cats?

A．Swallowing the Easter eggs.	B．Eating a small amount of lily.
C．Playing with fluffy toy chicks.	D．Consuming a certain amount of chocolates.

3. What will Rebecca MacMillan probably agree with?

A．It’s common to feed dogs hard-boiled eggs.

B．It’s impossible to keep pets away from Easter eggs.

C．It’s better not to put up any decorations during Easter.

D．It’s unsafe to keep Easter decorations within pets’ easy reach.

4. Which of the following is a suitable title?

A．Easter pet safety.	B．An unsafe Easter.
C．Proper pet food.	D．Furry family members.

4 . White’s Seahorse, also known as the Sydney Seahorse, is a species of fish that is native to the east coast of Australia. The species is named after John White, Surgeon General to the First Fleet, and is one of four species of seahorses known to occur in NSW waters. White’s Seahorse became classified as endangered after it lost 90% of its population during the last decade.

Habitats that are considered important to the White’s Seahorse include natural habitats such as sponge gardens, seagrass meadows and soft corals. The main cause for the reduction in the population of White’s Seahorse is the loss of natural habitats across their range in eastern Australia. The seahorses occur within coastal areas which are easily affected by human population pressure. With tourists and locals crowding into these coastal areas, the sea water quality is worsening and more sand is building up along the coast.

To increase its population, Australian scientists are working on an interesting project. The first part involved collecting six pairs of adult seahorses from the wild and putting them in tanks for breeding (繁育). In the wild they are known to live for up to six years and the breeding season is from September to around February. They display long-term devotion to their partners. Pairs of male and female White’s Seahorses mate for life, and unlike most animals, the males are the ones that give birth. In this experiment, each male seahorse had between 50 and 150 babies. The second part of the project is to give the young seahorses ID tags (标签) and release them into special living environments in the wild. These “seahorse hotels” start as artificial homes. Then as algae (海藻) grow on them, they become natural ones for the seahorses.

The idea of seahorse hotels was inspired by thrown-away crab traps that had accidentally become habitats for other types of sea life, whose populations increased in them. Scientists can easily monitor the growing seahorse population with the ID tags. Seahorses use their tails to hold onto the frame of the hotel so they’re not swept away by ocean’s currents. Experiments of similar seahorse hotels are taking place in several other countries.

1. What’s NOT true about White’s Seahorses?

A．The males have babies, not the females.

B．A female always breeds with the same male.

C．They are a local animal in the east waters of Australia.

D．Their habitats have been under protection from the government.

2. What does the underlined word “release” mean?

A．trap.

B．free.

C．rescue.

D．damage.

3. How do White’s Seahorses stay safe from ocean’s currents?

A．They hold on to things with their tails.	B．They live inside abandoned crab shells.
C．They float along with rising waves.	D．They stay close to their mates.

4. Which is the best title for this passage?

A．The Life Cycle of White’s Seahorses.

B．Types of Seahorse Species Around the World.

C．The Plan to Increase a Seahorse Population.

D．Reasons for Seahorses Becoming Endangered in Australia.

5 . While you may get flowers or a card from the one you love on Valentine’s Day, it can be hard to know how our four-legged friends feel about us.     1    . Here are signs that your dog loves you.

Happy greeting

It’s great to be welcomed home by our pet and your dog isn’t doing this to show welcome to you;     2    . This is also the case if your dog greets you when they are already wrapped up in another activity, like playing or eating. It is known to all how much they like their treats, so you know you’re well-loved if they choose you over that!

    3    

When your pet chooses to look at you with soft, relaxed eyes, they trust you and are happy in your company, accepting you as non-threatening. And, it could be argued, that trust is the highest form of love.

Hugs (on your pet’s terms)

Your dog can choose to curl up wherever they like, so when they hug you, they are actively choosing you. This can range from full body hugs to them leaning into you to ask for some love. However, any hug must always be on your pet’s conditions and personalities.     4    .

Tail wagging

A wagging tail can display a whole range of emotions from your dog, but you’ll know it’s a sign of love when they treat you to a full body wiggle. Their tail will turn around in circular movements like helicopter propellers (螺旋桨).     5    .

Licking you

Your dog may lick you for a variety of reasons, but one of them is affection and love. They are ultimately seeking attention from you because they want to interact with you.

A．Soft eye contact.

B．Cheerful and excited barking.

C．Actually, it’s a sign that they are pretty happy to see you.

D．In actuality, it’s a sign that they are hungry and eager for some treats.

E．Some dogs will find having someone’s arms around them stressful and uncomfortable.

F．Our cats and dogs can’t tell us how they feel, so what are the other signs that you share a special connection?

G．This type of tail wagging is usually reserved for people that are special to them, and is mostly used when dogs see their owners.

6 . An ancient, interdependent relationship that contributes to food systems and ecosystem stability across the globe could be changing.

Many flowering plants can self-pollinate (自花传粉), or transfer pollen between their own blossoms for seed generation and reproduction, but most of these plants have relied on pollinators such as butterflies and bees to reproduce. Now — during declines reported in many pollinator populations — a new study on the evolution of one flower species’ mating system has revealed a remarkable change that could worsen the challenges faced by the plants’ insect partners.

The flowers reproductive evolution may be linked to environmental changes such as habitat destruction and rapid ongoing decreases in pollinator biodiversity, according to Samson Acoca-Pidolle, who led the study published December 19 in the journal New Phytologist.

Comparing seeds of wild field pansies (三色堇) collected decades ago in France with the plants’ modern descendants. Acoca-Pidolle and his colleagues discovered that today’s flowers are smaller and produce less nectar (花蜜) as a result of increased self-pollination, which has direct impacts on pollinator behavior.The pansies of the past self-fertilized less and attracted far more pollinators than those of the present, according to the study.

“It seems that it’s only traits (特性) that are involved in plant-pollinator interaction that are evolving, ” said Acoca-Pidolle. The changes could restrict the plants’ ability to adapt to future environmental changes and have implications for “all of floral biodiversity” — potentially decreasing flowering plants’ genetic, species and ecosystem variation.

“This may increase the pollinator decline and cause a negative feedback cycle,” study coauthor Pierre-Olivier Cheptou told CNN.” If plants produce less nectar, there will be less food available to pollinators, which will in turn accelerate the rate at which the animals’ numbers decrease“, he explained.

“The major message is that we are currently seeing the evolutionary breakdown of plant pollinators in the wild,” said Cheptou, an evolutionary ecologist at the French National Centre for Scientific Research and professor at the University of Montpellier.

1. Which of the following may contribute to the flowers’ reproductive evolution?

A．Changed behaviour of pollinators.	B．Severe pollution to the habitats.
C．Continuing decline in pollinator biodiversity.	D．Increased plant-pollinator interaction.

2. Why were pansies in the past larger and produced more nectar?

A．They self-pollinated less.	B．They had a better mating system.
C．They attracted less pollinators.	D．They were fertilized by themselves.

3. What is the result of the changes in the flowers’ reproductive evolution?

A．The flowering plants may have more variations.

B．The evolution of wild plant pollinators is collapsing.

C．The numbers of the animals will increase more rapidly.

D．The plants will adapt to the environmental changes better.

4. Which is the best title for the text?

A．Pollinator Populations: Declining.	B．Flowering Plants: Selfing.
C．Interdependent Relationship: Maintaining.	D．Floral Diversity: Increasing.

7 . Four houseplants that anyone can grow

Filling your home with greenery is something that can improve the quality of your indoor air, and help you to relax. So turn your brown thumb green by picking some of these houseplants.

Snake Plant

Snake plants have thicker leaves for keeping water even in drought conditions. They can also tolerate (经受) medium to bright light so you should keep them near a window. But one of the best things about snake plants is that they are great for cleaning indoor air.

Christmas Cactus

The Christmas cactus is one of the most beautiful plants of the holiday season and it seems to be able to do best even if you ignore it. The cactus can tolerate low light but will produce more pink or red flowers in bright light. Getting the plant to produce flowers for the season is a bit harder because it will have to be kept cool beginning in November. Just leave the cactus beside a window at home with the heat off.

Jade Plant

Jade plants can make your home more beautiful with its bright egg-shaped leaves. The plant does well in any lighting and doesn’t need to be watered very often because it stores water in its leaves. This plant is also simple to propagate (繁殖) so you can have one in every room of your home.

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera needs very little water, indirect sunlight, and can live in the same pot for years. But you may not know that aloe vera is a plant that can help heal(治愈) minor cuts and burns like sunburns so it is a great addition for your home. When you are cutting leaves to use, don’t cut off more than a third of the plant at one time.

1. What is the author’s advice on making Christmas cactus flower in winter?

A．Paying no much attention to it.	B．Keeping it growing in low light.
C．Putting it somewhere cool.	D．Planting it during the holiday season.

2. What do snake plants and jade plants have in common?

A．They do well in any lighting.	B．They are easy to produce new plants.
C．They can grow better in drought conditions.	D．They can store water in their leaves.

3. Which of the following can describe aloe vera?

A．It can adapt to any environment.	B．It can be used as medicine.
C．It is difficult to propagate.	D．It protects people from the sun.

8 . My wife always wanted a Vizsla, so when we got the house, the garden and everything sorted, we did some research and found a lovely breeder (饲养员) based in Scotland. He was in charge of everything, so a few months go by and the next thing I know, we’ve got a puppy!

I’ve grown up with animals all my life, and I’m so glad I have. I love the fact that I was never afraid of any animals. Although you do obviously have to be careful when introducing children to a dog they don’t know, because you don’t know how it’s going to behave, it always saddens me when I see children scared when they walk past Pedro. I think it’s great for kids to learn how to look after an animal.

And obviously for us, as a family, it’s brilliant because we take Pedro for so many walks. It’s a bit of a family bonding experience getting out in the fresh air; taking Pedro for a walk multiple times a day is just really lovely. Meanwhile, the most rewarding, I think, is just seeing how amazing he is with the kids. He is so calm, so protective, so loving, and we are his world.

I think the most challenging aspects with Pedro were when he was a puppy (小狗). He was pretty hard work. He was never aggressive, but he was quite bitey as puppies are, constantly pulling out your clothes and putting holes in them, which is very annoying. He chewed the furniture-my sofas are barely standing up; their wooden legs are almost in pieces. Obviously, the dog training in the house was quite stressful and his jumping at strangers in the park and running off was always quite scary.

As a new puppy owner, you’re overloaded with advice from social media, magazines, other dog owners and friends, so finding a source of information you trust is so important and can be a real turning point. I know what it’s like to be bombarded with conflicting information, so I would have really welcomed Royal Canin’s “One in a Billion” platform as a new puppy owner. It’s a one-stop shop for new dog owners: a single source of credible information that is so helpful in navigating the early stages of your puppy’s life.

1. What do we know about the author?

A．He is inexperienced in raising pets.

B．He is unsupportive of his wife’s desire.

C．He feels it a pity that children shy away from pets.

D．He thinks one should be cautious about raising pets.

2. How does the author think of Pedro?

A．Dangerous but loyal.	B．Playful and gentle.
C．Adorable but troublesome.	D．Annoying and fierce.

3. What can we infer according to paragraph 4?

A．Dogs are man’s best friends.

B．It is worthless to have a dog.

C．Puppies are unfriendly to humans.

D．It is challenging to train a puppy.

4. What is the purpose of the last paragraph?

A．To recommend a reliable platform.

B．To share a fun experience.

C．To offer evidence for an argument.

D．To advertise a practical product.

9 . The Best Houseplants for Every Space and Situation

The best indoor plants are the ones that suit your aesthetic (审美的) preferences and aren’t too difficult to maintain. Here’s what you need to know about these different categories of houseplants, so you can choose the ones that work best in your own home.

Low-light Indoor Plants

Not every home has a large bay window for plants to soak up the sunshine. Fortunately, there’s a large variety of plants that aren’t die-hard sun-worshippers. Whether you have a dim corner that’s crying out for a little greenery or you’re craving some color in your bedroom, the best low-light indoor plants don’t require a lot of time or energy.

Tall Indoor Plants

Tall houseplants can instantly bring a space to life by adding definition and texture (质感) to any home-decor style. Working with limited space? Not a problem. You can still make the most of tall indoor plants. Even just one of them can be a striking visual point for a room, and it can help draw the eye upward, making the room appear larger.

Small Indoor Plants

Just because you don’t have a mansion doesn’t mean you can’t have a lush indoor garden. There are plenty of plants that grow in smaller spaces, the teeniest of which can look adorable like a tiny family on a windowsill or shelf. Keep in mind, however, that the smaller the pot is, the quicker the soil will dry out.

Indoor Hanging Plants

What makes indoor hanging plants so special? They fill a blank space in a room with a beautiful silhouette, for starters. They create the illusion (假象) of a jungle, where plants peek out at different heights. They also move the eye upward, opening up the space.

1. What do tall indoor plants and indoor hanging plants have in common?

A．They do with limited space.	B．They fill a space like a jungle.
C．They match any decor style.	D．They improve visual effect.

2. Which plants need extra care in watering?

A．Low-light indoor plants.	B．Tall indoor plants.
C．Small indoor plants.	D．Indoor hanging plants.

3. In which section of a magazine may the text appear?

A．Gardening.

B．Health.

C．Fashion.

D．Wildlife.

10 . Growers are finding new ways to extend the British asparagus (芦笋) season and meet demand for this tasty and healthy crop.

Asparagus is believed to have been enjoyed as long ago as the ancient Egyptian, Greek and Roman empires. It promotes healthy bacteria in the large intestine (肠) and can help reduce bloating (胀气). A source of vitamins K and C, it also has numerous benefits to the immune system generally.

Fans of asparagus will be delighted to know that nowadays there’s more opportunity than ever to get hold of homegrow n product. One of the country’s leading asparagus growers and pioneers of extending the British season is the Chinn family. The family grows Wye Valley-branded asparagus and sells into supermarkets, local restaurants, wholesale markets and processors.

The company has been growing asparagus since 2004 and has developed a reputation for innovation, using modern production and packing techniques to lock in the freshness immediately after harvesting. The traditional British asparagus season runs from 23 April to 21 June, but Chris Chinn says by using new varieties and polytunnels to protect the crop, his farm has massively extended that from February to late June.

Called “the Usain Bolt of vegetables”, British asparagus can actually grow up to 10cm in a single day. It thrives in free-draining sandy soils, and, as Chris puts it, “does not like wet feet”. That has made the past few months a big challenge for growers with the amount of rain that’s fallen so far this year.

In spite of that, this season, the Chinns pushed the envelope once again, harvesting the first commercial volumes for sale in a local Food store in early February — the earliest it’s ever been available. “This especially early crop is the product of innovative methods, and environmental sustainability is a key concern with us using only the sun’s heat, and on-farm compost,” says Chris. “We are absolutely delighted to be first to market with British asparagus once again.”

Chris says that with all asparagus spears picked and packed by hand, getting enough seasonal labour onto the farm is a constant headache for growers. There is hope, though, that technology will ultimately be able to help.

1. According to the passage, what can we know about the British asparagus?

A．It is a forgiving plant in low-lying areas.

B．It grows fast and can’t tolerate light shade.

C．It is good for immunity and physical well-being.

D．It grows in winter and likes growing in wet fields.

2. What does the underlined phrase “pushed the envelope” most likely mean?

A．Boosted the volume.	B．Unfolded the letter.
C．Reduced the pollution.	D．Stretched the boundaries.

3. What might be talked about in the paragraph that follows?

A．How to extend the asparagus season.

B．The reason for seasonal labor shortage.

C．Some technology to solve the labor shortage.

D．The constant headache for asparagus growers.

4. Which of the following can be the best title for the passage?

A．New Ways to Harvest the Asparagus

B．Asparagus, the Usain Bolt of Vegetables

C．Innovations to Extend the Asparagus Season

D．The Chinns, the Innovator of Growing Asparagus