1 . We love our pets. In fact, for most people they are more than me re pets and become more like family members. It is likely then that their owners, at some point, are going to want photographs of their furry friends. However, pet photography presents its own special problems.
Find out about your subject’s personality and habits. Where does it nod off if the sun is out? What is its favourite toy?
See the world from pets’ perspective. If you photograph a pet while you’re standing up, all you’re going to see is the top of their head and their backs, not what you want for a portrait. Get down to their eye level. Try pre-focusing your camera and just holding it at ground level so you can look up at the pet.
Bring a flash with the owner’s permission. While greeting or playing with a new pet, fire a couple of test flashes away from them to see their reaction. In daylight particularly, they never seem to mind the flash at all.
| A．Think about getting in close to your subject. |
| B．It’s worth a try just for a new angle on things. |
| C．Animals can be unpredictable, lazy, aggressive and excitable. |
| D．A good photograph focuses on the subject and not the background. |
| E．If they do mind, then stick with natural light and use a white reflector. |
| F．The more you shoot, the greater your chances of hitting that perfect shot! |
| G．Take time to chat with the owner and observe your subject to gain some insight. |
Magic was a four-year-old German Shepherd about to be adopted at the animal shelter along with hundreds of other dogs. The reporter announced that the dogs and cats would be put down if no one came by the end of the day. My friend Rosie felt worried about the animals and asked me to accompany her there. So after school we rushed to the shelter to save whoever we could. Finally, she got a cat and I was touched by the poor animals, asking the shelter worker for the biggest dog they had. His name was Magic.
Actually, I lived alone in an apartment. I had to stay in college during the day. So I always stayed out and taking care of a dog at home seemed a challenge for me. Rosie felt uneasy about the dog and advised me to abandon the thought of keeping the dog and send it to a warm home.
But I liked Magic so much, so I didn’t accept her advice and brought Magic home. After learning I adopted a dog, my neighbor below showed worry for I hadn’t kept an animal before.
As it turned out, there wasn’t a lot of trust. Magic would take the food out of his bowl, bring it in front of me and eat it one bit e at a time. My friend Rosie was pretty sure I was crazy and that keeping it would be a huge mistake. But slowly Magic and I got to know each other. We became best friends. For the first time, my apartment felt like a home. We walked together through Central Park every morning and night. Even when my friends invited me to parties, I just wanted to be home with Magic. Our lives were happy. For the first time, I was content.
Unfortunately, a problem appeared. When I was in, he kept calm, but he barked a lot when I was not in, which disturbed my neighbor below.
注意：1. 续写词数应为150左右；
2. 请按如下格式在答题卡的相应位置作答。
One day, my neighbor below knocked on my door.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________After listening to the problem, Rosie figured Magic barked just because he felt lonely.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Longmen Grottoes
Set on the banks of the Yi River, 12km south of the current Luoyang City, the Longmen Grottoes are ranked first of the Four Great Grotioes in China, together with Mogao Grottoes in Dunhuang, Yungang Grottoes in Datong and Mount Maiji Grottoes in Tianshui. They were also listed in the World Cultural Heritages and Relics by UNESCO in 2000.
Longmen Gate also houses
Wandering in the Longmen Grottoes, one is amazed by the delicate carving skills, deep Buddhist culture and great art achievements of Chinese people.
4 . On August 21, 1986, a man making his way to Nyos, a village near a lake in northwest Cameroon, found dozens of dead animals along the road. He called into a home to see if the residents knew what had happened. Instead of getting answers, the man discovered that everyone in the village was dead, though they seemed otherwise unharmed.
Within days, officials confirmed that more than 1,700 people had died, along with several thousand animals. The strange and tragic event seemed similar to one that occurred at Lake Monoun two years earlier, just 60 miles to the south, where villagers found 37 people and many animals dead along its shores.
Initially, authorities were confused about the cause. Witnesses reported hearing strange sounds and seeing a sudden rise of white cloud from the lake, which quickly disappeared. Fortunately, the disaster caught the world’s attention. Scientists from around the globe gathered in Nyos to investigate. Because Lake Nyos sits on an inactive volcano, their first theory was that the volcano had erupted and sent poisonous gases into the air. After further research, however, they found the cause was much more unusual. The deadly events were called limnic (湖泊的) eruptions.
Although deadly and terrifying, limnic eruptions are extremely unlikely. They occur when dissolved (溶解的) carbon dioxide (CO2) suddenly erupts from the deep waters of a lake, forming a deadly gas cloud above the surface. Because carbon dioxide is heavier than air, the cloud will sink toward the ground, killing wildlife, livestock and humans.
Carbon dioxide dissolves more easily in the deep, cold parts of lakes. As a result, the bottom of deep lake can have very high levels of carbon dioxide, while the levels decrease towards the lake’s surface, and the pressure at the bottom builds and builds. Any changes in pressure can set off the rapid and forceful release of the accumulated carbon dioxide, causing an eruption.
It’s unclear what caused the lakes to explode, but considering they’re near the Oku Volcanic Field, it’s possible that an earthquake or a small volcanic eruption occurred before each disaster.
1. Why are the numbers mentioned in paragraph 2?| A．To arouse the empathy of the readers. |
| B．To display the destructive effect of the events. |
| C．To prove the necessity of preparing for disasters. |
| D．To highlight the difficulty looking into the cause. |
| A．High concentrations of CO2. |
| B．The great power of the lake explosion. |
| C．Poisonous gases from a volcano eruption. |
| D．The lake water flooding the nearby villages. |
| A．An earthquake. | B．Dissolved carbon dioxide. |
| C．Great pressure differences. | D．Warm environments. |
| A．A charity poster. | B．A biography. |
| C．A science magazine. | D．A cultural website. |
5 . Four best zoos in the UK
London ZooEstablished in 1828, London Zoo is the oldest scientific zoo in the world. It is situated in Regent’s Park and is home to around 755 different animal species with about 16,802 animals. In addition to being famous for being the oldest scientific zoo, it’s also the very first zoo to launch an Aquarium, an Insect House, a Children’s Zoo and a Reptile House.
Ticket prices online: Children £15 and adults £21. Under 3 — free entry.
Colchester ZooThis charming child-friendly zoo has more than 155 species located within 60 acres of well-kept land. It has at least 50 displays every day, plenty of hands-on experience opportunities and 5 play areas. It remains up-to-date by expanding continuously and children are guaranteed to enjoy the Madagascar express road train.
Ticket prices online: Children £14 and adults £21. Under 3 — free entry.
Whipsnade ZooWhipsnade Zoo is the UK’s biggest zoo set in over 600 acres of beautiful scenery. It first opened in 1931 and now houses 227 different species that comprise over 10,000 animals. The remarkable feature of this zoo is the wandering herds of elephants that freely move around the zoo grounds, making it a wonderful place to take excellent natural pictures to show off to friends and family.
Ticket prices online: Children £18 and adults £25. Under 3 — free entry.
Bristol ZooThis 12-acre zoo houses more than 450 species. Moreover, it has used its space resourcefully for a small zoo — probably one of the smallest in the world. For example, the latest Gorilla House is an award-winning area with the world’s first walkable glass roof.
Ticket prices online: Children £9 and adults £14. Under 2 — no entry fee.
1. What can visitors do in London Zoo?| A．Visit the Insect House. |
| B．Experience hands-on activities. |
| C．Perform scientific experiments. |
| D．Take pictures on a walkable glass roof. |
| A．London Zoo. | B．Colchester Zoo. |
| C．Whipsnade Zoo. | D．Bristol Zoo. |
| A．£18. | B．£23. | C．£37. | D．£46. |
6 . After a week of talks in Canada, negotiators (谈判者) from 170 countries have a “clear path to landing an ambitious deal” on plastic pollution at a final round of negotiations in South Korea in November, Inger Andersen, executive director of the U. N. Environment Programme, said in a statement.
“The work, however, is far from over,” she added. “Some countries continue to block a crucial measure: a global limit on the production of new plastic, which is essential to control pollution.”
Plastic is made from fossil fuels, and major oil and natural gas producers like Russia and Saudi Arabia have been widely criticized for throwing up roadblocks in the negotiations in order to protect future profits. However, scientists and environmentalists say the United States also bears a lot of blame. The country is the top producer of oil and gas globally, and it has the world’s biggest economy, which has historically given the U. S. huge power in environmental negotiations.
Critics say American negotiators haven’t been willing to push for a global cap (限额) on plastic production, and are instead throwing their weight behind measures like recycling that are favored by the country’s fossil fuel and petrochemical industries.
Erin Simon, head of plastic waste and business at the World Wildlife Fund who attended the talks in Canada, says the U. S. and a lot of other countries are brainstorming and trying to come up with creative solutions to meet everybody’s needs as best as possible.
The State Department has said that for an agreement to be effective, it needs to be supported by every country, including nations that are major producers of fossil fuels and plastics. More than 50 countries now say they want an agreement to include targets for reducing plastic production.
“The drumbeat to reduce plastic production is growing from countries worldwide,” Ana Rocha, the director of global plastics policy in Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives, said in a statement. “More and more leaders are waking up to what the science and our lived experiences tell us: plastic is pollution, and we need to stop it where it starts.”
1. What is the key to controlling plastic pollution according to Inger Andersen?| A．Limiting the use of second-hand plastic. |
| B．Raising people’s environmental awareness. |
| C．Reducing the worldwide production of plastic. |
| D．Passing laws to regulate the disposal of waste plastic. |
| A．Stopping producing plastic. | B．Sharing quality plastic. |
| C．Forbidding using plastic. | D．Recycling used plastic. |
| A．All countries’ support. | B．The shared laws. |
| C．Everyone’s permission. | D．Creative solutions. |
| A．Plastic production is reducing all the time. |
| B．The plastic pollution should be handled technically. |
| C．People’s awareness of reducing plastic pollution is increasing. |
| D．More leaders realize lived experiences can help handle plastic pollution. |
7 . In the field of marine (海洋) conservation , there exists a true hero of the seas whose story of preserving our oceans is nothing short of inspirational. Dr. Lisa Anderson, a marine biologist, has devoted her life to protecting our underwater ecosystems and the countless species that call them home.
Growing up near the coast, Dr.Anderson’s childhood was filled with visits to the beach and established a profound connection to the sea. She always had a passion for marine life and a deep curiosity about the creatures beneath the waves. She said, “As a kid, I used to dream about the ocean. It was this wild place full of color and life and home to these fantastic creatures. I pictured big sharks ruling the food chain and saw graceful sea turtles dancing across coral reefs. But the first time I truly went underwater, I was about 10 years old. And I can still vividly remember I was instantly surrounded by fish in all colors of the rainbow. That was the day I fell in love with the ocean. ” It’s no surprise that she pursued a career in marine biology.
Dr. Anderson’s extraordinary work has spanned decades, from conducting vital research on endangered coral reefs to leading educational initiatives about marine conservation. Her tireless efforts have led to the creation of marine protected areas that ensure the safety of critical habitats for countless species. “In my 40 years on this planet, I’ve had the great honour to explore some of its most incredible seascapes for the Save Our Seas Foundation,” she said.
One of Dr.Anderson’s most notable accomplishments is her work in raising awareness about the destructive effects of plastic pollution in our oceans. Her research on plastic waste and its impact on marine life has stimulated global initiatives to reduce plastic consumption and increase recycling.
Dr. Anderson’s dedication to marine conservation serves as a light for our oceans and their future. Her work reminds us that by protecting our seas, we not only preserve incredible biodiversity but also secure a healthier planet for generations to come.
1. What sparked Dr.Anderson’s interest in marine biology?| A．Her curiosity about marine life. | B．Her passion for global ecosystems. |
| C．Her visits to the beach as a scientist. | D．Her profound connection to childhood. |
| A．Plastic pollution. | B．Biology species. | C．Ocean waste. | D．Marine protection. |
| A．She promoted the speed of making plastic recycled. |
| B．She ensured the safety of the use of plastic products. |
| C．She invented a new kind of recycled plastic material. |
| D．She raised global awareness and conducted research. |
| A．Reducing plastic consumption is a light for our oceans. |
| B．Dr. Anderson’s dedication inspired people to become scientists. |
| C．Protecting our seas ensures a healthier planet for the future. |
| D．Preserving biodiversity is a must for new generations. |
Samantha and Jake had always been close to nature. Growing up in a small cottage situated deep within a thriving forest, they found comfort and wonder in the beauty of the natural world. Their daily adventures included exploring the woods, listening to the birdsong, and gazing at the starry night sky. However, as the years passed, they couldn’t help but notice the gradual changes in their beloved forest.
By the time Samantha turned sixteen and Jake was thirteen, they began to witness the effects of deforestation on their wonderland. The sound of chainsaws (电锯) and the sight of fallen trees became increasingly common. The siblings were feeling extremely shocked and sad by the loss of the forest they had cherished since childhood.
One day, after a particularly disheartening walk through the decreasing woods, Samantha came across a book about environmental heroes. These individuals had devoted their lives to preserving the natural world, and their stories of resilience (恢复力) and impact lighted a spark within Samantha’s heart. She believed that if they could make a difference , so could she and Jake.
Samantha couldn’t wait to share her new-found inspiration with her brother. She rushed home , her mind filled with ideas of how they could protect their forest. When she explained her thoughts to Jake, he nodded in agreement. “Our forest is like family to us,” he said, ”We can’t just stand by and watch it disappear. “
With firm determination, Samantha and Jake decided to take action. They began by organizing tree-planting events in their community, enlisting (征募) the help of friends and neighbors. Each sapling they planted was a symbol of hope for the future of their forest.
Soon , their efforts gained favor. The local schools joined their cause, incorporating environmental education into the curriculum and the community united behind them. Samantha and Jake’s forest restoration project had become a movement that united people of all ages.
注意：1.续写词数应为150左右；
2.请按如下格式在答题卡的相应位置作答。
Months passed, and the once-thinning forest began to show signs of recovery.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________One day, a local news station reached out to Samantha and Jake.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________9 . Deserts could be the best places on Earth for harvesting solar power. They are spacious, relatively flat, and never short of sunlight. So researchers imagine it might be possible to transform the world’s largest desert, the Sahara, into a large solar farm, capable of meeting four times the world’s current energy demand.
While the black surfaces of solar panels absorb most of the sunlight that reaches them, only around 15% of that incoming energy gets turned into electricity. The rest is returned to the environment as heat, affecting the climate. If these effects were only local, they might not matter in a thinly populated desert. But the area of the installations in the Sahara would be vast, covering thousands of square miles. Heat released from an area this size will be redistributed by the flow of air in the atmosphere, having regional and even global effects on the climate.
A 2018 study used a climate model to assess the effects of building massive solar farms in the Sahara. The model revealed that when the size of the solar farm reaches 20% of the total area of the Sahara, the heat released by the darker solar panels creates a big temperature difference between the land and the surrounding oceans that ultimately lowers surface air pressure and causes wet air to rise and condense (凝结) into raindrops. With more rainfall, plants grow and the desert reflects less of the sun’s energy since vegetation absorbs light better than sand and soil. With more plants present, more water is evaporated (蒸发), creating a better environment that causes vegetation to spread.
So, a large solar farm could generate enough energy and at the same time turn one of the most abominable environments on Earth into a habitable place. Sounds perfect, right? Not quite. In a recent study, we used an advanced Earth system model to closely examine how Saharan solar farms interact with the climate. It showed there could be unintended effects in remote parts of the land and ocean.
We are only beginning to understand the potential consequences of establishing massive solar farms in deserts. Solutions like this may help society reduce the use of fossil energy, but Earth system studies like ours underscore the importance of considering the numerous coupled responses of the atmosphere, oceans, and land surface when examining their benefits and risks.
1. What can be learned about solar farms?| A．They are mainly located in deserts. |
| B．They can affect the local and even global climate. |
| C．They can make the best use of incoming energy. |
| D．They satisfy the world’s current energy demand. |
| A．It might become greener. |
| B．It might reflect more sunlight. |
| C．Its surface air pressure will increase. |
| D．Its temperature difference between day and night will decrease. |
| A．Addictive. | B．Dynamic. | C．Sensitive. | D．Unpleasant. |
| A．It is an impossible task. |
| B．It will do more good than harm. |
| C．It calls for more consideration. |
| D．It might be the solution to fossil fuel pollution. |
10 . A fisherman from Portland, Maine, the US, caught a very rare bright blue lobster (龙虾) off the coast of Maine but chose to set it free back into the ocean. The photo of the blue lobster was shared by tech enterpriser Lars-Johan Larsson. “This blue lobster was caught off the coast of Portland yesterday and returned to the water to continue to grow. Blue lobsters are one in two million,” he wrote.
While the shells of lobsters are generally red or brown in color, the blue shell is a result of gene mutation (基因突变), which causes the lobster to produce more of a particular protein than other lobsters, leading to the rare blue color, as reported by the Toronto Sun.
Yellow, orange and crystal-colored lobsters are considered even rarer than bright blue ones. According to the Lobster Institute, yellow lobsters account for about one in 30 million of the total population. Two fishermen in Dorset caught a crystal-colored lobster in 2011.
“Whatever the odds of catching different-colored lobsters, there’s no denying that bright blue ones are truly beautiful creatures,” said Rob Bayer, executive director of the University of Maine Lobster Institute. “They might not be the most unusual, but they’re undoubtedly the best to look at.”
It’s become something of a trend for restaurants to spare blue lobsters. Austin Hopley, a chef at “The Hare” in Rochdale, the UK, made the news for sparing a bright blue lobster. He gave it to Sea Life in Manchester, as reported by the BBC.
“Now it’s there for people to enjoy,” said Hopley. “I felt responsible. Something so rare didn’t require a place on the menu. Every species deserves a fair chance at survival.”
Expert Brendan Malone from Sea Life said, “It is certainly an extraordinary find and worth saving to try to educate the public about these amazing creatures in the ecosystem.”
1. What is the root cause for the color of blue lobsters?| A．Gene variation. | B．Adaptation failure. |
| C．A specific protein. | D．A mix of red and brown. |
| A．They are the rarest. | B．They are easy to catch. |
| C．They are delicious to eat. | D．They are most beautiful. |
| A．It wouldn’t make a good dish. |
| B．He wanted to follow the trend. |
| C．He took on responsibility to save it. |
| D．It would bring him fame and profits. |
| A．Blue Lobsters Rebound Suddenly |
| B．Chefs Take Action to Protect Lobsters |
| C．Gene Mutation Has an Effect on Lobsters |
| D．Man Catches a “One in Two Million” Blue Lobster |
