1 . How to Create the Perfect Spring Planter

Spring containers are an easy solution for jazzing up (给……带来活力) a colorless balcony and boring corners of any garden at this time of year.     1     .

Choosing the right container is important. Always think about the style of your garden.     2    . They are solid pots for spring as they don’t blow over in those early spring winds. Check that pot has a large drainage (排水) hole to ensure that the soil absorbs well, but always cover it with a crock (like a piece from a broken flower planter) so that the soil doesn’t block the hole and create problems with drainage later down the line.

Choosing the right compost (堆肥) is the key to the success of any planting. I think it’s best to use soil-based compost so that the soil does not become too heavy or waterlogged, especially in spring when we could have plenty of showers.     3    . And too much water in the soil will freeze, preventing the plants from taking up the vital water.

Plant combinations are important, so always think about mixes which will last as well as annual and pernnial (常年的) ones.     4    .A bunch of pots force the eyes to look around and take in each pot and plant combination. A nice option is planting summer flowers like Dahlia or Lily to create a summer impact.

    5    . It can be achieved by using tall plants. If you don’t have a tall plant when you can always raise your pot off the ground with old house bricks or decorative pot feet, or use steps in your garden to create interest and drama.

A pleasant smell is always a lovely addition to a space along with wildlife. Select the right plant for your location in your garden – sun or shade-loving.

A．I like good, heavy and steady planters.

B．It can still be frosty right up to May.

C．And besides, they are easy to care for.

D．I also like to group pots together to match up with their surroundings.

E．Make use of those variations to help choose companions.

F．You may find some of these plants in smaller pots or even multi-packs.

G．Height is important to think about when you’re designing your arrangement.

2 . 听下面一段较长对话，回答以下小题。
1. What is the man’s task at the shelter?

A．Managing adoption.

B．Maintaining shelters.

C．Feeding and attending to animals.

2. What makes Max Kevin’s favorite animal in the shelter?

A．His enthusiasm.

B．His friendliness.

C．His sweetness.

3. How has volunteering at the shelter affected the man?

A．He’s become less social.

B．He’s more responsible.

C．He’s more optimistic.

3 . 听下面一段独白，回答以下小题。
1. What made the speaker excited in Yunnan?

A．A bird wave.

B．A pleasant sound.

C．A long-desired bird.

2. What happened to the speaker in Sweden?

A．He saw an ordinary bird.

B．He was cheated by other bird watchers.

C．He took a photo of a rare bird.

3. What is a benefit of bird watching according to the speaker?

A．Enriching people’s spiritual life.

B．Showing the beautiful environment.

C．Raising awareness of protecting nature.

4 . Wildlife conservation initiatives offer a meaningful way for individuals to actively participate in the protection of endangered species while gaining insights into how they can contribute to their preservation. For those passionate about wildlife, several programs present opportunities for involvement:

◆ Animal Rescue Project, South Africa:

Engage alongside experienced conservationists in Cape Town, solving the challenge of finding new homes for homeless dogs and cats. The project involves an animal hospital equipped to cater to their medical needs and an adoption center dedicated to finding them permanent homes. Due to financial constraints, the center relies heavily on volunteers to handle daily tasks and provide hands-on care for these animals.

◆ Sea Turtle Conservation Project, Sri Lanka:

Witnessing a decline in sea turtle populations due to various commercial activities, this project focuses on supporting hatcheries(孵化场) in their conservation efforts. Participation in the Sea Turtle Conservation Project in Sri Lanka supports hatcheries in their conservation efforts, including providing financial assistance.Your participation not only aids in providing financial support to these hatcheries but also contributes to the sustainability of sea turtle populations.

◆ Wildlife Conservation Program, Australia:

Immerse yourself in activities such as animal care, facility maintenance, and enrichment tasks, offering an incredible opportunity to gain firsthand international work experience. This program also serves as an excellent opportunity to make a meaningful contribution while fostering connections with like-minded individuals from across the globe.

◆ Marine Conservation Program, Bali:

Set in Tianyar, where coral reef degradation threatens the ecosystem, this initiative aims to restore and conserve the reef to ensure a sustainable future for the local community and marine life.

1. What is the primary objective of the Animal Rescue Project in South Africa?

A．To provide medical care for injured wildlife.

B．To conduct research on endangered species.

C．To organize volunteer activities in Cape Town.

D．To rehabilitate and rehome stray dogs and cats.

2. How does participation in the Sea Turtle Conservation Project in Sri Lanka contribute to the preservation of sea turtle populations?

A．By organizing awareness campaigns about marine conservation.

B．By establishing new habitats for sea turtles.

C．By providing financial support to local hatcheries.

D．By regulating commercial fishing activities.

3. What makes the Wildlife Conservation Program in Australia an attractive opportunity for participants?

A．The chance to explore the cultural heritage of Australia.

B．The opportunity to engage in international work experience.

C．The availability of luxurious accommodations for volunteers.

D．The focus on research projects studying various animal species.

5 . 听下面一段独白, 回答以下小题。
1. How many people does the king rule?

A．Eighteen.

B．Fourteen.

C．Thirteen.

2. Whom did the Queen send to the island probably?

A．A doctor.

B．A photographer.

C．A fisherman.

3. What is allowed on the island?

A．Building more houses.

B．Running a restaurant.

C．Building more roads.

4. When are tourists forbidden to get on the island?

A．In the morning.

B．In the afternoon.

C．In the evening.

6 . 听下面一段独白，回答以下小题。
1. What’s getting less and less these days according to the talk?

A．Empty land.

B．Garbage.

C．Water.

2. What do people suggest to deal with garbage?

A．Burying it.

B．Sending it out of our planet.

C．Using it as an energy source.

3. What is the problem with burning garbage?

A．It is hardly ever done.

B．It causes air pollution.

C．It is useless for hard materials.

7 . What does the woman mean?

A．The weather in London is excellent.

B．People hold different attitudes toward the sun.

C．London is worth visiting with friends.

8 . Each spring, millions of people take photos among the famous cherry trees around the Tidal Basin in Washington DC-some even get married there. That’s what Jody Axinn did 10 years ago.

“Now, the romantic spot is unrecognizable. The whole section is under water,” says Axinn who is revisiting the cherry trees with her family. “When I got here 10 years ago, the place was flooded regularly, but certainly not twice a day, every day.”

There are two forces working together to affect the Tidal Basin, the trees and monuments around it. The seawall around the basin, built with mud dug up from the Potomac River bottom, has sunk about five feet over the past century.

“At the same time, the water level in the basin has gone up by more than a foot because of climate change,” explains Leslie Frattaroli, manager of the National Park Service (NPS). “The Tidal Basin looks like a small lake, but it’s actually part of the Potomac River, because there are gates at the upstream and downstream ends of the basin that allow river water to rush through. Therefore, it is gradually rising along with the level of the world’s oceans.”

Combining these two factors, the water is six feet above where the seawall was originally designed to keep it out. Later this spring, the park service will start to raise parts of the walkway around the basin and along the Potomac River.

“It would be impossible to complete the $113 million project without removing the cherry trees along the water,” Leslie says. “The good news is that when the project is completed in 2027, 274 new cherry trees will be planted.”

Among the trees to be removed is a very famous little tree known as “Stumpy”. At high tide (潮汐), the base of the tree is flooded. Although it is in extremely bad conditions, its remaining three or four small branches burst into flower each spring, with the Washington Monument standing tall in the background.

1. What can be learned from Jody Axinn’s words?

A．The famous cherry trees should be protected.

B．The flooding around the basin is more serious.

C．Getting married at the Tidal Basin is unpopular.

D．Washington DC has changed beyond recognition.

2. What is the third paragraph mainly about?

A．The sinking seawalls.	B．The rising sea level.
C．The beautiful scenery.	D．The warming climate.

3. The Tidal Basin is ________.

A．too small to hold the water	B．a small inland lake
C．at the downstream end of a river	D．connected with the oceans

4. Why will Stumpy be removed?

A．It is not in harmony with the scenery.	B．It is in very bad conditions.
C．It happens to be in the reconstruction area.	D．It is attracting too much attention.

9 . The green, natural forest absorbs carbon dioxide from the air through photo- synthesis (光合作用). There is another way of dealing with the climate crisis. That is setting up fields of dark-colored solar panels (太阳能电池板), also known as “solar forests”, which replace power stations that use fossil fuels such as coal and gas to make electricity, thus mitigating harmful emissions (排放) of greenhouse gases.

But since they are both relatively dark, they absorb a lot of solar radiation. Some of the energy is used for photosynthesis in natural forests or to produce electricity in “solar forests”, but most returns to the atmosphere, heating it up. Then what would be the more effective land use option in terms of the climate crisis: planting a forest, or building solar panels? This issue has long been debated by decision-makers around the world. Now, we may have an answer, thanks to a new study.

First, the researchers compared the impact of a forest on the climate crisis in a dry area to that of a solar farm in a similar environment. The researchers found that the albedo effect (反射效应) of both of these “forests” was similar, but that the absorption or prevention of carbon emissions was very different. It turns out that it takes 2.5 years for the heat emitted by solar farms to be balanced by the carbon emissions that are avoided, thanks to the energy they produce. In the case of a natural forest of similar size, it would take more than 100 years of photosynthesis to balance its heating effect.

The researchers also studied how the heating-cooling relationship changed in other climates and found that in more humid environments, the heating effect of planting large numbers of trees is smaller. And the break-even point is reached within 15 to 18 years.

“In dry places, building solar forests seems far more effective in addressing the climate crisis. Meanwhile, forests absorb about a third of annual carbon emissions and play a vital role in the global rain cycle, in maintaining biodiversity and in many other environmental and social contexts. Preventing them from being cut down and planting more trees in humid areas are of great significance,” explains one of the researchers in the study.

1. What does the underlined word “mitigating” in Paragraph 1 probably mean?

A．Releasing.

B．Decreasing.

C．Generating.

D．Stabilizing.

2. What is the root cause of the long-running debate over the two types of forests?

A．They cause much damage to the land.

B．They result in a serious loss of farmland.

C．They contribute to the warming of the atmosphere.

D．They lose energy during the absorption of solar radiation.

3. What did the researchers find in the study conducted in the dry environment?

A．The natural forest exhibits a stronger albedo effect.

B．The solar forest can generate more energy in dry areas.

C．The solar forest is superior in balancing the heating effect.

D．The natural forest is more effective in solving the climate crisis.

4. What can be concluded from the last paragraph?

A．More trees should be planted in dry regions.

B．More methods should be adopted to address the climate crisis.

C．Fields of solar panels should be set up everywhere on the earth.

D．Building solar panels and planting trees should be effectively combined.

10 . As I was standing in a long line to get into the grocery store waiting to buy fruits and vegetables, I realized I could turn my backyard into a garden.     1     Here are several expert tips to help you break ground on your garden.

Before you start your work, think about the space you’re changing. Is your space a yard? A rooftop? How much sunlight does it get? Watch out for the temperature and find out which plants adapt well in your region.     2    

Set the stage with healthy soil. It’s full of billions of bacteria and helps plant roots grow. Then consider the structure of the soil. Different plants require different soil.     3     Tomatoes want more clay for keeping water.

    4     The decision depends on your preferences, space, what you’re growing and your budget. Stay away from containers that have been used for poisonous materials. They can bring chemicals into the soil as they break down from sunlight.

Should I plant seeds or transplants? In general, a seed is like a baby. It needs tons of care, but not everyone knows how to get it to survive. Transplants are for starters.     5     They still need your love but they’re not going to fall down and kill themselves.

With a little planning, I was able to watch three adorable baby trees take root in my yard. One of them recently had its first fruit — sweet little peaches. The yard has totally transformed too.

A．It used to be a junkyard.

B．Just create a vision based on your location.

C．You can start a garden in pots or containers.

D．You can buy your garden soil at a hardware (五金) store.

E．It enables me to grow my own food and save waiting time.

F．Carrots want sandier soil, so their roots can more easily grow.

G．They are plants that are a few inches high grown in small pots.