1 . Space weather forecasters have issued a geomagnetic storm watch through Monday, saying an outburst of plasma from a solar flare could interfere with radio transmissions on Earth. It could also make for great aurora viewing.

There’s no reason for the public to be concerned, according to the alert issued on Saturday by the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Space Weather Prediction Center in Boulder, Colorado.

The storm could interrupt high-frequency radio transmissions, such as by aircraft trying to communicate with distant traffic control towers. Most commercial aircraft can use satellite transmission as backup, said Jonathan Lash, a forecaster at the center.

Satellite operators might have trouble tracking their spacecraft, and power grids could also see some “induced current” in their lines, though nothing they can’t handle, he said. “For the general public, if you have clear skies at night and you are at higher latitudes, this would be a great opportunity to see the skies light up,” Lash said.

Every 11 years, the sun’s magnetic field flips, meaning its north and south poles switch positions. Solar activity changes during that cycle, and it’s now near its most active phase, called the solar maximum. During such times, geomagnetic storms of the type that arrived on Sunday can hit Earth a few times a year, Lash said. During solar minimum, a few years may pass between storms. In December, the biggest solar flare in years disrupted radio communications.

1. What is the main topic of the passage?

A．The effects of solar flares on Earth.

B．The causes of geomagnetic storms.

C．The work of the Space Weather Prediction Center.

D．The beauty of aurora displays.

2. According to the alert issued by NOAA, what is the public advised to do?

A．Avoid using high-frequency radios.

B．Prepare for possible power outages.

C．Enjoy the aurora if conditions are right.

D．Stay indoors during geomagnetic storms.

3. Why are commercial aircraft not likely to be affected by geomagnetic storms?

A．They use satellite transmission as backup.

B．They communicate with nearby traffic control towers.

C．They are equipped with special radios for such events.

D．They avoid flying during periods of high solar activity.

4. How often do geomagnetic storms of the type mentioned in the passage occur during the solar maximum?

A．Every few months.

B．Once or twice a year.

C．Once every 11 years.

D．Only during solar minimum.

2 . A multinational team of astronomers, led by Israel’s Weizmann Institute of Science (WIS), has captured a “once-in-a-lifetime” supernova and mapped it in “unprecedented” detail, the WIS said in a statement on Wednesday.

A supernova is a massive star explosion that occurs when a star burns through its fuel at the end of its lifespan, resulting in a brilliant burst of fiery plasma in vibrant colors radiating with the brightness of a hundred million suns. As described in the journal Nature, the team used NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope to witness in real-time one of the closest supernovae in decades, a red supergiant star exploding in a neighboring galaxy, Messier 101.

The researchers were able, for the first time, to closely follow a supernova while its light emerged from the circumstellar material in which the exploding star was embedded. They then acquired data on the star from times before its demise when it was just a red supergiant star, thus creating the most complete portrait of a supernova, a composite of its last days and death.

The team also found a gap between the mass of material ejected from the star during the explosion and its original mass, suggesting that the supernova left behind a black hole into which the missing mass was swallowed. The researchers concluded that “this study presents a unique opportunity to better understand the mechanisms that lead to the conclusion of a star’s life and the eventual formation of something entirely new.”

1. What is a supernova according to the passage?

A．A star’s natural aging process.

B．A brilliant burst of fiery plasma.

C．A collision between two stars.

D．A black hole swallowing matter.

2. The supernova described in the journal Nature was witnessed in which of the following ways?

A．Through a ground-based telescope.

B．By the Weizmann Institute alone.

C．Using NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope.

D．By mapping it in unprecedented detail.

3. What did the researchers discover about the supernova?

A．It left behind a neutron star.

B．Its light emerged from circumstellar material.

C．It exploded in the Messier 101 galaxy.

D．Its mass was similar to that of a red supergiant.

4. What does the study suggest about the missing mass from the supernova?

A．It was ejected into space.

B．It formed a new star.

C．It was swallowed by a black hole.

D．It turned into circumstellar material.

3 . 听下面一段较长对话，回答以下小题。
1. What did the woman watch?

A．A soap opera.

B．A documentary.

C．A news program.

2. What was the news mainly about?

A．President Barack Obama’s schedule.

B．The release of CO2 by power plants.

C．A plan to fight against global warming.

3. What is the speakers’ attitude toward global warming?

A．Indifferent.

B．Positive.

C．Negative.

4. What will the speakers do next?

A．Go to have supper.

B．Go to have a drink.

C．Keep talking at home.

4 . Each fall, millions of butterflies across the U. S. and Canada fly up to 4, 000 km to central Mexico. Travelers can see the butterflies overwintering on the Western Monarch Trail, a 465-mile, road trip-friendly conservation initiative that links over a dozen stops along the route.

Helping the butterflies

Organizers created educational panels in English and Spanish explaining the butterflies’ annual traveling and their trouble. The signs also outline ways travelers can help the butterflies recover, such as by supporting chemical-free farms and planting native nectar (花蜜) gardens.

Why butterflies fly to the California coast

Many stops in Pismo State Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove and Andrew Molera State Park, are overwintering sites where, from October to February, travelers can see thousands of butterflies gathering in forests in areas with mild temperatures, dappled (斑驳的) sunlight, high dampness, and little to no wind.

Other sites, like the San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden and Avila Valley Barn, growflowers that provide sugary, high-calorie food for the butterflies to eat. Butterflies settling here demonstrate how vital nectaring plants are to their survival.

How to explore the Western Monarch Trail

The butterflies’ behavior varies at different times of day and depending on the weather. In the mornings, while temperatures are still cool,     step out of the cabin (木屋) in the Fernwood Resort where you stay overnight, you’ll find many butterflies hanging together on the branches and trunks of trees at the overwintering sites. As the day starts to heat up-typically by late morning or early afternoon — you’ll be amazed at the phenomenon “sunburst” — the butterflies start flying around in search of nearby nectar. Keep your eyes skyward. Don’t grab your camera. Just be in the moment.

1. What’s the Western Monarch Trail initiative aimed at?

A．Providing a travel route.	B．Encountering butterflies.
C．Promoting organic farming.	D．Advocating species conservation.

2. What do we know about Andrew Molera State Park?

A．It holds many nectar gardens.

B．It’s pleasant throughout winter.

C．It has sufficient food for butterflies.

D．It’s home to butterflies all year around.

3. What is guaranteed for the travelers along the Western Monarch Trail?

A．Signs to guide the route.

B．Cameras for recording videos.

C．Ready shelters to stay overnight.

D．Experience of watching “sunburst” at dawn.

5 . A couple has recently placed their garbage can out for collection for the first time in 14 months, all thanks to their recycling skills. Richard and Louise Arnold have established such an effective routine that they only need to put their garbage can on the side of the street once a year.

Louise explained that making small monthly changes in her life has resulted in her family producing very little waste. She said, “It’s not as difficult as you might think if you start with small steps. We began with soap, switching from bath cream to natural soap without packaging. These bars are large enough that we cut them in half, using one for the sink and the other half for the shower. It’s both cost-effective and environmentally friendly.”

“So it’s actually quite easy. Just go around your house and think of little things you can do gradually, and you’ll start noticing the difference,” Louise added. Currently, the couple takes recyclable waste to the tip, donates clothes to charity shops, and brings soft plastics and batteries to a shop that accepts them.

In 2017, the couple established No Waste Living, which initially started as a weekend stall at the local market and has since developed into a website. Louise regularly writes a newsletter for her hundreds of subscribers. They also started selling eco-friendly products, ranging from non-chemical household cleaning and washing solutions for a “less toxic home” to bamboo washing-up brushes. Louise mentioned, “I started No Waste Living because I wanted to show our achievement s and lead by example.”

Although the family occasionally faces criticism, Louise remains determined. She said, “The main point of contention(争论) for people regarding new waste rules is having to drive their waste to a recycling center, which adds to their already busy lives. However, in the long run, you will create more space in your home, save money, and spend less time dealing with garbage cans.”

1. How did the couple start their waste reduction journey?

A．By replacing small soaps with large ones.	B．By using a small amount of bath cream.
C．By using unpackaged soap bars.	D．By recycling soft plastics and batteries.

2. Why did the couple found No Waste Living?

A．To bring eco-products to market.	B．To inspire others to follow in their footsteps.
C．To treat recyclable waste from the neighborhood.	D．To answer the call of their subscribers.

3. Why do some people dislike new waste rules?

A．They mean more work to deal with garbage.

B．They increase the cost of garbage collection.

C．They establish a set time for waste management.

D．They limit the daily amount of garbage for collection.

4. What is the text mainly about?

A．A business - minded couple.	B．The “less poisonous home” concept.
C．The global trend in recycling.	D．A planet- friendly lifestyle.

6 . A kindhearted family put themselves in a risky situation to rescue an aggressive owl that had become trapped in a soccer net. One morning, the Larsons discovered a trapped owl on the football field. They immediately wanted to rescue the poor owl, but they found that the owl was very aggressive. Fearful of the owl’s sharp claws and beak, Dave Larson approached with caution when he discovered the bird in his family’s soccer goal in Oak Creek, Wisconsin.

In the dramatic footage, the distressed owl can be seen tangled in the netting while Dave slowly but surely attempts to cut the bird free. During the proceedings, Dave’s wife, Sue, filmed the rescue, which saw the startled bird snap at Dave on numerous occasions, stretching out its claws every time he got close. Fortunately, the family was able to free the distressed bird, with their son Travis sharing the clip online where they were showered with praise for assisting the animal on September 27.

Sue said: “We were very nervous knowing how strong and sharp his beak was, which he kept snapping to scare us. He also kept stretching his claws out every time we got close to him. We were able to feel a little more at ease when the owl eventually realized we weren’t trying to hurt him, and he seemed to relax and let us cut him free. As soon as he flew away, there was instant relief of the situation. But it was more happiness at knowing he was alright and being able to see him fly and move without injury.”

This beautiful story warms people’s hearts and also tells us that man and nature need to coexist in harmony. When we take care to protect Nature, Nature rewards us generously; when we exploit Nature ruthlessly, it punishes us without mercy. We need to have deep reverence for Nature, respect Nature, follow Nature’s laws and protect Nature, so as to build a homeland of harmonious coexistence between man and Nature.

1. Who uploaded the video of freeing the owl online ?

A．Dave Larson.

B．Travis Larson.

C．Sue Larson.

D．Kyle Larson.

2. Which of the following best describe Dave Larson?

A．Mean and unfeeling.	B．Objective and impartial.
C．Enthusiastic and impractical.	D．Kind and friendly.

3. Why did this owl lose its aggressiveness eventually?

A．The owl realized they were trying to help him instead of hurting him.

B．The owl was severely injured and couldn’t move anymore.

C．The owl called the traffic police and the insurance company.

D．The owl didn’t sleep well yesterday morning and was tired.

4. What can be the suitable title for the passage?

A．Protecting the Environment Right Now	B．Keeping Up with the Larsons
C．Kindhearted Couple Free Aggressive Owl	D．A Natural Art Museum In the Larsons’ House

7 . 假定你是国际部环保社社长李华，近期，你打算在校内开展一次 “减塑” 社团活动，请给国际部负责人Mr. Smith写一封申请信。内容包括：
1. 活动时间，地点;
2. 活动内容；
3. 希望获准。
注意：1.写作词数应为80左右； 2.请按如下格式作答。
参考词汇:   国际部环保社 the International Department's Environment Protection Club        减塑Less Plastics
Dear Mr. Smith，
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Yours,

Li Hua

8 . 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。

At the Shishou Milu National Nature Reserve in Hubei Province, about 2,000 creatures wander freely. Their numbers include 460 deer born this year, showing that the species,     1     was once endangered in China in the early 20th century, has staged a remarkable     2     (recover).

Often     3     (refer) to as sìbuxiang, a milu deer seems to consist of parts of various creatures. It has antlers (鹿角) like other deer, but seems to have the head of a horse, the feet of cattle and the tail of a donkey (驴).

    4     one of the animal’s three major protected areas in China, the Shishou reserve was established in 1991. Close to the Yangtze River, the area has a complete wetland ecosystem,an ideal habitat for the deer. Its conservation story provides     5     example for other endangered animals under a threat of extinction.

    6     (ensure) a safe environment, two engineers and eight rangers (护林员) are sent to get around the reserve. Advanced technologies are applied to help observe and analyze     7     (they) habits and environment. The efforts of those responsible for the deer have     8     (significant) resulted in the increase in numbers.

In the     9     (country) three major protected areas the Nanhaizi Milu Park in Beijing, the Dafeng Milu National Nature Reserve in Jiangsu Province, and the Shishou reserve——the number of the animal     10     (increase) from 39 to over 10,000 since 1986.

9 . Research into whether the human voice helps plants isn’t conclusive. Even so, there are convincing reasons that chatting with your houseplants is good for them—and you.

In a 2022 survey by trees.com, 50 percent of the 1250 respondents reported talking to their plants. When asked why, 65 percent said they believe it helps them grow. The research, however, isn’t definitive about this point. While studies have found that vibrations (震动) caused by sound do affect plants, the jury is still out on whether the human voice offers any specific benefit.

For many plant owners, though, the science is beside the point. Marquis Matson, co-founder of the blog the Indoor Nursery, says she talks to her plants every day because “it feels nice and I think plants get a sense of community from my talking to them and that keeps them going”. On the plant side, a study in a 2003 issue of the journal Ultrasonics investigated the effects of the classical music and the sounds of birds, insects and water on the growth of Chinese cabbage and cucumber. Both forms of sound exposure increased the vegetables’ growth. In a 2015 study, researchers exposed marigold (金盏花) and chickpea (鹰嘴豆) plants to light Indian music as well as to traffic noise. They found that both types of plants grew and developed better after being exposed to the music for four hours per day, but not to the traffic sounds. “Plants definitely respond to vibrations in their environment—which can cause plants to grow differently and become more resistant to falling over,” says Heidi Appel, leader of the study. She points out, “While sound absolutely matters to plants, we don’t know if talking to them makes them grow differently.”

Despite the lack of studies and evidence about the benefits of talking to your plants, there is at least one theoretical bonus, “If we identify with a living organism that we’re taking care of, we’re going to take better care of it and help them thrive,” Appel says.

1. What do the underlined words “the jury is still out” in Paragraph 2 mean?

A．There is uncertainty.	B．The jury has decided.
C．The jury is playing outside.	D．People have different ideas.

2. What do Marquis Matson’s words suggest?

A．Vibrations caused by sound affect plants.	B．Chatting with the plants benefits both sides.
C．Scientific research in this area makes no sense.	D．A sense of community is a must for plants’ growth.

3. What can be inferred from Paragraph 3?

A．Traffic sounds probably have a negative influence on plant growth.

B．Talking to plants can make them more sensitive to the environment.

C．Plants do not fall over because of the vibrations in their environment.

D．Classical music is beneficial to plant growth as sounds of nature do.

4. What is Appel’s attitude towards the study?

A．Approving.

B．Neutral.

C．Unfavorable.

D．Unclear.

10 . It was a regular day for volunteer firefighter Matt Owens. As he drove home from visiting a friend, he_______a little baby magpie (喜鹊) on the side of the road. He had no idea how special that bird would be when he _______to investigate. Finding she had blood all over, Matt _______her in his hands and took her home.

His neighbour, a vet (兽医), examined the injured chick _______ and pronounced that if she made it through the night, she’d be all right. Matt was excited the following morning to _______ his new rescue, now named Swoop, was indeed alive.

Matt’s major _______while Swoop recovered was his cat Mogli. Anyway, cats eat birds. It’s _______ . So he kept Swoop high up on a table. However, much to his_______, the cat wasn’t eyeing Swoop up for lunch. Instead, the two were often seen lying on the sofa, fast asleep.

Meanwhile, Matt started _______her, teaching her how to hunt for insects and slowly helping her build her ________in flying.

Matt ________ her progress and her unusual friendship with Mogli online, which went ________. The one-in-a-million ________of feather (羽毛) and fur won many netizens’ hearts.

Despite his love for Swoop, Matt ________that people shouldn’t pick up baby magpies if there’s no ________ of injury and the best thing to do is leave them there.

1.

A．treated

B．deserted

C．spotted

D．scared

2.

A．pulled over

B．held back

C．broke down

D．sped up

3.

A．trapped

B．patted

C．comforted

D．cupped

4.

A．hurriedly

B．willingly

C．curiously

D．carefully

5.

A．wish

B．find

C．perceive

D．believe

6.

A．concern

B．fault

C．decision

D．delight

7.

A．routine

B．mystery

C．education

D．nature

8.

A．disappointment

B．embarrassment

C．amazement

D．sadness

9.

A．caging

B．training

C．accompanying

D．feeding

10.

A．character

B．confidence

C．pride

D．career

11.

A．translated

B．exposed

C．revised

D．posted

12.

A．viral

B．blank

C．mad

D．wrong

13.

A．membership

B．leadership

C．friendship

D．citizenship

14.

A．stressed

B．complained

C．promised

D．predicted

15.

A．choice

B．sign

C．way

D．difference