1 . Exciting new research suggests there could be living things in the clouds above Venus, whose orbit brings it closer to the Earth than any other planets. A study of Venus's atmosphere shows a type of gas is in its atmosphere. The gas, on the Earth, is only produced by very small creatures. If such creatures are found on Venus, it might be the first evidence of life existing anywhere else in the universe.

Scientists found the gas in thick clouds about 35 miles above Venus's equator. On the Earth, the gas is produced by special forms of life that live in airless environments such as swamps and inside animals' guts. It can also be made in factories but neither explanation helps scientists to understand what the gas is doing on Venus.

To get to the bottom of the mystery, the scientists have now made their data public in the hope that others may be able to find a clue that they have missed. Professor Greaves explained that the gas might be produced by some non-living natural process that we haven't yet discovered, but for now, the idea of life on Venus has to be considered. She added, “In my whole career, I have been interested in the search for life elsewhere in the universe, so I'm just blown away that this is even possible. We are sincerely encouraging other people to tell us what we might have missed. This is how science works.” If scientists on the Earth are unable to find an explanation, then a future mission to Venus might be needed to prove whether or not life exists there. The US space agency NASA is already planning a exploration that would float on a balloon through the clouds of Venus, and this could launch sometime in the 2030s.

1. What can we know about Venus according to paragraph 1?

A．The thickness of its clouds.	B．The distance of it to the Earth.
C．The result of a study of its atmosphere.	D．The exact temperature of its atmosphere.

2. Why have the scientists made their data public?

A．To announce their successful experience.	B．To change the wrong conclusion before.
C．To prove they have found life on Venus.	D．To hope others can help find the truth.

3. What does the underlined phrase “blown away” in paragraph 3 probably mean?

A．Impressed.

B．Swept out.

C．Thrown away.

D．Shot.

4. What's the best title for the text?

A．Can a Kind of New Gas Be Found on Venus?	B．Is There a Possibility of Life on Venus?
C．Is What the Scientists Said Right?	D．Can Humans Live on Venus?

2 . On the edge of the Saudi Arabian desert beside the Red Sea, a city called Neom is due to be built. The city-complete with flying taxis and robotic domestic help—is planned to become home to one million people. And what energy product will be used to power this city? Not oil. Instead, Saudi Arabia is banking on a different fuel—green hydrogen.

A large US gas company, Air Products & Chemicals, announced that as part of Neom it has been building a green hydrogen plant in Saudi Arabia for the past four years. The plant claims to be the world's largest green hydrogen project.

Experts say that green hydrogen could be an ideal power source for many industries.

In Japan, a new green hydrogen plant opened near Fukushima—an intentionally symbolic location given the plant's proximity to the site of the 2011 nuclear disaster. It will be used to power fuel cells.

Europe is also investing in green hydrogen. The European Union drafted a strategy for large-scale green hydrogen expansion. "Large-scale deployment (部署) of clean hydrogen at a fast pace is key for the EU to achieve its high climate ambitions", the European Commission wrote.

Green hydrogen is a promising zero-emission technology for aircraft. But Airbus recently released a statement saying that significant problems need to be overcome, including safely storing hydrogen on aircraft, the lack of a hydrogen facility at airports, and cost.

And on the ground, green hydrogen has been identified as an alternative to some road vehicles. In the UK, hydrogen trains, trucks and buses are welcomed.

There are even plans for smaller-scale hydrogen systems that can power individual homes. In Australia, the University of New South Wales has created a home-based system that uses solar energy to create and store green hydrogen, which is changed into electricity as needed.

1. What do we know about the city Neom?

A．It is located off the coast of the Red Sea.

B．It will be crowded with robotic taxis.

C．It will be powered by a unique power source.

D．It has the world's largest gas company.

2. What does the underlined word "proximity" in paragraph 4 mean?

A．Nearness.	B．Significance.
C．Remoteness.	D．Similarity.

3. What can we infer about green hydrogen from the text?

A．Some experts state that it could be applied to almost any field.

B．The European Union took great interest in its fast- paced expansion.

C．It can be employed in all road vehicles as a zero-emission technology.

D．Storing it safely on aircraft was impossible to handle.

4. Where is the text most likely from?

A．Advertisement.	B．Travel guide.
C．Science report.	D．Newspaper.

3 . Poaching and habitat loss have threatened Africa's two species of elephants, taking them closer toward the edge of disappearance, according to a new report released by the International Union for Conservation of Nature(IUCN).

Before this update, Africa's elephants were grouped together and were evaluated as vulnerable by the IUCN. This is the first time the two species have been sorted separately. In the past, elephants were mostly considered as either Asian elephants or African elephants. Forest and savanna elephants were typically classified as subspecies of African elephants.

The African forest elephant is now listed as critically endangered and the African savanna elephant as endangered. The number of African forest elephants fell by more than 86% over a 31 -year assessment period. The population of African savanna elephants dropped by at least 60% over the last 50 years, according to the IUCN, which tracks the assessment risk of the world's animals. Africa currently has an estimated 415,000 elephants, counting the two species together.

Both elephant species experienced significant population decreases because of poaching. Although it peaked in 2011, illegal hunting still happens and continues to threaten elephant populations. African elephants also face continued habitat loss as their land is converted for agriculture or other uses.

There is some good conservation news, the IUCN points out. Anti-poaching measures, combined with better land use planning to support better human-wildlife relationships, have helped conservation efforts. Some forest elephant population figures have stabilized in well-managed areas in Gabon and the Republic of Congo and savanna population figures have remained stable or have been growing, particularly in the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area in southern Africa.

But with constant demand for ivory and increasing human pressures on Africa's wild lands, concern for Africa's elephants is high, and the need to creatively conserve and wisely manage these animals and their habitats is more severe than ever.

1. What can be inferred from the new report about African elephants?

A．They are divided into three kinds.	B．They are dying out.
C．Their threat is mainly from poaching.	D．Their population has grown in Africa.

2. What does the author mainly tell us in Paragraph 3?

A．The detailed number of African elephants.	B．The similarities of African elephants.
C．The different types of African elephants.	D．The present situation of African elephants.

3. What does the underlined word "converted" in Paragraph 4 probably mean?

A．Expanded.

B．Protected.

C．Transformed.

D．Forbidden.

4. What's the authors attitude to the present situation of African elephants?

A．Hopeless.

B．Optimistic.

C．Uncertain.

D．Worried.

4 . A North Atlantic right whale calf(幼崽) was discovered dead on the beach of an island off North Carolina. The male newborn was found on North Core Banks, part of the Cape Lookout National Seashore. The reports indicate that the animal died during birth or shortly after, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration(NOAA). Scientists took DNA to determine the calf’s mother.

This is the beginning of the right whale’s reproduction(繁殖) season, which begins mid-November and runs through mid-April. NOAA called this death a disastrous start to the season. Each new right whale calf brings so much hope for this badly endangered animals, and losses like this have a great impact on their recovery, NOAA said.

The right whale is one of the rarest marine mammals(哺乳动物) in the world, according to NOAA. They will soon be extinct unless something is done to save it, researchers warn. This kind of whale has been experiencing an Unusual Death Event over the past three years, according to NOAA. Since 2017, at least 32 dead and 13 seriously wounded whales have been documented by the organization. “This means more than 10 percent of the remaining population,” according to NOAA.

NOAA posted a piece of news on Monday, the same day they announced the calf’s death, warning boaters to be watchful as the whales are migrating(迁徙) nearly 1,000 miles along the Atlantic Coast. The organization calls for boaters to be watchful, slow down and to give these endangered whales plenty of room. They also ask all fishermen to remove their unused nets from the ocean to help avoid possible damage.

1. Why did scientists take DNA of the calf?

A．To save its mother.	B．To confirm its identity.
C．To determine the time of its death.	D．To uncover the cause of its death.

2. How many right whales are left according to the passage?

A．About 40.	B．About 50.
C．About 400.	D．About 500.

3. What do we know about North Atlantic right whales?

A．Their reproduction season usually last about half a year.

B．They are the rarest marine mammals in the world.

C．They are experiencing a high death rate of newborns.

D．Their habitat runs nearly 1,000 miles along the coast.

4. What’s the main purpose of the news posted on Monday?

A．To announce the calf’s unusual death.

B．To remind boaters to watch the whales.

C．To protect the boats against the whales.

D．To assist the whales’ seasonal migration.

5 . Researchers are worried about the fishing equipment floating around the Pacific Ocean. These ghost nets threaten sea animals and pollute coastal areas.

A ghost net study led by biologist Jennifer Lynch found it difficult in many cases to identify the source of the ghost equipment. Lynch said she is not interested in blaming anyone. Instead, she hopes the study will find new ways to prevent damage to the environment.

Drew, a graduate student and one of the study’s lead researchers, said his biggest concern is that the equipment keeps killing fish and other wildlife long after it’s lost, leaving a path of ecological damage.

The ghost nets pollute oceans around the world, but the Hawaiian Islands are in the middle of two large areas of ocean pollution. It’s difficult to know where they came from. Experts believe many nets are lost accidentally. But some illegal fishing boats leave nets in the water to avoid being caught. Other fishermen cut away pieces of damaged nets instead of recovering them.

The research team gets some ghost nets from the Papahanaumokuakea National Marine Monument, the largest protected environment in the United States, also recognized as a United Nations World Heritage Site. Researchers look at about 70 different features of each piece of net, including the kinds of material used, and find nets from all parts of the Pacific.

Brian, a fisherman now working for a net manufacturer in Washington, said nets from poor countries are usually weaker.

Jonathan Moore, one of the researchers, said illegal and unreported fishing is sometimes associated with ghost nets and is among the greatest threats to oceans. Fishing net markings and rules, he added, should be "a central part of responsible fishing management operations".

1. What is difficult for researchers in many cases of ghost nets?

A．Finding out the source of the nets.	B．Checking the harm done by the nets.
C．What fish and other wildlife are killed.	D．The length of the ecological damage.

2. What does the underlined word "they" in Para. 4 refer to?

A．The research experts.	B．The ghost nets.
C．The areas of pollution.	D．The Hawaiian Islands.

3. What does Jonathan suggest about fishing management?

A．Helping poor countries make strong nets.	B．Trying different materials for fishing nets.
C．Making rules about marking fishing nets.	D．Recovering the ghost nets after they’re lost.

4. What is the best title of the text?

A．Strict Ocean Fishing Management Is Needed

B．Ghost Nets Should Be Recovered from the Sea

C．A UN World Heritage Site in the US Is in Danger

D．Lost Fishing Equipment Threatens Ocean Life

6 . On March 18, 34-year-old Lance Karlson was walking on the beach and looking for somewhere to swim in Geographe Bay when he saw what he thought was a stingray (黄貂鱼) leap from the water.

Realizing the creature was, in fact, an octopus (章鱼), he started filming it — just in time for the angry octopus to launch itself at him. He immediately felt a sharp pain across his left arm, followed by a second strike across his neck and upper back. His goggles (护目镜) fogged and the water around him turned dark with what he thought might have been octopus ink as he struggled back toward the shore.       

"I was confused — it was more of a shock than a fright," said Karlson, "I might have hit on its home." Within a minute, a perfect imprint of an octopus tentacle (触手) appeared on Karlson's neck and back.       

A former volunteer lifeguard, Karlson rushed back to his hotel room to find something acidic to put on the wound. All his family could grab was Coca-Cola, which his wife poured over his back and the pain disappeared.

"The pain went away and more than anything since then, it's been more the physical hit that was painful.... The imprint on my neck is more from the physical hit, and I guess it makes complete sense when you look at the video I took," he said.

Karlson said he'd never seen an octopus that close before and watched Netflix documentary "My Octopus Teacher" after the incident to learn more about the species.

"They are beautiful creatures and I really hope this promotes more interest in octopuses as opposed to fear of them. I think this is a fascinating creature with clearly some very strong emotions just like we do as humans," he added.

1. When did the octopus attack Karlson?

A．When he was swimming in the bay.

B．When he was shooting the octopus.

C．When he was looking for some fish.

D．When he was fighting against the octopus.

2. What plays an essential role in reducing Karlson's pain?

A．The lifeguard's timely help.

B．Karson's wife's quick action.

C．The family members' efforts.

D．Karlson’s knowledge of first aid.

3. What does Karlson learn from his experience?

A．The octopus is dangerous.

B．People should get away from the octopus.

C．People need know more about the octopus.

D．The physical hit from the octopus is painful.

4. Which of the following might be the best title?

A．Pain from Strong Attack

B．First Aid for Octopus' Strike

C．Face to Face with Angry Octopus

D．Under Sea with Dangerous Creature

7 . While space travel still gets lot of attention, not enough attention has been paid to the exploration of oceans, about which we know much less than the dark side of the moon.   

Ninety percent of the ocean floor has not even been recorded and while we have been to the moon, the technology to explore the ocean's floors is still being developed. For example, a permanent partially-underwater sea exploration station, called the Sea Orbiter, is currently in development.

The oceans play a major role in controlling our climate. But we have not learned yet how to use them to cool us off rather than contribute to our overheating. Ocean organisms are said to hold the promise of cures for a wide of the unique eyes of skate (ray fish) led to advances in conquering blindness, the horseshoe crab was important in developing a test for bacterial pollution, and sea urchins helped in the development of test-tube fertilization(人工授精). The toadfish's' ability to regenerate its central nervous system is of much interest to neuroscientists. A recent Japanese study concluded that the drug Eribulin, which was taken from sea sponges, is effective in fighting with breast, colon, and Urinary cancer.

Given the approaching crisis of water insufficiency, we badly need to improve current methods, of desalinating(淡化) ocean water and make them more efficient and less costly. By 2025, 1.8 billion people are expected to suffer from severe water shortage, with that number jumping to 3. 9 billion by 2050-well over a third of the entire global population.   

If the oceans do not make your heart go beating faster, how about engineering a bacterium that eats carbon dioxide — and thus helps protect the world from overheating — and produces fuel which will allow us to drive our cars and machines, without oil? I cannot find any evidence that people young or old, Americans or citizens of other nations would be less impressed or less inspired with such a breakthrough than with one more set of photos of a faraway galaxy or a whole Milky Way full of stars.

1. What does the author think about the ocean exploration?

A．It is equal to the space exploration.	B．It is well developed.
C．It deserves more attention and devotion.	D．It is beyond our knowledge.

2. What technology has been developed to make use of the oceans?

A．Curing human diseases with ocean organisms.

B．Preventing the world getting warmer.

C．Mapping the global ocean floor.

D．Removing salt from sea water.

3. What does the author imply in the last paragraph?

A．The temperature rise will be overcome by a bacterium.

B．Solving the existing problems is more significant.

C．The space exploration is worth the efforts.

D．The ocean exploration is not inspiring.

4. What is the best title of the passage?

A．Oceans, the Last Hope.	B．Oceans, the Hidden Treasure.
C．Space, the Final Frontier.	D．Space, the Faraway Dream.

8 . 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。

“The meat of masked civets (果子狸) can be eaten and has long been considered a precious meat," says The Animal Encyclopedia for Children,     1     (publish) by Wuhan University Press. But following the outbreak of the novel coronavirus (新型冠状病毒),    2     may be caused by eating bushmeat, a reader complained online that the     3     (describe) was improper, the press responded by withdrawing the book from all shops. The action was welcomed.

However, public opinion alone can’t help. Without a law in place, restaurants can’t be stopped from     4     (serve) wild animal meat. The     5     (one) step toward prohibition of eating bushmeat is to build consensus (共识). Education is essential-only     6     everyone realizes the dangers of eating bushmeat will they give up the habit and push for the establishment     7     laws. Such     8     (aware) should begin early. Teaching children from     9     young age not to eat wild animals will make it     10     (easy) to ensure they won’t do so when they grow up.

9 . Britain's brilliant bridges have supported trade, brought communities together and are always the most exciting part of the journey. These must-see bridges are now tourist attractions in their own right.

Clifton Suspension Bridge, Bristol

Described by its legendary engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel as “my first love, my darling", it was originally designed for horse-drawn traffic. Now, more than four million vehicles a year cross the 1,352ft-long toll （通行费）bridge over the Avon Gorge. The £ 1 toll for every journey pays for its maintenance. The history of the bridge, dating back to 1864, is kept alive through a programme of tours, events and exhibitions.

Infinity Bridge, Stockton-On-Tees

A pedestrian（行人）and cycle footbridge across the River Tees, its working title was the North Shore Footbridge, before it was given its grander name when opened in 2009. It is particularly incredible at night. The arches（拱形）of the bridge are also lit white and, on calm nights, their reflection in the water appears as an infinity（无穷大）symbol, thus inspiring the name which was chosen by the public.

Tower Bridge, London

An engineering wonder built from thousands of tons of Portland stone and steel, it took construction workers eight years to complete. More than 120 years old, it's a popular tourist attraction, as well as a functional bridge. Visitors can take in the views over the capital, experience seeing London life through the Glass Floor, and visit the Victorian Engine Rooms.

Iron Bridge, Shropshire

Opened in 1781 , this is the first arch bridge in the world made out of cast iron. Recognised as one of the great symbols of the industrial revolution, it transformed the craft of bridge building and was a crucial factor in the development of the iron trade in Shropshire.

1. Which bridge has the longest history?

A．Clifton Suspension Bridge.	B．Infinity Bridge.
C．Tower Bridge.	D．Iron Bridge.

2. What can we know about Infinity Bridge?

A．It was originally meant for pedestrains.	B．The public give it two names.
C．Ifs well worth visiting at night.	D．Its arch is bigger than any other bridge's.

3. What makes Clifton Suspension Bridge different from the other bridges introduced?

A．It charges drivers for each passing.	B．It offers walkers a good view at night.
C．It was made from thousands of stones.	D．It's a symbol of the industrial revolution.

10 . 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。

As the world    1    （large）cotton consumer and the second largest producer of cotton, China has a long history of cotton cultivation. It is worth    2    （mention）that Xinjiang cotton is highly regarded because of its high yield and high quality.

    3    （locate）in the inland of Eurasia（欧亚大陆）, Xinjiang has a typical mild continental climate. Drought, little rain, sufficient heat, big temperature    4    （different）between day and night and long day make a good growth environment for cotton.

Though Xinjiang has little rainfall, it has a large number of snow-capped mountains, from which meltwater gives cotton abundant water resource. Meanwhile,    5    contrast to the instable rainfall in the monsoon（季风）regions, mountain snowmelt has the characteristics of stable water transportation,    6    is very suitable for the growth of cotton.

Xinjiang is lightly populated and has a vast planting area. It has    7    area of 1.66 million square kilometers and a population of about 23 million. The cotton planting area    8    （cover）25,019.3 square kilometers in 2020，according to the Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of Xinjiang.

The combination of advantaged    9    （nature）conditions and mechanical technology makes Xinjiang cotton have good quality. Endless white cotton has also become one of the    10    （symbol）of great beauty in Xinjiang.