1 . Enjoy these four stories of wonderful friendships between people and creatures.
Albi the Glowing Cow Boy
By Georgia Bwng. Illustrated by Angela Cogo
On a quiet farm in frosty moonlight, a calf (小牛) called Albi is born. A boy called Rufus lives nearby. Soon. Albi and Rufus set off on an incredible journey-but why are the two so deeply connected and how can they each find what they are searching for?
The Boy Who Saved a Bear
By Nizrana Farook
Nuwan works at a library delivering books, but when he unexpectedly crosses the path of a dangerous group of thieves, he must go on the run. Hiding deep in a cave he realizes he’s not alone-he’s sharing his shelter with a scared bear. Nuwan comforted the bear, so this unlikely pair become friends and are soon working together to stop the bad guys and solve a mystery.
Pax
By Sara Pennypacker, Illustrated by Jon Kassen
Peter has a special bond with Pax-a half-tamed fox cub (幼崽). When a war breaks out suddenly, Peter has to move to live with his grandfather, leaving Pax behind. Can the friends find their way back to each other? This story is accompanied by lots of beautiful illustrations.
Wilder
By Penny Chrimes
When a half-wild girl appears from the marshes (沼泽), the people of a nearby village treat her with doubt. She has a mysterious connection to animals, especially the falcon who circles above her. When the river starts to dry up and a dark sickness begins to spread, the girl sets out to save the villagers.
1. Why do Nuwan and the bear become friends?| A．They live in the same place. | B．They have to solve a mystery. |
| C．The bear was comforted by Nuwan. | D．The bear saved Nuwan from the thieves. |
| A．The force of thieves. | B．An unexpected war. |
| C．The decision of Peter’s grandfather. | D．The villagers’ doubt. |
| A．They are created with the same theme. | B．Their plots are only full of adventures. |
| C．They are accompanied by beautiful pictures. | D．Their characters grew up with their animal friends. |
2 . As reported in the journal Nature, one system can directly remove carbon dioxide from sources ranging from flue gas (烟道气) to the atmosphere by using electricity to induce a water-and-oxygen-based electrochemical reaction. This technological achievement could turn direct air capture (捕获) from edge industry into a promising front for climate change relief.
Most carbon-capture systems involve a two-step process: First, high-pH liquids are used to separate the carbon dioxide, which is acidic, from mixed-gas streams such as flue gas. Next, the carbon dioxide is regenerated from the solution through heating or by injecting a low-pH liquid.
“Once the carbon dioxide is trapped in these solvents (溶剂), you have to regenerate it,” says Haotian Wang, assistant professor at Rice University. “There are literally no chemicals produced or consumed with our process. We also don’t need to heat up or pressurize our device, we just need to put it into a power outlet and it will work.”
Another drawback of current carbon-capture technologies is their reliance on large-scale, centralized infrastructure. By contrast, the system developed in the Wang lab is an extensible, modular, point-of-use concept that can adapt to a variety of scenarios. “The technology can be scaled up to industrial settings-power plants, chemical plants-but the great thing about it is that it allows for small-scale use as well: I can even use it in my office.” Wang says.
Also the reactor can continuously remove carbon dioxide from a simulated (模拟的) flue gas with efficiency above 98% using a relatively low electricity input. Wang notes that the process has “no carbon footprint or a very limited footprint” if powered by electricity from renewable sources such as solar or wind. “This is great news considering that renewablel electricity is becoming more and more cost-effective,” Wang says.
1. What does the author intend to do in Paragraph 2?| A．Add up some opposite reasons. | B．Offer basic evidences to the topic. |
| C．Summarize the following paragraphs. | D．Provide some background information. |
| A．It involves a two-step process. | B．It creates some chemicals. |
| C．It is simple and easy to operate. | D．It needs to be used in big plants. |
| A．By making comparisons. | B．By listing many numbers. |
| C．By providing research results. | D．By analyzing causes and effects. |
| A．Unclear. | B．Favourable. | C．Objective. | D．Disapproving. |
1. 家乡的位置（North）、人口（21.8 million）及面积（16.41 million平方公里）；
2. 家乡的美食和景点；
3. 家乡的历史和人文；
4. 欢迎来我家乡体验当地文化和习俗。
词数：100左右。
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
4 . Climate change is a global issue that affects nearly every aspect of life on Earth. The warming of the planet due to increased greenhouse gas emissions is leading to a range of impacts, from rising sea levels to more frequent extreme weather events. These impacts are not equal across the world, however, and some countries and communities are more vulnerable than others.
One of the most immediate impacts of climate change is food insecurity. Changes in temperature and precipitation (降水) patterns can affect crop yields (产量), leading to food shortages and price increases. Climate change can also affect fishing communities, as ocean temperatures and acidification (酸化) can harm marine (海洋的) life.
Climate change can also have broader impacts on human health, particularly if it leads to the spread of disease. For example, warmer temperatures can create conditions that are more conducive (有助于) to the spread of mosquito-borne (蚊子传播的) illnesses like dengue fever (登革热)and malaria (疟疾). Additionally, extreme weather events can cause injuries and illnesses, as well as disrupt healthcare services.
Finally, climate change can have significant economic impacts, particularly in sectors such as agriculture, forestry, and insurance. These impacts can have ripple effects (涟漪效应) throughout the economy, affecting businesses and individuals alike.
1. What is one immediate impact of climate change?| A．Decreased food production. | B．Increased food production. |
| C．Decreased fishing. | D．Decreased human health. |
| A．It can only affect the spread of mosquito-borne illnesses. |
| B．It can only affect healthcare services. |
| C．It can lead to the spread of disease and disrupt healthcare services. |
| D．It has no impact on human health. |
| A．Agriculture, forestry, and insurance are not impacted. |
| B．These impacts only affect businesses, not individuals. |
| C．They can have ripple effects throughout the economy and affect businesses and individuals. |
| D．They are not significant. |
| A．Increased catches. | B．Decreased catches. | C．No impact. | D．Increased profits. |
1. Who is Spotty?
| A．A dog belonging to the boy’s family. |
| B．A human who isn’t liked by the man. |
| C．The man’s little brother. |
| A．He appreciates him. | B．He dislikes him. | C．He likes him. |
| A．Spotty will not be in the family picture. |
| B．Spotty will be in the family picture with no hat. |
| C．Spotty will be in the family picture with a hat. |
6 . A newly published study shows that chess players perform objectively worse and — make more suboptimal (次最优的) moves when there is more fine particulate matter (颗粒物) in the air.
“We find that when individuals are exposed to higher levels of air pollution, they make more mistakes, and they make larger mistakes,” says Juan Palacios, a co-author of a newly published paper detailing the study’s findings.
Scholars have produced many studies exploring the effects of air pollution on cognition. The current study adds to that literature by analyzing the subject in a particularly controlled setting. The scholars used three web-connected sensors inside the tournament venue to measure carbon dioxide, PM2.5 concentrations, and temperature, all of which, can, be affected by external conditions, even in an indoor setting.
To evaluate the matter of performance of players, meanwhile, the scholars used software programs that assess each move made in each chess match, identify optimal decisions, and flag significant errors. During the tournaments, the researchers examined and ruled out alternate potential explanations for the dip in player performance, such as increased noise. They also found that carbon dioxide and temperature changes did not correspond to performance changes. Ultimately, the analysis confirms that the findings are driven by the direct exposure to air particles.
The researchers also found that when air pollution was worse, the chess, players performed even more poorly when under time constraints. The tourmament rules required that 40 moves had to be made within 110 minutes; for moves 31-40 in all, the matches, an air pollution, increase of 10 micro-grams per cubic meter led to an increased probability of error of 3.2 percent, with the magnitude of those errors increasing by 17.3 percent. And while the focus of this particular study is tightly focused on chess players, the findings have strong implications for high-skilled office workers.
1. What does the study find about air pollution?| A．It becomes more and more serious in the gym. |
| B．It can help evaluate chess players’ performance. |
| C．It may affect more people with mental processes. |
| D．It can’t be affected by indoor surroundings. |
| A．To measure carbon dioxide and temperature. |
| B．To assess the performance of players. |
| C．To help players make great moves. |
| D．To distinguish players’ errors in time. |
| A．Limit. | B．Freedom. | C．Consumption. | D．Measurement. |
| A．Various reasons for chess players’ mistakes. |
| B．A new research on chess players’ performance. |
| C．Scholars’ concern about chess players’ health. |
| D．The influence of air pollution on chess players. |
7 . 13-Day Arnhem Land Adventure
Nhulunbuy-Darwin
From $12, 395 pp twin share (pp=per person)
Fully accommodated
Trip lasts from May to Sep. 2023
Call 1800：688 222
outbackspirittours. com. au
Discover an unknown land on this special adventure through the heart of Arnhem Land. Travelling from Nhulunbuy to Darwin, you’ll journey through areas that no other tour company can take you, and that few outsiders have ever seen. Along the way, stay in our network of luxurious safari camps (豪华的游猎营地) and wilderness houses, including the Seven Spirit Bay on the Cobourg Peninsula. As part of the adventure, you’ll also enjoy real cultural activities with indigenous (土著的) guides, learning about this place from those who know it best.
Most exciting parts of the adventure include:
·Spend 7 nights in our network of safari camps and houses
·Discover the Arafura Swamp, location for the film “Ten Canoes”
·View ancient rock art galleries and sail in wetlands at Davidson’s Arnhemland Safaris, Mount Borradaile
·Enjoy a Welcome to Country performance at Yirrkala
·Explore a historic Victoria Settlement at Port Essington, Circa 1838
·Discover the waters of the Cobourg Marine Park Sanctuary
·Fish for barramundi & enjoy breathtaking sea adventures
1. What do we know about this trip?| A．It starts at Arnhem Land. |
| B．It will be organised for September first. |
| C．It requires every visitor to spend at least $12,395. |
| D．It asks people to pay additional money for their accommodation. |
| A．Exploring Amhem Land deeply like other companies do. |
| B．Experiencing local culture with indigenous guides. |
| C．Travelling with experienced outsiders. |
| D．Making camp in the wild. |
| A．Having chances to cook fish alone. |
| B．Visiting historical sites at Yirrkala. |
| C．Spending nights at safari camps. |
| D．Taking part in making a film. |
8 . The impact of the man-made climate crisis on Antarctica is scientifically undeniable: stable ice shelves are retreating, air temperature increased by 3 degrees Celsius. krill(磷虾)numbers are declining, melting ice is contributing to sea level rise, and polar bears and seals are getting displaced. “Antarctic biodiversity could decline substantially by the end of the century if we continue with business as usual.” Jasmine Rachael Lee, lead author of the University of Queensland study says.
Published in the journal PLOS Biology, the study finds population declines are likely for 65% of the continent’s plants and wildlife by the year 2100. The most vulnerable(脆弱的)species is the Emperor penguins. In October 2022, the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service listed Emperor penguins as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act(ESA), as experts predict the flightless seabird will see a 26% to 47% dip in its population by 2050. “This listing reflects the growing extinction crisis and highlights the importance of the ESA and efforts to conserve species before population declines become irreversible(不可逆转).” said Service Director Martha Williams at the time.
Aside from Emperor penguins, other Antarctic specialists, like the Adélie penguin and dry soil nematodes, were also highly vulnerable. We urgently need a combination of global and local conservation action to best conserve Antarctic species. Global action and global voices to help relieve climate change—because the biggest threat to Antarctica is coming from outside of it. And then we need local actions to help protect biodiversity against local threats and give them the best chance of adapting to climate changes. This will help to save our iconic(代表性的)species like the Emperor penguins and all of Antarctica’s unique and highly adapted inhabitants. It will also help humankind, as we rely heavily on the priceless services the Antarctic provides in regulating our climate and capturing sea level in its ice sheets.
1. What can we learn from Paragraph 1?| A．The impact of climate crisis is usually denied. |
| B．Conservation efforts are badly needed. |
| C．Air temperature on Antarctic increases 3℃ annually. |
| D．Sea level rise results in seabirds losing their habitats. |
| A．To serve as a call to protect wildlife on Antarctic |
| B．To reflect the growing population of wild species. |
| C．To prove the effectiveness of the Endangered Species Act. |
| D．To highlight the severe impact of rising temperature. |
| A．Reducing the chances of making a trip to Antarctic. |
| B．Making joint efforts to relieve climate change. |
| C．Attempting to provide essential nutrients to the ecosystem. |
| D．Continuing to carry forward the Endangered Species Act. |
| A．Plants and Wildlife on Antarctica Will Decline Quickly |
| B．Antarctic Species Are Vulnerable to Human Threats |
| C．More Action Should Be Taken to Protect Wildlife on Antarctica |
| D．The Best Conservation Strategy Will Be Carried Out Soon |
HEFEI- Three Dalmatian pelicans (卷羽鹈鹕), or Pelecanus crispus, were spotted at Chaohu Lake for the first time, the fifth
The rare birds
“This wading bird, which feeds on fish, has a high level of alertness and requires a good
More than 80 birds, such as little swans and cormorants, were also spotted on Wednesday at the lake. Hefei City,
10 . Sunflowers are huge plants with bright yellow flowers. They have a long history in North America. There is evidence that they were used for food and for medicine by Native Americans beginning around 1000 B. C. The seeds from sunflowers were likely brought to Europe by Spanish explorers around the late 16th century. Over time, they found their way to Eastern Europe. Today, Ukraine is the world’s leading producer of the plants. Sunflowers are grown for their seeds and to make oil.
If you start growing sunflowers from seeds, put them in room-temperature water for 2-8 hours before planting to start the growing process. Plant each seed into dirt 2.5 centimetres deep and 15 to 30 centimetres apart. Plant them after the danger of frost has passed or start indoors three weeks before your last frost date. Keep the soil wet, but not too wet, until the seeds begin to grow.
Sunflower plants can be moved outdoors when the danger of frost has passed in your area. Choose a place outside that will provide the plants with at least 6- 8 hours of direct sunlight each day.
As the plants grow, they will develop long roots that work their way deep into the ground. So, before planting, it is important to loosen the soil. Dig at least one third of a metre down and remove any rocks.
Mixa large amount of compost (堆肥) into the soil where the plant will grow. Compost provides important, lasting nutrients that will help the plants all season long. The sunflowers may not need additional nutrients if they are planted with compost. If compost is not added during the planting process, provide nutrients through a slow release, all-purpose fertilizer (肥料) one or two times during the growing season.
1. What can be known about the sunflower in Paragraph 1?| A．It originated in South America. | B．It was initially used to make oil. |
| C．It has a history of 3,000 years or so. | D．It was taken to Europe by British explorers. |
| A．Keep the seeds in water for 10 hours. |
| B．Plant seeds 2.5 centimetres apart. |
| C．Never put new plants in direct sunlight each day. |
| D．Plant seeds indoors 21 days before your last frost date. |
| A．It is friendly to roots’ growth. | B．It helps to hold water in the soil. |
| C．It guarantees adequate supplies of air. | D．It is more efficient in keeping temperature. |
| A．How to select sunflowers. | B．How to grow sunflowers. |
| C．When to fertilize sunflowers. | D．When to move sunflowers. |
