1 . Travelling allows us to see landscapes we wouldn’t be able to explore otherwise. Sometimes, the beauty is so attractive that we’d like to extend our stay to immerse (沉浸) ourselves in it, or simply have a version of it we could carry with us back home. Inspired by questions about personal land preservation and wondering how the hurried pace of travel can be slowed, Kathleen Vance launched her Travelling Landscapes series. With it, she creates miniature (微小的) landscapes inside antique suitcases and trunks.

“In first creating the Travelling Landscapes series, I was thinking about accessibility to nature and exploring the concept of ‘untouched natural sites’,” Vance says. “The perfect landscapes I sculpt are visual connections from my personal memories of travels and focus on waterways as a primary element. I consider these a reminder of how precious our natural resources are, and how necessary it is to protect these vital elements for life.”

The initial pieces of Travelling Landscapes were created in 2005 and each contained soil, water, and grasses native to the area it described. “It was created as a ‘site displacement’ sculpture, in which I removed the soil and plants from a designated stream and transplanted them into a container,” the artist says.

The well-travelled beauty wouldn’t come alive if it weren’t for the use of antique luggage in her work. These additions further the message she’s trying to put out into the world. “I use primarily antique luggage for this series as it denotes not only this concept of containment, but travel, preciousness, and possession,” Vance points out. “I consider each case carefully, investigating its prior history, its owner, and for which type of travel it was designed to be used. All these indicators help to inform the landscape that I create.”

Throughout her expressive body of work, Vance tries to connect people to local aspects of nature that are overlooked or underappreciated, opening new channels to bring nature into our daily lives.

1. What are the main elements in the landscapes sculpted by Kathleen Vance?

A．Waterways.	B．Trees and forests.
C．Mountains and valleys.	D．Grasses native to the area.

2. What is the main message that Kathleen Vance wants to convey?

A．The need to get close to nature.	B．The concept of travel and transport.
C．The importance of protecting nature.	D．The historical value of antique luggage.

3. What does the underlined word “denotes” in paragraph 4 probably mean?

A．Identifies.

B．Confirms.

C．Requires.

D．Indicates.

4. Which of the following can best describe Kathleen Vance?

A．Noble-minded and brave.	B．Eco-conscious and talented.
C．Hard-working and optimistic.	D．Far-sighted and knowledgeable.

2 . On Inaccessible Island, you hear the sound of the Inaccessible Island rails (秧鸡) everywhere. The small flightless birds move around, feeding on worms and berries. During a trip in 2011, it took days for Stervander, then a doctoral student, to spot one. “Even then, you see something little and dark, running for a second, and that’s about it,” he says. Catching one, though, proved easy. When scientists played a recording of the bird’s call, a male and female ran into the net a few minutes later.

Inaccessible Island rails live only on Inaccessible Island. “No one knew the history,” says Stervander, now a research fellow at the University of Oregon. He aimed to answer the question about these birds: How did they get to Inaccessible Island to begin with?

The first scientist to describe the rail was Percy Lowe. He thought the bird was from Africa and had always been flightless. In his view, it had arrived at the island by walking over land bridges. But now the science of plate tectonics (板块构造论) suggests that’s not the case. In a recent paper, Stervander and his colleagues give evidence for a different version.

After studying the genome (基因组) of the rails, scientists found the Inaccessible Island rail’s closest relative — the crake in Uruguay. Both birds are related to the black rail in America. The finding suggests the ancestors of these birds could fly. That means Inaccessible Island rails flew to their present home, and like many birds living on islands with no predators (捕食者), they gradually lost the ability to fly. Flying takes energy, so if there’s no reason to fly, it’s more practical not to.

On this island, there’s a growing population of rails, but they’re fragile. Should a predator reach the island, it could make quick work of the birds. People on nearby islands are careful to avoid introducing any predators to Inaccessible Island, and the risk is low, given how hard it is to get there. For now, the rails live peacefully in a place where few humans are eager to go.

1. What can we learn about the Inaccessible Island rails?

A．They are hard to trap.	B．They can be seen everywhere.
C．They move around quickly.	D．They are not afraid of humans.

2. What caused the Inaccessible Island rails to become flightless?

A．Their lack of energy.	B．Their living environment.
C．Their way to search for food.	D．Their connection with their ancestors.

3. Which best describes the present situation of the Inaccessible Island rails?

A．Safe.

B．Tough.

C．Unexpected.

D．Dangerous.

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

A．The Development of Rails on Inaccessible Island

B．The Need to Protect Flightless Inaccessible Island Rails

C．How Did the Flightless Bird Get to Inaccessible Island?

D．Why are Inaccessible Island Rails Limited on the Island?

3 . The North Atlantic right whale is one of the world’s most endangered large whale species. Its population loss appears to be slowing. But scientists warn that the large sea animals still face threats.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) says that by the early 1890s, commercial whalers almost destroyed the species. They got their name from being the “right” whales to hunt because they floated when they were killed. Commercial whale fishing is no longer a threat, but its population has never fully returned. They have been protected for many years now.

Right whales primarily occur in Atlantic coastal waters on the continental shelf, although they also are known to travel far offshore, over deep water. They migrate seasonally and may travel alone or in small groups. In the spring, summer, and into fall, many of these whales can be found in waters off New England and further north into Canadian waters, where they feed and mate.

Recently, the North Atlantic Right Whale Consortium (NARWC) said the population decrease appears to have leveled off. A strong birthing year in 2021, when 18 baby whales, or calves, were born, kept whale population numbers up. However, the organization warned that the high number of deaths faced by whales from getting caught in fishing equipment or struck by ships remains a major problem for the whales.

“The news is less bad than it has been. My heart is a little less heavy, but certainly not light or hopeful,” said Philip Hamilton. “It shouldn’t be dependent on the whales to give birth to enough calves to reverse what we’re doing to them.”

Scientists say as waters have warmed, the whales must travel outside of protected areas of the ocean in search of food. That has left them open to strikes with large ships and getting trapped in commercial fishing equipment. Those are the biggest causes of early death.

Many fishermen have opposed proposed fishing restrictions that they fear would hurt their business. But environmental groups want new rules to save the species, including one to make ships slow down for whales.

1. What do we know about the North Atlantic right whales?

A．They regard humans as their friends.	B．They are easy to catch when they die.
C．Their population has fully returned recently.	D．They are the largest sea animals in the world.

2. The third paragraph mainly tells us right whales’ ___________.

A．habitats

B．hobbies

C．behavior

D．reproduction

3. What’s Philip Hamilton’s attitude to the news of strong birthing year in 2021?

A．Favorable.

B．Intolerant.

C．Satisfied.

D．Complex.

4. What does the text mainly talk about?

A．Insufficient reproduction of right whales doesn’t matter.

B．Fishing restrictions are in great need to be established.

C．New findings of right whales bring hope for scientists.

D．Threats remain though right whale number decrease slows.

4 . The biggest risk to UK forests over the next 50 years is a “catastrophic” collapse of their ecosystems, according to a group of experts. The group of 42 researchers were asked to identify the issues that would have the greatest impact on UK forests in the next half-century. The list was topped by “catastrophic forest ecosystem collapse”, the prospect of a number of risks, from droughts and floods to storms and pests. If action is not taken, the ecosystem will no longer function effectively.

This is the first “horizon scanning” exercise — a technique to identify relatively unknown threats, opportunities, and new trends — of UK forests. The aim is to help researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and society in general, better prepare for the future and address threats before they become critical.

Experts define such a collapse as a “sudden, long-lasting and widespread change in ecosystem state that has major negative impacts on biodiversity and key ecosystem services”. Those ecosystem services include clean air and water. Some species could be pushed to extinction. “Forest collapse will have significant short-and long-term influences on the forest, and wider environment, economy and society,” the researchers said.

The UK is one of the least forested countries in Europe, with 13 percent of land being forested, compared with a European average of 46 percent. The government has a UK tree-planting goal of 30,000 hectares by 2025, but is widely expected to miss it.

A spokesman for the Department for Environment said,“ We will continue to work with partners to tackle the challenges and opportunities raised in today’s report to ensure our trees and woodlands remain healthy, so they can support habitats and a range of wider environmental benefits.”

The Times revealed this year that more than 400,000 trees planted in England to make up for road projects had died since 2018. Experts think an increase in dry spring s and hot summers has made tree aftercare harder.

1. What’s the purpose of the researchers’ making the list?

A．To apply more serious laws.	B．To search for potential opportunities.
C．To learn about the overall situation.	D．To get an insight into natural disasters.

2. What does paragraph 3 tell us about the collapse of forest ecosystem in the UK?

A．Its definition.

B．Its process.

C．Its consequences.

D．Its causes.

3. What is the UK tree-planting goal like?

A．Short-sighted.

B．Time-consuming.

C．Intolerable.

D．Impractical.

4. What can we infer about keeping UK forests healthy from the last paragraph?

A．It depends on climate.	B．It has a long way to go.
C．It is bound to be a failure.	D．It needs support from all over the world.

5 . A woman in a cap wanders calmly along. Except for the lava (熔岩) erupting behind her, she could be walking in the park. The woman turns to watch the molten rock flow for a moment then walks calmly toward the camera. The footage(镜头) is from Werner Herzog’s book to volcanoes and volcano hunters, Into the Inferno, and the woman pictured is perhaps one of the most important volcanologists of all time, Katia Krafft.

Born in France, in 1942, Katia developed an interest in volcanoes at an early age. Later, she met Maurice Krafft. The pair bonded over their shared love of volcanoes before marrying in 1970. The Kraffts wrote about 20 books on volcanoes across the globe.

Katia and her husband made great progress in educating the general public in volcanology. Their footage had more than scientific value. For instance, when Mount Pinatubo in the Philippines began to show signs of an eruption in 1991, the Kraffts were able to present Philippine President Cory Aquino with video footage of the effects of the 1985 eruption of Nevado del Ruiz in Colombia, asking him to call for an evacuation of those in the danger zone.

In 1969, Katia was awarded the prize of the Vocation Foundation for her work on active volcanic sites.

The couple lost their lives, along with more than 40 others during the eruption of Mount Unzen in Japan on June 3.1991. when they were caught in a flow of rock, gas and ash moving at speeds of over 100 miles per hour, with temperatures of more than 800 degrees Fahrenheit. Katia was 49; Maurice, 45.

Katia’s impact on volcanology has reached far beyond her death and has encouraged many young women to study our restless planet. “Katia Krafft is definitely the reason why I’m doing this job,” says Carla Tiraboschi, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Minster, Germany. Carla first saw Katia in a documentary when she was just six or seven years old and has been crazy about volcanoes ever since.

1. What can we infer from the book Into the Inferno?

A．Its author is Katia Krafft.	B．It’s a biography of Katia Krafft.
C．It calls on protecting the environment.	D．It focuses on volcanoes and their explorers.

2. What do we know about the couple?

A．They prevented a natural disaster.

B．They served as a warning in Japan.

C．They helped spread volcano science.

D．They covered Mount Pinatubo’s eruption.

3. Which can replace the underlined word “evacuation” in paragraph 3?

A．Substance.

B．Departure.

C．Occupation.

D．Intervention.

4. How did Katia influence Carla Tiraboschi?

A．Katia’s death made her restless.	B．Katia helped her with her research.
C．Katia taught her to make a documentary.	D．Katia’s deeds inspired her career choice.

6 . 听下面一段较长对话，回答以下小题。
1. How does the woman feel at first?

A．Amused.

B．Curious.

C．Excited.

2. What in the forest made the man think about rotting?

A．Flowers.

B．Trees.

C．Mushrooms.

3. What does the woman think of yellow mushrooms?

A．Common.

B．Special.

C．Interesting.

4. When will the speakers return to the forest?

A．On Thursday.

B．On Friday.

C．On Saturday.

7 . 听下面一段独白，回答以下小题。
1. Who made the speaker interested in insects?

A．His father.

B．His schoolmates.

C．His teacher.

2. What did the speaker use to name butterflies?

A．Diaries.

B．Posters.

C．Paper.

3. What gave the speaker a surprise?

A．A blue butterfly.

B．White butterflies.

C．Many other insects.

8 . Beneath the blue waters of Trinidad and Tobago, plastic pollution is causing serious damage to marine ecosystems. Every year, over 88,600 tonnes of plastic waste is deposited(沉积)into the ocean around the Caribbean nation, harming marine life and impacting human health.

A new app is aiming to help young people in Trinidad and Tobago, along with other small island developing states, battle against the damage done by plastic pollution. Called Tide Turners, the app was developed by the United Nations Environment Programme with the help of young people. It challenges users to record their plastics consumption and develop an action plan to reduce their use of plastics. It also encourages young people to switch to reusable products and go plastic-free where possible: lifestyle changes that experts say can help stop the flow of plastic into the world’s oceans.

Reducing plastic pollution will take a joint effort from governments, businesses and, especially, youth. Children account for around 30 percent of the population in small island developing states in the Caribbean.

To tackle the plastic pollution challenge, the new app builds on UNEP’s Tide Turners Plastic Challenge Badge, which has so far engaged more than 500,000 young people in youth groups. Along with calling on youth to use less plastic, it encourages them to start campaigns and raise awareness about the dangers of plastic pollution.

In Trinidad and Tobago, Sarah Sobrian, who tested an early version of the app and advised on its development, is keen to get started. “The Tide Turners app is an incredible tool that educates and empowers us to change the situation we face,” she says. “I am incredibly eager to be a part of this and share this experience with those in my life. With this app, we can and will work together to create the impact that we have long wanted to see.”

1. What is the purpose of the Tide Turners app?

A．To help youths to fight against plastic pollution.

B．To track marine life populations in the Caribbean.

C．To help the young to develop the small island states.

D．To encourage businesses to switch to plastic-free packaging.

2. Why is the participation of young people particularly important?

A．They have more free time than adults.

B．They have access to funding the new app.

C．They are the main contributors to plastic waste.

D．They make up about one-third of the population.

3. What is Sarah Sobrian’s attitude towards the app?

A．Suspicious.

B．Favorable.

C．Indifferent.

D．Objective.

4. What’s the main idea of the text?

A．A new app can turn the situation around.

B．Plastic pollution is a serious threat to marine ecosystems.

C．Governments make great efforts to reduce plastic pollution.

D．Trinidad and Tobago are suffering from serious plastic pollution.

9 . Coastal Clean-ups Program

General Introduction

Our program aims to develop appreciation for our environment in our participants by including fun into environmental education. Our program places great emphasis on experiential learning, which offers our participants the opportunity to get close to nature, enjoy and value it while learning issue of litter pollution, and the importance of individual ownership in ensuring environmental sustainability. Our program is well-suited in supporting the objectives of Values-in-Action ( VIA) programs for schools. Ever wondered how our beaches look without the care of the cleaners? So please explore yourself through the Coastal Clean-ups Program and join us in taking care of our beaches. Gain insightful discovery on the consequences of ocean pollution, and its implications on our marine environment, wildlife, and even us, humans.

Details
Location:

This program is subjected to weather and tidal （潮汐的） conditions. Please email us for the available dates and more information on the location.

Duration: 2 hours

Group Size: Maximum—60 participants
Equipment/Items needed:
·All materials needed for the program will be provided by our program.
·Participants should bring their own personal water bottles and writing materials.
·Participants should wear comfortable outdoor clothes with covered shoes.
Price: $10/per person. For more information, please consult via the official website of our program.
Important Note:
●Available dates for this program are subjected to tidal conditions.
·The program cannot be conducted in the event of bad weather.
·There is no wet-weather program. Please email us for further enquiries.
1. What do we know about Coastal Clean-ups Program?

A．It is specially designed for scholars.

B．It is interesting as well as instructive.

C．It is part of schools’ VIA programs.

D．It contributes to participants’ independence.

2. What can cause the cancellation of the program?

A．Terrible weather.	B．Shortage of cleaning tools.
C．No comfortable outdoor shoes.	D．Limited number of participants.

3. Where is the text probably taken from?

A．An advertisement.	B．A natural science magazine.
C．A research report.	D．A school-tour website.

10 . 听下面一段独白，回答以下小题。
1. What is Akria Miyawaki?

A．An officer.

B．A professor.

C．A scientist.

2. What is the benefit of the diversity of tree species according to the recent study?

A．Producing more oxygen.

B．Attracting different kinds of animals.

C．Dealing with climate change.

3. What did the organization in Paris do?

A．It taught people to grow their own mini forests.

B．It helped communities build 100 forests.

C．It educated kids about tiny forests.

4. What is the passage mainly about?

A．Mini forests have emerged all over the world.

B．The advantages of mini forests.

C．The reason why mini forests are popular worldwide.