1 . Goldfish may seem like simple creatures swimming in a glass tank, but they possess a rather complicated navigation system, as discovered by researchers at the University of Oxford Led by Dr. Adelaide Sibeaux, the study aims to shed light on our understanding of how fish, and potentially humans, estimate distances using what could be described as an internal GPS.

Writing in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B, Sibeaux and colleagues report how they created a tank in their experiment with 2cm-wide black and white vertical stripes (条纹) on the walls, connected by similar stripes across the floor. The team trained nine goldfish to swim a set distance of 70cm and then return to their starting point when waved at. The experiment aimed to investigate how the fish would estimate this distance without any gestures, under different patterns.

Over multiple trials, the goldfish averaged a swim distance of 74cm, give or take 17cm, when presented with the vertical 2cm-wide stripes. However, when the stripe pattern was altered to either narrower vertical stripes, checked patterns, or horizontal stripes, the fish’s behavior changed significantly. Narrower vertical stripes led them to overestimating the distance by 36%, while horizontal stripes resulted in highly inconsistent estimations.

According to the researchers, the goldfish appeared to be using an “optic (光学的) flow mechanism” based on the visual density of their environment. They kept track of how frequently the vertical pattern switched between black and white to estimate how far they had traveled. The study suggests that different optic flow mechanisms are used by mammals, including humans, based on angular (有角度的) motion of visual features. The study implies that the use of visually based distance information could have emerged early in the evolutionary timeline.

“This study is novel because, despite knowing that fish respond to geometric information regarding direction and distance, we don’t know how they estimate distances,” Professor Colin Lever, although not involved in the study, said, “it’s exciting to explore fish spatial mapping because fish navigation evolved earlier and better than most mammals.”

1. Why did Dr. Adelaide Sibeaux conduct the study on goldfish?

A．To test the accuracy of goldfish’s internal GPS.

B．To create an advanced navigation system for humans

C．To uncover how an inbuilt GPS helps calculate distances.

D．To explore the relationships between goldfish and humans

2. What can we learn about the experiment?

A．People gestured the goldfish throughout the experiment

B．The tank was decorated with colorful background patterns

C．Goldfish tended to underestimate distances with horizontal stripes.

D．The change in the tank setting led to the goldfish's incorrect judgment.

3. It can be concluded from the fourth paragraph that ____________.

A．optic flow mechanism is unique to humans

B．mammals developed flow mechanism long before goldfish

C．goldfish evaluated the distance with multidimensional visual information

D．visual density of the environment strengthened the locating ability of goldfish

4. What attitude does Professor Colin hold towards the study?

A．Neutral.

B．Ambiguous.

C．Disapproving.

D．Favorable.

2 . 假定你是李华，十一期间你参加了一家冒险远足营地 (Adventure Hiking) 组织的一次冒险远足旅行，请你写一篇日记描述这次活动并谈谈自己的感受。主要内容应包括：
1. 活动的时间和人员；
2. 活动过程：
(1)远足要穿过一个大沙漠以考验参加者的体力和耐力；
(2)参加者将体验刺激的漂流活动 (white-water rafting)；
(3)参加者将爬一座最大海拔高度为5000米的高山，并遇到一些野生动物；
(4)远足组织者将提供良好的住宿 (accommodation)并要求参加者携带轻而有用的行李。
注意：词数100左右。
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3 . 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.

Nature inspired us to figure out ways to solve the problems we faced. Birds inspired us to fly, beavers gave us ideas on how to build dams (大坝) and even tiny white ants demonstrated building ideas that we could use. By means of     1    (study) the workings of wildlife, we've come up     2     some pretty brilliant inventions. Here' re some examples to inspire students to explore their own ideas.

Bats (蝙蝠) can use     3    (they) mouths and ears to identify high-frequency sound waves, allowing them to avoid barriers and catch insects in the air. They do this by making sounds     4     can be reflected off a surface in a process     5    (call) echolocation. It is no big surprise that researchers are working on ways that poor-sighted people can use a system like echolocation.

Spider (蜘蛛) silk is one of the strongest materials in nature, believed to be five times     6    (strong) than steel. But unlike steel, spider silk is both flexible     7     lightweight. Scientists recently created a new type of medical tape based on the features of spider silk.

Even plants can inspire invention.     8     electrical engineer named George de Mestral noticed that burrs from burdockplants (牛蒡植物的芒刺) stuck fast to his unfortunate hunting dog. From that bit of inspiration, he invented Velcro, one of the most     9    (wide) used fastening systems in human history.

Students should     10    (encourage) to study the characteristics of a plant or animal and see what inventions or ideas they can design.

4 . 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。

Japan said on Tuesday that it had decided to    1    (gradual) release tons of treated wastewater from the ruined Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant (福岛第一核电站) into the ocean,    2     (describe) it as the best solution to dealing with the leftovers (残留物) from the Fukushima nuclear accident, one of the    3    (serious) in the world.

The    4    (decide) ends years of debate over how to deal with the water,    5    is enough to fill more than 500 Olympic-sized swimming pools.

“The Japanese government ignores concerns and strong opposition both at home and abroad. Such an    6    (responsilble)act not only directly harms the interests of the people in Japan’s neighbouring countries, but    7    threatens the global marine environment and international public health security,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said.

Greenpeace(绿色和平组织)criticized Japan’s plan and said there are other solutions that should    8    (censider). “    9    than using the best available technology to store and process the water    10    the long term, they have chosen the cheapest solution, damping the water into the Pactfie Ocean.”

5 . Last year in early summer, I was walking to my house when I saw two large birds standing in my yard. They didn’t seem to _______ me until I was right in front of them and then they _______ disappeared into the nearby bushes. I was quite excited by the _______ of two special birds making a nest (巢) in my yard．

A few weeks later, the birds _______. I found them crouching (蹲伏) beside a tree. As I approached them, they _______ their heads and made a croaking (嘶哑地叫) sound. I didn’t know why they were croaking at me until a short time later I made an amazing _______: there were two small birds _______ around happily.

As I inched towards the birds, _______ not to make sudden movements, they started their croaking again, putting their necks forward so they seemed _______ and more threatening.

The mother put the baby birds under her wings and carefully crouched down over them so her babies were well ________.

I was watching them with respect when I suddenly ________ and fell to the ground. The mother took this as a/an ________ and the father raced towards me, ________ his wings to protect the mother and the baby birds.

I felt sorry to have disturbed them and left quickly. I am amazed by their ________ actions. Their parental love made them so courageous. It is hard not to show ________ for nature.

1.

A．remind

B．confirm

C．notice

D．protest

2.

A．immediately

B．familiarly

C．creatively

D．slowly

3.

A．feeling

B．sense

C．opinion

D．idea

4.

A．investigated

B．removed

C．gathered

D．reappeared

5.

A．stuck out

B．put down

C．hang out

D．turned around

6.

A．collection

B．discovery

C．conclusion

D．mission

7.

A．jumping

B．fighting

C．seeking

D．marching

8.

A．curious

B．patient

C．worried

D．careful

9.

A．neater

B．simpler

C．longer

D．stronger

10.

A．fed

B．hidden

C．raised

D．identified

11.

A．tripped

B．moved

C．alarmed

D．responded

12.

A．target

B．defence

C．threat

D．escape.

13.

A．shooting

B．spilling

C．folding

D．spreading

14.

A．military

B．individual

C．brave

D．average

15.

A．gratitude

B．respect

C．emotion

D．pleasure

6 . 听下面一段独白，回答以下小题。
1. Which pet may an outgoing person prefer?

A．A bird.

B．A dog.

C．A cat.

2. What may a cat owner be like?

A．Clever.

B．Sociable.

C．Careful.

3. What does the speech mainly talk about?

A．Pet people’s personalities.

B．More outgoing dog people.

C．Less sociable cat people.

7 . Pet owners have a big responsibility when it comes to taking care of their furry friends Unfortunately, many pet owners make common mistakes as follows.

● Not providing enough exercise or mental stimulation for your pet

All pets need regular exercise and mental stimulation to stay healthy and happy.     1     Mental stimulation is also essential to keep your pet fit. You can give your pet puzzle toys, play new games with them, or teach them new tricks.

● Over feeding

You might think you’re doing your pet a favor by giving them extra treats, but overfeeding can do more harm than good.     2    . Therefore,ensure you’re following the feeding guideline on the bag and not giving in to those puppy-dog eyes too often.

● Not socializing your puppy

Socialization is key to a well-behaved and happy dog. Make sure to introduce your puppy to different people, animals and situations.     3    

    4    

Pets are great at hiding their pain and discomfort, so it’s important to watch for any change in behavior or appetite. Don’t hesitate to bring something up with your vet if you notice something off.

To help avoid these types of errors,Wanda Morgan, Chief Editor of Workout Lunatic, gives the following tips.

● Positive reinforcement

Positive reinforcement is always the way to go when training your pet. Use treats and verbal praise to encourage good behavior instead of punishment or scolding.

● Addressing underlying anxiety causes

    5    . Give your pet plenty of engaging activities and playtime to keep their minds and bodies active and happy.

A．Ignoring signs of illness

B．Not trusting your puppy

C．It can help them grow confident and well-adjusted

D．It can lead to obesity and other serious medical conditions

E．Mental exercise is crucial to your pet as much as physical exercise

F．Anxiety-based behavior can stem from a lack of attention or stimulation

G．Without enough physical activity, your pet may become overweight or bored

8 . Gardens are some of the most beautiful places on earth. The sad reality of gardening is that weeds compete with the plants you want and take away from their beauty.     1     Most people try to find a quick and easy solution to the problem of weeds by using chemical weed killers, known as herbicides. Sometimes, though, a solution can cause even bigger problems.

Actually using chemical herbicides can have quite a few unintended consequences.     2     They effectively kill weeds, but they can also kill other desirable plants and species. Not only that, but herbicides pose significant health risks to humans. And did you know that repeated use of herbicides can make weeds resistant to their effects?     3    

After weeds have already invaded your flower bed or garden, you obviously have to find a way to handle them. There are two basic methods of removing weeds: physical removal and mechanical removal. Physical removal — when using this method you are literally destroying the weeds by putting them out of the ground.     4     This method is generally very effective, but it takes effort. Mechanical removal — this method, which uses a weed eater or a lawnmower, mows weeds down to the ground. It doesn’t take out the roots, though, so the weeds will grow back.     5     With this method, it not only beatifies the garden but also saves you much effort.

By using some of these natural methods, you can keep your garden looking superb without using dangerous herbicides that could damage your health and the environment.

A．But herbicides use isn’t the only way to get rid of weeds.

B．Then, place garden plants close together to crowd out the weeds.

C．You can pull out the weeds by hand or take them out with a shovel.

D．As you might imagine, these chemicals poison the environment.

E．Here are some solutions to keeping weeds from invading your garden in the first place.

F．As for preventing weeds, covering the ground with landscapes fabrics may be a good way.

G．As a result, weed control seems to be a never-ending part of sustaining the beauty of a garden.

9 . 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。

People in Bangladesh and India are struggling as they face serious flooding caused by early heavy rains. The floods     1     (cover)roads, bridges, and entire villages so far.     2     (million)of people have been left helpless by the floodwaters. The flooding in Bangladesh is the     3     (bad)in nearly 20 years. The United Nations(UN)says that the flooding has affected at least 4 million people in Bangladesh. The floods have hit the districts of Sylhet and Sunamganj     4     (especial)hard. In these areas, about 2 million people were left cut off from areas nearby.

The flooding     5     (cause)by heavy rains. Two rivers     6     run near Bangladesh’s border with India, the Surma and the Kushiara, hit the highest water levels ever recorded. The government has made the     7     (decide)to close almost 600 schools. Some are to be closed because of flooding. Others will be turned     8     emergency shelters. Bangladesh is a low-lying country, and often has floods.     9     same is true for parts of India. But normally, most flooding happens later in the year. Scientists say that because of the climate crisis, extreme weather     10     (include)heat waves, severe storms, heavy rains, and flooding is becoming far more common.

10 . How to Survive a Lightning Strike?

According to the National Weather Service, almost two-thirds of lightning accidents occur as people enjoy leisure activities outdoors.     1    . Here’s how to stay safe when you’re enjoying summer outdoors.

Keep an eye on the sky

    2    . Thunderstorms usually occur in the afternoon or evening. Start your hike in the morning, and finish up by noon if the forecast indicates bad weather ahead. If the forecast calls for periodic storms throughout the day, make a smart choice and consider giving up the trip.     3    .

Before you head out for hiking, check maps to locate visitor centers, campground buildings, or rest areas along your route. Once you hear thunder, see lightning, or sense that a storm is approaching, don’t hesistate to use your plan. Hikers are strongly advised to watch continually for the nearest shelter.     4     .

Know the storm’s distance

Count the seconds between the flash and the following sound of thunder. Divide the number of seconds by five to calculate the number of miles between you and the storm. For example, if the number of seconds is 30, then the distance inbetween equals six miles, and find shelter immediately.     5    , just remember that you can hear thunder at a distance of 10 miles.

A．Make a safety plan

B．Check the weather forecast ahead

C．If this simple math is still confusing

D．If you get indoors as soon as possible

E．People are struck while camping, hiking or boating

F．Staying calm will help you avoid meeting further dangers

G．Car campers can stay in the vehicles when no other shelter is available