1 . It is late autumn—millions of gardeners across the northern hemisphere, pulled on their thickest sweaters, spent hours clearing large piles of leaves and packed them into plastic bags at the end of driveways.

In the US alone, nearly 10 million tonnes of garden waste go to landfill every year. That is a large amount of effort, not just from an environmental viewpoint but from that of our aching backs, too. So where does this advice come from? Well, it largely comes from the belief that thick fallen leaves can make plants under them unable to breathe, especially shorter grass. They shut down important photosynthesis (光合作用) and get in the way of the growth of the shorter grass. However, this received wisdom has recently been questioned by researchers at Wisconsin University.

The key finding of their new research was that although clearing fallen leaves is one of the most common gardening practices, it makes very little sense. In natural ecosystems, fallen leaves help return nutrients necessary for healthy plant growth to the soil, which greatly improves soil condition. Removing leaves year after year breaks this ecological (生态的) balance. Letting some leaves stick around to cover your garden is a great way to help your grass and the local ecosystem.

They further explained that if up to 50percent of your grass lawn (草坪) is covered by fallen leaves, you might as well go back indoors and put your feet up. The advantages of this light leaf coverage far outweigh the disadvantages—the leaves will quickly break down and help next year’s lawn grow far better than if you had cleared them. Only at over 50 percent coverage do the Wisconsin researchers recommend clearing.

So why not consider leaving the leaves? Save time, carbon and effort, and in exchange get a healthier lawn from this garden waste—that seems like a pretty good deal. And how many plastic bags could be saved by simply not binning fallen leaves every year? In the US alone, about 700 million.

1. What does the author describe in paragraph 1?

A．An amazing autumn game.	B．A common sight in gardens.
C．A hot attraction in the north.	D．An extreme weather event.

2. What is the received wisdom?

A．Fallen leaves need not be cleared.

B．Fallen leaves protect shorter grass.

C．Fallen leaves block photosynthesis.

D．Fallen leaves are hard to break down.

3. The new research finds clearing fallen leaves makes little sense, because ________.

A．it ruins city image	B．it breaks gardening rules
C．it affects local economy	D．it causes ecological damage

4. What’s the author’s attitude to Wisconsin University’s study?

A．Doubtful.

B．Positive.

C．Unclear.

D．Worried.

2 . 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。

Located at the western part of Hangzhou, just under 5km away from the West Lake, Xixi National Wetland Park distinguishes itself as     1     exceptional urban place. This park is a pioneering example of how urban life combines agriculture with culture, making it a     2    (true) unique destination. Along with Xihu and Xiling famous, respectively,     3     their natural scenery and cultural heritage, Xixi National Wetland Park is one of the celebrated “Three Xi’s of Hangzhou”.

Covering a vast area of 11.5sq.km., the park consists of three causeways (堤道)     4     features ten famous sights. Nearly 70% of the park    5    (occupy) by river ports, ponds and small lakes, which explains a wetland environment. These waterways cross the park,     6    (divide) it into distinct sections: the east, the west, and the central part.

Recently the government     7    (establish) ecological protection zones as well as an sightseeing zone. Additionally, visitors can explore the Wetland Science Exhibition Hall, conveniently     8    (locate) at the park’s main entrance.

There is no right way     9    (see) the Xixi wetlands. It is an area of unmatched peace and quiet — filled with history and natural beauty. The only true thing that can be said of the Xixi wetlands is     10     if you haven’t seen them, you haven’t really seen Hangzhou.

3 . 阅读下面短文，根据内容和提示，在空白处填入适当的内容(一个单词或括号内单词的正确形式) 。

The Golden Pheasant (红腹锦鸡), also known     1     the Chinese Pheasant, is a beautiful bird that can     2     (find) in the mountainous areas of southern and western China. It is     3     (common) recognized for its eye-catching feathers, making it a true symbol of beauty. The Golden Pheasant is a medium-sized bird, measuring about 90 centimeters in length, including its long     4     impressive tail. The male Golden Pheasant shows off a beautiful mix of bright colors. It is unmistakable with its golden crest (鸡冠) and bright red body. The female, on     5     other hand, has more unnoticeable colors, with brown and grey feathers. This bird is also known for its beautiful movements. It spends its time     6     (search) for berries and     7       (insect) on the forest floor.

Sadly, because of habitat (栖息地) loss, the Golden Pheasant faces challenges in the wild Protection measures are in place to save this beautiful bird and its     8     (nature) habitat.

The Golden Pheasant is a truly wonderful bird, impressing     9     (we) with its beautiful colors. It serves as a reminder of the magic of nature and the need     10     (protect) and value our unique wildlife.

5 . A new kind of hybrid wheat now available to American farmers may help reduce fears over genetically engineered crops. The new hybrid wheat is being introduced as seed companies worldwide seek to increase production because of reducing grain supplies. The hybrid wheat was developed by a Chinese-owned agriculture company. The product was created with-out genetic engineering. The first seeds to grow the wheat will be released on 2,000 to 2,800 hectares of American farmland next year, according to Reuters reports.

Developers or breeders create hybrid wheat by taking away the natural ability of plants to pollinate (授粉) themselves. Instead, female wheat plants in a field are pollinated by male plants of a different line. The goal of the process is to create seeds that can produce bigger crops and better resist harmful environments. The fertilized female plants produce a new kind of hybrid. Using this hybrid technology permits breeders to choose the best elements from two parent seeds to produce new seeds containing the best characteristics of both.

Producers say when seed companies produce hybrid wheat seeds, some female plants often fail to become fertilized because they depend on unpredictable winds to carry pollen (花粉).Pollen is a substance produced by plants when they reproduce. During some seasons,pollen is released into the air and carried to other plants to be fertilized. Producers say the fertilization of each plant is more certain during wheat’s natural process of self-pollination.

Researchers say the new hybrid wheat has to take long to come to market because the development process is more costly and complex. It could be important in increasing wheat yields and avoiding being linked to GMO development. GMO stands for genetically modified organism. Genetically modified wheat has never been grown for industry purposes because of fears that allergens or poisons might be created. Wheat is used to make numerous major foods worldwide.

Dave Hankey owns a seed company in Park River, North Dakota. He told Reuters, “Because of the resistance to genetically modified stuff, the hybrid wheat would be considered better and safer.”He added it would certainly be the public view.

1. Which of the following leads the new hybrid wheat to be developed?

A．The existing unsafe grain.

B．The decreasing output of food.

C．The application from American farmers.

D．The Chinese agriculture company’s proposal.

2. What is expected of the seeds of the new hybrid wheat?

A．Requiring less fertilizer.

B．Producing tinier crops.

C．Having better adaptability.

D．Improving their natural self-pollination ability.

3. What can we learn about the development of the new hybrid wheat?

A．It is complex but economical.

B．It is simple and fruitful.

C．It is temporary.

D．It is demanding.

4. What would be the public attitude to the hybrid wheat according to Dave Hankey?

A．Indifferent.

B．Resistant.

C．Appreciative.

D．Cautious.

6 . 4 Most walkable cities in Europe

Seville, Spain

Seville in Spain takes the top spot as Europe’s most walkable city, offering the shortest walking route between the top four tourist attractions.Visitors can explore the impressive Plaza de Espana public square, before wandering over to the UNESCO-listed palace of Real Alcazar and Seville Cathedral. After that, it’s only a short trip on foot to visit the beautiful Barrio Santa Cruz neighbourhood.

Venice, Italy

Venice is well-known as a heaven for pedestrians (行人), so it’s no surprise it ranks as the second best location for walkable city breaks. There are endless alleyways to explore, as well as plenty of beautiful bridges over the crisscrossing canals that the city is famous for. Just under half an hour of walking here will take you on a tour of the impressive Grand Canal, Doge’s Palace, St Mark’s Square, Basilica and bell tower, all in only 1.3 miles.

Porto, Portugal

Nestled along Portugal’s picturesque coast, Porto comes in third with its top attractions all covered by a 30-minute walking route. Meander along the Dom Luís I Bridge over the Douro River, head to the Clérigos Church Bell Tower and enjoy a riverfront walking place along the Cais da Ribeira. The Stock Exchange Palace is also just a short walk away.

Florence, Italy

Florence, Italy, secures its place as the fourth most walkable city in Europe thanks to its stunning attractions that can be seamlessly explored on foot. A 1.6 mile route covers the awe-inspiring Piazzale Michelangelo; the famous Uffizi Gallery; the Piazza del Duomo where you will be amazed at the magnificent Florence Cathedral; and the Galleria dell’Accademia, home to Michelangelo’s masterpiece, the statue of David.

1. How long is probably the walking route in Seville?

A．1.1 miles.

B．1.3 meters.

C．1.6 meters.

D．1.8 meters.

2. Which city is probably located near the sea?

A．Seville.

B．Venice.

C．Porto.

D．Florence.

3. What is the writing purpose of the text?

A．To compare the four cities.

B．To show the benefits of walking.

C．To stress the importance of traveling.

D．To attract visitors to walk in these cities.

10 . Having been born along the shores of Lake Victoria, the largest lake in Africa, Rahmina Paulette said she has witnessed firsthand the effects of climate change leading to great difficulties like drought and floods.

The 15-year-old Kenyan teenager said East Africa is highly dependent on Lake Victoria, but high pollution has led to poisoning of the water, soil erosion and health problems in people living around the lake.

As Paulette grew older, she realized she was slowly turning from being a witness to a victim of lake degradation. So, she decided to take action and save the lake in her own little way.

“Being an Indigenous person from Lake Victoria, I would like to help restore the ecosystem for my community that has an ancestral connection to the lake and also for the future generations to enjoy the cool breeze, good smells and see the biodiversity within Lake Victoria,” Paulette said.

In her efforts to end pollution in the lake, Paulette started an environmental organization called Kisumu Environmental Champions.

The young environmental champions carry out their activities during the weekends, and the group focuses on environmental conservation, climate change awareness and wildlife conservation.

The group, with about 200 members so far, has taken up the removal of the invasive plant hyacinth from the lake to make eco-friendly products. This project has earned Paulette international recognition. The group has made furniture, paper, cards, folders, document holders, bags and carton boxes from the water hyacinth.

With help from her mother, Paulette is trying to increase activities as she urges all Kenyans to incorporate eco-friendly ways in their day-to-day lives.

Apart from activists like Paulette, other organizations are casting the net wider in their attempt to save the lake. One such group is nonprofit Osienala in western Kenya. The organization has been cooperating with international partners such as those from China to save Lake Victoria.

1. What causes the problems of Lake Victoria?

A．Soil erosion.	B．Drought and flood.
C．Poisoning water.	D．Climate change and pollution.

2. What does the underlined word “degradation” in paragraph 3 probably mean?

A．Disappearance.

B．Expansion.

C．Damage.

D．Restoration.

3. How does Paulette help save Lake Victoria?

A．By planting more hyacinths.	B．By removing the hyacinths with her mother.
C．By building a factory to make products.	D．By setting up an organization.

4. What can we know about the Osienala?

A．It casts some nets over the lake.	B．It makes money while protecting the lake.
C．It seeks foreign cooperation to save the lake.	D．It’s another organization founded by Paulette.