1 . All cats have something that makes them endearing and special, but one particular kitty from the UK has been around to stay special the longest. Meet Flossie, a black and brown kitty, was named the oldest living cat by the Guinness World Records. She was 26 years and 316 days old — for a cat, that’s equal to 120 human years — when she was awarded the title on November 10. 2022.
Flossie’s story began all the way back in 1995 when she was born as a stray in a feral colony (野外聚居地) in Liverpool. Moved by the tough conditions the kitties had to face, a group of workers decided to adopt a cat each, which is how Flossie met with her first owner. Sadly, he passed away 10 years later, but Flossie was then taken in by his sister.
The pair enjoyed 14 years together until the second owner died. After that, her son decided to take care of Flossie. Three years later, however, the third owner realized that the senior kitty had increasingly complex needs due to her age that he couldn’t fulfill, and entrusted her to a Cats Protection’s shelter, part of the UK’s largest cat welfare charity.
“It wasn’t an easy decision,” Naomi Rosling at Cats Protection told the Guinness World Records. “He sought our help when it was in Flossie’s best interests. Responsible cat ownership is when someone thinks about an animal’s needs above their feelings.”
However, that was when the organization realized what they were dealing with. “We were astonished when we saw that Flossie’s vet records showed her to be 27 years old,” Rosling said. Although at first they feared Flossie would spend her final days looking for a forever home, it didn’t take long for the loving cat to be paired with her new mom, Vicki Green, who had plenty of experience caring for older cats.
Green happily shares that despite being poorly sighted and deaf, Flossie is in good health. The sweet cat also loves taking naps on her cherished yellow blanket and “never turns her nose up at the chance of a good meal,” according to Green, who hopes this story will inspire more people to adopt senior cats.
1. Why was Flossie awarded a Guinness World Record?| A．She lives the longest time. | B．She grows the longest tail. |
| C．She owns the longest name. | D．She stays the longest in UK. |
| A．He bought her from a pet shop. | B．He kept her company for ten years. |
| C．His son took her over after he passed away. | D．He found her in good condition at first sight. |
| A．sent. | B．believed. | C．demanded. | D．appointed. |
| A．A Woman Caring for Senior Cats. | B．A Charity Concerning Cat Welfare. |
| C．A Kitty Looking for Her Proper Owner. | D．A Cat Winning the Title of Living The Longest. |
2 . Growing up, Danielle Belleny was always outdoors, picking up insects and investigating the animal world on her own. She hadn’t yet heard of wildlife biology, but that’s what she was learning about. She wanted to be a vet, a person who can treat sick or injured animals, at first. She said, “I always knew I wanted to work with animals, and as a kid，that was the only job I knew where I could do that.” But when Belleny was in college, her dad advised her to learn wildlife biology instead of veterinary.
Later, Belleny started working on research projects. One project involved placing trackers on a bird called the northern bobwhite. For another, she spent time herding goats, as a way to protect a grass habitat for endangered box turtles (龟) without hurting them.
Belleny’s working at Plateau Land &. Wildlife Management. “In the mornings, I’m usually out the door before sunrise,” she says. She surveys birds, keeping track of different species. And she searches for signs of what other animals in the area are doing. Around lunchtime, she’ll return home and write up a report. In the afternoon, she leaves for another site visit. Landowners can request her services. She advises people on how to protect the wildlife that lives on their farm. Her work takes her all around Texas.
Outside of work, young Belleny has been bird-watching for seven years. Her first book This Is a Book for People Who Love Birds was published in May, 2022. Now she’s working on a children’s book about birding, which is scheduled to come out in fall 2023. Belleny has some advice for young people thinking about careers. “Try everything you’re interested in through books and libraries. If you’re into wildlife biology, go to a library and find some field guides. After learning much information, you can do research work more easily.
1. What did Belleny want to do at the very beginning?| A．Working as a vet. | B．Protecting wildlife. |
| C．Watching birds daily. | D．Looking after goats. |
| A．Her field work. | B．Her link with animals. |
| C．Her research reports. | D．Her services to farmers. |
| A．Love nature and animals. | B．Make good use of libraries. |
| C．Write more animal books. | D．Go into biological research. |
| A．Curious minds never feel satisfied. | B．It pays off to put theory into practice. |
| C．Interest is the best teacher in your life. | D．Career choices should be made earlier. |
3 . 4 Best Hikes in the UK by Train
The following four best hikes in the UK by train are recommended to try.
Name of hike: Golden Cap on the Southwest Coast PathThe nearest train station: Axminster
The Golden Cap Estate is famous for being the tallest point of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site. Following the Southwest Coast Path for about 7. 5km will take you along Charmouth Beach which is famous for the many fossils (化石) found there.
Name of hike: Aber Falls in the Snowdonia National ParkThe nearest train station: Bangor
Aber Falls is an impressive 40m tall waterfall in the Snowdonia National Park. Following the 4km path through Aber Nature Reserve to reach the waterfall you will pass ancient woodlands. Additionally, you’ll be able to find a few smaller waterfalls on route.
Name of hike: Conic Hill in the Loch LomondThe nearest train station: Balloch
The Conic Hill is one of the final parts on the West Highland Way route. After going through ancient woodlands, you’ll reach the impressive view of Loch Lomond and its many islands. Covering about 5. 5km, the path begins and ends in the small village of Balmaha.
Name of hike: Loch an Eilein in the Cairngorms National ParkThe nearest train station: Aviemore
This 7.2 km walk passes Loch an Eilein and cuts through the endless ancient forest. The Loch is home to a small island and the beautiful Loch an Eilein Castle (城堡) which dates back to the 13th century. While walking, you can enjoy the sound of birdsong all around you.
1. Which place will you choose if you like natural heritage?| A．Aber Falls. | B．Golden Cap. |
| C．Conic Hill loop. . | D．Loch an Eilein loop. |
| A．Axminster. | B．Bangor. |
| C．Balloch. | D．Aviemore. |
| A．Ancient forest. | B．Several islands. |
| C．Famous castles. | D．Beautiful birds. |
4 . Scientists have discovered the world’s largest known field of sea grass. They did it using videos shot by some unusual helpers: tiger sharks. The work should help protect the sea grass, and also shows off a powerful way to explore the ocean.
Sea grasses are flowering plants that normally grow in shallow waters near coasts. They grow in thick fields，known as meadows(草地). Sea grass meadows help clean the ocean’s water, and provide food and shelter for many sea creatures. Sea grasses store huge amounts of carbon—the harmful pollution that’s making global warming worse. Damaging these sea grass meadows can release this pollution again,so it’s important to protect them.
From above, the meadows can be hard to spot, either because the water is too deep or not clear enough. And the ocean is so huge that it’s simply not possible to study it all by diving. So a team of scientists decided to have sharks help with the research. Tiger sharks are huge, strong, and deadly. But they also live underwater, are fast swimmers, and spend a lot of time in sea grass meadows. Between 2016 and 2020, a team of researchers attached cameras and other trackers to the fins (鳍) of seven tiger sharks. After catching the sharks, the scientists worked quickly to attach the equipment, and then let them go again.
The scientists have learned that the waters around the Bahamas are home to the largest sea grass meadow ever discovered and that the world has roughly 40% more sea grass meadows than they previously thought.
The programme shows how useful large underwater animals can be in helping to learn more about life under the sea. Oliver Ship ley is a scientist at Beneath the Waves,which led the work. He says animals like tiger sharks “...are going to take us to new places that we didn’t know existed.”
1. What can be known about sea grasses in Paragraph 2?| A．They help fight global warming. | B．They need to be removed regularly. |
| C．They mainly live on sea creatures. | D．They grow in deep waters of the ocean. |
| A．They are sensitive to sea grasses. | B．Cameras are easily fixed on them. |
| C．They are the most faithful sea animals. | D．They spend much time in sea grass meadows. |
| A．They are dangerous. | B．They are adorable. |
| C．They are helpful. | D．They are smart. |
| A．Many new places in the ocean need exploring. |
| B．Sharks help discover world’s largest sea grass meadow. |
| C．Scientists have found a powerful way to protect the ocean. |
| D．Large underwater animals contribute a lot to the ocean. |
5 . A “secretive” new species of frog has been discovered on the forest floor in India’s Western Ghat mountain range. Named the starry dwarf frog after the markings on its dark brown back, it is just 2 centimeters long.
The frog, whose closest relatives are a group of species native to India and Sri Linka, is the only member of an ancient lineage (血统)dating back to millions of years ago, according to researchers from India and the US. It is unclear whether the species is descended from African or Asian frogs.
A group of Indian and US researchers first came across the local species hidden in leaf-litter as part of a wider project to look for new frogs, lizards and snakes in the richly biodiverse region and stored it in a jar for later study. Genetic testing and a closer look at its shape, colouring and other features has shown that it doesn’t match any existing species.Kartik Shanker of the Indian Institute of Science, who helped design the study, says while it is common to find new frogs in India, this one needs to be noticed. “This particular species not just is a new species, but also belongs to a new genus (属), and that makes it a little more special,” says Shanker.
The number of known species of frog identified in India has climbed from around 200 to above 400 over the past two decades. While many species new to science are frequently immediately sorted as endangered, it is too early to say whether the starry dwarf frog is threatened. “They are very secretive,” says Shanker, adding that the team didn’t know the size of its population. The frog is active at night and lives near water.
Habitat loss is a serious risk to frogs in tropical forests around the world, alongside threats such as a deadly fungus(真菌)that has been killing off amphibians(两栖动物)for the past four decades. But the new species was found in a reserved forest, meaning it will enjoy a degree of protection by Indian government agencies.
1. What can we learn from paragraph 3?| A．The species was discovered by tourists. |
| B．The species was found in a rich region. |
| C．The species was finally set free. |
| D．The species was further studied. |
| A．It is in small quantities. |
| B．It is an endangered species. |
| C．It is well worth attention. |
| D．It is related to African or Asian frogs. |
| A．Habitat loss is the chief threat to frogs. |
| B．The new species may face less dangers. |
| C．Tropical forests in India are all under protection. |
| D．The Indian government determines to save frogs. |
| A．A rare frog species protected in India |
| B．A rise in species of frog seen in India |
| C．A secretive frog species discovered in India |
| D．A risk of habitat loss for frogs removed in India |
6 . Spectacular Waterfalls in the World
Victoria Falls, Zambia and Zimbabwe
They are accessible via the Western Zimbabwe town of the same name. Though technically not the tallest (107 meters), Victoria Falls is commonly known as the largest for its rapidly falling water. Summers can be hot and too dry to see the falls in full form, making the best views between March and August.
Iguazu Falls, Argentina and Brazil
Though Iguazu is only 82 meters tall, its curtain of water extends for over 1,600 meters. But if two stamps in your passport aren’t enough of a reason, these Falls are also considered the largest waterfall system in the world. The temperate year-round weather around Iguazu Falls only adds to its popularity.
Niagara Falls, New York and Ontario
The falls are impressively high at 99 meters but equally impressively long, stretching on for what feels like forever. While the Canadian side boasts a touristy town to spend the weekend, the American side trades mostly in natural views. For blue skies and high waterfall rainbow visibility opportunity, visit in summer. And while those making the trip in the winter shouldn’t expect the falls to freeze, they should bundle up or risk freezing themselves.
The Detian Falls, China and Vietnam
The Detian Falls is located in Daxin County of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, crossing the Sino-Vietnamese border. The roaring waterfall is separated into three-tiered falls by rocks and trees, dropping more than 70 meters. It has a maximum width of 200 meters. The waterfall is the largest naturally formed falls in Southeast Asia and has been identified as a top tourist destination.
1. Which is the tallest of the following waterfalls?| A．Victoria Falls | B．Iguazu Falls | C．Niagara Falls | D．The Detian Falls |
| A．They stretch in two countries. | B．They show good view in July. |
| C．They are over 100 meters in width. | D．They have mild year-round weather. |
| A．The freezing falls in winter | B．The town appealing to tourists. |
| C．The visible high waterfall rainbow. | D．The equally long and high waterfall. |
7 . Best places to see wildlife in Canada
Whether you’re keen to see the mysterious spirit bears or listen to the songs of beluga whales, Canada’s varied landform offers dozens of wildlife adventures that are bound to impress you. So grab your camera and set out for a few of the best places to see Canada’s incredible wildlife.
Search for the mysterious spirit bears in the Great Bear Rainforest,British Columbia
Spirit bears are one of the most special animals found in Canada.They are a rare species protected by Canada and can only be found in the Great Bear Rainforest. which is a remote protected area mainly accessible by boat.
Listen to beluga whales sing in Churchill,Manitoba
About 136,000 beluga whales can be found here in Canadian waters in the summer.They are white in color and are nicknamed the“canaries(金丝雀)of the sea”thanks to the sounds they make, which are used to navigate.
Spot a moose (麇鹿) or two at Algonquin Provincial Park, Ontario
The moose are one of the most-loved species in Canada,but are surprisingly difficult to find in the wild. If you have your heart set on seeing a moose or two,head to Algonquin provincial Park in Ontario, where you might catch sight of them at dusk or dawn, especially in the spring.
Witness the monarch butterfly migration at Point Pelee National Park,Ontario
Every year thousands of monarch butterflies migrate from Canada to Mexico,where the spend the winter. One of the main points of this migration route is Point Pelee National Park in Ontario. Head there just before sunset or early in the morning for the best views
1. Which species is unique to Canada?| A．Spirit bears. | B．Beluga whales. |
| C．Moose. | D．Monarch butterflies. |
| A．At dusk in the winter. |
| B．At dawn in the spring. |
| C．At midday in the autumn. |
| D．After sunset in the summer. |
| A．Churchill, Manitoba, |
| B．Algonquin Provincial Park,Ontario. |
| C．Point Pelee National Park,Ontario. |
| D．The Great Bear Rainforest,British Columbia. |
It was a lovely spring morning in the mountains of my home. Here was full of natural atmosphere. The sky was blue, the sun was warm, and the air was fresh. As driving along the winding road, I could see thousands of wild flowers in bloom. When I turned round, I slowed down as I saw some volunteers picking up garbage along the side of the road. I just smiled as I saw them doing some cleaning in spring for Mother Earth and my mind suddenly floated back in time to another spring morning long ago.
When my children were younger, I used to walk along a small route around the lake near my home. It was also on a spring morning that I noticed much garbage lying along the route. The next day, I brought a big garbage bag and started to slowly pick up the garbage along my way. All kinds of deserted objects lay all over the floor. There were pop cans, plastic water bottles, wrappers for candy bars, empty chip bags, pieces of broken fishing line and even an old shoe. Every time I stopped, I picked up a piece of garbage. And I even fished some garbage out of the edge of the water. By the time I circled the lake, the garbage bag had been nearly full.
Tired but happy, I put the bag in an empty garbage can. I stopped before I headed home and took one last look at the lake as the sun set. It looked more beautiful than ever and I felt like the angels were looking down upon it with me and sharing my smiles.
I always think that at times this world’s problems can seem overwhelming and you may wonder what you can do to make a difference. But the truth is that every good thing you do matters a lot! I do believe every time I stop to pick up a single piece of garbage, I can make a difference. As my children are adults now, I decide to spend more time protecting the environment.
注意：1.续写词数应为150左右；2.请按如下格式在答题卡的相应位置作答。
I begin to encourage others to develop the environmental awareness.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Many days have passed, and the surroundings have improved a lot.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________9 . Elephant lover Sun Xiao wrote a children’s book Samburu, I’m Back, which is a way for Sun to explain knowledge about the elephants themselves. The book was published last year and became bestsellers.
Sun says he has loved animals since childhood.
Sun is a witness to the story told in his book Samburu, I'm Back. He was, at the time, in Kenya working for Save the Elephants, a UK-registered charity based in Nairobi. In Kenya, he and his peers found two baby elephants heading toward the dangerous area where their mother was killed.
Sun stayed in Kenya with the STE for three months to watch elephants closely for his research.
| A．Sun has devoted himself to help elephants. |
| B．Sun even created a blind elephant in the story. |
| C．They tried to change their course but failed many times. |
| D．Every day he would go to the wild to observe the elephants. |
| E．His connection with elephants started on a late night in 2011. |
| F．It’s a long-term project and a lifelong career he will never quit. |
| G．Sun has received a great deal of positive feedback from his readers. |
1. What is mainly talked about in the programme?
| A．How to purchase healthy goldfish. |
| B．How to keep goldfish scientifically. |
| C．How to choose goldfish containers. |
| A．Feed them as much as possible. |
| B．Complete water changes are need. |
| C．Decorate the tank with smooth objects. |
| A．Two. | B．Three. | C．Four. |
