1 . The Atacama Desert in northern Chile stretches from the Pacific to the Andes across an expanse of red-orange rock mountains and peaks. It’s a dream destination for tourists. But the Atacama Desert is also one of the world’s fast-growing dumps (垃圾场) of abandoned clothes. The scene in northern Chile has been shown in one online video-large amounts of abandoned clothes stretch as far as the eye can see.
Chile is home to one of South America’s largest duty-free ports-located in the coastal city of Iquique. The duty-free port was established in 1975 to help generate jobs and improve local economy. As fast fashion exploded, so did imports. Millions of tons of clothes arrive annually from all over the world.
“The free zone was a ’true transformation’ for the city’s residents,” says Bernardo Guerrero, a sociologist that studies Iquique’s history and culture. “They suddenly had access to things they could never have imagined.” Clothing began washing in and out of Iquique like waves as global fashions changed. Guerrero recalls a time when almost everybody in the city wore the same style of puffer jacket.
The free zone has also developed into a sorting site for abandoned clothes. Mehmet Yildiz, who operates a clothing import business, brings in clothes from the United States and Europe. Once the clothes reach Iquique, workers separate them into four categories according to quality. Yildiz then exports the best to other countries for resale. Clothing that the importers don’t want will be delivered a few miles outside Alto Hospicio, where it goes through another cycle of sorting and resale in street markets. Clothing that doesn’t sell at the market is sent to the desert, and much of it is made from materials that won’t biodegrade (生物降解).
As helpful as resale markets might have been in an earlier era, they’ve been flooded with the large amounts of the mounting discards. New efforts, large and small, are under way to deal with clothing waste, and attention to the mess in the desert may inspire additional projects.
1. What does the online video show about the Atacama Desert?A.Its large area. | B.Its considerable fame. |
C.Its natural beauty. | D.Its endless waste. |
A.It brought about disasters to Iquique. | B.It changed local people’s life rapidly. |
C.It created lots of jobs for local people. | D.It was affected by the history of Iquique. |
A.They are made in Iquique. | B.They are of excellent quality. |
C.They may harm the environment. | D.They boost local economy greatly. |
A.Things thrown away. | B.Clothes out of fashion. |
C.Markets out of business. | D.Deserts occupied by waste. |
A. alternative B. astonishing C. computerized D. contribution E. developing F. rate G. modified H. perfect I. reject J. relevance K. sufficient |
Using animals to test drugs intended for humans is controversial, with critics arguing there are other ways to ensure new medicines are safe and effective. But the scientists who carry out the research say animal studies remain necessary. Statistics indicate that in the UK around three million mice are being used for research and tens of millions worldwide.
Despite the difference in appearances, the genetic similarities with humans are
Animal Defenders International (ADI) is one of the groups that campaigns for an end to the use of animals in research. “We would argue that it is extremely outdated, and not very good science for humans,” says Fleur Dawes of ADI. Ms. Dawes believes the suffering that the animals go through does not legalize their
However, Dr. Wells from Mary Lyon Centre (MLC) says they are constantly trying to
If we
Fleur Dawes agrees one alternative is not enough. But she says, “By combining the different alternatives, you can actually get a much better picture that is of much better
Animal-rights activists often complain that cute beasts get more sympathy than ugly ones. If so, one would think a lovely creature like the mink (貂) would be easy to protect. Yet in the Netherlands, mink is the only animal
Dutch farmers normally raised about 2.5 million minks a year,
That was a win for the Netherland’s Party for the Animals, which has four seats in the 150-member parliament. In 2013,
Fur farmers say modern standards allow minks to be raised humanely, and
“A decade-long moratorium (中止) on fishing was imposed on the country's longest river in 2021
In
Ma Youxiang, a vice-minister of agriculture and rural affairs, told the news conference,
“
Ministry of Public Security data show it has solved more than 20,000 cases
5 . For uncounted generations, trillions of coral polyps (珊瑚虫) have lived and died, leaving behind a material called limestone. Throughout History, limestone was used to construct the Great Pyramid of Egypt, as well as many churches and castles.
Indeed, a living coral reef is remarkable, a “city beneath the sea” filled with a rich variety of life. Most coral reefs can be found in warm, shallow oceans. They occupy just a small part of the ocean floor, but host 25 percent of all ocean life. Each reef is full of colorful fish as well as coral that forms wonderful patterns. In addition to their beauty, the reefs are an important food source for fish, and for. humans.
Threats to coral reefs
Reasons for hope
These threats to coral reefs are very serious, but there is reason to hope that they will survive. If we take steps toward coral reef conservation, it is likely that these tiny creatures — which survived natural threats for millions of years — will be able to rebuild. As conservationist Robert Richmond says, “
A.A diversity of life |
B.A city above the sea |
C.Given a chance, they can come back |
D.Yet the greatest limestone structures in the world are built underwater |
E.Various human activities can cause great harm to the world’s coral reefs |
F.As a result, the fish became stunned, which makes them easy to collet. |
G.This kills most living things nearby and causes damage to the reef’s structure |
6 . Have you ever paid attention to the color of the airplane seats? They’re almost always blue and there are very few exceptions to this rule. Some people think it reminds us of the sky. But the explanation isn’t that simple!
It is calming.
Color psychology plays an important role in selecting the fabric for airplane seats. “The idea is to help passengers feel at home, with relaxing colors and restful designs,” explained Shelly Zundell in a Boeing press release.
In a study reported by Popular Science, 48 percent of participants thought soda in a blue glass was more thirst-quenching (解渴的) than that served in glasses of other colors, probably because they connected blue with cold. Colors such as red and orange can make people feel warmer. Although it’s not unheard of, red is a less common color for airplane seats.
It is a universally well-liked color.
The right shade hides stains (污渍) well.
Dark blue seats are also just practical. Imagine how many people sit in them per day.
Darker shades are better at hiding stains and don’t show their wear as easily. Those dark blue seats will look fresher and newer for longer.
A.It physically feels cooler. |
B.It reflects a cool professionalism. |
C.But is there any other explanation? |
D.And who knows what gets spilled on them? |
E.People often connect certain colors with certain feelings. |
F.Feeling hot when you board an airplane is good for no one. |
G.It’s hard to find someone who has strong feelings against the color blue. |
7 . The sun near the equator is never-ceasing, bearing down as I lead Elaine, a dark brown horse, through thick bushes. It’s been a long day on horseback. My legs ache and our camp signals across a ridge of ancient folding hills in the Lolldaiga Range of northern Kenya, a mosaic (马赛克) of twisted landscapes and communities.
Suddenly Elaine’s ears flick into alert, and the muscles of her body tense beneath me. Our guide Nicholus stretches out a lean arm toward a bush just meters away. My eyes focus, trying my best to see what the others already have: two amber balls glowing from a shadowed form. It’s a young lion, quick and strong, in the middle of the high grass.
A wild silence hangs between us.
Without the defensive hunting vehicle, I feel completely exposed. Peering into the bush, I’m suspended between wonder and terror, the distance between myself and the Savannah’s most notorious hunter unbelievably small. Usually, I’m the one tracking the lion, camera in hand. Now, the lion shifts in my consciousness from object to subject. I shift, too, strongly aware of the soft flesh of my own body.
Nicholus nods his head in the other direction, a safer distance away. He points to shallow holes in the dust. “Look, this is a big lion, and these are young ones, some cubs,” he says. “Probably a mother.” Pawprints marked the earth, each telling the story of more lions, moving in different directions.
It was time to go.
Horseback safaris are still the most immersive way to view wildlife in Kenya. To journey on horseback is to break down the walls — meant to protect, but also to separate us from the natural world. And as we’re absorbed in the thrill of the experience, we’re vividly reminded of the importance of protecting these wild spaces.
Out here your horse is your translator, responding to the low hiss of a leopard, the soft scent of an elephant herd, the cool morning breeze descending from Mount Kenya’s glacial peaks. Your job is to learn how to listen.
1. Which words can NOT describe my horseback journey?A.Thrilling. | B.Tiring. | C.Breathtaking. | D.Boring. |
A.I regretted not having driven a vehicle. |
B.I felt extremely tense in case of lions’ attack. |
C.There will be a big battle between lions and us. |
D.It was out of my expectation to break into a lion’s world. |
A.Horses are much cheaper than vehicles. |
B.Visitors will experience the wildlife anytime. |
C.It is a safe and exciting way to enjoy the wildlife. |
D.It offers a chance to reconsider the connection between humans and wildlife. |
A.Find more animals to feed. | B.Ask your horse for translation. |
C.Feel nature with your heart. | D.Listen to the sound of every animal. |
8 . 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. |
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. |
A.Substance. | B.Departure. | C.Occupation. | D.Intervention. |
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. |
1. 演练目的及经过;2. 活动反响。
注意:1. 词数100左右;
2. 请按如下格式在答题卡的相应位置作答。
An Earthquake Drill
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________10 . 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. |
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. |
A.Suspicious. | B.Favorable. | C.Indifferent. | D.Objective. |
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. |