1 . The earth has many mysteries for people to explore and we live on the earth for protection. Do you know that the earth has two North Poles? There’s the geographic North Pole, which never changes. And there’s the magnetic (有磁性的) North Pole, which is always on the move. Over the past 150 years, the magnetic North Pole has casually wandered 685 miles across northern Canada. But right now it’s racing 25 miles a year to the northwest. This could be a sign that we’re about to experience something humans have never seen before: a magnetic polar flip (翻转). And when this happens, it could affect much more than just your compass.
Right now on the surface of the planet, it looks like it’s just a bar magnet. Our compasses are just pointing to one pole at a time because there’s mainly a two-pole system. But sometimes, the earth doesn’t just have a single magnetic North and South Pole. Evidence suggests that, for hundreds to thousands of years at a time, our planet has had four, six, and even eight poles. This is what has happened when the magnetic poles flipped in the past. And when it happens again, it won’t be good news for humans.
Now you might think, eight poles must be better than two. But the reality is that multiple magnetic fields would fight each other. This could weaken the earth’s protective magnetic field by up to 90% during a polar flip.
The earth’s magnetic field is what protects us from harmful space radiation which can damage cells and cause cancer. With a weaker field in place, some scientists think this could expose planes to higher levels of radiation, making flights less safe.
This could also interrupt the internal sense of direction in many animals that use the magnetic field for navigation (导航). Even worse, it could make certain places on the planet too dangerous to live in. But what exactly will take place on the surface is less clear than what will undoubtedly happen in space.
Satellites and space missions will need extra shelter that we’ll have to provide ourselves. Without it, intense universal and solar radiation will fry circuit boards and increase the risk of cancer in astronauts.
1. Which of the following can best describe the earth’s magnetic field?| A．The focus of scientific research. | B．The navigation of satellites. |
| C．The center of the universe. | D．The protective umbrella of humans. |
| A．Losing the ability to hunt for food. |
| B．Bearing very loud noise day and night. |
| C．Being unable to find directions exactly. |
| D．Being unable to protect themselves from danger. |
| A．Astronauts are more likely to suffer from cancer. |
| B．The magnetic North Pole is moving faster than before. |
| C．Flights aren’t allowed to travel as usual when the magnetic poles flip. |
| D．There are always more than two magnetic poles on the earth at a time. |
| A．What will happen when the poles flip? | B．The ways that scientists research poles |
| C．How and when will the poles flip? | D．The reasons why scientists research poles |
2 . Splash (落水声)! Did you hear that? Can you guess what it is? Can you figure it out? If you guessed the ocean, then you’re correct! I believe that my organization, Reef Check, is the most worthy of receiving the Chocolate Heart money. Do you want to know why? Well, soon you’ll find out.
First of all, Reef Check needs the money to repair and clean coral reefs (珊瑚礁) which are home to millions of sea animals. Reef Check hopes to educate the public about the value of reef ecosystems (生态系统) and the danger that sea animals and plants are facing. Based in Los Angeles, Reef Check has volunteer teams in more than 90 countries, making community volunteers, businesses, universities, and other non-profit organizations work together. It works to create a worldwide network of volunteer teams trained in Reef Check’s scientific methods that survey coral and rocky reefs and report on reef health. Also, Reef Check takes action to protect remaining ancient reefs and repair reefs in danger worldwide.
For example, imagine you are a poor sea animal, whose home just got destroyed or wasn’t clean. What would you do? What could you do? Nothing much, really. But that’s exactly Reef Check’s job! To clean and protect these homes for many sea animals!
Furthermore, in 1997, Reef Check carried out the first-ever survey of coral reef health that provided scientific evidence that our coral reefs were in danger because of overfishing, illegal fishing, and pollution. The results surprised many biologists who had not realized the seriousness of human influence on reefs. In August 2002, Reef Check presented its report, The Global Coral Reef Crisis — Trends and Solutions, at the World Summit in South Africa. The report warned that there was no reef in the world that remained untouched by human influence, such as overfishing, pollution, and climate change.
In short, everyone should have a home including animals from the sea. So don’t leave them out! Be generous and give them a home!
1. According to the passage, Reef Check is_____.| A．a team of scientists | B．a non-profit organization |
| C．an official department | D．a profitable company |
| A．Reefs are disappearing at a fast speed. | B．All sea animals are living on reefs. |
| C．Reefs are damaged or polluted by humans. | D．Reefs are protected well by governments. |
| A．Reefs facing danger. | B．Humans protecting reefs. |
| C．Sea animals living on reefs. | D．Organizations doing research. |
| A．To explain why Reef Check needs support. | B．To introduce a dangerous but important job. |
| C．To describe what Reef Check is. | D．To educate the public to care for the environment. |
My aim in life is
There is no
KV Priyesh, a fisherman,
While out on his boat in Chombala Harbor in Kerala, India, KV Priyesh noticed that his nets would pull in just as much plastic waste as they would fish. This was not only counterproductive, but it was also
“The sea is my home,”
Over time, Priyesh began collecting plastic waste each night
5 . Below are four environmental activists in the 21st century who have been using the Internet effectively to create awareness about environment related issues and launch various environmental campaigns.
Dick Strawbridge
Birthdate: September 3,1959
Birthplace: Myanmar, Burma
Dick Strawbridge is a British engineer, television personality, and former army officer. In 1993,he was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire for his service in Northern Ireland. After his military career, Strawbridge has established himself as a TV personality, appearing on several TV programs. He is popularly referred to as Colonel Dick in the media.
Jean-Michel Cousteau
Birthdate: May 6,1938
Birthplace: Toulon
He is a French environmentalist, oceanographic explorer, film producer, and educator. He is also a devoted advocate of a world without nuclear weapons. Cousteau is also credited with founding an education organization and marine conservation called Ocean Futures Society. Inspired by his documentary Voyage to Kure, President George W. Bush took measures to safeguard the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument.
Vandana Shiva
Birthdate: November 5, 1952
Birthplace: Dehradun
Indian environmental activist and physicist Vandana Shiva is known for her anti-GMO (反转基因) campaigns. She is the founder of RFSTN, which promotes sustainable agriculture, and is against globalization. She developed an interest in environmentalism after witnessing a forest at her hometown being cleared for a project.
Medha Patkar
Birthdate: December 1,1954
Birthplace: Mumbai
Medha Patkar is an Indian social activist known for her work concerning several agricultural issues raised by farmers in India. She is also known for popularizing the Narmada Bachao Andolan (NBA) movement which opposes the construction of large dams across the Narmada River. Medha Patkar is the recipient(接收者)of many awards including the Mother Teresa Award.
1. What can be known about Dick Strawbridge?| A．He once served in the army. | B．He directed many TV programs. |
| C．He established himself as a lawyer. | D．He was the oldest of the four activists. |
| A．Dick Strawbridge’s personality. | B．Medha Patkar’s NBA movement. |
| C．Vandana Shiva’s life experience. | D．Jean-Michel Cousteau’s documentary. |
| A．They object to building large dams across rivers. |
| B．They work to deal with the issues related to agriculture. |
| C．They are social activists known for anti-GMO campaigns. |
| D．They are winners of the Mother Teresa Award. |
6 . Last summer, I was sent to take photos that could communicate the urgency of climate change in northern Canada. When I arrived at an abandoned village on Resolute Bay, I scanned the shore with my camera. Suddenly, I spotted a bear lying on the ground. It didn’t move for almost an hour. But when it finally stood up, I had to catch my breath. The bear’s once strong body was just skin and bones; every step that it took was painfully slow.
When I posted the photos on social media, I wrote, “This is what starvation may look like. I wonder whether the global population of 25, 000 polar bears would die the way this bear is dying.”
I did not say that this particular bear was killed by climate change. But news organizations around the world focused on it. The first line of the story published in National Geographic read, “This is what climate change looks like” — with “climate change” highlighted in yellow. Other news agencies even adopted more dramatic headlines.
It was estimated that my photos had been read by about 2.5 billion people around the world. But there was a problem: Most people and the news agencies didn’t recognize or misunderstood the real message I tried to send with them. Many people expressed gratitude that I’d provided shocking evidence on climate change, while others who are still trying to deny the existence of climate change charged me with spreading false information.
Perhaps I had made a mistake in not telling the full story — that I was looking for pictures that might foretell the future and that I didn’t know what had happened to this particular polar bear.
I can’t say that this bear was starving because of climate change, but I am happy that my photos have moved the conversation about climate change to the forefront, where it must remain until this problem is solved.
Until then, when I come across a scene like this one, I will again share with the world — and take pains to be sure that my intention is clear.
1. How did the author feel when the bear stood up?| A．Shocked. | B．Scared. | C．Excited. | D．Relieved. |
| A．The story. | B．The photo. | C．A starving bear. | D．Climate change. |
| A．Provide more direct evidence on climate change. |
| B．Show the link between the bear and climate change. |
| C．Warn the possible results of climate change. |
| D．Expose the false information about climate change. |
| A．To admit his mistake. | B．To clarify his true intention. |
| C．To please his readers. | D．To show off his amazing trip. |
Lunch hour. Escaping from my office, I fled down Main Street in pursuit of freedom from the routine of the day. An old bell clanged(叮当作响)against the door of a dusty used bookstore when I pushed it open.
Looking through the horizon of shelves and lots of magazines, my eyes suddenly met his and my heart began to race. They were the blazing(闪烁) orange eyes of an African lion on the cover of a National Geographic magazine. I hadn’t seen those eyes in thirty years, but their impact on me hadn’t faded. As a kid I used to dream about Africa, living with wild animals.
The opportunity of spending a “gap year” volunteering in Africa or joining the Youth Corps had long since passed. Or had it? Yes, it’s true I couldn’t go to Africa for several months, but maybe I could volunteer in Africa for a few weeks.
Over the next several weeks I began to budget and save, determined to make it happen. The big day came. I arrived and met my boss, a young South African ranger(护林员)named Gary. He said, “Let me guess, you’re here because you dreamed of Africa.”
“Yes!” I smiled.
“Well it’s time to wake up. This is a working game reserve. These are wild animals.”
“Okay.”
“You’re going to have to get out of your comfort zone, take some risks, Have the courage of a lion.”
The next morning when we began our patrol(巡逻)in an open-air jeep, giant African elephants appeared in the morning mist. I was no longer dreaming in the pages of a National Geographic magazine. I was living them.
Moments later Gary parked the jeep and handed me a heavy shovel(铲子) and said, “Time to shovel dung(粪).” Elephant dung. Mountains of it. It will be used as fertilizer in the reserves sustainable vegetable garden.
Within fifteen minutes my back was aching, and my new work gloves were stretched out and so slippery with dung and sweat that they refused to stay on my hands. This wasn’t the dream of Africa I had.
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。
Paragraph 1:
I began to question myself.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Paragraph 2:
But at that moment I remembered Gary’s words “step out of your comfort zone”.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________8 . To create “Washed Up: Transforming a Trashed Landscape”. Alejandro Duran gathers plastic trash that is washed up on the beaches of Sian Karan, Mexico’s largest federally-protected reserve. The site is also a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Yet every day, plastic pollution from around the world is washed up onto its shores. These materials inspired Duran to create a series of environmental art pieces, which he re-cords with photos and videos.
Duran was born in Mexico City and is now based in Brooklyn. He said that he had been collecting materials and creating photographs for the past five years, and the work was ongoing. “The project will tell me when to stop.”
Each piece can convey a vastly different mood, from the calm greens of soda bottles to the playful rainbows of toothbrushes. “I’m making art,” said Duran. “It comes from the context and my moods. You can’t say only something dark.” The work reflects and plays with natural forms, exploring how humans influence the environment. The colorful and playful images can be much attention-grabbing. “Beauty is a hook (钩子) to attract people’s attention,” said Duran.
In addition to promoting awareness of the plastic pollution problem, Duran is also involved in educational programs and helps to organize beach clean-ups. He has also made a study of the types of products that are washed ashore in Sian Ka’an, and has identified objects from 50 different countries. Although there’s no way to know where or how these objects were dropped into the sea, their labels show the global nature of the problem.
1. What does Alejandro Duran do with the trash?| A．He moves it away. | B．He collects and burns it. |
| C．He turns it into a form of art. | D．He puts it together for people to see. |
| A．He will stop the project soon. | B．It’s hard to carry on the project. |
| C．He will go on with the project. | D．The project is important to him. |
| A．recycle the trash | B．change his career |
| C．clean up the beach | D．raise public awareness of pollution |
| A．Plastic pollution in the ocean. |
| B．An artist creating environmental art. |
| C．The global nature of the pollution problem. |
| D．Mexico’s largest federally-protected reserve. |
There is little doubt that Earth is getting warmer and warmer. In 2013, many people
Actually, news reports are
10 . Each dog is an individual and will have variances in their personality, meaning that there is no guarantee that the puppy you bring home will be a perfect fit. These are our best recommendations.
Australian Shepherd
Contrary to their name, the Australian Shepherd is actually an American kind. If you are planning to keep larger animals on your homestead, having a shepherd dog to help you control them is a must. Australian Shepherds are quick, light on their feet and highly intelligent.
This rapid intelligence also makes them excellent at trick training if you ever want to branch out and teach them to do other things.
American Labrador
Their love of the outdoors combined with their happy-go-lucky personalities makes them a great match for the homestead lifestyle, which makes them suitable for the elderly at home.
Though they have a love of chasing, Labradors make a great homestead dog as they have a very low chase drive. This means they are incredibly unlikely to chase and injure your animals.
Mastiff
Though they are not as intelligent as some of other kinds on this list, having a Mastiff on your homestead can act as a deterrent (威慑作用) for others. Providing a shelter for your mastiff-type dog to stay outside with your animals will cause any stealers to think twice before entering your property.
Great Pyrenees
Great Pyrenes have a very little desire to dig, so your vegetable patches are safe.
Equally, they have little desire to chase, and so your domestic animals are safe. Their naturally protective nature means they are happy to work as guard dogs, protecting all of them from stealers.
1. What can we know about Australian Shepherds?| A．They like the outdoors. |
| B．They are less intelligent. |
| C．They work as guard dogs. |
| D．They are good at trick training. |
| A．Australian Shepherd. |
| B．American Labrador. |
| C．Mastiff. |
| D．Great Pyrenees. |
| A．They have little desire to chase. |
| B．They love to live with other animals. |
| C．They can help protect your property. |
| D．They get protective skills from humans. |
