1 . When you walk through a neighborhood, what do you see? In the United States, it will likely be a few trees and bushes among large areas of grassy lawns (草坪). These big green carpets might look pretty. But a plain expanse of grass is an ecological wasteland. It’s filled with just one type of plant — a species that doesn’t support insects, birds or other wildlife the way a natural ecosystem would.

Lawns started in England back around the Middle Ages. At that time, most people had to grow their own food.

A big expanse of grass would serve as a display of wealth; these people could afford to have land without crops.

The grasses planted back then were native to England. They grew well with that nation’s soils, ample rains and cool temperatures.

Those same grasses now cover lawns across the world, from Europe and the United States to Australia.

Although they did well in England, they’re not as well adapted to places with different climates and levels of soil nutrients.

That means it can take a lot of work to maintain these yards. People tend to add fertilizers to keep their lawns green. They water regularly, because these grass species can’t handle hot summers or places with little rain. People may even use chemicals to keep out weeds and pests.

All those activities use up or pollute much-needed fresh water. Both are problems, especially in the face of ongoing drought. Pesticides and fertilizers washed away by rain or watering can also harm the ecosystems in streams.

That’s why a growing number of people are rethinking lawns. What does that mean? Allowing a greater variety of plants and animals to thrive in these spaces could save water, experts say. It could also reduce chemical pollution. Yards planted with more diverse species could make for healthier ecosystems with more pollination and pest control. In the end, such changes should benefit people and wildlife alike.

1. Why does the author mention large grassy lawns in paragraph 1?

A．To describe their popularity.	B．To explain their waste of money.
C．To introduce their great benefits.	D．To show their lack of plant diversity.

2. What does the underlined word “that” in Paragraph 4 refer to?

A．People growing various crops on their lawns.

B．Grasses native to England spreading worldwide.

C．Grasses lacking adaptation to diverse environments.

D．Grasslands being kept to show wealth and status.

3. What do people usually do to attend to their lawns?

A．Employ chemicals to kill harmful pests.	B．Plant drought-resistant native grass.
C．Adapt the grasses to different soils.	D．Avoid using artificial fertilizers on lawns.

4. What is the author’s attitude towards making yards diverse?

A．Skeptical.

B．Surprised.

C．Dismissive.

D．Favorable.

2 . Exploring Italy’s Timeless Treasures

Italy, a country steeped in history and beauty, is home to numerous iconic landmarks that attract millions of visitors each year. Let’s start our journey to discover its most renowned attractions.

The Leaning Tower of Pisa

Constructed as a bell tower in the 12th century, it gradually leaned due to unstable ground. The sight of visitors posing to “hold up” the tower has become an iconic image, while climbing its winding stairs offers breathtaking views of the surrounding Piazza dei Miracoli.

Pompeii

Buried under volcanic ash for centuries, the ancient city of Pompeii is an extraordinary archaeological (考古的) site. Exploring its remarkably preserved ruins offers a glimpse into daily life during Roman times, making it an incredible historical destination.

The Amalfi Coast

The Amalfi Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage site, attracts the tourists with its vibrant and soft-toned Cliffside (悬崖边的) villages, such as Positano and Ravello. Visitors can taste the region’s delicious cuisine, stroll along scenic paths, and enjoy the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean.

The Colosseum

Rome’s most famous landmark, the Colosseum, is an ancient stadium that was once used for exciting fights and shows. As you step inside, imagine the cheers of the Roman crowds and marvel at the engineering marvels of the time.

Join us on this extraordinary adventure, where Italy’s rich heritage comes alive and creates memories that will last a lifetime. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to witness the splendor of these legendary sites firsthand. Book your ticket today and let the wonders of Italy charm your senses!

1. Where can tourists see well-preserved city ruins?

A．The Leaning Tower of Pisa.	B．Pompeii.
C．The Amalfi Coast.	D．The Colosseum.

2. What is the feature of the Colosseum?

A．It was a famous bell tower.	B．It is known for its leaning angle.
C．It has waters as clear as crystal.	D．It was the stage for thrilling battles.

3. Where is this passage most likely taken from?

A．A social media comment.	B．A travel brochure.
C．A historical book.	D．An academic paper

3 . Baby seabirds that have not yet hatched communicate with their siblings (兄弟姐妹) in neighbouring eggs by vibrating (震动) their shells, scientists have discovered.

A study of yellow-legged gul s revealed one of the known examples of embryonic (胚胎期的) communication. When exposed to the alarm calls of an adult bird responding to a predator (捕食者) , developing chicks apparently were able to convey the presence of danger to their nest mates by vibrating inside their eggs.

The team collected 90 yellow-legged gull eggs from Sálvora Island and sorted them into nests of three. When the eggs were six days off hatching, two of the three eggs in each nest were temporarily removed from the nest and exposed to either a recording of a predator alarm call or white noise each day until the chicks hatched. The noise was delivered four times a day at random for three minutes at a time. The third egg from each group remained in the nest.

It was found that the embryos responded to the external alarm calls by vibrating or and vocalizing (发声) less —   and that this in or matin appear d to be passed on to the third nestmate. It was seen to copy the vibrations. It also underwent genetic changes and had an increase in the production of stress hormones (荷尔蒙).

“This kind of communication — embryo to embryo — can generate developmental changes that can have potential benefits to the birds after hatching,” said Noguera, the lead author of the study.

A rise in stress hormones makes birds more aware of their surroundings after hatching. When hatched chicks were exposed to alarm sounds, it was found that those who had listened to the noises previously in the egg were quicker to run away and hide.

Noguera said the phenomenon was likely to occur in other bid species. His team now plans to investigate whether the chicks are able to pick up other clues about their external environment before hatching, such a show many other eggs are in the nest.

1. What do the un hatched birds mean to do by vibrating shells?

A．Fight with a predator.	B．Warn others of danger.
C．Play with their nest mates.	D．Seek care from adult birds.

2. What is Paragraph 3 mainly about?

A．The findings of the experiment.	B．The process of the experiment.
C．The subjects of the experiment.	D．The theoretical base of the experiment.

3. What’s the benefit of developing chicks’ sharing information?

A．It makes them mature earlier.

B．It allows them to develop physically.

C．It strengthens bonds with their siblings.

D．It helps them adapt to life after hatching.

4. What does Noguera mainly talk about concerning the research in the last paragraph?

A．Its appeal to the public.

B．Its practical application.

C．Expectations for future studies.

D．Scientists with new perspectives.

5 . 听下面一段较长对话，回答以下小题。
1. What has the city of Wenzhou managed to do recently?

A．Attract investment.

B．Become an eco-friendly city.

C．Found a hydro-electric power plant.

2. What does the man suggest doing in the end?

A．Stopping using gas.

B．Building wind power plants.

C．Raising awareness about resources.

6 . Magpies (喜鹊) can be found all over the world. The black and white birds can be seen flying over the skies of China and the UK alike. These charming birds are seemingly everywhere.

While they do span (跨越) the globe, they often share the common meaning of luck in spite of the culture everywhere they are found. In the UK, there is a poem related to what seeing a different number of magpies is supposed to mean:

One for sorrow / Two for joy / Three for a girl / Four for a boy / Five for Silver / Six for Gold / Seven for a secret never to be told.

Three and four are usually interpreted as revealing the gender of a soon-to-be-born child or possibly talking about romantic success. Five and six mean that the person is soon likely to discover wealth. Seven means that a secret will successfully be kept away from curious ears forever. They are all positive, except for the sighting of a single bird, which is supposed to be bad luck. However, there is a way of removing your sorrow. By simply saluting (敬礼) the lonely bird, you gain another dose of good luck.

There is a saying in China that goes “the singing of a magpie foretells good luck and happiness while that of a crow bad luck and misery (喜鹊报喜，乌鸦报丧)”, meaning that magpies are symbols of good luck, while crows are those of bad fortune.

In the UK, crows are also seen as a bad omen (征兆) by many people. In TV shows and films, if you see a group of crows chirping (鸣叫) with their distinctive call, the intention is to introduce an atmosphere of misery (痛苦) or death. A group of crows is also called a “murder”, bringing to mind the superstition (迷信) related to the bird.

However, such a distinction between the two animals just based on their color is maybe unfair. They belong to the same family of birds, having some of the most intelligent animals in the whole animal kingdom. And while crows have been known to use their intelligence to use tools for finding food, magpies have been known for stealing shiny objects. Maybe it’s time for cultures all over the world to rethink these birds.

1. What does seeing six magpies mean in the UK?

A．The viewer will make a fortune.

B．The viewer will have a baby girl.

C．The viewer will find romance.

D．The viewer will discover a secret.

2. How can people avoid bad luck after seeing a single magpie, according to the UK traditions?

A．By saying hello.	B．By giving it food.
C．By turning it away.	D．By showing it respect.

3. Why do some TV shows and films present crows calling?

A．To create a sad atmosphere.	B．To mourn someone who has died.
C．To signal the death of a murderer.	D．To bring back miserable memories.

4. Which of the following would the author most probably agree with?

A．Magpies are more intelligent than crows.

B．Magpies really deserve their good reputation.

C．Crows should be equally seen as a good sign.

D．People should change their opinions on these birds.

8 . 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。

Despite occupying a relatively small area, rainforests have an important role to play in maintaining the world and they are home to a rich     1     (various) of medicinal plants, birds and animals.

As the lungs of the planet, rainforests have their own perfect system,     2     ensures their own survival. The tall trees make a canopy (顶篷) of branches and leaves that protect themselves, smaller plants and the forest animals from heavy rain, intense dry heat     3     (release) from the sun and strong winds.     4     (amazing), the trees grow in such a way that their leaves and branches, although close together, never actually touch     5     of another tree. Scientists think this is a deliberate way     6    (prevent) the spread of any tree discases. The ground floor of the forest is not all twisted leaves and bushes,     7     a fairly clear land. It is where leaves transform     8     food for the trees and other forest life.

Worryingly, rainforests around the world are disappearing at     9     alarming rate. A few thousand years ago, rainforests     10     (cover) as much as 12 per cent of the land surface on Earth, but today this has fallen to less than 7 per cent.

9 . You may have noticed there’s a layer of dried autumnal leaves building up on paths and pavements across the UK, even though we’re technically still in summer and most of the country is enjoying moderate temperatures.

Normally, trees shed their leaves every autumn as a means to survive the winter. Dropping them prevents the water in the cells of the leaves from freezing as temperatures drop and means new ones can grow in their place the following year. During this process the leaves go from greens, which allow them to process sunlight for “food” during the summer, to oranges and reds as the trees store the supply for winter. This is usually caused by reducing sunlight levels as the days get shorter.

However, the changing colours of the leaves and the early leaf fall this year indicate that trees are distessed (苦恼的) following the record-breaking temperatures of July, the almost-as-hot August days, coupled with a lack of rainfall across the summer. According to Leigh Hunt, the senior horticultural adviser at the Royal Horticultural Society, trees are “shutting up shop”. He told the BBC, “It’s giving the appearance that we’re already in autumn but the days are too long for those natural autumn processes to begin.”

The shocking change in weather means many trees may end up dying. It’s not just trees that have been afected, either. Fruits and nuts are also ripening much faster due to the bizarre (异乎寻常的) climate, which means wildlife food supply could be seriously interrupted.

So, can the trees recover? Hunt told the BBC there’s a chance that trees which have only lost a few leaves, or experienced slight yellowing should recover if there is enough rainfall. But if it dries up completely, to survive through the desperate situation, some trees might end up producing more seeds to try and reproduce.

1. What is the problem of the trees in the UK this year?

A．Leaves can’t process sunlight.

B．The water in the leaves freezes.

C．Leaves turn yellow and fall early.

D．New leaves can’t grow in place.

2. What does “processes” in Paragraph 3 refer to?

A．Leaves dying and falling.	B．Trees storing supply for winter.
C．Leaves changing colours.	D．Trees processing sunlight for food.

3. Why are trees suffering this year?

A．A record-low temperature.	B．The early arrival of autumn.
C．A severe heat and drought.	D．The decreasing sunlight levels.

4. What can be inferred from the last paragraph?

A．It’s possible for trees to recover.	B．Trees become bare this year.
C．Rainfall means little to trees’ recovery.	D．Many trees have died out in the UK.

10 . On a hot summer afternoon along the Mandavi River, Shweta Hule wraps her sari around her ankles and bends to pick wild “weeds” from the river and drop them into a bowl. The plants will be made into fritters (炸果饼), to be served at the little restaurant attached to the B&B Hule manages in the Indian coastal town of Vengurla.

Wild edible (可食用的) plants are common in kitchens here. Hule’s weed is juicy, which is found in mangrove forests. Harvesting some of the plant is helping conserve the mangroves, a globally endangered ecosystem of salt-tolerant trees that stop coastal erosion (侵蚀) and absorb storm damage.

Hule is head of Swamini, a self-help group set up by nine women from a fishing community in Vengurla who started Mandavi Eco Tourism in 2017. Vengurla is known for its beautiful beaches and seafood, but the climate crisis has made fishing for a living unsustainable, so people are trying to find other sources of income. They came up with the idea of running mangrove safaris (观光游) for tourists in Vengurla’s Mandavi River.

The safaris offer visitors a unique hour-long tour of the mangroves. Food has also become a key attraction: local spicy coconut curries, with homegrown or wild vegetables. Tourists are encouraged to go crabbing, and their catch is cooked and served.

Hule only discovered recently that the weed was edible when she met tourists from another coastal city. She researched these leaves and learned that the salty plant is rich in vitamins. She made her own version of the fritters, with chickpea flour, and presented it at the wild vegetable festival. “It was an instant hit. This boosted the confidence to include these fritters in our restaurant menu,” says Hule.

Swamini’s lodging house also serves vegetarian meals and plates of fish and crab sourced from the river. “The satisfaction after the visitors enjoy our meal is the real currency. We had guests from London who were so happy with our food that they took down the recipe. Such people help our business grow. What more can we want?” says Hule.

1. Which of the following can best describe the example of Shweta Hule?

A．Do as the Romans do.

B．Strike while the iron is hot.

C．Kill two birds with one stone.

D．Bite off more than you can chew.

2. What does Swamini offer to visitors?

A．Eco-tours and accommodation.

B．Fishing guide service.

C．Vegetable growing techniques.

D．Hands-on cooking classes.

3. Why were Hule’s fritters well-received?

A．They were less expensive.

B．They were traditional.

C．They had their own features.

D．They got strongly promoted.

4. How did Hule feel about tourists’ obtaining her food recipe?

A．Lost.

B．Proud.

C．Worried.

D．Curious.