1 . “You can get a kitten,” I promised my daughter Cali after her father and I divorced (离婚). After _________ in our new apartment, we headed to North Bay Animal Services.

One orange-and-white kitten drew Cali’s _________.

“_________, we’ve got two of those,” said the attendant. “They are _________, Caramel and Butter.”

“Can we take them both?” Cali _________.

“We have to follow the _________ of our new apartment,” I said. “Only one cat, remember?”

“I know,” Cali _________.

We brought Caramel home. Caramel seemed _________ without his twin and Cali cried for it. Two weeks later we drove back to the _________, hoping our landlord wouldn’t realize there were two of them because they looked __________.

However, we were told Butter was __________ four days ago.

Two years later I had a new boyfriend Brain. The first time I went to his home, I saw a flash of orange and white. Caramel? I thought, __________.

“That’s my daughter’s cat Butter,” Brian said.

After comparing the adoption papers, I __________ Butter was Caramel’s twin!

“They might not __________ each other after two years,” Brian said. But when brought together, Caramel and Butter nuzzled (依偎) each other with __________.

Today Caramel and his brother are inseparable. As are Brian and I, and our daughters after our marriage.

1.

A．cooling down

B．lying down

C．settling down

D．slowing down

2.

A．expectation

B．attention

C．strength

D．response

3.

A．Instantly

B．Merely

C．Roughly

D．Actually

4.

A．sisters

B．partners

C．twins

D．neighbors

5.

A．doubted

B．demanded

C．opposed

D．begged

6.

A．rules

B．strategies

C．theories

D．concepts

7.

A．relieved

B．sighed

C．wondered

D．resisted

8.

A．hesitant

B．energetic

C．distant

D．lonely

9.

A．shelter

B．hospital

C．apartment

D．nursery

10.

A．familiar

B．ordinary

C．identical

D．common

11.

A．sold

B．adopted

C．attacked

D．stolen

12.

A．amused

B．shocked

C．ashamed

D．satisfied

13.

A．interpreted

B．defended

C．exposed

D．confirmed

14.

A．approve

B．contact

C．remember

D．distinguish

15.

A．affection

B．concentration

C．ease

D．courage

2 . Cats and many other animals, including most dogs, can reflect light from their eyes. That’s why cats’ eyes will usually shine brightly in photos taken in a dimly lit room or glow when lightened in the dark by a flashlight or a car’s headlights.

Species whose eyes glow have evolved to see better in low light because they either forage or need to look out for predators (天敌) throughout the night, or they do most of their hunting at dawn and dusk. In fact, domesticated cats can see in conditions that are only 16% as bright as what people require.

Cats accomplish this because their pupils (瞳孔) — the openings that appear black in the middle of their eyes that widen and narrow in response to light conditions—are special. Pupils operate like windows, with bigger ones letting more light into the eye. And a cat’s pupils can become up to 50% larger than human pupils in dim light. They also have a higher number of a specific type of light-sensing cell in the back of their eyes than we do. These cells, called rods (杆细胞), catch low-level light. In addition to having large pupils and lots of rods, cats have something people don’t: a tapetum lucidum (荧光膜), a Latin medical term that translates to “bright or shining tapestry”. The tapetum lucidum is also known as “eyeshine”.

It’s located in the back of the eye behind the retina (视网膜) — a thin layer of tissue that receives light, converts the light to an electrical signal and sends this signal to the brain to interpret the image．

A cat’s tapetum lucidum is made up of cells with crystals that, like a mirror, reflect light back to the retina. This gives the retina a second chance to absorb more light.

In cats, the tapetum most often glows yellow-green or yellow-orange, but the color varies, just like their irises (虹膜) — the colorful part of their eye, which can be green, yellow, blue or golden. Variation in tapetum color is not unique to cats and can be found in lots of species.

1. The underlined word “forage” in Paragraph 2 can be replaced by “______”.

A．perceive	B．hunt
C．sign	D．assess

2. According to the passage, a cat’s pupils ______.

A．can reflect lights	B．can absorb more light
C．can widen and narrow	D．can convert light to a signal

3. What’s the best title for the text?

A．How do Cats’ Pupils Work?

B．How do Cats’ Eyes Reflect Light?

C．Why do Cats’ Pupils Appear Black?

D．Why do Cats’ Eyes Glow in the Dark?

4. We can probably find this passage in ______.

A．a travel journal	B．a science magazine
C．a technology report	D．an admission guide

3 . 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。

A collection of tombs dating from the Han Dynasty to the Six Dynasties period were discovered in Wulong District of Southwest China’s Chongqing. The tomb dating back     1     the Western Han Dynasty was the most important among them, and more than 600 precious     2     (culture) relics such as lacquerware (漆器), wood ware, bamboo ware, pottery and bronze ware were unearthed from it. Due to     3     (fill) with water, the tomb remained undisturbed and unharmed, and the funerary objects were well-preserved.

What is exciting about this     4     (discover) is not just the large number of unearthed artifacts but also the list of burial items that indicate a precise record of burial,     5     has been verified as 193 BC,     6     (provide) clarity on the tomb’s date. A piece of unearthed jade ware shows the important position of the tomb owner. The list of burial items found in the tomb is complete and     7     (clear) records the name, quantity and size of the funerary objects.

The tomb     8     (contain) the largest quantity of lacquered wood and bamboo ware ever found at one time in the upper     9     (reach) of the Yangtze River. Based on publicly available information, it is also the earliest tomb of the Western Han Dynasty found in China with     10     clear recorded year.

4 . When trash sculptor Stephanie Hongo meets friends for drinks or dinner, it’s not unusual for one of them to hand her shopping bags full of lids, empty soap bottles, and even a Barbie leg or two. By now, she’s used to neighbors, friends and even strangers giving her their recyclable rejects.

But Hongo doesn’t need any more garbage. She has a large collection of her own at home. “You don’t need to be a trash picker to do this,” she says. “Trash is everywhere.” And for Hongo, where there is trash, there is art. Since 2017, Hongo has crafted complex sea creatures, realistic-looking jungle animals and other creatures out of everything from plastic forks to plastic tubing as well as a hair dryer, a purse, a tooth brush, and even a hair straightener.

Starting with her first piece—a blue deer named Yandoo that she fashioned out of odds and ends laying around her flat, which she screwed together and spray painted in a makeshift basement art studio—she’s gone on to create more than 160 trash sculptures.

“I feel very fortunate,” says Hongo, who loves making a living as an artist. “I care about our environment. The upcycling aspect of it is a lovely byproduct.” Though she doesn’t consider herself a true eco-artist, she hopes she’s inspiring others to reuse items that usually end up in landfills. But for her, she says, “The art comes first.”

Before starting each project, Hongo figures out exactly what pieces of scrap (废旧的) metal, tubing and plastics she’ll need to transform the pile of junk on her worktable into something fantastic, like a majestic octopus (章鱼) rocketing through the coral or a cute koala hugging a tree.

Since her funky creations sell on line at prices starting at $400, she’s been fortunate enough to make trash sculpting her full-time career. “It’s so much more than I ever expected,” she says.

1. Why does Hongo say “You don’t need to be a trash picker to do this”?

A．Because it is hard to pick trash.

B．Because there is trash everywhere.

C．Because her friends give her enough.

D．Because she has a large collection of trash.

2. What does Hongo expect others to learn from her art form?

A．To enjoy art.	B．To collect trash.
C．To trash sculptures.	D．To recycle waste.

3. What does Hongo do before starting each project?

A．Find enough fantastic shapes to copy.

B．Put away the things on her works.

C．Make out what materials suit her works.

D．Figure out what her pile of junk is made of.

4. Which of the following can best describe Hongo?

A．Creative and inspiring.	B．Diligent and practical.
C．Helpful and generous.	D．Humorous and determined.

5 . Successful wildlife conservation goes hand in hand with community education and engagement. Volunteers work with community leaders and schools to share their passion for conservation and the environment.

Rhino Conservation in Zimbabwe

The project is home to an internationally renowned Black Rhino Breeding and Release Programme which has supported Zimbabwe’s rhino population since the mid 1980s. To date, 20 rhinos have been born at the conservancy, with 12 rhinos successfully released back into the wild. Volunteers play a role in securing the future of this once-again endangered animal, working alongside anti-poaching rangers (反偷猎护林员), working on rhino research projects and getting involved in the daily care of both black and white rhino.

Our Rhino Conservation Programme is a unique hands-on opportunity to get behind the scenes and experience day-to-day life on a private conservancy, and be involved with the protection and conservation of Zimbabwe’s endangered black rhino.

The aim of the programme is to assist the reserve’s established Black Rhino Breeding and Release Programme, collect meaningful data and information relating to rhino and wildlife conservation and animal behaviour, and engage with the local community about wildlife conservation.

Cheetah (猎豹) Conservation

In 2021, two captive-born male cheetah were introduced to the conservancy as part of an international rewilding programme. The cheetah are now free-wandering in the reserve, and volunteers play an important role in monitoring and observing their behaviour, tracking their movements and recording their hunting rate.

Volunteer Work

Volunteers contribute to a long-term conservation project and get involved with a variety of conservation activities:

·Work alongside rhinos, cheetah and elephants

·Conservancy management

·Wildlife monitoring

·Anti-poaching patrols and snare sweeps

·Educate school-children about conservation, wildlife and the environment

·Learn about what is involved in running a conservancy

1. What can we say about Black Rhino Breeding and Release Programme?

A．Its work pays off.	B．It is limited to Zimbabwe.
C．It is home to two cheetah.	D．It has a history of 50 years.

2. What should be recorded about the cheetah?

A．Their birth rate.	B．Their hunting rate.
C．Their area of activity.	D．Their sleep schedule.

3. Who are likely to apply for the volunteer work?

A．Those who live outside Zimbabwe.

B．Those who prefer to work at home.

C．Those who like engaging with animals.

D．Those who would like to make a fortune.

6 . 阅读下面材料，根据其内容和所给段落开头语续写两段，使之构成一篇完整的短文。

As The Jungle Book song Bear Necessities goes, “forget about your worries and your conflict” can be a little bit difficult when you find yourself face to face with a real bear.

Bears are common in the Northern Hemisphere. As human habitats stretch toward the wilderness, more and more animals cross their paths with those of humans. This can lead to dangerous encounters especially when precautions are not in place. In these situations, keeping your distance is still the best advice.

According to the National Park Service, one should also remain calm as bears, more often than not, are not really willing to attack you. Once in a standoff (对峙), avoid making sudden moves or loud noises as these can trigger aggression. 7-year-old Huxley did exactly what he was told when he encountered a massive bear.

It was a Sunny morning. Huxley was wandering on his way home when a big hulking (笨重的) figure emerges from behind him. A hurried glance backward, he knew it was a black bear. The bear approached cautiously at first, probably sizing up the figure in front of him. A second later, perhaps judging that Huxley was no match for it, the bear burst into a full sprint (冲刺) and ran its way toward the boy.

At first, Huxley was really frightened. However, he knew it was impossible to run or fight with the big beast. In the moment of crisis, he remembered his mother reminds him regularly about these possible encounters. She tells him that if Huxley finds himself face to face with a bear and there are no adults around, he should remain calm.

Huxley calmed down at thinking of this. He stared at the bear down without any movement. This might have been the reason why the young bear stopped dead in its tracks. They faced each other motionless, and there was only a foot distance between them.

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。

From around the corner, a neighbor hurriedly walked to the scene.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The neighbor continued to pressure the bear while the animal tried its best to find an escape route.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

7 . Scientists are worried about the future of the axolotl, an unusual Mexican salamander (蝾螈), and they’re asking for help. A new program lets people “adopt” an axolotl to raise money to support efforts to save the endangered animal.

The axolotl is a strange, but amazing animal, with a long body, short legs, and a long tail. Its body is covered with smooth, slimy skin. Axolotls are famous for their ability to cure themselves. If an axolotl loses a leg, or even part of its heart, brain, or lungs, it can regrow them. Scientists have long been interested in how the axolotl does this. Some people think the information could help solve some human medical problems.

Sadly, axolotls are in trouble. The number of axolotls in Mexico has dropped 99.5% in less than 20 years. There are a number of reasons for the drop in axolotls. One is that the water in the lakes has become more and more polluted. Another is that there are invasive (入侵的) fish in the lakes which are eating the axolotls’ food, and even their babies.

Scientists at Mexico’s National Autonomous University (UNAM) have been working for years to try to protect the axolotls. Last year, the UNAM scientists started a program they called “AdoptAxolotl”. They asked people to donate money to help pay for efforts to save the axolotls. The program was a big hit, and raised more than $26,000. The money was used to help clean up some of Mexican lakes and for a program to raise axolotls in a safe environment. Besides, people were encouraged to pay $30 to virtually (虚拟的) “adopt” one of the animals for a month or pay for food for an axolotl.

1. What do we know about the axolotls from paragraph 2?

A．They can live without hearts or lungs.

B．They have short bodies and long legs.

C．They can solve some human problems.

D．They have the ability to cure themselves.

2. What has caused the drop of the axolotls’ population?

A．Water pollution.

B．Habitat loss.

C．Invasive disease.

D．Serious overfishing.

3. What do the underlined words “a big hit” most probably mean?

A．A great success.

B．A big mistake.

C．A complete failure.

D．A total imagination.

4. Why did the UNAM scientists start the “AdoptAxolotl” program?

A．To let people clean up Mexican lakes.

B．To get money for scientists’ own projects.

C．To raise money to help axolotls live better.

D．To encourage people to take axolotls home.

8 . How to Prepare for an Earthquake

An earthquake can be a very destructive natural disaster, particularly in the Pacific Rim region. After an earthquake, your home may be a mess and you might be left without a water supply or power.     1     By doing so, you may minimize the damage and injury in and around your home.

· Create a disaster plan.

Form your plan and know what to do before the earthquake happens.     2     The most important first step is understanding what to do when an earthquake hits.

    3    

In a real earthquake, this is your number one defense. Drop to the floor, take cover under a firm desk or table and hold on firmly. Namely, drop and cover your head from falling objects. Stay there until the shaking stops.

·Learn basic first aid.

There are resources in your community to educate people on how to deal with first aid emergencies.     4    

·Write down and share emergency contact lists.

This should include everyone in your home, office, etc.     5     In addition to normal contact information, ask each person to provide an emergency contact as well.

A．Stay away from the shaking house.

B．Practice “drop, cover and hold on”.

C．Then go over your plan on a regular basis.

D．Therefore, you can turn to your family for help.

E．You need to know how to get in touch with them.

F．There are several things you can do to prepare for an earthquake.

G．For example, your local Red Cross has classes teaching you the basic skills.

9 . 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。

For centuries, West Lake has been well-known both for its landscape and for cultural heritage surviving yet illustrating the past dynasties. In ancient times, it     1     (call) Wulin Waters, Golden Buffalo Lake, Qiantang Lake and Xizi Lake. The landscape area of West Lake includes the     2     (surround) hills, nearby historical sites as well as the lake     3     (it). West Lake covers approximately 60 square kilometers,     4     consists of 5.68 square kilometers of water area. West Lake is the centerpiece of the natural fascination with hills on three sides, quiet     5     charming.

Besides its impressive scenery, West Lake has abundant cultural heritage and legends     6     (pass) down from generation to generation, combining natural     7     (feature), past personages (名人), history and art in the local area. More than ninety theme parks and scenic spots dot around the lake area such as the Ten Views and some     8     (new) named tourist spots. West Lake holds great     9     (attract) for tourists in all seasons whether it rains or shines. In the whole landscape area, there are more than one hundred scenic spots open     10     the tourists at present. Each year there are 0.5 million of foreign guests and 12 million domestic visitors coming to West Lake.

10 . Habitat improvement and a series of protective measures have played a crucial role in the rise of the population of Yunnan snub-nosed monkeys(滇金丝猴) , one of the planet’s most endangered animals.

The Yunnan snub-nosed monkey, also known as the black-and-white snub-nosed monkey, lives in high-altitude areas at more than 3,000 meters above sea level in Southwest China’s Yunnan province and the neighboring Xizang autonomous region. About 65 percent of its population inhabits the Baima Snow Mountain National Nature Reserve.

“Currently, the reserve is home to about 3,000 Yunnan snub-nosed monkeys,” said Lai Jiandong, head of the Wildlife Protection Station at the Baima reserve. When the reserve was first established in 1983, however, the population numbered a mere 800.

Lai stresses the continuous enhancement of management levels within the Baima reserve, including the adoption of cutting-edge technologies for monitoring and protecting not only the snub-nosed monkeys but also other endangered wildlife species.

“In recent years, using technologies like infrared(红外线) cameras, we have taken pictures of rare and endangered creatures such as leopards, jackals and sambar deer,” Lai noted, emphasizing the important role of such advancements in wild animal protection.

The primary duties of the Wildlife ProtectionStation involve the daily care of the snub-nosed monkeys in the Weixi Lisu autonomous county, as well as the sheltering and rescue of injured animals. “Over the past few years, we have provided assistance to more than 200 wild animals, including Yunnan snub-nosed monkeys, pandas and macaques,” said Lai.

The Yunnan snub-nosed monkey is under China’s national first-class protection and has been listed as an endangered species on the Red List of Threatened Species of the International Union for Conservation of Nature. They will be better protected.

1. Which isn’t a factor that contributes to the increase of the population of Yunnan snub-nosed monkeys?

A．Rising public concerns.	B．Advanced technologies.
C．Protective measures.	D．Improved living habitats.

2. What do we learn about Yunnan snub-nosed monkeys?

A．They only live in Yunnan province.

B．Their population has dropped sharply since 1983.

C．They are well-protected by the Wildlife Protection Station.

D．Over 200 Yunnan snub-nosed monkeys have been rescued up to now.

3. What’s the main idea of the passage?

A．People rescue many injured animals in Yunnan.

B．Infrared cameras have captured images of rare wildlife.

C．Yunnan snub-nosed monkeys increase in high mountains.

D．Yunnan snub-nosed monkeys are the most endangered animals.

4. Where may the passage come from?

A．A textbook.	B．A newspaper.
C．An advertisement.	D．An economic journal.