1 . The last known eggs of the Great Bustard (鸨) were taken in 1832, and the bird was nearly extinct by the end of the 19th century, a victim of hunters. In 2004, the endangered species was reintroduced to Salisbury Plain, with the aim of establishing a self-sustaining population here.
The Great Bustard Group (GBG), the charity behind the release, was set up in 1997 and it has now been 16 years since the initial 10-year trial began. Long-term volunteers Fred and Rona Andrews have been involved from the start and, working as part of a team, have helped raise over 200 chicks from eggs sourced abroad.
“For the first week the chick needs to have food placed in its bill, so we use a feeding puppet to imitate the behavior of the parent,” explains Fred. “It is quite hard when the bustards are young because they need feeding every hour and it takes a long time to feed one.”
Great Bustards reach maturity at about five years old. “Seeing the first wild bred chick out on Salisbury Plain in 2009, shortly after it hatched, was a proud moment for me,” says Rona. On average, 12 chicks are released each year on to Salisbury Plain and in 2018 the survival rate was 100 percent.
“The aim has been to reach a population of 100 birds,” says GBG executive officer David Waters. “Now we have that number, and we are hoping the population will continue to grow by natural reproduction.”
“Being involved with the world’s heaviest bird alive today that can fly has given us both a greater knowledge of birds, conservation and farming,” states Rona. “We are contributing to an important conservation project that also benefits other species.”
1. Why did the GBG reintroduce Great Bustards to Salisbury Plain?| A．To test their chance of survival. |
| B．To increase species diversity there. |
| C．To help save the threatened species. |
| D．To help the local bustards raise chicks. |
| A．It is dangerous. | B．It is demanding. |
| C．It is interesting. | D．It is fairly costly. |
| A．They will survive on their own. |
| B．They will reach a population of 100. |
| C．They will hatch 12 chicks each year. |
| D．They will live in peace with other species. |
1. How many dogs did the woman rescue?
| A．Four. | B．Six. | C．Eight. |
| A．He is a journalist. |
| B．He is a dog walker. |
| C．He is a photographer. |
| A．Walking her dog. | B．Feeding her dog. | C．Selling her dog. |
3 . Some twenty years ago, Poonam visited Ranthambore, with her husband Aditya Singh. She was
Over the years, the couple bought about 35 acres bordering the Ranthambore Tiger Reserve on one side. The area, called Bhadlav, had
After
Not only did the couple have the
Aditya and Poonam’s story has inspired others in the area to follow their example. Aditya has also been receiving
| A．accompanied | B．fascinated | C．frightened | D．blocked |
| A．diverse | B．wild | C．rare | D．little |
| A．classified | B．transformed | C．dug | D．stuck |
| A．settling | B．investing | C．negotiating | D．training |
| A．proud | B．disappointed | C．worried | D．aware |
| A．donating | B．naming | C．selling | D．expanding |
| A．lose | B．remove | C．identify | D．predict |
| A．controlled | B．rented out | C．depended on | D．allowed |
| A．patience | B．facility | C．technology | D．staff |
| A．access | B．link | C．attention | D．threat |
| A．disturbance | B．attempt | C．hesitation | D．sign |
| A．examples | B．offers | C．complaints | D．benefits |
| A．instead of | B．in spite of | C．in addition to | D．due to |
| A．solution | B．source | C．priority | D．possibility |
| A．instructions | B．checks | C．enquiries | D．funds |
4 . More reasons to hate humidity: it expands global warming, a prof says.
Andrew Dessler, a professor in the Department of Atmospheric Sciences who specializes in research on climate, says that warming due to increases in greenhouse gases will lead to higher humidity in the atmosphere. And because water vapor itself is a greenhouse gas, this will cause additional warming. This process is known as water vapor feedback and is responsible for a significant portion of the warming predicted to occur over the next century.
“It’s a vicious cycle-warmer temperatures mean higher humidity, which in turn leads to even more warming,” Dessler explains.
The perspective by Dessler and co-author Steven Sherwood of the Climate Change Research Centre at the University of New South Wales is published in the current issue of Science magazine. In the article, they review and summarize the peer-reviewed evidence in support of a strong water vapor feedback and conclude that the evidence supporting it is overwhelming. “For years, there was a debate over this mechanism, with some even questioning if the water vapor feedback existed at all. But recent work on this feedback has moved its existence and strength beyond argument,” Dessler adds.
Predictions of significant global warming over the next 100 years by climate models require a strong water vapor feedback. Recent estimates suggest the earth will warm from 2 to 4 degrees Celsius (4 to 8 degrees Fahrenheit) over the next century—a scenario that could have devastating long-term consequences.
“Everything shows that the climate models are probably getting the water vapor feedback night, which means that unless we reduce emissions, it is going to get much, much warmer on our planet by the end of the century,” he adds.
Many scientists believe such warming rates are already happening. They can point to the summer of 2003, when a prolonged heat wave gripped Europe. According to the Earth Policy Institute, more than 35,000 people died that summer, with France recording over 14,000 deaths and Germany more than 7,000. Additionally, warmer temperatures are having an adverse effect in the Arctic, where rapid loss of ice is now occurring. “The only possible way future warming won’t be significant is if there exists some sort of off-setting negative feedback, which has yet to be discovered,” Dessler notes. “Most scientists, myself included, judge that to be a pretty unlikely possibility.”
1. What does water vapor feedback in the passage mean?| A．Water vapor will lend to a significant portion of the warming. |
| B．The increases of greenhouse gases will lead to higher humidity. |
| C．Increasing humidity from global warming is making the earth warmer. |
| D．Higher humidity has caused the earth to warm from 2 to 4 degrees Celsius. |
| A．Scientists had a heated argument over the water vapor feedback. |
| B．The existence and strength of water vapor feedback is without question. |
| C．Andrew Dessler wrote an article to support his idea of water vapor feedback. |
| D．There was no significant evidence for the existence of water vapor feedback. |
| A．Scientists could find the offsetting negative feedback in the future. |
| B．There exists some sort offsetting negative water vapor feedback. |
| C．The warming of the earth will have destructive short-term consequences. |
| D．We may decrease the speed of global warming by reducing the emissions. |
| A．Positive. | B．Supportive. | C．Neutral. | D．Pessimistic. |
Air pollution is no doubt a major concern in many big cities across the world. More than 80% of people living in urban areas
“Urban air pollution continues to rise at
In the past two years, the number of cities monitoring air pollution
The report also showed that low-and middle income countries
6 . Whether you’re interested in green agriculture and rainforest conservation or supporting sustainable sources, organizations worldwide are investing time and effort into various environmental protection projects. Volunteers are always needed to help with the different initiatives to protect the environment.
The past years have been bothered by an endless report of natural disasters occurring in geographically weak locations. Floods are affecting the places that previously never faced this problem while heat waves, droughts and earthquakes are becoming the norm (常态). Important wildlife and plant species are disappearing and threatening the planet’s biodiversity. According to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), there are other problems: deforestation (毁林), pollution, water scarcity, illegal fishing and wildlife trade.
The ongoing industrialization and the lack of awareness are taking its toll (毁坏) and it’s time for that to change. Most people remain inactive, believing small changes won’t make a difference. However, there are many ways to help. Small changes carried out by some people do make a difference.
Excellent examples of this are organizations that believe small initiatives have a significant impact. These projects are growing steadily and positively affecting the environmental conservation and influencing the local community. They are creating awareness among others and helping them understand the importance of environmental conservation while creating volunteer opportunities to help the environment.
The organizations will learn valuable skills about environmental conservation but most importantly, they are moving towards change. There are enough environmental volunteer opportunities that need your help and there’s no time to waste! Continue reading about environmental volunteer programs abroad and take steps toward environmental conservation.
There are plenty of options once you decide to become an environmental volunteer. The tasks will depend on the project you have decided to volunteer with and can vary greatly. With over 130 projects focused on the environment, you’ll find projects that match both your skill set and travel preference.
1. What does paragraph 2 mainly talk about?| A．The threats the earth is facing. |
| B．The influence of natural disasters. |
| C．The need to know natural disasters. |
| D．The difficulty in protecting the earth. |
| A．They make small changes. | B．They help each other. |
| C．They keep sitting by. | D．They try to find ways. |
| A．It’s easier said than done. | B．It’ll be all right on the night. |
| C．Where there’s life, there’s hope. | D．There is no time like the present. |
| A．To call on people to be environmental volunteers. |
| B．To show the serious problems of the environment. |
| C．To discuss the ways of environmental conservation. |
| D．To explain the reasons for protecting the environment. |
7 . Devon is famous for its beautiful beaches and countryside, as well as being home to a whole host of dog-friendly walks, accommodation and pubs to have a refreshing drink!
Beer to Branscombe Coastal Walk
Enjoy the popular 4.5-nile circular (环形的) walk from Beer to Branscombe where you will find some of the most amazing coastal walks in the UK. Beer is located on the UNESCO World Heritage Jurassic Coast, so you and your dog could even go hunting for bones along the way!
Before you head back, stop off in Branscombe at a beautiful 14th Century pub, The Masons Arms. This ideal rest stop is just a short walk away from Branscombe beach, which allows dogs all year round.
Seaton to Beer Cliff Walk
Beginning in the coastal town of Seaton, this 3-mile circular walk takes you along the Jurassic Coast to Beer, a beautiful fishing village.
You can enjoy a refreshing halftime beer at the dog-friendly pub, The Dolphin. After enjoying the village of beer, it’s time to head back to Seaton where you will find The Malt House to welcome you and your dog for a well-deserved drink.
Salcombe to Snapes Point
If you’re looking for impressive views and a dramatic coastline, the 4.5-mile circular walk from Sal-combe to Snapes Point is perfect.
You and your dog can finish your day at The Victoria Inn. This pub is known for its real wood fires, which create a welcoming atmosphere for the cooler months. It also has a wonderful beer garden to catch the summer sun, making it perfect all year round.
1. Where can you explore a world heritage site?| A．Beer. | B．Branscombe. |
| C．Seaton. | D．Salcombe. |
| A．Its cool environment. | B．Its wood fires. |
| C．Its wonderful service. | D．Its beer garden. |
| A．Environmentalists. | B．Sports lovers. |
| C．Hunters. | D．Dog owners. |
8 . When you walk on a sandy beach, it takes more energy than walking down a sidewalk—because the weight of your body pushes into the sand. It turns out that the same thing is true for vehicles driving on roads.
“The weight of the vehicles creates a very shallow indentation in the pavement—and it makes it such that it's continuously driving up a very shallow hill,” said Jeremy Gregory, a scientist at M. I. T...He modeled with his teammates how much energy could be saved-and greenhouse gases avoided—by simply hardening the nation's roads and highways.
And they found that hardening 10 percent of the nation's roads every year could prevent emissions equal to 440 megatons of carbon dioxide over the next 5 decades—that amount is equal to how much CO, you'd spare the planet by keeping a billion barrels of oil in the ground or by growing 7 billion trees for a decade. It reduces 0.5% of projected transportation emissions over that time period.
As for how to harden roads, Gregory says you could combine small amounts of certain fiber with high technology into paving materials. Or you could pave with specially-made concrete, which is harder than ordinary construction materials.
This system could also be a way to shave carbon emissions without some of the usual barriers. “Usually, when it comes to reducing emissions in the transportation department, you're talking about changing policies related to vehicles and also driver behavior, which involves millions and millions of people—as opposed to changing the way we design and preserve our pavements. That's just on the order of thousands of people who are working in transportation agencies.” And when it comes to improving our streets and highways-those agencies are where you might say the rubber meets the road.
1. How does the author develop Paragraph 3?| A．By giving examples. | B．By making classification. |
| C．By listing figures | D．By analyzing causes. |
| A．Mixing fiber with special concrete. | B．Changing regular paving materials. |
| C．Creating hi-tech computer models. | D．Using ordinary building materials. |
| A．It reduces construction costs. | B．It profits transportation agencies. |
| C．It regulates driver behavior. | D．It avoids involving too many people. |
| A．Walking Down Beaches or Sidewalks? | B．Hardening Roads Helps Save Energy. |
| C．How to Cut Down Carbon Emissions | D．A System of Hardening Roads. |
9 . The victims were carried in one by one, their paws and fur burned, suffering from dehydration(脱水) and fear. Their caretakers
Koalas, unlike kangaroos, birds or snakes, do not
But during big fires such as those that have burned in recent weeks, the animals are far less likely to
The tough situation of the koala has raised
We have these
| A．touched | B．treated | C．ignored | D．discovered |
| A．threw | B．locked | C．laid | D．forced |
| A．familiar | B．plentiful | C．tough | D．flexible |
| A．reached | B．left | C．burned | D．trapped |
| A．killed | B．recognized | C．hurt | D．rescued |
| A．deadly | B．black | C．broad | D．safe |
| A．escape | B．die | C．suffer | D．rise |
| A．balance | B．protection | C．abortion | D．comfort |
| A．attack | B．come | C．pass | D．swap |
| A．jump | B．climb | C．fall | D．survive |
| A．top | B．leaves | C．trunk | D．root |
| A．passion | B．concern | C．fear | D．interest |
| A．chances | B．collisions | C．neighbors | D．threats |
| A．weakening | B．developing | C．enriching | D．ensuring |
| A．shabby | B．unprotected | C．unconscious | D．unique |
10 . Britain's brilliant bridges have supported trade, brought communities together and are always the most exciting part of the journey. These must-see bridges are now tourist attractions in their own right.
Clifton Suspension Bridge, Bristol
Described by its legendary engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel as “my first love, my darling", it was originally designed for horse-drawn traffic. Now, more than four million vehicles a year cross the 1,352ft-long toll （通行费）bridge over the Avon Gorge. The £ 1 toll for every journey pays for its maintenance. The history of the bridge, dating back to 1864, is kept alive through a programme of tours, events and exhibitions.
Infinity Bridge, Stockton-On-Tees
A pedestrian（行人）and cycle footbridge across the River Tees, its working title was the North Shore Footbridge, before it was given its grander name when opened in 2009. It is particularly incredible at night. The arches（拱形）of the bridge are also lit white and, on calm nights, their reflection in the water appears as an infinity（无穷大）symbol, thus inspiring the name which was chosen by the public.
Tower Bridge, London
An engineering wonder built from thousands of tons of Portland stone and steel, it took construction workers eight years to complete. More than 120 years old, it's a popular tourist attraction, as well as a functional bridge. Visitors can take in the views over the capital, experience seeing London life through the Glass Floor, and visit the Victorian Engine Rooms.
Iron Bridge, Shropshire
Opened in 1781 , this is the first arch bridge in the world made out of cast iron. Recognised as one of the great symbols of the industrial revolution, it transformed the craft of bridge building and was a crucial factor in the development of the iron trade in Shropshire.
1. Which bridge has the longest history?| A．Clifton Suspension Bridge. | B．Infinity Bridge. |
| C．Tower Bridge. | D．Iron Bridge. |
| A．It was originally meant for pedestrains. | B．The public give it two names. |
| C．Ifs well worth visiting at night. | D．Its arch is bigger than any other bridge's. |
| A．It charges drivers for each passing. | B．It offers walkers a good view at night. |
| C．It was made from thousands of stones. | D．It's a symbol of the industrial revolution. |
