1 . Picture the scene: you are sitting at a cafe on a hot summe’s day and decide to order a glass of lemonade. It arrives ice cold and you smile in contentment until the waiter asks if you want a straw. Now you have to choose to either take a straw or not. Actually, the decision is not an easy one.
A study by a European research group showed there are significant health and environmental risks associated with the paper-based and bamboo-based straws that have replaced plastic straws.
The recent ban on plastic straws saw the introduction of the modern paper straw. It was hoped by officials that it would address the environmental issues of single-use plastic. However, scientists observing the performance of the new paper straws found themselves puzzled by their ability of never getting soggy (浸湿的). They wondered what might be allowing paper straws to perform so well.
The first study to investigate this was performed by Alina Timshina and co-workers in 2021. It showed that paper and plant-based straws contain significant PFAS (含氟表面活性剂). These are fluorine-based chemicals that have remarkable properties in resisting water, oil and pretty much anything. And almost nothing degrades or reacts with PFAS which means they persist in the environment and will do so for thousands of years.
They also make it into the human body by migrating from packaging into our food and drink. Once PFAS are in our blood they are associated with a number of health effects such as liver and kidney disease. There is also evidence that PFAS may lead to increased risk of high blood pressure in pregnant women.
PFAS have also been found in plastic straws but at lower levels. The only material determined to be free of PFAS was stainless steel, which are currently not widely used, so you risk the embarrassment of sounding like a very demanding customer when asking for one. But then again, maybe we should all be more demanding when it comes to preserving the environment and human health.
1. Why does the writer mention the scene in paragraph 1?| A．To show the politeness of waiters. | B．To reflect the necessity of drinks. |
| C．To highlight the importance of straws. | D．To lead to the following findings. |
| A．They are life-threatening. | B．They are chemically stable. |
| C．They allow paper straws to resist water only. | D．They are less in paper straws than plastic. |
| A．Insisting on using steel straws. | B．Imposing a ban on paper straws. |
| C．Putting steel straws into mass production. | D．Promoting the use of plastic straws. |
| A．The availability of stain straws. | B．The inefficient ban on plastic straws. |
| C．The negative effects of paper straws. | D．The characteristics of different straws. |
1. What does the speaker say about competitions in the past years?
| A．They were a little disappointing. |
| B．They were successful and fun. |
| C．They were rich in new experiences. |
| A．A reading contest. |
| B．A singing contest. |
| C．A dancing contest. |
| A．To help students select pets to take home. |
| B．To inform students to treat animals properly. |
| C．To give students chances to show their pets. |
| A．Train dogs in their free time. |
| B．Learn more theory about animals. |
| C．Keep a record of the competition. |
3 . Joseph Dituri hasn’t seen the sun for two fortnights. And he won’t see it again for months. Since March 1st, the professor has been underwater, with the goal of spending 100 days there-for science. If successful, he will break the current world record for time spent living underwater, which was set by two Tennessee biologists in 2014 when they stayed beneath the surface for 73 days.
Dituri, who has been nicknamed “Dr. Deep Sea”, is living in Jules’ Undersea Lodge (小屋) in Key Largo, Florida-the same underwater venue where the previous record was set. The 100-square-foot hotel, which sits 30 feet below the surface, is his temporary home, where he is carrying out research and giving virtual lectures for his students at the University of South Florida.
“The human body has never been underwater that long, so I will be monitored closely,” Dituri said. “This study will examine every way this journey impacts my body, but my hypothesis (假设) is that there will be improvements to my health due to the increased pressure.” This hypothesis comes from a study that indicated potentially positive effects of pressure exposure on cell growth and vitality (活力), and Dituri hopes that his underwater experience could reveal ways to combat age-related diseases and lengthen lifespan.
As part of his research, Dituri is investigating the effects of living in a high-pressure environment for an extended period. To keep water from entering the lodge, air must constantly be pumped into the space to create a pressure about 1.6 times higher than that of the Earth’s surface. Therefore, it can’t be achieved in his own right.
Before the journey, Dituri had undergone psychosocial, psychological and medical tests. He continues to undergo testing during and after his 100 days at the lodge. “The mental health part of this is important, because I’m in an isolated and limited environment,” he said.
Beyond research, the project is also a chance to cultivate children’s enthusiasm for exploring the science field. Dituri invites about 40 children to stay with him for 24 hours at a time and teach them to dive. To him, this outreach is what makes the whole project worth it-more than the chance for a world record.
1. What do we know about Dituri’s experiment from the text?| A．It is scheduled to end on July 9th. |
| B．It has been on for nearly a month. |
| C．Its aim is just to break the world record. |
| D．It is conducted where two Tennessce biologists settled. |
| A．Doubtful. | B．Cautious. | C．Hopeful. | D．Unclear. |
| A．He pumps the air into the lodge. | B．He instructs invited children to dive. |
| C．He analyzes his own psychosocial tests. | D．He experiments in a spacious lodge. |
| A．To arouse their eagerness for science. | B．To case his loneliness and isolation. |
| C．To set a world record at full stretch. | D．To prove the value of his experience. |
4 . On August 21, 1986, a man making his way to Nyos, a village near a lake in northwest Cameroon, found dozens of dead animals along the road. He called into a home to see if the residents knew what had happened. Instead of getting answers, the man discovered that everyone in the village was dead, though they seemed otherwise unharmed.
Within days, officials confirmed that more than 1,700 people had died, along with several thousand animals. The strange and tragic event seemed similar to one that occurred at Lake Monoun two years earlier, just 60 miles to the south, where villagers found 37 people and many animals dead along its shores.
Initially, authorities were confused about the cause. Witnesses reported hearing strange sounds and seeing a sudden rise of white cloud from the lake, which quickly disappeared. Fortunately, the disaster caught the world’s attention. Scientists from around the globe gathered in Nyos to investigate. Because Lake Nyos sits on an inactive volcano, their first theory was that the volcano had erupted and sent poisonous gases into the air. After further research, however, they found the cause was much more unusual. The deadly events were called limnic (湖泊的) eruptions.
Although deadly and terrifying, limnic eruptions are extremely unlikely. They occur when dissolved (溶解的) carbon dioxide (CO2) suddenly erupts from the deep waters of a lake, forming a deadly gas cloud above the surface. Because carbon dioxide is heavier than air, the cloud will sink toward the ground, killing wildlife, livestock and humans.
Carbon dioxide dissolves more easily in the deep, cold parts of lakes. As a result, the bottom of deep lake can have very high levels of carbon dioxide, while the levels decrease towards the lake’s surface, and the pressure at the bottom builds and builds. Any changes in pressure can set off the rapid and forceful release of the accumulated carbon dioxide, causing an eruption.
It’s unclear what caused the lakes to explode, but considering they’re near the Oku Volcanic Field, it’s possible that an earthquake or a small volcanic eruption occurred before each disaster.
1. Why are the numbers mentioned in paragraph 2?| A．To arouse the empathy of the readers. |
| B．To display the destructive effect of the events. |
| C．To prove the necessity of preparing for disasters. |
| D．To highlight the difficulty looking into the cause. |
| A．High concentrations of CO2. |
| B．The great power of the lake explosion. |
| C．Poisonous gases from a volcano eruption. |
| D．The lake water flooding the nearby villages. |
| A．An earthquake. | B．Dissolved carbon dioxide. |
| C．Great pressure differences. | D．Warm environments. |
| A．A charity poster. | B．A biography. |
| C．A science magazine. | D．A cultural website. |
5 . Four best zoos in the UK
London ZooEstablished in 1828, London Zoo is the oldest scientific zoo in the world. It is situated in Regent’s Park and is home to around 755 different animal species with about 16,802 animals. In addition to being famous for being the oldest scientific zoo, it’s also the very first zoo to launch an Aquarium, an Insect House, a Children’s Zoo and a Reptile House.
Ticket prices online: Children £15 and adults £21. Under 3 — free entry.
Colchester ZooThis charming child-friendly zoo has more than 155 species located within 60 acres of well-kept land. It has at least 50 displays every day, plenty of hands-on experience opportunities and 5 play areas. It remains up-to-date by expanding continuously and children are guaranteed to enjoy the Madagascar express road train.
Ticket prices online: Children £14 and adults £21. Under 3 — free entry.
Whipsnade ZooWhipsnade Zoo is the UK’s biggest zoo set in over 600 acres of beautiful scenery. It first opened in 1931 and now houses 227 different species that comprise over 10,000 animals. The remarkable feature of this zoo is the wandering herds of elephants that freely move around the zoo grounds, making it a wonderful place to take excellent natural pictures to show off to friends and family.
Ticket prices online: Children £18 and adults £25. Under 3 — free entry.
Bristol ZooThis 12-acre zoo houses more than 450 species. Moreover, it has used its space resourcefully for a small zoo — probably one of the smallest in the world. For example, the latest Gorilla House is an award-winning area with the world’s first walkable glass roof.
Ticket prices online: Children £9 and adults £14. Under 2 — no entry fee.
1. What can visitors do in London Zoo?| A．Visit the Insect House. |
| B．Experience hands-on activities. |
| C．Perform scientific experiments. |
| D．Take pictures on a walkable glass roof. |
| A．London Zoo. | B．Colchester Zoo. |
| C．Whipsnade Zoo. | D．Bristol Zoo. |
| A．£18. | B．£23. | C．£37. | D．£46. |
6 . In the field of marine (海洋) conservation , there exists a true hero of the seas whose story of preserving our oceans is nothing short of inspirational. Dr. Lisa Anderson, a marine biologist, has devoted her life to protecting our underwater ecosystems and the countless species that call them home.
Growing up near the coast, Dr.Anderson’s childhood was filled with visits to the beach and established a profound connection to the sea. She always had a passion for marine life and a deep curiosity about the creatures beneath the waves. She said, “As a kid, I used to dream about the ocean. It was this wild place full of color and life and home to these fantastic creatures. I pictured big sharks ruling the food chain and saw graceful sea turtles dancing across coral reefs. But the first time I truly went underwater, I was about 10 years old. And I can still vividly remember I was instantly surrounded by fish in all colors of the rainbow. That was the day I fell in love with the ocean. ” It’s no surprise that she pursued a career in marine biology.
Dr. Anderson’s extraordinary work has spanned decades, from conducting vital research on endangered coral reefs to leading educational initiatives about marine conservation. Her tireless efforts have led to the creation of marine protected areas that ensure the safety of critical habitats for countless species. “In my 40 years on this planet, I’ve had the great honour to explore some of its most incredible seascapes for the Save Our Seas Foundation,” she said.
One of Dr.Anderson’s most notable accomplishments is her work in raising awareness about the destructive effects of plastic pollution in our oceans. Her research on plastic waste and its impact on marine life has stimulated global initiatives to reduce plastic consumption and increase recycling.
Dr. Anderson’s dedication to marine conservation serves as a light for our oceans and their future. Her work reminds us that by protecting our seas, we not only preserve incredible biodiversity but also secure a healthier planet for generations to come.
1. What sparked Dr.Anderson’s interest in marine biology?| A．Her curiosity about marine life. | B．Her passion for global ecosystems. |
| C．Her visits to the beach as a scientist. | D．Her profound connection to childhood. |
| A．Plastic pollution. | B．Biology species. | C．Ocean waste. | D．Marine protection. |
| A．She promoted the speed of making plastic recycled. |
| B．She ensured the safety of the use of plastic products. |
| C．She invented a new kind of recycled plastic material. |
| D．She raised global awareness and conducted research. |
| A．Reducing plastic consumption is a light for our oceans. |
| B．Dr. Anderson’s dedication inspired people to become scientists. |
| C．Protecting our seas ensures a healthier planet for the future. |
| D．Preserving biodiversity is a must for new generations. |
Samantha and Jake had always been close to nature. Growing up in a small cottage situated deep within a thriving forest, they found comfort and wonder in the beauty of the natural world. Their daily adventures included exploring the woods, listening to the birdsong, and gazing at the starry night sky. However, as the years passed, they couldn’t help but notice the gradual changes in their beloved forest.
By the time Samantha turned sixteen and Jake was thirteen, they began to witness the effects of deforestation on their wonderland. The sound of chainsaws (电锯) and the sight of fallen trees became increasingly common. The siblings were feeling extremely shocked and sad by the loss of the forest they had cherished since childhood.
One day, after a particularly disheartening walk through the decreasing woods, Samantha came across a book about environmental heroes. These individuals had devoted their lives to preserving the natural world, and their stories of resilience (恢复力) and impact lighted a spark within Samantha’s heart. She believed that if they could make a difference , so could she and Jake.
Samantha couldn’t wait to share her new-found inspiration with her brother. She rushed home , her mind filled with ideas of how they could protect their forest. When she explained her thoughts to Jake, he nodded in agreement. “Our forest is like family to us,” he said, ”We can’t just stand by and watch it disappear. “
With firm determination, Samantha and Jake decided to take action. They began by organizing tree-planting events in their community, enlisting (征募) the help of friends and neighbors. Each sapling they planted was a symbol of hope for the future of their forest.
Soon , their efforts gained favor. The local schools joined their cause, incorporating environmental education into the curriculum and the community united behind them. Samantha and Jake’s forest restoration project had become a movement that united people of all ages.
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。
Months passed, and the once-thinning forest began to show signs of recovery.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________One day, a local news station reached out to Samantha and Jake.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________8 . Deserts could be the best places on Earth for harvesting solar power. They are spacious, relatively flat, and never short of sunlight. So researchers imagine it might be possible to transform the world’s largest desert, the Sahara, into a large solar farm, capable of meeting four times the world’s current energy demand.
While the black surfaces of solar panels absorb most of the sunlight that reaches them, only around 15% of that incoming energy gets turned into electricity. The rest is returned to the environment as heat, affecting the climate. If these effects were only local, they might not matter in a thinly populated desert. But the area of the installations in the Sahara would be vast, covering thousands of square miles. Heat released from an area this size will be redistributed by the flow of air in the atmosphere, having regional and even global effects on the climate.
A 2018 study used a climate model to assess the effects of building massive solar farms in the Sahara. The model revealed that when the size of the solar farm reaches 20% of the total area of the Sahara, the heat released by the darker solar panels creates a big temperature difference between the land and the surrounding oceans that ultimately lowers surface air pressure and causes wet air to rise and condense (凝结) into raindrops. With more rainfall, plants grow and the desert reflects less of the sun’s energy since vegetation absorbs light better than sand and soil. With more plants present, more water is evaporated (蒸发), creating a better environment that causes vegetation to spread.
So, a large solar farm could generate enough energy and at the same time turn one of the most abominable environments on Earth into a habitable place. Sounds perfect, right? Not quite. In a recent study, we used an advanced Earth system model to closely examine how Saharan solar farms interact with the climate. It showed there could be unintended effects in remote parts of the land and ocean.
We are only beginning to understand the potential consequences of establishing massive solar farms in deserts. Solutions like this may help society reduce the use of fossil energy, but Earth system studies like ours underscore the importance of considering the numerous coupled responses of the atmosphere, oceans, and land surface when examining their benefits and risks.
1. What can be learned about solar farms?| A．They are mainly located in deserts. |
| B．They can affect the local and even global climate. |
| C．They can make the best use of incoming energy. |
| D．They satisfy the world’s current energy demand. |
| A．It might become greener. |
| B．It might reflect more sunlight. |
| C．Its surface air pressure will increase. |
| D．Its temperature difference between day and night will decrease. |
| A．Addictive. | B．Dynamic. | C．Sensitive. | D．Unpleasant. |
| A．It is an impossible task. |
| B．It will do more good than harm. |
| C．It calls for more consideration. |
| D．It might be the solution to fossil fuel pollution. |
9 . A fisherman from Portland, Maine, the US, caught a very rare bright blue lobster (龙虾) off the coast of Maine but chose to set it free back into the ocean. The photo of the blue lobster was shared by tech enterpriser Lars-Johan Larsson. “This blue lobster was caught off the coast of Portland yesterday and returned to the water to continue to grow. Blue lobsters are one in two million,” he wrote.
While the shells of lobsters are generally red or brown in color, the blue shell is a result of gene mutation (基因突变), which causes the lobster to produce more of a particular protein than other lobsters, leading to the rare blue color, as reported by the Toronto Sun.
Yellow, orange and crystal-colored lobsters are considered even rarer than bright blue ones. According to the Lobster Institute, yellow lobsters account for about one in 30 million of the total population. Two fishermen in Dorset caught a crystal-colored lobster in 2011.
“Whatever the odds of catching different-colored lobsters, there’s no denying that bright blue ones are truly beautiful creatures,” said Rob Bayer, executive director of the University of Maine Lobster Institute. “They might not be the most unusual, but they’re undoubtedly the best to look at.”
It’s become something of a trend for restaurants to spare blue lobsters. Austin Hopley, a chef at “The Hare” in Rochdale, the UK, made the news for sparing a bright blue lobster. He gave it to Sea Life in Manchester, as reported by the BBC.
“Now it’s there for people to enjoy,” said Hopley. “I felt responsible. Something so rare didn’t require a place on the menu. Every species deserves a fair chance at survival.”
Expert Brendan Malone from Sea Life said, “It is certainly an extraordinary find and worth saving to try to educate the public about these amazing creatures in the ecosystem.”
1. What is the root cause for the color of blue lobsters?| A．Gene variation. | B．Adaptation failure. |
| C．A specific protein. | D．A mix of red and brown. |
| A．They are the rarest. | B．They are easy to catch. |
| C．They are delicious to eat. | D．They are most beautiful. |
| A．It wouldn’t make a good dish. |
| B．He wanted to follow the trend. |
| C．He took on responsibility to save it. |
| D．It would bring him fame and profits. |
| A．Blue Lobsters Rebound Suddenly |
| B．Chefs Take Action to Protect Lobsters |
| C．Gene Mutation Has an Effect on Lobsters |
| D．Man Catches a “One in Two Million” Blue Lobster |
10 . How to Create the Perfect Spring Planter
Spring containers are an easy solution for jazzing up (给……带来活力) a colorless balcony and boring corners of any garden at this time of year.
Choosing the right container is important. Always think about the style of your garden.
Choosing the right compost (堆肥) is the key to the success of any planting. I think it’s best to use soil-based compost so that the soil does not become too heavy or waterlogged, especially in spring when we could have plenty of showers.
Plant combinations are important, so always think about mixes which will last as well as annual and pernnial (常年的) ones.
A pleasant smell is always a lovely addition to a space along with wildlife. Select the right plant for your location in your garden – sun or shade-loving.
| A．I like good, heavy and steady planters. |
| B．It can still be frosty right up to May. |
| C．And besides, they are easy to care for. |
| D．I also like to group pots together to match up with their surroundings. |
| E．Make use of those variations to help choose companions. |
| F．You may find some of these plants in smaller pots or even multi-packs. |
| G．Height is important to think about when you’re designing your arrangement. |
