1 . Could short interactions with other people’s dogs really be good for us?

Nancy Gee, a professor from Virginia Commonwealth University, says there’s growing evidence that levels of the stress hormone cortisol (激素皮质醇) drop in people after just 5 to 20 minutes spent interacting with dogs — even if it’s not their own pet. “Also, we see increases in oxytocin, which is a feel-good kind of bonding hormone,” she says. And it’s not just humans that benefit from these brief exchanges. “We see the same thing in the dogs, so the dogs’ oxytocin also increases when they interact with a human,” says Gee.

And of course, not everyone is a dog person. “They’re not necessarily going to be great for every single person. But for people who really get it, who really connect with the animals, they really can make a big difference,” Gee says.

Research on the health benefits of human interactions with animals — especially with dogs — has exploded in recent years, thanks to funding from the National Institutes of Health and the Waltham Petcare Science Institute. Though the field is still young, Gee says the quality of the evidence is improving all the time, including more randomized controlled trials looking at short interactions. “We’re seeing really nice effects,” she says.

Professor Megan Mueller, whose research focuses on the psychology of human-animal relationships, says watching dogs sniff the grass or explore the world around them makes us pay more attention, too. “They sort of pull you out of your phone and into whatever environment that you’re in.” She says there’s some evidence that the act of really touching a dog might be an important part of their calming effect. For instance, one study done in Canada found that college students reported their improved learning results and reduced feelings of homesickness after brief interactions with dogs, and that effect was much bigger in those who really got to pet the animals. She’s currently running a study that’s found similar results.

1. What can we say about humans’ interacting with other people’s dogs?

A．It’s a two-way street.	B．It’s a risky behavior.
C．It’s human nature.	D．It’s an act of love.

2. Why have so many researchers studied human-animal interaction?

A．This field is new to them.	B．They are supported financially.
C．There is already much to refer to.	D．The research methods are mature.

3. What has Mueller discovered in her study?

A．Watching dogs helps us communicate better.

B．Walking dogs stops us playing on the phone.

C．Interacting with dogs randomly affects us less.

D．Touching dogs makes us learn more effectively.

4. What's the suitable title for the text?

A．Owning a Dog Is Not for Everybody	B．Petting Dogs Briefly Does Us Good
C．Dogs Interact with Humans on Purpose	D．Dog Ownership Is a Big Responsibility

2 . Inside a large room at the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), tens of thousands of seeds are stored at a constant temperature of -20℃. Some of them may hold keys to helping us face the future.

“Our center holds as many as 120,000 varieties of seeds. Many of them come from crops as old as agriculture itself. Other seeds were selected by researchers who’ve hiked in the past four decades through forests and mountains in the Middle East, Asia and North Africa, searching for wild relatives of wheat, rice, legumes and other crops that are important to the human diet,” says Mariana Yazbek, who manages the research center.

The research center, formed in the 1970s, once mostly helped farmers in poorer countries in hot and dry climates. But now it also sends seeds to scientists in Europe, Canada and the United States, to improve certain crops’ resistance to the effects of climate change.

“What we are collecting is a sample of the diversity that we have in nature,” adds Yazbek. “We save seeds in case extreme droughts, floods or other catastrophic events should wipe out plant species. These wild relatives of crops have witnessed so many different climates. The qualities that help them adapt and survive in these conditions are stored in their DNA. We have this diversity and it can be a tool to help us face the future.”

Yazbek says scientists are particularly interested in crops like the legume because it absorbs a lot of greenhouse gas CO₂ from the atmosphere. It also releases N into the soil, meaning the farmers have to use less chemical fertilizer. And the legume takes very little water to grow because it produces sugar alcohols that act as humectants, a substance that attracts and absorbs water and saves the plant from freezing or drying out.

In another case, a wild wheat seed collected in Iran has allowed scientists in the US to develop new wheat varieties resistant to the Hessian fly, a harmful insect that causes tens of millions of dollars in damage to American crops every year.

1. What can be learned about ICARDA?

A．It has a complete collection of seeds.

B．It just helps the undeveloped countries.

C．It used to develop seeds for rich countries.

D．It focuses on saving ancient and wild seeds.

2. Which is closest in meaning to the underlined word “catastrophic” in paragraph 4?

A．Important.

B．Wasteful.

C．Terrible.

D．Unforgettable.

3. What can be inferred about the legume?

A．It will grow much better in wet areas.

B．It is friendly to the environment and soil.

C．It will become the main crop for humans.

D．It has difficulty in adapting to cold climate.

4. Which of the following is a suitable title for the text?

A．Seeds Stored at ICARDA May Help Us Improve Our Crops

B．A New Invaluable Seed Bank Is Constructed at ICARDA

C．Scientists Have Made Breakthroughs in Ancient Seed Study

D．New Seeds Are Successfully Developed for North America

3 . 听下面一段独白，回答以下小题。
1. What is unknown to the speaker about the tree?

A．Its location.

B．Its height.

C．Its age.

2. What is the average height of a redwood?

A．About 350 feet.

B．Nearly 400 feet.

C．Around 800 feet.

3. Why has the newly-found tree probably stopped growing?

A．It is too old.

B．Its top was damaged.

C．The soil is not rich enough.

4. What did tourists do to another famous tree?

A．They cut it down and sold it.

B．They built nests in it for birds.

C．They got too close and ruined it.

4 . Do you believe that a baby can only have one parent? It is widely understood that animals have two parents, each contributing essential DNA. However, a female shark became pregnant and gave birth to a baby shark at the Brookfield Zoo in Illinois, US,     1    , a new study documented.

This is a phenomenon called parthenogenesis (孤雌生殖), which means “virgin creation” in Greek. For most animals, an egg cell and a sperm (精子) cell are essential to create offspring (后代).     2    . However, in cases of parthenogenesis, the body finds a way to make up for the genetic material usually provided by sperm.

As the female generates an egg cell, small cells called polar bodies are produced in the process. In the case of parthenogenesis, an egg merges with one of its polar bodies, which replaces a sperm cell.     3    . So, the baby is similar to the mother but not a cloned version of her.

    4    . In 2018, a female crocodile who had been living alone for 16 years at a zoo in Costa Rica laid 14 eggs. Scientists found a fully-formed baby crocodile inside one of these eggs. In 2012, scientists incubated (培育) six snake eggs without fertilization (受精), and these eggs developed into healthy baby snakes.

Parthenogenesis may occur in “lower animals” like some species of insects, fish, reptiles and even birds.     5    . So, it is currently impossible for female mammals to reproduce without a male.

A．It is not the best way to reproduce

B．without the involvement of a male

C．with the application of a new technology

D．They each provide one-half of the genetic information for the new life

E．During this process, the mother’s genes get shuffled (打乱顺序) slightly

F．Although seemingly magical, parthenogenesis is not as rare as you might think

G．However, for mammals, including human beings, an egg can not provide all the genes required to form a viable (可存活的) offspring

5 . Around 2000 years ago, ancient Chinese divided the sun’s annual circular motion into 24 equal segments, each segment was called a ‘Solar Term’. Each solar term ______ a unique period of a year. But have you ever heard the term — “Hui Nantian”, a unique meteorological (气象) ______ that occurs ______ in southern China? This term, which translates to “the return of the south wind,” encapsulates (概括)a seasonal shift that not only ______ the weather patterns, but also deeply affects the way of life and cultural practices in this region.

“Hui Nantian” occurs during the ______ from winter to spring, when the cold, dry air of winter ______ the warm, damp air of the south. This change is not merely a meteorological shift; it’s a cultural event. People in the southern China anticipate “Hui Nantian” with a ______ of excitement and caution.

On the one hand, it signals the end of winter and the ______ of spring, a time of renewal and rebirth. On the other hand, the ______ humidity and dampness can present challenges, especially in terms of maintaining the integrity of buildings and ______ personal items. In Chinese culture, “Hui Nantian” is often associated with traditional practices and beliefs. It also reflects the importance of respect for ______ and traditional values in Chinese culture. In addition, it is also connected with the concept of “harmony with nature.” This belief encourages people to live in harmony with the natural world and respect the ______ of nature, such as the changing of the seasons and the flow of energy.

By ______ these natural rhythms, it is believed that people can achieve a state of inner peace and harmony, which is essential for leading a healthy and ______ life. Overall, Hui Nantian shows a blend of traditional practices, beliefs, and values that are unique to Chinese culture. These practices not only serve to preserve the cultural heritage of China but also ______ harmony and balance in people’s lives.

1.

A．reviewed

B．represented

C．regained

D．researched

2.

A．phenomenon

B．view

C．landscape

D．opinion

3.

A．hardly

B．seldom

C．primarily

D．never

4.

A．maintains

B．remains

C．changes

D．keeps

5.

A．transportation

B．show

C．transplant

D．shift

6.

A．gives out

B．gives up

C．gives off

D．gives way to

7.

A．result

B．force

C．mix

D．power

8.

A．end

B．approach

C．warmth

D．beauty

9.

A．decreased

B．lost

C．increased

D．regained

10.

A．arriving

B．preserving

C．serving

D．approving

11.

A．ancestors

B．wealth

C．harvest

D．descendants

12.

A．circles

B．return

C．power

D．cycles

13.

A．following

B．keeping

C．noticing

D．staying

14.

A．brilliant

B．unforgettable

C．necessary

D．satisfying

15.

A．protect

B．promote

C．preview

D．predict

6 . 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.

2. What can be inferred about PFAS from the passage?

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.

3. What does the author suggest in the last paragraph?

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.

4. What is the text mainly about?

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.

7 . 听下面一段独白，回答以下小题。
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.

2. What competition was held last year?

A．A reading contest.

B．A singing contest.

C．A dancing contest.

3. What is the purpose of the Pets’ Competition?

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.

4. What does the speaker suggest the students do?

A．Train dogs in their free time.

B．Learn more theory about animals.

C．Keep a record of the competition.

8 . 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.

2. What is Dituri’s attitude toward the impact the increased pressure has on health?

A．Doubtful.

B．Cautious.

C．Hopeful.

D．Unclear.

3. Which scene possibly happens in the course of Dituri’s living underwater?

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.

4. Why does Dituri invite children to experience the underwater life?

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.

9 . 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.

2. What is to blame for the mass deaths in Nyos?

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.

3. Which may have nothing to do with limnic eruptions?

A．An earthquake.	B．Dissolved carbon dioxide.
C．Great pressure differences.	D．Warm environments.

4. Where is the text probably taken from?

A．A charity poster.	B．A biography.
C．A science magazine.	D．A cultural website.

10 . Four best zoos in the UK

London Zoo

Established 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 Zoo

This 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 Zoo

Whipsnade 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 Zoo

This 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.

2. Where should visitors go if their kids want to take a sightseeing train?

A．London Zoo.	B．Colchester Zoo.
C．Whipsnade Zoo.	D．Bristol Zoo.

3. How much should a couple with a 6-year-old pay to visit the smallest zoo?

A．£18.

B．£23.

C．£37.

D．£46.