1 . In October, 2023, agricultural officials in California discovered three Mediterranean fruit flies, or Medflies for short, in the Leimert Park neighborhood of Los Angeles.

Medflies are one of the most serious threats faced by farmers worldwide. The flies lay their eggs in over 300 kinds of fruits and vegetables. When the eggs hatch, they turn into worm-like larvae that can ruin the produce. The problem is that it can be difficult to know that the flies are there until it’s too late. The fruits and vegetables still look normal even after the eggs are laid inside. So the damaged fruits and vegetables can be sent to other places, allowing Medflies to spread.

The first Medfly was detected in California in 1975, but it wasn’t until between 1980 and 1982 that the flies reached outbreak levels. There were doubts about the government’s ability to control them. Then-governor Jerry Brown authorized a campaign spreading the insecticide called Malathion to knock out the flies. Californians claimed that the chemical being spread across their neighborhoods could kill the flies, but surely it could affect their health negatively. The state declared the flies were controlled in 1982. California stopped the campaign in 1990.

After the three were discovered in October, the government set up a 233-square-kilometer special area. This means that no produce (fruits, nuts, or vegetables) can be moved out of that area. That may seem extreme, since only three Medflies were found, but experts believe there’re probably more out there. “It’s really important to get on top of this fast, or growers would go out of business,” said one of the experts.

Luckily, California has developed a program to control Medflies. The program involves using planes to drop millions of male Medflies over the area. All of them have been treated so that they can’t help occasion new Medflies. The males are sterile, which means that even though they can mate with female Medflies, the resulting eggs will never grow and are so small that they don’t affect crops.

1. Why is it hard to spot Medflies in the fruits and vegetables in time?

A．Medflies spread too fast among them.	B．They show no signs of being infected.
C．Medflies are good at hiding themselves.	D．They can control Medflies for a short time.

2. What was Californians’ attitude to Brown’s action taken to fight Medflies?

A．Tolerant.

B．Unclear.

C．Favorable.

D．Unwilling.

3. What’s the purpose in building up the special area?

A．To minimize the threat the produce faces.	B．To check out the Medflies more quickly.
C．To make it easier to drop the male flies.	D．To test the true efficiency of the program.

4. What does the underlined word “occasion” in the last paragraph mean?

A．Raise.

B．Find.

C．Produce.

D．Collect.

2 . Heat waves area fact of summer. When one hits, Manhattan turns into a concrete desert; even my dog is affected. The moment Millie_________the temperature outside our building, she makes a(n)_________and heads back home. Today is going to be a day when_________happens, which makes me satisfied.

I recalled the_________Saturday last year, which was perfect for an outing. “Come on, Mil,” I requested her, “You need exercise!” She gave me a begging look and then_________in the direction of the city park, moving slowly, on purpose. I tried to speed up but ___________

Finally we arrived. Millie settled herself for a nap (打盹) in the _________, under the bench where I was sitting checking my phone. Napping was not_________! I glanced up and scanned the surroundings for a ball I could throw.

I saw dogs were everywhere, relaxing, stretching or just sitting_________with their people. Owners read books,__________themselves, or napped, heads leaning to one side. A breeze gently blew from the Hudson River, causing trees to__________. Otherwise, all was quiet.

Millie was right. What was all the__________about, especially in such a good day? Take a__________. I switched off my phone, slipped it into my pocket and__________my eyes.

A day when nothing happened and I felt____________.

1.

A．measures

B．recognizes

C．compares

D．senses

2.

A．mess

B．effort

C．turn

D．attempt

3.

A．everything

B．nothing

C．anything

D．something

4.

A．freezing

B．mild

C．roasting

D．damp

5.

A．set out

B．rushed out

C．stood by

D．passed by

6.

A．tripped

B．hesitated

C．failed

D．waited

7.

A．crowd

B．bush

C．shelter

D．shade

8.

A．exercise

B．play

C．rest

D．priority

9.

A．excitedly

B．peacefully

C．confidently

D．independently

10.

A．pushed

B．awoke

C．sunned

D．persuaded

11.

A．bend

B．grow

C．fall

D．whisper

12.

A．hurry

B．confusion

C．annoyance

D．chaos

13.

A．chance

B．break

C．walk

D．shower

14.

A．widened

B．rubbed

C．closed

D．rolled

15.

A．content

B．relaxed

C．defeated

D．lost

3 . Tips For a Great Fall Garden

A fall garden can be a great place, which allows us to revel (陶醉) in the beauty and abundance of the season. Many gardeners seem to focus on summer so much that the garden can fade during the fall and not live up to its full potential.     1    

Grow annual crops in fall.

    2     When you switch from summer growing to year-round growing, you will beamazed by how much more you are able to grow and by the abundance of your yields. By growing the right crops at the right times, your garden can be incredibly productive.

    3    

Whether for production or for decoration, it is always a good idea to look first at native plants. Plants that are native to your area should always make up a high proportion of the plants you grow. Selecting plenty of native plants that bloom in the fall helps you to boost biodiversity and they look lovely and right at home.

Use and value fall leaves.

When trees drop their colorful leaves, creating a great fall garden means making the most of those leaves as a resource to keep your garden looking good. To make the most of fall leaves, you can use them to protect the soil and overwintering plants, to enrich the soil and fill planters or containers.     4    

Add garden features for year-round enjoyment.

Making a great fall garden is mostly about the plants you choose and the way you choose to garden. But gardens should not be entirely about hard work.     5     Covered seating areas, garden buildings, outdoor heat sources and perhaps outdoor lighting can help you enjoy your garden as much in the fall as you do in the summer.

A．Choose native plants for a diverse fall garden.

B．Make designs for forest gardening on a small scale.

C．To help these gardeners, here are some tips for a great fall garden.

D．Native plants for your area can become shopping lists for a fall garden.

E．You can take steps to ensure you can fully enjoy the space in cooler seasons.

F．You can even take on some arts and crafts projects to enjoy their colors and shapes.

G．In cooler gardens, it is possible to grow year-round if you create an underco ver growing area.

4 . A carbon footprint is only one component of the broader ecological footprint. An ecological footprint compares the population’s consumption of resources and land with the planet’s ability to regenerate. The Earth’s ecological footprint is currently 23 percent over capacity. It takes about one year and two months to regenerate what we consume in a year.

Carbon footprints help people keep track of changes. Because footprints quantify an amount of carbon that increases or decreases based on energy use, they let people know that a new hybrid car or home insulation (隔离) helps. Transportation accounts for 33 percent of CO₂ emissions in the United States, so many people try to lower their mileage (里程). Some walk or bike whenever possible; others take public transport. Home energyuse accounts for 21 percent of U. S. CO₂ emissions, so it helps to have an efficient home. Setting the thermostat (恒温器) at a moderate temperature and installing double-paned windows lowers energy costs.

Of course, individual efforts can go only so far. Cutting CO₂ and other greenhouse gases down to safer levels requires significant government regulation. Lessening carbon footprints does let people see where they are and how they can change. Those who want to accept personal responsibility for their emissions can track their own reductions and change their habits.

Because carbon calculators ask for only rough estimates, it’s easy for investigators to approximate the footprints of celebrities and politicians. Analysts hope to uncover high-profile figures, especially those who promote environmentalism. Although performer Madonna and other celebrities have been accused of flying frequently, former vice president Al Gore has drawn the harshest accusations. The Gores’ spokesperson did not deny that but emphasized that the couple subscribes to green power.

1. How long can the Earth produce what we need in a year?

A．2 months.

B．12 months.

C．14 months.

D．23 months.

2. What is the second paragraph mainly about?

A．Why people are worried about CO2 emissions.

B．How individuals can help to lower CO2 emissions.

C．Where most CO2 emissions come from in the United States.

D．What measures have been taken to cut down CO2 emissions.

3. What is still needed to cut greenhouse gases down to safer levels?

A．The participation of the public.

B．The development of new equipment.

C．The changes of our living habits.

D．The powerful efforts of the government.

4. Why do investigators estimate the footprints of famous people easily?

A．Because they have mastered methods.

B．Because it doesn’t call for much accuracy.

C．Because famous people are easy to approach.

D．Because new technology has advanced greatly.

5 . You may think of me as delicious and nutritious, the sight of me packed into cans of school lunches. But here’s what adults hide from the kids: There’s very little that’s gentle about me. One of the ocean’s fastest fish, I can grow to be 1,500 pounds, and I fetch millions at Japanese fish markets. Forget the “chicken of the sea”. I am the Schwarzenegger of the sea, the strongest and most powerful.

I’m honored in cave paintings dating back to 3000 BC. Coins from 2000 BC feature me on one side. Five years ago, modern Navy scientists confirmed just how perfectly evolved I am for efficient speed: They modeled their new underwater spy drone (无人机), The GhostSwimmer, on me.

How is it that the price of my raw meat ranges from a dollar to a hundred? In fact, the fish you generally call tuna is actually seven species of fish, Bluefin, as the largest, is at the top of the food chain. Along with Bigeye and Yellowfin, it is one of the three most favored tunas by customers. Skipjack, commercially my most important variety, is easier to catch, thus accounting for $18 billion of the $42 billion worth of me that gets sold each year. I can be delicious canned, provided you don’t be mean with the mayo (蛋黄酱) or, for a more heart healthy tuna salad, the olive oil. Considering mercury (汞) levels in canned “light” Skipjack, it’s also recommended that women of childbearing age dine on me in that form no more than once a week.

If you want to do right by the ocean, however, choose troll-caught or pole-and-line-caught tuna. These “one fish, one hook” methods hunt me without nearly as much unwanted fish. Longlines or huge nets, often wipe out entire schools. Don’t forget that getting rid of a top-level fish like me has severe consequences all the way down the food chain.

1. What does the underlined word “fetch” in Paragraph 1 mean?

A．Be eaten up.

B．Go and get.

C．Be sold for.

D．Run out of.

2. What is Paragraph 2 mainly about?

A．Tuna’s important role in humans’ life.	B．Tuna’s applications in modern science.
C．How tuna evolve over the course of time.	D．Why tuna are the ocean’s fastest fish.

3. What can we learn from the passage?

A．Skipjack takes up about 42% of the tuna market per year.

B．The bigger a tuna fish is, the higher its quality and price.

C．Women should have canned tuna less than once a week.

D．The big price gap results from different ways to hunt tuna.

4. According to the last paragraph, what do “I” want to say to humans?

A．Give me more mayo, I will be healthier.	B．Ouch! The hook hurts me. Net me, please.
C．Don’t tell kids I’m not what they think of me.	D．Never wipe me out, or you are inviting trouble.

6 . A planet that suffers 475 C beneath a thick acid atmosphere may be the last place you'd expect alien (外星的) life in our solar system. But one NASA scientist claims that extraterrestrials (天外来客) are most likely hiding on Venus amid conditions that are unbearable for humans. The new theory was put forward by the research scientist Dr Michelle Thaller. She says that possible signs of life have already been seen within the carbon-dioxide filled atmosphere, adding that she was absolutely certain that life exists somewhere.

Venus is often described as Earth's twin due to its similar size and structure. But their conditions couldn't be further apart, as astronomers believe it would be impossible for humans to exist on Venus. Positioned 67 million miles from the Sun, Venus is the hottest planet in our solar system, suffering temperatures that can even melt lead. Its atmosphere also adds to the uninhabitable situation.

Despite this, scientists have long debated whether Venus' clouds may host microbial (微生物的) life forms that can survive. Many scientists think that photosynthesis (光合作用) is possible on the planet's surface as Venus receives enough solar energy to pass through its thick clouds.

However, Professor Dominic Papineau, a biologist at the University College of London, believes Dr Thaller's views are “difficult to realistically assume”. He explained, “For life-related chemical reactions to take place, liquid water is necessary. Hence, to find extraterrestrial life, we need to find liquid water, and to find extraterrestrial fossils requires looking for special rocks that were associated with liquid water in the past.”

This makes life on Venus today difficult to realistically assume, because its surface is too hot, although Venus might have had liquid water in its past. Even still, both Professor Papineau and Dr Thaller agree that the icy moons of our solar system could also be sites of potential microbial life. NASA suggests there are 290 “traditional moons” in our solar system-excluding 462 smaller minor planets.

1. What can we know about Venus?

A．Its atmosphere is thin acidic.

B．It is much bigger than Earth.

C．It is 77 million miles from the Sun.

D．Venus and Earth are considered as twins.

2. Which statement would Papineau agree with?

A．Photosynthesis can happen on Venus's surface.

B．Thick clouds make photosynthesis in Venus hard.

C．Liquid water is important for the extraterrestrials.

D．Some rocks can prove life exists on Venus.

3. What can we know from the last paragraph?

A．The surface temperature of Venus is high.

B．It's very easy to confirm life on Venus.

C．Venus might have liquid water now.

D．Many icy moons go around Venus.

4. In which section of a newspaper can you find this text?

A．Education.

B．Science.

C．Culture.

D．Sports.

7 . A brown and dry lawn is not something many gardeners would boast about. But that is exactly the kind of yard competition organizers in Sweden were looking for when they launched the prize for the “World’s Ugliest Lawn”. People from around the world were invited to post pictures of their dehydrated(脱水的)grass to social media in a bid to win the uncertain honor.

The intention, according to those behind the project, was to raise awareness of “saving water on a global scale by changing the norm for green lawns”. Lawns, which can require large amounts of water to maintain, are coming under increasing examination as climate change makes periods of drought more frequent and intense.

The global initiative was launched on the official website for Gotland in Sweden. “Huge amounts of water are used to water lawns for aesthetics(美学). As the world gets warmer, lack of water in urban areas is projected to affect up to 2.4 billion people by 2050. By not watering lawns for aesthetic reasons, we can protect the availability of groundwater,” the competition organizers said.

The unlikely title has been awarded to Kathleen Murray who lives in Sandford in Tasmania, Australia. According to the organizers, Murray’s lawn “boasts deep and dry divots created by three wild bandicoots(袋狸)and not one dust-covered decimeter is wasted on watering”. Murray said in the press release about her triumph, “I am terribly proud! I knew I would have my 5 minutes of fame, even if it was for having the ugliest lawn on the planet! I am now free of ever taking care of my lawn again.”

A press release by the Gotland, office added, “For the planet and its declining stockpiles of life-giving liquid, thank you, Kathleen, as well as those naughty bandicoots damaging your lawn for the greater good.” Organizers added, “Gotland aims to show to Sweden and the world that sustainable behavior doesn’t have to be dull.”

1. What can we say about the yard competition organized in Sweden?

A．People had even doubted its authenticity.

B．People worldwide were unwilling to join.

C．Its participants must be professional gardeners.

D．Its entries must agree with the existing aesthetics.

2. What is the purpose of this yard competition?

A．To call on people to protect lawns.	B．To encourage people to be creative.
C．To challenge the norm of aesthetics.	D．To remind people of water shortage.

3. What does the underlined word “triumph” in paragraph 4 mean?

A．Ambition.

B．Success.

C．Sorrow.

D．Barrier.

4. What can be the best title for the text?

A．People’s Whelming Reaction To A Yard Contest In Sweden

B．Lawns And Rare Bandicoots Calling For Urgent Protection

C．A Lawn Named The Ugliest Globally All For A Good Cause

D．The World’s Ugliest Lawn Unaccepted By The Whole World

8 . Do you know cultivated meat? Typically, making this sort of meat starts with cells from domestic animals. The cells are grown in bioreactors full of nutrient-rich liquid, and then harvested, and eventually become products such as steak or chicken. In a homely kitchen of Eat Just, a startup, a slice of such meat was fried and then served with peppers. The first mouthful of it was extraordinary because the meat was grown in a lab, rather than on an animal. Meanwhile, it was also dull, because the texture, taste, look and smell of the meat was almost identical to that of chicken.

In June, Eat Just and Upside Foods became the first two companies to win regulatory approval to sell cultivated meat in America. A handful of other firms are trying to bring cultivated meat to market. But the hope is fading owing to continued high costs and troubles with mass production.

The UN reports meat and dairy production already accounts for 12% of humanity’s greenhouse-gas emissions, Demand for meat is skyrocketing among the growing middle classes of Africa and Asia. Lab-grown meat could help meet that demand without the world breaking its carbon budget. By contrast, two-fifths of Americans claim to restrict their meat consumption either for ethical(伦理的) reasons or environmental ones. Lab-grown meat may seem less ethically worrisome than eating animals. And the early success of plant-based meat alternatives gave investors hope. Beyond Meat, one such firm, went public in 2019, and saw its value shoot to $14 billion.

Though lab-grown meat offers an alternative to farm-grown meat, questions have been raised about how climate-friendly it can be. A study published earlier this year found that in some circumstances cultivated meat could be more polluting than the conventional stuff because the bioreactor is in great need of power to control its temperature. Consequently, only if renewable energy is used in the production process will cultivated meat cut the carbon footprint of the meat industry.

Whether this effort can make lab-grown meat attractive and cheap enough to attract consumers remains to be seen.

1. What does the author focus on concerning cultivated meat in paragraph 1?

A．Its characteristics.	B．Its health benefits.
C．Its cooking methods.	D．Its similarities to artificial meat.

2. What can we infer from paragraph 3?

A．Most Americans skip meat.

B．Asians prefer lab-grown meat.

C．Beyond Meat is facing financial collapse.

D．Lab-grown meat may have a vast consumer market.

3. In which aspect does the cultivated-meat industry damage the environment?

A．Poisonous chemical leaks.	B．Land occupation.
C．Grecnhouse-gas emissions.	D．Water consumption.

4. What’s the author’s attitude to lab-grown meat?

A．Opposed.

B．Favorable.

C．Uncaring.

D．Reserved.

9 . If you are interested in wildlife and also wish to learn the artistry from the masters with their inspiring, practical and informative books, here are some recommended best sellers by world-class wildlife photographers.

British Wildlife Photography By Will Nicholls

This book brings together 250 of the winning images from 2023’s British Wildlife Photography Awards. Entered in nine categories, each image is explained by the photographer with details on how they got shot, making it a useful learning tool.

Photographing Garden Birds By Mark Carwardine

Packed with inspiring images of British birds, Carwardine details which equipment is essential, explains ways to attract different species to your garden, and offer advice on lighting tips, as well as guidance on how to shoot birds in flight. There’s even a chapter on “Working with Birds” and how to take images using your smartphone.

Butterfly Safari By Fusek Peters

View British butterflies in astonishing details in this attractive book by photographer Fusck Peters. Fusck Peters spent four years travelling around the UK in search of butterflies species. His detailed photos reveal the delicate beauty of butterflies.

Wildlife Photography By Susan Young

Photographer Susan Young offers systematic ways to locate British wildlife in this book. Learn about the importance of research before you set out, including how to find a suitable place and what to take. There are also tips on how to observe without disturbing animals.

1. Which book helps to take better smartphone photos?

A．Butterfly Safari.	B．British Wildlife Photography.
C．Wildlife Photography.	D．Photographing Garden Birds.

2. What does Susan Young share in her book?

A．Lighting tips for photography.	B．Ways on wildlife spotting.
C．How to capture animals in motion.	D．How to do wildlife research.

3. What’s the common feature of the four books?

A．They focus on British wildlife.	B．They concern natural beauty.
C．They are collections of photos.	D．They de tail ways of research.

10 . Bang! Somewhere, someone set off fireworks. After hearing the loud noise, ten-year-old Rosie, ran back towards her ________, Steve Harper. Rosie, ________ from a rescue shelter, was easily shocked by loud sounds when she first arrived, but soon fell in love with the Harpers’ sons and ________ with Steve. But Rosie’s ________ of loud noises always continued and never ________. After the second bang on that Friday afternoon, she took off and ________ disappeared from sight with a silver ring shining around her neck.

Nowhere can Steve find Rosie. Steve had less than five minutes to begin worrying when his phone rang. “Is that black-and-white dog yours, Mr. Harper? She’s just ________ herself over. It seems that she were a criminal.” On the other end the voice came, and the caller was half ________.

Closed-circuit television showed Rosie walking into the police station, ________ around for a few seconds as if she were looking for food, and ________ seating herself in the waiting room just like a lady. A few minutes later, staff ________, gave her some water and called Steve, whose phone number was on Rosie’s ________.

Steve supposed why Rosie knew just where to ________: the waiting room chairs closely resemble those at the local vet. “Maybe she saw the chairs and thought, Oh, this is what I do. I sit and wait.”

Steve headed to fetch Rosie from the ________ and the dog was overjoyed. On their way home, Steve hugged her and stroked her curry hair. Finally they arrived home, safe and ________.

1.

A．partner

B．owner

C．vet

D．trainer

2.

A．adopted

B．bought

C．stolen

D．separated

3.

A．competed

B．fought

C．bonded

D．finished

4.

A．fondness

B．care

C．fear

D．awareness

5.

A．built up

B．gave off

C．passed on

D．went away

6.

A．partly

B．gradually

C．permanently

D．quickly

7.

A．handed

B．thought

C．pulled

D．troubled

8.

A．crying

B．kidding

C．whispering

D．shouting

9.

A．jumping

B．sitting

C．rolled

D．nosing

10.

A．anxiously

B．bravely

C．politely

D．impatiently

11.

A．left

B．explained

C．hesitated

D．emerged

12.

A．collar

B．back

C．tie

D．leg

13.

A．lie

B．settle

C．sleep

D．play

14.

A．station

B．house

C．shelter

D．clinic

15.

A．charming

B．nervous

C．sound

D．amazed