1 . Common water plant could provide a green energy source. Scientists have figured out how to get large amounts of oil from duckweed, one of nature’s fastest-growing water plants. Transferring such plant oil into biodiesel (生物柴油) for transportation and heating could be a big part of a more sustainable future.
For a new study, researchers genetically engineered duckweed plants to produce seven times more oil per acre than soybeans. John Shanklin, a biochemist says further research could double the engineered duckweed’s oil output in the next few years.
Unlike fossil fuels, which form underground, biofuels can be refreshed faster than they are used. Fuels made from new and used vegetable oils, animal fat and seaweed can have a lower carbon footprint than fossil fuels do, but there has been a recent negative view against them. This is partly because so many crops now go into energy production rather than food; biofuels take up more than 100 million acres of the world’s agricultural land.
Duckweed, common on every continent but Antarctica, is among the world’s most productive plants, and the researchers suggest it could be a game-changing renewable energy source for three key reasons. First, it grows readily in water, so it wouldn’t compete with food crops for agricultural land. Second, duckweed can grow fast in agricultural pollution released into the water. Third, Shanklin and his team found a way to avoid a major biotechnological barrier: For the new study, Shanklin says, the researchers added an oil-producing gene, “turning it on like a light switch”by introducing a particular molecule (分子) only when the plant had finished growing. Shanklin says, “If it replicates (复制) in other species-and there’s no reason to think that it would not — this can solve one of our biggest issues, which is how we can make more oil in more plants without negatively affecting growth.”
To expand production to industrial levels, scientists will need to design and produce large-scale bases for growing engineered plants and obtaining oil — a challenge, Shanklin says, because duckweed is a non-mainstream crop without much existing infrastructure (基础设施).
1. What can people get from duckweed firsthand?| A．Plant oil. | B．Stable biodiesel. |
| C．Sustainable water. | D．Natural heat. |
| A．Options for renewable energy. |
| B．Reasons for engineering genes. |
| C．The potential of revolutionary energy source. |
| D．The approach to avoiding agricultural pollution. |
| A．Industrial levels. | B．Unique design. |
| C．Academic research. | D．Basic facilities. |
| A．Duckweed Power | B．Duckweed Production |
| C．Genetic Engineering | D．Genetic Testing |
The giant panda is one of the most popular animals in the world. A giant panda can grow up to 1.5 meters long and weigh up to 160kg. People think the giant panda is very lovely. ①So it is not surprising that the World Wide Fund for Nature chose the giant panda as its symbol. The WWF tells people about animals that they are in danger and raises money to save them.
The giant panda only lives in the wild in China. In the early 1980s, were only 1,000 left in the wild. The main reason why pandas are endangered is that the area where pandas can live has become smaller.
The WWF works to help giant pandas in the wild in many ways. One of the ways that helps them is to increase the size of panda reserves. Some reserves need to be joined together by planting bamboo between them to make “corridors”. These are paths that lead from one reserve to another. No one may harm the pandas in these areas. The corridors let pandas move from one habitat to another to look for food. ②People are working very hard to make sure the giant panda does not die out. (213 words)
1. How long and heavy can a giant panda grow to be?2. 将文中划线的句子①改为被动句。
So it is not surprising that
3. Why are the giant pandas endangered?
4. Give a way to help the giant pandas in the wild, please.
5. 将文中划线的句子②翻译成中文。
3 . Canadians are blessed with an abundance of natural wonders with enough lakes, mountains and rivers to explore for a lifetime. We’ve also got some of the most amazing waterfalls on Earth.
Horseshoe Falls Niagara Falls, Ontario
Niagara Falls are the most famous waterfalls in Canada — and understandably so. Actually they are made up of three different falls, and the fittingly named Horseshoe Falls is the only one located on the Canadian side, which is the most powerful in North America. Multiple viewing options are available including tourist ships and sightseeing buses.
Nailicho (Nirginia Falls) Nahanni National Park Reserve, Northwest Territories
Coming in at twice the height of Niagara Falls, this massive waterfall is located on the South Nahanni River in the Northwest Territories. The remote location means it receives only about 1,000 visitors per year who must make their way by either boat or floatplane.
Takakkaw Falls — Yoho National Park, British Columbia
Takakkaw translated from Cree loosely means “the magnificent (壮丽的)”, and it’s a suitable word for the second-highest waterfall in Canada. After a steep drive up a winding road, Takakkaw Falls is only a short distance from the parking lot along a wheelchair accessible path.
Bridal Veil Falls — Bridal Veil Falls Provincial Park, British Columbia
Pretty and delicate, Bridal Veil Falls is located just east of Chilliwack, British Columbia, and really does look like its name, with water gently pouring over smooth rock. An easy 15-minute walk to the waterfall takes you through rich leaves. Tables are available to have a meal outdoors, and there are lots of opportunities for viewing wildlife along the way.
1. What do we know about Horseshoe Falls?| A．It is easily accessible. |
| B．It consists of three falls. |
| C．It limits tourist numbers. |
| D．It crosses North America. |
| A．By tourist ship. | B．By cable car. |
| C．By floatplane. | D．By car. |
| A．Swim. | B．Camp. | C．Picnic. | D．Hunt. |
4 . A newly published study on frogs and malaria (疟疾) shows how closely human health may be influenced by these lovable creatures. In the 1980s, scientists in Costa Rica and Panama began to notice a quiet and dramatic decline in frog numbers. Frogs in this part of the world were falling prey to a deadly fungal pathogen (真菌病原体), and they were doing so at such a rapid rate that researchers at the time feared a wave of local extinctions.
Some scientists now argue the fungal pathogen has caused the greatest recorded loss of biodiversity to a disease ever. And it is responsible for significant declines in at least 501 amphibian (两栖类的) species, including 90 extinctions, from Asia to South America.
Frogs directly influence mosquito population sizes because mosquitoes are a key source of food, which means the numbers of amphibians could ultimately influence the vectors that spread deadly human diseases.
Comparing an amphibian decline map and malaria occurrence map between 1976 and 2016, researchers found a clear pattern that could be predicted with high accuracy and confidence by their model.
In the eight years after great amphibian losses from fungal pathogen, there was an increase in malaria cases equal to about 1 extra case per 1,000 people. This extra case would probably not have come about without the recent amphibian die-off. In a usual outbreak of malaria, occurrence rates usually peak from about 1.1-1.5 cases per 1,000 people. This means a loss of amphibians in Central America could have possibly driven a 70-90 percent increase in how many people were getting sick.
As you read this, the fungal pathogen is taking a ride around the world with global trade, and it threatens not just the future of amphibians but the health of our own species. As the current study reveals, frogs and human health often go hand-in-hand. We’re stuck together whether we like it or not.
1. What happened in the 1980s?| A．Malaria broke out in Costa Rica and Panama. |
| B．A wave of local extinctions occurred in Costa Rica. |
| C．The frogs decreased greatly in Costa Rica and Panama. |
| D．Scientists made a new invention in Costa Rica and Panama. |
| A．Declines. | B．Mosquitoes. | C．Amphibians. | D．Patterns. |
| A．Concerned. | B．Objective. | C．Optimistic. | D．Indifferent. |
| A．We should protect some lovable animals from dying off. |
| B．The number of frogs may have an effect on human health. |
| C．Human diseases are closely related to heavy losses of amphibians. |
| D．Scientists find the close connection between frogs and mosquitoes. |
5 . Nuclear pollution has long been a global concern, with major accidents like those at Three Mile Island, Chernobyl, and Fukushima highlighting the serious health and environmental risks associated with nuclear disasters. These incidents not only caused immediate health issues such as radiation sickness and increased cancer rates but also led to long-term environmental damage and genetic mutations in affected populations. Consequently, nuclear pollution remains a significant worry for governments, academics, and society worldwide.
When nuclear accidents occur near coastlines, the marine environment becomes a key point due to the vital role oceans play in climate regulation, food security, and supporting billions of livelihoods globally. In recent years, escalating threats to marine ecosystems from mounting ocean pollution have spurred increased public awareness of marine environmental protection. Studies have shown that human activities pose a significant threat to marine environments, emphasizing the need for improved environmental governance and measures to address environmental risks.
Following the Fukushima nuclear disaster in 2011, efforts to cool the reactors by injecting seawater led to the accumulation of a vast amount of nuclear waste within the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant’s water storage tower. Despite attempts to manage this waste, the Japanese government’s decision to discharge nearly 1.26 million tons of nuclear wastewater into the Pacific Ocean over the next 40 years has faced opposition from neighboring countries, Japanese residents, and international environmental organizations.
This discharge poses substantial risks to marine life, fisheries, and human health. Radioactive isotopes (放射性同位素) such as tritium, carbon-14, cobalt-60, and strontium-90 present in the wastewater can accumulate in marine organisms, ultimately affecting human populations through the food chain. Therefore, further research and mitigation measures to address the wide-ranging consequences of nuclear pollution on the environment and human health are urgently needed.
In conclusion, while nuclear power may offer benefits, the potential risks, as highlighted by incidents like Fukushima, underscore the importance of stringent safety measures and thorough consideration of environmental impacts.
1. What are three major nuclear accidents mentioned in the passage?| A．Fukushima, Hiroshima, Nagasaki |
| B．Chernobyl, Fukushima, Hiroshima |
| C．Three Mile Island, Chernobyl, Fukushima |
| D．Three Mile Island, Chernobyl, Nagasaki |
| A．Because marine life is directly affected by nuclear pollution. |
| B．Because marine environments are more vulnerable to radiation. |
| C．Because marine pollution exacerbates the impact of nuclear disasters. |
| D．Because oceans play a significant role in regulating climate and supporting livelihoods. |
| A．Concerns about potential economic benefits |
| B．Fear of increased fishing restrictions |
| C．Possible risks to marine life and human health |
| D．Lack of available technology for wastewater treatment |
| A．The potential risks to marine life and human health. |
| B．The present research and mitigation measures. |
| C．The environmental and social consequences of nuclear accidents. |
| D．The opposition from neighboring countries and environmental organizations. |
6 . Staying Safe in a Vehicle
Wildfires are common in dry, hot climates, but they can happen anywhere.
Ensure that you can breathe. Once you’re in a car, you’ll need to ensure that the car is safely sealed from the smoke surrounding you.
Drive if you can. If the vehicle runs and you’re capable of driving it, then do so. But it’s important to drive slowly and keep your headlights on, so that you can see your surroundings and anyone else on the road can see you.
Remain in the vehicle. If the smoke is too thick to see the road, or if you cannot drive the car for any reason, you should remain in the vehicle.
Know what to expect.
| A．Don’t drive through heavy traffic. |
| B．Don’t drive through heavy smoke. |
| C．You need to break a window to enter the vehicle. |
| D．It’s important to know what to expect so that you do not panic. |
| E．Most wildfires start small, often from human causes, but spread very quickly. |
| F．This is crucial, since you will otherwise risk passing out from carbon monoxide (一氧化物). |
| G．You can lie down on the floor of the vehicle and cover yourself with a blanket or coat, if possible. |
7 . Relatives of starfish, brittle stars (海蛇尾) spend most of their time hiding under rocks in the ocean or digging in the sand. These shy marine creatures have no brain to speak of—just nerve cords running down each of their five wiggly arms, which join to form a nerve ring near their mouth.
“There’s no processing center. Each of the nerve cords can act independently. Instead of a boss, it’s like a committee. That seems to be enough to learn by association,” said lead author Julia Notar. This type of leaning involves associating different stimuli via a process called classical conditioning (条件反射).
Classical conditioning has been demonstrated in a handful of previous studies in starfish. But brittle stars and similarly brainless starfish have not been tested.
To find out if brittle stars have the ability of learning, the researchers put 16 black brittle stars in individual water tanks and used a video camera to record their behavior. Half the brittle stars were trained by dimming the lights for 30 minutes whenever the animals were fed. Every time the lights went out, the researchers would put a bit of shrimp in the tanks, placed just out of reach. The other half got just as much shrimp and also experienced a 30-minute dark period, but never at the same time—the animals were fed under lit conditions.
Whether it was light or dark, the animals spent most of their time hiding behind the filters in their tanks, only coming out at mealtime. But only the trained brittle stars learned to associate darkness with food. They didn’t need to smell or taste the shrimp to react.
Notar said the results are exciting because classical conditioning hasn’t really been shown definitively in this group of animals before. “Knowing that brittle stars can learn means they’re not just robotic scavengers (清道夫) cleaning up the ocean floor,” Notar said. “They’re potentially able to expect and avoid predators (捕食者) or expect food because they’re learning about their environment.”
1. What is paragraph 1 about?| A．The living habits of brittle stars. | B．The features of a brainless creature. |
| C．The characteristics of the starfish. | D．The definition of classical conditioning. |
| A．The hiding time in tanks. | B．The change of feeding location. |
| C．The amount of the shrimp. | D．Light conditions at mealtime. |
| A．Brittle stars can be trained to make a connection. |
| B．Brittle stars can clean up the ocean floor. |
| C．Brittle stars’ nerve cords can act independently. |
| D．Brittle stars have a sharp sense of smell. |
| A．Brainless brittle stars can act like robots. |
| B．Brittle stars might keep away from catchers. |
| C．Brittle stars are the only ocean floor cleaners. |
| D．Brittle stars are adaptable to new environment. |
8 . A pair of best friends from Texas are proving that adventure doesn’t have an age limit — even when you’re 81.
Ellie Hamby, a photographer, and Sandy Hazelip, a physician, toured the world in 80 days, adventuring from the beaches of Bali to the deserts of Egypt.
Their first stop was Antarctica. “The beauty of the Antarctic is just unbelievable,” Hamby recalled. Since then, the pair have visited 18 countries across all seven continents.
And despite the challenges international travel presents, the best friends say they finished their trip without any arguments.
“We’re both independent, very stubborn. But we seem to allow each other to give space,” said Hamby. “We just understand each other and we know this is a good thing we’re doing and we kind of respect each other’s feelings.”
For Hamby, the most interesting aspect of the trip was the people they met along the way.
“We love all the sights that we saw, but the things that we remember the most are the people that we met,” she said. “We met some of the most wonderful, kindest, friendliest people in the world. We just have friends now all over the world that we love dearly.”
And they shared an important piece of advice for any travelers worried about the language barrier on their own adventures.
“You know, people ask us often about the language, how we manage it,” said Hamby. “We say with Sandy and Ellie, there’s one language and that’s a smile. And we found that worked wonders because we were often aware that there was not English spoken. But a smile covers all languages.”
1. Why did they finish the trip without arguments?| A．They had different personalities. |
| B．They prepared presents for each other. |
| C．They understand and respect each other. |
| D．They allowed each other to voice their ideas. |
| A．The beautiful sights. | B．The wonderful people. |
| C．The interesting activities. | D．The cultural experiences. |
| A．Rely on the smile. | B．Be more adventurous. |
| C．Hear English spoken more. | D．Learn more languages. |
| A．Language Struggles: Testing Friendship |
| B．Travel Troubles: Friendship Tested Abroad |
| C．Talking Struggles: Adventures Lost in Translation |
| D．Limitless Adventure: Two Friends Break Age Barriers |
9 . A recent survey carried out by the United Kingdom’s Royal Society for Arts, Manufactures and Commerce (RSA) found about half of clothes sold online by major fast fashion sellers are made completely from virgin polyester (纯聚酯纤维). The group studied over 10,000 clothes posted online during a two-week period in May by ASOS, Boohoo, Missguided, and PrettyLittleThing, and it made some worrying findings.
As many as 88% of the clothes on the above-mentioned websites cover virgin polyester mixed with other materials (材料). Very few have reused materials. In many cases, clothes covering both reused and virgin polyester had the word “reused” added to the product’s title, which is misleading.
The RSA study points out the production of virgin polyester causes big environmental damage. According to an MIT study, we can know that “a polyester shirt produces 5.5kg of CO2, 20% more than cotton (棉), and the same as CO2 produced by driving 13 miles in a passenger car. In 2015, polyester production was responsible for 700 million tonnes of CO2”. Clothes made cheaply from virgin polyester are not much different from the single-use plastic (塑料) packaging that is causing much environmental damage to the world.
Shoppers would do well to start viewing virgin polyester as similar to single-use plastic packaging. In order to encourage this, RSA hopes that shoppers will buy more natural fabrics, which are likely to age better, last longer, and not cause as much pollution once thrown away. The most useful strategy, of course, is to buy less. To be clear, RSA is not against all new polyester in clothing — it just needs to be used more responsibly.
1. What is described in Paragraph 2?| A．The difficulty in green production. | B．The popularity of online shopping. |
| C．The poor design of clothes sold online. | D．The actual materials used in most clothes. |
| A．By listing some examples. | B．By doing an experiment. |
| C．By referring to another study. | D．By using an expert’s words. |
| A．Advances in technology. | B．Less attention to fashion. |
| C．A change in shopping habits. | D．The disappearance of plastic. |
| A．Plastic packaging is still widely used. | B．Fast fashion causes an environmental problem. |
| C．It is unwise to follow the general fashion. | D．Environmental problems become more serious. |
10 . Walking along any beach in the world, you will find plastic of some kind on the shoreline, offering a reminder of the throwaway culture of the present day world. Now, a study has sounded a fresh warning on the damage caused to the marine (海洋的) ecosystem due to plastics, which eventually has an effect on human health due to the seafood we eat
In a paper titled “A Growing Plastic Smog”, researchers called on governments around the world to take firm action to handle the “plastic pollution” of the world's oceans.
The plastics break down over time into minute particles(微小颗粒) that cannot be seen by eyes, but find their way into the ocean ecosystem and into the seafood humans consume. “Microplastics are a problem because they are mistaken for food and eaten by small marine animals.” Charlene Trestrail said. “Once eaten, microplastics can damage an animal’s intestines(肠), and give out potentially harmful chemicals inside animals.”
Charlene Trestrail, a researcher at the University of Technology Sydney, said “the study shows just how big the problem is and that much of the blame was placed on the plastics industry for failing to recycle or design for recyclability.”
Paul Harvey, an environmental scientist, said “Globally, we have reached a point where we can no longer ignore the plastic pollution pandemic(流行病) that is infecting our oceans. This research shows us that beach cleanups and citizen science projects that focus on the environmental problems of plastics have little impact on solving the problem.”
Marcus Eriksen, lead author of the study, said that the findings were a “stark warning that we must act now at a global scale”. “Cleanup is useless if we continue to produce plastic at the current/rate, and we have heard about recycling for too long, while the plastic industry refuses any commitments to buy recycled material or design for recyclability. It is time for policymakers, governments and businesses to wake up and take the issue seriously.”
1. What is the third paragraph mainly about ?| A．The effect of chemicals. | B．The harm of microplastics. |
| C．The food of marine animals. | D．The breakdown of microplastics. |
| A．Plastics industry. | B．Government. | C．Tourists. | D．Cleaners |
| A．Useful. | B．Negative | C．Positive | D．Indifferent |
| A．The tendency of plastic pollution. |
| B．The bad effects of plastic pollution. |
| C．The measures to deal with plastic pollution. |
| D．The reason for plastic pollution in the ocean. |
