1 . 阅读下面短文，在空白处填入1个适当的单词或括号内单词的正确形式。

Going to Mount Huangshan reminds me of the popular Beatles’ song “The Long and Winding Road”.     1     is so breathtaking about the experience is the out-of-this-world scenes. The rolling sea of clouds you see once you are at the top will remind you how tiny we     2     (human) are.

The hot spring at the foot of the mountain is something you must try after the climb. It will     3    (undoubted) help you get refreshed! The amazing thing about the spring is that the colder the temperature gets, the     4     (hot) the spring! Strange, isn’t it? But that’s how nature is — always leaving us     5     (astonish).

What comes next is the endless series of steps. You can’t help wondering how hard it     6     (be) for the people then to put all those rocks into place. Though it is the only unnatural thing on your way up the mountain, still it highlights the whole adventure     7    offers a place where you can sit down to rest your     8     (ache) legs.

As the song goes, this long and winding road “will never disappear”, and it will always stick in the visitor’s memory. It sure does in     9     (I). While you’re in China, Mount Huangshan is     10     must to visit!

2 . I have worked as a keeper at the National Zoo, Paris for 11 years. Spot and Stripe are the first tiger cubs that have ever been born here. Globally, a third of Sumatran cubs in zoos don't make it to adulthood, so I decided to give them round-the-clock care at home.

I've got two children—the younger one, Kynan, was extremely happy about the tigers arriving - but all of us really looked forward to being part of their lives and watching them grow. I wasn't worried about bringing them into my home with my wife and kids. These were cubs. They weighed about 2.5 kg and were so small that there was absolutely no risk.

As they grew more mobile, we let them move freely around the house during the day, but when we were asleep we had to contain them in a large room, otherwise they'd get up to mischief. We'd come down in the morning to find they'd turned the room upside down, and left it looking like a zoo.

Things quickly got very intense due to the huge amount of energy required to look after them. There were some tough times and I just felt extremely tired. I was grateful that my family was there to help. We had to have a bit of a production line going, making up “tiger milk”, washing baby bottles, and cleaning the floors.

When Spot and Stripe were four months old, they were learning how to open doors and jump fences, and we knew it really was time for them to go. It was hard for us to finally part with them. For the first few days, Kynan was always a bit disappointed that the cubs weren't there.

I'm not sad about it. I'm hands-on with them every day at the zoo, and I do look back very fondly on the time that we had them.

1. Why did the author bring the tiger cubs home?

A．To ensure their survival.	B．To observe their differences.
C．To teach them life skills.	D．To let them play with his kids.

2. What do the underlined words “get up to mischief” mean in paragraph 3?

A．Behave badly.

B．Lose their way.

C．Sleep soundly.

D．Miss their mom.

3. What did the author think of raising the tiger cubs at home?

A．Boring.

B．Tiring.

C．Costly.

D．Risky.

4. Why did the author decide to send Spot and Stripe back to the zoo?

A．They frightened the children.	B．They became difficult to contain.
C．They annoyed the neighbours.	D．They started fighting each other.

3 . If you ever get the impression that your dog can “tell” whether you look content or annoyed, you may be onto something. Dogs may indeed be able to distinguish between happy and angry human faces, according to a new study.

Researchers trained a group of 11 dogs to distinguish between images (图像) of the same person making either a happy or an angry face. During the training stage, each dog was shown only the upper half or the lower half of the person’s face. The researchers then tested the dogs’ ability to distinguish between human facial expressions by showing them the other half of the person’s face on images totally different from the ones used in training. The researchers found that the dogs were able to pick the angry or happy face by touching a picture of it with their noses more often than one would expect by random chance.

The study showed the animals had figured out how to apply what they learned about human faces during training to new faces in the testing stage. “We can rule out that the dogs simply distinguish between the pictures based on a simple cue, such as the sight of teeth,” said study author Corsin Muller. “Instead, our results suggest that the successful dogs realized that a smiling mouth means the same thing as smiling eyes, and the same rule applies to an angry mouth having the same meaning as angry eyes.”

“With our study, we think we can now confidently conclude that at least some dogs can distinguish human facial expressions,” Muller told Live Science.

At this point, it is not clear why dogs seem to be equipped with the ability to recognize different facial expressions in humans. “To us, the most likely explanation appears to be that the basis lies in their living with humans, which gives them a lot of exposure to human facial expressions, and this exposure has provided them with many chances to learn to distinguish between them,” Muller said.

1. The new study focused on whether dogs can_________.

A．distinguish shapes	B．make sense of human faces
C．feel happy or angry	D．communicate with each other

2. What can we learn about the study from paragraph 2?

A．Researchers tested the dogs in random order.

B．Diverse methods were adopted during training.

C．Pictures used in the two stages were different

D．The dogs were photographed before the lest.

3. What is the last paragraph mainly about?

A．A suggestion for future studies.	B．A possible reason for the study findings.
C．A major limitation of the study	D．An explanation of the research method.

4 . Some ways to help and protect wildlife

There are more than 7 billion people on Earth. Imagine what will happen if every one of us is willing to do one thing — no matter how small — to protect wildlife every day.     1    . Here are some ways to help and protect wildlife.

    2    

Take a walk and see and enjoy the wildlife all around you — the birds, reptiles and small and large mammals (哺乳动物). Spend more time outside appreciating, enjoying and learning about wildlife.

Speak up for wildlife

    3    . Call on more people to become concerned about wild animals’ survival. Share your passion for wildlife conservation (保护) with your family. Tell your friends how they can help. Ask everyone you know to stop illegal wildlife trade, wild animals used for entertainment, and much more.

Pick up litter

Picking up litter can save the life of an animal. Litter isn’t just ugly, it’s harmful. Birds and other animals can trap their heads in plastic rings. Fish can get stuck in nets. Plus, trash pollutes everyone’s natural resources.     4    .

Donate or volunteer

When you visit your local zoos and nature reserves, pay the recommended entry fee. Your donations help maintain these conservation areas.     5    . Many organizations and zoos have volunteer programs. You can help clean beaches, rescue wild animals or teach visitors.

A．Go outside and connect with wildlife

B．Do your part by putting trash in its place

C．Become a voice for wildlife on social media

D．Find new ways to use things you already own

E．If you don’t have money to give, donate your time

F．Learn more about our planet’s species from experts

G．Even minor actions can have a difference when we all work together

5 . In a fascinating paper published last year in Science, a team led by Andreas Nieder of the University of Tubingen in Germany showed that crows —already known to be among the most intelligent of animals —are even more impressive than we knew. In fact, the evidence suggests that they are self-aware and, in an important sense, conscious (有意识的).

Crows had been observed previously to use tools to solve certain problems. Nieder’s experiment showed that the birds were actively evaluating how to solve a particular problem; in effect, they were thinking it over. This ability to consciously assess a problem was associated with the cerebral cortex (大脑皮层) in the brains of humans, which birds don’t have.

Other studies support the idea that the bird brain can, in principle, support the development of higher intelligence. It had been dismissed in the past due to the small size of birds’ brains. But recent research has shown that in birds, the neurons (神经元) are smaller and more lightly-packed, which makes sense to reduce weight and makes it easier lo fly. The total number of brain cell in crows (about 1.5 billion) is about the same as that in some monkey species. But because they are more tightly-packed, the communication between the neurons seems to be better, and the overall intelligence of crows may be closer to that of gorillas (猩猩).

This research has important consequences for our understanding of the evolution of higher intelligence. First, a cerebral cortex is not needed, and there are other means to achieve the same outcome. Second, either the evolution of consciousness is very ancient tracing back to the last common ancestor of mammals and birds about 320 million years ago, or, equally interesting, consciousness arose at least twice later on, independently in mammals and birds. Both options raise the possibility that higher intelligence on the planet may not necessarily be mammal or human-like, but could very well be birdlike.

1. What did Andreas Nieder’s team find out about crows?

A．They are more intelligent than other animals.

B．They have left people a very good impression.

C．They are much cleverer than previously thought.

D．They can use tools to solve certain problems.

2. What does the underlined “It” in paragraph 3 refer to?

A．The idea.	B．The bird brain.
C．The development.	D．Higher intelligence.

3. Why do crows have high-level intelligence?

A．They have more tightly-packed brains.

B．They have a small number of brain cells.

C．Their brain neurons could communicate well.

D．Their brain cells are the same with the monkeys.

4. What can be inferred from the last paragraph?

A．Cerebral cortexes are necessary for the evolution of higher intelligence.

B．Both mammals and birds got their intelligence from common ancestors.

C．Higher intelligence has already developed separately in different species.

D．Higher intelligence on the planet might be different from what we imagine.

6 . 阅读下面短文，在空白处填入1个适当的单词或括号内单词的正确形式。

Plastic pollution at sea is reaching     1     (worry) levels. According to a review of hundreds of academic studies, it will continue to grow even if significant action is taken now     2     (stop) such waste from reaching the world’s oceans. The review by Germany’s Alfred Wegener Institute examined almost 2, 600 research     3     (paper) on the topic to provide an overview ahead of a United Nations meeting later this month.

As plastic breaks down into smaller pieces, it also enters the marine food chain,    4     (take) in by sea creatures from whales to turtles. What’s worse, some regions already contain dangerous levels of plastic, and others risk becoming     5     (increasing) polluted in the future. Getting that plastic out of the water again is nearly impossible,    6     policymakers should focus on preventing any more of it entering the oceans in     7     first place. Matthew MacLeod, a professor of environmental science at Stockholm University,    8     (involve) in a separate study not long ago,    9     also concluded effective measures are required immediately because of the possible global impacts.

While consumers can help reduce plastic pollution by changing their behavior, governments have to step up and accept     10     (responsible) for solving the problem. It’s a global problem and it needs global solutions.

7 . The worldwide 20th century “Green Revolution”, which saw huge year-by-year increases in global grain yields (产量),was fueled by the development in the 1960s of new high-yielding dwarfed (矮小) varieties known as Green Revolution Varieties (GRVs).

These dwarfed GRVs are common all over the world in today’s wheat and rice crops. Because they are dwarfed, with short stems, GRVs devote relatively more resources than tall plants to the growth of grains rather than stems, and are less likely to suffer yield losses from wind and rain damage. However, the growth of GRVs requires farmers to use large amounts of nitrogen fertilizers (氮肥) in their fields. These fertilizers are costly to farmers and cause extensive damage to the natural environment. The development of new GRVs combining high yields with reduced fertilizer requirements is thus a global agricultural goal.

Researchers at the University of Oxford and the Chinese Academy of Science have discovered for the first time a gene that can help reach the goal. Comparing 36 different dwarfed rice varieties, the researchers identified a novel natural gene that helps increase the rate at which plants make use of nitrogen from the soil. This gene, called GRF4, can increase the amount of a protein (蛋白质) in plant cells. GRF4 is actually a promoter that encourages the activity of other genes—genes that promote nitrogen uptake (摄入). Professor Harberd said, “Increasing GRF4 levels could contribute to an increase in the grain yields of GRVs, especially at low fertilizer input levels.”

The researchers say the latest rice variety containing GRVs should now become a major target for farmers in increasing crop yields and fertilizer use efficiency, with the aim of achieving the global grain yield increases necessary to feed a growing world population at a reduced environmental cost. It is very urgent at the moment.

Professor Harberd added, “This study is an example of how studying fundamental science objectives can lead rapidly to potential solutions to global challenges. It shows how the discovery can enable chances for food security and future new green revolutions.”

1. What can we know about dwarfed GRVs?

A．They have higher yield and taller stems.

B．They are a “double-edged sword”.

C．They are environmentally friendly.

D．They can be easily affected by weather.

2. What does “the goal” in Paragraph 3 refer to?

A．Increasing the rate of nitrogen use.

B．Producing cheaper nitrogen fertilizers.

C．Using fewer fertilizers to produce more grains.

D．Finding a gene to solve agricultural problems.

3. What can GRF4 directly do?

A．It promotes other genes' activity.

B．It increases the output of crops.

C．It takes in nitrogen from the soil.

D．It lowers fertilizer input levels.

4. What’s the urgent thing recently according to the researchers?

A．Decreasing the amount of fertilizers required by GRVs.

B．Encouraging farmers to adopt the new rice variety.

C．Calling on farmers to use effective fertilizers.

D．Focusing on the improvement of GRF4.

5. What’s the main idea of the text?

A．GRVs—a potential measure to achieve global food security.

B．The influence of agricultural development on the environment.

C．The importance of raising public awareness of global issues.

D．GRF4—foundation for new green revolutions.

8 . Wildlife crossings don’t just protect animals. They can also mitigate problems related to wildlife-vehicle collisions (碰撞) and save significant money for a community.

Wildlife crossings are man-made structures that help animals move safely around their habitat. They are often paths under or over another existing road or railway, or underground passages for animals to get past for food or avoiding attacks.

Some animals are unable to migrate to survive. People still rely on highways for business and travel, and animals continue to have mobility needs for survival, though. When new roads are built, animals living in a part of their habitat can greatly increase the number of wildlife vehicle collisions while trying to cross the new barriers.

In a new study, Wisnu Sugiarto, a Washington State University economics doctoral student, examined data for 13 of the 22 wildlife crossings, including bridges and underpasses, in the Washington State. He compared the number of wildlife-vehicle collisions each year before and after the construction of a wildlife crossing. He considered the area within 10 miles of a crossing.

Then he compared his analysis to a separate area in the state with no crossings at all. “The findings reported that wildlife crossing structures reduced the number of wildlife-vehicle collisions by one to three accidents on average per mile per year,” Sugiarto said. “Therefore, building wildlife crossing structures is typically an essential and effective strategy to reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions.”

“Trior to working on this research, I wasn’t aware of any strategies to reduce wildlife vehicle collisions. I also thought we couldn’t do much about it, partly because we wouldn’t be able to communicate with wildlife and control their movement,” Sugiarto added. “However, it turns out that there are multiple strategies to deal with issues related to wildlife-vehicle collisions and we can do something about them. ”

It is reported that the government has invested $ 350 million over five years for the construction of wildlife crossings. Every wildlife crossing offers a mean benefit of between $235,000 and $443,000 each year.

1. What does the underlined word “mitigate” in paragraph 1 mean?

A．Analyze.

B．Reduce.

C．Study.

D．Discover.

2. What does the third paragraph mainly tell us?

A．How the wildlife crossings are built.

B．Why wildlife crossings are necessary.

C．What should be done to cross the roads.

D．When wildlife-vehicle collisions happen.

3. What is Sugiarto’s attitude to the construction of wildlife crossings?

A．Tolerant.	B．Skeptical.
C．Favorable.	D．Conservative.

4. What is the best title for the text?

A．Wildlife crossings save wild animals and money

B．The size of wildlife crossings affects animals greatly

C．Every wildlife crossing has a great effect on road safety

D．Wildlife crossings manage to help animals move safely

9 . When we think of Antarctica, the first thing that comes to our mind is a picture of penguins and large areas covered with snow. Large amounts of white snow spreading over thousands of kilometers is a pretty good description of Antarctica.     1    

Research and observations conducted over the past few years have led to the conclusion that the Antarctic Peninsula's snow is turning green.     2     These algae (藻), even though they are individually incapable of being seen by eyes, are visible from space. These algae produce colonies called algal blooms, which spread over large areas.

    3     As a result, Antarctica is visible as many patches of green algae are on white snow from space. Algae are green because of the presence of the pigment chlorophyll, which helps in photosynthesis (光合作用). Not just green though, red algae have also been found on Antarctica's snow, leaving the snow painted red. These green and red algae are not just present on the surface of the snow.     4     When the upper layer of snow melts, the algal bloom remains visible in the layers below.

Scientists fear that such profound growth of algae can set off more global warming, causing even more snow to melt. To better understand that, we must consider that white snow reflects most of the sunlight that falls on it. However, as the surface of the snow darkens, it absorbs more and reflects less of the sunlight.     5     This will cause warming of the surrounding area at a faster rate, melting more snow day by day.

A．This is due to algal growth.

B．But, that legendary snow is not completely white anymore.

C．Sometimes, they can be present below the surface of the snow.

D．The algae grow so quickly that they occupy great areas of the snow.

E．The Antarctic is the area of the continent with the most vegetation.

F．More sunlight implies more heat trapped on the surface of the Earth.

G．Scientists are estimating the area covered by these green snow algae.

10 . 阅读下面短文，在空白处填入1个适当的单词或括号内单词的正确形式。

In southern China, there is a famous road     1    (build) across Poyang Lake, which lies in the north of Jiangxi Province, China and is known as China’s second     2     (large) lake. People in China also call it “the most beautiful road under the water.”

This road is sure     3     (attract) a lot of attention towards the end of May every year. A lot of people come out of     4     (curious). The water level of the lake is so close to the surface of the road,     5     makes the view ahead broad and bright when people drive along. It’s as though they were taking a boat across the lake. The feeling is     6     (simple) wonderful!

For the next few months, this road is not above the surface    7    under the water. When the water level of Poyang Lake starts to go up, the road surface becomes unseen. However, drivers can still drive across the lake safely     8     watching the guardrails(防撞护栏) fixed on either side of the road. For thrill-seeking motorists, it’s like     9     (drive) an amphibious(水陆两栖的) super car. Then in a few days, the entire road     10     (flood) with the continuously rising water. A few months later, the road will reappear.