1 . 听下面一段独白，回答以下小题。
1. What will the weather be like near the ocean this weekend?

A．Windy.

B．Snowy.

C．Sunny

2. What is the speaker’s suggestion for those living in the mountains?

A．Traveling to the coast.

B．Staying inside.

C．Playing in the snow.

3. What warning are local officials giving?

A．Temperatures could be very low.

B．Roads may become dangerous.

C．People might lose electricity.

4. When will good weather begin?

A．On Tuesday.

B．On Friday.

C．On Saturday.

2 . 听下面一段独白，回答以下小题。

1. What makes Jessica Damiano kill houseplants?

A．Carelessness.

B．Forgetfulness.

C．Laziness.

2. What do we know about the money plant?

A．It needs enough sunlight.

B．It is unsuitable for beginners.

C．It likes being far from a window.

3. What is the speaker mainly talking about?

A．Characters of houseplants.

B．Ways to save water at home.

C．Advice on growing houseplants.

3 . Norah Wimer, a volunteer at Adoption First Animal Rescue in Jacksonville, North Carolina, was trying to brainstorm ways to help some of the dogs find their forever homes a little faster. She saw an article about a project where a class of kids helped shelter dogs find homes, and immediately she was inspired.

Wimer asked her son’s teacher if the second-grade class would want to write bios (小传记) for some of the dogs at the rescue to help them find homes. As soon as the kids heard about the project, they were so excited that their words and pictures might actually make a difference for a dog in need. The kids were each allowed to pick which dog they wanted to write about, and a lot of them were attracted to the dogs with disabilities because they wanted to show people how wonderful they are despite their differences. Each bio consisted of a short write-up (评述) and a drawing, and the kids worked so hard to show each dog’s unique personality.

Once the bios were all completed, the teacher sent them to Wimer, who was pretty floored — the whole project had worked out even better than she could have imagined.

“I was deeply impressed when I read the bios,” Wimer said. “They were so cute, and you could tell that the kids put a lot of work into them.”

Some of the bios were sweet, some were funny, and all of them were unique and really gave some personality to the dogs, who were eagerly waiting to be adopted. The bios are currently being displayed online —and have already made a difference in the lives of the dogs they feature.

When Wimer first came up with the idea, she had no idea how it would turn out. In the end, it brought joy to a whole class of kids and helped dogs in need find homes, which definitely all adds up to a huge success.

1. Where did Norah Wimer’s inspiration come from?

A．An article.	B．A volunteer.
C．Her son’s teacher.	D．Shelter dogs.

2. What can we learn about the bios?

A．They focus on dogs’ fitness.	B．They feature introductory videos.
C．They are meant for disabled dogs.	D．They contain both words and pictures.

3. What does the underlined word “floored” in Paragraph 3 probably mean?

A．Concerned.

B．Motivated.

C．Surprised.

D．Disappointed.

4. Which of the following can best describe Wimer’s idea?

A．Money-saving.

B．Win-win.

C．Impractical.

D．Funny.

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.

2. What does the underlined word “vectors” probably refer to in paragraph 3?

A．Declines.

B．Mosquitoes.

C．Amphibians.

D．Patterns.

3. What is the author’s attitude towards the fungal pathogen according to the last paragraph?

A．Concerned.

B．Objective.

C．Optimistic.

D．Indifferent.

4. What is the main idea of the text?

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 . Explorer Lucy Shepherd and her team completed a 253-mile walk across the Amazon’s Kanuku Mountains in 50 days.

She said she _______ deadly snakes and groups of wasps (黄蜂) and had to climb a tree to _______ a herd of wild boars (野猪). “I’m exhausted but excited,” she said.

Ms. Shepherd _______ the challenge in the hope of highlighting the ongoing deforestation (滥伐森林) of the Amazon and the _______ to protect wildlife areas.

For 17 days of the mission the group travelled without seeing _______, due to the thickness of the jungle’s covering. Once they were left holding their backpacks to stay afloat (漂浮) as their boat _______ in the strong rapids of the river. Ms Shepherd said she did not have accurate maps to _______.

“It was a _______ but unbelievably rewarding journey and to see what we’ve _______ together as a team is just ________,” she said. “To know I have witnessed the ________ of one of the last remaining unexplored wildernesses on earth is the ________ that will stay with me forever.”

“The Kanuku Mountains are ________ growing pressures from unsustainable (不可持续的) wildlife hunting and trapping, logging and mining, as well as forest clearing for agricultural expansion, which all ________ this unique ecosystem,” she said.

Ms Shepherd’s next journey is to ________the Arctic next year.

1.

A．found

B．met

C．ate

D．caught

2.

A．trick

B．shoot

C．escape

D．hunt

3.

A．took on

B．gave up

C．thought about

D．fought for

4.

A．need

B．ability

C．potential

D．freedom

5.

A．clouds

B．rocks

C．sunlight

D．water

6.

A．came in

B．broke down

C．set off

D．turned over

7.

A．make

B．follow

C．watch

D．guide

8.

A．smooth

B．dangerous

C．pleasant

D．favorable

9.

A．received

B．prepared

C．achieved

D．expected

10.

A．incredible

B．imaginable

C．possible

D．reliable

11.

A．destruction

B．development

C．change

D．beauty

12.

A．shame

B．reward

C．regret

D．fear

13.

A．facing

B．reducing

C．surviving

D．resisting

14.

A．improve

B．protect

C．support

D．threaten

15.

A．occupy

B．defend

C．explore

D．locate

6 . For most of human history, the stars shone brightly in a dark night sky. But today, cities and towns, increasingly lit by artificial light at night, dramatically reduce the visibility of stars.

Satellite data suggests that light pollution has been increasing in many parts of the world over the last decade. However, satellites miss the blue light of LEDs (发光的二极管), which are commonly used for outdoor lighting, resulting in an underestimate of light pollution.

An international citizen science project called Globe at Night (环球夜景) aims to measure how everyday people’s view of the sky is changing. The data shows that the night sky got, on average, 9.6% brighter every year. For many people, the night sky today is twice as bright as it was eight years ago. The brighter the sky, the fewer stars you can see. If this trend continues, a child born today in a place where 250 stars are visible now would only be able to see 100 stars on his/her 18th birthday.

The main factors leading to increasing brightness of the night sky are industrialization and the growing use of LEDs for outdoor lighting. The loss of dark skies threatens our ability as astronomers to do good science. But everyday people feel this loss too. Starry night skies have inspired artists, writers, musicians and philosophers for thousands of years. Light pollution also has a bad effect on the daily cycle of light and dark that plants and animals use to adjust their lifestyle. Two-thirds of the world’s key biodiversity (生物多样性) areas are affected by light pollution.

Individuals and their communities can make simple changes to reduce light pollution. The secret is using the right amount of light, in the right place and at the right time. Making outdoor lights shine downward, using lights that give out more yellow-colored light instead of white light and putting on light timers can all help reduce light pollution. A view of about 2,500 stars in a truly dark sky might convince you that dark skies are a resource worth saving.

1. How is the first paragraph mainly developed?

A．By giving an example.	B．By making a comparison.
C．By reaching a conclusion.	D．By raising a question.

2. What do the figures in the third paragraph indicate?

A．The light pollution is getting more serious.

B．The night sky today gets darker than before.

C．It’s difficult to imagine a child’s fast growth.

D．LEDs are commonly used for outdoor lighting.

3. What does Paragraph 4 mainly tell us?

A．The bad effects of light pollution.	B．The factors causing light pollution.
C．The functions of starry night skies.	D．Key biodiversity areas in the world.

4. What is the purpose of writing this text?

A．To explain a phenomenon.	B．To suggest a solution.
C．To remember a scientist.	D．To increase public awareness.

7 . According to a new study released Wednesday, human activity has now gone past six of nine planetary boundaries, which are ways to measure the stability and livability of Earth for humans. The study published in the journal Science Advances represents the third update of the planetary boundary framework carried out by 29 scientists from eight different countries.

The planetary boundaries concept identifies nine global priorities relating to human—caused changes to the environment. The concept sets boundaries on how much we can allow ourselves to impact not only the climate but also other global processes that can support modern civilization. Respecting these safety boundaries would minimize the risk of human activities setting off a dramatic and potentially irrecoverable change in global environmental conditions.

Crossing six boundaries does not necessarily mean a disaster to follow, but it is a clear warning signal. “We can regard it as we do our own blood pressure,” said the study lead author Katherine Richardson of the University of Copenhagen in Denmark. “A blood pressure over 120 is not a guarantee of a heart attack but it increases the risk of one. For our own and our children’s sakes we need to reduce the pressure on these six planetary boundaries.”

As pressure on the planet increases and vital boundaries are being violated, we don’t know how long we can keep turning against these key boundaries before combined pressures lead to irrecoverable change and harm.

Richardson likens the framework to a bank statement—“it tells us how much of various resources of the Earth system we can allow ourselves to use without greatly increasing the risk in the overall environmental conditions we experience on Earth.”

According to Richardson, the study shows that focusing on climate alone will not solve the climate crisis; it must be seen together with the biodiversity crisis. Life is what makes this planet unique and it is the interactions between land, ocean, atmosphere and life that together provide conditions upon which our societies depend.

There is still time to prevent disasters, but we must take action, not next year or next month but now.

1. What can be inferred from the first paragraph?

A．Our planet is safe enough to live on.

B．Man puts our environment in great danger.

C．The environmental stability can be ensured.

D．The earth we live on is in a healthy condition.

2. What does the underlined word “minimize” mean in the second paragraph?

A．Reduce.

B．Increase.

C．Reconsider.

D．Challenge.

3. What does the writer mention a blood pressure over 120 to indicate?

A．Blood pressure is an important indicator in measuring physical health.

B．Breaking six boundaries is certain to result in environmental disasters.

C．Crossing boundaries is a clear warning against damaging environment.

D．Paying attention to the behavior towards environment is very important.

4. What is the best title for the text?

A．The nine planetary boundaries we should never go past

B．How much of various resources of the Earth system we can use

C．The ideal conditions upon which our humans depend to survive

D．Immediate actions should be taken to protect the environment

8 . Dogs have a different way of seeing the world compared to human beings. As a result of this they heavily rely on their body language to pass their different messages across to people.     1    

Their Way of Barking

Dogs bark for different reasons. If you notice them barking very often and loudly, they bark for an urgent reason probably.     2     It could also be a sign that they are in some kind of pain. When the barks are shorter and also softer, they probably just want to play around. Pay attention to the barks closely so that you understand exactly what is going on.

Before You Leave

    3     When you see your dog making sad faces while you are leaving, it might feel sad. Don’t worry too much because your little pet knows very well that you will definitely be back.

On Your Feet

Dogs like to lay on people’s feet during dinner time or when people are watching TV.     4     However, it’s just their way of showing you some loyalty (忠诚) and how close they want to get to you. This is a behavior that they obtained from their ancestors long ago.

Resting on you

You should feel honoured when a dog rests against you for support while it’s hanging around the place.     5     Don’t take it as being lazy. The next time your dog does this, just allow them to show their love in this way.

A．This could get a bit annoying.

B．To the dog, this is equal to a hug.

C．It could mean that the dog is really tired.

D．They are also very good at telling twins apart.

E．Read on to find out what your dog tries to tell you.

F．It’s normal for you to feel guilty about leaving your pet at home.

G．Maybe they have sensed some danger around and are trying to inform you about it.

9 . 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。

Prince Llewellyn the Great was ruler of Wales for 40 years but he is now remembered more for the story of Gelert. One day, Prince Llewellyn was out hunting in the Welsh countryside. Back home, his newborn son     1     (sleep) as Gelert, his     2     (faith) dog, watched over him. While the Prince was riding through the forest, he heard loud barking     3    (come) from the direction of the house. The Prince had a terrible feeling and galloped quickly home. When Prince Llewellyn walked through the door, Gelert jumped up to greet him     4     a huge smile on his face. The Prince looked at Gelert, only to find blood dripping from its mouth and fur. Llewellyn ran into his son’s bedroom. The cot was empty. In a blaze of anger, he took his sword and     5     (swing) it at the dog. After he killed the dog, he saw the body of a dead wolf and realized that there     6    (be) a fight earlier on. And then he heard the crying of a baby from under the cot. It was not until then     7     the Prince realized Gelert     8     (hide) the baby and killed the wolf. Llewellyn was heartbroken. He organized a great ceremony to bury the dog that had saved his son’s life. He visited the grave every day until he died. Very touching, isn’t it?     9    , some people do not believe the story to be true, despite the     10     (exist) of Gelert’s gravestone in Wales.

10 . For the past two months, Mandy Chen, a second-year student at Beijing University of Technology, has been posting photos of herself to Taobao, posing with a reusable cup, climbing stairs and switching off lights.     1     Taobao’s Al algorithm (算法) calculates that Chen’s use of a reusable cup reduced 15.7 grams of carbon emissions (排放), while her choice to take the stairs instead of the lift resulted in a reduction of 19.5 grams.     2    

After seven days of posting her photos, Chen exchanged the points for a dozen of biodegradable rubbish bags from Taobao. Everyone can get an endless supply of free trash bags if they keep going, according to Chen.     3    

Chen uses Carbon88, a platform launched last August by Alibaba Group Holding, to help the more than 800 million users on Taobao adopt a sustainable lifestyle. The platform rewards users for over 70 low-carbon behaviours.     4     It also recommends products that it considers environmentally sustainable, and gives users points for buying them.

    5     “I didn’t know that my actions could produce such carbon reduction,” Chen said, “Now I feel good for what I’m doing to make this world a tiny bit better. We as a part of society can call for more systemic changes.”

A．It encourages them to reduce their carbon footprint.

B．And her efforts to save electricity prevented 65.50 grams.

C．It’s a valuable addition to current carbon-reduction policies.

D．Carbon reduction has helped increase Chen’s environmental awareness.

E．Within minutes, she receives a dozen points from the app as a reward.

F．They range from taking public transport to shopping of second-hand items.

G．She is now saving points for something better, like snacks and water bottles.