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。

Malaindrano is a giant baobab (猴面包树) tree that is hollowed out (使成中空) for the storage of water,     1     (exist) in the village of Ampotaka in Madagascar. Malaindrano means “he who hates water”,       2     this baobab doesn’t hate water at all. It is so big that many people believe it has never been     3     (complete) filled. Even semi-full, the trees are vital for storing water in one of Madagascar’s driest regions. Also known     4     bottle trees because of their unique thick trunks, such baobab trees form a network of     5     (nature) water tanks. Using them has allowed people to live in a place where rain is rare, and where the little rain that falls     6     (absorb) quickly by the soil.

Lack of rain can lead to a lack of food. In the 1920s and 1930s, thousands of people     7     (die) because of extreme drought. This forced the locals to come up with an idea: hollowing out baobabs     8     (store) water when it is abundant. A large baobab has the     9     (able) to store about 14,000 litres of water. Today, some 20,000 people live in the region, many of       10     rely on the tree water for around a third of the year.

2 . Imagine you are on a cold mountain with steep rocks around. As you climb higher, the air gets thinner and the sun’s rays stronger. Just before you reach the snowline, you find what you came for—a small white flower, the edelweiss, which only grows in alpine areas.

Plants face many challenges living in alpine areas, and only 200 kinds of plants can grow there. Plants rely on oxygen, water, and sunlight to make their own food through the process of photosynthesis. The alpine means less CO2, which makes the process more difficult. It also brings plants closer to the sun. The sunlight is so strong that it can burn a plant’s leaves. There is little water here, so the soil is dry and rocky. You also won’t find high trees because the cold wind would blow them over！

Alpine plants have advantages that help them survive the bad conditions. Like all alpine plants, the edelweiss stays close to the ground to avoid the wind. The cold water is deep underground, so the edelweiss grows very deep roots. Its leaves have a thick covering, which protects the plant from the wind and the sun’s bright rays. All these special characteristics help it grow, but very slowly.

The edelweiss can live in the conditions, but humans can’t. Climbing in the high and cold mountains is dangerous and difficult. This is why the edelweiss became such a special flower. Long ago, a young man would pick an edelweiss flower to prove his love to a girl, although it was risky. Many men died while trying. Getting the flower proved that the man was physically strong, brave, and devoted.

Alpine plants can’t spread seeds, so it’s difficult for new plants to grow. Once all the edelweiss flowers are gone in an area, they will not regroup. Governments help protect the edelweiss because it is considered an endangered plant.

1. The first two paragraphs mainly describe ________ .

A．the process of photosynthesis	B．the appearance of the edelweiss
C．the growing environment of the edelweiss	D．the challenge of mountain climbing

2. The edelweiss can survive in the alpine conditions partly because ________.

A．it grows high and strong	B．it can get more sunlight
C．its leaves’ covering is thin	D．its deep roots can get water

3. What can we learn about the edelweiss from the text？

A．It is planted in large quantities.	B．It is a symbol of bravery.
C．It is a shade loving plant.	D．It spreads its seeds by wind.

4. What is the author’s purpose in writing the text？

A．To introduce a special flower.	B．To compare different alpine plants.
C．To warn people not to pick flowers.	D．To encourage people to protect plants.

3 . A few weeks ago, I received a package containing a small batch (一批) of seeds from my friend. When I asked her what it would grow_________ , a flicker of a smile crossed her face. “Just plant them and be patient. You'll see for yourself_________”she said.

I sowed the seeds in a beautiful flowerpot. In the first few days, I was excited to search for the slightest_________ of germination (发芽). But nothing happened. With_________ homework, I began to feel frustrated and a little bit disappointed. How much I_________a splash of color in my fast-paced life!

I watered the plant carefully. I placed the plant in the sunlight and rotated (旋转) it for a_________ illumination (光照). On the fourth day, to my great surprise a few light green sprouts (芽) _________.

Bending down and carefully studying the seedlings, I could almost_________them growing. More days passed, the flowerpot soon became_________with coriander (香菜) plants.

Now they are taller than the edge of the pot,__________shaking their verdant (青翠的) leaves in the gentle__________of the wind, as if they are merrily singing a song of __________ and freedom.

I am certain that after a few more days, my coriander plants will be ready for__________. Thanks to my friend and my patience, these plants have played a crucial part in__________my everyday life. They may not be a main food on our table, but sprinkling some will surely add a__________of flavor to our dishes to spice up (为…调味) our busy days.

1.

A．into

B．for

C．up

D．out

2.

A．gradually

B．incredibly

C．ultimately

D．intently

3.

A．samples

B．signs

C．routes

D．proofs

4.

A．apparent

B．distinct

C．conventional

D．massive

5.

A．allowed for

B．longed for

C．provided for

D．went for

6.

A．intense

B．violent

C．balanced

D．exceptional

7.

A．emerged

B．hatched

C．reserved

D．sank

8.

A．pray

B．assess

C．forecast

D．hear

9.

A．conflicted

B．facilitated

C．crowded

D．surrounded

10.

A．subsequently

B．constantly

C．extensively

D．merely

11.

A．howl

B．scream

C．thunder

D．whisper

12.

A．initiative

B．leisure

C．harmony

D．luxury

13.

A．possession

B．consumption

C．exposure

D．harvest

14.

A．breaking into

B．relating to

C．brightening up

D．wearing down

15.

A．touch

B．bunch

C．host

D．lot

4 . Houseplants have been rising in popularity for good reasons. They can brighten our spaces, freshen the air and benefit our mental health. While the benefits aren't quite as measurable as getting our daily minerals and vitamins, plenty of positive findings show plants help us thrive.

Plants bring color and vitality to our worlds. Though maybe only subtly, our mood can be impacted by the surroundings. Green plants and cheery flowers are known to have a positive effect on mood because the mind equates plant life to the soothing, uplifting area of nature.

    1    Pops of white, pink, red, yellow or purple bring an extra dose of happiness.

Taking care of plants gives us a sense of pride and achievement.     2    But the quiet success of getting them to thrive makes it all worthwhile. Studies have shown tending plants helped patients who were hospitalized with mental health issues feel pride and a sense of achievement.

Plants' presence can cut down on stress. Interacting with plants reduce signs of both psychological and physical stress. When we engage in positive tasks that require mindful focus, we can absolutely benefit on both physical and psychological levels.     3    Each time you water them, use your senses to notice the colors, textures, and smells of the plant.

    4    It can be really difficult to adapt to change and new normals. Plants are constantly growing, sometimes struggling, not always blooming. They serve as an excellent physical reminder of our ever-changing lives.

We don't necessarily need houseplants to survive, but they certainly can make a positive difference in our lives when we bring them into our homes. The benefits of indoor plants are undeniable.     5    .

A．Parenting plants can be tough.

B．Treat plant care as a mindfulness practice.

C．So give plant-parenting a shot for yourself.

D．Plants remind us that change is a part of life.

E．Keeping plants reminds us of our link to people around us.

F．Green gives the mind a comforting sense of calm and positivity.

G．Caring for plants during leisure time is beneficial to housewives.