1 . He was wandering in a rice field of dreams.     1     After walking a while he lay down in the leaf-shade with a friend, quite hidden. A rest was a good idea, because the wonder-plants went on and on. In fact, they covered the world.

Then Yuan Longping woke up, laughing.     2    . But they still deserved their name of super rice. The leaves were straighter and taller than ordinary, and the grains plumper. They had all the vigor of the wild strain that he and his team had found after much searching and had cross-bred, over careful years, with the domesticated variety.

The figures spoke for themselves.     3    . In Yunnan province more than 17000 kilograms had been produced per hectare. China’s rice crop had risen from 57m tonnes in 1950 to 195m in 2017; from food deficiency, to food security. Higher rice-yields allowed farmers to turn more land to other uses-fruit, vegetables, fishponds-so that people ate more and well.

For this he won the Medal of the Republic, China’s highest, and the World Food Prize. An asteroid was named after him. There was talk of the Nobel, too.     4    . Though he was rich, from his shares in a seed company that used his name, he looked like a peasant, thin as a twig, with his face leathered by sun and his big hands rough from “playing in the mud” all day.

He was far happier in his short-sleeved work-shirts, out in his rice, or stripped off swimming in any wild river he could find, than in a tang suit in some conference hall.

A．Nothing but the continuous development of his beloved country seemed to attract him

B．With his new hybrid rice the annual yield was 20-30% higher, so at least 60m more people could be fed every year.

C．His dreams focused on his people and his country, where all enjoyed food and wealth.

D．All that seemed just smoke to him.

E．The plants were taller than men. Each grain is as big as a peanut.

F．The rice plants he had tended for decades at Anjiang and then Changsha, sowing and nurturing them, visiting daily on his motorbike to inspect them, were not quite there yet.

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 . In 2010, Barack Obama was to pay a visit to Mumbai’s Gandhi Museum, where palm(棕榈)trees full of me dotted the grounds. The president knew me well-coconuts (椰子)are a part of life in Indonesia, where he spent his boyhood. Before his visit, Indian authorities, however, removed every last sign of me around the museum. They were afraid the president of the United States would be taken out by one of me falling on his head.

Let’s get this out of the way: My reputation as the “killer fruit” of countless innocents was then and still is a misbelief. A repeatedly misinterpreted 1984 study overstated the number of deaths I caused by hitting people on the head, and the word spread. Today, the only things about me “to die for” are the sometimes too-delicious foods you humans make with me, such as cookies and pies. A decade ago, health experts briefly gave me a halo because some of my fats may raise beneficial cholesterol (胆固醇). But ask a heart doctor today and they’ll tell you that coconut oil will raise your bad cholesterol as much. Death by coconut, indeed!

People have other wrong ideas about me. But allow me to leave you with a sweet presidential tale. A World War II boat commanded by one John F.Kennedy was destroyed in 1943 by a Japanese warship. Kennedy and his surviving crew were stuck on an island. They were suffering from hunger, thirst and injuries when they met two friendly native coast-watchers. Kennedy scratched a message into a coconut shell: “NAURO ISL...COMMANDER...11 ALIVE...NEED SMALL BOAT...KENNEDY.”

The coast-watchers delivered this successfully and all the crew were saved. Years later, the coconut shell was given to the newly elected president. It sat on his office desk throughout his presidency and now is a center-piece of the John F.Kennedy Library in Boston-as the proof that we coconuts don’t take lives, we save them.

1. Why did Indian officials get rid of “me”?

A．To reduce Obama’s fear.	B．To avoid unexpected injuries.
C．To show their welcome tradition.	D．To follow the request from the US.

2. Which of the following can replace the underlined words in paragraph 2?

A．thought little of me	B．did great damage to me
C．made me well-known	D．brought me a good name

3. How does the author sound in the passage?

A．Amusing.	B．Anxious.
C．Concerned.	D．Romantic.

4. What is the purpose of the passage?

A．To show a new discovery.	B．To correct people’s misbelief.
C．To tell the history of coconuts.	D．To describe a successful rescue.

4 . How to Make a Window Box Garden

For many people, warm weather means growing things in the ground. Gardening is a popular activity all around the world. But what about people who do not have the space to garden? Don’t worry! Today, we will give you information about growing beautiful window boxes.

Place and safety

    1     They can also sit on other surfaces such as walls, or front steps. Make sure your window boxes are safe so they will not come down in a storm. Because of these possible dangers, window boxes are sometimes not allowed by house owners. If that is the case where you live or if you feel your window box could be unsafe, you can have an indoor window box.

Light and water

Before choosing plants, check your window box place for light and rain.     2     So, they need more water. And if a window box is close to a wall or other buildings, it may not get enough rainwater. Even if all your windows get little sun, do not give up. Browne, a famous gardener, says one of her greatest successes is a beautiful window box in a full-shade area.     3    

Try to be different

So, what makes some window boxes different while others are just so-so? Create a topic!     4     For example, you may have a window box that is filled with all cactuses or all plants fit for eating. Or you could have a color-topic window box with only purple flowers and plants.     5     People who have really nice window boxes cut off anything dead. They also water their window boxes often and change things a lot.

A．This is a main idea for the plants.

B．Besides having a topic, caring is important.

C．Window boxes dry out faster than ground plants.

D．You should not let quick-growing plants get out of control.

E．She suggests knowing which plants look best during each season.

F．Window boxes are not just for the outside edge of the window.

G．She gets a great look by using plants and flowers that don’t need much sun.

5 . Plenty of studies have investigated how climate change could be harmful to the production of coffee bean crops, with research released in 2019 suggesting that 60 percent of known coffee species could be in danger of going extinct. But a new scientific review has attempted to focus specifically on how global warming might affect the taste and smell of coffee. Bad news is that not only could the coffee of the future be harder to come by, it could taste bad, too.

“A low-quality cup of coffee has economic influences as well as sensory(感官的)ones,” Sean Cash, professor at Tults’ Friedman Nutrition Science explained. “If we can understand the science of these changes, we might help farmers better manage coffee production in the face of this and future challenges.”

Specifically, researchers identified two factors that had the most consistent association with quality: higher altitude produced coffee with better taste and smell; and too much sunlight led to decreased quality.

That first factor could be significantly affected by global warming. “Higher altitudes are connected with cooler temperatures. It results in slower ripening(成熟), long-time fruit-fill, and higher accumulation(积累)of taste and smell,” the paper states. “What may happen to coffee quality at higher altitudes with increased temperature linked to climate change? And we need to know climate adaptation is needed for coffee agricultural systems at all altitudes.

On the other hand, reducing sunlight exposure(暴露)is easier to deal with. “While light exposure is shifting with climate change, this can be controlled in coffee agricultural systems. Through shade management including developing shade-grown coffee systems with best levels of coverage, the paper continued. Shade management is a relatively easily reached climate adaptation strategy compared to relocating farms.”

Still, the study's biggest takeaway was the more work needs to be done to ensure our coffee tastes. “This systematic review highlights that coffee quality is sensitive to climate change and climate adaptation,” the conclusion stated. “Given the sensitivity of coffee quality to environmental change, evidence-based innovations are called for to enhance the sustainable development of the coffee industry in the context of global change.”

1. What is the purpose of the new study?

A．To find ways to stop the global warming.	B．To prevent the coffee from going extinct.
C．To help farmers increase the products of coffee.	D．To help farmers improve the quality of coffee crop.

2. Why is higher altitude important to coffee?

A．It helps the coffee grow fast.	B．It offers coffee enough sunlight.
C．It offers coffee enough time to ripe.	D．It is easier for farmers to take care of coffee crop.

3. What is suggested to solve the problem of sunlight exposure?

A．To relocate coffee farms.	B．To develop effective shade systems.
C．To grow coffee crops in higher altitude farms.	D．To make the coffee adapt to the climate change.

4. What is the best title of the text?

A．The future of coffee crops.	B．What affects coffee production
C．Climate change affects coffee quality	D．The challenges coffee crops are facing

6 . 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

7 . Our world is full of sounds. Sound is so essential to life and survival that it made Tel Aviv University researcher Lilach Hadany ask: What if it wasn't just animals that could sense sound—what if plants could, too?

“Sounds are a natural resource-one that plants would be wasting if they didn’t take advantage of it as animals do,”said Hadany. If plants had a way of hearing and responding to sound, she figured, it could help them survive and reproduce.

Hadany's team started their study by investigating flowers. Evening primrose（夜来香）, which grows wild on the beaches and in parks around Tel Aviv, emerged as a good candidate, since it has a long bloom time and produces measurable quantities of nectar（花蜜）.

To test the primroses in the lab, Hadany's team exposed plants to five sound treatments: silence, recordings of a honeybee from four inches away, and computer generated sounds in low, intermediate（中等的）, and high frequencies. Plants given the silent treatment had no significant increase in nectar sugar concentration. The same went for plants exposed to high-frequency（158 to 160 kilohertz）and intermediate-frequency（34 to 35 kilohertz）sounds.

But for plants exposed to playbacks of bee sounds（0.2 to 0.5 kilohertz）and similarly low-frequency sounds（0.05 to 1 kilohertz）, the final analysis revealed an unmistakable response. Within three minutes of exposure to these recordings, nectar sugar concentration in the plants increased by 20 percent.

A sweeter treat for pollinators（传粉者）, their theory goes, may draw in more insects, potentially increasing the chances of successful cross-pollination. Indeed, in field observations, researchers found that pollinators were more than nine times more common around plants another pollinator had visited within the previous six minutes.

“We were quite surprised when we found out that it actually worked.” said Hadany.“But after repeating it in other situations, in different seasons, and with plants grown both indoors and outdoors, we feel very confident in the result.”

1. Why did Hadany's team expose plants to sound treatments?

A．To see if they would respond to sound.

B．To develop their ability to receive sound.

C．To help them benefit from different sounds.

D．To detect the difference between plants and animals.

2. Which of the following can bring a sweeter treat for pollinators?

A．Flowers like primroses	B．Sounds like those of bees.
C．Visits from other pollinators.	D．Exposure to different sounds

3. What can be concluded from the study?

A．Plants can identify different sounds.	B．Sound attracts more pollinators to flowers.
C．Plants produce nectar when pollinators come.	D．Sound plays an important role in insects’ survival.

4. How did Hadany feel about their discovery described in paragraph 5 at first?

A．It was doubtful.

B．It was unexpected.

C．It was acceptable

D．It was satisfactory.

8 . The cooling effect of trees reduces the surface temperature of European cities in the summer by up to 12°C in some regions. In contrast, green spaces without trees have an insignificant effect, according to a study that strengthens the case for tree planting to help cities adapt to global warming.

Jonas Schwaab at ETH Zurich in Switzerland and his colleagues used land surface temperature data collected by satellites to compare the temperature differences between areas covered by trees, treeless urban green spaces, such as parks, and urban constructions such as roads and buildings. They analysed 293 cities from across Europe.

The land surface temperature measured by satellites isn't the same as the air temperature, which is more closely linked to what humans would feel, says Schwaab. "Usually, the air temperature difference between tree-covered areas and built-up areas would be much smaller than the land surface temperature differences," he says.

The team found that tree-covered areas in cities have a much lower land surface temperature compared with surrounding areas. The differences were between 80C and 12C in central Europe and between 0°C and 4°C in southern Europe.

The cooling effect of trees comes largely trom shading and transpiration（蒸腾）. This process takes heat energy from the surrounding environment for evaporation（蒸发）, lowering the surrounding temperature. In the warmer climate of southern Europe, the soil is typically drier, so the cooling effect of transpiration is lower than in regions further north, says Schwaab.

The team also found that the cooling provided by treeless green spaces is insignificant, and in some instances green areas without trees can even be warmer than the surrounding urban areas.

Extreme heat is a growing problem for cities in Europe and elsewhere as the planet gets hotter. The findings show that trees can have a big influence on cities across Europe, but since the size of their effects varies, heat reduction strategies should be tailored to suit each region, says Schwaab.

1. What's the purpose of the study?

A．To measure land and air temperatures.	B．To suggest planting more trees in cities.
C．To make people aware of global warming.	D．To stress the importance of green spaces.

2. Why is the cooling effect of transpiration lower in southern Europe?

A．The soil is drier	B．The climate is coluer.
C．There're more green spaces.	D．There're more roads and buildings.

3. What might Schwaab suggest in the last paragraph?

A．Wet lands should be enlarged.	B．Dry soil should be reduced.
C．More roads should be built.	D．Solutions should be different.

4. Which of the following is a suitable title for the text?

A．Trees Cool the Land Surface Temperature of Cities.	B．Researchers Raise Solutions to Extreme Weather
C．High Tech Lowers Land Surface Temperature	D．Extreme Heat Does Harm to the Environment

9 . 语法填空

Populus Euphratica(胡杨) is the only tree species    1     (find)in the desert of North China. In Ejina(额济纳)in the west of Inner Mongolia, there's a Populus Euphratica. As the     2     (old) tree in this Populus Euphratica forest, it    3     (guard) this place for more than 800 years. The locals call it the "sacred tree". Dinosaurs     4     (die) out about 65 million years ago. Then a new species appeared along the ancient Mediterranean Sea. That's the Populus Euphratica. Seasonally flooded river beds(河床) in the Gobi desert are perfect for the Populus Euphratica.     5     there is water, the Populus Euphratica grows.

Populus Euphratica loves water,     6     it also highly resistant to drought. As long as the groundwater is at least 4 meters below, Populus Euphratica can live    7     ( comfortable). If the groundwater level drops below 9 meters, it will die.

Because the course of desert rivers changes frequently, Populus Euphratica has left its mark across the desert. It acts as a good windbreak, prevents sand erosion, and is salt resistant.     8     adult Populus Euphratica can discharge tens of kilograms of salt and alkali(碱) every year. When the wind is blocked, the sand is fixed, and the soil is improved. So the ecological environment of Ejina is protected.

To the south of the Populus Euphratica forest in Ejina, lies Badain Jaran, the third largest desert in China.     9     this 260 square kilometer Populus Euphratica forest, the Badain Jaran Desert, already 49,200 square kilometers in size, would spread northward,     10     (squeeze) the living space of humans. These Populus Euphratica trees form a golden natural barrier, guarding the ecology of Ejina year after year, for another 800 years.

10 . Gardens come in all shapes and sizes.     1     But with a little planning and a few tips, you’ll be growing in no time.

One of the most important things to remember when planning a garden is to grow what you love. This way, you’ll be sure to enjoy the process. You can grow vegetables. If you don’t like vegetables, try fruits or flowers. You can grow a garden to feed yourself, your neighbors, and a family that’s going through a hard time.     2     Find your interest.

Once you decide what type of garden you’d like to start, you’ll need to plan a few things before getting to work.     3     Find a place that is fairly flat and gets good sunlight. After that, it is necessary to pick the right soil. An expert at a gardening store can advise you on the best soil for your needs.

After you have the correct soil, choose your plants. Will you start with seeds or young plants? Growing from seeds is often less expensive. And it’s more satisfying, because you have a chance to watch the growth from seed to plant.     4     There’s a better possibility your plant will survive the environment condition to produce.

    5     I suggest planting right before the start of the growing season so the plants can adapt to the soil. You’ll see them start to produce sooner.

A．Now you’re ready to plant your garden.

B．Starting a new one might seem challenging.

C．But growing from young plants is easier.

D．First, work out where your garden will lie.

E．You’ll be able to plant season after season and try to grow new things.

F．It will help you explore and understand the whole progress of these plants.

G．There are many different things you can grow and many different reasons to grow.