1 . Increased human activity and climate change have caused a rise of algae (藻类植物) in water bodies around the world—sometimes choking ecosystems of sunlight and oxygen. In more extreme cases, they can produce dangerous poisons that can sicken or kill people and animals. But the plenty of algae could prove crucial as our population rises beyond eight billion people worldwide because algae are crops that don’t need land, freshwater, or fertilizer to fill nutritional gaps.

And even though they are so closely associated with human’s bad impact on Earth, algae could also play vital roles in slowing climate change and helping fight against pollution, viruses, and more. With microplastic pollution documented in almost all habitats related to water, a study showed that algae can help filter microplastics from water. Algae can also filter chemicals that can be used for fertilizer.

Algae can produce more effective biofuel than traditional sources. Rescarchers at a German algae growing facility are already using it to fuel plane. Researchers believe this and other sustainable fuels could reduce carbon released from airplanes by up to 80 percent.

Animal feed containing a kind of red algae reduces harmful methane(甲烷)released from cattle by more than 80 percent. The addition works by changing the environment in a cow’s stomach, stopping the production of methane before it can be released.

Red algae can stop the copies of some viruses, and have been shown to stimulate the body’s immune (免疫的) system and could become a powerful anti-HIV medicine.

In 2019, freshwater algae were launched into space to change the CO² breathed out by astronauts on the International Space Station into oxygen. Since algae are also high in protein, they could replace up to 30 percent of astronaut food in the future.

1. What can we know about algae from the first paragraph?

A．Better late than never.	B．Every coin has two sides.
C．All is well that ends well.	D．Two heads are better than one.

2. Why do algae have a positive impact on environment ?

A．They avoid climate change.	B．They absorb pollutants in the air.
C．They reduce microplastics in the water.	D．They filter most poisonous chemicals.

3. What can algae help in our life?

A．Change animal feed into methane.

B．Store carbon released from airplanes.

C．Help researchers to create traditional sources.

D．Create biofuel and reduce methane in cows’s stomach.

4. How do algae benefit human’s health?

A．By helping fight against diseases.	B．By increasing human’s strength.
C．By producing more oxygen than other plants.	D．By replacing much food for astronauts.

2 . Balconies (阳台) are probably not suitable places to grow things. They might be hot, windy, totally shady or with sunlight glaring off the concrete.     1     Here are some tips for a green and flowering balcony.

Choose the right plants. Choose plants that either love heat, sun and more heat or those that can grow healthy in shade. As many exposed (无遮蔽的) sunny balconies are also very windy, which should be taken into consideration too, avoid the taller plants for those balconies where strong winds are a regular feature.     2    

Keep them moist (湿润的), potted plants dry out much faster, even rain doesn’t wet the soil in most pots much.

    3     A handful of water added to each pot at planting time makes a huge difference to the pot to hold enough water to grow thick and beautiful plants.

    4     All plants need to have their leaves washed at least once a week. Leaves that aren’t regularly washed get mite (螨) problems. Look at the leaves on plants, you’ll probably see tiny tracks or spots where mites have done harm to leaves. That is why your plants seem to be dying.

Feed them well. Well fed plants are healthier.     5     Slow release plant food is best — there’s a wide range on the market. Just look at the shelves. I like to give my pots a treat of seaweed-based fertilizer once they start growing fast in spring. Use according to directions.

A．Clean the leaves.

B．Water the whole plant.

C．They will be blown down in their pots.

D．Plants just weren’t created to live on balconies.

E．The leaves tend to direct the rainwater out of the pot.

F．So how do some people manage to plant them in balconies?

G．They can survive heat, cold and drought better with big healthy roots.

3 . A research group, led by a scientist Professor Lilach Hadany at Tel Aviv University, have conducted a six-year experiment, proving that plants talk, particularly in certain stressful situations.

Plants were put in a sound-proof chamber (隔音室) and were recorded by two microphones. Some plants were in need of water, others were cut, and a control group were left undamaged. The researchers used an AI algorithm to separate the sounds successfully identifying the differences between the sounds made depending on whether they were dry or cut.

On average, the human ear can hear sounds up to around 20kHz, but the sounds produced by plants are in the 40-80kHz region, far beyond our hearing capabilities. That doesn’t mean they can’t be heard. “White unnoticed to the human ear, the sounds sent out by plants can probably be heard by various animals, such as bats, mice, and insects,” Hadany tells us. Though this has yet to be proven, it’s possible that these animals use this information for their benefit, choosing which plants to eat, for example.

While farming has become a science itself, there’s still a lot of estimation (估计) involved. If farmers were able to receive exact information directly from their crop, they could start a much more efficient method of care. The study thinks that more proper irrigation (灌溉) could save up to 50% of water cost and greatly improve the product. “In times when more and more areas are exposed to drought due to climate change, efficient water use becomes even more necessary, for both food safety and natural environment.” They would also be able to better identify and control disease in a crop.

The sounds sent out by plants are not cries for help, but rather a by-product of material stress rather than communication. Just as Hadany notes, “Obviously, a wonderful field of flowers can be a rather noisy place. It’s just that we can’t hear the sounds.”

1. The author tries to tell the readers in Para. 2 ______.

A．the differences between the sounds

B．the process of the experiments

C．the inventions from the farmers

D．the function of the plants

2. The researchers’ findings may contribute to the farmers of ______.

A．earning a lot of money

B．taking good care of their crop

C．recognizing the origin of the plant

D．making full preparations for a discovery

3. What can be learned about the experiment in Para. 3?

A．Some insects can notice the smell of the plants.

B．Not all the people can improve their work efficiency.

C．Neither animals nor plants can hear the sounds by people.

D．Some animals may use the sounds by plants to choose food.

4. What could be the best title for the passage?

A．Why people conduct experiments with plants.

B．Science matters, and we are making it.

C．Plants talk, and now we are listening.

D．How plants reduce their stress.

5. What is the author’s purpose in writing the passage?

A．To promote a new technology.

B．To recommend a research team.

C．To introduce a scientific discovery.

D．To explain a historical event.

4 . Forests are feeling the heat. In places like the American West, rising temperatures and drought mean less water for trees. Now, scientists have found that thinning early in forest growth creates tougher trees that can endure climate change. What’s more, these thinned forests can suck carbon out of the air just as fast as thick forests.

“When it comes to carbon storage and climate change adaptation, we can have our cake and eat it too,” says Andrew Larson, forest ecologist and author of the new study. “It’s a win-win.”

As trees grow, they convert carbon dioxide to food and store it in their leaves, trunks, and roots. But if trees get too crowded, they compete for light and water. Removing some trees can ease the competition, letting the remaining trees grow big and healthy. But scientists worry that removing trees can reduce forest carbon storage.

To see whether the climate trade-off truly exists, scientists tapped into a long-term experiment in northwestern Montana. In 1961, U.S. Forest Service officials started the experiment in a young forest of western larch. The forest was broken up into plots. In some plots, the 8-year-old trees were thinned from tens of thousands per hectare down to 494 per hectare. These trees grew thick trunks and broad tree shades. Other plots were left alone, and the trees there grew tall and skinny as they competed for sunlight. The original study was rooted in an interest in growing timber rapidly. But the scientists at the University of Montana sprouted a new question: How did tree density (密度) influence carbon storage?

To find out, they measured tree height, diameter, and width of branches to estimate the amount of carbon stored. They also calculated the carbon contained in other plants, dead wood, and forest floor debris. The research showed total carbon was nearly the same in both forests. The un-thinned forest had more trees, but the thinned forest compensated with bigger trees.

1. What is scientists’ finding about forests?

A．The tougher trees in thinned forests stand climate change.

B．Thinned forests have as much carbon as thick forests.

C．The American forests are suffering sever heat wave.

D．The thick forests grow rapidly than thinned ones.

2. What does the underlined part in Paragraph 2 imply?

A．We are able to produce and enjoy a cake together.

B．Carbon storage and climate stability are the final goals.

C．We can choose between carbon storage and climate change.

D．Carbon storage and climate adaptation can be achieved meanwhile.

3. How did the US Forest Service officials conduct their study?

A．Through observing forests grow.

B．Through comparative experiments.

C．By providing examples to illustrate.

D．By collecting massive amounts of data.

4. What’s the purpose of the research mentioned in paragraph 5?

A．To achieve how to plant trees scientifically.

B．To test how much carbon forests contain.

C．To prove the advantages of thinned forests.

D．To see how tree density affects carbon storage.

5 . This summer, nearly 65 percent of the United States is experiencing “unusually dry” weather. More than 109 million people are living under drogue conditions.     1     So how to garden when there’s a lack of water?

    2    Newly planted trees and shrubs(灌木)should be put on the top of the watering list. They require regular watering until their roots get deep into the soil. That process can take a full year. Vegetables such as beans, cabbage, and lettuce also have high water needs. None will likely survive with little water.

Most plants require an average of 2 to 4 centimeters of water each week under normal conditions. That need could increase, however, during periods of extreme heat, when the soil dries out more quickly.     3     Divide it over two or three times per week.

Use deeper, less-frequent watering instead of daily sprinkles(洒水)which can be wasteful? Watering deeply also leads to stronger, deeper roots that are better able to support plants when there’s no surface water. So avoid using overhead sprinklers.     4     You can place watering devices on the soil directly over roots.

Consider using recycled household water, also called gray water, to water plants. Unsalted water left over from boiling eggs or vegetables provides extra nutrients(营养物). Dish and bath water that is not too soapy will not harm plants. And water captured(捕获)while cleaning fruits and vegetables can be used around the garden.     5    .

A．So learn how to water plants correctly.

B．So make good use of water in your house.

C．You should water newly planted trees regularly.

D．A lot of them have plants or yards to worry about.

E．First you should decide which plants need water the most.

F．Do not offer your plants their weekly water needs all at once.

G．They wet the leaves and other areas instead of directing water to plant roots.

6 . How to create an indoor garden

If you’re looking for a way to brighten up your home, consider creating an indoor garden.     1     We will share some basic tips on how to make yours look its best.

Know the type of plants you want

Deciding is probably the hardest part when it comes to creating an indoor garden because there are just so many plants to choose from. Start by thinking about what type of plants you want.

    2     Or maybe something that doesn’t need much attention or effort? Once you have an idea of the type of plant you want, you can start narrowing down your options.

Get the right potting soil and containers

Now that you know what type of plants you want, it’s time to get the right potting soil and containers. Make sure to get a potting mix that is specifically designed for indoor plants.     3     As for containers, you can really use anything as long as it has drainage holes.

Choose a bright location Once you have your plants and pots, it’s time to choose a location for your indoor garden.     4     This will help your plants grow and stay healthy. If you don’t have a spot that gets a lot of light, you can always use artificial lighting like grow lights.

    5    

In addition to watering, you’ll also need to add substance to your plants about once a month. This will help them grow and stay healthy. Just be sure to follow the instructions on the package. Don’t overdo it.

A．Give fertiliser monthly.

B．How exactly can we make one?

C．Follow the instruction correctly.

D．But don’t worry, we’re here to help.

E．This will help your plants grow strong.

F．Do you want something that will blossom?

G．Look for a spot in your home that gets a lot of natural light.

7 . Many fruit trees and bushes are very simple to plant using no equipment except some potting soil and a heating equipment. In fact, you can get a handful of cuttings for free from a friend during pruning (修剪) season and end up with a whole homemade fruit farm.

Grapes

They are the first easy species on my list because they will grow in most parts of the US and are easy to root from hardwood cuttings. Hardwood cuttings are pieces of one-year-old wood taken in the late winter before the buds start to grow.

Figs

They are just easy to root, but I put them second on my list because northerners will have a hard time keeping the plants alive. If you live party way north, you can grow figs as long as you choose a cold-hardy variety.

Rabbiteye blueberries

They are an example of another kind of self-rooting plant. After a few years, it will begin to send up suckers from near the base. The suckers that are at least a few inches away from the parent plant will generally grow roots a year after emerging, at which point you can dig down until you’ve found several roots.

Gooseberries

They are simple because they just about root themselves. If you allow (or force) one branch to grow along the ground, then cover part of the branch with rich soil, roots will grow on the underwater part. Cut their stems off next year and you’ll have one or more gooseberry plants to set out elsewhere.

1. What makes grapes the first easy species on the author’s list?

A．Their high production.	B．Their delicious and special taste.
C．Their great economic value.	D．Their strong adaptability to grow.

2. When will you get new gooseberry plants?

A．After growing along the ground.

B．Before covering part of the branch.

C．After cutting their stems the next year.

D．Before roots grow on the underwater part.

3. In which section of a newspaper may this text appear?

A．Science.

B．Gardening.

C．Fashion.

D．Entertainment.

8 . It could be said that trees naturally call for attention as they climb toward the sky with their arms outstretched. Yet, it’s still easy for us to ignore them. As we rush through our own day-to-day lives, trees seem to play the role of an insignificant backdrop.

Nothing could be further from the truth. Rooted to a single spot, trees appear sill.But that stillness is not associated with laziness. In fact, trees are guards of the planet as the impact of their hard work carries miles farther than the ground in which they stand.

Globally, trees are the most cost-effective tool in promoting biodiversity. They support the survival of a significant number of animals. For example, a big reason why ring-tailed lemurs (狐猴) are endangered is that half of the forests they depend on in Madagascar off the East coast of Africa were cut down.

Not only do animals depend on trees for shelter, trees are significant to the health of humans as well. In fact, doctors in Canada are so convinced of trees’ benefits for the mind and body that they recommend patients visit national parks. Trees help a lot in tackling climate change too. They absorb and store carbon dioxide(CO2) — the key greenhouse gas emitted by our cars and power plants — before it has a chance to reach the upper atmosphere and trap heat around the Earth’s surface.

So it’s time to put trees in the spotlight. The Arbor Day Foundation, the world’s largest nonprofit, is devoted to this exact mission: inspiring people to plant,protect, and honor trees. We know there’s never been a more important time for trees. And we know there’s never been a more important time for mankind to engage in its role as environmental guards. This isn’t a one-sided relationship. What we give to nature we will receive in return, tenfold (十倍地). So as springtime arrives once again, take a moment and appreciate what a tree can be.

1. What does the author mainly want to tell us by giving the example of ring-tailed lemurs?

A．Trees are insignificant for their stillness.

B．Trees play a vital role in cleaning the air.

C．Trees provide critical habitats for creatures.

D．Half of the forests in Madagascar were cut down.

2. What does the author intend to do in the last paragraph?

A．To provide advice on planting trees.

B．To call for human attention to trees.

C．To show the best time of planting trees.

D．To stress the impact of trees on humans.

3. Which of the following best shows the structure of the text?
1=Paragraph One 2= Paragraph Two 3= Paragraph Three 4= Paragraph Four 5=Paragraph Five

A．

B．

C．

D．

4. What can be a suitable title for the text?

A．Trees: Cleaners of the Environment	B．Trees: Shelters for Creatures
C．Trees: Defenders of Human Health	D．Trees: Guards of the Planet

9 . Madagascar, the world’s second-largest island country located off Africa’s eastern coast, is an island of diverse ecosystems and a biodiversity hotspot. The country has unique wildlife, with 90% of its plants and animals found nowhere else. Madagascar’s wildlife creates some of the country’s most beautiful scenery and popular spots. One of its conspicuous landscapes, attracting tourists from almost all corners of the Earth, is the Avenue of the Baobabs in the Menabe region. This avenue is made up of numerous baobab trees along the dirt road linking Belon’i Tsiribihina and Morondava, creating a unique and beautiful setting.

Baobab trees are common throughout Madagascar. Of the Earth’s eight species, six are native to the country. Some of the baobabs in the country are about 2, 800 years old, with trunks rising to 150 feet. The avenue is a row of about 25 baobabs stretching about 260 meters. Other baobab trees are also found in the nearby pastures (牧草地). This road is one of Madagascar’s most visited places. It is also the most accessible place to see some of Africa’s oldest baobabs. These trees were once part of a forest that was made up of other plants. However, massive deforestation cleared the area of most trees, leaving the baobabs to grow alone.

The baobab trees along the road and the other species growing in the nearby areas are always under constant threat from the increasing population. The trees also face threats from polluted water from the nearby fields, forest fires, and bushfires. Despite being a popular tourist attraction, the Avenue of the Baobabs has no admission fee or visitor center and generates little money for local communities.

Thankfully, non-governmental organizations in partnership with the government have noticed the area and developed activities to protect the avenue. The Ministry of Environment, Ecology, and Forests declared it a temporary protected area in July 2007. In July 2015, the site was declared a national monument (国家保护区), the first in Madagascar. The government and local communities hope the trees can survive for additional 800 years.

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

A．New.

B．Cultural.

C．Striking.

D．Changing.

2. What do we know about the Avenue of the Baobabs?

A．It is a big forest.	B．It has eight baobab species.
C．It consists of many different plants.	D．It has Africa’s oldest baobabs.

3. What does paragraph 3 mainly talk about?

A．The risk to local baobab trees.

B．Natural disasters in Madagascar.

C．Poor living conditions in Madagascar.

D．The quality customer service of the avenue.

4. What kind of feeling is expressed in the last paragraph?

A．Curiosity.

B．Caution.

C．Hopefulness.

D．Sympathy.

10 . Yellow flower carpeted fields are a sure sign of summer. In Denmark alone, more than 200,000 hectares of rapeseed (油菜籽) are planted every year. But until now, the plant has only been used for oil and animal food, as it is both bitter and unsafe for human consumption.

To protect themselves, the rapeseed plants produce a group of substances (物质) called glucosinolates (硫苷), which give the plants a strong and bitter taste that scares off insects and disease. As a result rapeseed is unhealthy to eat and the rapeseed cake, which is the remains of the seeds after the oil has been squeezed out, has only been used as feed for pigs and chickens, despite its 30 — 40 percent protein content.

Now, researchers from the University of Copenhagen have discovered the three proteins that help to store the bitter substances in seeds of thale cress (阿拉伯芥), a plant closely related to the rapeseed. The new knowledge makes it possible to prevent the accumulation (积聚) of these substances in the seed by removing the proteins through “transport engineering” technology. In doing so, the defensive substances remain in all other parts of the plant, allowing it to continue to defend itself.

So far, the researchers have shown that their method works in thale cress. “The next task is to apply our method to the closely related rapeseed plant, which we are now working on,” says Professor Halkier, leader of the research.

“Half of plant proteins in the EU come from rapeseed. The climate crisis demands that we reduce meat consumption and eat more plants, which is where rapeseed has great potential as a new source of plant protein. Our latest research results bring us a step closer to making full use of rapeseed,” says Professor Halkier.

1. What is the function of paragraph 2?

A．To state the reason.	B．To offer the solution.
C．To give an example.	D．To introduce the topic.

2. According to the research, how did scientists rid thale cress of its bitter taste?

A．By selecting better seeds.	B．By removing the three proteins.
C．By increasing sweet tastes.	D．By storing defensive substances.

3. What do Halkier’s words focus on?

A．Researchers’ efforts to better the taste.

B．Researchers’ progress in their experiment.

C．Rapeseed’s role in relieving climate crisis.

D．Rapeseed’s potential as a new protein source.

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

A．Harmful proteins discovered in rapeseed

B．Rapeseed widely used as oil and animal food

C．Researchers closer to making rapeseed safe food

D．New plant protein in rapeseed finally uncovered