1 . Antioxidants (抗氧化剂) are found naturally inn plants like blueberries, blackberries, and red cabbage. Scientists believe antioxidants may help prevent heart disease and help fight against diseases like diabetes. But tomatoes naturally only have a small amount of antioxidants in them.

British scientist Cathie Martin wanted to see if she could create tomatoes with lots of antioxidants by changing the DNA of a tomato plant.

A plant developed from specially created DNA is known as a GMO, or “genetically modified organism”. For hundreds of years, farmers have created new kinds of plants by mixing existing plants together using natural methods. GMO plants are different because the plants’ DNA has been changed by scientists. Scientists who do this usually think they’re improving the plants in some way.

After working on developing purple tomatoes for years, Dr. Martin’s experiment worked. Soon her plants were producing small purple tomatoes. Though the color is unusual, what’s really special about the tomatoes is that they have very high levels of antioxidants. Even better, the tomatoes remained fresh almost twice as long as normal tomatoes. Soon, Dr. Martin and other scientists created a company to promote the tomatoes.

The company tested its tomatoes on mice that were likely to get cancer. The mice who were fed the purple tomatoes lived about 30% longer than the mice who were fed normal tomatoes. Though that’s good news, experiments on mice don’t always predict what effects on humans will be like.

And GMO products weren’t popular with customers. Many people were scared by the idea that the foods weren’t “natural”. There are still questions about the effects of GMO crops on the environment and other plants, but most scientists agree that food from GMO crops is safe to eat.

On September 7, the government approved a GMO plant designed to target human health. Dr. Martin and her company plan to introduce the tomatoes at farmers’ markets across the US in 2023. They also hope to sell the seeds to people who want to grow their own.

1. What is the function of paragraph 1?

A．To define a concept.

B．To bring in the topic of the text.

C．To add background information.

D．To introduce the benefits of antioxidants.

2. What makes purple tomatoes really special?

A．Their medical value.	B．Their delicious flavor.
C．Their proper size.	D．Their pleasant color.

3. Why are GMO foods refused by people?

A．They are expensive to buy.

B．They are intended for animals.

C．They are thought to be harmful.

D．Their appearance isn’t appealing.

4. What is the government’s attitude towards GMO crops?

A．Opposed.

B．Unclear.

C．Positive.

D．Concemed.

2 . Many of the vegetables we grow in our gardens produce seeds (种子), which can grow into plants if collected and stored correctly. Late summer is the perfect time to start collecting them.

Make sure the seeds are from plants that you have planted well for many years. These are plants in their normal forms.    1    

Hybridized (杂交) plants usually produce the vegetables sold in big food stores.They are created from two or more different kinds of plants to get the best qualities of each. Trying to grow seeds from these plants will not lead to happy results. This kind of plants will not have the expected results but instead carry the genes (基因) of just one of its parents.    2    For this reason, it is best not to grow seeds from store-bought food.

Many plants become cross-pollinated (异花授粉) in the garden. Bees, flies, animals and wind spread pollen (花粉) from one plant to another. To ensure the seeds will grow into plants, give them space.     3    

To avoid cross-pollination surprises, plant only one kind of each vegetable from which you can harvest seeds.    4    Grow only one kind of tomato in your garden. If that feels too limiting, go ahead and experiment. Choose plants that grow well every year so there are smaller risks from cross-pollination. The plants will be fine even if they are not what you expected.

    5    Add something to the container to prevent any remaining wetness. But take it out after a few days to avoid over drying the seeds.

A．When will the seeds come off the flower?

B．It is impossible to tell which parent that will be.

C．What should you do if you want to save tomato seeds?

D．Their seeds will produce plants as good as their parents.

E．Put seeds in a cool, dry place in a covered glass container.

F．Place different kinds of the same crop as far apart as possible.

G．In areas with cold winters, simply leave plants in the ground over winter.

3 . The West Potomac Park in Washington, DC, lies just west of the National Mall. It is home to some of Washington’s most iconic (标志性) sites. But the park’s most famous attraction? Cherry blossoms.

Thousands of cherry trees bloom around the waters of the Tidal Basin (潮汐湖), which reflect the trees’ images. The basin was created in the late1800s to prevent the Potomac River from flooding. The original cherry trees were a gift from Japan. On March 26, 1912, more than 3, 000 cherry trees arrived in Washington. Most were planted around the Tidal Basin. But cherry trees were also planted near the Washington Monument and the White House.

Mike Litterst, a spokesperson for the U. S. National Park Service, which maintains the West Potomac Park, helps protect the cherry trees. “This wonderful gift is over 100 years old now and, if you will, the gift keeps on giving. You can enjoy its beauty every year”.

The cherry blossoms also serve as a symbol of the beginning of springtime. Every year, Washington celebrates the arrival of spring with a two - week Cherry Blossom Festival. More than 1.5 million people from around the world visit the nation’s capital during the festival. They all hope to see the cherry trees at their “peak (高峰) bloom”,which lasts several days each year. Experts begin making peak bloom predictions in February. Visitors make their travel plans to Washington based on these predictions. Last year, officials correctly predicted the peak bloom six weeks in advance. But this year, unpredictable weather in March in Washington has made guessing it difficult. “Peak bloom” dates have changed many times.

The cherry blossoms have also become a worldwide symbol of Washington itself. BoWen moved to Washington from China seven years ago. He comes to the Cherry Blossom Festival. “It’s so famous. Everywhere you can see Washington DC Cherry Blossom Festival, on like Twitter and Instagram.”

1. What do we learn about the West Potomac Park?

A．It is just next to the Tidal Basin.	B．There are some iconic sites around it.
C．It includes a man - made body of water.	D．All the cherry trees from Japan were there.

2. What does Litterst mean by saying ‘the gift keeps on giving’?

A．The old cherry trees are still in blossom.	B．Visitors can pick the flowers if they like.
C．Japan is still giving them the cherry trees.	D．Visitors want to have the cherry trees as a gift.

3. What characteristic does Cherry Blossom Festival have?

A．It usually lasts one week.	B．Its time is not the same every year.
C．It is held when cherry trees start to bloom.	D．Its celebration is held all over the country.

4. What do BoWen’s words about Cherry Blossom Festival imply?

A．It can be enjoyed just online.	B．It is liked by the Chinese very much.
C．It is one of the most important ones.	D．It is widely known all over the world.

4 . When we think of insects that native plants support, we often think of bees and butterflies, but they really support many other insects as well as birds and mammals (哺乳动物). The fact that our native plants and wildlife have developed together means that they rely on each other to survive.

The biggest threat to these insects is the loss of their home. In fact, the insect population has reduced by an alarming 45% since 1974! By bringing native plant species into our gardens, we create natural feeding and nesting sites important to their survival and ours. By creating living areas for our native insects, we help to support native birds and other native wildlife, and thus, increase the natural biodiversity of our ecosystem.

Native plantings also have a positive effect on the overall health of our environment. They are used in bio-filters (生物过滤), and rain gardens. With their deep roots systems, natives are able to hold the soil, take in nutrients, catch and release water, as well as filter pollutants out of the water.

Native plants are the best choice for these situations because they are adapted to our soil, rainfall and climate, and are able to bear brief periods of wet soil and long periods of dryness. In addition to helping clear pollutants from our waterways, native plants, especially long-lived trees, also help our air quality by removing CO² at a higher rate than grasses due to their large root systems.

Besides all the amazing things native plants already do for our environment, having them in your garden will also help you save time and money. Because native plants aren’t as susceptible to pests and bacteria as non-natives are, so they don’t require the use of fungicides or pesticides. Putting in native plants is much easier than you think and extremely beneficial for not only your local environment but also for you. We encourage you to design a small area of your garden for native plants or reconsider whether you can add a few native plants to your existing garden. A little work can go a long way in supporting our local wildlife and ecosystem!

1. What is most likely to put native insects in danger?

A．Native birds are increasing.	B．Their homes are gradually lost.
C．Foreign wildlife is introduced.	D．The climate disasters appear frequently.

2. What does paragraph 4 mainly talk about?

A．Benefits of native plants.	B．Choices for native plants.
C．Relationships among native plants.	D．Advantages of long-lived plants.

3. What do the underlined words “susceptible to” in the last paragraph probably mean?

A．Easily affected by.	B．Greatly harmful to.
C．Constantly dotted with.	D．Potentially beneficial to.

4. What’s the best title for the text?

A．How you can clear your garden

B．How you can protect native wildlife

C．Why you need a garden with various plants

D．Why you should plant natives in your garden

5 . We often try to save every drop of water in gardening. Yet this summer, over half of the world is experiencing “abnormally dry” weather, which means millions of people are living under drought conditions.     1     Here are suggestions for how to keep your garden healthy during periods of dry weather.

Choosing water-saving plants

If you are gardening under water restrictions, decide which plants need water least. Older trees, especially fruit, nut, and even evergreens, can suffer during drought, while newly planted trees require regular watering until their roots become established.     2     They can usually get by with less water than crops like corn, which have shallow roots.

Watering effectively

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 with less water. Remember deeper, less-frequent watering instead of daily sprinkle helps get the roots really wet. Also avoid watering midday when moisture is likely to disappear before reaching roots.

    4    

Consider using recycled household water, also called gray water, to water plants. Unsalted water left over from boiling eggs or vegetables provides extra nutrients. Dish and bath water that is not too oily will not harm plants.    5    

A．Using fresh clean water.

B．Choosing recycled water.

C．And melons have deep roots.

D．Try to water your plants all at once.

E．Do not water your plants once weekly.

F．And many of the people have plants to worry about.

G．And water from washing fruits and vegetables can be used around the garden.

6 . Much of gardening is learned by trial and error — for many, mostly error. But the good news is that we can learn from others’ mistakes as well as our own.     1    .

Failing to test the soil

Proper soil pH value is vital for successful gardening. That’s because nutrition is available to plants only at proper pH levels, which vary for each type of plant. For example, blueberry plants will likely turn yellow and produce less if the pH level is higher than 5.5.     2    . Pick one up and test the soil in each garden bed individually, as the pH level often varies even in the same yard.

Watering incorrectly

Most garden plants require 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week. But leaving the work to a sprinkler (喷头) puts your plants at risk.     3    . It will direct water to roots, where it’s needed, instead of leaves, fruit and flowers.

    4    

A plant labeled as needing “full sun” will likely disappoint you if it is planted in the shade. And no matter how much you hope otherwise, “water tolerant” will never mean “likes wet soil”. Selecting plants suited to your growing conditions will result in a better-looking and healthier garden that requires less care.

Protecting the roots improperly

Proper covering keeps water and helps keep soil temperatures even. So it’s an important part of gardening. Improper covering, however, can kill your plants. Apply 2 to 3 inches of covering around plants. Never pile up against them.     5    .

A．Applying proper nutrition to the soil

B．Planting wrong plants at wrong places

C．Here are some well-tested tips on good gardening

D．Instead, snake a watering tube over the soil surface

E．Otherwise, it will lock in too much water and heat which might kill them

F．Fortunately, test tools are relatively cheap and available at gardening stores

G．Here are some of the common gardening mistakes -and how to avoid them

7 . The longleaf pine (长叶松) tree has deep connections with the history and life of the eastern part of America. Forests of these trees once covered two-thirds of the southeastern United States. About 95 percent of those forests were lost in the past 100 years. Many of the forests were cut for their wood, but now they are returning, with the help of government programs that build ties with private landowners.

The wood of the tree is very strong. Most buildings built in the southern U.S. from the 1800s contained longleaf pine wood. Today, although buildings made with longleaf pine are no longer wanted, yet people are reusing the wood because it is still good and resists (抵抗) water and insect damage.

The longleaf pine also takes in CO₂ in the air. It stores the material in its wood. So, the tree is valuable to the environment as a way to store carbon.

At the same time, the pine forests are places for animals to live. The U.S. government has several programs to protect and increase longleaf pine forests. One is the Safe Harbor Program. It uses voluntary agreements with private landowners to help animals at risk. One such agreement protects the red-cockaded woodpecker and also lets landowners use their land, as long as the birds and other connected animals can safely live on it.

Now, farmers and landowners in the southeastern U.S. are growing new longleaf pine trees. Instead of cutting the trees to use as building materials, they are finding ways to make money from the forest of living trees. One way to get money is by selling the leaves of the trees as a ground cover. Farmers can gather the pine leaves by hand or with the help of a machine. Pine leaves can be used instead of wood pieces or skins as a ground cover. It lasts a long time, is light in weight and stays in place because the needles (针) connect to each other.

1. Which of the following has helped bring back the longleaf pine trees?

A．The government’s efforts.	B．The much money it brings.
C．People’s wish to return to the old lifestyle.	D．The great need for their wood.

2. What do we know about houses built of longleaf pine wood today?

A．Welcome.

B．Cheap.

C．Unpopular.

D．Unclean.

3. What is one responsibility of landowners to use their land?

A．Providing longleaf pine wood.	B．Protecting animals in danger.
C．Enlarging the wood’s market.	D．Collecting longleaf pine needles.

4. What can be the best title for the text?

A．The Return of Longleaf Pines Gives Home to Animals

B．Farmers Benefit from Living longleaf Pine Trees

C．New Uses of Longleaf Pine Trees Create Forests

D．Longleaf Pine Trees Give More than Just Wood

8 . Seen any unseasonably early daffodils（水仙花）showing their faces yet? UK spring flowers are opening nearly a month earlier than they did before the mid-1980s, due to climate change.

That is the conclusion of a study of nearly 420,000 observations of the first flowering date of 406 plants from a UK citizen science project called Nature's Calendar. It has records dating back to 1753 from gardeners and naturalists, as well as bodies such as the UK's Royal Meteorological Society.

UIf Buntgen at the University of Cambridge and his team found that plants were opening their flowers 26 days earlier on average in the years after 1986 than they did before. They picked that year as it was the mid-point in the data set-where they had about the same number of observations before and after-because there were many more recent records than earlier ones.

The analysis included records of all plants, whatever time of year they flower, but most of them(like the daffodils) bloom in spring. “It is likely that the influence of climate change will be greater for spring-flowering plants, where the usual beginning of warmer temperatures that would cause flowering starts earlier,” says a spokesperson for the UK's Royal Horticultural Society.

There was a bigger advance in the dates of the first blooms for smaller plants, with those less than 20 centimeters high flowering an average of 32 days earlier in the years after 1986 than they had historically.

In any year, flower opening times were closely connected with the average temperature of the months from January to April. “If it's warmer, it's an earlier beginning. If it's cooler, it's a later one,” says Buntgen. The average maximum temperature across those four months rose by 1.1℃, comparing the period from 1950 to 1986 with the years after 1986.

“The change could hurt insects, birds and other wildlife that has evolved to sync with（同步）the flowering of certain plants,” says Buntgen.

1. What can we know about the study?

A．It dated back to 1753.

B．It was based on a large amount of data.

C．It was conducted by gardeners and naturalists.

D．It only covered records of plants blooming in spring.

2. Why did researchers pick the year 1986?

A．It was in the middle of the data set.

B．It was a memorable day for Ulf Buntgen.

C．It was the first year to record flowering date.

D．It was in 1986 that spring flowers bloom earlier.

3. What will be discussed in the following paragraph?

A．The influences of flowers’ early blooming.

B．Measures to be taken to stop climate change.

C．Further study to find the reason for flowers’ early blooming.

D．How creatures adapt to the change of flowers’ early blooming.

4. Where can we probably find the text?

A．In a guidebook.

B．In a science fiction.

C．In a geography textbook.

D．In a science magazine.

9 . Ashtyn Perry dug into the ground in Sequoia(红杉)Crest，California. In 2020, a wildfire burned through the mountain community and destroyed dozens of its massive trees. Ashtyn, who is 13 years old, planted a bright green seedling. “It’s really cool to know that it could be a big tree in the future,” Ashtyn said. Ashtyn said she’d like to return once a year to see how it’s growing. She hopes it can become a giant.

Her efforts are part of a project to plant seeds from some of the largest and oldest trees on the planet. The goal is to see if the genes that allowed the parent tree to survive for so long will protect the growth of new trees.

Archangel Ancient Tree Archive, which is an organization that preserves the genes of very old trees, leads the project. The group hopes to save the giant sequoias. Once considered nearly fireproof, the trees are at risk of being wiped out by intense wildfires.

Climate change is partly to blame for the problems sequoias face. Climate change is leading to more intense fires. Another factor contributing to the problem is a century of policies that prevent natural fires from burning. Allowing natural wildfires to burn actually prevents bigger future fires, Brigham said. But now when fires burn, they blaze through vegetation (植被) built up through years of fire suppression (抑制), making the fires more intense.

Last year’s destruction to the sequoias brought Brigham to tears. “They’re so big and so old and so individual and unusual that even people who don’t love trees, love them, ” Brigham said. To save the trees this year, crews wrapped trunks of the largest trees in a fire-resistant foil around the trees. But more needs to be done, Brigham said. This includes thinning the vegetation around the trees and replanting.

1. What do baby sequoias represent for Ashtyn?

A．Hope.

B．Wealth.

C．Progress.

D．Friendship.

2. What does Archangel Ancient Tree Archive’s protection try to find?

A．The growing course of small trees.

B．The risk of intense wildfires for trees.

C．The best genes to help ancient trees survive.

D．The possibility of living through natural disasters.

3. Which statement will Brigham agree with?

A．Natural fires should be left alone.

B．Tree trunks should be wrapped tightly.

C．Climate change is the cause of wildfires.

D．The vegetation around the trees needs protection.

4. What might be the best title for the text?

A．Tree genes help small trees grow well	B．Wildfires destroy oldest trees more
C．People are eager to protect ancient trees	D．Sequoias will disappear on the earth

10 . 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.