1 . From cowboy hats and cattle to barbecue and football, Texas is known for many things. One thing the Lone Star State is not known for, however, is winter weather.

That changed in February last year, when winter storm buried Texas in ice and snow. It raged for a total of eight days, 23 hours, and 23 minutes, which was one of the most impactful winter events in recent history.

According to Texas TV station, winter storm Landon was so extreme that it caused trees across north Texas to “explode”, filling local communities with booms that sounded more like gunshots than tree branches.

The phenomenon of “exploding trees” isn’t as unusual or as terrifying as it sounds, according to Janet, who says trees often freeze and burst as a result of rapid temperature shifts. “Our wide temperature swings mean that trees may not be completely dormant (休眠的) or prepared for the cold,” Janet said. “Trees have several mechanisms they use to prevent freezing. They take cues to get adapted and ready for the freeze.”

In trees that aren’t completely inactive, cold weather causes tree sap to freeze. When that happens, the sap expands beyond what the tree’s bark can contain. And so, the tree splits in places that can’t cope with the pressure, creating cracks known as “frost cracks”. Although trees do not actually explode into pieces when frost cracks happen, there may be loud noises and visible fractures (折断), and heavy branches can fall to the ground.

“Trees explode in cold weather because the water content in the cells and tissues freezes,” MacKenzie said. “From midwinter to early spring this can occur when the temperature swings, snow melts and warm sun, cold nights work in harmony. It is usually nothing to be too concerned about; the tree will start to heal just as quickly. I have been awakened many cold winter nights hearing the trees explode.”

1. What does the underlined word “That” refer to?

A．Texas is related to American football.

B．Texas is little known for its winter weather.

C．Texas is a suitable place for raising cattle.

D．Texas has a famous history of cowboys.

2. What does Janet think causes the trees to explode?

A．The occurrence of the winter storm.

B．The fragile tree branches in winter.

C．The sudden change of temperatures.

D．The trees’ preparation for the cold.

3. What does the fifth paragraph mainly talk about?

A．The effect of cold weather on plants.

B．Ways to help trees prevent freezing.

C．The role of sap in winter.

D．The reason why trees explode.

4. What does MacKenzie imply in his words?

A．Tree explosion is a natural phenomenon.

B．Melting snow can lead to tree explosion.

C．Trees may explode even in warm nights.

D．People should be careful about exploding trees.

2 . Mushrooms on a log may each seem like quiet, separate organisms, but they are actually the above-ground fruit belonging to a fungus (真菌)，connected to the large organism by a root network called mycelium (菌丝). Although mushrooms may not seem very talkative either, a new study shows electrical signals travelling through their mycelium network could help the organism communicate.

According to the research, some mushrooms can use electrical impulse (脉冲) to share and process information in their body. When signal activity increases, it creates complicated patterns that may function like words in human speech.

Previous research has found that mushrooms can send electrical signals underground through long, thread-like structures, which expand to form a network of mycelium. It works like nerve cells that send signals to other parts of the human body. Some studies have shown that electrical activity will increase when the mycelium of wood-digesting mushrooms touches blocks, which may indicate that mushrooms can use these impulses to share information about food or injury.

In the new study, four species were analyzed. Researchers listened to the mushrooms’ chat using tiny electrodes (电极) connected to mycelium to measure the power in signal activity. Each result in the activity was organized into several groups and given a linguistic (语言的) and information complexity analysis. The power varied in duration and length, with some lasting up to 21 hours. The electrical points resembled a human vocabulary of up to 50 words. However, only 15 to 20 mushrooms’ words are used frequently.

Mushrooms’ words are also similar in length to human words. The mushroom’s word length averaged over the four species is 5.97, which is of the same range as an average word length in some human languages. For instance, it is 4.8 in English and 6 in Russian.

While the research shows mushrooms can produce patterns of electrical signals, there’s no way to tell what they are talking about, if they are at all. Though comparing the mushroom’s electrical signals to human speech is interesting and notable, some researchers are doubtful. “Though interesting, the interpretation as language seems somewhat overenthusiastic and requires more research,” says Dan Bebber from the University of Exeter.

1. How do mushrooms communicate according to the research?

A．Through their mycelium.

B．Through their nerve cells.

C．Through electrical signals.

D．Through the root network.

2. What do the studies suggest about mushroom communication?

A．It is similar to human speech in several aspects.

B．It is far too complicated to understand anything.

C．It is not impulses that they use to communicate.

D．It is easy to tell the exact information they share.

3. What does Dan Bebber think of “the interpretation as language”?

A．It is simply unquestionable.

B．It is definitely contradictory.

C．It is absolutely groundless.

D．It is not convincing enough.

4. Which magazine is the text probably taken from?

A．Health Guide.	B．Science World.
C．Travel Journal.	D．Business Week.

3 . As the cooler days of autumn arrive in the northern part of the world, people are clearing out old plants and planning new gardens for next year.     1    

If the plants have gotten larger than their original containers during their time outside, you can replant them into larger ones.     2     And replant them with fresh potting soil, and then water them. If you are having trouble removing the plants from their containers, or pots, check to see if the roots have come through the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot. If they have, gently pull or cut the extra roots to help remove the plant.

You can then divide plants like spider plants and flamingo flowers into two or more individual plants. Firstly, shake off any extra soil carefully. Secondly, find the connection between the root system and the plant’s top growth and pull apart the roots gently.     3     Be sure that there are at least three healthy leaves attached to the root system of each new plant. Lastly, place each new plant in its container. Be sure to use fresh soil mix. Water the plants well until new plants form.

All the house plants that spent summer days outside should be moved to a shady area for a week before going inside for the winter season.     4     Continue to water regularly during this time.

After a week, look for insects on the plant, especially under the leaves.     5     If you are still worried about insects, you can spray the plants with Neem oil mixed with water. And complete the move inside before temperatures drop below 12.7 degrees Celsius.

A．You can then water the plants.

B．Inside houseplants still need care too.

C．This helps the plant get used to lower light levels.

D．Or you could cut through them with a sharp knife.

E．Choose a container that is no more than 5 centimeters wider than the original.

F．However, outside plants will also need help to return to the inside environment.

G．Wash the leaves with water to make sure there are no uninvited guests, like pests.

4 . 听下面一段独白，回答以下小题。
1. What is the main topic of the talk?

A．Crop harvest.

B．Hot weather.

C．Food quality.

2. What is the quantity of corn production?

A．The same as last year.

B．Twice as much as last year.

C．Three times as much as last year.

3. Which crop is disappointing this year?

A．Apples.

B．Peaches.

C．Oranges.

4. What is the disadvantage of a big harvest?

A．Profits are lower.

B．Quality is lower.

C．Prices are lower.

5 . Trees are able to defend themselves against diseases. They have both protective structures and protective processes. Thanks in large part to research done by Dr. Alex Shigo, we now know a great deal more about the way trees protect themselves than we did 50 years ago.

Just as our skin keeps harmful bacteria on the outside, bark (树皮) keeps out tree diseases. Since they can’t move around to avoid dangers, trees need thicker “skin” than we do. Living and non-living tissues protect tree trunks, roots, and branches from mechanical injury, drying out, and diseases.

But when something destroys this first line of defense — tears through the bark — what happens internally is interesting. When an injury occurs, a tree will transform some of its stored sugars to make masses of defensive chemicals, which are then distributed in a specific pattern internally around the wound. Dr. Shigo was the first to document this pattern, which he called CODIT — Compartmentalization (分室化) of Decay (腐烂) in Trees.

In making these CODIT compartments, trees form chemical walls to protect themselves from infection. The success of this walling-off process depends a lot on the species. Hard maple, for instance, can generate a strong CODIT response while species like soft maple achieve only an average level. Some, on the other hand, barely manage to form any chemical walls.

Overall tree vitality is another important factor. Even a hard maple may not be able to form strong chemical walls if it’s in a weak state. By definition, landscape trees are stressed as compared to their forest-living cousins. A street tree is worse off, faced with limited root space, air pollution, and more. The size of the injury also makes a difference. Even a healthy tree can have its defenses destroyed by a large wound.

Humans can help maximize trees’ defense capability by watering during dry seasons, keeping things out of the root zone, etc. In return, trees will help keep us in good health by offering shade, beauty, and companionship.

1. What will happen first if diseases come close to trees?

A．Infection will occur internally.	B．Bark will provide protection
C．Chemical walls will take effect.	D．Defense chemicals will be formed.

2. What does the author think of Dr. Shigo’s research?

A．Groundbreaking.

B．Conservative.

C．Ambiguous.

D．Straightforward.

3. What does the author want to convey by mentioning hard maple in Paragraph 4?

A．Trees can form chemical walls

B．The size of the injury affects CODIT.

C．Trees cannot protect themselves if weakened.

D．The effectiveness of CODIT varies among species.

4. What can most likely be the best title of the passage?

A．The gift of the trees.	B．The magic of CODIT.
C．The function of the bark.	D．The self-preservation of the trees.

6 . 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

7 . 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.

8 . In south Africa’s Limpopo province, a baobab tree (猴面包树) once grew so large and stood so strong that its human neighbors decided to build a pub inside the living tree’s thousand-year-old hollow trunk(树干). For 20 years, “The Big Baobab Pub” attracted tourists all over the world. But in August 2016, one of “the walls” broke. Eight months later, another huge piece broke, too. Now, five of the giant stems have collapsed and died, leaving only half of the tree standing.

Though it could sound like a result of human visitation, it's part of an alarming trend: many of the oldest, largest baobab trees in Africa have died within the last 12 years.

Stephan Woodbourne, an African scientist, said: “Of the oldest trees that we’ve looked at in Southern Africa, the three trees that are older than 2,000 years have all died in the past 10 years. Of the 11 trees that are 1,000 to 2,000 years old, six of them have died.”

A report published in the journal Nature Plants claims scores of the ancient baobab trees, some of which are up to 3,000 years old, are now dying because of rising global temperatures.

Researchers believe it is impossible that such a high number of old baobab trees die in such a short time due to natural causes. They think it may be associated with huge change of climate conditions that affect southern Africa in particular.

1. What has happened to The Big Baobab Pub?

A．The pub has largely been destroyed.

B．More tourists from the world visit it.

C．The pub has a long history of 2,000 years.

D．The Baobab Tree grows larger and stronger.

2. The paragraphs from 2 to 4 mainly tell us that ________.

A．all the oldest baobab trees have been dead

B．the oldest baobab trees will die out soon

C．ancient baobab trees are in the face of danger

D．Human’s visits lead to ancient baobab trees’ deaths

3. What is probably the main reason for the trees’ death?

A．Many pubs’ foundation.	B．Global climate changes.
C．Human visitation.	D．Natural causes.

4. What’s the best title of the passage?

A．Research on Baobab Tree.	B．Facts about Baobab Tree.
C．Baobab Tree in Africa.	D．Tree of Life is Dying.