Studies and reports seem to come in everyday talking about the state of the world. Global warming and pollution are threatening the delicate balance of life on Earth. The vast amount of troubles in the world can make anything we do seem unmeaning. But if we can do just a few things to help, the joined efforts can create a huge difference in both the world and in our lives. If you are not sure where to begin here are some simple things that can create a big change.
Grow your own garden. Growing your own garden can create a tremendous difference. Having fresh fruits and vegetables at your finger tips can not only improve your health, it can also save you money. Spending time each day working in your garden is wonderful exercise and a great way to get plenty of sunshine.
Stop buying chemical cleaners. The special chemicals to clean their house can have bad effect on your health and the environment. Instead of buying more bottles of chemicals and creating more waste，try some of the simple cleaner ideas that you can make yourself. Vinegar and baking soda is one of the simplest, most effective, and cheapest cleaning solutions available. Lemon juice is another safe and effective cleaner that can remove soap scum and whiten clothes as well as many other uses.
Change your light bulbs. Replacing your ordinary light bulbs with low energy bulbs can both _____________ and help the environment. These long lasting bulbs reduce your energy bill and do not need to be replaced as often as conventional bulbs.
Recycle. The tried and true method of helping the environment is recycling. Most cities have recycling centers or recycling pick-up available for people. Plastic, glass, paper, even old phonebooks can be recycled and used for other things.
1. List three appropriate measures you can do to help the environment. (Please answer within 10 words.)2. What is the best title of this passage ? (Please answer within 10 words)
3. Fill in the blank in Paragraph 4 with proper words. (Please answer within 6 words.)
4. Which sentence in the text is the closest in meaning to the following one?
Don’t buy bottles of chemical and don’t make much waste any longer, you can use some simple ways to clean.
5. Translate the underlined sentence in Paragraph 2 into Chinese.
2 . Imagine an eco-conscious city where rooftops have been transformed into fertile, green gardens. It's a place where every home is equipped with a system that recycles valuable water resources. In this town, protecting the planet is a way of life. That's how Abby Sharp, 14, Wyatt Peery, 13, and Tom Krajnak, 14, saw their city of tomorrow. The vision won the eighth-graders from Bexley, Ohio, first prize at the 2009 National Engineers Week Future City Competition.
The annual design competition challenges middle school students to use engineering to deal with issues that affect the earth. This year the competition focused on water conservation. Participants had to come up with ways to improve water use in the home. Kids from 38 middle schools across the country competed in the finals. The event took place from February 17-18 in Washington, D.C. More than 30,000 students entered the competition.
Abby, Wyatt and Tom call their winning city Novo Mondum. The name means "new world" in Latin. Novo Mondum sits on the coast of Iceland. The group chose the spot for its wealth of clean energy resources, such as geothermal（地热的） energy and hydropower. Both sources use the power of nature to generate electricity. Geothermal energy draws heat from deep inside the Earth. Hydropower gets energy from flowing water. "Our city is very globally aware," Abby told TFK.
Students team up with a teacher and a volunteer engineer mentor（顾问）to develop their cities. Each group creates a fictional city on SimCity 4 Deluxe, a computer game that allows players to build virtual towns. Then they construct tabletop models of the cities and write essays describing their project. The models must be made using recycled materials and cost no more than $100 to build.
1. What’s the main feature of the city designed by the three winners?| A．Making full use of water resources. | B．Protecting our home — the earth. |
| C．Turning rooftops into green gardens. | D．Costing no money to build |
| A．the main theme of 2009 Future City Competition |
| B．one of the problems that influence the Earth. |
| C．one of the issues for the participants to deal with abroad. |
| D．an easy topic for all the students to design. |
| A．ninth-graders from Bexley, Ohio. |
| B．second prize winners at the 2009 Future City Competition. |
| C．eighth-graders from Washington, D.C |
| D．lucky to get the first prize at the 2009 Future City Competition |
| A．electric power from burning oil. | B．electric power from moving water. |
| C．electric power from deep inside the earth. | D．electric power from burning coals. |
| A．What materials should be used in the competition |
| B．How teachers instruct the students in the competition. |
| C．The process of building virtual towns. |
| D．The process of developing a Future City. |
3 . When Chui-Lian Lee and Valentina Gomez started on their academic journeys as textile (织物) developing and marketing majors at the Fashion Institute of Technology, they were eager to learn more about the clothing industry. Some of the things they ended up learning shocked them. They found out that roughly 11 million tons of textile waste end up in landfill each year, and the chemicals and gases that emerge during decomposition pollute the earth.
Every single class that they joined, they’d go through the impacts and it’d be like, “Okay, cotton has this large of a water footprint and people are turning to organic cotton, but that’s not really a solution because of these reasons.” Or “People are looking at recycled polyester (涤纶) but that’s not great because it still releases microplastics.” As every solution they learned about came with drawbacks, they both wound up feeling really frustrated.
It wasn’t until the two joined a class on the application of biotechnology to the manufacturing of clothing that they realized there could be a more environmentally friendly option for the fashion industry. Lee and Gomez learned that they could use specially engineered proteins to create a fiber that avoids plastics and degrades (分解) naturally, and then the idea for Werewool was born. “By changing how we are creating the fibers that make up our clothing, we can change the entire life cycle of our clothing and their end-of-life impacts on the environment, avoiding pollution from plastics,” Lee explains.
The early-stage biotech company focusing on developing biodegradable fibers for the textile industry initially started as a research project that involved many sleepless nights in the lab. After winning the H&M Global Change Award in 2020, the project launched into a company. Over four years and 4.5 million dollars in funding later, Werewool now has 12 employees and has begun working with brands to develop clothing out of their protein-based fibers, with the hope of launching products in 2025. By 2030, 125,000 tons of fiber is expected to enter the market, which is about 390 million shirts.
“Our goal has always been to make the fashion industry friendly to nature,” says Lee.
1. What surprised Lee and Gomez when they learned about the clothing industry?| A．A wide range of textiles are produced every year. |
| B．There are many poisonous chemicals in clothing. |
| C．Clothing industry brings harm to the environment. |
| D．The textile waste is quite difficult to break down. |
| A．To present features of organic clothing. |
| B．To introduce methods of recycling textile waste. |
| C．To show they’re not good options for sustainability. |
| D．To explain it is essential to reduce the water footprint. |
| A．It has a bright prospect. | B．It funds research on textile waste. |
| C．It proves to be highly profitable. | D．It pioneers in plastics decomposition. |
| A．Werewool Makes Fashion Green |
| B．Breakthroughs in Applied Biotechnology |
| C．Lee and Gomez’s Academic Journeys |
| D．New Protein-based Fibers Hit the Market |
4 . Quiet Parks International (QPI) have got every reason to award Quiet Trail to the Niobrara National Scenic River this year, making it the other Quiet Trail in the world after Cuifeng Lake Trail, Taiwan. Kalli Kieborz, Director of Niobrara Council, received the award for their assistance in managing and protecting its natural resources, including natural quiet, since 1997.
This Award concluded a two-year process that included exploring the full length of the river to collect qualitative and quantitative acoustic (听觉的) data. Gordon Hempton, cofounder of QPI, stated, “Our testing process is very exact. Beyond collecting standard acoustic data, each team member must agree unhesitatingly that natural quiet existed throughout the testing period. The river’s splendid geologic landscape, unusual atmospheric conditions and outstanding wildlife all contributed to a positive outcome.”
The Niobrara River is notable for its beauty, ecological importance, and recreational appeal in the northern Great Plains, U.S.. Six major ecosystems meet in the Niobrara National Scenic River valley, resulting in a special mix of more than 160 plant and animal species. “It is filled with unique, even one-of-a-kind opportunities for the curious and adventurous visitors,” said John Ricks. Nebraska Tourism director.
“97% of the U.S. population faces noise pollution from sources like flights and highways. In fact, the more quiet we have, the more we can see and hear about the world, so we are thrilled to be able to offer it at Niobrara National Scenic River. From a quiet starry night to peaceful natural escapes, it uncovers what cannot be enjoyed in many other places,” stated Susan Cook, another director.
Areas like the Niobrara National Scenic River offer an opportunity to showcase quiet, unspoiled areas in a noisy world. Today, as people’s life is overloaded with noise, the intentional seeking-out of quiet areas is on the rise and with it, the opportunity to engage new travelers in visiting the beautiful, yet still largely hidden treasure of the wild.
1. Which of the following best describes the testing process?| A．Flexible. | B．Reliable. | C．Simple. | D．Loose. |
| A．Ecology imbalance. | B．Biodiversity enrichment. |
| C．Species competition. | D．Tourism boost. |
| A．The joy of winning the award. | B．The outcome of noise pollution. |
| C．The activities of enjoying quiet. | D．The value of natural quiet. |
| A．To call on efforts to reconnect with nature. |
| B．To inform the recognition of a quiet river. |
| C．To display the challenges of protecting ecosystem. |
| D．To stress the need to escape busyness of modern life. |
5 . Organic foods are produced according to certain production standards, meaning they are grown without the use of conventional pesticides, or chemical fertilizers and that they were processed without food additives. Livestock are raised without the routine use of antibiotics or growth hormones. In most countries, organic produced foods must not be genetically modified. They may also be required to be produced using energy-saving technologies and packaged using recyclable materials when possible.
Early consumers interested in organic food would look for non-chemically treated, fresh or minimally processed food. They mostly had to buy directly from growers: “Know your farmer, know your food” was the motto. Personal definitions of what constituted “organic” were developed through firsthand experience: by talking to farmers, seeing farm conditions, and farming activities. Historically, organic farms were relatively small family run farms—which is why organic food was once only available in small stores or farmers’ markets. However, since the early 1990s organic food has had growth rates of around 20% a year. As of April 2008, organic food accounts for 12% of food sales worldwide. Currently organic food production is legally regulated. Many countries require producers to obtain organic certification in order to mark food as organic.
Several studies have attempted to examine and compare conventional and organic systems of farming. The general consensus is that, in the short term, organic farming is less damaging for the following reasons:
●Organic farms do not release synthetic pesticides into the environment—some of which have the potential to harm soil, water and local wildlife.
●Organic farms are better than conventional farms at sustaining diverse ecosystems, i.e., populations of plants and insects, as well as animals.
●Organic farms are more energy efficient and produce less waste.
Another report published in March 2008 by The Organic Centre claims that organic food is on average 25% more nutritious than conventional food.
However, many critics believe that the increased land needed to farm organic food could potentially destroy the rainforests and wipe out many ecosystems. And organic products cost 10 to 40% more than similar conventionally produced products. Processed organic foods in supermarkets are 65% more expensive.
1. Early consumers knew what food was “organic” by________.| A．the “certified organic” label tag | B．firsthand experience |
| C．its packaging | D．examining its organic certification |
| A．in America, organic food can only be bought in small stores or farmers’ markets |
| B．organic food is produced by large-scale farms |
| C．organic food is also available in large supermarkets at present |
| D．organic food is often beautifully packaged |
| A．junk food | B．delicious snacks | C．conventional food | D．green food |
| A．The disadvantages of organic food. | B．The cost of organic food |
| C．The benefits of organic food | D．Organic food and conventional food |
| A．Organic farms are more energy efficient and produce less waste. |
| B．Organic food is generally thought to be more nutritious. |
| C．Organic farms are better than conventional farms at maintaining varieties of plants, insects and animals |
| D．Organic farms do not release synthetic pesticides into the environment. |
6 . Who doesn’t love sitting beside a cosy fire on a cold winter’s night? Who doesn’t love to watch flames (火苗)curling up a chimney? Fire is one of man’s greatest friends, but also one of his greatest enemies. Many big fires are caused by carelessness. A lighted cigarette was thrown out of a car or a train window or a broken bottle lying on dry grass can start a fire. Sometimes a fire can start on its own. Wet hay(草)can begin burning by itself. This is how it happens: the hay starts to rot(腐烂)and begins to give off heat which is trapped inside it. Finally, it bursts into flames. That’s why farmers cut and store their hay when it’s dry.
Fires have destroyed whole cities. In the 17th century, a small fire which began in a baker’s shop burnt down nearly every building in London. Moscow was set on fire during the war against Napoleon. This fire continued burning for seven days. And, of course, in 64 A.D.a fire burnt Rome. Even today, in spite of modern fire-fighting methods, fire causes millions of pounds’ worthy of damage each year both in our cities and in the countryside.
It has been wisely said that fire is a good servant but a bad master.
1. The writer considers it ________ to sit beside a fire on a cold winter night .| A．unhappy | B．dangerous |
| C．nice | D．painful |
| A．wet hay becomes dry --- gives off heat --- burns |
| B．wet hay begins to rot --- gives out heat --- starts to burn |
| C．dry hay gets too much heat from the sun --- gives out heat --- starts to burn |
| D．dry hay gives off heat --- starts to rot --- starts to burn |
| A．by cigarettes | B．by their own |
| C．by people’s carelessness | D．by dry grass |
| A．One | B．Two |
| C．Three | D．Four |
| A．Fires still cause much damage now although there are modern fire-fighting methods |
| B．Fire can be man’s good friend and also great enemy |
| C．One should be careful not to throw a lighted cigarette everywhere |
| D．Fires cause less damage in the country than in the city |
7 . Lake Victoria is best known to the general public following the introduction of the 2004 documentary Darwin’s Nightmare, which focuses on the environmental and social effects of the Nile perch (河鲈) fishing industry. The Nile perch is the largest freshwater fish, which can grow up to two metres long and weigh 200kg. Its introduction into Lake Victoria in the 1950s and its rapid population growth in the 1960s gradually wiped out the native fish species living in the lake, causing a major ecological disaster. Today, the Nile perch population can be found everywhere but has reduced slightly due to overfishing, allowing some species to partially recover.
What is less well known, and perhaps interacting with the presence of the Nile perch, but equally damaging to the ecosystem, is the general water quality of the lake. “This declined sharply between the 1960s and the 1990s due to eutrophication (富营养化), which is caused by increased inputs of nutrients (营养物) into the water bodies as a result of increased human activities in the catchment area.” explains Alberto Borges, FNRS Research Director at the Laboratory of Chemical Oceanography from the University of Liege.
From 2018 to 2019, a research team led by Alberto Borges, studied the biomass (生物量) and composition of phytoplankton (浮游植物) as well as the nutrient status of the lake during three scientific missions. This study shows that the phytoplankton camass has decreased by about seven times compared to the 1990s.” says the researchers. “and that the species composition has also changed in a subtle way.” What seems to be good news for the environment of Lake Victoria may only be on the surface.
“This means that the current improvement in water quality in Lake Victoria may only be temporary and that conditions could become worse again in the future due to continued climate warming.” says Alberto Borges.
1. Why was the documentary Darwin’s Nightmare made in 2004?| A．To honor Darwin’s great contributions. |
| B．To make Lake Victoria known to the world. |
| C．To record the serious pollution in Lake Victoria. |
| D．To show how the Nile perch fishing industry affected Lake Victoria. |
| A．It was disastrous to Lake Victoria. |
| B．It helped control other species in Lake Victoria. |
| C．It benefited the fishermen a lot in Lake Victoria area. |
| D．It greatly improved the water quality in Lake Victoria. |
| A．The fishing industry. | B．The decreased number of fish. |
| C．The decrease of phytoplankton. | D．More and more inputs of nutrients. |
| A．Hopeful. | B．Deeply concerned. |
| C．Indifferent | D．Cautiously optimistic |
8 . Extreme heat often brings extreme wildfires, and this year is no exception, with heat waves fueling giant outbreaks of fires in the western United States and Canada, as well as across the Mediterranean and in Siberia. However, the wildfires can have the opposite effect on temperatures, cooling Earth's surface regionally and globally.
Thick wildfire smoke can temporarily block sunlight near the ground, causing regional temperatures to drop by several degrees. Wildfire smoke can also have global cooling effects by making clouds in the lower atmosphere more reflective or blocking sunlight in the upper atmosphere, similar to what a volcanic eruption does.
Scientists have only recently begun studying these effects, with Australia's record 2019-2020 bushfire season marking the first time researchers detected wildfire smoke-caused global cooling. The effect is far too small to balance human-caused global warming, but beyond that, researchers say it's too early to predict what it means for the broader climate system. But with fire seasons growing severer around the world and this summer witnessing much extreme fire weather in North America and elsewhere, the search for answers is growing increasingly urgent.
Scientists at the National Center for Atmospheric Research reported that those Australian fires poured so much smoke into the Southern Hemisphere's atmosphere which caused a “strong and rapid” global cooling effect of about 0.06℃ (0.01°F). According to the lead study author John Fasullo, this was largely due to how smoke particles interact with clouds in the lower atmosphere.
While Fasullo's research highlights the cooling effects of smoke in the lower atmosphere, on occasion, wildfire smoke rushes into the higher atmosphere. There, it can have additional effects on the climate, which is something that is poorly known. “We might still be in the initial stage of understanding how large and how important the effects of these wildfires are,” says Sergey Khaykin, a fire weather expert at Sorbonne University in France.
1. What does the second paragraph mainly talk about?| A．Wildfire breaks out more often now. | B．Wildfire smoke cools Earth's surface. |
| C．Regional temperatures increase due to wildfire. | D．Volcanic eruption affects the upper atmosphere. |
| A．They are too small to be noticed. | B．They can be accurately predicted |
| C．They deserve an in-depth study. | D．They can improve the global climate. |
| A．By giving an example. | B．By listing figures. |
| C．By making comparisons. | D．By doing an experiment. |
| A．Climate change is in need of a global solution. |
| B．The higher wildfire smoke rushes, the cooler it gets. |
| C．Weather experts are satisfied with Fasullo's research. |
| D．The influence of wildfires needs to be explored further. |
9 . One of the world’s most productive wildlife sound recordists (录音师) has released a large collection of his most treasured recordings of wild places to listen to for free on Soundcloud.
“Martyn Stewart has recorded nearly 100,000 pieces, consisting of 30,00o hours of materials. They have been spread across 40 countries and used in 150 films,” Krause, a friend of Martyn said. “Some of these include sounds that can’t be heard anymore, as they belong to extinct animals or disturbed habitats.”
Martyn is one of the key recordists who helped set the standards that gave the work standing in the world of sound. Few can match the quality of his life-long efforts. Throughout his life, since he recorded his first bird at the age of 11, it was easy to record the sounds of faraway places. But times are changing, and the growing presence of noise pollution has made his job a lot harder.
Among his “treasured” recordings include Hurricane Dorian on a remote beach, thunderstorms in Australia, Denali National Park and Arctic Wildlife Home in Alaska, dawn in Zimbabwe, and so much more. He’s also recorded sounds and calls of certain animals, some of which are extinct like the white rhino and the golden frog.
“I hope the free project, called Martyn Stewart’s Listening Planet, is meant to inspire people to try and protect a more delicate part of the world——the auditory (听觉的) part. They have the connection between sound and the animal making the sound,” said Martyn. “I think we have to become the voice of the voiceless. If we can get these beautiful sound recordings out and let people in the world listen to them, maybe we can start protecting what we’ve got left.”
1. What can be learned from Krause’s words?| A．Martyn’s work deserves praising. |
| B．Recording is a time - consuming job. |
| C．Martyn loves to record rare animals. |
| D．The recordings are intended for films. |
| A．The standard of recordings. |
| B．The loss of natural habitats. |
| C．The increase of noise pollution. |
| D．The extinction of certain animals. |
| A．To meet fans’ requests. |
| B．To make himself more famous. |
| C．To stress difficulty of his recordings. |
| D．To raise concern for sounds in nature. |
| A．Determined and humorous. |
| B．Generous and devoted. |
| C．Curious and friendly. |
| D．Creative and honest. |
1. What issue are the scientists working on?
| A．Climate change. | B．Electric vehicles. | C．Public transport. |
| A．Luxembourg. | B．Germany. | C．The United States. |
| A．In July 2019. | B．In January 2020. | C．In March 2020. |
