1 . To appreciate Dubai, you could start by going skiing. The ski resort, located inside one of the city’s shopping malls, looks from the outside like a silver spaceship. You put on a thick coat, pull on your gloves and then marvel at what strong air-conditioning can do. At the exit, you can buy a souvenir T-shirt. A cartoon thermometer in Celsius announces: “I went from +50 to minus 8!”

Indoor skiing in the desert has become a symbol of Dubai’s status as a wealthy, modem metropolis. This small fishing village, Dubai’s fortunes changed forever with the discovery of oil in the 1960s. Since then. it has evolved to become the largest city. But the rapid growth has come at a price. To power its cars and air-conditioning, the city has produced large amounts of carbon dioxide (CO. ) from fossil fuels. Now it is making some big changes.

To reduce its dependence on cars and lower its emissions, Dubai has invested in solar energy, green buildings, and a comprehensive public transportation system. In addition, all new buildings must meet strict energy regulations.

The most striking development can be found where the city’s suburbs meet the desert. Unlike much of Dubai, the Sustainable City to the south feels more like a close-knit-village community. About five hundred low-rise houses are distributed along attractive, tree-lined streets. They all face north, away from direct sunlight, and are close together to provide natural shade. Each building has reflective windows and wall paint, which reduce the heat absorbed from the sun. Rooftop solar panels and energy-saving lights contribute to the community’s energy efficiency. As a result, residents of the Sustainable City now consume 50 percent less energy than people living in other parts of Dubai.

By 2050, the government intends to obtain 75 percent of the city’s energy from renewable sources-mainly solar. It also wants to have the smallest ecological footprint in the world. The plan is ambitious. But if successful, even guilt-free skiing in the desert could become an reality.

1. Why does the writer start the passage by describing a ski resort?

A．To demonstrate the problems of living near a desert.

B．To describe an expensive and unsuccessful building project.

C．To give an example of how Dubai is a wealthy modern city.

D．To provide a warning of what Dubai might be like in the future.

2. The word striking in paragraph four is closest in meaning to

A．distinctive

B．isolated

C．massive

D．uniform

3. Which feature is NOT true about the green buildings?

A．Installation of energy-efficient lights.	B．Avoidance of the sunlight from north.
C．Placement of solar panels on rooftops.	D．Arrangement to allow natural cooling.

4. What would be the best title for this passage?

A．How Oil Has Changed Dubai.	B．Dubai’s Economic Future.
C．The Costs of Green Living.	D．Building a Sustainable City.

2 . Off the coast of northeastern Queensland, Australia, near Magnetic Island in Florence Bay, the Great Barrier Reef corals (大堡礁珊瑚) are having a baby boom (激增).

“Every year there are more anrd more coral babies,” says Hillary Smith, an ecologist at ames Cook University in Australia.

That’s thanks to a simple but effective strategy for cleaning the region’s coral reefs: “seaweeding”. Like weeding (给……除杂草) a garden, seaweeding involves pulling big handfuls of large algae (水藻) off reefs and taking them away.

Experts say getting climate change under control is key to keeping the world’s reefs healthy. But meanwhile, local efforts such as seaweeding can help corals grow and reduce the effects of climate change.

The health of coral reefs around the world is dire: By 2050, 95 percent of the world’s coral could experience heat stress, according to a 2020 report by the Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network. Algae is a big problem: Already, algae cover has increased on two-thirds of reefs around the world, and one study published in 2021 showed that half the world’s coral reefs have died since the 1950s. Removing seaweed from reefs requires a great deal of work but is not complex, making it a good project for citizen scientists eager to help restore (恢复) reefs.

When the project first began in 2018, Smith says researchers weren’t sure if removing seaweed would benefit the reef or if removal might have the opposite effect in some way. But now, “It’s all looking really positive for the reef,” she says.

Volunteers are ready and waiting to help near Townsville and at other affected Australian reefs, says the Earthwatch Institute’s Fiona Wilson.“We need lots of willing hands to remove seaweed. It takes weeks of time,”she says. “But obviously recovery of the Great Barrier Reef is a passion for many people, so we draw volunteers.”

1. What contributed to the growth of the Great Barrier Reef corals in Florence Bay?

A．Local efforts to remove seaweed.	B．Reduced effects of climate change.
C．Fewer human activities in the region.	D．The use of new restoration technologies.

2. What does the underlined word “dire” in paragraph 5 mean?

A．Strange.

B．Acceptable.

C．Excellent.

D．Terrible.

3. How did researchers feel about the project at first?

A．They were hopeful of it.	B．They were excited about it.
C．They were uncertain about it.	D．They were uninterested in it.

4. What does Wilson say about the recovery of the Great Barrier Reef?

A．It is still a long way off.	B．It is less difficult than thought.
C．It will take hard work and skill.	D．It attracts and needs volunteers.

3 . The Federal Communications Commission of the US recently issued the first-ever fine for space junk, against the Dish Network. The satellite television company failed to properly deal with one of its satellites, leaving it at a lower orbit than it promised when securing its license.

Some space junk was discarded during missions — maybe an astronaut dropped his lucky penny, or released an instrument’s camera cover after it was no longer needed. Other junk, however, is the result of collisions: Even that lucky penny, traveling at 15 times the speed of a bullet, can cause huge damage — ending a satellite’s mission or, worse, breaking that satellite into pieces.

That’s obviously bad news for satellites. The solution isn’t to demand the launch of fewer satellites; these bring real benefits to people on the Earth.

And while traffic management is certainly necessary, pieces of garbage are never going to be able to follow even the most sensible rules of the orbital road. That means two things need to happen: People need to stop littering, and they need to take out some trash.

The professionals, unsurprisingly, have more carefully considered names for these processes — mitigation (减轻) and remediation (补救). Any time a company wants to put a satellite in the sky, it should have a clear plan for the instrument’s end of life. For objects in very high geostationary orbit (地球同步轨道), this usually involves sending the item to the out-of-the-way “graveyard” orbit. For objects lower down, it tends instead to involve moving them lower still, so that they will bum up upon reentering the atmosphere.

Active removal of garbage that has failed to get out of the way is technically tricky, but at least for large objects, remediation is possible.

Encouragingly, some countries are beginning to try. No nation, however, can save space on its own. A global convention (协定) to set a 21^st-century code of conduct for space is in order.

1. What does the underlined word “discarded” in paragraph 2 mean?

A．Collected up.	B．Thrown away.
C．Produced.	D．Ignored.

2. Why can’t we reduce the number of satellites launched every year?

A．The satellites benefit our life a lot.

B．We need new satellites to replace old ones.

C．Countries are using satellites to occupy space.

D．We must make a deeper exploration into the universe.

3. Which of the following are the measures of stop littering?
① Sending satellites to the “graveyard” orbit.
② Moving objects lower still.
③ Active removal of debris.

A．①②

B．②③

C．①③

D．①②③

4. What’s the author’s purpose in writing the text?

A．To provide solutions to space junk.

B．To explain the damage of space junk.

C．To call upon countries to fine companies making space junk.

D．To appeal to nations for the protection off space environment.

4 . Floods can come from multiple sources. It can be a hurricane, failed dam, or overflowing river. The disasters can move quickly.     1     It’s important to know how to keep your family and belongings safe during such an event. Full preparation can put you at ease for its coming.

A flood is simply an event where water overflows a natural area and covers normally dry places. In general, there are two types.     2     The soil in these areas can’t absorb a lot of moisture. The water then rapidly runs off the surface resulting in a torrent (激流) of rapidly moving water. River flooding is when a river overflows its banks due to excessive (过分的) water and the situation can get worse if barriers such as a dam or levee (防洪堤) break as well.

A flood can be caused by many things.     3     Living next to a river, dam, on the coast, or in a low-lying area puts you at risk for flooding.

There is no specific flood season.     4     Any time there is a large amount of rain in a short period, flooding can occur. Man-made and natural disasters can also cause flooding outside of those months. For example, the collapse of a dam can cause a flood. A natural disaster, such as a tsunami, can also cause flooding on a massive scale.

    5     Using existing maps and examining low-lying areas can determine high risk areas for flooding. Moreover, flood warnings are sent out to areas that could experience flooding when there is a large amount of rainfall over a short time.

A．The rising river threatens people’s lives.

B．Floods can be preventable and predictable.

C．Flash floods are more common in dry areas.

D．And sometimes they come with little warning.

E．The weather forecast accurately predicts all disasters.

F．They include severe weather, geography, and other man-made factors.

G．Generally, the period from spring to fall is considered a heightened risk for floods.

7 . If you’ve ever been annoyed with package, you probably love the idea of a package-free grocery store. And zero waste at the supermarket isn’t such a crazy dream; a new store in Germany is promising exactly that.

The Original Unverpackt in Berlin is a project of Sara Wolf and Miena Glimbovski. They crowdfunded the project, and the idea proved so popular that they are more than doubly funded.

The store will sell food locally to reduce transportation costs and energy use. There are containers that can be reused, or better yet, you can bring your own. It’ll also carry non-food things like cleaning products and personal care items.

The German project isn’t the only grocery store fighting wasteful packaging. In.gredients, in Austin, Texas is the first zero-waste store. It offers things that are filled in customers’ own containers and it offers reusable containers too.

Of course, plenty of stores have been doing some version (版本) of reduced packaging for years. The First Alternative Natural Foods Co-Op in Corvallis, Oregon, where I do most of my shopping, offers all dry goods including baking goods and dried fruit and beans in bulk (散装), and plenty of others too, including tofu, cheese, eggs, honey, and butter oils, soaps and pet foods too. I bring my own containers, and a couple of produce (农产品) bags for small items. I’m probably using half or less than half of the packaging I used to shop at a Whole Foods in Connecticut before I moved.

So even if you don’t have a zero-waste grocery in your town, you can still cut down on the packaging you use by planning ahead, and patronizing those businesses that offer bulk-food buying. Farmers markets are great in this way too — you can give the farmer any packaging right back for reuse.

1. What is people’s attitude toward the Original Unverpackt?

A．Positive.

B．Doubtful.

C．Uncaring.

D．Neutral.

2. According to the passage, which of the following statements would the author most likely agree with?

A．Crowdfunded projects are generally unsuccessful.

B．Reducing packaging waste is beneficial for both the environment and consumers.

C．All grocery stores should adopt a zero-waste model immediately.

D．Shopping at Whole Foods in Connecticut is more sustainable than shopping at a zero-waste store.

3. What does the underlined word “patronizing” in the last paragraph probably mean?

A．Increasing.

B．Exchanging.

C．Balancing.

D．Visiting.

4. What is the main idea of the passage?

A．The rise of package-free grocery stores worldwide.

B．The Original Unverpackt in Berlin and its zero-waste concept.

C．The environmental impact of grocery shopping.

D．The benefits of shopping at farmers markets.

8 . Tech companies, like Microsoft, Dell, HP and Motorola, have already begun making their devices more repairable, getting ahead of Right to Repair laws that are very likely on the way. A sure sign is the order signed last year by the president of the USA. It directed the Federal Trade Commission to create Right to Repair rules.

In the past, Microsoft has actively lobbied (游说) against Right to Repair bills, but surprisingly, in October, Microsoft agreed to expand its repair choices, supplying access to parts and information needed for repairs. They have promised to make parts and service manuals available to the public by the end of 2022. Microsoft even promised to conduct a study evaluating the environmental impact of device repairability. “This is the first time we have seen a major company step up and make the promise,” says Kyle Wiens, CEO of repair guide site iFixit. “ Amazingly, instead of telling the activist shareholders to go away, Microsoft said we’re gonna do it.”

Right to Repair is a global movement that advocates for people’s right to repair their own electronic devices and extend the life of the devices. Advocates believe this is going to help solve the pressing problem of e-waste—used electronics that people no longer want — which is a major source of pollution. Activists advocate for laws that will force makers to increase device repairability.

The shareholders advocacy group called As You Sow drove Microsoft to increase device repairability using a tool often employed by climate activists. As shareholders, climate activists often introduce resolutions that other shareholders can vote on, thereby forcing companies to make changes. “It’s a smart strategy to use your position as a shareholder to raise these kinds of issues, because it demands a company response,” says Aaron Perzanowski, a law professor.

The positive response from companies like Microsoft, Perzanowski says, could be linked to a combination of public pressure, a desire to get ahead of upcoming laws and a growing understanding of the problem of electronic waste.

1. What can we infer about Right to Repair laws in the USA?

A．They have a very long way to go.	B．They are ignored by the president.
C．They may be adopted soon.	D．They are rejected by most tech companies.

2. What is the primary goal of the Right to Repair movement?

A．To reduce the cost of electronic devices.

B．To increase the lifespan of electronic devices through repairability.

C．To force manufacturers to produce more durable devices.

D．To encourage consumers to buy new devices more frequently.

3. What is main concern of the Right to Repair movement?

A．The high cost of electronic devices.	B．The environmental impact of e-waste.
C．The limited lifespan of electronic devices.	D．The lack of skilled repair technicians.

4. How did the shareholders advocacy group As You Sow influence Microsoft's decision?

A．By introducing a resolution that other shareholders could vote on.

B．By convincing Microsoft to increase the price of their devices.

C．By threatening to boycott Microsoft's products.

D．By lobbying the Federal Trade Commission on behalf of Microsoft.

9 . We are unavoidably linked to the ocean. Collectively, it covers about 71% of our world and is instrumental in the processes that keep us alive. While the rainforests may be referred to as “the lungs of the planet”, scientists say it’s actually the ocean that provides 50% — 80% of the oxygen we breathe. Besides, through a “conveyor belt” action, it helps regulate Earth’s climate by transporting heat away from the equator, towards the poles to cool. The ocean also proves itself essential in the fight against climate change too. It absorbs 50 times more carbon dioxide than our atmosphere-or rather, it’s not the ocean itself but what lives in it. And perhaps one of the most incredible forms is the humble seagrass.

Across the globe, there are more than 70 species of seagrass, growing in shallow and sheltered coastal areas and covering 300,000 square kilometres, which absorbs 10% of the ocean’s carbon each year and captures carbon up to 35 times faster than tropical rainforests. Seagrass builds its leaves and roots using carbon, which it extracts from water through the process of photosynthesis (光合作用) — and it holds on to it, even after death. Dead plant material decomposes (分解) slowly on the ocean floor, and this means that the carbon stored within is eventually buried under the seabed.

Significant as it is, seagrass is critically endangered. According to the U. N. Environment Programme, a seagrass area the size of a football pitch is destroyed every 30 minutes around the world. Fortunately, restoration missions are already underway, in places as far afield as Kenya, Mozambique, and the UK. But rising temperatures remain a twofold threat: an increase in storms that tear the shallow-rooted seagrass from its beds, and rising sea-levels that block out the sunlight.

However, seagrass is known to adapt to survive-and gene sequencing of the Zostera marina seagrass has shown it has done so on three separate occasions already. Could it be one of Earth’s great survivors that will save us all? Only time will tell.

1. How does the seagrass help regulate Earth’s climate?

A．It blocks out the sunlight.	B．It absorbs carbon dioxide.
C．It provides most of the oxygen.	D．It transports heat towards the poles.

2. What does the underlined word “extracts” in paragraph 2 mean?

A．Obtains.

B．Replaces.

C．Consumes.

D．Delivers.

3. What can be inferred about the seagrass from the last two paragraphs?

A．It is no longer endangered after restoration.

B．It has saved the planet from climate change.

C．It hasn’t been affected by rising temperatures.

D．It is able to adapt to changes in its environment.

4. Which of the following can be the best title for the text?

A．The Fantastic World of Seagrass	B．The Uncertain Future of the Ocean
C．Seagrass: The Ocean’s Unsung Hero	D．The Battle to Save Seagrass from Extinction

10 . “Our first duty is to the place that raised us,” Omar Freilla says. “For me, it’s the South Bronx, the birthplace of hip-hop.”

Although the South Bronx was one of the nation’s poorest and most polluted areas, with crowded roads and poisonous industrial sites, Omar saw a different kind of potential amidst its challenges. He envisioned a new approach to the mountains of discarded materials.

“A lot of what people throw away is perfectly good,” he says. Omar was just out of college and he started thinking about how he could get this “good garbage” to people who could use it. Instead of destroying things like old windows and doors, why not clean them up and resell them? Why not hire people who live in the community to do the work? Better yet, why not make this business a “cooperative”, which means that the people who work in the business own it and share the profits?

To start his business, Omar put up flyers along the truck-jammed, trash-filled streets of his neighborhood, looking for people to work with him. He soon found four other dedicated workers. They rented a warehouse (仓库) and started looking for donations of used materials.

They called up hardware stores (五金店), building supply distributors, and contractors, providing free shipping from construction sites. Their warehouse began to fill up. A hardware store gave 2,000 gallons of paint that was still good but was being thrown away because it was past its expiration date (产品有效期). A distributor donated 80 new toilets from a project that had been canceled. Contractors added unwanted doors, sinks, ceiling fans — even theater seats and a giant popcorn machine!

In April 2008, Omar’s cooperative opened its doors for business and began selling construction supplies — at reasonable prices — to neighborhood builders and homeowners. With the help of city officials, he also began planning a new training program to help local residents learn the skills they need to get good jobs that help the environment and even start cooperatives of their own.

1. What was the primary motivation behind Omar’s decision to start his business in the South Bronx?

A．To make a profit from selling construction supplies.

B．To address the environmental challenges in the community.

C．To compete with existing hardware stores and distributors.

D．To provide job opportunities for skilled workers in the area.

2. How did Omar start his business in the South Bronx?

A．He relied on his personal savings to fund the business.

B．He distributed flyers to ask for donations from neighbors.

C．He sought funding from large companies to establish the business.

D．He actively engaged with his local community to gather support and resources.

3. How could hardware stores probably help with Omar’s business?

A．They provide free shipping.	B．They provide useful resources.
C．They provide financial support.	D．They provide a cheap workforce.

4. Which of the following would be the most suitable title for the passage?

A．The Rise of Environmental Movement in the South Bronx

B．Community Cooperation: Transforming Waste into Resources

C．Omar Freilla: A New Star in the Hip-Hop Industry

D．Navigating Challenges: The Story of South Bronx Business