1 . There will be more plastic than fish in the world’s oceans by 2050. That is what a new report from the World Economic Forum and Ellen MacArthur Foundation warns. If the current trend continues, the report said, oceans will contain one ton of plastic for every three tons of fish in 2025. By 2050, plastics will weigh more than fish. The problem is that each year at least 8 million tons of plastics end up in oceans around the world. This is the same as dumping the contents of one garbage truck into the ocean every minute.
Not all plastic ends up in the ocean because someone throws a plastic bottle into the water. Plastic containers and other trash thrown onto streets and sidewalks often are swept into oceans. Unlike other types of trash in the ocean, the plastic never bio-degrades. There is a way to slow the amount of plastics going into the oceans — people can recycle more. Currently only about 14 percent of plastics are recycled. Research in Europe shows as much as 53 percent of plastic could be recycled using available technology. The report says that another solution is using less plastic for packaging products. But that is not likely to happen.
“Given plastic packaging’s many benefits, both the possibility and desirability of an across-the-board dramatic reduction in the volume of plastic packaging used is clearly low, ”the report said. But the authors note reducing the use of plastics should be tried“where possible. ”For decades, scientists warned that plastics are killing fish. Research shows that fish are dying from choking after eating plastics. Another cause of death is that plastics cause“intestinal blockage and starvation, ”the environmental group said.
1. Why is the garbage truck mentioned in Paragraph 1 ?A.To explain how plastics end up in the ocean. |
B.To warn people against the ocean pollution. |
C.To clarify the seriousness of the problem. |
D.To point out some details of the report. |
A.There is too much of it. | B.It poisons the ocean water. |
C.It is from different sources. | D.It is hard to break down. |
A.Pessimistic. | B.Curious. | C.Unconcerned. | D.Terrified. |
A.People are not aware of the problem. | B.Recycling is limited by lack of technology. |
C.Plastic packaging has become part of our life. | D.Fish in the ocean will be replaced by plastics. |
2 . Five years ago, we cut nearly every single tree across 19 acres here, piled and burned the branches and left the trunks where they lay. The goal was to restore one of the Ozarks’ rarest ecosystems, a type of dry and rocky grassland.
Logging down trees to bring back grass may seem puzzling in a time of climate change, as forest conservation and tree planting have become popular ways to keep carbon out of the atmosphere. But it is exactly what we should do in some parts of the Southeast. The climate and biodiversity crises are problems to be solved together. We can’t afford to rob biodiversity to pay for the climate. And grasslands are surprisingly good at pulling carbon out of the atmosphere. A single sunflower might not be the carbon grab that an oak tree is, but grass’s deep root systems store the element deep underground, where it can take hundreds or thousands of years to return to the atmosphere.
For the past century, the commonly held belief was that forests once covered most of the region from the Atlantic Ocean to the Mississippi River. But we now know that’s not true. Much of the Southeast was a string of large and small grassland ecosystems with enormous biodiversity. All of these unique grasslands are under threat, but not all by tree invasion. The few remaining grasslands in Arkansas are being converted to grow rice, Virginia grasslands are being flattened by housing developers, and low-lying coastal grassy plain is facing sea-level rise. Because grasslands are so easily navigated (导航) and settled, they may be the most threatened ecosystems in the world.
And it’s obvious that everywhere, grasslands remain undervalued. Many conservation organizations working in the Southeast are still focused on tree planting and preserving existing forests. The Nature Conservancy’s Cumberland Forest Project covers 253, 000 acres of land in Kentucky, Tennessee and Virginia, part of an effort to store carbon and create continuous habitats for species migration during climate change. In fact, recent laws are beginning to lead us in the right direction.
1. Why were the trees cut down in Ozarks?A.To take in more carbon. | B.To regain its grassland. |
C.To create a new ecosystem. | D.To deal with climate change. |
A.The reasons for grasslands reduction. | B.The purpose of cutting down trees. |
C.The changes of ecosystems. | D.The result of tree invasion. |
A.Grasslands are greatly valued. | B.Carbon can be broken down by grasslands. |
C.Forests took up more region than grasslands. | D.All the grasslands are not threatened by trees. |
A.The importance of grasslands. | B.The influence of planting trees. |
C.The measures of restoring grasslands. | D.The present situation of the Southeast. |
1.参赛对象;
2.比赛情况;
3.比赛意义。
注意:
1.写作词数应为80 左右;
2.请按如下格式在答题卡的相应位置作答。
An English Speech Contest on Ocean Exploration
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________4 . With greater climate catastrophe (气候突变) on Earth, it is natural for us to make every effort to stop the potential floods, snowstorms, and alarming reports from scientists. For many of us (myself included), part of that means running out to buy reusable straws, organic cleaners, and packaging-free products.
However, before you rejoice in “green” purchases, take a second to consider the results of a new study from Arizona University. By comparing the shopping habits, mental health and environmental impact of young people, the researchers reaffirmed a principle: Buying less beats buying “green” stuff without effort. And that is true whether you are looking at the impact that your purchases have on the Earth or on your own happiness.
It should not come as a shock that simply consuming less is better for the planet. After all, every new item a factory yields requires some resources to produce. Take plastic bag bans for instance. If your city is getting rid of single-use shopping bags, it can be tempting to pay for a fashionable organic cotton bag hanging in the check-out line of your local supermarket. However, experts insist that growing cotton is actually no better for the Earth than producing the conventional plastic bags. Your best bet for carrying your groceries if you care about sustainability? Any bag you already own. This is true of many kinds of “green” products.
It is not just the Earth that will be happier if you buy less. You will feel more contented too, according to the new study. “People believe that they might well be self-satisfied about becoming environmentally conscious through green buying patterns, but it doesn't seem to be that way”, said the lead researcher Sabrina Helm. “Reduced consumption has effects on increased well-being and decreased psychological distress, but we don't see that with green consumption.”
“Owning every new green product on the market might make you feel contented, but if you relieve yourself of that burden of ownership, most people report feeling a lot better,” said Helm.
1. Why does the writer mention green shopping habits?A.To call on a green lifestyle. | B.To praise people's green efforts. |
C.To introduce a social trend. | D.To present a half true “green truth”. |
A.The plastic bag bans are of no effect. |
B.Using any bag you have is the best bet. |
C.Reduced consumption is better for the Earth. |
D.Growing cotton is actually far worse for the Earth. |
A.The sense of achievement. | B.The sense of happiness. |
C.Psychological pressure. | D.Environmental awareness. |
A.Less is More | B.The Greener, The Happier |
C.Happiness Guarantee | D.What Are Really Green Products? |
Dongying city in China’s Shandong Province has witnessed(目睹) ecological improvements in the Yellow River Delta, thanks to various
Years ago, the wetlands there
Dongying has been adopting a comprehensive wetlands restoration model by giving high
Last year, Dongying built a real-time monitoring network for bird species at the nature reserve, which helps ensure that birds are free
Jaws, the 1975 film, tells the story of a great white shark that attacks s and kills swimmers. In the opening scene, a woman swimming at night in a dark sea
People have always been scared of sharks, but Jaws made things even
Jaws was
7 . In the 2010s, 34-year-old Brianne Miller travelled around the world and made a surprising discovery: large amounts of plastic littering the water and doing harm to sea life. Miller knew she needed to do something.
Canadians throw out three million tons of plastic waste each year. Groups like A Greener Future, which organize litter clean-ups across Canada, think that 33% of what they pick up comes from food packaging. About one third of food produced worldwide goes to waste too, according to a UN study. Miller decided to solve the problem at the source, imagining a shop where both wasteful packaging and the bad habit of wasting food no longer existed.
In June 2018, she opened her first zero-waste store in Canada. She named it Nada. Customers can bring their own containers (容器), though it’s not necessary: by the front door are quarrels don’t go that far. These days, especially in cities, many people live in buildings. Our neighbours are all around us — so what problems can come from that?
The first obvious cause of arguement is noise pollution. Loud noise through the walls, construction (施工), or people arguing next door can disturb the silence of your living space. Asking someone directly to turn the music down can cause you to feel anxious. However, if you get someone like a building manager to speak to your neighbour, it can make things more awkward because you didn’t speak to your neighbour directly.
And then what about smells? If your neighbour likes eating food with pungent (刺激的) smells, and the smells flow through your window, what can you do? There are some other common problems, such as water running through the wall, pets making noise, and littering from the window above you. These can bring anger over time.
It’s not easy living next door to someone, especially if they’re noisy. But having a clear and honest conversation might help. Also, try thinking if what you are doing could make your neighbours angry. If it’s something that would make you feel bad,maybe think again.
1. Why does the author mention the figures in paragraph 2?A.To present a fact. |
B.To provide an example. |
C.To explain a topic. |
D.To make a comparison. |
A.Turn to the police. |
B.Talk to the neighbor directly. |
C.Quarrel with the neighbor. |
D.Ask the building manager for help. |
A.They provide you pleasure. |
B.They open your imagination. |
C.They’re your neighbor’s favorites. |
D.They make you uncomfortable. |
A.How to make a neighbor happy. |
B.How to deal with a noisy neighbour. |
C.How to communicate with a neighbour. |
D.How to get along well with a neighbour. |
8 . Beginning 2020, the fifth generation of wireless technology is expected to be widely used throughout the world. The new network, called 5G, promises to give faster speeds and a higher capacity for the use of more devices. However, while some companies are competing to be the first to deliver 5G to the consumer, the environmental influences of the new network are being overlooked.
There is some evidence that the new devices and technologies associated with 5G will be harmful to ecosystems. The main component of the 5G network that will affect the earth's ecosystems is the millimeter waves. The millimeter waves that are being used in developing the 5G network have never been used at such scale(规模)before. Studies have found that there are some harms caused by these new technologies.
The millimeter waves, specifically, had a detrimental effect on birds. In a study, researchers observed that after exposure to radiation from a cell tower for just 5~30 minutes, the eggs of sparrows were disfigured. The disfiguration of birds exposed for such a short amount of time to these frequencies(频率)is significant considering that the new 5G network will have a much higher density(浓度)of base stations(small cells) throughout areas needing connection. The potential dangers of having so many small cells all over areas where birds live could threaten their population's survival.
Additionally, it was found that cellular devices were linked to many disturbances in the ecosystems of bees. In this study, beehives exposed for just ten minutes to 900MHz waves fell victim to colony collapse disorder(蜂群崩坏症候群). Bees are an incredibly important part of the earth's ecosystem. Around one-third of the food produced today is dependent on bees for pollination(授粉), making bees are a vital part of the agricultural system.
The impact that the cell towers have on birds and bees is important to understand, because all ecosystems of the earth are interconnected. If one component of an ecosystem is disrupted the whole system will be affected.
1. What will probably cause the environmental problems with the wide use of 5G network?A.The lack of the density of base stations. |
B.The less mature devices and technologies. |
C.The lower capacity for the use of devices. |
D.The large amount of use of millimeter waves. |
A.Important. | B.Unknown. | C.Harmful. | D.Potential. |
A.They play a key role in food production. |
B.They can guide some pollinators to work. |
C.They are likely to reduce unpleasant noises. |
D.They rid disturbances in the agricultural system. |
A.Should 5G Be Used in the Future? | B.The Influence of 5G on Ecosystem |
C.The Research on 5G Technologies | D.How Can Ecosystem Survive 5G? |
9 . I’ve been in an 18-year love-hate relationship with a black walnut tree.
It’s a unique tree. In late September or early October, falling fruits as hard as baseballs threaten the skulls of you, your children, your neighbors and those living near. Patio (露台) umbrellas are a must while dining in the garden beginning in early August, and because of the volume of fruit this season, I wear my bike helmet while working in the garden.
The black walnut also releases a chemical through its roots as a competitive strategy. It’s poisonous to several common plants. There have been many new plant varieties that I brought home with hopes that maybe the black walnut would accept them, but they failed.
What does work are native plants that naturally grow in the area. Native plants are important to have around since they provide beneficial pollinators (传粉者) like birds, bees and butterflies with seeds and contribute to a healthy and biodiverse environment. Native plants for this area are generally easy to grow, so they experience less stress.
Have I thought of getting rid of this giant pain in my tiny backyard? Yes, however, getting rid of this tree is next to impossible. It’s also protected under the law. Trees are important to the urban forest and for all of those that inhabit it. Trees are home to numerous birds and insect species and are essential for keeping our environment balanced.
I can’t imagine a spring without the birds who arrive every year singing their songs before Dawn. Every spring, I wonder what the season holds: What are the chances of being knocked unconscious while barbecuing? Like any good relationship, I’ll never be pleased. I’m stuck with this tree, so I’ll listen to its needs and give it the space it requires. In return, my walnut offers a home to wildlife and a reminder that acceptance, instead of resistance, is the better way to be.
1. Why does the author wear a bike helmet while working in the garden?A.To protect her injured skull. | B.To protect herself against sunburn. |
C.To avoid getting stung by bees. | D.To avoid being hit by the walnut fruits. |
A.To attract beneficial pollinators. |
B.To release harmful gas through the leaves. |
C.To produce a chemical that may kill other plants. |
D.To compete for nutrition with other plants. |
A.Its long history. | B.Its various benefits. |
C.Its huge and heavy trunk. | D.Its popularity in the community. |
A.Loving trees. | B.Fighting nature. |
C.Protecting plants. | D.Understanding nature. |
10 . A recent report revealed that, in the US alone, 27 million tons of plastic ended up in landfills in 2018, but only 3.1 millon tons were recycled. Wordwide the numbers are similarly bad, with just 9% of plastic being recycled. The statistics are even worse for certain types of plastic. For example, out of 80,000 tons of polystyrene (聚苯乙烯) containers generated in the United States, only a small amount (less than 5,000 tons) was recycled.
Now, researchers at The University of Queensland and have found a species of wom with an appetite for polystyrene could be the key to plastic recycling on a mass scale. The superworm can eat through polystyrene, thanks to a bacterial enzyme (酶) in their gut. To study how superworms react to purely plastic food, researchers broke up l35 of the creatures into three teams: one was fed only wheat bran(麸皮), another was fed only plastics, and the third was given nothing.
“We found the bran-fed worms have been significantly healthier than the plastic-fed or starved worms, more than doubling their weight over the three weeks they have been monitored. Though the plastic-fed worms made less impressive gains, they still put on more weight than the starved worms,” Dr. Rinke said. “This suggests the worms can get energy from plastics, most likely with the help of their gut microbes.”
Researchers used a technique called me a genomics to find several encoded enzymes with the ability to degrade polystyrene. The long-term goal is to engineer enzymes to degrade plastic waste in recycling plants.
“Super worms are like mini recycling plants, eating the polystyrene and then feeding it to the bacteria in their gut” Dr. Rinke said. It’s hoped this bio-up cycling will promote plastic waste recycling and reduce landfills. Researchers said they aim to grow the gut bacteria in the lab and further test its ability to degrade polystyrene. Then they can look into how to upscale this process to a level required for an entire recycling plant
1. What problem do the statistics in paragraph 1 indicate?A.Landfills are poorly managed. |
B.It takes a long time for plastic waste to break up. |
C.Many plastic containers are of poor quality. |
D.Plastics are recycle data very low rate. |
A.By collecting data. | B.By introducing a concept. |
C.By making a comparison. | D.By refering to a previous study. |
A.consume | B.breakdown | C.throwaway | D.regulate |
A.Conduct experiments on other worm species. |
B.Improve gut bacteria’s ability to degrade plastics. |
C.Apply the bio-up cycling technology to recycling plants. |
D.Raise super worms on a mass scale to solve plastic pollution. |