1 . A study showed that farms with surrounding natural habitat experienced the most benefits from birds. The study, published in Journal of Applied Ecology, was conducted at 21 strawberry fields along California’s Central Coast. It found that birds were more likely to carry foodborne pathogens (病原体) and eat more berries without surrounding natural habitat.

The study looked at how different farming practices influenced the costs and benefits that wild birds provided on the strawberry farms. The scientists combined nearly 300 bird surveys and the tests of more than 1,000 droppings’ samples from 55 bird species to determine which birds ate pests, beneficial insects and crops, and carried foodborne pathogens.

They also ranked birds to see which were more likely to bring benefits or costs to farmlands. Barn swallows, for instance, got a “gold star” in the study. Their mud nests are commonly seen attached to the underside of eaves (屋檐), from which they fly out to fields, searching for insects.

Rather than result in a list of “good” and “bad” birds, the study found that most bird species brought both costs and benefits to farms, depending on how the landscape was managed. The presence of natural habitat was the single most important driver differentiating a farm where wild birds brought more benefits than harm.

Growers will tell you it’s impossible to keep birds off your farm—you can’t do that and don't want to from a conservation perspective. “Nature is messy, and birds are complex,” the researcher said. “The best we can do is understand how to take advantage of the benefits while reducing the harm.”

A related study in 2020 found that farms with natural habitat attracted more insect-eating birds and fewer strawberry-eating birds. Such habitats also bring greater numbers of bird species to the landscape. All together, these studies suggest that farming landscapes with natural habitat tend to be good for conservation, farmers, and public health.

1. What does the study focus on?

A．Pathogens found on the strawberry farms.

B．The species of birds near farmers’ fields.

C．The effect of birds’ natural habitat on farming.

D．Damage to crops and strawberries on the farm.

2. What can we learn about barn swallows?

A．They can bring benefits for farmland.

B．They are good at nesting on the rocks.

C．They will add to the cost of farming.

D．They are more likely to carry some viruses.

3. What mainly concerns the researchers?

A．How to keep wild birds off farms.

B．How to maximize the benefits of birds.

C．How to run more farms with natural habitats.

D．How to balance birds’ protection and farm profits.

4. Which of the following is a suitable title for the text?

A．More birds, more strawberries

B．Farms—the natural habitats of wild birds

C．Bringing out the best in wild birds on farms

D．The natural habitats of birds are being destroyed

2 . Pizza genius isn’t too strong a term to describe Danny Rocca. At 23, he is the owner of Dough &. Co. Pizza, which opened in February. At the new store, a former Gino’s that he renovated (翻新) himself,you’ll find a menu that reflects a career that has occupied more than a third of his life.

With grandparents, parents, uncles and aunts in the pizza business, Rocca knew from a young age that he wanted to be a pizzaiolo. He applied for a job at Umberto’s in Plainview when he was 14 and got hired as soon as he turned 15.He started at the counter, reheating slices and ringing up customers. Then he advanced from dishwasher, to prep cook, to pizza man until, at the age of 19, he became the shop’s general manager.

Wanting to learn more about traditional pies, in 2021 Rocca moved to Huntington’s 1653 Pizza Company, where chef-partner Michael Vigliotti taught him about high-hydration doughs (高水面团) and high-end toppings. “When the Gino’s space came up,” he said, “I figured now is my time.” At Dough &. Co., Rocca takes a middle path between classic and traditional pizza. His regular dough has an unusual degree of hydration to “keep it light and airy”.

Rocca said he never gets bored of making pizza. “Every pie you make is unique,” he said. “The dough is a living organism. Then when it’s cooked and you cut into it and hear that crunch (碎裂声), it’s such a good feeling.”

He foresees a lifetime perfecting his craft.“I know this isn’t my last stop,” he said. “I’m so grateful to be here, but I’m going to continue to learn and grow.”

1. What influenced Rocca’s career choice?

A．A traditional menu.	B．Gino’s invitation.
C．His travel experience.	D．His family background.

2. Why did Rocca move to Huntington in 2021?

A．To open a new chain store.

B．To perfect pizza making skills.

C．To select high-hydration doughs.

D．To work as a teacher in a pizza company.

3. Which of the following best describes Rocca?

A．Talented and honest.

B．Ambitious and creative.

C．Positive and conservative.

D．Demanding and tolerant.

4. What can we learn from Rocca’s story?

A．Many hands make light work.

B．Opportunity favors the smart mind.

C．Education is the key to your success.

D．It’s wise to love whatever you take up.

3 . North West Ireland has the best theatres in the country. It offers you a warm Irish welcome with music, art, fun and life at an enjoyable pace.

Colmans Music Centre

The Colmans Music Centre is a visitor centre with a difference. It contains a comprehensive exhibition area about the history of traditional Irish music via audio visual presentation and touch screen. It has a lovely 120-seat theatre in which a varied programme is presented. A music archive (曲库) is available and tea or coffee is served on site.

The Dock Arts Centre

The Dock is housed in the beautiful 19th-century former Courthouse Building. It houses a 100+ seat performance space, three art galleries, and artist studios. The centre offers something for everyone, from performances and exhibitions, to classes and workshops.

The Corn Mill Theatre

The tradition of drama in Carrigallen goes back to the second last century. The present group was founded in 1963 as “The Community Players” and there has been no break in activity since that time. In 1998 the company won the Esso All-Ireland Drama Finals with Billy Roche’s play Belfry directed by Killian McGuinness.

The Glens Centre

The Glens Centre is a wonderfully unique venue (地点). It has a performance space with seating for 140 people. It has superb technical facilities. The Glens also houses recording facilities and self board and accommodation for visiting performers. The centre hosts a wide ranging programme including the best of contemporary, world, trad, folk and jazz music as well as a feast of theatre, readings, children’s events and world cinema.

1. What can visitors do in Colmans Music Centre?

A．Give a live performance.	B．Enjoy traditional Irish music.
C．Buy audio visual equipment.	D．Discover the history of tea or coffee.

2. What’s the purpose of “The Community Players”?

A．To earn a high reputation.	B．To direct a play like Bel fry.
C．To encourage interest in dramatics.	D．To win the Esso All-Ireland Film Finals.

3. Where should visitors go if they want to explore diverse kinds of music?

A．The Glens Centre.	B．The Dock Arts Centre.
C．The Corn Mill Theatre.	D．Colmans Music Centre.

4 . High school graduations are one of the most important moments in a teenager’s life. However, heading into the _________ on June 6th, David was stopped at the door by a gatekeeper. So you can imagine how _________ David was. Although his sneakers were not extremely unacceptable, David learned they were in _________ of the school’s dress code and he was _________ entry.

David was about to _________ his chance to walk across the stage with his classmate when he caught sight of a _________ face. Butler, a famous local educator, came to the graduation as a parent. Learning David’s unpleasant situation, he _________ the young man back to the entry to see if he could _________ the gatekeeper’s mind.

“I was hoping that she would let it go, but she _________ not letting this young man in, and I didn’t have time to __________ with her, ” Butler said. “I wasn’t going to let him miss the most __________ moment in his life for anything. ”Without missing a beat, Butler simply changed his __________ with David. Just as the __________ closed, David made it inside the hall. Eventually he __________ David from ruining his graduation day.

Although firstly __________ by the last-minute substitution, Butler’s family were thrilled that his quick thinking turned a very __________ situation into a joyful celebration. “I wasn’t __________ because Mr. Butler is always helpful,” a __________ parent of David’s said.

It’s said that a truly __________ man will give the shirt off his back to someone in need. Now it seems, the saying also __________ to the shoes off his feet.

1.

A．festival

B．conference

C．ceremony

D．exhibition

2.

A．eager

B．upset

C．thrilled

D．frightened

3.

A．violation

B．favor

C．honor

D．place

4.

A．envied

B．guaranteed

C．allowed

D．refused

5.

A．destroy

B．miss

C．seize

D．abandon

6.

A．strange

B．happy

C．friendly

D．serious

7.

A．accompanied

B．invited

C．pushed

D．directed

8.

A．read

B．draw

C．relax

D．change

9.

A．agreed on

B．complained about

C．insisted on

D．argued about

10.

A．reason

B．talk

C．quarrel

D．bargain

11.

A．decisive

B．unbelievable

C．important

D．appropriate

12.

A．shirt

B．gifts

C．role

D．shoes

13.

A．event

B．doors .

C．school

D．curtains

14.

A．saved

B．prevented

C．benefited

D．excused

15.

A．annoyed

B．entertained

C．confused

D．worried

16.

A．sensitive

B．urgent

C．ridiculous

D．ugly

17.

A．surprised

B．excited

C．disappointed

D．annoyed

18.

A．considerate

B．grateful

C．loving

D．proud

19.

A．inspired

B．optimistic

C．generous

D．wealthy

20.

A．contributes

B．refers

C．turns

D．applies