1 . California has lost half its big trees since the 1930s, according to a study to be published Tuesday and climate change seems to be a major factor(因素).
The number of trees larger than two feet across has declined by 50 percent on more than 46, 000 square miles of California forests, the new study finds. No area was spared or unaffected, from the foggy northern coast to the Sierra Nevada Mountains to the San Gabriels above Los Angeles. In the Sierra high country, the number of big trees has fallen by more than 55 percent; in parts of southern California the decline was nearly 75 percent.
Many factors contributed to the decline, said Patrick McIntyre, an ecologist who was the lead author of the study. Woodcutters targeted big trees. Housing development pushed into the woods. Aggressive wildfire control has left California forests crowded with small trees that compete with big trees for resources(资源).
But in comparing a study of California forests done in the 1920s and 1930s with another one between 2001 and 2010, McIntyre and his colleagues documented a widespread death of big trees that was evident even in wildlands protected from woodcutting or development.
The loss of big trees was greatest in areas where trees had suffered the greatest water shortage. The researchers figured out water stress with a computer model that calculated how much water trees were getting in comparison with how much they needed, taking into account such things as rainfall, air temperature, dampness of soil, and the timing of snowmelt(融雪).
Since the 1930s, McIntyre said, the biggest factors driving up water stress in the state have been rising temperatures, which cause trees to lose more water to the air, and earlier snowmelt, which reduces the water supply available to trees during the dry season.
1. What is the second paragraph mainly about?| A．The seriousness of big-tree loss in California. |
| B．The increasing variety of California big trees. |
| C．The distribution of big trees in California forests. |
| D．The influence of farming on big trees in California. |
| A．Ecological studies of forests. |
| B．Banning woodcutting. |
| C．Limiting housing development. |
| D．Fire control measures. |
| A．Inadequate snowmelt. | B．A longer dry season. |
| C．A warmer climate. | D．Dampness of the air. |
| A．California’s Forests: Where Have All the Big Trees Gone? |
| B．Cutting of Big Trees to Be Prohibited in California Soon |
| C．Why Are the Big Trees Important to California Forests? |
| D．Patrick McIntyre: Grow More Big Trees in California |
On a hot September afternoon, Peter and his friend Isabel were on their way to the library. When they passed by Tubman park, Isabel suggested cutting through it to get to the library. As they entered the park, the sight of the swings (秋千) and the merry-go-round brought back a flood of memories of their childhood spent there. But now everything looked so old, sad, and dirty. Litter lay on the ground next to an overflowing trash bin. There were still young schoolchildren playing there but they had to avoid the trash that littered the playground. A little boy told them that the city took the other trash cans away and the remaining one never got emptied often.
As they headed toward the library, the two high school students wrinkled their forehead. In the library, they encountered Mrs. Evans, their kind-hearted fifth-grade teacher, retired yet still passionate. Mrs. Evans listened as Isabel and Peter eagerly explained what they’d seen. Finally, she recommended them to go to the City Hall to voice their concerns.
The next day, Isabel and Peter went into the building of the City Hall but were met with an impatient officer. They were informed that the city couldn’t help with their problem due to a tight budget. Discouraged, they left and turned to Mrs. Evans for help.
Under her guidance, they decided to ask Go Green, a non-profit organization whose goal is to protect the environment, for help. “This group is good at raising money for projects just like yours, ” said Mrs. Evans. She promised to arrange them to present their ideas to Go Green. Hearing this, their face lit up.
Two main tasks remained ahead: researching ways to clean up the park and preparing a convincing presentation. As Isabel was good at researching while Peter always had a talent for speaking, they cooperated quite well. Isabel learned from a science magazine that a new type of trash bin can squeeze the trash down without being emptied often, which saves time, money, and energy. Based on this, Peter practiced his presentation over and over again.
注意：1. 续写词数应为150左右；2. 请按如下格式在答题卡的相应位置作答。
A week later, Peter stood nervously at the back of the hall where Go Green was meeting.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________After the meeting, Isabel excitedly told Peter the good news.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________3 . Many of us love July because it’s the month when nature’s berries and stone fruits are in abundance. These colourful and sweet jewels form British Columbia’s fields are little powerhouses of nutritional protection.
Of the common berries, strawberries are highest in vitamin C, although, because of their seeds, raspberries contain a little more protein (蛋白质), iron and zinc (not that fruits have much protein). Blueberries are particularly high in antioxidants (抗氧化物质). The yellow and orange stone fruits such as peaches are high in the carotenoids we turn into vitamin A and which are antioxidants. As for cherries (樱桃), they are so delicious who cares? However, they are rich in vitamin C.
When combined with berries of slices of other fruits, frozen bananas make an excellent base for thick, cooling fruit shakes and low fat “ice cream”. For this purpose, select ripe bananas for freezing as they are much sweeter. Remove the skin and place them in plastic bags or containers and freeze. If you like, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice on the bananas will prevent them turning brown. Frozen bananas will last several weeks, depending on their ripeness and the temperature of the freezer.
If you have a juicer, you can simply feed in frozen bananas and some berries or sliced fruit. Out comes a “soft-serve” creamy dessert, to be eaten right away. This makes a fun activity for a children’s party; they love feeding the fruit and frozen bananas into the top of the machine and watching the ice cream come out below.
1. What does the author seem to like about cherries?| A．They contain protein. | B．They are high in vitamin A. |
| C．They have a pleasant taste. | D．They are rich in antioxidants. |
| A．To make them smell better. | B．To keep their colour. |
| C．To speed up their ripening. | D．To improve their nutrition. |
| A．A dessert. | B．A drink. |
| C．A container. | D．A machine. |
| A．A biology textbook. | B．A health magazine. |
| C．A research paper. | D．A travel brochure. |
Hector stood in the front of his fifth-grade classroom as one of the last two competitors in the Room Five Geography Bee. His opponent having missed the last question, it was Hector’s turn. If he answered his question correctly, he would be the Room Five champion.
“Where did I put that second sheet of questions?” Mr. Adler whispered while searching through a thick pile of papers on his messy desk. Mr. Adler, though a great teacher, had a reputation of being disorganized with a long history of misplacing things. “Oh well, I apologize for the delay.” said Mr. Adler after what seemed like a long time. “Hector, please tell us the capital city of Brazil.” Hearing the question, Hector smiled. Then, there was the answer.
Later that day in the courtyard, many classmates congratulated Hector. Wearing a proud smile, he greeted and thanked them all. Oh, the sweet taste of victory.
As it was getting late, the courtyard became deserted. But Hector still didn’t want to leave. Then he saw Mr. Adler crossing the courtyard and holding a half-open bag full of papers. As he hurried past, an envelope dropped out but Mr. Adler was unaware, turned a corner and disappeared out of sight. Hector picked it up. On the envelope were the words “Fifth Grade Geography Bee Questions and Answers”. Hector stared wide-eyed at the envelope. Before he even had time to reflect on the consequences, he opened it and read the questions.
As soon as Hector had done it, he knew it was the wrong choice. He’d cheated and whatever he did now, he couldn’t change the fact. “What if Mr. Adler thought I stole this morning’s questions too?” Hector thought. “He’d take away my Room Five victory for sure.” Little did he know that one of the best days in his life would be turned into the worst so quickly. Torn by his conscience, Hector was totally at a loss what to do.
注意：1.续写词数应为150左右;
2.请按如下格式在答题卡的相应位置作答。
Before he realized it, Hector found himself standing in Mr. Adler’s room.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________The next day the entire school came to watch the Fifth Grade Geography Bee.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________5 . While famous foreign architects are invited to lead the designs of landmark buildings in China such as the new CCTV tower and the National Center for the Performing Arts, many excellent Chinese architects are making great efforts to take the center stage.
Their efforts have been proven fruitful. Wang Shu, a 49-year-old Chinese architect, won the 2012 Pritzker Architecture Prize — which is often referred to as the Nobel Prize in architecture — on February 28. He is the first Chinese citizen to win this award.
Wang serves as head of the Architecture Department at the China Academy of Art (CAA). His office is located at the Xiangshan campus(校园) of the university in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province. Many buildings on the campus are his original creations.
The style of the campus is quite different from that of most Chinese universities. Many visitors were amazed by the complex architectural space and abundant building types. The curves(曲线) of the buildings perfectly match the rise and fall of hills, forming a unique view.
Wang collected more than 7 million abandoned bricks of different ages. He asked the workers to use traditional techniques to make the bricks into walls, roofs and corridors. This creation attracted a lot of attention thanks to its mixture of modern and traditional Chinese elements(元素).
Wang’s works show a deep understanding of modern architecture and a good knowledge of traditions. Through such a balance, he had created a new type of Chinese architecture, said Tadao Ando, the winner of the 1995 Pritzker Prize.
Wang believes traditions should not be sealed in glass boxes at museums. "That is only evidence that traditions once existed," he said.
"Many Chinese people have a misunderstanding of traditions. They think tradition means old things from the past. In fact, tradition also refers to the things that have been developing and that are still being created, " he said.
"Today, many Chinese people are learning Western styles and theories rather than focusing on Chinese traditions. Many people tend to talk about traditions without knowing what they really are, " said Wang.
The study of traditions should be combined with practice. Otherwise, the recreation of traditions would be artificial and empty, he said.
1. Wang’s winning of the prize means that Chinese architects are ___________.| A．following the latest world trend |
| B．getting international recognition |
| C．working harder than ever before |
| D．relying on foreign architects |
| A．Its hilly environment. |
| B．Its large size. |
| C．Its unique style. |
| D．Its diverse functions. |
| A．The mixture of different shapes. |
| B．The balance of East and West. |
| C．The use of popular techniques. |
| D．The harmony of old and new. |
| A．Spread them to the world. | B．Preserve them at museums. |
| C．Teach them in universities. | D．Recreate them in practice. |
6 . One spring evening, I was incredibly worn after a long day of school. I wished for
I was playing Moldau to Kate, my teacher. I simply couldn’t play with
Pulling out paper and a pencil, she asked, “Can you
Minutes later, I completed my drawing. “Now, play the piece again with this.
As I
The
| A．care | B．relaxation | C．freedom | D．motivation |
| A．courage | B．concern | C．wisdom | D．emotion |
| A．numbers | B．standards | C．notes | D．lines |
| A．failed | B．desired | C．managed | D．offered |
| A．watched | B．listened | C．performed | D．prayed |
| A．blankly | B．angrily | C．enviously | D．gratefully |
| A．shoot | B．evaluate | C．sculpt | D．draw |
| A．personality | B．imagination | C．ambition | D．curiosity |
| A．pictured | B．replaced | C．identified | D．explored |
| A．messy | B．amusing | C．vivid | D．strange |
| A．common | B．brief | C．childish | D．exceptional |
| A．wrapped up | B．noted down | C．reflected on | D．set about |
| A．preserve | B．spread | C．interpret | D．compose |
| A．inspiring | B．confusing | C．shameful | D．adventurous |
| A．information-sorting | B．problem-solving | C．critical-thinking | D．decision-making |
7 . If you need courage when facing a challenge, learn from Jessica Cox. Born in February 1983 in Sierra Vista, Arizona, Jessica Cox
Cox remembers boarding the bus on the first day of 8th grade with a
After college, Cox was
Cox conquered her greatest fear-flying-and in 2011 became the world’s first armless pilot. She uses her feet to fly the plane!
| A．annoyed | B．shocked | C．discouraged | D．touched |
| A．concluded | B．advocated | C．claimed | D．decided |
| A．right | B．challenge | C．choice | D．fear |
| A．Merely | B．Patiently | C．Fiercely | D．Hardly |
| A．bath | B．break | C．course | D．trip |
| A．wondering | B．telling | C．expecting | D．digesting |
| A．decent | B．considerate | C．shy | D．sensible |
| A．saying | B．note | C．warning | D．quote |
| A．recognition | B．pride | C．comment | D．permission |
| A．philosophy | B．difference | C．strength | D．reputation |
| A．grateful | B．true | C．unique | D．close |
| A．removed | B．attempted | C．acquired | D．purchased |
| A．informed | B．called | C．improved | D．reported |
| A．relates to | B．reflects on | C．corresponds with | D．holds back |
| A．Or | B．Otherwise | C．So | D．And |
8 . Rainforests are home to a rich variety of medicinal plants, food, birds and animals. Can you believe that a single bush（灌木丛）in the Amazon may have more species of ants than the whole of Britain! About 480 varieties of trees may be found in just one hectare of rainforest.
Rainforests are the lungs of the planet-storing vast quantities of carbon dioxide and producing a significant amount of the world's oxygen. Rainforests have their own perfect system for ensuring their own survival; the tall trees make a canopy（树冠层）of branches and leaves which protect themselves, smaller plants, and the forest animals from heavy rain, intense dry heat from the sun and strong winds.
Amazingly, the trees grow in such a way that their leaves and branches, although close together, never actually touch those of another tree. Scientists think this is the plants' way to prevent the spread of any tree diseases and make life more difficult for leaf-eating insects like caterpillars. To survive in the forest, animals must climb, jump or fly across the gaps. The ground floor of the forest is not all tangled leaves and bushes, like in films, but is actually fairly clear. It is where dead leaves turn into food for the trees and other forest life.
They are not called rainforests for nothing! Rainforests can generate 75%of their own rain. At least 80 inches of rain a year is normal-and in some areas there may be as much as 430 inches of rain annually. This is real rain-your umbrella may protect you in a shower, but it won't keep you dry if there is a full rainstorm. In just two hours, streams can rise ten to twenty feet. The humidity（湿气）of large rainforests contributes to the formation of rainclouds that may travel to other countries in need of rain.
1. What can we learn about rainforests from the first paragraph?| A．They produce oxygen. | B．They cover a vast area. |
| C．They are well managed. | D．They are rich in wildlife. |
| A．Heavy rains | B．Big trees. |
| C．Small plants. | D．Forest animals. |
| A．For more sunlight. | B．For more growing space. |
| C．For self-protection. | D．For the detection of insects. |
| A．Life-Giving Rainforests | B．The Law of the Jungle |
| C．Animals in the Amazon | D．Weather in Rainforests |
9 . At a conference last week, I received an interesting piece of advice: “Assume you are wrong.” The advice came from Brian Nosek, a fellow psychology professor. He wasn’t objecting to any particular claim I’d made — he was offering a strategy for pursuing better science, and for encouraging others to do the same.
To understand the context for Nosek’s advice, we need to take a step back — to the nature of science itself. Despite what many of us learned in elementary school, there is no single scientific method. Just as scientific theories change, so do scientific methods.
Assuming you are right might be a motivating force, sustaining the enormous effort that conducting scientific work requires. But it also makes it easy to interpret criticisms as personal attacks, and for scientific arguments to develop into personal battles. Beginning, instead, from the assumption you are wrong, a criticism is easier to be viewed as a helpful pointer, a constructive suggestion for how to be less wrong — a goal that your critic probably shares.
Nosek’s advice may sound pessimistic, but it’s not so foreign to science. Philosophers of science sometimes refer to the “pessimistic meta-induction (元归纳)” on the history of science: All of our past scientific theories have been wrong, so surely our current theories will turn out to be wrong, too. That doesn’t mean we haven’t made progress, but it does indicate that there is always room for improvement—ways to be less wrong.
I like the advice because it builds in an awareness of our limitations and a readiness to accept the unknown (“there are things I do not know!”) along with a sense that we can do better (“there are things I do not know yet!”). It also builds in a sense of community — we’re all in the same boat when it comes to falling short of getting things right. Perhaps the focus on a shared goal — our goal as scientists and humans of being less wrong — can help make up for any harm in scientific motivation or communication.
1. Why did Nosek send the advice?| A．To express opinions about my claims. | B．To remind me to be open to criticism. |
| C．To encourage me to take up science. | D．To better my understanding of psychology. |
| A．It motivates scientists to make efforts. | B．It addresses personal attacks and conflicts. |
| C．It sets a constructive improvement goal. | D．It contributes to a deeper insight into yourself. |
| A．Dynamic. | B．Testable. | C．Pioneering. | D．Well-established. |
| A．Accept the Unknown | B．Aim to Be Less Wrong |
| C．Get Engaged in Psychology | D．Dig into the Nature of Science |
10 . How to Organize Your Digital Files
Searching for a file on your computer is a whole lot easier than digging through a pile of papers, yet it’s far from being a perfect system. Lately, it’s been hit-or-miss for me.
Use “resources”, “in progress”, “final”, and “scrap” folders for projects.
There are plenty of ways to title your subfolders for projects, but one of the most intuitive(使用简便的) is to have folders for stages of your project.
The “resources” folder is for things like images, documents, and other items that are needed to complete your project.
It’s near impossible to find a photo quickly when you have thousands of photos all named something like “20211108_0978234.jpg.” So for photos, I like to have a date structure and folders for key events or categories, such as: 2021 ＞01 (for the month)＞2021-01 Mom and Dad 50 Anniversary LA. This way, you can either browse your photos by year and month or search for folders that include “Mom”, “Dad”, “Anniversary”, or “LA.”
Use tags.
In addition to creating a folder structure that works for you, consider tagging files.
| A．With tags, you can connect multiple files across folders. |
| B．For photos, use a date structure and keywords for your folders. |
| C．This way, you can always know which is the final project file to grab. |
| D．The standards will keep files organized and make them easier on the eye. |
| E．“In progress” is for the current working version or versions of the project. |
| F．To find files more efficiently, I’ve been rearranging my digital filing system. |
| G．Move your photos to a more specific folder or back them up on an external storage device. |
