1 . Back in 1973, out of concern that many of American native plants and animals were in danger of extinction, Congress passed the Endangered Species Act. The law allows the government to decide species as either “endangered” or “threatened”. Once plants and animals are on the list, they can’t be harmed or harvested, and their living places can’t be changed or damaged in a way that kills, injures or weakens their ability to breed (繁殖), feed or perform other functions necessary for existence.

While environmentalists have thought the law is of great importance in history, mining and the agribusiness (农业综合企业) interests don’t think so. They argue that when an endangered animal is found on public land, the use of the land is strictly controlled, which can prevent farming, and other business use of the land. So, the recent US government has sought to change the way that the law is applied to reduce what it considers overprotection for threatened species.

But a study published in the journal PLOS ONE in January revealed that researchers looked at 31 different populations of ocean animals, and that they found that 78 percent of the mammals (哺乳动物) and 75 percent of the turtles increased their population size after receiving protection under the Act. What was even more impressive was that the number of Hawaiian humpback whales increased from just 800 in 1979 to more than 10,000 in 2005.

“We should celebrate the Act’s track record of reducing the harm from water pollution, overfishing, beach habitat loss and killing. Humans often destroy ocean ecosystems(生态系统), but our study shows that with strong laws and careful administration, we can also help them make a comeback.” said Shaye Wolf, a researcher of the Center for Biological Diversity in Tucson, Arizona.

1. What can we know about the Endangered Species Act in Paragraph 1?

A．It mainly focuses on protecting ocean species.

B．It covers almost all the details of wildlife protection.

C．It encourages people to raise wildlife in a careful way.

D．It asks the whole world to work together to protect wildlife.

2. Why does the recent US government try to change the way of carrying out the Act?

A．The Act has limited the economic benefits of land.

B．Some land has got polluted due to the Act.

C．Some states refuse to follow the Act.

D．The Act fails to save enough endangered species.

3. What does Paragraph 3 mainly intend to show us?

A．Quite a lot of ocean animals’ population is still worrying.

B．The government failed to put some rare species on the list.

C．The Act turned out to be effective for ocean animal protection.

D．Whales benefit most from the Act after receiving protection.

4. What do Shaye Wolf’s words in the last paragraph imply?

A．More strict rules should be added to the Act.

B．Overfishing is the main threat to ocean animals.

C．The damage caused by human activities to the ecosystem is unavoidable.

D．Proper laws play a powerful role in environmental protection.

2 . 阅读下面材料，在空白处填入1个适当的单词或括号内单词的正确形式。

Almost 400 Xinjiang scenic spots offer free admission during the Spring Festival

Near four hundred A-class scenic spots in Northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region offer free admission to travelers during the Spring Festival holidays,     1    February 10 to 24, a move to further embrace the ice and snow tourism boom across China over the upcoming major festival holiday.

Xinjiang also introduced     2    series of high-quality travel routes and key cultural activities during the Spring Festival holidays. During the Spring Festival     3    Lantern Festival,     4    (vary)cities in Xinjiang will host a total of 724 key cultural     5    (event) showcasing local customs, folk traditions, and cultural heritage. There will be 221 tourism-related activities in total.

Local scenic areas have     6    (quick) moved to capitalize on(利用) market trends like the ice and snow boom and continuously launched marketing events     7    (expand) related consumption, attracting consumers from across the country and even globally.

The surge(激增) in ice and snow tourism,     8     started from the New Year holiday, or even earlier, has already brought benefits of consumption     9    (recover) to China, from Harbin in Northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province to Sanya in South China’s Hainan province.

In the whole year of 2023, tourism in Xinjiang also     10    (achieve) rapid growth. As the Chinese Lunar New Year holidays approach, it is expected that the tourism market nationwide will continue to see a relatively big boom.

3 . 阅读下面短文，在空白处填入1个适当的单词或括号内单词的正确形式，并将答案填写在答题卡上。

Climate protection strategy is fascinating the globe during the 19th Asian Games, not just athletic talent .    1     (boost) climate cooperation, China, with the centuries old history and unique culture, is using green measures. Hangzhou city has adopted a     2     (practice) eco approach. The emphasis of the Asian Games     3     (be) on “green, intellectual, frugal, and civilized” contests, reflecting a trend toward more ecologically friendly and sustainable practices in major events.

Avoiding fireworks during the opening ceremony promotes environmental awareness. Traditional fireworks displays are fun     4     pollute the air. The Asian Games intend to exhibit a     5     (commit) to sustainability while providing an engaging and memorable experience     6     all guests by replacing this event with digitally powered visual effects and sound presentations. The Asian Games’ eco friendly licensed items include backpacks     7     (make) from recycled bottles and frisbees from rice husks (谷壳). As all Asian Games venues and facilities employ green energy, the event’s green elements demonstrate China’s recent green transformation and     8     (it) responsibility and promise to meet the dual carbon goals.

The Games Village gave residents a “Low Carbon Account” as part of the green measures. Carbon points     9     (use) in promoting low carbon habits including p late recycling, green commuting, and plastic-free purchasing. Points could be traded for low-carbon Olympic mascots and other prizes. China continues to carry out a climate change policy, develop     10     better carbon market, and participate in global climate governance. China aims to peak and neutralize carbon dioxide emissions by 2030 and 2060.

4 . 假定你是李华同学, 请你阅读下方邮件并回复。
注意: 词数100词左右。

Dear Li Hua, Congratulations! I’m extremely excited and proud to hear that you have been chosen as the Excellent Student Journalist(记者). I really admire your talent. And I would appreciate it, if you could share how you develop your writing skills gradually and become an excellent journalist. Yours, Jonason

Dear Jonason,
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Yours,

Li Hua

5 . 机不可失，失不再来，所以一定要把握时机。
Opportunity knocks but once, so we must _______ it.

6 . 让新一年的每一刻都活得有价值！
_______ _______ _______ _______ in the new year!

7 . Great Places to Enjoy Books

Sinan Books，China

Sinan Books offers a space for learning and thinking to the general public living in the city. Its door has red decoration, showing Sinan Books’ attitude of openness, and its reading space is beautifully decorated with yellow lights. The color green sets off the exhibition spaces. Spaces on the fourth floor are decorated with black and white colors to encourage readers to face themselves.

Paju Book City，South Korea

As the name suggests, it’s a city of books. The bookstores make lots of book lovers come here. In particular, the yearly Booksori book festival attracts nearly one million visitors. At the festival, the organizers present Paju Book Awards to the great Asian writers, editors, and designers. Besides, you can give your old books in return for those books you want to read in these bookstores. The most popular bookstore is Bomulseom, which carries a quality selection (挑选) of Korean, English, and Japanese books, as well as magazines and albums.

Bonjinsha，Japan

Bonjinsha is a bookstore dedicated to (致力于) the teaching and learning of the Japanese language. The store in Tokyo has a wide variety of teaching materials for all levels, from beginners to advanced learners. If you are studying or living in Japan and need to improve your Japanese language skills, then Bonjinsha will be a good place to start. Not only is Bonjinsha an established bookstore, but it’s also a famous publishing house in Japan.

College Street，India

Although it is only 0.9 km long, there is a range of bookstores and publishers right on the street. Perhaps the most well-known bookstores in this neighborhood are Dasgupta & Co., the first bookstore on College Street founded in 1886 with a large number of rare books, and the Bani Library, a family-run business for five generations housing all kinds of textbooks related to all things academic.

1. What is unique about Sinan Books?

A．It’s more popular with teenagers.

B．It uses colors to create a better reading atmosphere.

C．It often introduces the latest good books to readers.

D．It often holds colorful reading festivals.

2. When book lovers go to Paju Book City, they can ________.

A．communicate with some famous writers

B．visit many bookstores with particular themes

C．get a special discount on books in Korean

D．exchange used books in the bookstores

3. What do Dasgupta & Co. and the Bani Library most likely have in common?

A．Both have a small space.	B．Both encourage guests to buy used books.
C．Both have a long history.	D．Both offer rare books at affordable prices.

8 . A couple has recently placed their garbage can out for collection for the first time in 14 months, all thanks to their recycling skills. Richard and Louise Arnold have established such an effective routine that they only need to put their garbage can on the side of the street once a year.

Louise explained that making small monthly changes in her life has resulted in her family producing very little waste. She said, “It’s not as difficult as you might think if you start with small steps. We began with soap, switching from bath cream to natural soap without packaging. These bars are large enough that we cut them in half, using one for the sink and the other half for the shower. It’s both cost-effective and environmentally friendly.”

“So it’s actually quite easy. Just go around your house and think of little things you can do gradually, and you’ll start noticing the difference,” Louise added. Currently, the couple takes recyclable waste to the tip, donates clothes to charity shops, and brings soft plastics and batteries to a shop that accepts them.

In 2017, the couple established No Waste Living, which initially started as a weekend stall at the local market and has since developed into a website. Louise regularly writes a newsletter for her hundreds of subscribers. They also started selling eco-friendly products, ranging from non-chemical household cleaning and washing solutions for a “less toxic home” to bamboo washing-up brushes. Louise mentioned, “I started No Waste Living because I wanted to show our achievement s and lead by example.”

Although the family occasionally faces criticism, Louise remains determined. She said, “The main point of contention(争论) for people regarding new waste rules is having to drive their waste to a recycling center, which adds to their already busy lives. However, in the long run, you will create more space in your home, save money, and spend less time dealing with garbage cans.”

1. How did the couple start their waste reduction journey?

A．By replacing small soaps with large ones.	B．By using a small amount of bath cream.
C．By using unpackaged soap bars.	D．By recycling soft plastics and batteries.

2. Why did the couple found No Waste Living?

A．To bring eco-products to market.	B．To inspire others to follow in their footsteps.
C．To treat recyclable waste from the neighborhood.	D．To answer the call of their subscribers.

3. Why do some people dislike new waste rules?

A．They mean more work to deal with garbage.

B．They increase the cost of garbage collection.

C．They establish a set time for waste management.

D．They limit the daily amount of garbage for collection.

4. What is the text mainly about?

A．A business - minded couple.	B．The “less poisonous home” concept.
C．The global trend in recycling.	D．A planet- friendly lifestyle.

9 . Your guide to a no-spend challenge

A no-spend challenge isn’t about total deprivation (剥夺) or freezing your bank account.     1    . The most common form of the challenge is to purchase only necessities and restrain from buying wants and impulse desires.

Assessing and prioritising needs

Before delving (深入探究) into the no-spend challenge, take the time to assess and differentiate your essential needs from your wants. Identify recurring bills, necessary expenditures and essential items. Distinguish them from free spending on non-essential products and services. This initial step lays the foundation for a realistic and sustainable challenge.     2    .

Creating a realistic budget

A successful no-spend challenge is rooted in the development of a well-crafted budget that reflects your financial reality.     3    . Allocate specific amounts for variable expenses such as groceries and bills, enhancing accountability and providing a clear roadmap for responsible spending during the challenge.

Support system

    4    . A firm support system that understands and respects your financial goals creates a positive environment, fostering motivation and solidarity. Share tips, experiences and celebrate milestones together, turning the challenge into a shared journey towards financial consciousness.

    5    

As your challenge concludes, take enough time to reflect on the entire experience. What insights did you gain into your spending habits and priorities? Identify positive changes you want to maintain and integrate them into your long-term financial strategy.

The no-spend challenge is not merely a temporary exercise; it serves as a catalyst for enduring financial wellness. Embrace the journey, learn from the experience and watch as your financial goals transform into realities.

A．Establishing long-term habits

B．Understanding the no-spend challenge

C．It ensures that crucial aspects of your life remain unaffected

D．Begin by outlining your income, fixed expenses and any upcoming financial goals

E．Share your commitment with friends and family, encouraging them to support your effort

F．The no-spend challenge serves as an opportune moment to cultivate mindful spending habits

G．It represents a conscious decision to redirect your financial focus and control your spending habits

10 . With a fragrance (芳香) through the bedrooms of older adults for two hours every night for six months, memories skyrocketed. Participants in this study by University of California, Irvine (UCI)neuroscientists gained a 226% increase in cognitive capacity compared to the control group. The researchers say the finding transforms the long-known tie between smell and memory into an easy, non-invasive technique for strengthening memory and potentially preventing dementia (痴呆).

The project was conducted through the UCI Center for the Neurobiology of Learning & Memory. It involved men and women aged 60 to 85 without memory impairment. All were given seven small containers, each containing a single and different natural oil. People in the enriched group received full-strength oils. Control group participants were given the oils in tiny amounts. Participants put a different container into their room each evening prior to going to bed, and it activated for two hours as they slept.

People in the enriched group showed a 226% increase in cognitive performance compared to the control group, as measured by a word list test commonly used to evaluate memory. Participants also reported sleeping more soundly. The researchers say the results from their study bear out what scientists learned about the connection between smell and memory.

Scientists have long known that the loss of ability to smell, can predict development of nearly 70 neurological and psychiatric diseases. These include Alzheimer’s and other dementias, Parkinson’s and alcoholism. Researchers have previously found that exposing people with moderate dementia to up to 40 different smells twice a day over a period of time improved their memories and language skills, eased depression and improved their sense of smell.

The team would next like to study the technique’s impact on people with diagnosed cognitive loss. A product based on their study and designed for people to use at home is expected to come onto the market this fall.

1. What field may the findings be applied to?

A．Controlling sleep.	B．Exploring smells.
C．Developing skills.	D．Promoting memory.

2. What is paragraph 2 mainly about?

A．Research results.	B．Research process.
C．Research methods.	D．Research purpose.

3. How did researchers assess the performance of the participants?

A．By giving the participants a test.

B．By scanning the participants’ brain.

C．By observing the participants’ actions.

D．By asking about the participants’ feeling.

4. What will the researchers focus on in future?

A．Developing a smell product.

B．The impact of cognitive loss.

C．Application of research results.

D．Doing market research for their product.