1 . When it comes to thriving under pressure, microbes (微生物) have us solidly beat. New research reveals that Carno-bacterium, a genus often associated with spoiled meat, can successfully divide and reproduce across an enormous range of external pressures — from the equivalent of a very thin atmosphere to crushing ocean depths. This adaptability is unknown for any other life-forms on Earth, researchers report in Astrobiology. Such hardiness suggests a single organism could survive in totally different environments throughout the solar system.

Based on previous findings of various Carno-bacterium strains (菌群) growing well at high and low pressures, University of Florida microbiologist Wayne Nicholson and his colleagues systematically examined 14 strains’ responses to a wide span of pressure conditions. The team focused on strains isolated not only from meat (including seafood, chicken, etc.) but also from Siberian permafrost, an Antarctic lake and deep within the North Pacific’s Aleutian Trench.

In the laboratory, Nicholson and his team exposed each strain to pressures ranging from 0.01 to 100 times Earth’s atmospheric pressure at sea level―corresponding to the pressures on the surface of Mars and inside the liquid water ocean of Jupiter’s moon Europa, respectively. The researchers found that 11 strains grew measurably at every pressure tested. Very few past studies focused on how well microbes tolerate a range of pressures, Nicholson says, but these results are nonetheless surprising given that most other organisms seem to be far more pressure-sensitive. “Humans have trouble breathing on Mount Everest,” he notes, “and that’s about 30 percent of sea-level atmospheric pressure.“

Other bacteria have been shown to do well at comparably high pressures, says Felipe Gómez Gómez, an astrobiologist at the National Institute of Aerospace Technology in Madrid, who was not involved in the study. But these results are novel because they show that the same Carno-bacterium strains can endure so much pressure variation, he says: “What’s really challenging is the whole range.” These microbes’ ability means they could, for instance, theoretically survive at various depths in an alien ocean, Gómez Gómez adds.“ This has far-reaching astro-biological implications.”

1. How did Wayne Nicholson and his colleagues carry out their research?

A．Doing a survey.	B．Listing examples.
C．Making a model.	D．Doing tests.

2. What can we learn from paragraph 3?

A．The results were not surprising at all.

B．Researchers found that many strains could change during pressures.

C．Researchers hardly knew the organism’s toleration on pressure in old days.

D．The research showed why man can’t take a breath smoothly on Mount Everest.

3. What’s Felipe Gómez Gómez’s attitude towards the research?

A．Objective.

B．Positive.

C．Indifferent.

D．Critical.

4. Which of the following is the best title for the text?

A．Bacteria Can Survive at Different Depths.

B．Microbes Withstand the Solar System’s Pressure.

C．All Life-forms’ Adaptations in Pressure Are Proved.

D．Carno-bacterium Strains Have Thrived at Great Pressures.

2 . Herman Rawi from Malaysia uploads TikTok videos of him tasting all kinds of food. But the video of him eating snow on Jan.28 is the only one that comes with a cautionary warning.

Having to battle hot weathers on the equator for most time of the year, almost all of Malaysians love cold dessert. Perhaps this is why Herman tends to lack self-control when he sees snow. During his recent trip to Yamagata, Japan, he filmed himself eating a ball of snow. “A reason — I had terrible fever, cough, runny nose and body aches for eight days,” he wrote in the video’s description.

Herman claimed, “I used to eat snow during the winter when I studied in the UK years ago. I would often go for the freshest snow at an undisturbed place and never fell sick.”

While you may assume snow that’s freshly fallen and collected in an undisturbed area is free of any harmful substances, don’t be so sure. According to meteorologist Mary Scarzello Fairbanks, snow isn’t all that pure. “It’s formed when water-drops freeze around some dust in the air, forming an ice crystal that continues to collect water vapor and form a snowflake. When the snowflake falls, it will also collect things hanging in the air, including dirt and even bacterial particles. If it’s windy, snow could even mix with dirt kicked up from the soil before settling,” he said.

A 2015 study published in the journal Environmental Science: Processes & Impacts even demonstrated how snow could mix with gasoline exhaust 2. This all means that, theoretically, your snow ice cream could have some pretty disgusting “flavorings”.

Eating snow in an emergency is another matter. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns against snow snacking for anyone who is trapped, such as hikers, because it can lower one’s body temperature. In cases where there is a water supply issue, the CDC says it’s safe to take collected snow and boil it to kill some harmful bacteria.

1. Why did Herman Rawi dare to eat snow in Japan?

A．Because his fans encouraged him to do so.

B．Because many Malaysians have done it before.

C．Because the snow in Japan is cleaner than elsewhere.

D．Because he had a lot of experiences eating snow before.

2. What’s Mary Scarzello Fairbanks’ attitude towards eating snow?

A．Casual.

B．Doubtful.

C．Opposed.

D．Appreciative.

3. What can we infer from CDC’s release?

A．In any case you can’t eat snow snacks.

B．Boiling can kill all the bacteria in the snow.

C．It’s acceptable to eat snow directly in an emergency.

D．In some cases you can drink boiled snow water.

4. What is the purpose of this passage?

A．To warn the readers against eating snow at will.

B．To share an interesting story with readers.

C．To prove snow is not fit to be consumed by people.

D．To explain why eating Japanese snow can make people sick.

3 . Dad had been a lumberjack (伐木工). As the years passed on, he became angry whenever he couldn’t do something he had done as a(n) _________ man. Four days after his sixty-seventh birthday, Dad had a heart attack and was_________ into an operating room. He survived. But his passion for life was_______.

My husband, Dick, and I invited Dad to live with us on our small farm. We hoped the fresh _________air would help him adjust. Within a week after he moved in, I_________. He complained at everything I did. I called a mental health center that recommended an article describing a group of patients under treatment for_________. Yet their health had improved greatly when given_________ for a dog.

I drove to the animal shelter that afternoon and back home with a dog.

When I reached the house, I helped my_________ out of the car and said “Dad! Look what I got for you!” Dad looked, then pulled a face. “If I had wanted a dog, I would have picked a better one. Keep it to yourself!” Anger rose _________ me. “You’d better get used to him, Dad. He’s staying!”

Dad just ignored me, when suddenly the dog__________ my dad and sat down. Then slowly, he raised his paw...Dad remained silent. The dog waited __________. Then Dad was on his knees __________the animal.

It was the__________of a warm and loving friendship. Dad and the pet were__________throughout the next three years. Dad’s bitterness__________ , and they made many friends.

1.

A．older

B．younger

C．happier

D．luckier

2.

A．rushed

B．forced

C．kept

D．transformed

3.

A．consistent

B．fresh

C．gone

D．troublesome

4.

A．town

B．countryside

C．city

D．state

5.

A．cried

B．smiled

C．regretted

D．opposed

6.

A．depression

B．disappointment

C．fitness

D．confusion

7.

A．devotion

B．commitment

C．treatment

D．responsibility

8.

A．prize

B．company

C．burden

D．reward

9.

A．nearby

B．along

C．on

D．inside

10.

A．closed

B．barked

C．annoyed

D．neared

11.

A．anxiously

B．delightedly

C．patiently

D．bitterly

12.

A．bringing up

B．picking up

C．pulling up

D．catching up

13.

A．beginning

B．resolution

C．addition

D．display

14.

A．undisturbed

B．incredible

C．inseparable

D．unattended

15.

A．arose

B．decreased

C．restored

D．faded

4 . How to Make Your Writing Flow?

Writing flow refers to how smoothly text flows from one sentence to the next and one paragraph to another.     1     On the other hand, choppy (不连贯的) writing lacking flow disrupts the reading experience. Luckily, you have the tips below to improve the flow of your writing.

1. Vary your sentence structure.

Using only short, choppy sentences creates a disconnected rhythm that disrupts the flow, while a series of long, complex sentences overwhelm readers.     2     Varying sentence structure keeps readers engaged and create s natural movement from one idea to the next.

2. Use transition words and phrases.

Transition words and phrases act like bridges between sentences and paragraphs. They create logical connections between ideas. Use transitions like “however,” “therefore,” “similarly,” and “in contrast” to glue sentences and paragraphs together smoothly.     3    

3. Structure paragraphs around a central idea.

    4     The supporting sentences in the paragraph should work together to explain, develop, or argue that central idea. This creates cohesion within paragraphs and connects them to each other logically. Use topic sentences to introduce the main idea of each paragraph. Paragraphs structured around a singular focus improve writing flow and readability.

4.     5    

Revisiting writing with fresh eyes makes flaws in flow and transitions more noticeable. Let your drafts rest for a day or two to prevent getting stuck reworking the same passage repeatedly. Approaching writing anew allows you to evaluate flow and smooth out imperfections with distance and objectivity.

A．Don’t leave out the revising process.

B．Let completed drafts rest before editing.

C．The key is to mix sentence lengths to create fluid variety.

D．Place them at the beginning of a sentence or between independent clauses.

E．Flowing writing maintains the continuity of ideas and transitions logically.

F．Each paragraph should have a controlling idea relating to your overall theme.

G．As a writer, it is your responsibility to present your readers with a central idea.

5 . It was in the cold midwinter, and the homeless couple struggled through the night snow, seeking shelter. The father-to-be ________ the roadside for some place where his struggling ________ might rest safely for the night.

That December night, Gus Kiebel, a county wildlife officer, was driving home from work when he ________ the pair in the flash of his headlights. He parked his truck and ________ the animals. Gus ________ out his hands to the beagles (比格犬), which made no effort to escape. Then, he placed the dogs in his truck. Gus ________ his phone, took a picture of the pair and sent it to his wife, Katie Kiebel before calling Katie.

“You cannot put them ________ in the snow,” she said. “Bring them home.”

The Kiebels prepared a bed for the dogs on their warm home, where the ________ animals lay together. However, already having a dog, the Kiebels couldn’t ________ to keep new ones. The next day, Katie took the dogs to the shelter — on one condition. “I’m not ________ the dogs over to you if you’re going to separate them,” she said. The shelter workers promised to keep the couple together. Soon after Christmas, the beagles were ________— as a ________, to a loving family.

It’s a simple story, but it speaks to the ________ of our nature. And when ________ and love triumph over cruelty and neglect, it can feel like the greatest ________ of all.

1.

A．looked

B．headed

C．searched

D．figured

2.

A．companion

B．company

C．friend

D．effort

3.

A．scared

B．attracted

C．appealed

D．spotted

4.

A．scared

B．approached

C．attracted

D．appealed

5.

A．put

B．laid

C．made

D．stretched

6.

A．brought up

B．took out

C．warmed up

D．put down

7.

A．down

B．up

C．back

D．aside

8.

A．disappointed

B．lovely

C．unparalleled

D．exhausted

9.

A．afford

B．offend

C．intend

D．succeed

10.

A．turning

B．driving

C．signing

D．giving

11.

A．welcomed

B．received

C．adopted

D．presented

12.

A．pet

B．pair

C．family

D．reward

13.

A．bottom

B．basis

C．fundamental

D．best

14.

A．kindness

B．curiosity

C．generosity

D．patience

15.

A．achievement

B．miracle

C．career

D．job

6 . 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。

We entered the Year of the Dragon. Or should that be the Year of the Loong? That is a question that has been     1     subject for debate in China, as some say there is a difference between the two in Chinese and Western mythology.

They point to dragons in the West being usually thought of as evil creatures. Dragons, they say, are     2     (typical) seen as symbols of chaos,     3     (describe) as enemies in Western mythology and literature. In Chinese culture, Loong are seen as symbols of power,     4     (excellent), and good luck. The Loong     5     (be) a central concept in Chinese culture for thousands of years, and its origins can be traced back to early Chinese civilization through mythology and religious beliefs.    6     Loong were believed     7     (have) control over natural phenomena such as rain, and water, and were associated with the productivity of the land, Loong became symbols of strength and good fortune.

The differences     8     the belief of the mythical creatures in China and the West     9     (root) in their different cultural values. Thus the answer to the question at the beginning is clear: Whether or not to use Loong instead of dragon is not important. What is important is     10     as we enter a new lunar year people globally appreciate the cultural values embodied in such Chinese symbols as Loong.

7 . Why does the man always get to the office early?

A．He takes some shortcuts.

B．He leaves home super early.

C．He lives close to the company.

8 . 阅读下面材料,根据其内容和所给段落开头语续写两段，使之构成一篇完整的短文。

My dad was more than a father to me; he was my friend and confidant (知己) and one of the most amazing people in my life. So when he passed away suddenly from a stroke at the age of 51, my world fell apart. I was lost, along with my mother who had been with my father since age 16, two brothers, and everyone who knew him. We were thrown into a thick fog of anger, sadness, and shock.

I cried every night and tried to hold onto all my memories of him. I replayed every moment I could remember — writing down thoughts, printing out old e-mails, reading old birthday cards — anything I could hang on to because I didn’t want to forget. As I was going through all these old memories, I began to wonder about all the things I had missed. My dad was a quiet man who was known for his listening skills, his patience, his humor, and his smile. He was often the one listening instead of telling stories. I wanted to know what stories I had missed by losing him so soon. So I decided to compile (编纂) a memory book as a surprise Christmas gift for my mom and brothers.

I started my project in November, contacting everyone I knew who was close to my dad or had been in the past. I sent e-mails and letters asking for friends and family of Gary Force to send me their thoughts and memories of him. I asked them specifically to share funny stories about my dad and the stories that maybe no one had ever heard or had long forgotten. I told them to respond no later than one week before Christmas. I waited and waited and got very few responses by December. I began to wonder if this was a horrible idea or if anyone even cared.

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。

And then the responses started pouring in.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

I gave it to my family as the last gift on Christmas Day.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

9 . Gardens by the Bay

Gardens by the Bay is the most popular attraction on TripAdvisor and it isn’t hard to understand why. This place is mind-blowing and unlike anything we’ve ever seen. If you have time for just one attraction in Singapore, then this should be it.

You can buy tickets at the gate but you can get a discount if you purchase them in advance through Klook or Get Your Guide.

Admission: SGD 30 (adults), SGD 18 (kids)

Singapore Flyer

The Singapore Flyer is one of the city’s most iconic attractions. It offers fantastic views of the city from Asia’s largest observation wheel.

You can go on a standard flight but if you want something a little more memorable, then how about going on one that offers drinks like Singapore Slings or champagne?

You can buy tickets to the Singapore Flyer at the gate or in advance through Klook.

Cost: SGD 40 (adults), SGD 25 (kids)

Singapore Botanic Gardens

Gardens by the Bay is a fantastic place to appreciate Singapore’s greenery, but if you want to enjoy it in a more natural setting, then head on over to Singapore Botanic Gardens. It’s a 158-year-old tropical garden and the only UNESCO World Heritage Site in Singapore.

Entrance to the gardens is free but you’ll need to pay SGD 15 fee to enter the National Orchid Garden. It’s a must so don’t miss it.

Admission: FREE

Marina Bay Sands Skypark

Marina Bay Sands is the most iconic hotel in Singapore. I’m sure you’ve seen pictures of its infinity pool on social media.

If you aren’t checked in at Marina Bay Sands, then the next best thing would be to head up to the Skypark observation deck on the 57th level to get some of the most breathtaking views of Singapore.

You can buy tickets at the gate but you may get a discount if you purchase them in advance through Klook.

Admission: SGD 26

1. Which will you give priority to if choosing only one attraction in Singapore?

A．Gardens by the Bay	B．Singapore Flyer
C．Singapore Botanic Gardens	D．Marina Bay Sands Skypark

2. What do Singapore Flyer and Marina Bay Sands Skypark have in common?

A．You can get drinks for free.	B．You can get a discount if booking tickets in advance.
C．You may overlook the whole city.	D．You have to take a plane to the destinations.

3. What do you suppose Klook is?

A．A website.

B．A company.

C．A hotel.

D．A travel brochure.

10 . 听下面一段独白，回答以下小题。
1. Where did 13% of the food waste happen?

A．In the stores.

B．In the restaurants.

C．At homes.

2. What does the example of the US show?

A．Food waste is almost the same in all countries.

B．Richer countries may waste less food at homes.

C．Richer countries are more likely to waste food.

3. What did the report say about “Sell By” date?

A．Poorer countries care less about that.

B．Food isn’t good to eat after that.

C．That might lead to food waste.

4. What does the speaker mainly talk about in the end?

A．Clean energy.

B．Garbage sorting.

C．Waste recycling.