1 . Gardens come in all shapes and sizes.
One of the most important things to remember when planning a garden is to grow what you love. This way, you’ll be sure to enjoy the process. You can grow vegetables. If you don’t like vegetables, try fruits or flowers. You can grow a garden to feed yourself, your neighbors, and a family that’s going through a hard time.
Once you decide what type of garden you’d like to start, you’ll need to plan a few things before getting to work.
After you have the correct soil, choose your plants. Will you start with seeds or young plants? Growing from seeds is often less expensive. And it’s more satisfying, because you have a chance to watch the growth from seed to plant.
| A．Now you’re ready to plant your garden. |
| B．Starting a new one might seem challenging. |
| C．But growing from young plants is easier. |
| D．First, work out where your garden will lie. |
| E．You’ll be able to plant season after season and try to grow new things. |
| F．It will help you explore and understand the whole progress of these plants. |
| G．There are many different things you can grow and many different reasons to grow. |
2 . A herd of wild Asian elephants in Southwest China's Yunnan Province has been away from its home for two months, with its current direction of travel showing the animals have no intention of returning. The elephants have attracted global attention after they advanced about 500 km to the north from their original habitat in Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture(辖区) in the province to enter Kunming. It's the furthest that a herd of wild elephants from Xishuangbanna has ever travelled from its habitat.
As the herd has moved too far from its original habitat, and Yunnan has entered the rainy season making it difficult to cross rivers, it is extremely unlikely that the herd will return to its original habitat at any time soon, said Zhang Li, a field wildlife biologist and professor at Beijing Normal University. “The best solution is to find a new and more suitable habitat for the herd and guide them there, away from crowds, to reduce the possibility of human-elephant conflict,” Zhang said.
Previously, it was supposed that wild elephants were leaving their habitat because the local ecology had been damaged, but some experts pointed out that the migration of elephants northward instead proved that Yunnan's ecology has progressed in recent years.
“The range of Asian elephants in China had expanded from two prefectures and three counties in the 1990s to three prefectures and 12 counties by the end of 2020, which also indicates that the areas suitable for Asian elephants are increasing,” Chen Fei, director of Asian Elephant Research Center,State Forestry and Grassland Administration of China said.
Researchers have shown that wild animals undertake long-distance migration depending on the connectivity of the landscape and environmental conditions. The Asian elephants were able to reach Kunming unimpeded(无障碍的) because of the restored forests and farmland along the way, Chen added.
1. What can we learn about the wild Asian elephants from paragraph 1?| A．They got lost on their way home. |
| B．They moved for a better living place. |
| C．They went to Kunming in search of food. |
| D．They kept heading north after leaving their home. |
| A．To guide them to a better habitat. |
| B．To provide them with some local food. |
| C．To send them back to their original home. |
| D．To improve the local environment for them. |
| A．Asian elephants are losing their habitats. |
| B．More forests and farmland need to be restored. |
| C．The destruction of the local ecology is worsening. |
| D．Environment affects the migration of the Asian elephants. |
| A．Pessimistic | B．Objective | C．Optimistic | D．Indifferent |
3 . A 70-year-old grandfather has successfully rowed a boat unassisted across the entire Atlantic Ocean-and he didn't do it for himself. Frank Rothwell took the challenge in memory of his brother-in-law Roger, who died of Alzheimer's disease (阿尔茨海默病) during Frank's crossing.
Requiring 18 months of hard training, the entire trip took eight challenging weeks for Rothwell to travel from La Gomera in the Canary Islands on December 12 to the finish line 3000 miles away in Antigua on February 6. “I like a challenge!” explains Frank on his fundraising site. “In 2017, I spent five weeks on a deserted island for the Channel 4 program, The Island with Bear Grylls. Before that, I was only the 10th person ever to circumnavigate North and South America.”
In a statement, Hilary Evans, chief executive of Alzheimer's Research UK, said, “We're honored to have such amazing support from Frank. His courage and determination helped him to complete his epic challenge and raise £1 million for dementia(痴呆）research.”
“This incredible amount will be a huge benefit to the groundbreaking research we carry out here at Alzheimer's Research UK, as we continue our mission to bring about life-changing treatments for people affected by dementia,”added Evans.
Crossing the finish line was an emotional moment for Rothwell. He said, “I am on cloud nine! I set out in December wishing to raise £1 million for Alzheimer's Research UK but I never thought I'd actually achieve it. At times, the challenge was incredibly tough, with rough seas, huge waves, and missing my wife, Judith. But as exhausting as it was, it was all totally worth it.”
He also said, “Having received hundreds of messages from people who, like me, have witnessed the heartbreak of dementia, I am proud to have raised such an incredible amount in honor of Roger and everyone else who has experienced the destruction it causes.”
1. Why did Rothwell sail across the Atlantic Ocean?| A．To raise money for Roger to receive treatment. |
| B．To call on people to challenge themselves. |
| C．To collect money for Alzheimer's research. |
| D．To photograph the rare view of seas and waves. |
| A．At a loss | B．In surprise |
| C．In great shape | D．In wild excitement |
| A．Courageous and helpful. | B．Humorous and patient. |
| C．Optimistic and cautious. | D．Generous and wise. |
| A．Sports | B．Society | C．Education | D．Health |
4 . On the 100th anniversary of the Communist Party of China (CPC), red tourism has gained popularity among tourists who flood in to visit historic sites with a modern revolutionary heritage.
Jinggangshan
This is one of the most crucial and splendid chapters of history of establishing Red China as well as a unique and wonderful ecosystem, which is covered with rich forest, rugged peaks and several memorials to the Red Army. The best time to visit is between April and October, with the most temperature timing April and May when the large azaleas (杜鹃花) bloom.
Open: 8:00-17:00 (Feb. 16-Nov. 15). 8:00-16:30 (Nov. 16-Feb. 15)
Xibaipo
It is an old revolutionary base where the leadership of the Communist Party of China was stationed, drawing up the blueprint for a new country. A memorial hall was built to honor the memory of this site. The lake and the hill here add brilliance and beauty to each other and form pleasant scenery.
Open: Tuesdays to Sundays 9:30-17:00 (Xibaipo Memorial Hall)
The Nanhu Revolutionary Memorial Hall
A new exhibition is held with updated display approaches, including phantom imaging (全息影像) and oil painting, which are used to improve visitors' experiences. The exhibition shows four stages of the CPC from its establishment to its achievements.
Open: Tuesdays to Sundays 8:30-18:00 (closed on Mondays)
Former Site of the Editorial Department of New Youth
New Youth started the New Culture Movement and spread the influence of the May Fourth Movement. The site was briefly based in Beijing but moved back to Shanghai in 1920 and also served as the office for the Communist Party of China Central Committee in the 1920s.
Open: Thursdays to Tuesdays 9:00 - 11:30, 13:30 - 16:30 (closed on Wednesdays)
1. Where would visitors learn more about the history of the Red Army?| A．Jinggangshan. |
| B．Xibaipo. |
| C．The Nanhu Revolutionary Memorial Hall. |
| D．Former Site of the Editorial Department of New Youth. |
| A．It focuses on Chinese achievements in art. |
| B．It mainly advertises the coming anniversary. |
| C．It applies modernized methods to the exhibition. |
| D．It briefly introduces the rise and fall of Nanhu. |
| A．At 1:00 p.m. on Mondays. | B．At 9:00 a.m. on Wednesdays. |
| C．At 2:00 p.m. on Fridays. | D．At 5:00 p.m on Sundays. |
5 . When I was 9, we packed up our home in Los Angeles and arrived at Heathrow, London on a gray January morning. Everyone in the family settled quickly into the city except me. Without my beloved beaches and endless blue—sky days, I felt at a loss and out of place. Until I made a discovery.
Southbank, at an eastern bend in the Thames, is the center of British skateboarding, where the continuous crashing of skateboards left your head ringing .I loved it. I soon made friends with the local skaters. We spoke our own language. And my favorite: Safe. Safe meant cool. It meant hello. It meant don’t worry about it. Once, when trying a certain trick on the beam(横杆), I fell onto the stones, damaging a nerve in my hand, and Toby came over, helping me up: Safe, man. Safe. A few minutes later, when I landed the trick, my friends beat their boards loud, shouting: “ Safe! Safe! Safe!” And that’s what mattered—landing tricks, being a good skater.
When I was 15, my family moved to Washington. I tried skateboarding there, but the locals were far less welcoming. Within a couple of years, I’d given it up.
When I returned to London in 2004, I found myself wandering down to Southbank, spending hours there. I’ve traveled back several times since, most recently this past spring. The day was cold but clear: tourists and Londoners stopped to watch the skaters. Weaving(穿梭)among the kids who rushed by on their boards, I found my way to the beam. Then a rail—thin teenager, in a baggy white T—shirt, skidded(滑)up to the beam. He sat next to me. He seemed not to notice the man next to him. But soon I caught a few of his glances. “I was a local here 20 years ago,” I told him. Then, slowly, he began to nod his head. “Safe, man. Safe.”
“Yeah,” I said. “Safe.”
1. What can we learn about the author soon after he moved to London?| A．He felt disappointed. | B．He gave up his hobby. |
| C．He liked the weather there. | D．He had disagreements with his family. |
| A．Be careful! | B．Well done! | C．No way! | D．Don’t worry! |
| A．To join the skateboarding. | B．To make new friends. |
| C．To learn more tricks. | D．To relive his childhood days |
| A．Children should learn a second language. |
| B．Sport is necessary for children’s health. |
| C．Children need a sense of belonging |
| D．Seeing the world is a must for children. |
6 . Popularization has in some cases changed the original meaning of emotional (情感的) intelligence. Many people now misunderstand emotional intelligence as almost everything desirable in a person's makeup that cannot be measured by an IQ test, such as character, motivation, confidence, mental stability, optimism and “people skills.” Research has shown that emotional skills may contribute to some of these qualities, but most of them move far beyond skill-based emotional intelligence.
We prefer to describe emotional intelligence as a specific set of skills that can be used for either good or bad purposes. The ability to accurately understand how others are feeling may be used by a doctor to find how best to help her patients, while a cheater might use it to control potential victims. Being emotionally intelligent does not necessarily make one a moral person.
Although popular beliefs regarding emotional intelligence run far ahead of what research can reasonably support, the overall effects of the publicity have been more beneficial than harmful. The most positive aspect of this popularization is a new and much needed emphasis (重视) on emotion by employers, educators and others interested in promoting social well-being. The popularization of emotional intelligence has helped both the public and researchers re-evaluate the functionality of emotions and how they serve people adaptively in everyday life.
Although the continuing popular appeal of emotional intelligence is desirable, we hope that such attention will excite a greater interest in the scientific and scholarly study of emotion. It is our hope that in coming decades, advances in science will offer new perspectives (视角) from which to study how people manage their lives. Emotional intelligence, with its focus on both head and heart, may serve to point us in the right direction.
1. What is a common misunderstanding of emotional intelligence?| A．It can be measured by an IQ test. | B．It helps to exercise a person’s mind. |
| C．It includes a set of emotional skills. | D．It refers to a person’s positive qualities. |
| A．To explain a rule. | B．To clarify a concept. |
| C．To present a fact. | D．To make a prediction. |
| A．Favorable. | B．Intolerant. |
| C．Doubtful. | D．Unclear. |
| A．Its appeal to the public. | B．Expectations for future studies. |
| C．Its practical application. | D．Scientists with new perspectives. |
7 . Rome can be pricey for travelers, which is why many choose to stay in a hostel (旅社). The hostels in Rome offer a bed in a dorm room for around $25 a night, and for that, you’ll often get to stay in a central location (位置) with security and comfort.
Yellow HostelIf I had to make just one recommendation for where to stay in Rome, it would be Yellow Hostel. It’s one of the best-rated hostels in the city, and for good reason. It’s affordable, and it’s got a fun atmosphere without being too noisy. As an added bonus, it’s close to the main train station.
Hostel Alessandro PalaceIf you love social hostels, this is the best hostel for you in Rome. Hostel Alessandro Palace is fun. Staff members hold plenty of bar events for guests like free shots, bar crawls and karaoke. There’s also an area on the rooftop for hanging out with other travelers during the summer.
Youth Station HostelIf you’re looking for cleanliness and a modern hostel, look no further than Youth Station. It offers beautiful furnishings and beds. There are plenty of other benefits, too; it doesn’t charge city tax; it has both air conditioning and a heater for the rooms; it also has free Wi-Fi in every room.
Hotel and Hostel Des ArtistesHotel and Hostel Des Artistes is located just a 10-minute walk from the central city station and it’s close to all of the city’s main attractions. The staff is friendly and helpful, providing you with a map of the city when you arrive, and offering advice if you require some. However, you need to pay 2 euros a day for Wi-Fi.
1. What is probably the major concern of travelers who choose to stay in a hostel?| A．Comfort. | B．Security. |
| C．Price. | D．Location. |
| A．Yellow Hostel. | B．Hostel Alessandro Palace. |
| C．Youth Station Hostel. | D．Hotel and Hostel Des Artistes. |
| A．It gets noisy at night. | B．Its staff is too talkative. |
| C．It charges for Wi-Fi. | D．It’s inconveniently located. |
8 . When almost everyone has a mobile phone, why are more than half of Australian homes still paying for a landline (座机)?
These days you’d be hard pressed to find anyone in Australia over the age of 15 who doesn’t own a mobile phone. In fact plenty of younger kids have one in their pocket. Practically everyone can make and receive calls anywhere, anytime.
Still, 55 percent of Australians have a landline phone at home and only just over a quarter (29%) rely only on their smartphones according to a survey (调查). Of those Australians who still have a landline, a third concede that it’s not really necessary and they’re keeping it as a security blanket — 19 percent say they never use it while a further 13 percent keep it in case of emergencies. I think my home falls into that category.
More than half of Australian homes are still choosing to stick with their home phone. Age is naturally a factor (因素)— only 58 percent of Generation Ys still use landlines now and then, compared to 84 percent of Baby Boomers who’ve perhaps had the same home number for 50 years. Age isn’t the only factor; I’d say it’s also to do with the makeup of your household.
Generation Xers with young families, like my wife and I, can still find it convenient to have a home phone rather than providing a mobile phone for every family member. That said, to be honest the only people who ever ring our home phone are our Baby Boomers parents, to the point where we play a game and guess who is calling before we pick up the phone (using Caller ID would take the fun out of it).
How attached are you to your landline? How long until they go the way of gas street lamps and morning milk deliveries?
1. What does paragraph 2 mainly tell us about mobile phones?| A．Their target users. | B．Their wide popularity. |
| C．Their major functions. | D．Their complex design. |
| A．Admit. | B．Argue. |
| C．Remember. | D．Remark. |
| A．They like smartphone games. | B．They enjoy guessing callers’ identity. |
| C．They keep using landline phones. | D．They are attached to their family. |
| A．It remains a family necessity. |
| B．It will fall out of use some day. |
| C．It may increase daily expenses. |
| D．It is as important as the gas light. |
9 . It can be very easy to stick with what you know, instead of trying to meet people who are different from you.
Become self-aware.
Talk to someone from a different cultural background. Try and get to know someone from a different cultural background better.
Be more accepting. Sometimes, for one reason or another, it's not all that easy to understand some cultural differences.
| A．Do your own research. |
| B．Think beyond stereotypes. |
| C．Practice being sympathetic towards people. |
| D．Work out your own beliefs, values and personal biases. |
| E．Instead of asking them questions directly, treat them as friends. |
| F．And the best approach is to acknowledge people are different and to accept that's okay. |
| G．However, trying to understand people from other countries can help you experience more. |
