1 . Street lights can change the amount and quality of sleep that pigeons (鸽子) get at night, affecting their energy in the morning. “More and more studies show how light pollution is affecting animal behavior,” said Anne Aulsebrook, a researcher from the University of Melbourne. “One of the most common and well-documented things light pollution seems to do is cause animals, particularly birds, to change the timing of their behavior.”

Aulsebrook said she chose pigeons because so much was already known about their sleep compared to other birds’, and plenty of them were in captivity (圈养) to study. They set up experiments exposing the birds to darkness one night, switching on the lights the next night and turning them off the following night.

Using sensors that recorded brain and muscle activity, the team found that the pigeons slept for about 10 hours with the lights off. With the lights on, their sleep dropped to about six hours. Quality of sleep was also affected. The pigeons didn’t seem to recover from the loss of rapid-eye movement sleep the night before, slept less intensely the following night and woke up more often. Comparing amber (琥珀色) light to white light, the team found the tone made no difference in sleep patterns.

“If we had to choose, I’d still go with warmer, amber colors,” she said. “The other simpler solution is to turn the lights off.” Other efforts to reduce light pollution include shielding (给……加防护罩) lights, directing them, dimming them or using sensors to turn them on only when people are around.

“More research needs to be done to understand the effects of sleep loss on birds,” Aulsebrook said. “We know that sleep is really important to humans. We experience how important sleep is when we don’t get enough of it,” she said. But there hasn’t been much research in this area on birds. “I think the next big step is looking at whether we can measure these costs of reproduction (繁殖) in these birds if they’re not getting enough sleep,” she said.

1. Which is a proven influence of light pollution on birds?

A．Making them more active.

B．Changing their biological clock.

C．Increasing their tendency to attack.

D．Improving their environmental adaptability.

2. Why did Aulsebrook choose pigeons as research subjects?

A．There is a personal preference for them.

B．There’ll be easily available data on them.

C．They are the most commonly seen birds in life.

D．They have typical sleep patterns for research.

3. What did Aulsebrook’s team find from their research?

A．Lights’ influence on birds’ sleep varies from color to color.

B．Birds tend to be more nervous in the light conditions.

C．Lights do great harm to pigeons’ sleep.

D．Pigeons have an irregular sleeping habit.

4. What is Aulsebrook’s attitude towards the effects of birds’ loss of sleep?

A．Objective.

B．Doubtful.

C．Optimistic.

D．Subjective.

2 . A visit to Antarctica is much more than a holiday. Remote and undamaged, any journey there is a unique adventure you’ll find nowhere else on earth.

As you cruise in style aboard Discovery, you will gaze upon majestic, icy peaks, giant icebergs and diverse wildlife that includes whales, seals, penguins and birds. You will sail through glassy bays and have the opportunity, weather permitting, to set foot on Antarctica’s shores and volcanic beaches. On all cruises, you will get as close to nature as you would on smaller ships, while enjoying a higher class of Discovery’s 4-star comforts.

Exciting cruises aboard Discovery

No single supplement on cabins

Voyage to Antarctica
20 Days, departing 16 November 2023
From Lisbon across the Atlantic Ocean to Buenos Aires with stops in exotic settings like Funchal, Rio de Janeiro and Ushuaia
Now from £3575
Antarctica, Chile &Patagonia
18 Days, departing 16 December 2023
From Buenos Aires sail to Antarctica and depart the ship in Santiago
Now from£3145
Note: some sailings might be in reverse, from Santiago to Buenos Aires
Cape to Cape
23 Days, departing 7 February 2023
Leave from Buenos Aires and sail around Cape Horn, visit Antarctica and make your way to Cape Town, South Africa
Now from£2995
What’s included:
●All meals, entertainment and tips on board. Return flights to /from UK. Overseas transfers between airports, hotels and ship. Hotel stays in Buenos Aires and Santiago. Informative lecture programme, Landings ashore and small boat sightseeing.
●PLUS—Save an extra £500 per couple on early bookings before September 2023.

The priority of the cruises is to provide you with opportunities to learn about Antarctica’s fragile ecosystem. Lectures given by Dr. Peter Carey and his team will bring Antarctica to life. They will accompany you on your landings ashore and on small boat field trips （depending on ice and weather conditions）.

1. What activity is included on Discovery cruises?

A．Camping on the volcanic beaches.

B．Interacting with seals and penguins if possible.

C．Swimming through the waters filled with icebergs.

D．Setting foot on Antarctica’s shores if the weather allows.

2. Which month’s cruise plan offers the possibility of sailing in the opposite way?

A．February.

B．December.

C．November.

D．September.

3. A major focus of Discovery cruises is ______.

A．extending luxury hotel stays

B．small boat sightseeing and landing ashore

C．learning about the environment of Antarctica

D．providing free meals and entertainment on board

3 . “We don’t mind using GPS,” says our Aboriginal guide Baamba in his Australian accent, as he looks out across the wilderness which belongs to his tribe. The red ground ahead is covered with bushes and trees. Although it’s early, it’s already 30 degrees in the shade. It’s a difficult hike, but Baamba is a sensible guide: he always carries a satellite phone in his backpack in case of emergencies. His ancestors, however, relied on songs.

The early Australian Aborigines made the land navigable (可航行的) through songs, dance and paintings. The songs described pathways or “songlines”, which provided an oral “map” of the land. They showed people where to find a water hole, where there was a river and where they could hunt. Generations of Aboriginals followed these pathways, leaving clear marks and carvings on rocks and trees to help future travelers. “But the songs describe more than a pathway,” explains Baamba. “They also tell stories about how the world was created.” According to Aboriginal stories, the world was created, when giant beings, part human, part animal, came down from the sky. From across the sea and from deep in the earth.

One of the many sacred sites called Arkaroo Rock was mentioned in the songs and stories about the land. These songs and stories show the close relationship between the native people and their environment, how they saw themselves as part of nature rather than master of it, and how their way of life resulted in a valuable knowledge of their land. It was a way of life with more than 2,000 generations. It was a way of life that was safe from invasion and influence until 1788.

____________ Sadly, this destroyed their ancient way of life, and many Aboriginal songlines were lost. Today, people like Baamba are trying to restore this heritage and preserve it.

It’s late now and Baamba is waiting outside Arkaroo Rock. Inside, we’re admiring the beautiful cave paintings, but as soon as we have taken some photos, we leave. Dark clouds are visible on the horizon—there are already flashes of lightning and thunder in the distance. As we drive away, the wind blows through the trees, and we can almost hear the voices of those first Australians, singing the songs of their ancestors, and following the songlines.

1. Why does the writer mention Baamba’s ancestors’ songs in paragraph 1?

A．To promote these songs, special culture	B．To draw readers’ attention to the theme.
C．To show off the old but advanced songs.	D．To advertise the place’s tourist attractions

2. What can we know about songlines according to the passage?

A．Songlines were printed maps of die land.

B．Sonlines were mainly used to help hunters.

C．Songlines were a symbol of bravery of the Aborigines.

D．Songlines played a key role in finding people’s way around.

3. What will the author most probably talk about in the blank of paragraph 4?

A．Songlines were negatively influenced by strange tourists.

B．The Aborigines experienced a terrible natural disaster in 1788.

C．The Aborigines celebrated their victories for defeating the enemy.

D．Foreigners’ invasion since 1788 resulted in the natives’ life destroyed.

4. What is the best title of the passage?

A．Guidelines.

B．Songlines.

C．Exploration.

D．Tradition.

4 . The teenage years are a transformative period marked by great physical, psychological, and emotional changes.     1     They refer to the feelings that arise during interactions with others, such as gratitude, shame, sympathy, guilt, and pride.

Understanding and managing social emotions can help develop teenagers’ identities. Teenagers experience a wide range of emotions from social interactions, which significantly influences their self-understanding and social awareness. In the process, they learn to understand, and appropriately respond to both their own emotions and those of others.     2    

In academic settings, social emotional competencies like self-regulation, motivation, and social awareness directly impact a teenager’s ability to learn, participate, and engage in school activities.     3     Teenagers with strong social emotional skills are better equipped to handle stress, resist peer pressure, and avoid risky behaviors, reducing the likelihood of developing mental health issues.

Learning social emotions involves a combination of personal experience, guidance, and formal education.     4     This environment influences teenagers’ earliest understanding of how to communicate and manage their emotions. They feel safe and supportive to express their emotions freely and learn to manage them without fear of judgment. Schools also play a significant role through social emotional learning programs that teach these skills in a structured environment. Community involvement, extracurricular activities, and peer (同伴) interactions offer additional opportunities for teenagers to practice and refine their social emotional skills.

    5     It contributes to a teenager’s ability to manage their own emotions, understand others’ emotions, and face social complexities. This learning is a cornerstone for shaping their identity, influencing their interpersonal relationships, academic success, mental health, and future life outcomes.

A．What exactly are social emotions?

B．The journey into mature emotion is quite easy.

C．Social emotion learning for teenagers is essential.

D．Central to this phase is the concept of social emotions.

E．This helps shape their own personal principles and beliefs.

F．Families play a crucial role in modeling and developing these skills.

G．Moreover, social emotional skills are closely linked to mental health.

5 . I was standing in front of a stranger’s house, rescue box in hand, my head full of instructions to follow. It would be my first test as a volunteer wildlife rescuer. A call had come through that afternoon from a man: an unknown bird was attacked by other birds. He saved the victim. Could someone please help to transfer it?

I was anxious even at the door: would I be able to transfer it neatly into my rescue box? I entered the house, lifted a shoebox and saw a bird standing on thin legs, shaking. Hesitating for quite a while, I decided to transfer the whole shoebox into my rescue box.

Back home, I could see no obvious sign of injury, but it refused to eat the bird food I provided. I phoned a specialist. She told me this species hunts insects on the wing, so keeping it longer than overnight would make it starve. I released it and it flew high immediately. “What would be different for this delicate creature this time around?” I wondered. Nothing. But at least it would win its life again.

That was in 2009. My first rescue was a second chance for the bird as well as for me. Five months earlier, I’d received a cancer diagnosis. After the treatment, I recovered but was told I couldn’t take on my former work, which would worsen my physical condition. I was at the point where I didn’t know how to schedule my days. Then I heard about a wildlife rescue group that was seeking volunteers and holding a course. I’d been attracted by animals ever since I was a young girl but had always thought that I’d missed that boat. Then I found the boat again.

I did the course and acquired qualifications. All I had to do was wait for a rescue call. And it came: it was in a box waiting, just for me.

1. What can we learn about the author in her first wildlife rescue?

A．She forgot rescue instructions.	B．She experienced high pressure.
C．She lacked proper tools for rescue.	D．She was skilled in doing the rescue.

2. What would probably happen to the bird after the release?

A．It would die from the injuries.	B．It would find the food it desired.
C．It would seek someone for adoption.	D．It would be too weak and get starved.

3. Why did the author take on bird rescue?

A．To try a new hobby.	B．To relieve her work stress.
C．To find life’s meaning again.	D．To cure her disease completely.

4. Which is the most suitable title for the text?

A．The Skills of Rescue	B．Wildlife Protection
C．Our Second Chance	D．Thoughts after Cancer

6 . Metropolitan Museum of Art

The museum houses more than 2 million works spanning (跨越) 5,000 years and is the attraction second to none in New York City, attracting over 5 million visitors annually. Even those who think art or museums are not their cup of tea can spend days here and still not experience a small part of its art collections, famous exhibits, special events and much more!

Admission: $22 adults, free children under 16.

Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum

The Intrepid is a wonderful place in New York City that offers something for everyone in the family. It’s one of the most popular activities in NYC. Children or anyone who is genuinely interested in war history and transportation shouldn’t miss it. Private events such as weddings are a great opportunity to have the museum all to yourself for one night.

Admission: $30 adults, $15 children under 12.

American Museum of Natural History

A lot of New Yorkers believe that this is the best among all the museums in New York City. Anyone who grew up in NYC has fond memories of their school trips and Saturdays spent with their parents at the museum. Check out the fantastic new space show, “Journey to the Stars”, which is narrated by Whoopi Goldberg and makes it stand out from other museums. The show takes place every half an hour.

Admission: $33 adults, $20 children aged 2 — 12.

Guggenheim Museum

This international museum collects and displays modern and contemporary art in New York City. If you plan to visit the museum, be sure to book your tickets online, as they are available at 10 a. m. the day before. The Guggenheim also hosts really awesome art events focused on a special exhibition or program, making the museum one of the city’s trendiest places.

Admission: $25 adults, $18 students and seniors (65 +), free children under 12.

1. Which museum is the best choice for visitors passionate about war history?

A．Guggenheim Museum.

B．Metropolitan Museum of Art.

C．Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum.

D．American Museum of Natural History.

2. How much should be paid if a young couple plan to visit Guggenheim Museum together with three kindergarten children?

A．$50.

B．$79.

C．$104.

D．$130.

3. What do the four museums have in common?

A．Visitors can gain insight into history there.

B．They offer something for the whole family.

C．They enjoy great popularity among New Yorkers.

D．Performances take place in the museum every day.

7 . To help you get out and explore, language leaning platform, Preply, has ranked Europe’s walkable cities.

Seville, Spain

Seville in Spain tops the list of Europe’s walkable cities. Visitors to this amazing Spanish city can explore the impressive Plaza de Espana public square, before wandering over to the UNESCO-listed palace of Real Alcazar and Seville Cathedral. With just 20 minutes of walking between these attractions, you can really make the most of your time here.

Venice, Italy

Venice is famous as a port city for walkers. There are endless attractive passages to explore, as well as plenty of extremely impressive bridges over the crossing canals. Just under half an hour of walking here will take you on a tour of the fantastic Grand Canal, Doge’s Palace, St Mark’s Square, Basilica and bell tower, all in only 1.3 miles.

Florence, Italy

Florence secures its place as a walkable city in Europe thanks to its wonderful display of attractions that can be explored on foot. In only 33 minutes, visitors can take in the brilliance of Florence’s top destinations. A 1.6-mile route covers the famous Uffizi Gallery and the Galleria dell’ Accademia, home to Michelangelo’s masterpiece, the Statue of David.

Athens, Greece

Visitors to Athens can begin their journey at the Acropolis, climbing to discover the ancient Parthenon, which stands as evidence for the city’s ancient heritages (遗产). The National Archaeological Museum is also close by, housing a treasure trove (宝库) of artifacts that proudly display Greece’s impressive archaeological heritage.

1. What is special about Seville?

A．It is Europe’s most walkable city.	B．It is famous for impressive canals.
C．Ancient treasures are housed there.	D．There are some wonderful attractions.

2. What can walkers do in Athens?

A．Wander around Seville Cathedral.	B．Visit the Grand Canal.
C．Explore the Uffizi Gallery.	D．Climb the Acropolis.

3. In which city can visitors appreciate the Statue of David?

A．Seville.

B．Venice.

C．Florence.

D．Athens.

8 . Creating once-in-a-lifetime moments for you is at the heart of everything we do. The following are some tour suggestions handpicked by the WILDFOOT experts.

ICELANDIC WINTER SELF-DRIVE

September to April|4 Nights; £1,529 per person.

HIGHLIGHTS

· Discover Iceland at your leisure, with included car hire and good standard   accommodation.

· Hunt for the awe-inspiring northern lights.

· Enjoy incredible landscapes, and natural wonders including waterfalls, hot springs and beautiful National Parks.

CLASSIC SPITSBERGEN EXPLORER

May to July |11 Nights; £8,200 per person.

HIGHLIGHTS

· Observe spectacular wildlife, including the iconic polar bears and whales.

· Enjoy amazing polar scenery and midnight sun.

· Experience exciting Zodiac cruises and shore excursions.

10 DAYS PANTANAL AND AMAZON

June to October|9 Nights; £6,256 per person.

HIGHLIGHTS

· Immerse yourself in the birding paradise of the Amazon Rainforest.

· Have a great chance of spotting the majestic jaguar as it patrols the banks of the Cuiaba River.

· Encounter the wonderful wildlife of the Pantanal including the Brazilian tapir, giant anteaters, capybaras, monkeys, giant river otters, caiman, anacondas and much more.

HWANGE & VICTORIA FALLS FAMILY SAFARI

November to March|11 Nights;

Adults: £3,245 per person; Children: £1,064 per person.

HIGHLIGHTS

· Start your Africa experience with a visit to the iconic Victoria Falls.

· Observe an abundance of iconic wildlife including elephants, lions, buffaloes, wild-dogs, cheetahs, a myriad of birds, and much more.

· Visit the Painted Dog Research Centre to learn about the endangered African Wild-Dog and the conservation efforts in place to protect them.

1. What is special about ICELANDIC WINTER SELF-DRIVE?

A．Northern lights.	B．Polar bears and whales.
C．Midnight sun.	D．Victoria Falls.

2. Which option is available for tourists to travel in August?

A．ICELANDIC WINTER SELF-DRIVE.

B．CLASSIC SPITSBERGEN EXPLORER.

C．10 DAYS PANTANAL AND AMAZON.

D．HWANGE & VICTORIA FALLS FAMILY SAFARI.

3. How much does it cost a couple with two children for a Family Safari?

A．£5,373.

B．£6,437.

C．£8,618.

D．£10,799.

9 . The World-Famous Nine

By Ben Guterson, illustrated by Kristina Kister

Zander’s grandmother owns the most incredible department store in the world. When a string of mysterious accidents start happening at the store, Zander’s grandmother tells him that a monster called Darkbloom may have returned. The monster, which can control people, wants a magical object that disappeared from the store decades ago. Zander notices that walls on many floors contain mysterious symbols and takes them down in his notebook. Will the 11-year-old boy be able to solve the puzzle and secure the object before Darkbloom does? Packed with suspense, fascination, and a family drama, this mystery may remind you of a cross between Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

Ask the Author

The Week: What inspired this book?

Ben Guterson: When I was growing up, Seattle had two big department stores. Something about these big buildings held many possibilities for mystery and discovery to me.

The Week: Why is Zander close to his grandmother?

Ben Guterson: I didn’t want Zander to be alone, so he’s got his loving grandmother there to give him some guidance and keep him safe.

The Week: Do you enjoy mysteries?

Ben Guterson: Yes, I like stories with a mysterious feel to them. I don’t think I have ever been drawn to straightforward realism.

1. What can we learn about Zander?

A．He grows up in Seattle.	B．He lives alone at a store.
C．He wishes to be a magician.	D．He wants to defeat Darkbloom.

2. Who will most probably find the The World-Famous Nine fascinating?

A．A kid loving true-life stories.	B．A kid enjoying fictional works.
C．A kid interested in grandma’s dishes.	D．A kid drawn to online store shopping.

3. What is the text?

A．A writer’s profile.	B．An interview outline.
C．A children’s story.	D．A book recommendation.

10 . There isn’t much doubt that one of the most influential people in my life was my grandmother Lizzie Kerns.

My brother Mike started the family custom of moving in with Granny Kerns during our high school years. I lived with her all through my senior year. She lives very close to the school, so I’d come over and eat lunch with her. On game days, I’d come over and take a nap from about four o’clock to seven-thirty, since game time was eight o’clock. I’d just go there, lie on the floor and go to sleep. Granny would come in at seven-thirty and say, “You’d better get up. You'll be playing in half an hour.” We used to shoot free throws every morning at six o'clock. One day I just wanted to sleep in. Granny woke me up and said, “Larry, those other boys are down there. You should be down there with them.” I got up and went to free throw practice.

Mark and I would be at Granny's for supper and later on, just before it was time to go to bed, Mark would say, “Mmm, some popcorn would taste good right now. Larry, what would you think about some popcorn?” Granny wouldn’t say a thing. But the next thing you knew, she’d have that pan out and you’d hear that popping sound in the kitchen.

We started moving in with her because we just didn’t have enough room. It was always a problem. After Mike started it, Mark did it for a while and then me. Later on, Eddie used to eat lunch there every day.

Granny was proud of all her grandkids. Oh, she read everything about me she could get her hands on and she knew I’d signed contracts (合同) for big money, but she never discussed it. None of us got special treatment. Granny loved all of us and that's the way it should be.

I’d have given her anything, but what she really wanted was security. Granny just wanted to know she had enough to get by. She always told me one thing, “I’m not afraid to die. When I get old and can’t do it anymore, I'm not going to be afraid to die.” That showed me a lot. Unfortunately, Granny passed away while I was writing this, so she was never able to see that I dedicated (献给) my book to her.

1. What can be inferred from paragraph 2?

A．Both Mike and the author were lazy and playful.

B．Granny always had a nice way of handling things.

C．The author preferred sleeping to playing basketball.

D．Granny was good at controlling her grandchildren's life.

2. According to the passage, which words can best describe Granny Lizzie Kerns?

A．Strict and tough.	B．Determined and fair.
C．Loving and considerate.	D．Optimistic and tolerant.

3. Why did Granny never mention the author’s success at home?

A．She didn’t take pride in the author's success.

B．She was trying to treat all grandchildren equally.

C．She didn’t know the author had made a good fortune.

D．She was afraid that the author would be too proud of himself.

4. Why did the author feel regretful when writing the book?

A．Granny didn’t know he wrote a book.

B．Granny didn’t know how much she meant to him.

C．Granny died and couldn’t take care of him any more.

D．Granny couldn’t read the book written in honor of her.