1 . Moving around Bogota can be a bit of a Jekyll-or-Hyde experience. On the one hand, the city is infamous (声名狼藉的)for having the world’s worst traffic. Yet, on the other, its cycling infrastructure is considered a good model of sustainable urban mobility, according to the Copenhagenize Index, which ranks bike-friendly cities. The Colombian capital generated a now-international movement in the 1970s called Ciclovia, which sees 1.5 million people cycle across 128km of car-free streets each Sunday morning.

So, when the pandemic reached its shores in mid-March, Bogota Mayor Claudia Lopez, an avid cyclist herself, introduced one of the world’s first plans to encourage bike travel, using traffic cones to create 76 km of temporary lanes.

“Everyone started using a bicycle, and they already knew how to get around on one because we have this bike culture thanks to the Ciclovia,” says Carlos Pardo, a local cycling advocate and senior advisor at the New Urban Mobility Alliance. Pardo got involved at the beginning of the pandemic by partnering with a local bikeshare company to provide 400 free e-bikes to health workers. Now, he’s busy persuading the public that the government’s new bike lanes should become permanent fixture (固定设施).

“Some drivers say, ‘you took away our lane’, but we’re saying, we took one car lane and made a two-lane bidirectional bike lane,” he explains. “So, you’re duplicating the effectiveness of the space, and moving more people per hour, per direction.”

Biking has enjoyed a renaissance (复兴) around the world as urban citizens avoid public transport for the relative safety of a two-wheeled commute. Now, many advocates like Pardo are working with local governments in the hope of turning these pandemic-response measures into lasting changes—ones that are more plausible now than ever after lockdowns provided an unprecedented (空前的)opportunities to fast-track infrastructure trials. The results of these urban planning experiments could not only radically shape the way we commute across global cities, but also make them more adaptable to future shocks.

1. What can best illustrate the underlined sentence?

A．Much knowledge that is of help in learning about a new place.

B．A mixed feeling that is too confusing to express themselves.

C．An understanding that everything has both advantages and disadvantages.

D．An idea that human beings are born somewhere between good and evil.

2. What was NOT the cause of the popularity of cycling in Bogota?

A．The outbreak of the pandemic in mid-March.

B．The worldwide bike culture dating back to the 1970s.

C．The government’s support for the temporary bike lanes.

D．The local bike company’s contribution to health workers.

3. What factor is likely to stop the change of bike-friendly, slow streets?

A．The increasing number of cyclists.	B．Duplicated effectiveness of road use.
C．A well-rounded city expansion plan.	D．The growth of car ownership.

4. Which section of the newspaper includes articles of this sort?

A．Urban life.

B．Politics.

C．Sports

D．Advice column.

2 . In 1670, two Scottish doctors set up a garden in the city of Edinburgh to find out connections between plants and medicine. That first garden wasn’t very big — about the size of a tennis court. Fast-forward 350 years, and the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE) now covers an area bigger than 1,000 tennis courts. The RBGE’s goal is to “explore, conserve and explain the world of plants for a better future”.

After doctors and distant cousins Robert Sibbald and Andrew Balfour graduated from university in the mid-17th century, they shared the goal of improving Scottish medicine by looking into botanical (plant-related) research. They found some land near Holyrood Abbey in Edinburgh and started to collect plants. They taught students how to grow exotic (外来的) plants and use them to make medicines. As the collection expanded (增加), the garden moved to different sites, including what is now Edinburgh’s Waverley Station.

In 1823, the garden was moved to its current location in Inverleith, a suburb of Edinburgh. It took three years to move the collection of plants and trees using specially built machines. The Tropical Palm House was built in 1834, and it was joined by the larger Temperate Palm House in 1858. Both are still popular with visitors. Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, the RBGE continued to search for new specimens (标本) from around the world.

The RBGE has about 13,500 species of living plants in its collection today. The herbarium — a collection of dried and protected species — includes more than three million plant samples, which represent more than half of the world’s known plants. The oldest specimen dates back to 1697. Experts continue to recognize new species each year, as well as growing plants that are extinct in their own habitats. The RBGE also works with botanical gardens around the world, including in Africa and South America, and supports them with conservation projects, education and training.

1. Why did Robert and Andrew build up the garden?

A．To teach people some knowledge about exotic plants.

B．To do research on plants and medicine.

C．To protect endangered wildlife.

D．To practice their tennis skills.

2. When was the Tropical Palm House set up?

A．In the mid-17th century.	B．In the 20th century.
C．In1834.	D．In1858.

3. What do we know about the RBGE?

A．It has made achievements in growing extinct plants.

B．It has collected less than half of all known plants.

C．It is going to expand its sites in other countries.

D．It collects native plants only.

4. What is this text mainly about?

A．How the RBGE has expanded.	B．The progress of saving endangered plants.
C．Why a botanic garden was built.	D．An introduction to the RBGE.

3 . ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK TOUR

Colorado’s Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) spans over 415 square miles. It contains more than 300 miles of hiking roads and one of the most amazing sights and landscapes (风景) that Colorado has to offer in summer and winter. It’s a perfect place to take a day vacation just for yourself.

Ride by the Iconic Flatirons and the City of Boulder

Your tour kicks off in Boulder which is hidden in a classical little valley near the Flatirons. This community is home to over 100,000 people and features booming tech, food industries, and world-class University of Colorado.

Have a Tasty Picnic Lunch at Rocky Mountain National Park

There’s nothing better than enjoying a meal with the Rocky Mountains in the background. With the unbelievable beauty of the area, it offers plenty of opportunities for taking photos. People have chance to see local wildlife. It’s no wonder that nearly 3 million people visit this national park every year.

Go for a Scenic Ride down Trail Ridge Road

There’s no better way to discover the Rocky Mountains than taking a scenic (风景优美的) ride down Trail Ridge Road. Stretching for 48 miles, it gives you the chance to enjoy the Rocky Mountains in leisure.

Finish with a Ride Through Estes Park

Taking a ride through Estes Park is the best way to end this tour. This town is well known for being the main base of RMNP and provides an unbelievable view of Prospect Mountain.

1. Where does the tour begin?

A．In Boulder.	B．In Prospect Mountain.
C．At Trail Ridge Road.	D．In Estes Park.

2. What can people do at the Rocky Mountain National Park?

A．Cook a meal with family.	B．Ride a horse.
C．Take photos.	D．Hunt wildlife.

3. From which is the text probably taken?

A．A sports website.	B．A news report.
C．A travel magazine.	D．A geography textbook.

4 . Feed your mind

We have known about the link between what we eat and our physical health for a long time.     1    

The Mental Health Foundation produced a report called “Feeding Minds”. The report states that the brain is a physical part of our body that needs the correct food to work properly, just like the heart. The food should contain carbohydrates (碳水化合物), vitamins and fish oil.

There is also research that shows how a good diet can improve the behavior of children and their concentration. Daniel Brown is the head teacher of Barnet School.     2    

With regard to serious mental illnesses Jacka and Sanchez-Villegas say that eating fruit, vegetables and fish helps to prevent depression.     3     Some research also reveals that a healthy diet can prevent Alzheimer’s (a serious mental health problem for the elderly).

However, many medical professionals feel that the research by Jacka and Sanchez-Villegas is too early.     4     Dr John Powell, psychologist (心理学家), thinks that although many of his patients with depression have a poor diet, that is probably not the reason for their illness.

The research recommends that people eat particular food for particular mental health issues. To improve your memory, eat salmon and nuts. To improve your concentration, eat vegetables.     5     If depression is a problem, eat brown rice.

Overall, it seems clear that we need to eat healthy food for our mind. Although we do not fully understand the link between the two, we suggest that we choose this as an important topic for publicity.

A．We still need to test their findings.

B．If you have problems sleeping, eat nuts.

C．Is your usual diet healthy for both your mind and body?

D．But eating a lot of sugar makes depression more likely.

E．Try eating a good breakfast because that gives you a lot of energy for the day.

F．Recently, we have learned more about the link between our diet and our mind.

G．He says after his school stopped selling junk food, the students’ concentration levels increased.

5 . Years ago, when I was working as a sales manager, there were people on my team who were always the top-performing employees. We all knew how to get the job done, but there were a few who had interpersonal (人际的) skill s and persuasive abilities to land the sales.

To get hired, you obviously need to have the necessary skills to complete the required tasks. For example, you’re not going to be interviewed for a position in IT if you don’t know how to work a computer. These kinds of skills are called hard skills. However, many employers are looking for applicants who possess certain soft skills that relate to one’s personality, such as leadership qualities, time management abilities, and communication skills.

The biggest difference between hard and soft skills is how each type of skill is got. While hard skills are abilities learned through education or training, soft skills are more subjective personality qualities that you’re either born with or you develop through life experiences. Hard skills are the technical knowledge you gain through training that get you in the door, and soft skills are the personality qualities that make you a good employee and keep you there.

It’s easy to quantify hard skills because they’re specific and often define the basic requirements of a job. Soft skills are more difficult to measure. But they’re transferable (可转移的) across all industries.

So in addition to hiring people who know what they’re doing, employers look for applicants with a specific set of soft skills that can’t be taught as easily as hard skills. These innate (先天的) personality qualities can be developed, but it takes time, and employers would rather hi re someone who’s already there.

1. Why did the author mention her experience of being a sales manager?

A．To praise her colleagues’wonderful skills.

B．To introduce the topic of two kinds of skills.

C．To stress the importance of interpersonal skills

D．To prove that she has much experience in managing.

2. Which of the following belongs to soft skills?

A．The ability to get knowledge.

B．The ability to interview a leader.

C．The ability to play a computer game.

D．The ability to communicate with others.

3. What is the biggest difference between soft and hard skills?

A．How they are got in our life.	B．When they are needed in our work.
C．Which is easier to develop in us.	D．Which is more important in daily life.

4. Which of the following can be the best title for the text?

A．Soft skills are as important as hard skills

B．Hard skills can be changed into soft skills

C．Applicants need more soft skills than hard skills

D．Employers put more stress on hard skills than soft skills

6 . The second experiment on how to grow crops on Mars and moon soil simulant(模拟装置)has given a surprising outcome. As a result of what the researchers of Wageningen University & Research center in the Netherlands learned from their first experiment, they were able to grow ten different crop species. Tomatoes, peas, rye, garden rocket, radish and garden cress were harvested.

A few improvements have been made since the first experiment. Researcher Wieger Wamelink said, “We used trays instead of original small pots and added organic material (fresh cut grass) to the Mars and moon soil simulant. This solved the problem we had with watering in the first experiment and also added manure(肥料)to the soils.” In particular, the crop growth on the moon soil simulant showed improvement. While in the first moon soil experiment most plants died, in the next round they flourished, and the researchers could harvest from the same species as on the Mars soil simulant and the Earth potting compost(混合肥料)control.

The production of biomass(生物量)on the Mars soil simulant was lower than on Earth control, but it was a minor difference and caused by one of the trays that showed less growth. It was also not statistically different from the Earth control. “That was a real surprise to us,” comments Wamelink. “It shows that the Mars soil simulant has great potential when properly prepared and watered. The biomass growth on the moon soil simulant was less than on both other soils, about half of the biomass. Only the spinach(菠菜)showed poor biomass production.”

Although the researchers harvested several eatable crops, they did not eat them. The soils contain heavy metals like lead, arsenic and mercury and also a lot of iron. If the components become available for the plants, they may be taken up and find their way into the fruits, making them poisonous. Further research on this is necessary and that is one of the reasons why a crowdfunding(众筹)campaign has been started to finance the third experiment that will be all about food safety. If the crops prove to be safe enough to eat, the funders will be invited for dinner where a ‘Martian meal’ will be served that includes the harvested crops; at least for those who dare!

1. What do the researchers gain from the first experiment?

A．They can harvest ten crop species.

B．They learn what the organic material is.

C．They’re sure that they will succeed next time.

D．They learn they have to change the plant containers.

2. Which is mainly discussed in paragraph 3?

A．The process of how to plant crops on soil simulant in the experiment.

B．In spite of some drawbacks, the Mars soil simulant has great potential.

C．The reasons why the production of biomass on the Mars soil simulant was lower.

D．The production of biomass on the Mars soil simulant is obviously different from that on the Earth control

3. Why didn’t the researchers eat the products harvested in the experiment?

A．What they harvested was not eatable.

B．They haven’t got enough funding support.

C．The crops may contain various poisonous substances.

D．The production of the crops was lower than that on the Earth control.

4. What can be a suitable title of the text?

A．Crops Grown on Fake Mars and Moon Soil

B．Time to Crowdfund Eatable Crops

C．Growing Plants on Mars and the Moon

D．Colony in Outer-space Becomes Reality

7 . “Yes, he must be a poor artist,” thought Miss Martha, a middle-aged single lady who had a bakery. A regular customer attracted her attention. He spoke English witha strong German accent. His clothes were worn and wrinkled in places. But he looked neat, and had very good manners. Once Miss Martha saw a red and brown stain on his fingers.

Every time he bought two loaves of stale(陈旧的) bread. Fresh bread was five cents a loaf. Stale ones were two for five. Never did he call for anything but stale bread.
Genius often has to struggle before it is recognized Her heart ached to add something good to eat to his purchase, but she did not dare offend him. She knew the pride of artists.

One day the customer came in as usual. While Miss Martha was reaching for loaves, there was a fire engine with great noise outside. The customer hurried to the door to look, as any one will. Suddenly inspired, Miss Martha seized the opportunity and quickly inserted a generous quantity of butter into the loaves to do a pleasant favor for him.

Had she been too bold? Would he take offense? She imagined the scene when he should discover her little secret. Would he think of the hand that put the butter? Would he invite her to look at his artwork?
The other day in his friend’s company, the man came, with his face red and hair terribly messy. He clinched his two fists and shook them angrily at Miss Martha,“ Stupid!” he shouted with extreme loudness “You had spoiled it . You are poking your nose into other's business!”

The other man said, “That’s Blumberger, an architectural draftsman. He’s been working hard for three months drawing a plan for a new city hall. He always makes his drawing in pencil first. When it’s done he rubs out the pencil lines with handfuls of stale bread. That’s better than India rubber. Well, until today! That butter isn’t well. Blumberger’s plan isn’t good for anything now.”

1. Miss Martha assumes that the man is        .

A．a genius painter who cannot afford fresh bread.

B．a talented artist who shows interest in her.

C．hardworking architect who is yet to be recognized

D．a proud customer who has very good manners.

2. Miss Martha added butter to the man’s loaves out of        .

A．pity

B．curiosity

C．love

D．guilt

3. Why was the man annoyed?

A．Because his friend let out his secret.

B．Because the butter interrupted his plan.

C．Because the loaves ruined his reputation.

D．Because Miss Martha destroyed his draft.

4. What can be suitable title for the text?

A．One Good Act Being Well Awarded

B．A Good Deed Coming to No Good

C．The Talented Receiving Nothing

D．Love Leading to Misunderstanding

8 . Students at St. Stanislaus High School in Mississippi are among the volunteers along US coasts raising oysters (牡蛎) to help restore, or repair weakened reefs (礁). Oyster reefs are an important part of coastal environments. Each oyster cleans 95 to 190 liters of water a day. The reefs provide living space for shrimp, crabs and fish. They also protect coastlines. In the states of Maryland, Virginia, Mississippi, and Alabama, now there are more than 1,000 oyster gardens. Most of them are in wire cages hanging from private ports.

Colin Wood, one student looking after the St. Stanislaus garden, said he was excited by the hands-on work. “I didn’t realize oysters had a big influence on the environment. And 50,000 to 55,000 adult oysters grown here each year go to reefs in Mobile Bay,” he said.

In the 1950s, an average of 37,400 tons of oysters were taken yearly from partly salty waters in the US. But US oyster harvests fell sharply in the 1990s. Data showed the cause of the drop could be overharvesting, pollution, pests and other problems. Then oyster gardening started.

Oyster gardening uses many of the same methods as farming. Farmers around the country grow oysters near the surface of water. Oysters develop much faster where the water holds more food they eat and enemies can be more easily removed. But the oysters are not being grown to be eaten. Oyster gardens get pulled from the water every seven to ten days. The time out of the water is used to clear out small animals, keep oysters from growing through the wires, and dry and clean off plant-life growing on the wires.

Bob Stokes, the director of the Galveston Bay Foundation in Texas, says, “Oyster gardening is as much about education as it is restoration.”

1. How does Colin Wood feel about his work?

A．Simple.

B．Tiring.

C．Creative.

D．Meaningful.

2. What does the author mainly intend to show in paragraph 3?

A．The use of oyster gardening.

B．The influence of oyster harvests falling.

C．The reason for starting oyster gardening.

D．The problems oyster gardening is facing.

3. Why should oyster gardens be pulled from the water regularly?

A．To repair the cages.

B．To pick weak oysters out.

C．To examine the water quality.

D．To keep a good environment for oysters.

4. What can be the best title for the text?

A．What oyster gardening is

B．Oyster reefs are becoming endangered

C．Volunteers keep oysters to restore reefs

D．Why oysters are growing popular in the US

9 . Jobs for Teens

Teenagers earn more than just money at a part-time job, they also earn experience, financial independence, responsibility, and savings for college. Here are some popular jobs for teens to earn extra money while getting valuable experience for the future.

Babysitting

Babysitting is a true way for any teenager who enjoys kids to make money. Neighbors, family friends, and relatives with small children often need help and want someone they know and trust. In order to offer more valuable services, teens can take classes on dealing with possible dangerous situations.

Coffee Shop

If your teen enjoys coffee, music, laptops, and people, then working as a waiter at a coffee shop can be a great part-time job choice. Coffee shops often offer a peaceful atmosphere (氛围) perfect for people watching. Besides, he can earn tips (小费)! If your teen wants to serve people, working at a coffee shop part-time could be the job for him.

Dog-Walking

Many elderly neighbors, friends on vacation, and people who work long hours need help washing and walking their pets. If your teen enjoys working with animals and is responsible for his work, then this is the job for him. His part-time business will begin to pick up once he sets himself up as a reliable animal lover.

Food Services

If your teen loves communicating with people, restaurant employment might be right for her. She can choose from such positions as cashier, server, food runner, dish washer, and prep cook. Food industry positions can help your teen develop people skills, self-respect, and responsibility, while enjoying a bit of socializing.

1. Which job is especially fit for pet lovers?

A．Babysitting.	B．Coffee Shop.
C．Dog-Walking.	D．Food Services.

2. What do Coffee Shop and Food Services have in common?

A．They offer music and laptops.

B．They help improve teen’s social skills.

C．They have a peaceful atmosphere.

D．They provide tips for employees.

3. Who is the text probably for?

A．Parents.

B．Teenagers.

C．Teachers.

D．Graduates.

10 . Top running routes in the USA

Holidays for some people are all about relaxing on the beach but for others, it’s important to be out and about. Walking and running holidays allow travellers to explore the beauty of a country and get plenty of fresh air without spending too much money. Here are some of the most beautiful running routes (路线) in the USA — you may want to give these a go.

Mammoth Lakes

An area favoured by athletes from all over the world, Mammoth Lakes offers amazing views and plenty of trails (小路) along with a healthy running community for active travellers to explore. Well-known track coaches Joe Vigil and Bob Larsen brought marathon superstars to the area in 2001 and ever since, it has trained 12 Olympians who have earned two Olympic medals as well as three major marathon wins.

Three Rivers Heritage Trail

Perfect for runners who like a bit of variety on their route, the Three Rivers Heritage Trail offers 24 miles of path going through a number of neighbourhoods, popular shopping and entertainment districts (娱乐区) and green space providing the perfect guide to the city on two feet.

Naples

Naples is well-known for its high-end shopping, world-class culture and high-class dining. The best running trail is along Gulf Shore Boulevard and Gordon Road, with views of the white sandy beaches and water, and some of Naples boutique hotels and holiday homes.

Barr Trail

The Barr Trail is a trail that began as a way to enter mining (采矿) areas on Pikes Peak and later developed into a tourist trail. It starts in Manitou Springs, a little tourist town just west of The Springs, and climbs to the top of Pikes Peak in about 12 miles and 7,400 feet of vertical (垂直的) gain. This is not an easy route so be sure to pack the right supplies and rest when you need to.

1. What might you experience in Mammoth Lakes?

A．Running like an Olympian.

B．Meeting your favourite stars.

C．Taking part in a major marathon.

D．Being trained by Joe Vigil and Bob Larsen.

2. On which route can runners eat delicious food?

A．Three Rivers Heritage Trail.

B．Barr Trail.

C．Mammoth Lakes.

D．Naples.

3. Which route provides different places and helps you know the city well?

A．Mammoth Lakes.

B．Barr Trail.

C．Naples.

D．Three Rivers Heritage Trail.

4. Which route passes along a coastline?

A．Naples.

B．Barr Trail.

C．Mammoth Lakes.

D．Three Rivers Heritage Trail.

5. Who might be interested in the Barr Trail most?

A．Coal miners.	B．Window shoppers.
C．Competitive swimmers.	D．Experienced adventurers.