1. When is the reality show on?
| A．At 7:00. | B．At 8:30. | C．At 9:00. |
| A．It’s too long. | B．She’s seen it many times. | C．Much action is involved in it. |
| A．Cleaning the house. | B．Decorating the bathroom. | C．Fixing things around the house. |
The Hainan gibbons (长臂猿), who live in rainforest trees over 10 meters tall, rarely set foot on the ground.
Fortunately, conservation efforts have seen positive results in recent years. According to the latest
This national park,
A research center has also been established,
Seeing these “gardens” is like looking at a universe in a plant pot. The miniature (微型的) branches spread and twist,
The history of penjing
Penjing works are beautiful, but people think that they were owned by the rich. However, only when they are enjoyed by general
4 . With gas prices rising and airport security lines snaking longer than ever, why not book your next domestic vacation on a train? Compared to other alternatives, it’s comfortable and relaxing. Here is some advice on how to make a trip by rail as pleasant as possible.
Plan ahead. Most long-distance trains, especially the sleeping car accommodations, sell out very quickly.
Use a travel agent. Consider turning your travel plan over to a travel agent and letting him double-check all the details, make suggestions, and then handle the actual reservations. A good one can sometimes find you discounted tickets.
Bring a blanket. When you’re riding on trains, you won’t be provided with a blanket for free, even if your trip is an overnight one.
Arrive early. Most trains operate just once a day and some run only three times a week, so missing yours can be a disaster.
Have fun.
| A．Train trips aren’t for impatient types. |
| B．You’ll have views from both sides of the train. |
| C．The temperature on rail cars is often hard to control. |
| D．That’s particularly true during busy summer months. |
| E．You might have to wait longer than 24 hours to catch the next one. |
| F．Chances are the cost will be a lot less than the cost of one bedroom. |
| G．He may also book you in a sleeping car that’s right next to the diner. |
5 . “A lot of the time when climate change is discussed in mainstream media, people are asking ‘can humans overcome this?’, or ‘what technology can solve this?’. It’s high time we recognized that animals also have to adapt to various changes. We know some animals change their skin colors to escape from natural enemies or due to environment pollution,” says Ryding. “The climate change that we have created is putting a lot of pressure on them, and some species try to adapt by shapeshifting (变形). ”
Strong shapeshifting has particularly been reported in birds. Several species of Australian parrot have shown, on average, a 4%—10% increase in beak (鸟喙) size since 1871, and this is positively linked with the summer temperature each year. North American dark-eyed juncos, a type of small songbird, had a link between increased beak size and short-term temperature extremes in cold environments. There have also been reported changes in mammalian species. Researchers have reported tail length increases in wood mice and leg size increases in masked shrews (鼩鼱).
“The increases in some body parts size we see so far are quite small—less than 10%—so the changes are unlikely to be immediately noticeable,” says Ryding. “However, some body parts such as ears are predicted to increase.”
Ryding intends to investigate shapeshifting in Australian birds firsthand by 3D scanning museum bird specimens from the past 100 years. It will give her team a better understanding of which birds are changing their body parts and why. “Shapeshifting does not mean that animals are coping with climate change and that all is ‘fine’,” says Ryding. “It just means they are adapting to survive it—but we’re not sure what the other ecological consequences of these changes are, or indeed that all species are capable of changing and surviving. ”
1. What may cause animals’ shapeshifting according to Ryding?| A．Human hunting. | B．Climate change. |
| C．Natural enemies. | D．Polluted surroundings. |
| A．Giving examples. | B．Cause-effect analysis. |
| C．Making comparison. | D．Process analysis. |
| A．Animals can well adapt to changes and survive. |
| B．Influence of animals’ shapeshifting is uncertain. |
| C．Rdying will research into bird museums in Australia. |
| D．All adaptations of animals to climate change are beneficial. |
| A．Technology. | B．Health care. | C．Environment. | D．Education. |
6 . More than a decade ago, the UK’s Royal Society offered f1million to the first person in the world to create a chemical-free product. No one has yet claimed the money because it is impossible. Water is a chemical. So is your tea. Yet there is still so much confusion about everyday products, from cleaning sprays to cosmetics. While some are labeled as chemical free, others declare they are non-poisonous, natural and eco-friendly.
To work out whether products contain harmful chemicals, which are harmful or dangerous to us or the planet, we need to look at the bigger picture of how something is produced and where it ends up after we have used it. Our homes are just a snapshot of a complex global supply chain. Your handbag may not be dangerous, but direct exposure to the chromium salts used in commercial leather factories can cause uncomfortable conditions in people involved in its production. And the chlorine bleach that gets washed down the toilet? That is poisonous to animals relying on water.
Labels are so full of jargon, however, that identifying what is good and what isn’t can feel impossible. A starting point is to not be tricked by marketing words. Even the term “sustainable” has no official definition, so for green credentials look for proof of claims in the form of certificates, such as Cradle to Cradle, which ensures the chemicals used are safe for people and the environment, and that they get reused in the production process.
Also be skeptical about labels focusing on what a product doesn’t contain, such as “paraben-free” or “no harmful substances”. Real transparency is about making clear the things that are used to make products, not taking our attention away from them.
Therefore, until long-term effects on people and the planet are investigated, we should choose brands that are fully transparent and call for clearer labeling from the rest.
1. Why does the author mention the UK’s Royal Society?| A．To explain a concept. | B．To lead to a topic. |
| C．To provide a solution. | D．To make a prediction. |
| A．Production process may be harmful to producers. |
| B．Daily items at home are dangerous to the planet. |
| C．Commercial leather factories reflect a complex global supply chain. |
| D．Health conditions of consumers are supposed to be attached importance to. |
| A．By relying on marketing words. | B．By identifying product brands. |
| C．By focusing on product packaging. | D．By checking on authorized certifications. |
| A．Favorable. | B．Intolerant. | C．Cautious. | D．Unclear. |
7 . IQ is often regarded as a crucial driver of success, particularly in fields such as science, innovation and technology. But the truth is that some of the greatest achievements by our species have primarily relied on what scientists call “cognitive flexibility”.
Cognitive flexibility is a skill that enables us to switch between different concepts, or to adapt behavior to achieve goals in a novel or changing environment. And the good news is that it can be trained. Currently, a group of researchers from Cambridge University are conducting a research, trying to work out how people can best boost their cognitive flexibility.
Cognitive flexibility may have affected how people coped with the pandemic lockdowns, which produced new challenges around work and schooling. Some people may have changed their routines from time to time, trying to find better and more varied ways of going about their day. Others, however, struggled and finally became more rigid in their thinking. They stuck to the same routine activities, with little flexibility or change.
Flexible thinking is key to creativity. It also supports academic and work skills such as problem solving. Unlike working memory, it is largely independent of IQ. For example, many visual artists may be of average intelligence, but highly creative and have produced masterpieces.
So does cognitive flexibility make people smarter in a way that isn’t always captured on IQ tests? We know that it leads to better rational thinking throughout the lifespan. For example, for children it leads to better reading abilities and better school performance.
It can also help protect against a number of prejudice. People who are cognitively flexible are better at recognizing potential faults in themselves and using strategies to overcome these faults.
Cognitive flexibility is essential for society to flourish. It can help maximize the potential of individuals to create innovative ideas and creative inventions. Ultimately, it is such qualities that we need to solve the big challenges of today.
1. What is the purpose of the research conducted by Cambridge University researchers?| A．To clarify people’s misunderstanding about cognitive flexibility. |
| B．To figure out the relationship between IQ and cognitive flexibility. |
| C．To explore effective ways to improve people’s cognitive flexibility. |
| D．To make out the benefits of increasing people’s cognitive flexibility. |
| A．Stick to their original plan. | B．Handle new problems rigidly. |
| C．Adjust their thoughts and behavior. | D．Apply creative ideas to improve their IQ. |
| A．It is closely related to people’s IQ. | B．It is an unchangeable inborn quality. |
| C．It helps people avoid reasonable thinking. | D．It helps people make greater achievements. |
| A．Applications of cognitive flexibility. | B．Benefits of cognitive flexibility. |
| C．Experiments on cognitive flexibility. | D．Definitions of cognitive flexibility. |
8 . Shadow puppetry, also known as shadow play, is an ancient form of storytelling and entertainment in China. ___①___ Shadow puppets were first made of paper later from the leather of donkeys or oxen. That’s why its Chinese name is piying, which means shadow of leather.
___②___ It became popular in the Tang dynasty and prevalent in the Ming and Qing dynasties.
The following story recorded in The History of the Han Dynasty is believed to be the origin of shadow puppetry.
___③___ More than 2,000 years ago, a beloved concubine of Emperor Wu of Han died of illness. The emperor missed her so much that he lost his desire to reign. One day, a minister happened to see children playing with dolls whose shadows on the floor were vivid. Inspired by this scene, the minister came across an idea. He made a cotton puppet of the concubine and painted it. As night fell, he invited the emperor to watch a puppet show behind a curtain. The emperor was delighted and began to watch it regularly from then on.
___④___ Shadow puppetry wins the heart of an audience by its lingering music, delicate sculpture, natural color and lively performance. Shadow plays from Hua County of Shaanxi Province are the best known. Nicknamed the “Business of the Five” by local people, the drama involves five performers. One is responsible for singing the different roles of a play; one operates the movements of the puppets; one is in charge of percussion instruments such as gongs and bowls; one plays a suona horn, and one plays Banhu fiddle. These five artists keep busy doing their particular work offstage to put on the performance.
In the 13th century, Chinese shadow puppetry was introduced into West Asia, and by the 18th century it had spread to other parts of the world. Famed German writer Geothe spoke highly of it, and the great comedian Charlie Chaplin drew inspiration from it for his legendary silent films. In 2011, Chinese shadow puppetry was added to the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
1. According to the passage, shadow puppetry got its Chinese name from ______.| A．historical records | B．puppetry material |
| C．The History of the Han Dynasty | D．the legends of shadow |
| A．① | B．② | C．③ | D．④ |
| A．The performer responsible for singing. |
| B．The familiarity of its lingering music and color. |
| C．The combination of sounds, colors, design and presentation. |
| D．Increasing awareness of traditional culture. |
| A．Shadow puppetry was well received in West Asia. |
| B．Shadow puppetry has spread to all parts of the world. |
| C．Shadow puppetry was the inspiration for Goethe’s works. |
| D．Shadow puppetry made a difference to Charlie Chaplin’s silent film. |
9 . An 85-year-old primary school constructed in 1935 in Shanghai has been lifted off the ground in its entirety and relocated using new technology called the “walking machine.” The project marks the first time this “walking machine” method has been used in Shanghai to relocate a historical building.
Urbanization（都市化）has continued to significantly threaten architectural heritage. In the capital Beijing, for instance, more than 1,000 acres of its historic hutongs and traditional courtyard homes were destroyed between 1990 and 2010.
In the early 2000s, cities including Nanjing and Bejjing-due to the critics’ protest about the loss of old neighborhoods-drew up long-term plans to preserve what was left of their historic sites, with protections introduced to safeguard buildings and restrict developers.
These conservation efforts have taken different forms. In Beijing, a near-ruined temple was transformed into a restaurant and gallery, while in Nanjing, a cinema from the 1930s was restored to its original form, with some additions providing it for modern use. In 2019, Shanghai welcomed Tank Shanghai, an arts center built in renovated（重修的）oil tanks.
“Relocation is not the first choice, but better than destroying,” said Lan, the Shanghai primary school’s project supervisor. “I’d rather not touch the historical buildings at all.” Building relocations he said however, are “a workable option.” “The central government is putting more emphasis on the protection of historical buildings. I’m happy to see that progress in recent years.”
Shanghai has arguably been China’s most progressive city when it comes to heritage preservation. The survival of a number of 1930s buildings and 19th-century “shikumen” （or “stone gate”） house have offered examples of how to give old buildings new life.
“We have to preserve the historical building no matter what, ” Lan said. “The relocation has challenges, but in general, it is cheaper than destroying and then rebuilding something in a new location.”
1. How did cities respond to the loss of historical sites?| A．They criticized the developers. | B．They rebuilt the historic hutongs. |
| C．They ended the significant threat. | D．They proposed the protection project. |
| A．All original form. | B．A new addition. | C．A cinema. | D．A temple. |
| A．Provide strong evidence. | B．Introduce different opinions. |
| C．Summarize previous paragraphs. | D．Add some background information. |
| A．Walking Machine: a New Technology | B．Rebuilding: a New Option for Relics |
| C．Old Building Torn down for Modern Use | D．Historical Site “Walks” to New Life |
10 . Located in the Bahamas, Andros Island is also known as “The Sleeping Giant”，yet with only about 8.000 people living on it. Now the island has a new luxury resort Caerula Mar Club- which opened this February. The once-abandoned property was discovered by a well- known HGTV reality star couple who transformed it into a hotel. The Canadian design duo Bryan and Sarah Baeumler were vacationing in the Bahamas in the summer of 2017 when they discovered a once-abandoned resort. They instantly decided to purchase it with hopes to transform the 10-acre beachfront property into a luxury hotel.
However, they had no idea how much the investment would end up costing them. Here most supplies had to be shipped in, and the property was in bad shape. The budget for the remodelling should be around $ 4 million, but they've spent well over $ 10 million. What's worse, in the fall of 2019, category 5 Hurricane Dorian hit the Bahamas, and their employees and friends were affected.
Finally, several months later, as they prepared to open the resort to the public, the Coronavirus pandemic （大流行病）struck. They'd just been fully booked throughout the fall and winter months when the new disaster stopped everything as the Bahamas were put on lockdown.
With tourism opening up again, new plans are now for an October launch, but they're just taking things one day at a time. "I think at the end of this pandemic, well find many people are searching for a different experience，” says Bryan. "Instead of crowding into large resorts, they'll be going to properties where they can meet people, connect with the locals and experience nature. Our hotel is just such a place.”
Now the couple is focusing on the future while creating new development for visitors. “We certainly have plans to responsibly and sustainably develop the island that will help support the local economy says Bryan.
1. What can we learn from the first paragraph?| A．Life on Andros Island is fast-paced. |
| B．Andros Island is lightly populated. |
| C．The couple built the hotel as planned. |
| D．The couple found the luxury hotel accidentally. |
| A．Finances and disasters. | B．The bad local economy. |
| C．Poor health conditions. | D．Local people's objections. |
| A．He thinks it's not worth the price. | B．He is worried about it. |
| C．He is confident about it. | D．He thinks it should be reevaluated. |
| A．The sustainable ways of developing the island. |
| B．The political effects of the hotel on the island. |
| C．The promising future of the tourism on the island. |
| D．The couple's determination to contribute to the island. |
