1 . For future humans to survive long periods on Mars, growing food on the planet is a must. It would be too costly and risky to rely upon rocket deliveries to meet the food needs of settlers. With this in mind, scientists are exploring ways to improve space farming.

Researchers work in a controlled greenhouse. They have identified a way that could improve crop production in simulated (模拟的) Martian soil, with different crops grown together. The method is called “intercropping”, invented by ancient Maya farmers in what is now Central America.

In their experiments, the researchers grew cherry tomatoes, peas and carrots together in small, round containers. Tomatoes grown in this way produced about double the amount of tomatoes grown alone — or “monocropped” — in the same simulated Martian soil. The tomatoes were also bigger. They flowered and matured earlier, gave more fruit per plant and had thicker stems. The amounts of peas and carrots did not increase with intercropping.

Rebeca Goncalves, an astrobiologist and lead writer of the study, said the research is the first time the intercropping technique was used in space soil, and that it was a big find — one that they could now build further research on. The crops were grown in simulated Martian regolith, a soil with no organic matter — a near-perfect physical and chemical match to real Martian soil.

The researchers added useful bacteria and nutrients. They also controlled the gases, temperature and humidity inside the greenhouse to match conditions expected in a Martian greenhouse. Intercropping involves growing plants with properties that could help each other grow. The method makes the best use of resources including water and nutrients.

The researchers said the tomato plants in intercropping may have benefited from being close to the pea plants. That is because the peas are good at turning nitrogen from the air, with the help of bacteria introduced into the soil, into an important nutrient. Overall, the tomatoes, peas and carrots grew well, though not as well as in Earth soil in the same greenhouse.

1. What is the benefit of intercropping mentioned in the article?

A．Increasing crop yield.	B．Preventing soil pollution.
C．Decreasing sunlight exposure.	D．Reducing water consumption.

2. What role did the peas play in the process of intercropping?

A．Enhancing growth of carrots.

B．Increasing fruit production in tomatoes.

C．Transforming nitrogen into a crucial nutrient.

D．Improving the variety of bacteria introduced into the soil.

3. What was the key finding of the research?

A．Carrots benefited the most from intercropping.

B．The crops grew as well as they would in Earth soil.

C．The presence of peas helped tomatoes produce more fruit.

D．Peas and carrots showed significant growth improvement in intercropping.

4. What is the main idea of the article?

A．Intercropping is developed for growing crops in space.

B．The study found Intercropping resulted in higher tomato yields.

C．Scientists are struggling to find ways to improve crop production in space.

D．Researchers successfully grew some plants in imitated Martian soil using intercropping.

2 . Professor Zhang Liangren from the School of History at Nanjing University has found a unique and engaging way to transmit historical and archaeological knowledge to the public—through food vlogs. His approach, combining culinary (食物的) delights with fascinating historical insights, has taken China’s social media by storm, attracting a wide audience and gathering praise for its innovative method of storytelling.

Before digging into food vlogging, Professor Zhang Liangren usually dined at the school cafeteria or restaurants near his community. However, since he started making food vlogs in the summer of 2023, he has been exploring the world extensively, dining at a variety of restaurants that were previously unknown to him. Zhang Liangren frankly admits that he is far from being a qualified “foodie”: He enjoys good food, but has not yet reached the point of searching everywhere for it. What truly led him onto the path of a food vlogger was his passion for archaeology. While watching Zhang taste the food, viewers can listen to him explaining the historical stories behind the dishes. Although the food cannot be immediately tasted, the spiritual nourishment (营养) of archaeology has satisfied the taste buds (味蕾) of netizens, who have expressed their satisfaction.

Speaking of the situation at the beginning of filming, Zhang Liangren frankly admitted, “Because I rarely did these things before, I was quite uncomfortable in front of the camera at first. My Mandarin was not very good either, so my speech and movements were very awkward. But gradually, I got used to it, and overall, it’s much better than before.”

As for which places he prefers to visit for check-ins, Zhang Liangren states that he prefers shops with a certain level of fame, “It must be down-to-earth, the kind of place that caters to the common people.” He mentioned that he usually chooses small stands or shops with a long history and good reputation. Sometimes he also selects based on festivals, tasting the food while narrating the methods of preparation and the cultural significance behind the dishes.

1. What is most Chinese audiences’ attitude to Professor Zhang’s food vlogs?

A．Supportive.

B．Critical.

C．Indifferent.

D．Hopeful.

2. Why does Professor Zhang become a food vlogger?

A．Because he is a competent “foodie”.	B．Because the netizens like his vlogs.
C．Because he is crazy about archaeology.	D．Because he wants to share various food.

3. What kind of shops will Professor Zhang choose for his vlogs?

A．Small shops full of influencers.	B．Little-known small stands or shops.
C．Fancy stores with good reputation.	D．Small shops with century-old brands.

4. What can best describe Professor Zhang?

A．Caring and talented.	B．Creative and devoted.
C．Intelligent and generous.	D．Passionate and humble.

3 . “Having the world at our fingertips” is a metaphor often used when we put our hands on information technology, like smartphones and computers. This is a good metaphor. But what is much better is how we use our hands to make things done.

Put one hand flat on a surface, palm down, and you might be able to make out the outline of 14 short bones in your thumb and fingers, in addition to 5 longer ones in your palm that are jointed to your wrist. These bones give each hand its rigid, knuckled structure. Together they’re critical components of the anatomical (解剖的) architecture that allows your hand to move. At each of your fingertips there’s an ever-growing, translucent plate of fibrous protein, otherwise known as a nail. Although they’re nice for decoration, your nails protect and enhance your sensitivity to touch, too.

Imagine squeezing a piece of paper between your thumb and index finger, for example. We use this type of forceful pad-to-pad precision grasping without thinking about it, and literally in no time. Yet it was a breakthrough in human evolution. Other primates (灵长目动物) exhibit some kinds of precision grasps in the handling and use of objects, but not with the kind of efficiency that our hand does.

With a unique combination of traits, the human hand shaped history. No question, stone tools couldn’t have become a keystone of human technology without hands that could do the job, along with a nervous (神经的) system that could regulate and coordinate the necessary signals. Even for those who have never attempted to make a spear tip or arrowhead from a rock, it’s obvious that it would require strong grasps, constant rotation and repositioning, careful strikes with another hard object. And even for those who have done so, it can be a bloody business.

Of course, the most common object that people touch nowadays is a screen. And the tap-tap-tap movement of our fingers is a unique human ability, as no other primate can move their fingers as rapidly and independently as we do. Here again, we can thank the extraordinary human brain given that normal finger tapping requires the functional integrity of different parts of our central nervous system.

1. What does paragraph 2 mainly talk about?

A．The structure of human hands.	B．The function of human hands.
C．The movement of human hands.	D．The number of bones in human hands.

2. Why are nails important for our hands?

A．Because they make our hands more beautiful.

B．Because they help us hold things more tightly.

C．Because they are a necessary part of the structure of our hands.

D．Because they protect our fingers and increase our sense of touch.

3. What does the underlined word “coordinate” in Paragraph 4 mean?

A．Detect.

B．Produce.

C．Integrate.

D．Interpret.

4. The author writes this passage to ______.

A．introduce the structure and function of human hands

B．compare the differences between human hands and primates’ hands

C．emphasize the importance of human hands in history and modern technology

D．show how the human brain contributes to the unique ability of finger tapping

4 . She could have just quit. The race was long ________, and it was raining cats and dogs. But Bou Samnang was running for her country — Cambodia — so she kept going, racing ________ on a track. And for that, she is being regarded as a(n) ________ .

“I wanted to show people that in life, ________ we go a bit slow, we will reach our destination ________,” she said afterwards. “So we should not ________. We should try our best.”

Bou Samnang participated in the women’s 5,000-metre race on May 8 at the Southeast Asian Games, which Cambodia hosted for the first time. “I knew I was ________. The rain was so heavy,” she said. “I had the right to ________ the race, but first I have a duty to ________ Cambodia. So I did not quit.” In a video, the roar of rainfall was mixed with cheers and shouts of ________ as Bou Samnang finally neared and then crossed the finish line, almost six minutes ________ the winner. She clasped her hands to express her thanks to the ________, her face wet with tears and rain as she lifted her country’s ________. The athlete said later that she was disappointed to finish last, but also happy to hear people supporting her and surprised that the video attracted so much attention.

Bou Samnang’s ________ has won over fans around the sporting world, ________ everyone that sports are about more than winning and losing.

1.

A．delayed

B．arranged

C．canceled

D．decided

2.

A．around

B．alone

C．away

D．again

3.

A．inspiration

B．companion

C．genius

D．designer

4.

A．in case

B．now that

C．even though

D．if only

5.

A．all the same

B．as a result

C．in the meanwhile

D．in actual fact

6.

A．turn back

B．set down

C．give up

D．switch over

7.

A．leaving

B．losing

C．changing

D．coming

8.

A．enter

B．organize

C．lead

D．abandon

9.

A．represent

B．explore

C．improve

D．promote

10.

A．encouragement

B．kindness

C．gratitude

D．entertainment

11.

A．beside

B．without

C．behind

D．against

12.

A．tourists

B．volunteers

C．fans

D．athletes

13.

A．tent

B．flag

C．status

D．flower

14.

A．beauty

B．creativity

C．intelligence

D．determination

15.

A．guaranteeing

B．instructing

C．warning

D．reminding

5 . 听下面一段较长对话，回答以下小题。
1. What is the aim of the campaign?

A．To remind people of Earth Day.

B．To encourage people to reduce garbage.

C．To warn people of the bad effects of pollution.

2. What will be the task on the second day?

A．Planting trees.

B．Designing posters.

C．Collecting garbage.

3. What does the man expect the teachers to do?

A．Paint paper.

B．Stop driving cars.

C．Decorate classrooms.

4. How does Sara find the man's ideas?

A．Absurd.

B．Hollow.

C．Practical.

6 . Everyone in the Smiths shares the housework. Let’s see what they usually do.

Prepare (准备) breakfast Monday to Wednesday: Mrs. Smith Thursday and Friday: Mr. Smith Saturday: Sam & Bob Sunday: Linda	Help in the kitchen Mrs. Smith cooks dinners. Mr. Smith does the dishes. Sam sets the table. Bob clears the table. Linda cleans the kitchen.
Tidy the living room Monday, Wednesday, and Friday: Mrs. Smith and Linda The other days: Mr. Smith and the boys. ●The kids clean their rooms every Thursday and Sunday. ●The kids take out the rubbish in turn (轮流).

1. When does Linda prepare breakfast?

A．On Monday.

B．On Friday.

C．On Saturday.

D．On Sunday.

2. What does Mr. Smith do to help in the kitchen?

A．He cleans the kitchen.	B．He does the dishes.
C．He clears the table.	D．He cooks dinners.

3. How often do the kids clean their rooms?

A．Once a week.	B．Three times a week.
C．Twice a week.	D．Three times a month.

7 . All students have bad times. What do they usually do when they get into trouble?

My mom is like my friend. I talk about everything to her. Whenever I have some trouble, I can get good advice from her. I have another good friend — my diary. It knows all my secrets. Talking with my two friends always makes me feel better.

                                                                                             —— Linda

Laughing helps me when I’m upset. I usually watch funny movies and TV shows. I also love spending my hard time with my best friend Dave. He is humorous and always makes me laugh.

                                                                                               —— Peter

Every time I feel bad, I go climbing alone. The study says exercising can help cheer one up (精神振奋). And the beautiful view at the top of the mountain makes me forget all my troubles. Sometimes I shout at the mountain top. It feels fantastic.

                                                                                                 —— John

1. Linda’s ________ knows all her secrets.

A．sister

B．teacher

C．diary

D．computer

2. The underlined word “humorous” probably means “________”.

A．quiet

B．funny

C．careful

D．serious

3. John always ________ when he feels bad.

A．goes climbing	B．watches movies
C．talks with his friends	D．reads books

4. Which of the following is TRUE?

A．Linda often asks her teacher for advice.

B．Dave often helps Peter with his homework.

C．John likes climbing mountains with his friends.

D．Exercising can help people feel good.

8 . Global warming is not only bringing rising sea levels and extreme weather events but also causing a growing wave of climate anxiety around the world. An international study found nearly six in ten people were very worried about climate change, while the young appeared to be particularly badly influenced.     1     Here are some effective ways to help deal with your feelings.

    2     Not all information on the Internet is true, and you could be receiving misinformation. Even if you stick to trusted sources, too much information may only worsen your feelings. Try to set a time limit for checking climate related content to avoid making your anxiety worse.

It is important to be aware of your own limitations. You alone can’t stop or undo climate change, so you needn’t place the responsibility on yourself.     3     Joining a group of like-minded people to make a difference is a good way to get started and help you feel better.

Talk therapy (谈话疗法) provides you with a chance to discuss your anxiety about climate issues. A good therapist will address your negative emotions and thoughts about the environment in your conversations.     4    

Positive changes have taken place at personal, community, and worldwide levels. And there is no reason to believe that they won’t continue, especially with your help. You can discover means to influence others with your own positive attitude.     5     Take on whatever role you feel comfortable with and remember to focus on your mental health on whatever path you choose.

A．However, you can always find ways to contribute positively.

B．Staying in natural green spaces has been shown to reduce stress.

C．For example, organize related activities to educate people around you.

D．Reduce your time spent online, especially on sources that are not trustworthy.

E．The UN has made a list of blogs and other news resources about climate issues.

F．Such a professional will recognize your feelings and work with you to manage them.

G．So consider taking care of your mental well-being if you are struggling with the issue.

9 . Natural gas, long seen as a cleaner replacement to coal and an important tool in the fight to slow global warming, can be just as harmful to the climate, a new study has concluded, unless companies can cut the leaks (泄露), since it takes as little as 0.2 percent of gas to leak to make natural gas as big a driver of climate change as coal.

The study, which involved researchers from Harvard and Duke Universities and NASA, pokes holes in the idea that natural gas is suitable energy resources to a future powered entirely by renewables, like solar and wind. “Even if gas leaks little, it’s as bad as coal,” said Deborah, the lead researcher. “It can’t be considered a good bridge, or replacement.”

When power companies generate electricity by burning natural gas instead of coal, they produce only half the amount of planet-warming CO₂. But natural gas is made up mostly of me thane (甲烷), which is, in the short term, a far more powerful planet-warming gas than CO₂, when it escapes unburned into the atmosphere. And there’s increasing evidence that methane is leaking from gas systems in far larger quantities than previously thought.

There are other balances to consider. The CO₂ produced by coal-burning power plants lasts far longer in the atmosphere than methane, whose climate effects disappear after a few decades. So focusing on methane leaks from gas systems as a way to control carbon emissions (碳排放) means the world might reduce some short-term warming, but still face a dangerous rise in average temperatures many decades into the future. That said, with the consequences of climate change already spreading around the world, controlling methane would be a way that works faster to slow warming.

“I do hope the world pays attention to this, as I fear too many remain too concentrated on simply reducing coal use, even if it results in more gas consumption,” Deborah said. “What the world requires is to move to a 100 percent renewable energy future as soon as possible.”

1. How can natural gas contribute to global warming?

A．Its huge amount of CO₂ while burning.	B．Its taking in extra heat from the atmosphere.
C．Its leaking methane warming the planet.	D．Its combination with methane to produce CO₂.

2. What can be achieved by solving the problem of methane leaks?

A．Avoid the threats of climate change.	B．Cancel out the impacts of global warming.
C．Slow down warming more immediately.	D．Balance carbon emissions with coal burning.

3. What is Deborah’s concern about the future of energy sources?

A．Lack of attention to reducing gas use.	B．Unbalanced mix of coal and renewables.
C．Shortage of renewable energy sources.	D．Difficulty in promoting renewable energy.

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

A．Is Natural Gas Better for the Climate?	B．How Can Carbon Emission be Controlled?
C．Is Natural Gas Taking the Place of Coal?	D．How Can Methane Speed up Global Warming?

10 . 听下面一段独白，回答以下小题。
1. Who usually reads the morning announcements?

A．Timmy.

B．Mr. McKinney.

C．Johnson.

2. Why does the speaker apologize?

A．For the library hours.

B．For the homework.

C．For the computers.

3. What will take place on Saturday afternoon?

A．A basketball game.

B．A volleyball game.

C．A baseball game.