1 . How can a creature weighing over 5 tons and normally taking 150 kilograms of food and 120 liters of water per day survive in a desert environment?

In the southwest African country of Namibia, and the Sahara lands of Mali further north, the desert elephant does just that.

Although not regarded as a separate species from the African elephant, the desert cousin differs in many ways. Their bodies are smaller, to absorb less heat, and their feet are larger for easier walking across sandy surfaces. They are taller, to reach higher branches. They have shorter tusks (象牙), and most importantly, longer trunks to dig for water in riverbeds.

Desert elephants can travel over 70 kilometers in search for feeding grounds and waterholes, and have a larger group of families, They drink only every 3-4 days, and can store water in a “bag” at the back of their throat, which is only used when badly needed. Desert elephants are careful feeders — they seldom root up trees and break fewer branches, and thus keep what little food sources are available. Yong elephants may even eat the dung (粪便)of the female leader of a group when facing food shortage.

During drought (干旱) they are unlikely to give birth to their young but with good rains the birthrate will increase greatly. Desert elephants have sand baths, sometimes adding their own urine (尿液) to make them muddy!

As we continue to overheat our weak planet, it can only be hoped that other animal species will adapt (适应) as extraordinarily well to change as the desert elephant.

1. The underlined part in Paragraph 2 means “_______”.

A．remains in the African countries

B．drinks 120 liters of water a day

C．manages to live in desert areas

D．eats 150 kilograms of food daily

2. Desert elephants are called careful feeders because they_______.

A．rarely ruin trees

B．drink only every 3-4 days

C．search for food in large groups

D．protect food sources for their young

3. What can be inferred from the last sentence in the passage?

A．Overheating the earth can be stopped.

B．Not all animal species are so adaptable.

C．The planet will become hotter and hotter.

D．Not all animals are as smart as desert elephants.

3 . How could we possibly think that keeping animals in cages in unnatural environments－mostly for entertainment purposes－is fair and respectful?

Zoo officials say they are concerned about animals. However, most zoos remain “collections” of interesting “things” rather than protective habitats. Zoos teach people that it is acceptable to keep animals bored, lonely, and far from their natural homes.

Zoos claim to educate people and save endangered species, but visitors leave zoos without having learned anything meaningful about the animals’ natural behavior, intelligence, or beauty. Zoos keep animals in small spaces or cages, and most signs only mention the species’ name, diet, and natural range(分布区). The animals’ normal behavior is seldom noticed because zoos don’t usually take care of the animals’ natural needs.

The animals are kept together in small spaces, with no privacy and little opportunity for mental and physical exercise. This results in unusually self-destructive behavior called zoochosis. A worldwide study of zoos found that zoochosis is common among animals kept in small spaces or cages. Another study showed that elephants spend 22 percent of their time making repeated head movements or biting cage bars, and bears spend 30 percent of their time walking back and forth, a sign of unhappiness and pain.

Furthermore, most animals in zoos are not endangered. Captive breeding(圈养繁殖) of endangered big cats, Asian elephants, and other species has not resulted in their being sent back to the wild. Zoos talk a lot about their captive breeding programs because they do not want people to worry about a species dying out. In fact, baby animals also attract a lot of paying customers. Haven’t we seen enough competitions to name baby animals?

Actually, we will save endangered species only if we save their habitats and put an end to the reasons people kill them. Instead of supporting zoos, we should support groups that work to protect animals’ natural habitats.

1. In the state of zoochosis, animals _________.

A．remain in cages	B．behave strangely
C．attack other animals	D．enjoy moving around

2. What does the author try to argue in the passage?

A．Zoos are not worth the public support.

B．Zoos fail in their attempt to save animals.

C．Zoos should treat animals as human beings.

D．Zoos use animals as a means of entertainment.

3. The author tries to persuade readers to accept his argument mainly by _________.

A．pointing out the faults in what zoos do

B．using evidence he has collected at zoos

C．questioning the way animals are protected

D．discussing the advantages of natural habitats

4. Although he argues against zoos, the author would still agree that __________.

A．zoos have to keep animals in small cages

B．most animals in zoos are endangered species

C．some endangered animals are reproduced in zoos

D．it’s acceptable to keep animals away from their habitats

4 . In March 2013, on a rainy night, my partner Reece remembered that he had forgotten a box in his car and went out to get it. On his way back inside he noticed a small shadow moving on the driveway. As Reece moved towards the shadow, he realised it was a young hedgehog(刺猬), all wet in the grass，eating mud. He quickly removed his jacket and picked it up. The hedgehog was very weak and unable to move about quickly. He didn’t seem to be frightened, nor did he resist being lifted.

Once inside, Reece called out to me, saying that he had something that would make my heart melt-he was right! We named the hedgehog Alf, and this little creature was amazingly intelligent. Not only did he learn to cat his dinner and drink water from his bowls, and use a paper-covered mat for his “business”, but he also learnt to wait for us inside his little indoor house and also jump into his pet carrier whenever we took him out with us. Alf knows us very well and recognises both our voices Unfortunately.in April 2014. I was caught in a car accident and had to spend two months in Auckland City Hospital. And I really missed Alf. Reece told me that Alf had been searching around the house for me, checking in places where I’d normally be, such as my desk, my favourite seat in front of the TV and even my side of the bed.

One evening, Reece set up a video call for me from my hospital bed and I was extremely happy when I saw the little guy appear on my phone. When I told Alf that I would be home soon, he started moving his head and holding out his arms as if trying to reach me through the screen.

The fact that Alf recognised that it was me, gave me the strength to get through my recovery. I cannot describe the feeling when I arrived home and saw his little face again.

1. How was the hedgehog when he was found?

A．He was pitiful.	B．He was scared.
C．He was spirited.	D．He was aggressive.

2. What did Alf do when the author was in hospital?

A．He fell seriously ill.	B．He learnt to play games.
C．He attempted to find her.	D．He made a mess of the house.

3. What do we know from the last two paragraphs?

A．Alf was trained as an actor.

B．Alf showed the author a video.

C．Alf helped lift the author’s spirits.

D．Alf kept the author company in hospital.

4. What is the best title for the text?

A．Alf saves the day	B．An unfortunate accident
C．Hedgehog hugs and kisses	D．Clever pets, human friends

5 . Jellyfish are unusual creatures. They’re neither fish nor jelly. Some are among the most colourful creatures in the world, but it’s best to look but not touch these invertebrates（无脊椎动物）. Not only are they very fragile creatures, but many give a painful sting, and some are even deadly. Whether you admire them in an aquarium or try to avoid them in the wild, you won’t be able to get these fascinating jellyfish facts out of your head.

Here’s a jellyfish fact that might come in handy: There are several names for a group of jellyfish. They include smack, bloom, and swarm. Choose the word you prefer depending on whether you think the jellyfish pack looks like a garden of blooming flowers or more like a frightening pack of stingers, and whether you’re admiring them at an aquarium or if you and your fellow snorkelers are surrounded.

Jellyfish have two main forms in their life cycle that look quite different from each other. Scientific American explains that an adult jellyfish, called a medusa, has a bell-shaped body with tentacles（触须）flowing down below it. Young jellyfish, called polyps, look more like sea anemones, with shorter tentacles that flow up above the main body. Medusas reproduce by releasing eggs.

Melanie Roberts, Senior Aquarist at SeaWorld Orlando, says that the largest jellyfish in the world is a lion’s mane jellyfish. The body of this beautiful orange jelly can grow up to three feet in diameter. With its 12,000 tentacles that can grow 120 feet long, Oceana.org adds that the lion’s mane jelly compares in size to the planet’s largest animal: the blue whale.

Regardless of their size, jellyfish are mostly made of water. In fact, they’re about 95 per cent water.These creatures don’t have brains, blood, or bones. And most jellyfish don’t have eyes. Jellyfish also use their mouths both for eating and for waste removal.

1. Why can’t we touch jellyfish?

A．Because they may be stung.

B．Because they may die easily.

C．Because they may feel painful.

D．Because they may hurt people.

2. What are jellyfish named after?

A．Its size.	B．Its color.
C．Its appearance.	D．Its lifestyle.

3. What can we learn from the passage?

A．Mouth is an important organ for jellyfish.

B．Polyps can clone themselves by laying eggs.

C．The largest jellyfish in the world is 120 feet long.

D．Medusas have tentacles flowing up above the body.

4. What can be the best title of the passage?

A．Several facts about jellyfish.

B．The two main forms of jellyfish.

C．Jellyfish are neither fish nor jelly.

D．Jellyfish have many different names.

6 . How to Grow Organic Tomatoes in a Container

Anyone who has seen tomatoes growing in a garden knows that they tend to be huge plants.     1     So the first thing to do when considering growing tomatoes in a pot is to find a suitable variety.

After you find the perfect plant, it is time to plant it. In general, plastic or fiberglass pots are best for growing tomatoes. They don’t dry out quickly. While tomatoes love heat, they don’t like being dry.     2     Besides, tomatoes need to grow in a reasonably large pot. A pot must be 8 inches deep. That’ s the absolute minimum. A 12- or 16-inch pot is even better.

Any good quality organic potting soil works for tomatoes. Don’t use soil dug directly from the garden.     3     Compost-based soil, whether purchased or mixed from your special recipe, is nice. When planting the tomato, put some soil in the bottom of the pot and set the plant in. After you have the plant set at the proper level, fill in around it with soil. The soil should go up to about an inch below the rim of the pot to allow room for watering.

    4     The best way to tell when to water is to stick your finger into the soil—if the first two inches are dry, it’s time to water.

The trickiest thing about growing tomatoes in a pot is that they are heavy feeders. Every time you water, you wash nutrients out of the soil. So fertilize （施肥） regularly. Once a month is good. But every other week, applying the fertilizer at half-strength is better.     5    

A．It is too heavy for container gardens.

B．That’s why clay pots are popular.

C．Instead, use whatever soil you can get.

D．And dry soil can reduce fruit production.

E．This provides constant nutrients for the tomato plants.

F．They require people’s much work to stay manageable.

G．Tomatoes don’t like being dry, so water them regularly.

7 . Why are photos and videos of cats high-fiving suddenly popping up on social media?

Ask Jackson Galaxy, who launched Cat Pawsitive last year, a program that encourages animal shelters to teach cats how to do tricks to make them more attractive for adoption.

The idea is simple. A kitty that can sit on command or give a high five shows that it can listen to instructions and connect with others. A high five can make a shy cat open up, Galaxy said.

“Big life changes can lead to cats losing their confidence, and we help those cats to feel more confident and to feel safe interacting with new people.” Christie Rogero, program manager for Cat Pawsitive, said.

And Stephen Holdeman, training manager at the KC Pet Project, added: “All we need to train a cat to do tricks is the right amount of patience, timing and motivation.” He uses a technique called “operant conditioning (操作性条件反射)”, which associates a cat’s action with getting a reward such as a favorite food or treat.

He also uses a clicker—a training device that makes a clicking noise. “In the initial stage, we get the cat used to the idea that when it hears the sound of the clicker, one of its favorite treats appears. After we have bridged these two ideas together we can use the clicker to reinforce different actions the cat does to let it know that if it repeats the action, it will get a treat.”

After several repetitions, the cat starts to link everything together. Now all you need to do is let your extended hand be the target, and we’ve got a high five.

1. According to the text, how can learning tricks benefit cats at animal shelters?

A．It is a good way for shelters to raise money.

B．It allows them to pick up skills to stay safe.

C．It helps them interact more with each other.

D．It helps them build confidence and get adopted.

2. According to the text, what should be done from the start to train cats to learn tricks?

A．Teaching them different actions.

B．Teaching them how to use a clicker.

C．Making them patient enough to repeat actions.

D．Helping them connect the sound of a clicker with treats.

3. What does the underlined word “reinforce” in paragraph 6 probably mean?

A．record	B．strengthen
C．ignore	D．reward

4. What is the main purpose of the article?

A．To explain how to train cats to perform tricks.

B．To show how cats are treated at animal shelters.

C．To describe the popularity of cats on social media.

D．To inform us of a program that trains cats to do tricks.

8 . Seal Island is a 200-meter long island off the coast of South Africa, which is surrounded by 55 to 57 degrees Fahrenheit waters and covered with over 60,000 seals and some birds. This island has been home to many birds and seals. You may think this island is a paradise. In fact, the island is not famous for the seals or birds. However, the real stars are the great white sharks that leap out of the water to catch the seals they are hunting.

You may think that there is no way for a 15-foot long, 3000-pound shark to hurl its body out of the water and catch a seal in midair. Actually, these sharks are called “Air Jaws”.

Over the years, the seals have gotten smarter. Now, they go out in groups of seven and eight to feed. They swim down on the sea floor, which gives them extra cover. When they have to swim near the surface of water, they swim in a zigzag pattern(Z字形). But with all these tricks, they can still be cleverly beaten by the sharks. Usually, the sharks will take one seal away from its group and force it to swim on the surface, where it is easy to hunt. Sometimes, the seal is fortunate and gets away, but most of them die in the process of trying to survive.

Every year, tourists go to see these amazing animals leap out of the water, sometimes flinging their whole bodies into the air when they want to catch the seals. This is the reason why this island attracts thousands of tourists from around the world every year.

1. Which of the following statements is true?

A．Seal Island is covered with only 6000 seals.

B．Great white sharks always catch seals under the water.

C．The way the great white sharks hunt makes Seal Island famous.

D．Seal Island is a 200-meter-long island in North Africa.

2. Why do the seals swim in a zigzag pattern?

A．To prove they are smart.

B．To play in groups.

C．To search for food.

D．To avoid the white sharks.

3. According to Paragraph 3, we can know_______.

A．the seals have learned how to escape.

B．the seals usually swim near the water surface.

C．the sharks are often successful in hunting the seals.

D．the sharks are less intelligent than the seals.

9 . The early life of the green sea turtle (海龟) is full of danger. Only one in 1,000 baby sea turtles survive to adulthood (成年). From its home in the sand, it breaks its egg with an egg tooth. Its mother is not there to help it. Instead, it is greeted by crabs, coyotes, and dogs waiting to eat it for dinner. To survive, the baby turtle must hide in the sand until night. Then, it moves slowly to the sea.

The small turtle must swim hard to reach the ocean waters. In the sea, it tries hard to find food. It must also keep itself from being food for fish.

As dangerous as the sea turtle’s life is in the natural world, its most dangerous enemies are humans. The rubbish left by humans in the ocean causes problems for the small green sea turtle. A little turtle might eat a piece of plastic (塑料) in the sea. It might also eat oil on the ocean’s surface. Young turtles also get caught in fishing nets. There are laws against hunting sea turtles. Still, many are hunted, both for their meat and for their shells (壳). All of these dangers must be prevented.

Sea turtles that do survive to grow into adulthood go through many changes. For example, adult green sea turtles weigh about 500 pounds. They stop eating jellyfish and other meat and eat only plants. And they may plan a trip to go back home again. A mother sea turtle goes back to the beach where she was born. This is the only place where she will lay eggs. Even if it has been forty years since she was a baby, she always knows her way back home.

1. Why do baby turtles move to the sea at night?

A．They dislike sunshine.

B．They prefer lower temperatures.

C．They can find food easily then.

D．They need to avoid enemies.

2. What does the author think of the young turtles in Paragraph 3?

A．Pitiful.	B．Careless.
C．Interesting.	D．Courageous.

3. What can we learn about sea turtles?

A．They mainly feed on fish and meat.

B．They always produce eggs at their birthplaces.

C．They can live for around forty years.

D．They visit their beach homes several times a year.

4. What is the text mainly about?

A．The homes of green sea turtles.

B．How sea turtles find their food.

C．The dangers faced by sea turtles.

D．How young turtles become adults.

10 . 第二节语法填空(共10小题；
阅读下面短文，按照句子结构的语法性和上下文连贯的要求，在空格处填入一个适当的词或使用括号中词语的正确形式填空，并将答案填写在答题卡标号为1—10的相应位置上。 In Africa, when the antelope wakes up every morning, the first thing    1    comes into his mind is, “I must be able to run    2    (fast) than the fastest lion,    3    I will be killed by a lion.” And at just the same time, the lion    4    (wake) out of his dream, and the first thing    5    (flash) into his mind is: “I must be able to catch up with the slowest antelope, otherwise I will starve to    6    (dead).” So almost at the same moment    7    the antelope and the lion jump to their feet, and start    8    (run) toward the rising sun.
Such is life —    9    you are an antelope or a lion, you ought to dash forward without    10    (hesitate) when the sun rises.