1 . 阅读下面短文，在空白处填入1个适当的单词或括号内单词的正确形式。

It’s a wildlife expedition (远征) that has captivated (使着迷) the globe: a herd of 16 elephants trekking (跋涉) more than 300 miles from their home in Xishuangbanna National Nature Reserve. The herd’s trek began in March last year when 16 elephants     1     (see) moving from the reserve. Nobody is clear why the herd set out on this unprecedented (前所未有的) trek. Some suggest environmental degradation may have pushed them;    2     believe they are simply lost. An expert in elephant psychology believes that they likely left because of habitat loss and increasing human disturbance,    3     may have led to decreasing availability of food and water.

“We can’t ignore the effect of rapid development of the local economy on the loss of wildlife habitat,”    4     well-known expert on Asian elephant migration wrote on his Weibo page. “Clear waters and green mountains are as     5     (value) as mountains of gold and silver. A healthy and complete ecosystem is the cornerstone of sustainable economic development.

China’s wild elephants     6     (double) in number to more than 300 since the 1990s, but their habitat has shrunk     7     nearly two-thirds over the same period. Though China has extremely harsh penalties for those     8     (catch) killing elephants, the combination of these factors     9     (mean) that the potential for human-elephant conflict will only rise. It’s     10     (extreme) challenging for them to coexist.

The big fear is that the intensity of conflict between humans and elephants can start as just a nuisance and quickly grow to the point where people or elephants get killed.

3 . The Twenty-three-year-old Mumbai girl Vidhi Bubna is offering India’s first and only diving grant to explore the marine ecosystem.

Vidhi’s first diving experience turned out to be a heartbreaking one. While she expected a lot of colors underwater as she had seen on TV, Vidhi came across all white corals (珊瑚), which means they are almost dead from being bleached (褪色).

“It was very sad and I just started crying after coming out of the water,” she says.

Vidhi, an economics graduate from Ashoka University, did not enjoy working with numbers and turned to writing about social issues, including women’s rights and minority issues.

As an adventure lover, Vidhi went diving to explore the underwater beauty last year. Her disappointment at seeing dying corals led to the start of Coral Warriors, anon-profit organization that aims to raise awareness of marine protection and climate change.

“Nobody knows about climate change till they see it,” Vidhi says. The Mumbai-based organisation offers India’s first and only diving grant. The grant sponsors level-one scuba diving education in any location of their choice in India. While there is no specific standard, Vidhi says the selection process is strict, choosing candidates who are passionate about climate change and seeing that they do something of their choice. Four candidates have been awarded the grant so far and the organisation hopes to find at least five people every year.

“After the candidates return, we expect them to work on a climate change project of their choice, create communities, and work to create awareness and drive action-centric projects,” she explains.

Prior to starting coral warriors, Vidhi was hosting free online workshops to spread awareness of marine biodiversity and climate change, and has reached about 5, 000 people through them.

As a next step, Vidhi is planning to work on documentaries with high-quality underwater images and videos, considering not many can afford or have the courage to go diving to see what is happening underwater.

1. How did Vidhi feel on her first diving?

A．Excited.

B．Upset.

C．Awesome.

D．Awkward.

2. Why did Vidhi set up Coral Warriors?

A．To focus more attention on social issues.

B．To further explore the underwater beauty.

C．To fuel people’s enthusiasm for adventure.

D．To make an appeal for marine conservation.

3. What are candidates expected to do?

A．To help promote people’s sense of community.

B．To choose whatever they are passionate about.

C．To meet specific and strict selection standards.

D．To undertake activities relevant to climate change.

4. What will Vidhi do to protect marine biodiversity?

A．Ahoot documentaries.	B．Tackle climate change.
C．Encourage people to dive.	D．Host free online workshops.

4 . In winter, intense cold in China’s Jilin Province can turn tripping water into ice within seconds. Yet, 63-year-old Ren Jianguo gets up early every day to spread corn on the riverbank to make sure thousands of migratory birds(候鸟) have food to go through the cold days.

Ren lives in Jilin City which is built on the banks of the Songhuajiang River. Over the past 26 years, he has been one of the many volunteers protecting migratory birds on the river’s Changbai Island. Local residents label him as “Uncle Bird”. Winter is the busiest time for Uncle Bird as it is the season when large amounts of migratory birds fly here to avoid the biting cold days in Siberia, Russia.

On the upper reaches of the Songhuajiang River is Northeast China’s largest artificial lake. The temperature of the water stays at around 4-10℃ all year round. This allows Changhai Island to welcome countless migratory birds.

“As long as they choose to stay in this city, there should be people to take care of them. When it becomes difficult to find food in winter, I call for donations or sometimes pay for the food myself to secure their survival during the winter,” Ren said.

Jilin City, which is part of the migratory passage of birds in East Asia, is one of the few warm wetlands in northern China suitable for migratory birds to rest. To improve the environment here, the Chinese government has invested about 26.6 billion yuan for water pollution control and prevention along the Songhuajiang River since 2006.

For Ren, a small house near the riverbank has almost become his “second home”, a place from which he can patrol(巡逻) along the banks, observe birds, educate the public about bird conservation and, after a long day of work, light a fire and enjoy a warm meal.

“I simply want this to be a warm and welcoming place for birds when they choose to stay here for a temporary rest,” he said.

1. What is the best title of this passage?

A．The Tale of “Uncle Bird”

B．The Environment of Changbai Island.

C．The Survival of Birds.

D．The Protection of Wetlands.

2. Why does Ren Jianguo volunteer to protect migratory birds?

A．To keep himself from being bored.

B．To keep the birds from flying away.

C．To keep the birds from going hungry.

D．To keep the environment from being polluted.

3. Why do the birds come to Changbai Island in the winter?

A．To eat high-quality corns.

B．To see kind-hearted volunteers.

C．For a cleaner environment.

D．For a better temperature.

4. Which of the following best describes Ren Jianguo’s work?

A．Boring.	B．Professional.
C．Dangerous.	D．Meaningful.

6 . Young students can, and do, make a big difference. As an educator, you have the opportunity to spark (触发) a passion in students that will drive them to do their part to take care of the Earth. Here are activities you could add to your lesson plans to inspire your students on Earth Day:

Make signs for school and at home

Sometimes we just need a little reminder to help us change our habits. Have students think about what they can do at school and at home to help the environment and how they can encourage others to change their habits.

Make a video or presentation urging others to take action

Students can make a bigger impact if they influence others to do their part to protect the environment. Putting together a video or presentation also helps them internalize the material itself — they need to understand it before they can explain it to others. Presentations can be given in the classroom or even to the whole school. Eventually, they may be able to present their lessons and research at a local conference.

Show them examples of other students making a real difference

It's important for students to see examples of young environmentalists so they know they don't need to wait until they're older to make a difference. Learning about the work these young people are doing can give your students new ideas for how to protect the environment. It can open the door of possibilities for how to think about finding solutions to problems they can help solve.

Earth Day isn't just on April 22. It's every day. How will you celebrate Earth Day and help students make a difference year-round?

1. Who is the text written for?

A．Students.

B．Teachers.

C．Environmentalists.

D．Parents.

2. What can we do to remind people to change their habits?

A．Make signs.	B．Make a video or presentation.
C．Make lesson plans.	D．Show other students' examples.

3. Why is it important for students to learn about young environmentalists?

A．It helps make friends.	B．It improves learning results.
C．It guarantees success.	D．It inspires immediate action.

7 . Gracing every continent of the Earth, wetlands are essential to the planet’s health, often compared to its vital organs， acting as arteries (动脉)that carry water and as kidneys(肾脏)that filter(过滤)harmful substances.

Wetlands serve as protectors: they form protective barriers against tsunamis and absorb the excess rainfall. During the dry season in dry climates, wetlands release the stored water which helps delay the attack of drought and reduce water shortages. They also store vast quantities of carbon, helping ease climate change. Home to some of the most diverse and rich ecosystems, wetlands support one billion people.40 percent of all plant and animal species live or breed in wetlands.

World Wetlands Day is observed each year on 2 February to increase people’s understanding ofthe importance of wetlands and raise awareness of the urgent need to protect the threatened natural treasure.

“We are proud to join in this celebration and recognize the unique and valuable ecosystemservices provided by wetlands. We are committed to doing our part to conserve and protect wetlands,and we are calling on all of you to join us in this vital cause,” said UNCCD (The United NationsConvention to Combat Desertification) Executive Secretary Ibrahim Thiaw.

To date, nearly 90 percent of the world’s wetlands have been degraded or lost,with 35 percentin the last 5O years alone. That is why on this World Wetlands Day,UNCCD is joining the RamsarConvention on Wetlands and other partners to highlight the examples of countries and communities making strides in wetland restoration.

As stressed by the UNCCD Executive Secretary Ibrahim Thiaw, successful wetland restoration requires a joint effort from governments, civil society and the private sector. Investments in science for technology innovation, infrastructure for effective management and financial mechanisms for project implementation(实施)can turn the tide toward a better futurefor wetlands.

1. Why are wetlands essential to us?

A．They help fight against viruses.

B．They offer clean drinking water.

C．They maintain ecological balance.

D．They prevent the natural disasters.

2. How does the author present the current situation of wetlands in paragraph 5?

A．By giving examples.

B．By listing figures.

C．By making comparisons.

D．By analyzing causes.

3. What do the underlined words “turn the tide” mean in paragraph 6?

A．Follow the trend.	B．Break the ice.
C．Run the risk.	D．Change the game.

4. What is the text mainly about?

A．Wetland ecosystem.

B．Wetland restoration.

C．Wetland exploration.

D．Wetland biodiversity.

9 . Going green is good for business. Consumers are often willing to pay more for eco-friendly products than other comparable products on the market. But not all environmental claims are created equally. “Greenwashing” is a form of misinformation often used to entice a green consumer. Companies promising to be environmentally conscious sometimes fail to meet the promises they make to consumers.

For example, a large retailer might launch a new line of products, such as jeans, that uses less water and therefore theoretically has less of an environmental impact than the other clothes the company sells. But that same company might ignore water usage in the rest of their products lines or do nothing to address their other products that might be harming the environment.

Is it possible to avoid falling victim to greenwashing? Learning about greenwashing and how it works is the most effective way for consumers to avoid giving their money to companies making false claims, according to a recent study. The researchers found people who received information on greenwashing ahead of time were more likely to question whether what the company did in fact benefited the environment.

In the meantime, experts have tips for how consumers can spot potential greenwashing. “You see a lot of products that use words like ‘sustainable’, and ‘better for the planet’ with pictures that make it look like it’s green,” says Todd Larsen, the director of Green America, a nonprofit aimed at helping consumers identify greenwashing. He recommends looking for descriptions that outline specifically how a product is green.

Another tip he offers is to shop small. “When in doubt, go smaller,” says Larsen. “Rethink shopping habits. The most sustainable thing you can do as a consumer is wear the things you have more.”

1. What does the underlined word “entice” probably mean in paragraph 1?

A．Trick.

B．Inspire.

C．Restrict.

D．Protect.

2. What can we learn from the example in paragraph 2?

A．Using less water is a required standard of producing jeans.

B．Large retailers are more aware of environmental protection.

C．Companies with environmental consciousness run smoothly.

D．Businesses claiming to be sustainable may mislead consumers.

3. What can be inferred from the research findings?

A．Greenwashing is a new way to cheat people.

B．People are getting fed up with greenwashing.

C．Knowing about greenwashing helps identify the truth.

D．Consumers have the ability to distinguish false claims.

4. What does Todd Larsen suggest people do?

A．Develop sensible shopping habits.	B．Look for pictures which look green.
C．Buy more clothes green for the planet.	D．Provide specific descriptions of products.

10 . National Geographic Explorer Malaika Vaz knew from early on that she was destined for adventure. “I was someone who spent a lot of time outdoors,” Vaz says. Among her childhood experiences, she recalls expeditions to the Arctic and Antarctic, climbing mountains, scuba diving, and windsurfing.

“In my late teens,” Vaz says, “I began to feel like adventure didn’t really mean anything if there wasn’t an intent to protect the natural spaces we were exploring in.” She began to seek an outlet that would both satisfy her desire for adventure and allow her to support the protection of the species and ecosystems.

Vaz had an interest in the medium of film, and decided to pursue a career in wildlife filmmaking. Today Vaz wears many hats in the filmmaking world, as a documentary director, producer, writer, and presenter.

After falling in love with mantas off the coast of her home, she discovered they were being hunted illegally and she dressed herself as a seafood trader to get as close as possible to the issue. She traced traffickers back to many parts of the world to figure out why mantas were being killed. She shares the challenges of going undercover to produce Peng Yu Sai, her Green Oscar-nominated film on the matter.

The subjects that grab her attention, Vaz admits, cover a wide range. And while she’s been asked to define her focus, she prefers variety, and argues that issues she pinpoints are more interrelated than they may appear.

Her work doesn’t stop at recording important stories-she’s also on top of follow-through, ensuring the message is heard. Vaz and her team work with scientists and policy makers to amplify the message of the films they work on.

From Vaz’s perspective, real improvement in the way the planet is cared for lies in the capable hands of many from various backgrounds. “The truth is that we don’t need ten really passionate, committed environmentalists. We need one hundred or one million people who can do a little bit in that field and change things within their ability.”

1. Which of the following helped Vaz combine adventure with nature protection?

A．Wildlife film-making.	B．Free lifestyle.
C．Childhood experience.	D．Outdoor activities.

2. What does the film Peng Yu Sai mention?

A．Vaz’s home on the coast.	B．Vaz’s experience of mountain climbing.
C．The history of Green Oscar.	D．The illegal hunting of mantas.

3. What really matters in protecting our planet according to Vaz?

A．The backgrounds of policy makers.	B．The influence of films.
C．The guidance from environmentalists.	D．The combined efforts of people.

4. Which of the following best describes Vaz?

A．Enthusiastic but careless.	B．Adventurous and insightful.
C．Knowledgeable but proud.	D．Humorous and patient.