1 . Lithium (锂) is called “white gold” for good reason. The metal’s value has been growing sharply over the last several years, in a large part because it is an essential part of batteries as well as several key sustainable technologies where energy storage is of huge significance. As electric cars, wind and solar power have grown into major players in the energy industry, lithium has become key to engineering a future free of fossil (化石) fuels.

But acquiring lithium comes at an enormous cost. It often works like this: Water containing lithium is delivered to the surface from underground and mixed with fresh water. The mixture then sits in pools to get rid of water, leaving the rest of its contents behind as brightly colored “mud”. Then heat and chemical reactions are used to get lithium from that, changing it into powder which is then packaged and shipped to buyers around the world.

Any accident that releases mine contents into surrounding communities or the groundwater supply could have unimaginable long-term impacts. To be specific, indigenous (土著的) communities often bear the damage, and political leaders have typically given little weight to their concerns. In Arizona, for example, an expanding lithium mine is threatening the Hualapai Tribe’s cultural and historic sites. Recently, mining lithium and other precious metals has brought about conflict: How do you ensure the availability of materials essential to the future of renewables while protecting those communities’ rights?

Mining of the metal is expected to increase dramatically in coming years. Over time, experts say, that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions (排放) by making electric cars more affordable and, therefore, more popular. As environmentally conscious consumers buy electric cars in ever-greater numbers, it’s important to be aware of the dirty process that powers those clean air vehicles.

1. What does the author’s intention of writing Paragraph 1?

A．To introduce the background of an event.	B．To explain a complex industrial theory.
C．To describe a noticeable recent tendency.	D．To predict the future of a main technology.

2. Which may cause enormous environmental damage?

A．Unexpected material leak.	B．Violent chemical reactions.
C．Wrong political decisions.	D．Lithium mine expansion.

3. What’s the author’s attitude towards mining lithium?

A．Intolerant.

B．Uncaring.

C．Favorable.

D．Objective.

4. What’s the most suitable title for the text?

A．High Expense of Lithium Mining	B．Potential Benefit of Using Lithium
C．Hidden Threat behind Clean Energy	D．Bright Future of Renewable Resources

2 . Do you still remember the haze（雾霾）in the winter? So many people got terribly ill during or after the haze.     1    Here is advice for you to protect yourself in hazy weather.

Spend less time outdoors.This is the most effective way for self-protection in such bad weather.With PM2.5 increasing 103mg per cubic meter,residents will risk a 2.29% increase of death,which experts found out in 2012.If you have to get out,avoid riding bicycles.    2    

Close your windows.Experts advice residents to avoid opening windows at home.If you have to ,avoid the time when smog is at its densest（浓的）.    3    Besides,you can keep plants with broad leaves at home to absorb dust,and use air purifiers（清洁器）.

Smoke less.    4    In hazy weather,smoking would be even more harmful.Smokers are advised to keep their distance from cigarettes before the weather gets better.

    5    For example ,wear special masks outside to avoid breathing in PM2.5.Then take off your coat after getting indoors and keep it away from your other clean clothes,Don’t forget to wash your face,rinse（漱）your mouth,and clean your nasal cavity（鼻腔）to clean the particulate matters（颗粒物）that fall on you.Last but not least,keep off stimulating（刺激性）foods.

A．Wear masks.

B．Pay attention to other daily things.

C．Also avoid rush hours,when pollutants will be denser.

D．That’s because haze does harm to the health of people.

E．Cigarettes could cause more particulate matters,which are included in PM2.5 .

F．Take more fruits and vegetables instead,which are good for lung,spleen（脾）and kidney（肾）.

G．For residents who use air-conditioner,make sure your apartment has enough oxygen indoors.

3 . Light pollution is blocking a starry view of the night sky for more than half of people across England, a research has found.

Fifty-seven percent of stargazers(观星者) struggled to see more than 10 stars, while just 2% of participants said they experienced a truly dark sky making them be able to count more than 30 according to the research by the Campaign to Protect Rural England(CPRE). People in the countryside were encouraged to count how many stars they could see with eyes within   the constellation(星座) of Orion, which is visible only in the winter months.

Campaigners said the results of the star count, supported by the British Astronomical Association ,showed the problem of light pollution and how it affected one of the countryside's most magical sights-a dark, starry night sky. They said the results of the research to map England's night skies suggested more could be done by the government, local councils and the general public to reduce the negative effects of artificial light from streets and buildings.

Emma Marrington, dark skies campaigner at the CPRE, said “We're hugely grateful to the people who took the time to get out and take part in our star count. But it's deeply disappointing that the vast majority were unable to experience the natural wonder of a truly dark sky blanketed with stars. Without any action, our night sky will continue to be lost under a covering of artificial light, ruining the health of the natural world.”

She added: “The star count results show just how far-reaching the light from street lights and buildings can be seen. Light doesn't respect boundaries, and careless use can see it spread for miles from cities.”

She suggested better-designed lighting, street light dimming systems and part-night lighting where some street lights are turned off during the small hours should provide an opportunity to limit the damage caused by light pollution, reduce carbon emissions and save money.

1. What is the effect of the light pollution in England?

A．Leading the stars to disappear.	B．Making the countryside dark.
C．Making the environment terrible.	D．Preventing the people seeing stars.

2. What does the light pollution result from?

A．More and more buildings.	B．The overuse of artificial light.
C．Less and less outdoor activities.	D．The spread of light in the countryside.

3. What does the underlined word “dimming” in the last paragraph mean?

A．falling suddenly	B．strengthening slowly
C．becoming less bright	D．getting weak and disappearing finally

4. How does Emma feel about the stargazers 'efforts?

A．Appreciative.	B．Surprised.
C．Disappointed.	D．Regretful.