1 .

A．The harm done by single-use plastics.

B．The topic for the woman’s composition.

C．Environmental issues.

D．Some recent hot news.

2 . A team of leading environmental experts have warned that the current war on plastic is detracting from the bigger threats to the environment. In an article, they say that while plastic waste is an issue, its prominence in the general public’s concern for the environment is overshadowing greater threats, for example, climate change and biodiversity loss.

The team argue that much of the bad talk about plastic waste is based on data that is not always representative of the environments that have been sampled. The dislike of plastic associated with this could encourage the use of alternative materials with potentially harmful effects.

The authors warn that plastic pollution dominates the public’s concern for the environment and has been exploited politically, after capturing the attention of the world, for example, through the images of wildlife caught in plastic was alarmist headlines. They say small political gestures such as law banning cosmetic microplastics, taxing plastic bags, and financial rewards for using reusable containers, as well as the promotion of products as “green” for containing less plastic than alternatives, make people neglect other environmental problems that are not as noticeable as plastic pollution.

The article also highlights that plastic is not the only type of polluting materials, originating from human activity that pollutes the environment. Other examples include natural textile fibres such as cotton and wool, and brake-wear particles from vehicles — all of which are present in different places. The authors note that these materials are often much more abundant than microplastics and some are associated with “plastic alternatives” that are marketed as solutions to plastic pollution. The impacts of these materials are less well-known than plastic and microplastic pollution, yet they could have huge impacts.

The article states that solutions are likely to come from a greater focus on designing materials and products that can be recycled, that have their end-of-life, and that markets and facilities exist to recycle.

1. What’s the experts’ attitude towards the current war on plastic?

A．Indifferent.

B．Favorable.

C．Critical.

D．Objective.

2. What does the underlined word“this” in paragraph 2 refer to?

A．The negative view of plastic.

B．The use of alternative materials.

C．The potential harmful effects.

D．The defense for plastic.

3. What does the author intend to do in the last paragraph?

A．Explain a rule.	B．Make a comparison.
C．Clarify a point.	D．Offer a suggestion.

4. What is the text most likely to be?

A．A response to plastic pollution.

B．A schedule to fight against pollution.

C．An argument against climate change.

D．A guide to plastic management.

3 . A new study by researchers at the University of British Columbia (UBC) and the University of Victoria has shown that common levels of traffic pollution can damage human brain function in only a matter of hours.

“For many decades, scientists thought the brain may be protected from the harmful effects of air pollution,” said senior study author Dr. Chris Carlsten. “This study, which is the first of its kind in the world, provides fresh evidence supporting a connection between air pollution and cognition.”

For the study, the researchers briefly exposed 25 healthy adults to diesel exhaust (柴油废气) and filtered air at different times in a laboratory setting. Brain activity was measured before and after each exposure using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).

The researchers analyzed changes in the brain’s default mode network (DMN), a set of inter-connected brain regions that play an important role in memory and internal thought. The fMRI revealed that participants had decreased functional connectivity in widespread regions of the DMN after exposure to diesel exhaust, compared to filtered air.

“We know that altered functional connectivity in the DMN has been associated with reduced cognitive performance and symptoms of depression, so it’s concerning to see traffic pollution interrupting these same networks,” said Dr. Jodie Gawryluk, a psychology professor at the University of Victoria and the study’s first author. “While more research is needed to fully understand the functional impacts of these changes, it’s possible that they may impair (损害) people’s thinking or ability to work.”

Notably, the changes in the brain were temporary and participants’ connectivity returned to normal after the exposure. Dr. Carlsten assumed that the effects could be long lasting where exposure is continuous. He said that people should be mindful of the air they’re breathing and take appropriate steps to minimize their exposure to potentially harmful air pollutants like car exhaust.

1. How does traffic pollution affect people according to the study?

A．Exhausting their body.	B．Decreasing their income.
C．Endangering their safety.	D．Harming their brain function.

2. What may the DMN be responsible for?

A．Growth.

B．Sport.

C．Memory.

D．Behaviour.

3. What can people do to reduce the impact according to Dr. Carlsten?

A．Avoid being exposed to the polluted air constantly.

B．Be mindful of the air quality in a new city.

C．Measure the brain activity in laboratories.

D．Stay inside a house as often as possible.

4. What is the best title for the text?

A．A Role Of Brain Will Be Ruined

B．Traffic Pollution May Impair Brain Function

C．A Famous UK University Did A Vital Study

D．A Source Of Pollution Has Drawn People’s Attention

4 . Nuclear pollution has long been a global concern, with major accidents like those at Three Mile Island, Chernobyl, and Fukushima highlighting the serious health and environmental risks associated with nuclear disasters. These incidents not only caused immediate health issues such as radiation sickness and increased cancer rates but also led to long-term environmental damage and genetic mutations in affected populations. Consequently, nuclear pollution remains a significant worry for governments, academics, and society worldwide.

When nuclear accidents occur near coastlines, the marine environment becomes a key point due to the vital role oceans play in climate regulation, food security, and supporting billions of livelihoods globally. In recent years, escalating threats to marine ecosystems from mounting ocean pollution have spurred increased public awareness of marine environmental protection. Studies have shown that human activities pose a significant threat to marine environments, emphasizing the need for improved environmental governance and measures to address environmental risks.

Following the Fukushima nuclear disaster in 2011, efforts to cool the reactors by injecting seawater led to the accumulation of a vast amount of nuclear waste within the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant’s water storage tower. Despite attempts to manage this waste, the Japanese government’s decision to discharge nearly 1.26 million tons of nuclear wastewater into the Pacific Ocean over the next 40 years has faced opposition from neighboring countries, Japanese residents, and international environmental organizations.

This discharge poses substantial risks to marine life, fisheries, and human health. Radioactive isotopes (放射性同位素) such as tritium, carbon-14, cobalt-60, and strontium-90 present in the wastewater can accumulate in marine organisms, ultimately affecting human populations through the food chain. Therefore, further research and mitigation measures to address the wide-ranging consequences of nuclear pollution on the environment and human health are urgently needed.

In conclusion, while nuclear power may offer benefits, the potential risks, as highlighted by incidents like Fukushima, underscore the importance of stringent safety measures and thorough consideration of environmental impacts.

1. What are three major nuclear accidents mentioned in the passage?

A．Fukushima, Hiroshima, Nagasaki

B．Chernobyl, Fukushima, Hiroshima

C．Three Mile Island, Chernobyl, Fukushima

D．Three Mile Island, Chernobyl, Nagasaki

2. Why is the marine environment a vital point in the context of nuclear accidents?

A．Because marine life is directly affected by nuclear pollution.

B．Because marine environments are more vulnerable to radiation.

C．Because marine pollution exacerbates the impact of nuclear disasters.

D．Because oceans play a significant role in regulating climate and supporting livelihoods.

3. What is the likely reason for the opposition to discharging nuclear wastewater into the Pacific Ocean?

A．Concerns about potential economic benefits

B．Fear of increased fishing restrictions

C．Possible risks to marine life and human health

D．Lack of available technology for wastewater treatment

4. What is the main idea of the fourth paragraph?

A．The potential risks to marine life and human health.

B．The present research and mitigation measures.

C．The environmental and social consequences of nuclear accidents.

D．The opposition from neighboring countries and environmental organizations.

5 . Water companies have pumped waste water into Britain’s seas and rivers for more than nine million hours since 2016, new data suggests. The figure is an increase of 2,553% over five years, according to Environment Agency (EA) data, so the EA warned holidaymakers to avoid dozens of beaches across England and Wales this week.

Untreated waste water was spotted pouring into the sea near Bexhill, East Sussex on Wednesday. On Saturday, the red flags were removed, meaning the water was officially considered safe to bathe in. The beach, however, was nearly deserted.

Rachel Streeter moved to Bexhill in 2007 to enjoy wild swimming and the beach. “Flies actually flew above the surface of the water as well as the waste water. It’s quite horrible,” she said. Rachel says her friends and family have all become sick after swimming. Her 79-year-old mother went for a swim last week and fell ill with “a severe bacterial infection (感染)”.

Businesses say they are being affected by it too. Cliff Meadon, who runs business in the sea, says he has lost “thousands” pounds over the last two years due to water pollution. “We’ve been on the water with groups when we’ve had to come in as the waste comes out,” he said.

In Hastings people were advised not to swim due to a pollution risk this week. Beaches in Normans Bay as well as Bexhill were closed but have now reopened.

Southern Water argued that the water company had not been deliberately (故意的) pouring untreated water into the sea. A spokesperson for the company said, “This week’s heavy rain has fallen onto dry ground that can’t absorb surface run-off, meaning that more rain than usual has entered our waterway networks. This led to some overflows, spilling some untreated water into the sea.”

Southern Water was fined £90 million last year for widespread pollution after sending out more than 6,000 untreated waste water.

1. What warning has the EA given?

A．Holidaymakers not going to certain beaches.

B．A severe bacterial infection breaking out in the UK.

C．Southern Water stopping pouring waste water into the sea.

D．Cliff Meadon stopping running business in the sea.

2. What caused the problem according to the spokesperson for Southern Water?

A．Heavy rainfalls.	B．Too many holidaymakers.
C．Damaged waterway networks.	D．Poor management of water companies.

3. Which of the following serves as the best title?

A．Holidaymakers facing pollution risk

B．Dozens of Britain’s beaches closed to holidaymakers

C．Lots of families pouring untreated waste water into seas

D．Huge increase in untreated waste water entering Britain’s seas

4. In which section of the website are you likely to read the text?

A．Health.

B．Business.

C．Environment.

D．Sports.

6 . The problem of food borne metal contamination (污染) has taken on new urgency, thanks in part to a 2021 US Congressional Report detailing high levels of metals found in baby food pulled off grocery shelves. More recently, high levels of lead (铅) were discovered in children’s fruit puree pouches. Now, two new studies provide information on the correlation between exposure to heavy metals in food and the risk of cancers and other serious health risks.

Food crops can absorb heavy metals from contaminated soil, air, and water. As a result, traces of dangerous heavy metals — lead, arsenic (砷) and cadmium (镉) — are found in common foods from rice and cereals to nuts and vegetables. Felicia Wu, Michigan State University food scientist, is leading several investigations to gain a better understanding of the health risks of heavy metal exposure.

In the studies, Wu and her colleague, gathered data on the dietary intake of each metal from various sources such as food and water samples and existing studies and reports. There searchers analysand the data to determine the strength of the association between dietary exposure and bad health effects. Both cancer and non-cancer health effects were considered.

Lead is a poisonous metal commonly found in old paint, water pipes, and contaminated soil. Food sources of lead include root vegetables like beets. In the study, lead showed moderate (中度的) to high risk scores for causing lung, kidney, bladder, stomach, and brain cancers. It also showed moderate to high scores for non-cancer risks.

Their initial estimates suggest that every year, more than 6, 000 additional cases of bladder and lung cancers and over 7, 000 cases of skin cancers can be attributed (归因于) to the consumption of inorganic arsenic in the United States. The researchers also found that certain food products can be associated with higher cancer risk than others. These include rice, wheat, and leafy green vegetables.

1. What do the new studies focus on?

A．Food safety and children’s health.

B．Food crops and metal contamination.

C．Heavy metals and its danger extent.

D．Metal contamination in food and health risks.

2. Why do heavy metals exist in food?

A．Food crops need metal to grow well.

B．Heavy metals are added by producers.

C．They can help with scientific research.

D．Food crops grow up in polluted conditions.

3. How did Wu and her colleague conduct their studies?

A．By doing surveys online.

B．By analyzing data.

C．By performing experiments.

D．By referring to previous textbooks.

4. Which can best describe Wu’s findings?

A．Dramatic.	B．Alarming.
C．Confusing.	D．Awesome.

7 . Nuclear pollution is a serious global   ___________, brought to the forefront by major accidents at Three Mile Island, Chernobyl, and Fukushima. These events have demonstrated the significant health and environmental risks _________by nuclear disasters. Not only have they caused immediate health problems, such as radiation sickness and increased cancer rates, but they have also _________lasting environmental damage and genetic changes in affected communities. As a result, nuclear pollution remains a pressing concern for governments, scholars, and individuals worldwide.

When nuclear accidents occur in coastal areas, the _________environment becomes a critical concern due to the crucial role that oceans play in _________the climate, ensuring food security, and supporting the livelihoods of billions of people globally. In recent years, the increasing threats to marine ecosystems from ocean pollution have _________public awareness of the need to protect the marine environment. Studies have shown that human activities pose a _________threat to marine environments, emphasizing the importance of improving environmental management and taking measures to mitigate environmental risks.

Following the Fukushima nuclear disaster in 2011, efforts to cool the reactors by pumping in seawater resulted in the _________of a significant amount of nuclear waste in the water storage tank at the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant. _________attempts to manage this waste, the Japanese government’s decision to release nearly 1.26 million tons of nuclear wastewater into the Pacific Ocean over the next 40 years has faced opposition __________neighboring countries, local ____________, and international environmental organizations.

This __________poses serious risks to marine life, fisheries, and human health. Radioactive isotopes present in the wastewater, such as tritium, carbon-14, cobalt-60, and strontium-90, can accumulate in marine organisms and ultimately affect human populations through the food ____________. Therefore, there is an/a ____________need for further research and mitigation measures to __________the widespread impacts of nuclear pollution on the environment and human health.

1.

A．change

B．opportunity

C．concern

D．possibility

2.

A．caused

B．posed

C．created

D．increased

3.

A．resulted in

B．led to

C．brought about

D．caused

4.

A．terrestrial

B．aquatic

C．marine

D．atmospheric

5.

A．balancing

B．regulating

C．considering

D．stabilizing

6.

A．heightened

B．raised

C．decreased

D．lifted

7.

A．minor

B．slight

C．substantial

D．insignificant

8.

A．accumulation

B．storage

C．deposition

D．buildup

9.

A．Therefore

B．Despite

C．However

D．Hence

10.

A．from

B．by

C．of

D．in

11.

A．residents

B．citizens

C．inhabitants

D．dwellers

12.

A．issue

B．measure

C．release

D．disposal

13.

A．web

B．chain

C．network

D．system

14.

A．urgent

B．immediate

C．pressing

D．critical

15.

A．address

B．tackle

C．solve

D．resolve

8 . 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。

The color of the ocean has changed     1     (great) recently and human-caused climate change is responsible, according to     2     new study.

More than 56% of the world’s oceans have changed color,     3     cannot be explained, said a team of researchers, led by scientists from the National Oceanography Center in the UK.

Tropical (热带的) oceans close to the equator     4     (become) greener in the last 20 years, according to the study     5     (publish) in the journal Nature.

“    6     is not clear exactly how these ecosystems are changing”, said Stephanie from the Center for Global Change Science. “All changes are causing an imbalance in the natural organization of ecosystems. Such imbalance will only get     7     (bad) over time if our oceans keep heating,” she told CNN.

Though the researchers are still working to understand exactly     8     the changes mean, they said what is clear is that the changes are being driven     9     human behavior.

The researchers studied changes in ocean color from space by     10     (watch) how much green or blue light is reflected from the surface of the sea.

9 . There are a lot of chemicals that can cause indoor air pollution. A recent project conducted has found over 900 different substances in our home are related to it. Many researchers have already examined the causes of indoor air pollution.     1    

It has been proved that different kinds of chemicals can be released by building materials and new furniture. Everything from painting and decorating products, bathroom cleaners and beauty products can contain these chemicals.     2     For instance, cooking generates a lot of harmful emissions, like frying meat in oil.

As a research from Denmark has highlighted, cooking, particularly roasting can damage our body. Roast dinners contain many potentially harmful pollutants.     3     When exposed to cooking emissions, people actually had DNA damage. It can be associated with cell repair processes that trigger cancer—causing genetic changes.     4     And what can we do with it?

As far as cooking emissions are concerned, no one is suggesting switching to takeaways.     5     For example, cooking meat at high temperatures with lots of fat produces more harmful emissions than boiling pasta. Besides, opening windows and using cooker hoods are preferable so that we can enjoy the roasted meat without those undesirable effects.

A．In the long run, these changes lead to cancer.

B．They might also arise from cooking at home.

C．A wide range of sources are under investigation.

D．Therefore, what results from indoor air pollution?

E．However, most of us have ignored their bad effects.

F．So, what are the main contributors to poor air quality?

G．But we can change how we cook to deal with the emissions.

10 . 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。

Every year a huge amount of waste ends up in the world’s oceans and causes problems for the animals living there.

About 80% of all marine waste is plastic from bottles and packaging, most of     1     runs into rivers when it rains and then flows into the sea. Rubbish causes problems for the animals     2     (live) in the ocean.     3     millions of tons of waste entering the ocean every year, it greatly threatens sea animals.     4     is clear that we need to do something.  

One organization that does this is Ocean Conservancy,     5     organization that started in the USA. Since 1986, it     6     (organize) International Coastal Clean-up. The event grows every year and now people are getting involved on over 6,000 beaches in more than 100 countries. Less packaging and     7     (few) products are a step on the way to more sustainable development. If rubbish     8     (pick) up from the beach, it will not cause problems for animals that eat it or become     9     (trap) in it.  

Cleaning up the oceans seems like an     10     (possible) task, but if everybody spares no efforts, one day there may no longer be a need for ocean clean-up day.