Directions: After reading the passage below, fill in the blanks to make the passage coherent and grammatically correct. For the blanks with a given word, fill in each blank with the proper form of the given word; for the other blanks, use one word that best fits each blank.
Mako sharks get new protections
At the global wildlife trade meeting in Geneva, countries have decided to protect the endangered mako shark from trade. GENEVA made the proposal 1. more protections should be taken for both shortfin and longfin mako sharks and was adopted today after a 102-40 vote at the global wildlife trade summit. The vote still needs to be finalized at the full meeting at the end, when all appendix (附录) change proposals passed in committee are officially adopted.
The proposal, debated at this year’s CITES Conference, lists mako sharks under Appendix II, meaning that they can’t be traded 2. it can be shown that fishing wouldn’t threaten their chances for survival. Conservationists say this was the world’s last chance to prevent mako shark populations from collapsing.
3. (list) mako sharks on CITES Appendix II is great news for shark conservation. More than 50 of the 183 CITES members signed on as supporters of the proposal brought forth by Mexico. Nonetheless, conservationists feared that opposition from a few countries with fairly large mako fishing industries—primarily the United States, Canada, and Japan—4. tip the scale. Japan opposed the measure during the debates, and the United States announced afterward it 5. (vote) no.
In the past, the U.S. and others have supported listing other shark species under CITES, but not so in this case, 6. commercial interests. For a lot of these countries, they were happy to list shark species when it was ones they weren’t so heavily involved in fishing. Suddenly, when they’re being asked to be responsible, rather than asking other people to be responsible, they’re 7. (little) keen to take it on board.
The International Union for the Conservation of Nature, which determines the conservation status of species claims that both species of mako sharks to be endangered, saying an 8. (estimate) 50 to 79 percent population decline over three generations, or about 75 years. They 9. (target) for their fins (鳍), used in shark fin soup—a dish in Asian countries, that’s often served at weddings as a sign of respect for guests. Their meat is more edible compared to 10. of other sharks, which is often acidic and is usually sold as a byproduct of the fin trade for “pennies on the dollar”.
请阅读下面文字，并按照要求用英语写一篇150词左右的文章。
On August 25, 2019, a series of graded English books, “Tales of China”, were published in Shanghai the main theme of which is Chinese culture.
The series contain 16 books as well as 100 audio frequencies. There are 75 stories about Chinese festivals, idioms, folk legends and fairy tales in the series, including 240 beautiful illustrations. The series help Chinese children improve their reading, listening and speaking abilities dramatically.
Contrary to the current practice that many similar books are written by Chinese writers and translated by foreigners, the series were compiled by world-famous children literature experts from 7 countries. The purpose is to interpret Chinese culture in authentic English on a global scale. This collection of books not only helps the Chinese children improve their English and arouse their interest in English but also deepens their understanding of Chinese culture.
（写作内容）
1.用约30个词概括上述信息的主要内容；
2.谈谈青少年学习中国文化的重要性；
3.结合实际，谈谈青少年如何传承中国文化（至少两点）。
（写作要求）
1.写作过程中不能直接引用原文语句；
2. 作文中不能出现真实姓名和学校名称；
3.不必写标题。
（评分标准）
内容完整，语言规范，语篇连贯,词数适当。
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请认真阅读下列短文，并根据所读内容在文章后表格中的空格里填入一个最恰当的单词。注意：一个空格只填一个单词。请将答案写在答题卡上相应题号的横线上。
The Bigger Sleep
School starting times in America vary from an average of 7:48 am in go-getting Mississippi to 8:31 am in late-rising Connecticut. According to a survey by the National Centre for Education Statistics in 2017-18, only in two states — Alaska and Connecticut — do schools start after 8:30 am, the earliest recommended time by a number of medical organisations.
On October 13th Gavin Newsom, California’s governor, signed legislation setting a limit on starting times of half past eight for high-schoolers, in the hope that they will benefit from the extra time in bed.
There is plenty of reason to think they will. Adolescents require more sleep in the morning which will keep them energetic the whole day. A research review by scientists at the Centres for Disease Control finds that later school starting times correspond with improved attendance, less falling asleep in class, and better grades. The Rand Corporation estimates that moving to a half-past-eight start across the country would boost the economy by more than $80bn within a decade.
In response to the evidence, school districts across the country have begun to move starting times back, but California is the first state to take the leap. Parents and unions are often bitterly opposed. The California Teachers Association resisted the change, citing the financial burden on schools as they adjust to the new hours, as well as the burden on parents who work as laborers or in the service industry, and cannot start work later. Last year Mr Newsom’s predecessor, Jerry Brown, vetoed similar legislation, saying the decision should be left to school districts.
Supporters argue that it is appropriate for the state to set a minimum health-and-welfare standard, as it does in other areas. It will be up to school districts to decide whether to end the day later, or cut its length. Anthony Portantino, the democratic state senator who introduced the legislation, believes evidence of the change’s benefits will soon win over opponents in rural areas. “There really is no significant reason not to do this,” he says, “other than an overwhelming resistance to change from adults.”
The Bigger Sleep | |
Background to the legislation | • American schools have 1. starting times. • Only schools in Alaska and Connecticut 2. the recommended starting times. |
Content of the legislation | High-schoolers should start school no 3. than 8:30 am, which allows them extra time in bed. |
Benefits of the legislation | • Adolescents feel 4. with more sleep in the morning. • Later school starting times are linked to decreased 5., less falling asleep in class and better grades. • It is 6.that later school starting times can boost the economy. |
Opinions of the 7. | • Schools may bear the burden of 8. when they adjust to the new hours. • Parents working as laborers or in the service industry may 9.to get to work on time. |
Opinions of the supporters | • Setting a minimum health-and-welfare standard seems to be an appropriate practice. • Although an overwhelming resistance does 10. in adults, it is reasonable to make the change. |
At first, Michael Surrell didn’t see the black smoke or flames shooting from the windows of his neighbors’ home. He and his wife had just parked around the corner from their own house in Allentown, Pennsylvania, when they got a call from one of his daughters, “The house next door is on fire!” He went to investigate. That’s when he saw two women and a girl hysterical (歇斯底里的) on their porch.
“The baby’s in there!” one of the women cried. Though the fire department had been called, Surrell, then 64, instinctively ran inside. “The baby” was 8-year-old Tiara Roberts, the woman’s granddaughter and a playmate of Surrell’s three youngest kids, then 8, 10, and 12. The other two on the porch were Tiara’s aunt and cousin.
Entering the burning house was like “running into a bucket of black paint,” Surrell says. The thick smoke caused him to stumble blindly around, burned his eyes, and made it impossible to breathe. The conditions would have been hazardous for anyone, but for Surrell, who has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (慢性阻塞性肺疾病), they were life-threatening. He was the last person who should have run into a burning building—he has lung disease. But that didn’t stop him.
After a few minutes in the smoke filled house, he retreated outside to catch his breath. “Where is Tiara?” he asked desperately.“The second floor.” her aunt shouted back.
Surrell knew he couldn’t hold his breath for long. So he uttered a little prayer, “Well, Lord, this is it. You gotta help me, because I’m not coming out without that little girl.” Taking a deep breath, he went in a second time.
The darkness was overwhelming. Yet because the house had a similar layout to his, he found the stairs and made it to the second floor. He turned to the right and was met by intense heat. He was already out of breath.
“Baby girl, where are you?” His throat and lungs burned as if he’d inhaled fire instead of the smoke and soot in the air. Every blink stung his eyes. All he could hear was the crackling and popping of burning wood. ①.Still unable to see, Surrell fell to his knees on the hot wood floor. He crawled toward the sound, feeling around for any sign of the girl. An ominous thought crossed his mind: I’m probably gonna die up here.
Finally he touched something. A shoe, then an ankle. He pulled Tiara toward him. ② Her body was limp and she wasn’t breathing. He scooped her into his arms and stood. He felt the heat of the flames on his cheeks. Turning, he fought through the smoke and ran blindly into the blackness. The next thing he knew, he was at the front door, then outside. Surrell put Tiara down on the porch.
③ . A voice told him, “You have to breathe for her.” He started CPR—the first time he’d ever done so. The women stood behind him, praying silently. Soon a soot-filled cough came from Tiara’s throat. Surrell gave five more breaths. She coughed again. Her eyes flickered. He gave one final breath. She opened her eyes and took a breath on her own.
④ .Their eyes met. Surrell hugged her tight and said, “Uncle’s got you.” Soon after, his throat closed off.
Surrell woke up in the hospital a couple of days later, having suffered severe burns to his windpipe and the upper portion of his lungs. He spent over a week in the hospital. Tiara was released from the hospital after a few days. The fire exacerbated Surrell’s pulmonary condition, and he feels the effects even two years later. As a result, he takes extra medication that helps open his airways. “It’s a small price to pay,” he says. “I’d do it again in a heartbeat. Wouldn’t give it a second thought.”
1.Michael Surrell ran to save “the baby” mainly because ________.
A.he was on the scene casually
B.he was driven by instinct
C.his daughter was in danger
D.his own house was at risk
2.Why should Surrell be the last person to run into a burning building?
A.The fire department had been called.
B.He was 64 years old at that time.
C.The condition was life-threatening.
D.He had chronic pulmonary disease.
3.In the course of rescue, Surrell ________.
A.had to move out for breath because of smoke
B.was prevented by the overwhelming smoke
C.made it to the second floor without any trouble
D.could clearly hear the sound made by the baby
4.Which blank could the sentence “Then a weak but distinct voice emerged” be best put in?
A.① B.②
C.③ D.④
5.From the last paragraph, we can learn that ________.
A.Surrell came back to life a week later
B.Tiara had to stay in hospital for weeks
C.Surrell’s disease became more serious
D.Tiara needed further extra medication
6.What can be a suitable title for the passage?
A.Breathe for Her B.Struggle to survive
C.A small price to pay D.A man with lung disease
Eating red meat is linked to cancer and heart disease, but are the risks big enough to justify giving up juicy burgers and delicious steaks? Probably not, according to researchers who reviewed data from 12 clinical trials involving about 54,000 people. In a series of controversial papers, the researchers argue that the increased health risks tied to red meat are small and uncertain, and that cutting back likely wouldn't be worth it for people who enjoy meat.
Those conclusions go against established medical advice. They were swiftly attacked by a group of famous U.S. scientists who took the unusual step of trying to stop the papers from being published until their criticisms were addressed.
The new work does not say red or processed meats like hot dogs and bacon are healthy, or that people should eat more of them. The team’s reviews of past studies generally support the ties to cancer, heart disease and other bad health outcomes. But the authors say the evidence is weak, and that there’s not much certainty meat is really the cause, since other diet and lifestyle factors could be at play.
If the latest example of how divisive nutrition research has become, with its uncertainties leaving the door open for conflicting advice. Critics say findings often aren't backed by strong evidence. Defenders counter that nutrition studies can rarely be conclusive because of the difficulty of measuring the effects of any single food, but that methods have improved.
Based on their analyses, the researchers said people do not have to cut back for health reasons. But they noted that their own advice is weak, and acknowledged that they didn't consider factors such as animal welfare and the environment. Indeed, the case that meat production is bad for animal welfare and the environment is stronger than the case that it's bad for human health, according to an editorial that accompanies the report.
Not all of the report authors agreed with its conclusions. Three of the 14 researchers said they support reducing red and processed meats. A coauthor of one of the reviews is also among those who called for a publication delay.
Those who pushed to postpone publication also questioned why certain studies were included in the reviews while others were left out.
As for his own diet, Dr. Gordon Guyatt, a member of the international research team that conducted the reviews, said he no longer thinks red or processed meats have significant health risks. But he said he still avoids them out of habit, and for animal welfare and environmental reasons.
1.What is the author’s purpose in writing the passage?
A.To introduce a new relationship between health and eating red meat.
B.To urge more people to keep away from eating red meat regularly.
C.To present a new controversial view on impacts of eating red meat.
D.To criticize nutrition studies for lacking of conclusive evidence.
2.What is the author’s attitude towards the new research?
A.Doubtful. B.Positive.
C.Disapproving. D.Objective.
3.Guyatt’s avoiding red meats has the weakest connection with ________.
A.health risks B.diet habits
C.animal welfare D.environmental protection
4.What can we learn from the recent research?
A.Red meats don’t have significant health risks.
B.Reducing meat consumption will be worth it.
C.The report authors have reached a consensus.
D.Consuming red meat will do good to health.
A study published in the journal Science reveals that since 1970, bird populations in the United States and Canada have declined by 29 percent, or almost 3 billion birds. The results show tremendous losses across diverse groups of birds and habitats — from iconic songsters such as meadowlarks to long-distance migrants such as swallows.
“These data are consistent with what we’re seeing elsewhere,” said co-author Peter Marra, former head of the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center. It’s urgent to address ongoing threats, both because the domino effects (多米诺效应) can lead to the decay of ecosystems that humans depend on for our own health and livelihoods and because people all over the world cherish birds in their own right. Can you imagine a world without birdsong?”
Evidence for the declines emerged from detection of migratory birds in the air from 143 NEXRAD weather radar stations across the continent in a period spanning over 10 years, as well as from nearly 50 years of data collected through multiple monitoring efforts on the ground. Citizen-science participants also contributed a lot, for the analysis included citizen-science data from the North American Breeding Bird Survey coordinated by the Canadian Wildlife Service—the main sources of long-term, large-scale population data for North American birds.
The study noted that the largest factor driving these declines is likely the widespread loss and degradation of habitat, especially due to agricultural intensification and urbanization. Other studies have documented death from predation (捕食) by domestic cats; collisions with glass, buildings, and other structures; and pervasive (普遍的) use of pesticides associated with widespread declines in insects, an essential food source for birds. Climate change is expected to compound these challenges by altering habitats and threatening plant communities that birds need to survive.
“It’s a wake-up call that we’ve lost more than a quarter of our birds in the U.S. and Canada,” said co-author Adam Smith from Environment and Climate Change Canada. But the crisis reaches far beyond our individual borders. Many of the birds that breed in Canadian backyards migrate through or spend the winter in the U.S. and places farther south — from Mexico and the Caribbean to Central and South America. What our birds need now is an historic, hemispheric effort that unites people and organizations with one common goal: bringing our birds back.”
1.The underlined word “decay” in Paragraph 2 is closest in meaning to ________
A.improvement B.worsening
C.changed D.threat
2.What does Paragraph 3 mainly talk about?
A.New findings of the research.
B.Applications of the research.
C.Data sources of the research.
D.Methods of the research.
3.What Adam Smith said mainly implies that ________.
A.bird populations in America and Canada dropped by a quarter
B.the bird population crisis is not just within individual borders
C.there is little individuals can do to help increase bird populations
D.the solution to solving the crisis needs international cooperation
