Since 1970, North America has lost more than 2.9 billion birds, according to a study recently published in the journal Science. In less than half a century, the bird population has declined by some 29 percent, or more than 1 in 4 birds. For the first time, researchers have discovered that rare species aren't the only birds suffering population loss. In fact, common birds-including beloved backyard friends like sparrows and blackbirds-are taking the biggest hit.
The new study used nearly 50 years of data collected largely by bird watchers and citizen scientists. "A total of 419 native migratory species experienced a net loss of 2.5 billion individuals," the study says. More than 90 percent of the total loss can be found among just 12 bird families. Some of these widespread birds can thrive almost anywhere. The large-scale loss of these hardy birds reveals they're struggling to survive throughout the world/
Birds are considered indicator species because they're crucial to ecosystems, and their populations anticipate the environment's health. Birds are "amazingly efficient" at spreading seeds. Birds also keep insect populations in check. Even the smallest bird helps control the spread of plants or insects.
The new study, however, identifies the losses without knowing all the causes. Scientists do identify habitat loss as the biggest challenge. Climate change, disrupted migration patterns and pesticide use are also major factors. Industrial agriculture may present a bigger challenge. The species disappearing most rapidly—sparrows, blackbirds and larks—are associated with agriculture. In recent decades, agriculture has grown to produce more food, but cleared landscapes have become unlivable for birds.
“We need to change the way we grow food. Birds are signaling that we are doing it wrong, "as the study says. The study offers the example of the 1990s effort to switch to no-till farming, which reduced greenhouse gases and soil erosion（侵蚀）. “Farmers are innovators. And they've done it before. This is a great opportunity to have a huge impact on birds."
1.What's the study mainly about？
A.The climate issues. B.The disappearing birds.
C.The agricultural problems. D.The environmental protection.
2.How is the second paragraph mainly developed？
A.By listing figures. B.By giving examples
C.By analyzing reasons. D.By making comparisons.
3.What's the main reason behind the birds' habitat loss？
A.Climate change. B.Greenhouse gases.
C.Industrial agriculture. D.Disrupted migration patterns.
4.What does the study suggest as a solution？
A.Producing more food. B.Clearing more landscapes.
C.Reducing the use of pesticide. D.Adopting new means of farming.
Walking along the streets in Malaysia, you may hear a number of different languages—Malay, English, Mandarin, or even Indian. More people have decided to travel to Kuala Lumpur to witness the incredible development of Western Malaysia.
However, having a passion for experiencing multicultural and peaceful lifestyles, I chose another route—Sabah, the second largest state in Malaysia. I took a trip there in August. With a knowledgeable guide and warm-hearted locals, it turned out to be an unforgettable experience.
Although Sabah is not that rich or prosperous like Western Malaysia, I prefer the easy and simple life there. Its social ethos（精神气质）is more harmonious than any other scenic spot.
During my five-day stay, I think the Mangrove Forest was the most impressive destination. Have you ever imagined what it might be like to boat through a pleasant breeze while drops of light blur（模糊）your vision？My mind drifted away with the warmth of the sunlight. I lost myself in the peaceful and relaxing surroundings, and fell into a splendid dream world.
However, as a former British colony, it still holds some customs that are difficult for me to get used to. For me, the various dialects and unique expressions among the locals were the biggest issues to deal with. Regardless of this, it taught me a lot. My time at Sabah was very memorable.
1.Why did the author choose Sabah as his destination？
A.To witness its fast development.
B.To make friends with the locals.
C.To enjoy its lifestyle and scenery.
D.To learn different foreign languages.
2.Which word can best describe the journey to Sabah?
A.Astonishing. B.Regretful.
C.Exhausting. D.Fascinating.
3.What was the biggest problem the author had during his trip?
A.Old customs. B.Local language.
C.Confusing routes. D.Multicultural lifestyles.
4.What's the purpose of the text?
A.To promote tourism of Sabah.
B.To introduce a scenic spot-Sabah.
C.To describe the development of Sabah.
D.To share the touring experience in Sabah.
HOW TO MAKE A PLANT LOVE YOU
SUMMER RAYNE OAKES
Penguin Books I $39. 99
Summer is an urban houseplant expert and environmental scientist. She has managed to grow 1000 houseplants in her Brooklyn apartment—and they're thriving！Her secret？She approaches her relationships with plants as if they were people. This book tries to cultivate a new relationship between you and your plants so you can bring your garden indoors too.
BEYOND THE GARDEN GATE
JAQUI CAMERON
Thames & Hudson I $79.99
Enjoy a peek into some of the private gardens. Focused on the personal stories behind the creation of these gardens, this book is for anyone who loves gardening or admiring the beauty of backyards. Most gardens aren't created in isolation, and the book looks at some of the passionate experts who've put their heart into these creative designs. A book of curiosity, see the love and care that went into 20 gorgeous outdoor spaces.
THE GARDENER'S YEAR
NICK RITAR
Penguin Books I $59.99
This is a planting guide for all seasons. From the delicate blossoms of spring to a delicious summer's crop, learn more about what works and when. Full of gardening to-do lists and plant profiles, it will help you create a garden that is colourful, productive and adaptable to every season.
A SLICE OF ORGANIC LIFE
SHEHERAZADE GOLDSMITH
DK Books I $49.99
The idea of growing your own food or going organic can be appealing. The book is the perfect guide to a more simple and sustainable life. Filled with projects, advice and inspiration, it focuses on what you can do. This book offers helpful ways to grow your own food, raise animals, make natural body products, reduce your household waste and so much more.
1.Which book might most attract the backyard garden lovers?
A.The Gardener's Year.
B.A Slice of Organic life.
C.Beyond the Garden Cate.
D.How to Make a Plant Love You.
2.How much does a book on growing green food cost?
A.$39.99. B.$49.99.
C.$ 59.99. D.$79.99.
3.What kind of magazine might the text come from?
A.Gardening. B.Business.
C.Literature. D.Agriculture.
阅读下面材料，根据其内容和所给段落开头语续写下文，使之构成一篇完整的短文。续写的词数应为100左右。
From the first week of high school, my best friend, Tina, was always going out with the popular girls. At first I thought, “It’s okay, she’s just making new friends.” But soon I realized that Tina wasn’t interested in me anymore. I’d lost my best friend. It really hurt me.
One day, I told Tina that we should stop pretending to be friends when we really weren’t anymore. I wasn’t trying to make her mad, but she was. After that, Tina started talking about me behind my back, telling people that I was bad. Some of our friends were on her side. I felt like she was taking them away from me.
The more I thought about it, the angrier I got. Finally, I took up a picture of Tina and drew lines on her face. I wrote “I hate this person” across the bottom. And then I did something I’ll always regret: I put it on a website which I thought was popular. I thought people would see it, and it felt good to work off the anger. A week later, Tina’s mom saw the picture. She called my mom, who made me take it off the website right away. However, it was already too late. Lots of people had seen it, and I was in a lot of trouble. That whole day, I felt terrible. I had to say sorry to Tina face to face. She said she accepted my apology, but I felt she was still angry with me.
Posting that picture was one of the worst decisions I had ever made.
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假定你是李华，你校要举行以“我最喜欢的中国文化”为主题的汉语演讲比赛。请给交换生Terry写信，邀请他参加。内容包括：
1. 比赛时间和地点；
2. 提出建议并表达祝愿。
注意：1. 词数80左右；
2. 可适当增加细节，以使行文连贯；
3. 开头和结尾己给出，不计入总词数。
Dear Terry,
How is it going?
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Yours,
Li Hua
请根据提示将下列句子翻译成英语。
1.我太紧张了，以致于他自我介绍时，我都没注意到。（too…to…）
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2.我想把精力集中在乐队上，毕业后从事音乐方面的工作。（focus on）
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3.多亏了科技进步，我们的交友和交流方式已经有了显著的改变。（thanks to）
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4.我们才是这个世界的访客。（强调主语）
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5.这项运动可以追溯到两千多年前的古代中国。（go back）
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