Skeptics are strange a lot. Some of them refuse to admit the serious threat of human activities to the environment and they are tired of people who disagree with them. Those people, say skeptics, spread nothing but bad news about the environment. The "eco-guilt" brought on by the discouraging news about our planet gives rise to the popularity of skeptics as people search for more comforting worldviews.
Perhaps that explains why a new book by Bjorn Lomborg received so much publicity. That book, The Skeptical Environmentalist, declares that it measures the "real state of the world" as fine. Of course, another explanation is the deep pockets of some big businesses with special interests. Indeed, Mr. Lomborg's views are similar to those of some industry-funded organizations, which start huge activities through the media to confuse the public about issues like global warming.
So it was strange to see Mr. Lomborg's book go largely unchallenged in the media though his beliefs were contrary to most scientific opinions. One national newspaper in Canada ran a number of articles and reviews full of words of praise, even with the conclusion that "After Lomborg, the environmental movement will begin to die down."
Such one-sided views should have immediately been challenged. But only a different review appeared in Nature, a respected science magazine with specific readership. The review remarked that Mr. Lomborg's "preference for unexamined materials is incredible".
A critical eye is valuable, and the media should present information in such a way that could allow people to make informed decisions. Unfortunately, that is often inaccessible as blocked by the desire to be shocking or to defend some special interest. People might become half-blind before a world partially exhibited by the media. That's a shame, because matters concerning the health of the planet are far too important to be treated lightly.
1.According to the passage, which of the following may be regarded as "skeptics"?
A. People who agree on the popularity of "eco-guilt".
B. People who dislike the harmful effect of human activities.
C. People who disbelieve the serious situation of our planet.
D. People who spread comforting news to protect our environment.
2.Which of the following can be a reason for the popularity of Lomborg's books?
A. The book challenges views about the fine state of the world.
B. Some big businesses intend to protect their own interests.
C. The author convinces people to speak comforting worldviews.
D. Industry–funded media present confusing information.
3.The author mentioned the review in Nature in order to_________.
A. find fault with Lomborg's book
B. voice a different opinion
C. challenge the authority of the media
D. point out the value of scientific views
4.What is the author's main purpose in writing the passage?
A. To show the importance of presenting overall information by the media.
B. To warn the public of the danger of half–blindness with reviews.
C. To blame the media's lack of responsibility in information.
D. To encourage the skeptics to have a critical eye.
For environmental reasons, Britain will ban all new petro-and diesel-powered vehicles from its roads beginning in 23 years, a government report says.
The plan, expected Wednesday, aims to start removing petrol and diesel engines in 2040. It follows a similar official statement in France and comes after the British government was ordered by the High Court to develop new plans to reduce NO2 in the air. Judges ruled that previous clean-air plans were not enough to meet European Union pollution limits in the coming years.
Britain’s government has said the poor air quality has an unnecessary and avoidable negative effect on citizens’ health, and costs up to $ 3.5 billion in annual lost productivity.
Part of the new plan involves an offer of $ 260 million to local governments to change rules where vehicle emissions(排放) are over EU standards. Ideas so far include changing road layouts, reprogramming traffic lights and charging a fee for the oldest and most polluting cars on the road.
The plan also includes $1.3 billion for government purchase of extreme-low-emission vehicles, nearly $ 130 million to improve infrastructure for electric vehicle charging stations and $ 378 million for remodeling existing vehicles.
Climate change is also a reason for the plan to get these vehicles off the road. “We can’t carry on with petrol and diesel cars,” Environment Secretary Michael Gove said. “It’s important we all prepare for a significant change which deals not just with the problems of health caused by emissions, but the broader problems caused in terms of accelerating climate change.”
Gove added that local communities are partly responsible for coming up with ways to limit emissions, including possible limitations on commuters(上下班往返者) and the addition of cleaner mass transportation options. Local leaders are called on to draw up “appropriate plans” to deal with climate challenges related to emission, he said.
1.Why does the British government decide on this ban?
A. To focus on its citizens’ health. B. To follow in France’s footsteps.
C. To promote solar energy in transport. D. To respond to the court’s request.
2.Which measure may the British government take to achieve its plan?
A. Changing the way roads are arranged. B. Removing old and high-emission vehicles.
C. Spending some money on electric vehicles. D. Limiting the number of traffic lights.
3.What can be inferred from Gove’s words?
A. Convenient public transportation is badly needed.
B. United efforts are required to achieve the plan.
C. Vehicle emissions are the key factor in climate change.
D. Petrol and diesel cars may hold back economic progress.
4.What is the suitable title for this passage?
A. Practical ways to reduce vehicle emissions
B. Britain plans to take petrol and diesel engines off roads
C. The EU forces Britain to improve the poor air quality
D. Relationship between vehicle emissions and climate change
On November 7, Lewis Pugh completed a one-kilometer swim in the freezing waters of King Edward Cove, off South Georgia in Antarctica. He was wearing only his swimming glasses, cap and speedos!
Pugh is an advocate for our oceans and seas, working to protect these ecosystem with their large diversity of marine life. When asked why he doesn’t wear a wetsuit, Lewis says, “I ask world leaders to do everything they can to protect our oceans. Sometimes the steps they need to take are difficult and unpopular. If I’m asking them to be courageous, I must also be. Swimming in a wetsuit would not send the right message.”
It took Pugh about 19 minutes to complete the one-kilometer swim in Antarctica where the water averaged about 1.6 degrees Celsius . He says that his body can only tolerate about 20 minutes in the freezing waters before it starts shutting down. As he swims, his body temperature steadily drops, which in turn causes his muscle control to drop, slowing him down. When he is done with his swim, his support team rushes him to a hot shower and it takes almost an hour for his body temperature to return to normal.
Doctors and Pugh caution that one must receive months of training to swim in such cold waters. Even expert swimmers who are unused to freezing water can drown within minutes because of the physical shock experienced by the body. Pugh says he trained for six months before this swim.
This is not the first time that Lewis has swum in dangerous conditions. In 2007, he swam one kilometer in the North Pole to draw attention to the melting Arctic ice due to climate change. In 2015, he swam in the Bay of Whales in Antarctica’s Ross Sea as part of his successful campaign to help set up a marine reserve there.
1.Why did Lewis Pugh swim without a wetsuit?
A. To swim faster. B. To show his bravery.
C. To build up his body. D. To win public attention.
2.What does the underlined word “it” in Paragraph 3 refer to?
A. His body. B. The water.
C. His body temperature. D. The water temperature.
3.What’s Pugh’s advice about swimming in freezing waters?
A. One must be fully prepared.
B. One should be expert at swimming.
C. One should be ready to take on challenges.
D. One must be used to long-distance swimming.
4.What may be the best title for the text?
A. Lewis Pugh: swimming for a cause
B. How to survive a swim in cold waters
C. How to prepare for extreme swimming
D. Lewis Pugh: achieving the impossible
It may seem hard to leave Sydney’s attractions and sights, but when the urge arises to explore beyond the city, many exceptional day trips await travelers.
Scenic World
On a visit to the World heritage-listed Blue Mountains, enjoy clean fresh air and breath-taking landscapes of ancient rainforests. Scenic World in Katoomba is the best way to access the beauty of this region. Besides climbing, you can choose cablecars, elevated boardwalks or the Scenic Railway—the world’s steepest train travelling through a rock tunnel, to reach the mountain top.
Royal National Park
Established in 1879, the Royal is the world’s second-oldest national park. Located an hour’s drive south of Sydney, the beaches are unspoilt, crowd-free and great for surfing or swimming. There’s dramatic scenery along the way with a range of unique heritage attractions. Bushwalking, boating, canoeing and fishing are also popular activities.
Featherdale Wildlife Park
Located 45 minutes west of Sydney, Featherdale has the world’s largest collection of Australian native birds, mammals (哺乳动物) and reptiles (爬行动物). Situated in a bushland environment, Featherdale provides a unique opportunity for up-close animal interactions (交往). Hand-feed a kangaroo, have breakfast with a koala and check out a huge variety of species including dingos, emus, penguins and more.
The Hawkesbury River
An hour north-west of Sydney, the Hawkesbury is one of New South Wales’ best-kept secrets. Experience what this picturesque region of waterways, farmland and national parks has to offer—from waterskiing and bushwalking to horse riding, river cruises and retail therapy.
1.What can you do when visiting Scenic World?
A. Ride horses.
B. Hand-feed a kangaroo.
C. Go surfing.
D. Climb mountains.
2.If you are an animal lover, you can go to ________.
A. Scenic World
B. Royal National Park
C. The Hawkesbury River
D. Featherdale Wildlife Park
3.What do Royal National Park and The Hawkesbury River have in common?
A. Both can be reached by cablecars.
B. Visitors can go swimming and fishing.
C. Bushwalking is available on the two trips.
D. Visitors can enjoy beautiful mountain scenery.
听下面一段独白，回答以下小题。
1.What percentage of the world’s tea exports go to Britain?
A. Almost 15%. B. About 30%. C. Over 40%.
2.Why do tea tasters taste tea with milk?
A. Most British people drink tea that way.
B. Tea tastes much better with milk.
C. Tea with milk is healthy.
3.Who suggests a price for each tea?
A. Tea tasters. B. Tea exporters. C. Tea companies.
4.What is the speaker talking about?
A. The life of tea tasters. B. Afternoon tea in Britain. C. The London Tea Trade Centre.
听下面一段较长对话，回答以下小题。
1.What is the probable relationship between the speakers?
A. Salesperson and customer. B. Homeowner and cleaner. C. Husband and wife.
2.What kind of apartment do the speakers prefer?
A. One with two bedrooms. B. One without furniture. C. One near market.
3.How much rent should one pay for the one-bedroom apartment?
A. $350. B. $400. C. $415.
4.Where is the apartment the speakers would like to see?
A. On Lake Street. B. On Market Street. C. On South Street.
