California has lost half its big trees since the 1930s, according to a study to be published Tuesday and climate change seems to be a major factor(因素).
The number of trees larger than two feet across has declined by 50 percent on more than 46, 000 square miles of California forests, the new study finds. No area was spared or unaffected, from the foggy northern coast to the Sierra Nevada Mountains to the San Gabriels above Los Angeles. In the Sierra high country, the number of big trees has fallen by more than 55 percent; in parts of southern California the decline was nearly 75 percent.
Many factors contributed to the decline, said Patrick McIntyre, an ecologist who was the lead author of the study. Woodcutters targeted big trees. Housing development pushed into the woods. Aggressive wildfire control has left California forests crowded with small trees that compete with big trees for resources(资源).
But in comparing a study of California forests done in the 1920s and 1930s with another one between 2001 and 2010, McIntyre and his colleagues documented a widespread death of big trees that was evident even in wildlands protected from woodcutting or development.
The loss of big trees was greatest in areas where trees had suffered the greatest water shortage. The researchers figured out water stress with a computer model that calculated how much water trees were getting in comparison with how much they needed, taking into account such things as rainfall, air temperature, dampness of soil, and the timing of snowmelt(融雪).
Since the 1930s, McIntyre said, the biggest factors driving up water stress in the state have been rising temperatures, which cause trees to lose more water to the air, and earlier snowmelt, which reduces the water supply available to trees during the dry season.
1.What is the second paragraph mainly about?
A.The seriousness of big-tree loss in California.
B.The increasing variety of California big trees.
C.The distribution of big trees in California forests.
D.The influence of farming on big trees in California.
2.Which of the following is well-intentioned but may be bad for big trees?
A.Ecological studies of forests.
B.Banning woodcutting.
C.Limiting housing development.
D.Fire control measures.
3.What is a major cause of the water shortage according to McIntyre?
A.Inadequate snowmelt. B.A longer dry season.
C.A warmer climate. D.Dampness of the air.
4.What can be a suitable title for the text?
A.California’s Forests: Where Have All the Big Trees Gone?
B.Cutting of Big Trees to Be Prohibited in California Soon
C.Why Are the Big Trees Important to California Forests?
D.Patrick McIntyre: Grow More Big Trees in California
Anger is not wrong. I know this statement seems shocking and challenges the wildly popular “Positive Thinking” movement, which encourages us to “be full of positive energy” and “let go of our anger”. However, the truth is that anger is just an emotion, and emotions are neither right nor wrong. We do not consciously select them.We do, on the other hand, select how we express our emotions and there are definitely right and wrong means of expression.
The reason we’re often urged to “keep a lid on”our anger is that few people ever learn proper and positive ways to express anger. Instead, we are taught that “anger is wrong” and “you should keep your anger inside”. But these messages don't change the fact that, for most of us, anger exists.
Many popular “Positive Thinking” programmes assume that success comes from “controlling our emotion” and that this can be done by simply repeating positive statements.Interestingly, these positive slogans often include a lot of negativity. “Only losers complain! I am a winner!” is one popular saying. The belief that those who disagree with us are losers is actually quite negative and is often used as an excuse for rude language and personal attacks.
When it comes to dealing with negative situations in our daily lives, the ability to reasonably express anger or disagreement is an important skill. But we must use balanced and nonviolent methods to express our dissatisfaction. Frustration at unfair policies or treatment can certainly cause anger, but our anger can never be an excuse for abusing family members, damaging schools, attacking doctors or most seriously, engaging in terrorism.
Instead of pretending that anger doesn't exist, we should start teaching appropriate means of dealing with anger.When we experience anger feelings in ourselves or others, what we should “let go of” is the silly idea that we can remove anger with just a few sweet words. Instead, we should find reasonable solutions to the causes of those angry feelings. We need to accept anger as a natural emotion but stop using it as an excuse for violent and destructive behavior. Anger isn't wrong, but failure to deal with it appropriately is.
1.What is the writer's opinion about the “Positive Thinking” movement?
A.It can help people control their negative feelings.
B.It does not offer useful solutions for dealing with anger.
C.Following such advice can improve people's chances for success.
D.Most of the people who participate in such programs are dishonest.
2.The underlined expression “keep a lid on” in Paragraph 2 is closest in meaning to________.
A.freely express B.always forgive
C.hold inside D.completely forget
3.What information would have been useful to add to the final paragraph?
A.The names of some good books that talk about anger issues.
B.The viewpoints of people who hold the opposite opinion to the writer.
C.Different studies that provide some evidence supporting the writer's belief.
D.Some examples of how to deal with anger in a positive and beneficial way.
4.The content of this passage is mostly based on________.
A.fact B.opinion
C.theory D.story
Opened in September 2005, Hong Kong Disneyland is the second Disney Park in Asia. It experienced a difficult time upon its opening. The Park, as well as two themed hotels, was built on Lantau Island.
The Park opened to strong competition in the form of Ocean Park. Hong Kong Disneyland is one of only two parks in Hong Kong, which has become one of the world's leading cities in recent years. It kept Chinese cultural traditions in mind when they built the Park to avoid a cultural backlash (抵制). Designers added to the custom of Feng Shui.
Disney and Hong Kong announced the Park in 1999, and construction began in 2003. The Park had one of the shortest construction periods in Disney history. Disney actually announced that the opening of the Park would be brought forward, from 2006 to September 2005.
The Park attracted 5.2 million visitors in its first year, below the expected 5.6 million. There was a lack of attractions, with Fantasyland opening with just one dark ride. Summer Passes were announced to increase the number of tourists. Autopia, Stitch Encounter and it's a Small World opened between 2006 and 2008 to offer more attractions at the Park.
The number of tourists dropped in 2007 to just over 4 million, so Disney planned a big expansion (扩大) project to attract more tourists and bring the Park back to its normal level. In July 2009, the Legislative Council of Hong Kong passed a three-land expansion of Hong Kong Disneyland, and in 2010, Toy Story Land opened.
These new attractions have certainly paid off, with the Park earning record profit (盈利) in 2013. In that year, over 7 million guests entered the Park.
With enough room for a second Park and the promise of more attractions to come, it seems that there is indeed a great beautiful tomorrow for Hong Kong Disneyland.
1.What do we know about Hong Kong Disneyland upon its opening?
A.It was the best Disney Park in Asia. B.It wasn't very successful at first.
C.It didn't face much competition. D.It was against Chinese culture.
2.Compared to most other Disney parks, Hong Kong Disneyland ________.
A.is much smaller in size B.has more customs to consider
C.had a longer preparation for opening D.had a shorter period of time for construction
3.What's the author's attitude toward the future of Hong Kong Disneyland?
A.Hopeful. B.Worried.
C.Uninterested. D.Doubtful.
Among the many things that Brisbane(布里斯班), Australia, does really well, is the care for kids. Here's a list of places that we think will be suitable for your kids.
Swimming pools
Simple way for happiness: mix kids with water.Of course, this is a choice for the hot summer months.
Parks
Free outdoor fun—that's what Brisbane's parks offer kids of all ages. Parks encourage imagination and activity for little people and a place for parents to let them run wild.
The Children's Art Centre
The Children's Art Centre has proven very popular with their programs and exhibitions. We love the artist-run workshops and performances (unusually you must pay some money) specially designed for children too.
South Bank Parklands
South Bank Parklands has everything you need to keep little ones amused. Take them for a swim at the man-made beach, play on one of the playgrounds by the river.On weekends, go through the arts market or go to a cheap movie at the South Bank cinema.South Bank Parklands often hosts free events and performances too.
Roma Street Parkland
Close to bus transport, this inner city parkland is easily accessible(可进入的) and ideal for kids of all ages. Younger kids can take a trip on the Jelly Bean Express, a 1.3 km trackless train ride around the parkland or there's a playground to explore. Free entry and open daily.
Skating and climbing
We love the places that let the kids expend all that youthful energy.Take them roller skating(滑旱冰) or ice skating.Or try rock climbing at a variety of indoor and outdoor places around Brisbane.
1.If your kids want to watch performances for free, you can take them to ________.
A.South Bank Parklands B.Roma Street Parkland
C.The Children's Art Centre D.Parks
2.What can we know about Roma Street Parkland?
A.It opens only at weekends.
B.Only younger kids can visit it.
C.We need not buy tickets for a visit.
D.You have to walk when visiting it.
3.What do kids love best in the Children's Art Centre in Brisbane ________.
A.Man-made beach B.Some exhibitions
C.Arts market D.Cheap movies
4.What does the text mainly talk about?
A.Brisbane—a beautiful city in Australia.
B.Some interesting places for kids in Brisbane.
C.The best time to visit Brisbane.
D.How to travel in Brisbane.
阅读下面短文,根据所给情节进行续写,使之构成一个完整的故事。
Ali and his younger sister, Zahra, lived with their parents in a poor neighborhood. Their mother was very sick and their father was struggling to find a job, and they had only a little money with which to buy food. As they had not paid the rent for several months, the landlord was breathing down their necks(盯着他们).
One day, Ali took Zahra’s shoes to a shoe repairman to be fixed, but he lost them on the way home. It wasn’t until he got home that he realized he had lost the shoes. He was afraid that his parents would be angry and disappointed, so he begged his sister to keep it secret. Zahra agreed and the two decided to share Ali’s running shoes. Zahra’s school hours were in the morning, so she would wear them first. After school, she would rush back and give them to Ali. He could then run to his school, which began in the afternoon. Although he ran as fast as he could, Ali often arrived late and was warned by the school.
Ali heard about a long distance race that was held for the boys in the city. When he learned that the third prize was a new pair of shoes, he decided to take part. He ran home excitedly and promised his sister that he would win her the new shoes.
The day of race arrived. Ali had a strong start, but halfway through the race he began to get tired and his legs began to ache. Getting more and more exhausted he thought only of Zahra and his promise to her. Dreaming of the new shoes he would win for his sister gave him strength, and he stayed right behind the two fastest runners, determined to finish third. Suddenly, as the finish line drew near, another runner collided(碰撞) with Ali from behind and he crashed to the ground.
注意:
1. 所续写短文的词数应为150左右;
2. 应使用5个以上短文中标有下划线的关键词语;
3. 续写部分分为两段,每段的开头语已为你写好;
4. 续写完成后,请用下划线标出你所使用的关键词语。
Paragraph 1:
Ali looked up and saw the other boys rushing ahead. ______________________________________________
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Paragraph 2:
Filled with delight, Ali walked home quickly. __________________________________________________
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假定你是某高中国际班班长李华,期中考试后,你校将举行高一新生篮球比赛。届时,与你们班结对学习的英国学生Henry也将来参加。请你写封邮件告知他比赛相关事宜。内容包括:
1.比赛时间和地点:11月28—30日,每天下午2—5点;学校篮球场;
2.你们班首场比赛:11月28日,对阵16班。
3.自拟一项其它注意事项。
注意:1. 词数100左右;
2. 可适当加入细节,以使内容充实、行文连贯;
3. 信的开头和结尾已给出,不计入总词数。
Dear Henry,
In order to enrich our school life,
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Yours sincerely,
Li Hua