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Task 1

After graduating from Harvard University, I have been living in Xiamen for more than six years, but every time I visit Kulangsu, it feels special. When I first visited the island, it felt like stepping back in time, right into an era when people were closer to one another.

The island, also known as Gulangyu, is Xiamen's most famous tourist spot. Its historical settlement has been listed as UNESCO World Cultural Heritage since 2017.Kulangsu is the place where the 19th-century traders from abroad and China built their mansions. Consequently, Victorian architecture scattered across the island was influenced by merchants from all around the world. Many foreigners can spot little reminders of their country, one such recent example being that of a friend from Georgia who told me she had uncovered a trail of Georgian traces on the island, once again underlining the importance of Kulangsu back in the 19th century.

Thanks to its special mix of cultural and historical elements, Kulangsu makes you feel enriched, and makes you want to know more about its history. Moreover, thanks to the fact that it is a pedestrian-only island, visitors can enjoy long walks traversing (穿過(guò))the historical settlement.

Kulangsu is a magical place at any time of year. During the cooler winter days, it'll be mostly you and the sound of wind going solo when visiting the island. I remember the Christmas in 2015, when I visited Kulangsu with my boyfriend. We walked around,enjoying the calm and entered one of Kulangsu's churches. Christmas is the most important holiday in the Czech Republic, a time when the whole family gathers and attends church at night. It was of special importance to me to follow this tradition in China with my own new family.

The island is well known in musical circles (especially in classical ones) and the people of Kulangsu have a special gift for making music. The name of the island itself is connected to the notion of sound—kulang meaning drum waves. Kulangsu is only 3 square kilometers, but piano ownership per capita ranks No. 1 in the nation. It is host to China's only piano museum, also one of the world's largest with more than 200 pianos in shapes and sizes you may have never seen before.

1. What is the reason why the author likes Kulangsu?

A. It makes the author feel unique when visiting every time.

B. It is the most famous tourist attraction in Xiamen.

C. It has been listed as UNESCO World Cultural Heritage.

D. It has luxury houses built by Chinese and foreign merchants.

2. What's the purpose of the example of the Georgian woman?

A. To demonstrate the unique architectural style of the island.

B. To exhibit the Victorian style architecture on the island.

C. To display the Georgian style architecture on the island.

D. To show many kinds of architectural styles of the island.

3. Where does the author come from according to the text?

A. USA. B. Georgia. C. Czech. D. China.

4. What's special about Kulangsu in music?

A. China's only piano museum is located there.

B. It is host to the world's largest piano museum.

C. The total number of pianos in Kulangsu ranks first in China.

D. The people there have a special gift for making musical instruments.

Task 2

The North Atlantic right whale can easily be identified by the white calluses on its head, which are very noticeable against the whale's dark gray body. It has a broad back without a dorsal fin and a long arching mouth that begins above the eye. A baleen whale,it feeds by swimming through a swarm of plankton with its mouth open and the head slightly above the surface. Right whales are found more often in coastal waters, especially during the breeding season.

In a sad change of fortune, the North Atlantic right whale is in deep trouble again after centuries of hunting. Recent population trends are so awful that experts predict the whale could disappear within 20 years, making it the first great whale to go extinct in modern times.

At a meeting of the Society for Marine Mammalogy, whale experts reported that roughly 100 mature females remain, but they are not living long enough or reproducing quickly enough for the species to survive. Ship strikes have long been a threat, and deadly entanglements(纏繞)in commercial fishing equipment are becoming more serious.

Eubalaena glacialis, the North Atlantic right whale—it is easy to kill and rich in valuable blubber (鯨脂)—is one of three right whale species. It is found along North America's east coast, producing young in the winter in waters off Florida and migrating to summer feeding waters off New England and northeastern Canada. Its accessible habitat has made it one of the world's best documented large whales.

Entanglement, however, appears to be causing more damage because of increased fishing in areas where the whales are looking for food. By studying field reports and rope scars found on whales, researchers have concluded that about 50 North Atlantic right whales become entangled each year. Entangled whales often drown or die from starvation or injuries. Overall, 58% of the right whale deaths since 2009 were due to entanglements,a big jump from 25% between 2000 and 2008, says Scott Kraus, marine mammalogist of the New England Aquarium in Boston.

1. What's the main reason for the probable future disappearance of the right whales?

A. They cannot multiply quickly.

B. The female whales live a short life.

C. They are threatened by human activities.

D. They are largely killed by fishing equipment.

2. Which of the following can be used to describe Eubalaena glacialis?

A. Very smart. B. Highly adaptable.

C. Too clumsy. D. Cold-resistant.

3. What does Scott Kraus say about the right whales?

A. They stopped dying a few decades ago.

B. Most of their deaths resulted from entanglements.

C. Their deaths have declined in recent years.

D. They can jump higher than ever before.

4. What is the best title for the text?

A. The North Atlantic right whale going extinct

B. Ways to save the North Atlantic right whale

C. A brief introduction to the North Atlantic right whale

D. A study report on the North Atlantic right whale extinction

Task 3

The Utrecht Central Museum is the oldest municipal museum in the Netherlands and is where you will find the largest collection of Gerrit Rietveld's designs in the world,paintings by old masters such as the Utrecht Caravaggists, and illustrations by Dick Bruna, creator of Miffy.

It offered an unusual art exhibition recently, called The Blind Spot. Visitors could look at artworks as expected. But they could also touch and smell them. The show was designed to provide a better experience for museum-goers with poor eyesight. The creators made copies of famous paintings and added representative elements that could be heard or smelled.Visitors could even get a“feel”for the art,which included touchable elements.

Visitor Manssouri seemed to enjoy his experience. He smiled as he moved his hands over cheese, grapes and bread, part of the representation of a famous 1610 painting by Floris van Dyck. “The first thing that struck me was the smell,” Manssouri said. “I could really smell the cheese, and I touched it too.” Manssouri wondered how the food did not fall from its unbalanced position. “That was really surprising to feel... I guess it was glued on pretty well,” Manssouri said.

Artist Jasper Udink Ten Cate and designer Jeroen Prins created The Blind Spot.They said they were inspired by an experience they shared with a blind visitor at a past art show. They had provided food to go along with artworks at the show. The blind visitor was very moved by that, they said. “That moment was the starting point,” Ten Cate said.

Steffie Maas is the director of the museum. She said The Blind Spot was an experiment on the way to more such improvements. Visitor Bas Suurland also praised The Blind Spot, calling the experience “quite unique in the Netherlands”.

1. What's special about the art exhibition?

A. The art exhibition has the largest collection.

B. Visitors can enjoy famous artworks and taste delicious food.

C. Visitors can look at, hear, smell and even touch the artworks.

D. The art exhibition's artworks are all copied from famous paintings.

2. How did visitor Manssouri think about the art exhibition?

A. The experience was wonderful.

B. The experience was doubtful.

C. The smell made him moved.

D. The smell gave him the most impression.

3. What can we know about The Blind Spot according to the last paragraph?

A. It's in the pink of perfection.

B. It's flawless and incomparable.

C. It's frustrating and far from perfection.

D. It's a good start but remains to be improved.

4. Which can be a suitable title for the text?

A. Why The Blind Spot struck blind visitors

B. How visitors with poor eyesight praised The Blind Spot

C. Dutch museum had art show for people with vision issues

D. How the art show for people with vision issues came into being

Task 4

If the thought of heading to the beach or to Disneyland leaves you feeling bored,how about a trip to “Mars”?

Tripadvisor (a travel website) is offering an out-of-this-world experience for anyone who has always wanted to travel to another planet. Now, you won't be leaving the Earth—the trip from Astroland (a large park with many special machines that you can ride on)takes participants deep into the caves of northern Spain.

The trip lasts about four weeks, including a three-week training program and another three days of physical and psychological (心理的) training in Astroland. It all leads up to three days of seclusion in the caves. Once inside, participants will have the basic necessities for survival while they test what human life would be like on Mars; no communication is allowed with the outside world.

There are only five organized trips available in the coming months with 10 people at the most per trip, so those who are looking to take part in the trips should book quickly and be prepared to spend much money. You must pass physical and psychological tests before being allowed to go through the experience and special equipment has to be worn.

Aside from achieving a childhood dream of being an astronaut, Tripadvisor says that the goal of the trips is to learn more about not only the physical but also the social influence living in such an area would have.

During the training, the chosen team will meet space scientists and psychologists online and learn how to carry out spacewalks by participating in caving training and tests that simulate (模擬) the states of weightlessness.

If you're thinking about signing up, it's important to note that it's not advised for anyone with back problems, heart diseases or other medical conditions. Travelers also should have good physical fitness.

1. Why does the author mention the beach?

A. To say that it's a nice place to have a holiday.

B. To compare its popularity with that of other places.

C. To show that the trip to be introduced is more exciting.

D. To advise people not to go there because it would be boring.

2. What does the underlined word “seclusion” in paragraph 3 probably mean?

A. Being lost. B. Being isolated.

C. Being afraid. D. Being awake.

3. What do we know about the trips?

A. They'll begin separately within one month.

B. They'll be enjoyed by no more than 50 people.

C. They'll allow people to take their own special equipment.

D. They'll let people meet the astronauts face to face.

4. What is the last paragraph mainly about?

A. Things to notice. B. Problems to solve.

C. Decisions to make. D. Conditions to improve.

Task 5

Owning any pet is beneficial to health—especially mental health—research has found. I'm sorry if this offends cat and rabbit lovers, but people having a dog will almost certainly score more health points,which is because they're obliged(強(qiáng)迫)to walk a dog.

The government recommends we spend two and a half hours a week taking moderate exercise, including businesslike walking. Most dog owners do more exercise than that,which not only keeps them fit but also well by keeping their weight down. A 2017 study in The Gerontologist, a medical journal, found that older people who walked a dog had a lower BMI (體質(zhì)指數(shù)）, had fewer limitations in their daily activities and went to the doctor less often.

Taking dogs for a walk also improves dog owners' social life, researchers have found,no doubt, because they talk to other dog owners. So they're less likely to feel lonely if they're out with a furry friend. That in turn can help them keep away from cognitive (認(rèn)知的) decline, which is often associated with social isolation.

And there's really strong evidence that having dogs is good for people's heart and might even help them live longer. A Canadian study published in the journal Circulation:Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes, found that keeping a canine was associated with a 31 percent drop in deaths from cardiovascular causes and, for those who already had a heart problem, the reduction in deaths from all causes was a magnificent 65 percent.

A Swedish study in the same journal found the heart attack survivors who lived alone with a dog had a 33 percent reduced risk of dying. Dog owners recovering from a stroke had a 27 percent reduced risk of dying.

Other research has shown that petting a dog can lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels. On the strength of this evidence, you'd be in a hurry to have a dog.

1. What can we know from paragraph 1?

A. Having a dog companion makes you healthier.

B. Owning a dog will be less beneficial to your health.

C. Having a dog makes you devote less time to walking it.

D. Dog lovers will be forced to do much unnecessary work.

2. What is proved by the strong evidence?

A. Walking a dog can help control weight.

B. Having a dog helps people pass the time.

C. Walking a dog can improve people's social life.

D. Having a dog is good for people's heart.

3. How does the author prove his opinion?

A. By arguing. B. By comparing.

C. By giving figures. D. By giving examples.

4. What's the best title for the text?

A. Taking more exercise to keep fit

B. Having a dog is good for your health

C. Keeping a positive attitude to life

D. The researchers' new findings on pets

Task 6

Two words don't look tempting on a menu, “swamp rat”. At least that's the darkhumored consensus among a boatload of chefs. They're touring at the invitation of local ecologists who want their help to save Louisiana's threatened wetlands. And the “swamp rat” is the invasive nutria (海貍鼠), once imported from South America for its fur but now loose in the wild, chewing up so much habitat that the state has a six-dollar-a-tail bounty on the rodent（嚙齒動(dòng)物）.“Chefs here are our local celebrities,”says Jacques Hebert,an ecologist. “Our culture revolves around eating.” Perhaps conservation could too?

The South is hard hit but hardly alone. Take lionfish, a damaging but delicious invasive species as an example. Native to the South Pacific, they were first spotted in the Atlantic Ocean in the 1980s. They're overpopulating reefs and, without native predators,they “fear nothing”, says biologist Alex Fogg. “There are people who would never in a million years consider taking the life of a wild animal,” says Fogg. “But lionfish are something that those folks can get behind, because they're helping the environment.”

A vegan once told Fogg that lionfish is the only animal she'd ever eat “because of the cause”. Fogg runs an annual lionfish spearfishing tournament in Destin, Florida. This year's winning team, Florida Man, got $10,000, and festivities including a restaurant week with lionfish as the star ingredient.

Asian carp also infests and dominates waterways. Philippe Parola, a chef, who runs a website devoted to invasive species, is turning the carp into comfort food: premade and frozen fish balls that can be dropped into a deep fryer. He's planning to target college cafeterias and stadiums for mass consumption.“We can't wait,” he warns. “This had to be done yesterday.” These invasive species are “incredibly destructive—and highly edible”.

1. What do we know about “swamp rat”?

A. It looks tempting.

B. It is a local species.

C. It gets out of control in the wild of Louisiana.

D. It has destroyed wetlands totally.

2. Why do people eat lionfish according to Fogg?

A. Because lionfish are edible.

B. Because lionfish are delicious.

C. Because lionfish are destroying the wetlands.

D. Because lionfish are damaging the environment.

3. What can we infer from Parola's words?

A. Invasive species should have been eaten up long before.

B. We should eat invasive species as many as possible.

C. Invasive species have dominated the habitat of human beings.

D. We should take action to deal with invasive species as soon as possible.

4. What's the purpose of the text?

A. To appeal to people to eat invasive species.

B. To explain the reason for eating invasive species.

C. To declare the serious problem of invasive species.

D. To confirm what has been believed about invasive species.

Task 7

At three moments in the past, the Earth's geological activity picked up the pace. Its tectonic plates (構(gòu)造板塊) moved faster than normal and there were bursts of volcanic activity and mountain building that helped create supercontinents. These three geological big bangs(地質(zhì)上的大爆炸) may have played a role in the evolution of life on the Earth.

It is found that the Earth's tectonic plates are moving faster now than they were a billion or so years ago. The conclusion comes from analyzing several types of data, including magnetic(磁的) signals locked in ancient rock that suggest where on the Earth's surface the plates were at a particular time in the past. This can help establish how fast the plates were moving at the time.

Now, more data suggest that there is no longer a signal suggesting the plates have sped up through time. At three points in the Earth's distant past—600, 1,100 and 1,850 million years ago—the tectonic plates sped up for a few tens of millions of years so that the global average speed was 30% to 50% faster than normal.

At the same time, there were peaks in volcanic activity and mountain building, indicating the formation of supercontinents—Nuna at about 1,850 million years ago, Rodinia at about 1,100 million years ago and Pangaea at about 600 million years ago.

This is evidence of a vast geological cycle that begins with the death of a supercontinent. As it breaks up, it increases plate speed, which in turn increases mountain building activity. It isn't surprising that two of the three geological big bangs roughly meet with the incidents in life's history: the appearance of complex cells about 1.7 billion years ago and the emergence of animals about 600 million years ago. These three geological big bangs sent large quantities of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere which would have had a significant influence on life.

1. What is the function of paragraph 1?

A. To present a problem. B. To settle a problem.

C. To put forward an argument. D. To introduce the topic of the text.

2. What does the underlined word “evolution” in paragraph 1 mean?

A. Creation. B. Revolution.

C. Development. D. Continuation.

3. What can we know about the tectonic plates?

A. They are still speeding up now.

B. They have sped up four times by now.

C. They will speed up in millions of years.

D. They move faster than about a billion of years ago.

4. What will happen if a supercontinent breaks up?

A. Life will die out. B. Plate speed will slow down.

C. A geological cycle will end. D. Mountain building will be active.

Task 8

People have “houseplant fever”. Ads for houseplants called “Ken” or “Pippa” pop up on the Internet; a video call isn't complete without plants somewhere and the social media is full of tips and pictures about plants. It should surprise no one that greenery offers an antidote (矯正方法) to the pandemic anxiety.

Caring for a living object and creating a peaceful indoor environment can be comforting activities in an uncertain and stressful time. The Royal Horticultural Society reported a 23% rise in plant sales in July, 2020, compared to 2019.

Houseplants are especially popular among millennials (千禧一代) who can't look forward to home (let alone garden) ownership and for whom the job market is unstable.For them, houseplants are affordable, concrete and within reach.

Many people of all ages have long known that growing greenery can make them happier and more relaxed. The care that plants need may not be demanding. “Looking after plants,” Sue Stuart-Smith wrote in her book,“triggers a reward system in our bodies,releasing endorphins and oxytocin—chemicals of pleasure, relaxation and satisfaction.”She quoted a study in which people were given a variety of presents. Only flowers reliably brought a true smile rather than a forced one.

Plants in offices have been linked to an increased level of generosity and trust. And while claims about plants' healing properties must not be overstated, nor should they be ignored. A study of patients found that those with plants in their hospital rooms felt better and took less pain medicine than those without. Nearly all the patients who had plants said these plants were the best thing about their hospital rooms. Buying houseplants,then, can be understood less as fever than an instinctive (本能的) reaching for a cure.“As long as you have a garden,” the author of The Secret Garden Frances Hodgson Burnett wrote, “you have a future.”

1. Why is the example of a video call mentioned?

A. To show the benefits of houseplants.

B. To indicate the popularity of houseplants.

C. To stress the necessity of video calls.

D. To emphasize the importance of the social media.

2. Which of the following is most likely to be owned by millennials?

A. A house. B. A yard. C. A plant. D. A job.

3. What does the underlined word “triggers” in paragraph 4 mean?

A. Reduces. B. Stimulates. C. Strengthens. D. Realizes.

4. What is the best title for the text?

A. Greenery is beneficial to patientsB. Social media is full of greenery

C. The care of greenery is demandingD. Greenery offers a way to relieve stress

Task 9

Clione limacina is also known as “Sea Angel”, which is a planktonic pteropod mollusk (翼足類軟體動(dòng)物) that lost its shell and became a swimmer in the process of evolution. Sea Angels only feed on sea butterflies, which are also pteropod mollusks. The Sea Angel has six huge hook shaped mouthparts hidden in its head, which are used to catch sea butterflies. When the Sea Angel hunts, its head will be divided into two parts,and these hooks will stick out. Alexander Semenov has captured amazing photos of Clione limacina.

Alexander Semenov is the head of the divers' team at Moscow State University's White Sea Biological Station. “My personal goal is to study underwater life through camera lenses and to boost people's interest in marine biology,” he said. “I do this by sharing all my findings through social media and in real life, through public lectures, movies, exhibitions, and various media events.”

One of his favorite sea creatures is the Sea Angel. “Sea Angels are beautiful and mysterious creatures,” said Semenov. “These cold-water pteropod mollusks are among the most studied objects in neurobiology, but at the same time little is known about them as for the life cycle. At some point, they suddenly appear under an ice cap covering the sea,and in a few weeks there are so many that in one cubic meter of water column there can be up to 500 Sea Angels! With their size of 3-5 cm, it is quite a spectacular sight.”

But once the water gets too warm,they disappear. “No one knows where they go,but the next winter, in February, they appear again under the ice,” Semenov said. “It is only known that they can survive without food for more than six months, significantly reducing their size during starvation. So far, no one has figured out how to track the life of a tiny angel in the Arctic seas all year round to find out where they are going.”

1. What does Alexander Semenov devote himself to?

A. Founding the way of teaching biology.

B. Exploring various underwater life through cameras.

C. Sharing all his findings through social media.

D. Giving public speeches about underwater life.

2. What does the underlined word “them” in paragraph 3 refer to?

A. Sea Angels. B. Semenov's favorite sea creatures.

C. The cold-water sea animals. D. The studied subjects.

3. Which of the following may be the reason for the disappearance of “Sea Angels”?

A. Lack of food. B. Reduction of the body size.

C. Change of the climate. D. Dislike of the ice.

4. What's the purpose of mentioning the numbers of Sea Angels in paragraph 3?

A. To stress the breathtaking view. B. To attract more people to study them.

C. To assess the real beauty of the sea. D. To make people know more marine life.

Task 10

In October, I told my students my plan. “I'd like all of you to do extra jobs to earn some money,”I said.“Then we'll buy food for someone who might not have a nice dinner.” I wanted the children to know it's more pleasant to give than to receive. I wanted them to understand that giving is more than a nice idea. I hoped they could experience their own power.

Early in the morning, they arrived in the classroom holding their hard-earned money and couldn't wait to go shopping. I accompanied them through the supermarket aisle. At last, we headed toward the checkout when someone spotted something that sent them running.

“Flowers! ” they cried. The group rushed toward the plant. I made a statement that it was more sensible to use any extra money to buy some food. “After all,” I pronounced,“you can't eat flowers! ” “But Mrs Sherlock,” they said, “we want flowers.” Defeated, I agreed. Soon we pulled up in front of a small bungalow. A slightly-built woman in her old age came out to welcome us.

The kids donated what they bought, including the purple plant. The woman brightened up and chatted with them for nearly two hours.

Finally, we returned to the car. As we fastened our seat belts, we could see the kitchen window. The woman inside waved goodbye, then turned and walked across the room, past the food, and straight to the chrysanthemums. She put her face in their petals(花瓣). When she raised her head, there was a smile on her lips. She was transformed before our eyes.

At that moment, we witnessed the power we possessed to make another person's life better. We knew exactly what would brighten up an old neighbor's days.

1. What does the author intend to do according to paragraph 1?

A. To encourage her students to give.

B. To realize her plan in a new way.

C. To let her students experience a new life.

D. To encourage her students to earn some money.

2. What is the author's attitude toward buying the plant at first?

A. Doubtful. B. Negative. C. Indifferent. D. Supportive.

3. What does the underlined word “chrysanthemums” in paragraph 5 refer to?

A. The kitchen window. B. The small bungalow.

C. The food they brought. D. The plant they bought.

4. What would be the best title for the text?

A. Giving is rewardingB. Using your own gift

C. Brighten up your mood at any timeD. Kindness spreads in some ways

Task 11

After working for 8 hours, I got on the bus dirty, tired and hot. However, even at the lowest point of life at that time, I still felt a bit proud of myself. I had held this temporary job for 3 months, which was extremely rare.

I sat back in my seat, imagining about a better life, but was interrupted by a new passenger. I would guess she was about thirty and homeless. She got on, rudely pushed her way into a front seat, told the driver she had no money and then turned her eyes. All I could feel for this woman was sympathy. She turned her threatening eyes towards me and very loudly yelled, “Why are you so dirty?”

With a smile,I said,“I just came from work.”She then loudly asked if I worked in Hell and broke into laughter, so I laughed too with her. Then I asked her her name as I explained what I did at work and why I was so dirty. Her name was Karen.

On the bus that day, the miracle and power of kindness showed its beauty. This woman changed when I spoke to her as a friend. This woman and I became instant friends. Everyone had been watching our interchange and as Karen was getting off the bus, she asked with tear-filled eyes whether or not I'd be riding the bus tomorrow. I promised that I would. We waved to each other as the bus drove on and then I turned and got what my lowest point of life had needed all along: affirmation (肯定).

That day people said I gave Karen something, but she gave me so much more. I now work in the field of mental health. I often tell the story of the power of kindness, and I talk about Karen and possibilities.

1. What can we know about Karen?

A. She was very rude at first and poor. B. She was kind but homeless.

C. She was hard-working and young. D. She was strong but rude.

2. What caused Karen to change according to the text?

A. The author's appearance. B. The driver's reaction.

C. The author's kindness. D. The passengers' comment.

3. What can we know about the author from the text?

A. She was in the most difficult time then.

B. She once worked as a builder.

C. She often helps homeless people.

D. She now works as a lawyer.

4. What's the best title for the text?

A. A strange woman passengerB. The power of kindness

C. The change of a womanD. The instant friends