Unit 6 Earth first
Ⅰ.阅读理解(每题2.5分,共30分)
A
In the scenic coastal city of Cornwall,Lizzi Larbalestier has become a beacon of hope for marine (海洋的) wildlife.As a committed volunteer for British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR),her journey began with transforming her online platform that allows people to rent out their homes or accommodations to travellers into a temporary shelter for injured seals.This effort came as the result of the increasing incidents of marine animals suffering from human-related injuries and the lack of specialised care facilities in the region.
Recognising the urgent need for a more permanent solution,Lizzi,alongside her husband and a team of committed volunteers,established a fully equipped seal hospital.This facility has expanded its capacity and is prepared to recover around 100 seals annually.The hospital caters to a variety of cases: seals injured by boats or caught in fishing gear (用具),young pups separated from their mothers,and young seals weakened by poor nutrition.Each animal receives personalised care,ranging from basic first aid to extensive recovery programmes.After initial treatment,seals are often moved to larger recovery centres for further care before their release back into the wild.
Lizzi’s commitment to marine conservation extends beyond seal rescue.She is an active participant in environmental campaigns.Her tireless efforts were recognised when she received the Animal Action Award from the International Fund for Animal Welfare.Lizzi owes the success of BDMLR’s operations to the collective effort of all volunteers,emphasising the importance of teamwork in achieving their conservation goals.
The BDMLR team also reacts to emergencies involving other marine wildlife,like whales and dolphins.Lizzi recalls several successful operations,including the rescue of stranded (搁浅的) dolphins and a turtle that required specialised care.
Lizzi’s story is not just about rescuing marine animals.It’s a proof of the power of community involvement and the impact of individuals on environmental conservation.
( )1.What inspired Lizzi to protect the marine wildlife
[A] One of her trips to the seaside.
[B] More and more injured marine animals.
[C] Her love for the marine creatures.
[D] Increasing profits from her online platform.
( )2.What do we know about the seal hospital from Paragraph 2
[A] It has been in operation for five years.
[B] It provides a separate space for each seal.
[C] It offers temporary help to injured animals.
[D] It is the largest recovery centre in the area.
( )3.What message does BDMLR’s success convey according to Lizzi
[A] All roads lead to Rome.
[B] Actions speak louder than words.
[C] Time and tide wait for no man.
[D] Many hands make light work.
( )4.What is the text mainly about
[A] A practical solution to seal rescue.
[B] Challenges of marine wildlife recovery.
[C] The impact of human activities on marine ecosystems.
[D] The journey of a marine life rescuer in Cornwall.
B
In recent years,campaigners have encouraged us to buy local food.This reduces “food miles”,that is,the distance food travels from the producer to the shop owner.They reason that the higher the food miles,the more carbon emissions.
However,the real story is not as simple as that.In fact,imported food often has a lower carbon footprint than locally grown goods.Take apples,for example.The local apples the British buy in winter or spring have been kept refrigerated for months,and this uses a lot of energy.In spring,therefore,it is more energy-saving to import them from New Zealand,where they are in season.Heating also uses a lot of energy,which is why growing tomatoes in heated greenhouses in the UK is less environmentally friendly than importing them from Spain,where the crop grows well in the local climate.
We must also take into account the type of transport.Transporting food by air creates more emissions.However,only a few goods are flown to the consumer country,and these are usually high-value,short-lived items which we cannot produce locally.Even then,these foods may not have a higher carbon footprint than locally grown food.For example,beans flown in from Kenya are grown in sunny fields using natural fertilisers,unlike in Britain,where we use oil-based fertilisers and machinery.
Also,a product’s journey does not end at the supermarket.Driving a long way to shop for food will neutralise (使无效) any environmental benefits of buying locally grown produce.Furthermore,choosing local over imported food can also badly affect people in developing countries.If they are unable to sell produce overseas,they will have less income.
Some supermarkets have been trying to raise awareness of food miles by labeling foods to show they have been imported by air.But the message this gives is too simple.Lots of different factors contribute to a food’s carbon footprint.And,even if we only buy local food which is currently in season,there are ethical (伦理的) problems.What’s more,our diets would be more limited.
( )5.Why should the British buy imported apples according to the author
[A] It reduces food miles.
[B] It benefits the local farmers.
[C] It is less energy-consuming.
[D] It is less costly and more convenient.
( )6.What can we infer about the foods transported by air
[A] They are grown using oil-based fertilisers.
[B] They can be mass-produced locally.
[C] They have a low carbon footprint.
[D] They fail to have a long shelf life.
( )7.What does the author think of labeling foods
[A] It does not give correct product information.
[B] It does not tell a full and accurate story.
[C] It will raise environmental awareness.
[D] It will help people to shop ethically.
( )8.What is the purpose of this text
[A] To solve a problem.
[B] To make a prediction.
[C] To argue against a belief.
[D] To give practical advice.
C
A new study finds that bird species with extreme or uncommon combinations of traits (特征) face the highest risk of extinction.The study led by researchers at Imperial College London finds that the most unique birds on the planet are also the most threatened.Losing these species and the unique roles they play in the environment,such as seed spread,pollination and predation,could have negative impacts on the functioning of ecosystems.
The study analysed the extinction risk and physical traits,such as beak shape and wing length,of 99% of all living bird species,making it the most general study of its kind to date.The researchers found that in simulated scenarios (模拟场景) in which all threatened and near-threatened bird species became extinct,there would be a significantly greater reduction in the physical diversity among birds than in scenarios where extinctions were random (随机的).
Jarome Ali,a PhD candidate who completed the research at Imperial College London,said,“Our study shows that extinctions will most likely prune a large percentage of unique species from the bird family tree.Losing these unique species will mean a loss of the specialised roles that they play in ecosystems.If we do not take action to protect threatened species and prevent extinctions,the functioning of ecosystems will be thrown into disorder.”
In the study,the authors used a dataset of measurements collected from living birds and museum specimens about 10,000 bird species.Although the dataset used in the study was able to show that the most unique birds were also classified as threatened on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species,it was unable to show what links uniqueness in birds to extinction risk.
Jarome Ali said,“One possibility is that highly specialised organisms are less able to adapt to a changing environment,in which case human impacts may directly threaten species with the most unusual ecological roles.More research is needed to dive deeper into the connection between unique traits and extinction risk.”
( )9.According to researchers,what may the loss of unique birds lead to
[A] The reduction of certain research.
[B] The damage to ecosystem function.
[C] The development of ecological tourism.
[D] The better living environment of the human race.
( )10.What may the underlined word “prune” mean in Paragraph 3
[A] Cut out. [B] Pick up.
[C] Get in. [D] Add to.
( )11.What do researchers need to explore in the future
[A] Human impacts on unique birds.
[B] The parts unique traits play in birds’ life.
[C] Links of uniqueness in birds to extinction risk.
[D] The approaches to preventing birds’ extinction.
( )12.What can be a suitable title for the text
[A] Some Birds with Special Physical Traits
[B] Key Roles Unique Birds Play in Ecosystems
[C] Measures to Protect Threatened Unique Birds
[D] More Unique Birds at a Higher Risk of Extinction
Ⅱ.完形填空(每题1分,共15分)
As the days became warmer,birds could be seen to fly over my yard.When a pair of birds first built their nest on my balcony (阳台),I 1 disturbance because allowing them to do so 2 that I had to face a messy and dirty balcony.I just couldn’t stand that.
I thought this nesting experience would 3 them.However,a few days later,they returned.I did the same 4 ,but deep inside,I felt 5 .It must have been 6 for them to find a home,so they took the risk of coming back.Why didn’t I show any 7
In the following days,I 8 to hear the chirping (啁啾) sounds of them.Instead,there was just awful 9 ,which made me almost choking till the pair turned up,struggling to rebuild their nest.“ 10 ,I can correct my mistake.” I told my husband excitedly.I 11
every bit of help with their nest-building.
Soon the female one laid two eggs.One morning,I went to provide them with food and water.The female one quickly 12 ,sheltering the nest with her wings and looked at me doubtfully.I realised that she was trying to protect her young.I smiled at her and 13
her.She slightly tilted (倾斜) her head as if she thanked me for my blessing.
I handled our relationship with great 14 and finally earned their trust.Supporting this small family taught me that 15 can transform relationships.Where there was once distrust,there is now affection.
( )1.[A] caused [B] accepted
[C] learnt [D] ignored
( )2.[A] stressed [B] ensured
[C] meant [D] proved
( )3.[A] confuse [B] alarm
[C] entertain [D] attract
( )4.[A] explanation [B] assistance
[C] research [D] trick
( )5.[A] guilty [B] lucky
[C] helpless [D] puzzled
( )6.[A] rare [B] tough
[C] easy [D] boring
( )7.[A] evidence [B] enthusiasm
[C] sympathy [D] difference
( )8.[A] needed [B] longed
[C] determined [D] remembered
( )9.[A] silence [B] memory
[C] criticism [D] judgment
( )10.[A] Actually [B] Unfortunately
[C] Strangely [D] Thankfully
( )11.[A] requested [B] refused
[C] extended [D] imagined
( )12.[A] flew away [B] looked back
[C] settled down [D] rushed out
( )13.[A] drove [B] annoyed
[C] woke [D] congratulated
( )14.[A] caution [B] confidence
[C] interest [D] anxiety
( )15.[A] courage [B] kindness
[C] humour [D] optimism
Unit 6 Earth first
Ⅰ.阅读理解(每题2.5分,共30分)
A
In the scenic coastal city of Cornwall,Lizzi Larbalestier has become a beacon of hope for marine (海洋的) wildlife.As a committed volunteer for British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR),her journey began with transforming her online platform that allows people to rent out their homes or accommodations to travellers into a temporary shelter for injured seals.This effort came as the result of the increasing incidents of marine animals suffering from human-related injuries and the lack of specialised care facilities in the region.
Recognising the urgent need for a more permanent solution,Lizzi,alongside her husband and a team of committed volunteers,established a fully equipped seal hospital.This facility has expanded its capacity and is prepared to recover around 100 seals annually.The hospital caters to a variety of cases: seals injured by boats or caught in fishing gear (用具),young pups separated from their mothers,and young seals weakened by poor nutrition.Each animal receives personalised care,ranging from basic first aid to extensive recovery programmes.After initial treatment,seals are often moved to larger recovery centres for further care before their release back into the wild.
Lizzi’s commitment to marine conservation extends beyond seal rescue.She is an active participant in environmental campaigns.Her tireless efforts were recognised when she received the Animal Action Award from the International Fund for Animal Welfare.Lizzi owes the success of BDMLR’s operations to the collective effort of all volunteers,emphasising the importance of teamwork in achieving their conservation goals.
The BDMLR team also reacts to emergencies involving other marine wildlife,like whales and dolphins.Lizzi recalls several successful operations,including the rescue of stranded (搁浅的) dolphins and a turtle that required specialised care.
Lizzi’s story is not just about rescuing marine animals.It’s a proof of the power of community involvement and the impact of individuals on environmental conservation.
[语篇导读] 本文是记叙文。文章通过描述Lizzi Larbalestier在Cornwall为海洋野生动物保护所做的努力,强调了个人和团队在环境保护中的重要作用。
( )1.What inspired Lizzi to protect the marine wildlife
[A] One of her trips to the seaside.
[B] More and more injured marine animals.
[C] Her love for the marine creatures.
[D] Increasing profits from her online platform.
【答案】 B
【解析】 细节理解题。根据第一段最后一句可知,越来越多的海洋动物因为人类相关的活动受伤且缺乏专业的照料设施,这促使Lizzi想要保护海洋动物。故选B。
( )2.What do we know about the seal hospital from Paragraph 2
[A] It has been in operation for five years.
[B] It provides a separate space for each seal.
[C] It offers temporary help to injured animals.
[D] It is the largest recovery centre in the area.
【答案】 C
【解析】 细节理解题。根据第二段最后一句以及上文可知,海豹医院为受伤的动物提供暂时帮助,海豹通常会被转移到更大的康复中心。故选C。
( )3.What message does BDMLR’s success convey according to Lizzi
[A] All roads lead to Rome.
[B] Actions speak louder than words.
[C] Time and tide wait for no man.
[D] Many hands make light work.
【答案】 D
【解析】 推理判断题。根据第三段最后一句可知,根据Lizzi的说法,BDMLR的成功说明了合作的重要性,即众人拾柴火焰高。故选D。
( )4.What is the text mainly about
[A] A practical solution to seal rescue.
[B] Challenges of marine wildlife recovery.
[C] The impact of human activities on marine ecosystems.
[D] The journey of a marine life rescuer in Cornwall.
【答案】 D
【解析】 主旨大意题。根据第一段第一、二句并结合下文可知,文章主要讲述了Lizzi Larbalestier在Cornwall为海洋野生动物保护所做的努力,因此D项最能概括本文大意。故选D。
B
In recent years,campaigners have encouraged us to buy local food.This reduces “food miles”,that is,the distance food travels from the producer to the shop owner.They reason that the higher the food miles,the more carbon emissions.
However,the real story is not as simple as that.In fact,imported food often has a lower carbon footprint than locally grown goods.Take apples,for example.The local apples the British buy in winter or spring have been kept refrigerated for months,and this uses a lot of energy.In spring,therefore,it is more energy-saving to import them from New Zealand,where they are in season.Heating also uses a lot of energy,which is why growing tomatoes in heated greenhouses in the UK is less environmentally friendly than importing them from Spain,where the crop grows well in the local climate.
We must also take into account the type of transport.Transporting food by air creates more emissions.However,only a few goods are flown to the consumer country,and these are usually high-value,short-lived items which we cannot produce locally.Even then,these foods may not have a higher carbon footprint than locally grown food.For example,beans flown in from Kenya are grown in sunny fields using natural fertilisers,unlike in Britain,where we use oil-based fertilisers and machinery.
Also,a product’s journey does not end at the supermarket.Driving a long way to shop for food will neutralise (使无效) any environmental benefits of buying locally grown produce.Furthermore,choosing local over imported food can also badly affect people in developing countries.If they are unable to sell produce overseas,they will have less income.
Some supermarkets have been trying to raise awareness of food miles by labeling foods to show they have been imported by air.But the message this gives is too simple.Lots of different factors contribute to a food’s carbon footprint.And,even if we only buy local food which is currently in season,there are ethical (伦理的) problems.What’s more,our diets would be more limited.
[语篇导读] 本文是议论文。文章主要对“鼓励就近购买当地食品”这一主张进行了驳论,即购买当地食品并不一定是环保的,作者从当地食品需要消耗能量储存,食品的运输方式以及食品标签等方面进行了反驳论述。
( )5.Why should the British buy imported apples according to the author
[A] It reduces food miles.
[B] It benefits the local farmers.
[C] It is less energy-consuming.
[D] It is less costly and more convenient.
【答案】 C
【解析】 细节理解题。根据第二段中的“The local apples the British...they are in season.”可知,英国人从新西兰进口的苹果是当季的,可以节省冷藏消耗。由此推知,作者认为英国人应该购买进口苹果,因为进口苹果更节能。故选C。
( )6.What can we infer about the foods transported by air
[A] They are grown using oil-based fertilisers.
[B] They can be mass-produced locally.
[C] They have a low carbon footprint.
[D] They fail to have a long shelf life.
【答案】 D
【解析】 细节理解题。根据第三段第三句可知,空运的进口食品通常是高价值、寿命短的食品,即这些食品的保质期短。故选D。
( )7.What does the author think of labeling foods
[A] It does not give correct product information.
[B] It does not tell a full and accurate story.
[C] It will raise environmental awareness.
[D] It will help people to shop ethically.
【答案】 B
【解析】 推理判断题。根据最后一段中的“But the message this...a food’s carbon footprint.”可知,作者认为食品标签上的信息内容过于简单,因为,影响碳足迹的因素有很多,而标签上没有详细解释。由此推知,在作者看来,食品标签没有讲述完整而准确的信息。故选B。
( )8.What is the purpose of this text
[A] To solve a problem.
[B] To make a prediction.
[C] To argue against a belief.
[D] To give practical advice.
【答案】 C
【解析】 推理判断题。通读文章内容可知,第一段提出了一个主张:鼓励购买当地食品,原因是食物里程越高,碳排放就越多。而在第二段首句则用“However,the real story is not as simple as that.”对该主张进行了反驳,同时在后文从食物储藏、食物运输方式以及食物标签等方面进行了论证。由此可推知,文章的写作目的是对一个主张进行反驳。故选C。
C
A new study finds that bird species with extreme or uncommon combinations of traits (特征) face the highest risk of extinction.The study led by researchers at Imperial College London finds that the most unique birds on the planet are also the most threatened.Losing these species and the unique roles they play in the environment,such as seed spread,pollination and predation,could have negative impacts on the functioning of ecosystems.
The study analysed the extinction risk and physical traits,such as beak shape and wing length,of 99% of all living bird species,making it the most general study of its kind to date.The researchers found that in simulated scenarios (模拟场景) in which all threatened and near-threatened bird species became extinct,there would be a significantly greater reduction in the physical diversity among birds than in scenarios where extinctions were random (随机的).
Jarome Ali,a PhD candidate who completed the research at Imperial College London,said,“Our study shows that extinctions will most likely prune a large percentage of unique species from the bird family tree.Losing these unique species will mean a loss of the specialised roles that they play in ecosystems.If we do not take action to protect threatened species and prevent extinctions,the functioning of ecosystems will be thrown into disorder.”
In the study,the authors used a dataset of measurements collected from living birds and museum specimens about 10,000 bird species.Although the dataset used in the study was able to show that the most unique birds were also classified as threatened on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species,it was unable to show what links uniqueness in birds to extinction risk.
Jarome Ali said,“One possibility is that highly specialised organisms are less able to adapt to a changing environment,in which case human impacts may directly threaten species with the most unusual ecological roles.More research is needed to dive deeper into the connection between unique traits and extinction risk.”
[语篇导读] 本文是新闻报道。研究发现,拥有独特特征的鸟类面临更高的灭绝风险,其消失可能对生态系统功能造成严重影响,为了维持生态平衡,保护这些濒危物种至关重要。
( )9.According to researchers,what may the loss of unique birds lead to
[A] The reduction of certain research.
[B] The damage to ecosystem function.
[C] The development of ecological tourism.
[D] The better living environment of the human race.
【答案】 B
【解析】 细节理解题。根据第一段最后一句研究人员的说法可知,独特鸟类的消失可能会导致对生态系统功能的破坏。故选B。
( )10.What may the underlined word “prune” mean in Paragraph 3
[A] Cut out. [B] Pick up.
[C] Get in. [D] Add to.
【答案】 A
【解析】 猜测词义题。根据第三段内容可知,画线词与下文“Losing”同义,意为“失去”,cut out可以解释画线词,即灭绝很可能会从鸟类家谱中削减很大比例的独特物种。故选A。
( )11.What do researchers need to explore in the future
[A] Human impacts on unique birds.
[B] The parts unique traits play in birds’ life.
[C] Links of uniqueness in birds to extinction risk.
[D] The approaches to preventing birds’ extinction.
【答案】 C
【解析】 细节理解题。根据最后一段最后一句可知,未来研究人员需要探索鸟类的独特性与灭绝风险的联系。故选C。
( )12.What can be a suitable title for the text
[A] Some Birds with Special Physical Traits
[B] Key Roles Unique Birds Play in Ecosystems
[C] Measures to Protect Threatened Unique Birds
[D] More Unique Birds at a Higher Risk of Extinction
【答案】 D
【解析】 标题归纳题。通读全文,尤其根据第一段内容可知,研究发现,拥有独特特征的鸟类面临更高的灭绝风险,其消失可能对生态系统功能造成严重影响,因此保护这些濒危物种对维持生态平衡至关重要,所以D项最适合作为文章标题。故选D。
Ⅱ.完形填空(每题1分,共15分)
As the days became warmer,birds could be seen to fly over my yard.When a pair of birds first built their nest on my balcony (阳台),I 1 disturbance because allowing them to do so 2 that I had to face a messy and dirty balcony.I just couldn’t stand that.
I thought this nesting experience would 3 them.However,a few days later,they returned.I did the same 4 ,but deep inside,I felt 5 .It must have been 6 for them to find a home,so they took the risk of coming back.Why didn’t I show any 7
In the following days,I 8 to hear the chirping (啁啾) sounds of them.Instead,there was just awful 9 ,which made me almost choking till the pair turned up,struggling to rebuild their nest.“ 10 ,I can correct my mistake.” I told my husband excitedly.I 11
every bit of help with their nest-building.
Soon the female one laid two eggs.One morning,I went to provide them with food and water.The female one quickly 12 ,sheltering the nest with her wings and looked at me doubtfully.I realised that she was trying to protect her young.I smiled at her and 13
her.She slightly tilted (倾斜) her head as if she thanked me for my blessing.
I handled our relationship with great 14 and finally earned their trust.Supporting this small family taught me that 15 can transform relationships.Where there was once distrust,there is now affection.
[语篇导读] 本文是记叙文。文章讲述了作者与在自家阳台筑巢的鸟儿之间从抵触到建立信任的过程,通过这一系列事件,作者学会了同情与理解,最终与自然界的生物建立了和谐的关系。
( )1.[A] caused [B] accepted
[C] learnt [D] ignored
【答案】 A
【解析】 根据下文的“I had to face a messy and dirty balcony”可知,作者起初并不愿意让鸟儿在阳台筑巢,因为这会导致阳台变脏乱,所以作者造成(caused)干扰。故选A。
( )2.[A] stressed [B] ensured
[C] meant [D] proved
【答案】 C
【解析】 根据下文的“that I had to face a messy and dirty balcony.I just couldn’t stand that”可知,此处指允许鸟儿筑巢意味着(meant)要面对脏乱的结果。故选C。
( )3.[A] confuse [B] alarm
[C] entertain [D] attract
【答案】 B
【解析】 根据上文第一段最后两句可知,作者希望自己的干扰会让鸟儿离开,即使它们害怕(alarm)。故选B。
( )4.[A] explanation [B] assistance
[C] research [D] trick
【答案】 D
【解析】 根据上文的“I did the same”可知,这里指的是作者再次采取行动,做了同样的把戏(trick),阻止鸟儿筑巢。故选D。
( )5.[A] guilty [B] lucky
[C] helpless [D] puzzled
【答案】 A
【解析】 根据下文可知,因为理解到鸟儿寻找家园不容易,作者感到内疚(guilty)。故选A。
( )6.[A] rare [B] tough
[C] easy [D] boring
【答案】 B
【解析】 根据下文的“so they took the risk of coming back”可知,鸟儿冒险回来了,由此可知,鸟儿找家不容易(tough)。故选B。
( )7.[A] evidence [B] enthusiasm
[C] sympathy [D] difference
【答案】 C
【解析】 根据前两句的叙述可知,鸟儿找家不容易,作者反思自己为何没有对鸟儿展现出同情(sympathy)。故选C。
( )8.[A] needed [B] longed
[C] determined [D] remembered
【答案】 B
【解析】 根据上文的“Why didn’t I show any”和下文的“to hear the chirping (啁啾) sounds of them”可知,这里指作者渴望(longed)听到鸟儿的声音。故选B。
( )9.[A] silence [B] memory
[C] criticism [D] judgment
【答案】 A
【解析】 根据上文可知,这里指没有了鸟叫声,只有可怕的寂静(silence)。故选A。
( )10.[A] Actually [B] Unfortunately
[C] Strangely [D] Thankfully
【答案】 D
【解析】 根据上文的“the pair turned up,struggling to rebuild their nest”可知,那对鸟儿又出现了,作者庆幸(Thankfully)自己有机会改正错误。故选D。
( )11.[A] requested [B] refused
[C] extended [D] imagined
【答案】 C
【解析】 根据下文的“every bit of help with their nest-building”可知,此处指作者主动提供(extended)帮助。故选C。
( )12.[A] flew away [B] looked back
[C] settled down [D] rushed out
【答案】 D
【解析】 根据下文的“sheltering the nest with her wings”可知,这里指雌鸟保护巢穴的行为,应是指它从巢中冲出来(rushed out)查看情况,用翅膀遮住巢。故选D。
( )13.[A] drove [B] annoyed
[C] woke [D] congratulated
【答案】 D
【解析】 根据上文的“I realised that she was trying to protect her young.”和下文的“She slightly tilted (倾斜)...for my blessing.”可知,此处表示作者祝贺(congratulated)雌鸟。故选D。
( )14.[A] caution [B] confidence
[C] interest [D] anxiety
【答案】 A
【解析】 根据上文可知,此处指作者小心翼翼地(caution)处理与鸟儿的关系。故选A。
( )15.[A] courage [B] kindness
[C] humour [D] optimism
【答案】 B
【解析】 根据上文可知,作者的故事显示了善良(kindness)行为能改善与动物的关系。故选B。
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Unit 6 Earth first
题组训练
(限时35分钟 总分45分)
Ⅰ.阅读理解(每题2.5分,共30分)
A
In the scenic coastal city of Cornwall,Lizzi Larbalestier has become a beacon of hope for marine (海洋的) wildlife.As a committed volunteer for British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR),her journey began with transforming her online platform that allows people to rent out their homes or accommodations to travellers into a temporary shelter for injured seals.
This effort came as the result of the increasing incidents of marine animals suffering from human-related injuries and the lack of specialised care facilities in the region.
Recognising the urgent need for a more permanent solution,Lizzi,
alongside her husband and a team of committed volunteers,established a fully equipped seal hospital.This facility has expanded its capacity and is prepared to recover around 100 seals annually.
The hospital caters to a variety of cases: seals injured by boats or caught in fishing gear (用具),young pups separated from their mothers,and young seals weakened by poor nutrition.Each animal receives personalised care,ranging from basic first aid to extensive recovery programmes.After initial treatment,seals are often moved to larger recovery centres for further care before their release back into the wild.
Lizzi’s commitment to marine conservation extends beyond seal rescue.She is an active participant in environmental campaigns.Her tireless efforts were recognised when she received the Animal Action Award from the International Fund for Animal Welfare.Lizzi owes the success of BDMLR’s operations to the collective effort of all volunteers,emphasising the importance of teamwork in achieving their conservation goals.
The BDMLR team also reacts to emergencies involving other marine wildlife,like whales and dolphins.Lizzi recalls several successful operations,
including the rescue of stranded (搁浅的) dolphins and a turtle that required specialised care.
Lizzi’s story is not just about rescuing marine animals.It’s a proof of the power of community involvement and the impact of individuals on environmental conservation.
[语篇导读] 本文是记叙文。文章通过描述Lizzi Larbalestier在Cornwall为海洋野生动物保护所做的努力,强调了个人和团队在环境保护中的重要作用。
( )1.What inspired Lizzi to protect the marine wildlife
[A] One of her trips to the seaside.
[B] More and more injured marine animals.
[C] Her love for the marine creatures.
[D] Increasing profits from her online platform.
B
【解析】 细节理解题。根据第一段最后一句可知,越来越多的海洋动物因为人类相关的活动受伤且缺乏专业的照料设施,这促使Lizzi想要保护海洋动物。故选B。
( )2.What do we know about the seal hospital from Paragraph 2
[A] It has been in operation for five years.
[B] It provides a separate space for each seal.
[C] It offers temporary help to injured animals.
[D] It is the largest recovery centre in the area.
C
【解析】 细节理解题。根据第二段最后一句以及上文可知,海豹医院为受伤的动物提供暂时帮助,海豹通常会被转移到更大的康复中心。故选C。
( )3.What message does BDMLR’s success convey according to Lizzi
[A] All roads lead to Rome.
[B] Actions speak louder than words.
[C] Time and tide wait for no man.
[D] Many hands make light work.
D
【解析】 推理判断题。根据第三段最后一句可知,根据Lizzi的说法,BDMLR的成功说明了合作的重要性,即众人拾柴火焰高。故选D。
( )4.What is the text mainly about
[A] A practical solution to seal rescue.
[B] Challenges of marine wildlife recovery.
[C] The impact of human activities on marine ecosystems.
[D] The journey of a marine life rescuer in Cornwall.
D
【解析】 主旨大意题。根据第一段第一、二句并结合下文可知,文章主要讲述了Lizzi Larbalestier在Cornwall为海洋野生动物保护所做的努力,因此D项最能概括本文大意。故选D。
B
In recent years,campaigners have encouraged us to buy local food.This reduces “food miles”,that is,the distance food travels from the producer to the shop owner.They reason that the higher the food miles,the more carbon emissions.
However,the real story is not as simple as that.In fact,imported food often has a lower carbon footprint than locally grown goods.Take apples,for example.The local apples the British buy in winter or spring have been kept refrigerated for months,and this uses a lot of energy.In spring,therefore,it is more energy-saving to import them from New Zealand,where they are in season.Heating also uses a lot of energy,which is why growing tomatoes in heated greenhouses in the UK is less environmentally friendly than importing them from Spain,where the crop grows well in the local climate.
We must also take into account the type of transport.Transporting food by air creates more emissions.However,only a few goods are flown to the consumer country,and these are usually high-value,short-lived items which we cannot produce locally.Even then,these foods may not have a higher carbon footprint than locally grown food.For example,beans flown in from Kenya are grown in sunny fields using natural fertilisers,unlike in Britain,
where we use oil-based fertilisers and machinery.
Also,a product’s journey does not end at the supermarket.Driving a long way to shop for food will neutralise (使无效) any environmental benefits of buying locally grown produce.Furthermore,choosing local over imported food can also badly affect people in developing countries.If they are unable to sell produce overseas,they will have less income.
Some supermarkets have been trying to raise awareness of food miles by labeling foods to show they have been imported by air.But the message this gives is too simple.Lots of different factors contribute to a food’s carbon footprint.And,even if we only buy local food which is currently in season,
there are ethical (伦理的) problems.What’s more,our diets would be more limited.
[语篇导读] 本文是议论文。文章主要对“鼓励就近购买当地食品”这一主张进行了驳论,即购买当地食品并不一定是环保的,作者从当地食品需要消耗能量储存,食品的运输方式以及食品标签等方面进行了反驳论述。
( )5.Why should the British buy imported apples according to the author
[A] It reduces food miles.
[B] It benefits the local farmers.
[C] It is less energy-consuming.
[D] It is less costly and more convenient.
C
【解析】 细节理解题。根据第二段中的“The local apples the British...they are in season.”可知,英国人从新西兰进口的苹果是当季的,可以节省冷藏消耗。由此推知,作者认为英国人应该购买进口苹果,因为进口苹果更节能。故选C。
( )6.What can we infer about the foods transported by air
[A] They are grown using oil-based fertilisers.
[B] They can be mass-produced locally.
[C] They have a low carbon footprint.
[D] They fail to have a long shelf life.
D
【解析】 细节理解题。根据第三段第三句可知,空运的进口食品通常是高价值、寿命短的食品,即这些食品的保质期短。故选D。
( )7.What does the author think of labeling foods
[A] It does not give correct product information.
[B] It does not tell a full and accurate story.
[C] It will raise environmental awareness.
[D] It will help people to shop ethically.
B
【解析】 推理判断题。根据最后一段中的“But the message this...a food’s carbon footprint.”可知,作者认为食品标签上的信息内容过于简单,因为,影响碳足迹的因素有很多,而标签上没有详细解释。由此推知,在作者看来,食品标签没有讲述完整而准确的信息。故选B。
( )8.What is the purpose of this text
[A] To solve a problem.
[B] To make a prediction.
[C] To argue against a belief.
[D] To give practical advice.
C
【解析】 推理判断题。通读文章内容可知,第一段提出了一个主张:鼓励购买当地食品,原因是食物里程越高,碳排放就越多。而在第二段首句则用“However,the real story is not as simple as that.”对该主张进行了反驳,同时在后文从食物储藏、食物运输方式以及食物标签等方面进行了论证。由此可推知,文章的写作目的是对一个主张进行反驳。故选C。
C
A new study finds that bird species with extreme or uncommon combinations of traits (特征) face the highest risk of extinction.The study led by researchers at Imperial College London finds that the most unique birds on the planet are also the most threatened.Losing these species and the unique roles they play in the environment,such as seed spread,pollination and predation,could have negative impacts on the functioning of ecosystems.
The study analysed the extinction risk and physical traits,such as beak shape and wing length,of 99% of all living bird species,making it the most general study of its kind to date.The researchers found that in simulated scenarios (模拟场景) in which all threatened and near-threatened bird species became extinct,there would be a significantly greater reduction in the physical diversity among birds than in scenarios where extinctions were random (随机的).
Jarome Ali,a PhD candidate who completed the research at Imperial College London,said,“Our study shows that extinctions will most likely prune a large percentage of unique species from the bird family tree.Losing these unique species will mean a loss of the specialised roles that they play in ecosystems.If we do not take action to protect threatened species and prevent extinctions,the functioning of ecosystems will be thrown into disorder.”
In the study,the authors used a dataset of measurements collected from living birds and museum specimens about 10,000 bird species.Although the dataset used in the study was able to show that the most unique birds were also classified as threatened on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species,it was unable to show what links uniqueness in birds to extinction risk.
Jarome Ali said,“One possibility is that highly specialised organisms are less able to adapt to a changing environment,in which case human impacts may directly threaten species with the most unusual ecological roles.More research is needed to dive deeper into the connection between unique traits and extinction risk.”
[语篇导读] 本文是新闻报道。研究发现,拥有独特特征的鸟类面临更高的灭绝风险,其消失可能对生态系统功能造成严重影响,为了维持生态平衡,保护这些濒危物种至关重要。
( )9.According to researchers,what may the loss of unique birds lead to
[A] The reduction of certain research.
[B] The damage to ecosystem function.
[C] The development of ecological tourism.
[D] The better living environment of the human race.
B
【解析】 细节理解题。根据第一段最后一句研究人员的说法可知,独特鸟类的消失可能会导致对生态系统功能的破坏。故选B。
( )10.What may the underlined word “prune” mean in Paragraph 3
[A] Cut out. [B] Pick up.
[C] Get in. [D] Add to.
A
【解析】 猜测词义题。根据第三段内容可知,画线词与下文“Losing”同义,意为“失去”,cut out可以解释画线词,即灭绝很可能会从鸟类家谱中削减很大比例的独特物种。故选A。
( )11.What do researchers need to explore in the future
[A] Human impacts on unique birds.
[B] The parts unique traits play in birds’ life.
[C] Links of uniqueness in birds to extinction risk.
[D] The approaches to preventing birds’ extinction.
C
【解析】 细节理解题。根据最后一段最后一句可知,未来研究人员需要探索鸟类的独特性与灭绝风险的联系。故选C。
( )12.What can be a suitable title for the text
[A] Some Birds with Special Physical Traits
[B] Key Roles Unique Birds Play in Ecosystems
[C] Measures to Protect Threatened Unique Birds
[D] More Unique Birds at a Higher Risk of Extinction
D
【解析】 标题归纳题。通读全文,尤其根据第一段内容可知,研究发现,拥有独特特征的鸟类面临更高的灭绝风险,其消失可能对生态系统功能造成严重影响,因此保护这些濒危物种对维持生态平衡至关重要,所以D项最适合作为文章标题。故选D。
Ⅱ.完形填空(每题1分,共15分)
As the days became warmer,birds could be seen to fly over my yard.
When a pair of birds first built their nest on my balcony (阳台),I
1 disturbance because allowing them to do so 2 that I had to face a messy and dirty balcony.I just couldn’t stand that.
I thought this nesting experience would 3 them.However,a few days later,they returned.I did the same 4 ,but deep inside,I felt
5 .It must have been 6 for them to find a home,so they took the risk of coming back.Why didn’t I show any 7
In the following days,I 8 to hear the chirping (啁啾) sounds of them.Instead,there was just awful 9 ,which made me almost choking till the pair turned up,struggling to rebuild their nest.“ 10 ,I can correct my mistake.” I told my husband excitedly.I 11 every bit of help with their nest-building.
Soon the female one laid two eggs.One morning,I went to provide them with food and water.The female one quickly 12 ,sheltering the nest with her wings and looked at me doubtfully.I realised that she was trying to protect her young.I smiled at her and 13 her.She slightly tilted (倾斜) her head as if she thanked me for my blessing.
I handled our relationship with great 14 and finally earned their trust.Supporting this small family taught me that 15 can transform relationships.Where there was once distrust,there is now affection.
[语篇导读] 本文是记叙文。文章讲述了作者与在自家阳台筑巢的鸟儿之间从抵触到建立信任的过程,通过这一系列事件,作者学会了同情与理解,最终与自然界的生物建立了和谐的关系。
( )1.[A] caused [B] accepted
[C] learnt [D] ignored
A
【解析】 根据下文的“I had to face a messy and dirty balcony”可知,作者起初并不愿意让鸟儿在阳台筑巢,因为这会导致阳台变脏乱,所以作者造成(caused)干扰。故选A。
( )2.[A] stressed [B] ensured
[C] meant [D] proved
C
【解析】 根据下文的“that I had to face a messy and dirty balcony.I just couldn’t stand that”可知,此处指允许鸟儿筑巢意味着(meant)要面对脏乱的结果。故选C。
( )3.[A] confuse [B] alarm
[C] entertain [D] attract
B
【解析】 根据上文第一段最后两句可知,作者希望自己的干扰会让鸟儿离开,即使它们害怕(alarm)。故选B。
( )4.[A] explanation [B] assistance
[C] research [D] trick
D
【解析】 根据上文的“I did the same”可知,这里指的是作者再次采取行动,做了同样的把戏(trick),阻止鸟儿筑巢。故选D。
( )5.[A] guilty [B] lucky
[C] helpless [D] puzzled
A
【解析】 根据下文可知,因为理解到鸟儿寻找家园不容易,作者感到内疚(guilty)。故选A。
( )6.[A] rare [B] tough
[C] easy [D] boring
B
【解析】 根据下文的“so they took the risk of coming back”可知,鸟儿冒险回来了,由此可知,鸟儿找家不容易(tough)。故选B。
( )7.[A] evidence [B] enthusiasm
[C] sympathy [D] difference
C
【解析】 根据前两句的叙述可知,鸟儿找家不容易,作者反思自己为何没有对鸟儿展现出同情(sympathy)。故选C。
( )8.[A] needed [B] longed
[C] determined [D] remembered
B
【解析】 根据上文的“Why didn’t I show any”和下文的“to hear the chirping (啁啾) sounds of them”可知,这里指作者渴望(longed)听到鸟儿的声音。故选B。
( )9.[A] silence [B] memory
[C] criticism [D] judgment
A
【解析】 根据上文可知,这里指没有了鸟叫声,只有可怕的寂静(silence)。故选A。
( )10.[A] Actually [B] Unfortunately
[C] Strangely [D] Thankfully
D
【解析】 根据上文的“the pair turned up,struggling to rebuild their nest”可知,那对鸟儿又出现了,作者庆幸(Thankfully)自己有机会改正错误。故选D。
( )11.[A] requested [B] refused
[C] extended [D] imagined
C
【解析】 根据下文的“every bit of help with their nest-building”可知,此处指作者主动提供(extended)帮助。故选C。
( )12.[A] flew away [B] looked back
[C] settled down [D] rushed out
D
【解析】 根据下文的“sheltering the nest with her wings”可知,这里指雌鸟保护巢穴的行为,应是指它从巢中冲出来(rushed out)查看情况,用翅膀遮住巢。故选D。
( )13.[A] drove [B] annoyed
[C] woke [D] congratulated
D
【解析】 根据上文的“I realised that she was trying to protect her young.”和下文的“She slightly tilted (倾斜)...for my blessing.”可知,此处表示作者祝贺(congratulated)雌鸟。故选D。
( )14.[A] caution [B] confidence
[C] interest [D] anxiety
A
【解析】 根据上文可知,此处指作者小心翼翼地(caution)处理与鸟儿的关系。故选A。
( )15.[A] courage [B] kindness
[C] humour [D] optimism
B
【解析】 根据上文可知,作者的故事显示了善良(kindness)行为能改善与动物的关系。故选B。
