Starving polar bears are eating one another in the Arctic. Flowers are blooming too soon and die. The ice caps are melting so fast that rising water levels will threaten coastal towns along Florida within several decades. These are just a few examples of the terrible consequences of climate change supported by a new analysis in Nature.
In the past three decades, average global temperatures have risen about 0. 6°C and are projected to jump by about 1. 7°C by the end of the century, says Cynthia Rosenzweig, who leads the Climate Impacts Group at NASA’s Goddard Institute for Space Studies at Columbia University in New York. “We’ve already seen that a relatively low amount of warming,” she says, “can lead to a broad range of changes. ”
The unnatural warming caused by man-made greenhouse gases, especially carbon dioxide produced by cars and coal-powered plants, brings trouble for entire ecosystems. In North America alone, scientists have identified 89 species of plants, such as the American holly that have flowered earlier in the spring. In Spain, apple trees bloom 35 days ahead of schedule in response to the higher temperatures. Other wildlife, like the insects that use certain plants for food and the birds that feed on the insects, must then move forward their seasonal stirrings(萌动) and mating（交配） patterns to survive.
To try to follow this time shift, some birds such as robins, the classic symbol of winter’s thaw(解冻时期), are returning to Colorado from their migrations some two weeks earlier than in years past. All these changes can throw a food chain in disorder. Some bird species that arrive before the insects reappear may starve to death.
“Around the world, plants and animals are waking up to an earlier alarm clock than they used to,” says Terry Root, a biologist from Stanford University.  
【小题1】The underlined word “projected”(in Paragraph 2) probably means “____”.

    Against the assumption that forest fires in Alaska, Canada and Siberia warm the climate, scientists have discovered that cooling may occur in areas where burnt trees allow more snow to mirror more sunlight into space.

         This finding suggests that taking steps to prevent northern forest fires to limit the release of greenhouse gases may warm the climate in northern regions. Usually large fires destroyed forests in these areas over the past decade. Scientists predict that with climate warming, fires may occur more frequently over next several centuries as a result of a longer fire season. Sunlight taken in by the earth tends to cause warming, while heat mirrored back into space tends to cause cooling.

         This is the first study to analyze all aspects of how northern fires influence climate. Earlier studies by other scientists have suggested that fire in northern regions speed up climate warming because greenhouse gases from burning trees and plants are released into the atmosphere and thus trap heat.

         Scientists found that right after the fire, large amounts of greenhouse gases entered the atmosphere and caused warming. Ozone（臭氧）levels increased, and ash from the fire fell on far-off sea ice, darkening the surface and causing more radiation from the sun to be taken in. The following spring, however, the land within the area of the fire was brighter than before the fire, because fewer trees covered the ground. Snow on the ground mirrored more sunlight back into space, leading to cooling.

         “We need to find out all possible ways to reduce the growth of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.” Scientists tracked the change in amount of radiation entering and leaving the climate system as a result of the fire, and found a measurement closely related to the global air temperature. Typically, fire in northern regions occurs in the same area every 80 to 150 years. Scientists, however, found that when fire occurs more frequently, more radiation is lost from the earth and cooling results. Specifically, they determined when fire returns 20 years earlier than predicated, 0.5 watts per square meter of area burned are soaked up by the earth from greenhouse gases, but 0.9 watts per square meter will be sent back into space. The net effect is cooling. Watts are used to measure the rate at which energy is gained or lost from the earth.

1. According to the new findings, taking steps to prevent northern forest fires may _______.

   A. result in a warming climate                   B. cause the forest fires to occur more frequently

   C. lead to a longer fire season                     D. protect the forests and the environment there

2. Earlier studies about northern forest fires ________.

   A. analyze all aspects of how northern fires influence climate

   B. indicate that forest fires will pollute the atmosphere

   C. suggest that people should take measures to protect environment

   D. suggest that the fires will speed up climate warming

3. The underlined phrase “soaked up” in the last paragraph most probably means ________.

         A. released          B. absorbed            C. created               D. disturbed

4. From the text we can draw a conclusion that forest fires in Alaska, Canada and Siberia may ______.

         A. warm the climate as the assumption goes

         B. allow more snow to reflect more sunlight into space and thus cool the climate

         C. destroy large areas of forests and pollute the far-off sea ice

         D. help to gain more energy rather than release more energy

A camp built by students and volunteers spreads over Southern Methodist University（SMU）. The affordable  21  are designed to be used by the poor as well as survivors of war and natural disasters.

“By the time 2020, there’s going to be about 1.7 billion people living in slums（贫民窟） so we would like to  22  change,” says Stephanie Hunt, co-founder of the Hunt Institute for Engineering and Humanities at SMU. The institute, which  23  build the village on SMU’s campus, was established to solve problem of the poor in the United States and around the world through engineering, and the free  24 .

The goal is not just to  25  lives, but to change the victims’ lives. The Institute hopes some entrepreneurs（企业家） might program and  26  some money with these ideas. One of the structures in the SMU village was built with bricks made  27  from recycled plastic bags.

They’re  28  together with heavy wires. Harvey Lacey, father of two college-aged sons, including one here at SUM, heard about this project and  29  his invention. It’s a heavy-duty, hand-crank compactor（手动压缩机）that anybody can use to form the big bricks he calls Ubuntu Blox.

“The advantages are that these  30  weigh less than two pounds. They’re very, very  31  These things can go for many generations of housing, ”says Lacey, who is  32  the design. Anybody can follow his online plans to  33  the compactor that turns plastic bags into bricks.

On this warm day, it’s  34  inside the Ubuntu Blox hut, thanks  35  to the thick plastic insulation（绝缘）. Kenyan  36  Ronald Omyonga, visiting the global village before returning to his native Africa, says his country is full of these recyclable bags. With Lacey’s design, he says that litter could be transformed into  37  housing. He dreams of other  38  too.

“Look at the Harvey Lacey hut, as a means of creating  39  ,”says Omyonga.“Leaning the environment, and turning  40  into something that can form houses, not just for the poor.”

1.                A．shelters        B．clubs           C．parties   D．rooms

2.                A．affect          B．adapt          C．effect    D．adopt

3.                A．discovered      B．helped         C．studied   D．explored

4.                A．entry          B．competition     C．trade D．market

5.                A．save           B．survive         C．defend   D．cure

6.                A．share          B．donate         C．earn D．cost

7.                A．briefly         B．relevantly       C．mostly    D．efficiently

8.                A．held           B．stressed        C．knocked  D．packed

9.                A．delivered       B．contributed      C．devoted  D．sacrificed

10.               A．piles           B．masses         C．loaves D．blocks

11.               A．fragile         B．thick           C．hard  D．bitter

12.               A．giving out       B．giving off       C．giving up  D．giving away

13.               A．build          B．invent          C．improve   D．possess

14.               A．hot            B．cold           C．wet  D．cool

15.               A．nearly         B．exactly         C．partly D．fairly

16.               A．doctor         B．athlete         C．photographer   D．architect

17.               A．safe           B．dangerous      C．beautiful  D．large

18.               A．advantages      B．chances        C．benefits   D．profits

19.               A．things          B．jobs           C．wonders   D．conditions

20.               A．waste          B．resources       C．ideas D．technology

Beijing had its biggest snowfall since 1951. Britain is suffering through its longest cold snap (寒潮) since 1981. And freezing weather is hitting the Deep South, including Florida’s orange groves and beaches.

Whatever happened to global warming?

Such weather doesn’t seem to fit with warnings from scientists that the Earth is warming because of greenhouse gases. But experts say the cold snap doesn’t contradict global warming at all—it’s just a temporary phenomenon in the long-term heating trend. “It’s part of natural variability,” said Gerald Meehl, a senior scientist. With global warming, he said, “we’ll still have record cold temperatures. We’ll just have fewer of them.”

Scientists say man-made climate change does have the potential to cause more frequent and more severe weather extremes. But experts did not connect the current cold snap to climate change.

 So what is going on?

“We basically have seen just a big outbreak of Arctic air over populated areas of the Northern Hemisphere”, Arndt said.

In the atmosphere, large rivers of air travel roughly west to east around the globe between the Arctic and the tropics. This air flow acts like a fence to keep Arctic air restricted. But recently, this air flow has become bent into a zigzag (之字形) pattern, wandering north and south. If you live in a place where it brings air up from the south, you get warm weather. In fact, record highs were reported this week in Washington state and Alaska.

But in the eastern United States, like some other unlucky parts of the globe, Arctic air is coming from the north. And that’s how you get a temperature of 3 degrees in Beijing, a reading of minus-42 in mainland Norway, and 18 inches of snow in parts of Britain. The zigzag pattern arises naturally from time to time, but it is not clear why it’s so strong right now.

What is the best title of the text?

A. Freezing weather is hitting the Deep South.

B. We’ll still have record cold temperatures.

C. The air flow has become a zigzag pattern.

D. Cold snap doesn’t contradict global warming.

With global warming, we will ______.

A. also meet with severe cold snap

B. have more hot temperatures forever

C. never experience cold temperatures

D. have more cold temperatures

According to experts, the current cold snap ______.

A. suggests that the climate has changed greatly

B. is not related to the climate change

C. shows that the climate will turn cold

D. is affected by global warming

Beijing had its biggest snowfall since 1951 because of ______.

A. a fence from the Arctic                   B. a cooling trend in climate

C. a big outbreak of Arctic air              D. its large population

We can conclude that ______.

A. not all the parts of the Northern Hemisphere are cold in face of the cold snap

B. the zigzag pattern arises naturally accidentally

C. Beijing will get cold weather next year

D. Washington state and Alaska will not face cold weather next year

阅读下列应用文及相关信息，并按要求匹配信息。请在答题卡上将对应题号的相应选项字母涂黑,选择项有一项是多余的。
首先阅读下列国外媒体上的插图及介绍性文字：
A. Cornwall
You can find that 'weekend feeling' every day of the year, in the country's favourite holiday destination. Some find it in a rock pool on a golden beach, others find it along a dramatic coastal path over-looking crashing waves, while for some it can only be discovered on wild moors and quiet woods. Art lovers are sure to find all the inspiration they could wish for in a lively arts scene, while gastronauts can savour the secret ingredients that make Cornwall a foodie's heaven.                                                   
Start planning, start discovering; get your free 2011 official Cornwall guide and visit the website.
B. Cornwall, paradise found
The gardens of Cornwall are the envy of the world. With its temperate climate Cornwall is the perfect home for a flourishing variety of plants, trees and shrubs. For seasoned horticulturists, keen amateurs or energetic families looking for a fun day out, there is always a surprise around the next corner - maybe a hidden vista or a startling splash of colour.
With over 70 gardens to choose from you can walk amongst wild woodlands or stand and admire the formal splendour of a country estate. Kitchen gardens, perfumed gardens, and even Japanese gardens - you will discover something fresh, whatever the season.
Click the 'request brochure' button for your FREE guide or visit the website for more information.
C. Peak District
Come to the Peak District and get right to the heart of a great holiday - right at the heart of the UK. Our world-class destination is a stone's throw from everywhere. From Hollywood film locations to superb landscapes and quality accommodation to luscious local food, we've got it all. Add awesome attractions, historic houses, glorious gardens, fantastic theme parks, fabulous festivals and vibrant nightlife - and you have the perfect recipe for a brilliant break. Order your free copy of our 2011 Visitor Guide now!
D. Discover the stunning Channel Island of Guernsey in 2011
It doesn't take long to get to the stunning Channel Island of Guernsey, but once you're here, you'll feel a long way from home - Discover its unforgettable blend of stunning scenery, unique character and rich heritage for yourself in 2011.
Welcome to the islands of Guernsey. Lying close to the north coast of France and bathed by the warm waters of the Gulf Stream, the islands are the perfect escape.
Indulge in an unforgettable meal, explore the region's rich heritage or simply revel in the beauty of your surroundings, the islands of choice have it all. On this site, you'll find all the information you need to create a holiday filled with special memories - So take some time to look around and start planning your perfect break.
E. Visit the English Riviera - South Devon’s Beautiful Bay
Torquay, Babbacombe, Paignton and Brixham boast stunning beaches and award-winning visitor attractions.
But it's not just palm trees and a famously mild climate, there is treasured literary and natural heritage just waiting to be discovered. The 22 miles of coastline has been endorsed by UNESCO as a Global Geopark. Explore Agatha Christie's place of birth and the inspiration behind fictional tales and her real life story.
Visit the website to request your free Accommodation Guide and prepare to explore South Devon's beautiful bay.
F. Pure Jersey
Whether you're looking for a short break or longer holiday, Jersey has it all! Discover breathtaking beaches, fabulous restaurants, cosmopolitan shopping, leafy country lanes, award-winning attractions and fascinating WWII history. Stay in family-friendly hotels or self-catering lodges, chic hotels or great-value guest houses.
With over 30 departure points from the UK, you can fly in less than an hour or sail by fast ferry. What's more, with its lovely mild climate, Jersey is the warmest place in the British Isles.
以下是几位计划出行者的情况介绍。请将介绍与相关插图及说明性文字匹配起来。
【小题1】Doris , an amateur photographer , is now learning English in the UK. She is planning for a short visit to a place where she can not only has inspiration but also enjoys good food. More importantly, she wish to make it flexible according to her schedule. Any season would be fine as long as there are colourful flowers and warm sun shine.
【小题2】 Rainy, a housewife, is taking a short break to relax herself from boring daily routine, but wishes to spend some days outdoors with her three young girls. She hates the cold winter and is ready to travel by any means of transportation so long as it won’t take a long time. She prefers street shopping to on line shopping.
【小题3】Shirley, a professional column writer, is expecting to experience the UK in a special and unforgettable way. She writes about review on food, introduction to customs and lifestyle of the British.
【小题4】Kathy, an artist, has great passion for nature. She is enthusiastic about exploring the unknown , learning from tradition, enjoying the amazing scenery and bathing the sun on the beach. She usually reads a lot about the persons she paints before she starts working on it.
【小题5】King, a scholar, a nature lover, has written quite a few books on wars. On the other hand, he is particular about food. He is planning to spend one or two days simply enjoying the beauty of nature and quietness of the woods.