成人高等教育公共英语综合能力自测 10

Directions: In this part of the test, there are three passages. Each passage is followed by five questions. For each of them there are four choices marked A, B, C and D. You are required to choose the best answer.

Passage A

Mosquitoes can be found almost anywhere. They thrive best in tropical and subtropical climates near the equator with lots of warmth, rain, and humidity. Breeding rates of mosquitoes are observed to be directly proportional to warmer temperatures—the warmer the climate, the more successfully they breed. Since the Industrial Revolution, global temperatures have increased by an average of 1℃. This has caused mosquitoes to expand their range by 4.7 kilometers, and reach areas that are 6.5 metres higher in altitude each year.

A species entering a new area can throw a once­balanced ecosystem into disarray through the introduction of new viruses or bacteria to the local population. This can have unforeseen consequences for the natives. The spread of mosquitoes in particular can have deadly influences because they carry several diseases like malaria. Not only can it affect and kill humans, but local wildlife may also suffer as mosquitoes bite and infect them too. The exotic forest birds previously embraced the safety of higher altitudes to avoid mosquitoes, but with rising temperatures, these areas may not be safe for much longer. Malaria has been known to cause entire bird species to go extinct, so this situation is of major concern. The rapid spread of mosquitoes can mean that even areas far from the equator need to prepare for situations in which diseases like malaria find their way into ordinary people.

Although there is no definitive evidence that climate change is causing the expansion of animal ranges, the correlation is too much to ignore. Fortunately, experts are researching ways to limit the dangers of disease transmission in vulnerable populations; estimates say that as many as 78,000 lives per year may be saved by making new therapies available, and providing mosquito nets and bug sprays. There is hope that if used wisely, time will allow for preparations to be made before mosquitoes spread further.

41、Which factor affects the breeding of mosquitoes directly?

Directions: In this part of the test, there are three passages. Each passage is followed by five questions. For each of them there are four choices marked A, B, C and D. You are required to choose the best answer.

 Passage B

People are called out for being selfish for a variety of reasons. They may do less for others and demand more attention and effort from others in order to achieve their desires and goals. Selfish people sometimes fear or hate doing more for others because they feel it can impede their own needs.

The selfish person doesn't always recognise that there are issues because their needs are being met. The other party, however, may feel like they're being taken advantage of, unappreciated, and often hateful because of the lack of care and attention to their own needs.

Selfish people aren't always aware of what effect their actions have on others and so it's important for anyone to make the selfish individuals aware of their actions, as well as the impact on themselves. Selfishness becomes a problem when it leads to a lack of consideration, respect and empathy, and even toxic when it begins to negatively impact those close relationships.

Not all selfishness is considered negative, however. Focusing on yourself doesn't have to be all bad. Struggling to find balance between what is important to you and others is a healthier way to maintain relationships. Placing goals first, and respecting other's time are always important when building and maintaining relationships. It can be a good thing to do what is “best for you”. If you can balance that with “doing what is best for us”， then you'll be able to pilot being selfish effectively.

If you're being described as selfish, chances are you really value yourself and if you value yourself, then you would definitely value feedback that would help you improve yourself. This awareness is important, but also advises practice. Take time to consider whether your relationships and interactions feel like both parties win, and follow those thoughts up with behaviour changes which are supportive of others, and which respect their time and emotional support.

46、What does the word impede (Para. 1) most probably mean in the context?

 Passage C

Studies have revealed we are going to the doctors more than ever with symptoms of fatigue. Experts put the increase down to the demanding nature of modern life. “Our lifestyles are characterised by constant connectivity, high stress and inadequate sleep,” says a sleep expert. Many factors can contribute. “The widely spreading nature of stress, both at work and in our personal life, creates a perfect storm for persistent fatigue. No boundaries between work and leisure in the digital age often results in extended working hours, leaving little time for rest and recovery.”

 “People are getting less than six hours a night, a decrease from 2022, and well below the recommendation of seven to nine hours a night,” Dr. Kelly says. “It's no real surprise as we experience the cost­-of­-living crisis alongside workplace commitments, busy social lives and families.” So what does it mean to feel fatigued? “It_sees_us_wake_up_feeling_tired,_relying on coffee, and wishing the day away so you can get your head down again,” says Dr. Kelly.

Sleep is the most effective way to reduce fatigue. Dr. Kelly shares his three-­step bedtime plan: The first step is turning the lights off. “Lights have a stimulatory impact on the brain, which reduces the production of sleep, inducing melatonin(褪黑素)，” he says. “Blue light from phones and laptops, in particular, is harmful to sleep as it's emitted at a different wavelength to natural light. Sleep in the dark as much as possible.” The second step is getting the temperature right so the room is cool, at around 19 ℃， but not cold. Dr. Kelly says, “A cool room helps to reduce body temperature, which helps initiate sleep.” And third is shutting out distracting noises, such as from a clicking radiator or traffic outdoors. “Noise is potentially the most important factor contributing to a poor sleep environment,” he says. “If you're unable to switch distracting noises off, try white noise to aid sleep.”

51、What is the main focus of the passage?

Directions: In this part of the test, there are ten blanks. You are required to choose one word for each blank from a list of choices given in the word bank below to complete the passage. Read the passage carefully before making your choices. Each choice in the bank is identified by a letter. You MAY NOT USE ANY OF THE WORDS in the word bank MORE THAN ONCE.

56~65

[A]  admitted

[B] profit

[C] require

[D] extreme

[E] come

[F]  down

[G]  less

[H]  inside

[I]  more

[J] finding

[K] ceiling

[L] failed

Indoor food growing operations are seeing both successes and failures. Some companies in the food industry are investing even as competitors have （56）．

Indoor farming brings growing （57） in what experts sometimes call “controlled environment agriculture.” There are different methods. One method called vertical(垂直的) farming involves arranging produce from floor to （58）, often under artificial lights and with the plants growing in nutrient-enriched water. Other growers are trying very large greenhouses, indoor beds of soil in big buildings and using special robots for parts of the farming process. Supporters say growing indoors uses（59）  water and land and permits food to be grown closer to consumers, saving on transport. Indoor growing is also a way to protect crops from increasingly （60）weather caused by climate change.

But some people question the sustainability of operations that can （61） a lot of energy for artificial light. They believe that paying for the light can make it impossible to earn a （62）. The industry has （63） those high costs. Some companies are seeking to push costs （64） by using solar power. But even the companies that use a lot of artificial light that does not （65） from renewables say they can be profitable by eventually producing a high volume of produce year-round.

In an era where energy bills and household costs are rising quickly, finding ways to avoid financial difficulties becomes important.

Additionally, use natural light whenever possible.

Small habits, such as turning off the tap while brushing your teeth or shaving, can build up substantial water savings.

Take the age-­old advice of turning off lights, unplugging devices, and closing the fridge door.