一、完形填空（10分）
A traveller was in a large desert, planning to walk across it in one month. Twenty more days passed, the journey was going on 1. “Soon I'll be able to walk out of this desert,” he thought.
But the desert was 2 friendly to travellers. In a short time, there came a strong sandstorm. He at once 3 his head with the clothes, prostrating (匍匐) on the sand. After about ten minutes, the sandstorm stopped. He shook the clothes and stood up. At that moment, he found himself in a hopeless 4. The backpack (背包) with food and water went away with the storm.
As we know, it seems 5 to leave the desert without food or water. Luckily, he had a pear left. He held it in his hands tightly (紧紧地). “Not too bad. I have a pear at least. I believe I can walk across the desert.” He looked at his tiny fruit in his hand and walked on.
Days and nights went by quickly, but the desert still looked 6. The traveller knew he must stay calm, 7 he would lose his last hope. Each time he was about to lose hope, he forced (强迫) 8 to look at the pear in his hand.
A small pear became the hope for his survival. Three days later, as soon as he saw a village not far away, he laughed with excitement. Jumping into the air with sudden energy, he 9 his arms wildly at the village. He felt completely 10 —the “pear” brought him back to life. Now with his last strength (力气), he walked towards the village.
To keep hope is the best weapon (武器) for success. If you search, you will always find a “pear” to help you out of trouble.
( ) 1. A. badly B. quickly C. well D. happily
( ) 2. A. always B. never C. often D. almost
( ) 3. A. filled B. tied C. connected D. covered
( ) 4. A. protection B. vacation C. situation D. station
( ) 5. A. important B. impossible C. imperfect D. incorrect
( ) 6. A. hopeless B. endless C. colourful D. beautiful
( ) 7. A. until B. but C. and D. or
( ) 8. A. himself B. itself C. themselves D. ourselves
( ) 9. A. raised B. waved C. guided D. lifted
( )10. A. amazed B. relaxed C. worried D. nervous

二、阅读理解(16分)
A

How Bloody a Scene!
Blood Falls in Antarctica is a waterfall which pours blood-red water into a river. The sight is a perfect background for a horror (恐怖) film: full of mysteries (神秘) and of course bloody. Its special colour was long believed to be caused by red algae (红藻). Until 2017, the true cause of the so-called blood was proved to be oxidized iron (被氧化的铁) in saltwater.
Amazing yet a dangerous sight, frozen bubbles can be seen in winter at Abraham Lake in Canada. When there is too much methane (甲烷) gas underwater and it is frozen, it will finally form this special sight—frozen bubbles. Such plenty of methane has a high risk. So even a lit match can cause an explosion (爆炸).

Mirror (镜子) of the Sky

During the new moon and full moon times, tourists can see a clear reflection (反射) of the sky in the waters of Sasaran Beach in Malaysia. The smooth sand and lowest water level (水位) create such an unbelievable sight. Also known as the “Mirror of the Sky”, this water beach is an amazing place to take pictures.
() 1. In which part of the newspaper can we read the news?
A. PEOPLE. B. BIOLOGY. C. TRADITION. D. NATURE.
() 2. The best title for the second news would be “”.
A. How Beautiful a Lake! B. Too Dangerous to Visit!
C. Special Frozen Bubbles! D. Here Come Explosions!
() 3. What do the three pieces of news above have in common (共同地)?
A. They can be seen only by the sea. B. They introduce places fit for visiting.
C. They are all very dangerous. D. They show the causes of the special sights.