Passage 1

　　Nature may be red in tooth and claw.But one caterpillar(毛毛虫) dresses in orange and black to avoid becoming somebody’s lunch.What’s really surprising,though,is that this distinctive set of stripes(条纹)can serve as both a warning and a disguise,depending on how far away it is from the viewer.

　　Animals can make use of color as a defense mechanism in a couple of ways.Some shades and patterns help animals combine into the background.However,daring markings often work as a signal that the animal is uneatable.

　　So,these two strategies have often been considered not to coexist.But under natural conditions you find this distinction is less clear cut.

　　Jim Barnett of the University of Bristol,who led the study to explore whether the same coloration might do double duty,allowing an animal to be obvious under some conditions but unseen in others.They focused their attention on the caterpillars.Their bright appearance was believed to remind the birds that might have eaten others of their kind that they were none too tasty,thanks to their fixed diet.

　　The researchers took photos of the caterpillars in suburban green spaces around Bristol.And they used a visual modeling program to give them a “bird’s-eye view” of what the caterpillars looked like,either close-up or from farther away.What they found is that although at close range the caterpillar’s stripes are highly obvious—these bright colors distinguish it quite easily from its background—but when viewed from a distance they mix together to form a color which is actually quite difficult to tell from the background color.So,the caterpillar is getting the best of both worlds.Close up,the stripes may keep your distance.But from a distance,they allow the caterpillar to hide in plain sight.

　　The finding is a reminder—don’t forget to step back and see things from a different perspective.

　　1.What is the function of the animals’ daring markings?

　　A.To avoid being eaten.

　　B.To attack their enemies.

　　C.To distinguish themselves.

　　D.To please their partners.

　　2.How does caterpillars’ coloration perform its double duty?

　　A.By adapting to the environment or changing it.

　　B.By making their appearance attractive and bodies stronger.

　　C.By frightening off enemies or avoiding being found easily.

　　D.By changing their skin colors in case of peace and danger.

　　3.When viewed from a distance caterpillars appear to 　　　.

　　A.show off their stripes

　　B.take on different colors

　　C.transform their shapes

　　D.combine into the surroundings

　　4.Which of the following does the author agree?

　　A.Every coin has two sides.

　　B.Put character before appearance.

　　C.Try to view things from a different angle.

　　D.One bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.

Passage 2

　　Take a trip to one of London’s theme parks for an adrenaline-packed day out.From thrilling rides through history,to wild animals—both mythical and real,London’s theme parks offer great entertainment for families and groups.

　　Unlike most London attractions,some amusement parks aren’t in central London,but are easily reached by train,coach or car.

　　Chessington World of Adventures

　　Whether it’s adrenaline-pumping rides,wild animals or underwater adventures that you’re after,Chessington delivers.There are three main sections.The Theme Park has 10 themed lands with more than 40 rides and attractions including roller coasters,dodgems and rides suitable for younger children.Chessington Zoo houses 1,000 animals including tigers,lions,giraffes,penguins and a petting zoo.

　　Shrek’ s Adventure

　　Board the Dreamwork’s.Tour Bus for a 4D experience with Cheeky Donkey as your guide.You’ll be taken through 10 live,fairytale-themed shows including Shrek’s Swamp and a mirror maze(迷宫),suitable for all ages,but particularly those aged 6 to 12 years old.

　　London Dungeon

　　Take a scary but humorous 90-minute journey through 1,000 years of London’s history at the ever-popular London Dungeon.There are 18 interactive shows with 20 live theatre actors and two rides to guide you through the city’s murky past.Walk the Whitechapel Maze with Jack the Ripper,visit a medieval torture chamber,and be careful not to lose your head on the tyrant boat ride with King Henry Ⅷ!

　　KidZania

　　Set your imagination free at KidZania at Westfield London—the new role-playing park for children that’s taking the world by storm.A child-size city complete with shops and locations including a fire station,a bank and a theatre stage where children can role-play around 60 different jobs and professions,KidZania aims to teach life skills such as financial literacy,teamwork and independence.

　　1.If visitors want to enjoy the excitement of roller coasters,they can go to 　　　.

　　A.KidZania

　　B.Shrek’s Adventure

　　C.London Dungeon

　　D.Chessington World of Adventures

　　2.Who might be most likely interested in London Dungeon?

　　A.Students studying history.

　　B.Underwater adventurers.

　　C.Police officers.

　　D.Animal lovers.

　　3.Where does this text probably come from?

　　A.A science textbook. B.A news report.

　　C.A travel guidebook. D.A geography magazine.

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