【2019-2020】普通高等学校招生全国统一考试模拟英语试题四

At the beginning of the Industrial Age, most peppered moths in England were light-colored and covered with black markings, although a few moths had dark-colored wings. Because the light-colored moths blended into the light-colored bark on the trees, they could not be easily seen by birds that would eat them. As the air grew more polluted, however, tree trunks became covered with soot（烟煤）and became darker. The light-colored moths became easy for birds to see against the dark tree trunks. Since the dark-colored moths now had the advantage, their numbers grew. Within 50 years, the peppered moth went from being mostly light-colored to being mostly dark-colored.

In the 20th century, the air cleared up, and the peppered moth population changed again. As tree trunks lighted due to less soot in the air, light-colored moths once again had an advantage. Their numbers increased as soot levels declined. Depending on their environment, the coloration of the moths helped them to be “naturally selected” to survive. 4. Which of the following has the closest meaning to the underlined word “thrives” in the first paragraph? A. Reduces.

B. Booms.

C. Changes.

D. Endangers.

5. What can we infer about the peppered moth’s natural selection process?

5 / 21

A. The length of time was unusual.

B. The soot levels in England did not affect it. C. This type of color change was typical for moths. D. It was a good example of environmental protection. 6. What’s the difference between light-colored and dark-colored moths?

A. Dark-colored moths were originally easy to see on trees. B. Both kinds of moths preferred the dark-colored trees. C. Birds failed to see light-colored moths. D. The color of moths was unimportant.

7. Which would most likely happen if soot darkened England’s trees again?

A. Birds would eat fewer moths.

B. Moths would not be able to stay alive.

C. Light-colored moths would disturb people’s life. D. The population of dark-colored moths would increase.

C

Having three cancer patients in the same household can turn a whole family upside down. Michelle Bruce, her husband, Jeremy, and their son, Holden, all had cancer. The family moved to Michelle’s hometown of Franklin, Nebraska six years ago, so her parents could help.

Doctors found Holden’s brain tumor（肿瘤）, when he was 12 years old. His family was living in a small town at the

6 / 21

time, but there were related doctors in the state. Holden had two operations in Omaha clinic, both of which were tough.

When Holden’s cancer came back again in 2012, nothing could be done. But the family didn’t give up. They reached out to Boston Children’s Hospital, which has better

equipment and doctors with more experience operating on kids. After looking at Holden’s records, the doctor sent back her diagnosis: She was confident that she could remove the tumor.

The family was beyond relieved, until they learned insurance wouldn’t cover any of the operation’s costs. The operation would cost $39,000 – more than the parents could afford. The family got desperate.

In a town of just 1,000 people, however, word traveled fast. Within days, a local woman Michelle had never met in person called to say she was planning an event to raise money for Holden. Michelle was touched.

The event was uplifting. Finally, the town raised $45,000 – enough to cover not just Holden’s hospital bills, but for Michelle and Jeremy’s trip to Boston with their son. “I just didn’t know what to say,” said Michelle. “Nobody could really believe it.”

Holden’s operation went much more smoothly than the first two. He is cancer-free and now is attending Central Community College-Hastings on a full-ride scholarship.

7 / 21

8. Where did Michelle’s parents live? A. Florida.

B. Boston.

C. Omaha.

D. Franklin.

9. Why did Holden’s family go to Boston Children’s hospital? A. Because it was near their home.

B. Because it had better equipment and doctors. C. Because the medical expense there was cheaper. D. Because they were familiar with the doctors there. 10. What was the feeling of the family when they learned the operation’s cost?

A. They were in despair. B. They were very delighted. C. They were very surprised. D. They remained calm.

11. What is the best title of the passage?

A. World’s Best Cancer Doctors B. Brave Boy Who Conquered His Cancer C. 1,000 People Saved A Teen’s Life D. Country’s Welfare System Shined

D

It’s just been three months after the first bike-sharing company arrived in Singapore, but reports of abuse and vandalism（故意破坏）of shared bikes in the city keep appearing on social media.

8 / 21