八、阅读表达。(每小题2分,共8分)
亮点原创 Forest fires are becoming a big problem all over the world. The fires burn a great many trees and houses. As a result, many animals and people lose their homes. The even more worrying thing is that fires like these are becoming more and more common. There are some reasons for this.
One big reason for so many forest fires around the world is climate change. Climate change means our planet's weather is changing. The weather in many places has become hotter and drier. So more fires start and those fires are more difficult to put out. While some fires start naturally, others happen because of human activities. Even something like a campfire can start a big forest fire. And as people spend more and more time outdoors enjoying nature, forest fires are more probable to happen.
Big fires usually burn for a long time and they are not good for the environment or for people. However, this is not true for small fires. Many people may not know this, but small forest fires can be good for nature. They help clear away old or dead trees to make room for new ones. The burnt wood turns into ash(灰). It helps the new forest to grow. However, problems start if there are too many small forest fires or small fires grow too large.
1. What is the more worrying thing in the passage?

2. How many reasons does the passage mention for forest fires?

3. Why can small forest fires be good for nature?

4. 新考法 开放性设问 How do you like forest fires after reading the passage?

九、(2026·盐城市阜宁期末)方框选词。(每小题1分,共10分)
方框：ancient, through, tradition, name, give up
As the 2026 Spring Festival is coming, CCTV has launched four horse-shaped mascots for the Spring Festival Gala. These lovely mascots are 1 Qiqi, Jiji, Chichi and Chengcheng. They include not only the gala’s theme but also deep meanings from the past.
Each mascot has a special design that tells a story. Qiqi looks like a bronze horse from the Western Zhou Dynasty. It helps us understand China’s long history 2 a fun and creative way. Jiji comes from the “heavenly horse” in the Han Dynasty. It is strong and cool, showing a spirit of never 3. Chichi is inspired by the “three-flower horse” of the Tang Dynasty. It was drawn by a famous painter in 4 times. Chengcheng is modelled after Przewalski’s horses, which live in nature.
You can see many special patterns on the four mascots. These patterns are part of 5 Chinese art and carry good wishes.
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
方框：chance, interest, symbol, journey, look forward to
The mascots wear colourful clothes that represent the energy of the New Year. Horses are very important in Chinese stories and poems. They often serve as a 6 of success and hard work in our daily lives. We often use horses to describe students who study hard every day. These mascots are messengers that connect the ancient times with the modern world. During the 2026 Spring Festival Gala, they will appear on TV to spread joy to every family. We all 7 the wonderful performances they will bring. It is a great 8 for us to see these cute characters. They serve as a bridge to show our culture to the world. For us students, they make learning about history much more 9. We should cherish this opportunity to know more about our country. Many students plan to gather with their friends to celebrate the new year at the gala party.
This will be a meaningful 10 for everyone to remember. Let’s enjoy the show and welcome the Year of the Horse together!
6. 7. 8. 9. 10.