Nancy found that the government in Singapore invested a lot in ______.

d and ______.

Complete the flow chart below.

Write NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS for each answer.

Old assumption:

Large dust particles (38) more rain

New research:

More dust less rain (because water too dispersed to form (39) )

Conclusion:

Loss of topsoil in nearby areas progressive (40) of deserts

(32)

听力原文：PERRY: Hi, Opal. Any ideas about what we should do for our geography project?

OPAL: Hi, Perry. Yes, I'd like to do something on Wetlands.

PERRY: I think that's a great idea—where do we start?

OPAL: With a definition of course—something like: ' a marshy area of land where the soil near the surface is saturated or covered with water, forming a special habitat for wildlife'.

PERRY: And we could add: 'the flora and fauna of the area are reliant on the water-logged soil for their survival'.

OPAL: Yes, that's a major problem actually—when commercial developers or farmers come along and decide to drain the swamps—everything dies. The practice is all too common unfortunately. Did you know that, as a result, wetlands are recognized internationally as one of the most threatened types of habitat?

PERRY: That's right. We'll have to be sure to discuss their importance in our assignment.

OPAL: But, first, I think we should state some of the particular characteristics of wetlands.

PERRY: Well, there are three that I can think of. To start with: wetlands are limited areas of open water, which vary depending on seasonal fluctuations.

OPAL: Yes...and the second could be that there's usually a variety of water-tolerant flora on the banks and throughout the water.

PERRY: Of course, depending on the time of year, there may be more or less water but levels generally remain quite shallow.

OPAL: Okay...now let's move on to the importance of wetlands.

PERRY: Shall we start with plant and wildlife habitat?

OPAL: Yes, I think we should point out that wetlands are homes for countless species of water birds, frogs, invertebrates and fish...

PERRY: ...and they support many varieties of water-loving plants...

OPAL: which brings us naturally to the topic of biodiversity—even small wetlands act as borders between land and permanent water. They turn into refuge areas or sanctuaries in times of drought and they often support rare and threatened plants and animals found nowhere else.

PERRY: Exactly. And they're especially important as nurseries and breeding grounds for all kinds of fish, birds and invertebrates.

OPAL: Wetlands are important for improving the purity of the water, too.

PERRY: Yes, that's because the flow of water through the wetlands is slowed by bank and in-stream plants, and so it allows sediment to settle. Nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorous and other pollutants are removed as the water passes through.

A wetland is an area where the soil is typically water-logged. Plants and animals living there depend on the we ness for their (21) Draining swamps is a widespread occurrence which kills off wildlife and, consequently, wetlands are (22) worldwide. It is a feature of wetlands that conditions vary according to (23) Water-tolerant plants grow both in and out of the water and water levels are usually (24) Wetlands naturally occur between land and water and become (25) for various wildlife during very dry periods. They also act as nurseries for different kinds of animal life. Wetlands are known to upgrade (26) by removing pollutants.

A．water quality

B．seasonal change

C．saturated soil

D．safe places

E．quite low

F．quite high

G．nutrients

H．nurseries

I．international recognition

J．farming activity

K．extinct

L．continued existence

M．commercial development

N．at risk

(15)

Choose TWO letters from A-E for each answer.

14 ＆ 15. Police advise the group of students to

A. chase the thieves if it is safe.

B. be more careful where they place their bags.

C. avoid shopping alone in the area.

D. avoid carrying too much money with them.

E. use credit cards as much as possible.

Complete the sign on the door of Grisham College Counselling Office below.

Use NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS OR A NUMBER for each answer.

Welcome to Student Services-Counselling Office

Office Hours: 8a.m.to (4)

After Hours Entry: Use the (5)

and a Counsellor will let you in.

Telephone -7893 4611

Listen to the conversation between the same student and the Student Counsellor.

d I've chosen you two because of your varied academic backgrounds...now, you, Sharon...

SHARON: I majored in business studies before I came to teachers' training college.

LIAISON: Yes, exactly.

LESTER: Well, I've always been more interested in science, marine biology, in particular.

LIAISON: Yes, I think it's quite exciting. The school you're going to assist at is augmenting the number of vocational learning experiences offered within its subjects. Educational philosophy these days seems to recognize the importance of increasing practical components in the curriculum. Areas of development being pursued include building and construction, agriculture, business education and hospitality; but the marine studies course is already well developed.

LESTER: Oh, now I see where we fit in.

LIAISON: You'll find that the school has an excellent library and audio visual collection. There are 3 computer laboratories and a special-needs network with 6 stations.

LESTER: Ah...they are well equipped.

LIAISON: Mum...wait till you see their Independent Learning Centre.

LESTER: What's so special about their ILC?

LIAISON: They have the most sophisticated self-learning software I've ever seen in this region of the country.

LESTER: Really?

LIAISON: Ah huh. And there's a wide number of extra-curricular activities, an extensive sporting programmed...

LESTER: Oh, sport—not my thing at all...

LIAISON: Well, no, maybe not, but they also promote students' participation in different scholastic competitions.

LESTER: I'm impressed—I think we're going to enjoy this.

Choose your answers from the box and write the letters A-H next to questions 26-30.

Sharon and Lester have different (26) Sharon studied business while Lester studied science. They are volunteering to help out at a school which is increasing its students' (27) in a number of subject areas. The (28) programmed is well underway. It's a well-equipped school and the liaison officer is particularly impressed by the (29) The school offers many things to do outside the curriculum and students are encouraged to take part in (30) .

A．vocational learning experiences

B．practical components

C．self-learning software

D．academic backgrounds

E．marine studies

F．interesting developments

G．scholastic competitions

H．building and construction

(26)