Why should mankind explore space? Why should money, time and effort be spent exploring and researching something with so few apparent benefits? Why should resources be spent on space rather than on conditions and people on Earth? These are questions that, understandably, are very often asked.
Perhaps the best answer lies in our genetic makeup(基因構(gòu)成) as human beings. What drove our ancestors to move from the trees into the plains, and on into all possible areas and environments? The wider the spread of a species, the better its chance of survival. Perhaps the best reason for exploring space is this genetic tendency to expand wherever possible.
Nearly every successful civilization has explored, because by doing so, any dangers in surrounding areas can be identified and prepared for. Without knowledge, we may be completely destroyed by the danger. With knowledge, we can lessen its effects.
Exploration also allows minerals and other potential (潛在的) resources to be found. Even if we have no immediate need of them, they will perhaps be useful later. Resources may be more than physical possessions. Knowledge or techniques have been acquired through exploration. The techniques may have medical applications which can improve the length or quality of our lives. We have already benefited from other spin-offs including improvements in earthquake prediction, in satellites for weather forecasting and in communications systems. Even non-stick pans and mirrored sunglasses are by-products (副產(chǎn)品) of technological developments in the space, the chance to save ourselves might not exist.
While many resources are spent on what seems a small return, the exploration of space allows creative, brave and intelligent members of our species to focus on what may serve to save us. While space may hold many wonders and explanations of how the universe was formed or how it works, it also holds dangers. The danger exists, but knowledge can help human being to survive. Without the ability to reach out across space, the chance to save ourselves might not exist.
While Earth is the only planet known to support life, surely the adaptive ability of humans would allow us to live on other planets. It is true that the lifestyle would be different, but human life and cultures have adapted in the past and surely could in the future.
【小題1】Why does the author mention the questions in Paragraph1?
A.To express his doubts |
B.To compare different ideas. |
C.To introduce points for discussion |
D.To describe the conditions on Earth. |
A.Humans are nature-born to do so. |
B.Humans have the tendency to fight. |
C.Humans may find new sources of food. |
D.Humans don’t like to stay in the same place. |
A.Our genetic makeup. |
B.Resources on the earth.. |
C.The adaptive ability of humans. |
D.By-products in space exploration. |
【小題1】C
【小題2】A
【小題3】C
解析試題分析:文章大意:本文通過連續(xù)用三個(gè)問題,來引出討論的主題,然后回答了我們?nèi)祟悶槭裁从胁粩嗵剿鞯哪芰,最好的答案就在于我們(nèi)祟惖幕驑?gòu)成上,同時(shí)太空探索會(huì)讓我們將來能夠在其他星球上生活,從而避免地球上的資源枯竭。
【小題1】考查作者寫作目的題。根據(jù)第一段文章的意思,特別是作者連續(xù)用三個(gè)問題,目的是引起讀者的興趣。來引出要討論的主題。選C。
【小題2】考查細(xì)節(jié)題。根據(jù)文章第二段:Perhaps the best answer lies in our genetic makeup(基因構(gòu)成) as human beings.也許最好的答案就在于我們?nèi)祟惖幕驑?gòu)成上。選A。
【小題3】考查句意理解題。根據(jù)文章最后一段:While Earth is the only planet known to support life, surely the adaptive ability of humans would allow us to live on other planets雖然地球是現(xiàn)在已知的唯一生命支持的星球,相信人類一定有適應(yīng)能力,將使我們能夠在其他星球上生活。選C。
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科目:高中英語(yǔ) 來源: 題型:閱讀理解
Watercress is positively packed with healthy vitamins and minerals. The writings of both the Romans and the Ancient Greeks record the consumption of watercress by all classes. Hippocrates, “the father of medicine”, was so convinced that watercress was a great healer that he built his first hospital next to a stream so that he could grow a plentiful supply of the shiny green leaves for his patients. The Romans chewed watercress in large quantities, believing that it would cure baldness. They, too, looked with favor on watercress as a salad.
Watercress sandwiches were traditionally a breakfast item in nineteenth-century Europe. The most basic type of watercress sandwich has two pieces of white bread with a mixture of butter and watercress greens . A nickname(綽號(hào))for the vegetable, in fact, was “poor man’s bread”, because watercress was often eaten on its own for breakfast by families that could not afford the bread to go with it.
Watercress is a member of the mustard(芥菜) family. It contains vitamins C(66mg per 100g), K and A, and is also a valuable source of minerals such as iron, potassium, copper and calcium. The mustard oils in its silky leaves and stems(莖)contain an ingredient known as PEITC. Recent research has proved that PEITC can prevent the growth of cancer cells and, in some cases, actually destroy them.
The best watercress has silky green leaves without any marks and has undamaged stems, The older the plant, the darker are its leaves and the thicker its stems. This means a higher concentration of oils and vitamins. Young watercress, on the other hand, may be harvested after only twenty-eight days growth and has a milder taste. It is best to eat watercress fresh and raw , to keep more of its valuable nutrients, but it can be lightly cooked and used as an alternative to spinach—another dark green vegetable—in various recipes. From soups to salads, watercress is now considered around the world as a natural and healthy super food.
【小題1】From paragraph 1, we can learn that________.
A.watercress is usually grown in wet areas |
B.the ancient Greeks only used watercress for medicine |
C.watercress is the most ancient vegetable known to man |
D.the Romans rubbed watercress on their heads to cure baldness |
A.butter | B.watercress | C.breakfast | D.bread |
A.has lighter green leaves |
B.contains more minerals |
C.is better for medical use |
D.is more suitable for eating raw |
A.The history of watercress | B.watrcress, a medicinal plant |
C.Watercress, the amazing food | D.New findings about watercress |
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科目:高中英語(yǔ) 來源: 題型:閱讀理解
There has been a dramatic increase in the number of natural disasters over the past few years, and it is assumed that global warming and climate change could cause even more disasters in the future. Some of the world’s leading cities are facing disasters like floods and heat waves.
London
London’s flood defences are getting older. Since 1982, the Thames Barrier(水閘)has protected the city from the threat of flooding, but it was only designed to last until 2030 and close once every two or three years. About 26 years later the barrier now closes five or six times a year and according to Environment Agency predictions, by 2050 the barrier will be closed on almost every tide if the problem is not addressed.
There are 26 underground stations, 400 schools, 16 hospitals, an airport and 80 billion worth of property in London’s flood risk area, so large scale flooding would be disastrous.
Paris
Over a six week period in July and August 2003, more than 1 1,400—mainly elderly people—died in France from dehydration(脫水)and extremely high body temperature in a deadly heat wave. Heat waves of similar intensity(強(qiáng)度)are expected every seven years by 2050, so what can be done to make sure such a disaster does not happen again?
One solution is to have air-conditioners installed in elderly care homes. But this is considered a short-term solution, as the increase in demand for electricity also increases carbon emissions(排放).
In Paris the local authorities are encouraging architects to design new types of buildings such as the building “Flower Tower,” which uses a covering of bamboo to act as a natural air-conditioner.
Shanghai
Shanghai is the fastest growing city on Earth. It has a population of 18 million and is only 4 meters above sea level. Sea levels are predicted to rise by 20 cm within the next century.
An estimated 250,000 people move to Shanghai every year in search of work, placing extra demands on energy consumption. China relies heavily on coal—fired power stations, but these emissions increase temperatures and, in turn, warmer seas increase the risk of typhoons.
【小題1】What problem should be settled now in London?
A.How to protect the city’s property |
B.Where to build its flood defences |
C.How to use the Thames Barrier to protect the city |
D.How to improve the function of the old flood defences |
A.Putting up new types of buildings with a covering of bamboo |
B.Having air-conditioners installed in elderly care homes |
C.Forbidding the city to build“Flower Tower” |
D.Encouraging architects to design new types of buildings |
A.increasing population and coal-fired power stations |
B.rising sea levels and typhoons |
C.extremely high temperature and rising sea levels |
D.extra demands on energy consumption and typhoons |
A.to tell us how to protect the big cities |
B.to give advice on how to defend natural disasters |
C.to explain what causes flood and heat waves |
D.to warn us of the increasing natural disasters in big cities |
A.Big Cities Facing Big Disasters |
B.Big Disasters in the Future |
C.The Increase of Natural Disasters |
D.Solutions to Natural Disasters |
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科目:高中英語(yǔ) 來源: 題型:閱讀理解
Sometime early in the next century, human beings will move to Mars. They will live there for about a year, and then will be replaced with another group of pioneers. Building the base on Mars will advance our knowledge of the solar system and aid in our understanding of the earth.
We already know that Mars resembles the earth in many aspects: general size, presence of water, length of day, range of temperatures. These resemblances have caused many people to consider a centuries-long project: to terraform Mars. Terraforming means altering a planet’s surface so that Earth’s life forms can survive there. This concept, previously found only in science fiction is now being seriously considered by scientists.
Terraforming Mars is theoretically simple: add nitrogen and oxygen to the atmosphere; pump water to the surface; and add the earth’s plants and animals in the order in which they developed on Earth. But it will take at least 300 years.
Some people think that such a project is too huge for humans to undertake, but there are very good reasons to make the attempt. The earth now contains some 6 billion people, and no one has any idea of how many humans the earth can support. Our very existence and numbers are threatening many other species. We also have had some experience with terraforming our own planet: altering the landscape, the atmosphere and the climate. Currently terraforming earth has become a wiser activity as we try to control global warming, air and water pollution, and preserve some natural living places.
While the possibility of such a project is small, it is not impossible .Even if earth –bound societies come and go in the next 300 years, the project can continue through the work of the Mars settlers without the need for constant backing from the earth.
The future existence of all the people in our world may very well depend upon our ability to terraform Mars.
【小題1】What would be the best title for this passage?
A.Terraforming Mars. | B.Saving the Earth |
C.Travelling to Mars. | D.A Newly-found Place |
A.Warming. | B.Changing. | C.Planting. | D.Building |
A.do some scientific research work |
B.find out its similarity to earth |
C.a(chǎn)void the dying away of many other species |
D.find on Mars living place for the increasing human beings |
A.there are some resemblances between Earth and Mars. |
B.terraforming Mars is theoretically simple |
C.we have had some experience with terraforming our own planet: Earth |
D.the development of science and technology is very rapid |
A.Optimistic. | B.Negative |
C.Sceptical(懷疑的) | D.Objective. |
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科目:高中英語(yǔ) 來源: 題型:閱讀理解
If a diver surfaces too quickly, he may suffer the bends. Nitrogen (氮) dissolved (溶解) in his blood is suddenly liberated by the reduction of pressure. The consequence, if the bubbles (氣泡) accumulate in a joint, is sharp pain and a bent body — thus the name. If the bubbles form in his lungs or brain, the consequence can be death.
Other air-breathing animals also suffer this decompression (減壓) sickness if they surface too fast: whales, for example. And so, long ago, did ichthyosaurs (魚龍). That these ancient sea-animals got the bends can be seen from their bones. If bubbles of nitrogen form inside the bone they can cut off its blood supply. This kills the cells in the bone, and consequently weakens it, sometimes to the point of collapse. Fossil(化石)bones that have caved in on themselves are thus a sign that the animal once had the bends.
Bruce Rothschild of the University of Kansas knew all this when he began a suty of ichthyosaurs bones to find out how widespread the problem was in the past. What he particularly wanted to investigate was how ichthyosaurs adapted to the problem of decompession over the 150 milllion years. To this end, he and his colleagues traveled the world’s natural-history museums, looking at hundreds of ichthyosaurs from the Trassic period and from the later Jurassic and Cretaceous periods.
When he started, he assumed that signs of the bends would be rarer in younger fossils, reflecting their gradual evolution of measures to deal with decompression. Instead, he was astonished to discover the opposite. More than 15% of Jurassic and Cretaceous ichthyosaurs had suffered the bends before the died, but not a single Trassic specimen showed evidence of that sort of injury.
If ichthyosaurs did evolve an anti-decompression means, they clearly did so quickly — and, most strangly, they lost it afterwards. But that is not what Dr Rothchild thinks happened. He suspects it was evolution in other animals that caused the change.
Whales that suffer the bends often do so because they have sufaced to escape a predator (捕食動(dòng)物) such as a large shark. One of the features of the Jurassia oceans was an abundance of large sharks and crocodiles, both of which were fond of ichthyosaurs lunches. Trassic oceans, by contrast, were mercifully shark-and crocodile-free. In the Trassic, then, ichthyosaurs were top of the food chain. In the Jurrasic and Cretaceous, they were prey (獵物) as well as predator —and often had to make a speedy exit as a result.
【小題1】Which of the following is a typical symptom of the bends?
A.A twisted body. |
B.A gradual decrease in blood supply. |
C.A sudden release of nitrogen in blood. |
D.A drop in blood presure. |
A.how often ichthyosaurs caught the bends |
B.how ichthyosaurs adapted to decompression |
C.why ichthyosaurs bent their bodies |
D.when ichthyosaurs broke their bones |
A.confirmed his assumption | B.speeded up his research process |
C.disagreed with his assumption | D.changed his research objectives |
A.failed to evole an anti-decompression means |
B.grdually developed measures against the bends |
C.died out because of large sharks and crocodiles |
D.evoled an anti-decompression means but soon lost it |
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科目:高中英語(yǔ) 來源: 題型:閱讀理解
What is the nature of the scientific attitude, the attitude of the man or woman who studies and applies physics, biology, chemistry, geology, engineering, medicine or any other science?
We all know that science plays an important role in our societies. However, many people believe that our progress depends on two different aspects of science. The first aspect is the application of the machines, products and systems of knowledge that scientists and technologists develop. The second is the application of the special methods of thought and action that scientists use in their work.
What are these special methods of thinking and acting? First of all, it seems that a successful scientist is curious - he wants to find out how and why the universe works. He usually pays attention to problems which he notices have no satisfying explanation, and looks for relationships even if the data available seem to be unconnected. Moreover, he thinks he can improve the existing conditions and enjoys trying to solve the problems which this involves.
He is a good observer, accurate, patient and objective(客觀的) and uses the facts he observes to the fullest. For example, trained observers obtain a very large amount of information about a star mainly from the accurate analysis of the simple lines that appear in a spectrum(光譜).
He does not accept statements which are not based on the most complete evidence available. He rejects authority as the only basis for truth. Scientists always check statements and make experiments carefully and objectively.
Furthermore, he does not readily accept his own idea, since he knows that man is the least reliable of scientific instruments and that a number of factors tend to disturb objective investigation.
Lastly, he is full of imagination since he often has to look for relationships in data which are not only complex but also frequently incomplete. Furthermore, he needs imagination if he wants to guess how processes work and how events take place.
These seem to be some of the ways in which a successful scientist or technologist thinks and acts.
【小題1】Many people believe that science helps society to progress through ________.
A.knowledge | B.more than one aspect |
C.technology | D.the use of machines |
A.He doesn’t find confidence and pleasure in work. |
B.He makes efforts to investigate potential connections. |
C.He is interested in problems that are explained. |
D.He looks for new ways of acting. |
A.easily believe in unchecked statements |
B.easily criticize others’ research work |
C.a(chǎn)lways use his imagination in work |
D.a(chǎn)lways use evidence from observation |
A.complete | B.a(chǎn)ccurate | C.objective | D.complicated |
A.Application of technology |
B.Progress in modem society. |
C.Scientists’ ways of thinking and acting |
D.How to become a successful scientist. |
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科目:高中英語(yǔ) 來源: 題型:閱讀理解
In this age of Internet chat, videogames and reality television, there is no shortage of mindless activities to keep a child occupied. Yet, despite the competition, my 8-year-old daughter Rebecca wants to spend her leisure time writing short stories. She wants to enter one of her stories into a writing contest, a competition she won last year.
As a writer I know about winning contests, and about losing them. I know what it is like to work hard on a story only to receive a rejection slip from the publisher. I also know the pressures of trying to live up to a reputation created by previous victories. What if she doesn’t win the contest again? That’s the strange thing about being a parent. So many of our own past scars and dashed hopes can surface.
A revelation (啟示) came last week when I asked her, “Don’t you want to win again?” “No,” she replied, “I just want to tell the story of an angel going to first grade.”
I had just spent weeks correcting her stories as she spontaneously (自發(fā)地) told them. Telling myself that I was merely an experienced writer guiding the young writer across the hall, I offered suggestions for characters, conflicts and endings for her tales. The story about a fearful angel starting first grade was quickly “guided” by me into the tale of a little girl with a wild imagination taking her first music lesson. I had turned her contest into my contest without even realizing it.
Staying back and giving kids space to grow is not as easy as it looks. Because I know very little about farm animals who use tools or angels who go to first grade, I had to accept the fact that I was co-opting (借用) my daughter’s experience.
While stepping back was difficult for me, it was certainly a good first step that I will quickly follow with more steps, putting myself far enough away to give her room but close enough to help if asked. All the while I will be reminding myself that children need room to experiment, grow and find their own voices.
【小題1】What did the author say about her own writing experience?
A.She was constantly under pressure of writing more. |
B.Most of her stories had been rejected by publishers. |
C.Her way to success was full of pains and frustrations. |
D.She did not quite live up to her reputation as a writer. |
A.She wanted to share her stories with readers. |
B.She had won a prize in the previous contest. |
C.She was sure of winning with her mother’s help. |
D.She believed she possessed real talent for writing. |
A.she wanted to help Rebecca realize her dream of becoming a writer |
B.she believed she had the knowledge and experience to offer guidance |
C.she did not want to disappoint Rebecca who needed her help so much |
D.she was afraid Rebecca’s imagination might run wild while writing |
A.Children should be given every chance to voice their opinions. |
B.Children should be allowed freedom to grow through experience. |
C.Parents should keep an eye on the activities their kids engage in. |
D.A writing career, though attractive, is not for every child to pursue. |
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科目:高中英語(yǔ) 來源: 題型:閱讀理解
If you hear the sound of running water the next time you call a co-worker on his or her mobile phone, don’t be surprised. Three-fourths of Americans with mobile phones say they use them in the bathroom, a new study shows.
Approximately the same number of men and women have used the phone in the bathroom, according to a survey of 1,000 Americans by 11mark, an integrated marketing agency, although men seem more attached to IT in the toilet: 30 percent of men versus 20 percent of women agreed with the statement, "I don't go to the bathroom without my mobile phone."
More than half the surveyed users (63 percent) said they have answered a phone call in the bathroom, and almost half (41 percent) reported initiating a phone call. That's not all, however. What goes on behind the walls of the stalls is anything a mobile phone is capable of. Sixty-seven percent said they have read a text, and 39 percent have surfed the Web. Men work more from the bathroom — 20 percent said they have participated in work-related calls, versus 13 percent of their female colleagues.
As expected, Gen Y respondents are the pacesetters in the "mobile everywhere" movement, with 91 percent using their phone in the bathroom. Still, older generations are not far behind. Eighty percent of Gen X(1961-1981) reported using the phone in the bathroom, as did 65 percent of Baby Boomers and 47 percent of the Silent Generation.
While online, they are doing more than just surfing; 16 percent of Gen Y report they have made an online purchase while in the bathroom. Users of iPhones are particularly likely to browse and buy in the bathroom – 22 percent have made a purchase, versus 10 percent of Americans with mobile phones overall.
"The writing is on the stall," said 11mark principal Nicole Burdette. "This study confirms what we all know: that the last private place is no longer private."
In the process, high-tech hygiene(衛(wèi)生) is taking a hit, the survey found. While 92 percent of mobile phone users said they wash their hands after using the bathroom, only 14 percent said they wash their phones.
【小題1】59.Which is the best word to replace the underlined word "initiating"?
A.receiving | B.experiencing | C.ending | D.beginning |
A.no wonder mobile phones are used in the bathroom |
B.the bathroom is a private place for people |
C.it makes people have no privacy at all |
D.more men have used the phone in the bathroom |
A.Using phones in the bathroom has a bad effect on hygiene |
B.Mobile phones should not be allowed to use in the bathroom |
C.Most people care about the hygiene after using the bathroom |
D.Few people wash their phones after using the bathroom |
A.supportive | B.disapproval |
C.subjective(主觀的) | D.objective(客觀的) |
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