The hole in the Earth's ozone layer (臭氧層) has until now protected Antarctica from the worst effects of global warming. But scientists have warned that as the hole closes up in the next few decades, temperatures on the continent could rise by around 3℃on average, with melting ice contributing to a global sea level increase of up to 1.4 metres.
In the past decades the western Antarctic has seen rapid ice loss as the world has warmed, but the other parts of the continent have, paradoxically, been cooling, resulting in a 10% increase in ice in the seas around the region. This is because the hole in the ozone layer has increased cold winds in Antarctica, making much of the continent surface colder than usual.
But now that the gasses that cause the ozone hole have been banned, scientists expect the hole to repair itself within the next 50 to 60 years. By then the cooling effect will have faded out and the Antarctic will face the full impact of global warming. This means an increase in average air temperatures of around 3℃ and a reduction in sea ice by around a third.
The biggest threat to the continent comes from warming seas. Robert Johnson, a scientist who monitors Antarctica ice sheets, said, "The ice sheets in Antarctica are hundreds of metres thick. But once warm ocean waters start flowing underneath, the ice will begin thinning and could break up very quickly. "Thinning ice sheets cause ice to break away from the continent and to melt even faster. Escaping ice from western Antarctica has already resulted in a 10% rise in global sea level in recent decades.
Johnson believes that international action to reduce global warming is required immediately or it may be too late. "Everything is connected - Antarctica may be a long way away but it is an important part of the Earth's system," said Johnson. "It contains 90% of the world's ice, 70% of the world's fresh water and that is enough, if it melts completely, to raise sea levels by 63 metres."
Even in a worse-case situation scientists don't expect the ice to entirely disappear, but predict that, because of the melting ice sheets, average sea level rise will be around 1.4 metres higher by the end of the century.
63. The underlined word "paradoxically" (in Paragraph 2) most probably means "__".
A. rapidly         B. approximately    C. contradictorily    D. apparently
64. What is the effect of the hole in the ozone layer on Antarctica?
A. It is causing the ice to melt faster.
B. It is making much of the continent colder.
C. It is making the effects of global warming in the region worse.
D. It is reducing the amount of water in Antarctica.
65. What do scientists think is the biggest danger facing Antarctica?
A. Rising sea levels.                  B. Warming sea water temperature.
C. Water pollution.                      D. Growing ice sheets.
66. Which of the following is true according to the passage?
A. Antarctica is currently experiencing the full effects of global warming.
B. The average temperature has increased by 3℃ in recent decades.
C. Antarctica contains most of the world's fresh water.
D. Ten percent of Antarctica's ice has already been lost.
        63-66. CBBC
練習(xí)冊系列答案
相關(guān)習(xí)題

科目:高中英語 來源:不詳 題型:閱讀理解


第三部分:閱讀理解(共20小題;每小題2分,滿分40分)
Put yourself in these tourists’ position. You are walking an icy mountain path in the Alps in Europe. Suddenly you spot a body on the ground, face downward and stuck to the ice. You think someone may have been murdered or in a fatal accident. So you rush back and call the police. The police, however, quickly realize that this body is different from others they’ve found on the mountain. For one thing, it is mostly undamaged. For another, its skin is dried out, like a mummy’s(木乃伊). And there is an old small stone knife beside the body.
The body turned out be much older than the tourists could have guessed. When specialists(專家)had a chance to examine it, they discovered it had been there for about five thousand years!
How could a body stay preserved for all this time? Two things probably helped. First, the place where the man died was somewhat sheltered, so animals couldn’t get at it. Then he was quickly covered by falling snow. Wind blowing through the snow probably “freeze-dried” his body, removing all moisture(水分) from it.
Objects found with the body told something about the Iceman’s life. He wore a well-made fur jacket and trousers. He clearly had been hunting, because he carried arrows, and animal bones were nearby. He also had a grass cushion for sitting or sleeping on. Perhaps he was tired when he lay down for the last time.
The body was found in 1991, when some of the ice on the mountain melted. Searching for the cause of the Iceman’s death, scientists put the body back into cold conditions---and hoped.
1. What does the underlined word “spot” in the first paragraph probably mean?
A. lay       B. dig          C. find         D. carry
2. Which of the following is NOT the reason that the police realize that the body is different from others?
A. The body’s skin is like a mummy’s.    B. Beside the body is an old small stone knife.
C. The body is much older than others.   D. The body is mostly undamaged.
3. At what time of a year was the Iceman probably died?
A. Early fall.   B. Late spring.    C. Summer.    D. Winter.
4. This passage is mainly to _____________
A. tell us what life was like 5, 000 years ago.
B. warn us not to go to the Alps.
C. introduce a mysterious Iceman to us.
D. explain the mystery of the Alps.

查看答案和解析>>

科目:高中英語 來源:不詳 題型:閱讀理解


Scientists in the United States have developed a method that may help to predict earthquakes earlier. They say it could give people who live in deadly earthquake areas enough warning to leave before an earthquake occurs.
Currently, the most modern systems for predicting earthquakes find them only a short time before the event. Like most strong earthquakes, Wenchuan earthquake in 2008 and Haiti earthquake in 2010 were not identified early enough for people to flee the area, killing hundreds and thousands of people.
But scientists who study earthquakes are reporting that new technology could measure very small changes in the Earth’s surface.
Scientists performed experiments along California’s San Andreas Fault, an area famous for its earthquakes. Highly sensitive electrical devices are placed about one kilometer below ground in two different places. The devices were able to measure even small changes in air pressure on the Earth’s surface. The scientists say such changes are caused when rocks pushed together, forcing air out of small cracks in the rock.
Two earthquakes hit the area in late 2005. The first took place on Dec.25. A smaller earthquake struck five days later. The scientists noted changes in the earth’s surface about ten hours before the first quake struck. That quake measured three in intensity(強(qiáng)度). They then found similar changes taking place two hours before the other quake struck five days later.
If additional tests confirm the changes are linked to earthquakes, the scientists believe their equipment could be used for early warning systems. A system that provides a warning signal ten hours before a major earthquake could help move people from the area and save lives.
The scientists now hope they can find earthquakes with even greater intensity by placing their equipment deeper in the ground.
71. What’s the best title for the passage?
A.A new way to help predict earthquakes.
B.The earthquakes in the world
C.A better understanding of earthquake
D.Scientists and modern systems of earthquakes
72.If the new method does work, _______.
A.fewer earthquakes will break out
B.rescue workers can save more buried people in ruins
C.a warning can be given at least ten days before the major earthquake
D.fewer people will be killed in an earthquake
73.According to the passage, the devices can predict the earthquake by______
reaching the center of the earthquake
detecting the temperature changes in the earth’s crust
measuring changes in air pressure on the Earth’s surface
recording sound waves under the ground
74.We can infer from the passage that ______.
the equipment is perfect enough to be used in practice
it’s unknown if greater earthquake can be predicted by the equipment
the deeper the equipment is placed, the more accurate the measurement is
the equipment has helped save many lives in the earthquake in Haiti .
75.How many earthquakes are mentioned in the passage?
A. One           B. Two           C. Three         D. Four

查看答案和解析>>

科目:高中英語 來源:不詳 題型:閱讀理解


Dear College Dean
It is my understanding that this college has received a large donation to be used to enhance (improve) the quality of life for students: expand the bookstore or add computers to the computer lab. It is the tradition of this school to promote education and to be in the vanguard of new technology. That is why I strongly argue in favor of the addition of more computers to the computer lab.
Although expanding the campus bookstore to include CDs, gifts, and a snack bar will give a nicer look to the college, we have to think about a greater goal and a more practical way to enhance the quality of life for students. What do we want for our students and our college? Do we want our college to be known as a place with a great bookstore where you can find CDs and gifts, or as a place where the students can explore and research in their field using the best tools provided by technology? In addition, there are already several snack bars on campus, and there are music stores nearby, so students do not depend on the college bookstore for these things.
We live in a highly technological world and computers play an increasingly important role in how we live. As a learning institution, this college has the responsibility to offer its students the best technology to help them prepare for their future. Many students will be expected to be familiar with the latest software and other tools when they go on to work or to graduate school.
While they are in college, students find they are expected to use computers. Many professors expect students to use computers to do homework or to complete projects. Students are asked to create PowerPoint presentations and use spreadsheets and database programs, as well as to research many topics on the Internet. Since students are competing for good grades, those who have limited access to computers are at a great disadvantage. Furthermore, being able to do projects using the computer enhances the process of learning, giving students the opportunity to find information that without a computer would be much more difficult to find.
If there are more computers, students will also be able to complete their work more efficiently. No more will they have to wait in line, paper and disk in hand, while scanning the room for an empty chair and computer. No longer will they have to sit and wait while an outdated computer struggles to follow their commands. Having more new and faster computers available will enable students to finish their work more quickly.
The more computers are used in society the more colleges will depend on them as a tool of teaching and learning. Making computers more available to students facilitates their learning process by making the process easier, more interesting, more engaging, and in the process enhancing their quality of life
68.The purpose of the author in writing the passage is__________
A.to describe the problems caused by lack of computers
B.to explain why students are in great need of computers
C.to tell us what benefits students can gain from computers
D.to persuade the Dean to purchase more advanced computers
69.From the passage we can infer that______
A.present computers in the college cannot meet the demands of the students
B.computers in the college will be updated to meet the student’s demands soon
C.the college has the responsibility to help the students to prepare for their future
D.it is also necessary to expand the college bookstore by using part of the donation
70.In paragraph 4, the author mainly wants to tell us that_______
A.computers are beneficial to students’ academic success
B.computers are helpful to student’s competition for success
C.students find it convenient to do assignments by using computers
D.students wish to use the money to buy more advanced computers
71.Which of the following shows the organization of the passage?
CP: Central Point     P: Point    SP: Sub-point(次要點(diǎn))    C: Conclusion

查看答案和解析>>

科目:高中英語 來源:不詳 題型:閱讀理解

.

Dear Customers,
I love slipping into a comfortable chair for a long read —as I relax into the chair,I also relax
into the author’s words,stories,and ideas.The physical book is so elegant that it disappears into
the background,and what remains is the author’s world.
Today,we at Amazon are excited to announce Mindle,a wireless,portable reading device with instant access to more than 90,000 books,magazines,and newspapers.
We’ve been working on Mindle for more than three years.Our top design objective was for
Mindle to disappear in your hands —to get out of the way —so you can enjoy your reading.We
also wanted to go beyond the physical book.Mindle is wireless,so whether you’re lying in bed or riding a train,you can think of a book,and have it in less than 60 seconds.No computer is needed—you do your reading directly from the device.
We chose the same wireless technology used in advanced mobile phones.But unlike mobile
phones,there are no monthly wireless bills,no service or data plans,and no yearly contracts.There
is no software to install.We want you to get lost in your reading and not in the technology.
Mindle uses a new kind of display called electronic paper.Sharp and natural with no strong
light,reading on Mindle is nothing like reading from a computer screen.Mindle weighs only 10.3
ounces —less than a paperback —but can carry two hundred books.
Enjoy learning about Mindle and many thanks!

60.This passage most probably is a(n)_________.
A.a(chǎn)dvertisement B.news story       C.lab report        D.letter of thanks
61.From the passage we learn that Mindle is a device(設(shè)備)which.
A.has neither wires nor weight B.is operated by a computer
C.disappears while you read      D.can find a book within one minute
62.With the device,the reader is able to      .
A.enjoy reading when driving a car   B.improve reading skills
C.gain access to free software       D.get rid of heavy books made of paper
63.Different from mobile phones,Mindle_________.
A.has a much more friendly screen   B.can work in the absence of electricity
C.doesn’t involve regular fees      D.is wireless and can be used anywhere

查看答案和解析>>

科目:高中英語 來源:不詳 題型:閱讀理解


About 97% of the world’s water is salty and is found in our oceans and seas. But, as we can’t drink sea water, how can it be important?
Every part of our seas and oceans contains an amazing number of animals and fish that live at different ocean depths. Most of the different species of animals and fish depend on simple plants for their food. These simple plants called algae (海藻) drift near the surface of the ocean and use sunlight to turn carbon dioxide and water into food and oxygen. In fact, algae produce over half of the oxygen people breathe. How important sea water is!
Each plant or animal in our seas and oceans is an important link in a food chain. The algae are eaten in large amounts by microscopic animals, which are in turn consumed by larger animals. These food chains are delicately balanced.
The bad news about the food chains in the oceans is that they are under threat because of man. People once thought that the oceans were so big that it didn’t matter if we dumped rubbish into them or caught huge quantities of fish and whales for food. But we now know this is not true and fish stocks in the oceans have started to drop.
Thankfully, the world is taking steps to protect the future of our oceans by introducing international agreements to protect marine habitats. Most countries have introduced fishing restrictions to protect fish stocks in the oceans and new techniques are being pioneered to cope with pollution. Finally, the importance of protecting oceans is being made known to more people. This is just the beginning of a long process to protect the oceans for our future. We depend on the oceans for fish which are an important part of the human diet. How important sea water is! 
46. Which of the following is the proper order of the food chain?
A. small animals→algae→microscopic animals→large animals→man
B. algae→microscopic animals→large animals→larger animals→man
C. small animals→algae→large animals→microscopic animals→man
D. microscopic animals→algae→large animals →larger animals→man
47. People used to think that the rubbish thrown into the sea ________.
A. wouldn’t harm the fish in the sea   B. would change the balance of the food chain
C. would be broken down in the sea   D. wouldn’t do much harm to the sea
48. From the passage, we learn that _________. 
A. most fish and sea animals live at the surface of the seas
B. it is very difficult to break the balance of a food chain
C. excessive fishing has caused the decrease in fish stock
D. it won’t be long before the problems concerning oceans will be solved
49. Which of the following is NOT a way being used to protect oceans?
A. The use of international agreements.   
B. Forbidding fishing to protect fish stocks.
C. The use of new techniques.          
D. Raising people’s awareness of the need to protect oceans.
50. What would be the best title of the passage?
A. The importance of seawater.
B. Life in the oceans.
C. How to protect food chains.
D. How to deal with seawater pollution.

查看答案和解析>>

科目:高中英語 來源:不詳 題型:閱讀理解


Robots are smart。 With their computer brains, they help people work in dangerous places or do difficult jobs。 Some robots do regular jobs。Bobby, the mail carrier, brings mail to a large office building in Washington, D。C。 He is one of 250 mail carriers in the United States。
Mr。 Leachim, who weighs two hundred pounds and is six feet tall, has some advantages as a teacher。 One is that he does not forget details。 He knows each child’s name, the parents’ names and what each child knows and needs to know。 In addition, he knows each child’s pets and hobbies。 Mr。 Leachim does not make mistakes。 Each child goes and tells him his or her name, then dials an identification (身份證明) number。 His computer brain puts the child’s voice and number together。 He identifies the child with no mistakes。 Then he starts the lesson。
Another advantage is that Mr。 Leachim is flexible。 If the children need more time to do their lessons they can move switches。 In this way they can repeat Mr。 Leachim’s lesson over and over again。 When the children do a good job he tells them something interesting about their hobbies。 At the end of the lesson the children switch Mr。 Leachim off。
58。 The first paragraph of the passage tells us _______。
A。 human beings are not as smart as robots
B。 robots will take the place of man to rule the earth
C。 we can only use robots to do some regular jobs
D。 robots can help people in many different ways
59。 Mr。 Leachim’s ______ makes him a good teacher。
A。 knowledge     B。 appearance            C。 advantage                     D。 energy
60。 The word “flexible” in the last paragraph means _______。
A。 not strict        B。 not hard                C。 suitable                 D。 changeable

查看答案和解析>>

科目:高中英語 來源:不詳 題型:閱讀理解


B
Two new studies suggest that modern running shoes could increase the risk of injuries to runners.
One study involved sixty-eight healthy young women and men who ran at least twenty-four kilometers a week. The runners were observed on a treadmill machine. Sometimes they wore running shoes. Other times they ran barefoot.
Researchers from the JKM Technologies Company in Virginia, the University of Virginia and the University of Colorado did the study.
They found that running shoes create more stress that could damage knees, hips and ankle joints than running barefoot. They observed that the effect was even greater than the effect reported earlier for walking in high heels.
The study appeared in the official scientific journal of the American Academy of Physical Medicine.
The other study appeared in the journal Nature. It compared runners in the United States and Kenya. The researchers were from Harvard University in Massachusetts, Moi University in Kenya and the University of Glasgow in Scotland.
They divided the runners into three groups. One group had always run shoeless. Another group had always run with shoes. And the third group had changed to shoeless running.
Runners who wear shoes usually come down heel first. That puts great force on the back of the foot. But the study found that barefoot runners generally land on the front or middle of their foot. That way they ease into their landing and avoid striking their heel.
Harvard’s Daniel Lieberman led the study. He says the way most running shoes are designed may explain why those who wear them land on their heels. The heel of the shoe is bigger and heavier than other parts of the shoe, so it would seem more likely to come
down first. Also, the heel generally has thick material under it to soften landings.
60. How many organizations are involved in the two studies?
A. Three.                          B. Four.                      C. Five.                      D. Six.
61. What can we learn from the text?
A. Most running shoes are designed improperly.
B. The design of high heels is better than that of running shoes.
C. No one will run with running shoes in the future.
D. Both of the studies are done in America.
62. Why do running shoes increase the risk of injuries to runners?
A. They could create stress. 
B. They’re too big and heavy.
C. They can affect the way the runners land.   
D. Their heels can soften landings.
63. How did the researchers do the two studies?
A. By practising.         B. By comparing.      C. By questioning.     D. By reasoning.

查看答案和解析>>

科目:高中英語 來源:不詳 題型:閱讀理解

Poorer children would be offered the chance to attend lessons on Saturday to help catch up with their middle?class peers (同齡人), the shadow schools secretary, Michael Gove, said today.?The Conservatives would give English state schools the freedom to choose to have longer teaching hours and extra classes at the weekend, he told the Association of Teachers and Lecturers’annual conference.?
Gove said the move would help to close the achievement gap with richer children whose parents could afford extras such as tutoring and music lessons.?
He told delegates (代表) in Manchester: “For children who come from homes where parents don’t have the resources to provide additional stretch and cultural experiences, there are benefits in having those children in the learning environment, in school, for longer.”?
“Parents would love to have schools starting earlier in some circumstances, and certainly going on later in the afternoon, given the reality of their working lives,” he said. He held up the example of Kipp (Knowledge is Power Program) schools in the US, which are often based in the poorest communities and open from 7:30 am to 5pm on weekdays, plus Saturdays.?
But it would be up to schools to decide to offer longer hours, Gove added. ?
Parents said Saturday classes could become a “badge of dishonor”if pupils were forced to go, while teachers raised concerns about their workload.?
Margaret Morrissey, of Parents Outloud, said: “I think the suggestion the government made about one-to-one teaching for these kids would be a more preferable way of improving these children’s performance. I’m just not sure whether taking away a child at weekends is actually going to make them cleverer in the week.”?
The ATL’s general secretary, Mary Bousted, said: “If we want Saturday schools, then we need more teachers doing the extra hours, not the same teachers working longer.”?
66. The program is intended for children____________. ?
A. who are from middle-class families?
B. whose parents can’t afford extra help ?
C. who perform poorly academically ?
D. whose weekends are mostly unoccupied
67. “Additional stretch” in Paragraph 4 probably refers to_________.?
A. music lessons
B. physical relaxation ?
C. entertainment activities?
D. out-of-school improvement
68. Why did Gove mention Kipp schools in the US? ?
A. To make a comparison.?
B. To introduce a new program.?
C. To seek supportive evidence.?
D. To prove his program is better.
69. What is Margaret Morrissey’s opinion about the new program? ?
A. Favourable.          B. Doubtful.           C. Optimistic.         D. Acceptable.
70. Which of the following is true??
A. Teachers may not like the program. ?
B. Schools are trying to make profits.?
C. The program is already under way. ?
D. The program is popular with children. ?

查看答案和解析>>

同步練習(xí)冊答案